Happy New Year!

Wow... 2015. How?

Happy New Year sa tanan!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY AMAZING MOTHER :) 

I hope all of you had an amazing Christmas and a Happy New Year. I cannot believe that it is already 2015, but hey life goes on! We have got to take advantage of all the time given to us to learn, have fun, and grow :)

Okay, I need to start all the way back to Christmas Day! The Skype was awesome! Love you, family!! You are all the best. Later that afternoon, we had John Ross and Jholiver's baptismal service! It was SO AWESOME!!! A very white Christmas in the Philippines :) 

Later that night, however, we had quite the adventure. Without going into too much detail, we had to take Elder Archibald to the hospital in Cebu. Yes, on Christmas night. I think the worst part is that everyone in the ER was wishing everybody who came in a "Merry Christmas" hahah so sad! 

Elder Archibald is okay, not an emergency in terms of time, he will just have to go in for a check up in a week or so. We were there from about 10pm to 4am. It was a party in Cebu City ;)

A few days later - I think Monday? - we had another storm pass through.

This is how we "shower".....

This one was... a wee bit stronger than the last. 

We had no electricity for a few days and we still have no agas (err... running water) at the house as of today. You could say that showering at the church is a must try :) 

Tuesday morning we woke up and were called by bishop to help at his father's house. They evacuated last night when the water reached their necks (my chest)... We got over there as quick as possible and shoveled mud and water out of the house and store, etc. I'm sorry, I don't have any pictures of that.. 

The bridge between Argao and Sibonga areas collapsed as well so transportation for our missionaries down there is a little..a lot..... slower than usual.

Sleeping accommodations during the storm.

When thinking of the New Year, there is always so much talk about "New Years Resolutions".. I wanted to share what I was thinking about on that! 

I thought about goals in general and why we have them. What is the purpose of a goal? What are our goals in life? Why? These are questions we should ask ourselves. 

One definition of a goal would maybe be: to accomplish something.

 Another definition that I thought of was to reach a certain level or to become something different. 

Many times, when people ask us what the purpose of our life is, we are very quick to respond with the answer: To get back to our Heavenly Father in the Celestial Kingdom, of course! I would encourage us to rethink this answer when we are setting our new goals for this new year. 

Why are we here? If it were to just get back to Heavenly Father, why would we have ever chosen to leave in the first place?? I believe that our purpose is a little bit different. We are here to become. We are here to become the Son or Daughter of God that can live AND enjoy the presence of our Heavenly Father. 

This is a blessing that not all can enjoy. We need to become - just as Christ commanded - as He is... Perfect. That can only be reached one goal at a time. Maybe one "New Years Resolution" at a time.. There are things we need to do. How can we become more like Christ?

One of my goals in this new year is to come to KNOW my Savior more. His life - including pre-, during, and post-mortal. We read that Eternal Life means to "know" God and His Son, Jesus Christ. I'm going to do my best to get a head start on Eternal Life. To really know my Savior.

 I am so grateful for the knowledge I have right now and am so thankful to have the opportunity to learn more every single day. I invite all of us to do the same. You don't have to pick the same goal as mine, but I would encourage us to make a goal with the "big picture" in mind. Sometimes, temporal goals (ie. financial) can help us accomplish our bigger goals as well (ie. self-mastery, temperance, etc.)... I know that all things are possible, so let's set some good goals this 2015 year :)

I love you all so so so much! Happy New Year and don't forget to wish my mom a Happy 40th birthday as well!! :)

Love,

Elder James Ryan Jacobs

Smiling IS my favorite :)

MERRY MERRY MERRY MERRY MERRY MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!! :)

I honestly cannot accurately describe how happy I am at this exact moment.

If I EVER complain about a mission being hard, please slap me... Hard.

 I absolutely love Christmas in the Philippines!! This week was one that I will never forget. It was crazy busy, but Heavenly Father is so good :) 

Before I start telling you all about it...... A quick congratulations are in order: 

DANNY AND SHELLY! Congrats on the little girly poo :) (Due in May!!)  I can't wait to play with her and teach her exactly how to get on her older sister's nerves!

