Final Hours

Dear Family and Friends,

I had a really good week as we did a lot of service. On Tuesday, we took out an old fence with the help of a tractor that seemed older than the fence. The tractor ended up starting a fire in the field and we had to run to put it out. We also painted a deck this week. I ruined my sweats and a old shirt. It was a lot of fun this week. I can't believe it went by so fast.

We had a lot of dinners and member visits this week and it was fun to go out with them in the work. We talked to a lot of people. I will keep this short as my brain is just going to fast right now. See ya tomorrow mom and dad.

Alma 42:26 And thus God bringeth about his great and eternal purposes, which were prepared from the foundation of the world. And thus cometh about the salvation and the redemption of men, and also their destruction and misery.

Love,

Elder Blazzard

Note: We will be picking up Elder Blazzard in Nashville on Wednesday morning. He is headed to the mission office tomorrow (Tuesday) and they will attend the temple and then have a dinner and testimony meeting. We will arrive in time for the dinner tomorrow. ON Wednesday we will tour the mission and send some of his stuff home. Thursday we head to Washington DC and then we will drive to Oceon Breeze and then New York by Sunday. Home to SLC and Payson on Tuesday of next week.

Final Week

Dear Family and Friends,

What a week! I went on two exchanges this week. First, I had Elder Draper come up to Pikeville with me on exchanges. W traveled, searching for a referral up the west mountain. We finally found the family and they were super nice. After that exchange and after district meeting in Jasper I went on exchanges up in Altamont with Elders Rock and Melville.

We met a lot of different people up there and it was a fun experience for me. The fall colors are really coming in and it is a site to see. It was a good week with a lot of work. Meetings on Sunday were inspirational.

I hope y'all had a good week as well. We almost had a homemade meal every night of the week, so I was happy of course. I am grateful for all that I have learned from my mission and I know that this work and Gospel of Jesus Christ are true.

Love,

Elder Blazzard

Working the Woods

Dear Family and Friends,

It was a good week. I went to Winchester on exchanges this week and it was a lot of fun to be back there and see some of the people I taught while I was there a year ago. I had dinners with some great members. We went to Jasper on P-day to explore a cave and hike around the area. That area is very beautiful. We did a lot of service this week and visited with a lot of members, it was good. Church was good this week, I played the piano for sacrament meeting again. I will be going to Altamont for exchanges this week.  I hope y'all had a good week, and look for the good around you. 

Love,

Elder Blazzard

Traveling the Large Area

Dear Family and Friends,

We had a great week. We had zone meeting this week up in McMinnville. We also had interviews with the President. It was a good meeting and interview. The trip was good but long like all our trips. We met with more members this week and there is a lot of members up on the mountain. One lady made us Krystal burgers.

On Saturday we visited with some members and they gave us haircuts.  Afterwards we went to this place called the apple house where they sell all things apple. It was pretty cool and smelt great. We visited a lot of people this week and it was great. I learned a lot this week and worked on my southern accent.

Have a great week y'all. Oh, I played piano for sacrament again, it was fun.

Love,

Elder Blazzard

Hoeing to the End of the Row

Dear Family and Friends,

It was a good week. The week was difficult but we still got the work done. The branch is working really well together and helping us missionaries all the time. We did service Tuesday for an older couple. We helped in their garden and helped cook lunch as well. We had a good visit with them. We ended with a blessing and then started our long trip back down the mountain.

 It is very beautiful to drive though the mountains and it is easier to feel closer to God. We had district meeting down in Jasper and the relief society president provided lunch which was very kind.

The trip to Jasper is a long one as well. We did a lot of stops on the way back to visit with people to save miles on our truck. Our area is just so large. We had good lessons this week and visited a lot of less actives. The work is good and I am glad to be serving here in Pikeville, TN.

Alma 34:9 For it is expedient that an atonement‍ should be made; for according to the great plan‍ of the Eternal God there must be an atonement made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all are hardened; yea, all are fallen‍ and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement which it is expedient should be made.

Love,

Elder Blazzard

Pikeville Tennessee

Dear Family and Friends,

I am fully situated in Pikeville now, it is another small town in southern Tennessee. I love it. We had district meeting in Winchester, at the funeral home. The stake president came and talk with our district. It was fun to be back in Winchester, we went to the gas station to eat, the one owned by a member and the one I went to at least twice a week. One of my investigators is working there now. I got to talk with him. He is still having a hard time quitting smoking. It was a long trip to district meeting and back an hour and a half one way. We are in the car a lot. We have a Nissan Frontier truck, which is fun to ride in. Our branch is small, but we do have a storefront church. My companion is Elder Neyman, he has been out about 7 months. We have some good investigators and great members. We contacted a bible referral this last week, she took the bible, a Book of Mormon and a restoration pamphlet, we are going to see her later this week. Thanks for the support love ya.

