You won't know when, you won't know how, and you may not know where it will lead. It is inevitable and going to happen. It's as sure as the rising and setting of the sun. It will either be accepted or rejected. It will either change your life forever, or not. You can be certain it will happen and it will come.
Prepare yourself now and know I am coming. I am coming for all of you. I am coming back a new individual, with a vigor and determination to continue on the path way I am on. Yes, I will still be the goofy, obnoxious, and fun person, but there is much more to it all now. The time is ticking away, the countdown has begun, and I will be home soon.
I will be free to leave my area and to spend as much time as I want with each of you. I will call you in the middle of the night and show up on your door randomly. I will be the little annoyance that you either love or hate. Either way, I am coming back as a witness of the truthfulness of the message that we missionaries share. Once again, you might not know when it will happen, but the time will come where I will ask you about your relationship with God. In the most loving and caring way possible that I know, I will listen and see how I might be able to help.
I do this, not out of being preachy, self righteous, or whatever you want to call it. But I do it because when you have something good in life, you share it with others in the hope that they to will take the steps necessary to discover what you have found. You see it everyday when you get on facebook, pinterest, twitter, and whatever other social media sites there are. People are constantly sharing what it is they have. As great and amazing as I think it is to go on a cruise, to eat certain foods, to try different workouts, to watch the latest video of people "whipping and naying", to do whatever else there is in the world, the only thing that has any worth at all, is what is found in this church.
As I said in this email earlier, you can either accept or deny it! It's up to you! I will STILL love you regardless, but know that it is purely because I genuinely feel I have something that I know will change your life. I love you all so much!!!
More to come next week! Super awesome miracle. One of those rare golden moments you only hear about in the movies! Pray for them! Joe and Britani Baca
Love you all once again!!! Until then...
Elder Brayden James Sandberg
Monday, November 30, 2015
Monday, November 23, 2015
Happy Thanksgiving from Tuba City!
Hello family, friends, and everything inbetween!
Any of you had the experience where you had something for the longest time that made you feel alive, then it went away for a little while, then came back? That's probably the best way I can describe what's happened this week.
To clarify for those of you who don't know, the tragic event I was referring to that happend a year ago, was the loss of my grandmother. She passed away unexpectedly, the day I reported to the MTC. This last week was a lot easier than would have been expected.. The reality of it hit me far before the date ever happened because I tend to think forward quite a bit.
The great part about last week was what I described in my opening comments. I feel as though I have just awakened. With all the many factors that have contributed to me being in a "slump", I have had many different factors that have contributed to me getting out of a slump!
Saturday morning, was praying for studies, and in the studies I prayed intently that I would know where to go. It was much more heartfelt than normal, and as I continued to pray, the phone started to ring before I could finish. I excused myself from my prayer, and it was the long lost ward mission leader asking us to go out with him to go meet some new people. We have never gone out with him, and it truly was a miracle.. That day led to lot's of new connections and opportunities for work.
This was just one small thing among many that have left me absolutely overflowed with happiness, drive, ambition, and love.. I'm so ready to go out and get the work done. Miracles are happening and I am so excited!
We received a letter from our mission president today, and I wish to share an excerpt from it with each of you:
Gratitude is expressed in prayer and thanksgiving; but more so in living lives of honor and integrity, of kindness and compassion, in awareness of others and their needs, and an honest expression of gratitude for all those who bless and affect our lives for good. Thanksgiving is best expressed in thanks-living of goodness and obedience and love and service.
This specific quote and the principles highlighted in it, go out to a couple people and groups right now.
First- my mother. I wouldn't be on this earth and where I am at right now if I did not have her as a driving force for me to improve and become better.
Second- the rest of my family- Brother, Sister, Grandparents, Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, and Nieces and Nephews.. (Just kidding mom :D) My family is extremely close and we have all been through so much together. Despite any challenges that have come our way, we have somehow managed to overcome them. It is my family that has seen the absolute worst of me, and yet, they are my biggest support.
Third- my absolute bestfriend and her family. The moral support and encouragement cannot be measured with the impact they have made.
