3/26/13

Dear Family,

 

I send this e-mail with several mixed emotions. Of course, one cannot expect to dodge the bullet too long. The Lord really blessed me to be in Dash Point. You never know truly how much you love people until you have to walk away from them. Last evening, I started getting pretty sick last night. It started with a cold as I laid on the floor anticipating the SEVERAL baptisms that await Dash Point. Then the phone vibrated, and I say the words "Federal Way A." I answered the phone and said "What's happening." With a less than thrilled tone. It was Elder Orr, the Junior Zone Leader. "Elder Lovell! How are you!" "Oh no, Elder Orr. What is happening???" "Oh, Im just calling in to let you know, the Lord needs you and your talents and abilities in another zone and that he is well pleased, as are we, for your service here!" I was crushed. "I'm going out of zone?" "Yes, Elder Lovell." Then the water works started happening and I had to go.

 

I didn't sleep last night. At all. I started getting nauseated, just could not sleep. In the morning, Elder Garner and I had some great talks. As we reminiced over the transfer, the cell phone rang again. I looked down at it as it displayed "Lakota Creek A." That area houses the Assistants to the President. They call in the Morning to give leadership assignments of things like trainers and district leaders. "Good, I thought, Elder Garner will get to train here, and it will be the best trainee in the mission!" Elder Garner answered the phone: "Hello, this is Elder Garner... Oh you want to speak to Elder Lovell?" I stopped packing and looked at him. Surely he was playing a prank. "Here he is," continued Elder Garner as he handed me the phone. . "Hello? This is Elder Lovell." I said. A cheerful voice responded "ELDER LOVELL! HOW ARE YOU??" It was Elder Clark, the Assistant to the President who was in my district this passed transfer. I wracked my brains wondering why he would be calling me. I thought I might be training. "Elder Clark, I am doing well." I lied. "Elder Lovell, you sound sad. Are you ok.". "Elder Clark, I really loved Dash Point." He didn't really have time to sympathize. "Well Elder Lovell, thank you for being my District Leader this transfer, you have taught me a lot. I am calling you to tell you that the Lord has been preparing you..." ("No kidding," I thought, "I feel the refining fire now.") "... He wants you to serve as a Zone Leader. Do you accept this calling?" "Yes," I said, choking back tears. "Elder Lovell, you're going to do great things. The Lord wants you there. Have a great day!"

 

We went and visited several people this morning. Jason Cannon, an Elder in our ward that is waiting to go out on a mission of his own, met us at a member's house - the Lunnens. I love the Lunnens. They are so wonderful. Brother Lunnen and Sister Lunnen are such great friends. Jason comes into the Lunnen's house, sees me and says "What the heck are you doing! You're supposed to tell yourself 'you hate this area, and you've learned nothing! Tell President you hate the people here and have him keep you here!" I laughed and cried at the same time. Soon enough it was time to go, and brother Lunnen pulled me into a hug and said he will miss me. Sister Anderson came up to our room before she went to work and said bye and I shook her hand. Then we went to go say bye to Mama Lucy, and she was as upset as I'll get out. And then we went to see all our recent converts. It was a sad goodbye but a good promise that I can come back in a year or a little more. 

 

We have two baptisms on date for this Saturday, Nearly two for the week after that, and possibly two for the week after that. Dash Point exploded just as I left and I feel great about that. I feel like nothing was left unfinished. And by the way, our former investigator, Paris, called last night and said "Hey Elder Lovell, I just need to tell you, I am getting baptized on April 20th, its time for me to join the Mormon church." Elder Garner and I just sat there and cried. haha. 

 

Elder Garner is my favorite companion. I love him and I am sure going to miss him. He is going to do some awesome things here. I want everyone to know how much this Elder changed my mission. We set a culture of exact obedience. We were reading that passport book that rachel gave me and I came across Jeremy's mission advice section. I will need to paraphrase but here is somewhat of what it said "Be obedient. In fact be crazy obedient. Some of the fastest running times I have ever gotten were as my companion and I ran home before curfew." 

 

"How do we be crazy obedient?" we asked ourselves. We were following President Larkin's council. But as we knelt in prayer, the Lord showed us ways to improve ourselves. It has been wonderful, and the work exploded.  

 

I love you all!

 

Mom: Thank you for always giving great insight. Im not sure how I can grow up and feel like you love me more than I already know. I sure love you and am really grateful for you.

Dad: Mom also talked about San Diego. Sounds like you had lots of great dining and fun! I loved the insights you had too from the psychologist. I love you and am really grateful for you!

Rachel and Ryan: Hope all is well! I love you!

Jeremy and Heidi (and Chloe): Happy birthday Chloe, you cute munchkin! I love you all and hope all is well!

Elizabeth and James: I know a little bit on how you feel with your new calling. My new calling is pretty scary to me? How about you? I am glad to hear James is enjoying work and collegues! I love you both!

Erik: I was super happy for your new photos! Those looked exciting! Can I get details!? I love you!

