"Holding Fast"

Heyy!! It has been ages! But yes, I am still here, and still doing the good ole missionary work! There are some great things happening here in Ashton. We are having both a stake and ward activity. Both of them we will be viewing "Meet the Mormons". I really hope that the members will bring their friends, and that their friends will want to learn more about the gospel. My companion and I work really well together. I am so grateful to have such a hard worker. We have the tendency to find really great people, except the problem is, they live outside of our proselyting area, so we transfer them over to other missionaries. Its alright, as long as they get taught! 

The weather has surely followed what Utah has had. Quite the rainy week, which means not as much contacting on the streets and more tracting. We are trying even harder to meet with each family every other week and help them with their own missionary work. It is a great area for this, because they all live pretty close. We really love to give service to the members as well. So far we have helped strip wall paper, fixxed up some lawns, and even build a trampoline! Its a lot of fun! Another exciting note is that we arefinally receiving the Ipad mini's tomorrow during district meeting. More to come on if those make a difference, and how they do exactly. Should be quite interesting. Probably will share some principles that they have been sharing with us concerning technology in a future post. 

One basic principle that I have really come to love is studying the scriptures! Honestly, I wish that we had two hours for personal study. It never ever lasts long enough. I know, it sounds crazy, but I said it anyways. There is just so much revelation that is in store! I know that The Book of Mormon was definitely written for our day. There was an article that I read from Elder David A. Bednar this past week called "Lehi's Dream, Holding Fast to the Rod". For the most part, it describes the three groups of people that go on the journey to the tree of life. The first group, there is no mention at all about the iron rod. Naturally, they quickly fall away and don't make it to the intended destination. The second, as Bednar describes, occasionally cling to the rod. They do make it eventually to the tree, however, are caught ashamed and are then lost into forbidden paths. (I especially love to pay attention to the word choice in the scriptures.) The last group of people hold fast to the iron rod. These people have done what I believe is quite difficult to do. Continual, diligent study. It doesn't need to be huge and drastic, but just a simple, day by day, 15-20 minute study at first. I know that he makes a huge, compounding difference in one's life. President Ezra Taft Benson has said that "the proud let go of the iron rod." Which makes sense, if one doesn't think that they need the power of the scriptures in their daily life, if they don't believe they need spiritual nourishment and the revelations available; they have been fooled by the adversary. Begin a pattern for studying the words of life, and enjoy the bliss that comes.

Just do it,

- Elder Bennett

P.S. Pictures will be coming in a week's time.

"The Constant Compass"

Well, hello there yet again! 

Things are doing quite alright here in good ole England. So many good memories and adventures to be had. Great people to meet, and fun, little surprises are always around the corner. I can't even begin to describe how great it was to see my family yesterday. Words will never give justice how much my family means to me, nor how much I love them. Even my little niece, little Ella Mae! Boy was that great! She is the cutest! Always brings a smile to my face knowing that I am an uncle.

First, I would like to share some lyrics from an English hymn we sung a couple weeks ago. I loved it very much. I believe this is the second verse, but feel free to look it up and listen to it. "Bring me my bow of burning gold! Bring me my arrows of desire! bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold! Bring me my chariot of fire! I will not cease from mental fight, nor shall my sword sleep in my hand, Til we have built Jerusalem In England's green and pleasant land." My sources tell me this was comprised by William Blake around 1804? Can you just hear that enthusiasm and determination? I love it!

This week, I noticed a compass on my journal and thought how we are all much like that. It is so hard to stay focused on what really matters. To maintain that eternal perspective of what the eternities behold, not what occurs in the world. Say one is only 2 degrees off

course, but that course is miles away. Given time, that person is going to be miles and miles way from where the intended destination was supposed to have been. Thank goodness we get reminders from our Heavenly Father to make course corrections, no matter how small they may seem.