Fourth- the leaders and youth of the Trenton Branch, in Canada. If it were not for their shining testimony and example, I would not be where I am at right now.
Fifth- my home ward. If it were not for the financial sacrifices and support that they have made to allow me to be out here, I would still be home.
Sixth- the students, and administrators of Mountain High School. This school helped me to turn everything around so I could go on to get graduated and be prepared to go into the world.
Seventh- the Return Missionaries from summer sales. Living with these guys and the care they put into helping me prepare for a mission, gave me a HUGE leg up with coming out here.
Eighth- my friends. Having friends with common goals and aspirations makes it easy to accomplish them.
Ninth- The people of Crownpoint, New Mexico. These people set the tone for my mission and melted me heart with very little ease. Forever a cowboy because of here.
Tenth- The people of Monticello (Monticello, La Sal, and Paradox). My heart will forever be left here in this area. If any of them think they have gotten rid of me, they are wrong! 4 hours away!
Eleventh- The people of Tuba City. If it were not for the people here and the relationships I am building with them, it would make life very difficult as a missionary!
It is easy to see that I have way too many people to be grateful for. The only single source that I could attribute my life and what makes it what it is, is my Heavenly Father. I am grateful to Him for all of you. The purpose of us coming here is to go back to the presence of our Father. We need to change in order to be in His presence. One of the ways He helps us to change, is by putting the people in our lives that we specifically need.
Each of you broadly, collectively and specifically have contributed to the person that I am today. If I were given absolutely nothing after this life, save it be one thing, it would be my connection with each of you. I'm grateful to know that that is exactly what I will be given.
So, with the quote that was given by my amazing mission president, President Adams, I wish to close with this- my true gratitude at this time, and forevermore, will be expressed in the way that I carry myself. Expressed in the way I treat others, in the way I endure challenges, in the way I view life and what's happening, and more importantly, in the way that I strive to give myself to our Father in Heaven. It is all a continuous cycle and I thank each of you for being a part of it.
Love always and forever,
Elder Brayden James Sandberg
ps If any of you know someone whom this might not reach, that is mentioned here, I would greatly appreciate you forwarding it to them.
Any of you had the experience where you had something for the longest time that made you feel alive, then it went away for a little while, then came back? That's probably the best way I can describe what's happened this week.
To clarify for those of you who don't know, the tragic event I was referring to that happend a year ago, was the loss of my grandmother. She passed away unexpectedly, the day I reported to the MTC. This last week was a lot easier than would have been expected.. The reality of it hit me far before the date ever happened because I tend to think forward quite a bit.
The great part about last week was what I described in my opening comments. I feel as though I have just awakened. With all the many factors that have contributed to me being in a "slump", I have had many different factors that have contributed to me getting out of a slump!
Saturday morning, was praying for studies, and in the studies I prayed intently that I would know where to go. It was much more heartfelt than normal, and as I continued to pray, the phone started to ring before I could finish. I excused myself from my prayer, and it was the long lost ward mission leader asking us to go out with him to go meet some new people. We have never gone out with him, and it truly was a miracle.. That day led to lot's of new connections and opportunities for work.
This was just one small thing among many that have left me absolutely overflowed with happiness, drive, ambition, and love.. I'm so ready to go out and get the work done. Miracles are happening and I am so excited!
We received a letter from our mission president today, and I wish to share an excerpt from it with each of you:
Gratitude is expressed in prayer and thanksgiving; but more so in living lives of honor and integrity, of kindness and compassion, in awareness of others and their needs, and an honest expression of gratitude for all those who bless and affect our lives for good. Thanksgiving is best expressed in thanks-living of goodness and obedience and love and service.This specific quote and the principles highlighted in it, go out to a couple people and groups right now.
First- my mother. I wouldn't be on this earth and where I am at right now if I did not have her as a driving force for me to improve and become better.
