On a Mission

Elder Jepsen Goes to Sonderborg

2012-01-15T12:58:00.003-06:00

Esbjerg is located to the far West. Copenhagen (København) is in the far East, showing the entire width of Denmark, if you don't count The Faroe Islands and Greenland. Sonderborg (Sønderborg) is in the lower left quarter of the map.

Regrettably, we don't have a weekly note from Elder Jepsen to share with you this week.

A mission is a labor of love, faith and service to God and we are grateful to once again have a son on a mission. We appreciate when we hear from him and continue to remain grateful, even on the days when we don't hear from him.

According to a reliable source, Elder Jepsen will be been transferred to Sonderborg (see the above map) as of January 17th. But, soon the US visa will be processed and another transfer is coming up.

Please, look for future updates to be posted on the blog. We'll pass them on as soon as we receive them.

Feeling the Holy Ghost: Power of the Holy Spirit

2012-01-08T05:46:00.000-06:00

Treasure in Heaven: The John Tanner Story

2012-01-08T04:31:00.000-06:00

Elder Neal A. Maxwell once said "Consecration is the only sacrifice which is also a victory." The following two videos on that very subject tells of an example worthy to be shared:

The Atonement Covers All Pain

2012-01-01T07:27:00.013-06:00

In the words of Elder Kent F. Richards "None of us are immune to experiencing pain." Our pains don't go unnoticed. God lives and He knows our pain. Like you, I too have experienced pain: Years ago, when sitting in my car with my foot on the brake, stopped for the red light in an intersection, my car was impacted from the back with enough force to total the car and push it out into the intersection. I actually didn't notice any physical consequences until later when my right arm began to tingle and hurt. Soon my life was focused around the daily intake of painkillers. After surgery, the pain continued and still does continue. I often wonder what I could have done different but the situation remains because I like everyone else am subjected to the limitations of mortality. Through the years of hoping, praying and waiting for relief, I have found comfort in my faith in God. I have also at times found an escape and relief in God from the seemingly impossible levels of physical and emotional pain, while at the same time learning a great many things about my mortal state.

Physical and emotional pain takes many forms. Besides physical pain, I have experienced despair, hopelessness, depression, anxiety, surrender, apathy, self-disgust and a heart attack. Through the fog of heavy doses of morphine and other heavy medications it was difficult to feel anything at all. Yet, in the brief moments of clarity I felt the presence of God in my life, guiding and holding me by the hand, helping me survive a time when I had no desire left to live--I wanted to die. Through it all, God was there for me and when I myself felt spiritually numb, others listened to the whisperings of God for me and I felt the compassion of others, reaching out in loving understanding in spite of my then altered perceptions, imposed by so many medications.

After many years in pain and I still can't go through a day without seeking some relief in medicines but my pains have decreased enough that I now occasionally can drive a motorcycle (cars are too dangerous and maybe I'll be a smaller target for those driving cars, when I am on a motorcycle). But, all joking aside. Throughout all of this, my love for our Lord has grown in ways I had never imagined before in my life--and my understanding of God's ways has increased and deepened. God was there for me when I needed Him and He is still there for me, not in the way I might ever have expected but better in the long run.

God understands my situation and although He probably would prefer that I did more with my time, I have felt the love of our Savior in my life and feel closer to Him than ever before. God understands all our situations, He knows our suffering, disappointment and pain.

God is always there for us, waiting for us to draw near to Him. He's patiently waiting, sometimes for a very long time before we finally are ready to come to Him, sufficiently humble, honest and sincere to seek Him and listen for the whisperings of the Spirit in our lives. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered that we may have His atonement available for us when we are ready:

The Book of Mormon, Alma, Chapter 7, verse 13:
13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

Jesus Christ, our Savior knows about pain and suffering. He could have known about and understood our pains simply through revelation but He chose to learn through His own personal experience. Jesus Christ actually chose to suffer pain and afflictions to better understand us:

The Book of Mormon, Alma, Chapter 7, verses 11 and 12:
11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is indeed the best friend any of us will ever have and we can trust that He will understand, as we through Him address our Heavenly Father in our hour of need.

Elder Jepsen: Mission Entry 105 - Remembering Jesus Christ our Savior during the Christmas Season

2011-12-28T07:26:00.006-06:00

Elder Jepsen with sister-in-law Brittany and brother Paul, both returned missionaries.

This last week has been a lot of fun but also frustrating. Christmas is a beautiful time when more people are friendly, happy and open to talk about the Christ in Christmas, while others get so busy with arranging and preparing for Christmas that it leaves no room for Christ. It saddens me to see our Savior forgotten at the very time that we have set aside for remembering Him.

In the New Testament, Luke, Chapter 10, there is an excellent parallel to what has sadly happened to many people's Christmas as preparations for the event begins to overshadow the Spirit of the event:

38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Here in Denmark, Christmas is celebrated December 24th in the evening, focused around a big family dinner, followed by a reading of the Nativity Story and an exchange of the presents from under the Christmas tree. The event has for many generations been the time when family gathered at home for the evening, remembering the birth of our Savior. Singing hymns and fun traditional songs about Christmas together. Unfortunately, the reading of the Nativity Story, singing the many beautiful hymns are disappearing and other traditions are taking their place.

This, the first Christmas of my mission people cancelled our few teaching appointments, or people were not home. It's saddening that at a time when so many are celebrating the birth of Christ, that we as bearers of His message are cancelled, forgotten or ignored. But, we'll just keep on trying!

While we didn't get to talk about our Savior as much as we would have liked during Christmas, our hearts and stomachs were filled to capacity. A lot of good people invited us to their home for dinner during Christmas and we enjoyed all the good food, mandarins, clementines, treats, and sweets. Ay! Christmas was fun.

Happy New Years!

Love,
Elder Jepsen

Elder Neil L. Anderson - Children

2011-12-26T00:09:00.003-06:00

I am grateful to my great-grandparents, grandparents, parents and all the generations before them for having children, or I would not exist and none of my children would exist.

Thanks to my parents I have had the experience of living, surviving the struggles and fathering of four wonderful children. I have had the privilege of seeing the beginning of life in my children, their development of personality and character, their choices, battles and victories. Thanks to my parents I can be a parent, a blessing I would not want to be without.

As we celebrate Christmas, I am grateful that Mary and Joseph took on the challenge of parenthood at a time when they had to flee their country to protect the newborn baby Jesus. They didn't give up, resigning themselves to just having another child when it perhaps would be more convenient.

Mary and Joseph had had to travel through a hostile desert (the parable of "The Good Samaritan" reminds us of the dangers) at a time when a pregnancy only would slow them down and put their lives at an even greater risk. It was a calling for Mary and Joseph and yet they chose to be parents. Life is all about choices.

Elder Neil L. Andersen talks about parents and their children in "Children:"

Elder W. Christopher Waddell - The Opportunity of a Lifetime

2011-12-25T22:51:00.010-06:00

Missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are now seen almost all over the world and everywhere they go they are easily recognizable. Future missionaries or returned missionaries are not always as easy to recognize but they both have a mission in common. The preparations of the future missionary speaks volumes of who the returned missionary is going to be.

To teach God's words it's not enough to recite a text, it must first be lived, experienced, felt and then through the Spirit, understood. A lot is expected from these missionaries, as they give not only two years of their lives to share their beliefs with others but also who they've become through living that same gospel.

Although so much rests on the preparation, a mission becomes a strongly formative experience and it is a treasured time for those who serve, spent in diligence, faith and devotion. While not everyone agrees with the message of the missionaries, many look up them wherever they go--and with good reason. Missionaries are good people!

  In the words of Elder W. Christopher Waddell. A mission truly is an "Opportunity of a lifetime."

Elder David A. Bednar - The Spirit of Revelation

2011-12-25T21:35:00.002-06:00

Opening our heart to the experience of honest, humble and sincere prayer can be a rewarding experience. While prayers can happen anywhere and anytime that we may be in need of God's help, it's been my experience that the optimal conditions are with a minimum of distractions. I find it beneficial to first find a quiet and comfortable corner where I can spend some time in the scriptures, this helps empty my mind from much of what might otherwise get in the way of clear thought.

With proper preparation, prayer can be a time where we may be allowed to share in the Lord's peace and receive His comforting directions, if we are ready to hear them. Elder David A. Bednar explains it best:

Elder Jepsen: Mission Entry 104 - This is it--I am on a Mission!

2011-12-20T13:17:00.013-06:00

I am on a mission and this is the best Christmas present I could wish for. But, there is another and not quite so common potential in Christmas presents: When my family fist came to Denmark, I was very young and my parents had spent a lot of money on airfares and freight for us to come here. We didn't have much and this was the year when Christmas presents took on a whole new meaning to us all. Dad came up with a plan, shared it with us and we all agreed that it was a good thing. We were celebrating Christmas and all presents were to be to the Saviour, just like the wise men brought their presents to Jesus. Dad proceeded to give us examples of what kind of presents our Savior might appreciate. My sister suggested that all secretly bring a straw and place it in a little basket, representing the crib where Jesus would lay every time we had given our Lord Jesus a present that we thought would please Him. Throughout the month of December we all saw this crib slowly fill with straw and when it was time for Christmas it was as full as it could be. It was our best Christmas ever and by time Christmas came around, Dad had fashioned a special letter as if it came from Jesus, thanking us all for the many gifts and that He was very grateful that we had spent this Christmas thinking of Him, by serving His brothers and sisters. In return we received a small little porcelain platter marking the year, so that we would all remember Him and this Christmas, always.

This year I am the recipient of my personal gift from the Saviour and I couldn't be any happier. I am actually on a mission and I have looked forward to this time for as long as I remember. Because of US-visa problems I am still here in Denmark, no more than a half an hour from where I used to work and live but I am a real missionary on a real mission. A mission anywhere is still a mission and eventually "Elder Jepsen goes to Washington."

Although my trip to the mission field consisted of hopping on a local bus for a couple of blocks--I still feel plagued by jet-lag and have felt a constant need for sleep since the first day here. On the upside, I have no problem falling asleep at the end of the day. Starting a mission is hectic, demanding and hard work. This is why you didn't hear from me last week, sorry.

It's now fifteen days since I was set apart as an Elder, my trainer's name is Elder Tolman and I really enjoy working with him. We were both moved here to Frederiksberg at the same time and we're both new to this area. I love being a missionary and thanks to the Lord and Elder Tolman I already feel like I have been doing this all my life.

We are in the Frederiksberg area and congregation, the Mission office is in our area and we share an apartment and area with the Assistants to the President. We also have a married missionary couple in the area and two Sister missionaries.

Because we are close to both the mission office and the Temple, there is always a lot happening here and with the population density so high in our area, there is always lots of people to meet and teach. We have been spending much of our time teaching people in the streets and knocking on doors.

Yesterday, I had my first real teaching appointment. It actually came as a surprise to me when we were invited inside but it was very pleasant surprise. They were very friendly people, there was a welcoming and pleasant Spirit there and we taught them about the Book of Mormon. I am looking forward to meeting with these people again. I so enjoy being a missionary and I can hardly wait for tomorrow, next week, next month and next year--this is all I had hoped for it to be. I am happy and grateful to be here and be a part of this mission.

It's not easy to begin an area where we both have moved in on the same day. Fortunately, Elder Tolman has experience in being a good missionary and that's a good place to start.

I hope you are all doing well and may you all have a Merry Christmas!

Elder Jepsen

Wise Men and Women Still Seek The Lord!

2011-12-17T11:47:00.002-06:00

A couple of millennia ago, wise men foresaw the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. These "Wise men" gave up both time and expense to travel great distances based only on their conviction and knowledge, to seek out Jesus Christ, although only just a child when they finally reached Him.

What did these wise men know, how did they know it and why? I am afraid I am unable to answer all those questions satisfactorily but I do know that the wise men were never described as unstable men that might easily have been swayed by a sudden whim. They were wise, because they had spent their lives seeking wisdom and knowledge, because they had learned to put thought and prayer into their decisions.

The method of thinking, living and acquiring knowledge used by these men, led them to uncover the when and where of the birth of our Lord, with such surety that they simply packed and left for the event--and they were since spoken of and recorded in history as being wise. This is indeed who many people today think of if they hear the words "Wise men." Their wisdom consisted in finding their way to our Lord and Savior.

We now have a detailed record of the teachings of not only Jesus Christ but also His apostles and many prophets, speaking of Him for centuries. We have what it takes, it should be easy to copy the feat that established those men at the time of Christ as wise.

By referring to these men of the past as wise, we have recognized their actions to seek the Lord as wise. The scriptures have made the words of our Lord easily accessible to us all and many people fail at prioritizing a pursuit of the gospel in life, thinking tomorrow, next week or sometime when I get old will be a better time--is that wise? Wise men and women still seek Him, throughout life!

