Wherein Seth Reminds Us to Not Give Up On God

 Nov 23, 2020

Hola mamá! 

     I like that thought about how we are all prisoners of the grave both temporally and spiritually. Only until Christ saved us all though. That's the best part. Glad to hear you're doing well and getting over the rona pretty well.

       This week I've been studying a lot in the Old Testament about the Lord's Covenant with Israel. Gen 17:7 stuck out to me where He makes a covenant to "be a God unto [us]." I thought it was kinda a weird promise to make because He was already our God but at the same time it brings me a lot of comfort and peace knowing that God will always be my God. Much like a father promising to always be there for his children God has promised to always be there for us as we strive our best to "be perfect" (Gen 17:1)

       That's gonna be true through it all, thick and thin, rain or sunshine, covid or not. God is not going to abandon the promises He has made or His children down here on earth. He will lead and guide us into truth and down the correct paths. He won't give up on us, so don't you give up on God.

    But anyway, this week is gonna be pretty great. Thanksgiving is like the best so that's super exciting. I with you the best and am very grateful for all you do, 

Con cariño, 

Elder Bailey 

Wherein Seth Admits How Hard Quarantine Is.

 November 16, 2020

Hey Mom,

So glad you're doing better. The power of prayer is real and God is so good. 

I'm doing well. Definitely has been a rough couple of days and I expect these next weeks will be as well but I'll be just fine. I'm mostly worried about going into quarantine again, as it was so tough last time, so hopefully, that doesn't return. Please pray for us.

Sorry I haven't really written a good email in a while. Motivation to email is really lacking on this side. I'll do better next week. 

But anyway, I love you a million. Take care this week and don't get the rona again

Love, Seth

Wherein Seth Gives A Powerful Blessing

 Nov. 2, 2020

     So this week was really good. We had the wonderful opportunity to go on exchanges (or I dunno what you'd call them) with Elder Gibson. He came up from El Paso and spent the weekend with us. It was super awesome and I learned a ton from him.

Cool story for the week.   

       We have been doing a lot of service for this guy named Jim lately and long story short, he has had quite the life and beat up his body pretty bad. Many injuries and surgeries later he is severely debilitated in what he's able to do which is where we came to him to help him with some yard work. :)

       Anyway, the other day he messed up his back pretty bad and I think he said: "herniated a disc" or something. Not sure exactly, but no bueno. He ended up in bed all day troubled with agonizing pain and to keep matters short we went and gave him a priesthood blessing. One of the most remarkable experiences ever. The power of God used by worthy holders really does perform miracles. His wife and daughter (who are not members) were in the room and the Spirit was felt. After the blessing, we bid our farewells and his wife gave us some food for the rode and as we were departing, Jim came walking out of his room to give his goodbye. He said he was feeling much better and was very grateful for the blessing.

      In conclusion, miracles can be seen as one does their best to live in accordance to God's commandments and loves as Jesus did. 

I love you all and wish you a wonderful week. 

Elder Bailey

Wherein Seth Gets Inspiration from a Country song!

 October 19, 2020

     Hey, mom. Things are going pretty well down here. Just yesterday they told us that because the numbers were rising as they are, we can no longer go into anyone's house to teach them anymore. So that put a real damper on things. 

    But it's alright, we already made it through four months of this so it shouldn't be too bad. Mostly just a bummer that the world is so crazy but that's how it's gonna be. 

   There are some things in this life that are very certain to me. 

1. God is great, and He, His plan, His Son, and Christ's atonement are perfect. 

2. The world can be good but is not perfect. 

3. and People are crazy.

    We have the simple task of choosing God over the world. But many of us don't 

     Big sad. But luckily Christ's atonement makes it possible for us to try try and try again. So we should never give up. Cause that would make our Heavenly Father real disappointed. And disappointing God is not high on the priority list, I hope, so each day try your best to choose God.

Love you lots, 

Elder Bailey

Wherein Seth Becomes a Barber!

 October 13, 2020

     That looks like an awesome trip. Definitely a little jealous and will probably go there someday myself to visit. Anyway, this week was pretty great. We have done quite a bit of service this week. Then on Saturday, we went to the Leyva family and cut their hair for church on Sunday. When they showed up to church the next day looking all spiffy with their new trims and a smile on their face, it just made my companion and me so happy.