Second- the rest of my family- Brother, Sister, Grandparents, Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, and Nieces and Nephews.. (Just kidding mom :D) My family is extremely close and we have all been through so much together. Despite any challenges that have come our way, we have somehow managed to overcome them. It is my family that has seen the absolute worst of me, and yet, they are my biggest support.
Third- my absolute bestfriend and her family. The moral support and encouragement cannot be measured with the impact they have made.
Fourth- the leaders and youth of the Trenton Branch, in Canada. If it were not for their shining testimony and example, I would not be where I am at right now.
Fifth- my home ward. If it were not for the financial sacrifices and support that they have made to allow me to be out here, I would still be home.
Sixth- the students, and administrators of Mountain High School. This school helped me to turn everything around so I could go on to get graduated and be prepared to go into the world.
Seventh- the Return Missionaries from summer sales. Living with these guys and the care they put into helping me prepare for a mission, gave me a HUGE leg up with coming out here.
Eighth- my friends. Having friends with common goals and aspirations makes it easy to accomplish them.
Ninth- The people of Crownpoint, New Mexico. These people set the tone for my mission and melted me heart with very little ease. Forever a cowboy because of here.
Tenth- The people of Monticello (Monticello, La Sal, and Paradox). My heart will forever be left here in this area. If any of them think they have gotten rid of me, they are wrong! 4 hours away!
Eleventh- The people of Tuba City. If it were not for the people here and the relationships I am building with them, it would make life very difficult as a missionary!
It is easy to see that I have way too many people to be grateful for. The only single source that I could attribute my life and what makes it what it is, is my Heavenly Father. I am grateful to Him for all of you. The purpose of us coming here is to go back to the presence of our Father. We need to change in order to be in His presence. One of the ways He helps us to change, is by putting the people in our lives that we specifically need.
Each of you broadly, collectively and specifically have contributed to the person that I am today. If I were given absolutely nothing after this life, save it be one thing, it would be my connection with each of you. I'm grateful to know that that is exactly what I will be given.
So, with the quote that was given by my amazing mission president, President Adams, I wish to close with this- my true gratitude at this time, and forevermore, will be expressed in the way that I carry myself. Expressed in the way I treat others, in the way I endure challenges, in the way I view life and what's happening, and more importantly, in the way that I strive to give myself to our Father in Heaven. It is all a continuous cycle and I thank each of you for being a part of it.
Love always and forever,
Elder Brayden James Sandberg
ps If any of you know someone whom this might not reach, that is mentioned here, I would greatly appreciate you forwarding it to them.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
One Year in the Mission Field!
I just have to start out by saying how much I love the fact that when I do a mass email, I can look at every name and just feel so much love and appreciation for the soul that is behind the name.. Thank you so much for being a part of my life and making it what it is. So, this week marks my one year mark. To be honest, I'm not sure what to say about that exactly. In all reality, it was hitting me more last month than it is right now. Things have been especially tough though, because my companion and I have been cooped up in the house because of various sicknesses. It has been driving me absolutely INSANE! When you are locked up in a place like that for extended periods of time, your thoughts start to drift. These thoughts have been my downfall because I've been worrying about things that need not worried about, I've feared over things that are already taken care of, and I've ached for people that I already know I'm going to see again someday.
The great part about all of this is, I know I can rely on the Lord for help to get through this. The message of today is, "what holds your attention holds you". It comes from a book called, Putting on the Armor of God by Steven A Kramer. With any trial or event that we have in life, more often than not, it is our thought process that effects so greatly how we actually feel. We could be having the craziest of things going on in our life, but if we are focused and determined in a good cause, nothing will bring us down.
I am experiencing this right now as I type this. With this one year mark of being out in the field, it also marks a year for one of the greatest losses that I have experienced. I've not thought about this until I got on here and people have talked about it. They talk about what is correlated with this year mark, and it pulls my thoughts towards the devastating aspect of this time of year for me. It creates frustration and heartache as I dwell on it. As I allow my attention to be held on such a topic, the reality of the event sinks in and makes it more difficult.
Thank you for all of your support, prayers, and love..
Elder Sandberg
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Miracle of the Week
Yah tee!
