Thanks for Birthday Wishes

Hey Family,


Thank you very much for the letters and Package for my Birthday. And especially for the Margarita mix. (nice....) I actually don't really like that taste but I would think you were sending me that as a joke. So its all good. I really liked all the stuff you got me. The spy glasses were pretty snazzy. I use them every day to make sure I don't miss any people to talk to about the Gospel with.

We went over to Cheryl and Larry's home yesterday to watch a session of conference and they really enjoyed it. I feel as though they will be baptized pretty soon. They are really awesome and nice and they love the fact that the Church is so family oriented. I am excited for them!!!

General Conference was pretty awesome.. I think I heard some little things that I needed to hear.. Especially the talk about holding grudges.. because unfortunately because of all of the girls before me in the fam.. I inherited that wonderful quality. But I can't blame them for that, I can only blame myself for not forgetting and forgiving others as much. I would say that with each new person I meet I automatically start to put them on a rating scale.. and if they do something that I like they go up on the scale but if they do something that offends me or that I don't like--then I tend to put them in the negative, and unless they do something that I like then I just don't like them. But I have been trying to fix that because that is not how I am supposed to view others.

I can't wait to get home though.. I am excited to see all of you and show you some of my "lovin'"...
It will be so precious. I get really excited when I see pictures of the little ones, They are growing so rapidly and I don't want to miss anymore of that cuteness. I am so excited to baby sit all of the munchkin squad. It will be a glorious time. I am just going to have so much to do when I get home... Catch Gata's with Cameron, Frolic in the lilies with Carsen, and finger paint with Princess Ellie. And teach Brynlee how to do the Soulja boy dance. (not really the last one but you get the idea)

I don't want you to register me for school yet, I wanna wait for a semester and just work but if you could look up what I will need to do to go to school and if you could also look up the requirements to play basketball. Just in case I am good enough to play when I get back and I get some Lebron Hops, :)

I hope you all are having a fantastic week and I will keep you all in my prayers for reals.

oh and I forgot to tell you that my new companion is named Elder Mcmakin and I already know him and I think that he is really funny.. so we will have some good times!

love you guys have a good one!



<3, Elder AJ Ballif

Austin's Line of Authority

LINE OF AUTHORITY

AUSTIN J. BALLIF was ordained an Elder, by Jeffery S. Ballif

JEFFERY S.BALLIF was ordained an Elder, by Don R. Ballif

DON R. BALLIF was ordained a High Priest April 29, 1979, by Newel Hodges Linford

NEWEL HODGES LINFORD was ordained a High Priest Oct. 25, 1955, by Adam S. Bennion

ADAM S. BENNION was ordained an Apostle April 9, 1953, by David O. Mckay

DAVID O. McKAY was ordained an Apostle April 9, 1906, by Joseph F. Smith

JOSEPH F. SMITH was ordained an Apostle July 1, 1866, by Brigham Young

BRIGHAM YOUNG was ordained an Apostle Feb. 14, 1835, under the hands of the Three Witnesses-- Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris

THE THREE WITNESSES were called by revelation to choose twelve Apostles and on Feb. 14, 1835, were "blessed by the laying on of hands of the Presidency" -- Joseph Smith, Jr., Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams -- to ordain the twelve Apostles.

JOSEPH SMITH, JR. and OLIVER COWDERY received the Melchizedek Preisthood in 1829 under the hands of Peter, James and John.

PETER, JAMES and JOHN were ordained Apostles by the Lord Jesus Christ.

Line of Priesthood Authority and more New Investigators

Hey Family, I hope all is well and that you all are having fun back in Utah.


Just to let you know last week I asked my mission president for official permission to leave in July and he said that would be fine. So it is totally official but the specific date is still unknown to me. I am going to say that I will be home at the latest the 12th of July but I am pretty unsure about that.

I am grateful for the LINE OF AUTHORITY that papa sent for me. I have been curious to know my specific line ever since it was brought up by the apostle L. Tom Perry last year when he came and spoke to the mission in Eugene. I was glad to receive it on account of the fact that Authority is such a huge deal to me because of the 15,000 different christian denominations out there.. who believe that the whole Bible applies to them.. when only a small part does. Because they haven't received the proper ordinances of salvation without the Authority of God. Which "no man taketh this honor unto himself except he be called by God, as was Aaron." (hebrews 5:4), which is shown to us that in Exodus 28:1 it shows that Aaron was ordained by Moses. Which Moses was directly called of God. I just wish there was an easy way to explain these things to others.

