Yo Elder! A Week of Weakness, Faith, and a Little Revelation

YO ELDER!

Another letter from yours truly, and just spiritual thoughts and some stuff that happened during this week!

So where to start?

Already from the start of the week was a stressful 5 consecutive days of IG! Though i wasn't the one who took all of the subjects, my friends' reaction to it was an inspiring and conducive actions. Studying diligently and playing Ping Pong diligently . For me, the Monday was a realisation of stress! During the preparation of the Chemistry Alternative to Practical, I had a hard time in understanding. Though everyone did say it is an easy paper to do, I still struggled. What was worst was that I had started comparing myself again and found all effort hopeless.

Still I had to chug on until the Thursday deadline hit. I remembered I had complained this to dad and telling him how stressful it was. And him knowing my habits he said: "You should really go with the mindset to win, or at least that you can do it. Don't keep thinking everything is pointless and it's the end of the world. You made effort and that is great." When I realised that mindset that I carried, I evaluated what you had advised me in the letter, which was don't compare.

Yet still on the day, even after preparing what I could do, I still felt that nagging feeling of comparison. So what did I do? I sought the only firm comfort I knew I had in. ✨️✨️The gospel✨️✨️ I remember I needed guidance, or at least something to motivate me on, and Ether 12:27 provided just that. "If men come unto me … then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” I knew what I had to do to let Him takeover, and it was to be humble and give Him a little prayer to make my weaknesses strong. During and after the test, the weight and pressure was lifted, and though I wasn't sure if it was that easy, I did realise I recognise most questions and wrote them in the most legit answer I felt was true.

SPIRITUAL THOUGHT

Today, as I'm sending to you, just had seminary and was just touched by the feeling I had. A question was asked:

1. Who is Israel?

2. Who was Israel?

Israel, as you remember, is the name that was changed from Jacob, who was the son of Isaac, who was the son of Abraham.

This Jacob had 12 sons, who became the 12 tribes of Israel. Years later, the 12 tribes were divided to 10 and 2 tribes. The 10 tribes in the North, were then scattered during a war with a neighbouring country. From those 2 tribes in the South, were a family lead to America. Which was the family of Lehi, starting the records and the Book of Mormon. So how does this link to who is Israel? Well, when you travel around, you find others and fall in love outside your family, right? That DNA blood of the 12 tribes, who were the sons of Jacob, who was the sons of Isaac, who was the son of Abraham, SPREADS! All of us, all of whom are a part of the family of Israel with the DNA and blood passed down.

The Church of Jesus Christ! In other words, WE ARE ISRAEL!

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! A promise was made by Jesus Christ. A promise of a sign for the great Gathering of Israel. And just, like get so close here, have you ever felt anticipation for an event? Or a feeling of being so lost and finally finding light? Ever have that realisation when a there's a twist in the book's plot? Or a ringing sound of freshly fired gun? That dazed yet clear joy of something? Cause that was what I felt when I read 3 Nephi 21: 7. In spoilers and simplicity, it's a feeling of a book, or the Holy Spirit whispering to you:

" It has started. The Restoration and Gathering of Israel has and is happening."

That moment of silence. The moment of needing to cry, realising what am I doing in this life to help? Yet that same moment to jump out, praise the Lord and share this unexplainable JOY to EVERYONE! All that concluded to a small thought that was a talk given by Elder Uchtdorf, titled "Are You Sleeping through the Restoration?"

PRESENT

Coming back, I haven't read the talk but planning to. So yeah, that's how the whole week went! Friday was a fun Children's Day that we celebrated. We even a game where we bought snacks with the same color, but not the same type of. No one was punished and everyone succeeded!

Yea, a messy email but just really wanted to write it down to you and wanted to share my thoughts about it. I hope it helps you with your testimonies as I'm growing mine too!

Your Dude,
Annabelle

 

P.S. Did you know that commonly called as the lamb of God, the Savior had another name around the North. The North had no sheep or lambs, however they had seals. So He was called the seal of God! I had real fun at seminary!