We also have gotten in contact with quite a few new people to teach so all is well down here. 

Anyway, I love you all and hope you have a wonderful week. 

Elder Bailey

Ps. I added quite a few new pictures to the folder so please enjoy those in lieu of a long email this week.

Wherein Seth Teaches Us About LOVE towards all.

 October 5, 2020

Hey mom,

          Awesome job on memorizing the restoration proclamation. real good job with that. I lowkey forgot about memorizing that for the majority of the week and then come friday I was like, oh snap! and cranked out another two paragraphs in the car on the way to dinner and then my comp got tired of my repeating it and put on some music so I'm at about half-ish... whoops.

          This week was great. we moved up to Albuquerque which was definitely quite the change. After the first night of me sleeping on the top bunk, the bed frame bent for some reason and I got moved down to the floor and today they are taking it to get it welded back in place. Guess I gotta lay off the oatmeal creme pies...

As for General Conference, I really enjoyed it. For the Saturday morning session, we were over helping the Leyvas sheetrock their trailer and listened to it with them which was nice but I missed quite a bit. I did get to hear Elder Oaks talk though. That was good. The other three sessions we watched at the church and at members' homes. 

 

      One of the overarching thoughts that I got out of conference was that of love. Like two weeks ago the church uploaded the cover photo for Oct 2020 Gen Conf to the gospel Library and it was a nice little painting of Jesus sitting at the well with the Samaritan lady. I think. I may be wrong, but that's what it looked like to me. 

Aaaaanyway, I went and read up on that story in John 4 just to see if I could get any glimpse of what God was preparing to say. and it came out to be a little lesson on love. 

      You see, the Jews and the Samaritans did not get along 2000 years ago. From what I understand, after the capture of Jerusalem centuries before Christ, some of the many of the Jews were carried away captive to Babilonia. but some were left behind. These intermarried with some Syrians and other Mesopotamian people and eventually, when Judah returned to Jerusalem they saw the new samaritan people as an impure race. From then on there was tension between the two people and no business or trade happened between the two of them. 

 

        This is where it gets interesting that Jesus asked a Samaritan woman to draw Him some water from the well. Where amnesty and hate were before, love and service came through Jesus Christ. He looked beyond the race of the woman and the traditions of the past and offered the Living water to ALL that come unto Him with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And I think that was the main topic of General Conference this year. We all need to love everyone, look beyond the past and into the future, and share the joy that we have received through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Anyway love you all and hope you have a wonderful day. 

love, 

Elder Bailey

Wherein Seth is Moving to Albequerque

 September 28, 2020

Hey Mom.

     Thanks for the quote. This week was definitely amazing. We were able to get out of quarantine a little early because my companion got COVID tested so that opened things up for us a little. We were able to go visit lots of members and share little lessons with them. On Sunday we went around to seven different families in the branch and shared messages with them so that was a good day. 

      This week we will be moving apartments which will take up a little time so that's fun. Luckily the work goes on and God always loves us and has a plan for us. 

I'll give you a better update next week. It's gonna be good. 

Love you tons. 

Elder Bailey

Wherein Seth Sees A Miracle in His Companion

September 22, 2020

       Hey Mom. Thanks for the email, that's sad about Julia. It's nice that she can be with Bob again though. That's also good that Landen doesn't have the Rona. She's no fun. I also definitely forgot to mention that today is p-day instead of yesterday. Whoops. 

      But yeah, we're just chilling down here. This last week was crazy! We struggled through quarantine a little, saw some cool little miracles, (you can probably attach that story I sent through messenger here if you want), and actually, on Saturday we got a referral from a member out of the blue, and that like never happens so we both were super excited about that. 

      This week Elder Villanueva is having a big mission tour and we have like a TON of Zoom meetings with him so we have that to look forward to. other than that we are seeing a lot of little blessings from being missionaries in the Lord's vineyard and I am super grateful for all I have been given.

