Study it out

Last Sunday we had Stake Conference and one of the speakers used a reference out of Preach My Gospel.  That started me feeling like I should get out my copy of that manual from the closet, dust it off, and actually look at what's inside.  It looks much better on my nightstand.  So this week I have been reading in chapter 2 of Preach My Gospel on "How do I Study the Gospel..."  What a great book!  I wish they had this manual when I was a missionary, it would have made a big difference in my missionary experience.  The morning routine for these guys is to get up, exercise, shower, get breakfast and then sit at a desk and study the gospel.  Their particular study should usually focus on what they will be teaching that day.  Then after personal study, they do a companionship study of the gospel.  Oh, how I wish I could be a part of some of their companionship study sessions.  I would love to learn from their insight, especially with the two who are in my home right now.  They are working very hard and their hard work is paying off in successful teaching opportunities and even some baptisms.  I can really feel the spirit stronger when they are around.

So now, more of the why I do this...  Yesterday we actually had a beautiful spring day, so I took the opportunity to work out in the yard.  While I was out there, the missionaries drove up for lunch.  Elder K. got a call on his cell phone, so he just stayed in the truck for a minute.  While Elder B. was waiting for him, some of the neighbor kids rode by on their bikes and saw them sitting in the driveway.  They yelled hello to Elder B. several times, until he acknowledged them.  He went out and talked with them for a minute and I'm sure that made their day. -no, really these kids idolize the missionaries.  When he came back, I teased him about having a fan club.  But it's true, people do respect these guys and love them a lot.  They are often getting invited to lunch or dinner and the members just love to take care of them.  Their great example is one reason I love to have them here in my home, because I have three nephews who come over to my house quite often and they get the exposure to the missionaries great example.  I hope that someday my nephews will be as great missionaries as Elder B. and Elder K.

Oh, in case you are wondering why I just use initials for the missionaries names, it is because I don't want to out them in the off chance that I might say something incriminating, like when they head off to a dinner appointment and they say "I hope they don't serve us spaghetti." 

Keep a prayer in your heart for all missionaries.  I continually pray for MY missionaries.  Only two more years, before I have a nephew who will be a full-time missionary.  May the Lord bless them all.