To be like Jesus

Since last week I have started to get used to the new, things are starting to become more familiar each day and it is amazing how God changes us each day. Every experience we have is to prepare us for the eternities, oh what a joyous time it will be. 

Yesterday we had the most amazing experience. There was a man in our ward who we had the opportunity to take the sacrament to. He had gotten a cut on the ball of his foot where it caused the need for his big toe to be amputated due to bacteria. I did not do much as a part of the meeting, but the opportunity to observe the amazing man who has gone through so much and was so grateful that we were able to bring him the sacrament. I truly felt that I was the most Christ like that I had ever been. My heart reached out to him. Oh how he loved our savior with all his heart and just desired that his family could come to know Jesus as well as he does. 

I also learned how essentially we are all the same, none better then another. We are all children of God with the same potential and the light of Christ, all we need to do is follow that light and we can return to our Father in Heaven. 

The song from the portuguese hymn book number 172 A verdade e nosso guia, has taught me so much about being like Christ. Oh how I know that if there is one thing that I know is true it is that we must be like Christ. There is to much at risk to not be. It is so important that we help others to understand the words of the primary song I am trying to be like Jesus. 

Let the light of Christ be shown through who you are. Let Christ change you to be what you are meant to become. I love the people of this world, pray for God to touch our hearts. It is the only way we come to know truth!

Eu te amo,

Elder Cooper

More funny

So this week we had transfers. It is crazy to see the time fly. My trainer and I both got transferred. Elder Watson is now an office Elder! I am so excited for him! I was transferred from the city of Chantily to Manassas. Needless to say I have been here three days and I am already in love with it. I have been so blessed in the areas that I have been chosen to serve in. My new companion is Elder Jeffs, he is so great. His reminds me of a male version of Joy Deaton.... It makes me smile! We also Share and area and an apartment with two other Elders, Portor and Alofipo. Elder Alofipo was changed by Elder Watson which I am so excited for. He is Samoan and so great! Elder Porter is from Idaho and is hilarious.

After a dinner appointment I backed out Elder Porter, then went to get in the car but dropped my water bottle and it rolled under the car. Needless to say Elder Porter tried to move out of the way and ended up running over my water bottle. It exploded everywhere. It was hilarious. 

I have really evaluated the importance of change, because I was so sad when I had to leave my trainer Elder Watson. I have realized though that the reason why missionaries grow so much is because there is so much change. On the mission there is a point of guaranteed growth, because from every change in our life we will always come to know more. The difference between a good mission and a great mission (or a good life and a great life) is how much change you decide to put into your life. When you decide to change habits, hobbies and family activities you allow an opportunity for growth. Nobody has ever accomplished anything by standing still, we must change our position to obtain our highest potential. 

I know how important it is to continually live closer to Christ, and not just closer but like. Brad Wilcox said that in this life we are not "earning heaven, but learning heaven." Truly that is what we must do is put ourselves where we see God. We should often ask ourselves the question, would God stand where I stand?

Be more, stand a little taller each day. Remember God and the covenants you have made.

Eu te amo,

Elder Cooper

Elders Watson and Cooper

This week I learned a lot about who I am and how to share it. I was questioning myself on if I really understood the spirit and was a little bit frustrated. Our lessons were often challenging and we were having a hard time understanding why we could not find anyone to teach. We have been striving to be obedient and trying to help and meet as many people as possible. I was reading words of inspiration and the words stood out to me in my mind "Heavenly Father has a plan for you." I felt an overwhelming of the spirit as it testified to me of the love that my father in heaven has for me. He knows me so well and so individually. It inspires me to know that I am a son of the most amazing being in the universes. I love the learning that comes from a mission and one thing that I have learned is how important the principle to Endure to the End is. Life is often so rough and so tricky that we sometimes forget the love God has for us. 

This week we met with a less active sister who is preparing to go to the temple. She is so excited to feel that peace and the weight of the world come off of her shoulders. Oh what a wonderful place the temple is when we understand that we can not be touched by Satan's influence while we are there.

The last thing I learned this week is how important our eyes are. In the Portuguese Bible Matthew 6:22 says that if your eyes are good then a light will come from our body. How true it is that where we cast our eyes reflects so much of who we are and how much of the light of Christ that is carried with us. I love this gospel so much and I know that is where we should have our eyes. On the temple, prophets, the scriptures and God. I love how inspiring the words of the scriptures are. take just a moment to learn what has gone on before you. Your life will blessed. 

Eu te amo,

Elder Cooper

Elders Cooper and Watson

Our Covenants

This week I decided to start reading the words of the modern day prophets during the leftover mealtime that I have. I read a great article from the June Ensign called Living a Covenant Life. It really started my mind on what each one of the covenants we make with God, what a beautiful blessing it is and how often times we don't always seem to get the big picture. I learned how everything that we should do should point us in the direction of our covenants no matter what the sacrifice may require. I more specifically thought of the sacrament and the baptismal covenants especially the one "to take his name upon us." I thought what an interesting idea to try to be like Jesus. I had heard it so much before, but this week it really hit. 

How much patience do I have? 

How many smiles do I give out? 

Do I hug enough of those around me? 

I really have started to try and develop the Christ like attribute of meekness. How special would it be if we could meekly live our lives like the savior. President Hinckley said "The time has come for us to stand a little taller." It is true, now is our time to be a little better then yesterday. Take on a little bit more of Christ and to see a little bit more into the eternities. 

I love this gospel and this life that Father has blessed me with, I can not wait for our Brother to come again. What a glorious day that will be!

Eu te amo muito!

Elder Cooper

P.S. D&C 24:7 we are all called to serve!(the reference may just be one of the most important parts in this scripture!

Elder Cooper and the Brazilian Flag