Love you lots mom,

Elder Bailey

Messenger message from Seth:

       So my comp has been missing his family a ton lately cause he's never really been away from home before so that's been a super hard struggle for him. (keep him in your prayers plz) but anyway, after Thursday and Friday not being great, I looked forward to today with high expectations cause we had service planned from 7am til 6pm so it was just gonna be a straight grind and hopefully enough work to keep his mind off of home. Those plans were kinda foiled this morning when I remembered that I was supposed to join a zoom training meeting for the district leaders from 8-10. So Elder Jensen just got to sit with his thoughts for two hours which didn't help with anything. Afterward, we went for a drive and then our second service project canceled so .

Then we went to help bro Leyva with his trailer and helped him sheetrock for like 2 or so hours which was good. then we went up to Albuquerque to help the sisters with service for one of their investigators, Ken. We painted his door for him and helped with some other stuff then the sisters had to go but we stayed behind to help a little longer. We got a really good discussion going about the church and prophets and really all sorts of stuff. Ken is a very logical thinker and wants things proven with facts. Not wanting to just start Bible-bashing we just started giving Ken one testimony after another and the spirit was super strong and Elder Jensen bore his testimony with all the conviction you could imagine and Ken just sat there amazed and the Holy Ghost was just a super strong and really awesome experience. Wish I could give it justice in writing but that's simply not possible.

Anyway, the miracle is after the fact when we got in the car to drive home Elder Jensen was a changed person. He was no longer homesick as before, he no longer doubted his testimony or whether or not he should be a missionary, he had testified by the power of the Holy Ghost and had seen its power worked upon someone else. He got his appetite back (he hadn't really eaten since getting here) and life just seemed so much brighter.
So that was a novel, whoops.
But no, same apartment same area. Just new comp.
What's up with Landen? Rona?

Wherein Seth Appreciates The Power of Family

September 14, 2020

Hey Mom!!!

    So this week was awesome. We got transfer news yesterday so that was exciting. Not a whole ton is changing but just enough to spice life up a little. I'm staying in the same area and my comp is leaving.

       Also, fun miracle story for this week. We went to this family's house on Thursday to help them with a little service project and we picked weeds for like an hour then helped tear out the ceiling of a trailer home, but afterward they invited us to try a Cuban meal that they had prepared. (sidenote: they're from Cuba) and so we went and ate and it was delicious and one thing led to another and we ended up teaching this old couple about how the church of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth and we had a wonderful discussion.

         But that's kinda just the story side, my thought for the week comes from a little fact about this old Cuban couple. While we were talking they mentioned that they got divorced thirty years ago but they still live together. Weird, huh? So what happened is that like ten years ago they both moved up here to NM to live closer to their son. (they live like next door, BTW)... 

     What I thought was cool is that their family was important enough to them that they could put all differences aside, forgive and move on. I don't know what their story is or why they got divorced but a divorce is something very hard. So the fact that they could move on from that and make amends with one another and live with respect and appreciation in their home is really incredible. All to be closer to their family - to the basic unit of society that ties everyone together.

      I think that this entire world is losing sight of the true importance of the family. The mere power that family has is incredible. Broken bridges are mended, true love is nurished, and real joy is found. I love my family so much and am super glad to be sealed to them for an eternity. 

Anyway, I love you all so much and hope you know how important you are to me.

Love, 

Elder Bailey

Wherein Seth Tells Us About Juan Pablo's Coffee.

 September 7, 2020

Hey familia.

     Today was fun. We hung out with the missionaries in Belen today which was a blast. I don't have a lot of recollection of the events that have passed this week but I do remember a little faith building story about our friend Juan Pablo.

     So he's a recent convert that my comp baptized down in Colombia and we've been teaching him over the phone for the past long little while. He has had a coffee addiction his entire life so we have been helping him get over that. A couple of weeks ago he was drinking like 15 cups a day, so we worked with him and got it down to zero for like a week then he went back to like 2/day. So a big improvement nonetheless.

       Long story short this week he ended up in the hospital and his doctor told him that coffee was killing him and that if he had kept up the 15 cups/day things wouldnt be so good ☠️. So now he has stopped drinking coffee completely. (maybe out of fear for his life) but out of it a great lesson was learned. Prophets really do speak to God. There is a reason for all the commandments and great blessings that come with each of them. 

     Sometimes it is hard to see why God would command some things but the nice thing is that we will be blessed for keeping them exactly. There is no easier way to live than by keeping the commandments.

Anyway, I love you all and hope you have a blessed week. 

You're always in my prayers.

