Dec. 26th

This week really was a blast and just an all around blessing. The Lord has blessed us so much and this season is one of His tender mercies. Families are brought together and friendships forged.It's been a wonderful week and I was able to speak with my family for the first time in over six months. I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and very special new year! 🎄 There are 2 videos attached, the first is a Christmas message and the second is for humor.

New Friendships being built...Merry Christmas

Talked with my family for the first time in 6 Months! I sure Love them!

                                      

If you've ever watched Fear Factor you may enjoy the video. On the other hand, if you get queezy watching people eat eggs with chickens in them, you may want to skip watching this one! Sometimes meetings are full of fun!

                                     

                                             Sharing Christmas with Elder Marz

Dec.12th

Well a very merry Christmas to you all!! I'm super excited for this season and can't wait to share it with others. Oh by the way this is our awesome albino Christmas tree that we found in the closet!

Speaking of this awesome season one of our friends, Santos, decided to give his family the best gift possible and join them in the kingdom of the Lord through baptism. I'm so excited for him to be sealed to them in a year!

Our ward is a tender mercy of the season, they treat like family and love us just like their own 😊

Sunday marked the annual Fireside from the Spanish missionaries of New Jersey. It was an incredible experience and the spirit was super strong. I loved seeing a lot of the missionaries their and past companions who have really brought a light into the mission for me and for countless others.

I am very grateful for all of you and even more grateful for the Savior we have been given. He lives. He loves us and all we need to do is seek out the spirit. I know this is true with all my heart. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.🎄

Dec. 5th

So this was my first week with Elder Marz as my companion and he is incredible! Super super kind heart, very close to people and Heavenly Father and he likes all the same things I do! I'm so very very grateful to have had so many wonderful companions and I'm even more grateful to continue having new ones. Elder Marz is very talented at fly tying, anything to do with fishing, swimming and getting along with people. Plus he's super humble.

The Lord is starting me off in this transfer with many blessings and one of those is Journal Square, Jersey City. This place is super different than my last area! There's a lot more Indians, a lot less Spanish people and a whole lot more city. Plus we're in a driving area so it's a whole new world in the way of proselyting.

I haven't quite gotten completely submerged in the culture here yet so I'll send a more thorough report back next week, but one thing is for sure the members here will fill your stomach until food starts coming out your nose 😂

Ever since Thanksgiving I've been seeing more and more of the Lord's hand in my life, especially during this Christmas season when we focus on giving rather than just receiving. I've realized that the more we turn outward the more we grow in not just our power but how to tap into the Lord's. I wish I had my study journal because there's been some amazing scriptures I've found over the past couple weeks..
Here's an awesome one!

Mosiah 24:
12 And Alma and his people did not raise their voices to the Lord their God, but did pour out their hearts to him; and he did know the thoughts of their hearts.
15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.

Afflictions are hard and often times they come even when we don't ask for them, that just happens to be how much the Lord loves us. With afflictions and trials we grow, we blossom. We gain Christlike Attributes and learn to "submit" more frequently to the point where afflictions become "cheerful" and cherished moments. "Patience" allows us not only to let the Lord bear our burdens but to also spend our energy helping others during the meantime.
I bear my testimony with all my heart and energy that it does not matter how strong your belief is. It matters how strong your heart is. Pray for trials and the Lord will answer them and help you recognize His hand. Look forward with hope for the best and the faith you gain will become a tool to strengthen the hearts of others. Let us do all we can this Christmas season to aleve the burdens of others and #LIGHTtheWORLD!


Love Ya all Tons!

Elder Lucas Michael Johnson.

Elder Johnson and Elder Marz