Sandlot snafu

Oi pessoal! 
If any of you are wondering what's happening with me, don't worry, I'm alright, mostly. It's been long enough that my sprained wrist that I haven't mentioned yet is practically healed. If you know me it shouldn't be a surprise that I'd be the one to get hurt while playing whiffle ball, but hopefully that makes you laugh at least.
As far as service goes, we've been able to help a lot more people in our church as well as those in our neighborhood. Sadly, I haven't been able to help as much due to my wrist, so I became the photographer. Although with most services I ended up just being the comic relief, whatever I can do to help I will do. One of my favorite services was when a lady asked us to demolish her wooden playground set in her backyard. It's not often you get to destroy things as a missionary, so we had fun with it. Seeing others become more willing to let us serve them has been amazing. Oftentimes we don't like others helping us, maybe because we want to feel we have everything under control, but I know as we let others help us when we need it, we can all come closer together.
One scripture I've been thinking about is 2 Nephi chapter 5 verse 27 in the Book of Mormon. Nephi says that his people "lived after the manner of happiness". I always found that interesting. What is the manner of happiness? Well, earlier in the chapter, Nephi talks about how his people trusted in God and in his words and said that his people were industrious. Simply being busy may not necessarily be what 



we need to live in a manner of happiness but being productive and keeping the Lord in our hearts throughout our days will. When I don't do much throughout the day, I can lose my focus and forget my purpose as a missionary, but as I pray, read the scriptures, and help others, I always feel much happier throughout the day. I challenge you all to try some of these things and find what helps you live in a manner of happiness.
From the words of Mother Teresa, "Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.  Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile."




As you begin your day with prayer I invite you to seek the Lords spirit on how you can consecrate all you do to the Lord and let your desire to be His hands guide you. Some days you may be the one serving and others you may allow others to serve you. I know as our thoughts and desires are to be His hands and act on those impressions that is where we feel happiness! 


Eu amo voces! 
Elder Madsen 

fletcher.madsen@missionary.org 
https://fletchermadsen.blogspot.com





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