"Oh remember what was done, that the sinner might be won" (Reverently and Meekly Now - Hymn No. 185)

 Spiritual Thought

During our premortal life our Heavenly Father realized that each of us would fall short of the standard which would be expected of his children.  All of us would sin and some would choose not to do those things necessary to return to his presence.  Because of this foreknowledge a merciful, redeeming plan was developed.  Central to this plan was the absolutely crucial need for a Savior.  One who could "descend below all things" and save a dying world.  Such a gift would need to be individual in nature and infinite in scope.  This Savior would need to subject himself to betrayal, abandonment, and a cruel death inflicted by those who should have recognized him most readily for who he is.  This Savior would be a king yet he would also need to face the most humiliating circumstances and a torturous ending.  All this and more would need to be done in order that perhaps a single son or daughter of God would choose to accept the gift extended to them.  

As you and I are tempted to stray from the path we know is right my earnest plea is that we be more vigilant in remembering "What was done that the sinner might be won" ("Reverently and Meekly Now" - Hymn No. 185).  It is true that when such mistakes are made they can be washed away.  However, it is also true that such a supernal gift leads my way of a crown of thorns and a merciless cross.  It is true that the hand of mercy is always extended, but it is also true that the same hand bears the scars of the nails which were driven through the flesh.  

Prior to beginning this redemptive journey the Savior stated "My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death" (Mark 14:34).  It is my prayer that each of us may remember this phrase when temptation inevitably arises.  May we remember that we added to the burden placed on the shoulders of the Son of God.  It is my prayer that our soul may be more "exceeding sorrowful" at the thought of asking the Savior to pay for another sin even as we eagerly accept the gift which had been given to us.

That this may be so I pray.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Weekly Update

Hello everyone,

We were able to meet with Phoenix and Micah on Tuesday.  That experience was the most spiritually impactful I have had thus far on my mission and one of the most impactful of my life.  Phoenix is nine and wants to be baptized but he also wants his dad, Micah, to be the one to baptize him.  Micah has some struggles that he needs to overcome before he can baptize Phoenix.  His bishop has told him that if he will overcome those things for at least two weeks then he can baptize Phoenix.  Elder Holdaway and I came up with a plan to help Micah and felt the spirit confirm that it was the correct thing to do.  Our plan is to call Micah every morning and evening to offer support and a spiritual boost as he begins and ends each day.  Additionally, we have told Micah that whenever he feels tempted to call us and we will help him through the situation.  Micah was very emotional and grateful for our help.  Phoenix will be baptized on November 10th.  Please keep both Micah and Phoenix in your prayers. 

We went hiking last p-day.  I have been hoping to do that since I first came here so it was fun to finally be able to.  The fall colors are beautiful and the trail follows a small stream all the way through a canyon.  

We were able to go to the temple on Saturday.  It is always such a great opportunity to be able to feel the peace of the temple.  The Bountiful temple recently added a 7:00 a.m. session to accommodate more people.  All the missionaries have been taking the seats for those earlier sessions.  I think the session I was in was probably 90% missionaries.

I hope you all have a great week!

Elder Payne

I found some taste of home at the grocery store last week.  

You could see the Layton temple from where we were hiking last p-day.  Someone told us this week that it is supposed to be dedicated next November.

The stream next to the trail we hiked.

Elder Schiel was also at the temple on Saturday.  He goes home on the 16th of this month so this is our last picture before we live it up at school.

We met this really quirky guy hiding under a storm drain.  He offered us a balloon then we talked to him for quite a while.  He refused to come out of the sewer and kept wanting us to come down with him.  We turned him down but he did take a Book of Mormon.  We tried to set up a return appointment but he told us that he would find us when he is ready.  Looking forward to it!