Flooding: Update on our Brothers and Sisters in Thailand

2011-12-17T10:13:00.005-06:00

While still in the recovery process of the Monsoon floods in Thailand from October and November 2011 estimated at US$ 45 Billion, Thailand is hit again. In the worst flooding since 1942, more than two thirds of Thailand is now suffering, swamped by flood waters, 500 people have lost their lives, 160,000 people are surviving in temporary shelters and approximately 9 million people have been and are still affected. Food is sparse as rice fields are submerged and lost, lives are uprooted as hundreds of factories are shut down. I ask that you please remember these people, your Brothers and Sisters in your prayers that they may be blessed to make it through these obstacles.

The Newsroom of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has issued a statement saying that all missionaries and members are safe and accounted for. The Bangkok Thailand Mission President Michael Smith informs that “We stay in touch with all our missionaries and ensure they are safe and on dry ground.”

But the situation is still critical as people, families and children are suffering every day. Missionaries and members alike are actively involved in helping both the members and general population through their overwhelming obstacles in anyway possible. More than 500 members have been affected by the catastrophe, many members are surviving in the upper floors of their homes, while others are relocated. Church leaders have worked closely together with local leaders and other relief organization in the distribution of thousands of food and sanitation kits, blankets and portable toilets.

Our Lord and Saviour made no distinction but considered every human being in need when He in Matthew, chapter 25, verse 40 stated: "... Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

This is further confirmed in Doctrine & Covenants, Section 52, verse 40 where we reminded to "... Remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple."

People traveling in Thailand are advised against entering the Preah Vihear and Ta Krabey/Ta Moan temple areas on the Thailand/Cambodia border and to avoid all but essential travel to the provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla. All people traveling in areas that have been affected by the flooding should be warned of increased health risks contained in flood waters.

Gratitude: Something to be Grateful For

2011-12-15T17:15:00.090-06:00

I am grateful that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have a missionary program. I am grateful that every day of the year we have missionaries in the world who's main purpose is to share the message that God lives, hears and answers our prayers.

Many years ago a couple of missionaries went out of their way, left the more comfortable city roads and began bicycling through the countryside. This is back when my parents were young and I wasn't yet born. Technology in Danish farming was mostly nonexistent at this time, leaving very little time for my parents to talk to any missionaries. The tractor had only just begun showing its appearance and was in the beginning not very versatile and only available to a select few farmers. Much of the work was done either by hand or by horse. Many crops had to be weeded and thinned, simply by farmers working their way up and down row after row of crops, until every field was completed. This would make for strong but sore and aching backs. This was not an optional hobby for anyone, it had to be done in time or the losses could ruin the farmer.

Taking a look at the situation, the missionaries quickly understood that if time was a commodity, they would have to make time and give time in order to get time in return. They both grabbed some tools and soon stood shoulder to shoulder with my parents while showing both their worth and sincerity. These missionaries were both able and willing to share in other's burdens. This was no small token effort, they knew how to work and work they did, enough so that when they had saved my parents the time needed for them to stop and listen, they did. When enough time, teaching and listening had passed, my parents were baptized.

I am grateful that missionaries continue to serve for the same reasons as back then. It gives me hope and I find it impressive, that young men and women worldwide are giving up precious time to share what they believe in. It is not only young people serving on missions but regardless of age they all sacrifice their time unselfishly. This wonderfully inspired program changes everyone involved for the better. I am grateful to have served a full-time mission, that my good wife has served a full-time mission and that our sons have followed and are following our example serving full-time missions.

I am grateful that thanks to revelation, strong spiritual leaders, Godly doctrine and a lot of good people of faith, reverence and obedience, we have a missionary program with 52,483 missionaries (2010 Statistics) in 340 missions around the world and the church materials are translated into 166 languages.

There is far more cause for gratitude to be found: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints does not spend their efforts advertising the good they do around the world, it seems they have much better things to talk about. It is consequently a little known fact that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter'Day Saints has 8,583 Welfare Services Missionaries and Humanitarian Service Missionaries stationed around the world and that since 1985, more than 178 countries have benefitted with more than $ 1,3 Billion of humanitarian assistance from the welfare program of the church.

Indeed, I have much to be grateful for and I'm grateful that I am not the only one. If it wasn't for people believing that God still lives, if it wasn't for prophets, seers and apostles alive today, receiving revelation for all who will take some time and listen, I might never have heard about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, my children might not have so much to be grateful for and we might never have learned the value of gratitude.

Why then is gratitude so important? Most people understand that courteous and polite behavior includes gratitude. Upon receipt of a gift or favor, a pleasant exchange takes place confirming that this was well received and appreciated. When gratitude is turned to God it may take on a whole new dimension, depending on our scope of things.

It may sound like kindergarten logic that giving thanks to God for the good in life means accrediting your blessings to God. But, this is not just a matter of saying "Thank you." It's about admitting that everything good in life has come from God. He gave you the opportunity, ability and motivation, while you justified His trust in you with your efforts. Giving God the credit for all the good in your life can actually change your life for the better.

Instead of thinking that you did everything all by yourself, express your gratitude to God. Be grateful that you could--and were able. Instead of thinking of yourself as more talented, able, stronger, harder working or luckier than others, give thanks to God that you have been given the means to help others find and develop their talents and strength that they too might succeed.

There is a great deal of happiness found in seeing others benefitting and succeeding through your efforts. As you begin to make gratitude a regular part of your prayers, your outlook on life might soon follow and life's hurdles may not seem quite so obstructive. I have yet to learn a lot about right and wrong but I do know that recognizing the hand of of God in my life has made a difference for me.

The Denmark Copenhagen Mission

2011-12-11T16:04:00.040-06:00

President Jens H Andersen and Sister Susanne D C Andersen

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, missionary work naturally becomes a significant factor as the members want others to share in what has brought about changes in their own lives, for the better. According to 2010 statistics the church had 14,131,467 members around the world and included in that number was 52,483 missionaries distributed in 340 missions around the world. A great portion of those numbers can be attributed to missionaries serving on missions.

The Denmark Copenhagen Mission traces its humble beginning back to when Denmark in 1849 was allowed religious freedom. Missionary work officially began on June 14 1850, when Erastus Snow arrived and began serving as Denmark's first missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Less than two months after the arrival of Erastus Snow the first 15 people were baptized on August 12 in Oresund (the strait separating Denmark and Sweden). The first congregation was established September 15 that same year with approximately 50 members.

Peter O. Hansen had already begun translating the Book of Mormon in Nauvoo before departing for Denmark, allowing the completion and publishing already in 1851. Known as "Mormons Bog," this was the first translation from English to a foreign language of the Book of Mormon .

As missionary work spread through Denmark, persecution increased. The church was not understood or appreciated by all, in Aalborg a mob vandalized a hall where the members were meeting in 1851. Soon members began to emigrate, the first left January 31, 1852. Of the 26.000 people who were converted during this period, 13.984 converts immigrated to the United States by 1930.

Today the Denmark Copenhagen Mission serves the areas of Denmark, Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Most of the currently 72 (Dec 2011) missionaries are in the ares of Denmark and Iceland. Occasionally missionaries get to visit or are stationed on Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

The Denmark Copenhagen Mission President Jens Hjarup Andersen and Sister Susanne Duus Christensen Andersen, of the Allerod Ward, Copenhagen Denmark Stake, began their mission back in 2010 and will be serving until 2013. Their family includes five children.

President Andersen was born in Helleruplund, Denmark, to Poul Borge and Kirsten Hjarup Andersen. He has in the past served as a Stake President, Stake Young Men President, Bishop and Counselor, Stake Mission President, Ward Mission Leader, missionary in the England Bristol Mission and as Coordinator in the Church Educational System.

Sister Andersen was born in in Helleruplund, Denmark to Karl Johan Duus and Elisabeth Conradsen Christensen. She has in the past served as a Relief Society President's Counselor, Young Women President and Counselor, Primary president's Counselor and Young Women's President's counsellor.

Sources:
Denmark Copenhagen Mission
Translation Division, Copenhagen Denmark
Deseret News Church Almanac
http://www.mormon.dk/
http://newsroom.lds.org/
http://lds.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missionary_(LDS_Church)

Copenhagen Denmark Temple

2011-12-11T14:52:00.010-06:00

Copenhagen Denmark Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

The long awaited temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Copenhagen, Denmark was announced on March 17, 1999 to be a re-modelling of the Priorvej Chapel originally dedicated for use on June 14, 1931.

The Copenhagen Denmark Temple site was dedicated April 24, 1999, by Elder Spencer J. Condie of the Seventy and President of the Europe North Area.

Upon completion of the extensive re-modelling, the Copenhagen Denmark Temple was dedicated March 23, 2004 by President Gordon B. Hinckley and the temple district includes the following stakes and district:

Aarhus Stake, Denmark

Copenhagen Stake, Denmark

Goteborg Stake, Sweden

Malmo Stake, Sweden

Iceland District

The temple floor area is approximately 25,000 square feet contained in a dimension of 45 feet by 120 feet and is located on a site of less than one acre near the center of the older part of Copenhagen.

The original Priorvej Chapel was the oldest, still standing chapel from the early history of The Church of Jesus Christ in Denmark. Upgrading such a landmark by re-modelling it to be the first temple of the church in Denmark had to be done with great care. Upon completion, the end result only heightened its status further with the local members. The careful re-modelling kept the neo-classical style of the meetinghouse with its original brick and columns, thereby respecting the early history of the church in Denmark, the many memories and associations of the local members, from when the temple was still a chapel.

Elder Jepsen - Mission Entry 103: I Too Am Going On a Mission!

2011-12-05T06:46:00.003-06:00

I was supposed to be in Provo, Utah, getting ready to enter the Missionary Training Center in preparation to serve my mission. That was the plan but these are the facts: I am not in the MTC, I am not in Provo, Utah and I am not even in the States.

I am getting ready to go and get set apart to serve in the Copenhagen Denmark Mission, where I did much of my growing up. The processing of my visa was delayed, just like it happened to my brother Lee but I will be off for the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah at a later date.

I look up to the many missionaries I have met through my youth. I have observed their unselfish service, they're great examples to me and I have a lot to live up to! I must admit that I am a little stressed about now going to be one myself but for now I am off to serve a mission and that's what matters to me. By the time you read this, I'll be a missionary serving somewhere in Denmark and I can use all the prayers I can get.

It may seem anticlimactic to some but what makes a mission great is not about new places and experiences, adventure and travel to distant countries and cultures. It's about service to God and service to your fellowman. The Book of Mormon has stated it much clearer than I can in Mosiah 2:17:

"When Ye Are in the Service  of Your Fellow Beings Ye Are Only in the  Service of Your God"

I am excited to go on a mission and regardless of where this might be in the world it's still a mission, because this is not about me. This is about helping others find strength and peace in God as I have. This is about making God accessible to others and God matters to everyone, everywhere. People everywhere can benefit from the peace in our hearts that come with the Lord's blessings. David A. Bednar, An apostle of the Lord stated God's gifts to include strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving kindnesses, support and spiritual gifts which we receive from, because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ. Here at the time of year when many thoughts and activities are focused on Christmas are those not gifts worth receiving?

I believe that God is the same today as he was yesterday or a thousand years ago. Ergo, it's important to me to be be a member of a church of the same organizational structure that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth. I believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly and I also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

My Mom and Dad both served full-time missions and Stake missions, my sister served a long mini-mission and both my brothers served full-time missions. I appreciate their examples as I look up to my family but I am not going on a mission just because they did. I chose to prepare for and go on a mission because I want to and because I believe it's my responsibility to share what I have been given. Yet I could not just go on a mission on my own accord. To be a missionary, preach the gospel and administer the ordinances of the gospel I had to be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority.

I was called and next I will be set apart by those in authority to do so. I chose to accept this challenge and go on a mission because I believe in God, the Eternal Father, in His Son, Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost. I believe that we all are responsible for our choices in life, good and bad but that God's mercy allows us access to His peace, redemption and forgiveness. I believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

We can find forgiveness, strength, peace and redemption in God. The terms, principles and ordinances of His gospel are not at all difficult: First, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost and that's what I'll be teaching on my mission.

Temperatures and Climate in Denmark

2011-12-04T09:11:00.007-06:00

Denmark from satellite view

Denmark's is geographically located in the temperate zone allowing mild winters, with mean temperatures in January and February of 0.0 °C and cool summers, with a mean temperature in August of 15.7 °C. The highest temperature recorded in Denmark since 1874 happened on August 10, 1975, when the temperature climbed to 36.4 °C (97.52 °F). The lowest temperature ever recorded in Denmark happened on January 8, 1982, when the temperature dropped to -31.2 °C (-25.96 °F ).

