Motherhood: An Eternal Partnership with God

Mothers, the angels entrusted by God to guard and guide our most promising treasures. Stand by them, love them and help them in very way possible, our future world depends on it!

To Every Mother, Everywhere!

"Life doesn't come with a manual, it comes with a Mother!"
To every Mother. Thank you!

The Light of Christ, Choose It and Share It!

Living in harmony with our conscience or being able to sleep at night are some of the many ways that people often explain or address the subject of that inner balance in life, essential to keeping stress and anxiety at a minimum. 

To be in harmony with our conscience we acknowledge the good in our conscience and choose the right, although the right is not always an easy choice. But, how we end up feeling has a lot to do with the choices that came before. An old tale of two wolves adds a little thought to the subject: 

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said: "My son, the battle is between two "Wolves" inside us all: 

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego. 

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith." 

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?" 

The old Cherokee simply replied: "The one you feed." 

Following our conscience brings inner peace and balance, while going against our conscience brings confusion, unrest, anxiety and stress. Some might also know our conscience by terms such the Light of Christ, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, the Spirit of Christ or the Light of Life. These are all references to a force of light or good, and like our conscience compels us to do good or to do the right thing. Following our conscience or the Light of Christ will lead to repentance, redemption, inner peace, optimism and hope. 

Why would conscience and the Light of Christ be the same thing? I could ask it in different way: What good is a conscience that does not compel you to do the right thing, take the "High Road" or keep you from sinking to someone's level that perhaps has chosen a more selfish, deceptive or less ethical path? 

Without a Light of Christ, God would not be God, and there would be no difference between good and evil, because there would be no God and without God there would be no reason to be good. All reasons to do good has to rest in deity or it would just be a matter of what everybody can get away with, without getting caught! Yet, the strange fact remains that most people, even self-proclaimed atheists usually believe in doing good and dealing fairly with other people. Continuing a differentiation between good and bad, right and wrong should be redundant to the atheist, yet they usually have a conscience compelling them to do good? How can that be, if they seriously deny God's existence? 

We have a dog in our family. It's a BIG dog and it's also a good dog but our dog has selective hearing, just like some teenagers do. Our dog sometimes conveniently makes a choice when to hear us and when to hear absolutely nothing. Atheism with a set of ethics is like having a selective deity, saying I'll choose the things that are good, for myself, for me and my best interest. However, when you are the the one that sets the standard for what is right, what is wrong, what is good and what is bad, you choose to recognise the existence good and bad (sometimes known as truth) but choose to adapt and bend it for your own selfish purposes. You can't bend truth or good and bad, and when you do, you conveniently place yourself above God in the chain of command, essentially making yourself the object of your worship. 

Without good and bad, or God and devil, there would no foundation for just laws. There would be no good or bad choices, no right or wrong but only choices that suit the individual best without any consideration of who else might get hurt. 

Although not the same as the Holy Spirit, the Light of Christ may help us make good choices or judge right from wrong. "... the Spirit of Christ is given unto every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade  to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is from God." (Moroni 7:16) 

Given a way to judge, comes an accountability for how we judge. A responsibility for our decisions: "... seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged." (Moroni 7:18) 

When absorbing light, some light will always reflect and when light is absorbed, light will show and add light to the surroundings. Those who pursue the energy, power and influence found in the Light of Christ will in some way share in it themselves, and in some indescribable way radiate that same light to those around them, and therein lies a further responsibility that others may share in that same light. "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house." (Matthew 5:15) 

We all depend on light, it's what life is made of. Enjoy the light, pass it on and share it without any expectations, limitations, obligations or conditions. Choose the light and share it! 

Elder Jepsen - It's a Good Thing!

Thank you for all your prayers. Know that my prayers are with you, always! I love you guys. 

This week we have been blessed with so much to do. The work is going well and it's been very humbling. We currently have a lot of people preparing for baptism and seeing people change, as they acquire the teachings of God and apply them in their lives, is like seeing miracle after miracle all around me. I love being a missionary, it's a privilege and very gratifying experience, it makes me want to be a better person, that I may be more for others. 

I love the gospel, for everything that it teaches me and so many others. Living by the altruistic principles taught throughout the scriptures and by the leaders in the church really helps avoid many of the pitfalls and difficulties in life. I have only lived a few years yet and my limited life experience doesn't give me as much to draw on but I see the principles that I aim to live by, changing people's lives and easing their trials. Feasting on the gospel is feasting on life itself. It's a good thing! 

