Zachary Athans

My Homecoming Talk

2011-11-13T20:09:00.000-08:00

I am grateful to be back with my home ward. There is nothing like being home. Well, I am Zachary Athans. I am the bishop’s son than many probably don’t know I just returned home from a two year full-time mission in the Brazil Vitória Mission. Today, I will speak of my experiences and blessings as a full-time missionary. I will use a talk about the blessings of missionary service by President Gordon B. Hinckley, Former President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As I do this I pray that the spirit of the Lord will be here to touch us as I share the words I felt impressed to say. President Hinckley said.

I throw out a challenge to every young man within this vast congregation tonight. Prepare yourself now to be worthy to serve the Lord as a full-time missionary. Of course your time is precious, and you may feel you cannot afford two years. But I promise you that the time you spend in the mission field, if those years are spent in dedicated service, will yield a greater return on investment than any other two years of your lives.

I testify that that is true. I can feel a change in me, a change that could not have happened so quickly had I not served a full-time mission.
You will come to know what dedication and consecration mean. You will develop powers of persuasion which will bless your entire life.
As a missionary, your purpose is to “Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel thru faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the holy ghost and enduring to the end.” I never entered a house wanting to force any to my beliefs on them. I simply shared what I knew to be true and tried to show them how they in turn could have that same happiness that I have. The people that really read the Book of Mormon and prayed received an answer. I invite one and all who have not received this witness about the Book of Mormon and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to read and pray. Heavenly Father will answer prayers; Of this I have no doubt.
Your timidity, your fears, your shyness will gradually disappear as you go forth with boldness and conviction. You will learn to work with others, to develop a spirit of teamwork.
One of the greatest challenges of missionary work is team work. It’s funny before I served; I thought as many people who are not familiar to this work think that all missionaries are the best of friends and never have problems. It’s funny because it’s a lot like a marriage two imperfect people forced to work together. That can really make a difference in your life as a missionary. I am very grateful for the companions which I had, the easy one and the not so easy ones. Each one has had a profound influence on my life. I thank each one for what they did for me.
The cankering evil of selfishness will be supplanted by a sense of service to others.
As a missionary, you are focused everyday for two years on other people. It’s interesting how your personal needs become less important and the needs of others are more important. My mission president, Scott Pickett once told me, “There is another irony - the more you focus on the salvation of others, the more secure your own salvation becomes. … I go even further. It is impossible to be saved unless you are saving others. The natural man focuses on himself; the spiritual man focuses on others. Good luck!!.” That is one thing I have gained is a sure knowledge that this is true. I never was happier when than I stopped thinking about me.
You will draw nearer to the Lord than you likely will in any other set of circumstances. You will come to know that without His help you are indeed weak and simple, but that with His help you can accomplish miracles.
Anyone who knows missionary work knows that it is not easy. It is my personal belief that the Lord will give his missionaries more trials during the mission than any other time in his life to that point to strengthen and fortify them into the people he wants them to become. I say trials and these trials are different ranging from problems with companions, girlfriends, family, depression, obedience, discouragement etc. My belief and actually my knowledge is this. The Lord gives us these trials to test us and to fortify us. The Saviour said “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” Ether 12:27
I use an example…a rock when put in river is usually rough, but after a lot of time in that rushing water…its is smoothened and becomes something very beautiful. The same is true of us. Heavenly Father will put us in the river so that we can be smoothened. The Natural or unrefined man is an enemy to God. Verily the refined man or the saint is the friend and child of God. We need to be careful to not reject the very things which Father gives us to make us smooth or refined. I know that trials in the moment are difficult but you are humbled and come closer to your father in heaven. I can say with confidence that I am GRATEFUL for every trial which I have had including before during and after my fulltime missionary service.]
You will establish habits of industry. You will develop a talent for the establishment of goals of effort. You will learn to work with singleness of purpose. What a tremendous foundation all of this will become for you in your later educational efforts and your life’s work. Two years will not be time lost. It will be skills gained.
You will bless the lives of those you teach, and their posterity after them. You will bless your own life.
I had the opportunity to teach many, many great and wonderful people. I had the privilege to help some enter the waters of baptism. I would like to talk about two people that had affected my life and both I was blessed and so were they.
1st, Gilda was a middle aged women. She had two children who were baptized one served a mission and after that they had both chosen inactivity. Gilda had known the church for over ten years when I met her but for some reason or another she never decided to be baptized. When I met her she was bedridden due to a foot injury worsened by diabetes. We were led to her by our Heavenly Father of this I have no doubt. As we began to teach her, her trials truly had humbled her and she was prepared to receive the word. We invited to read the Book of Mormon and pray about its divinity. She did and the answer came from our Father. Miracles were witnessed as Father prepared a way for her to be baptized despite physical hardships. She is a great example to me.
2nd Thayná, Thayná was a young woman that also heard the Masters call. She taught herself english and had real intent. She had lots of doubts at first but when she recieved her difinative answer and moved forward with Faith. The hardest thing for us was to get the approval from her mom to allow her be baptized. She attended for 3 months without consent to be baptized. My companion and I decided to fast one day for her. We thought that finally with extra blessings of the fast certainly something would happen. It took about a month which tried our patience and faith. Finally Father gave us the blessing and she was allowed to be baptized. I was taught patience. I believe all of us were taught that Heavenly Father does answer prayers but indeed in his own time.
You will bless the lives of your family, who will sustain you and pray for you.
I can say all the feelings of my heart. I felt and saw the blessings that came to my family while I was a missionary. Leaving I had many reservations about leaving my family. Our families are important to us. I had to leave with the faith that Heavenly would take care of them. I was often reminded on the mission that they would be taken care of and they were. If anyone has reservation because of family move forward with faith heavenly Father will take care of them. If you don’t believe me look at my family.
And above and beyond all of this will come that sweet peace in your heart that you have served your Lord faithfully and well. Your service will become an expression of gratitude to your Heavenly Father.
You will come to know your Redeemer as your greatest friend in time or eternity. You will realize that through His atoning sacrifice He has opened the way for eternal life and an exaltation above and beyond your greatest dreams.
This one was one of the most important to me personally. I wanted to know my savior. And I did get to know him. I had the privilege of walking along side my Saviour. I know I am nothing. I know that he did something we and I could not do for ourselves. I felt his love for me and the people of brazil. He is my best friend.
If you serve a mission faithfully and well, you will be a better husband, you will be a better father; you will be a better student, a better worker in your chosen vocation. Love is of the essence of this missionary work. Selflessness is of its very nature. Self-discipline is its requirement. Prayer opens its reservoir of power.
And so, my dear young brethren, resolve within your hearts today to include in the program of your lives service in the harvest field of the Lord as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I suppose I could go on for years. Suffice to say that Heavenly Father needed me to serve this mission to not only help me but to bless his great Brazilian children.

I will close now with my testimony. I choose to do this in my mission language. I know most of you will not understand but I know that the spirit will bear witness of this because it is truth.

Brazilian dryer...and some Scenic Brazil

2010-04-25T08:09:00.000-07:00

Im back Im back

2010-04-25T07:57:00.000-07:00

Querido Minha Família,

Well I am glad to report that one more week happened, man time is flying. It's weird to think I get to talk to you guys in just like 3 weeks....weird and exciting. Well, p-day last week was kinda boring. We did not really do a whole lot which was nice. I wrote some letters and coisas assim. =).

Tuesday, after district meeting I did a division with Elder Erick. He is way cool. He is in the other ward in our building. He came to our area, so I had to go senior for a day. I was slightly nervous but the day went so well. We taught like 8 lessons together and found like 10 new which was sweet. Oh yeah, he is a Brazilian so português all day long.

The rest of the week was a little bit of a downer. I got in a weird funk Like i was going through the motions but I was not all there. Very chato (annoying) but I am glad to report that I am back to 100% now.

Saturday, Denise and Taleson were interviewed for baptism. They both passed. Denise had to give up coffee this week and she had some major withdrawals...like seriously...you would think that she was a druggie. But, she has kicked it which is good. They will be baptized on Saturday.

Funny story...so we were at the bus station waiting for a bus and we were speaking english to each other and this girl behind us in perfect english said, "excuse me can I ask you a question? You are from America right, why would you come here?" It caught us off guard. Then we started speaking portugues to her...haha. She lived in Florida for most of her life. We explained how were called by a profeta of god. She really wants to go back to the U.S. She likes but does not love Brazil...really funny.

I ask that you will pray for me this week especially that my teaching will improve. This is one thing I feel is lacking right now...so pray for it please.

Yesterday, we went with Edson's mom to her church. One thing about Brazil is there is at least 20 churches on every corner...no joke. It was a assemblia de deus (assembly of god). It was really loud and weird but a good experience. They focused a lot on the cross at calvary. I gained an apprecation for other christian churches, because even though they do not have a fullness of the truth they are still trying to teach and worship Jesus in the way they know best. It was fun.

I am getting another haircut today. Is smallville on its last season (Mom you can email Mandy this question for me?) We have zone conference this week so we get letters whoa.

One more funny thing for dad. The brazilains that have bikes really dont have brakes so they used there feet (flipflops) to stop. We watched a kid go down big hill and stop with his feet. It was really funny!!

Well all for now.

Give my love to TJ and the rest of the family. I love you all!!!

Elder Athão (Big Athans)

Pizza...Broken Razor...New Apartment

2010-04-18T09:19:00.001-07:00

Pizzaria Novo Horizonte

2010-04-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

Wow this week in all reality flew by really fast. So I am sure you all want to know about transfers. So, here is what went down. Elder Ekstrom and I stayed together yet again. Which is good because we work very well together. We know each other very well too well at times but all is well. Elder Johnson that lived in our apartment, he had been there 4 transfers still his greenie area and Elder Croshaw in our district was transferred too. We got Elder Bastos from São Paulo in our apartment. He is pretty cool, so our district is now equal 3 Americans and 3 Brasileiros. This is a short transfer only 5 weeks instead of the normal 6 weeks this is because of Americans and visas or something. Only 1 5 week transfer a year here.

The weather has been amazing this week. Like usually I sweat jemais (too much) but I have rarely sweated this week. It’s really pretty nice. Ekstrom has been freezing its kinda funny. I heard Duke won the tournament. Is that correct? Send me a copy of the brackets. Elder Ekstrom had a major cold this week but he still went on awesome great example to me.

We have 2 investigators that we are working with this week on baptism to be baptized on the 24th. Whoa. We found an awesome family of 6 yesterday all above age 8. They are really sweet. I will be praying for them a lot this week.

Geovanne, a recent convert, his godfather passed away. So we and another companionship sang at the graveside service and Elder Ekstrom offered a prayer. It was good. I was really glad to be there for him.