--

Elder William Lloyd Lovell
Washington, Seattle Mission
10675 NE 20th Street
Bellevue, Washington 98004

3/18/13

Dear Family,

 

I have come to learn a little more this week, that God is our loving Heavenly Father. Those are the first words in the first lesson of Preach My Gospel. Numberwise, this week was successful. I hope and pray that is not what I base my testimony or realization of divine correspondence on. I feel like I came to know Heavenly Father a little better this week. I remember a great personal study I had at the beginning of the week as I looked through my study journal (organized chaos) - I noticed that I had a couple of occasions to write down questions for President Larkin before my interviews with him. I typically leave disapointed because I never have time to ask all that I want to ask. The spirit came, and it probably had told me in the passed, "Why don't you anticipate talking with your Heavenly Father as much as you do with your mission president?" The question was valid to be sure. Whenever I prepare to meet with President Larkin, I ponder, I consider my mission, and I write down questions to ask him, eagerly awaiting a response of wisdom that will change my mission forever. Perhaps I just needed to boost my testimony that God answers prayers. And, quite frankly, he can do more for me that President Larkin could ever hope to do. But thank goodness for a worthy and in-tune priesthood leader to direct, simplify, and recieve guidance for the most important work on Earth.

 

Now, whenever I pray, I imagine myself accross the desk in an interview with my Heavenly Father. When I do that, I speak "as one man speaketh with another." (1 Nephi 11) I can expect answers back because I really talk with my Father in Heaven. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, just as with everything in the Gospel, there is no one formula to which we can conform that will solve all of our problems and weaknesses. We have already been given that: The Gospel of Jesus Christ - The Atonement. Does it amaze anyone else that 5 steps could change the course of history for every individual who privately applied the doctrine in their own life? It amazes me. I am a living product, still under mantainance, by and through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am not strong as to things of this world or to the flesh, but I can testify that my Heavenly Father is strong and He will put down every stumbling block, and will give us the patience to accept stumbling blocks that do not go away quickly. All that He requires of us is to have a willing, or broken heart, and a humble and contrite spirit. You just have to read, pray, go to church, and eventually fulfill and magnify your calling, and love and serve those around you. What a beautiful thing.

 

We had five investigators come to church yesterday and we have a baptism next weekend and perhaps the weekend after that!!! 8 investigators have accepted to work towards a specific date for baptism! Thank you for your prayers! I love you all!

 

Dad: Thanks for the card from you and mom! That was awesome! I hope something goes better with your computer!

Mom: Thanks for your e-mail! I am so grateful for your thoughts about prayer and the card you sent!

Rachel and James: Love you, and hope all is well!

Jeremy and Heidi: Chloe is still super cute! Love you!

Elizabeth and James: The cake looked delicious and the pictures are always appreciated and I am so grateful for them!

Erik: I love you! Hope everything is ok!

 

I love you all!

--

Elder William Lloyd Lovell
Washington, Seattle Mission
10675 NE 20th Street
Bellevue, Washington 98004

3/12/13

Elder Garner and I were able to go to the temple this morning, (Hence the lateness of my writing this e-mail.) It was a beautiful time, as it always is. Although I had no overwhelming experience, this occasion did strike me differently than most others. As I walked down the hall to begin a session, I noticed two random chairs against the wall. There was nothing particularly important that they were facing. No ordinance worker would have any real need to sit there. Yet there the chairs were. It seemed that the chairs were there for an opportunity to take time to sit and ponder. The reality of the temple being the Lord's house became a little more, well, real, for me. I imagined in my mind, the Lord, saying, "Elder, sit, and partake of my Spirit." I would have taken it if I had the time. There were many more wonderful events to attend to in the house of the Lord and it is always a blessing to go through a session with my brothers and sisters, the reality of that principle, also becomes a little more palpable when the spirit testifies of the reality of the temple being the house of the Lord. I hope that it will be a goal of mine to freqeuntly, weekly, EVEN DAILY, if possible, attend the temple.

 

President Larkin is concerned with the slow-paced progress of the mission. Once again, the key-holder has issued a spirit-pressed cry to not be "at ease in Zion." Unfortunately, it is easy to go through the motions and to be satisfied with being "an obedient missionary." For me, at least, it is easy to get in just a rut of thinking, "What else is there to do? I think I am obedient." Fortunately, life is not bland. Fortunately, there is always something to improve on. Lately for me, it has been prayer. My prayers have been awful! I wake up in the morning and fall asleep at my bedside. I plan in exhaust at night, and again fall asleep at my bed side. I tried to get out of it by praying at my desk side with the lamp in shining in my face. Some days though, my motivation is not enough to allow me to kneel in that position at the side of my desk. Suggestions on how to improve prayer would be much appreciated!