Thank you, Mom and Dad! Thank you for raising me with the necessary principles to allow me the privilege, that I could prepare for and be a part of this great work. It's a truly magnificent experience. 

Love you, 
Elder Jepsen 

God is real, believe it!

Some might say "If there is a God why doesn't He take away all pain, injustice and suffering?" 

In my experience God has helped me through my pain, eased my suffering and encouraged me when I couldn't look up, or even stand! Without God in my life I would have given up long ago. I'd no longer be able to enjoy the company of good people around me, the light, smiles and laughter coming to me from good friends and family, that God has blessed me to know. 

That's why I know that God lives, He helps me swim, though the water might be be cold and keeps me up when I would let go, flounder and sink. God is real, believe it, I do! 

Good Tidings of Great Joy: The Birth of Jesus Christ

May you all have a Merry Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. May we accept His sacrifice and teachings in deep gratitude, take His name upon us and remember Him always, that we may carry this feeling of Christmas with us for the rest of the year and have His Spirit with us always. 

The Spirit of Christmas, or the Spirit of Christ

An Oglala Sioux, Black Elk (Dec 1863 - Aug 1950) said:
Grown man can learn from very little children, for the hearts of little children are pure. Therefore, the Great Spirit may show them many things which older people miss. 

May you remember the Spirit of Christmas that you may have in your heart and in your home, the Spirit of Christ. Merry Christmas to you all.

Flooding: Update on our Brothers and Sisters in Thailand

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

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 Sting of the Scorpion" or Obedience and Consequence of Actions

"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:

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

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.

Expressions of Love - Forever

Making a Choice of Blessings!

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.

Lee Jepsen & Ximena Peredo Married Today on CANADA DAY!

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 

of 

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

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

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 97 - God's Words are Amazing When Applied!

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

Elder Jepsen - Snail Mail Entry: Time Flies

To all of you at home,

Before I begin I must ask your forgiveness for not having written you an actual letter since Christmas, which I feel terrible about. It is amazing how fast time flies out here. My thoughts often turn to you all at home in Esbjerg as I write my weekly e-mails to Mom and Dad. I know that Dad shares most of them on the mission blog and hope that it serves to maintain some degree of contact with you all, both friends and family.

I am writing this letter on September 30th, 2010 and will probably have to finish it at later date. But, my thoughts went back to you all and the comforts of home while relaxing on this large (they call it Queen Size [60 x 80 inches] but I like it just fine) comfortable bed in the town of Virginia, Minnesota. A member family here keep two comfortable Queen Size beds waiting for us when we visit here each week to do our missionary work. Missionary work can be so good but to sleep in a bed like this after a day of missionary work. Well, it just doesn't get any better! Working in the town of Virginia is travelling 1st class!

The springs protruding through the top of my own bed back in our apartment in Hibbing have made their presence well known, so I spend the week looking forward to the luxury of one of the softest, most comfy beds ever. But wait, there's more! We were short on miles (with General Conference coming up) and were invited to stay the whole week and we were quickly persuaded). The families in this congregation are all so helpful that missionary becomes a breeze.

Our Mission President has allowed me to take my drivers license while I'm here in the States, since it's both easier and much cheaper. Hopefully I can exchange it to the pink Danish drivers license without to much difficulty, when I return home.

I have now served in Hibbing, Minnesota for nearly a full month. Elder Guillary and I have seen many miracles together and I have learned a lot. Missionary work takes on a whole other dimension once you realize that your success is not only based on your personal effort and work. I have found great comfort in knowing that our Lord is far more involved in this work than I could ever begin to imagine.

On a day while we were following up on some less-active members in a small town in our area we found this absolutely amazing family. The lady of the house opened the door, looked at us and exclaimed ”Oh, hi guys. Did my Mom send you again?” We soon found out that her Mother is a temple worker, who lives in Utah and has through the years referred the missionaries to her daughters address in a hope to reactivate her. We were not referred by her mother or anyone else, we were just doing the work we felt inclined to do, on that day, in that town. We do continually seek the Lord's help and direction, as we otherwise would be only serving ourselves and not the Lord. We are always grateful whenever He leads us to people already prepared by Him to hear His message and this was just one of those experiences.

While there we were informed that her children actually had been expressing a desire to attend church and how much more could a missionary hope for? Last time we met with their family, their daughter had invited one of her school friends, who had before experienced some difficulty believing in God to visit with us as well and she had a lot of questions. To step the whole thing up a notch, it turns out that they live just 400 meters down the road from a very active family in the congregation. The two families now enjoy getting together every Monday for Family Home Evening, the girls from one family get along really well with the son from the other family. Missionary work is just so much easier and fun when you follow the path prepared by the Lord for His work.

