The Digital Age!

This week we have entered the digital age is of missionary work! I'm currently typing this email on my iPad. And by "my ipad" I mean the missions iPad I get to use till the end of my mission.


We got tons of training on iPads to help prepare us to both be safe from temptation and distraction and also to be effective with it. It was a really powerful training that I think will really help me the rest of my life. Some of the main points they emphasized were:


-The iPad will not convert people. The iPad does not have the Holy Ghost. You do! Nothing will replace a testimony borne sincerely by the Holy Ghost.


-Temptations to misuse technology are greatest when we are feeling bored, stressed, angry, lonely or any of those negative emotions. We need to be able to recognize those feelings in ourselves and avoid using it when we have those feelings.


-Filters are helpful, but they are always changing and no filter is perfect. The only filter you can always rely on is your own personal testimony and the help of the Holy Ghost.


-Don't turn on your device till your intention is clear. If at some point you you aren't sure what your purpose is, turn it off.


Its amazing the help it will be, but at the same time, I think it will always be missionary work. It has been the same since the dawn of time, and will be today, only that now God is hastening His work in His time.


Along with many miracles this week there were also stresses as well, with lessons not turning out how planned, stresses in relationships with members or missionaries and also just in worries that came to me.


This past week I started noticing how difficult it is sometimes to be a parent, the messy diapers, the lack of sleep, the stress and difficulties. Ever since I was young I have always wanted to be a parent, I love being a kid myself! Playing and enjoying the simple things of life, but I think for the first time in my life I realized that it isn't all fun and games, that there were challenges and difficulties too. As I watched these Japanese families and there adorable little kids I wondered, " Can I handle that? Would I be able to be a good father?" "Will I be able to manage, work, family, school, church, and all the other demands in life?" These kind of worries and fears started to come to me.


With this in the back of my mind, on the way back from church I read President Eyring's talk at the women's session called "The Comforter" about the power of the Holy Ghost


When I got to Mosiah 24:14-15 my eyes stopped, and it sunk deep into my heart. I felt the Spirit truly speak to my fears. It says,




"And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord."

When I read this scripture a calm peace swept my fears away, I literally felt this comforting power of the spirit like a cool breeze blowing the stress away almost as if to say, "Yes, you won't be able to do it yourself, but don't worry, you don't have to.

Because I will be with you."

And I know and trust that He always will.

Love,

Elder WaltonSent from my iPad