Some may think, well gee, I don't do anything really wrong.. Yep, most of us don't! Satan can't get us to go directly to breaking a commandment like that. Little by little, that deceiver may get one to not pray as fervently, or merely read their scriptures instead of studying them. Distraction is enough for the devil when it comes to returning to our Father in Heaven. We must not forget to do the necessary good that is asked of us. The sin of omission can easily be overlooked by us who think life is oh so peachy. Reflect on these things we are asked to do that we may not be. Are we doing our family history? Do we have family home evening? Do we pray for missionary opportunities? How much are we really magnifying our calling that God has entrusted us with? How can you best serve those you home or visit teach?  I strongly believe so many lives would be changed if we turned outward more than inward. Forget yourself, and show your love for God and appreciation for our Saviour. This is not an easy task, to deny oneself. However, it is the course of discipleship, and most of us have made those covenants with God. Align your will with God, and the blessings you seek will not be deflected. 

Now to end with one of my new, most favourite quote. (excuse that grammar please?)

"Your happiness now and forever is conditioned on your degree of conversion and the transformation that it brings to your life." - Elder Richard G. Scott

Your dear missionary,

- Elder Bennett

Keaton did not send any photos this week but thought you would enjoy his first glimpse of his niece,  Little Ella Mae

"Above the Lyne of Ashton"

Erm... Right, yikes. I know it has been ages. It feels like ages. Truthfully, there sometimes just isn't time! The last couple preparation days have been some of the most fun ones I've had. We got to go and play football (soccer) with loads of other missionaries. Boy, I did like that. I am no superstar by any means, but most of them aren't either! So that has been great fun! Ha, I told myself I wouldn't go so hard the second time because I was sore after the first. I can't help it! I'm so funny though when it comes to football. I can do really well things, but then I mess up and look like a doofus. Quite the clumsy one.. Big opportunities, and I just wreck it. Hah, anyways enough about that!

Sooo.. right, I am serving in Ashton-under-Lyne, and it is right about my first area (Hyde). It is the smallest area I have been in, and probably one of the smallest there is! Basically a suburb area, with a small town center, and then a village named Mossley to the north. Mossley! Yeah, don't even get me started how much I love that place. You'll have to check out the photos but even they don't give it justice by any means. Rolling hills, old houses and cobblestone streets. Surreal to say the least. Had a crazy experience just the other week there, you can ask me about it if you want to hear it, but its... a bit.. just yeah. Different?

Different would describe the work here I think. Not worse by any means, but just different than what I am used to. Since there are so many houses, we have to tract loads. It also just takes me a good while to get adjusted to the area, and learn the names of people in the ward. It was tough I think, but much much better now! I love this ward! The members are strong, and crazy enough, I worked some magic (or attempted), and we have a tea appointment every day this week except today! Booyah... Although sometimes it worries me, because they feed us so much and I am gonna get fat! Its a fear I may have. More weight is fine, but a big belly? No thanks! The weather has been lovely lately, so I can't complain there! Sunny enough to not wear a jacket, and one day it was like genuinely hot. Like I actually wanted to be in the shade! English people love the sun. Everyone is so happy, and out on the streets which is great for us! 

Time has really run out, but the lesson I have learned lately is doing something when it is toughest to do it. It is sort of based off a talk by Elder Bednar called "The Character of Christ." It really shows how true one is to their discipleship to our Saviour Jesus Christ. Even He kept going when it would have been so easy to not do the right thing. Perfect example for us as always. We may not be to keen on something, but as you pray and rely on The Lord, you will get through and can get through anything. Persistence and dedication alone are omnipotent. Keep moving forward. Keep seeking revelation to look outside the box and guide you through the tough times. I will admit, I thought similar to the man in the New Testament when he said "Does nothing good come from Nazareth/Ashton?" Now I am more dedicated than ever to come up triumphant, to work above the line, relying on God's hand. Hopeful that great things will come to pass, and searching for those golden eggs like I would an Easter egg hunt. Changing our perspective really does do so much! I feel like I have just splat words on here, but I hope they find some use. Time is of the essence!

