Email From My Bishop

"Just as a fish in a mountain stream must be careful of the lures placed in its path to avoid being pulled away from the water, so must you and I be wise in order to avoid being pulled away from a happy, gospel-centered life. Remember that, as Lehi observed, the devil 'seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself' and obtains 'power to captivate' us when we involve ourselves in unclean and evil things. Thus, do not be deceived into even nibbling at unworthy things, for Satan stands ready to set the hook. It was the very real risk of the hook being set subtly or suddenly that led the ancient prophet Moroni--who actually saw our day to pointedly warn you and me to 'touch not the evil gift, nor the unclean thing'

"There is much that is evil and unclean in music, the Internet, movies, magazines, and in alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. As to any evil and unclean thing, my young friends, do not even touch it!" - Marcus B. Nash

My neese's email from Korea

Hi Ro, (That's Korean Slang) October 9, 2007

First of all Tessa is in bigggg trouble for not writing me this week...I thought she was going to be my next companion! [Tess got her letter off in time . . . see below!] But anyways, I thought I would answer the questions first....

I don't know about registration yet...still have to ask President. I think it will all work out. I would have you do it, but to be honest, I haven't thought about what I'm going to take in so long...and I might end up switching stuff around. I think I don't have very much left to take to finish up my English major and Music minor...maybe 4 more classes. I just don't know how long I'm going to stick around. If it's one more semester, maybe I'll graduate in April. Otherwise, I could stick around and add a Korean minor and finish my editing one. Just don't really know yet....

Housing...yeah, um. If you have time to look around on the internet or try phone calls that would be great. But I think I just really want to go back to Raintree. So maybe ask for help. Sister Tanner really wants to room with me but she's not sold on Raintree. Maybe I can still talk her into it.

Right now when I think about going home I think of lying on my bed and taking a long, long nap. I'm not sure about work. I’m home for only 4 weeks...money's always nice...working out sounds fun...spending time sounds way nice...I don't think a full time job would be worth it for that little of time. I think it might be okay to work sales at the auction (if Brother Hinton could use me on auction days), but what if I can't understand English for awhile? Ha ha!? And we don't have a car do we? How would I get there? PS. When does BYU Start?

I'm fine with December 16 for a homecoming talk if that's alright. I'd love for Katrina and that guy to be there. [Michelle refers to Katrina’s husband as “that guy” since she’s never met Gordon. It’s kind of a joke!]

I think I need a physical when I get home (and maybe a massage or a hot tub). I think it's mandatory for me to get a TB test. If I don't, I might die in 10 years or something like that. Yikes! And I think I will need a dentist. I think my teeth smell like Kim Chi. Sick, huh?

Yeah, I can't wait to be Tessa's roommate!!! Unless that would drive her nuts....I've learned I'm a pretty hard companion – ha! And yeah, an empty room would be occasionally great.too..I may be up late talking on the phone a lot. I have a lot to catch up with. Ha ha, I'm such a funny girl...I love you so so muchy!

Can you believe how fast the time is flying!!! I hope my last letter didn't make you trunky for me. It was good to hear from everyone except Tessa didn't write...and I can't even remember what Kevin looks like. I'm sorry Dad got a cold. Preparing for stake conference must be so stressful...I can't even imagine. A lot of burden and pressure...but Dad you've always been my best Dad, so I'm sure it will go great. Mom you are so good at serving!!! You have sacrificed your whole life to our family and it's admirable. I have the best parents in the world.

Wow, conference sounded exciting. I heard Elder Eyring is in the first presidency...I don't really remember what Elder Cook looks like...oops. We get to see it this weekend. I got to see the Relief Society broadcast too with an investigator...but it was all in Korean. So, I just sort of stared at the TV. No, I got a little bit of it....maybe.

Missionary work is going great. We are super busy with a lot of investigators. The only frustrating thing is they are all very interested in English, so they are progressing very slowly. But I love them all. We had a district meeting and talked about the faith to baptize. I had so much of that when I came out here, so much hope, and I still have the hope, but I think I'm afraid to push people because it HURTS a lot when they turn you down. Luckily I've got a greenie (who's not a greenie anymore) who's full of faith.