Denmark has an average of 121 days per year with precipitation, receiving an average total of 712 mm per year; Autumn is the wettest season and Spring the driest. The driest Spring ever recorded in Denmark happened in 1974 with a mere 46 mm of precipitation and the wettest Autumn was 1967 with 327 mm of precipitation. The most precipitation ever recorded over a 24 hour period was 168.9 mm on July 8-9 1931.

Due to the North Sea coastline the western part of Denmark usually gets the most wind (called a bit of fresh air by the locals there). The highest wind speed on land was recorded on Dec 3 1999 with 137 km/h (85.13 mph) wind speed averages and gusts of 185 km/h (114.95 mph). On the same day at sea (an oil-platform in the North Sea located at 55°30' N 05°00' E) the average wind speeds reached 185 km/h (114.95 mph) with gusts of 213 km/h (132.35 mph).

Because of Denmark's northern location (Denmark shares latitude with the Alaskan panhandle), there's a great deal of difference between the length of a day, depending on the season. There are short days during the winter with sunrise coming around 8:45 AM and sunset 3:45 PM and long summer days with sunrise at 4:30 AM and sunset at 10 PM. Summer days will seem even shorter as the light stays long after sunset and lights the sky long before sunrise. Winter days will accordingly seem even shorter.

Christmas (Danish: jul), is celebrated on Christmas Eve, 24 December. The celebration for the longest day is known in Denmark as Skt. Hans Aften (St. John's evening). Celebrations of Midsummer have taken place since pre-Christian times.

Sources for the data used:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denmark
http://www.dmi.dk/dmi/index/
http://www.dmi.dk/dmi/index/danmark/meteorologiske_ekstremer_i_danmark.htm

Flag of Denmark "Dannebrog" and the Danish Coat of Arms

2011-12-04T08:58:00.011-06:00

Flag of Denmark "Dannebrog" by Per Palmkvist Knudsen

The legend states the origin of the flag to the Battle of Lyndanisse, also known as the Battle of Valdemar (Danish: "Volmerslaget"), near Lyndanisse (Tallinn) in Estonia, on June 15, 1219.

The battle was going badly, and defeat seemed imminent. But then, right when the Danes were about to give up, the flag fell from heaven. Grasping the flag before it could ever touch the ground, the king took it in his hand, and proudly waved it in front of his discouraged troops, giving them hope, and leading them to victory.

The myth is clear. The flag, Dannebrog, was given to the Danes from God himself, and from that day forward, it was the flag of Denmark, and the Danish kings.

Dannebrog falling from the sky during the Battle of Lyndanisse, June 15, 1219. Painted by Christian August Lorentzen in 1809. Original located at Statens Museum for Kunst, Denmark

No historical record supports this legend. The first record of the legend dates from more than 300 years after the campaign, and the first record connects the legend to a much smaller battle, though still in Estonia; the battle of Fellin (Viljandi) in 1208. Though no historical support exists for the flag story in the Fellin battle either, it is not difficult to understand how a small and unknown place is replaced with the much grander battle of Reval from the Estonia campaign of King Valdemar II.

This story originates from two written sources from the early 16th century:

The first is found in Christiern Pedersen's "Danske Krønike", which is a sequel to Saxo’s Gesta Danorum, written 1520 – 23. It is not mentioned in connection to the campaign of King Valdemar II in Estonia, but in connection with a campaign in Russia. He also mentions that this flag, falling from the sky during the Russian campaign of King Valdemar II, is the very same flag that King Eric of Pomerania took with him when he left the country in 1440 after being deposed as King.

The second source is the writing of the Franciscan monk Petrus Olai (Peder Olsen) of Roskilde, from 1527. This record describes a battle in 1208 near a place called "Felin" during the Estonia campaign of King Valdemar II. The Danes were all but defeated when a lamb-skin banner depicting a white cross falls from the sky and miraculously leads to a Danish victory. In another record by Petrus Olai called "Danmarks Tolv Herligheder" (Twelve Splendours of Denmark), in splendour number nine, the same story is re-told almost to the word; however, a paragraph has been inserted correcting the year to 1219.

Whether or not these records describe a truly old oral story in existence at that time, or a 16th century invented story, is not currently determined.

Some historians believe that the story by Petrus Olai refers to a source from the first half of the 15th century, making this the oldest reference to the falling flag.

It is believed that the name of the capital of Estonia, Tallinn, came into existence after the battle. It is derived from "Taani linn", meaning "Danish town" in Estonian. (According to Wikipedia)

The Danish Coat of Arms - First documented in the 1190s, modified 1819

Map of Denmark

2011-12-04T08:43:00.003-06:00

Denmark

This is where I have lived most of my life and where I will begin my mission. When you read this I will serving somewhere on this map and I'll let you know where, when I can.

If you click on the map and save it you can see it in full size and the location names will be legible.

"Man Down," "Semper Fi?"

2011-11-27T08:38:00.001-06:00

The United States Marine Corps has a most noble creed to live by. The latin "Semper Fidelis" or more the commonly used "Semper Fi" translates to "Always Faithful" or "Always Loyal" and demands unlimited amounts of respect among anyone who can understand the full meaning behind this.

Perhaps the reason for such copious amounts of respect for this idea of a constant faithfulness and/or loyalty, is that this is very difficult to live by and therefore mostly found in short supply. Perhaps to lower the pedestal and make the concept more within our reach, us non-Marines might encumber it with a heap of conditions. But, this does not bring us closer to being "Semper Fi," it only dilutes an otherwise worthwhile ideal. Always means "Without Exception" but is that possible? I believe it could be, at our choosing.

I would like to be more faithful and more loyal. Although not absent of these qualities: I am faithful and loyal to my wife but that's easy because I love her; She has has made my life a better place and I'm grateful to God for allowing me such a great blessing. What about all the other people? Do my friends and family consider me always faithful and always loyal to them? I am not qualified to answer that but wouldn't we all like to think of ourselves as holding within us the qualities of "Semper Fi?"

What if we could all know that if anybody ever asked our friends and family, one of the first things said about us would be "Always Faithful" Always Loyal," someone to be counted on to never leave anyone behind and never to ignore a "Man Down" call.

When someone in our reach falls for any reason and we metaphorically have the equivalent of a "Man Down" call, are we there to catch them, brace their fall and help them up when they loose their footing? Standing together we are all stronger when facing life but are we "Semper Fi?"

"The Sting of the Scorpion" or Obedience and Consequence of Actions

2011-11-27T07:01:00.000-06:00

"Disregarding what we know to be right whether through laziness or rebelliousness, always brings about undesirable and spiritually damaging consequences. We find healing and relief only when we…" Well, you should really watch "The Sting of the Scorpion" instead of this so here it is:

Red Carpet Gutter Nominations for Thanksgiving

2011-11-27T06:15:00.000-06:00

Artist Mark Jenkins has made a very simple statement here about the value placed in our fellow human beings.

I suppose it could represent the non-corporate bail-out plan in place for the last decade of politics in many parts of the world. If you are not at the head of a corporation big enough to be invited when your government is making budget plans for the coming years, you may qualify for "The Red Carpet Gutter Nominations." If nominated you too could be on the "Fast Track" for the exciting new titles of the decade, like "Loser" or "Trash," some may even go as far as to name you a "Waste of Space" or "Burden of Society" if your cup has run empty.

Maybe, if we all treated everybody according to their God-given potential, viewed people as who they might rise to be if given half a chance and we could all hold our heads up with dignity, facing each other again--without shame.

Wars, suffering, injustice and misery are not all indicators that God is an immortal God or a cruel and imperfect God with shortcomings but rather that we have been given the freedom and choice to act on the needs of our fellow human beings. Everybody helping everybody may seem a simple matter, yet people suffer and die all around us every day of the year.

Thanksgiving is a good opportunity to remember that God is the provider of all the good in our lives and we should recognize this by responding with thanks and gratitude in our personal prayers. But, blessings are not just for us to enjoy by ourselves, there is a great deal of happiness and joy to be found in showing compassion and helping others. In helping others we also help ourselves and it's difficult to remain depressed and worrying about material matters, if constantly surrounded by the gratitude, joy and happiness of those you've kept from falling and those whose sufferings you've eased.

When you lend a shoulder to keep someone from falling, suffering, pain and even agony, you not only spare them the scrapes and bruises but you also warm and strengthen their heart and resolve. We are all our brothers keeper--and they are ours. All is well when we remember just that.

The Overnight Success Story of "Societal Waste" "Losers" and "Trash"

2011-11-24T07:05:00.003-06:00

Artist Mark Jenkins made an excellent commentary on the growing trend of conveniently categorizing people as "Waste," "Losers" and human "Trash" left by the wayside, while the truck of "The Overnight Success" is rushing past them, all sealed up with no room to spare in the background. The installation depicted above may be art but it is talking about real peoples lives, people that didn't climb to everybody's peak of adoration.

The words "Loser," "Trash" and "Waste" has been around for a long time but it's tragic and sad when words of such a negative nature are turned into labels and applied to human beings with real lives, feelings, hopes and aspirations. Labels of this nature tend to stick in a most unmerciful way, yet their use is gaining momentum.

Many political parties around the world currently refer to various population groups as "Losers" and government policies are made factoring in these groups as "Societal Burdens." This brings to mind terminology such as "Lesser Elements," used in Germany during the Second World War. Imagine people trying to improve their station in life all while knowing that they are officially referred to as "Losers?" That's a lot of pressure for any person to live under and as the pressure builds, people are wasting their lives and talents mainly seeking the approval of others, instead of focusing on peace and contentment within themselves and building up careers to suit their needs. Why are we treating people like this?

All around us there are people battling tragedies of various kinds, while seeing their lives shattered at no fault of their own. Families, loved ones, health, livelihood and careers are sometimes gone within moments and good people suddenly experience economic or emotional ruin as a consequence.

Sports, school, career, society, friends and family have winners and sadly also losers. The terminology is now a widespread trend and seems to have gained a solid foothold in many countries of the world. The popularity of such labels among groups that consider themselves successful or aim to be successful are spreading like a plague claiming large numbers of emotional casualties and lost futures.

The Book of Mormon, Mosiah 4:16

16 ... Ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish.

These people are not "Losers" or "Trash" but opportunities for all of us to grow. None of us have more than a fractional understanding of the "Yardstick" used by God in measuring the worth of a soul and we shouldn't attempt to judge everyone of His souls that we come near. Helping others in their time of need is not a time for us to judge them or saying they brought this on themselves.

The Book of Mormon, Mosiah 4:17-19
17 Perhaps thou shalt say: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just—

18 But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath done he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God.

19 For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?

We can never know anybody's situation well enough to fully understand it but God does ask us to help our fellow beings. Helping others is a cure for many ails of the soul and a great way to make friends and gain a better understanding of God's ways.

The Book of Mormon, Mosiah 2:17

17 ...When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

A healthy competitive spirit improves performance and is a good way to develop sportsmanship and would by its very nature not bring about labels such as "Loser" and "Trash." Of other realistic reasons for using such strong labels on actual human beings could be lack of self-confidence, empathy, insight, understanding or it could simply have its root in misunderstandings.

While the symptoms of this trend are found in our choice of language, the real problem might have its origin in the competitive lifestyle, that now seems to saturate almost every facet of our existence. Competition can produce many good results but does often leave many more in defeat than with a glorious victory.

Because of the many possible connotations in the use of labels like "Loser" and "Trash," the scaring is likely to be deep, cumulative and lasting. Continued encounters of this sort will stay with a person and have a potentially lifelong negative impact. The use of labels will rob not only the person in question but society and in turn yourself for that persons potential income and future tax contributions.

We don't grow up dreaming of a life of seemingly unsurmountable obstacles or all the possible failures we might experience, when asked in grade school what we'd like to be when we grow up. Most people start out life wanting to be a success. This has it's price and when you're busy trying to ensure delivery when that big truckload of success is coming your way, it's far to easy to forget about those who might need a minute of your time, a helping hand or those unfortunates that got sidetracked along the way and didn't make it. Without a helping hand or a lot of helping hands, we could and most likely would all be "Losers" or "Trash" by the wayside waiting to be carted off.

But in view of Mark Jenkins work, is this how we have come to respect and treat the rights of other people? Do we leave them with sufficient dignity to go on living or ever succeed again? If we instead see each other as Brothers and Sisters, or possible reflections of ourselves under different circumstances and reach out a helping hand and actually help the person back up on their feet--instead of expecting or even demanding that they just "Shake it off" and "Cheer up, it'll all be okay!" If the tables were turned, wouldn't it be nice to have someone remember that in their time of need, you were there and you helped them when it comes time for your personal lesson in humility and you stand in need of a helping hand?