With love, 

Elder Bailey 

Wherein Seth Gets in a Dumpster!

 August 31, 2020

Hi mom! 

I'm glad you liked the video. Definitely worth the stink sitting in the dumpster. Also that smoker sounds like a delight. I could definitely go for like some smoked ribs or something when I get home. ;)

On a different note, hearing that my 9 and 11 yo brothers can run a faster mile than me sure was awesome. I should probably start running more so I can keep up when I get back. Jaja. 

But yeah. This week was great. We painted a house and helped some people move (lots of heavy lifting) we also chopped up 13 trees and fit them in the back of a pickup so that was quite the adventure. But anyway what we did is kinda irrelevant. But what is important is, and I shall say it again, serving and loving our neighbors. Service is super great and helping others brings so much joy to me and this world. 

Also, we got opened up to phase one so we can now go and eat with the members again which is just amazing. We are super excited to get to know them a lot better and work more closely together.  

Other than that not a lot has happened but God still watches over and cares for each and every one of us so all will be well. Sometimes it just takes time. 

I love you all and hope you have a wonderful week. 

Love, Eloder Bailey

Wherein Seth Explains the Power of Friendship in Blessing Lives.

 August 24, 2020

     So this week was great. We got our first member referral. Her name is Oralia and she's friends with Sister Maria. We had been sending daily uplifting quotes to Maria for like two months and one day we called her up and she mentioned her friend Oralia to us. We got into contact with her and set up a day to video call the two of them. They day came around for the lesson and we called up Sister Maria first to communicate the lesson plan and she informed us that her dad had passed away that morning. So that changed plans a little bit. We shared a short message with her on eternal families and the power of Christ's Atonement and she said that she was still willing to participate in the lesson. Her being there brought a strong spirit into the lesson that we had with Oralia and she was able to see the strength that her search friend had from this gospel even in this tough time. 

        I truly testify that this gospel really does bring power and comfort to us and that the knowledge we have about Gods plan is a true blessing to us and sharing this blessing with others only brings more. 

I love you all and may God bless you with an increased love for all his children. 

With love,

Elder Bailey. 

Wherein Seth Reminds Us How To NOT Be Little Brats!

 August 17, 2020

Heya mamá.

     It was great to talk to you all on Saturday. I wouldve loved floating the river with y'all for Dads birthday. He really is gettting up there in the years. :) jkjk. 

But yeah, life down here has been great. We had interviews with the mission president this past week I learned a lot. He told us to focus on helping out the members and serving them all we can.

     -Now beforehand we had been asking the members for service opportunities and they always responded with, "naw, I think we're doing alright. Thanks though." So we we're not having any luck getting to know them by serving them.-

     So pres suggested we dont even ask. We just drive by their house, see what needs done, whether it be weeds that need pull in or wood to be chopped, (everybody needs help in some way no matter how nice your yard looks:) and then call them up and set up a time to help. They usually cant say no cause its not a question and are almost always grateful for the service offered. So its been super fun weeding peoples yards and we've seen a ton of little miracles from it. 

        So naturally my thought of the week is Mosiah 2:17. God doesn't want us to serve others just because they need the help. -many times they really do and our service is a great blessing in their life- But I think part of it is that He wants to change us into the people that think of others first; the people that He can trust to lead and guide and help others come unto Christ. He doesn't want selfish little brats running around in Heaven, that wouldn't be too good. He wants us to Love Him and Love others. And we can learn to do so by serving our fellow beings. 

     So go out and make someone's day. It'll make God so happy. :)

    

    I love you all. Have a wonderful week. 

  Elder Bailey

Wherein Seth Explains The Simplicity of What He Teaches

August 10, 2020

    Mom, 

Yeah, I really love that little story. Isn't it so crazy how wonderful the plan that God has for is really is and that Christ already paid for all the troubles and temptations that we will face? I really thing the crazy part is how little a lot of our brothers and sisters in this world see in respect to this and it is the most incredible thing to be able to help them understand that God really is their Father and that He loves them with all His heart. 

And that is really all that we teach. 

God loves us so He sent His Son. 

Jesus atoned, died and was resurrected for us all because He too loves us. 

Now we get to share that love with everyone in the world. 

So take some time today, Thank your Heavenly Father for all His love then show a little of that gratitude by loving others. I promise it will only make life happier. I love you all. 

