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