6 Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth.
7 Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered. (2 Nephi 2)


Elder Blazzard

Last Week In Bellevue

Dear Family and Friends,

It was a fast week for me as it felt like it went by in two seconds probably because we were so busy with work. I enjoyed running around to various appointments.  We taught some really good lessons this week. We helped a guy move on Thursday and then he bought some good American Chinese food for us ... I enjoyed it.

Well the big news is I am being transferred to Pikeville. I am going back to the sticks to finish my mission in Tennessee which was my hope. I learned a lot in Bellevue and one of the things I learned about myself is that I do not like the city as much as I thought I did. We have a dinner with an investigator tonight. He is taking us to a Italian restaurant. We tracted an hour everyday this week and had some success. We found some people that meet with the missionaries before in the past and are a little more interested now. I love testifying of eternal truths because I always get a confirmation that that principle is true. Thanks for all the support and love.

16 ¶For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3)

Love,

Elder Blazzard

Bellevue

Dear Family and Friends,

Well, we are headed into the last week of the transfer period and it was a really good week. I went on exchanges with Elder Senatore (span-am missionary) with whom I was around him in Goodlettsville earlier this year. It was a fun exchange and it was fun to speak a little Spanish. We met some Muslims during our exchange. It is really great to talk with them and they are very open to learn more. We had some solid lessons this week as we taught a lot on the plan of salvation and the the great apostasy. I learned a lot. Fast Sunday was good ... we had a stake fast for missionary work. Hope y'all have a good week, love ya.

3 Nephi 9: 14 Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.

Tracting Into Investigation

Dear Family and Friends,

It was another good week. We got a lot done this week this week with some really good lessons. On Monday, night we had a lesson with an investigator at a member's home. The lesson was the plan of salvation and the members did a great job of testifying of the many principles.  On Tuesday, we tracted a ton. It was fun though. We had more dinners this week which was great. We had some funny experiences this week tracting, like an old man yelling in the background to leave, but a lot of people did give us water which was nice. We are teaching this one guy who is a Mason and he asks a lot of good questions and is easy to teach. He loves talking about God and the plan of salvation, which was great. I had a great week, I hope y'all did too.

My scripture is Alma 34:32 For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.

Love,


Elder Blazzard

Invetigator Pool

Dear Family and Friends,

It was a good week and we were able to get a lot of work done. On Wednesday night after the Book of Mormon discussion group we conduct each week, we were driving home and we saw a small accident. Elder Padbury pulls over and gets out right away. There is a guy on drugs trying to drive his car away, which he had crashed into a tree. We get the keys away from him and told him we think that the keys are down in the grass. Another group of people called the police. It got all sorted out, but still pretty crazy. I was a little freaked out.

We had zone conference the next day and the conference was good. President Stone made some changes to how we collect numbers but nothing too big. Friday we obtained five new investigators, which was great because our teaching pool has been down. I loved church and Pioneer Day. We sang Come, Come, Ye Saints, one of my favorites. It was a full week, hope y'all are safe, have fun.

36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. (D&C 6)


Love,

Elder Blazzard

Working Nashville

Dear Family and Friends,

It was another good week. We were pretty busy. On Tuesday, we went on exchanges and I went to Green Hills which covers downtown Nashville. It was a blast. I was with Elder Anders. He also has a twin brother on a mission. We contacted near the Parthenon that night and we met some cool people but mostly everyone was playing Pokemon Go.

We had a good district meeting on Wednesday day and some good lessons. Thursday we had a meeting all morning. We helped move some people Friday and Saturday, it was very hot.

I hope y'all are doing good and have a good week, trust in the Lord.

My scripture this week is...
28 But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering;m29 Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts, that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his rest. (Alma 13)

Love,


Elder Blazzard

Nashville Zone

Dear Family and Friends,

It has been a long week with everything being new again with a new transfer. I do not like this feeling, however, the teaching has been good and it is great to work with the members. I am looking forward to getting used to the area. We were very busy.

On Wednesday, we had a meeting to meet the new mission president and his family. They are awesome and so excited to be here. On Thursday, we went down to Cumberland to help the elders there because one of them had a bike accident. His bike handlebar impelled his thigh. It was pretty gross. I am loving being close to the city again. The people are a lot more of a cultural mix here. The ward is a transient ward with a lot of move ins and move outs. It is pretty cool to have Andy Perez as a ward mission Leader.

I am having fun and working hard.

Have a good week and see the good.

