Elder Watkins Japan Nagoya Mission: Ring Out Wild Bells

Christmas with the Ichihachi's!

Hope y'all had a spectacular Christmas! Mine was pretty awesome. We had lunch at a steakhouse with a member and a homemade Christmas dinner at another member's house. And all the members gave us so much food. I also went on a kokan with Elder Tanner and I skyped my family. It was way good to be out and dendoing for Christmas, but I still look forward to Grandma's house next year.

Now it's the end of the year. What are we going to do in 2015 gang? What even do we consider as we set goals and make resolutions? Last year I said I would follow the council of Elder Bednar and "Turn out". I have had the opportunity to do that more times than I thought. Next year I'd like to expand upon that. So let's say this: I will in 2015 do all I can to give all I have (heart, might, mind, and strength) to the Lord in the work of dendo. And I will see a baptism and bring many souls unto Christ, following the Spirit to help me know who the Lord wants me to help. What is your resolution?

I was also thinking about this hymn that we sang in the MTC last year. It is only sung at the end of the year and we don't really hear it often. But as i studied it this morning I noticed a really good message; that as we prepare for the new year, let us also prepare for the coming of the Savior. It's Hymnbook #215 "Ring Out Wild Bells". Please give it a read.

1. Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light.
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.

2. Ring out the old; ring in the new.
Ring, happy bells, across the snow.
The year is going; let him go.
Ring out the false; ring in the true.
The year is going; let him go.
Ring out the false; ring in the true.

3. Ring in the valiant men and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand.
Ring out the darkness of the land;
Ring in the Christ that is to be.
Ring out the darkness of the land;
Ring in the Christ that is to be.

Tomorrow is Christmas Meito Zone Conference, looking forward to a celebration and training with my dendo brothers and sisters.

Have a great end to your 2014 and start 2015 off right. Yoi otoshi o!

Love,

Watkins Choro

Happy Birthday Mom and Dad!!!!!!