It's been a ride, huh?

...Well, everyone. I want to say thank you. Thanks for doing these two years with me, and for listening to all of the crazy stories and random pieces of advice my 20 year old brain came up with throughout this whole experience. Thank you for all of your love, and support, and for giving me the confidence and courage countless times when I thought I might fail, or couldn't believe in myself. Thank you for sending letters, spiritual thoughts, and emails.. I promise I've read every single one of them, even if I may not have ever gotten back to writing you. I've kept almost every single letter I've received on my mission-- and hold them near and dear to me. YOU have all really helped me so much. ..Just by watching. By reading. By being a part of this ride.. this experience we could have together. I can't say I've grown into this incredible man who can grow a super handsome beard or anything, but I can say that.. ...I'm way better than I used to be, and I think that's important. I've learned how much one life can impact another, and have grown in ways I never expected to. I've been humbled, tested, tried, and shaped into an instrument that I know both the Lord and those around me will be able to use just a little bit better. ..And I know that this church is true. I know that faith isn't just a principle of the gospel.. it's not just a word we use to describe why we feel the way we do about our religion. I've learned that it's our lifestyle. Every decision we make is because of the faith we have in those promised blessings. I've learned over my two years in Korea that I kneel and pray to my Father in Heaven with faith that he will answer me. ..Why would I kneel and pray in the first place if I didn't have any faith? 

Of all the blessings I could promise.. of all the things I could testify of, I want to leave with you one simple testimony of something I know to be true-- with all of my heart. 

In one sentence, my testimony is this.

I know that Heavenly Father hears and answers every child's prayer. 

Before I sign off, I want to share an experience I had with prayer, that I shared with my trainer a few weeks ago. 

 ..I was having a really hard night. I was stressed out my mind, got a call to speak in church with the Stake Presidency out of nowhere the night before, was worried about my life and future, who I'd marry, what I was doing as a missionary, if I'd done enough.. if I had made a difference, and was seriously just drowning. I tried my best to just throw it all down in my journal and walk away with a positive attitude like I usually try to do but, nothing was working.

I went into a different room, and knelt in prayer -- saying what I'd probably call an angry and frustrated prayer with my Father in Heaven. I was frustrated, and didn't feel like there were answers to anything. I cried my eyes out, and was just so upset. ..As I prayed, I remembered that all who have the Aaronic Priesthood are entitled to something called "the ministering of angels", and though I didn't really and still don't really understand what that fully entails, I plead with God to send me one. Someone, some angel, to help me through it all. Be it the Holy Ghost or anyone else to just.. help me get a grip on things.

It was after that-- pleading and struggling, that I felt the Holy Ghost, and was comforted enough to walk back into my room. I was thankful, and felt that that was the answer to my wrestle of a prayer.

..But that night, I fell asleep, and had a dream that I was in a field. A huge, golden brown field-- where I was supposed to work. But, the amount of work I had to do was SO immense. Wayy more than I could do by myself, and I knew it. There were huge weeds, and stocks of wheat all around me, and I was so overwhelmed. I looked around and saw others in the field, harvesting and plowing and working -- all in groups, in teams, and with partners. Happily, whole-heartedly, and diligently. They were confident and making incredible progress. ..I stuck my shovel in the dirt. And spaced out. Totally overwhelmed, not even willing to start, when I felt a hand on my right shoulder. 

I turned around, to see my trainer, Elder Chow.

I was surprised, to say the least, and asked what he was doing here. He looked at me and said, "Hey. I'm here to help you. ..What's wrong?" ..I started to explain how frustrated I was and that I just couldn't do it, when he interrupted me with a soft voice and said, "Hey.. come on. We can do this together. It's not just you. Now come on, let's work hard." ..And man, we worked. We worked all night. We worked and talked about everything that I was stressed about, and he just listened to me talk about … well, ..everything. 

I woke up, comforted, confident, and capable, and the next day was a major success. 

I just wanted to thank you --all of you for having that kind of impact in my life. For teaching me that I can work hard. That I can do my own work, but that I can also have help from others, and that there are always others there to help me out. 

Thank you for being there for me.

