Letter #37 - March 11, 2013

 

Well, another transfer in Michigan has come and passed. I'm over 18 months now, and I have four transfers left. It's crazy how quick, but slow it goes. The weather is nice, up to high 30's. Yes, that's nice weather. I will never complain about an Ephrata winter ever again.

 

Anyways, I've been pondering a lot of things. This week was very hard, so we are back to going out door knocking primarily. We lost most of the people we were working with, which happens at times. I guess Elder Holland was right when he said, "Why would it be easy for us when it was never, ever easy for Him?" So, it's all good. The mission tests you in every possible way, but it's all good.

 

I have a story to relate. After a really hard day on Friday, I was just sort of wondering how it got to this point. I went door knocking on Aqua View Circle in Alpena (A street which is condemned), and I think I met some of the rudest people in the world. It was crazy. They were fairly well off, nice cars and houses and such, but I was just appalled they would treat another human being like that. I was surprised that these people claimed to have a religious affiiliation. I was pretty sorry.

 

After knocking that street, I was livid. I was just about ready to blow a gasket. When that happens, you can be certain that it was influenced by a poor source. But, then Elder Walker, my companion (a greenie) said something that not only humbled me, but helped me stay at least somewhat positive. He said, "Even though everything just went terrible and those people were extremely, I got the most comforting feeling that we were doing exactly what we were supposed to and the Spirit was so strong." I guess I need to change my perspective.

 

Nonetheless, I will continue to work hard these last 5.5 months. I definitely miss my family and friends, and I'm so grateful for all the support. It's sort of weird, I remember I got a certain companion and he had four transfers left and I thought, "Oh man, he's done. He might as well pack up." That was partly because I was at 3 months, but now I feel like I've got all the time in the world. But, in the words of the great punk rock band, Fireworks "Out of 50 states, I only feel right in one." As much as I've come to love a lot of people here, I can't say I won't be excited to head back to Washington. If anybody wants to talk to me:

 

Elder Damon Chlarson

1400 Abbot Road Suite 310

East Lansing, MI 48823

 

I dedicate this to the wise. "Not many of the great and mighty, those who form and control the thoughts of the people today, are going to find salvation in the kingdom of God. Why? Because they have not found the way; they are not walking in the light of truth. They may have knowledge, but they lack intelligence." - Joseph Fielding Smith. 2 Nephi 9:30, and 2 Tim. 3:7.

 

Out,

 

Damon Chlarson

Letter #36 - February 4, 2013

Well, Damon Chlarson here. Still alive, still breathing, and still holding on. I survived my first transfer in Alpena. Now, I'm going to summarize a few things.

To be 100% completely honest, I probably couldn't have drug my feet anymore than when I got transferred here. I wasn't happy one bit. There was one glimmer of hope: it was temporary. I was in Grand Rapids, around great people whom I loved, and I loved the city and most importantly the ward. Then, I got the call. Alpena with a companion I wasn't too particularly excited for, to state it nicely. I was feeling a bit slighted. But, then I had a thought pop in my head, obviously of divine origins that spoke to me, "Seriously Damon, I have hooked you up with so much your entire life. I gave you six months in Grand Rapids with amazing people and amazing times. When you get home you will be blessed. So can you not help me for a few months in Alpena?" Point taken.

There's a talk by Elder D. Todd Christofferson called "As Many as I Love, I Chasten and Rebuke." He tells a story of Hugh B. Brown purchasing an old farm in Canada. There was a currant bush that wasn't growing quite right. In order to make it be a proper currant bush, he cut it back to let it try again. He said it was as though the bush was saying (I'm paraphrasing) "How could you do this to me? After I was doing so good and was moving forward, how could you cut me down?" Then he said, "Look, little currant bush, I am the gardener here and I know what I want you to be. I didn't intend you to be a fruit tree or a shade tree, I want you to be a currant bush, and someday, litle currant bush, when you arel aden with fruit, you are going to say 'Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for loving me enuogh to cut me down.'" Years later, Hugh B. Brown almost had a promotion in the military he had worked so hard for and he was denied it because he was Mormon. He went home and threw his hat on his cot and was so angry. "How could you do this to me?" and suddenly he heard "Look, I am the gardener here..." and he immediately prayed for forgiveness. He was the currant bush.

Now I am the currant bush. The deck was slightly stacked against me, and the hand I was deal was one I wasn't too fond of, but I was blessed. This has been probably the best situation for me. It has forced me to change some things about myself I was holding on to, that needed to go. The progression has only started. The next 12 weeks will be amazing, I'm so excited for what's in store.