28 ¶Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11)

Love,

Elder Blazzard

"Jared Walker Stone, 45, and Jani Piercey Stone, six children, Danville 1st Ward, Danville California Stake: Tennessee Nashville Mission, succeeding President Kyle R. Andersen and Sister Machel Andersen. Brother Stone serves as a Sunday School teacher and is a former stake president, bishop, high councilor, ward mission leader, seminary teacher, and missionary in the Germany Hamburg Mission. Co-founder and former managing director, Northgate Capital. Born in Modesto, California, to Thomas Robert Stone and Diane Lee Stevenson Stone.Sister Stone serves as a ward Relief Society teacher and is a former ward Primary president, ward Relief Society presidency counselor, Gospel Doctrine teacher, Young Women adviser, and missionary in the Alabama Birmingham Mission. Born in Salt Lake City to John Francis Piercey and Mary Jane Okerlund Piercey."

"Jared Stone is president of the Tennessee Nashville Mission.  He is co-founder and former Managing DIrector of Northgate Capital.  Before Northgate, Jared worked at Bain Capital and McKinsey & Company.  Jared earned an MBA from Harvard Business School (Baker Scholar).  He earned his bachelor's degree in honors economics from BYU and a JD from Yale Law School.  While at Yale, he co-founded the Amistad Academy, a charter school that has become part of the Achievement First network.  "  BYU Marriott School Advisory Board

Last Transfer

Dear Family and Friends,

It was a great week and I have some transfer news.  I am being transferred to the Nashville Zone and will serve in Bellevue which is just 20 miles away. It should be great. I had a good last week. It is sad that I am leaving this great area. I loved it very much and very sad to go. I am excited to be close to Nashville again.

We did a lot of service this week, and taught some great lessons. I hope the move went well. It sounded very busy and I was glad I didn't have to help with this one, just kidding.

My scripture this week is, Mosiah 29:12
 12 Now it is better that a man should be judged of God than of man, for the judgments of God are always just, but the judgments of man are not always just.

Love,
Elder Blazzard

End of June Post

27 June 2016

Dear Family And Friends,

This morning we helped move a cabinet for some members with the help of the Dickson elders. It was a great week as Michelle got baptized Saturday and confirmed Sunday. It was a great experience and the services and reception went very well. She brought her non-member sister to the baptism. We got a lot done this week and we did a lot of service. I helped make this stone mosaic. We had to pour the concrete in to the mold and everything, it was hard work. In the end the pattern looked nice and was well laid out.

This is President and Sister Andersen's last week. They leave Thursday. President Stone will come in the next day. President Andersen will make the decisions on this next transfer which is next week. Time is still flying.

Hope y'all have a good week, my scripture this week is 2 Nephi 4:19 And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.

Love,

Elder Blazzard

Chicken Coops and Centerville Contacts

Dear Family and Friends,

I had a week full of missionary work and it was fun. However, on Saturday we cleaned out a chicken coop that was fairly gross and I smelled like poop afterwords. We still went to McDonald's after the work and I was pretty hungry after sweating buckets in that oven of a chicken swamp. Our investigators are doing well. We have three awesome investigators in Centerville. It is always fun to go down there, but what a drive. We are on the fifth week of the transfer already, I can't believe it. My scripture this week is 3 Nephi 22:13.

13 And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.
Thanks dad.

Love,

Elder Blazzard

Exhaustive Missionary Work That Will Persist

Dear Family and Friends,

It was a busy week and I am exhausted. I hope all is going well. We had four investigators at church this week which made the entire work for the week amazing. One of our investigators started the stop smoking workshop yesterday. She is doing great and comes to church every Sunday. We had a lot of member help this week and it has been fun working so close with the branch. We have a branch party coming up this Saturday, so while you all have a get together (Blazzard), so will I. We helped three people move this week and my back did well this time. I wasn't too happy about the heat and humidity though. I had to call TiWi, the car monitor system, because our unit in the mission vehicle has not been tracking our service since May. Oh well, it is always fun talking to tech support. Have a good week, love y'all.

Mosiah 27
25 And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters; 26 And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.


Love,

Elder Blazzard

Investigators at Church

Dear Family and Friends,

It was an enjoyable week for me as we met a lot people and continued to work with investigators. Very busy. We were able to provide a lot of service and it was fun. We had Zone Conference meeting this week which was good. We also had the oil changed for the Jeep on Tuesday in Franklin.

On Friday, we arrived at the church meetinghouse at four o'clock in the afternoon to set up for a funeral. It was a little crazy because we were the only ones there when the non-member family members started to arrive. It was a good service and we talked to a lot of people.

On Saturday we helped deep clean a basement. It was a little gross because of the huge spiders, but I made it through. On Sunday we had three investigators to church. One of them we have been working with for over two months now and he ended up staying the entire three hour block for meetings. We have been inviting him to attend for those two months

I had a fun week. Be safe y'all.

Mosiah 26:22
For behold, this is my church; whosoever is baptized shall be baptized unto repentance. And whomsoever ye receive shall believe in my name; and him will I freely forgive.

Love,

Elder Blazzard

The Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ

Dear Family and Friends,

 I hope y'all have a good Memorial Day. This morning we went fishing in the locust creek located in Hickman county. The fishing was good and it was nice to relax and fish. We found a snapping turtle which Elder Crosby picked it up ... so it was a little dangerous but cool.

