tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17986806715578743932024-03-05T17:36:50.736-08:00Elder Taylor-Jensonbrentskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00851711161802480392noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798680671557874393.post-18620495468452392182017-11-14T17:20:00.001-08:002017-11-14T17:20:14.622-08:00HOME!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />brentskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00851711161802480392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798680671557874393.post-52686179269227247372017-07-10T09:02:00.000-07:002017-07-10T09:02:09.851-07:00Kindness and Perseverance<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello :)</div>
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We just had transfer day so a lot of old missionaries got to go home and we got a lot of new missionaries. Transfer day is always hectic for the office Elders. But we still got out to work which was great (working outside is always better than working inside). Yesterday we got out earlier then normal (4 PM) and got to go to an area that was further away. We taught brother Jack who is the only American who we see. He has been going through a lot lately and just recently came out of a low point in his life. We always come back to his house every once in a while but its hard to catch him sober or away. Anyway, yesterday he was home and he invited us in and we had a great talk about life and faith and how important sincere action is. The whole lesson we had to translate into tagalog for the young filipinos who were with us. It was a great discussion and he actually asked for an assignment and for us to come back! Later last night I thought about how many times we went to his house and how many times the trips there seemed almost wasted. Perseverance is powerful when coupled with love.</div>
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I've been reading the bible and im in 2nd Samuel now. I heard David's story and Saul's story but I never read it all the way through before. Its really cool and there is a lot to be learned but my favorite part was probably the love that Jonathan (Saul's son) had for David and his kindness towards him. I also really loved how David spared Saul twice even though the Lord delivered Saul into his hands. He still recognized Saul as the Lord's anointed though Saul was trying to kill David. I hope that I can develop that kindness too :)</div>
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Love,</div>
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Elder Taylor-Jenson</div>
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There is a destiny that makes us brothers, No one goes his way alone; All that we send into the lives of others, Comes back into our own. - Edwin Markham</div>
brentskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00851711161802480392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798680671557874393.post-91290250883188117962017-06-18T08:15:00.004-07:002017-06-18T08:15:40.590-07:00Hey-O<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hey-O</div>
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This week we got to teach sister Jeralyn so that was great! She usually loves our visits. It was raining like crazy though haha. We stepped outside and were instantly drenched. I just keep my books in a plastic bag and let everything else get wet, i have given up on trying to keep dry. Anyway, we went to Jeralyn's house and taught her and her house was almost flooded, she said usually the whole house gets a couple inches of water because they are at the bottom of a hill. But we had a great lesson despite the rain. We talked about faith and repentance and how they are very important in life, not just as a one-time step but as daily help in our lives. She really seems to understand, thats what I like about visiting her. Though there are a lot of people we talk to, the most memorable and worth while experiences are with the people who really want to know about what we teach and who really apply it. It is really humbling and makes me want to apply the gospel better in my life. It has really been a blessing to be out here. </div>
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While it was great to meet with Jeralyn it was also a little tough to go out this week because people weren't home or were busy. We also had a lot of office work and there were a few problems this week. Everyone seems to notice when we make a mistake but when things are going smoothly no one says anything. But its okay, this scripture gives me courage:</div>
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5 If thou art called to pass through tribulation; if thou art in perils among false brethren; if thou art in perils among robbers; if thou art in perils by land or by sea;</div>
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6 If thou art accused with all manner of false accusations; if thine enemies fall upon thee; if they tear thee from the society of thy father and mother and brethren and sisters; and if with a drawn sword thine enemies tear thee from the bosom of thy wife, and of thine offspring, and thine elder son, although but six years of age, shall cling to thy garments, and shall say, My father, my father, why can’t you stay with us? O, my father, what are the men going to do with you? and if then he shall be thrust from thee by the sword, and thou be dragged to prison, and thine enemies prowl around thee like wolves for the blood of the lamb;</div>
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7 And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.</div>
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-<b><i>D&C 122:5-7</i></b></div>
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God loves us, every one and we are not alone, no matter what we think during this test of life. </div>
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-Elder Taylor-Jenson</div>
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Life is good :)</div>
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Attached are some kids we saw on the road, they were super nice and say hi to us all the time. and there are also some pictures of the rain, it flooded Jeralyn's yard. </div>
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brentskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00851711161802480392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798680671557874393.post-87253327150704959002017-06-05T06:41:00.003-07:002017-06-05T06:41:57.270-07:00"The Purpose of Life" <div style="text-align: justify;">
This week I listened to a great talk called "The Purpose of Life" by e. Franklin Richards. I have been listening to a lot of talks from the 70's. In his talk he says that struggles can become stepping stones if we do not get discouraged and I strongly believe that. Lately being in the office has been a little trying for me. I don't really like sitting at the computer all day, but I know that this job has to get done and I guess right now its my turn to do it. I also listened to another talk where Packer talked about the gospel being a piano. With the fullness of the gospel there are many keys. For example one key may be faith which is very important. Another may be baptism, also very important, or tithing. As a child of God I have to learn to play each key at the right time in my life. </div>
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I know that sometimes things get hard but if we remember who we are and why we are here, I am sure we can persevere :) How can we fail with God on our side?</div>
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-Keanan</div>
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The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him. </div>
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<i>-Proverbs 20:7</i></div>
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brentskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00851711161802480392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798680671557874393.post-14813833779248132062017-05-08T09:21:00.000-07:002017-05-08T09:22:03.228-07:00Courage<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
This week was super busy. We had a lot of office work, but
its all going well :)</div>
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This week I studied in Deuteronomy chapters 20-24. Moses
talks a lot about what the people should and shouldn't do and it is really
important because it's kinda the last time Moses speaks before he dies. One
thing I thought was cool was when he talked about them going to battle, he said
even though the enemy might be strong and there may be many of them, they
should not be afraid. And if there are any among them that are fearful, they
should go home because they would only make their brethren more fearful.