Anyway, transfers are this week. I'm getting a new comp. I don't know his name yet, I'll meet him on Thursday. I get to spend two days on campus at Michigan State University down in Lansing. I get to see civilization! Also, there's one of the only two Panda Express's there. I'm so extremely glad for that most of all! I haven't had it since the night before my mission.

I'm not really sure how I got here. I was reading the scriptures on Saturday night at around 1 am because I couldn't sleep, and I thought to myself, "What has happened to me?" I was so excited. I was reading 2 Nephi 9 and just thinking about how great it all is. I mean, that's a really good chapter and all, but I was overly excited to be studying. I really don't understand how this change happened. I mean, three years or so ago, I wouldn't even be considering sleep at 1 on a Saturday night, let alone reading the scriptures.

I mean granted, I am on a mission and that's sort of expected. Then I thought about things and how I used to be. I'm not sure if anyone is at all acquainted with my temperament and my disposition, but cynicism and sarcasm were probably two of my top attributes. I was a pretty negative kid. But, now I'm happy. I can't really explain details, but I can say that it truly is the Gospel. Why in the world would anyone not want to follow it? I was quite scared to leave my family, my friends, and my comfortable life. In the words of the Swellers, "It's not the friends you thought you had, or your location on a map. It's what you feel in here." The gospel improves what's in your heart. I'm done preaching.

Well, 17 months, 15 pounds, a few shades of white, and a couple more centimeters of a receding hairline later, I am doing great. "The road ahead brings a worn smile when I look back at the last mile. Break my bones, cut my feet, shake the ground 'til I quease. Bring on blisters, bugs, disease, there will be no more wasting time for me." (I still remember song lyrics)

Now, I'll go back and lace up my gloves for another 12 weeks in Alpena.

-Damon

Letter #35 - December 26th, 2012

Alright, well another week ish has gone by and I'm writing another blog.

I'm getting transferred to Alpena, MI. It's right on Lake Huron and way up northeast in MI. It will be mighty, mighty cold. I'm pretty nervous, to be honest. But, it will be, I think, the biggest opportunity for growth for me now as I ascend northward.

I've had so much fun in Grand Valley and this area. I have so little to complain about, truly. Life has been great here. I have had good companions, a great ward, and pretty sweet people to be around all together. I just think about my time here and I can't help but smile, so I'm very much grateful for the opportunity.

Anyway, I have been asking myself recently what my best moments of 2012 have been; what moments have just been so great. To be honest, I couldn't think of anything in particular. I sat there and thought about the spectacular things, baptisms, cool teaching visits, funny moments with companions, arguments with people, and being yelled at. Nothing was really popping out to me.

The only thing that stuck out to me were the people I have met. Maybe I should have figured that out like... 20 years back, but I didn't. All I could think about were the great times with people and all the things that have happened. I just realized the only thing that matters are the people you meet, help, and have the chance to love. I thought about my multiple companions of 2012, and I just sort of smiled. I have had some characters! In a good way. I've met a couple of my best friends as companions. I have been in some really great experiences with them, and some really bad ones too. I think about the fantastic people in Michigan I have met. Some people I have met have become so close I consider them family. It kills to be separated from them. (Being a missionary is this CRAZY paradox where you have to be so close to people spiritually, yet separate yourself emotionally and not become attached. It's very difficult)

So, as I begin to think of 2013, I am trying to figure out what I want my New Year's resolution to be. I make a new resolution weekly usually, but maybe I need to make a bigger one for the whole year of 2013. I think I just need to enjoy the people more. So, that's my goal I guess, to enjoy people? Is that necessary goal? I mean, it's not one that can be quantified by any means, but I guess I'll just be able to "know", I guess. I'm only going to be spending about 8 months of 2013 as a missionary. Then all the distractions are goingo re-enter my life. It's been an amazing 16 months. I guess I'm living a pretty good life.

I'm not really a huge fan of the cold, and the snow is cool before Christmas, and I have both waiting for me up there in Alpena. But, I'm going to make a good time with it. I have a lot of things to be worried about, but much like Heber C. Kimball, "Once I knew the mind and will of my Heavenly Father, all of these reasons didn't matter." (Somewhat paraphrasing)

Here goes nothing...

Letter #34 - December 17, 2012

So, this week will be a pretty good week. The snow is supposed to be falling. The grace of God has given me a pretty easy winter thus far. I'm not complaining.