This week was good as far as lessons went and we talked to a lot of people, sharing the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. We did a lot of service of course and that is good too. On Friday we made homemade ice cream.  The ice cream was great and the only one problem was that the blade broke up into pieces into the ice cream. It was super sad and I was crying over it. It is getting hot and the lighten bugs are out so it is very pretty to see all the flashing lights in the evenings. I sweated a lot this week and I am dying in the muggy weather. We had a lot of adventures driving everywhere and we saw a lot of the country side. I wish I could record it all.

My scripture this week is from

Mosiah 24:21 Yea, and in the valley of Alma they poured out their thanks to God because he had been merciful unto them, and eased their burdens, and had delivered them out of bondage; for they were in bondage, and none could deliver them except it were the Lord their God. 22 And they gave thanks to God, yea, all their men and all their women and all their children that could speak lifted their voices in the praises of their God.
I hope y'all know how much Heavenly Father loves you, have a awesome day and see the good around you.

Love,

Elder Blazzard

The Simple, Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ

Dear Family and Friends,

We had a good week. We had to get our TiWi replaced on the Jeep. We went down to the mission office Wednesday morning and then we had to rush back for district meeting. We had a youth take us to district meeting. We did more yard service this week. I threw-out my back tossing garbage away in one of the projects. It feels a lot better now though, thank goodness.

I have been working on my teaching. I been trying to be more simple. So it was a rough week teaching as I discovered how much I could improve. We had a couple of really good lessons this week, nevertheless. We had two investigators at church. Things are looking up for the area we are going to get a couple more people moved into the branch and some baptisms that might be coming up soon.

Have a good week y'all and see the good side of things. Heavenly Father loves you.

Love,

Elder Blazzard

All Over the District

Dear Family and Friends,

It was a good week. We did service and helped a lot of people. We had a good lesson with investigators Tuesday night. We invited them to church and they showed some hesitancy. It was a great lesson though, very spiritual. We had district meeting Wednesday then we went on exchanges with the zone leaders. I went to Franklin and Elder Tracy stayed in our area.

On Thursday, we went down to Centerville where we set a baptismal date. It was a good Thursday. We had a good rest of the week and had a Branch farewell party. We went to Bellevue for a dinner with a new family that is from Las Vegas. They currently live in Bellevue while there home is being built in Fairview. They fed us Costa Vida, it was good food. Yesterday we went to Vanderbilt Hospital to visit a member, it was a fun week, I hope y'all have a good week, be good.

3 Nephi 19:3 Yea, and even all the night it was noised abroad concerning Jesus; and insomuch did they send forth unto the people that there were many, yea, an exceedingly great number, did labor exceedingly all that night, that they might be on the morrow in the place where Jesus should show himself unto the multitude.


Love,

Elder Blazzard

Around the Country-Side Area

Dear Family and Friends,

It was a fun week ... ending with a Mother's Day call home. We did a lot this week as we got more members out with us checking on referrals, less-actives, and others. We did our regular service. We taught a good lesson on Tuesday where we talked about the Holy Ghost and the lesson was powerful in the spirit. We also had a busy day Thursday because we saw a lot of people that day. That night we had a lesson at a member's house who have a son that is fourteen years old and has not been baptized ... yet.

We are staying busy and having fun running around the country side. The people in this area are great ... love'em. Hope y'all have a good week, be good.

D&C 6:36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.


Love,

Elder Blazzard

Not Just Artifacts

Dear Family and Friends,

It was a good week as we did a lot of service and missionary work. We taught quite a few lessons that turned out good. Always fun. We did a lot of service like always. One project was with this lady that lives in the middle of nowhere. She has found a lot of Native American stuff like arrowheads and graves on her property. It was really interesting.

We have a new branch mission leader in the branch in this area. Our meetings with him went well and he has some great plans for the area. I am doing well and love Tennessee. Have a great week.

Moroni 9:6 And now, my beloved son, notwithstanding their hardness, let us labor diligently; for if we should cease to labor, we should be brought under condemnation; for we have a labor to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness, and rest our souls in the kingdom of God.

Love,

Elder Blazzard

The Field is Green

Dear Family and Friends,

It was a good week. We did a lot more service this week which included a lot of planting. We did service for a thrift store and we mowed a lawn for a member. She fed us so that was good. My hands are a little sore from a the digging, but it was fun and we got to talk to a lot of people because of all the service and exposure.

A past missionary who served here came by Thursday. He was cool. We went and tried a lot of people this week, got to meet some interesting people. We had a good lesson with this guy in the middle of nowhere. It was a long conversation but by the end he agreed to read the Book of Mormon. It was difficult to turn that conversation around towards the restored gospel. We traveled on some more crazy roads, again, and I am glad the car didn't get stuck. I was praying hard, haha. Next week have zone conference in Nashville.