11th Week? In the Mission Field? I Forgotten

KONICHIWAA!! This week has been interesting but it's still super duper FUUNNN! ✨️✨️

Also the view in Utah is beginning to be REALLY BEAUTIFULL✨️ The mountains are really pretty, but more than that the mountain are starting to turn Red like really beautiful red. It's amazing ✨️✨️

Searching

Well we are having a funn time in searching. We were able to meet as much members as we can and share with them a spiritual message. Even extending invitation to share the Gospel with others as well. It's soo FUNN. Not only that we were able to find many many fun and missionary minded family as well.

Here's one of them. Also I am able to practice and really challenge my scripture memories like verses and also it's message. It was hilarious and just challenging. Like being put on the spot and letting the spirit guide throughout the lessons. HAHAHAH it's soo exciting ✨️.

Power of the Priesthood 

The priesthood is real guys! Like it's not surprising but gaining a witness after a trial of faith really is a powerful experience. Like it was really amazing. We were heading to a non-member and inactive area. As we were about to start door knocking we had a prompting to try a member house first. So as we lock on their door. A lady answered and she let us in. Entering the house we were greeted with a breathing machine and a man coughing inside. As we enter we found a man having a breathing difficulty.

We sat there not knowing what to do, but just desiring to help that man. And we sat for almost 20 seconds in silence until the man asked whether we could give him a blessing of healing and comfort. To which we agreed. And gave him one. As we went to give him a blessing he immediately stopped coughing which brought him soo much relief and we were so glad we could help him. Afterwards we went out and continued door knocking.

The following Sunday came and we visited his ward. We found he was much brighter and happy, immediately hugged me and my comp as he saw me and the told us the past few days how his allergy stopped and it was a relief as he had half of his lungs left. And was just relief and grateful we came to his house. We were able to have a dinner appointment and just shared a spiritual message.  And as we shared I came to find more empathy and compassion to his experiences. To which it got me to understand even better how listening inspire and invites the Holy Ghost in our lesson.

The Savior's Love ❤️ 

I came to realise from that meeting that we never truly know what's behind a person's life. But the Savior does, and I guess that's why we do all we can to help others. No matter their situation. And there's always a way to help them, sometimes it could be in a temporal sense. But other times it can also be in a spiritual sense. And it's AMAZINGGG, we can love people no matter their situation. Even when we don't know them all the way like the Savior does. We can always show love to them, that gradually they can see the Savior's love in their life.

Musical Devotional 

It was just amazing and spiritual too like the music devotional was just ✨️✨️ We practiced 3 times and then performed it. In the space of 2 weeks too No idea how we pulled it off.

Soo Spiritually 

Spiritual Thought

I got none but I guess the above ones are my spiritual thoughts

Hope you guys are doing amazing!!! Miss ya'll

Crazy stuff right there. Wendy's Crabby Patty

Ogden's Halloween is very Sketchy and Getto for real

Threw Their Tobacco and Pipes into the Fire

October 13, 2024

Threw Their Tobacco and Pipes into the Fire

Dear Elder Yu,

I must admit that it is kind of me to write to you because every time I wanted to sit down and write, there would be some thoughts that came into my mind. My mind would want me to write about and record all the feelings that I had been through since the day your dad asked me for a divorce. And, I know this might be the only way that I could release all my negative frustrations, emotions, heartache, pains, and longings.

Of course, there is nothing concrete and official yet from both of us. I mean your dad and me, we are not yet going into the legislation of our marriage to end it. Ever since his last message, he did not ask again. I know the day will be coming, matters of time only. I kept on staying hopeful and convinced myself to wait for the day I would go to Bangkok Temple, then after informing Heavenly Father officially in the temple, I would conclude this marriage relationship.

He is doing very well with his new girlfriend. My mind was so crazy and doing crazy stalking things on their social media accounts. I know I should not have done that but I could not help but take on the courage to ask his girlfriend secretly as an anonymous user in TikTok if she knew that her boyfriend is a married man with 2 children without your dad knowing. She texted back that he told her that he had been separated from his wife already.

But bear in mind that, both of us are still husband and wife lawfully. After a few days, I guess she did talk to your dad and your dad searched for the anonymous TikTok user. A week later, I guess they reconciled again by the girl boldly showing off the pictures of both your dad and her on her TikTok account.