 

I get to go on trade-offs with former-companion. I'm really excited. It'll be our last sleepover until we're roomies back at college. Should be a pretty fun time, as it always is. Are we the only ones that call exchanges sleepovers? Only this time, I don't have to ask my Mom if I can or not.

 

I'm finished with a project I've been working on. I've been summarizing every chapter of the New Testament (using "Jesus the Christ" and a couple other study sources) and I am basically done. I have to finish up a couple things on the Book of Revelation (I understand about 5% of that book) and then I'll be done. It's taken me over three months and about 100 pages of notebook paper. Now that I've picked it apart, I can just get back to reading it and taking a few notes here and there. This is what I did to the Book of Mormon the first time. I have to do it to the Doctrine and Covenants here pretty quickly.

 

Yesterday during church, I was thinking about why missions are so great. I was thinking about how mine has affected me and the decisions I will be making in the near future and the far future. I realized something... This is probably the only time in my life I'll be able to relate to Peter or Paul. This is the only time I can empathize with Alma the Younger when he wishes he were a better missionary, which he records in Alma 29. After this, I will be an average guy, sharing the gospel as I can, but I won't be "suiting up" on a daily basis. Instead, of "pressing forward with a perfect  brightness of hope" in terms of the people I teach, I'll be pushing on in school.

 

Anybody who's on the fence about going and may read this. You should go. Simple as that. There will be a lot of reasons not to go, but there will be a few VERY important reasons to go.

 

That's my wisdom.

 

Damon Chlarson

Letter #33 - December 10th, 2012

The Rapid Wreck, rebuttal to Anti-Literature, and Christmas

Well this week was a fairly exciting week. We had a Christmas party for the mission, and trade-offs with my boy Elder Masters. We stayed up till 3 and woke up at 6. It murdered me. But, after years of hanging out at Steven Devine's house till the wee hours of the morning, I'm pretty much used to zero sleep.

Anyways, on Friday the bus we were on got in a wreck... Here goes the story and dream, of a lifetime.

So, it all started about Friday, December 7, 2012 at roughly 2:40 pm. We were running late to an appointment, like we always do because I'm a terrible planner. So the bus system in Grand Rapids is called "the Rapid" which is ironic because it's anything but, but it's always a good time. Bus stories are always crazy, but this one trumps all.

The bus was packed, except for a few open seats but I didn't really want to share a seat with any of my potential seat companions, so I stood up at the front and started zoning out, pondering out the front window. We live by Alpine Avenue, which is the craziest street in GR, because it's got 1000000 businesses and tons of traffic, it's 45 MPH and people just don't care.

So, we're speeding along and this little Honda Civic just cuts over in front of us (the driver on her cell phone) and slams on the breaks, trying to turn into a Jiffy Lube type place (ironically located right next to "Alpine Collision Care"). Our bus driver slams on it to avoid demolishing this little car, but hits her back bumper. The first row of seats faces forward without anything in front of them, and no seat belt. So, as she slams on it, something whispers in my ear telling me to get ready to catch something. I move into the aisle and stick my leg/arm out and as I do so, this big ol' guy just barrels through the air, being pulled forward due to the momentum, and as he hits me, I also get pulled forward. He hits his head pretty hard, but I held on to the bar and just fell off my feet slightly.

Nobody was hurt but everybody was riled up. I had a good time and vouched for the bus driver. The man who fell may have had a concussion but nobody listens to me... I would never take my medical advice from anyone on the Rapid. The guy was acting a little special, but I think he may have been so before the wreck.

ALSO

I have been informed by multiple sources that my previous blog post (posted with 100% pure intentions hoping to perhaps brighten somebody's day) was not completely well received and I apologize. It was not my intention to stir up any contention. One of my favorite Book of Mormon teachings is that contention is of the devil, and love is from Christ. So those who stir up evil, spread hate, or wish to demean others are well... just that. Remember the six things, yea seven that the Lord hates? (That's in Proverbs 6:16-19, a book which we apparently don't read...)

Continuing on, I must say that I serve in Grand Rapids, MI. Everybody hates us here, and I've received more hostility on the subject of the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, the premortal existence, etc. than I ever thought possible. It almost reminds me of the way the Pharisees, afraid of the abandonment of their loyalties of the soon-to-be-fulfilled Law of Moses, rejected the new teachings of a better way.