And a special thank you to the man who made me the missionary I am, Elder Chow. 

I hope all is well, and I hope each and every one of you remembers how special you are -- that there is no one else in the WHOLE WORLD that has the same influence you do,

and that you remember how great life is.

..Whatever stress you may be holding onto, I promise that if you give it to our Father in Heaven, just like you would a loving parent, you can let it go and be truly happy.

Remember that you're never alone.

..and continue always to choose to be great.

Be good. Walk Tall.

Be you. Keep the Faith.

Be True. Finish the Fight!

All the love,

ELDER TRUE ANTHONY DEMILLE!

Invictus.

This week, I had the opportunity of teaching our Gospel Doctrine class the "Law of Chastity". ..As we all know, it's by far the funnest, easiest, and least awkward lesson to teach. 

..Haha.. Okay. I lied, I'm sorry.

But! This week, as I stressed over how I could teach it comfortably, entertainingly, and well, well- I reflected on a lesson I taught about the "Armor of God" back when I was a Deacon. My mom helped me prepare the lesson, and I used the same object lesson that I used back then, in class this week. It was super effective. I wish I had more time to explain it to you -- but time is pressing, and I want to share with you the more important part of the lesson. I decided to --rather than talking about the Law of Chastity itself-- talk about how we can overcome it, avoid breaking it, and keep it more effectively.  

When I was 14 or so years old, my Young Men's Counselor, Jared Hackett, invited all of the young men to memorize a poem. In doing so, we'd get 5 bucks! ..To be honest, I don't really remember what other reasons or benefits there were to memorizing the poem at the time, but I liked poems and figured I'd give it a try. One week later, I had 5 dollars in my hand, and a tool that I would use for the rest of my life.

To this day, every time a bad thought enters my head, I recite this poem to help me be more focused, to help me stay strong, and to give me encouragement to press forward. There were times in my mission where I would even count the times I had to recite the poem each day -- some a little depressing, and others encouraging-- but regardless, I'm so thankful that the challenge was issued. I guess, in saying that, I'm issuing a challenge to you. 

Memorize this poem, or another one that you hold dear and that gives you strength, to use as a tool against the adversary in times of need. I promise it will always help you!

Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever Gods may be,

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance,

I have not winced, not cried aloud

Under the bludgeonings of chance,

My head is bloody- but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears,

Looms but the horror of the shade;

And yet the menace of the years

Finds - and shall find- me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll-

I am the master of my fate.

I am the captain of my soul.

-William Ernest Henley.

And that's a wrap, folks!

I'll see you next week, for the grand finale!

Special shoutout to my baby brother, who's officially a teenager today!! Haha rock on Landon!

All the love,

Elder DeMille

What A Week.

Well, I'm not really sure how to put this week into words, but.. I want to tell you that this week was a week filled with faith. Like, man oh man, was it filled with faith.

I honestly don't know what to say. From an incredible interview with President, to a long night on my knees in prayer, to a dream filled with revelation, to our Sisters' investigator (and long-time, dedicated friend) being baptized this Saturday, things have just been overflowing with blessings, lessons, and growth. It's been amazing. I wish I had more to say. Advice to give, stories to tell, but, I really just want to share this with you today. 

This is what we call the Faith Project.

I promise that if you read the scriptures below individually (or with a companion, if you're serving) several times a day, your faith will sky-rocket. Read and think about these scriptures. Ponder them. Contemplate them. I've been doing it this past week, and have seen my faith grow in incredible ways. 

“Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also? And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? Is any thing too hard for the LORD?” (Genesis 18:11–14)

“… If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” (Matthew 17:20)

“… faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” (James 2:17)

“… I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.” (1 Nephi 3:7)

“… the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him.” (1 Nephi 7:12)

“… I am able to do mine own work.” (2 Nephi 27:21)

“For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith.” (2 Nephi 27:23)

“… if thou wilt repent of all thy sins, and will bow down before God, and call on his name in faith, believing that ye shall receive, then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest.” (Alma 22:16)

“And as sure as the Lord liveth, so sure as many as believed, or as many as were brought to the knowledge of the truth, through the preaching of Ammon and his brethren, according to the spirit of revelation and of prophecy, and the power of God working miracles in them—yea, I say unto you, as the Lord liveth, as many of the Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away.” (Alma 23:6)

“And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.” (Alma 32:21)

“For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; … Behold, it was the faith of Alma and Amulek that caused the prison to tumble to the earth. Behold, it was the faith of Nephi and Lehi that wrought the change upon the Lamanites, that they were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost. Behold, it was the faith of Ammon and his brethren which wrought so great a miracle among the Lamanites. Yea, and even all they who wrought miracles wrought them by faith, even those who were before Christ and also those who were after.” (Ether 12:12–16)

“… Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto you.” (Moroni 7:26)

“Remember that without faith you can do nothing; therefore ask in faith.” (D&C 8:10)

Walk tall.

Keep the faith.

Finish the fight!

All the love,

Elder DeMille!!

I Fig'd It Out.

So, we went to the zoo this week. And it was SO fun.

Plus, we made homemade Pepero! 

AND I saw my aunt on the street, AGAIN!! Outside of her Kindergarten this time. My cousin was there, and her 6 year old friend asked me for my autograph. 

Score.

Hahahaha anyway… I don't have tons of time to write today, but I wanted to share something really rad I learned in personal study this week.

In Mark, Chapter 11 Jesus is riding back into Jerusalem after a long day of proselyting with his twelve apostles. They were probably healing tons of people, handing out Book of Mormons (Or is it Books of Mormon?), and innumerable pass-along cards to everyone they passed. Needless to say they were starving. And lo and behold, in front of them stood a fig tree.

 11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.

 12 ¶And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:

 13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.

So here's Jesus, the creator of Earth, hungry for some fruit, and him --not seeing any-- does something much of us deem drastic. 

14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.

Matthew, in his account, tells how the tree "presently withered away" -- but Mark tells how they come upon it the next day, seeing it in an incredibly surprising condition. Withered, dead, and definitely not bearing any fruit nor leaves.

..But, I always thought to myself, and this week Sister Lee asked me, "Why did Jesus curse the tree for not having any fruit? ..Like.. come on?? It's just a tree. And it wasn't the season to bear fruit!" 

So, I decided I'd research it. 

I found the majority of the answer in Jesus the Christ, written by James E. Talmage. Apparently, I was lacking a huge knowledge of fig trees. Did you know that fig trees bear fruit buds, BEFORE budding leaves? So, here was this tree, not in the fruit season yet -- but flaunting it's leaves all around like, "Heyy~ What's up guys! Yo, I got some TASTY fruit over here. See all my leaves? You've just gotta come see what I've got for you. I know it's not time yet, but I budded early. BOY do I have some sweet fruit." So naturally, Jesus goes with his apostles to check it out. If there are leaves, there should be fruit, right?

Wrong.

This tree was 1. a symbol of faith, as Jesus showed his disciples the power to control nature/elements with only words and faith, and 2. a more abstract symbol of the current religion, Judaism at it's finest. Judaism was spreading rapidly, but was just what the fig tree was. A tree, with leaves, and no fruit. Our church is the only one with fruit of it's kind -- Judaism was simply a trick -- a trap. To get people to come and see, and believe, when there was nothing there for them to begin with. So Jesus put a stop to it.

Cool, right? 

Anyway, with that in mind my mom sent me a cool quote that falls right into place.

God has a plan for your life.

The enemy has a plan for your life.

Be ready for both.

Just be wise enough to know

which one to battle and

which one to embrace.

-author unknown-

Walk towards the right trees, embrace the right fruit. Indulge in it and share it with others so they can enjoy it too!!

Have a wonderful week!

All the love,

Elder DeMille

Sweet and Condensed.. My Week. Not Milk.

Alright, I'm gonna give you the sweet and condensed version of my week this week! 

1. I ran into my aunt while tracking in Go Deuk Dong.. Hahaha. She pulled up right next to us as we had just come from knocking on a less-active's door -- her head out the window yelling, "True! True!!" and my cute little cousins doing the same thing from the van window, hahaha. How in the world does that happen?? We met up, they drove us home, and then took us out to some Ddukbokki and such like 30 minutes later, after they picked up my grandma and grandpa.

