A Mouthpiece of the Lord (or striving to become one)

          I forgot to mention last week that I was made a district leader! haha. Sounds pretty exciting. I suppose it is. But mostly its just surprising because I feel like probably everyone in my district could make better district leaders than me. But I suppose that makes sense, because that means they dont need the practice! and I definitely do. Anyway, so thats kind of fun. you know unrighteous dominion and such. ha. also this week our first investigator became our spanish teacher, and he is honestly so cool. Like cool enough that I wanted to show him a picture of my sister so they could get married. He is honestly so cool and just is honestly an incredible teacher. And he always makes everyone in the district recharged spiritually, and physically, and emotionally. It really is amazing. I have 4 Hermanas in my district as well and one of their birthdays is tomorrow and so we get to bring ice cream to class, and the ice cream here is so fantastic. Next week is Mexicos fourth of July or something but its actually on September 15th! Weird stuff. So we get to see and participate in the cultural celebration and learn the Mexico national anthem, sounds a lot like a soundtrack to a race horse movie. But its really fun. If only I could understand the words. Haha. Just kidding the language is honestly coming pretty quickly now. I read the scriptures in spanish every day and I understand most everything. Actually speaking takes me a little longer still, but I know it will come. Gordon B. Hinckley promised that if you read the whole book of Mormon out loud in your mission language then by the time you were finished you would be fluent. So Im definitely taking him up on that. In my farewell talk I spoke about trusting in God. I didnt know who that talk was for at the time, but now I know that it was for me. Ive been sick with a cough or a cold or something since the second day I got to the mtc and it was just really frustrating, because I was taking vitamins and drinking enough water and getting enough sleep and doing everything I could to take care of me (even putting on essential oils every night that my mom sent to me) and I was just kind of like, why. Why is this so much harder than it needs to be. But because I was sick, it got everyone in my district sick! haha. Which brought our district close together really fast. We all have to take care of each other and help each other with things since we were all sick. grabbing tissues for each other, sharing vitamins, reminding each other to sanitize hands, sharing essential oils and so many other things. It sounds weird, but weve quickly become the closest district here because of it. and we havent even been here for long. It feels weird to think and say, but all things good or bad are from God, and because of Him, everything can be for our growth and benefit. Even maestros giving you a hard time every day! haha. But thats another story. Another huge things of this week I learned from Nephi. Take the time to think deeply and consider carefully every decision. Thomas S. Monson said that the choices you make determine your destiny. and I have come to understand that that statement is all-encompassing. Every choice we make is of great consequence. Even waving to that guy you dont know that well. You never know what that could start or add to or prevent. Love you all!

Much love from Mexico,

Elder Robinson

At the CCM at last!

                Oh man! Its so good to be here at the CCM (which is spanish for MTC)! My companion is so sweet! He went to Lone Peak High School and played on the basketball team there and he is such a good kid. And the other companionship in my room is so cool too! Elder Sperry and Elder Bryan! Fom alta and davis high schools! Theyre so much fun and were honestly already best friends. Its so weird but it honestly feels like wive been tight forever. Ive met some amazing people here! and the experinces are even better! The power went out on friday and the security was going all around the wall, which by the way is 20 feet tall and topped by razors. One of our investigators said it was like a prison. Haha. We told home itwas more like a sanctuary of safety. Right outside our back door and behind the wall is the most dangerous part of Mexico City. We hear severl gunshots and ambulances every single day. So of course we climb the wall and look through the fence as often as possible. Ducking down whenever we see someone coming, or we tried to introduce the gospel to one guy that was walking by, but he just ignored us. Anyway so during the power outage the security was out because every time the power goes out the bad guys try to come in and take our stuff and kill us. What a thrill. haha,. but we have some pretty tough securty guys. They wont even let our investigator bring us food from his hamburger joint! Anyway, our investigator is gonna get baptized on September 27th. But I still think hes a fake investigator! Haha. Im pretty sure he is, anywway. But if no thats pretty cool. Language is still a barried but me and my companion make a pretty amzing team, if I do say so myself. Haha. a ton of missionaries come over to our casa at night and I play ukulele and we all sing unti lights out. Its bascically a dream come true. Everyone kept telling us that the first couple days were awful, but my companion was just like, well our first days are gonna be freaking amazing! And so they were. I miss home, but it feels good to focus on improving and learning how to be a good teacher. The best example of a good teacher, of course, is our Savior, Jesus Christ. Someone suggested to me to write dowen an attribute or subject that I wanted to work on at the beginning of my book of mormon and fiocus on that as I read it, and then re read it with a new topic. Im pretty sure a general authority said that but I dont know who. and since I get to read in Spanish and English I picked two topics! and both have a lot to do with being a good teacher, and a good student. One is patience and understanding. The other is gentility and kindness. Both are things that I struggle with, and I have found even in the short time that I have been focusing on those I already feel myself getting a little better. Its amazing how powerful gentleness. And the Savior is so good at that. 'let he who is without sin cast the first stone.' What a perfect example of gentleness and the power of truth. He didnt call anyone out or put anyone on the spot, but just gently reminded them of the truth. and the truth of God cannot be denied. Love you all! 