Oh, and it turned super green this week, and got humid again, yeah.

Alma 41:10 Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness.

Love,

Elder Blazzard

New comp and Changes

Dear Family and Friends,

It was a busy week. I received my new companion on Tuesday, Elder Tracy from Salt Lake City. He is the second oldest of five children in his family. We did a lot of service again this week. Some gardening and cleaning out gutters and I was sun burnt by the end of it. We did the gutter cleaning for a older lady member who is from Yugoslavia.  She was so funny. I tried not to imitate her accent, but it was hard.

Some news from the mission is they are splitting the McMinnville Zone to McMinnville and Cookeville Stakes. We got a new Branch President and the wife gave a testimony, she talked about how hard it was to get the kids ready for church, well the kids were wondering why it was so important to get there on time this Sunday, and one of the kids asked if it was the 2nd coming, it was super funny. I had a fun week and was able to share my testimony a lot. The Lord loves you and is always looking after you and knows what things you are going through.

Read this at Church of Christ Bible Study. It really hit me.
35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. (John 12)

Love,

Elder Blazzard

The Road is Straight in the Gospel

Dear Family and Friends,

It was a fun week. We did all the regular service. We went down to Centerville this week and we had a member invite us to teach one of their friends. The lesson went really well as we taught both the restoration and the plan of salvation. She is reading the Book of Mormon and asked great questions. It was a good trip down to Centerville. We travel a lot. Sometimes I get sick of all the travel, the roads are not really straight, I have to make sure I look forward when we drive.

We had stake conference down in Franklin this Saturday and Sunday. They just refinished the gym floor, so the smell was bad I got a huge headache. It was a good conference though, they talked good about helping the missionaries and finding people for us to teach. We got transfer calls, I am staying in Fairview, but Elder Decker is going to Murray, KY. I will receive Elder Tracey. I do know him a little. It will be a fun ... new transfer. Have a good week and look forward to tomorrow for the Lord will work wonders.

Mosiah 8:18 Thus God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles; therefore he becometh a great benefit to his fellow beings.

Love,
Elder Blazzard

Artichoke Dinner

At the Stake President's House

"Why Then Are They Baptized for the Dead"

Dear Family and Friends,

I had a really good week. On Tuesday, we worked with Meals on Wheels.  The day was a chicken broccoli casserole and vegetables. It was fun to dish that out into the little plastic trays. There are a couple of Mormon Moms that help with the routes so we get to see them.   We had a long Plan of Salvation lesson with the couple we see every Tuesday.  They had a hard time understanding the spirit world and the need for baptism for the dead.  They have been taught that baptism is not necessary for salvation, but nevertheless it was a good discussion and I think we explained it well with the help of our member.

We had district meeting and I went on exchanges with the Dickson Elders. It was a good exchange. We had a downpour on Thursday, so a little flooding. General Conference was really good, I enjoyed all the sessions Saturday and Sunday. Elder Holland did a really good job finishing the Conference. His talk was really touching. I can't wait to read them again. I had a awesome birthday dinner yesterday. A member made cajun chicken pasta and it was really good. We visited some people then came back for cake it was a good day. I going to have a fun p-day, have a good week and remember conference, love y'all.

"Remember who you are and what God expects you to become. You are a child of promise. You are a man of might. You are a son of God.”

Thomas S. Monson




Love,

Elder Blazzard

Easter Every Day

Dear Family and Friends,

I had good week here in Franklin, TN. I went on exchanges with the Dickson elders this past week and had a great time. We taught a lot of lessons while I was there. Spring is still coming in as the trees have bloomed and bugs are everywhere. I am excited for summer. We went to the Easter concert in Franklin last night and it was fun. We had a couple of investigators and less actives come attend. Nathan Pacheco and David Archuleta were really good.

This week was a little slow with lessons in our area as we had a lot of people gone for spring break, but we still were able to keep busy with service. Helping with meals on wheels every week is awesome and very fun. We had a good lesson with an investigating couple this week. We taught the plan of salvation and it went very well.

Looking forward to my Birthday, it is my companions Birthday today, so it is going to be a fun day. Have a good week y'all.

Mosiah 4:6    I say unto you, if ye have come to a knowledge of the goodness of God, and his matchless power, and his wisdom, and his patience, and his long-suffering towards the children of men; and also, the atonement which has been prepared from the foundation of the world, that thereby salvation might come to him that should put his trust in the Lord, and should be diligent in keeping his commandments, and continue in the faith even unto the end of his life

Love,

Elder Blazzard

Elder Bednar and the Work

Dear Family and Friends,

It was a good week of missionary work here in Fairfield, Tennessee. The mission wide meeting with Elder Bednar was great in that he put a great perspective on everything. I just wish I could have recorded it. Earlier in the week, we got haircuts for the meeting. The whole week was exciting and we had some good lessons with investigators and members. A few non-members came to a concert put on by the Redhead Express. It was a good concert, I enjoyed it. We have another concert planned for next Sunday night and I am really looking forward to it. We had a good lesson with a guy yesterday, I tried to ask him a lot of questions to get him to think a little deeper, I think I did a good job. I went on exchanges with Elder Daines in Franklin. It was a good exchange, but their a/c was out. It was a good week. Have a good week y'all.

