Elder Shawn Michael Murray - Called to Serve: Week Thirty Four

Dear Friends and Family,

So this week was fun.

First off. We had a lesson with this guy who said he'd only listen to our message if I won at chess. I didn't know how to play. But apparently the spirit plays a mean game of chess, because we ended in a stalemate. (It probably helped my side that the guy was plastered, But lets just say it's the spirit...) The Restoration went really well with him!

Then I taught my first district meeting and it was titled "...Men are, that they might have Joy." (2 Nephi 2:25.) It was all about dealing with stress as a missionary, and choosing to be happy, no matter the circumstances. I had some pretty appreciative feedback. It was super cool! The spirit was so strong!

We played speedball this week with a few of the guys in our ward, which is a game just like Frisbee-football but with a Dodge-ball. It was a lot of fun. Then they invited us to the Pacquiao/Mayweather fight at Buffalo Wild Wings... Those turds. But now I also have been told of every movie that's coming out in the next century.

I also went down to Lubbock this week for a special leadership meeting which was super cool! We learned all about becoming better leaders and it was all about being a shepherd, not a sheep herder. (Ezekiel 33-34) I got to see Elder Backus (who is seriously just a phenomenal teacher, leader, missionary, and man), my two companions Elder Darby and Mangum (who are now companions), President and Sister Heap, and many other friends.

I love this gospel and the joy it brings to my life. I am so thankful for my family, and this week the women in my family are on my mind. Grandma's, Sisters, especially my Mother. I love her with all my heart. She is my most devout, trusted person, who has loved me from the beginning, through thick and thin.

I hope y'all are as appreciative as you should be for this wonderful blessing of a Mother in your lives. Please do something nice for her this week. Go out of your way. Take Time.

Sincerely,

Elder Shawn Michael Murray (the best oldest son ever)

I think we literally chased these guys down for 20 minutes to get pictures!!!