BEST years of my life

Erik Gray's journals
#journalgems
written by Elder Gray (Erik)
May 29, 2015

When I worked in the cafeteria on Saturday, Ash and Hayden came to say hi, and they got to meet Joyce, who works in the cafeteria. She is like my temple grandma, ha ha. The people who work at the temple are all so nice and sweet and just a joy to be around.

I LOVE my calling.

I am noticing that my body is taking a little longer to feel as good as I usually do. Right now I'm doing Thursday-Saturday, and that is hard. I come home tired. But it's worth it. 

I had a thought today- that I am experiencing what I would experience on a full-time mission through my mission as well... 

rejection from this chemo crap, 

going to bed exhausted, 

teaching the gospel (in my calling as a gospel doctrine teacher), 

and meeting tons of new people every day. 

I think that I always felt a little sad because I couldn't go on a full-time mission, but it's interesting that I can still have these mission experiences, and that I can tell you that my time as a missionary is one of the best, if not the BEST, years of my life. 

It's not all easy, but I'm glad I get the chance to serve the Lord!

Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of Heaven. Sacrifice some of your time to go to the temple soon! :D

Elder Gray

Opportunity to SERVE

Erik Gray's journals
#journalgems
written by Elder Gray (Erik)
July 8, 2015

I love life and I'm so grateful for my mission and the opportunity that it's given me. When the time came to start thinking about this mission, I thought that I wasn't sure if I should- I couldn't go out on a full-time mission so should I just move on with life, and continue with school and stuff?  BUT I AM SO GLAD I CHOSE TO SERVE.  This mission has been such a great insight and time for me in my life. Don't pass up any opportunity you have to serve- even if it's just spending a few hours with the missionaries or going with a group to do Temple Baptisms. Have a great week. I seriously love you all! Elder G

What a True Hero Is

 

Erik Gray's journals
#journalgems
written by Erik June 30, 2015

There is a young woman in my home ward who passed away last week after fighting for a year with brain cancer. She is strong, she exemplified what a true hero is, and she's a light to all of us. 

We attended her funeral yesterday, and it kind of hit close to home for me, because I've dealt with cancer, too. 

Truthfully, the difference between her and I is that Heavenly Father has things he needs me to accomplish here on the earth, and things she needs to accomplish on the other side. 

My heart breaks because, yeah she is so young (16), but I'm so so so grateful for the Plan of Salvation and this life isn't it. Her services yesterday were amazing. Her family and friends testified of her life and of the gospel and their joy that they can and will see her again. 

Family is priority. 

Don't get distracted and put other things before your family! (Mike, we love your family!!!)