Elder Bailey 

   PS: Thanks for the pictures. Also, I'm not sure if miles attatched his movie, but I couldn't find it and would love to see it. He said its better than our Facebook ones so I think I need to watch it for some good inspiration. As for Mexico, who knows? The last email I got from the embassy said they were in a class four do not travel restriction because the crime rates have gone up a ton. But then there are rumors that china is in stage three for developing a vaccine so there is still hope. We shall see. Only happiness will come as we continue firm in the faith. Anyway, y'all are the best and I love you tons, Seth

Wherein Seth Teaches His Mom about Being Happy!

August 3, 2020

Hey mom!

          So this week was nice. We had a Zone conference this week with the Mission President and I learned a lot. They focussed a bit on how important planning out your day is. Not gonna lie, we had definitelly fallen into a daily routine, without a lot of change because every day was the same. So after this conference we deleted our schedule and started from scratch so every day ia something new. It was super incredible how much brighter life seemed to become. There wasn't a huge change in the outcomes of our efforts as far as people answering the phone or replying to texts etc. But at the end of the day, looking back and seeing everything checked off sure made it a lot easier to go to bed. 

          I think that most of the joy we find in this life doesn't come from big experiences. (Sure its awesome to spend time with family and do awesome things like amusement parks and boating) but I'd say that most of the joy is found in everyday life. The little things where without doing anything of grandeur, but just knowing that God loves you, you're happy. Being able to wake up every morning with a smile on your face and grateful for a new opportunity to improve and going to bed each night tired and glad for all the friends you met and mistakes you made and all that was learned.    

        More than anything knowing that whatever happens all will be okay and Father in Heaven will always love you. I think that is something real special. Many times we take for granted all that we are given by God down to the happiness we are given every day. I guess the most basic way of putting it is that God is the happiest being there is. And He wants us to be like Him so He sent us to earth to learn what true happiness is. 

So thats a little thought for the week. I hope all is well at home and that this we evryone is a little more happy.

Love always,

Elder Bailey

PS - As for funny, we really enjoy making the videos. And then rewatching the ones that we already have made. It might just be the quarantine, but we think we're the funniest people in the world. He is from Murray UT. Really loves water polo and I think took state like twice. Super funny, really chill, likes Chick-fil-A. 

Thats about it. 

Love you tons mom! 

Seth

Wherein Seth Goes Back to Church!

July 27th

     So this week we got to go back to church. It was super incredible and we loved every second of it. It was really nice to be able to get to know the members a little better and serve them in a church setting. 

     As of right now we get to go to church on the fourth Sunday of every month. Yesterday we were given the great opportunity to bless the sacrament and to give a short talk. (I'll attach my talk if anyone wants to read it).  In summary I really just say that God is still blessing us through this pandemic and wants us all to take some time to be happy. And that is just as true as ever. So don't give up, don't fall into the group of people that are content with life, nor those that have given up on life. 

There is hope. We aren't perfect and life will get better. I love you all, but more importantly, God loves you. 

Elder Bailey. 

Here's the talk. This isn't word for word but it has the main ideas. Enjoy! 

La felicidad en esta vida no depende de las circunstancias en que vivimos ni los acontecimientos sino de nuestra actidud y reacción a ellos.

Ahorita nos está pasando algo muy difícil, loco, grave, o mal. Este virus ha hecho un gran cambio en este mundo. Nunca pensaba yo, hace seis meses, que estaría aquí, que estes cubrebocas serían requeridos para discursar en la iglesia o hacer cualquier otra cosa, que el contacto físico como saludar o abrazar sería algo muy mal o que estaría yo, tan bendecido como estoy.

En estes momentos de dificultad podemos decir que vamos a ser tristes porque todo el mundo se puso mal. La economía fue casi destruido, no podemos visitar a parientes en otros países y pues antes de hoy, aún no pudimos ir a la iglesia para adorar al Dios Todopoderoso.

Pero Dios nos dio un gran poder. Que realmente podemos decidir ser felices aún en momemtos difíciles. Entonces les pregunto ahora, hermanos y hermanas, como el profeta Ammon del libro de mormon, "que bendiciones grandes nos ha concedido? Podeis decirlo?" (Alma 26:2)

Les voy a dar algunos de las bendiciones que hemos recibido como resultado de la pandemia pero quiero que ustedes, al regresar a casa después de está reunión hagan una lista, como familia de todas las bendiciones que han venido por causa de la pandémica.

