Final Night

Well, hello all! It's officially Elder Allen now. Pretty intense, I know. My report time is 12:45 (11:45 PST) tomorrow afternoon. So, effectively, this is my last night of my partially un-responsible "teenage" years. (Minus the fact that I was already ordained Elder two days ago.) Or, rather, tomorrow is the first day of the two years that will totally define my future life.

My greatest support, my brother Kent, gave me a quote that stuck with him through his mission - "I would rather take your body back home in a casket than to receive you home early having lost your virtue." Yes, it's an intense example. But there is great importance behind it. These two years of my life are not mine, but my Father in Heaven's. Sure, I could goof off and just enjoy being in Canada, but then I've only cheated myself and everyone who is counting on me to perform this great work. If I let one day slip by without purpose, I've halted the work and let down those who need me.

D&C 4
" 1 Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.

2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.

3 Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;

4 For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;

5 And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.

6 Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.

7 Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen"

So, here I am. And tomorrow, I will begin a great work. I'm reminded of the Elders who knocked on the door of Tai and Truman Allen so many years ago. Without that great service, where would I be now? The legacy of all those of my family who have served missions, the legacy I will create in my own mission, would never exist if it were not for those two Elders serving their God with all their heart, might, mind and strength. That is the great work I hope to do. To give all those in darkness the light of this gospel. To give the children that will start their lives here on this earth that opportuinity to feel God's love.

So, how's that for an epic last post?

Thanks so much for all of you who've supported me so much to get to this point. Special thanks to Brianne for helping me help all of you stay posted via Blog power! My prayers will be with you, and I'm sure you'll be hearing from me soon.

-Elder Allen


(DearElder.com)

appendectomy

Hello all! This is Brianne, and I'll be keeping this blog up and running while Jared is out in field. But I just thought all of you family and friends should know Sunday at 3am Jared was taken to the emergency room. And at 10 am, the same day, he had an emergency appendectomy.

The surgery went well, and they're letting him come home today(a day earlier than anticipated). But there's been some complications with the insurance company and jazz. So we'd all really appreciate prayers on his behalf. So he can have a speedy recovery and be able to leave on time to his mission.

Thanks!!
-Brianne