Edson got confirmed yesterday. It was neat. I love him so much. I cannot go over to his house without laughing like crazy. He is just a really funny person. I sealed the anointing on 2 blessings this week. One for a little kid and the other for Ekstrom. It’s really weird because in blessings you have to use a different form the Tu form. It was good. The priesthood is real. I know it and it is the only thing that makes our church valid.

Oh yeah I got a package and a letter this week. It was awesome. Mom thank you so much for the package. It was so amazing. I loved it. The letter was from Gillian Voigt. Nice surprise.

Oh yeah a tragedy happened. So, we live four stories up right. I was emptying my hair from my electric razor out the window like always and the head fell off (the white part). It was very sad. I picked up all the pieces but yeah, the body of it is still good just the head is not good. So it’s back to a normal Razor for Elder Athans for the time being.

The gospel is true the work carries on. I love you all. Happy 58,000000 birthday mom (by the way the period and the comma are switched here.)

Elder Athans

Golfing and Brazil

2010-04-05T10:01:00.001-07:00

Conferência General

2010-04-05T09:42:00.000-07:00

Ola Minha Familia,

Well, this weekend was pretty awesome. I hope one and all soaked up the joy that is and was general conference. I hope you noticed the theme as I did and that was about families. Families are one the most important things in this life. I have a testimony that the family is indeed ordained of God. I am glad for the temple sealing which unites families on both sides of the veil. The hours for the sessions here are 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 and priesthood at 830 Sunday morning. They record priesthood and reshow it. The first session they did not have English set up for us so I had to watch it in Portuguese. It is not the same without the voices. I did not get all that I wanted from the first session probably because I had a bad attitude for listening to it in Portuguese. The second session was my favorite, especially Elder Holland. He is my favorite. Priesthood we had to watch in Portuguese but a truly miraculous thing occurred, I understood without much thinking. It was amazing, one special prompting when all the members of the first presidency spoke I could feel the spirit bear testimony to me that they are called of God. I know they are.

I hope everyone had a good Easter. We really did not do much for Easter. It’s funny here even though people are members of the church they still carry some catholic traditions such as only fish and chicken on Friday and on Friday being quiet from 3 to 6. My testimony is this of the risen lord. I know that Jesus is the Christ, the holy one is real, that he leads this his church the only true church on the earth. This is a bold but true statement, the only true church on the earth. I know without doubt in my mind.

Last p-day me and Elder Ekstrom went and played golf here in Brazil…crazy right? I played golf before I played soccer. We took a bus about an hour away. The owner of the course was not there when we were there so we had to wait. They did not accept credit cards luckily we had enough cash to save us. Green fees were 60 reais each, clubs for rent which we shared 20 and 10 balls another 20, so between us it cost 160…haha. It’s more comforting in you think about it in dollars. It was fun. Ekstrom lost like 4 balls on the first 2 holes. We were running out of ball by like hole 3, but through prayer and miracles we found some balls and got through to play all 9 holes. I will send some pictures. First time I had played in 3 years. I was pretty bad, but it was fun. It was a party for Ekstrom’s birthday.

I did divisions with Elder Johnson this week, him and Elder Carvalho work on the other side of the ward. It was good to be on that side, we did a lot of walking that day. It was good. I will send pictures from the division.

The theme for this transfer was charity Moroni 7:47. Transfers are tomorrow. I think Ekstrom might be going and Johnson. I have a feeling it will be me and 3 Brazilians in the apartment…whoa. The theme for this transfer is D&C 103:36.

I received 5 letters on Monday because an elder in our district went to the mission office and grabbed them..3 from mom on missionties.com,1 from a kid in my district in the MTC, and the other from Michelle. Thanks keep them coming. They really help and I enjoy them lots.

All for now pray for me and I for you

Elder Athans

Shall we not go in so great a cause forward not backward avante avante pra Vitoria.--Joseph Smith

Ignore the post in white!!!

2010-04-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry....the blog updater was having technical difficulties!!!!

Muito Legal

2010-04-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

Oí e tudo bem todos. This week is very good. I am pleased to report that the mission is still going very well. Well let’s see Tuesday I was sick. I woke up with diarrhea, não bom. Ekstrom had a meeting at Presidents so Elder Carvalho went with him. He brought back my temporary companion and we just stayed in. I did not feel well. You are supposed to get permission from Sister Pickett but I could not get a hold of her till later but she agreed I could stay in. It was kinda lame; I wanted to work and show the area to the other Elder. He is Brazilian, we got along well. For lunch Elders Carvalho and Johnson ate at the Relief Society Presidents and she sent us food. She sent like directions and medicine. It was nice. I love her so much. One thing that she sent was this juice stuff from a bark of a tree, it was so nasty I only could have like an ounce. Gross, but I am better now, just sick that one day.

Well, we have seen some sorrows this week. Our baptism Silvia was really down this week. She did not want to talk about it and yeah, she left yesterday going to the Bahia other part of Brazil, kinda sad, I hope she still stays strong.

Poliana was a baptism we had scheduled for yesterday. She told us on Saturday she did not want to be baptized. That was really sad.

Enough sad...yesterday we had yet another baptism. It was Edson, the seven toed man I found. I found him during a morning while we were doing what is called bhag (big hairy audacious goal). President has us do this to make sure we work in the morning before lunch. He is hilarious. He was late to church, and after the sacrament was passed they opened the door and the entire chapel could hear him say that he was late. Then when he was changing into the jumpsuit, there were bathroom had stalls but he did not use them. Then when was walking down into the font, we was saying oh Gloria oh dues (god). Then he forget to plug his nose…oh my gosh. I am still laughing. He is awesome. I love him so much.

I did another division this week. This time it was with Elder Brito, he is one of the zone leaders. I worked in his area. His area is still in Vitoria, but more towards the city so that was cool. It was a long day though. His area had hills or mountains so it was a lot of up and down. It was good though.

Well Easter is drawing closer...remember the Master this season. During my studies this week I will be studying about those final days of the master. I would encourage all to do the same; any letters to the dear Elder Athans would be appreciated.

Funny story, here in Brazil everyone gets drunk on the weekends. I got my first drunk guy hug on Saturday. He smelled awful. Ekstrom was laughing the entire time. General conference is this weekend whoa. I love it. we are trying to get a room for English we should be able to but pray for it because as much as I love Portuguese and I do....I would rather watch in English. Ekstrom turned 20 this week so that was fun.

Transfers are next week so we will see. Hey mail me a copy of the final bracket.

I am excited today because to celebrate Ekstrom’s birth we are going golfing you will find out more next week.

I love you all pray for me as I do for you.

Elder Athans

Muito Legal

2010-04-05T09:14:00.000-07:00

Well, we have seen some sorrows this week. Our baptism Silvia was really down this week. She did not want to talk about it and yeah, she left yesterday going to the Bahia other part of Brazil, kinda sad, I hope she still stays strong.

Poliana was a baptism we had scheduled for yesterday. She told us on Saturday she did not want to be baptized. That was really sad.

Enough sad...yesterday we had yet another baptism. It was Edson, the seven toed man I found. I found him during a morning while we were doing what is called bhag (big hairy audacious goal). President has us do this to make sure we work in the morning before lunch. He is hilarious. He was late to church, and after the sacrament was passed they opened the door and the entire chapel could hear him say that he was late. Then when he was changing into the jumpsuit, there were bathroom had stalls but he did not use them. Then when was walking down into the font, we was saying oh Gloria oh dues (god). Then he forget to plug his nose…oh my gosh. I am still laughing. He is awesome. I love him so much.

I did another division this week. This time it was with Elder Brito, he is one of the zone leaders. I worked in his area. His area is still in Vitoria, but more towards the city so that was cool. It was a long day though. His area had hills or mountains so it was a lot of up and down. It was good though.

Well Easter is drawing closer...remember the Master this season. During my studies this week I will be studying about those final days of the master. I would encourage all to do the same; any letters to the dear Elder Athans would be appreciated.

Funny story, here in Brazil everyone gets drunk on the weekends. I got my first drunk guy hug on Saturday. He smelled awful. Ekstrom was laughing the entire time. General conference is this weekend whoa. I love it. we are trying to get a room for English we should be able to but pray for it because as much as I love Portuguese and I do....I would rather watch in English. Ekstrom turned 20 this week so that was fun.

Transfers are next week so we will see. Hey mail me a copy of the final bracket.

I am excited today because to celebrate Ekstrom’s birth we are going golfing you will find out more next week.

I love you all pray for me as I do for you.

Elder Athans

Mais uma batisma

2010-03-24T19:28:00.000-07:00

Well, hello family how are we all doing? Well I hope.

I am doing well. This week was very good and enjoyable. The time really is starting to go by faster which is nice and sad. Too bad for Kyle, not Brazil, oh well, spanish is almost as good as português.

Well, we had a visit from Elder Godoy this week. He his in the 1st quorem of 70 and in the area presidency here. He taught us during mission tour on tuesday. It was combined with two zones vitoria and villa velia. So, I got to see Elder McQuivey (my mtc companion) and some other Elders we met in the MTC. It was really nice. Elder Godoy was awesome but he spoke really fas.t He is a native brazilian. I had to really concentrate to listen but it was good. It is much easier to listen to Sister Pickett. Her portugues is not the best and so it is way easy to understand. President is easy too.

Last p-day we went to the mall and I bought a card reader. It was like 50 reais. I traded the rest of my American money, 75 dollars for 129 reais, so not too bad but not too good either.

Friday, we had zone conference it was really good. One thing I will share is this. President had us stand for a minute and was like raise your hands if any of your baptisms could be bishops in 5 yrs. I could not raise my hand because all my baptisms were women. His response to that...increase your faith. That is my goal. I want to find bishops. Presidente é muito legal.

Yesterday, we had the baptism of Hionice that was good. Ekstrom and I were witnesses so that was good. We have 2 more baptisms next week. One is Edson who I made the first street contact with so that is pretty cool. He was the one with 7 toes. He is very funny.

Well all for now. I love you all

Elder Athans

Another Quick Picture!!!

2010-03-21T19:33:00.000-07:00

Elder Athans and Elder Ekstrom at a baptism!!!!

2010-03-17T10:52:00.000-07:00

Mais uma batisma

2010-03-17T07:05:00.000-07:00

Well, I am glad to report we had another great week. This definitely is the work of the Lord. I have a testimony of that. A lot of crazy things happened this week. I did another division, so Elder Ekstrom could work with one of the Elders in our district. It was supposed to end about 8 but Ekstrom and them ran out of money so I had to stay overnight in the other area, which would have been fine already if i had my contacts. The other Elder, Croshaw, wore contacts so I used his case but when I put them in it totally burned my eye for like an hour. oh well, so I had to walk blind to undo the division. Its all good.

Last night we were walking to an appointment and it takes a good 45 minutes to an hour to walk there and we saw a bus accident. It was crazy. This car plowed into the back of a bus going like 70 kmh. It was literally pancaked underneath the bus. I was a little shellshocked. One member we took with us said I got red in the face. When we came back everyone and their mother was there looking at the accident. The news was there too. It was a little hard to handle.