The first thought that came into my mind was: Where are all the morality or righteousness gone in this world? I felt disgusted by her actions as if she was claiming her victory over the person who she thought was harming her new love, in fact, her boyfriend’s wife. And, how hypocritical the man is? And, how pathetic I was! Keep on hoping but dare not to move forward.

At some points, I was thinking of whether should I write letters to Heavenly Father instead because I do not want to burden my son who is on his mission now to bear so much as he has his load on his own doing the Lord’s work. Then, here comes the General Conference, a thought I had recently while getting ready for the General Conference to receive any instructions.

My Statistic instructor shared with us in class his opportunity to visit the Church's Historic sites in Kirtland, OH last summer. Among the sites, there was the Whitmer Store where Joseph Smith lived and where the Church offices and meeting spaces were for a while. This is also where Joseph Smith taught the School of the Prophets, where the Priesthood members of the new Church were taught the doctrine of the Restored Gospel.

It is known that these men at the time were very typical of men of the 19th Century. Meaning they really liked to drink whisky, would smoke pipes, and would use a lot of chewing tobacco. Even in Priesthood meetings, which is something that twists my instructor’s mind a little to imagine. I think the same goes for me as well, but prophets and apostles are also natural men who would face any opposition like you and I do.

But one day, Joseph announced to the School of the Prophets the revelation that we now know as section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants. This is the Word of Wisdom, and suddenly Latter-Day Saints were people who did not chew or smoke tobacco and did not drink alcohol. As was told during my instructor’s tour, those men, upon hearing this revelation from the Prophet Joseph Smith, threw their pipes and tobacco pouches into the fireplace of the room they were in.

You can still see that fireplace in the room on the tour if you can visit the sites one day. This small fireplace brings my instructor’s topic back to the General Conference, and asked us a question, “Will the Prophet announce anything this year that will bother you?"

How to deal with things like this?

Well, one response would be to do as the students of Joseph did, and immediately "throw away the pipe" and follow after the new word. While some of us can react that strongly and that quickly, for others it may take a little more time. Perhaps some kept their pipe in their pockets, and said to themselves "... but I really like smoking". And, perhaps, these people were able to take their problems to the Lord in prayer, to better understand the will of God. And maybe these men eventually threw away their pipe, just a little later. But soon enough as far as God was concerned.

So perhaps I will be offended again by something stated by a Prophet or Apostle next time. Maybe I will be strong enough to "throw away my pipe" immediately. Or, maybe I will have to do some further prayer to understand the will of the Lord. But I hope to have the humility to do the right thing eventually.

God rewards those who make the effort.

Then, after reading my instructor’s message for in week, here comes the General Conference talk, “The Joy of Our Redemption” by Sister Kristen M. Yee, her message pierced through my heart and I cried.

I will share with you my thoughts on her talk in the coming days.

The Lord loves effort. He blesses His servants, who serve Him with all of their heart, might, mind, and strength. He always has and always will. He always provides a way for His faithful servants to accomplish the things He commands.

May you know in your minds and feel in your hearts the power of the invitation the Lord gave to the great missionary sons of Mosiah in Alma 17:11. He said, “Go forth … and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples … in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls.”

Love,
Mommy

A Little Note from Annabelle to Elder Yu

Hey Elder!

Just a small draft from me to you at 10:30pm in Malaysia. It was a simple quip and realisation that I told mom, but as I wrote I had inspiration and felt like sharing it to you!

I think I get why the Nephites in 3 Nephi and many other missionaries long and desire for the Holy Ghost to be with them, cause can you imagine the aura and exuding peace and comfort when you meet Jesus Christ? The Redeemer and Savior, whom with such love, understood why agency the Father's plan was and is important. So much so that He asked and prayed to the Father to give us the Spirit in the little price to remember Him. Just such a small amount of effort, and He gives us an infinite and priceless gift to us.✨️✨️✨️

Which reminds me of the youth song, " Over Mine". There's a verse that praises Him because of us, always being internally indebted to Him, yet all He asks of us is just our broken heart and contrite Spirit. Which to be honest made me cry when writing and sharing this. Cause like, the immense love!! Like wowwww!!! It's incredible, and like Jesus Christ prayer, no words can describe it but it is a good feeling.