 

Dash Point Ward continues to press on! Yesterday, Elder Garner and I were running about after our district meeting ran over. (By the way, President Larkin had all the district leaders give blessings to the missionaries in their district! Scary! The assistants to the president are in my district! I was so nervous.) Anyway, on Sunday, we invited several people to church, of which only two came. But, out of the ones we invited was a lady named Deborah! She is such a nice person! We showed up back to her house on Monday to follow up on why she didn't come to church on Sunday. She said there were just many things that happened and she couldn't make it. So we spoke with her for a while and landed on the subject of baptism. She said "I am willing to be baptized again." (I had to emphasize that this next baptism would be the only time she was baptized by the right authority.) She then mentioned her daughter, of 8 years old and said "I really need her to be baptized." We told her we could take care of that. Then her cousin of 12 years old came to the door way. Apparently, this cousin's Grandmother, has been working on him to come to Christ. We spoke to him about Christ and invited him to be baptized. He accepted. All three of them will be baptized on March 30th. Deborah says that her mom will be more than excited to hear that, even though she is Baptist! My district has a total goal of 23 baptisms for the month of March! We currently have 1. Please pray that that will change!

 

DAD: I am not currently Dashing my head into a Point. I was grateful to hear about your talent show. I hope the ward likes you a lot more than what you say. I love you so much. You are such a great example to me.

MOM: Thanks for all those great pictures! Thanks for letting me know about Jeremy. I love you and the insights you share with me. I love you so much!

RACHEL AND RYAN: I love you both so much! Hope all is well!

JEREMY AND HEIDI: I heard that Jeremy had a horrible fever. I hope all is well! Chloe is still super cute!

ELIZABETH AND JAMES: Olivia and Kreed are always cute. I loved the picture of her on a weird position on the chair.

ERIK: I love you and hope all is well! Let me know how you are!

-- 

Elder William Lloyd Lovell
Washington, Seattle Mission
10675 NE 20th Street
Bellevue, Washington 98004

3/4/13

Dearest Family,

 

There were so many e-mails from each of you! It just sealed the deal from coming back from a great week, esspecially a great weekend. Chloe is a little grown up! My goodness! She has a full head of hair! Where did that come from? My favorite video of her is when she got the new kitchen and her mouth just opens super wide. I showed Elder Garner that and he and I just laughed. My favorite video of Olivia is when she is so worn out she is just lying on the ground, falling asleep while eating! Oh it was so cute! It was great to see the pictures of EVERYONE! I love you all so much! I loved the letters and e-mails you all sent and Im going to try to reply to all of them after I share what seems to be, by all of you, some much anticipated miracles.

 

First let me tell you about Tiara. She is from Samoa, and is a member. The family she lives with in the United States however, are not members. She left her immediate family to come her for school and independancy. I met her in the bishop's office one day while my companion and I were speaking with Bishop Dickson about some upcoming events. She knocked on the door and explained that she had just moved into the ward, has a less active brother, a nonmember sister-in-law, and was fearful of becomming inactive. Bishop said "We can help you with that." I met her sister-in-law, who nearly got baptized but got cold feet at the end because she didnt want to give up all her vices. Anywho, that all happened last year. Let me tell you what happened with Tiara last weekend. Tiara, was walking out of church yesterday about 12:00 PM and I asked her.

 

"Did you go to church in the other ward today?" She replied she did, but was a little hesitant. She then explained that she went only to sunday school. I asked her as many questions as I could without sounding like I was interrogatiing her. She finally said

 

"I want to go back home. I don't feel like I have a family here. It just isn't fun going to church."

 

"Tiara," I said, with a smile, "we just aren't going to let this happen. Will you come to Sacrament with us?"

 

I promptly took her up to one of our more outgoing recent converts, Kymberli, and said "Tiara, Kymberli here, needs to be baby sat. She tends to get too roudy during church and I don't want her to interrupt sacrament meeting. If I hear so much as one peep, I will  be back over here and you dont want to see that."

 

They both laughed, and Kymberli looked at Tiara with a suspicious gaze and said, "Oh boy, I would love to see you try to keep me quiet, yes please, sit next to me!"

 

Tiara got up during the testimony meeting and said

 

"I have been making more and more excuses on why I dont need to come to chuch and I have been going inactive. The main excuse I would make is that I just don't have my family here with me. Well with those excuses running through my mind I was leaving church really depressed today and was praying to God saying 'If I really need to be here today, please help me stay.' and then Lovell over there pulls up in his car and gets out and starts playing 21 questions with me! Goodness I felt like an interrogation was happening! Then he just started introducing me to a bunch of random people and I am so glad I stayed!"

 

It was awesome! We were an answer to a prayer!

 

Last night we were in a lesson with one of our investigators, Kayona. We have been so worried about her. She didn't really know if she wanted to get baptized "mormon." But yesterday in her lesson she said "Are you two going to be here this whole month?" and we replied yes. And Elder Garner rebounded with an inspired question.

 

"Why do you ask?" he said,

 

"Because I want... to... be baptized. And I want to do it before you guys get transfered."

 

She was praying the other day and her answer came out of the blue, literally, while she was cooking. It was so cool! She is great! Elder Garner will baptize her on March 30th!

