October 14, 2013 "General Conference/1st Baptism!/Exchanges

Hey Hey!

We officially have broken the Gresham Area curse - no baptisms within the past 4 years - with our investigator being baptized tomorrow. She was being taught earlier in the year but didn't have permission from her family so she disappeared. A few weeks ago she texted us and told us she wanted to meet again and be baptized. Came out of no where and has been an answer to prayers :)

She and another investigator both watched General Conference with us at the church - with Grandma and a few other members. One was really impressed with President Uchtdorf's "Come Join With Us" because he was convinced he has to be perfect in order to be baptized. I think he is beginning to see that baptism is something that he can work towards and be ready for.

Our latest investigator is going into surgery this week because of the veins that have begun to close up in his legs - don't smoke, kids - so we are praying that all goes well. We bought him a gigantic magnifying glass and large print Book of Mormon so that he can read. Praying that all goes well.

I had the chance to go on 2 exchanges these past few weeks and I learned so much about the power of relying on the Spirit in bearing testimony. I spoke with a number of people who claim atheism and it is the strangest experience to hear that and work to start up a conversation. The one thing that seems to spark an interest and welcome the spirit is the testimony and knowledge we have of eternal families. I am grateful for a loving eternal family.

Some funny things have happened this past week:

--While running, Grandma's dog, Roxie, knocked me over.

--Elder Muirbrook and I discussed whether or not Adam had a belly-button.

--I read scriptures to Grandma each night so she doesn't fall asleep in the kitchen.

--The young women in the ward awkwardly complimented us on our haircuts.

Keep in touch. :)

Love,

Elder Taft Robinson

October 7, 2013 "Conference Weekend"

Dear Family,

 

We've got a baptism date with one of our investigators! She was a former who dropped off the planet when her uncle said no but now she is 18 and has made the decision to be baptized! We're planning for October 15 and are psyched to see the first convert baptism in Gresham in the past 4 years.

Grandma has had us getting the house ready for the winter. Last week we spent 2 hours throwing wood down her wood chute to get ready for the cold winter here - not sure if I'll be here for another transfer, we'll see though.

General Conference was awesome to say the least. It was really weird not watching it with the family but I felt such a strong spirit throughout. I heard talks and felt impressions that have answered questions that I needed answered. I'm grateful for the blessing of a modern day prophet that allows us to understand the Lord's will for us.

The speakers were very open and bold in proclaiming the news of the Lord. I sat and thought about the council they gave for political and social changes that are happening in the world and the unchanging truth that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I have a feeling that the world is going to take yet another turn for the worst in the near future - I'm learning to hold faster and tighter to the Iron Rod.

"Look ahead and believe," "Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith," "Rise up immediately," and standing for our covenants and families were themes that really stuck out to me. Hold to the never-ending Atonement and no matter what happens we will be safe. I am grateful for Jesus Christ's Atonement for all of us in paving the way to eternal life as a family.

Thank you for all your emails and letters - keep 'em coming :) I love hearing from you all.

-Elder Taft Robinson

September 30, 2013 "I Love You"

September 30, 2013

 

Dear Mom and Dad,

I'm sorry that I took you for granted. Being out here I have had a lot of time to reflect on the spiritual experiences that have prepared me to be a missionary. The one resounding experience has truly been the blessing of being raised by "goodly parents".

Out here, I recognize how special the blessing of "goodly parents" is. I have wept a few times at the sorrow I see in the hearts of the people we speak with. They are angry and lost yet don't know where to look for peace and solace. I see now that peace and solace in this life come through the blessing of eternal family. Eternal; a word that is so magnificent that we are not able to fully comprehend.

I am eternally grateful for your raising me to be a missionary. I see this mission not only teaching me to be a better missionary but also a better husband and father. Thank you for your prayers and love. I feel it each and every day.

I did an interesting exercise with my Patriarchal Blessing - I replaced all of the promises "You will..." with "I am..." Not only do I see promises but I see a better vision of who I was before I came here and who I am in the eternities.

Thank you. Love you

Taft