So, my português is getting better thank goodness. I understand and can communicate better now. Renata the first girl we baptized said my portugues is 100 percent better but i still did not understand that. Hahaha funny. I showed her a family picture the one right beforeIi left and she was like you look younger, which Ekstrom told me was a polite way of saying you have gotten fatter, hahaha!!!!

So, Silvia got the holy ghost this week it was awesome. I am a witness of how a person can speak with a new tongue after recieving the holy ghost. She talked a lot before but she would open her mouth and pure testimony would come out. It was awesome

We had a baptism yesterday. A little girl who was 8 years old whose parents are not members because they are not married. It was good. The spirit was strong and I think it sparked in interest in her mom to get baptized.

Honice is a someone else we are teaching. She got interviewed and will be baptized next Sunday. Yahoo. Last night she was having doubts. I felt inspired to ask her if she would like a priesthood blessing and she accepted. Ekstrom gave the blessing and it had some great promises in it. I am happy for her.

So I had a goal to save 2 white shirts for my 1 year mark but yeah I cracked them open this week. If you ever send me something....send me some more shirts, they come in handy (not oxford style the other kind).

This week we have mission tour with Elder Godoy from the area 70 and presidency and zone conference.

One thing I have learned is that everything in our faith hangs on authority. It is the answer to everyones question and the deciding factor if people get baptiazed or not.

Dad my companion and I at night when walking home sing the song, "American Pie" and I think about you. It is kinda fun .

Well all is well. Continue to pray for me and send me letters.

I love you all

Elder Athans

Esta semana foi muito rapido

2010-03-17T06:46:00.000-07:00

Oí e tudo bem

First of all, everyone totally freaked out about the peeing thing. I do drink a lot before I go to bed and its only like once a night, maybe twice. Thanks for the concern; but, all is well. I still dont sleep well but that is nothing new. I am totally fine.

Wow, I think week was pretty freaking amazing. Wow, this week went by crazy fast. I really dont believe it. The e-mail I sent you mom was one from President congratulating us on our baptism we had this week. Put it into a translator and read it.

Silvia, that awesome investigator I told you about last week got baptized yesterday. She is awesome. Ekstrom got to bapize her. President likes members to do it usually, but she really wanted Ekstorm and he got permission so yeah. The spirit was really strong. We have another baptism this week. A little girl whose parents are not members yet. They will take a little time. We taught her everything and she will get baptized next Sunday after church. We have another baptism of the mother of a young women the week after. The field is white, no matter where you are. Everyone needs the gospel even in Vass.

It rained like crazy this week, yeah, I dont like rain. Our apartment is not sealed the best, so yeah we got a little wet. All is well however. The investigators we taught live like 50 mins from us walking so yeah. A lot of walking this past week and the weeks to come.

Church was really good yesterday. My patriarchial blessing tells me to keep a journal while I am on my mission. I am really faithful about it too. I write like 3 pages a day. I got the distinct impression yesterday morning that I needed to write and bear my testimony in it. I did not know why but I did it. Yesterday was fast and testimony meeting and president likes for us to bear our testimony every fast Sunday. I got up there and wow português came out. I got complimented on it too. It was amazing. I can feel the Lord making up for my weaknesses.

One funny quote dad will probably like from Ekstrom about my work ethic: "Your not the chillest of people." It made me laugh very hard. I love him so much.

Well, all for this week. Keep praying for me as I pray for you.

Love

Elder Athans

Mais Uma Semana

2010-02-25T10:08:00.000-08:00

Well, the church changed its e-mail service, so this is my my new email but, also it is g-mail, so it is faster and better. This week was still hard but I am still going. Well, last p-day was fine. I just cleaned and chilled...very realxing. Tuesday we went to Presidents house because our district is one of 3 most baptizing districts in the mission. We ate rice and beans chilled in ac and watched movies...National Treasure and Prince Caspian. It was good...very enjoyable. Presidents house is sweet. It sits up on the 12th floor and it has granite floors overlooking the beach in Vitoria. It's very cool. Then, Wednesday morning we had to go back because we had a trainer trainee meeting. It was good long but good. I love president. He is so inspired. We ate again. I could get used to that. I saw McQuivey (my mtc comp). Its weird, I miss him a bit. I love Ekstrom we get a long very well. He is very easy to live with. I am doing well. Its still hard but I will make it. Keep praying for me, I need them. Its only hard the hours from11-3 hahaha!!!

So, during comp study I was practicing teaching and I was like we come from far away to share our beliefs. The word in port for belief is crença and I said crinça which is a child . Ekstrom laughed so hard and did not stop laaughing and then told like 20 people. It was funny. So, yesterday was good. Daylight savings time ended, so we got an extra hour of sleep. I woke up an hour early. I have a hard time sleeping. I get up and pee like 5 times a night. I thought that was supposed to happen when I was older, oh well. Church was good, Renata got confirmed and the spirit was really strong. I am understanding more.

Josie and Newton, the less actives that love us are moving out of our area, but still in our ward. Sad, I love them so much. Yesterday, for lunch after church the food was really gross. The rice and beans were fine, but I looked in the pot with chicken and there was a chicken leg...very gross. Then we had dessert which were some fruit things; it was a cross between a fig and a brussel sprout. nasty, I ate four to be nice and had to drink water to swallow them.

Transfers are this week. I could be transferred, but it is doubtful. I think Eksrom will become district leader. Johnson we think will be transferred.

Ekstrom made me do a connection, first visit with a contact we made. This family was kinda crazy. The guy had body odor and 7 toes. This mom was crazy too. She kept asking if I was german and i did not know what she was saying so i just said yes. Ekstrom was laughing like crazy. At Newton and Josie's yesterday they wanted to see a pic of the family. I keeep a pic in my portuguese scriptures. After she saw them, I was like I have one more sister and then I showed them a picture of Tazie. They loved her......lol. I hope your happy Dad!!!

Brandi, if you read this tell Cheeks I said happy belated birthday.

I love you all...... take care!!!!!

Elder Athans

One more blessing!

2010-02-25T10:05:00.000-08:00

I tried Cevata for the first time this week. Cevata is like Postum; it tastes like coffee but doesn't have any coffee in it. I love it 10 times better than Postum. I will buy some today . I am excited. It's like drinking the south. Ekstrom was like I didnt realize how southern you were until then. I am way proud of it!

Mais uma semana

2010-02-25T09:55:00.000-08:00

Tudo bem everyone

Well, last week after e-mailing, our district traveled across Vitoria to some catholic place. It was up top a small mountain. I wanted to die walking up it but some how I made it. It was worth it. It was a building dediated to some cathloic saint....Maria da Penha I think. After that we went to the mall. It is called "shopping." We ate Burger King lol...It only cost 13.90 Reais. It was good though.

We had a district meeting. I love our district. It is our companionships here in the Jardim Limieiro and the other ward. Our district leader Elder Bessa is very short. He reminds ,me of Yoda, but he is hilarious. After district meeting, I went on divisons/splits with Elder Croshaw (Elder Bessas comp). It was cool; he is pretty cool. We walked a lot that day.

Wednesday, we took the bus into the Vitoria because we had interviews with president. We had mail and stuff. I got a letter from Mike Deal. I think he sent it a long time ago. It was nice though. I will talk about my interview with President later. That night we went on divisions with the ward. I went with the Elders quorem presdient Jose Carlos. It was good. I was nervous, but it went well.

Saturday, we had Renata's baptism. I got to perform it. I was so nervous. It went well and only one try hahaha. I was gonna ´play paino during the service but, yeah did not happen...too many flats. She did not show up to church yesterday, so she did not get confirmed kinda sad.....oh well. Kaique did not show up either so we will see.

This week is carnivel and because our district baptized some of the most we get to go to President's house and have a party thing. I am excited. Then on Wednesday we get to go again for a trainer trainee meeting.

So, about my interview with President, he told me to share my feelings with you guys so here they are. I am struggling a little being here. It is not easy. It's a fight every day to be honest. But, I am enduring and doing the best that I can to endure it well. I got a little emotional during our interview. He said, "Elder Athans I feel inspired to ask you if you want a priesthood blessing," and I was like of course. Some highlights that I remember from the blessing that I want to share are these. I was foreordained to this calling and prepared. I met those that I would baptize in pr-earth life. At the moments when I dont think Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are there at that moment they are boaring me up. Tribulations are blessings. I will learn more portuguese everyday.

That blessing was a tender mercy from Father. It helped. Pray for me this week for comfort and support. I need all that I can get.

All for this week, when I get a cord for my camera I will send pics.

I love you all!

Elder Athans

Elder Athans and the Mission Presidents

2010-02-12T10:14:00.000-08:00

"Todo, Eu não acho que nós estamos na Kanas mais"

2010-02-12T09:53:00.000-08:00

The opening message said, "Todo, I don't think we are in Kansas anymore. Lol, and we definitely are not. Well I am here in a LAN house e-mailing it cost me 1.5 r$ REAIS for an hour. Not terrible.

The plane ride was pretty long and way crazy but I am here. Brazil is way different. I tried a few time to talk to some natives on the plane and the airport. They were very kind to me. I was happy about that. Elder McQuivey did fine. We were separated on the plane so that was interesting. I sat on the window next to a semi- attractive female. Very intresting experience. It took me all night to get the courage to talk to her in português. President and Sister Pickett picked us up. I had all my luggage, so that was nice. We then went to the mission home. It is right in vitória on the beach about 12 stories up. It was so legit. The floors are all granite. You will hear more about that later. Our companions came a little later. My campanion is a kid name Elder Ekstrom from Holladay, Utah. What are the odds. He has about 8 months. We know like 3 people in common, 2 of his best friends I met on heritage tours, and the other was serving in Pinehurst and I played ball with him. He is really cool and he was way excited to see me. I was very happy.

So, we got really special treatment. President took us out for pizza and gave us money for a taxi to our apartments. It was way late. I was so scared riding the taxis. They have the same trafffic laws but no one follows them. You seriously go from 100 km/min to 0....no joke. We went to the apartment. It was a lot different them I imaginged. Every house here has tile and no carpet. We do have a machine so we can have hot water which is nice and we do have a washing machine but no dryer. We serving in the Jardim Limoeiro, which translates Lemontree Garden. It is split into two areas and we share the area with 2 other Elders that live with us. Elder Johnson from Idaho Falls and Elder Caravalho from Belém Brasil. First day we did a lot of walking, craziness. I have eaten a lot of rice and beans so far. Hahaha and every day have had soda. It is like the netaor of life. Guananá. I dont talk a lot hahaha I understand about half. The members are nice to me and take pity on me. We met thing kid named Giovanne. He is a recent convert teenager and his mom Cleo not a member. She is a good cook. They were both really nice. We were supposed to have 2 baptisms on friday but one of them will have to pushed back because he did not go to church. His name is Kaique and he is 15. The other who hopefully will get baptized is a 17 year old girl named Renata. She is good. I will probably be the one that baptizes her. President only lets us baptize at first. Then he wants the members to do it after that. But, I am happy for her. Missionary work is harder then I imagined in the MTC. I am glad to be here though.