 

Today, however became even better! Kandice, a former investigator who was kind of loosing touch with us and didn't really want to be baptized when we taught her, called us this morning and said that she had a dream that an elder from the ward baptized her and that she wants to be back on date and taking the lessons again and she knows she has a lot to overcome before she can get baptized! We will probably teach her today!

 

Family! I love you so much! Sorry I didnt have any time to respond to you all! But I hope those miracles brighten your day! They sure did mine! I have to go!

 

P.S. can someone get Benji Nelson's home address? He got my e-mail address and has been writing me weekly and I haven't responded so I probably need to write him.

 

Love,

 

--

Elder William Lloyd Lovell
Washington, Seattle Mission
10675 NE 20th Street
Bellevue, Washington 98004

2/25/13

The following is my e-mail to President Larkin this morning:

 

"Dear President Larkin

This week was a blessed one for Dash Point! The Lord put us in the way of 22 investigators and contacts that allowed us to share lessons with them, 17 of those were with members! What a blessing! One in meeting with a nonmember was spectacular. Her name is Rose. She almost turned us away from her house because of the lateness of the hour but then said "I'll be nice, come in and we'll talk." She explained she was presbyterian. "My church is failing and yours is rising," she stated, "you know why, right?" Elder Garner and I looked perplexed. We obviously knew what the answer was, but perhaps she didn't share the same views. She continued in a postive manner, however, by saying, "It is because you have not deviated from the truth! While my church, and other churches are begining to accept abominations into their beliefs, your church has taken a stand against gay marriage, adultery, and other sins, and you are not backing down! Your prophets have stood by what God has directed them to do. A lot of people hate Joseph Smith and what he stood for -" Her eyes looked down. "-but I am starting to realize he is right about a lot of things."

We were stunned. "Have you ever read the Book of Mormon?" I asked. "I have one." she replied. "I know it has the truth you are seeking." We spoke to her about baptism, promised her God would lead her to a specific day and confirm that all that has been said it true. She said "I know I will be baptized if that is the direction I get from the Almighty. He has always directed my life." I promised her we had been sent there from Him. "Amen." she replied. A church tour is set up for this Wednesday. A will have contacted her yesterday or today. It was beautiful!

The work is hastening! Elder Garner and I will look for more to sacrifice! We will fast! We will pray and repent!  

I love you so much President Larkin, and I pray for you and your family daily,

Love,

Elder Lovell"

 

There is not much time today. Someone reserved the computer so I only have about 7 more minutes. I loved every one of your e-mails and letters so much, I am printing all of them off so I can review them more easily at a later time. Dad I loved the points you made for a good leader! Mom, I am excited to read more about the stake conference satelite talk. Elizabeth, your mission stories are also anticipated for a great read, and Erik, yours as well are also eagerly awaited by my eyes! Ha! Gosh, this is a bummer to have so little time to write, I will try to switch to another computer.

 

Don't know if you heard. Our mission is going to cease existance. I am currently in the Federal Way Zone. The New mission will be the Federal Way Washington Mission! The futuer mission president actually lives in our zone! The work is expanding!

 

I love you all so much! I will try and write more on another computer! But if not, I love you all so so much!

 

2/19/13

Well, last week was transfers. I STILL SURVIVE AND LIVE IN DASH POINT! Elder Garner (Not Elder Palmer, Mom :-)) Is still here with me. The only change is that I now have a slight stomach ache with butterflies because I was called to be district leader... and I just found out the Assistants to the President and the sisters are in my district.

 

Thank you for all of your letters. Your support and prayers.

 

Dad: I did not know, until recently, what you meant by the pope retiring. That is really too bad. I hope it doesn't discourage too many active Catholics. Why did he step down? Both you and mom spoke about working in the yard in your last letter. Did you already fix the pipes that burst in the back? I remember you telling me more about that two letters ago. Mom told me some funny stories about how you both are trying to impliment "How to Win Friends and Influence People" into your lives. How are you liking it? How is it being an empty nester? There's an empty nester's club for FHE in our ward. They actually read "How to Win Friends and Influence People" in there. It is pretty fun. We went once to seek referals. Right now, we're trying to get an article published in the Local News Paper about missionary work. I hope your week is going great! I sure love you!

 

Mom: As I told dad, your stories about implementing that book really made me laugh. For the talent show, I really think you should sing the song I sent you. That would be great! Of course I sing silly songs! I'm me! Question: Any ideas on how to better improve your studies? I have been refering a lot to preach my gospel, and nothing has really stuck yet. I did get your cookies for valentines day. Elder Garner really enjoyed the ones with Macademia nuts :).But the brownies and other cookies were very scrumptous. I spoke to president Larkin the other day about my extention, he seemed pretty positive about it. Thank you for following up on that. I love you tons!

 

Rachel and Ryan: HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY DEAR RYYYYYAAAN! HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY TO YEEEE! Ryan! How does it feel to be a year closer to the celetial kingdom!? Oh boy! You lucky guy! I sure hope it was a good one! I am sorry, I am terrible with remembering birthdays but I really hope it was good. I hope work is good, and that you are doing well! Rachel, how are you? Work is going well? Sure hope so! I love you both!

