Week #71 (October 17, 2016)

Quotes/scenes of the week:
"The commandments are really important. Thou shalt not steal... Thou
shalt not lie... Thou shalt not kill.... *trailing off* I am still
having trouble with that one...."  - man in the park

This week was stellar, I truly love the mission.

I wish I could capture the whole array of experiences I enjoy every
week, but it would get your thumbs tired of scrolling through it all.

Thank you so much for the package Grandma Karen, what a pleasant
surprise! That sure warmed up my heart! And Nana, thanks for the letter!
Grandmas rule!

Our investigators are up and down on us. It's tempting to just hop off
the roller coaster with these people sometimes, but the Spirit
sometimes just asks for a bit of patience.

I suppose Heavenly Father has wanted to give up on me sometimes,
something I have to remind myself of, because, like the scriptures
say:

"With that judgement with which you mete it shall be meted unto you."

Have a great week - stay in the Book of Mormon and it will stay in you!

- Elder Cox

Week #70 (October 10, 2016)

Quotes/Scenes of the week:

I contacted this guy who has a red beard, named Troy, and with that kind of combo I just said: "You're a legend."

He casually repsonded: "I know"

It was an awesome week, no complaints here. 

My trainee Elder Bailey is doing great, he's a natural.

I love my mission so much, I hope it never ends.

Miracle: An investigator who we thought was dropping us just called us today and said "I was praying about it last night and I want to be baptized."

Yah, the mission is the greatest thing ever.

Last but not least: JENNIE COX IS CELEBRATING 44 YEARS OF AGE ON OCT 27 (VERY SOON) - DO NOT FORGET TO GET HER A HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISH!!!

Love,

Elder Cox

Week #69 (October 3, 2016)

Quote of the week:

"I'm not listening." 

That was such a stellar talk, dang.

The week flew by - lots of meetings in Dallas with President and the Assistants, then General Conference, a lot of inspired counsel. So much goodness in one week, almost an overload, but nah.

To take President Taylor's challenge for sharing and answer Mom's question from one of her emails, my favorite part of conference was Elder Christofferson's talk. He always takes some popular phrase or idea in the world today (that is not true) and breaks it down for us.  Last time it was the classic "I don't need church." This time it was "God's love is totally unconditional."  I think he is now my new favorite Apostle (Elder Eyring will always be up there, no worries).

I would love a short email to hear what your favorite part of conference was as well, if you've got the time (to nobody in particular).

My favorite part of Elder Christofferson's talk this conference was his analogy having to do with Helen Keller.
He described how she was brought to a "higher reality" (language) through her teacher, Ann Sullivan, who was able to bring her there because she too had suffered her infirmity (blindness).  Then he related the story to us about how the Savior can raise each one of us to a "higher reality" because He knows our particular infirmities.

I have truly felt the Master raise me to a "higher reality" during my mission, and introduce me to the "untold possibilities" that I could achieve in this life, with His divine help. How privileged I feel to participate in His great work and invite others to come unto Him!

His divine patience and loyalty to me never runs out as I stumble and fall in my best attempts at serving Him.

I pray for you all often and feel peace knowing that He has you in His care - God bless you!

With love,

Elder Cox

my comp introduced me to Bluebell Ice Cream

getting crazy

Elder Bailey from Rupert, Idaho

essential resistance band training

Week #68 (September 26, 2016)

Quote of the week:

Contacting a biker at a gas station - he rejects the card then says:
"MAN! I am so sick of you WHITE BOYS! (he is white as well).  Y'all are
so soft! Be a man! Get a mohawk! (Points to his 'Ride a motorcycle!
Join a biker club!' t-shirt). Come on!"

It was sad, but the guy meant well. He was "just trying to look out
for me" in this tough world.

Transfers came, and now I am training Elder Bailey from Rupert, Idaho!

He is a great guy - great desire to work, good attitude. The only
thing he needs is a better trainer... It's tough trying to be a good
example for him and show him the ways of the force, but he is a good
elder and I'm sure he would turn out fine with any companion by his
side.

General conference is this coming weekend, can you believe it? I sure can't.

I have been thinking a lot lately about being a "man of God" and what
that means. The biker's quote was especially nice for contrast.

My address is the same. I am blessed to be in the Longview 4th branch
still. These members are growing on me and our investigator work is
soaring. A member's sister and cousin are both on track for baptism
and coming to church.  Very exciting!

I love and miss you all -  be good and live the gospel! Christ lives!

Elder Cox