Any way, I do feel like I'm getting stronger in some parts of the gospel, like testimony wise. So have fun during your mission man! You'll learn many!

You're the best and I'm so proud of you, and grateful that you're my brother in this life on Earth! Love ya My Dude.❤️

P.S. About the peacemaker, I'm still trying at it with the Holy Ghost, but long story short, just some contention between friends. Overall, I'm just worried about saying the right stuff to not add fuel. Cause you know, I'm the so-called bridge for both the girl and boy sides

Okie bye!!!

Your Sincerely,
Annabelle

Utah Ogden Mission Fall Music Devotional

The Utah Ogden Mission held its Fall Music Devotional, with the missionaries preparing to share a message of the Saviour through music and the spoken word. The mission invited families and friends to join through Zoom, making it possible for people from different places to participate in this special occasion.

For Elder Yu, this was his first time participating in a missionary music devotional. Looking at the photos of him standing among his fellow missionaries, singing together, I found myself imagining what this experience might have meant to him. Perhaps it was a little different from his usual missionary routine of teaching, studying, and meeting people. This time, he could share his love for the Saviour through music, alongside so many others who had also chosen to serve.

I love how music can bring people together. Each missionary has a different voice and story, but when they sing together, they become part of something beautiful. It reminds me that missionary service is not only about what we say, but also about how we share our faith and let the Spirit touch the hearts of others.

I am glad Elder Yu had the opportunity to be part of this special experience. One day, when he looks back on his mission, I hope he will remember not only the songs they sang, but also the friendships, the unity, and the joy of serving the Lord together.

Another little memory from his missionary journey, and another reminder that there are many ways to share the love of Jesus Christ. ❤️

10th WEEK in the Mission Field✨️❤️

This week is soo spiritual, as you know it's General Conference. It's just AMAZING to see the joy and peace others can attain as our living prophets, apostles and Church leaders gave talks giving a newer and higher plain of spiritual insights.

Also it's getting colder too well slightly and it's FUNNN☃️

Yeap did some servicing for a Greek Orthodox Church and it was hilarious . We got to eat some Greek food and also tested out our Tetras ability which as the photo it's a masterpiece‍

We were able to learn a bit more regarding their belief and tradition. As well as their art and culture. It was soo funn, though the guy was somewhat interesting. Nonetheless he made the service productive and exciting.

Love, Share and Invite

Well for today I am focusing on how me and my companion can find more people whom are interested in receiving the gospel. And of the way was LSI (Love, Share and Invite) to encourage members to do missionary work as well✨️✨️ However as I studied I came to find the love that the Lord shows to each and everyone of us. I felt really comforted and excited for the challenge to love others as He loves me. And then I came to realise just how much love the Savior has for us all.

In John 15 it talks about the sort of Love the Savior shows

9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you

And that caught me off guard. To be able to understand why I feel so comforted. And so I want to receive that Joy, more than that I want to have that joy and comfort always in my life and even share that joy to everyone as well. I am really grateful for that general conference experience as well that exceeding joy is really something new.

General Conference

One of the Grandest experience I have in my mission and in my life✨️✨️ going to the Saturday Evening Session was just an AMAZING EXPERIENCE! Even though the Prophet wasn't speaking in that session. Nonetheless I know all the speakers are called of God, they are all called and set apart in their callings to represent the Lord. Or in another words, it was still the Best and spiritual experience I ever had and will always cherish. Even though I wished I could be in a session when the prophets speak. I am grateful for the opportunity and the words which were given during that session.

I have also come to find how we can feel home again. Like whenever you go to the temple, have you felt that feeling of home? That longing feeling to be there? Yeah I remembered that's how it felt during the general conference session. Though it's not the same as the feeling in the Celestial Kingdom. Nonetheless it felt a tiny bit like it and even in small amount it brought so much joy to me✨️✨️

Soo much funnn for this general conference watching it on the phone and being in the conference building throughout all the session is Amazing. Just brings soo much joy in my mission. ✨️❤️

Conclusion

Last week has been a blast and it's just exciting. To always see how we can improve even more towards the Savior and His love for each and everyone of us. I am grateful for His love and kindness and mercy in our lives. ✨️✨️ Also the work is well doing alright. Could do better nonetheless I am grateful for the improvement I have gotten.