This is your (wacky) captain speaking, to your right is Ashton. You may notice many miracles abound,

- Elder Bennett

"What is missing? Heheh..."

 Look at that wonderful little district photo. Aww..

 Had a sports day a few weeks ago, contains my companion, district and a zone leader!

Another picture of Mossley village, and a plant..? :)

 Just had to take a quick swanggg..

 Quick snap over looking over Mossley!

Careful when you step out the door of the flat!

"Happy are We!"

Right, so.. the title just says it all. It is a little sarcastic, yet mostly true? Let me explain the sarcasm. My dear, wonderful father whom I love so much would often sing that phrase from "We are All Enlisted" when I didn't particularly want to do something, but did anyways.. Oh fond memories! So this applies right now because.. sigh, I am Wigan... out... sad. Only six weeks in this area. Not only that, but only six weeks with Elder Konyana, my South African pal! It is such an absurd thing, that I know it was called by revelation! I know that the place I am going (Ashton-under-Lyne) must be in need of some wacky redhead! Ha, at least, I hope so. I sort of know my new companion, Elder Olsen. He seems really great, and I am excited! I hear he is from Logan, so that is two companions now from there. Woohoo! This new area I believe has a higher concentration of members than most except Chorley, and it is right above my first area, Hyde. 

Now how can "Happy are We!" still apply? Well! Let me tell ya! Last week on P-Day we went to Trafford Centre.  It was a long bus ride, but I got a nice, proper nap on the way there. Now this is like a giant shopping centre, maybe like.. City Creek, but more inside? It was brilliant. Oh I loved it so much! Although I wasn't there to buy anything, it was so much fun! There are a variety of pictures after that show some things that were there. It was nice to have a good ole adventure to someplace! My favorite bit was... probably this little mini art gallery! I took note on the artists' name for when I come home! Then I can see their other artwork!

Also this week the weather greatly improved! At first it was about 25 mph wind, and because the humidity, it just goes right through ya! Back to no longer feeling in the face! However, Easter brought around some sunlight and warmth! We loved it. Not only does it make us happy, but the Brits as well! We headed to this gorgeous park, and there was just loads of people! A proper ice cream stand, kids playing football, and people walking dogs! You name it! Good success with people always brightens my day! For General Conference, we watched the SaturdaySession at a recent converts home from 5-7, and then the Priesthood Session Sunday morning at the Liverpool Stake Centre from 10-12. Boy, wasn't it just wonderful??

After being in Liverpool, we caught a train into Manchester, and had a nice dinner with loads of other missionaries and President and Sister Ulrich! Now, I had never been to the mission home before, but it is now one of my most favorite places in England! It felt like Utah in the regards of everyone was taking some yummy food, and passing it along.  It was basically one giant family, and brought happiness to my heart. I love them all so much! Oh it was great! I know it sounds silly, but its great, okay?! Then we went to the Manchester Stake Centre and watched the Sunday Morning Session, again from 5-7.

Perhaps the greatest happy moment would be from yesterday. You see, they celebrate "bank holidays" over here. Basically, no one goes to school, has to work, the bus times are rubbish, the libraries are closed, and the temple is OPEN! Mhmm! I went to the temple!! Marvelous! That is all I can say! Truly remarkable! I LOVE THE TEMPLE.  Seriously, it truly is home. It is! I'd weep if all my family and friends were there with me! I just die inside when I finally leave! It really breaks my heart not knowing the next time I get to attend. 

I remember there was a talk given this weekend, and he talked about how we don't appreciate the things that are right before us. We see, but we don't truly notice. Sometimes we may hear others, but we don't really listen. You get the point. All of yous who are close to the temple, why don't you attend more often? Why? What would be holding you back? Yes, I am sure it is a sacrifice, but in life, the greatest blessings require the biggest of sacrifices. Think of the greatest, and most sacred sacrifice of all. Worth it? Yes. An enormous, resounding, yes. You don't realize how great you have it. Please, just go. Peace will be yours, nourishment from on high shall fill your soul and you too will join me in singing "Happy are we!"

