Becoming Consecrated Servants - 05 December 2011

Hey Family,

Everything is going great! I have already e-mailed some responses to some of the family but here is the one to all of you! The mission is going so well. We have, just within this past week, picked up 3-4 new investigators and I feel like one of them will DEFINITELY get baptized. I havent even met with any of them though! Haha. Anyway, I have been reading the "BOM" almost any chance I get. It is kind of weird because I couldn't stand to read for more than 10 minutes at a time and now I just cant get enough! I have been highlighting a whole bunch of stuff like where it talks about baptism, faith, repentance, the Holy Ghost, the Atonement, Enduring to the end, the Plan of Salvation, Christ-like attributes, prayer, and then just personal interest kind of stuff. It is amazing how much there is in chapters 3 and 4 of Mosiah! It's incredible! I have had a lot to study and a lot more that I want to learn. I am only halfway through the Book of Mormon right now and I have already found so much! 

I have been asked to play the piano for 1 baptism already and this upcoming Saturday I will be playing at another! Oh! and I got to play at a Zone Conference we just had. The Lord blesses us greatly if we just use the talents that we have been given. I Know Mom and Dad... you have always told me that. But this time I experienced it!  I was asked to play the night before (not having a piano really made my nervous right about then) and had no time to practice, I just had to pick a Christmas Hymn.  I got to the conference that morning a little early in hopes of being able to practice.  Lo and behold... the building was locked and we were the first to arrive. We get inside and we immediately start the meeting.  I had absolutely no time to practice.  We went through the first half of the meeting and then had lunch.  Right after lunch they called "the musical group" up (it was really impromptu) and then we just went at it!  I had to perform something that I was sight reading!!  AHH!!  The Lord was right there the entire time... I only messed up once or twice.  But for me, having to sight read like that... that would have been impossible if there wasnt someone else there to help me.

Now, for the spiritual message.  When we were at this Zone Conference, we were lucky and able to hear from a member of the 70.  We got to hear a message from Elder Callister. He shared a great message on becoming consecrated missionaries.  Most of us are regular missionaries, which is great!  We are doing that which we have been called to do and we are doing it in a way that is pleasing in the eyes of our mission president.  Consecrated missionaries do the exact same thing except they take it just a step further and do it in a way that is pleasing unto Him.  He gave us a way to kind of put it into perspective.  He wrote two numbers on a board, 99.5 and 100.  He talked about the two numbers being so close together but really, there is a world of difference between the two.  Elder Callister then put a C next to the two numbers which then made them "degrees Celsius."  Do you know what the difference is?  99.5 is hot water. 100 is boiling water.  Wooo, one bubbles and the other kind of shakes, big deal right?  Wrong!  Boiling water produces steam while hot water... well, its just hot! Steam is 1,780 times stronger than hot water!  I had no idea!  What a big difference that .5 degrees can make!  If you look at missionary work from that perspective a regular missionary is one way and a consecrated missionary is 1780 times more effective than the other!  Now apply this to yourselves as members.  How often do you talk with your neighbors or people at work about the gospel?  How do we know if we are "regular" members or "consecrated" members?  Neil A. Maxwell said this, "if we are serious about our discipleship to the Lord, He will make us do that which is most difficult."  Think about your life right now?  Do you have struggles?  Are there things in your life that you can learn from?  Or are you simply going through life, no complaints nor worries, and not a whole lot of change?  That one sentence, stated by one of our apostles, gives us the key on how to gauge our devotion to Christ and His work.

I know that as we pray to recognize both the blessings and trials in our lives we will be able to tell how big of a role Christ truly plays in our lives.  That as we are faced with difficult tasks we can know that it is because Christ and our Heavenly Father are either trying to teach us something or have put us in a position to teach.  Go through life's trials with the utmost of opposition, "be of good cheer" as Christ has directed us.  As we do this we will be greatly blessed and our families will be blessed because of our good decisions. I leave this message with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

~Elder Peterson

26 November 2011

hey family!  We have atypewriter here  in the apartment!