 

Jeremy and Heidi: Hope all is well! I heard you both took the lead in ticket to ride! WAY TO GO! Love you! Happy Birthday to your 2 year old, Chloe!

 

Elizabeth and James: Your pictures of Olivia are always appreciated! thank you! She looked like she had the funnest time with those tissues! I loved seeing her with Erik too! I think one of my favorite ones was when Olivia had the heart ballon stick thing in her mouth! Adorable. The one with her face on little Kreed's bum was funny too. I hope all is well! I love you so much!

 

Erik: How is school? I was so happy to hear that your concert went well! I love you! You are great!

 

Well, Dont have too much more time! I love you all! Please give referals to your missionaries even if they are a neighbor accross the street!

 

I love you!

2/11/13

Dear Family,

 

 

Dad: Thanks for your wonderful letters each week. I love the Joke that made sense about grace and works. I hope all is going well at work and that you are enjoying it. Thank you for your correspondence. I have kept all of them and had to start a new binder of letters this year because the other one got full. Mom said you might have been bored at home this last week and that your highlight of your day was clam chowder and a pot pie. Being a guy, I can see why you might say that, but I also hope that it was better than the clam chowder and pot pie. I love you tons!!!

 

Mom: You sound like you enjoyed yourself in Utah with little Kreed. To answer your questions. I sing a silly song every single day. Elder Garner is well educated on Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and even knows the movie Robin and the Seven Hoods. The most recent song we made together was one to the tune of "That's Life" by Frank Sinatra. We made it up during a tracting session.

 

"Tracting, Gotta love to try it,

Some people say they cannot change,

But my heart wont buy it,

We know we will baptize you soon,

Esspecially when we come back in June!

 

I've talked to a Catholic, Adventist, a nun, a Jew,

And others too,

I have been yelled at, and told off, and hated, blamed,

but I'm not blue,

Each time I find a door slammed in my face,

I turn my self around and get, back in the RAIN!

 

Tracting..."

 

The rain part is esspecially true.

 

Lately I have carried my planner in my pocket. :) I love you!!!

 

Rachel and Ryan: How is work, and life? I hope all is well! I love you!

 

Jeremy and Heidi: I hope all is well! I love you!

 

Elizabeth and James: I sure loved the pictures of your children! The one with Olivia holding Kreed was cheesy and it made me laugh. By the way, I have been referring people to Mormonandgays.org, I hope it has been answering some of their questions. We sure have run into a lot of people with questions about the church's stance on that lately. I dont know if there is anything going on at home on the news or something but, it sure seems to be a question on a lot of people's minds this past month. I love JKV, haha. if you rearranged it, it could be KJV, King James Version. I love you!!!

 

Erik: How have you been. Dad commented about how AWESOME the phantom play was. I bet you did awesome! Sorry if I haven't replied lately to your correspondences by e-mail. I think I have. I have been doing terrible at letter writing lately. Elder Garner and I have taken up most of our P-days to color code the area book by specific sectors on our map. It actually has been going very very well. For example, there is one appartment complex in our area that takes up about three potential sheets front and back in our area book. So, when and if we run out of things to do, we go to the appartment and just knock on those potentials and talk with everyone we see as we run around. My calves aren't looking too shabby lately because of it. I love you! Hope you are doing well. P.S. One of my investigators got a hold of my blog. Said it hasn't been updated since september. Its not a huge deal. They wanted my to bring it up to you thought because they want to read it.

 

 

So. Mission Presidents are inspired. Thats all. President Larkin came into our Zone Meeting on Friday this last week, and somewhat rebuked us all. We hadn't used some of the revelation he recieved from the Lord with our investigators. One of the beautiful tactics revealed to him was how to find investigators through baptisms. I could have done more on my part when we had our last baptism, to get more investigators or nonmembers there. Leaders of the Chruch have stated that for every one baptism in the church, it should yeild at least one other baptism. So from Christina's baptism, and president Larkin's revelation, we are now teaching a relative of Christina's and she is getting baptized in March and she is working hard to overcome Word of Wisdom Challenges! We already have her baptismal program set up and invitations will be made today!

 

Elder Bowen from the First Qourum of the Seventy is coming to our mission at 5:00 on Friday! I am excited!

 

I love you all! Please pray for Kandice, Christina's relative!

 

2/4/13

Beloved Family,

 

I was deeply touched to hear so many great things happening back at home! I want to take the time to welcome my first nephew into this beautiful world! Welcome James Kreed Valentine! I love you so much! Congratulations Elizabeth and James, it has been fun to hear the growth of our entire family. I sure love the nieces and nephews and the pictures I get of them. We sure have the best looking ones in all the world!

 

I think the thing I am next most excited about is Kie getting his mission papers turned in.

