Hey Everyone,
Stake Conference was really good this week. The Adult Session on Saturday night was all about the temple and how we can enhance our temple attendance. The speakers were really good and it has given me a more invigorated push to attend the temple at least once a week once a get home, mostly because you only have to drive about 15 minutes to get to a temple in Utah. They talked about how our bodies should resemble the temple in sacredness and holiness. We should respect them so much especially since they our not ours permanently yet.
The Sunday Session was really good as well, that is where we sang and well, according to the members they liked the elders singing more than the sisters. They said that the elders were actually in tune and the sisters not so much but they enjoyed the message that they had to sing about. We sang the Sisters in Zion and Army of Helaman medley. The message of the speakers was really good as well. They spoke so eloquently about their subjects that they were asked to speak that the Spirit could definitely be felt and the testimonies were great.
All three of the Crane girls are on date to be baptized on May 9 of 2009! We are so excited for them and they are all excited for the gospel in their lives. On Friday I got a note from both Kyndra (that is actually how it is spelled) and Cydnee. They said how much they appreciated the lessons that they have received and that they were excited that we decided to ask them about taking the lessons even though they weren't really excited at first to take them. We have a few more things to teach them before they get baptized on the ninth but we will get it all in before their baptism. Please pray that they may feel ready for this most wonderful step they are going to make.
I will most definitely be able to call after you all get home from church but it will probably be about 7 pm your time because we will be having dinner at 4 or 5 pm that day so I hope that will be just fine, if not let me know.
Things are going well with me and my companion as we are just doing what we do best and visit the wonderful people of Boardman.
So, don't think to kill me but I am once again ill but I am not sure what it is. I just think that it is my CMV acting up again because I am just absolutely tired but I can still do everything that I need to do. I will be fine but it is just kicking my butt right now.
So my entire zone agrees that my companion is gone next transfer because he is really struggling with the area and has been asking president to move him to another area. He actually doesn't know that I know that but my zone leaders told me that president brought that up to them and we all believe that President will grant his request. I have also told president that my companion needs to be moved because he doesn't like the area.
I don't think that I have anything else to say but I LOVE YOU ALL VERY MUCH and remember John 14:27 and that I can't wait to talk to the family on the 10th.
Congrats on your graduation KYLE!!!! I am so proud of you for doing that.
LOVE YOUR MISSIONARY,
ELDER BRIAN BOWLER
Well hello everyone,
Wow, it is only Tuesday and it has been quite a week already. We are gearing up for the baptism and the girls are quite excited and are feeling more and more ready to be baptized as the days go on. Satan is also working very hard on them as they have been fighting much from what we have heard. We are trying to teach them to thwart the contention by praying and reading the scriptures. They listen to all the words that we say and they are trying but they still have things, like all of us, that need to become better through Christ. I don't know if I told you that Lynzee has asked me to baptize and confirm her but she did and I accepted. They have made an amazing change in the time that we've been teaching them and they continue to change for the better just like Ashley did.
By the way I heard that Ashley is doing well and is fully active in church and might be getting married to a returned missionary. That would be so exciting to be able to know that she continues to fully embrace the gospel even though we are not always going to be there exactly at the time she needs us.
I have some bad news this week though. I found out yesterday that Gina and her husband and four friends were in a really bad single-car accident and Gina was life flighted to a hospital in the Tri-Cities called Kadlec, Robert, Gina's husband, was killed instantly and the four in the back were injured in varying degrees. I was told this news at 8:20 am on Monday morning and the accident happened exactly 2 hours earlier. I felt to my knees and prayed for the family that when they told the children that the Lord would comfort and strengthen them and that he would strengthen me. It was really hard for me yesterday as my companion really didn't care that much and I know that the Lord was by my side. I don't really blame my companion for not really caring because he didn't know them like I did and I had a great relationship with them.
We went over this morning and talked with Marcalina and Isaiah; they were pretty sad about that but they understand that the Lord is watchful over them and their dad. The worst part about it all is that Gina doesn't know that Robert died, she is going to be heart broken. Me and my companion have been doing good and we are getting along well. We work through our problems if we have any of them and we strive to keep the Spirit with us. That is really about it for me and my companion.
I have been really thinking about the gospel and what it means in my life and wow, it means so much to me to know all that I know about the gospel. I love it so very much and embrace it more and more everyday. The fire inside me grows bigger and bigger everyday. I love it!
I can't wait to be able to talk to you on Sunday and I am so excited for all the wonderful things that have been happening in our family and the blessings that come from our Father in Heaven. May you always remember His love for you and remember John 14:26. I LOVE YOU ALL VERY MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOVE YOUR MISSIONARY,
ELDER BRIAN BOWLER
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
{Letters from Brian}
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Dear Nan,
Nan, I love Nan. Nan's house. Bounce the ball high. Go high. In the name of Christ. Football. Love you. Cole
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Course 3
I just finished course 3 in cake decorating. I made a present cake in fondant for Livee's birthday, she picked out all the colors. The final cake was a tiered flower cake cover in fondant with fondant roses. A big Thanks to Celest, Tiffany, Amalia, Lynda, Zoe, and Paige for helping me make my forty-five roses. I have so much fun learning new things in each course. There is one more course I hope to take this summer.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
{letter from Brian}
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
{letter from Brian}
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
Friday, April 17, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
I HEART this message...
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
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Happy Birthday Dear Degan...
April 2008
February 2009 
Happy Birthday Happy Boy!!!{letter from Brian}
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