That is true in our lives too, we should face problems head on and trust that
we will make it through. :)</div>
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Every time we taught this week it rained a lot, which was
awesome because it was windy and pouring rain and there was lightning! Our
companions saw a transformer explode in front of them and fire balls shot
out. I love the weather the most though because its cooler when it rains.
Otherwise its way to hot.</div>
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Anyways, hope you have a great week :) </div>
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Elder TJ</div>
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<em>"He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty;
and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city"</em></div>
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<em>- Proverbs 16:32</em></div>
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<br />brentskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00851711161802480392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798680671557874393.post-2956731220756230692017-04-03T08:47:00.002-07:002017-04-03T08:48:51.763-07:00Righteous Living<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I was reading in Proverbs this morning and I really liked
this scripture:</div>
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Proverbs 12:28 "In the way of righteousness is life;
and in the pathway thereof there is no death."</div>
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Its true and I know it's true because as I've been out here
I notice. People who are living the gospel are happier. Maybe its
something about eternal progression or maybe its about loving the people around
you. I don't know, but living the gospel and really changing for the better
really makes people happy and to me that is true life.</div>
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-Elder TJ</div>
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Life is good</div>
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Attached is our trip to Magat Dam with one of our members
and our boat ride there and my friend Tyron and my two friend Sister Aguanta
and Elder Atwood</div>
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<br />brentskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00851711161802480392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798680671557874393.post-59974013298392085022017-03-20T11:52:00.000-07:002017-03-20T11:52:01.720-07:00Sacrifice<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello again!</div>
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Today we had a half day mission, which is where the members help us out. We went and talked to some people who hadn't been able to get to church and told them how much we missed them. It was amazing to see how many people came and how much the people loved to work with us. Some of them even had to sacrifice time and money to be there and drive us places, but they were happy to do so. I love it here so much!</div>
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I have been reading in the bible in addition to my other studies because I haven't ever read it all the way through. As I was reading Leviticus I noticed all the sacrifice they do and how specific they have to be. They have to kill the animal the right way or prepare the food the right way and burn certain parts and do things with other parts and put blood certain places. I wondered how that could be relevant to us, seeing as we don't sacrifice animals anymore. And this is what I came up with. We still have sacrifices in our time, though they aren't animals. We live in a world where everything is very attainable and easy. God asks for different things from us. He asks for us to give up our sins, to sacrifice our desires and wants to him in order to bind ourselves to him in covenant. And the covenants we make are every bit as intricate as sacrifices of old. I also thought about how God doesn't need their animals and how hard it must have been for them to give entire bulls to God, though he doesn't need them. But the sacrifices aren't for God. They are for us. As we give away our sins and covenant with God, we get closer to him.</div>
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I hope you all have another great week and I feel your love and support.</div>
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Elder Taylor-Jenson</div>
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Life is good.</div>
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brentskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00851711161802480392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798680671557874393.post-91638083770203369702017-03-20T11:28:00.003-07:002017-03-20T11:28:40.439-07:00FinanceHey!<br />
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So the past couple months have been crazy and I've been busy. I got into a new area and my new job is in Finance. So i am now the finance elder in my mission and its a little stressful haha. The past couple weeks I have been in training taking care of rent and support for the missionaries. We don't really work as much though so I miss that. </div>
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But this week i read in numbers 11:11-15 and it was really inspiring even though its kinda sad. So this is where we see Moses kinda break down. He is a super faithful man and he has done everything the Lord asked until this point. And here he breaks and we see how hard this all is for him. He feels like he would rather be dead and he hates how the people complain, he feels like he is their mother. And after that we see the Lord provides a way for him. He gives him instructions to help Moses out. And I think that's how life is for me sometimes, sometimes its hard and I've learned to just do it or put up with it. But maybe if I took my problems to God more often, He would help me more quickly. </div>
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I miss you all and hope you are doing well!</div>
Elder Taylor-Jenson<br />
<br />Life is Good<br />
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<br />brentskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00851711161802480392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798680671557874393.post-59219545931126800182016-03-29T21:56:00.001-07:002016-03-29T21:56:26.361-07:00Baptism and Transfer Day<b>28 March 2016</b><br />
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<span class="s1">Whew a lot went down this week. First we taught a lot, which was amazing. I am talking more in lessons and I'm really comfortable with the language, I can joke with people and they actually understand my jokes! (I love the PI, here I'm actually funny! That or they just laugh at my accent...) I find it easier to speak from the heart about how the gospel has changed my life. Elfie, our investigator, got baptized last Saturday too! It was awesome, we also had two other baptisms along with his, Emerald and Hanisa. I got called to speak last minute which went well even though I wasn't expecting it.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">We also got a new bunk bed frame this week so our room is actually a room instead of two beds side by side! This week is the end of my two cycle training (a cycle is about 6 weeks) which means I'll get a new companion! 4 of us elders live in Cabbaroguis and the other two are new, we all thought my companion would be transferred to a new area because he is the oldest here. But today we found out that I'm actually going to be transferred and one of the other guys who got here at the same time as me! Its unusual because I just got done with training but I am super excited! But I wont be able to use the new bed frame come Wednesday... oh well, I'm super stoked! </span></div>