 

I've had the time to ponder a lot on President Larkin's words this week. Is a newsletter back in December he wrote (lets see if I can remember it exactly):

 

"One day your plane will circle around the airport and land in your home town. You will be filled with incredible emotion as you see those eyes that have been eager, watching, and longing for your return. You will not be able to return fully in peace, however, if you left behind one of those eager eyes watching longing for the lights along the shore."

 

How deeply that advice touched me. I can remember reading that just before going to bed on Christmas eve. I sobbed myself to sleep. It still makes me emotional to this day. I want my family to know how much I love this work. I bear my witness that it is God's work. I bear testimony that I have not converted anyone. The spirit of the Lord has blessed this area with 3 converts since I have been here. I know he continually provides that lighthouse for the eager eyes to find. Please, always hold me accountable for my stewardship. I am ready to shed off more of the natural man, take up the rest of my nets, and thrust in my sickle with more might than I ever have. Only the spirit can convert a man that way.

 

For some reason, I have also thought about President Hollands words to new mission presidents. I don't know why but I just feel like incorporating some of my thoughts along with it. This wont be an exact quote because I dont remember all of it.

 

[Presidents, you'll have occassion to ask, and your missionaries, will have many occassions to ask: "Why is it so hard?" Why isn't our success more rampant, why aren't more people joinging the church?" These are questions that a nineteen, a twenty, a twenty one, and twenty two year-old will ask themselves. They are questions I have asked myself. I have a feeling on the matter, its not doctrine perse, its just my feeling. I am convinced that missionary work is not easy because SALVATION IS NOT A CHEAP EXPERIENCE!!! Salavation was NEVER EASY. Why would we wonder... why would we think that salvation would be easy when it was it was NEVER EASY FOR HIM! I'm not saying that we have to suffer anything like the Savior did or in anything close to it. That would be presumtuious and frankly, sacreligious. But MARK, MY, WORDS. Missionaries and investigators who take upon themselves the name of Christ - Missionaries, AND investigators - will have to experience a little something, a token of what He paid for us. It will only be a token... But I believe it has to be paid. So when your missionaries struggle. When they wonder if there isn't a better way, help them understand that one much greater. Someone much better... asked the same thing. And if they can learn to love it. The atonement will carry them.]

 

I bear my personal testimony of Heavenly Father's divine sacrifice of His Only Begotten Son. I bear you my witness that I know without possible reservation that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. I bear you my humble love, and fondness for my Savior and my gratitude to be able to serve in His name. I love Him. May we all continue to become more like him.

 

I love you all so much,

 

P.S. is there any news on what the missionary department has on extending my mission?

 

1/21/13

You know those detective movies where the detective knows he's on to something or someone because things start getting intense. Masked gunmen begin opening fire out of no where, he gets beat up on a street corner, or gets a creepy letter in the mail. I think Dash Point is having one of those times. Not to mention, I have felt like a detective sometimes. I ran after a car last week after it pulled out of the driveway last week. (It had an investigator with a baptismal date inside) and this week I ran after a woman walking her dog. Luckily, the dog stopped to use the bathroom so I was able to catch up to her. It was amazing I yelled "HEY!" and she stopped and wasn't outwardly disturbed at all! Anyway, this week was full of people wanting to bible bash with us and tell us all the "Secrets of the mormon religion." Happy happy Joy Joy.

 

Elder Garner is great. I love him. It is great to have a greenie that I can just trust to do the right thing. He is training me in fact. It was wonderful, yesterday, we were getting out of our car to see a man named Jeff. As we began to walk up Jeff's drive way, Elder Garner spotted a young man with a neon green beanie on and bolted for him. I couldn't see what he was looking at so I just jogged aimlessly behind, and then when I saw the green-beanie-adorned young man I began running harder too. We caught up to him. I asked him some questions. He was going to be baptized in the coming week in some other church, didnt have a testimony of anything, just looking to do what was right. I said, "have you ever read the Book of Mormon before?" He submitted that he hadn't so I ran all the way back to the car... getting there my heart was pounding as it was an uphill run, and I said to myself "Elder Garner, your step-father is too old for this." and I ran back down the hill with the Book of Mormon to find that ELDER GARNER HAD PUT THIS YOUNG MAN ON DATE FOR BAPTISM! We both set up a meeting for bishop to meet the parents and bring the great news. It was fun.

 

Christina, our On Date Investigator, has not smoked for FOUR WHOLE DAYS! YES! It feels so much better for me, let alone her! When I first called her about the Word of Wisdom she had already broken it the day after we issued it to her, and so I kicked a tree. This last time I called her, I didnt have to kick a tree because she hadnt smoked! Huzzah!

 

Father: Have I mentioned how grateful I am for your letters? I cherish each one. I esspecially liked the quote from Alexander Pope this week. Trust me, I understood it, I just had to reread it twice. It was about Pride. I wish I had it here with me. I want to know more esspecially about the frozen bursting pipes at home! What happened! How does that happen!? How long does it look like it will take to fix? You are about to have a Kreed Jr. in the family! How does that feel!