We have actually had it the entire time I have been here but I have been too scared to use it!  Although, mom and dad, it isnt an old one, its electric but, as you can see from the wonderful spacing issues I am having I am still trying to figure this whole thing out.  I had it set up pretty well at first and then I went and messed it up!  Anyway, I just sent you guys a letter and I just wanted to give this ting a try.  It is pretty fun but it also pretty loud.  So I dont think I would be @@@@ able to use it at night anyway since that is the time that we are supposed to be quieting down.  I think the Elder that left this here is comingto pick it up tomorrow.  Oh wait!  He is actualy coming to pick it up on Tuesday.  But, while I have this thingI just wanted to give you an idea of something that you might be able to get me for christmas!  I don't know if you can even ship it here or anything but, there is this sclae, yes a scale, that is in a Bed Bath and Beyond magazine that we got today.  It can tell you your weight, muscle mass, fat percentage, water wight (main i wish there was a backspace on this thing) - (Parental insert... absolutely hilarious!  The boy is using an electric typewriter and he thinks it doesn't have a backspace!!  LOL!!!) bone mass and water consumption!  I have absolutely no idea how the heck it does it but shoot, if it actually works, which it better, that would be an awesome present.  Never in the past 7 or 8 years of my life have I really asked for anything for Christmas nor have I ever had an idea of waht I realy wanted.  But, now I do!  I want it because every morning we work out and I think it would be great to know if I am making any progress in losing bofy fat and gaining muscle mass.  Not only will I be able to see the results through my PECtacular body but I will also, by looking athis wonderful scale, be albe to see the result through the numbers presented below me.  How great right??!!  Man, I tshould be a salesman or something...
     Anyway, I love you all and just want you to know that I am thinking about you(r money) and am keeping you all in my thoughts.  Hope to hear from you soon!


     *Elder Peterson


P.S.  The name of the scale or maker is Beurer Body Analysis Scale.


Love you!!!


(Parental insert... I checked the reviews on the scale he's talking about... oh boy!

• 1 Star - Inconsistent
• 1 Star - Errors all the time
• 1 Star - Stopped working the same day I bought it
• 5 Stars - Great scale

How do I tell him the only thing he's ever asked for in 7-8 years is a piece o' junk??)

18 November 2011

Hey Family!


First off, before I forget... wow, great start to a letter huh?  Hahaha.  Anyway, Dad and I went to the Bishop's storehouse a month ago.  We joked about how everyone always puts their name tag on the left side.  Dad, being rebellious (okay, parental insert here... I wasn't being "rebellious"... I was teaching a lesson - Dare to be different) decided to put his name tag on the right side.  Well guess what??!!  When we wear our suit coats we wear our tags on the right side!  Our mission president, President Howes says we do this because "we are the best mission in the world!"  It kills me!!  Anyway, the field is awesome.  The few families I have met are great and super nice.  My new companion, Elder Gibbons, and I went tracting for the first time with no success.  But, we did run into a Jehovah's Witness and gave him a Book of Mormon!  How ironic huh?  The first person I talk to and give a Book of Mormon to is a Jehovah's Witness.  You never know!  But yeah, that is about all we've done so far.


Elder Gibbons... well, I am his first trainee so it is hard for me to get used to him thinking I don't know how to do anything.  Bugs me a lot.  (Okay, another parental edit... suffice it to say the apartment he's living in is less than perfectly clean and tidy and Daniel would prefer to spend more time in the field serving than he was spending as of this writing).


Anyway, I just wanted to update you all on my life and give you my new address to put up on the blog... although now that I think about it, I sent that in my last letter to Mom.  Ah well.


I love you guys and miss ya!


~Elder Peterson


Daniel's New Address
Elder Peterson
4411 E. Chandler Blvd. #1070
Phoenix, AZ  85048

First Area - Phoenix! 17 November 2011

Hey Mom -


Arizona is beautiful this time of year.  My flight went great.  The first day here was really like a last-minute training course.  The following day I met my new companion/trainer/"father" as it's called here in the mission field.  He has been out for 10 1/2 months and I am his first "son".  We are in an apartment by ourselves so we will really get to know one another.  We went shopping for a few groceries for myself, which, by the way, I bought Honey Nut Cheerios before I opened the box of my stuff you shipped.  Thank you for the Reese's Puffs though.  After shopping we went and picked up my bike, dropped off everything at the apartment (luggage, bike, groceries etc) then we started to plan for a few investigators and less active families.  We went out later that night and we taught them!  It was a lot of fun!  I didn't get to say a whole lot, I don't think Elder Gibbon's trusts me yet but, that will come over time.  When planning earlier we both had ideas on how best to approach these families and he used all of my ideas so that made me feel good.  I just didn't get to share much while we were there.


I love and miss all of you.  I pray everything is going well.


Love, Elder Peterson


P.S... I need my helmet.  I left it on the bench in the garage!


Daniel's New Address
Elder Peterson
4411 E. Chandler Blvd. #1070
Phoenix, AZ  85048

Arizona Tempe Mission - 16 November 2011

Dear Brother and Sister Peterson -


We are so please to have Elder Daniel Lawrence Peterson serving in the Arizona Tempe Mission.  He has arrived safely and has been assigned to the Tempe 2nd District and the Tempe Zone.  We have complete confidence that your son's companion will do all that is necessary to set Elder Peterson on the path of a great mission.


