I love to clean the Temple

Well I had an interesting experience today. Dad signed me up to do cleaning at the Mt. Timponogos Temple. I really enjoyed doing it. I got there at 8:00 and left at Noon. Even though it was 4 hours, it actually passed by quickly.
I worked in the basement of the temple. I swept the floor in the Laundry room, I washed the stainless steel doors of the elevators, I dusted paintings, and other things. I dusted off every wooden door and trim in the whole lower level, and finally we went to the locker rooms(mens and womens), and I vacuumed out all the lockers, then we wiped the front of all the lockers down with disinfecting stuff. It was surprisingly tiring, and I am feeling worn out right now. But it was good, and I was glad to have that experience. It brought back memories of the MTC in Brazil where we had to do an hour of service each week, and like the Temple(but to a lesser degree) the MTC was not really dirty, so we cleaned things that really didnt need it, but that is what made the MTC look so nice all the time. They told us that they wanted a similar atmosphere to the temple inside the MTC. There, I washed walls in the hallways of where the rooms are. I picked up leaves outside too. But the funniest thing was one certain day of service. We got down there, and it seemed like they had nothing else left to do, and there was this HUGE stack of boxes(taller than me), and they opened them up and inside were loads and loads of papers. They were cafeteria orders and stuff like that. Well, we were instructed to open the boxes, take out the papers..... and rip them in half! So because of that we all left with blisters on our fingers, it was funny. We started getting into competitions as to who could rip the most at one time. I remember doing over 90 papers, but I dont remember what the record was. I still think that that was so funny... ripping papers. Oh well. It built character I guess

New Glasses

Well I finally broke down and bought me a new pair of glasses that I have been needing. I got a really good deal on both the frames and lenses. They were both 50% off. I ended up saving about $250.00 So that was good. I am pleased with them.
Tell me what you think.

Welcome to Buena Vista, Home of the World Series Champion Manager, Charlie Manuel

So after the Phillies won the World Series, Charlie Manuel came back to his hometown, and they built a really nice sign at the entrance of BV that welcomes you to his hometown. They had a little wooden one before, but now it is high tech with lights and everything. Pretty funny. He is the biggest star from this little podunk city, which is actually pretty good considering the size.
So I went back to Virginia to check out SVU again, and practice with the baseball team. It was a really good little trip. The flight to Virginia was really long actually. I stopped in Atlanta for a couple of hours then I went to Detriot, and jumped on a tiny plane to Roanoke, Virginia which is a really small airport too.
But I had a good time here. I was able to meet up with friend who took me around the city to see what was new, and then I had practice on friday, and we went to the Basketball game it was pretty fun. I only recognized a few faces there. Most everyone else has left. So that is a little weird, but I will be able to make new friendships.
Playing baseball was really fun. It was like riding a bike, but the bike was really really wobbly! I had a hard time adjusting to playing again. It seems I am a step slower in everything, but there were also som positive things that I saw in the experience too. Good to know what I need to work on. I like the guys on the team, they are pretty cool. Its a different feel than the last team, but thats because they are all different guys. We had 5 recruits come in too to, and they were all pretty interested, so hopefully they can make it too. A couple were really good.
The only boring thing was going through the open house the school did, because i already know everything about the school. But I had to do it in order to receive the reimbursement for the travel, we got $250 back, which was really good since we only had to pay $160 to process the sky miles.
I went to church at the new chapel they built, and it was really good. I was able to see a few people that I knew from before, so that was fun. I had forgotten how quiet a singles ward is compared to a regular one, especially during the sacrament.
Anyway, thats my recent news.
Over and out.

Vegas Trip

Well I we all thought that this video was so funny, we had just gone to Circus Circus to play the arcades and stuff, then we went to In-n-Out Burger, and this video was from the drive home after that. Rex was so tired from the day, and he was trying so hard to stay awake! Jay had just won that sword at the Circus Circus, and loves it!(especially its kachow noises. Lets just say that it isnt really cool at 7am though; or when it gets jabbed into your stomach huh chad) Anyway, Kyle and I went down to watch the Utah vs UNLV game. It was a really fun trip This is where we sat for the most of the game, right next to the Utah band. It was so loud! There were so many utah fans there. the whole east side(where the picture shows) were Utah fans! almost half of the fans at the stadium!! It was cool.