I would love to discuss the knowledge I have received after two years devoted to study, teaching, and persecution in about eight months. I must assure all that I have read the Bible, I have read the Book of Mormon and the two are in harmony with one another. I must say I have had much of my faith strengthened in Christ, and in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, from the Bible. On a personal note, I must say John is my favorite, the light he sheds on the life of Christ is seemingly unparalleled than that found in the other gospels. I do however, wish I could read more of what Peter wrote, but thanks to Constantine (the man who defaced Christianity and basically decided what people were to believe) we lost the Gospel of Peter, the presiding member of the church after Christ ascended to our Father. Read the book "Constantine's Bible" if you desire to know more of the idea.

I also must say I've never seen anything in the Bible that says revelation has ceased, or that there is to be no additional scriptures (Please do not quote Revelation 22-18 out of context). Also, what about the time Jacob saw God and became known as Israel? That's in Genesis, or the first book of the well-renowned Bible, (which I must emphasize I have accusedly never read).

Anybody who is to say that we follow Joseph Smith, and that makes us a cult or that we minimize Christ, must also remember that their religion too, was based on the writings of another mortal man, not only Christ. I tell you that John Calvin shaped many of the protestant beliefs (the idea of predestined grace and hope alone in the shedding of blood, though we learn that "faith without works is dead, being alone" in the epistle of James 2:17), and the teachings of John Wesley have been manipulated (as he clearly states in a journal that the Holy Ghost appears to be off the earth on account of the spiritual gifts, or "signs of the believers" having disappeared, found in "the Great Apostasy" by James E. Talmage) and that Martin Luther never intended to have a religion based on him, and that he reviles infant baptism.

However, I must say I just want us all to get along. Arguing, debating, and pontificating has never brought any sort of spiritual benefit. Theologians decided to do that. (Reminds me of the 27th verse of the first chapter of Romans "Professing themselves to be wise, they become fools" or in 2 Timothy 3:7 those whom are" ever learning but never being able to come to the knowledge of the truth") Pray to find truth, guidance, consolation. Look to Christ for salvation. Practice what you preach, and believe in what you feel the Holy Ghost is saying.

In saying this, I must apologize for some of my own conduct in the past as I am not always the most Christlike person. I hope this ends any debates.

"I know the scriptures and I understand them."

Damon Chlarson

Letter #32 - December 3rd, 2012

Okay, here I am at 10:44 am in Grand Rapids, MI.

 

Things are going pretty good I must say. I've got a couple good stories and thoughts to share, so I'm writing this.

 

I'll start with my thoughts that are semi-serious:

 

I have been thinking a lot about righteousness, the will of God, the commandments, how to stay true to covenants, and how to strive forward on to eternal life: our entire purpose.  There are no grey areas when it comes to the commandments. I think when we speak about grey areas, we think about things that will not be asked to us in a temple recommend interview. I think we believe that we can somehow escape God's will by hiding behind the bare minimum. I must admit I have been terribly guilty of this throughout my life, and I still work on it daily. Is there really a grey area? When it comes down to it, would you do it if President Monson was in the room, let alone Christ?

 

Now, no one need suppose me guilty of modern-day Pharisaical customs and traditions, but I think there are decisions that must be made with a "what is going draw me nearer to the Savior?" sort of attitude. Also, no one needs to think I have found myself on the path to perfection further than I truly am. My flaws become ever more noticable as I read, ponder, and pray. As Joseph Smith said, "I have a subtle demon in me, and I can only curb him by being humble." I am a long way off of that.

 

Another thought is about Christmas. Have you ever noticed that you hear people often say "I love Christmas but the commercialism of it just tires me out"? People constantly complain about the commericalism year after year. Yet, we seem to support it. I guess that's the hypocrite in me as well, I think to myself "Man, what can I do to really make this Christmas about Christ and serving others?" Then later on, I find myself thinking "Man, I wish I could watch 'Elf' with my family and just sleep in." That thought (though not really wrong and I absolutely cannot wait until next Christmas when I can, in the words of the Killers, "Roll around like a kid in the snow...")needs to be replaced with thoughts of making others happy.

 

Last night at the Christmas devotional, I loved the words of all three members of the First Presidency. President Uchtdorf is always great and really reminds us that we must be happy, positive, joyful, and really live in the moment. He said, in a nutshell, "Experience Christmas as a child, full of wonder, excitement and joy, and love those around us." I love the idea of being child-like, not childish. Maybe it's because there really isn't anything more joyful than just playing. My idea of unwinding is playing with the little ones. I think about playing with my many nieces and nephews, and it makes me feel calm.

 

President Monson BLEW my mind when he spoke of the Christmas season and said (I'm paraphrasing), "Don't get so caught up in the pressure of the season that you lose the Spirit of the season." That hit me in the face and is super applicable to my mission at this time.