I firmly believe that the world would be a better place if we were all a little as described in the parable of the "Good Samaritan" that found a man, half dead by the wayside, helped him and bound his wounds. He then placed this stranger on his own beast, meaning he himself would have to walk beside the beast for the remainder of the route and brought him to the nearest place for care, payed for the further care and promised to settle the total bill upon his return--as the stranger clearly wasn't in a position to take care of these matters.

Anybody Can Pray, Anywhere and Anytime: Simple Instructions for Prayer

2011-09-25T17:49:00.157-05:00

This I share because it has been of great help to me. Prayer is my time with God, in it I find peace, rest and comfort when life gets overwhelming.

You can pray anywhere and at any time. You don't need a prayerbook, you don't have to choose from a selection of pre-made prayers and you don't have to wait for a special time of day before you can pray. But, you must be sincere--simply saying prayers is quite a different thing from engaging in meaningful prayer, counseling with the Lord in all our doings.

Your prayer is yours and you decide what to pray about. You may pray out loud in your own privacy, any other appropriate situation or quietly in your own mind while in the middle of crowds of people, if that is what your situation demands and all it allows. While quiet, private solitude may allow the ultimate conditions for contemplative and reflective prayer, these are not the only conditions suitable for prayer. Where you are when you need to pray, is where you pray and no one else needs to know.

Acquainting ourselves a little with God's thinking by reading up on God's past dealings with other people before praying, may not only prepare a state of mind more ready for prayer but also help us get to know who we are addressing when praying. If God is a complete stranger to us and we are mostly unfamiliar with his past (as described in the scriptures) it might prove a little more difficult to get close to Him in prayer.

The New Testament, Ephesians, Chapter 3, verses 14 to 21

14
For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

17
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

18
May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

19
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

20
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

21
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

The Book of Mormon, Jacob, Chapter 4, verses 7 to 11
7

Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by his grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do these things.

Behold, great and marvelous are the works of the Lord. How unsearchable are the depths of the mysteries of him; and it is impossible that man should find out all his ways. And no man knoweth of his ways save it be revealed unto him; wherefore, brethren, despise not the revelations of God.

For behold, by the power of his word man came upon the face of the earth, which earth was created by the power of his word. Wherefore, if God being able to speak and the world was, and to speak and man was created, O then, why not able to command the earth, or the workmanship of his hands upon the face of it, according to his will and pleasure?

Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works.

Wherefore, beloved brethren, be reconciled unto him through the atonement of Christ, his Only Begotten Son, and ye may obtain a resurrection, according to the power of the resurrection which is in Christ, and be presented as the first-fruits of Christ unto God, having faith, and obtained a good hope of glory in him before he manifesteth himself in the flesh.

In verse ten it states "seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand," I see a great potential in gaining a better understanding of how to approach God in prayer. Prayer is not, and will never be a license to command, demand or order God to act on our whims.

When we are in need of God's help and strength in our lives it's time to plead in heartfelt prayer that He may hear and answer our prayers, offered up in sincere humility and reverence, showing that we recognize God and His son Jesus Christ's position in our lives.

Four Simple Steps of Prayer

Prayer is never more complicated than we ourselves make it out to be. Beyond a few simple basics you decide the content of your prayer.

We first must address God in our prayer, in humility and respect. That is to say, we seek God, our Father in Heaven or Our Heavenly Father to hear our prayer. There are many ways to address God respectfully, we merely have to choose one.
Express your gratitude. This is a way to recognize God's hand in your life, giving Him credit for all that you appreciate. Give thanks to God, also for the things that you think to have done all by yourself! Could you have done anything, unless God had blessed you with the necessary talent and ability?
You can at this point bring up issues that might be causing you difficulty or confusion, if after you have done all you can do are in need of His help or strength sorting it out. This is also a good opportunity to admit to your wrongs and ask for God's forgiveness.
Jesus Christ is our mediator with God. He has payed the price and when addressing God it must be done in the name of Jesus Christ, ending with an Amen.

The New Testament, James, Chapter 1, verses 5 and 6

5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Doctrine and Covenants, Section 9, verses 7 to 9

Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.

But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.

But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong.

To pray can sometimes be a personal challenge. There are times when we might benefit greatly from prayer but are overwhelmed with the feelings and thoughts of a difficult predicament. We might feel angered by the injustice of such a situation and it might even seem as if everything has gone wrong.

A prayer can change things around when everything looks impossible. Focusing on the bits in life that has not gone wrong can help change our focus and discover the many reasons for gratitude on our lives--and then maybe find enough peace within ourselves for sincere and focused prayer.

To remove focus from the problems that overwhelm us, pray for others with real intent and a sincere heart. Pray that you'll succeed in your discovery of prayer and know that my prayers are with you.

Book of Mormon Missionaries Then and Now

2011-09-25T16:40:00.006-05:00

Why do young people all over over the world give up two years of their lives to do missionary work? Perhaps some of the reasons might be found in reading about missionaries in the Book of Mormon:

The Book of Mormon, Jacob, chapter 1, verse 19:

19
And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore, by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our garments; otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we would not be found spotless at the last day.

An example of missionaries in The Book of Mormon:

The Book of Mormon, Alma, chapter 26, verse 29:

29
And we have entered into their houses and taught them, and we have taught them in their streets; yea, and we have taught them upon their hills; and we have also entered into their temples and their synagogues and taught them; and we have been cast out, and mocked, and spit upon, and smote upon our cheeks; and we have been stoned, and taken and bound with strong cords, and cast into prison; and through the power and wisdom of God we have been delivered again.

Listening to the Spirit is also important on the bad days:

The Book of Mormon, Alma, chapter 26, verse 27:

27
Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success.

... and this is what makes it all worth while:

The Book of Mormon, Alma, chapter 26, verse 30 - 31:

30 And we have suffered all manner of afflictions, and all this, that perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul; and we supposed that our joy would be full if perhaps we could be the means of saving some.

31
Now behold, we can look forth and see the fruits of our labors; and are they few? I say unto you, Nay, they are many; yea, and we can witness of their sincerity, because of their love towards their brethren and also towards us.

Young and old, Brothers and Sisters all over the world go and serve on missions, not because they have to and not because anybody makes them. They go because their message is real, they know the required process for spiritual change and they have seen it work. These missionaries bring the same message that changed their own lives for the better. To see that change and the happiness it brings into people's lives is only a small part of the motivation behind a good missionary. It becomes a duty with the understanding that responsibility is not about yourself but others!

Our Living World

2011-09-22T05:11:00.004-05:00

The Mountain from TSO Photography on Vimeo.

Sub Zero - winter night timelapse from Randy Halverson on Vimeo.

That's Our Missionaries, All 53.000 of Them at Any Given Time

2011-08-27T16:42:00.001-05:00

"Most successful men have not achieved their distinction by having some new talent or opportunity presented to them. They have developed the opportunity that was at hand."
-- Bruce Barton

As young men in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints go and serve on missions, they are not leaving because they have nothing else to do. They are busy, active, socially well functioning and often successful young people. They leave all this behind to serve God on a two year mission. Why, because they have faith in God and something to share, something to do and they act on it. These are the successful young missionaries we hear about and these are the beginning testimonies that future generations of our church will be building upon. That's our missionaries, all 53.000 of them at any given time.

You're Not Alone!

2011-08-21T05:23:00.000-05:00

Expressions of Love - Forever

2011-08-21T04:54:00.000-05:00

Scriptures: Do We Value Them Enough?

2011-08-21T04:26:00.002-05:00

On the the 400th anniversary of the King James translation of the Bible we might remind ourselves of its true value and humble beginnings.

Every day of the year valuable time and thousands of dollars are spent by young people in the prime of their lives to share a message found in a few books known as scripture.

People serving as missionaries make sacrifices that we all can become more aware the contents of these scriptures and make them a part of our lives. Lives, rights and freedom have been lost sharing or preserving our right to access these same books known as scripture. If we are not ready to make even a small sacrifice to preserve our access to, or maintain our knowledge of the scriptures, perhaps we are not sufficiently familiar with its contents?

We are a generation blessed with easy access to the scriptures but such privilege come with the risk of taking our treasured scriptures for granted. Are we justifying these great acts of sacrifice with an equal effort of knowing what's on the very pages, that people have died for?

Elder Jepsen - Thank you God for blessing my son, his new wife and our family

2011-08-15T04:00:00.002-05:00

He's home, he's released and he's happily married but I came across this comment in the blog and it warmed my heart all over again. I can't help being reminded that it really was all worth it and how great a feeling it is when others feel the same way. Missionary work is truly a great blessing to our youth and all the rest of us!

Jan 14th 2011, a comment was made a comment on "Minnesota Minneapolis Mission Update" that I think gives credit not only to Elder Jepsen and the Spirit in missionary work but also the many people behind the scenes making it all possible. Thank you to all of you, I hope and pray that Elder Jepsen earned his place in the mission field:

I just returned from my mission in Minneapolis. I was in the MTC with Elder Jepsen, I think I met him his first day there. I only served near him once in the field though, the transfer he trained an Elder from Finland. He's an extraordinary missionary, well respected, loved by his fellow missionaries and by the people of Minnesota. Thanks so much for sending him on a mission. He was a great example to me.
- Martha Harper (returned Sister missionary from the Minnesota Minneapolis Mission)

Thank you to all of you many wonderful people that made it possible that my sons could go on a mission. Thank you for support and thank you for being there. Thank you to Mission President and Sister Howell, thank you to the many missionaries of the Minnesota Minneapolis Mission, thank you to the wonderful members of the Minnesota Minneapolis Mission, thank you to all the people writing and supporting him while out there without whom it would not have possible, thank you to friends and family everywhere and thank you God for blessing our son with faith and spiritual knowledge, thank you God for letting our son be instrumental in helping people's lives find faith and strength in you as Elder Jepsen has done so many times before, thank you God for keeping and returning him back home safely, thank you God for blessing my son, his new wife and our family, these are the things that matter most. Thank you!

Video from Ximena and Lee's Wedding

2011-08-14T16:24:00.003-05:00

Our wonderful daughter-law Brittany just sent me a beautiful tear-jerker of of a video from when the New Jepsen couple were exiting the Copenhagen Denmark Temple after the completion of their sealing ordinance.

I truly enjoyed this video and if you have been following his mails when he was still Elder Jepsen only a few months back, I can only recommend that you watch it. The great photography and excellent editing combined with and absolutely perfect soundtrack tells the story well. I was moved!

Ximana becomes a Jepsen: Ximena and Lee's Wedding Day from Brittany Watson on Vimeo.

A have also included a little reminder to help us all remember the blessings of the temple:

Making a Choice of Blessings!

2011-07-31T15:16:00.004-05:00

A beautiful choice of many blessings! What's your choice and how do you feel about it?

As the next video from Mormon Messages states:

Moments are the molecules that make up eternity (Neal A. Maxwell).

It's not so much the major events as the small day-to-day decisions that map the course of our living. (Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley)

We would do well to slow down a little, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes and truly see the things that matter most.

Strength comes not from frantic activity but from being settled on a firm foundation of truth and light, it comes from paying attention to the divine things that matter most.

Diligently doing the things that matter most will lead us to the Savior of the world.

Elder Jepsen - Elder Jepsen is Going on a Mission

2011-07-14T14:55:00.032-05:00

Elder Lee Jepsen came home off his mission March 31st 2011 and was released as planned!

Lee went to the the Copenhagen Temple and married a sweet Spanish girl on Canada Day 2011, also known as July 1st.

Now, everything is about to change. Another Elder Jepsen received his calling to serve on a mission. Lee's other brother Eric just received his calling today and is planning to be checking into the Provo MTC on his Canadian Grandmother's birthday, also known as December 6th (2011).

Eric will be serving in the Spokane Washington Mission (the State in the US closest to his Canadian birthplace--British Columbia, Canada).

As the green area on the map indicates, this mission covers portions of Washington, Idaho, Montana and a small corner of British Columbia, Canada.

Spokane Washington Temple, erected 1999

The Washington Spokane Mission includes the following Stakes:

Coeur D'Alene Idaho
Colville Washington
Ephrata Washington
Hayden Lake Idaho
Lewiston Idaho
Moscow Idaho University
Moses Lake Washington
Othello Washington
Moscow Idaho
Sandpoint Idaho
Spokane Washington
Spokane Washington East
Spokane Washington North
Spokane Washington Valley
Spokane Washington West
Wenatchee Washington

President and Sister Palmer

The Spokane Washington Mission President S. Mark Palmer and Sister Jacqueline Ann Wood Palmer, of the Barton Creek Ward in the Austin Texas Oak Hills Stake, began their mission back in 2009 and will be serving until 2012.

