As if from mine own mouth

I’ve been having a great week! And what made it even better is on Wednesday I got your package. It was great; by far my favorite thing was the audio recordings of everyone. I listened to it while doing some financial reports… then went back and listened to it again. I’m sure I will listen to several times more. It’s been really enjoyable to hear all of your voices and what you’ve all been up to. Thank you all and thank you, especially dad for putting it together!

So last week the new SUD (LDS) version of the Reyna Valera Bible in Spanish became available to purchase. Pretty exciting, so I bought mine. It has all the JSTs, footnotes and references to the other standard works of the Church, maps, etc. I think it will really contribute to the ability to feast on the word of God for Spanish speaking members. It is an exciting time to be in Mexico doing the Lord’s work!

Speaking of exciting times, tomorrow is GENERAL CONFERENCE!!! (that’s why I’m writing you all today). I am so so so excited for General Conference, to be able to receive the spiritual nourishment, strength, and guidance that I need to continue progressing personally… and to help others do the same.

So I have a new companion. Changes aren’t for another 2 weeks however, Elder Muñoz my companion is finishing his mission so he goes home on October 15, which means he needs to train his replacement as the Materials Secretary, before he leaves. His replacement is Elder Lauterio, who is also from Hermosillo, Sonora. He is a great missionary and really excited and enthusiastic, which is always a blessing in a companion.

Like always we’ve had a few adventures this week, the first happened when Elder Lauterio joined our companionship and Elder Livingston (one of the other Secretaries) went to his new area. Since it was his last opportunity to drive in the mission he drove to our mini changes meeting. When we got there everyone was excited to see who was coming into the offices and where Elder Livingston was going. We greeted everyone, made the changes and then said goodbye, and were off. Well, they were off… we were in our area so we started to get ready to go to work. Then I got thinking, “Who has the keys to the van?” … Yep, Elder Livingston was on his way to Ixtapaluca (its as far a way as it sounds) and the keys to the van with him… and without a cell phone. To make it short, it is amazing how through the church you can get a hold of just about anyone.

I’ve been having amazing personal studies, feasting on the Book of Mormon. This week I have been studying in Alma 17-27 and in Helaman 5. Two things that have contributed so much to my studies are these; first I’ve been recording in my study journal all the answers I find in each verse and the question beside the verse where the answer is found. Also I’ve been reading out loud, trying to focus on the punctuation. You won’t believe how this really helps to make the scriptures come alive and really feel the events recorded as if you were one of the people living them. You should all start keeping a study journal, if you don’t already have one. Looking for specific information while reading and read out loud, trying to really feel what you’re reading. I promise you will all have amazing experiences if you make the effort to feast on the words of the Book of Mormon everyday!

Dad, I’ve been thinking about what you’ve been studying in “Preach My Gospel” The self evaluation “Attribute Activity” is great [page 126], and something I’ve been doing that helps is highlighting any of the points that are a 3 or less. Then they become a daily vocal affirmation and a daily scripture study topic. Keep up with you studies in “Preach My Gospel” it was designed to help people progress and improve (and not just the investigators).

Have an amazing weekend and pay lost of attention in General Conference (take notes). I look forward to hearing all the great things you’re about to learn (we’re about to learn)! Remember that the Lord said, “Give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you… For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth.” D&C 21:4-5

I love you my family!
-Bryce

Oh, yeah … Congratulations Kristi and Bob! That awesome that I’ll be having a new nephew!!! …And that’s super funny what Isaac said.