Also a Spiritual Message

God loves each one of us. In a way that it's unimaginable. He gives us covenants because He wants to trust us. He wants to bless us through the covenants we make and keep with Him. It's a comforting reminder throughout our lives and I am grateful for it. Heavenly Father loves you just as our Savior too. KEEP going guys ya'll can do it. Overcome the world, Let God Prevail and Think CELESTIALL✨️

Let Your Light So Shine Before Men

October 6, 2024

Let Your Light So Shine Before Men

Dear Elder Yu,

As you know I took Math 221 Social Science Statistics this Fall semester, I am expecting a huge workload on my homework and study because the course requires us to have Zoom meetings with our own chosen group twice a week. My group members meet every Tuesday and Thursday at 8 am MDT. (Malaysia 10 pm) My group consists of 4 students from Nigeria, Brazil, and a Congorians who stayed in the States, and myself from Malaysia.

Initially, I had the wrong perceptions of my fellow team members who came from African continents because I was afraid that it might be difficult for me to understand their accents when they spoke English which might hinder my study progress. Soon, after our first Zoom meeting, I felt ashamed of myself being thinking of that and my thoughts were not so disciple of Jesus Christ at all! I came to realize and know them better.

Henry who came from Nigeria is a father to a young son and a brilliant student, he initiated our group, was always the lead in our group, and explained to us if we could not understand the weekly topics.

Samson who is originally from Congo currently resides in the US. I think he is married with a young child as well because I could see sometimes he was carrying his son while we were on our Zoom meeting.

Walkriya is about in her 50s to 60s (if my guessing is correct) German businesswoman who resides in Brazil. She indeed amazed me with her learning attitude and the persistence she has at her age right now.

Everyone has their light on them which I can borrow and learn from, in strengthening my faith, and gaining more understanding in my studies of the topics I do not know and yet to fully understand.

My instructor shared with us his interesting thoughts about the superhero movies that he was growing up with – DC superheroes. The most famous ones are Superman and Batman. Superman with Christopher Reeve and Batman with Michael Keaton and he likes to think about the differences between these 2 characters.

Superman is from another planet and has great powers just by being here.  But he also has a secret identity as the mild-mannered (and kind of weak) Clark Kent; Batman is a billionaire named Bruce Wayne. He has invented many gadgets and is a very good fighter and combines these to put on a suit and become Batman. So one is a great man who puts on a costume to be a lesser man while another is a normal man who puts on a costume to become great.

He posted a question: Who are we?

He would submit that we are Superman,

“You, as members of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, are baptized and have received the Holy Ghost (meaning you have a line of communication with the Creator of the World). Many are holders of the Priesthood. Many of you have served missions and thus have been ordained Representatives of Jesus Christ, while others hold local callings and are ordained and chosen by God for a divine purpose.  Many of you are married in the Temple and have all of the blessings that entails.  Perhaps some of you are temporarily removed from some of these blessings, but you are at least familiar with the Atonement and are aware that such removal can last a short time.”

So why then go out into the world and pretend that you are less than you are?

Be Superman!

Matthew 5: 14-16

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

3 Nephi 12: 14-16

14 Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the light of this people. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.

15 Behold, do men light a candle and put it under a bushel? Nay, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light to all that are in the house;

16 Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

I am so sorry if this letter was sent out now only, and it was a week late. I was writing this letter and my mind was distracted by other thoughts that came into my mind.

I feel blessed and grateful that the scriptures that I would like to share with you initially eventually spoke out from your mouth during our last video call. The moment I heard these scriptures amazed me indeed in how the Lord works in His great work!

So why then go out into the world and pretend that you are less than you are?

I guess this question is kind of posed to me as well. Press forward and keep moving, and that is how faith works!

We love you much!

Love,
Mommy