Brother Palmer was Born in Te Puke, New Zealand and has in the past served as a stake president and counselor, bishop and counselor, high councilor, high priest group leader and missionary in the New Zealand Wellington Mission.

Sister Palmer was born in Rochdale, England and has in the past served as a counselor in a ward Relief Society presidency, ward Young Women president, ward Relief Society teacher, seminary teacher and missionary in the Spain Barcelona Mission.

Lee Jepsen & Ximena Peredo Married Today on CANADA DAY!

2011-07-01T14:30:00.003-05:00

We are pleased

(well, thrilled actually)

to announce the

marriage of our son

Lee Jepsen

and

Ximena Peredo

today,

July 1st 2011 at 1:30 PM

local Danish time.

The marriage took place at a temple of

The Church of Jesus Christ

Latter-Day Saints

located in Copenhagen, Denmark.

We wish to thank you all for the attention at our sons wedding and following receptions in Esbjerg, Denmark and Barcelona, Spain.

All messages and greetings sent to the blog will be forwarded to Lee and Ximena ASAP. They send their greetings to you all, thanking you for your patient support, friendship, and kinship (XL greetings)!

Lee's brother (Eric) is currently waiting to hear what the latest news about his upcoming mission might be. The applicable papers are submitted and we might know further details already a couple of weeks from now. Updates will follow on the blog.

Elder Jepsen (released) now Lee Jepsen - NEWS as of April 20th 2011 05:45 PM

2011-04-20T11:21:00.026-05:00

At Elder Jepsen's last transfer and release, he was allowed a new companion of his choice!

We have really enjoyed having you all there with us through this experience and just like you've shared in the many joys of having a son on mission, we thought you might want to share in some of the news happening to our returned missionary.

Twenty-one days after his return to Denmark, Lee (you knew him as Elder Jepsen for most of the blog) is now busily preparing for his next big mission in life. As of today, April 20th 2011 at 05:45 PM Lee is engaged to Ximena Peredo (a wonderful and sweet girl from Spain) to be married. We all have a lot to be grateful for and are HAPPY for them both.

We were both privileged with front-row seating to the event: Having alerted us all by taking a deep look into Ximena's eyes from a humble kneeling position, Lee popped the famous question--all while Ximena patiently let him finish with a beautiful face that already said it all. Then, with a smile we will never forget, she replied with a "Yes, I will marry you."

XL Happyness - Ximena & Lee

Elder Jepsen - The Sequel

2011-04-06T09:36:00.007-05:00

Another Elder Jepsen mission is under way, although it's difficult to imagine God blessing us again so soon. The best we can do is try to grasp just a fraction of all the blessings that just kept pouring in before, during and after Lee's mission.

There were difficulties, obstacles and trials right from the beginning of the first preparations for Lee's mission but every step of the way the Lord has shown us a way through what otherwise looked impossible and we are all grateful that he was blessed to go on a mission. Coming home, Lee had an appointment with the school that he plans to begin attending in August, already two days after his return and he is wasting no time in preparing for life after a mission. He impressed us while on his mission with his dedication to finding and teaching those most eager to hear the message of the gospel. He continues to impress us after his mission, as it becomes obvious to us that a mission truly has shaped him into a man of great worth. I simply can't describe how great that makes us feel as parents.

While we are still smiling ear to ear over Lee's return home, we are informed that preparations already are under way for the sequel: The youngest of our children (Eric) has just finished the initial requirements necessary in preparation for submitting his papers and hopes to submit his papers by May 2011 when he expects to have the last bit of money saved. Vaccinations and dental have begun, he is still missing one more vaccination and the removal of the last stubborn wisdom-tooth. Esbjerg congregation has contributed a nice set of luggage. Another adventure is about to begin and we are all feeling more blessed than we could ever hope for!

An Easter Message

2011-04-02T13:33:00.000-05:00

Elder Jepsen - Elder Jepsen is IN THE HOUSE!!!

2011-03-31T09:18:00.002-05:00

Elder Jepsen is IN THE HOUSE! Our son is HOME and soon he'll be back to being Lee. I am so happy!!!!

Elder Jepsen - Flight QI 407 was CANCELLED - New Flight QI 409

2011-03-31T03:42:00.017-05:00

In the picture: Jennifer, Elder Jepsen (Lee), Dana, Eric and Paul.
Photographer: Brittany (sadly missing in the picture or it would be more complete).

Elder Lee Jepsen arrived in Copenhagen Airport on schedule this morning and is now in Copenhagen reuniting with his brother Paul (the second Elder Jepsen in the family), his sister Jennifer, meeting his all new sister in-law Brittany (who sponsored him with fabulous Buffalo Jerky while still on his mission), his other brother Eric (an aspiring Elder Jepsen number four) and a family friend, Dana. A WONDERFUL bunch of people, makes your heart feel good!

The next connection, Flight QI 407 was CANCELLED, giving Lee more time (for visiting) in Copenhagen Airport before continuing on to home. Our son will instead be on Flight QI 409.

Departure Information

Airport:	Copenhagen Airport
Scheduled:	1:20 PM

Arrival Information

Airport:	Billund Airport
Scheduled:	2:05 PM

We are of course EXCITED to soon have our son back!

Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration

2011-03-31T01:33:00.002-05:00

Elder Jepsen - Mission Entry 102 - Thank You All and Thanks to God for the BEST Two Years!

2011-03-29T17:16:00.006-05:00

As the remaining couple of days of my mission are running out of time at an almost frightening pace, I want to thank the many people behind my efforts. I have felt the strength, comfort and inspiration of your prayers and read your words of encouragement. It has lifted me and held me up when I have felt discouraged and it has left me stronger to know that you, your thoughts and prayers all were here with me through the tougher bits. Thank you!

My mission has been a wonderful two years, where I have been privileged to see the gospel in action. I would do it all over again if I was moved back in time and had to choose again. But, contrary to popular opinion, a mission is not two years of feasts, sunshine and non-stop success. I am not a highly skilled teacher, presenter or diplomat and many times my efforts have seemed feeble and insufficient if not for God, my Heavenly Father continually teaching, embracing and comforting me with His Holy Spirit. He was there for me and the people we were attempting to teach and once He taught them they knew in their hearts that His Spirit was there for them also.

Perhaps somewhat due to my early US visa troubles and Trans-Atlantic transfers I have had the opportunity to serve with many companions in a bigger variety of circumstance, totaling seventeen companions! But, this has allowed me the privilege to experience and learn from a wide diversity of personalities. Growing up I didn't always agree with all my siblings (two brothers and a sister) all of the time, I had the opportunity to learn to get along. Going on an a mission I didn't always agree with my missionary companions and again I was given the opportunity to learn to get along. If this was easy I would not have grown and I wouldn't have learned as much but with most of them, getting along was easy--leaving us room to focus our learning and attention elsewhere. I have found something valuable that I needed to learn from every single one of my companions.

I wish I could blame the harder times on mission on others but I can't. I wish I could excuse times with lack of success on my companion, the area or Satan for that matter but I can't. One thing that I have tried to improve on and that I am still working on, is taking the responsibility for things that happen. Out of all the factors that play in all things that I have been a part of, I have been the only one that I have been able to change. I can't choose my circumstances but I can choose to do as much as I am able and I can choose my attitude. Good choices are sometimes harder to make than easy choices and I have yet to get a lot of things right. I am sure my Heavenly Father still has a few lessons in store for me.

It is difficult describe the feelings, all that I have learned and experienced on my two years as a missionary in just mere words, it seems nearly impossible. But, first and foremost I want to express my gratitude: I am grateful for my mission and I love it. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I am grateful that my Heavenly Father deemed me worthy enough to serve, trusted me to share His words of comfort with the people seeking and needing Him, people dear to Him. I have a lot of gratitude for these last two years especially to my awesome parents who have helped me with tremendous effort to keep this one little missionary going. I could not have done this alone. I am grateful That God loves me enough to test me, put me through what's needed for me to learn and to use me in His service.

My mission has turned out to be something I would never had expected. Looking back, I'm not quite sure what I could or did expect but it has definitely proven to be a series of unexpected events, shaping me and serving to make my mission a success. Like so many other missionaries experiences, my mission has been guided by the hands of the Grand Architect, helping me reach for my potential as a person and a missionary. Having seen and felt His gently guiding hands in the lives of those around me, my life and mission, I know That He loves the people we find, the people we teach, the many people of this mission that I look up to and have learned from and He loves me.

I have learned that although I have lots to learn, I know enough to know that God lives and is there for us all. I know His gospel is true and real! I don't visually need to see my Savior to see His hand in my life. He has power to heal, mend and change lives and broken hearts. I know that God loves every single one the people on my path here, that their happiness will increase as they allow God, His words and sacrifice into their hearts. Thanks to God my Heavenly Father I know my Savior loves me and will help learn what I need to know and with that, I know enough.

Next week this time, I'll be home!
Love you all, always!

Elder Jepsen

Elder Jepsen - Mission Entry 101 - I Am Coming Home!

2011-03-22T17:23:00.237-05:00

This week we haven't spent as much time teaching as we would have liked. Our car has been in the shop for repairs and we were suddenly reminded of the state of our bikes: My bike is barely functional, ready for retirement after serving me well for many miles of missionary work and Elder Messengers bike, well--it's nobody's friend these days, demanding more money and repairs. Missionary work is hard on bikes but they sure earn their keep!

Doing missionary work on foot and bike is a whole different story than sitting in a warm and comfortable car that you just point in a desired direction and go. Reduced to the inherent limitations of using shoes as primary vehicles of transportation (well, and sometimes bikes when repaired), changes our expected travelling radius considerably. Suddenly we have to postpone many of our teaching plans as they are widely dispersed on the map and focus on finding new people within walking distance. Consequently, we knocked on a lot doors this week!

I was wondering how the whole "Airport pickup" would work out. The Bishop was my first idea as well but the Pedersen's is an absolutely amazing idea. She's like my other mother, "Mother two" or "Esbjerg Mom," so it's perfect! Please let her know that I would love to do some fireside thingy when I get back home.

I got the flight plans a little while ago and it looks like I'll be in Kastrup for a short brake Thursday morning before my flight to Billund. I assume that you have the flight plans as you have obviously made arrangements with Marie-Helene. I was wondering if you could update Paul, Brittany and Eric, see if they have time to come and see me while I'm waiting in Kastrup--if they're not busy. Maybe my time will all get eaten up with terminal hopping but I just don't like the idea of waiting for what would seem like eternities to see everybody again! I miss you all and I am looking forward to see you all. It's difficult to grasp that I'm coming home...

I have learned and experienced so much these last two years and I have only one week left. I'll do my best to be as diligent and effective as I can the last little while I have left. I am just not sure what to think of it! I've looked forward to return home, see you all again and I am ready for it to happen but I know that I will miss my mission. I'm so glad I did it! It's the best choice I've ever made and truly the best two years!

Love ya. See ya soon!

Elder Lee Jepsen

LDS missionary witnesses tsunami

2011-03-20T08:05:00.004-05:00

Elder Jepsen - Mission Entry 100 - Seeking the Voice of the Spirit

2011-03-15T11:09:00.237-05:00

We received a text Friday morning about the catastrophic conditions in Japan and then we began hearing about it from everybody else. The pain and horror that so many people in the world currently are going through is far beyond my vocabulary and I have no words for it. I feel like nothing I could say would help these many people in their suffering.

But, I can pray that we as a civilization remember these people as our Brothers and Sisters and that we are the helping hands that God has given these people in need. I can pray that we all remember that we all are our Brother's/Sisters keepers, making us part answers to the many prayers and cries for God's merciful interception. I've already heard many miraculous accounts testifying of His helping hands and comfort when situations went beyond any human reach but we all have some reach and with reach comes responsibility.

I am sorry to hear of Boulder's aging, I've missed him. I am surprised how few people know of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breed. Well, I am looking forward to see and walk that handsome old dog again. Just Boulder, me and... Don't worry, I'm not getting distracted and I'm not homesick! But, with only two weeks left of my mission it's probably nearly impossible to not think of those Danish shores, when writing home.

Our missionary efforts were well rewarded this past week and we had some good encounters with great people. I love doing missionary work but there is so much more work to be done. Being privileged with great leaders that I can look up to, surrounded by good people that I can trust and learn from, I am well aware that am not alone in this task. Yet I am not unaware that my responsibility rests on my shoulders. If I don't constantly seek God's directions in this and if I don't do the effort required to get the job done, I am still accountable for the opportunities given me to do so.