Oops

Well this is whats new in my life.
I was working, no worries, stocking up the produce stand, getting everything ready, listening to music, etc. and I went to go grab some boxes of tomatoes to put on the shelf. Well as I bent over, I heard (and felt) a "rrrrriiiippp" noise and to my surprise I had a huge rip in my pants in the back pocket area. I would show a real photo rather than the spongebob, but that would be inappropriate for the children. Each time that I bent over in the next few hours, it got worse, to the point that Luke had to go find me a pair of pants in his house. Too bad though, it was nice to have a little bit of a breeze back there! haha just kidding.

General Conference part 2

Well, I ended up going to the sunday morning session of general conference with my old companion (elder) Derek Dutson.

It was actually my first time ever watching there in the conference center, so i was really excited and taking in the experience. It was quite impressive seeing the leaders of the church all in front of me, especially President Monson. So it was a good first experience. The Brazilians always assumed that i always went to conference, and were alwasys really surprized when i said that i had never been, Well Now I can say that I have gone!
We got there really early we walked around and then we sat down and waited. The fun part of going on sunday, was being able to watch "Music and the Spoken Word." It was interesting because the Apostles were there watching it too(except elder Christofferson and Elder Cook who were in the Tabernacle) But it was interesting that they watched it too. I had always heard and seen about how special it is when the prophet walks into the room, but being there in person really was an amazing experience.
I sat next to a girl from Costa Rica who was just visiting, and to her side was a lady from New Zealand. I never realized how many people come from far away to watch conference.
I especially enjoyed President Monson's talk in that session. Being in his presence, I was able to feel even more strongly that he is that Lord's true prophet.

General conference

Well I am sure I speak for all in saying how great conference was. I was only able to watch the priesthood session and the Sunday sessions because of work, but thanks to the DVR I recorded it and I will catch up on Saturdays sessions.
There were two highlights of the conference for me. First: President Monson announced a new temple in my mission, Fortaleza!! You can imagine how happy I am! The fun thing has been to hear from the members there and how happy and excited they are. I would like to say that I had a part in the preparation for this temple. The people of Fortaleza are such a special people, and the church is growing like crazy. To use the phrase my friend Alex Johnson(currently serving a mission in thailand) says:"the Lord is smiling upon Fortaleza." I don't doubt it.

To be continued....
It's late

Its about time now...

Well, after much procrastination, I have once again reacquainted myself with bloggerland, posting my first thing in 2 years. Its not really anything special, but you the stone just needs a little nudge to get rolling down the mountain. So i guess this is my nudge.
I have not really been up to much since returning from Brazil, other than work. In case you didnt know, i am a "farmer" meaning that i work on a farm and i have callused hands, but I am not a real farmer. i dont wear boots, keep a knife in my pocket and I dont wear a cowboy hat(yet- i have a sombrero from Brazil that I keep forgetting to wear to work still. Dont worry I will use it!) But I actually like it a lot. Its hard work, I really sympathize real farmers who do it for a living, because it is really demanding and time consuming. Luke(the cousin-boss) spends the whole day out there. I put on about 9 hours a day of work, but he goes from 6:30 to dark (maybe with some rests inside, but still). I am definately glad that i learned some work ethic skills from being a missionary.
Anywhoo, thats about what i have been up to. I dont do anything too fun usually because i work weekends, and I am usually too tired to do stuff when i get home, so i just end up chatting with friends on the internet, or watching Lost(except i finished the 5th season, so i am officially caught up now). But the produce season is winding down so pretty soon i will be out of work, and I will have more time to do "stuff".
So thats my current life situation in a nutshell.
More to come in the future... if i dont get lazy.
Tchau!

New shoes

As most of you know, I got my Partiarchal Blessing yesterday from Grandpa Burton. It was pretty cool, I am apparantly going to get married so that is a good sign!
Not much else to say... I got another pair of shoes today, so I am pretty much ready to go, I just need my toiletries and such, and we are going to get most of them today.
Thats all I have to say for now

My Talk

Wow its been two months since I put anything on here... What a slacker!
Here is my outline for my talk I gave today if you are interested or whatever.

Prayer 7-29-07

Tell story about Chad’s investigator on his mission in Singapore learning to pray for the first time.
--Non Christian family - never prayed before.
--Went through the steps of prayer with them
Our Father in Heaven, we thank thee… we ask thee… in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
--They had the father pray
--He said, “Our Father in Heaven, we thank thee, we ask thee, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.”
-- Funny but true story. Happened to him more than once.
--They had a hard time realizing the fact that they are more than just words on a page, and that they were really communicating with a higher power.