2. I had Silk-worm pupae for the first time this week! And, it wasn't near as bad as it sounds. It just tastes like.. a mix of a tie.. and lima beans? Haha but, my comp Elder Kim cooked them up and made them wayy better. Granted, I still didn't eat a ton, but -- not so bad. Larvae. Check!

3. District meeting! And.. now, I officially teach my English class by myself. Since.. well.. my companion doesn't speak english, haha. Don't worry, it's fun.

4. We had Zone Training, which was super fun -- and will have Temple week this week -- it was super fun to catch up with Elder Watts and Ethington. Later that night the sisters lost their phone and it ended up at a Fire-station, so, I got to go inside a Korean fire-station for the first time. That was pretty sweet.

5. We had dinner at President's house this week, ... and had CHICKEN POT PIE. It was amazing. I've forgotten how much American meals consist of salt, pepper, meat and bread, haha. But seriously, it was SO good. There were a few little kids we brought and President was a tiger most of the night. Great guy.

6. Had a wicked nightmare just two nights ago -- still pretty shaken-- it's the first in about a year, but it was the first time I actually died in my dream. The details would take a little too long but, it was crazy. 

7.And then.. church on Sunday! -- The fam came over later and dropped off some Jajjang and Curry. They're the bomb. We're planning one last big get together/dinner on the 21st of this month! Should be fun!

Love you all and hope you have a wonderful week. I hope you remember to tell those around you how much you love them too!!

All the love,

Elder DeMille!

Hallowherever You Want! I Choose Korea!

This week.. what to say about this week..

Well, folks. Let's get the obvious part out there -- I'm almost done. Which is craaaazy. And, I've realized also makes time move a lot slower. So, for those of you who are dreading the end of your mission -- have hope! Haha this week went by longer than probably any other week in the history of my mission. It was awesome!

Before our beloved ones left Gangdong, we all got together at the Han River and played some silly games -- soccer with our hands, frisbee, and whatnot, and had a blast. To finish it off we got some bubble tea, and met up with a member the next night for a giant dinner appointment at a restaurant called "In The Kitchen". ...Soo.. delicious..

After transfers at Yeongdeungpo we spent a solid 3-4 days straight preparing for our small little Halloween party where I got to paint faces and help lead the whole thing out. Not to mention I got to make some funny ghosts, decorations, and devil wings. Haha it took some different creativity! We didn't have too many people show, but those who did were super fun, and great participants. It's pretty weird to be the oldest missionary in the mission.. haha. Makes you think a lot about your capabilities.. let me tell ya.

However! The Sisters also had the privilege of seeing one of our Recent Convert's wife baptized this sunday!! Too awesome. It was a hilarious experience, but I don't think I could talk about it here. It'll have to wait to be told in person, hahaha.

On the flip side, things here are great. Of course, it's the daily grind and a little extra every now and then, but things are still moving forward! We love the work, I love my new Korean companion, and Elder Helms is having a blast training Elder Santana. The funniest part is that Elder Santana looks more Korean than Elder Kim does!! Haha!

The ward members get them mixed up all the time~~ It kills me. But hey, if there's anything I learned this week it's simply: Be happy.

If you can do this you can rule the universe. I'm convinced.

Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude. But nothing on Earth can help the man with the wrong one.

Get your head in the game!! Love you all!

Enjoy the pics!

Elder DeMille!

Mothers.

I had a little bit to say this week about random events, but.. A lot of that has been pushed out of my head in regards to a much bigger, and more impacting event that we just got word of this morning.

There is a Sister in our Mission who is.. a huge light to everyone, all the time. She picks others up, and never gives up, and has affected (I believe) countless people with her diligent service as a missionary for the Lord. ..Just 30 minutes ago we got a text from our leaders saying that her mother had unexpectedly passed away this morning, and that she would be returning home-- today-- to be with her family. 