I met some less actives that Elder Ekstrom reactivated, Newton and Josee and their daughter Julia. I love them so much and they were very kind to me.
So, Church yesterday was very interesting. I introduced myself to everybody a lot of Bom Dia good morning and Tudo Bems. President likes us to bear our testimonies every fast Sunday. I was a little emotional as I did it. It is hard not speaking a languague. But, the spirit was there helping me and speaking comfort to my soul. The ward is really cool and has a little bit of AC. I was falling asleep during Elders Quorem. All I know about what we studied was it was about repentance, and we have to wear our suits to church. Very hot. Hahahah. We walk a ton. I am really tired when i get in bed at night. The houses our funny. You look at them from the outside and you are like ok then you walk inside you are like they are nice. For example, most houses are made out of this red brick stuff that they do themselves but when you go inside they have a TV bigger then ours.

I am not gonna lie at times this is hard. When I am dead tired and have no energy. There are three things I have found as strengths thus far. First, My temple covenants....in a way this mission is part of the covenant, second prayer and third, the lord, he doesnt make it immediate but he will find a way to get me pumped thus helping me make it when I need it most. I truely am weak but I take comfort in the fact that the Lord calls us in our weakness but he qualifies us. He is the author of this great work. Pray for me as I pray for you. Prayers are answered and I am example and testimony of this. Jesus is the Christ

Peace

I love you all

Elder Athans

He has finally arrived!!!

2010-02-12T09:46:00.000-08:00

Brother and Sister Athans,

I just wanted to drop you a quick note and tell you that Elder Athans arrived here in Vitória at about 5:30 p.m. and he is doing great. He seems very happy to be here and was very excited to meet up with his new companion Elder Ekstrom. Elder Ekstrom is a wonderful, hard-working, obedient elder. He will be a great trainer for Elder Athans.

We picked Elder Athans and Elder McQuivey up at the airport and brought them to the mission home for a brief meeting after which we went out for pizza – brazilian style (including one pizza with muzzarela cheese (and lots of it), bananas and cinnamon!!). It’s surprisingly good. Following dinner, he and Elder Ekstrom went to their area of Jardim Limoeiro which is centrally located here in the greater Vitória area. It is a great area with a very strong ward. I know they will have much success there.

I want you to know of our love for your son. We haven’t known him for long but know that he has a great spirit and will be a wonderful, diligent missionary! I will stay close to him over the next few weeks as he adjusts to life in Brazil and life as a missionary. We appreciate you “loaning” him for these two years! We love him.

If there is anything I can do to help, please feel free to email or call me at any time. Ok?

Um fortissimo abraço,

President Pickett

Tudo Bem Tudo

2010-02-03T12:23:00.000-08:00

Well, another week here in the Provo MTC has bit the dust, hahaha. It really is going by fast now. I'm ready to be in Brazil, pray for me to have patience as I endure. This week 7 missionaries got reassigned, to AR, GA and DC. They all were starting their 15th week...so only 3 weeks left.

One interesting experience is that I saw President Uchtdorf this week. It was during gym, I was upstairs running on the track and the entire gym got silent which is kinda not like gym...so I ran over to where everyone was looking and I saw President Smith, MTC prez and another guy...it took me a while to recognize him; but, it was him...he just waved hahaha.

Not a lot has happened this week. A lot of the same. We teach as much as we can. We taught like 15 lessons this week. Yeah being here for so long at times can be a little overwhelming. So, please pray for me.

I have really been trying to work on my portuguese. Last Saturday a teacher committed us to go 72 hrs on port. I accepted. It was hard, but I did it. It really helped me out. I have a love for portuguse.

I got a letter from Mike Deal this week...he told me that Blake Cyrier got honorably released.

Well, Mom it is good to hear that your crusie went well. I am happy for you.

Letters from the family have been pretty dry this week...its all good though. I know that you are busy. Thats good for Brittney Pincock getting married.

As I have been working on my portuguese, I have found a great secret that has helped me out. I read a loud from the Book of Mormon. It is an amazing book. There really is not better book. I have really started to study it in english as well. I love the Book of Mormon with all my heart. It really is a true book I know it.

We still do skype with the teachers in Brazil. That is pretty fun. We have one teacher that loves us. His name is Irmão Zamboni (brother). He is really cool. All of the skype teachers are pretty cool.

I really am trying to be patient with Lord right now. I am trying to realize that He knows how precious my time is and he knows the end from the beginning. He knows how to best use me. For now it is in Provo Utah. Tomorrow it might be time for Brazil...it might be 3 months but he has a purpose for me being where I am. If i do get reassigned, I hope for somewhere in California because it would be cool to serve in the same place where dad served. How is Dad? He never did respond to the thing I asked him to send me.

I am trying to keep my head up and have esperença (hope) about the future. Keeping praying for me as I keep praying for you. Give the rest of the family my email. Tell them to write me or dearelder me. I need their support as well. Let them know of my love for them. I know that this gospel is true and that it is the only thing that can give hope to a world that despertately needs it. The Atonement is what the world needs. I know Jesus is the Christ our Saviour. I am lead by him daily.

Te Amo todo

Elder Athans

Tudo bem todo

2010-01-26T16:48:00.000-08:00

Well, I have been here another week...10 full weeks...too fast.

Let's see what has happened...on Sunday for fireside, we had some professor at BYU who was an expert on Joseph Smith, so that was pretty awesome. I was like a fat kid in a candy store during that.

Well, because we have so much time on our hands...Elder McQuivey and I are taking this opputinity to teach as much as we can. It really is paying off. We try to teach 4-5 lessons a day...that is pretty good for the MTC.

One experience that is cool, that I will share is this: We were teaching a teacher in Brazil on skype...her name was Sister Gasper...she was playing a person named Aline who she taught on her mission. We wanted to committ her baptism that day we taught. She got really concerned because her family was really against it. The spirit was really strong. After a while I just stopped and asked..(this was not me talking it was the spirit)...Do you believe in the Book of Mormon?...I believe..Do you believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet?...I believe...Do you believe that this church is true?..I believe...Will you follow the example of Jesus Christ by being baptized?...I will...It was so amazing...and we also promised blessings and everything. We found out after the fact...sister gasper told us she did almost the exact same way that we did. It was amazing.

I have learned this week that as an authorized represtative of Jesus Christ...I have the authority to promise blessings to people. That had not clicked with me before. That was pretty cool.

Tuesday we had Elder David F. Evans from the 70...that was pretty cool. He spoke about the Book of Mormon...he spoke for like an hour and a half...but it was a blast. His talk prompted me to start reading the Book of Mormon...so I have started over once again. But I really am taking my time with it...like it has taken me 2 days to get through one chapter. I love it. To all that read this letter...read the book of Mormon, you will feel spirit...I know that because I have felt this joy in my life.

There is not a lot to report... the mtc is a lot of the same everyday.

Oh yeah remember Abby Goode from Advance Eye Care...She is on a mission now she got here this week...she is going to Pocatello, Idaho...that's 2 from charlotte now. The other is Blake...I have seen like 20 people that I have known here at the MTC. I love it.

Still no visas...oh well...perhaps I have more to learn here in Provo...I just need to keep doing my best. The mission really takes a lot of energy out of a person. Pray for visas...so that this great blessing of the gospel can be taken to those people that are ready for the message.

Muito Amor

Elder Athans

Tudo Bem minha familia e meus amigos

2010-01-26T16:27:00.000-08:00

Wow, I love being on a mission. There is nothing better, and the best part about it is that I am still in the MTC...the field is gonna be amazing. Well, we got 8 visas this week.....all to the younger kids.

We became a mega distict this week. What this means is that we don't have a teacher and we decide what we do with our time here in the MTC. Some of the older mega districters gave us the advice to treat it as if you actually were in the field. To be honest, I have done just that and it has made all the difference. Elder McQuivey and I set our goals on what number of lessons we want to teach, how many referalls and etc. We teach our investigators on skype or other companionships. We treat them as real investigators by...praying for them, studying for them, filling out the area book. It is one of the coolest feelings ever.

So I had the scariest experience of my entire mission this week. So, the branch that I am in here at the MTC is all portuguese, and each week they have all the missionaries prepare a talk on a christ-like attribute from chapter 6 of PMG. Then they call 2 elders at random during sacrament to give the talk. One of the counslers who I know pretty well...and I guess knows me conducted. The first person called was a kid named Elder Swanson...he is a few weeks younger than me and is also going to Vitoria, and then I was called up. I was so nervous, and you know me, I never get nervous about talking...but in portuguese...wow talk about scary. I am gratefrul for that opportunity; it was a chance to grow and learn.

This week they had a training for new MTC presidents and director of vistor centers...so we had a lot of general authoirites here. We had L. Tom Perry speak to us again. It was good. He taught the first lesson very simply for us so that was pretty legit.

Well I am still here in Provo and still learning a lot. One of my teachers, Brother Smith brought in mission pics and shared stories from his mission in Brazil. That made me very excited. He is the one that grew up in Holladay.

Well, Sister Swope will leave before me.....haha.

So thats about it. The gospel is still true...I will get to Brazil but until then the Lord has a purpose for me here in Provo.

The church is true

Te Amo

Elder Athans

Tudo Bem Toda Pessoas

2010-01-11T10:36:00.000-08:00

Tudo bem in portuguese for "How are you?" but it literally means all is well...It is used in the hymn, Come, Come Ye Saints...I use that as my subject because that is my feelings...tudo bem.

This week truely has been extraordinary and ordinary all at the same time if that is possible. Hahaha...

Monday, I went to the doctor again...He said my foot looked good...but to discourage anymore growth he put some acid stuff on it. But, because of the acid I could not shower till tomorrow (Saturday). So, I had to take a bath in the MTC....yeah pretty gross hahaha. The day I did take a bath some thing happened and I was in a lot of pain. I wanted to die, but, the foot feels good now. I have been able to walk on it just fine, so much better than last time.

Tuesday, Elder Ringwood from the 70 spoke to us. He was awesome because he talked about enduring to the end and it was very inspiring. Lets see, I did cancel that life insurance policy thing or catusportific (good one Zach).... whatever.

The visa situation....still not here because I am still in provo. None this week that I know of. This is our last week of regular class before we become a megadistrict. What that means is that we have the entire day to decide what we do because our teachers have to move on to teach other districts. Its okay though because I have realized something...I am on the Lord's time...He is calling the shots...If he needs me to be here in Provo, I will stay.