Primero, hemos tenido la oportunidad de adorar Dios en nuestros hogares mas que nunca antes. Tenemos la gran oportunidad de participar de los sagrados sacramentos tomar la Santa Cena del Señor en nuestras propias casas. Que bendición! Eso trae un espíritu muy fuerte que al menos a mi me hace tan feliz.

Segundo, hemos tenido mas tiempo para conocer a nuestro Dios. Les voy a dar un relato del Elder John H Groberg, o mejor conocido como Kolipoki. El estaba en Tonga como misionero cuando les pego un huracán. Toda su comida y agua limpia fue destruido y vivían los siguentes meses con minimo alimentos. Al reflexionar en estes tiempos cuando estaba al punto de morir, escribió lo siguiente.

Otro lado del cielo: Pg 113-114 (aprendí- Dios)

Creo que cada uno de nosotros tiene una necesidad de estar tranquilos. Pero en este mundo, la tranquilidad es bien rara. No es algo que viene a menudo. Y eso le da risa a Satanás. El no quiere que tomemos ningún descanso del mundo, que nos acerquemos a nuestro Dios, o que seamos felices. Uno de sus mejores armas contra nosotros es la distracción. Si el logra distraernos al grado que no oramos, o no leemos las escrituras o no vamos a la Iglesia, es una victoria para él.

Yo sé, mís hermanos y hermanas, que Dios nos ama. Eso es una doctrina que nunca jamás cambiará. El quiere bendecirnos y que seamos felices. Y eso es una decisión. Entonces les ruego que no permiten que el diablo les distrae. Les pido que si ahora ven esta pandemia como una maldición, que recuerdan cuán misericordioso y bondadoso ha sido el Señor y hagan una lista de todos los bendiciones que han venido por causa de ella. Les amo y digo estas cosas en el nombre de Jesucristo, amén. 

Wherein Seth Tells Us of An Amazing Miracle

July 20, 2020 


   So, this week we continued with the grind.  An amazing miracle happened on Friday when after sending out a bunch of text messages to the majority of the contacts in our phone, we got a reply. (That usually doesn't happen btw).

     Ismael called us up and said, "hey, I need y'alls help. Now I don't need any of that God stuff cause I already know all that. I don't want to hear a word about Jesus. You guys talk too much about Him. I just need you guys to help me. I got some family problems." 

     Well that confused us cause God helps with literally every problem that could ever exist. So we chatted with him a little and became good friends with him and set up an appointment for tomorrow. 

    Then just today he texted and asked for some scriptures to read in preparation for the meeting tomorrow. I'm not sure what happened. Why he turned from refusing us even speaking of God to asking what scriptures to read. But I have a really good feeling that the Lord intervened in some way this weekend and helped soften his heart a little bit. So we look forward to tomorrow with high hopes. 

     I've come to realize that in life we need to be slower to take offense and quicker to see the hand of God. Too many people are anxious to jump on little errs of others or the smallest of insults and feel a need to receive some sort of pity. Myself included. Kinda strange. And this usually amounts to a grand total of two offended people and zero progress through life. On the other hand if we don't focus on our own selves, as the Savior encouraged, and learn to love others (John 13:34) we all grow and improve in a happy way even while in a gloomy world. So yeah, be happy and love. 

Love you all,

Elder Bailey

He got our package with the Lego missionary Emerson made for him! ;)

Wherein Seth Teaches Us About Humility

July 13, 2020

    Howdy fam!

       Big sad about Emerson getting the Rona. (*Side note from mom - Emerson doesn't have Covid - he just had a cough). Hopefully he'll be alright. Best of luck with that wedding cake for Bryan. You'll do great I'm sure. Also give them my felicitations. 

       So this week was real good. We made lots of videos and had a blast doing it. More than that, with all the texts we sent out, a few people actually responded and we were able to teach one. Her name is Sister Mena and she's super awesome. We talked with her about eternal families and how important that really is and inthe middle of the discussion she mentioned that she is recently engaged and is working on planning her wedding right now so she found it curious that we were talking about marriage for all eternity.

