…wellp…I’m currently writing this in transit after a fellow son of God got right up in my face, yelling about how Revelation 22:18 condemns me. Here we are, ladies and gentlemen.😆
My favorite thing about being a disciple of Jesus Christ: being one in Him is not exclusive to the church we believe He established. Developing a closeness with Him is an endeavor that spans multiple faiths. To those who love Him, act according to what they believe is right (Mosiah 3:11), and are willing to take correction from Him when He sees fit to give it (Revelation 3:19), a genuine relationship with Him is available. Our love for our Savior need not translate to hatred for others (3 Nephi 11:28).
So, I’ll trade a “Love Christ. Have a wonderful day!” for an angry middle finger any day.
*sigh* Anyways. Hope the endeavors of your week have been meaningful and your company edifying. For me it’s been a long sequence of deep thought and opportunities to talk and reconnect with some wonderful people. BUT, I continue the trend of not really having any substantial stories to report on, so this one will be more brief. …was that a sigh of relief I heard? Don’t rest too easy. The word avalanche will descend again. Mark my words.
I’ve been gradually improving the rate at which I can respond to IT cases at the Global Services Department (GSD). Speed’s not yet where I’d like it to be, but we’ll get there soon enough. The main highlight is that I have more graphic design opportunities! The GSD will be starting up a podcast soon (shhh, don’t tell anyone. They haven’t announced it yet.) as a way to spotlight missionaries and have gospel discussions, and the hosts have enlisted us on the media team to market it. Overall there are plenty of fliers and posters to make, and it’s incredible how versatile the software for such projects has gotten.
An item of news—which is more like the actualization of a previously declared but pending development—is that my area has been divided and I’ve got new service mission leaders! We’re now the Temple View area and our counterpart is the South Jordan Oquirrh area (I think that’s right anyway 😆). I like to think that one of these areas is an indignant separatist faction that finally gained the upper hand and declared independence. The question is: which area was it? Ours is the one with the new leaders, so there’s that. Looks like I’m a separatist!
…although, Elder and Sister Alston could have staged a milit- I mean missionary coup against Elder and Sister Lindsey, who barely escaped with their lives and took all the loyal missionaries with them as they fled to South Jordan Oquirrh, leaving Temple View in the hands of the new regime. I guess it could go either way.
Two more things to address: I love the workers at The Road Home and the temple’s such a great place to be!
Addressing complete.
And now is my cue to think back on the week, consider what thoughts I can dump here, and string them into a passable conclusion. And I’ve got a lot of ‘em! Only issue is they’re still in adolescence. I’ve been thinking and studying on the topic of repentance; a couple aspects of it in particular. But there’s so much to say that I’ve resorted to writing the ideas down in their own respective documents, which I’m working on evolving into talks (not necessarily to be given; just as a fun format to write in). I’ve found orienting studies around writing talks is a great way to keep them focused and meaningful. Plus you come out of it with a handy dandy presentation of what you learned (furthermore, it’s a defensive measure to prepare for pesky bishoprics who spontaneously call you to give a talk).
So, since the main things on my mind aren’t quite presentable yet, here’s a tidbit from a recent discussion with a close friend of mine.
“Does God love me?” is a deep question on many of our minds and hearts, and though the answer is yes, believing that answer is its own journey.
If God, in a sense, is love (1 John 4:8), and all good things come from Him to the point where what we would call our charity is in fact synonymous with the pure love of Christ (Moroni 7:47), I take that as an indication that whenever we feel love for another person or for God or even the world as a whole, that is a proven connection with God. We are tapping into an eternal web of love, and thus have become a part of it (1 John 4:16). I submit your ability to love as evidence that God loves you, because that love you feel is co-owned by Him. We are getting a glimpse of His perspective.
In short, God surely loves those whom He channels love through.
God be with you,
Elder Tolman
Pictures:
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| I’m including this picture with my cousin and friend to punctuate a very important piece of information I learned that night. One that is highly pertinent to my endeavors as a missionary. The stuffed French toast at Black Bear Diner is AMAZING. |
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| The missionaries around my desk have a “What Steve Harvey are you today?” board where we can place ourselves each morning. Most of the pictures are AI-generated and utterly horrifying, but I’m impressed with how accurately they can express the inner woes of a lethargic morning. |
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| Saw a bunch of high school friends at Megan and Josh’s wedding reception! |
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| Random cat photo! We’re catsitting :) |
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