Anyways, Elder Stokes and I have seen some cool miracles this week. We found 3 solid new investigators and we also had a really awesome experience with one of our investigator couples that we have been teaching. Long story short we introduced Larry and Cheryl to their best friends in the pre-mortal life. And they have the best fellowshipping family in the UNIVERSE now. So we will be watching a session of Conference with them and they will be coming to stake conference the following week. We also found an awesome black guy yesterday named Richard. he is the Bees Knees. He read the Bible in prison and now he is trying to make his life right. I really like him. He reminds me of a shorter, older, Kobe Bryant... so sufficeth to say I am pretty excited to start teaching him.

We have transfer calls this weekend and we have been feeling as though Elder Stokes might be getting transferred and I will be getting the greatest companion I will have in my life besides my wife... the spirit works in mysterious ways I tell ya.

I love you all and I pray for yall to have a fantastic week!

See you in July!!

Elder AJ Ballif

We are Finding More People to Teach

Hey Family! I am sorry that I never got around to emailing much or at least sending a letter home.. we had a busy week. And we were running late last Monday so I didn't have time to write you guys a nice juicy
letter...

But I have more time today so just be happy! :)

Elder Stokes and I had a really good week this week finding 5 new investigators to teach. We are excited because we have been trying to find people to teach this whole transfer and I finally think that we can start teaching more so than finding.. because finding is good and all but I am a teacher. That is what I have worked on the most and I am just better at teaching when I am sitting down--and not on the doorstep.

We have very good potential in this area and I feel like I might end my mission here. Which is exciting because I will hopefully get to see many of the people I have found "do the dip". :)
(missionary rap song)

So to allow you guys to do a countdown for when I will be returning and along with that make me trunky.. I believe I will be probably coming home July 12th. I am not totally sure yet but I will ask my Mission President this week in my email to him.  I am working hard and I am and have been growing alot as a person.

Anyways to answer some questions about transfers by Jennifer's request: Transfers are every 6 weeks and they are usually on monday, tuesday and wednesday of the 6th week. the next transfer date will be April 2-4th, then May 14-16th, then June 25-27th. And then I will be home 2-3 weeks after that.

Anyways... I want to know any good movies and music I have missed. Because I feel like I have. So maybe make a list for me for when I get home. So I can get a few easy-er dates. I'll have an easier excuse for asking...? whatever..

I love you guys and I can't wait to see you guys..

I am happy that Cameron is ok about losing his teeth... just don't let dad pull them. He is a monster. And Cameron and Carsen are definitely my best friends still. They are the coolest. And I have a feeling Ellie and I will be best friends too. Then we will be the Wolfpack. The 4 best friends that anyone could ever have. (I hope no one understands the reference or you need to repent)

Have a great week!

Love you all.

Elder AJ Ballif

Fasting and Prayer --> Blessings

Hey Family, I'm glad that everyone is doing pretty good.

My week was a trial of faith.. but the Lord blessed Elder Stokes and I yesterday. I was fasting for an elect investigator and within ten minutes of the end of our fast, we tracted into one and got a call from our bishop for another. Needless to say, our fast was a great success. I love the Lord and I love the blessings he gives to those that keep his commandments. I, like Nephi glory in truth and I love when we have faith to accomplish something and are diligent the Lord doesn't disappoint.

I am a really big fan of our area and the people in this place. It is more conservative and the temperature and climate is similar to Kaysville. I have been reading a lot of the Book of Mormon and I love every time I read it. It is so good! as is the New Testament. But so many people don't understand the Bible.. so most people are not wanting to learn more because they don't understand very much. They just think the Book of Mormon is our version of the Bible most the time. I just want to cry... and many of them don't listen because we are two young men and think we don't understand anything. Which is bologna...

We are planning on going to Bend today and there is a Nike Outlet store there that everyone wants to go to and I was hoping I might get a little more $$$ for that adventure due to the "no sales tax". And I am also planning on sending home a box or two of stuff that I would like to be home so I can get on the plane with no hassle of excess weight.

Anyways.. to answer some questions, I love the members of our ward.. they are awesome. We have been fed every night we have been here. We tract 12 hours a week and we have a full car covering one ward. the Redmond 1st ward.