Okay, so let's start with Thursday! We had our Christmas Conference in Lahug. It was such a great experience. After a morning full of spiritually uplifting workshops all centered 100%  on Jesus Christ, our talent show went so well! 

Elder Consigna and I did our best to at least match our shirts :) Our custom designed pajamas are not yet finished, so - sadly - we couldn't debut those bad boys last week.

Saturday was so awesome! 

We had lunch at a member's house and I have honestly never been so full in my life. I thought I was going to die sa kabusog right then and there.

 After we ate, he gave us something that I've never eaten before. It is one of my new favorites. It's called kalamay and the best possible way I can describe it is by referring us all to the scene in Gene Wilder's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory when the kids run into the huge room and start breaking open the plants, balls, rocks, etc. to find delicious, gooey deliciousness inside. All the while, hearing the beautiful, "Come with me, and you'll be, in a worldddd of pure imagination!!" (Please don't ask why I can describe this scene with such accuracy ;) ...) 

Needles to say, we have another appointment set up with Brother Sasaban for Christmas Day :)

Later Saturday night, we had our Ward Christmas Party. It was so fun! 

There were lots of presentations and games! We had a blast! We were asked to put on a "missionary presentation" as well so... We had the other missionaries in Carcar sing "12 Days of Christmas" and Elder Consigna and I acted out each one every time. 

 The next day at church so many primary children ran up to me and yelled, "KUCKAWW" and flapped their arms like a bird (That was the partridge in a pear tree)... 

Saturday was a success and a half as well because John Ross and Jholiver got interviewed for their baptism and they are all set to be baptized... wait for it.... CHRISTMAS DAY!!! Yup, see you all at 4pm here in Carcar on Christmas :) I am stoked. Tatay Villaser (their grandpa) will be baptizing them!!

 Last night, the Tan Family (from San Nicolas.. My last area) came down just to take us out to dinner. They. Are. So. Nice. It took them over 3 hours to get here because of traffic! They took me, Elder Consigna, and Elder Archibald out to dinner and then just drove right back! They even left presents... I'm not able to accurately describe how excited I was to see the shirt that they had made for me. I love it. "Elder Jacobs <3 Cebu" :)) They are way too nice to me. I honestly felt like I was home for Christmas last night because of them. Thank you, Tan Family!!! :)

This morning, I finally got to open my last day on the Lego Advent Calendar. To my great pleasure, I found an oddly jolly, un-assembled Darth Vador waiting behind the door. Now, my collection is complete. Thank you, mama :)

Also! Elder Consigna's "friend" sent him a package last week and I got a stocking with my name on it as well! It is ready to be stuffed with all those presents that you sent, mom! You can bet I'll be up a 4am like usual to open stockings ;)

Later tonight, we got invited to a member's family home evening "Christmas-Eve Edition" ... It should be super fun!

Tomorrow, after Skyping with my family, before the baptism, I really want to see if the hospital here in Carcar will let us come in and Christmas Carol for at least a little bit. 

All in all, this last week was amazing. I can't describe how happy I am to be in the service of our God. Heavenly Father is so good to His children. He only asks that we follow Him.

 Not very different than an earthly father and his child. Growing up, as children, our parents promise us that they know what is best for us. They have experience and knowledge that we do not have. They ask us to do what they ask because they want us to be safe, happy and successful. Because we love and respect them, we do as we are told.

As we are all focused on Christmas, I hope we can all ponder how it is that we can make this "Christmas feeling" we all love, last a little bit longer in our hearts.

As we are all reading the birth of Jesus Christ in Luke Chapter 2, let us remember what it means for each and every one of us individually.

Many times, we get so caught up in the "Baby Jesus" that we forget what is so miraculous about Him. Let us remember that it is the same Jesus Christ that was born in a manger among the animals, that created worlds without end.

This is the same Jesus Christ that, before coming to Earth, stood on the right hand of the Father as the details of the Great Plan of Redemption were set forth. This is Jesus Christ - who suffered all for us that we might have the chance to return to Heavenly Father's presence. Giving his life and taking it once more, never again to experience pain or sickness.

