Chicago Chronicles November 3rd, 2014-Through Test and Trial

It's getting cold up here! I wouldn't be surprised to look out the window and see snow one of these day. At District Meeting I shared a lesson around the question, "What Trail are you leaving?" As missionaries we affect generations to come by our actions. It's been a big help to me to consider whether my conduct and appearance has been in harmony with my calling with members, investigators, less active members, and even my companion. I encourage all of you to think about that too in your own lives. Elder Miller is going through some difficult trials. He left his iPad on our car one day before we drove off, and this morning he found out that his grandfather has passed away. Only a few minutes after learning this we went to the library for him to email his family. Immediately after getting there Elder Miller walked over to a guy smoking a cigarette next to his car and started talking to him about who we are, and testified of the Plan of Salvation. I really admire him for his tenacity, and I hope I can do my best to encourage and strengthen him in what might be our last week together. I love you and leave you with a very excellent quote from President Hinckley: “I speak of the need for a little more effort, a little more self-discipline, a little more consecrated effort in the direction of excellence in our lives. This is the great day of decision for each of us. For many it is the time of beginning something that will go on for as long as you live. I plead with you, don’t be a scrub! Rise to the high ground of spiritual, mental, and physical excellence. You can do it. You may not be a genius. You may be lacking in some skills. But so many of us can do better than we are now doing. We are members of this great Church whose influence is now felt over the world. We are people with a present and with a future. Don’t muff your opportunities. Be excellent.” -Gordon B. Hinckley