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December 27, 2017 - Keep Christ in the New Year

MCAHHNY! yay an acronym

Thank you to everyone who sent me something for Christmas. The letters and gifts mean a lot to me. It was a refreshing and fulfilling experience to talk to the family, I really needed it so thank you for being there. Even if I wasn't able to talk to you face to face I still love you! I love my family so much, they are the most important thing to me bar none. 

As you can see in the picture attached Elder Martin and I had a lot of stuff to open up Christmas morning. Just wanted to brag a little bit about my first Christmas away from home. The many ties and pairs of socks is much appreciated. And my mom's home made candy popcorn wowza. After we opened up everything we went to a members for brunch and I talked to our families, then we went to another members place for a big Christmas turkey dinner and games. Even though I was far from home at Christmas, I didn't feel sad at all. I miss my family but I don't feel bad about being separated from them for a time. I've never struggled with home sickness on my mission which is definitely a blessing. As long as I'm close to the spirit I feel good, and so it's been easy to feel good while serving a full-time mission.

I had the opportunity to do a baptismal interview for Justin (15) and Samuel (8) who have been taught by other missionaries in my stake. Their mom Esther was interviewed by a different missionary and they are all going to be baptized together this Saturday. They are originally from Nigeria and are amazing people. Justin for example, went to early morning seminary all of last week and the missionaries didn't even mention seminary to him. A strong LDS family lives just around the corner from them so that has helped tremendously. Justin's only concern before baptism went something like this, "I want to be sure I am ready to give 100% of my life to God." I felt the spirit very strong during my interview with him. I felt inspired to tell him that he was going to accomplish many remarkable things in the next few years. I also promised him that if he stayed close to God, the Lord would bless him in his school work, his athletics, his relationships and all other aspects of his life. I told him that he is an amazing young man and he took it with such humility and maturity which amazed me even more. This family is proof that there are people out there with honest hearts who are ready to receive the restored gospel. Once these people realize that God has been guiding them to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints then it all comes together beautifully. The trick is how to find these people...

Another Christmas has come and gone, now we can look forward to a New Year. I hope I can find room for Jesus in my heart after Christmas is over. When the Son of God knocks on my door, I hope my heart will be free of clutter allowing space for him to come inside. I hope my heart will not only be opened seasonally, but rather year round. When he enters, I hope he will be pleased with what I am keeping inside of me and what I am keeping outside. I hope he will feel comfortable in my space, more importantly, I hope I will feel comfortable in his presence. There was no room at the Inns for him, they we not prepared for him, they were not worthy of him. I hope I will always be ready for him. He is my brother and he gave his life for me--I love him and I hope I will never close my doors on him when he comes searching for refuge.

Matthew 25:37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

I know he lives! And so do you and I! I hope we can make the best of it. Have an awesome New Year!

- Elder Johnson

Pictures: 
1. No shortage of love found under our Christmas tree :)
2. A cool card with Christmas wishes from members of my home ward. Thank you to those who put it together.



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