O Remember...Press Forward

HAPPY 2K18 BROTHERS AND SISTERS!!! 

I can't believe it's actually here! Looking back, I can honestly say that 2017 was the best year of my life. Looking forward, I cannot wait to see the incredible experiences 2018 has in store for me. This is an exciting time. 

This week has been amazing! Last wednesday night we were able to teach Linda the Stop Smoking Workshop. There were four missionaries there, Sister Fesler, and Rachel and Kevin! It was a powerful lesson, and that power has really carried over into her life this week. She has not smoked since. It's amazing. When we rely on our Saviors promises, miracles do happen. I know that to be true. His Atonement is the most powerful force in any of our lives. All we must do is trust in Him and not in our weak flesh. 

Thursday we went on exchanges with Hannibal. We took them up to some small towns on the edge of the mission and knocked in the ridiculous cold. It was a good time though. Every time I've gone to those little towns I've left with a good laugh or scare. It's exciting! 

Saturday was interviews! What better way to end the year than with a chance to reset and discuss ways to improve? 

Sunday was awesome! We were able to speak in church. My talk focused on feeding Christ's lambs and sheep, aka, new members and inactive members. I learned so much, and would like to challenge you all to find a way to help feed the fold of Christ this year. I know that you will come to know that joy spoken of in D&C 18:15-16. I have felt that joy, and desire for each of you to feel that as well. 

We had to come in at 6 on Sunday though, so the "eve" part of my New years was pretty lame. I still went to bed at 10:30. 

But yesterday was AWESOME! Not only was it New Years, but it was p-day. To celebrate (and to be the first on the wall) the whole Zone went to TCBY and did the quart challenge. This make 20 quarts over the last 5 months. That comes up to about a gallon a month. Was it worth it? Not really. Do I regret it ? A little bit. 

It was also super cold yesterday. -12 at one point. So the Mississippi froze. So yeah, I walked on it. It was pretty cool. Later, Brother Thomas from the 2nd ward invited a ton of people to come play hockey on his frozen pond. Definitely the funnest p-day activity I've ever had. 

Anyway! That's that! I do have a poem this time. You're welcome. 

~~
Frost coats each windowsill, 
Waves of white upon the hill.
Out in the cold, the flurries fly, 
A slow snowfall, 
From the whitened sky. 

As each flake falls, with grace in its place, 
A pause, a thought, a friendly face. 
How each speck of white, 
Is unique, individual, a special sight. 
How each face has a special light. 

​And though unique, ​there's so much more. 
Flakes, or faces, together can soar. 
As single snowflakes fall together, 
We become strong against the harshest weather.
~~

I love you all, happy new year! 

Elder Housholder

Elder Hutchings, Housholder, and Sister Evelyn Fessler on Sunday when they all spoke.


Ugly Sweaters at Zone Conference

First Snowfall-Christmas Eve!

Standing on the Frozen Mississippi at the approximate location the saints crossed when fleeing from Far West.

The zone at TCBY (#20)

The squad at the Mark Twain Lighthouse in Hannibal. (There you go Grandpa Tom!)

Snowman+Matching Hawkeye gear.

Hockey on a pond.



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