Ixmiquilpan-September 21

Hi Mom!!

How are you?? The time is flying by here as well! My new Companions name is Elder Villaseñor. I miss Elder Condorí a ton! He was probably the best companion that I have had, we got along super well, and had many great experiences. I hate to admit it, but this first week that I have had with my new companion has been a pretty tough week, we haven't been getting along really well. He is a little bit childish, and I have had struggles trying to keep him in line. I remember about two weeks ago, my companion and I fasted, I had the impression that I should fast for the strength to be more humble and I felt the need to ask heavenly father for more trials in my life. I honestly feel like this is my answer. I found it really easy to be humble with Elder Condorí, but now I have found the answer to my prayers. I hope that the Lord will keep blessing me in these weeks with the strength that I need to keep pressing on. I know that the Lord will bless me if I am obedient to the rules that he has given to us as missionaries. I am glad to keep working in this glorious work!!

The short thought that you shared with me about the sabbath day was great! This week I read in the Liahona a quote from President Kimball that to keep the sabbath day, we shouldnt just avoid working and buying, etc. but that we should dedicate all of our thoughts as well to the Lord!! It is a day that we give EVERYTHING to the Lord!!

Mom, I love you and hope that you keep giving me great guidance! I will be turning to the Lord a lot for guidance, strength and peace of mind. I love you more than you can imagine mom!! Love ya!!

Elder Paynter

Ixmiquilpan-September 20

Sunday Blog Surfing...

Just watched an hour of "Two Brothers"... so incredible the change that these young men and young women experience as they turn their lives over to the Lord.

I was thrilled then to see these great pictures (as the movie made me miss my missionary, just a little) on the mission blog.

New companion...not sure of his name yet!

Ixmiquilpan-September 14

Dear Mom, 

I do not know what they do on Independence Day, but I'm sure I'll find out soon! haha, We don't quite know what to expect! I'm sure it will consist of fireworks all night, so we might not sleep very well!! 

This week we got to go to the broadcast of the Re-dedication of the new and improved Mexico City, Mexico Temple. It was super great!! Such a great experience! President Eyring dedicated and Elder Holland and others shared some thoughts. I loved everything that they discoursed, but my favorite was the thought that Elder Holland shared. He talked about the members of the church in the days of the restoration, he told that they were struggling quite a bit. A year after they finished the Kirkland temple, they were driven out of Ohio and the temple fell into the hands of the apostates. When they were in the construction of the new Nauvoo temple, they were driven away as well and the temple was burnt by mobs. When they had arrived in the Salt Lake valley, the Prophet Brigham Young, was commanded of the Lord to build another temple. Elder Holland commented that we can suppose the frustration of some of the members of the church in this time. They probably thought to themselves, when are we going to be driven away from this temple? When some of the members asked, Do you suppose we will finish this temple? He responded, "My answer is, I do not know, and I do not care. . . .  I have never cared but for one thing, and that is, simply to know that I am now right before my Father in Heaven.  If I am this moment, this day, doing the things God requires of my hands, and precisely where my Father in Heaven wants me to be, I care no more about tomorrow than though it never would come.  I do not know where I shall be tomorrow, nor do I know when this temple will be done. . . . This I do know―there should be a temple built here.  I do know it is the duty of this people to commence to build a temple." Wow, such a great lesson we can learn!! Elder Holland mentioned to everyone, that we should not worry too much about the re dedication of the temple, and worry more about our self-rededication. We should rededicate ourselves in our will to obey the commandments of the Lord!!

We have three Families right now that are progressing pretty well. We are super excited to see their progress! They are such great people, but like all of us in this life, they have struggles. Struggles such as, not being married, not having the support of a spouse, working of Sundays, and living far away from the church building. I know that they have struggles, as well as I do but I love the promise that Jesus left with us in John 16:33 

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation:but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world

I love you tons Mom!!! 

Have a great week!!

Elder Paynter

 Goofy picture day...?

 Ixmiquilpan-September 7

Hey Mom!!

What a nice week you have had!! Sounds like everyone is keeping busy! Im glad to hear it!

This week has been a great week!! In every aspect, but most of all in my studies that I have had! I have been studying a lot about the Book of Mormon. It has become super clear and perfectly known unto me that the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion. I know it is true and I know that it is critical for our salvation. It is the Word of God. I know that it has changed my life. It changes our lives when we allow the importance of it enter into our hearts and shape us into the type of people that God wants us to be. I have seen the difference in my life as well as the lives of many members, when the Book of Mormon is used as a tool and a guide to lead us to eternal life. There is a difference! I know that all the principles and ordinances that the Book of Mormon teaches helps us discover that difference and to change into true disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ. Only in the Book of Mormon can you find the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We truly understand the Atonement, the most important principle of this Gospel, through our study of the Book of Mormon. The Bible has been changed so much, that basically the most important part has been cut out and edited. No one can truly understand the importance of the Atonement without reading the Book of Mormon. I know that it is true! I know that it can bless the lives of us as a Family! Don't stop reading the Book of Mormon, Mom!! I love the Gospel and know that only blessings and Eternal Life come through our Savior. I love him and love getting to know him more through my study of the Book of Mormon. My greatest Advice that I can give to Meghan as she is preparing, is to read the Book of Mormon. The greatest advice that I can give to all the kids is to read the Book of Mormon. IT IS TRUE! I know it is! I love it and hope to be able to have the opportunity to study it for every day of the rest of my Life!! I know this church is true! and the We have a loving Heavenly Father that loves everyone of us!! 

I love you Mom and hope that you continue diligently in reading the Book of Mormon constantly with the Family! It has changed our lives, and will keep blessing our lives if we carefully study it everyday!

Have a great week!! Love you , and sorry my letter is short!! Love ya tons!!

Elder Paynter

D&C 84:54-58

D&C 20:1-15

Mormon 8

Some great scriptures!