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<span class="s1">We also had this awesome Pinoy traditional dinner where we just eat off a banana leaf... it was so cool.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Anyway, I love you all, thanks for the support!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Elder TJ</span></div>
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<b>21 March 2016</b></div>
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<span class="s1">This morning we went to the falls in Bagiou Village! It was a blast, I love it here! I also got to eat a pig's eye this week (poor pig) and pump water for the first time. Buko juice (as usual) was freshly cut yesterday at our dear member's house (the Deranchang family). But in the midst of all the astig (cool) things we got done, we did work too!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">This week I prayed a lot for Elpie, our 15 year old investigator who really wants to join to church and for Amie (as you can tell those are our most progressing investigators). Elpie had his baptismal interview this week which went smoothly! I was a little worried when we went to have his guardian sign the consent form but it went well (my companion is super good with people so props to him!). Elpie will get baptized next Saturday if everything goes well! He is so excited to get his fresh start, when we explain baptism we tell them about how strong the spirit is at the baptism and about how they become new, all their sins are washed away. He is super excited for that. And Amie started to actually take notes during our lesson, which I thought was awesome because she sometimes doesn't seam like she wants to pay attention. But we didn't ask her to take notes, she just did, which made us super excited! </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Personally I've been working on a lot too, mostly being as obedient to the mission rules as possible and becoming as self-less as possible. I started doing the dishes more (which I hate doing) and looking outside myself more which so far is going well! </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Thanks for all the support, I love you guys a ton.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Elder Taylor-Jenson</span></div>
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<span class="s1">"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. So watch your step."</span></div>
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brentskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00851711161802480392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798680671557874393.post-63551112236104917342016-03-28T23:21:00.000-07:002016-03-28T23:21:12.173-07:00Spiders and doing what is right...<b>14 March 2016</b><div>
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<span class="s1">This week was a blast, we went on a hike up this hill and cut down some small trees to help this guy build an extension to his house! Then when we were done we went to this grandmas house and I climbed a 30 foot tree (I mean it was 10 feet mom...) to get the buko (coconuts) down. That is my favorite thing here, being able to cut open a fresh buko and have some fresh buko juice. We also caught some little spiders on our walks home. I use to be a little scared of spiders to be honest but here even the kids play with them. And this morning of course I owned up some basketball with the little Filipinos! They make me laugh so much, I don't think i can play basketball without speaking Tagalog! </span></div>
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<span class="s1">As for spiritually, I relearned a lesson this week that my dad taught me! (I'm half a world away and my dad is still taking me to class...) Ever since I was little my dad has taught me "don't sweat the small stuff" and that is so true. There is an infinitely vast plan set out for us. Every experience we have gives us an opportunity to learn and be better and work to perfect ourselves as people. I was in this van on the way to stake conference this weekend and we drove past a church with a cross. I thought about why our church doesn't have a cross as its symbol. Our symbol is "the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints" with the name of Jesus in big letters. I think the reason for that is because this plan for our whole lives, this gospel and this church is all centered on Christ. Thats why our symbol is his name. And as I thought about it I realized how much the gospel has changed me a lot. How I wouldn't be me if I wasn't a "mormon". To me it is the Gospel of Jesus Christ for Keanan Taylor-Jenson. It is personally and directly related to me and who I am. So maybe that is why it is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">I miss you guys so much, again I thank you for your time and support. You have all touched me at some point in my life. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Your Average American in the Philippines,</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Elder Taylor-Jenson</span></div>
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<span class="s1">"feel the fear and do it anyway"</span></div>
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brentskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00851711161802480392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798680671557874393.post-63491601812262557992016-03-28T23:14:00.002-07:002016-03-28T23:14:28.675-07:00Progressing Investigators<div class="p1">
<b>6 March 2016</b></div>