Much love from Mexico,

Elder Robinson

Scouting Broadcast

That scouting broadcast was amazing, wasn't it? I decided to grab a couple of screen shots of an awesome young scouter we all know and love:

Love it! Way to go, Raymond IV!

Baby Bill of Rights

Emma recently read the Bill of Rights and her writing assignment afterwards was to create her own on a topic of her choice.

1. All babies have the right to clean clothes.
2. You should have lots of baby toys.
3. Babies need to be snuggled.
4. Proper play clothes should be kept for the baby.
5. Don't treat us like trouble.
6. Treat us like fun.
7. Babies should be played with.
8. We need sweet things because our first tooth is a sweet tooth.
9. We need freedom, let us run around.
10. Love us!


We have thought of this daily as Lucy is into everything right now and have quit calling her "trouble". It has brought many laughs and smiles here! Enjoy your babies! :)

Some of Sarah's thoughts on the 'Mormon Feminist Movement'

Sarah shared this in a note on facebook, and I wanted those of you not on facebook to be able to read it. It was so good!
 
I feel compelled to express my thoughts about the many posts and articles I’ve read in the last few months regarding women holding the priesthood. First of all I feel sadness that some women have had the unfortunate experience of being in a home with a priesthood holder who would manipulate the words of the scriptures and the prophets to exercise unrighteous authority to control spouses and children. It is sad that because of this some think that priesthood power is what gives opportunity to create a circumstance such as this. This kind of abuse takes place across countries and cultures where priesthood is present or not and the power of the priesthood should not be tied to this kind of behavior or tainted by it as it is clearly not a power over others but a power for others. Those that try to manipulate it to seem otherwise will stand accountable before God. The priesthood is a power and responsibility. As a woman I feel that I have access to every priesthood power and blessing but have none of the service responsibilities. I have been given countless other opportunities for service in the church and in the home. I have complete trust that this is the way God set it up to maximize my personal growth and the growth of the wonderful men in my life and in the church. I acknowledge that I have been blessed to have been raised by a father who honored his priesthood and been surrounded by brothers and a husband and other church leaders that have honored their priesthood which has helped me come to the understanding that I have. What I have witnessed is men who serve others at sometimes great inconvenience and sacrifice to themselves so that they can ease the burdens of someone else, weather it be through offering priesthood blessings or helping with a huge variety of temporal and spiritual needs. Many times literally taking the burdens of others on themselves. The priesthood is the power of Jesus Christ and that is who these priesthood holders follow and represent. I think of what He did. Jesus Christ took upon himself the burdens, sins, and sorrows of ALL of Gods children. His entire life was spent in service to others. To us it’s all about Him but to Him it’s all about us. Even when he was hanging on the cross his thoughts were towards others as he asked his apostle to take care of his mother.(John 19:26) When my husband leaves to help someone else and I put kids to bed I’m grateful that we are not both required to leave and I can feel good about my sacrifice of giving support to him although it admittedly increases my own burden but my kids still have a parent to tuck them in and sing them a song and read them a story and he gets to sacrifice his time and energy to help someone else and we are both blessed by the experience because we are experiencing things that make us more like Christ which gives us a better understanding of who He is and helps increase our relationship with Him. And that increased relationship with Him is worth any sacrifices made and the sacrifices are so well compensated for as to not seem like sacrifices at all. The priesthood works so well set up the way it is when it is understood and exercised correctly that it just adds to my complete trust in Heavenly Father and His ways. He is bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. (Moses 1:39) That is his work and he is completely efficient at it and His love for All of His children is evident.
One other aspect of the priesthood is the leadership of the Church with Christ as the cornerstone and head of the church and a foundation of prophets and apostles. And again  these positions need to be seen accurately  as the service positions that they are.  The Ephesians 2:20 refers to Christ as the cornerstone and symbolically displays a most accurate picture of things as they really are. Christ is the chief cornerstone. If you take the cornerstone out of the church it will crumble. It literally carries the weight of the church, much like the foundation of apostles and prophets who carry the weight of the church. It is not a pedestal they are placed on. These apostles and prophets of the church have literally given their lives to their service in the church and to the savior and all of God’s children at great personal sacrifice and a sacrifice to their families. I’m so grateful for their sacrifice and the willingness of worthy priesthood holders around the world to follow Christ’s example to sacrifice and serve so that all can come to better know and understand the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I Write the Songs . . . and Movies :)