 

Mother: Dearest mom, thank you so much for your e-mails. Stop hurting yourself doing yoga. Well unless you want to keep giving me a good laugh that was pretty funny. Thanks for letting me know about Caleb's farewell. I am so excited that he is going on a mission! What a good missionary he will be. Its hard to know what to buy for P-day to put in my pocket. Today we bought our groceries before coming to e-mail.

 

Rachel & Ryan: Ola meus irmaos! Desejo que todos esta bem! Eu Amo Voces!

 

Jeremy & Heidi: Hello my brother and sister in law! I hope all is well! I love you both!

 

Elizabeth & James: Thanks again for the pictures! I am getting so excited for little Kreed to be born! I can't believe I am going to have a nephew! And despite whatever anyone says I will be his favorite uncle, plus one of whatever anyone else says! Olivia is so cute playing with your hat. I unfortunately was not able to watch the video of James's birthday because we are on the family history computers which dont have video watching capabilities.

 

Erik: It sounds like you are really enjoying school. I sure love you! I love you for the hard times you've helped me get through in my life. You are quite the inspiration to me. You know, I've told my conversion story a lot this week, and I don't know if I've ever told you that you were the conduit for my conversion. It was your lesson about the Holy Ghost during a family home evening that started it all, and helped me recoginize that the Holy Ghost is real. I love you.

 

Well, We gotta go. I sure hope you all have a good week. Please pray for Christina, Chris, and that we will find more new investigators.

12/24/12

Dear Lovell Family,

This e-mail is going to have to be short. We have to run Elders to go do errands. I may only have time to make a sentence or three to each of thee (haha)

Father: Yes I do really like the joke about the all-right/alright man. I have told it many times. I also appreciate the qoutes from Steven R. Covey. I am so grateful that you write me each week and take time to know how I am doing.

Mother: I am sorry I didnt get your e-mail. I got the packages and the letters from everyone. Those were wonderful. Thank you.

Rachel: I have looked again at the tree of the General Sherman. That was so funny. God really does have mysteries out there. By the way I still cant thank you enough for putting together that passport with all of the family's messages to me.

Ryan: How are things? I cannot wait to see you tommorrow! How is work? Hope to hear from you again soon!

Jeremy: I am glad to hear you liked the Bananas and Cheese pictures. Hope everything is going well!

Heidi: Thank you so much for the wonderful e-mail! I was so excited to hear from you! It was one of the greatest Christmas Presents I have ever been given!

Elizabeth: Thank you for the pictures again! Those are always wonderful. By the way, Elder Palmer says he would like one of your home made hand warmers. If you are still up for it, he would appreciate it!

James: good to hear from you! I will talk with President Larkin to see if he will let us view the site to help our investigators! Thank you for that!

Erik: You're great! Hope to hear from you soon! I am sure that I know what your Christmas present is! I love you!

-- 

Elder William Lloyd Lovell
Washington, Seattle Mission
10675 NE 20th Street
Bellevue, Washington 98004

1/14/13

Dear Family,

 Dash Point is looking at the baptism of Christina and Savanah at the end of this month. I am so grateful to be a missionary in the Washington Seattle Mission. The longer I am here, the more I know I was supposed to be here. Tommorrow will be our first Zone Conference of the year 2013. President Larkin already has many great things lined up for us. I am asked to read my patriarticle blessing and consider what it asks me to do in my mission and set goals to improve to do what the Lord expects of me. (Mission Wide Request).

First off, I'd like to respond to each of who wrote this week!

Father: Well the man you remind me of, he is bald. But those aren't the reasons he reminds me of you. :) But that first paragraph sure made me laugh. I really appreciated your insights to the D&C Section 121. That helped a lot. I have striven to live your line of "Never Find Fault With The Absent." It is something I noticed you put in that passport memory book that Rachel gave to me. Being constant in behavior is always best. I love that. Quite honestly, my companion is training me.  I am tired, and dont really get the time to rest. I expect the Lord will continue to strengthen me as I do what he asks though. I am glad you remember the funny time the lawn mower blew up on you. That was funny. I am truely grateful for the heartwarming and loving experiences I have had with you. And I hope I have made them worthwhile for you as well. I love you!

Mother: Thank you for your spiritual thoughts. They really were needed today. I hope I never excersize unrighteous dominion over anyone. It doesn't sound like the results of having the priesthood removed from you are happy. I am really grateful to see that you recieved the book from all us kids! That was really special to me and I am glad Elizabeth and Rachel did that! I also loved the video you sent me of Chloe! Thank you! I love you!

Elizabeth: Thank you for all your letters and videos and jokes! You are wonderful and great blessing to me! I am grateful that I can always expect an e-mail from you and I feel bad that I didnt e-mail you as much on your mission. I am so excited to have a nephew! 2 and a half weeks! Thats not even a transfer away! Wow! I cant believe it! I'll have a nephew! I'll be praying that it all goes well! I sure love you!