Looking toward the upcoming events in a few weeks from now, do you have any suggestions for how I should get from Billund Airport to home with my suitcases?

I love you and hope that you all are doing well!

Elder Jepsen

Update on our Brothers and Sisters in Japan's Earthquake and Tsunami

2011-03-12T05:28:00.031-06:00

The lives of many good people changed in an instant around 2:46 PM (JST) March 11th 2011, when Northern Japan suddenly faced a massive 8.9 earthquake followed by blackouts, fires and devastating tsunami waves as high as 25 feet.

The biggest earthquake to ever hit Japan has brought down communication services throughout Northern Japan and left more than four million people without power. People, families and whole communities have been displaced, lost or killed--while roads, infrastructure, buildings and homes have been destroyed.

As our thoughts go out to our Brothers and Sisters in Japan let's not forget them in our prayers and individual abilities. This is a time to use what powers and strengths are at our disposal to lift those in need.

The LDS Disaster Response Team at Church Headquarters is monitoring the situation and has been in constant contact with the Asia North Area.

Leaders in all area offices are on high-alert, working with local leaders to contact and ensure the safety of all Brothers and Sisters. While the Tokyo temple has sustained minor damage, temple housing is used to house church members unable to return to their homes.

Contact with all Mission Presidents in Japan has been established and all missionaries are safe and accounted for, many helped by the efforts of local members. The last two missionaries in Sendai were located on Saturday evening. Missionaries in Japan living along coastal regions have been moved to inland locations and President Reid Tateoka of the Sendai mission is in contact with the Area Office where all employees are reported safe. All members of the Asia North Area Presidency and their families are safe.

LDS Church: All missionaries in Japan safe:
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=14700413

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

LDS Press Release - Church’s Missionaries in Japan All Safe and Accounted For:
http://newsroom.lds.org/article/churchs-missionaries-in-japan-all-accounted-for-and-safe

Families await word from LDS missionaries in Sendai:
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=14687566

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Japan Sendai Mission:

http://www.mission.net/japan/sendai/

Police: Deaths in Japan's Miyagi may pass 10,000
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=235&sid=13460003

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

View Japan Earthquake - March 11 in a larger map

Elder Jepsen - Mission Entry 99 - People's Lives Change as They Discover God's Words!

2011-03-08T11:07:00.146-06:00

I'm pressing on, trying to accomplish what my Heavenly Father wants for me to accomplish in the small amount of time I have left to serve on my mission. While I realize that life is full of many important learning opportunities quite different from my mission, I hope to always remember what I have learned these last two year.

We had Zone Conference this past week, my last Zone Conference in the Mission! There is so much to say about this that I don't even know where to begin. Regardless of how much I would try, I could not even begin to do justice to the feelings that remain in my heart as I reflect back on people, whose lives I have seen change to the better, as they discovered the comfort, strength and peace found in God's words and learned that God is there for them.

I love you and hope that you're all doing well!

Elder Jepsen

Elder Jepsen - Mission Entry 98 - YES! I'm On a Mission... and I LOVE IT!

2011-03-01T10:27:00.020-06:00

Elder Hoopes was transferred some weeks ago and now again our District was rearranged because of transfers. I really don't look forward to transfers at all, it changes my whole world around every time! I like the people I get to know around me, I just don't like goodbyes and I am almost dreading when I have to say goodbye to everybody some weeks from now!

You learn to appreciate good food on a mission where the majority of meals rests on your own skills or lack thereof. I am so grateful to the many good Brothers and Sisters here that has kept us alive with wonderful home-cooked meals. You have been on missions and you too know how good food quickly becomes a precious commodity among missionaries. I can't wait to taste Mom's (and Dad's) cooking again. I miss Danish food! I miss Danish cheese, yogurt, Mom's bread, well--everything... and when I once again am back home with you all, I know I will miss everything here!

There is so much change up ahead and it's sometimes difficult to sort out my feelings about this particular time in life. I love the people here and serving God is a very gratifying experience as you see people's lives change when they recognize that God is indeed there, in their lives! I love it here and yet there is so much that I love at home and I also look forward to all the things I am to learn next. I miss you all at home but I am also going to miss everybody here and it's difficult to not feel a little torn up about it.

I love you!

Elder Jepsen

Elder Jepsen - Mission Entry 97 - God's Words are Amazing When Applied!

2011-02-23T04:23:00.160-06:00

How's Dad, I hope he's getting better soon? After this weekends blizzard we again have a nice white layer of snow about a foot deep.

Last Monday right after emailing you, we went bowling with the district and had a great time except for a beginning nausea taking some of the fun out of it. It didn't take long before I had to take a few time-outs to go and be sick by myself but it still didn't help much. We then went over to the church, hung out and took pictures of the district--Elder Hoopes was getting transferred. But, again I had to run off and get ill. The Sisters found out, took over the situation and immediately rushed off shopping for every possible mothering tool in reach. Before I even had time to think about getting ill again I was surrounded by caring Sisters with stomach medicine, crackers, pop and bread and felt happy that they cared so much (in between feeling absolutely horrible). The other Elders gave me a blessing and we returned home where I promptly surrendered to my bed, properly beaten by aches and pains in places I didn't even know could hurt.

Around 5:30 AM I passed out and didn't open up my eyes until 10:00 AM the next morning and felt worlds better. I downed the rest of the pink stomach medicine for good measure and after some preparation we began our day. After all the cares and prayers of the Sisters and a blessing from the Elders only good health remained and I could once again be off to be a missionary.

We went on to have an amazing week. We visited and taught a young couple that God had clearly prepared for our visit and they had room for God in their hearts and minds. We also made contact with a family that had been out of contact with the church for a while and this turned out to be a very interesting experience. They were all committed to the beliefs and doctrine, except they've never been baptized into the church. They are such an amazing family and I'm looking forward to meet with them again. It is obvious to me that the Lord loves this family deeply and I want to help them in every way I can. God's words are amazing when people allow them to sink into their hearts and lives.

I love you and... I love you!

Elder Jepsen

President Joliffe of the New Zealand Wellington Mission Reports on New Zealand Earthquake

2011-02-22T03:15:00.006-06:00

President Joliffe of the New Zealand Wellington Mission reports that all missionaries are safe and accounted for. They are still working on locating all our church members in the area.

Christchurch, New Zealand was shaken by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake at 12:51pm on 22 February, 2011. The epicentre of the quake was in the harbour town of Lyttelton and was only 5 kilometres deep. A state of civil emergency has been announced in Christchurch. Due to the timing nature of the quake it appears to have caused casualties and more severe damage than the quake in September of 2010. Loss of life has been confirmed but it is too early to provide numbers. People are entrapped in rubble throughout the city, many calling for help. Television reports state that local hospitals are full to capacity. The Christchurch airport has been closed until further notice. Aftershocks’ continue on a regular basis.

Elder Jepsen - Mission Entry 96 - God's Words Has the Power to Change Lives

2011-02-16T04:02:00.001-06:00

Today, everybody up for a transfer were called and our phone remained silent. I am in my last area and I am now staying here to the end of my mission. Our Mission President has allowed me to focus on missionary work and released me from being a District Leader. He called and asked if I was getting "Trunky" (homesick, ready to pack your trunks and go home, thinking more about home than mission). I thought I was doing okay, he gave me some encouragement and suggested I give it all I have on the last stretch. I'm eager to follow his counsel and believe that following his lead can make me a better missionary.

This week we had an pleasant meeting with a guy whose wife is a member of the church, though we don't often see her there. We stopped by one evening to visit and met with him. He hadn't really had the opportunity to learn much about our faith but we discussed God's continued existence, how He speaks to us today and how we are able to recognize truth. There was a pleasant Spirit there throughout our discussion. We invited him to read and to pray about the Book of Mormon and when we came back yesterday we were met with great enthusiasm. We invited his wife to read along with him as we thought it might remind her of the peace found in God's words to us. We hope that we'll be able to see this wonderful couple come to church and one day enter the temple. God's words has the power to change lives and I have seen it happen. There is so much work to be done!

The weather is beginning to melt the last attempts of winter! The temperature has climbed to around 40° Fahrenheit (4.5° Celsius) and I haven't worn a coat all last week. It somehow feels pleasantly warm after our winter!

Love you all!

Elder Jepsen

Elder Jepsen - Mission Entry 95 - In the House of the Lord

2011-02-06T15:24:00.007-06:00

There was a delay in your e-mail for the week. Our schedules were shifted this week to allow for some temple time. We moved our prep-day and I just barely came back from the temple. It was absolutely amazing!! I haven't been there since attending the Mission Training Center and I absolutely love the peace that can be found in the House of God. It was almost a feeling of going home and on that subject... only seven more weeks. I like it at home and I like it here. I know I have to get on with life but I'm gratefull for what God has allowed me to experience and learn while here and I can't help having mixed feelings towards going home. I absolutely love serving God and experiencing His trust: He has trusted me with some absolutely wonderful people to learn from, to teach and work beside and I will always be indebted to my God for this experience. I love you all at home but I can't say that I have a problem being homesick, even this close to my return home. There is so much to enjoy and take in here and now, I want to remember every minute of it!

This week one of our investigators dropped us. I know that he doesn't know the scale of what we are trying to teach or he would be reading the Book of Mormon every available moment, wanting to know it all. I wish we could truly share the feelings in our hearts and he could catch just a small portion of what God is offering him. All we have is words. The feeling of the Spirit is so much greater than words but we can't make anybody want to listen to the Spirit. All we can do is testify of the Spirit and pray for people to open their hearts.

It's all so sad. This man is grieving. His wife passed away and it's hard on him. He's a real awesome guy facing a difficult time in life. God's whisper can seem very quiet when the world is yelling and screaming with pressures from all sides but we only have to step a little closer toward Him and He will be right beside all who allows Him into their hearts.

Love you all!

Elder Jepsen

Spend an Hour Listening

2011-02-05T04:37:00.000-06:00

If you have an hour for listening, this could prove worth your time and lift your day!

Sheri Dew in conversation with Sister Julie B. Beck and her daughters Gerilyn and Heidi:

Conversations: Episode 15 - Programs - Mormon Channel

Elder Jepsen - Mission Entry 94 - Grown-Ups Doing REALLY STUPID STUFF!

2011-01-31T08:11:00.011-06:00

Life here is cool (both °C and °F) over here. I managed to give the car a little break from all the hard work we expect from it every day as I was pulling over to make a u-turn. The surface snow on the curb looked flat and hard... but wasn't. I know and tell myself "That was REALLY stupid" just so you don't have to make any redundant efforts telling me what I have already told myself.

To get back to my story. The snow looked as innocent and white as snow and stupidly I trusted it to be there for me, supporting me in my intent. It turns out that snow can't be trusted from afar, up close or under the surface and I was left to suffer the consequences of my own stupidity. You guessed it, I dipped the passengers side of the car into the snow and we "stucked ourselves!" Perhaps we secretly hoped that quickly adapting the terminology of five-year olds might cover that we were grown-ups doing REALLY STUPID STUFF!

I really wasn't too pleased with myself but "Stucked Ourselves" became the catchphrase and helped us laugh, while waiting for some form of higher intelligence to flow by to save us from our ignorant ways.

While waiting for help from a member with a big heart and a dually truck to match (called in our moment of embarrassment), a fellow Christian stopped and pulled us out. It made me feel good to see how true Christians are to be found everywhere!

Mom, I know you have been asking yourself and don't worry "There's no blood--there's NO BLOOD!" Dad, I know you you've always taught us not to worry about a bit of blood "Just plug up the leak" you'd say, but not to worry--there was no damage done to car.

I've sent an email of to VUC in Denmark asking for their advice. President Howell suggested that instead of using the resources for two years in DK on HF, that I could go to BYU-Idaho, do the preparation and take an ACT, which he thought would help me out but I suppose it would help me more in the US than DK. I'm not sure if I like the idea much or if it is even possible, but I do like to consider and research every option carefully. Please, let me know what you think.

It could seem that I will get a visit for my birthday when I get home, eh? If that wasn't enough, it will also be the time for Sant Jordi on April 23rd! So much to do and so little time.

One of the people we teach came to church yesterday, it was awesome! When we met with him this last week, he said that he was not going to promise us that he was going to come to church. He wouldn't even promise himself. Though afterwards he said: "But I will promise God that I will come to church on Sunday." It was a very powerful moment. I was surprised when he said that and even more surprised when he actually came! I love how this wonderful Gospel has the ability to cause a deep change in people. I'm hoping that I'll be able to see him enter into the waters of baptism before I go home (and hopefully along with his family).

