My Two Year Calling

Good Morning!

It's amazing how much can happen in one week, especially after a week of doing almost nothing. I've actually had to reference my journal to see what has happened, and I'm surprised by how many talking points I have. 

One thing to note is this past week I've done a remarkable job of keeping up on my study goals. I've read gospel books, studied the Book of Mormon at night, and read through other study materials in the mornings. I missed a night or two, but otherwise I'm impressed. I've surpassed my expectations, and I intend to keep this success going. 

As a fun side project, I watched a movie called "The Best Two Years". I really enjoyed how it highlighted the difficulties of missionary work, as well as giving the missionaries fun personalities. It's a fun movie, definitely one I recommend!

Since we've revisited the ranch, a lot of cool things have happened. I dug more holes with my brothers to search for buried pipes, and we were actually fairly successful. So successful that on Friday we found a dead rodent in one of the trenches we'd made. Any thoughts on what it is would be cool to hear.

Later on Friday my mom took Grant shopping for his own mission, so Sandra, Clark and I tagged along. I found a really cool tie and a light sweater to take back to Utah. I also did some perusing on Amazon and found a smaller duffel bag and a couple more spiritual books to add to my growing collection. I'm feeling pretty happy with myself. 

On Saturday we were doing our thing at the ranch and my sister, Sandra, is trying to corral some of the buffalo . . . they didn't take too kindly to that. I'll add a YouTube video link for everyone to watch her avoid getting trampled. Then this morning we woke up to a neighbor texting my dad, informing him that our buffalo had escaped! We found them, they're all safe now. That video will be up on our channel in a week or so, it was a fun experience, hopefully one we don't repeat too quickly. 

I was told before I began my mission journey that I would make friends who I'd probably talk to for the rest of my life. I've already found this to be true, and I barely got anywhere in my journey. A good 10 people reached out to me the day I came home, all of them missionary friends, offering kind words and support. Then, when I sent my first email from home, another 17 or so people spoke up, not to mention family and friends who've talked to me directly. I really see the value in friendships, and how even distance can't kill a good friend. 

I've been collecting scriptures that jump out at me as I read, ones with a particularly inspiring message. I found my newest on Thursday, and I'd like to highlight the first half; 

2 Peter 2:9 - "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations,"

The first two weeks after I came home I didn't really want to return. St. George felt so far away, like a journey I couldn't make. Then the next two weeks I spent fighting for my life, Satan changing his tactics from personal despair to spiritual ruin. Yet, as I've learned about God's grace and the eventual deliverance of those who strive for improvement, I find myself stronger than before. I'm not 100% sure what changed, but there's a light at the end of the tunnel, and I can finally see it. 

Many of my missionary friends sent emails last week featuring miracles in their lives, and those that they're teaching. Those emails got me thinking about miracles, and if I've actually seen any in my life, especially through this past month. I'm confident that this new sense, of a light at the end of the tunnel, is evidence to me of God's hand in my life. That's my miracle this week. 

Obviously I'm not perfect, but I've resolved to continue with a stronger fortitude of heart, mind and soul that comes from personal study and prayer of the things of God. With these as my defense I know I'll return to my mission field stronger than ever, ready to serve God and spread his gospel. 

I'm eager to finish my two year calling in life, and to learn more about what God has in store for me. Here's to hoping the next few weeks pass quickly!

- Talmage Williams









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