Week 64: Všetko možné

Alright.  So as far as I know, all missionaries in Europe have or will receive smart phones.  Guess who that includes?  You guessed it.  Me.  It's been quite a while (over a year, in fact) sinced I've held one of these things, and it feels a little unnatural.  However, there is something interesting to be pointed out.  After a year of not having access to one of these devices, and even before that not having the best of habits with technology, it might seem as though I've made considerable progress.  But that's not necessarily the case.  

The more time I spend with it, the more I find that it's quite easy to slip back into old habits, t.j. clicking on the screen with no purpose in mind, open random apps, atď.  Fortunately, we have been given a set of rules on how to use technology appropriately and in harmony with our missionary calling.  

Mastering these guidlines will take work, but it will prepare us to use technology wisely in the "real world."  I only have so long to develop good habits while in Slovakia with the structure and support of the missionary program.  Likewise, our life on earth is relatively short in comparison with all of eternity.  

God has through prophets ancient and modern given us guidelines t.j. commandments, and to the degree we master those true principles, such will we have an advantage in the world to come.  Just as I need a phone to learn how to correctly use it, life on earth requires opposition for our growth.  Opposition alone will not produce growth, but it provides opportunities for us to choose the right.  So... choose the right!

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Also, if any of you are interested in learning languages, I recommend General Conference.  General Conference is a semi-annual event where speakers selected from the leaders of our church address us.  If you can think of a language, General Conference is likely available in that language.  

In many cases, the translations are done by native speakers (for example, in a country even as small as the Czech Republic).  You have both written and spoken forms, so you can practice both hearing and reading.  

It's very well organized, the messages are most inspirational, and it's all free.  Plus, you get wonderful music from the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.  Their rendition of "How Firm a Foundation" this past Sunday Morning Session was outstanding.  

Didn't take any photos this week, so I went back and put together photos I already had of Elder Barton.