I love Jesus Christ. We have much to learn of Him. He came into the world in the lowest possible station in life, but he set the example for us and overcame all.

I know that we can do the same. Let us remember him and start today on our journey to be just like him.



I love all of you and want you all to feel how I feel now. This happiness is only made possible through our dedicated obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He loves us and is calling after each and every one of us. Especially during this Christmas season :) Merry Christmas and I love you!!

Love,

Elder James Ryan Jacobs

P.S. Smiling IS my favorite :)

Like Our Cool Ride?

Malipayong Pasko!

Merry Christmas to all! Well... it's almost Christmas:) How is everyone? Boy do I sure love all of you. 

Like our cool ride? Do you see me in my shades?

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying this beautiful Christmas Season of 100 degrees and 90% humidity ;) 

Oh wait....is it 100 degrees and 90% humidity where you are???

Haha I just realized today how used to this weather I am. I l.o.v.e. it!

So, as I was thinking about what I was going to write, I realized that you probably don't want to just read my boring studies (for you maybe.. ;) ..) every single week.

 This week I just want to give an update on mission life! It was an awesome week  and I am so looking forward to this next week.

Last week was MLC (Mission Leaders Conference) and it went great - I think I already reported on that? What I didn't get to write last week was the fact that we are preparing a sweet presentation for our Christmas Conference coming up! 

Carcar Zone is going to take the prize for best Christmas skit....hands down. Haha okay I'm not going to get too ahead of myself, but come on... Of course we will. 

We have a member that we worked with here in Carcar Ward that helped us mix some music for a dance/story thing. (I get to dance...YES)

I'll send you the song, mama!

Okay i just realized that MLC was on Thursday, not Tuesday like usual so I didn't share that with you all. 

On Wednesday, we traveled to Cebu to spend the night there.

That night we ate at a place called Casa Verde and it was delicious. 

Four of us split, this HUGE milkshake and a 9 inch burger. It was hands down the best American food I've had in a long time. 

The next morning, about 8 of us Zone Leaders kept the tradition of playing basketball at about 5:45am. It was awesome!

This last Saturday, our ward here in Carcar held their annual Temple trip! We attended and took with us three of our investigators: Michelle, Siglo, and Kissy. They LOVED it! It was so fun to be so close to the temple and to be able to conduct a few temple tours. 

We have our Cebu Island Christmas Conference tomorrow! I am so excited! I can remember vividly last Christmas Conference and it was so awesome. An amazing workshop, lunch, and talent show. Our zone will be performing this year. I'll send an update on that next week :)

This December 27th we will be having the baptism of Jojo and Johnjohn Mariño. John Ross is 12 and Johliver is 11. They have moved in with their grandparents who are recent converts. They are planning on staying with their Grandparents and so we started teaching them back in October/November so they could prepare for baptism. I'll keep you updated on that as well.

Elder Consigna and I are absolutely loving working right now. Carcar is such an amazing area to be in! We are truly seeing the hand of the Lord in our work. We had our Zone Training Meeting this last Monday. The Doctrine we discussed was given by President McCurdy at MLC and was on "Making our Calling and Election Sure." I loved it. Like many times before, I have mentioned how real this gospel is... It is SO TRUE. 

I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that, through Him, we have a possibility of Life Eternal. I know that, as we learn to repent perfectly and align our lives with the Father's will, we can experience the saving power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I know that He did not only suffer our sins - but rather, every possible feeling that we can experience in our mortal state. Let us not forsake Him. Let's turn to Him and follow Him. I love the Christmas Message (see the link below) the church has put out this year. He - Jesus Christ, the Son of God - is the Gift. 

I love you all so much! Have an awesome week :)

Love,

Elder Jacobs

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2014-00-1460-he-is-the-gift?lang=eng

Hey Mom!!! Thanks for the AWESOME Lego Advent Calendar!!!!!

The kids here will LOVE these Legos!!

Typhoon Ruby = 6 Elders in 1 apartment for 3 days!!!

Hello from a life boat in the middle of the ocean!!