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<span class="s1">Sorry I missed last week! I had no time but heres what happened. We taught a bunch of lessons and contacted a lot and went on splits which was fun! I got to go to this other area called Zamora and we had a good time, i liked my companions teaching style. I love the language so much, I can really use it well now! Its like in the movie "best two years" when Elder Calhoun finally can speak the language. Anyways we also had some fun! We went to the Bukid which is like the jungle where the rice farmers farm and we went there for Edsa which is a holiday about the sacrifice world war two soldiers made. There I got to ride a caribou! That is my single favorite thing here in the Philippines. I also got to climb a coconut tree and fish a little, we had a blast!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">This week we went to this sick waterfall place this morning, its just called Madella falls, it was so gorgeous. I had one of those, "where even am I right now" moments! I get those daily where I notice "wow Im in the Philippines." And life is just good! Im still enjoying the life here, don't worry I'm alive haha. Just trying to stay fit, the people here feed me so much, its so nice! Sometimes we ask to have some buko juice (coconut juice) and they'll just pick some for us! Its so awesome. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">We've also been teaching Amy and Artemio. Artemio is awesome, he is only 15 and he really wants to get baptized even though no one in his family is a member. I love teaching him because he has really good questions and really wants to know the truth! I love sharing something so near and dear to me, most of the time we get denied but when we teach interested people its way worth all the let downs. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Whew ok so spiritual thought of the week... we visit a lot of less actives because here people get baptized a lot and then kinda let their fire sputter out. So this week I shared Helaman 5:12 which is very well known and often used but very true too. It talks about how if we build our lives on the foundation of Christ we cannot fail, no matter what!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">As usual, thanks for the support!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Elder Taylor-Jenson</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Philippines Proverb, "Emulate the rice stalk, the more grains it has the lower it bows."</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YOwWuBUifUgfd21Px2RhBrh8mM7BrouAl6-1nIIf0DKuEetG-EnsQtt0CQh-UKW_gYHLyuBhjaOwe5_EvaVR-vihDD0_bvWPJwt7Bj3718EKDkIL8wPVUT0Jw2V4nCAuDzznSAGAAXo/s1600/IMG_3636.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YOwWuBUifUgfd21Px2RhBrh8mM7BrouAl6-1nIIf0DKuEetG-EnsQtt0CQh-UKW_gYHLyuBhjaOwe5_EvaVR-vihDD0_bvWPJwt7Bj3718EKDkIL8wPVUT0Jw2V4nCAuDzznSAGAAXo/s320/IMG_3636.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1CBl0a-uAMNVDuwcpU_xsTobETjAK2Ljr9te7-s_hMJoqYNbhzI-fp9uGa-Diw1f4fz6sq3PaxzacsgsIUKwHiyi-t_tenZ028A6zzqlkbkwfQgnhJBP4PMt-Xc01TwmS6LYv8skwdY/s1600/IMG_3621.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1CBl0a-uAMNVDuwcpU_xsTobETjAK2Ljr9te7-s_hMJoqYNbhzI-fp9uGa-Diw1f4fz6sq3PaxzacsgsIUKwHiyi-t_tenZ028A6zzqlkbkwfQgnhJBP4PMt-Xc01TwmS6LYv8skwdY/s320/IMG_3621.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXGuVKZ8snQjQ9jWYFYa5Q4VKZH1WAcxgd9eSBhNj4Ek6lnnjR4C5WI4zYc9Eo7-uGH0HMi6OOj67J4KB2Z7XhMBXrtD34PVu2CGQPvlJmBqDWIwssrgJ7owu_k_Pquq0e-xUmXbsnkM/s1600/IMG_3609.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXGuVKZ8snQjQ9jWYFYa5Q4VKZH1WAcxgd9eSBhNj4Ek6lnnjR4C5WI4zYc9Eo7-uGH0HMi6OOj67J4KB2Z7XhMBXrtD34PVu2CGQPvlJmBqDWIwssrgJ7owu_k_Pquq0e-xUmXbsnkM/s320/IMG_3609.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeLazL1BpTepa8nWCxh6hjhiOYJfyFgwcvouEmQf0ifE-UuM2rTDbOyK5RAayV-ZfsAR5AFhy5Gg-NgYESrm0XjL__ExT6CUB1IalgZFllq9G0UVPX2ZHWtS_rm-Gz_roDZlmgNrLyGc/s1600/IMG_3519.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeLazL1BpTepa8nWCxh6hjhiOYJfyFgwcvouEmQf0ifE-UuM2rTDbOyK5RAayV-ZfsAR5AFhy5Gg-NgYESrm0XjL__ExT6CUB1IalgZFllq9G0UVPX2ZHWtS_rm-Gz_roDZlmgNrLyGc/s320/IMG_3519.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio39VB3tWe4NPWUsvWqrLpe9TOgjpFhkokI26iMk5x8wdjL0b9Si2fhy2IK0Q3iFEnPzQUVV_BtCxx_INrzbcN-tVrXxe66BMBe7TyQcs6SDIEy5cIxfuoMV8kOZ2Gk9ZDafrn7qmoXRo/s1600/IMG_3515.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio39VB3tWe4NPWUsvWqrLpe9TOgjpFhkokI26iMk5x8wdjL0b9Si2fhy2IK0Q3iFEnPzQUVV_BtCxx_INrzbcN-tVrXxe66BMBe7TyQcs6SDIEy5cIxfuoMV8kOZ2Gk9ZDafrn7qmoXRo/s320/IMG_3515.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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Riding a caribou!</div>
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brentskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00851711161802480392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798680671557874393.post-43467004117719322652016-03-01T22:43:00.002-08:002016-03-03T14:29:33.589-08:00Filipino Fun<b>21 Feb 2016</b><br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">This week was a little difficult, we didn't get to much done because my companion was sick for some of the week... so throughout this week I found myself looking for motivation, why am I really here? Of course the gospel is awesome but why? We finally got out of the house one day and our investigator wasn't there but we decided to keep walking around rather than go home. So we walked and saw a less active driving home and decided to go talk to him, we talked about the importance of church and the sacrament and he asked us if he could be re baptized which was a weird request but we explained the repentance process to him. He told us he loved the feeling of being clean. And looking back I think that is why I'm here. Because I have felt the gospel help me feel clean and I love it! It's a good feeling having nothing looming over you, no guilt holding you down. So that's my motivation, I need to be out there as much as possible, being as obedient as possible so that the Lord can work through me as much as possible.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">So besides the ok hair cut I got today, this week was great! We've been walking a lot to save money and contact which has been fun. I finally got over my fear of talking to people! I use to get scared that I wouldn't understand them but its not to bad anymore. We had a lot of dinner appointments too so that was nice! The members love having us over here for dinner and family home evening. After we eat we usually share a message and the one I had prepared this week was about humility! Something I've been working on is remembering that the Lord gave us everything we have. I would be a very different person if it weren't for his atonement and sometimes I need to remember that I owe it all to him. I think a lot about who I want to be too and humble is one of those traits that I want to develop.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">The language barrier can get weird between me and my companion sometimes. In Tagalog when you ask a question you just say the statement that you are trying to ask and add "ba" so for example, "Are you going to the store?" would be (in English) "You are going to the store" and you would throw "ba" in there. So when he talks to me in English sometimes its very straight forward and comes off rude. So not taking offense is one flaw I have been working on.</span>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">As usual, I love your support. Thanks for your open ears and hearts. Until next week.</span>
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">Again I miss you all so much, thank you for your support,</span></div>
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">I love you all!</span>
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">Elder Taylor-Jenson</span><br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc; font-size: 12.8px;"><strong>"He who takes offense when none is intended is a fool. He who takes offense when offense is intended is a greater fool." - Brigham Young</strong></span>
