Week 98

 I've been continuing in my study of the Book of Mormon. I got to Mosiah 18 today, which is one of the most well-known and frequently used chapters in the Book of Mormon by missionaries because it talks about the covenant of baptism and why somebody would want to be baptized. 

It was neat to read this chapter that I have read many times before under a new lens, trying to relate it to myself. Alma names a number of things that we might want, that we can obtain by being baptized. To enter into the fold of God and become His people, to be redeemed, to arise in the first resurrection, to have eternal life. I want all of those things for myself, and the conditions of the covenant that Alma stipulates are not grievous either. Being willing to look outside yourself and serve God and other people, keep His commandments, and always stand as a witness of Him. 

I came to the conclusion that, even if I hadn't been baptized at this point of my life, I would want to be now because that's a lot of the very things I want to reach, have,and become. I love how Preach My Gospel says that baptism is a "joyous ordinance of hope," and I felt that as I read the chapter. I'm glad I can continue to renew and strengthen the meaning of that covenant in my life by partaking of the sacrament every day. 

Yours Faithfully,

Elder C. Calder

A picture from last Zone Conference where we had an in-class discussion. Notice Yours Truly in the front row on the right side, engaged in deep discussion with the debonair Elder Green. I was the only person at the entire conference to come wearing a sweater, not sure what that says about me exactly. Nobody seemed to notice until I pointed it out to them. 

Ezekiel 47:8 "Then said he [the LORD] unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed."

Indeed a miraculous thing has come to pass. After a clear, dry and dusty winter, the Valley of the Sun is at last being blessed with some rain. It is good news for the plants, the animals, and all the people who have to pay the water bill. 

Perhaps the only ones for whom the rain is a harbinger of ill tidings are the biking missionaries who are out in it all day, namely us. Tragically, I do not have a raincoat, nor any kind of rain protection. I didn't pack a raincoat when I was preparing to leave on my mission, and that served me just fine for the last 2 years. Even during the much rainier winter last year I had a car so the rain didn't really matter too much. Now though my pride has been stripped away and I am at the mercy of the elements. I do have an umbrella but those who have tried using an umbrella while riding a bike know that it is not terribly effective.

Me posing with Cosmo the Cougar at a member's house.

Here I am moments before engaging in a bit of recreational drinking. I'd never had one of these before, but although it looks scary it was in fact a delicious flavored sparkling water. I usually hate sparkling water but this actually tasted good.