emma “is the whore of all the earth”(1 Nephi 14:10). there were two crazy storms from the east (#beastfromtheeast) and the south (storm Emma) and they teamed up and hit us like a ton of bricks! the beast and Emma hit us so hard! we had to be in by 8 every night because of the weather and we weren’t allowed to bike. by far the coldest week of my entire life, it was -15 one day. but we smacked the beast and Emma, this week was by far one of the best weeks of my life. if any of you knew how hyped I am right now! it was such a good week so let’s get it!
wednesday was fetching cold, we were talking to people at the uni and decided to stop in the student union and grab some hot chocolate (thanks dad!). we spent some time there and then went out into the storm and did a few laps around university road, and literally 5 steps before we stepped onto campus property again (where we can’t talk to people about the gospel), we stopped this guy named Rxxxr. He walks past our church several times a day and he was super interested in chatting so we went in a cafe with him and taught him and answered his questions for over an hour! then we walked 40 minutes with him to the chapel area (he lives next to the chapel, like what?!?!) and then we gave him a chapel tour. he studies law at the uni by the way! we kept in good contact with him and then he came to church, all 3 hours, and loved it! he was participating in the discussions, asking good questions, and wanted to stay long after to talk with us! we taught him a bit about the plan of Salvation and the three kingdoms of glory rather than a heaven and hell and he loved it, he’s always believed hell is a state of mind so it just clicked with him. and if we were 10 seconds ahead when we walked by him, we wouldn’t have met him. he’s a miracle.
other notable events:
- we ate at a baller bagel place called ‘bagel break’ and it was legit-I got a chicken tikka bagel sandwich
- our whole flat complex alarm went off at 230AM and Emma was just screaming, it was freezing but apparently it was a false alarm that was set off because of how cold it was
- we were doing some online proselyting at McDonald’s and two people started up a convo with us and we were chatting with them and all of the sudden some guy comes up to us and starts trash talking us, I started to pray in my head that he’d go mute so he wouldn’t take the spirit away and no joke, this homie was dead silent after I finished that silent prayer and didn’t say another word, it was unreal
- I saw a guy in what I thought was a clippers hat, so I stopped him super enthusiastically and it wasn’t a clipps hat and it was so awkward...ouch
- we went with Fxxxxi to the Bxxambury’s (member couple) house and had dinner and a lesson, we taught the plan of Salvation and the spirit was so strong! undeniable!
- We met a [] homie who transferred from Purdue university to Leicester university. He actually played American football at Purdue and we had a sweet conversation about American sports with him, I was beaming!
there are too many notable things that happened this week. honestly it was the most bitter cold week of my life, but by far the best and happiest week! we still had challenges here and there but the highs outweighed the lows by far! elder Johnson is a beast! we have a ton of fun and he’s such a hard worker! I feel way blessed!
i was reading a great talk by elder Holland called “place no more for the enemy of my soul”, in which he talks about some points useful for all of us as we strive to overcome temptation:
- “start by separating yourself from people, materials, and circumstances that will harm you. the pull of proximity can be fatal”
- “Pray without ceasing. Ask for angels to help you.”
- watch what media we are taking in. what might seem harmless may have spiritually dulling effects on us which could lead to sin. “An old proverb says that a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, so watch your step.”
- “Whatever thoughts you have, make sure they are welcome in your heart by invitation only. As an ancient poet once said, let will be your reason.”
- “Cultivate and be where the Spirit of the Lord is”
And i would add the counsel to look unto the lord in every thought, doubting not, fearing not. I testify that through the atonement of Jesus Christ we CAN overcome temptation, and if we have slipped off the path leading to eternal joy, we can hop back on because of Christ Jesus. His love, mercy, and enabling power is extended to all.
major bday shoutout to the cousin Trenton! i love you all, have a legen-wait for it and I hope you’re not lactose intolerant because the next word is-dary, LEGENDARY week! 
Elder Varner
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