Principles of Prayer
-- Some of the important principles: (from Preach My Gospel)
--Make prayers meaningful.
--(having real intent, no vain repetitions 3 Nephi 13: 6-7.)
Ex: people in other religions write their prayers down to make the prayer sound elaborate, or make the person sound better.
--Use the proper language to show respect. (thee, thou, thy, thine) --Show gratitude. It helps us with humility, and we recognize our blessings
--Pray for the guidance of the Holy Ghost. Listen to his promptings, and Courageously follow those promptings. (P.M.G.)
--Pray for others needs. Have love and charity in your heart.
--Believe that God will answer your prayers.
--His thoughts are not your thoughts. (what you want may not be what He wants.)
--Trust He will answer in His own way, in His own time.

Personal Prayer
--Our Prayers should be a 2-way communication where Heavenly Father listens and answers our prayers.
--We need to not only express our feelings to Him, but allow time to reflect and listen to the Spirit.
--Repentance is not possible without prayer.
--We must communicate with H. F. confessing our sins to Him.
--Satan wants to convince us that we should not pray.
--Elder Scott: “Never feel you are too unworthy to pray.”
--P.M.G.: “If you do not feel like praying, pray until you do feel like praying.”
--2 Nephi 32: 8

Receiving Answers
--Doctrine and Covenants 8: 2
--D&C 9: 8-9
--He will answer, in His own way, and the answer could be “no”
--3 Nephi 14: 7-8
--Elder Scott talks about 3 types of answers to prayer:
1. Peace and comfort
2. Stupor of thought
3. No response (after time could mean no)
--Elder Scott: “Be thankful that sometimes God lets you struggle for a long time before that answer comes. Your character will grow; your faith will increase.”

Missionaries and Prayer
--Very important, Missionaries use prayer many times everyday.
--Personal Prayer.
--Before Studying.
--Praying for members or investigators before leaving the house.
--Praying for where they should go for that day.
--It invites the Spirit (for the missionary and the investigators)
--You cant teach effectively without the spirit.
--One of the important steps to finding truths (BoM, etc.)
--“No one can know of spiritual truths without Prayer.” (P.M.G.)
--The Holy Ghost then helps us know of these truths.
--Builds testimonies and faith
--President Hinckley:(P.M.G.) “Every morning…, missionaries should get on their knees and plead with the Lord to loosen their tongues and speak through them to the blessing of those they will be teaching. If they do this, a new light will come into their lives. There will be greater enthusiasm for the work. They will come to know that in a very real sense, they are servants of the Lord speaking in His behalf. They will find a different response from those they teach. As they do so by the Spirit, their investigators will respond under the influence of the same Spirit.”
-“Missionary Service” First Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Jan 11, 2003

Mission Preparation
--Crucial to building testimony
--Helps to know of the truths I talked about earlier
BoM, Joseph Smith, if you should serve a mission, etc.
--I prayed about trying to decide whether or not I should serve a mission, and that it is the right thing for me to do.
--Prayer helps to escape Satan and his influence, & helps focus on Savior and H.F.
--Family Prayer helps with the preparations to serve a mission.
--Brings the family closer, you learn from their examples.
--Mom and Dad have been great examples to me with their faithful prayer and testimonies.
--Example-- Lost wallet: I Looked and looked then prayed expecting an immediate answer, but there was none. Now I realize that my faith was being tested. I kept praying and looking, but I got lazy and stopped praying about it, accepting that it was gone, but my mom kept praying and that gave me the hope to keep praying for it. The answer to my prayers came when I was least expecting it, as do most answers, and I found it in my messy room looking for something else.

--Deciding to go to school in VA.
--Brought blessings that I would have never expected.
--Was able to Confer upon someone the Aaronic Priesthood, and ordain him to be a Priest.


The end. I also read the closing prayer that President Hinckley gave in the October 2001 General Conference because Elder Scott tells us to study and learn from that prayer so I thought it would be good to have. So there.