I love you all, and just so John knows I will be sending a card to him but it will be late because I am only supposed to write on P-day. So I will send it off today.

I love you all and CAN'T wait to see you pretty soon.

until then.... <3 YOU.

Elder Ballif

Getting Started in Redmond

Hey family, I hope you guys are doing a little better.

My first week in Redmond has been tough. The elders that left the area to us didn't have much going on so it has been a struggle to get anything worthwhile done. But we have focused on getting to know the ward leaders and seeing all of the former investigators to see if they would like to be taught at all. But I am sure this week we will see some good stuff now that I have had my first P-day. Which was really fun... We went into Bend and played football, soccer and volleyball at a members indoor sport arena so that was fun. And now we will just be hanging out and shooting hoops till we have to get home and shower and head to dinner.

I am glad to hear that the funeral went well. I will sure miss Grandpa, he was a very sweet man and I love him very much. But I know the Lord needed him for something, for the laborers are fewer across the veil then here. And it won't be too long until we shall be reunited.

I was wondering if I could get some money put into my account.. It is really cold here.. very similar to Utah but more wind. And I would like to get a few things like maybe a sweater or two and something to support my back. That would be much appreciated.

But as far as Redmond goes.. it is my favorite area so far. There are many awesome members here and it just seems a lot more organized then some other areas I have been in. The only thing that I wish was better was the work.. But I know that will pick up soon.

Anyways I love you guys and I will see you sooner then later.

Love, Elder Ballif

Thoughts on Grandpa Ballif and Transfer to Redmond

Hey Family, I hope you guys are doing alright...

I received the call yesterday that let me know that grandpa passed on to the world of spirits. As soon as I heard that I was in shock for a little while. I started thinking about the fact that when I got home I would not be able to see him for a long time. But I find comfort in knowing he is with grandma still, I know he is comforting her. And he will be anxiously waiting for her to return to him after her mission is done. I loved grandpa very much and it is sure sad that he won't be here with us but I do know that death for a worthy saint is very much a blessing. And I do know that grandpa was a great man as are his wife and children great. He has raised a great family. And he was a very good example for me and I hope I can be as good as him when I am older. I feel as though he will be resurrected a lot sooner then later in the 1st resurrection and I will get to meet the youthful Don. I love you guys and I know that angels can comfort you if you let them. I have been praying for you all and myself that I can remember that he is watching me and that I can make him proud.

I will be going to Redmond 1st ward with Elder Stokes. Elder Stokes was a zone leader prior to this and him and I are going to be whitewashing.. (which means we will both be new in the ward) I am excited for the change to get out of all the sopping rain.. And our mission president promised me that we would see baptisms if I was obedient so I shall be. I have been reading Preach my Gospel a lot lately so I can get better at teaching and finding. It really is a good book to help you learn what we are supposed to do out here. Ryan would do well to really study that book like he would his homework. I know Ryan is a lot smarter then I so he would learn a lot faster than I have. He just needs to realize that it is important as well as the Book of Mormon. VERY IMPORTANT STUFF. A mission is a wonderful experience, and I am really excited for Ryan to have a chance to serve. It will help him grow into a MAN. Mentally, Spiritually, and Emotionally. If you wanna be physically manly you have to exercise with me.

I love you guys very much and I will be excited to tell you about Redmond when I get there.. my address shall be 707 sw. black butte blvd #10 Redmond 97756   so you can send me all the mail that you want... (because it is sooooo much!) ;)

I love you guys and I will be praying for you all. Seek the Holy Ghost in your lives. It is the best feeling I have ever had.

love always,

Elder Ballif

Wild Week

Hey Family, Hope everything is going fantastic.

This week was pretty wild, Elder Goodfellow was sent home for medical reasons and I was partially not in my area this week. I am currently working in between my area and Eugene 3rd wards area. And I am feeling a little stressed but it is all good. A bowl of ice cream will fix me right up.

Therefore I believe I will be staying in my area for another transfer.. which means another 7 and 1/2 month area in a row for Elder Ballif. I think that I will be fine though.. Eugene is pretty crazy but we are finding a good amount of people to teach. And Shandra is doing good, she came to church yesterday and we are still working with her, she asked if we could move the baptism back and I am not going to baptize someone who feels like they are not ready for a covenant making ordinance. But she is still progressing, I think the next time we meet with her we will read from the scriptures and teach her about a few of the commandments, possibly that it is a commandment to study the scriptures.