I'm reminded, as I think of this, how much my mother does for me.. and how heart-wrenching it would be if my mother were to suddenly disappear from my life. ..Without a notice, without a warning, no permission, no signature.. no agreement. Just.. gone. 

..I don't think I'm anywhere near strong enough to do it. My mom has been there for me, through thick and thin, through every school report and project, each tryout and award. I couldn't go on without my mom, and I think it's part of the reason I was able to keep my mom around when we were really uncertain about what would happen with her a few years ago. I'm sure I have work to do-- and if she were gone, I don't think I could get it done.

However, this isn't about me. I believe the Lord only gives trials to those strong enough to overcome them. He'll never give you a trial you can't bear. It says it right there in verse 13  of 1 Corinthians. "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." ..Temptations are the result of trials. A mother's passing could lead you to be tempted to be in the dark.. to become depressed, to give up. ..And those, are certainly trials as well as temptations when they come into your life. 

So this one is for that Sister, who we know can make it through. 

Holding on in His love, remember how much your mother means to you and help others feel that love. Some may be without mothers, and others without children. But that doesn't mean it will stop us from loving one another. I know it surely won't stop her.

Hang in there.

..But more than that..

Show them how strong you became out here with your wonderful Spirit! We love you!!

All the love,

Elder DeMille

There is a beautiful message about mothers for you all here.

The Flood.

So, among the crazy things that happened this week, I've gotta say that I definitely impressed myself. I ate live Octopus. Yes, live, wriggling, squirming, suction-cup attacking octopus. The raddest part? If you don't chew the tentacles enough and kill the octopus before you swallow.. ..there's a pretty high chance it'll kill you. 

..Hahaha what is my life??

I LOVE IT!

So, besides meeting my SUPER awesome and fluent in both French and English aunt, SJ-- who took us out for some delicious steak and a wonderful time--, I was also able to meet up with my Uncle and Aunt, cousins and Grandparents for a solid dinner that consisted of duck meat and live Octopus. Haha. When all was said and done they even boiled the octopus heads for us to eat on the way home. Bulging eyes, brain, ink and all -- that was hands down the coolest, yet weirdest, and not the most disgusting thing I've ever eaten on my mission. I'd probably do it again. Win!

The coolest part of this week though, was that the very next Sunday morning, we got up and got ready just like normal. We had planned the night before to meet our Mission President and his wife at the church a little bit early (since they were planning on visiting our ward), to be able to practice with Sister Morrise for our "special musical number" we would be performing for our ward and for President.

So, queue arrival at the church at precisely 9am. We had a scheduled meeting from 9:15-9:30, then practice from 9:30-10:00am, and so we dropped off our bags and walked past the Sisters who were washing their hands in the sink.

...As they finished we passed them again, and they were on the phone, the water off, but the sound was still going.. rushing water.. coming from an unknown source. 

..We looked around and saw that in the mens bathroom.. Water was leaking in a steady stream straight from the lighting above..

…WHAT?!

We ran upstairs to find the entire hallway ankle deep with water, and shut off all the power. The bishop came soon after, and it took us a solid 30 minutes to find the cause of the leak. In the meantime we spent an hour exactly pushing water out of the hallway with squeegees, and doing everything we could to .. well, clear the church of the flood. President showed up later and helped us out a bit, and it was madness. But, all said and done, we were able to clear it out, have practice, sing our song, and start all of the meetings on time. 

If that's not a miracle I don't know what is!

Later we found the cause of the leak was one small tube, with a slight incision on the side of it. ...And thus we see, by small and simple things are great things brought to pass.

Remember that in your life, sometimes there are small little things nagging at us, and if we ignore them for too long, they too will flood our lives and thoughts with endless trouble. Thus becoming harder and harder to resolve. Put a stop to the problem, and then clean up the mess. 

Work hard, and have a wonderful week! See you all soon!

All the love,

Elder DeMille

So ... I Don't Have Time Today

This week has been more insane than you'd ever even imagine!

That being said, my email time is cut pretty short since I've got to catch an hour long bus ride that only comes once an hour.. 

..if we miss it..

...WE LOSE THE GAME.

So!

