May 5 2014 "Dreams"

Alright everyone I may throw some of you for a loop. The rest of you probably know this about me. I have Crazy dreams. Some may say ok yeah we all have crazy dreams here and there and sometimes I remember them and sometimes I don't. I always remember them and I have them often. Most times they come and I can then forget them again but lately they have been sticking around. Have you ever wondered why you have dreams and why certain things come up in the dreams? They always seem to be random. You can sometimes wonder if God speaks to you in your dreams or tells you of things to look for in life but most often I think he has a sense of humor when it comes to my dreams. I honestly think he enjoys seeing my reaction when I wake up and have a puzzled look on my face for the rest of the day wondering where that came from.

This past Sunday we had someone that lives near us bring a friend to church named Amin. When he first walked in he startled me because he was a BIG man with a deep voice. We introduced ourselves and sat down for the beginning part of Church, Sacrament Meeting. Afterwards we went by and talked to him asking him what he thought and he responded with a powerful,"I loved IT!" He then went into the feelings that he had while being there and the things he learned.

He got up and went to talk to a bunch of the other members that were there, including the females. It was actually quite interesting seeing how this ward/congregation is made up of younger single adults. He took advantage of that and was flirting it up.

In class he participated and made comments then shared a strong Spiritual experience he had while in Sacrament Meeting. He said while the teacher was up at the pulpit sharing his testimony he felt like he could see someone holding his shoulders and illuminating him. He thought is was angels that were there and said he has to come back next week.

At the end of each Sunday Meetings for the first Sunday of each month they have something called "Break the Fast." In the Church we as a congregation Fast each month for at least 2 meals or whatever you feel fit and donate the money you would have spent on that fast to the Churches Welfare. The money received in this service goes directly to helping those that are in need and lack food. None of it goes towards keeping the buildings running or paying anyone (we don't pay any of the leaders of the church). Anyways our congregation has a potluck after all of the meetings and I thought that was genius! It was the first time I have ever been to one of those and I guess they have them often here.

So are you up for a funny story? Last night we were in an apartment complex trying to stop by a member in the area. When we got closer to where the apartment was there was a bunch of young adults around my age partying above on the second floor. As we got near they saw us and they shouted to us asking if we were Mormons and to come up. They were so nice in offering us beer it reminded me of home! Haha. Then one of the ladies came down and personally invited us up putting her arm around my companion Elder Wainwright. It kind of freaked my companion out because they weren't the most modestly dressed. They were doing all of the normal party stuff that happens in Wisconsin and being themselves. We were nice back and asked them if they had a relationship with Jesus Christ. They wanted to sincerely hear about Jesus Christ so we are going back tonight! So now I can say I went to a party while on the mission. For those in tuned that was more of the PG version.

Now for the best part of the week! We are, as missionaries, becoming Family History Specialist! Elder Bednar, an Apostle, gave our region a charge to become Family History Specialists and to use it in sharing the gospel. I am so excited for this because the Church has just made a great deal with Ancestry.com where we get free access to their site. I am learning a lot and am excited to teach everyone I get the chance to share it with. We have been given council that just like reading the scriptures provides us with spiritual protection against temptation so does being involved with Family History because Ancestors on the other side help out as your are helping them. We learned that welding families together is a great and marvelous work in which is necessary for us to be doing for those that can't. It is missionary work in its finest! The tools and resources that the Church has is not limited to just members though, to everyone! I am so excited to learn more and to find my ancestors! I am planning on using this for the rest of my life!
Love you!
Love Elder Leonhardt