New Job

Well I started a new job today. It is pretty grueling. All I do is pretty much sweep and shovel dirt out of gutters in housing developments that are in the construction process so that it looks cleaner, and sells more houses. It is a lot of hard work let me tell you! I have killer blisters on my hands, and my back kills from bending over! A little after lunch, I learned how to drive a Bobcat for the future, and we put it on the trailer, an got out of the neighborhood, and ran over something with the trailer, and totally blew the tire. It was crazy. We spent about 40 minutes just trying to get the lugnuts off, but they were on way too tight. I dont think that Andre the giant would even be able to do it! But it was ok because I got paid to sit around for about an hour, so thats cool. By the way I make $11 and hour. Pretty cool. But its hard.

Im home!

Its weird being in a new house, but overall its better than being at school, and also living out of a suitcase for almost a month! Now I just have to get all my stuff ready like my passport and visa and such. The end

Church History Sites

Well yesterday, I went to most of the Church history sites here in Missouri. We went to Adam-Ondi-Ahman then we went to the Liberty Jail, and then we went to the Independance visitors center.
It was a really good day. We started around 11:00, and got back around 6:00. It took about an hour to get to Independance from their house so it wasnt too bad. We went through the whole tour in the jail, and then we also went through just about everything there is to do at the visitors center in Independance. The sister missionaries that were there kind of used us as guinea pigs to practice on us I think, but they also were just trying to help too so it was no big deal. We saw the Joseph Smith movie there too, so that took a little while of the day too, but overall it was a really good day. We had lots of cool things to see and learn. I was the only one of us that hadnt seen any of it before, so I really liked it a lot. It was me, Jeff, and his friend Danny from their ward here. He was on his mission for about 3 weeks in Spain, and he tore his ACL playing soccer so he had to come home, so he was here just getting better and getting ready to go back. It was really cool. The sisters were so excited that there were three of us who all were about to go on missions. They were giving us pointers and helping us understand some of the things to teach easier. It was fun

Jazz

BRAZIL!!!

Still nothing

Well the mail already came, and still nothing. Another guy on the team got his call today to Rochester, NY. He was pumped. Today me and Jeff went on splits with the misisonaries here, for about 3 hours, it was cool. They taught a lesson to one guy and the other ones just were quick visits that really couldnt involve much church discussions, but they were ok. There was a really stubborn old lady whe couldnt hear that "only needed her bible and nothing else." Pretty funny.

Vacation

Howdy!
Well I am in Hamilton, Missouri with my friend Jeff Durfee, which is another way of saying THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE!!! Ha ha it makes BV look like New York or something. Ok maybe not that drastic. It is cool though. They have a lor of property and stuff. I think it will be a cool week or so while I am here. It will be a nice relaxing time.
My mission call is getting forwarded here from BV. I missed it by 1 day. Bummer. Oh well I am not worried about it.
It was fun to be in St. Louis, I had fun with Staci and Clark and my friend Adam, except when we drove into town we were supposed to call Adam for directions, and we called at like 9:30 am and just had to wait around until around 11:30 and we finally just went to meet up at Staci and Clarks hotel to wait. But right when we were unloading the bags in the parking lot, guess who called?! His phone was out of battery and he didnt know where he packed his charger. It was crazy. Anyway, I am tired.
Look for a phone call this week, even though you have been for all last week too!

Still waiting......

Well I am almost completely all packed up, and now all I have to do is get my mission call dang it! I am going to stick around tomorrow afternoon or so. It just needs to get here!!!

Nats vs Mets

Well the game was awesome on saturday. It was really fun, and it was a good game too. It went to the 12th inning. I didnt get home until 3 am but it was worth it! I took my 1st main final today, and I think that I ended up doing pretty good on it too, so that is cool. We had individual interviews with the coach today, so that went pretty good I guess. Still waiting, hopefully it will get here on around wednesday or something.
I need to start packing sometime, I have a lot of random stuff.

I bought this hat at the game, its sweet!

Still no call!

Well no mission call yet, hopefully soon though! Its weird though, I had a dream last night that I got it, and all my friends were all around me and stuff, and I was reading it outloud, and instead of really reading it I was going to play a joke and say "Dear Elder Butterfield,
We regret to inform you that you have not been accepted to receive a mission call for the church. Your service will not be needed, thanks anyway." Something like that. I got to the point in the dream where I just finished telling everyone that, and I was about to really read it, but I woke up. Bummer. It would have been funny.
Other news, I am going to a Mets vs. Nationals game in DC tomorrow, so that will be rad! Nice little break from studying.
I just finished reading a really cool book, called Yes Man. It was really good! My roommate Adam told me to read it. It is really interesting, it makes you want to change your life! Read the review on that link I put up, it is cool.