John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Love,

Elder Blazzard

The Country Missionary

Dear Family and Friends,

It was a good week. On Tuesday, we had interviews with President Anderson. It was a quick meeting because it is just the four of us in this area. That night we had dinner then went to a lesson with the members and had a great lesson with this couple that has been investigating the church for a long time. I gave a talk yesterday. The talk centered on charity. I was the last speaker, so I filled the time with a twenty-five minute talk. It went well and I enjoyed it.

We had good lessons this week and five members came out with us this week to do visits and teach. Thursday we went down to Centerville. We took a dirt road which was muddy because it was raining. The road passes through a creek three times and by the second crossing we had to turn back because the water was moving too fast.

I am excited to hear from Elder Bednar this week. Hope y'all have a good safe week.


2 Nephi 4:34 O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.

Love, Elder Blazzard

Busy Week

Dear Family and Friends,

This was a good, busy week and it went by very fast. We had some success in this small town. We had a Zone Meeting in Franklin, TN were the Nashville Tennessee Temple is located. We talked about finding people to teach in ward council which made for a productive meeting. Afterwards, we had pizza and ice cream. I love having a full time car again. We had a dinner Saturday night and they fed us buffalo hamburgers and they were really good ... juicy. We had a good lesson with a family on Tuesday night with a member who went with us.  This family said they felt the spirit as they read the Book of Mormon. I am glad to be able to teach them. Friday night we had a young man from the Branch come out with us and we were able to meet with three people with him. The exchange went well. I showed him my YouTube video "blanket swing fail" and he thought it was hilarious.

Last night we had a member come with us and we had two really good lessons. We have a restoration lesson and a lesson on the spirit world and spent some time answering this guy's tough questions ... that was an experience. We have a lot of things coming up. Tomorrow we have interviews and then the following Saturday we have Elder David A. Bednar coming to the mission and meeting with the missionaries. That night we have a music concert at the building in Dickson. It will be fun to meet an Apostle. I am excited. We are doing a lot of service here and working on farms.  It is entertaining. Have a good week and I will do the same, love you guys.

Mosiah 2:6 And they pitched their tents round about the temple, every man having his tent with the door thereof towards the temple, that thereby they might remain in their tents and hear the words which king Benjamin should speak unto them;


Love,

Elder Blazzard

New Area

Dear Family and Friends,

My new area, Fairview, Tennessee is great. The branch is strong and supports missionary work. This first week was fun and engaging. On Tuesday,  we gathered at the Sunset building and a member took us and the Madison Elders down to our areas. I was able to say goodbye to Elder Nez and Elder Brown as they left this past week, returning home having completed their missions and are home now. In the Fairview area, which is large, we are assigned a Jeep Compass and our apartment is a duplex. The duplex is okay because the building was just sprayed for bugs ...  so no bugs! Our district has four elders (very small) and it was a weird district meeting with just the four of us. We went to a china buffet after district meeting and a member from Burgess Falls paid for us.

In this area we do a lot of service. We help with meals on wheels every week, and also help members with their farm work. The LDS missionaries are infamous here so tracting is hard. Everyone knows who we are and what we are doing. It reminds me a little of Winchester.

Remember to be the best whatever you are. Have a good week and be happy.

7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (Revelation 21)

Love, Elder Blazzard

Confederate Military Cemetery

Highway 96

Carnton Plantation, built in 1826

Beginning at 4 p.m. on November 30, 1864, Carnton was witness to one of the bloodiest battles of the entire Civil War. Everything the McGavock family ever knew was forever changed. The Confederate Army of Tennessee furiously assaulted the Federal army entrenched along the southern edge of Franklin. The resulting battle, believed to be the bloodiest hours of the Civil War, involved a massive frontal assault larger than Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg. The majority of the combat occurred in the dark and at close quarters. The Battle of Franklin lasted barely five hours and led to some 9,500 soldiers being killed, wounded, captured, or counted as missing. Nearly 7,000 of that number were Confederate troops. Carnton served as the largest field hospital in the area for hundreds of wounded and dying Confederate soldiers

Last Week in Goodlettsville

Dear Family and Friends,

This was a busy and good week. I am being transferred this coming week to Fairview, Tennessee. The Fairview Branch goes to Dickson, Tennessee for Sunday meetings and church activities. This week went well though even though we witnessed a crazy driver in the mall parking lot one night. This guy jumped over four mediums, hit a sign, and brushed a tree. It was crazy. This guy just gunned it all over. He was probably drunk. We did some service for a member helping him redo part of the foundation of his house and put gravel on the driveway.