As we met with our new missionaries yesterday, we stressed the principles of obedience, hard work and worthiness.  This mission holds great potential for each missionary assigned. The members are strong and love these great Elders and Sisters.  You can be assured they, and we, will do all possible to watch over your son.  It is a very special responsibility we feel toward our missionaries.  We want to see them enjoy a happy and successful mission.


Our missionaries have permission to Skype or telephone their families twice per year, on Mother's Day and at Christmas.  If you need to get a message to your son or if you have any questions, please call us directly.  We do want the missionaries to receive letters from home on a regular basis encouraging them in the proselyting efforts.


Thank you for raising a missionary who has a desire to serve the Lord.


Sincerely yours,
President Dean L. Howes

MTC Update - 05 November 2011

Dear Family -


I write to you to testify of the power of prayer.  I know you have all heard me bear my testimony on prayer before, but last night my testimony grew even stronger.


Yesterday we all had a great day.  Everyone was getting along great and we had "investigators" to teach.  All of the Elders in my room are great.  There's this one in particular that makes us all laugh and lightens the mood when people get too stressed.  At times he can take it a little too far and distract the class when we want to be studying.  We had just returned from teaching our investigators and we were all kind of talking about how strong the Spirit was and what a neat experience it was to share the gospel.  It came time to study and this same Elder started joking around, distracting the class, and detracting from the Spirit.  Feeling something needed to be done to invite the Spirit back, I stood up in front of the class.  I just stood there until the quieted down.  Then I shared a spiritual thought.  The Spirit returned and we started to have a very spiritual meeting as a district... but one of the Elders in the room couldn't let the actions of the disruptive Elder go without saying something.  He called him out for being too rowdy.  He tried to do it in a loving way but then some of the other Elders started making comments about it as well.  This seriously offended this fine Elder.  That night he was very quiet.  He stayed distant with all of us and when we asked him what was wrong his response was, "Don't worry about me.  I plan to go home."  Nothing we said or tried to do could reach him.


As the district leader I felt like I should have been able to prevent this.  I had no control.  He just laid in bed not responding to any of us.  That night, when my companion and I said prayer, we prayed aloud while he laid in his bed pretending to be asleep.  We prayed that we would be able to help him.  We prayed that he would have a change of heart and that he would forgive us.  After that we all went to our beds and said our individual prayers.  I had no idea I loved this Elder so much.  During my prayer, I cried unto the Lord with full faith that He would bring this Elder back to a missionary state of mind.  I pleaded with our heavenly Father that he would help this Elder.  I said, "Father, I know that thou would have this Elder do thy work which thou has called him to do.  I know it is within thy power to cause a change of heart unto one person.  Please do this to not only help this Elder, but to bless the lives of all those he will teach and bring the gospel to."  I don't remember a time that I have shed so many tears and prayed so earnestly for the well-being of someone, let alone someone I have only known for a week.


The following morning was still the same.  No significant change.  It came to be about lunch time and he was starting to be back to his old self.  I have no idea if someone else talked to him or if something else happened, but I know that the Lord caused something to happen.  I cannot tell you how overjoyed I was.  We went to the temple today and I felt our Heavenly Father's love for not only me, but for this Elder as well.  The love that He has for each and every one of us is incomprehensible.  


I know that our Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ live.  That our Redeemer lives.  "What joy that this sweet sentence gives."  I urge all of you to pray.  Pray with nothing wavering and I promise that it will be opened unto you.  Have faith in Jesus Christ.  Look for the Lord's hand in all that you do.  Alma 34:27 says to keep a prayer in mind for the welfare of ourselves and the welfare of others at all times.  Forget about yourselves and the Lord will bless you with more than you can imagine.  I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.


I love all of you.  Please pray for those in need of care.  Watch over each other and remember the Lord in all that you do.  I love you.


Elder Peterson

MTC Update - 03 November 2011

Hi Family -


I love the MTC and my companion (Elder Friley) and I get along really well.  We have similar thoughts and ideas on how to handle certain investigator situations so that's comforting.  I've grown to love my calling as District Leader.  I do believe I was called to this position for a reason.  Today I was able to do almost everything that this calling requires of me.  I met with every elder in the district and was able to resolve a few issues.  I met with the Branch President, President Gray, and talked about some of those issues as well as a few other things that needed to be discussed.  We met as a district and said a few things that needed to be said and invited the Spirit to be with us as we all studied.  I was even able to exercise my Priesthood authority in giving a blessing to a sister missionary that was in need of comfort.  The experience reminded me of Chelci's confirmation.  The Spirit was so strong.  The sister missionaries companion took some notes on what was said in the blessing and I feel that what the Spirit dictated really helped her.  It's a huge comfort and honor to me that she chose me to provide the blessing from the Lord.  Also, to know that I am living worthy for the Spirit to work through me.  


I love you all.