I've been teaching boldly lately. Yesterday we met a lady on the subway. She said she's Buddhist, and she thinks only people who have a lot of time can be Christian. She said Buddhists only have to go to the temple once a year, but Christians have to go 3 times a week, and not only that, they have to live like Christians every day. I said being Buddhist sounded pretty convenient. I asked her who she prayed to (I don't know if Buddhists pray to Buddha or not)...and she said when she prays in her heart she prays to God, of course. I was really shocked. If you ask God for blessings, but you are too busy to sacrifice anything to/for him, isn't that a little hypocritical? I told her I knew God lived and that it was the truth. I told her that everyone, even Buddhists, are looking for truth and peace, and that believing God and keeping his commandments are the only way to find what they are looking for. She started to nod, and then we had to get off the train...but I just think of us as people sometimes, and how much we complain about having to keep the commandments. Or how hard it is. But it's really not hard, it's happiness. And when we finally understand that we will give up everything willing to our Father who loves us.

I told some investigators this week that not everyone has the authority to baptize. Had to explain that Joseph Smith received the priesthood straight from Peter, James, and John. And their eyes got really big. But they finally understood. If this is not true, it is weird....but it is true, and they recognize the truth and goodness that comes from this church. And if it really happened they are all starting to recognize the blessings of the authority of God on this earth. It's amazing.

Kim Hyun Ju is doing great. She came to the broadcast with us. She also recognizes that when she is with us she feels peace and the power of God. When she had a hard day she wanted to call us. Her husband recognized that she was going to church every Sunday and was okay with it...and she prayed with her children. She's doing so great. We're hoping for a baptismal date for this month. She had questions about polygamy so we had to discuss polygamy with her...not so fun. So I made my greenie do it. Ha ha.

We met a crazy old grandpa. He had a rainbow umbrella for a cane and a whispy white beard. When he saw our nametags he recognized that we were "Mormon" and stopped us on the road. He spoke perfect English. He asked our names, and started quizzing us on the bible. I thought he was an angel of God disguised as an old man. My companion thought he was going to mug us. He asked me "Who do you always remember?" And I said..."Um...you?" Because he was so weird I didn't think I'd ever forget him. But he didn't answer so I said "God" and he said "jeezus." It was good, but then he asked us for money-so we left quickly. I'm so sick of Grandpas. (But not my Grandpas of course.)

The cockroaches in our house are finally growing up. They are all HUGE! Fun, huh!

Well, I think I've rambled on and on. We are going to a tall tower in Seoul today...you can see the whole city! And then we are going to an aquarium. And then we're teaching a Buddhist tonight.

This is such an adventure!!! I woke up today and realized I was just happy. And I didn't really know why. But it's amazing that I've found happiness here. I wouldn't rather be anywhere else. I miss you guys!!! And I'm excited for Family Home Evening when I get back!!!

Love,

Sister Brady

PS

Dad! I love the talk on Preach my Gospel. Send me a copy!!!

Mom I hug you!!!

Katrina!

I love you!!! I am out of time. Can't wait to see you at Christmas on December 15th! Maybe I'll talk to you on the phone before that. I still remember the ramen here too. Try to make it for Gordon...It's the spicy kind with cheese. I have no clue what I should do when I get home....maybe get married? Ha ha! I will write you so much more next week.....I promise! Love ya! Sister Brady

Tessa!

I have seriously one second! Thanks for writing! I can't wait to see you in the airport! You date so much. Thanks for sharing the gospel in Oregon.. Talk to you next week!!! Love you! Sister Brady

Ha ha Erica!

Funny, funny joke. I knew you'd get into the middle C’s. You are one amazing singer!!! I know there are only 8 FHEs left! That's going to go so fast. 8 more Sundays...8 more P-Days...8 more district meetings...8 more weeks to baptize all of Korea. I think I've got to work harder. You are in my prayers. How's middle school? Just be happy...and all will work out for good. I love you a bunch. Sister Brady

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Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail!

Letter from my niece serving her mission in Korea

Hi everyone, September 27, 2007

I'm so sorry I'm late in writing. We had the biggest holiday in Korea here!!! Chusok!!! So everything shut down for 3 days. We weren't allowed to proselyte and nobody could meet for appointments. Hard week. So, we ended up spending Monday with an investigator (we made sticky rice). She's been coming to church for the last 4 weeks, but she's not sure about baptism because she hates her extended family and doesn't really want to live with them forever. Yikes. We're working on that. I asked her if she wants to know if the Book of Mormon is true, and she said yes. So, she's working hard to find out. Let’s see, I was busy this week trying to figure out appointments and how to be more obedient and how to help my greenie and how to help our English lesson people progress in the gospel. As always lots going on.