I got almost everything packed up and ready. Fairview is in the country and I am excited to go back to that kind of area for Spring. Our investigators our doing well. We have a part member family and one of them that is ready for baptism and we are finding better quality investigators. The work is good.  I loved going to the temple Friday. I feel sad that I will not be able to return to the temple for another six months. We went to Chik-fil-A for lunch afterwards thus making it a tradition to go after each temple visit. I will miss Elder Maxwell, my good friend. Hope y'all have a good week.

1 Corinthians 2: 10-11

10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of Godknoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.


Love,
Elder Blazzard

Working the Field

Dear Family and Friends,

This was a good week. On Monday we had a dinner at a member's house and then we went to Hendersonville to drop off a bible referral. We dropped of the Bible and a Book of Mormon and taught him a little bit, so that was good. Then we had a lesson with a less-active. That night we walked home. On Tuesday, Elder Maxwell was sick, however we were able to go tracting and get work done around the apartment. On Wednesday, we had district meeting where training was given on faith and hope.  I gave a training on how to use the area book application on the iPad.  That was fun and I got into it. We had taco bell for lunch and we then went to this bible referral and waited and waited for this member to meet us there because we set up a lesson with this investigator.  The member was late and I had to go to the bathroom so we decided to knock on the door. No one answers and so we call the number and he says is not home and to come back the next day. The member finally comes and we try some other contacts with him.

That night we had meetings, so I went on splits with a member from the Hendersonville Ward and we tried some YSA less-actives and I had a lesson set up with a investigator, but that fell through. The member took me to Center Pointe BBQ ... it was really good.  The best part was I missed most of the meetings. On Thursday we went up to Hendersonville and tried to some people up there. We also tracted some. Later that day we had a lesson with this really less active lady, it went well but her father in law was there. He is a Baptist preacher. We come in and he says right away that they were not interested. I was like well we just want to share a scripture. I shared Alma 7:11-13, and he says I guess I agree with that much. We say a pray and leave. I think we impressed the less active member as she was just smiling.

It was Elder Maxwell's birthday on Thursday so we went to Chilis with the whole district minus the Zone Leaders. On Friday, we had weekly planning and we got to talk to a lot of less actives. We had dinner at Famous Dave's a member took us out for Elder Maxwell's Birthday. It was really good BBQ. I had the Texas Smoked Brisket. We had a lesson that night with a less active and her kids, her nine year old wants to get baptized. It was a little scary going to that house because they live in the projects.

On Saturday we did service at the bishops storehouse. I went on a day exchange with Elder Wright. It was fun we had to help the Spanish elders get ready for their baptism. We switched back that night. Sunday went well. We had lunch/dinner after church with the member that live across the street from the street. They had saltine crackers and a lot of butter on top for a appetizer. It was hard to get that down with all that butter. We had a member take us out, then we went tracting. A really mean lady answered one door, She made us leave the apartment complex. It was a good week though and I had fun servings others. Hope y'all have a good week.

2 Nephi 25:8 Wherefore, they are of worth unto the children of men, and he that supposeth that they are not, unto them will I speak particularly, and confine the words unto mine own people; for I know that they shall be of great worth unto them in the last days; for in that day shall they understand them; wherefore, for their good have I written them.

Love,
Elder Blazzard

The Book of Mormon -

Dear Family and Friends,

It was another good week but a little rough with allergies and a runny nose. On Monday night we had a lesson with the church of god minster. The lesson was a tough but worked out as we talked a lot about reading the Book of Mormon to know if our message is true. We dropped a lot of investigators this week. Sad but necessary and it made the week even tougher.  We found a new family and got a lot of referrals from church headquarters to check on. We dropped off a bible to a guy that was fairly interested in our message. Our week was busy and our members are really of great support to us.  Support your full-time missionaries you will be blessed! We are going to the temple soon and I am so ready to go. Thanks for the support and happy birthday Dad.

2 Nephi 9: 19-20 
19 O the greatness of the mercy of our God, the Holy One of Israel! For he delivereth his saints from that awful monster the devil, and death, and hell, and that lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment.
20 O how great the holiness of our God! For he knoweth all things, and there is not anything save he knows it.