Elder Peterson

A Few Pictures and an Update from Daniel at the MTC

Well, Daniel has been at the MTC for 2 full weeks this Wednesday.  It seems a lot longer than that!  He leaves the MTC one week from tomorrow on the 15th.  He prefers everyone write to him via http://www.dearelder.com while he's in the MTC.  There's a drop-down box that says "Select a Mission".  Make sure you select "Provo MTC - Free", then click "Write a Letter".  His MTC box number is 215 and his MTC departure date is 11/15/2011... you don't need his mission code.  Apparently he can only read email once a week, but dearelder.com prints out whatever you type and he gets a physical letter within 24 hours every weekday... only 1 week left though.  After that it's snail-mail - whether you use dearelder.com or not.  


Daniel entered the MTC on October 26th, 2011.  Here's a picture of his shiny new missionary name tag with the bright orange "dork dot" indicating that he has that deer in the headlights look for a reason... 

Here's a picture of his new group of friends, studying and learning how to most effectively serve the Lord... where's Daniel?

Suffice it say he's adapting well.


Two days after he arrived at the MTC Daniel receives this little letter... 


"Dear Elder Peterson:


Congratulations on your call to serve as a District Leader.  We appreciate your willingness to help and bless the other missionaries in your district.  Through your example of Christ-like living and appropriate missionary behavior you will become an inspiration and role model for those you lead.


Your support and encouragement of the other missionaries will be a blessing to them.  We encourage you to seek the Lord's spirit in your stewardship.  It will guide you to those who may need your assistance and love, and will inspire you in how to lift and strengthen them.


You have been called through inspiration.  You will be blessed as you follow the counsel and direction of your Branch Presidency.  You should share your concerns with them, and seek their counsel in providing assistance to those you serve.


May the Lord bless you in this assignment and throughout your mission.


Sincerely, 
Gordon D. Brown
President"


He's convinced the family has somehow cursed him with this calling but in reality he's loving the responsibility and opportunity to serve.  Below is a short excerpt from Daniel's most recent letter... the boy cracks me up!


"Here is my daily routine at the MTC.  Wake up time is 6:30am but I wake at 6:00am to beat everyone to the showers.  The first 3 days my showers were pure cold water - no hot whatsoever.  I found out after the 3rd day that I was using the shower that no one else used... hmmm, why don't they use this shower?  Oh yeah... because this shower doesn't have HOT WATER!!!.  After showers we get dressed (shirt & tie) and go to breakfast.  The food, speaking of, is alright.  I haven't tried the Mighty Marshmallows because it's exactly like Lucky Charms (Daniel hates Lucky Charms).  After breakfast we have personal study time, classroom instruction, lunch (still just Okay), more classroom instruction, teaching investigators, dinner, personal study, companion study, more teaching, go to our residence, companion study, quiet time, and then lights out at 10:30!  Although, on Wednesdays and Sundays there is an all-you-can-eat Ice Cream Bar!!  I have eaten and (drinken?... no son, "drank") so much dairy it's ridiculous!  They might start making me milk my own cow! 


I have already played the piano for our zone Priesthood meeting and boy was it good to play again!


I love all of you.  Please pray for those in need of care.  Watch over each other and remember the Lord in all that you do.  I love you.


Elder Peterson"   


Daniel shared a few examples of how the Lord has touched his life and strengthened his testimony of prayer.  He knows the Lord knows each of us individually - our wants, our needs, and righteous desires and blesses us according to His will.


We shipped Daniel's bike and a box full of bedding and other odds and ends he'll need late last week.  The mission home called today asking if this was done... I'm guessing we're a little late if they're having to call.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything arrives in time!

Why Serve A Mission?

Daniel had a few of friends ask him why he was going to serve a mission instead of heading off to school right away or trying to progress financially.  College is definitely part of Daniel's plan, but he chose to put his missionary work first.  I hope this website helps explain why Daniel made the decision he did... http://mormon.org/missionary-work/


~Alvin

What is the MTC?

Some of you may be wondering what the MTC is and why Daniel is there prior to leaving for Tempe Arizona to fulfill his mission.  The MTC is the Missionary Training Center located in Provo Utah.  Here's a good explanation of what the MTC is and why he's there http://www.mission.net/cgi-bin/mn.cgi?action=disp_page&page=main_mtcfaq

~Alvin

Beginning of My Mission!

Hey Everyone,
     This is the first and only post that will actually be from me! This blog has been created so that each of you who want to know what is going on in my mission can read letters that have been sent home. Each time I transfer I will be given a new address and it will be posted on here for each of you. I hope to hear from you guys while I'm out. I hope to serve the Lord in a manner that is pleasing unto Him. Thank you for the support and all that you have done for me and my family.

~Elder Peterson

MTC mailing address:

Elder Daniel Lawrence Peterson
MTC Mailbox # 215
AZ-TEM 1115
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604-1793