Hey everyone,
We've had a busy week this week. We had Zone Conference, a baptismal commitments and found out last week that we will, as the missionaries of the Hermiston stake, are going to be singing in Stake Conference this Sunday. So this week we are having a couple practices for the song on Sunday. I'll let you know how the singing goes.
Zone Conference was absolutely wonderful even though I felt like I kept getting spiritual slaps the entire time I was in the meeting. I repented and changed my ways and now I am back on track. Don't worry it was nothing really bad except getting up and exercising, planning with a purpose and involving my companion, and things like that. We had some really good trainings from President Belnap on how we can be better missionaries by making sure our roots are firmly planted in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Sis. Belnap also gave a great training on the talk about keeping the temple in our sights from General Conference.
And no, it is not the camera, I have gained weight on my mission. I don't have any excuses of why I gained weight except that I have finally begun to actually retain weight and it has given me an incentive to work out in the mornings. I am not sure at this point how much weight I have gained but I can tell you that you will get a little more 'Brian' when I come home! Ha Ha. I have actually started working out because I had promised President Belnap that I would work out in the mornings and boy I am amazed how much the Lord helps me to be able to exercise in the morning. Whether you would believe me or not I was able to do 100 dips (working out the triceps), 70 (push-ups) and getting bigger, and 300 crunches and 300 side crunches. I tell you that on certain days I am sore but it is just fine because I feel so much better and awake after I work out in the mornings. I also am able to stay awake during personal study with out even feeling a bit tired.
I have been able to feel much better about all my situations that I am put in after I have listened to and heeded your advice of being an example more than talking to my companions. I have tried very hard to be the example that my companion needs and I have found that he is seeing what I am doing and seeing a visual of what I am talking about rather than a bunch of words that seem to go into his ears but then to the back of his brain. I was able to hear that he actually feels bad about the way he has treated me around the members lately. He was telling me last night while we were in the car that he was sorry for the way he treated me because so much of the time he compares me to a woman or a wife with the way I do things and what I do. I never got angry with him, yelled at him or anything. I just simply took what he said and forgave him if I felt that it was a little over the edge. He has recognized that and has seen that even though it really hasn't affected the way I am it just brings him to a more awareness of how he needs to treat people that cares so much about him. Thank you so much for the advice that you gave me Mom.
Kendra has agreed to be baptized on May 9 of 2009 and we are so stoked about that. Cydnee and Lynzee were not there last Thursday because they were having ATTITUDE on thursday and their mom told them she didn't want to have that at the lesson so she left them home. They are coming for sure this next Thursday because they missed being able to learn about the gospel. It was sweet that they wanted to go for the lesson and not for us, or as my companion likes to point out me. We plan to put Cydnee and Lynzee on date for the ninth of May this thursday and catch them up on what they missed the week before. We are working very hard on getting them to understand the information that they need to know and their lives are beginning to change and the leaders of the Primary and Young Women are really helping us out in fellowshipping these girls.
We continue to work with the Less-actives of the Boardman Ward and do the best we can to brighten their day with the light of the gospel. I absolutely love this work and can't wait to be able to share what i have learned with all of you by the attitude that I have. I love you all and I hope that you remember John 14:27. God Bless you all and I will write to you later.
LOVE YOUR MISSIONARY,
ELDER BRIAN BOWLER
Hey everyone,
This week has been one of more of a slow feeling to it only because the week of transfers is always a feeling of slow crawling attitude. It was an excellent week, don't get me wrong, it was just a turtle of a week!
All I really have to say about Gina is that she is slowly moving forward seeing that it is her and her alone that can make the difference and she thanks me and my companion much for bringing that to her realization.
The three girls, Kendra, Cydnee, and Lynzee are progressing quite well, they attended church and are excited about having lessons to be baptized. We've been working hard to make sure that they realize they need to do this on their own and NOT for anyone else. I believe they understand how important it is for them to find their own testimonies and to be strong on their own. My companion thinks otherwise and that they are just doing because they think I'm cute. That is always my companion's contraction when he doesn't seem to believe why people join the church. O well, life moves forward. This week we will be teaching them the Plan of Salvation and the Ten Commandments. WE will see how the teaching goes.
Mom, I know what you are saying about leading by example and I try. I try to be the example and see if they get it that way but sometimes I feel that I should talk to them about it and help us both to feel better. I will continue to try to be the example to my companions and do what I can for them by service.
I have a strong feeling that I am going to be leaving Boardman next transfer and on to another part, probably Tri-cities, of the mission and finish out in that area. I say that only because after this transfer I will only have 4 transfers left and President probably won't want to move me anywhere else but you still don't know. Despite that I will continue to do my best in Boardman and leave the area looking better than when I found it (I haven't completely forgot about what they taught me in scouts.)