It's now October 3^rd and I have just returned from General Conference, still filled with the spirit from all the good words spoken there. A member in the congregation described it as a ”Great big spiritual Super Bowl.” I love the thought that we have real living prophets in the world now. Far to often I find myself taking to many things for granted. I have thought a lot about Elder Holland's speech and everything President Monson said about gratitude. I am so grateful that the president of the church is a prophet and to be a part of a church that has a prophet seer and revelator, receiving his directions from Jesus Christ, the head of the church.

This is a big thing, because God does not make mistakes and He doesn't work with coincidence. His church is a living church because He lives and He leads us through His living prophets. I thought about that and I began listening more carefully during conference this last week end. As a member in this church I have so much to be grateful for. I can't begin to express how grateful I am to all of you at home (well, I could start writing you more letters but a mission flies by so fast). Where would I be without all of you? My love for Denmark and all of you at home has seen tremendous growth while on my mission. I think a lot of all of you... and not to change the subject but I'll do it anyways: ”I passed my driver's test, just so you know ;-)!” I should receive my new driver's license in a couple of weeks. US$ 24 is just so much cheaper than the nearly DKK 20000 (US$ 3750) a drivers license costs at home in Denmark.

The weather here is getting colder. We had an extremely hot and humid summer and all the experts are expecting an extremely cold winter. I may have lost my mind because I am actually looking forward to it. Elder Guillary is not looking forward to it but I happen to have this big nice coat from Bishop Meline, it's so good that you start sweating if the outside temperature is warmer than 20 degrees, so I am looking forward to using it again. Rummer has it that if you want to find any people in the winter their all out on the lake ice fishing.

You all take care now, I hear there are a lot of new faces in the congregation and I am looking forward to meeting you all.

Love y'all

Elder Lee Jepsen

P.S. My official release date is March 30^th.

Elder Jepsen - Mission Entry 70 - Help the Lord's children and He helps you!

This first week of working with Elder Happonen has been amazing. He too was drafted by the military before being able to serve on a mission. Dad, I know you have a great deal of respect for the past history of the Finnish military and Elder Happonen fully lives up to their reputation. He is hardworking, has learned and knows discipline; He is a great example to me and I really enjoy working with him.

We have been working very hard and have been busy being the best missionaries we can be and the Lord must have found our effort acceptable, because we have experienced a lot of miracles. This week, we have seen so many RPRT's (Right Place, Right Time) and how can you be in the right place at the right time if you don't consult your taskmaster, the Lord, to be when and where He wants you to be?

One day we were out and about and we came across a church member, carrying home some groceries. They seemed a heavy burden for her and we like to help where we can, so we did. We had a nice visit with her and a little boy accompanying her on the way to her house.

Later that week we went to Taco Bell for a quick bite before we hurried on in our schedule and we met the same little boy from earlier, except this time he was with his family; He's an outgoing, clever little kid, so he immediately introduced us. Soon we were having a wonderful conversation about the gospel and naturally we set up an appointment to come and teach their family this week. I just love missionary work--in so many ways! The Lord keeps teaching me faster than I can teach anybody else.

Love y'all

Elder Jepsen

Elder Jepsen - Mission Entry 69 - Thank You, Mom & Dad!

Having the opportunity and responsibility of training a new Elder is unlike anything I imagined. Elder Seppo Samuel Happonen is from Finland and he is an awesome missionary! His enthusiasm and dedication to the work is exciting and he has many good ideas. The Lord knew that I needed to work with Elder Happonen after sending home three missionaries that all were done with their mission, his excitement for the work has made me a better missionary. I am looking forward to us having a great deal of success all due to the great faith of Elder Happonen.

Training a new missionary is so much harder than I expected, I can imagine it being a little like parenting. Thank you and RESPECT to you both, Mom and Dad. You are my heroes, constantly giving me something to live up to with your example, reminding me of who you are, who I am and who I want to be just by being there for me.

Being an example is a lot to live up to all of sudden--all the time--whether I am trying to be a good example or not. I'm not used to people looking up to me like he does (not that he's short, he's actually taller than me). Although it's a nice feeling, the responsibility is a little overwhelming.

We've been meeting a whole lot of new people so hopefully I'll have some new people to write about next week. Sorry, but I don't have much time to write this week.

Love you all. You have given me a lot to live up to!

Elder Jepsen