Love,

Elder Blazzard

Spanish Exchanges

Dear Family and Friends,

This week we had BBQ for lunch at the bishop's storehouse. I went on exchanges with the Spanish elders, I got to teach some Spanish, well I really just sat there but it was fun. District meeting went well, we had Jimmy John's for lunch. I was still on exchanges with the Spanish. We had zone conference Thursday and that went well, we won the golden hubcap award, for the cleanest and for following the mission fleet standards. They got Chik-Fil-A catering for lunch, it was good. We went to Hendersonville that night and try some people, meet a couple new people and had a good lesson with one of our progressing investigators. On Friday we had some phone lessons, went tracting and a guy open his door with a gun, he slowly put the gun away as we talked to him. Saturday was good and busy we got a member out with us that night. On Sunday night we talked with a guy that thinks the Sabbath should be on Saturday, but he loves the Book of Mormon, however, he doesn't like our prophets. It was fun because as this guy was "teaching us" a stray cat ran into his house. It was a tender mercy. It was a good week, hope all is well.

1 Nephi 17:3 And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them; wherefore, he did provide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness.

Love,

Elder Blazzard

Clean Car Award - The Golden Cap

Possum

Elder Reyes

Dangy Weather

Dear Family and Friends,

This week it snowed and it was actually fun to deal with the weather. On Tuesday, we worked at the Bishop's Storehouse and the work was a blast. We had biscuits and gravy for lunch that day. Elder Maxwell and I worked on the Home Storage side where we rearranged everything. 

My retainer broke and I am not very happy about it and have scheduled an appointment with the Ortho.  On Wednesday we participated in the worldwide missionary broadcast. The training was inspiring and we learned a lot. It snowed a little that day but had melted by Thursday.  The snow came down and accumulated on Friday. Everyone stayed home in Tennessee ... the area seemed like a vacant waste land with only a couple of cars on the road.

One of our investigators is trying to quite coffee as she is close to baptism and we have been working with her since last November. She reads the Book of Mormon and loves the plan of salvation. She just has insomnia so it is hard for her to get to church. The other day we went to Millersville and talked with a part member family and also this investigator and her brother. That lesson went well. We taught the restoration and she was super excited and said she would come and check out our church. Then the snow came and church, of course, was canceled. 

This week of missionary work has been eventful and fun. I am lovin' it. 

Mosiah 9:18 And God did hear our cries and did answer our prayers; and we did go forth in his might; yea, we did go forth against the Lamanites, and in one day and a night we did slay three thousand and forty-three; we did slay them even until we had driven them out of our land.

Love, 

Elder Blazzard

January Days

Dear Family and Friends,

It was a fun week and has been a great new year. Missionary work was good this week because we taught a lot of lessons and worked with the members as they helped us with the appointments. The work is easier and more enjoyable when we are busy. Nothing too exciting happened this week, I went on exchanges with Elder Denhalter and the exchange went very well, we talked to a church of God minister. He was open and very nice. We gave him the Book of Mormon to read. That night we had a lesson with a less active and his wife was not to happy we were there because she was sighing and shaking here head the whole time we where there, I guess it is pay back for me sighing so much. I hope y'all have a good week.

Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Love,

Elder Blazzard

More time in Goodlettsville

Dear Family and Friends,

It was a fun week. Elder Maxwell and I are staying in Goodlettsville for a third transfer. We had our last district meeting of the transfer this week and it went well. Elder Nez (trainer) is coming to serve in Madison and so we will serve in the same ward. That will be cool. Elder Nimmer is coming to the White House area which is not in my district, however, he has church at the same building as us. It will be fun to see them again. We taught a lot of people this week and invited seven people to be baptized.

There is a lot of nice people here. Hope all is well, keep truckin'.

7 For verily I say unto you that I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the light and the life of the world--a light that shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not.
8 I came unto mine own, and mine own received me not; but unto as many as received me gave I power to do many miracles, and to become the sons of God; and even unto them that believed on my name gave I power to obtain eternal life. (D&C 45)

Love Y'all,

Elder Blazzard

New Mission President Called for Tennessee Nashville Mission
Jared W. Stone from San Francisco California

A New Year

Dear Family and Friends,

This week was fun and different given the holidays.  We worked at the Bishop Storehouse on Tuesday but the work was fairly slow so we did some cleaning. We had a good lesson with one of our investigators. We invited her to be baptized yet again :-). The discussion went well and we had a strong, kneeling prayer at the end. On Wednesday, we were pretty busy as we had some scheduled service and then we went tracting. We met a nice lady and then that night had a better lesson with a family with whom we are working.

On Thursday, we had interviews with the president and then we went to Olive Garden :-) and that took the day since we were required to be in our apartment by six because of New Year's Eve. On New Years, we watched the movies Cars, Inside Out, Minions, and The Best Two Years. It was fun. The Best Two Years was sad when Elder Rogers went home. On Saturday, we did some scheduled service, then a member took us out on visits where we obtained a wheelchair for a recent convert. We had a great lesson with a new investigator where we are helping him understand the priesthood of god or the authority to act in God's name. On Sunday, our church meeting time was switched to nine.

I had a good, fun week, but I am ready to get back to normal missionary work.

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2)

Love,

Elder Blazzard