One really cool and spiritual experience I have had this week is this. Our teacher talked to us a bit about prayer and read from the Joseph Smith story. He then let us spread out and just pray for like an hour. It was amazing. When you just stop and take time to really pray...you run out of the superfical prayer stuff and really get down to some good prayers and holy communication with father. He really does answer...at times it was like he was literally talking to me. I really can't describe it...I got some very poignant information. One of the revealtions i will share. I was praying about the visas and the answer came in time. Amazing and then to top it off I got a letter from dad that same day and it was also like a second testimony of what my father in heaven told me. Prayer is so real. I remember the overwelming feeling of love I got from it. Indescribable.

Correction: Nehiamah was techinically on a mountain because he was in Jerusalem. Mark Hall taught me that, so sorry for last week.

Mark Hall sent me another package...so amazing. He sent me a muscial card and it was tommy boy themed. what more could you ask for and then it gets better. He sent pics of the fam...and cards his girls drew for me and a few letters from him.....and the best part he sent me a University of Utah Tie. Amazing right hahaha... he said it was the only one he had and he gave it to me. I love it...and I am wearing it. Sorry mom, dad, Aunt Cindy, Grandpa and everyone else.

The mission is a very hard and demanding thing, but I am a living breathing example and god does qualify those him he calls.

The gospel is true even in portuguese....I mean especially in portuguese. The Lord has a great work for me and all of us to do...we just need to do it.

All for now, Thanks every one for the love and support.
Te Amo
Elder Athans

Tudo bem!

2010-01-04T11:47:00.000-08:00

Well, this week has been exciting as always. I will start with visa news. We got 50 visas this week. Mine was not in it, but our district leaders was.... hahaha. So yeah...that's where we are. I hope we get another batch on monday...if I do get that I will call you for like 5 minutes...yeah pretty exciting I know.

Lets see....well Monday I had to go to the podiatrist...no insurance..but the doctor helps missionaries for free...so it was good...I went because of my wart....it came back with a vengence...he cut it out again just like last time. I think that he went deeper this time. it bleed a lot more which actually had me concerned. I even got a blessing because i was concerned about the bleeding. I went to the nurse the next day and she told me to stay off my feet. That was Wednesday when the new missionaries come in...I was supposed to host...which means you just walk all the newbies around and help them. I couldn't do that because of the nurse...so while I did that got to work on português with my teacher, Irmão Smith, for like 2 hours just us. So that was pretty much my week. I go back to the doctor on monday. I can actually walk on it without it hurting too bad. That is a blessing from serving.

I got a package from Aunt Cindy with goodies in it.

Last Saturday I placed a set of missionaries for a girl who called in at the Referral center.

New Years was kinda of dead....not a whole lot of excitement.

I have learned today from my study about repentence. I like the talk by Elder Andersen ...repent that I may hear you....I like it because our families are blessed when we repent.

So tomorrow I am gonna fast for the visas. I have a big hope for Monday that it will come...but if not...the church is still true and I am where I need to be.

Hows the house? Mail me pics if you can.

How's Tazie?

We taught in the teaching resource center again yesterday. We taught the 2nd lesson for the first time. It wasn't too bad. Its weird to think I have been out almost 2 months...craziness!!!!

Thanks for all the support you guys give me.

How did my Christmas letters turn out...anyone cry? Hahahaha!!!

Well, that's all for now.

Te Amo,

Elder Athans

Oí From the Great State of Utah

2009-12-29T10:43:00.002-08:00

Happy Christmas everyone. This week really has been an eye opener for me in lots of ways. I will start out with the not so great news and then i will get to the better news.

Well, yesterday we had a TRC (teaching resource center). We taught in português the first lesson. My português is really coming along. The gift of tongues is real; I testify of that. But, I really wasnt feeling it. I had an interview with one of my teachers afterwards...they have to interview us every week and let our branch president know about us. I was interviewed my Irmão Flanigan (a really great man). For some reason I just couldn't hold back my tears. I just bawled which is really not like me to do much anymore. I don't cry much. I learned that the evil that is pride has gotten to me and I need to work on my humility. I learned that humility is being able to trust in the Lord that he will help you accomplish all that he requires of you. Pride is trusting in your own abilities. I have been trusting in my own abiliites too much. My pride has brought my very low...but when are brought low... that is when can begin to excerise faith in our beloved Reedeemer who can make more out of us that we ever could. Humility is what I am going to work on this week.

Well updates..earlier this week I got to go off campus and go with my companion to the doctor...just a case of athletes foot haha...it was fun...the best part was riding in the van....its been six weeks too long...

We were visited on Tuesday by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the quorom of 12. He was awesome. His famous tagline for that talk was this know ye the condensention of God. The spirit was very strong with him. I have been singing in the MTC choir, so I got to sing for him.

On 12/23 we had a district night, where the 8 of us and our 2 teachers in the district....each went around and said what we liked about the other one. We did it for everyone. It really did make us all feel better. Tthe spirit of Christ is to build up not break down. One of the sisters, Sister Riggs said one thing in particular that I really liked...it was two qualities she admired in me...maturity (no idea haha) and enthusaism (rubbing my hands together when i get excited...thanks pai). The spirit was very strong there.

We did a district-wide white elephant gift exchange with a 2 dollar limit. I got a retractable sharpie and a pocket protector for my item to put in the pot...but, I ended up liking it so much I actually did end up walking away with it.... and yes, I do wear a pocket protector and proud of it.

Last night, we had a special fireside from the MTC presidency. Elder McQuivey and I got to sit front row. That was cool. There were testimonies shared and and music performed. The spirit truely was there. One of the most touching pieces was a harp composition played by Sister Smart (Elizabeth). I enjoyed it.

I kept the traditon going from the Athans family. I read Luke 2 by myself and opened one present. Amy, I opened the pack of gum...I thought is was very ironic because missionaries are not supposed to chew gum.....sorry. Thank you anyways.

This morning my companion and myself got up way early.... like 5:45 to do our laundry. It is still p-day for us hahahaha....we had it done by 7:45 i think...we waited for a good seat for the devotional this morning too haha...we had Elder L. Tom Perry of the 12 there this morning...that was pretty cool...he rocks....I am grateful for this opporutunity to serve the Lord.

So, I opened my presents thank you so much...I love them so much.....a lot of candy...actually, I have kinda stoped eating candy but i guess I will start up again. Thanks for the suspenders they rock...I put them on immediately.

Tell Aunt Shelia and Whitney thanks for me...their gift was way too generous. Amy, I love the gifts...if it don't finish the candy here...I will in Brazil..... not that I know if I am going yet. We got 10 more visas this week. I hope soon...because we only have 2 weeks left before we become a mega district.

One quick concept that I have learned this week is the importance of a study journal. I have my regualar journal yes...but it is important to have a journal which you keep your insights and revelations from the scriptues in. My testimony has increased because of this. I learned how I can best use mine too. I write out my thought processes in sentences rather than bullets. It really has helped.

One thing...I am not on a mountain. The prophet Nehemiah never was...he was rebuilding the walls at jersalem. I am doing a great work so that I cannnot come down.

My hope and testimony is that this season we will remember who this holiday is about....our Saviour Jesus Cristo. He leads this work. He was the babe of belém. We only make it through his merits, mercy, and grace.

I love you all.

Pray for me and I do for you.

I know this work is important.....the most important one

I love you all so much,

Elder Athans

Feliz Natal

2009-12-19T13:14:00.000-08:00

Feliz Natal Família,

Well, just another P-day here in the Provo MTC. I did a sesssion at the temple this morning. That was good. Oh yeah, I saw Allen a few minutes ago. He wants me to sign up to do a class with him. Hahaha, we will see. Oh yeah, remember the Noels from Charlotte mission president? I saw sister Noel here. They just got back from a mission in Alaska.

Thank you for the packages. I got three: Amy, Mom, and Aunt Cindy. I have not opened them. Mom, did you send my debit card in my Christmas package?

You should be receiving an envelope from me very soon. Open it on Christmas Day with the entire family.

Thanks for the addresses...i got most of them sent out. The português is coming along. I dont realize it a lot but the Lord really is helping out with the gift of tongues. I have started this new rule: every time I speak inglês outside of the dorm and gym I have to do 5 pushups. First day I had to do like 85...oh yeah, I do them all at the end of the day and I can't read my letters until I have completed them all. Hahahaha!

An update on the visas...all the missionaries who don't have them and have been here longer than their normal 9 weeks of the MTC...they are combined with one or two other districts into what is called a mega district....and basically they don't have a teacher and they have missionary directed time all day. Hopefully, that won't happen to me. But, there is some good news...31 visas came yesterday and more might come today. Really pray for the visas. I have begun to do so.

Sunday, for the fireside we had the BYU mens choir sing...that was pretty good....and Tuesday we had Elder and Sister Maynes from the 70.

Other than that the MTC has been a lot of the same....12 hours a day of study Hahahaha....

How is NC? How is Tazie? How is TJ? How is the ward?

I heard the news about carmen that is ótimo (awesome)!

Hahaha it really is hard to speak english at times... i have to stop and think about which word in the language I want to speak....irony.

I really want a visa. What are the plans for Christmas? I really don't know what the MTC plans are... probably an apostolo or the profeta. I am not sure. It will be good. How can it not be good? I am in the service of the most high God.

I will miss you this holiday season but Tudo Bem (all is well)

I think and pray about you all often. You all have been a great support and a leading factor to where I am today.

Remember that this season is about our Master even Jesus Cristo.

Te Amo

Elder Athans

Hello family

2009-12-12T23:12:00.000-08:00

Tudo bem

Well, here is the update....my subject says that I have bad news and I do for you. It is that I will not be able to call home on Christmas because of how many people are here. So sorry, but I can write you a letter because that is just like a conversaton.

So, here is an update for you...remember how that one Elder Handy got his visa and was supposed to leave? Right after emailing you...he got sick and had to quarantine because of swine flu. They made everyone in the district take Tamiflu except for those who have had both shots...regualr and swine, so no Tamiflu for Elder Athans.

The MTC is a lot of the same. Not a whole lot to report. Every week we have what are called TRC...teaching recource center....where we teach a fake investigator. Thursday was our last one in English. Next Thursday, we are supposed to teach in only português. That should be an experience. Pray for me.

So, Mark Hall pretty much sent me the coolest package every. It almost tied Amy's birthday present for college. He sent me some pics of him and the girls....some twilight themed candy...a kuzi from DD Peckers that orginally said chicks dig peckers but he made it say chicks dig RMs...the best part about it was there was about 10 letters in it from all the Charlotte people such as Jason Pratt, Frank, Cope, Richard Morrell, Blake Hart, Bryant Haines. It was so amazing.

Update on visas...we got a form this week about a background check for the visas...I had to open up my package to get my new lincese for it. Sorry, Mom, Thanks for the present though.

I'm probably sitting about 7 or 8 lbs more. Scary right? Yes?