WE were able to go to the temple today and it was a bitter sweet experience that made me feel all the more thankful for my most wonderful blessings. The Lord reminded me that my time is coming to a close and that I just need to continue to put my best foot forward. He also let me know that he will remain with me as long as I continue to remain faithful to him. Don't worry I'm not becoming trunky and won't until the tuesday before I return home!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to CHAD, BERNADETTE, and KAITLYN tomorrow!!!!
I can't really think of anything else to say except that things are going great and I can't wait for a month to be able to talk to the family. I LOVE each and everyone of you and I hope to hear from you soon.
LOVE YOUR MISSIONARY,
ELDER BRIAN BOWLER
Dear Chase, Garrett, Paige, Zoey, Chloe, Livee, Kaidee, Carys, Sierra, Kodi, Cole, Miles, Grayson, Degan, Rowdy, and Christian,
An Easter message for you for all time, all things, all places!
Look what Heavenly Father did for you!
I know these messages are true, I love our Savior Jesus Christ!
He loves you more than you will ever know and so do I!
Y nan
April 2008
February 2009 
Happy Birthday Happy Boy!!!Hello everyone,
I am staying in Boardman with my companion for another six weeks. I am glad to be able to stay here in Boardman for at least another six weeks. My companion and I have been doing so much good in the area.
Speaking of my companion, We had a very good discussion on Saturday night about so many things that have been weighing on my mind. I have been getting many hints of people wanting me to discuss things with my companion and I wanted to be able to be led by the Spirit to explain these things to him. I prayed fervently to be able to talk with him in a sense that he would be able to understand and not become angry and resentful. I then proceeded to read D & C 121 when the Lord talks to Joseph Smith about why many men are called of God but they are not chosen. I read that and I decided to take the principles I had just read and applied them into speaking with him in a Christ-like manner. I felt that as a District Leader and a senior companion that I should try to follow how a priesthood holder and leader should discuss things with others. I was able to express not only my concerns but others concerns as well in a manner that I feel was pleasing to God and my prayer was answered. I listened to my companion as I always try to do when a person talks to me and I was able to listen to what the Spirit was telling me. I learned much about being a leader and how one person trying to do what is right can make a difference. I was able to show my love and care for him and in turn was able to help him to understand how he can more fully know how to love others, even through misunderstandings.
I could tell that he knew that I wasn't there just to attack him that I sincerely cared about him.
On another note, General Conference was amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the speakers and what they had to say to me. There were times that I felt like it was something that I didn't fully want to hear but I knew that I needed to and as I graciously took to and heeded their counsel I have found that my life has already begun to get so much better. I felt that they were talking only to me and letting me know about things to come and that I need to prepare now so that it won't be hectic later. I loved every minute of it and felt the Spirit of the Lord in the things they talked about. I also went in with questions and they were all answered through the Spirit.
I will always treasure the opportunity to listen to modern-day living prophets who receive guidance and revelation from the Lord. I know they are looking out for my own best interests to return to live with my Father in Heaven.
The Wallaces visited me this past weekend. We had so much fun 'catching up' on old times and current moments in life. It was wonderful to see them again and to talk to them face to face. By the way they say 'Hi'.
We've begun teaching the three young women. We taught them a first lesson, The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and they enjoyed listening to the message. We are sincerely hoping that they are doing it for them and not for us! We want them to become converted to the Gospel for the intent to follow Jesus Christ and live his teachings all the days of their lives. We will help them to do that so that they don't become less-active statistics in the future.
And thus we come to Gina, o how quickly she comes to forget the goodness of God. She has turned to blame God for all of her problems and says that when she tried to do better she just simply had life harder. Although I know that because she is not willing to help herself there is absolutely nothing I can do. I still love and care for her but, the Spirit told me that there is nothing I can tell her because she is not ready to hear what she needs to hear. I know that she will not change while I am here but I am somewhat of 'guiding star' for her to look to for an example of a true disciple of Christ, at least she think so. I do the best I can to live the Gospel to my full ability and when I fall short I make the necessary changes to bring it back in harmony with the Gospel. I show her a way she can go but until she is truly ready to 'give up all [her] sins to know [Him]' she will not go anywhere in life and have 'to kick against the pricks and fight against God' until she truly is at her lowest and finally reaches her hand up for him to lift her higher. For the time being we will only be visiting her once a week because she asked us to so that we are not so subjected to her not wanting to change, even though she would like me to go by everyday. Although I know why he does what he does, my companion has created a gap between him and Gina. I know that she will ask the missionaries to stop coming by after I leave until she is ready to truly return to Christ. She knows how I feel with the fact that she is not willing to change but she still knows that I care so much for her and her eternal salvation.