      So that was another of those neat little experiences that fortified my testimony that God really does know what every one of His children is going through and knows exactly how to help them. We all just need to be humble enough to fall in line with His will and listen to the spirit so we can be instruments in His hands to help others.

     I gotta be honest, this mission has been a truly humbling experience. Before, whilst in high school and actually almost all my life I thought I was the coolest, I low-key thought I was invincible and that I could be the king of the world if I wanted to. But no. I was wrong. If anything I've been able to see the pure power and love of God and how truly little I can do without Him.  And that brings me true joy. That even though I am so insignificant in the spance of all existence, God still loves me, and still is willing to use me and my efforts to bless others.

      I love that each of us, as beloved sons and daughters of God, really does have an incredible amount of worth and God wants us all to be happy. Sometimes we just need to open up our hearts and see the great Love that He has for us and try to share that with others. 

I love you all and wish you the best. 

Elder Bailey

Wherein Seth Teaches Us About "Death-Bed Repentance".

July 6, 2020

     Happy day to you all. I hope that independence day passed smoothly and all had a blast celebrating America. Life down here is the same as it has been. 

Here's a quick story and spiritual thought for the week. 

     We had this old plumber guy come fix our shower recently and it was really nice to get to talk to him about life and such. Amazing person, lots of stories. When he was finishing up we gave him a Book of Mormon and shared a short message and he replied with a sentence that really stuck with me. "Yeah, my wife and I are getting up there in the years. It's about time we start thinking about this stuff." 

     Naturally Alma 34:32-35 came to mind but I got to thinking, other than the truth that it teaches us in those verses, why is waiting til retirement age to learn about the Gospel a flawed concept? I think one thing that most people don't see is the pure blessings that living the gospel brings us. Religion isn't just about falling in good standings with God after we die so we might end up in heaven. God really wants this life to be awesome and while this world is so full of crap from the devil, living the way Jesus did and repentance make it oh so special. 

       Now this plumber is truly amazing and yet another miracle of Christs atonement, so beautifully portrayed in Matthew 20 is the fact that it doesn't matter at what point in your life you hear of the Gospel, you really can gain the same rewards. The sketchy part though is those that have heard, have felt, and know of the gospel and refuse to follow it in fear of one thing or another with death bed repentance planned in mind. Not only does that plan not work out, they miss out on soooo many wonderful blessings in this life. 

     Now I'm not the best at writing my thoughts down, so if by any chance anyone has any questions, feel free to shoot me an email. 

  Love you all and God is good, 

Elder Bailey

Wherein Seth Expresses His Love of the People in NM

June 29, 2020

Dear family,

     I hope all is well with you back home. It made me happy to see so much of the family gathered to support Sadie in her pageant. It really is a wonderful blessing to have such a large family. While I do lament not being able to attend this gathering of loved ones I do find solace in the work I have to do. 
     Here I sit, away from those I was born to, but among a new family. My brothers and sisters in New Mexico. Full of the same faith and love that I grew up in. While not able to visit face to face with those we teach, it is a beautiful thing to hear the same emotion and conviction in the voices of those touched by the spirit through the telephone. 

I leave with a Hymn. #224

I must speak the loving word

I must let my voice be heard

Every cry of pity heeding

For the injured interfering

To the light the lost ones leading

Ere the sun goes down.

I love the change Alma had from preaching fire and brimstone to spreading the love of God. This really is a gospel of Love and Hope. I'd encourage you all to share a little bit of this love with someone every day ere the sun goes down. 

Love you all tons,

Elder Bailey

Wherein Seth Knows That GOD Knows What is Going On.

June 22, 2020

   So this week went by quickly which is nice. We spent the majority of the week making Facebook videos. On Saturday and Sunday we called a bunch of former investigators (like over a hundred) and set up phone call appointments with those that answered. So this upcoming week should be awesome. 

Also, just want to let y'all know that God knows perfectly what all is going on. He knows the future (not because He set it as something that must happen, but because He knows us perfectly and knows how we will react to situations) and He has everything figured out. Everything He does is for our benefit. So if at any time, life gets stressful and you feel like you can't handle it, just hand it over to the Lord and He will help you out. 

Love you all tons,

Elder Bailey