Mom, could you get me the following addresses asap? I have letters with stamps on them with no address. Frank, Michelle, Meghan Cunningham, Ryan and Melissa and finally Aunt Shelia.

The langugage is coming slowing but surely. We are no longer allowed to speak English in class starting today. I have a feeling it will be a very silent class. Pray for me if you could about the language. It could really help.

My friend Kaylin from school got her call to Guatemala, Guatemala City Central. I am happy for her. I have started reading the Book of Mormon again, but i started it in 3rd Nephi which is rocking...I am trying to find as many parrellels to Preach my gospel as possible. They are everywhere. It will help my future investigators.

Mom sidenote...I think I have set up my debitcard already with a pin, try it out, activate it and send to me asap if possible.

Well that is all for this week. Thank you both Mom and Amy for the compliments on last weeks letters. I am learning.

Dad dearelder.com me a little more...bare testimony...share expereiences from your mission....give advice...i do miss hearing it.

Oh yeah, this week for the portuguese part of the TRC we had to bring in a pic of my family and talk about them. Hahhaha....

The work goes on. Remember I am doing a great work so that I cannot come down.

The Lord loves us all and wants to bless us....let us be obedient so that he can.

Te Amo

Èlder Athans

P.S. How is TJ?...Let him know I love him and have thought about him a lot this week

Hello all from the great state of Utah!

2009-12-05T10:25:00.000-08:00

Hello all from the great state of Utah. It is a shame about those Utes, I wish they won. I could hear the game from here. Wow, a lot has happened in the district this week. In just a few days, we will have gone from 11 to 8 members. One of our Elders went home earlier this week. He was from Radford, VA. I hope he comes back. His personality reminded me a lot of Breman or Elder Nope.

Then, yesterday we found out that one Elder and one Sister got their visas, so they leave next week. So, they are starting to come. So, Mom it is very important that you send me my debit and drivers license very soon......like now!....lol

Did I ever tell you that one of my teachers is from Holladay. He knew Elder Van Roosendaal. Ahhah...I ran into a Sister that served in the Carmel ward yesterday. She teaches here now. Her former name was Sister Asteul or some thing like that.

Dearelder.com's printer has been down so I havent really recieved any letters, which is kinda of a bummer. We went to the temple today. I ran into someone from Charlotte there; it was pretty funny. He was a Lucas from Monroe. Have you heard from the Graves recently. Dont stop sending me dearelders....keeep sending them so i will get a bunch, lol.

How is the family? How is TJ? How is Tazie?

How is the house? Dad, did you print off those pics of Copes family yet? Print me off some pics of the house, too.

Well, the portuguese is coming along. I am kinda ready to be in Brazil, but not at the same time. Rumor is that the prophet visits on Christmas, so i kinda want to be here for that.

What else to say? My companion Elder McQuievey was sick earlier this week and i got to give him a priesthood blessing. Then the next day, I had him give me one of counsel.

The mission really is the best. It is very tiring WORK but it will pay divendends. Did Aunt Elsie get my letter? How is she doing?

How is Bishop Johnson? Send him my regards if you would.

Mom dearelder.com me Frank, Michelle and Meghans emails please. I have letters for all of them just no addresses. Any comments on my blog/facebook? Oh yeah, btw kc porters utah address use facebook to get it.

I wish I had a lot of great things to say. To be hones,t it is just a lot of little things. The Lord has blessed me so much. The spirit is awesome. I really am trying hard to be receptive to its promptings. Easier said then done, but I am doing my best. Portuguese is very hard but I know the Lord will provide a way for my like he always has. Pray for me with that. I hope you all have recieved the blessings for me serving.

What else.............i still havent seen Allen yet. If he does find me...tell him so smuggle me in a pizza. I would like that but I really dont need to gain weight ....every meal I drink either 2 glasses of grape juice or 2 glasses of BYU chocolate milk. I also have a bowl of life ceral. Last time I weighed in it was 6.5 lbs. I go between 5 and 9 lbs. I want to leave the exact some as when I left.

Well all for now...I wish I had more to say but I really dont. If i get my visa, I will get to call you earlier because I wont able to call you on Christmas down in Brazil...what ever happens there is a reason for me to be here at this time. Something I need to learn or be touched by or I might need to touch someone else.

Oh yeah, tomorrow we get to Skype with teachers in Brazil to work on the language....because we are all here in Provo...we are supposed to teach the first lesson in our mission langugage ahhhhhhhh. I am not ready, oh well, I just have to open my mouth.

Dad one thought for you....I have learned as a missionary that we do not teach lessons we teach people. That is why preaching my gospel is so important. It teaches us to tailor the message to the individual person. That is why we don't memorize the lessons.

Well, all for now.Tthe church is true. I love the Lord and this work. Remember, I am doing a great work so that I cannot come down.

I love and pray for you,

Elder Athans

Write me back soon

Happy Thanksgiving from Elder Athans

2009-11-28T19:51:00.000-08:00

Hello all from the great state of Utah

Tudo bem

This week has truely blessed me. Sunday, we heard from Stephen Allen who works at the missisonary department for the church. Then, Tuesday for devotional we had Dallin H. Oaks come, which was amazing. Seeing the apostles in the MTC is neat because they really are not as formal and can say a lot more stuff.

Thanksgiving was good. I am not gonna lie, I do find myself missing dads croissant turkey sandwich. They are way good. But, like Nehemiah I am doing a great work, so I cannot come down. The food was good.
Mom, I have gained about 9 lbs which is really scary to me. Haha, I usually run about 2 miles a day.

Thanksgiving was good. We had a devotional, a fireside, and service project. The devotional speaker brought me close to tears because it was........Jeffrey R. Holland...one of my favorite speakers. He was amazing. The spirit was so strong. I was really touched by a presentation showing the humanitarian services by the church. It answers the question.... yes, i am my brothers keeper. It really did bring me close to tears...which rarely happens.

Well i will add more later....we only get 30 minutes timed to email on P=day. That is why my letters are not longer. I will do my best. I should have more time later in the afternoon. Thanks for the emails.

Peace

Hello from the MTC-11/20/09

2009-11-21T08:06:00.000-08:00

Hello family,

Tudo Bem

I have my pday today. I am using half of my internet time to write, and then i will check to see if you wrote me back.

This week has honestly been tough. The hardest part thus far has been having to live with a companion. I am a lot of times very individualistic, so yeah. I have been praying to work on that. It will get better though because I have the lord on my side. If God is for us, then who can be against us?

I like the MTC. It is fun. It really is work. But, the outpouring of the spirit is amazing. Sunday, we got to hear from Sherri Dew. She is very neat and her testimony really helped and gave me some good ideas for study. Tuesday we had Bishop Edgley and his wife speak to us. He spoke about the impact of missionary work. I like the scripture from Isaiah 61:1 because it really defines what missionary work is and who all it helps.

I have not seen Allen yet. I want to. I think it would help you know seeing family and all.

One truth i have learned this week was from one of my districts teachers. His name is Brother Flanigan. He bore powerful testimony of study journals. it totally changed my outlook on studying. He explained it like this. God loves everyone the same; but, he doesn't trust everyone the same. How do we show him that we are worthy of his trust? We write down revelations or promptings from the spirit and act on them. I have noticed as i write down every prompting I recieve and do them that father is willing to bless us with me and we feel of his love. i know that this is truth becuase i can feel the holy ghost testify to me of this truth.

Family thank you so much for your support to me these past 19 years. Pray for me often. especially for patience. I try to remember you guys as much as i can. How is TJ? What is his email? Mom, email me the rest of the families emails. The language is coming well enough. I can pray, testify and write sentences in Portuguese. I can feel the spirit teaching or helping me with the porteuguese language.

There were 700 new missionaries this week. Poor kids, I remember what it was to be like them. Haha, I have tried to help them out as much as i can.

How is the house? Dad, please dont forget to send me pics.

I see a lot of people from EFY and BYUI. infact two people i went to EFY with are in my branch. There are a lot of elders and sisters waiting on visas for brazil. I was taught and I believe this to be true, that father has a plan for us his children. There is a reason that i am in Provo at this time. I dont know why yet but there is. Itis weird to think that Thanksgiving is this week. I am gonna miss being home, but i know i am doing a great work and cannot come down... to quote Nehemiah.

Use Dearelder.com everyday if you can. Tell everyone to. It really helps me and motivates me.

Give Tazie a hug and kiss for me

That is all for now. Eu seu que Jesus Cristo e O Salvador e O filho de Deus.

Te Amo

Oi from Provo 11/14/09

2009-11-14T21:07:00.000-08:00

Tudo Bem?

I am doing well. I really am having a great time here in the Provo Missionary Training Center. There really is an abundance of the Lords espirito here. I have some really otimo teachers. I have already learned a lot. I am sorry mother that I would not talk you; but, remember I get blessings for obedience. If I get blessings that means you blessings as well.

I have a pretty awesome companion. His name is Elder McQuivey. He is from Vernal, Utah. He is computer geek so we actaully get along pretty well. I am glad for this time that I get to serve the Lord.

I probably will gain weight. I feel like I already have. I have a big glass of choclate milk every meal. So, I proabably will get fat.

I was asked to serve as the Senior companion. I was in President Wilkson's branch but, however I will be in a new one because the mtc is growing because the visa problems.

I am trying to be the best that I can. I am trying to turn my will over to the Lord.

How is North Carolina?

I have recieved 3 letters. One from Mom, one from Amy and one from a friend from college. This is a pic of my Companion and myself.

I will write you next friday that is my regualar Pday. I ran into Elder Cyrier. and some other elders I went to college with.

Eu Seu que Joseph Smith e um profeta.

All My Love

Elder Athans

P.S. No pics today...I will try to send some. All my Love

The End of an Era: The Zach Athans Story

2009-10-17T15:56:00.001-07:00

I enjoyed my days in the youth program at church. I really did. I knew most people in the stake. I felt I was generally wanted at the activities by my peers.

Well, yesterday I think it finally dawned on me that I really am not a youth anymore.

Here is the scenerio.

I get a text and it said paraphrasing a little "Tyler says get your butt over here" (It was the Charlotte South Stake annual Zions camp). I informed the textee that I was out of town. The textee then responds "My bad. I meant to txt a different zach."

Its offical goodbye youth and hello adulthood (even though I have been adult for a year+)

A Bunch of Random Thoughts I feel that need to be expressed in the form of blog

2009-10-11T15:45:00.000-07:00

#1--We had stake conference...it was amazing the spirit was just about ready to explode. I kept thinking a lot about my mission during this time. Now that I am in the home stretch I guess you could say, I really am starting to get pumped. People ask me if I scared and I very quickly respond NO. I remind them that fear is the opposite of faith. However, there are a few things that I am nervous (being nervous and being scared are two totally different things) about: being in a new country, eating food in a new country and how my body responds to it, and learning freaking Portuguese. I am ready to leave tho.