Jokes lang haha I'm sorry Mama :) Before I start, I feel the need

Sorry...this is the only pic I took of the storm!

to just re-assure everybody that WE ARE ALL 100% OKAY.



Thank you so much for the prayers and fasts this last week. The storm miraculously downgraded and did not turn out to be as crazy as thought.


We had a crazy week though, that is for sure!

So, let's start with the storm so we can really settle mom's nerves..

On Friday, we were told to get all missionaries in our zone in their apartments by 5pm for the rest of the night.   We had four other Elders stay with us in our apartment!

Friday was a pretty slow night and nothing much happened, except some rain :)

Saturday morning we were informed that we were able to make a couple appointments, but needed to be inside once again by 12 noon for the day.

It really wasn't very exciting (in terms of the storm) here in Carcar. There was a rain and some strong winds, but no real damage.

Sunday, we were still not allowed to go outside. We got permission to hold Sacrament in our apartment - it was an amazing experience that I won't forget.




Sunday was a great day to get to know a few of the elders a little bit more in our zone. We just studied, talked, and ate all day :)








All in all, that is basically the gist of the typhoon from here in Carcar!

Don't worry about us one bit! Every single missionary and - as far as I know - person we know was unharmed.

I am so grateful for all of your prayers and Fasting there at home! It was really a miracle that the typhoon weakened and went north of where they thought it would land.

Please help me thank Heavenly Father for His divine protection.

Transfer day was last Thursday! Wow. I have never been so busy on a transfer day. Everything from boats being shut down in preparation for the storm to paranormal activity started happening over here in Carcar Zone!

Haha we ended up traveling down to Argao that day for a few hours to help with a....... situation down there. All in all, it was an awesome, long, super great, tiring, but effective day :)

Companion!! Elder Consigna is a stud muffin. I don't remember if I mentioned this already, but we are actually brothers in the mission! Elder Ferris trained him as well.

I am soooo excited for this transfer. He is such a great missionary. He is hilarious as well. We are getting along great and I only see things getting even better :)

We leave for MLC tonight around 5pm! We will travel up to Cebu and sleep there so we can be at MLC at 9am tomorrow morning. Honestly, MLC is my favorite part of the month :) Missionary Leadership Council is held typically on the first Tuesday of the month in Cebu (except this month due to conflicts) and is where all the Zone Leaders and Sister Training Leaders meet with President and the assistants for training and discussion. I am stoked :)

In closing, I just wanted to share something I read last night.

 Brigham Young asked a question: "How do we know if we are obedient?"

It immediately reminded me of Sister Engle's question a few weeks back. I know it's different, but it relates I promise. She asked: "How do we know if we served a successful mission?"

Her answer was spot on - we can gain a perspective of how successful our mission was by looking at how well our desires to be obedient remain throughout our lives.

Brigham Young answered his question this way: "We have no witness to ourselves internally, without the spirit of revelation. We have no witness outwardly, only by obedience to the ordinances." I love this.


Internally, we HAVE to receive a witness directly from the Lord in all things - not just during our mission, but in life. In order to have a clear conscience before the Lord, we need to do everything that lies in our power and then receive that witness through the spirit of revelation.

Outwardly, the ONLY WAY we can MEASURE our conversion (or success) is by obedience. How obedient are we? Do we do what we know we should do? It's that simple. 

 Strive for that witness...to know the Savior for ourselves, and then strive to BECOME obedient. Don't just do the actions, but be the person. I love you all so much! I am so happy to be here right along side you in this journey of life! I LOVE this gift of life. I hope you do to. Let's improve and progress every day. Let's just focus on being a little bit more like Jesus Christ every single day. I know that, as we do this, we will be given strength to become better. Through Jesus Christ, all things are possible.

Love You!!!

Elder Jacobs

Make your siblings your best friends. Make them the ones you go to first.

HELLO!!!

I'm teaching the kids here everything I know!

Okay, this was a crazy fast week! It was so awesome though!! I have lots to share so I'm going to jump right in! Stop me if I go too fast ;)

To all those who had the belief that Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving at our friend's house....

only exists in the North American Continent, 

THINK AGAIN! Elder Edvalson and I got invited to a family's house last Thursday. Yes, they are filipino; no, they were not raised in the Philippines. 