I had originally planned to share with you some cool insights I had from conference, but seeing as I have about three minutes until I have to leave, I figured I'm going to copy/paste the list I just sent to Abby. These are the things that I heard during conference, that were most important, or noteworthy -- to me. I'll hopefully explain more next week! Love you all! Thank you for valiantly living, every day! Even if you're not making the best choices, you're still making good ones, I'm sure of it!!

What I heard:

• I did not touch Him, nor sit on His knee, yet Jesus is real- to me.

• The center of our Gospel is love. --Simplify.

• A willing heart + desire + trust = success.

• We make a mistake in only seeing the imperfect human nature in others. Focus on the graces they possess.

• I'll be what you want me to be.

• Build-- as He built. Everyday.

• Humility inspires questions. Faith inspires action.

• Ask, "What lack I yet?" And seek to improve one characteristic weekly. (Loved this! Got my answer: Make better eye contact to express your sincerity and love. Who'da thunk?)

• WAIT. The answer will come; customized, just for you. (It did! But it took until morning, haha.)

• Direction and purpose are ever more important than speed.

• Self confidence and depth of purpose are found in self-control.

• Earn more, save more.

• None of us marry perfection. We marry potential.

• Reach upward, not across.

• Come to yourself.

• Would this choice make my Mother proud?

• If you are looking for growth; You must do things you have never before done.

• SMILE. Always.

• Go the extra mile.

• Cultivate positive diligence.

• Ask for help when you need help.

• Pray Until Something Happens. (PUSH.)

• Never give up.

• Fast and pray, so the Lord will answer.

• Coming out of trials takes a 'willingness'-- people need a desire to change.

• Desire, Desire, DESIRE.

• Shen we have childlike humility and willingness to focus on the Savior, we progress.

• There must be a willingness to take a step.

• We cannot only avoid; we must counter the natural man's tendencies to procrastinate, put off, and give up.

• We must be anxiously engaged.

• Don't wait. Take it NOW.

• When you do your part, the Lord adds to you.

• Do you see moments as they really are?

• WAIT. Wait for them to ask-- don't find fault, but tell them what you know when they are willing to listen.

• Our knowledge will be the source of our courage.

• Lord, ..I would follow thee.

• Keep the commandments.

• I must be RELENTLESS in my efforts to achieve my goals.

• There is NO room for disobedience.

• Decide now to act.

• Will you be different?

• Love one another.

• How do you see others? Are you looking at them through God's eyes?

• You must ask-- and plead for that love, every day.

• Who will help you NEVER GIVE UP?

• Do you realize the breadth and scope of those things you hear and feel in your heart?

• Desire to inspire; not just to impress.

• Do you let yourself occasionally wander the halls of the great and spacious building?

• It is time to overcome the world.

• How can you start on a constant quest to have the Spirit?

• Act on your promptings. Whatever it is, do it.

• Consistency.

• God's ultimate desire is progress.

• We must go beyond feelings, concepts, and words-- we have to build, and act, and serve.

• Reprove betimes with sharpness, so that others may have the courage to change.

• Save money each week. Discipline yourself.

• Ponderize one verse of scripture each week. (My verse is 1 Nephi 13:16. What's yours? ;) )

• Exercise faith, Discipline yourself, and DO IT. (My favorite!)

• Understand your standards.

• It is not enough to go through the motions. Becoming takes ACTION.

• We don't usually plan on ending up as dirty as we get.

• Have the determination to try ONE. MORE. TIME.

• Remember in whom you have trusted.

• Simple obedience brings the Spirit into our homes.

• "Why me?' --isn't your purpose in life to experience all these trials?

• All of these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. Therefore, hold on.

• When you cannot do what you have always done -- then you can only do what matters most. (My second favorite.. thoughts of my knee.)

• Forgive all men.

• Focus on the most important work.

• Come what may, and love it.

• Family = Eternal Happiness.

• Your purpose = Eternal Happiness.

• The Challenges are the blessings.

• Love one another.

I hope you all have a wonderful week! 

All the love,

Elder DeMille!

(T-Minus 2 months! No one better be getting trunky! You'll want me out of the house again, soon enough! :P )