Forever thankful for our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ,

- Elder Bennett

 Just got done watching some General Conference. Haha, this man is hilarious.

 The dome ceiling inside Trafford Centre

Gorgeous Greek paintings surrounding said dome

An old, Victorian carousel! What?!

 Lovely palms, and beautiful fountain. Greek theme abounds still

 Bahaha, my companion's face just kills me!

 Check out this park! Mesnes Park. I am gonna miss it! Dahhh! Wonderful

Foggy day up at the temple. Silhouette of the tree looks quite nice? I dunno.

"Making Something Special"

Hello friendly people from home! 

This week was pretty good! The weather, (wow, am I really talking about the weather yet again? Its a British thing, give me a break!) has been quite good. Sunny, then rainy a few days, then sunny again. Please, cherish the sun when it is out. Also enjoy the lack of wind, because it is that wind that makes it so darn cold! You lucky ducks! Something interesting that I have found out this week was comparing my ward/area I'm serving in to back home. I cannot check the exact estimates due to lack of time, but I believe if you compare the two on the same distance on a map, I am currently covering all of Sandy and perhaps half of South Jordan and West Jordan. Its... quite the area. Hah, oh how fun! I know! 

Now some of you may know that I did have a birthday over the weekend, if you forgot... well, no worries! Really, I don't like big ordeals when it comes to me anyways! Haha, but thank you for the wonderful wishes. It means loads to be remembered even though I am so far away. Lets see, so for my birthday, I had been praying and preparing to make it something special. I wanted to spend the whole day just finding. Finding in the park, contacting people on the street and buses, and of course the typical tracting too. I would say it was quite a successful day. Of course success is measured by your commitment to invite, but I guess.. to rephrase, it was a day that people were going to give us a try. Hah. Thank goodness! In the evening time, we went to a restaurant called Olive Garden, but, and that is a big but, (oh my days, that sounds bad... ahh!)  it is not the same one from back home. It made me sad, but that is alright. It was still some very delicious Italian pasta! Hah, while we were eating, the music got super loud, and Italian like, and the lights went off. It was like two boys birthday as well, and they stood on the table, while a cake with a small firework on it went off and everyone was clapping and going nuts. I mentioned to the waiter previously that it was my birthday, and needless to say, I was absolutely terrified they would do that to me. Nightmare! Then after that... we stopped by a store and I bought a cheeky little, white chocolate, strawberry cake and some candle. As tradition, Elder Konyana sang a wonderful solo to me back at our home. Thankfully, he is not tone deaf. Yeah, so that was my birthday!

So before I get going, I felt like I should share something quite basic this week, but perhaps how we can make it special. That something is prayer. I read a few talks, and articles from the Ensign to learn more. Here are a few things to keep in mind concerning prayer. Paraphrasing from the Bible Dictionary: Difficulties arise from forgetting our relationship with God. Prayer is to be natural and instinctive. It is to align our will with His, and in order to secure the blessings in store, we must ask for them. Some may require some effort on our part. I also read a story on one future prophet was really impressed by the way Joseph Smith prayed. He had a conversational tone, and spoke to God as a friend. 

"Each of us has problems that we cannot solve and weaknesses that we cannot conquer without reaching out through prayer to a higher source of strength." - James E. Faust; Lifeline of Prayer. I also read that it is a privilege to ask Deity for a specific blessing. Huh, that is powerful! Overall, I think I learned that prayers will vary, but the best ones are when we humble ourselves, realize that God is in control, and we need to seek His ways. Our way isn't what is best, and we must trust Him. The most meaningful prayers need time set aside, time to have a proper conversation, when we can kneel down, pray aloud, and truly focus. If we struggle at night or in the morning when we are tired, find another time. The frequency of prayers will also grow your relationship with our Father. Not to like, say look at me in any way, but on average I would say as a missionary we pray between 20-25 times a day. A question to when you don't feel like giving our loving Heavenly Father a quick line, what would be holding you back? An invitation this week would be to have at least one meaningful prayer a day, on a time that you have specifically set aside to talk with our all understanding and loving Father in Heaven. 