This passed Wednesday, Elder Garner and I ran like the wind. Everywhere. He's great. We were able to bring some great members out with us tracting. And before I continue I encourage EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU to make yourselves available to SPEND TIME WITH THE MISSIONARIES IN YOUR WARD IN THE MANY ACTIVITIES THEY DO! I know and bear you my witness that you will be blessed and feel the joy and satisfaction you search for. The Lord is hastening his work at this time. It is a great time to be a missionary. But an even greater time to be a member who can fellowship and bring an investigator to the waters of baptism. I am truely grateful and will never forget, Brother Lunnen, Brother and Sister Colby, Brother and Sister Crawford, Brother and Brother Jr. Cannon, and Brother Willhoite. They have helped me fulfill my missionary purpose!

I need to go! I love you all!

-- 

Elder William Lloyd Lovell
Washington, Seattle Mission
10675 NE 20th Street
Bellevue, Washington 98004

  

1/8/13

I LIVE! ANOTHER TRANSFER IN DASH POINT!!!!!!!

This transfer I have the pleasure and honor of training the last 6 weeks of Elder Jacob Garner. He is 19 and he has been in this mission for 6 weeks. He is quiet, a little timid, dark hair, and a fantastic singer! We already had a talk about the culture of obedience developed in Dash Point especially within these last couple of transfers and he is willing to do it! What a king! How fantastic, I have never been trained, never trained, and now I am finishing the middle of a missionary's training. I think I will learn the most this transfer. Oh how I miss Elder Palmer, but how EXCITED I am to train Elder Garner! I am a "Step-dad" Woo! Yay for posterity-ish.

Meu Pai (my Dad): Thank you for sending the letter. I have not recieved it yet. That is probably because transfers were this week and they hold the mail so that it doesnt have to be re-delivered to you if they get it wrong. I hope it has an explaination of the gun thing with you and mom. Can I ask your opinion or maybe some commentary on D&C 121:34-46? The white handbook reads: "All those who have callings that put them in the position of influencing others for good should prayerfully and repeatedly ponder the Lord's teachings to the Prophet Joseph Smith in Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-46" I read that this morning. I thought a bit about it. I definitely don't want to ever excersise unrighteous dominion on this Elder, ever. He is so great. He will always be great. I hope I can help him to help God make him better.

Minha Mai (my Mom): Thank you for the e-mail. How I love your e-mails. I will take the advice of taking socks with me. I loved hearing about Brother Gougar's testimony in Sacrament meeting. There was one such testimony in our ward that was very similar. The Brother's name is Brother Schubert. He went inactive due to his love for a well-paying medical job. As meagerly attended church, I believe something offended him and he hadn't been back for years. He blames himself for the happenings that later occured - namely his two children leaving the church. The poor man. But he did talk about how coming back has changed his life. He is one of the nicest, most softspoken men in the ward. I love him. I will switch the pickle for a radish. Could you also send some commentary or advice about that scripture I showed dad?

Meus Irmaos Ryan e Rachel (My sibling-kin Rachel and Ryan): I hope all is still well with work, life, and joy with you two! Hope to hear from you soon!

Mues Irmaos Heidi e Jeremy: Chloe is as cute as ever! You two are amazing! What's new! Are you winning every race by 1,000 points? I bet you are!

Meus Irmaos James e Elizabeth: Thanks so much for the pictures and videos of Olivia. They are so cute! My favorite one is the one with olivia holding two leaves and she has her tongue hanging out of her mouth. Cute! Elizabeth, I need to take your advice and really start preparing my own food on p-day and just freezing it for the rest of the week. I am getting sick of microwave dinners. If you dont know where that advice came from, I saw it in the cook book you gave me. I always forget to carry it around on pday so I can buy the ingredients for the food!

Meu Irmao Erik (My brother Erik): Ola, Como Vai? Obrigado para sua messagem em isso semana passado. Eu quero oviuir de voce rapido! Tem uma bom semana. Eu amo Voce! P.S. Para Bems! You graduated! I am so proud of you! What is next!?

Ok, time to get off the computer. Here is a great miracle this week!

During tracting, Elder Palmer and I found Diana. Her house was burglarized and she was attacked last thursday. She answered the door timidly. We introduced ourselves as representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ. She looked at us intensely. Then, she came outside to stand in the rain with us. "Diana," I said, "may we say a prayer with you today?" She agreed and told us some specific things to pray for. After the prayer we asked her some questions. She had another church she attended. However she said "I really believe you were sent here from God. I REALLY believe that." I told her that God sent us there to share the Book of Mormon with her. I said "This book sure does mean a lot to me. May I share some personally meaningful scriptures with you?" She consented and I shared Ether 12 - God helping our weaknesses become strong. We challenged her to read from the book, pray about it and gain a testimony. When she gets that testimony, she has consented to be baptized on January 29th. Thats a tuesday so we may have to change it! But she is working for it! Its great!

Chris is also getting closer everyday to baptism! Great things are happening!

I need to go! I LOVE YOU ALL!

-- 

Elder William Lloyd Lovell
Washington, Seattle Mission
10675 NE 20th Street
Bellevue, Washington 98004