They lived in the states for over 40 years. They don't even speak Bisaya haha. They aren't members but they invited us over to have a real Thanksgiving dinner. Oh my goodness was I in heaven. 

I haven't had turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, deviled eggs, and Dr. Pepper IN SUCH A LONG TIME. Just stop and think about how happy I was that day. 

Yea. It was awesome.

Okay, next. We had transfer calls on Monday! I am still praying for a confirming revelation that Elder Edvalson really is supposed to leave me :( 

Haha just kidding. I know it's what needs to happen, but that doesn't change how hard it is! 

We have gotten super close this last transfer and I am so grateful for everything he has taught me. He will be transferring to Basak (in the city). 

Don't look Mom...

My new companion's name is Elder Consigna! I have met him a couple times and I know he is a great missionary! This will be his first transfer as a Zone Leader so we'll get some training in as well! 

We have two areas being whitewashed in our zone! Wow. That is crazy! 

 

On top of that, we get two brand new missionaries! I am so excited! I love working with the missionaries that just got here. It's gonna be a good transfer.

 Next, I want to just share a really quick verse I read this week that really

Wow! My amazing brother, Billy, is even famous here!!!

caused me to think back on my family and everything since I was little up until now. 

Family first is something that my parents have done an amazing job teaching me since I was born. 

I came across it as I was studying. Alma Chapter 39 was listed as a reference for the question, "How can I avoid the evils that threaten my family?" Let's read one verse. The counsel of a father to a son: 

Alma 39:10 - "And I command you to take it upon you to counsel with your elder brothers in your undertakings; for behold, thou art in thy youth, and ye stand in need to be nourished by your brothers. And give heed to their counsel."

Since before I can remember, my mom and dad have instilled this true phrase in me: "Your brothers are your best friends. They will always be there for you. Talk with them as much as possible." 

I love my brothers. Billy, Danny, and Jon are my best friends in this life. I can't relate the countless experiences that we've had together. I am so grateful for the counsel and examples that they have given. 

My only advice to all those who read this: Make your siblings your best friends. Make them the ones you go to first. 

"God gave us families to help us become what He wants us to be." I love my family. I am grateful for righteous parents who have done everything imaginable to raise their children in truth and light. Love you!

Lastly, before I close.... We have received several texts from the mission office this morning warning of an upcoming hurricane/typhoon. We are not sure the level of severity, but it is scheduled to hit somewhere around here this upcoming weekend. 

Don't worry about us; we'll be fine :) We will have 72 hour kits and everything packed so don't worry! We have a whole procedure that we follow as Zone Leaders.

But please just keep these people in your prayers. They have experienced so many hardships. I have no doubt that they can overcome anything thrown their way, but let's lift and strengthen them through prayer. Thank you! I love you all so so so much! 

Love,

Elder Jacobs

I sure do miss all of you. But I'm doing great.

Hello to all my favorites!! 

How is everyone doing?? I sure do miss all of you. But I'm doing great.

Say hello to my little friends...

The last few weeks have been crazy! Ever since getting here in Carcar, I feel as if things haven't stopped or even slowed down.

When I was transferred here there wasn't a single person on the calendar to teach! My companion and I are basically starting from scratch to work in this area. So it has been crazy busy!

This week was awesome! We had Zone Conference in Naga on Thursday. It was a great opportunity. 

President McCurdy shared on the Beatitudes and it was so interesting. 

One quote that stuck out was that Matthew 5 is a perfect example that "the Greatest Man that ever lived, gave the greatest sermon ever given." We have so much to learn.

We do a lot of walking on roads like this one.

It's so awesome to get to know missionaries from other parts of the world!

My companion is the Elder in front.

And I am learning so many different ways to cook outside. These are ovens!

I love to camp! Good thing...the mission here is just like camping!

"Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;"

I have heard countless times that it is "so hard to go home from a mission and keep the same good habits of study, prayer, etc."... I feel that this is true for those who have not developed the self-control, self-mastery, and true determination that needs to exist in us. It is kind of summarized in the cliche phrase, "it needs to start from the inside out."

I know that the only way that we can fulfill what has been required of us - to be even as Christ - is to understand this principle. We have to get to the point where true obedience is part of us, or is ingrained within us. We need to glory in our Father and His Son. I know that this is possible in and through the power of the Atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

A real tree house!!!!!

I love this life! Isn't there just so much to learn?? So awesome! We can't  get overwhelmed. Just take it in and do your absolute best! :) I am beyond grateful for the patience that my Father in Heaven has in me. I hope you thank Him for that as well.

I want to study more about obedience and self control in the future, so if anyone else has something to add - insights, scripture references, etc. - email me! I would be a very happy missionary :) 

I love all of you so much! I am so grateful to have every one of you as an example to me. Especially all of you who are reading this :)

Love,

Elder James Ryan Jacobs

Well...we've got to go through it.

Hello Everyone!

First of all, I am so sorry! I feel like since I have gotten here to Carcar,

I have had such a short amount of time to email and I've just been able to email my mom a few short sentences! 

I will do my best to get better at that :) I am still doing great and loving life - trials and all! 

Isn't it such a blessing for us to truly understand the reason that hard things are such an integral part of our life? They make us who we need to be. 

I think it was Elder Nelson that said one time, "Before we think to beg Heavenly Father to take a trial away, let's remember that - by doing so - we may be forfeiting our own personal fore-ordination." (not an exact quote.. just something I was thinking about)

So this last week was awesome! On Saturday, Jet and Juriz came down from the city (my last area) and worked with us! They just wanted to travel down and work with us for the day so it was so awesome! We were able to go on exchanges as well and got lots done! Jet leaves on his mission this December heading to Salt Lake City!!! So awesome.

I wanted to share something I studied this morning. As I was in the Christlike Attributes Chapter of Preach My Gospel, I found myself on the Doctrine and Attribute of "Patience". 

I had SUCH A FUN STUDY this morning! 

I started in Mosiah 24:9-16. Alma and his brethren here are put in a situation where they are unable to pray vocally. Of course, they don't let that stop them from Praying, so they "pour out their hearts" to God in prayer.

 I realized something different as I read this today.

Sometimes we are put in situations (by our own free will or because of the choices of others) where we can't do the most perfect thing.

 For example, Alma knew that the best way to pray was vocally, but he just couldn't do it.

 What I learned is that one part of patience is that we are confidently satisfied before the Lord, when we know we are doing ALL THAT WE CAN. 

Are you ever in a situation that, for whatever reason, you can't do all that you wish you could do? Well, do what you can...focus on that.

Cross reference that to D&C 123:17. We gain capacity to be patient when we know that we have done all in our power. Then we wait for the Lord to fulfill His promises.

We've got a lot of land to cover....

 I continued on and found a new all time favorite verse: D&C 101:38. I absolutely love it.

 "And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life." 

Cross that over to D&C 93:1 to get the process. I love the phrase "in patience ye may possess your souls." We will be able to bring all under subjection as we live the gospel and use the Atonement. Sorry this is so scattered, I hope you can get something out of it. 

In closing, there was one overall lesson I learned this morning:

Alright...well....we've got to go through it....

Patience is a lot more than just not showing emotion when we are annoyed, frustrated, or angry. It's deeper than that. 

It is changing how we think about the situation. There is no point in just not showing your are angry while, the whole time, complaining in your thoughts about the situation. We are patient from the inside out. Prayer helps a lot.

I am so grateful for all of your examples that you have given me throughout my life. I LOVE all of you. Whether it was through church, school, family, or anything, I am glad that we met because I've learn so much from each and every one of you. 

Let's keep moving forward, remembering always Who gives us the blessings every day. Keep Christ at the center of our lives and build every single day upon that foundation. We can all become just like Him, but it starts as we make the decision to act. As we pick one of His attributes and one by one, grace by grace, little by little, place them inside of us.

Love you all and hope you have an amazing week :)  Elder Jacobs