Went over to visit Dominic this past week, he was the one who got stepped on by a bull, and it is completely shocking to see his face. He looks like practically nothing happened. The doctors said that less severe cases that are like this, normally take at least three months of being in the hospital. He was out within five days. I want to thank all of you who prayed that he would heal and be alright. It is truly amazing to see how good he looks considering his face got broken. The power of prayer is real!
Another thing that is real, and that just happens to be the theme for this email, is the power of the priesthood. What an amazing and powerful thing. Hands down, the most powerful experiences I have had thus far on the mission, have been when administering through the priesthood. There is nothing in the entire world like placing my hands upon someone's head, and then having the Lord take control of what is coming out of my mouth, to give individuals promised blessings.
When we went to the hospital to give Dominick a blessing, I felt strongly inclined to give it. Something about this kid, even when I saw him right before he got on the bull, was drawing me to him. When my companions and I laid our hands on his head, the words came that he would be healed. Even more powerful than the words, was the impression I received towards the close of the blessing. It was the impression that the Dr's were going to be extremely surprised and just baffled at how fast he was recovering and healing.
The power of God is real. It has been restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. It has, is and will continue to bless countless lives. By their fruits ye shall know them. The biggest thing keeping me doing this work for this specific church, is the fact that I know that the priesthood is here. It is the only thing that sets a church of man apart from the church of God. The ordinances through the priesthood are real. You can and will be cleansed from sin as you are baptized. You will receive the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. The endowment will bless you with greater power from on high than anything else. It is the sealing ordinance that promises that you will live forever with your family and spouse for all time and eternity.
Each of these ordinances are only truly ordained of God, when they are done after the manner of His holy priesthood. These things produce the one thing that everyone wants in life- happiness. True happiness is only achieved on gospel principles and gospel principles are only maintained by virtue of the priesthood of God.
I know this work is of God. It just has to be. It makes so much sense and I am so incredibly grateful for that.
Thank you all for the love and support.
Until we meet again,
Elder Sandberg
Went over to visit Dominic this past week, he was the one who got stepped on by a bull, and it is completely shocking to see his face. He looks like practically nothing happened. The doctors said that less severe cases that are like this, normally take at least three months of being in the hospital. He was out within five days. I want to thank all of you who prayed that he would heal and be alright. It is truly amazing to see how good he looks considering his face got broken. The power of prayer is real!
Another thing that is real, and that just happens to be the theme for this email, is the power of the priesthood. What an amazing and powerful thing. Hands down, the most powerful experiences I have had thus far on the mission, have been when administering through the priesthood. There is nothing in the entire world like placing my hands upon someone's head, and then having the Lord take control of what is coming out of my mouth, to give individuals promised blessings.
When we went to the hospital to give Dominick a blessing, I felt strongly inclined to give it. Something about this kid, even when I saw him right before he got on the bull, was drawing me to him. When my companions and I laid our hands on his head, the words came that he would be healed. Even more powerful than the words, was the impression I received towards the close of the blessing. It was the impression that the Dr's were going to be extremely surprised and just baffled at how fast he was recovering and healing.
The power of God is real. It has been restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. It has, is and will continue to bless countless lives. By their fruits ye shall know them. The biggest thing keeping me doing this work for this specific church, is the fact that I know that the priesthood is here. It is the only thing that sets a church of man apart from the church of God. The ordinances through the priesthood are real. You can and will be cleansed from sin as you are baptized. You will receive the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. The endowment will bless you with greater power from on high than anything else. It is the sealing ordinance that promises that you will live forever with your family and spouse for all time and eternity.
Each of these ordinances are only truly ordained of God, when they are done after the manner of His holy priesthood. These things produce the one thing that everyone wants in life- happiness. True happiness is only achieved on gospel principles and gospel principles are only maintained by virtue of the priesthood of God.
I know this work is of God. It just has to be. It makes so much sense and I am so incredibly grateful for that.
Thank you all for the love and support.
Until we meet again,
Elder Sandberg
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