On Tuesday we went to Kyong Bok Gung, a huge palace in Korea. We went there last year too. We wore our han boks and every Korean there wanted to take pictures with us again. I felt like a princess at Disneyland!!! The Elders jumped really high on this teeter totter (it's a traditional game-you take turns jumping on the ends of the teeter-totter). Sister Tanner really wanted to do it with me, but I'm such a scaredy cat. So we did it, but we didn't even get off the ground. So, Sister Tanner jumped with “Super Star” Elder Mitchell. He jumped on one end of the teeter totter and she flew off and fell on her bottom (good word choice, huh?). It was kind of funny. We watched the best two years. It was entertaining.

On Wednesday we went to the temple. Which was great! I thought a lot about how we are insufficient. But when we lack, God gives to us without reservation. He loves us and wants us to succeed. Thought about that with missionary work...I used to feel like I was never enough, but that's okay these days. God has promised that he will make up the difference. After the temple, we had dinner with our stake president. And I drank an entire bottle of Orange Juice (maybe 2 liters) which made me so sick....I can't even tell you. Don't ever do that.

Dad's letter made me laugh. Mom, I'm so sorry about Scott Bird's truck! That's such a bummer.

So wow, stop making me trunky....I don't know when Dad will get that letter...I hope it's soon so my heart can rest. I love being a missionary though. It was sad seeing all the missionaries returning this time and knowing that I'm next. I'll be sad to miss the mission talent show at Christmas too. I was hoping I could tap dance. I'm sorry about Julie Shaw's seminary class. [Julie has a wonderful but rambunctious group of boys in her class – Michelle’s brother Kevin included – I teach the other class]. You know, I had a class about like that in Springfield. It sounds tough. I'll definitely put her in my prayers. I saw some pretty funny tapes on disciplining when I did seminary training. I'll try to remember the tips. It's hard to teach when you're short. Nobody took me seriously.

I love you all!!! Please have the chorus ready when I get home....=)

Sister Brady

Hey there Tess!

I miss you so much!!! Sorry you were having a rough time. Don't worry, after the rough times, God sends blessings. He's just trying to help you get closer to him. Tess, you can always talk to me!! I love you! And I'm always here! And so is God...remember that prayer is always the best option. I finally got pictures from you guys. You looked so cute at the prom. I'm about out of time...got to run to an appointment. Praying for miracles these last few weeks!

Luv,

sister Brady

Hey Mom,

Thanks for sending the pictures of Dad's birthday! I showed my English class, and they wondered why Dad had tape on his nose. I didn't even recognize Kevin in the trek picture. Time is flying. I miss you guys a bunch!!!

Love, me

Hi Katrina!

I'm totally out of time...but I wanted to say I love you...and I will write you a huge letter next time. Glad to hear Gordon's feeling better! Say hi to me. Oh, and I heard Ashley dated Cousin Andy! How did that work out...Uncle Mark is wondering... Write soon!

Love me

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Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail!

~email~

Matt & Izzy , just want to " Thank " both of you . . . on wonderful lessons taught yesterday . Good class participation , scriptures read and ending with Testimony !

Bravo !! Glad you guys are in the ward . . . .

P.S. Izzy : Hope you get that job at Great Harvest Bread

Brother Byram

09/24/07

What is hell?

Hell

Latter-day revelations speak of hell in at least two ways. First, it is another name for spirit prison, a temporary place in the postmortal world for those who died without a knowledge of the truth or those who were disobedient in mortality. Second, it is the permanent location of Satan and his followers and the sons of perdition, who are not redeemed by the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Additional Information

Spirit prison is a temporary state in which spirits will be taught the gospel and have the opportunity to repent and accept ordinances of salvation that are performed for them in temples (see D&C 138:30–35). Those who accept the gospel may dwell in paradise until the Resurrection. After they are resurrected and judged, they will receive the degree of glory of which they are worthy. Those who choose not to repent but who are not sons of perdition will remain in spirit prison until the end of the Millennium, when they will be freed from hell and punishment and be resurrected to a telestial glory (see D&C 76:81–85).

Those who are not redeemed by the Atonement are in outer darkness, which is the dwelling place of the devil, his angels, and the sons of perdition (see D&C 29:36–38; 76:28–33). Sons of perdition are those who receive "no forgiveness in this world nor in the world to come—having denied the Holy Spirit after having received it, and having denied the Only Begotten Son of the Father, having crucified him unto themselves and put him to an open shame" (D&C 76:34-35; see also D&C 76:31–33, 36–37). Such individuals will not inherit a place in any kingdom of glory; for them the conditions of hell remain (see D&C 76:38; 88:24, 32).