Truly, make it special,

- Elder Bennett

 I mustache you a question..

Olive Garden!! So good, but it wasn't my favorite from home! Oh well!

Oh boy, look at that... Fancy, fancy. Almost flamed the whole thing!

Such a cheeky smile for a cheeky boy on his cheeky little birthday. Cheek!!

"What Lack I Yet?"

Another week gone and past. Yikes. Can the driver of this mission just slow the speed down?! I believe there is a speed limit, and it is being broke! Maybe not... anyways... Yeah, it has been a great week of good old work! We have had some great tender mercies and miracles. A few examples.. our investigator barely caught the bus in time for work, otherwise he wouldn't have come because it is an hour bus ride away. Another investigator had been going through a real tough time over the weekend, and we got worried when he didn't come to church. When we stopped by, he was so glad we came by, and this is basically what he said. "I believe in Sundays. I would say today was a terrible day, but it can't be because it is a Sunday. You two are my people, and I am so blessed to have you in my life." Erm.. wow? If that isn't heart warming, I don't know what is! Then yesterday, we got a wonderful opportunity to give a blessing. She somehow can sense how strong she feels the Spirit by closing her eyes, and she sees a lilac colour? I dunno, but I just said what the Spirit prompted, and she felt it strong I guess! Nothing I did of course, but it is always a nice testimony builder to rely on the Spirit for everything! So yeah, the week may seem a bit vague, but it happens! Sorry! 

Basically, I have been thinking a lot this week about progression, about life, and about the eternities. Quite deep, possibly? I dunno. The following is a sort of analogy that came to me mind. Life is like attending a university. Now when we attend, do we go to... do homework? No. Do we attend to go to lectures? Nope. Labs? Nu-uh. What about to get a degree? I'd say I disagree. As we go to uni, we say I am going to... become a doctor. I want to become physician. I guess you could say the end goal is to become something/someone. Interesting...

In life, we are here to learn things from experience, to do things that God has asked us to do, but this all comes down to the general "to become". Elder Dallin H. Oaks teaches us that, "..the Final Judgement is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts-what we have done. It is an acknowledgement of the final effect of our acts and thoughts-what we have become. It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become." How comfortable do we plan to be in God's presence and what degree of glory do we wish our bodies to be in? 

For me, I am reminded of elementary school. There we had three separate math classes. Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. If a child in the lowest were randomly placed in the highest, he wouldn't feel comfortable. He wouldn't want to be there. That boy would fall behind, and probably admit to one degree or another, that he wasn't worthy. He would ask to be in the class that is best for him So it is similar with the Kingdoms of Glory. Everyone in the Celestial Kingdom became something. They did what was asked from God, and sacrificed a lot. Sort of like a Harvard student would sacrifice loads more than a community college student.

A few more insights to end this lovely jib jab of mine. This is a good way we can measure our progress of becoming. It is found in the last four words of Matthew 19:20; "What lack I yet?" Certainly, my answer is LOADS! Does that make me shrink, and think it is impossible? No way! It is definitely possible, and I know that progress, regardless of size, is still progress. From my own life, I am simply amazed and stand speechless at what I have become. Not to like put my self on a pedestal or anything, I don't like attention! But like, first hand, who'd have thought?? It is something we would have to experience for ourselves. Finally, a lovely quote. "Just because things are going well, does not mean that we should not from time to time consider whether there might be something better." - Carlos A. Godoy 

So, what are you doing that is leading you toward Godhood? What weakness can you strengthen through the help of Jesus Christ? Ponder, ponder, and act. I hope that you will see the many fruits of your efforts. 