Love you guys! I hope that everything's working out just fine for all.
Miss ya!

Elder Jepsen

Elder Jepsen - Mission Entry 93 - How I Love My Savior, Always He's Mindful of Me

2011-01-25T10:53:00.008-06:00

Yes, the weather has been slightly cold but we don't complain (many are cold but few are frozen). I was able to recover well and get rid of my nasty cold. I liked the hot chocolate but it's not really fun to be sick and I'm happy to be a lot better now.

It's a little harder to ignore that I am coming home soon, as I soon have to begin making a few plans. A Sister from the Mission Office called and asked about home airports and I asked her to send me to Billund. I know you only have the motorcycle on the road at the moment, do you have any suggestions for my big suitcases???

Last Saturday (two days ago) a member of the Bishopric called me, and asked if they could bail them out as they just a had a speaker cancellation. I got to speak as the main speaker about missionary work from a talk given last October by Elder Russell M. Nelson. It actually turned out alright and I quite enjoyed it.

This week was almost horrible. All of our plans fell through and we lost three good people off our books (they dropped us). This is such a contrast to my previous missionary experience, where I have had a lot of people to teach. I now have almost no one to teach, reminding me once again of how little I am capable on my own.

One would think after having nearly finished a two-year mission that past experience could carry me part of the way and I might be able to take some credit for my own strength, but no! Once again the Lord is reminding me that I am in His service, finding the people He has prepared for me to find and I better listen to Him telling me how, where, when and if. It can feel a bit rough but I like it! I've learned that any increase in strength is only achieved though an increased burden. Maybe God want's me to be stronger and more prepared for my next assignment or life when I get home? Without God I really am worthless, trusting in my own strength, thinking that I can take on everything alone. But with Him--how I love my Savior, always He's mindful of me and with Him I can lift any burden He wants lifted.

I'll be looking for a job almost the day after I come home. I'm hoping that our Bishop might be able to help out on that one now that I have a drivers license and if not I'll find something else. But, I am sure we'll be able to work something out (and thank you so much for your help)! I really can't arrange too much while I'm here, but perhaps I'll have plenty of time to figure out stuff when I come home... in nine weeks.

Love you all!

Elder Jepsen

Elder Jepsen - Mission Entry 92 - We Are, That We Might Have Joy

2011-01-18T09:19:00.052-06:00

That was quite the week you had! I'm glad that it all worked out just perfectly and that you were able to help out Jen. How is she doing?

My week had the looks of being amazing but didn't quite work out that way. My companion had a cold earlier in the week but it really wasn't too bad until he shared it with me and now I've been miserable. It now seems to me that nasal passages and brain access could be closely connected, as both has behaved as if without connection for the duration. Well, we are getting out of it. On the BIG PLUS side: Being ill has attracted quite the pampering and we've had lot's of hot chocolate. This next week looks promising and hopefully that's the way it'll turn out as well.

But, in reflecting on the past week: If God didn't want us to experience illness he would have made us immune. I guess I am not just here to have joy but to learn from my weaknesses and without any weaknesses it might be a lot harder to see God's hand in my life? Does that not translate to the path to joy holding some degree of misery, that there might be opposition in all things? Maybe I should lay off on the hot chocolate, it's going to my head? I wouldn't have had any hot chocolate if not for a miserable cold. Oooh, the very idea of it--I'm going to stop right now. There is potentially way too much pondering in this and I have lots more missionary work to be done.

My companion is awesome. He has an good desire to be obedient, and he is a hard worker, which is awesome. At the same time, he's pretty laid back, which suits me just fine. It's a good balance and it works well with both of us.

As you can see, not too much has happened... sorry! I've been trying to rest and get better without it being too much of an obstacle for us.

Love you!

Elder Jepsen

PS. What is wrong with Boulder, hope he's okay?

Minnesota Minneapolis Mission Update

2011-01-14T09:42:00.001-06:00

May 13, 2009 (while serving in the Copenhagen Denmark Mission)
The Mission Dept. in Frankfurt dealing with visa processing just received two approvals for cases that were submitted by SLC in early March. They expect an approval for Elder Jepsen (Lee) to come through by the end of this month since his latest and revised application was submitted early in April. In their estimation he should be able to make the new MTC entry date of June 16, 2009. They are pretty sure of this and will have the package sent to the Mission office directly in due time with revised instructions.

Blog reader's comment:

August 27, 2010

I wanted to let you know that Elder Jepsen is one of my most favorite companions. It was a huge blessing being able to serve with him, and I'm very glad he was my companion at the end of my mission. Elder Jepsen's patience, love, and kindness were greatly appreciated. He is a diligent, positive, and hard working missionary. Thank you for raising him and preparing him to go on his mission. I could tell he loved you guys.

As for me and what I'm up to now that I'm home... I'm planning on going to BYU-Idaho next month. I've dated a little bit (but no one serious), dried apricots from the tree in our yard, played with my little brothers and my nice and nephew, counted people in sacrament meeting (I'm the singles ward statistical clerk), gone to family reunions, got a Utah Learners Permit, still bike everywhere (including Provo Canyon for fun and exercise) and love going to Institute.

Tell Elder Jepsen Hi for me.

Love,
Caleb Noffsinger

January 14, 2011

I just returned from my mission in Minneapolis. I was in the MTC with Elder Jepsen, I think I met him his first day there. I only served near him once in the field though, the transfer he trained an Elder from Finland. He is an extraordinary missionary, and is well respected and loved by his fellow missionaries and by the people of Minnesota. Thanks so much for sending him on a mission, he was a great example to me.

-Martha Harper

NEWS UPDATE - Jan 15, 2011 (while serving in the Minnesota Minneapolis Mission)
Elder Jepsen (scheduled to return home on March 30, 2011) transferred to a new area and his new mailing address is:

Elder Jepsen

18 Walnut St. #205

Farmington, MN, 55024
USA

Elder Jepsen - Mission Entry 91 - Lay Hold Upon Every Good Thing

2011-01-10T08:06:00.070-06:00

My new area has been treating me very well. Although quite a large area, it's a lot smaller than the Hibbing area that actually covered the entire Iron Range. We have a good part of Lakeville, Farmington and Hampton but very different from what I am used to. Elder Jason Wayne Messenger and I get along quite well. To show our appreciation for each other we have made a practice of insulting each others countries, giving Elder Messenger a bit of an advantage since I (kind of) have two whole countries to pick from and that seems to work for him.

I couldn't begin to list all the great blessings allowed me in the past two years, all for which I owe endless gratitude to God. My mission has given me so many things that I want to share with everyone but they are feelings more than things and I just don't know any words that big. I want to share the feeling with you and have no words but I know that you too know that same feeling. Thank you for helping me find it and I have found many a good thing here.

Elder Happonen is now training a new missionary. I'm so happy!

I feel blessed with the responsibility of being a District Leader. I am looking forward to serving the Elders here and it has already taught me a lot. I'm working my hardest at turning it into an advantage that I now have the experience of a nearly completed mission to draw on when needed. I know I must focus on where I am now and not where I might be some weeks from now but in view of past observations it might have its own trials being near the end of a mission.

I also did not need reminding of your anniversary, I promise! We had a meeting with a recent convert who had her one year baptism anniversary yesterday, and that got my wheels working... 9th of january...why is that familiar... OH, and then I remembered, thirty-one years--congratulations! I knew you would cut me to the chase and tell me about it but, I remembered. I love you both and you have been a GREAT example to me. Happy thirty-one years of marriage and THANK YOU! You two have a good thing!

Luv ya!

Elder Jepsen

Elder Jepsen - Mission Entry 90 - Allow Some Room for God in Your Heart

2011-01-04T14:12:00.079-06:00

Thank you for the love and support I receive in my weekly mails from you. It means a lot to me. Thank you for all that you have done for me over the years it took to raise me and keep me out of trouble. I would never have enjoyed the blessing of being here if you hadn't helped me prepare to serve a mission.

I truly am indebted to the people I have come to know by going on a mission and for all that they have done for me. They are truly wonderfully amazing saints. I have no idea anymore how to fully show my gratitude in just an adequate measure, there is just so much! I have nothing for which to take any credit but what God has given me--my hands, feet and my heart. I can only pray that my feet will be able to take me to where my heart tells me I must go, lift and hold on.

None of this has ever been about me. It rests on me to do my part and do it well because God has allowed me what is needed to do my part. I am just one little missionary (well, 6ft.+ but), still learning from the giants around me. Yet I feel the greatness and success in serving my God thanks to the many great shoulders that has lifted me up to feel His presence: Faithful and strong parents, family, brothers, sisters, friends and teachers.

Our Mission President has asked me to serve in a place called Farmington. I am needed as a District Leader again. My new companion's name is Elder Messenger.

I have learned more than I can begin to list by serving a mission but still have lots to learn. I love you Mom and Dad and I appreciate all that you have done for me. I am looking forward to seek your counsel from my new point of perspective as I am sure you have more to teach me now that I can ask the right questions. I can think of no better place to seek counsel for my next steps on life, considering all that you two have been through and overcome together. I love you and know you love the Lord. I look forward to being home again (in due time, of course). I still have a lot of work to do here. If God allows it will be a great work!

Every time I see the great change that happens when people allow some room for God in their hearts, I'm amazed. I have seen people change at a rate and speed I could never have imagined, by allowing God's word and Spirit into their lives. Such experiences has the potential of adding a far perspective and further motivation to any missionary.

Thinking it through in theory, it doesn't seem that it would take long to realize God's words to us as written in the Book of Mormon. But, perhaps the reality is that we impose our own limitations to the process by being too cautious with our faith. If you imagine a connection that has to be applied between God's word and our heart as a water connection: We might be connecting sufficient to supply a little mist of water that barely would be enough for one of Grandma's smallest flowers, when we instead could connect to something big enough to supply a city the size of New York on the hottest day of the year. If you haven't prepared a little room for such a volume, you'd better be either a very good swimmer or carry a really big sponge. --But, with just a little preparation you can have a barrel of unlimited dimensions ready. Sincerely asking God to help prepare your heart with sufficient capacity to hold His word and feel His Spirit, will give you all the spiritual retention needed.

I am so grateful for this gospel, and for how it lives and breathes in those who live it. The promises are not dead, but real. Jesus Christ lives and His atonement is a very real sign of his eternal love for all of us. I know that He loves the people here in Minnesota. I love my misson!!

Love ya!!!

Elder Lee E. Jepsen

Elder Jepsen - Mission Entry 89 - Blessed Beyond My Imagination

2010-12-28T11:51:00.036-06:00

Once again it was time to call home for Christmas and it was so nice talking to you all! Something that I especially warmed my heart to hear was Dad's happy tone. He sounded more like his old self than I have heard for a long time.

Christmas was awesome and I learned so much from the wonderful people here. Thousands of miles from home I find brothers and sisters showing me by example what is meant by brotherhood. I felt more than welcome and I was well taken care of. I can't imagine people here treating their own sons better than they treated me and I have been blessed beyond all hopes and expectations this Christmas. I have met a lot of great missionaries here that I would find it impossible to measure up to. I'm not as good a missionary as I would like to be but I do my best. Yet, I'm being blessed in abundance beyond my imagination. I feel so very small next to so much greatness.

I'm glad that you had an amazing Christmas. Thanks for the rundown of how it was, I enjoyed sharing in your Christmas even from this far away! I have so much to be grateful for.

Tadaaa! Here I come 2011. My guess, it'll be another year full of firsts!

Love you all!

Elder Jepsen

Elder Jepsen - Mission Entry 88 - Everyone Can Know for Themselves that God Lives

2010-12-21T07:41:00.173-06:00

Merry Christmas everybody and thank you all for being there for me in the past year! Thank you for your greetings, prayers and support. It is really a rather impossible experience to share in just a few words but I hope that sharing even a little from my mission experience has allowed you some of the feeling that I get from doing this. I wish there was some way that you all could share the beautiful feeling it is, when someone you have taught is beginning to know for themselves that God lives. But, there is no words for it, sorry.

It is amazing to me that everyone can know for themselves that God lives and I find it very motivating. This week we were once again blessed with a baptism. Every baptism is amazing and I find it commendable when someone has made the necessary effort to draw closer to God and discover some of the potential given us in faith and prayer.

This was a great baptism. The whole program went well and there was a good turnout. There is a great group of people ready to welcome her into the congregation and she was unusually well prepared for her baptism. It was awesome!

It was a busy week. We attended Christmas conference in Duluth (I've had both of my Christmas Conferences in the Duluth Zone). President Howell was once again playing Santa Claus and we all got to sit on his lap and ask for a Christmas wish...