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brentskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00851711161802480392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798680671557874393.post-30582875463923124262016-03-01T22:32:00.000-08:002016-03-03T14:11:42.392-08:00The Beautiful Philippines!<b>14 Feb 2016</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">This week I'm great! Chillin as usual, in the gorgeous Philippines! Today we went to the grocery store and there was a rat runnin around, your typical Philippines scene. We also were in this little store with like second hand clothes and I saw a bunch of American brands like Old Navy and Izod and Banana Republic and Tommy Bahama... I have no idea how they get those out here. Ummm this week we taught Amy, she's chill. She's 20 and her husband is a member and she seems to like the material we taught her, she's gunna be baptized soon so that's fun! Life was easy this week, we got this challenge to read the whole Book of Mormon in a month so I'm working on that in addition to my usual study and I'm going to read through it with the question "what lack I yet" in mind so I can better myself with what I learn. I just read in Mosiah about a ton of battles that happened and thats pretty fun. And in church we read about Howard W. Hunter and he was really into kindness. He says that true greatness comes from consistently giving little acts of kindness which is something I will be trying to work on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">I also finally finished my first cycle (6 week period) and you can potentially get transferred each cycle. Anyway, I have like 12 more to go or something... yaaaaaaaay! Haha people say it goes by fast but I kinda hope it doesn't, its so pretty here! Plus the food is awesome, I found out today I love Bikol Express which is a little spicy but I guess my taste buds are changing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Oh and I got a package from my family! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Til next week,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Elder Taylor-Jenson</span></div>
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brentskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00851711161802480392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798680671557874393.post-42812359899757552212016-03-01T22:17:00.000-08:002016-03-03T14:08:36.828-08:00Silver Linings<b>1 Feb 2016</b><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Ok sorry this is a longer letter but I also had a crazy experience this week. We got invited out of the blue to go to this funeral. This little 7 year old boy died in an accident and we went to go speak (I have no idea why they asked me) and we got into this tiny cement house (like all the houses) and there were some friends around in a circle and the little boy was in his casket and I looked at him. Now I have only seen one dead person in my life and that was my grandmother when I was like 13. </span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">For some reason I wasn't that sad so I thought that I didn't get sad at funerals. But as I looked at this boy I felt so deeply for him and his mother. Then I started thinking about what I would say. As I got up I flipped to <strong>Moroni 8:8</strong> which among other things talks about little kids and how they cannot commit sin. I explained that I have a sister about Mark's age (his name is Mark) and I talked about how children have an innocence and a light about them. Then I talked about how this should not happen, the parents should never have to see their kids die. And as I said that I was overcome with this wave of emotion in my head and I could feel it spread through me, I have come to know that as one way I feel the spirit. In the scriptures we learn that the spirit comforts and brings joy but as I felt it on Saturday I was so sad, I was embarrassed because I cried in front of everyone and my voice began to give way as I shared my mom's favorite scripture which is <strong>Alma 7:11-13</strong>. I told her that it says Christ suffered "pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind" and that she must be feeling such pain and anger. That is why he suffered ALL pains and afflictions because there are times when we feel alone and we feel like no one can relate to us. He did that so we don't have to be alone ever. Then I explained the plan of salvation to her, I told her we know exactly where we came from and where we are going and why we are here in this life. I told her I know she will see her son after this life and that is the beauty of the plan He has for us. </span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">As I thought about it later I realized that the spirit had helped me "mourn with those who mourn" because that is our job as Latter Day Saints. That is why I was sad and feeling the spirit. </span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">I love you all thanks for the support! </span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Elder Taylor-Jenson</span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Progress not Perfection.</span></div>
brentskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00851711161802480392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798680671557874393.post-43580793789780731392016-01-25T21:49:00.002-08:002016-01-25T21:49:48.527-08:00Baptism<b>Jan 25, 2016</b><br />
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Keanan had an exciting week that culminated with a Baptism! From Keanan:<br />
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<span class="s1">This week was a lot of fun! We went to a wedding and i had my first baptism! I got to baptize Jeffery Serato Agraan and it was really cool seeing him take all the lessons and change! He was the one getting married too, his wife is already a member thats why he started taking the lessons. The spirit was so thick at the baptism, i just felt calm! not scared at all even though it was my first time! I loved it! I also gave my first blessing and i had the same feelings. I really love it here! I'm lucky i got sent somewhere with lots of nature because it is so gorgeous here, Im so lucky!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Ok spiritual thought for the week, I read two scriptures i really liked, Jacob 4:6-9 and D&C 133:53. I really like reading (which i didn't use to...) there is a calm in the scriptures for me. In Jacob it talks about the power of words, which to me is really true because we can feel them when someone says something mean or nice to us. It makes sense that God's power is manifest in words, especially because the important things that happen in our church all are dependent on the words we say. The scripture in D&C talks about how He will carry us, which i know to be true. I pondered a lot this week about why at some of the hardest times in my life i didn't feel like he carried me and i realized that my hard times all ended when I re-centered my life on Christ. :) </span></div>
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brentskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00851711161802480392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798680671557874393.post-41050083032991736692016-01-18T22:17:00.000-08:002016-01-25T11:11:50.898-08:00Pictures...Jan 18, 2016<br />
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Keanan was able to spend a bit more time typing an email this week.
