I can't wait for General Conference this week!

I can't wait for General Conference this week! I think I might enjoy it more than Christmas. It's for 2 days, twice a year. When we think of how long the earth was in a state of apostasy and the word of the Lord was lost from his people, it's amazing that we get to listen to a true representative of him twice a year. At least! The priesthood authority that Christ had on the earth, the same authority that all of the prophets had, is back on the earth and was restored through Joseph Smith in the year 1829. The same basic structure of church that Christ set up while on the earth, namely apostles, prophets, teachers, preachers, and evangelists also has been restored. There are apostles and prophets today! They let us know the will of God and as we follow their counsel, we will not be led astray but will have everlasting life and happiness!

It's like dejavu all over again..

 Jan 12th 2015 letter

Who would've thought that Zach's bike would get stolen before mine? Well mine is on a 2nd story balcony so hopefully no one climbs up to take it. Poor Peeps. Hopefully she can get better so she can hold on for Duncan's triumphant return. She is pretty old, though Texas is fantastic. I love Round Rock! I could definitely live here if need be. 

We are driving a car, thank goodness. I can barely handle this 40 degree weather. I doubt I'll be transferred but it's definitely within the realm of possibility. It's not too weird with only two of us. The majority of our mission has just been 2 elders to a companionship so it's all good. This past week was pretty good. We might have a new investigator soon from a Part Member family. The husband is a very less active member and he's recently married within past 5 years or so. She's Ukrainian and is interested in studying with us. I'll let you know how that turns out. Also, I was able to ordain B to the office of a Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood. That was a first for me so it was exciting. He's starting his Family History and we're going to be learning right along with him. I'm definitely working on it. I think I'm about 2 pounds heavier so if I can just consistently gain, I'll be okay. I definitely do need a lot of weight, though. I've been getting in pretty good shape. I run a lot when we play. I try to run around the most. I don't go super seriously but just focus on conditioning. I hope your  week is a little slower and that everyone is able to adjust. 

The Priesthood is the power of God. We must seriously and always remember and honor it. With great power, comes great responsibility. We must administer to the needs of the those around us and constantly be watching for those whom we can serve. Miracles happen as we stay worthy and always walk in the Spirit. As our faith stays centered in Jesus Christ, we will be able to become more and more like him. 

Love,

Elder Montgomery

Jan 19th 1015 letter

So we've had a pretty interesting day and week. Which is why I'm emailing late. Elder H has been super fatigued the past 2 weeks and then 4 days ago, what do you know but he starts with the polydipsia and polyuria. Sounds pretty familiar right? So we've been running around all day trying to figure out his insurance information because his insurance card was stolen a few months back and he hasn't had it replaced yet. So we still haven't gotten into the lab work yet but I will let you know as soon as we know something. He's not to the extreme I was but he definitely is heading that way. It's like dejavu all over again.

I thought for sure Elder Mascarenas would leave first but I guess not. I'm sure I'd know him if I saw him. That's crazy about the basketball teams. Coach Cottrell must be doing a pretty good job with those boys. How is the competition for the girls? I'm sure the volleyball will be fun.

Elder H and I are both staying. The ward is fantastic and Bishop Hyatt is great. President Slaughter was at our building yesterday for some random reason and Bishop was essentially begging him for us to both stay and said he and the ward loved us. So that's exciting! I really love this ward and this area. I could stay here for a while. B still comes every single week and we're starting family history with him this week. He's been working on his names and then on Valentine's day, hopefully he'll be ready to go on the temple trip with some family names. B is so fantastic! I still get fed every single day. There are multiple families (one that's not even in our ward) that told us that if someone ever cancels dinner on us, then they will feed us. We're also going to have a couple lessons with nonmembers in members' homes. The Lord truly is hastening his work and the ward is responding! 

Love,

Elder Montgomery

Christmas Time Emails

Well that's unfortunate to hear about Sis Gwilliam. How is she doing? Was the fever in relation to knee or did it just compound the problem? Well once she figures it out she could be the best in the county. I just don't think she's patient enough or willing to work for it. She could go her whole high school career winning every tip, though. We still have the baptism on New Years day. It will be pretty fun! Elder Hobbs goes home on Friday so I assume we'll be back to just a regular companionship. Was there anything interesting news from other missionaries?

Love,

Elder Montgomery

What time is Zach Skyping? Our Bishop is flexible with the time that we do it so let me know pronto so I can tell him what time we're coming over. Well, I put all the ones that we're wrapped under the tree so I hope I did okay. My birthday was pretty great! We had an excellent dinner with roast and potatoes. And some tasty jello. I think you should've been getting a couple pictures lately. Round Rock is fantastic!!! I hope that I get to stay here for the rest of my mission. It's so fantastic! The topography seems to be fairly similar but it's always easier to tell when you're on a bike. The work has been going pretty well. My companions have been sick on and off this past week so we haven't been able to do too much. And we took our car into the shop on Tuesday so we've been walking everywhere but hopefully we get the car back before Christmas. We set a baptismal date with B for Jan 1st!!! How perfect of a day is that? I finally get to have my first baptism that isn't just a little kid. B is the man. He got us Christmas presents and he got me a birthday present! Christmas conference was fantastic. Lots of delicious barbeque and I saw Elder Snow!!! It was exciting. The talent show was well... devoid of talent. Katie could've sung better than some of them. President taught on the nature of the infinite Atonement and divinity of Christ. He made sure that we realized that Christ is indeed God. At times in the church, we become so focused on distinguishing between the members of the Godhead that we lose sight of the fact that Christ in indeed God. If not, the Atonement could not have been infinite in nature. I'm excited for Christmas! It's the greatest season and people are so much warmer to us. Christ is the gift to us. During these times of commercialization, we forget why we even give gifts. Some may say we do it for fun. Others may reference the wise men. But God gave the first gift, and that gift was his Son, Jesus Christ and his Atonement. May we ponder the eternal truths of Christ during this season!

Love,

Elder Montgomery