"It's Nearly Рождество!! (Christmas)"

Thanks to all who wished me a happy birthday!


I wish there was some way I could tie my recent birthday to some gospel related topic coming up in the next week or two. It would also be cool if I could tie my thoughts back to Christ, and relate it to my namesake: shepherds. Well, nothing comes to mind right now. I guess I will just talk about life as a missionary. 


Let me take you to a time long ago. The setting is a lovely MTC campus, but something was amiss. A pair of missionaries were not with the others. They were in an empty classroom, cramming in as much Russian as they could. Sweat was dripping down their foreheads as if they had just finished watching and following an at-home fitness video from the 80's (Richard Simmons probably). They, had arrived at the MTC two days prior. They kept at the studying for 3 straight hours, then flipped on a camera and joined a zoom meeting. It was a TRC, where they would have to teach a man a lesson about the gospel, in RUSSIAN. They were nervous, and exhausted. The man they were teaching spoke no English to them, and they spoke very little Russian. It ended up being a disaster. The zoom meeting opened with a prayer, then there was silence, and a closing prayer. (okay maybe I exaggerated a little bit) 


Five weeks later, my companion and I taught a much better lesson, in 100% beautiful Russian. The gift of tongues is very much a real thing. Living a life that the Holy Ghost can be a part of is so important.


INTERESTING THOUGHT: In the devotional yesterday, Elder Merideth of the seventy said, "Sometimes you'll find that the Lord calms the seas, but most of the time you'll find that the Lord calms the sailors."

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: If my rusty math is correct, there are 10 days 'till Christmas. The challenge this week is to plan out your scripture study from now until Christmas day, leading up to reading some very special scripture about Christ.


Less Important Announcement: I got my travel plans and Ukraine has just given me a visa. Prayers were answered. I leave Dec. 27. Get HYPE!!!


Least Important Announcement: I found out today that Steph Curry just broke the All-Time 3-pt record. With this in mind, I'm still taking Sue Bird. And yes she's better than Larry @BroScukanec.


Remember the reason for the season,
Elder Sheppert


Photos: My tag and округ

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