I'll start with memories of Darrin. I was barely thirteen when Angela and Darrin got married. Even though I was still pretty young (and immature) when I first knew him, I never felt like he treated me differently than an adult. I appreciated that. Those early teens are weird years when you want independence and respect, but are also fairly childish still. There was one thing that I immediately loved about Darrin: he was a Star Wars fanatic. It didn't take much time to realize that he was an overall movie fanatic, really. I think he missed his calling in the film industry. :) I'm no longer surprised, but continuously amazed about how much he knows about movies - who makes them, various techniques and technologies. I find it impressive when people delve so deeply into things; I don't have that kind of passion for anything that pushes me to learn on a deep level. He's also always struck me as a humble, non-judgmental guy, just taking people as they are. Those are great qualities.

I'll always think of Raymond whenever I hear the song, "I Write the Songs". One of my first memories of him is playing and singing that song. I always felt really special because I shared my birthday with him. I loved it when he called me his birthday present when introducing me to people. I idolized him from the beginning. I loved it when I went to college and I got to be his student and be with him in the dance department. I got to know him a lot better, and wasn't disappointed to find him less than I thought he was. I appreciate his integrity. I never got any special treatment because I was his sister (not from him, anyway). The lowest grade I ever got in my dance classes was from him, but I got what I earned. One semester when he was directing DancEnsemble, I auditioned and he could have put me in the company but I didn't really deserve it. I honestly didn't resent that at all. I was sad not to have the opportunity to be in the company while he was director, but I could see that I wasn't good enough yet and I was glad that he didn't give me something I hadn't earned. I was, and am so proud that he's my brother.

So grateful for all of the "August kids". :)

August heroes

Note: This was actually submitted last year, but for purposes of organization I saved it to post this year.

My first memory of Rachael is really as a twelve-year-old, and now I'm old enough to have my own twelve-year-old (wow!)  But Rachael has always been a sweetheart and ready with love and compassion.  She is quick to laugh at everyone's jokes, even when they are not very funny (mine:). Her undying support makes me feel like I can do no wrong.  Yet as soft- and big-hearted as she is, she has great reserves of strength and power.  I love hearing about her birthing stories and how she uses them as a reference for accomplishing hard things.  I love going running with her and can't wait to cheer for her marathon!  Though I started out knowing her as a young girl, she has become quite an awe-inspiring woman.  Happy Birthday this month, Rachael!

And I've only been in the family three days longer than Darrin.  He's felt like a peer and a friend from day one.  I admire his diligence and kindness, and was really touched by his testimony at this last reunion of prayer and the Atonement.  But my favorite memories are watching he and Angela cutting a rug with their swing dancing!  Most girls can only dream of a husband who will take them dancing (even me, and I married a dancer! :)  Happy Birthday Darrin!  You're awesome!

--Julie