#2--When I get back everything will be different. I thought about this when I was at my best friend copes last night. We were talking about how big Cheeks (Presley) had gotten in two years and then how when I get back his 7 month year old be as big as Cheeks who is 2. I really did get to thinking about how different everything will be when I get back. I think things change fast now and everyone is getting married just wait till I am away for two years. Change is good but I must say I will miss being eye witness to it.

#3--If anyone watched to The Office it was amazing...if that was the last one I saw till I got back...I would still be laughing

#4--I was thinking about why I might have been doomed to a four month wait for my mission. Other than the Lord having is timeing for me I know another reason. A while back I prayed about something and I did not listen to the answer. It took a while and I believe that Lord wanted to show me that by following Him the first time...I would not have had to wait 8 months and see that his ways were better from the get go...YOU LIVE AND LEARN

Service and The Book of Mormon

2009-10-04T18:43:00.000-07:00

As I was watching and listening to General Conference today, I was deeply touched by two talks. The first was by our beloved prophet, Thomas S. Monson. He is a prophet who's theme will be, I believe, all about service to others. He is great example of that just like the Master. His talk inspired me to make it a point each and every day to provide some amount of service to my brothers and sisters. It reminds me of the Boy Scouts of America slogan, "Do a Good Turn Daily" Me being an eagle scout still need to carry on and live those princples. I know Father will be bless us as we do this because a prophet of God has said, "when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of you God" This is my goal for the upcoming days, weeks and years.

My second impression came from the testimony of Jeffrey R. Holland, who is an apostle of the Lord, Jesus Christ. He bore POWERFUL witness of The Book of Mormon. I think it is important for me because I will soon be baring my witness to the divinity of this book as well. As I was reading in the Book of Mormon this evening a witness came to by the spirit once again testifying of its truthfullness. To all my blog reading sphere (which is not a lot of people) I want all you know that I KNOW the Book of Mormon is real. That is does indeed stand with the Bible in baring witness and testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ. That Christ did visit his people in the land we now call the Americas. That we organized his church among them as he did with his apostles in Jersalem. That it was preserved through the ages and that Joseph Smith, that hero of mine, did translate it through the gift and power of God. I have a testimony of all the holy scriptures. I know that God speaks. Not that he spake but that He speaks. I have heard his prophets speek this weekend and I know their words to be true. My hope and prayer is that my faith will be like that of the prophets of old as I soon embark on this Mission for my Father. All I can do is to "Search Diligently, Pray Always and be believing and all things shall work together for your good." It is my faith that as I always rely on Father and Jesus Christ they will support in all that I do.

Joseph Smith Jr. Said, "Shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad."
Shall we not go on?

Twilight: A Four Month Journey

2009-09-25T19:32:00.000-07:00

So, I need to state some facts for the record about Stephanie Meyers Twilight series. I have offically read Twilight. It only took my four months to do so but I did. That is a lot coming from a person that does not read ever ever ever ever ever ever. (You think I had enough evers memoried). I flew back from SLC and the entire plan ride I read Twilight. I actually finished it as well. I will admit it is not half bad. I enjoyed it because I was a nice quick and easy read. Just by admiting these facts I have lost any man point I ever had or will hope to have. Since I have already lost them, here is what I go from Twilight. It is a decent love story. I am a guy; but, I do like a good love story. Hence why "Love Story" by Taylor Swift is one of my favorite songs. I like most people want a happy ending (a Sugarland reference). I believe and will still hold true that Edward Cullen is totally a creeper. I mean he seems like a pretty legit guy but still a creeper. Out of all the characters in the narrative I identify with Bella. It might just because she is the primary character or the narrrative is told from her point of view anyways. I guess I identify with a lot of her same personality traits and such....Holy Crap I will never live this down for admitting this especailly on my my blog. Oh well It is all facts. For the Record...I am already 125 pages into New Moon after only reading it one day. Ta.

P.S. I did get paid 20 bucks for reading the book....and will get 5 dollars for watching the movie.

The Retraction

2009-07-05T17:29:00.000-07:00

A few months ago...I may have printed a few inaccuracies concerning the novel seris called Twilight. I, with much remorse, retract all statements I have concerning Twilight.

Sincerly,

Zachary D. Athans

A retraction will soon come

2009-07-04T12:56:00.001-07:00

Dear Twilight Fans of all Ages (especially Brandi Cope)

When I get more time I will print a retraction of some inaccurate statements I might have said about Twilight.

FYI the papers are in less than two weeks now

Elder Athans Pic

2009-06-08T19:46:00.000-07:00

Here is the Pic I sent in with my papers

Life

2009-05-31T18:38:00.000-07:00

I just felt like updating with a kind of sappy post. I don't really know why. My heart is very full and because of that I am sure that testimony will be born throughout this blog entry. I had the opportunity and blessing to go back to Charlotte this weekend. I have a great love for the city and the people there. I feel truly blessed for my assocations there. I know that Heavenly Father sent me there for a purpose. There is no doubt in my mind of that. I have a testimony that Heavenly Father puts people into our lives at times when we need them most. I have thought a lot about that and how I often would rely on these people that were placed along the path to help me. There are a few people that come to mind. I want to thank them publicly (if blogging is considered public). There are my dear friends Mark, Brian, and Frank. My love and apprecation goes out to not only them but to their respective wives and children as well. I feel that without these great examples to me I would not be the person that I am today.

I want to talk a little bit about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. There are many things in Christ's church that I have a testimony of, however, I can bear the strongest testimony of the Atonement. I do this because many of my friends are experiencing trials that are testing their faith and are causing emotional pain for them. My heart goes out to them. I have been there a few times and though I do not know exactly how they feel, I know what it feels like. Because of this, it has caused me to do a lot of pondering on where I have been and where I am now. The bridge that has gotten me from where I was to where I am now is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I know this without any doubt in my mind. It has made me realize this truth about the Atonement. If you want or need the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ THEN you HAVE to rely on it. Once I applied this principle it made all the difference. There is nothing that our Saviour has not felt or that He cannot help us with. I am reminded of the picture that you see here of the Master. He stands at the door knocking all we have to do is let Him in. When we do this, He can make us into what we need to be. He will change our lives because He knows what we feel and how to succor us. We can live with our Father once again. All we need to do is to follow his more excellent way to to quote a scripture.

I feel like this needed to be shared. Maybe not to those who read this, but for me. Our testimonies grow as we bear them. If you have any questions on what I talked about just ask or pray and read scriptures about it.

Woodlake Triathlon 2009

2009-05-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

So as many of you know, I was in training for a triathlon. Well, I did it. The training could have been a lot better but I survived. I had to two goals for the triathlon. 1)Beat my Dad 2) Finish under two hours. I accomplished both of my goals. My Time was 1hour 53 Minutes 52 Seconds. I beat my dad by almost 2o minutes. Here are a few pics.

Dad and Uncle Scott before they went off

The 3 Competeing Athans'

Gotta love the Spandex....Phelps has nothing on me

Dad isnt serious enough

My transition area

I am grateful I did and feel very accomplished...I want to thank all of my Idaho friends that helped me especially my trainer and my dietian

Hart

2009-05-10T14:43:00.001-07:00

Hart to Hart digital is offering a free photo shoot by comment on the blog and ur name being drawn

Check out more at http://harttohartdigital.blogspot.com/

Current Weight

2009-03-20T20:10:00.000-07:00

So at the beginning of the semester i weighed 153.

Two weeks after dieting 141

My Life Update

2009-03-12T14:08:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have done anything to my blog. Here is a little update for my life!

1) School is winding down. The BYUI learning model is really killing me. I have like twelve thousand group projects due every week. Really, its a little rediculous. I know that the leaders here are inspired especially President Clark...but there is something that needs to be realized and a happy medium needs to be made. Oh well, I have less than a month (April 9th). Then California BABY.

2) I have begun a training and diet program. For those you who will say Zach you are already so skinny you dont need to lose weight. I know that you dont have to tell me that. I will honestly say that I am like a woman (no offense) when it comes to my weight. I am not trying to lose weight. It is just kind of happening. I have decided to do a triathlon with my father on memorial day. I have a friend who is gonna do two this summers; so, she and I are training together. A triathlon is something that I have always kind of wanted to do...so I figure its the perfect time to start. I am not allowed to eat anything with sugar. If you know me at all...it is killing me. I am eating pretty healthy. I spent 45 bucks on all healthy CRAP. My body is still adjusting to it. I try to keep telling myself if I can makei it 21 days I will be ok...because it will then be a habit.

3) Brian and Brandi...congrats on the baby I think

So yeah theres my life...comment me back

My Ideal Mate

2009-02-05T21:33:00.000-08:00

This was a paper for my bogas Business Class

When asked to describe my ideal mate it is a very hard question to answer. I am not really sure if I know what I really want. I know a lot of qualities that I like. I don’t think I have met enough people to make an accurate description of this woman I want to spend time and all eternity with. I will attempt to do this with all of the data I have collected to date.

The biggest quality is probably someone who has a strong testimony of the Saviour, Jesus Christ, a testimony of Joseph Smith, and a testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She must be someone who lives her testimony in every aspect of her life. We must be able to strengthen each other’s testimonies as we make our journey in life together. She must be an educated woman. I would prefer someone who has graduated from college. This will be beneficial in case I die unexpectedly. She should know who she is; that is a daughter of a loving Heavenly Father. She must possess those qualities I see and honor in my own mother. The older and more mature I get, the more I want a woman like my mother. My mother is a Julie B. Beck said, “A mother that knows.” We must be able to tease each other. I kid around a lot with everybody. My ideal mate is able to take my teasing and tease me back in return. She must be a woman of integrity and an example to me every day.

Spouses can be really beneficially in the workforce. Like the phrase goes, behind every great man is a great woman. Spouses can encourage that person to perform better and help with important decisions to be made. They can also hinder by distracting the other from work or imposing too much control in work situations where they have not real authority.

MLK

2009-01-30T10:55:00.000-08:00

Martin Luther King Jr. Essay

By: Zachary D. Athans

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once gave the famous speech entitled, “I have a dream.” In this speech, he talked about his dream of racial equality. We all need to have dreams and desires to accomplish. The Lord commands us to do this by saying that we “should be anxiously engaged in a good cause.”

If posed the question if time and money were not an object to what would I do with my life, I know exactly what I would do with my life. The first thing I would do is take care of my family. I would find a place to settle and raise my family. This place would be preferably in North Carolina, but it really doesn’t matter as long as we are close to family. I want to stay in one place for the rest of my life.

I think I would want to pursue education at all times. I would get my PhD. in history. I would want to teach either part-time or full-time at a local community college. I would always pursue further my education in all aspects of knowledge. I would want many, many degrees in vary fields.

I would travel all over the world. I want to see and learn about many cultures all over the world. I would want to be heavily involved in charity work worldwide. I would meet many world leaders to understand what we could do to better their country and people.

