For the first time since I got here, it actually feels like winter. Greetings from the winter wonderland otherwise known as Ceder City. Fun fact: 2 feet of snow on the windshield can really mess up your windshield wipers. Elder Gordy and I were out driving this morning. We stopped at an intersection, and all of the snow that was on the roof slid down on the windshield; not conducive to a pleasant driving experience. Anyway, things are going well here. We were stuck in the apartment all day yesterday, because Elder Gordy was sick. I have never gotten cabin fever so quickly. By the end of the day... well, lets just say that I had Elder Gordy worried.

It is amazing to look back on the last week. Often times, miracles can only be seen in hindsight. This has certainly been the case this past week. I can testify that the Lord has been walking with us on this road, and we knew Him not. Sometimes it isnt until the end of the day, and you are looking back that you can see the hand of the Lord in your life. There have been many times that we have been cancelled on, or the people were not home, and our last minute change of plans resulted in the opportunity to serve, bless, or testify. I feel like one of the laborers in the field, called at the eleventh hour, and receiving for my labors a wage equal to laborers far greater than I. As we do the work allotted to us, and put forth our best effort, then the Lord will be walking with us. Then, it our duty to recognize Him. 

Until next week. And be careful on the roads out there.

Elder Miller

Greetings from Cedar City!

This week has been good. Of course, there are always ups and downs, but for the most part it went well. We had a zone-wide fast this past Sunday and the fruits of it are already showing. We found several more people who are interested in the Gospel, and we look forward to teaching them. This past Monday Elder Gordy and I went hiking with one of the families in our stake. We went down to a little place called Spring Creek. It was the very first slot canyon that I had ever seen. I will send pictures when I can. It is absolutely beautiful out here.

I have been surprised to discover that the most that I have learned has nothing to do with lessons or contacting or talking to people. I have learned more about myself in the short time that I have been out than I realized there was to know. I am learning about my limits, as those limits are certainly being stretched. But like a friend that I made in the MTC said, "there is no growth in a comfort zone, and there is no comfort in a growth zone". But above all else, I have learned that no matter what our limits are, the Lord can take those limitations and stretch them farther that we can imagine possible. He can and will give us strength beyond that which is known to man, as we follow His example, and adhere to His teachings and are faithful to the covenants we have made with the Father. I know that Heavenly Father is watching all of us, and that, as with the widows mite, however small our offering may be, if it is our all, than it is acceptable to Him.

I love you all. Until next week.

Elder Miller

First Area!!

Hey, guys,

It was great to hear from you.That's awesome about the Larsens (new home). And speaking of them, let them know that I actually met someone else named Jantzen. Granted, it was a hippie dude in a plaid shirt, but still.....

These past few days have been amazing! I'm in Cedar City now, and my trainer's name is Elder Gordy. He is really cool. He has really had to pick up the slack while I am finding my feet, but he has been totally cool with it. I am learning a lot, and am surprised by the number of people there are to teach. This area is really busy. Of course, this may be due to the fact that we are covering eight wards! The people that I have met are so cool, member and non-member alike. Sister Hunt is like the mom of the Cedar West missionaries. Bishop Neilson reminds me of President Blau, and Elder Levitt (he's an area seventy) reminds me of Bishop Burdett. Several members from the 13th ward are helping us put together a musical fireside for investigators. Everybody wants to help.

Miracles are happening all around. A woman who has smoked for years has quit cold turkey. she is preparing for baptism. We knocked on a door when it looked like everyone was in bed. The family that lives there has been inactive for years, and had no interest in us. Then Elder Gordy offered a prayer over the house. The spirit was so strong, and the mother was sobbing when we left that evening. We have hope for them yet.

Despite how enamored I may sound, the work here is hard. But I've learned that the harder you work, the more the Lord blesses you. In fact, I've learned a lot of things;  I've learned that 30 seconds of prayer can mean the difference between whether or not you have the spirit with you; I've learned that something as simple as a child laughing can make the worst day all right. And I have learned that the Lord truly does guide His missionaries. 

I love you.

 until next week,

 Elder Miller

Ready to Launch

Feb. 3, 2015

Final Days at the MTC

So, here is something crazy. I told you that I was made a zone leader, right? well, four of the missionaries that I am in charge of are coming to the Oklahoma, Tulsa Mission! I have pictures, but I will have to send them to you later today. the computer I am on right now has no SD slot. The other four missionaries are going to Fresno, California. Weird, huh? I also met an Elder going to Eliza Burdett's mission, and a Sister going to Adrienne Fowers' mission.

 Today is P-day,and my last day here at the MTC. It's crazy; the last two weeks have flown by. I will be flying to St. George tomorrow morning.

 I wouldn't have traded this experience for the world. In just 2 weeks, I have learned so much, and I have felt the spirit of love more that I ever have in my entire life. Surely, the Lord's work is a labor of love. I know that He lives and loves us. I know that He directs His church, and the work of salvation among The Fathers children. I feel honored, privileged, and humbled to be a part of this, the Lord's work.

Elder Jonathan Miller

Utah St. George Mission

881 S River Rd

St. George, UT. 84790

Missionary Musings

Jan. 27, 2015

Missionary Training Center

Hey everybody!

This past week has been crazy! I got here with another Elder that I met at the airport, and we didn't have a clue where to go and what to do. Also, there was a ban on handshakes, due to a bout of flu here in the MTC. luckily, that ban was lifted later that day. Anyway, we all went through orientation, got assigned to our rooms, met our companions and districts. My companion is Elder Martell, and he is awesome! He is actually from New Zealand, so he has the coolest accent, and he has come from the other side of the earth to serve the Lord in St. George, Utah. the other Elders in my district (there are no Sisters), are Elder Wells, our District Leader, from Virginia; his companion, Elder Prior, originally from South Africa, currently from Virginia (no, they didn't know each other); Elder Oswald, from Wisconsin, our intellectual; his companion Elder Rimer, our quiet but incredibly talented musician/linguist; Elder Hornbeck, our computer whiz; and his companion, Elder Thornley, our ADHD, lovable athlete. I have the best district! we work hard, but the work is rewarding. The spirit is very strong here. We are already teaching investigators, and learning very quickly. Its like drinking out of a fire hose, but incredibly, we are actually remembering most things. Tomorrow, a new district is coming in. Elder Martell and I are Zone Leaders, so they will be our responsibility. Half of them are coming there, to the Oklahoma Tulsa mission, so be nice to them. We only have a week left here, then we are on our way. Im out of time to write, so I will talk at you guys next week. Love everybody!

Elder Miller