Hiya Mum, Dad, and Family,
Surprise!!! It was Zone Conference again. President Pilkington asked us again to email home the things that we learned. I thought I would just send the email that I wrote to President Pilkington. These are just some thoughts that I had. I don't think I could ever write the things that I felt and learned into an email. I will try and share some more experiences with you all on Monday. Love you all and I hope you are having a wonderful day.
Another very planned and prepared Zone Conference. The things which are said never cease to amaze me. It always seems that what is said is always just for me. It was also really nice to re-learn many of the things that have been taught in the past. It really gets the plate spinning again.
To be honest there was so much said that I really don't know how to bring them all together and put them into one email. But I will give it a go. This zone conference many of the things which were said I have heard from you in past Zone Conferences but it was just so nice to hear them again. I still think one of my all time favorite things you talk about is giving. I think that this is key to life and really everything. The more we give the more we are able to learn and to grow. I think when we give we not only grow emotionally and mentally but we grow the most spiritually. This reason is because we are able to experience the pure love of Christ. We are exercising charity. It is something that I wish I was better at. I guess that is what I learned; that is at every given and secret opportunity always be in the position where I can give to those around me. I need to learn how to give selflessly and just completely forget myself and go to work in the service of my fellowmen.
The other thing that really stuck out to me again was never giving up. Always keep going. One of my favorite quotes, which I have probably told you before, is by Rocky Balboa; "Life will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it, you me or no one is gonna hit as hard as life, but it ain't about how hard you hit, it is about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done." I really love that quote. It kept running through my mind as you were talking about Marching North and not going back to Carmel, and never giving up. I think that this is something that we need to learn as a society. Far too many people give in when life gets hard, and that includes members of the church. Many times we expect life to be smooth sailing, that if we are baptized all the hard things are swept away and you will never see them again. But this is not true. We miss out that the last principle of the gospel is endure to the end. Heavenly Father expects us to put in an effort...To try. He does also promise us that he will be there to help us but we need to be willing to Endure this life. After all, it is a time of prohibition and preparation. I have experienced this a lot on the mission. There have been many instances when I have wanted to "give up" so to say because it is hard or because we aren't seeing "success" but then I look back and realize that I have become something greater than I was. I have realized that Heavenly Father has been molding me into the person that He wants me to be. I hope that I continue to be molded and I also hope that I will be able to always accomplish Heavenly Father's will.
There are so many things that you have taught me, which you say you have learned from the people in your life. But, I also think that is just how you are as well. I am so grateful for the things that you have taught. My invitation to myself is to take everything and try my best to apply it to the last few months of the mission and then to continue using it throughout my life. To teach my family and the people I come in contact with. I hope that I can be "On the Lords Errand".
Thank you for everything President Pilkington,
Sincerely, Elder Tyler Rife
Steve responded to Tyler's email below...
Sounds like your mission President has served you well... Giving service... Showing true charity to God and your fellow man (all of the laws given to the prophets fall under these two great commandments) and then of course enduring to the end... Not just hanging in there and maintaining but actively engaging to use your gifts and talents to build up the kingdom and to apply the lessons of life.... Your are a great young man with lots of potential... Just remember that life is not a sprint, it's a marathon. As long as you are breathing the breath of life there will be things to learn and do. You will make mistakes ( we all do) but we have repentance and the atonement to make all things right again. Experience life and enjoy the process... Count your blessings and express gratitude, and recognize Heavenly Father's hand in all things. Be happy and quick to engage in the work/plan. This is one thing you definitely know how to do..., you are a hard worker... You are quick to roll up your sleeves and engage! Bless you son and thanks for the email!
Love you and pray for your safety and success!
Dad
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