I would do all that I could to better the world around me with unlimited resources.

The Bucket List

2009-01-10T11:48:00.000-08:00

My Business Prof. made us create a list of the 50 things that we want to do before we die. Here is my list:

1) Get Married

2) Have Kids

3) Serve as a Full-Time Missionary

4) Serve as a Senior Missionary with my wife

5) Become a Doctor (O.D. or P.h.D.)

6) Teach on the College Level

7) Go to Africa

8) Go to Paris

9) Go Skydiving

10) Go to the temple

11) Go to Caribbean

12) Go to California

13) Meet George Lucas

14) Bike Moab with my Dad

15) Bike across N.C.

16) Go to Disneyworld with my Kids

17) Go to Universal

18) Go to a Comic book Convention

19) Go to a session of General Conference in the Conference Center

20) Go to India

21) Go Bungee Jumping

22) Build my own house

23) Go repelling forward

24) Own my own business

25) Start/work with a Charity

26) See my children married in the temple

27) Own a Mac

28) Meet general authorities

29) See my siblings sealed in the temple

30) Be in a movie

31) Write a book

32) Backpack across Europe

33) Own a pool table

34) Learn to speak another language

35) Go to Israel

36) Go to Egypt

37) Take care of my parents finically

38) Get along with my brother

39) Live long enough to see my grandkids

40) Teach seminary

41) Attend a music concert

42) Own a big truck

43) Be involved in my community politics

44) Go on a cruise

45) Be on a game show

46) Learn to sing

47) Visit the Outer banks of N.C.

48) Have a pet (dog or pig)

49) Learn to love to read

50) Be a resource directors use when they make comic book superhero movies

Question

2008-12-11T00:07:00.001-08:00

My Question for anyone who is willing to help me out is:

What do Women really want?

Please respond...it will help

One more thing I have on Edward AND Jacob

2008-11-23T12:19:00.000-08:00

Due the response i got from the first entry this follow up thought occured

When asked if i was threatened by Edward and Jacob, i responded

"I am never threatened by FICITONAL character...one thing i have on Both Edward and Jacob is that I am real...are they real?"

Twi Freaking Light

2008-11-22T22:04:00.000-08:00

What a blessed day...Twilight the movie came out.

I was there with all the other 3000 girls in Idaho Falls for the Midnight showing...as if ...gag me

Sorry for all those who love the books. I dont!!!! I know have not read the books but the following are my thoughts to explain why i HATE TWILIGHT

1)everyone is obessed with them. Come on...there are more imporant things to do like...watch smallville...read the scriptures...GO ON DATES...do homework...write missionaries...etc.
2)it gives females a worped idea of the "perfect man"
Women there are plenty of Edwards and Jacobs to go around...I promise...wait who needs an Edward or Jacob...they have got nothing on me

the following is a quote i get from a girls facebook status
"destined to be miserable...being that edward cullen does not actually exist"

Guys like Edward exist I promise

Look around and find them

Sorry if this is hateful

These are my feelings

Halloween

2008-11-01T17:57:00.000-07:00

Here are the Pics of me as Dwight K. Shrute from The Office (I am addicted...like Brandi and Twilight)

This is me and my friend Bobbie

We had to Eat Spagetti off the table with large utenils.

There is a Sex Predator on the loose!(its on The Office)

Dwight and his recorder

Dwight Kurt Shrute III

Pre-Halloween Plans

2008-10-31T14:44:00.000-07:00

So, I was kinda having a little hard time deciding on what to be for this demonic holiday known as "Halloween"

My initial ideas was to be the Joker (the 2008 verision, Christopher Nolan, The Dark Knight [Heath Ledger {R.I.P.}] not the 1989 version, Tim Burton, Batman [Jack Nicholson {still living}])

But after some thought, lack of trying to find a purple suit, and after watching the most recent episode of The Office when three people all dressed up as The Joker.

So, my next ideas were:

1) Jim from The Office

2) Dwight from the Office

3) Gollum (loin cloth and all)

______________________________

So, The final decision is/was Dwight

The picture is just a little preview of kinda what I will try to look like (if you Watch The Office you will understand this picture)

So, Ta

Look for Pics coming soon

Sadie Hawkins

2008-10-21T16:00:00.000-07:00

this is an email from my bishop

The Bishopric is pleased to declare Sadie Hawkins in 13th Ward until November 1st! That means Sisters, this is your chance to ask a Brother in the ward on a date.

Sisters -- Show the brethren how it ought to be done--fun and inexpensive! We challenge EVERY sister in the ward to go on a date with a brother in the ward by November 1st.

Brethren -- Show the sisters how to say "yes" and how to be a fun date.

We hope you'll have lots of fun with this! Paying for these dates is negotiable, but brethren, we encourage you to step up. And everybody please remember -- going on a date is NOT a long-term commitment, it's just a chance to spend a few hours having fun.

One last reminder: A date means 1) planned, 2) paid for, and 3) paired-off. Double and triple dates are perfectly fine. Informal group hanging-out does not count.

_________(Insert Title Here)

2008-10-18T16:17:00.000-07:00

So, I havent made any new posts in 11 days.

I really dont know where this post is gonna go. Hence the title i have had.

I have been doing some looking into other people's blogs. Old friends from Charlotte. It is mostly my old married *friends. It is a nice to see what is going in there lives. I miss just being able to go over to the Halls or the Copes and Hang out with them and their families (and steal some food). Being on my own is getting easier....i still miss everyone but i am making more friends and i know this is good for me. if any of you get a chance i definitely recommend going to the Rexburg, Idaho Temple. I go every week. I love it. There is a sense of peace in the temple that you cannot find anywhere else.

Mom told me to put this picture on here. A friend was in a humanities class and see need a hero picture and who else would she think of ME.

*when I say old married friends--i mean any body that is older than me (most of my friends) that is married and/or has children

This I Believe

2008-10-07T14:58:00.000-07:00

In the 1950's there was an essay contest entitled, "This I Believe."

Normal everyday people would write an essay to tell everyone what they believe. I had to do this with my english class. The following is what I believe

Our Fundamental Need

By: Zachary D. Athans

I believe all humans have a fundamental need. We need something to move us through the crap of life. This is achieved by having heroes. I believe in the power of heroes and the effect that they can have in anyone’s life. I remember when I was younger; I always wanted to be Superman or Luke Skywalker. Now that I am older, I find that I still need a hero like I needed them then. I also realize that I have many heroes that have always been there; I have and will always need them. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Every hero has a specific purpose to whomever they are heroic to. Every person at some point in their lives needs a hero.

Superheroes are worshiped by children and adults alike. Superheroes speak through all generations of time. For example, Superman was needed when he was created just as much as he is today to stand as an incorruptible symbol for truth, justice and the American way. In times in my life, I would think, “How would Superman (someone who always does the right thing) handle this situation?” This would make a situation just a little easier. This is an important function of heroes. One of my favorite things about superheroes specifically is how they can always do the right thing. In a world of gray for me, they always can see black and white. They always inspire us to become a better person.

In my older years, I realize that my parents are heroes for me. I realize that all that I am or will ever be is because of them. Heroes put others needs above their own. When I think of my parents, this is one of the things that comes to mind. I know they will do anything and give anything for me. Heroes are also teachers. My parents teach by example. My parents truly are the best examples that I know in word and deed.

Heroes also have concern for the one. This could be looked at from a prospective as a Christian; Jesus of Nazareth, always had concern for the specific needs of every person. Another personal hero of my mine is my best friend, Frank. He had so much concern for me, every night he would call me just to make sure I was doing alright. He has been and still is always there for me when I need him. A hero is always there to lift the person up.

Everybody needs a hero. I am certain of this. Heroes can be fictional or real; heroes help a person by helping them see more clearly, by putting others needs above their own needs, being an example, or just caring about a person. I believe everyone needs a hero. I believe heroes in all shapes and forms will always be needed.

Blogs

2008-09-26T13:57:00.000-07:00

I kinda liked the response, I got from the last one.

So, I kinda feel like Will from The Fresh Prince of Belair, my world got flip turned upside down. By this I mean, I am a T.V. person who cannot really watch T.V.. It really sucks sometimes.

I get to watch, Smallville, I liked it alright. The story advanced barely.

After Smallville, I went over to my FHE Sisters and watched 'The Office' Season premiere. It was way cool. I love the office.

All for now

Update 9/24

2008-09-24T19:55:00.000-07:00

Well, It has been a while

Here is the update...I am in college at Brigham Young University-Idaho. I love it here. I have very chill roommates. As cheesy as it sounds, my roommates were really answers to many prayers. They are all RM's so I have good experience to draw on. They through me a really legit Bday party.

I expected college to be really easy for me in terms of being on my own. Oh boy did I learn on the contrary. I had been on my own for almost two months...as my dear friend Annette said, "How can you be homesick you've been away so long already. For about two weeks, I was deathly homesick. Im doing better now. Thanks to my best friend Frank (one of my children will be named after him)

I am in the BYU-Idaho 6th Stake, 13th Ward. My stake president is Henry Erying...son of President Henry B. Erying. Thats pretty cool. I am on the activites committee. I was so shocked. Oh well, we have our first activity on saturday. Wish us luck.

The two pics are of my bedroom (Thanks to the Cope Family I have that awesome comforter, check out their blog it rocks)

The other is some bday cupcakes in an ice cream come my friend made for me.

Well thats all for now

I Love you all

Thursday Update

2008-05-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

Here is How i felt about my thurday night shows on 5/1/08

1) Smallville--amazing as always i liked the part on Krypton

2)Survivor--I hate that James had to leave; I did like Amanda and Parviti's plan. Sorry Alexis

3) Greys Anatomy--I liked that Addison was back see is like way hot.

4) E.R.--I have not finished it yet. I fell asleep

Iron man was an amazing movie

Def. recommend

Peace

Z.D. Athans

#2

2008-04-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

So today I would like to take this opportunity to talk about Scrubs

I love Scrubs. It is soo funny. I die laughing every time I watch it. I like Turk and J.D.'s relationship. They might seem gay but they are such good friends that they arent. Dr. Cox cracks me up because on the outside he might about appear as the mean guy but on the inside he is a big softy. Elliot is so totally hot. In some ways I can relate to J.D.

So there are my thoughts for today.

Peace

Z.D. Athans

First one i guess

2008-04-27T18:50:00.000-07:00

So Im trying this out because of Brandi Cope who is addicted to her blog and those dumb Vampire books.
Too many chicks have become addicted to them. They pay too much attention to the books instead of me...which is where there focus should be...kidding of course

Wow Brandi if you are reading this, you are kinda right this is kinda cool.

So my life is pretty weird these days I go school to 1030 and then i dont go to advance eye care. i work from home these days so its gets weird.

Well heres the first one

Comment

Peace

Z.D. Athans