 

Anyways, I turned 15 months recently. Mid-August and I'll be back where I began, but not all at once. I'm running out of time it seems, and it goes way too fast, some days. In the words of the great punk band the Wonder Years, "I know I've got miles to go but, I'm putting my shoulder to the wheel."

 

So, on the bus this week (of course) I had a fella sit across from me (he was about 55-60, with his hair permed straight and he was acting hood, saying "ohhh we on the west side baby. We go hard out here") in the isle and yell to his friend, "Yo homie, I gotta spot fo' ya right hurr." The spot he was referring to was the empty one on my left. The man sat down. I was overwhelmed with the smell of marijauana and Jack Daniels. But they start chatting, and they get on the topic of a woman in they know is jail... He says, "Ahh man, I heard she cut somebody... I heard she was defending you. Didn't she hit somebody wit a brick?" I pulled the cord and got off the bus, because I was laughing too hard.

 

Then, we were on the bus and there was this mom who had a son that was being rowdy. She said, "Boy, you better shape up. You gon' make me lose my mind, up in here, up in here!" For those of you not familiar with the black culture, that's a referrence to a DMX song.

 

When the bus was stops, it sort of rocks almost, as it uses its hyrdaulics. This old dude goes, "Errybody on the bus gettin' tipsy!" Also, another reference to a rap song.

 

THEN, we were in the bathroom at central station downtown in Grand Rapids (brace yourself, this is about to get graphic), we saw a guy using the urinal and he just dropped his drawers. I couldn't hold it together and I left laughing hysterically.

 

Anyways, that's it, I think.

 

Things are good. Sorry this is long. Nobody is still reading, but I wanted to write something.

Be still.

Letter #31 - October 29, 2012

Well, it hasn't been too long but I'm trying to think of something cool that's happened. Well a couple things have happened that are slightly noteworthy, I guess. The Tigers got swept by the Giants, I'm pretty sure I heard the state cry. Other than that though... We had some interesting experiences door knocking this week. A brotha (note: "brotha" not "brother" even though his name would give that away) named Rodell Bell gave me something to talk about...

So we were knocking in a not-so-good part of town in downtown Grand Rapids. We walked up to the house and I heard some rustling around the side of the house so I just said, "Hey uhhh, we're missionaries and we would like to share a message about Jesus Christ" and I was cut off by Rodell and he said, "hey, ya'll got three dollas I can borrow to go buy some bologna?" And, I'm not one to turn down a man his bologna. So I said, "Uhhh sure..." And the other black dude, who was apparently doing some sort of caulking to the house, said, "ehh yo, these dudes come 'round talkin' bout Jesus and you gon' ask 'em fo cash?" And Rodell just FLIPPED and got so ticked because apparently he was getting "all up in his bidness" and taking stuff off his porch. Apparently he works for the landlord... I don't know. Eventually Rodell, in a moment of rage, yells out. "I ALREADY GOT THE BREAD AND THE CHEESE!" And I freaking lose it. I just start laughing so hard. Anyways, so I give him the money and we're in his house now. He invited us in and a lightbulb went off in my head, "This'll be fun!" So, right before we leave he says, "Okay, ya'll go tell ya pastor watch just happened... Talk about it. Because what just happened is gon' stick with ya'll... because what just happened... that was weird." I said, "Oh yes, it WAS weird..." He was fun. I miss him. I'm pretty sure Rodell is in. He's not exactly accountable if you get my drift...

Grand Rapids is still fun. I love the ward here, still some of my favorites whom I have met on my mission. So, I'm still enjoying all of this which is really fun. Things are starting to pick up in the area a little bit. I mean, we're not going to be baptizing the masses or anything. I'm no Alma, probably won't get 3,500 this year. But, maybe...

I'm super tired all the time. I just want to sleep. You know it's bad when at 6:30 am, you say to yourself, "Oh, only 16 more hours till I get to sleep." It's like when I was a new missionary and Monday would end and I'd say, "Ahhh, only 6 more days till p-day." The weeks go by so fast though now. I'm at 14 months now. Almost into single digit time left, which BLOWS my mind. Anyways, I hope things are good for everybody at home. I'm with a greenie so he gets more mail than me, so if anybody is ever bored... I need to put him in his place.

Elder Damon Chlarson

3165 Riverview Dr. Apt 1A

Grand Rapids, MI 49544

Nobody better stalk me. It's been a problem. Just kidding.

Really though...

P.S. Shout out to Jeremy Randall, my #1 boy.