Yesterday I went way past my comfort zone as we went Christmas caroling. We caroled for more than a hundred people, all people we have never met before and you apparently meet a lot of friendly people when you carol. Singing has never been my forte but my heart is in it and the friendly people here warm right up with a Christmas tune or two.

This week is Christmas week and everybody here are taking good care of us and we certainly feel welcome and appreciated in the congregation. Wonderful people!

Thank you for the Christmas package, Grandma! You know I love you!

Love y'all

Elder Jepsen

Elder Jepsen - Mission Entry 87 - Know That the Book of Mormon is God's Words to Us

2010-12-14T06:21:00.007-06:00

Once again God has chosen to bless our efforts and we had another absolutely amazing week:

At the beginning of this week we had no prospective baptisms in our calendar.

Well, I have before told you about a member attending the law enforcement program at the local college. Having recently returned from a mission he has proven a valuable teaching ally. You'll remember that he introduced his girlfriend and some of her friends to us at church. We began teaching her and her friends while he carefully helped them in many of their questions along the way. They have all listened with an open heart and allowed for the Spirit to find room in their lives, as they have followed the challenge given us by Moroni in the Book of Mormon. After familiarizing themselves with God's teachings, weighing the principles carefully, they approached God in prayer and they now know what to do next!

The week has passed and we were blessed with six prospective baptisms!

I know that you know this, as you have taught it to me. But, knowing that you publish my mails on the blog giving others a chance to share in this, my heart demands that I open my mouth: When you read the Book of Mormon (the whole thing from the title page, introduction and 1. Nephi to Moroni, it really doesn't take long), consider the teachings and principles found there and then with an open heart (well, chances are that you'll feel the Spirit telling you in your heart--long before you pray about it) approach God in sincere prayer, if these things are the truth. I find it difficult to understand how anyone can read it, pray about it with an open heart and not with an overwhelmingly strong feeling know that the Book of Mormon is God's words to us.

Last night we also were able to assist in administering a blessing to a member that went to the Hospital Emergency. I am grateful to Spirit of God leading and guiding us to where we need to be... Because, if I have to be brutally honest, without the Spirit to help me out in my missionary work there'd be no purpose to me being here. It is futile to work or do anything without the Spirit. And I am so grateful that God finds me worthy to serve Him and His Children.

Merry Christmas, I love you all!

Elder Jepsen

Elder Jepsen - Mission Entry 86 - Time is Flying, Much too Fast!

2010-12-07T05:05:00.006-06:00

The temperatures are still dropping and most of the time the weather is best described as cold or colder. When it heats up (an increase from 4° Fahrenheit to 26° Fahrenheit) it almost feels like a heatwave--below freezing. We have no shortage on snow which is mostly good for visual appeal, playing or winter sports. We do our best to enjoy the visual appeal.

Being from Norway, Elder Horgmo is dealing well with the cold and snow and the members here are great at taking care of us. I am so grateful to be here on a mission. Giving something of myself has given me more in return than I ever imagined.

We have begun our Christmas preperations and it looks like it is going to be a fun Christmas. We found a box of Christmas lights in our apartment and decided to decorate the whole apartment. There was a lot of lights and the whole place is now packed full of Christmas cheer!

I am certainly no expert in English. But, being fellow Scandinavians makes it easier to get help Elder Horgmo through some of the initial obstacles and questions arising, when confronted with the English language in a teaching situation. Elder Horgmo is doing well, we have lots of people to see and time is flying, much too fast.

It turns out that Elder Horgmo and I know some of the same people back home. I have enjoyed getting a few updates and news from home.

I love you all!

Elder Jepsen

Church History Library Receives International Media Award

2010-12-05T08:54:00.000-06:00

Please take the time to see this video:

Church History Library Receives International Media Award

Elder Jepsen - Mission Entry 85 - It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2010-11-30T10:16:00.002-06:00

It sounds like there is no shortage of snow in Denmark this year! It's like a Winter-Wonderland over here and it's been quite the experience driving (yes, I now have official permission to drive and it's great fun in the snow).

Our Thanksgiving continued to long after the calendar called it quits: We not only had our third Thanksgiving dinner Saturday but they also gave us enough food to bring home and make two more meals for us. It was such good food and yes... I will have to loose some padding when I get home. Very apropos padding, our winter is getting colder and has already reached three degrees Fahrenheit.

I haven't opened the Christmas package yet, but SOON.

There's a lot of good stuff going on, and we're staying busy!

I love you all!!!

Elder Jepsen

“New and Improved” LDS.org Now Fully Live

2010-11-28T08:47:00.000-06:00

“New and Improved” LDS.org Now Fully Live

Elder Jepsen - Mission Entry 84 - Training Elder Lars Rickhard Horgmo from Southern Norway

2010-11-25T13:24:00.000-06:00

Happy thanksgiving! We just returned from a very nice Thanksgiving dinner, all fueled up and ready to get lots of work done.

We have all sent our mails later this week because of Thanksgiving and transfer calls. Sorry for the delay but it was unavoidable.

Transfer calls happened this week: After completed training Elder Call was transferred to Brainerd, Minnesota. I’m staying and training, again. Once again my new companion is awesome and he’s from Norway! His name is Elder Lars Rickhard Horgmo and he’s from some place an hour away from Oslo.

Training takes effort but has great rewards: I consider it a blessing to train as it once again helps me remember the essentials of why we are here as missionaries and helps me find a renewed focus. The people prepared by the Lord for us to teach, are like treasures or gems of great value that we must find and teach with great care. It's of great importance that we carefully listen to the Spirit's promptings as we can never know exactly what has caused these people to open up their hearts to God. But, I'll forever treasure the rare and beautiful moments teaching someone who's ready to let God into their heart.

Since I am not allowed to open the Christmas package from you until December 1st, I have tugged it away out of sight and mind, so that I enter not into temptation. But, November will soon come to an end and I can rid myself of the suspense. Love you, Mom and Dad.

I’m so sorry to hear about your fall, Mom. I really hope that you get better soon.

Love y'all

Elder Jepsen

Elder Jepsen - Mission Entry 83 - Grateful for Another Good Day as a Missionary

2010-11-17T02:57:00.000-06:00

Friday morning came much too early. I am not in the habit of getting out of bed at 5:00 AM but we had to get ready for Zone Conference in Duluth at 8:00 AM and I always like Zone Conference. We were running out of miles for the month so Brother Moyle kindly gave us and the Elders from Grand Rapids a ride there. We were all tired and didn't offer much entertainment value for Brother Moyle for next hour and a half on the way there. In my mind I could hear my old Sarge yelling: "LOOK ALIVE, MEN!" Fortunately the memory of Sarge was far enough away to not be very loud and I could continue the ride in a less demanding state of mind.

Zone Conference was well worth the effort. It was amazing. The doctrine taught was mostly reminders and reinforcements of principles that not only makes a good foundation for missionary work but for good living. The principles of teaching and internalizing the gospel of Jesus Christ. It's never a waste to be taught good doctrine, even if we already are familiar with these same concepts and are busy striving to live them. Hearing good and true principles from a different point of view broadens our perspective and allows for the Holy Spirit to confirm the truthfulness of what is taught. It leaves me with a lighter heart, feeling happier, stronger and more able. I learned of many areas where I needed to focus more attention and where I needed to improve myself. I am grateful for these opportunities to revise my behavior, patterns and priorities.

Our awesome Ward Mission Leader, Brother Ron Hall picked us all up after Zone Conference. Brother Hall is one of those "Teddy Bear personalities" that everyone knows and loves. He dropped the Grand Rapids Elders off in Hibbing where their car was parked and brought us to Eveleth for a dinner appointment. After we finished work in Eveleth and Gilbert, Brother and Sister Hall picked us up. We climbed into the back seat and all headed toward Hibbing when out of nowhere...

Well, nobody got hurt in what follows... except the deer. Sadly, it died.

I saw a flurry of green paint chips flying off the car, heard a crash and the airbags were activated. Brother Ron Hall pulled off the road and stopped the car. We all got out to see what that was all about: A deer had butted heads with the car and although the whole front of brother Hall's nice new Buick Le Sabre took a bad crumbling and made both front-lights go strangely cross-eyed, even worse off was the deer, it was not going anywhere, anymore.

Thanks to brother Hall's calm reaction to the whole event, nothing further happened after the impact with the deer. We drove away from the experience unharmed and arrived home safely.

Sunday morning brought disappointment: We had invited some good people that didn't show up and we had looked forward to them experiencing church. But, other blessings were already on their way. Ryan Otis, who's a returned missionary attending the Hibbing Community College law enforcement program walks in right before the Sacrament Services are about to begin. He quickly informs me that he has brought along some friends and needs help! Out of nowhere Ryan brought not one but--four girls to church. We offered to share a little more about the beliefs and our way of worship after the church services were over. It went very well and I was left grateful for another good day as a missionary.

When we later dropped by Ryan's he had a lot of people visiting and one of the girls from the earlier church visit was there. She had thought about what happened earlier and had a lot of good questions. The Spirit was there backing us up every step of the way, accommodating both understanding and clarity in our conversation. We answered her questions to the best of our ability and felt inclined to invite her to make full use of the Saviour's atonement in her life, through baptism. She happily accepted the invitation. It's times like this that helps me realize how much the Lord loves us all and how much I love serving the Lord.

Now for a completely different subject: Christmas packages! What in the world are you doing sending a Christmas package before it's even December, not to be opened until December 1? You must realize the torture this will be for me but I guess you already calculated that. I know, you have devised a new radical approach to strengthen my character. Oh, boggles, I guess I'll just have to wait through the days of it sitting there, taunting me with it's protective tape and concealing cardboard.

Love you!

Elder Jepsen

Elder Jepsen - Mission Entry 82 - New Truths in the Book of Mormon?

2010-11-10T11:13:00.000-06:00

This week was absolutely amazing!! We shared a message about the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a nice lady that we had met while she was working in her yard raking up leaves. Well, the leaves hadn't finished dropping and it was already impossible to see all the work she had done previously that week. We borrowed a couple of big rakes from our Bishop and helped her rake up her leaves. It turns out that she liked that and responded by taking us to Pizza Ranch (a pizza buffet place we really liked that)! While we were all busy and focused on doing what must be done with pizza, her daughter called and asked where she was at such an hour. Her daughter was concerned, seeing the house dark and nobody answering the phone. She responded with a smile: "I'm with two young Mormon men, so I'm perfectly safe." She is an absolutely wonderful person and we all had a enjoyable time.

This week I was back in the big city again for training. I still have so much to learn and time is only speeding up, so I really enjoy these training sessions and the opportunity to meet other missionaries and hear their ideas. It's good to meet up with old and new friends.

I can't help wondering if I will ever stop finding new truths in the Book of Mormon? I think that if people would only read it with an open heart, wanting to learn the many truths contained in the Book of Mormon and realize its full potential, we could quit teaching and spend all our time just scheduling and performing baptisms. I know, I am still young and feel inadequately equipped to be generalizing but, it seems to me that many of the big questions in life are addressed and answered in the Book of Mormon. All one has to do is read it with a sincere heart.

Love y'all

Elder Jepsen

Elder Jepsen - Mission Entry 81 - My Responsibility to God and People is Far Greater Than to Time

2010-11-03T04:41:00.000-05:00

Once again I'm back in the big city, if only for a short visit: I am here for leadership training and I suppose it is a fringe benefit of being a trainer but I am just thrilled that I get to go. I am surrounded by missionaries I can look up to and leaders I can learn from. Getting to go to a training session like this is just pure bonus. We are taught by accomplished people that have a lot to offer and share, making it difficult (well, impossible) to put all the benefits into words.

I do value time but time keeps flying by at an uncontrollable speed. I have to learn to accept the speed of time and do things at my speed and do them right. My responsibility to God and people is far greater than to time.

The temperature is dropping again and just beginning to climb below freezing. My companion (Elder Call) has never experienced anything colder than what he is feeling right now and he is getting cold. We have a lot of fun as I tease him about his electric blanket: "You know, my Grandma back in Denmark had an electric blanket too" But, he's no wimp, he answers right back "Well, she probably enjoyed it just as much as I do."

I really enjoy working with Elder Call, he has a good attitude and all the makings of a great missionary. We have a lot of fun and I have great hopes for him. I wish I could share all my greatest mission moments with him and then he could start from there on his mission.

Love you all

Elder Jepsen

A Day in the Sun With Good People

2010-11-01T10:50:00.000-05:00

I know the clouds are up but it felt sunny all day long and we enjoyed it.

Is there a better way to spend a few hours, than with good friends?