whew p day again sweet. ok so this week we found some new investigators, which is awesome of course! We found Margarie and Gloria. They both seemed super interested but sometimes its hard to tell if people really care or if they invite you in just to be polite... but the lessons go well. We taught Margarie and her bakla (gay) roomate sat down and started listening too! wait i lied that was two weeks ago. this week we went back and taught just Margarie because she was the only one home. we brought some members too and it was nice, she is just shy. with Gloria we contacted her and found out she already has a book of mormon and is reading it! she had been contacted earlier. shes older and seemed really interested. she said she would be at church but she didnt show up, maybe thats how God feels when i mess up... haha.</div>
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I have a lot of experiences where i feel like God says "thats you!" we were at a dinner appointment and there were two little boys, the one kept getting distracted and was loud and would spill a lot, in my head i said "its ok hes just learning" and i heard in my head "you're still learning too,its ok" and i really needed that.</div>
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I found my new favorite scripture! Before my mission i didnt like reading that much but now i cant get enough. I found Mosiah 15, the whole chapter is good but specifically up until verse 12 because it explains how the atonement works (verse 9) and talks a lot about His sacrafice. And it says that when Christ suffered, He saw "His seed" which is amazing when you think about it because we are all His seed, so as He suffered, He saw every person.
Well I'm alive and well despite the pig intestine (which isnt to bad) and the liver (which is super dry) that i ate this week. I think i can say i am no longer a picky eater. because if i was i would starve. Im having a great time and thank you all for your love and support, i miss you all!</div>
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Elder Taylor-Jenson</div>
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brentskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00851711161802480392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798680671557874393.post-57192738574825439862016-01-18T22:00:00.001-08:002016-01-25T11:08:47.828-08:00Short UpdateJan 11, 2016
Keanan's week was harried so his email was short. He stated that the language was tough and weather was really hot. Regardless, he said he loves it there and seeing the people how God sees them. In his haste, Keanan shared 2 scripture that had special meaning to him this week:
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1) Alma 7:11-13 - Christ and his physical empathy of our human ailments and experiences through the Atonement; and
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2) D&C 6:34-37 - Trust in the Lord for he is our solid foundation in life. v36: Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.brentskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00851711161802480392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798680671557874393.post-10207319298701060372016-01-03T22:50:00.001-08:002016-01-04T13:30:47.313-08:00Arrival in the Philippines Cauayan Mission!!Dec 30, 2015<br />
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Keanan arrived in the Philippines Cauayan Mission today. He was greeted by the Mission President Rahlf and his wife and was assigned his first Mission Companion, Elder Busilac. Not much to say today, as there was no P-day (preparation day) due to his transfer to this area.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">President Rahlf and his wife</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Elder Busilac</td></tr>
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brentskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00851711161802480392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798680671557874393.post-50410682194286294062016-01-03T22:32:00.002-08:002016-01-04T14:32:08.941-08:00First update from the Philippines (PI) - Manila MTC<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="color: #e06666;">Ke</span><span style="color: #e06666;">anan's weekly email was moving and inspiring. We are so happy to be able to share this experience vicariously through him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px; widows: 1;">Being here is awesome. Man there is so much to talk about, I can't fully describe everything that happened this week. The plane ride was long and boring, we aren't allowed to watch TV or anything so that was terrible but I got some good sleep time in! Finally getting to Manila and driving on the bus was crazy. There is traffic all the time, the cars drive wherever they want, and its just a free for all! After that I just spent time in the Manila MTC and after a little we got to go to the Immigration office. So we are driving to the office and this time its day, so I can see so much better. As we drove through the streets I saw homeless people everywhere. They build shacks against the buildings and kids play in the streets. I've seen places like this in pictures but actually being in the middle of it is so different. As we waiting in line to go to the immigration office, I saw three little girls who were homeless and I talked to them in Tagalog a little. They were only 10 10 and 8 and they had on rags. The thing I noticed first about them was that they smiled constantly. and as we drove back to the MTC I noticed that, people here smile a lot. They are so happy despite their lack of worldly things.</span></div>
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Just yesterday we went on MTC exchanges with missionaries here. I thought we would be street contacting but we went to an inactive members house. I was with one elder from here and another from new Zealand. to get to this members house we took a tricycle which is just a motorcycle with a side cart attached. As we cut through cars and drove on the wrong side of the road I began to wonder why there were no seatbelts in this thing... it was crazy. as I exited the tricycle I found myself in the poorest area I've been in my life. there were stray dogs everywhere, houses on houses on houses, and everything looked like it was struggling to live. We weaved through an ally or two to get to the members house and as we walked I saw a man sleeping on the ground between two buildings. One of my companions pointed to him and said "That's one of our members, he lives there" and I couldn't believe what he was telling me. I was truly humbled. After walking a ways we got to the house. outside there was some sort of washing machine that had the hose hooked up to it. right behind that was the door and above the door there were a couple giant umbrellas, the kind you would bring to the beach. And as I entered I took off my shoes at the door of the house, which was smaller than the size of my living room. The woman we were visiting greeted us as her daughter darted upstairs. I tried to pick out what Tagalog I knew as she talked to my native companion. She invited us to sit on her couch/ bench which had been made by her husband I presumed. before we began, we sang a hymn, which I've never done when on splits in the states. as we sang silent night though we were quite off key I felt the spirit so strongly. during the song the daughter came back down and joined us. after the song one of my companions turned to me and said "well what message do you have for us today?" I was caught off guard but I was able to pick out a scripture i had been reading this past week and it went well. I read 1 <strong>Nephi 19:9</strong> which talks about how the whole have no need for a physician but the sick do. and how he came to call not the righteous but the sinners to repentance. I talked about how the gospel is for everyone on the earth and how we should share it. as we concluded and left the house I felt so humbled.</div>
