Elder Goss---W:97 The Baptism of Michelle (Jul 13, 2021)

This week has been so crazy. This weekend we had a Baptism! Neither Elder Smith nor I know her very well (Elder Smith got here just 3 weeks before I did), but we planned and scheduled everything. There were a TON of Missionaries at her service (at least over half), and some other Elder did the baptizing. I did have to play the piano, and man that was rough.  

I'll be coming home soon! Half-way through August. It is a weird thought, but true nevertheless. And reminding myself that I won't always be here doing this often sparks a sense of energy and urgency. Is this how I want to finish my mission? Is there anything I missed? If I have any regrets, how do I spend my time to compensate? Do I FEAR the end of my mission?  

It has made me reflect over my past, and helps me decide what I want to do for my future. I think a similar exercise would be wise for all of us. Life isn't forever. If I were to die today, would I feel fear? Disappointment? I mean, really think about it. If you feel ANY sense of urgency, or pressure, or dread, you and I have some changes to make NOW. Some possible points to consider: a change in focus, a change in perspective, or a change in character. Live like you were going to stand before God tomorrow. With that knowledge, what changes would you do today? 

I love you all! See you next week.

 

Elder Goss---W:96 Back to Bonita! (Jul 6, 2021)

Hi everyone! Remember last year, when I was transferred to a place called Bonita? You probably don't. Anyways, today was transfers, and I got assigned here again! It's pretty rare to return to an area you've already served in, at least for English and Spanish work, and it's the second time it's happened to me! Crazy. I'm even back in the same exact apartment.  

They actually closed the Elders' area up in Encinitas (where I just was), so Elder Bullock went to the Valley. It was sad to say goodbye to the Branch. Most of them were just coming home from vacation, so we really didn't get to say goodbye.  

My new (and final) companion is Elder Smith! Huh, who'd have thought? He's been out a little bit, and seems pretty chill. We'll just have to wait and see! And apparently, this area has received a lot of already-taught people (from changing ward boundaries), and I think we have someone scheduled for Baptism this weekend, so stay tuned.  

The day's getting a little late, so I gotta go. A quick reminder about families; they are the greatest! Eternal families have so much more weight and blessings than I think we realize. I want to testify, that even if your immediate family refuses God's grace, nobody is exempt from the blessing of eternal families, providing that YOU try to be the best family member you can. I don't know exactly how all the logistics work, but when I pray and think about it, I feel without a doubt that you and I will be 100% completely satisfied and joyful. Of this I testify.  

I love you all! Have a good week!--

Elder Goss

Elder Goss---W:95 June 29th (Jun 29, 2021)

Hi everyone! This week, we have been great! The weather has fluctuated quite a bit recently, but mostly, it has been super great. That's San Diego for you. 

As far as work goes, we've had a bit of lessons planned this week, and most of the member lessons happened! We had exchanges with the Assistants to the President (AP's), which I haven't ever done before. It gets harder and harder to find new people, because there appears to be a finite amount of areas where we can find people who speak Spanish, and we keep visiting those areas over and over. Of course, we can do English work at any time, but we try to focus on our assignment.  

I'm sorry, I don't have much to write about this week. For a spiritual thought, I wish to relay a message we gave to Hermano Atempa yesterday. Together, we talked about goals, and setting plans. All of us want a life we can look back on with fondness and peace. How can we do this, if we never amounted to anything? If we never climbed any mountains, or fought any battles? The only thing that every person cares about, whether they realize it or not, is how far they've come. How much one has learned, and improved. After all, that is our purpose. Nothing is more hopeless than feeling your wasted potential slip away. As if our past mistakes have permanently decided who we will become and what life we will lead. And although these feelings are misplaced, they are so tragic and heartbreaking. And the sad thing is, many people that feel trapped in the grave they've dug themselves (and after feeling all the pain and remorse for ignoring their future), continue to neglect making plans and setting goals to turn their life around.  

If you have felt this way, STOP. Your future is still your future! There are no certainties! If you wanted to, you could get up right now, walk out the door, and be whoever you wanted to be! You can literally do a thousand things; become someone great, learn from your lessons, and live an amazing life, but you have to start somewhere! At one point you have to decide when you want to start improving your life. Who cares if you've waited "too long"? The rational thing to do would be to start now, instead of delaying such happiness even longer. Why live in mediocrity when you hold the keys to your own chains? If you have dreams, make plans. If you feel dreamless, make plans. And if you are somewhere in-between, guess what??? You catch my drift. No matter where you are, you can improve your life and who you are by setting goals, and sticking with 'em. For YOUR OWN SAKE, save your future! I promise you, it turns into the present.  

And while setting financial goals or school goals are great (and can be helpful), you and I know that ultimately those things are hallow, if we ignore the more important goals. Be a better parent. Learn to be a patient child. Gaining an independent testimony. Becoming the best friend in the whole wide world. These are the goals that will leave you looking back on life with fondness and peace, AND enjoying the present. The sooner you start, the faster your future will come.  

I love you all! Take care!

Elder Goss---W:93 Fun P-day (Jun 15, 2021)

This week, like all weeks, has had its ups and downs. The past couple of days have been a bit toasty, between 75-90. For many places, that's nothing. But here, that's pretty warm.  

Today was a pretty exciting p-day! We got together with our district and played mini-golf. That was really fun! I didn't score very well, though. I think I got 53 or something for 18 holes. For those who are bad at math, that's basically 3 hits per hole. The heat was a bit oppressive with the humidity, but it worked out. We then ate buffalo wild wings at a park together and played Frisbee. It was great! Elder Bullock really likes a lot of company, so it was refreshing for the two of us.  

Elder Bullock and I continue to walk in parks and speak to people online to find people who want the Gospel, but that's going a little slow. Please continue to pray for people to be found! Having a teaching pool is really important for a new missionary, and we don't really have one. Hopefully, we will teach Jimmy and his family soon.  

I'd like to refer you to Jesus's line of questioning Peter while eating fish together for a spiritual thought. Three times, the resurrected Christ asked Peter, do you love fish more than me? If not, love my sheep. I sometimes reflect that Peter was confused with Christ's meaning. After all, fishing wasn't a bad thing. Couldn't he love fishing and love Christ? Couldn't he fish and feed Christ's sheep?  

I invite you to think about that for a little. Why did Christ ultimately invite Peter to essentially abandon the harmless thing he loved? If you need a little prod, consider the following:

* Where was Peter's heart? Did he have the guts to follow Christ and lead his church?

* Was fishing a distraction? Should Peter have had higher priorities?

* Exactly who were Christ sheep? Why are they more important than fish? 

I love you all! Take care. 

Elder Goss