December 9, 2013 "I Hate Contention"

Well this section of writing started off terrible! I sit down, log on, start to log on to my email and a man strolls up to me and asked, "Do you really believe that Jesus lived on this earth so long ago?" With some attitude. I said “Absolutely I believe.” He goes off about how there is no proof that he came back then, but that he is here now and lives in Washington. Said he knew his address. I said “That's great...can I write him?” He told me no and was so disoriented. Anyways he was deliberately trying to contend with me with some interesting views... I testify that he did not bring the Spirit into the conversation. My mind isn't in the most positive mood right now but I will try my best to forget about him and focus on writing to you, The Happy Moment Of The Day!

First off going along with the statement above. Why do the meek and humble get beaten down so much? Your thoughts? I hate contention.

This past week we had a lot of meetings. We had a meeting with the mission president and just the zone leaders and sister training leaders, and worked on different leadership roles of the mission. It was interesting getting to know President Taylor more and understanding his motives for us. The principle I love the most that he is teaching to us is "I want obedience for you, not from you." A concept I didn't really think about beforehand. I learned a lot. The next day we had a larger meeting with all of the leadership of the mission and had a number of skill training. The flu is going around so a lot of missionaries are getting sick but I hope I stay strong. This time last year I got sick with the stomach flu and it was nasty. So both of these meetings were to prepare us for the zone meeting my companion and I would put on for 20 missionaries. I got nervous right before it but afterwards it went great!

Anyways I still am getting cut short on time for the moment but next monday/tuesday I will do better. Don't worry I am still learning a lot.

Love you all! Oh one more question. What are you doing special this year to remember the birth of Jesus Christ?

Merry Christmas!

Elder Leonhardt