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I know I've only been here under a week but I love it, its so amazing how loving and receptive the people are, we set up an appointment with the Tricycle driver on the way back to the church! I'm so lucky to have the opportunity to be here. </div>
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I love you all so much, don't forget it! </div>
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Elder Taylor-Jenson</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manila Temple</td></tr>
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<b>Dec 24, 2015</b> -</div>
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Keanan was able to call us on Christmas Eve (his Christmas Day)-the best Christmas gift to all of us! He was enthusiastic to start the work, and had fun things to tell us. He lovingly and jokingly said "I am one of the tallest ones here! Everyone else comes up to my chin!" He is enjoying his "super sized" status. </div>
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brentskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00851711161802480392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798680671557874393.post-28273064636373643572016-01-03T22:11:00.000-08:002016-01-04T09:55:57.417-08:00First Update Since Leaving For The MTC - Provo, UT<div style="text-align: justify;">
Due to Keanan's quick mission call, followed by the holiday routine, which included Keanan leaving the country, we have been delinquent in posting. But New Year, new start! Here's a quick "catch up" and then we will post more regularly.</div>
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<b>Nov 11, 2015</b> - Keanan arrived at the Provo, Utah Missionary Training Center (MTC)</div>
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Drop Off:</div>
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Sarah, NaVia and Loraya drove Keanan out to Utah, and enjoyed last minute family time and all those emotions that go into sending your favorite son/brother on a mission!</div>
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While he was there, we were able to communicate rather regularly with Keanan through DearElder.com. Keanan really liked this since he would get hard copy messages on the same, or next day from those who wrote him. He got a little lonely, but figured out how to push through those feelings via prayer, scripture study, and the letters everyone sent him.</div>
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Keanan was able to pick up on the Tagalog language rather quickly, and even served as a language tutor for the other missionaries not as familiar with the language. For those who do not know, Keanan took 4 years of Tagalog in High School, so he was well prepared for his mission call to the Philippines!</div>
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<strong><span style="color: #e06666;">Here is his email from the Provo, MTC:</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; widows: 1;">It's amazing to be here! I have had a ton of fun at the MTC and its crazy that I've only been here a couple weeks! I leave really early on the 10th for the Philippines and I am so excited! It'll be super hot so I'm trying to enjoy the cool weather here. Also, with all the tagalog, <b>i have been having trouble spelling english words because they are way harder.</b>.. but i have started saying all my prayers in tagalog!</span></div>
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This week we had a blast as usual! Elder Morris took 1500 mg of a laxative because everyone gave him a dollar so that was fun. Sister Fivas put one of those airplane pillows in her hair and i totally got a picture of that! We also had a ton of fun in the choir, we practice twice a week and its so much fun.</div>
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On a more serious note, I started the book of mormon over again and I was reading in 2 Nephi at the beginning when Lehi is about to die and he says "Awake, my sons; put on the armor of righteousness. Shake off the chains with which ye are bound, and come forth out of obscurity, and arise from the dust." (2Nephi 1: 23) I was really touched by that i feel like it should be in an inspirational video or something. I also decided which scripture to put on my plaque, <b>1 Nephi 19:9 </b>which reads, "<b>And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it,because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men.</b>"</div>
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If anyone wants to be on the email list that isn't just shoot me an email with their address! Thank you all for being there for me, I miss you all a ton! All the packages and emails and just love in general means a lot to me, so thank you.</div>
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Elder Taylor-Jenson</div>
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<b>Dec 10, 2015</b> - Keanan leaves the MTC in Provo, UT, and flies to the Manila, Philippines MTC.</div>
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Keanan flew to the Manila MTC for further missionary training before assignment to his first Mission Area - Cauayan, Philippines. He flew from Salt Lake City, UT, to Los Angeles (LAX). While in Lax we got to speak with him on the phone. He sounded happy, healthy and excited to start his mission. He flew from LAX, had a short layover in Hong Kong, and onto Manila.</div>
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At this MTC, Keanan started going out on Missionary splits with missionaries who were native to the Philippines. Here is his email:</div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; widows: 1;">Hey I just got to the Philippines last night around 12 our time! It is so warm and fun and fast here! I already love it, the people are awesome! As we drove to the MTC the cars were all ridiculously close to each other. I love it here! </span></div>
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Well I only have a couple seconds to emai so I'll keep it short. The more I talk to people about missions the more they say that you'll look back on your missions your whole life. That makes me a little nervous but as long as I do all I can, I know the Lord will help me.</div>
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Again thank you all for being there for me.</div>
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Mahal kita,</div>
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Elder Taylor-Jenson</div>
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brentskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00851711161802480392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798680671557874393.post-85702284799116918552015-11-09T17:26:00.001-08:002016-01-04T14:14:14.520-08:00Atonement and Spirit Farewell Talk<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;">In my experience I’ve found that in life we get whatever we
really want. When I really don’t want to do work, I don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I really want to go to the beach I will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My brain will focus on doing whatever I center it around. Personally, I find this very scary. There are many ways I can get distracted in life and when I made this realization I was quite distraught for a while. It wasn’t until I went on splits with the missionaries that I found the answer to my problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t remember exactly where we were or who we were talking to but I do know that the elder I was with said that the only way to real happiness is to align our will with the Lord’s will. Now I didn’t realize the answer was right in front of my face until I thought about it for a little bit, but in the end the spirit brought me to a very clear conclusion. If you want to be happy why wouldn’t you want to align yourself with the Lord? He’s an all knowing being who wants the best for you. It has never been so clear to me that every rule has a reason in this religion. And the reason there are rules is to keep us safe and help us to be happy.