We are all enlisted,

- Elder Bennett

 I was freaking out about drinking maté.
 Twas nasty. It is a latino drink, I believe?

Elder Nunes and myself on an exchange.
He is a Brazilian football legend/maté drinker.

Look at the lovely note President and Sister Ulrich left on our whiteboard... aww.. love them!

"Steady Course of Progression"

Heyyyyy.... I am doing wonderful. I remember last week it had felt like forever since I had emailed and today it felt like I wrote yesterday. Interesting... I think I'm going mad. Eek! No, but really. Life is splendid, and I am always learning and loving this dream world. My, this is going to be a struggle because I am just on one today if you know what I mean! So lets crack on, a funny stories to share and a little insight as always. Plus a little explanation on why I always share something. Look at all those emphasized words. 

Story time. Ahem. The other day we were driving in the car with our (old) Ward Mission Leader. We just got done with a tea appointment and coordination at his home and we were going in for the night. Of course I am just exhausted and out of the blue he just yells "Bang!" Flippin' 'eck, I just jump out of my seat! Almost went on the news "Mormon Missionary Killed in a Car Scare by a Heart Attack." Yeah, so no one else really got scared. I start joking with my companion that it is my new goal to scare him sometime this transfer. He says he never gets scared. I like threaten to dress up like a bandit or something and then he tells me this story. He was like walking in Johannesburg sometime, and a man pulls out a gun on him and says to hand over his goodies. Elder Konyana says something like "Look, I don't think you'd do what you say you would really do." Then he said he went on a walk with the man. Like, the way he said it made it sound like they linked arms, skipped down the street, whistling a toon or something. Haha, yeah, so basically, stand up for yourself and you can have a good time with a robber.

Sooo.. on to why I share an insight at the end of basically every blog post. Usually it is based on something that I have learned lately or feel like sharing with others. It takes me to a part of Preach My Gospel when it talks about commitments or invitations to give people. It says something like it is an essential part of repentance. People become converted as they live the principles, and will not likely change unless invited to do so. I'll give it to you nice and bold like; I share things at the end because I want my loved ones or anyone reading these words to repent. 

Yikes says everyone (I'm sure). Why yikes? Repentance has such a bad cover to most I suppose. As if you see someone and whisper to your friend "He's repenting... he's done a no-no... we are totally judging him even though we make mistakes.." Hah, I hope you catch my drift. As President Uchtdorf has once quoted, "Don't judge me because I sin differently than you." Everyone makes mistakes! No one is perfect. Elder Richard G. Scott once shared, "Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, each of us can become clean and the burden of our rebellion will be lifted. Remember, repentance is not a punishment. It is the hope-filled path to a more glorious future." 

So, some may think that to repent means only to like be forgiven for a sin. Thats the basic definition I suppose, but I know it is much more than that. Repentance is a fresh view of God, ourselves and the world. That view needs to constantly be freshened up. Like a window on a car. It gets dirty over time, and we need to keep it nice and shiny. Again, sorry I don't know who quoted this, but, "Remember that most repentance does not involve sensational or dramatic changes, but rather is a step-by-step, steady, consistent movement towards Godliness".  I know that perhaps the best repentance is demonstrated by righteous actions over a period of time. 

All in all, if you would like to come closer to Christ and experience change little by little, I will most likely always share some sort of "challenge" or "action" at the end of each post. Constant invitations, and you can always choose to take them or not. I love you all so much. So much, that I simply want all to freshen their view of God, of life, themselves and focus on the eternal scheme of things.  I testify that this is all a glorious journey we have been blessed with; to really become what God would wish we would. 

Repent oft,

- Elder Bennett

Loving whatever comes my way

 Elder Vaquera and I! Hilarious Spaniard!

I love the trains!

Quite the woodsman I am!