I hope all is well and that you all are happy and safe. I got a really cool spiderman watch for two dollars that I have worn more then any other watch I have ever had. I love it.

Whoa, that's pretty wild that Alan Dixon is home now. Pretty awesome stuff, I can't remember who is next to come home out of my crew.. Probably Quentin or Avery.. I am not sure. Whateva.

My back hurts because I ride a bike that is not meant for a 6'4 7/8 person to ride.. And partially my bed.. I think I just want to buy a back brace or something... I don't know. I am trying to be the least stressful for you guys as I can be.

I like Josh read that talk and I often refer to it when I am trying to practice getting better at teaching. I really like the way he explained how the Holy Ghost specifically teaches to help us learn how to be influenced through the HG to be able to TEACH and help it STICK.

I miss you guys a lot right now especially since it is close to my Birthday... and I can't help little Ellie become like "Pearl the Landlord" (funny or die Will Ferrell video). Just kidding I would never do that unless I was paid really well. ;)

I love this church and a lot of people in it, I am grateful to be here to learn from all the people I serve around. There are a lot of really cool people in the wards that I have served in and I have enjoyed being here to meet these new peeps. I have changed quite a bit from when I was last home but I hope that it shall be a good change for everyone.

All I know is that I love you guys and I miss you a lot, but I still have important work to do and I will see this mission  through so I can say I have finished something good in my life. Then I will just totally be the same person I was and live with you guys till I am 40. :) Sound good?? cool.

I love you guys and I know that God is there and he can hear our prayers and answer them if we are keeping or at least trying hard to keep his Holy Commandments. I know that the Savior lives and he Atoned for our sins so we can all have a chance to come back to the kingdom of God. But we must CHOOSE what we will do in our lives to make sure that happens.

I pray that we can all CHOOSE to Submit to God's will and align our wants with his wants so we can be at peace.

I love you,

Elder Ballif

Good Week

Hey Family, I hope everything is going very well for you all.

Happy Birthday to Brynlee and Ry Ry, I sent a little bit of my love to both of you honeys. :D

Elder Goodfellow and I had a good week, it was a little slow at first but it ended very well. I am glad that I am out here right now and Tyson told me that all the girls back home haven't changed since high school so I don't even feel like I am missing out too badly. I do miss you all very much and my good friends and the good times I have had at home. But I have had a lot of time to change and become a better person which I am happy about. I am also excited for Ryan to have this change because I can tell he acts a lot like I did before I left. But since I have had that change I have seen the error of my ways and I hope that happens for Ryan as well. We had a good pday today, we played some football and then we had a zone picnic. which was pretty fetch. (mean girls)

I have been remembering a lot of the Book of Mormon now.. I love when I read so much I can remember where everything is in the book. That happened to me when I read the New testament as well. My memory is definitely enhanced when I have the spirit.

We have a few people that we invited to baptism this week but they unfortunately they denied the opportunity for now, but I feel like once they are a little more prepared then we will have a better chance of getting a positive response.

My back is still hurting me and my bike is slowly falling apart... so I think I will be needing a little bit of cash to pay for some things to make my life a little easier.

I enjoyed the pictures of Brynlee's birthday, she sure is a cutie, I am gonna love babysitting Jenns munchkins when I get back.. and Ellie if Kim and Todd need a date night or something.

Anyway, I don't have much else to say..  I hope Mitt wins the Republican party vote! I wouldn't mind having the Elders of Israel save this country.

Have a great week, one love!

Elder Ballif

Under the Weather

Hey Family, I hope everything is going well, Things are going pretty good on my side.

We were both sick this week so the working was a little sparce but we did have Shandra and her daughter come to church. And that went really well despite the fact that it was fifth sunday and the high priests talked about family history for the last hour.. it was a little dry I must say. But other then that I thought it was a success.

The only bummer this week was that Elder Goodfellow thought it was a good idea to go and invite one of our investigators to set a baptismal date and totally got rejected.. but that is good too so we can know concerns and know what to focus on.


I don't have much else to say this week..

I love you and next week  I am sure I will have a lot more to talk about.

Love,
Elder Ballif