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Now I’m not the smartest. Sometimes I do things that I know I shouldn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have had many experiences where the spirit has said “don’t do that! You know what’ll happen!” and I do it anyways. I do strive to do what is right but sometimes it is very difficult. I have fallen over and over. At times I thought I was doomed to failure. Maybe this was the last straw and I had exhausted the Lord’s patience. Maybe he wouldn’t forgive me again. After these extreme moments of doubt I have always end up on my knees, praying for forgiveness and strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And every time the Lord is waiting to pick me up again. I am forever grateful to him for that. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;">After I’ve been in a slump like that I look to change myself for the better, to strengthen myself against slipping up again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is in these times I have found my relationship with the lord and my spiritual strength grows the most. My prayers will consist of questions or me thinking a problem out along with humble pleading for forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And anytime I have tried to change myself for the better through prayer it has worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The key to this change, for me personally, is I have to put forth my best effort and the Lord helps me with the rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve prayed for help in many things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve prayed for the strength to wakeup in the morning, help with studying; help with relationships, or even things as simple as feeling better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that no matter how significant or insignificant our problems may seem, if it means something to us it means something to the Lord.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;">As I have come to realize that, my love for the Lord and my
gratitude has grown immensely. As long as I sincerely ask and do all in my power to fix whatever I need help with, I have seen results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This I know is a result of the Atonement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those of you who don’t know, the atonement was a selfless act by the perfect and sinless Jesus Christ to take upon himself all of the pains and afflictions of this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In order to access this atonement, sincere and faithful prayer is paramount. Knowing that he did that for me only strengthens my resolve to do what is right. My experiences with the atonement have been nothing but amazing as I have felt myself change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;">I’d like to share with you another experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A while back I was invited by my Sunday school teacher to look for the Lord’s hand in my life for one week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After leaving the class the challenge was immediately pushed to the back of my brain where I didn’t think about it again
for the next few months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I eventually heard a talk which explained a man’s positive experience as he did the same thing I had been advised to do in Sunday school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remembering the challenge I stared to pray daily for the Lord’s help in seeing his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After some time I began to feel more grateful and more blessed as the spirit showed me all the things I was being blessed with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was through this experience that I started to take honest account of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started paying attention to where I was with scripture study and prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the added attention to where I was spiritually I could more easily correct myself before making mistakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through this I was more in tune with the spirit every day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Having the spirit allowed me to make good decisions that positively impacted my life. I began to make better friends and decide to do the right thing beforehand. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I abounded in good works, diligently reading the scriptures, praying for strength and attending church meetings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found that as I did the little things I was more spiritually in tune. One lovely afternoon at BYUI I was walking home and thinking about all the events that happened over the years. In that moment I saw how all the little things had added up to put me in a great place physically and mentally. In that moment I saw how the Lord had guided me through the spirit and as a result I felt pure joy and love in that moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As my dad likes to say “there are no coincidences. Everything that happened to me was for a reason and was by design. A design, which is more complex than we can grasp and was made by the Lord for our happiness. Knowing that the Lord’s atonement allowed me to feel that way filled me with gratitude and humility.</span>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Looking back on these experiences in my life makes me want to share the gospel because I can see how much happier I am now because of this gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been through a lot so I understand the sorrow people can feel, but I also have felt the joy that the atonement has brought me along with the amazing spirit I’ve felt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having gone through these amazing experiences makes me want to give other people the chance to feel the joy I feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve always known that I would go on a mission because that is what God expects of me and because he needs me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lately I have had a renewed desire to serve a mission because of other good experiences I’ve had as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more I pay attention in church and really apply what I hear to myself the more I feel the spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The feelings of peace that I get in church and in the temple are astounding and I know I would not be able to feel them if the atonement was not real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of the life changing power of the atonement, I am so much better off.</span>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;">I have always found the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi to be
great role models.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Alma 24:15-16
reads As I go through life I hope that I can be like them, fearing God more than man and doing what is right no matter the cost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Valuing their cleanliness above all else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their faith inspires me to endure
to the end.</span>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;">I don’t remember who said this quote but I remember reading
it somewhere and I know it to be true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“<em>The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what
we are for what we could become</em>.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In all
my experience in the church I found this to be true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As long as we keep the big picture in mind we will make the right decisions. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Applying
this principle to all aspects of my life has yielded great blessings and success as I remember what I’m working for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I hope I can remember at all times to sacrifice my current self for what
I can become.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;">if we fall and fall and fall some more, the Lord will always be there to pick us up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Thank you all for the examples you have been to me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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brentskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00851711161802480392noreply@blogger.com0