Things are going quite well with me otherwise and I know that the Lord is always with me. I definitely do not dwell on how bad things are, I enjoy dwelling more on the wonderful blessings the Lord gives me daily and how much he loves me! It sounds as though things are going well at home and abroad and that the Lord is watchful and mindful of each one of you. I love you all so very much and I hope that things continue to look up and that you remember the Lord's blessings in your life. Remember John 14:26 and as time counts down all to quickly that I will be there for you all to take hold and learn of what I have done on my wonderful and most memorable mission for the Lord, my God!
LOVE YOUR MISSIONARY,
ELDER BRIAN BOWLER
Hey everyone,
So, transfers is next week and it is guessing time once again. It seems as though these times come all too fast. So, what is happening to Elder Bowler?
This week has been one of joy and pain. I have found that some of life's greatest joys can also become life's greatest pains at times. The Lord is still with me so I have no reason to fear. I love what He has done for me and all the love that comes from his open arms. Remember that even though you may find that someone you love and care about hurts you, they still bring some of life's most exquisite joy. This not only has reference to Gina and her family but also my companion. Whether or not my companion understands or not is up in the air but sometimes they don't realize that it hurts, the things they do.
First off, This week Gina, the wonderful women that she is showed her lack of self-confidence and self-reliance when she said that she wanted to do something and then didn't keep her promise. She had promised us she would come to church and that if we came in the mornings she would pray with us. I was hurt when we went over their the first morning and everyone else was only making excuses for her and wouldn't try to get her up. The reason I didn't was because she wasn't dressed properly, if you know what I mean. Yes it was hard but as I prayed about it I have come to understand how I can make a new approach to helping her to get herself propelled into doing things on her own. I've been able to help her see how this is important and now I just need to light it under her.
Then on Sunday, Isaiah decided that he didn't want to go to church and refused to put church clothes on. O, if I were his father he would have been dressed in five minutes but I wanted to teach him about agency and how each choice has a consequence. and therefore allowed him to make a mistake.
And my companion... how new he is. He just doesn't understand all that he needs to yet and I will continue to teach him as much as I can. We still get along as best friends but there are things that we do talk about that could be changed and better.
The work is going well in Boardman. We are teaching the three young women that I have talked about this Thursday and I am excited about that. My companion finally feels that he will be teaching as a missionary. I've told him many times that he is still teaching even if it is not a full planned out lesson. As he gets further along in his mission he will understand that aspect of missionary work. I will keep you updated on the happenings of the missionary work in Boardman.
I am doing well. I love the work so completely and I will continue loving it till I pass from this life. I am continuing in the faith I have in Jesus Christ and will trust in him forever. I LOVE YOU ALL so very much, remember John 14:26. Remember the theme for 2009 1 Timothy 4: 12 and 'Be thou an example of the believers'!!!!!!!!
LOVE YOUR MISSIONARY,
ELDER BRIAN BOWLER
Hey everyone,
It has been quite a different week for sure but none the less a wonderful week. I was able to express concern and love to my companion and he took it very well. I was concerned about some of the things that he would say, because, excepting me, he puts up a front to everyone he meets and doesn't always tell the entire truth. He had expressed that he wanted to become like me where I don't tell people tall tales to have them like me. I've honestly never understood why people do that but I just explained to him that I was concerned about that.
We also have been trying to find a time to teach those three young women, yes more girls I teach, that I briefly talked about last week. We gave a blessing to the oldest one last Tuesday because she goes in for knee surgery today and we hope all goes well.
We taught Ruth on Wednesday and it seems as though she has a half baked desire to actually get baptized but we are still trying to get that fully baked. We are meeting with her tomorrow.
So an amazing thing happened yesterday, Gina, her husband Robert both came to church! It was such a wonderful surprise to hear that they were both coming. It was exciting to see them coming together. Marcalina and Isaiah also came like always. They all plan to come next week.
I have been growing by leaps and bounds this week in remembering what trust I have in the Lord. I have learned so much by the Spirit and it has given me so much more of a stretching knowledge of his love for us. I will tell you about some of my scripture adventures seeing as my time is being cut short today.
I think that it would be absolutely wonderful to do Utah temple visits! I Love you all very much and may the Lord bless and keep you. Remember John 14:26.
LOVE YOUR MISSIONARY,
ELDER BRIAN BOWLER
You look so good in California!
(except in the last picture when you were remembering that you had to go back to Texas)
You are growing up so fast, be sure to marry someone from California!!!
I heart your 7 year old heart, nan
One of the reasons we went to Utah was to see Syd's Hair show. It was really fun. They had a really funny comedian open the show he did lots of impersonations. Syd did this girls hair in the show. There was some pretty amazing hair do's. I tried to take the best pictures I could but it was very dark so these will have to do.
Sierra had so much fun on the train.
If was a fun morning. If you every go to Day out with Thomas go the first ride of the day. We were there three hours did all the activities and were leaving as all the parking lots were full and the lines were getting crazy. Sierra called Nan, Lynda, Grammy, and daddy on her pretend phone to tell them about Thomas the Train when we got in the car.
