Canon City and Christmas Time

Elder Bowles is not so good about writing emails to his mother so she can update his blog, but he does send lots of video vlogs.  Unfortunately they are to big to upload here.  He is also really good about sending me pictures.  Here are a few over the last 2 weeks.

A week ago they had zone conference in Colorado Springs, or the "Springs" as he calls it.  While there he stopped and visited a few people.  He also went to visit the Missionaries that live in his old area.  

Canon City District 

Elder Bowles and Brother Arnold

1. District Party at the Schlosser's

He stole Elder Bowles' name tag so Elder Bowles put it on his shirt and he was running around with it on.

Elder Bowles and Elder Blatter had the privilege of attending 2 ward Christmas parties

Elder Bowles and Sister Stoup

Sister Tomiann and her husband George love the Missionaries and I am so thankful that they do.

Then Earlier this week the Wall family took them to the Zoo Lights at the Cheyanne Mountain Zoo.

 The Wall Family with Elder Bowles and Elder Blatter

 Zoo Lights

 Elder Blatter getting kissed by a Giraffe

 Never to old to sit on Santa's Lap

Taking time to take a selfie with Santa

Merry Christmas to all!

Missionary Mail

Elder Xander Bowles 

Colorado, Colorado Springs Mission
4090 Center Park DR Suit #4
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80916

xander.bowles@myldsmail.net

Posted by: Redheadedmama

Bishop's Castle

Elder Bowles Sent Picture of his visit to Bishop's Castle

 He said this is an actual Jail Cell and that many westerns were filmed there

 Elder Bowles

 Elder Blatter

 Elder Bowles & Elder Blatter

 He Said this Bridge was so sketchy and yet he went over it!

 The View was worth it he said.

 Bishop's Castle

He Loves Us All

Dear Family & Friends,                                                                                      November 6, 2017

So I love canon city and the people and I've had many wonderful experiences so far.  My companion Elder Blatter is a wonderful missionary and friend to me I have a lot to learn from him he knows his scriptures very well! He's very much like a brother to me as well, we've been able to share many things together and help each other out. He is a true friend to me and I just admire his example.

 Elder Blatter & Elder Bowles

Anyways we've seen many miracles lately so many people here are prepared and seeking the truth and the love joy peace and happiness this gospel can bring. I have found a wonderful love for this gospel more and more everyday. I want to spend my life dedicated to this wonderful work and to learn and grow everyday.  I want to serve everyone around me the best I can in my future.  This Gospel is more than a lip service on Sunday and more than something we can turn to when things get hard it is a lifestyle, it is something we have to do everyday and as we put our trust in the lord he loves to do nothing but bless us! I have a few scriptures I would like to share the first one is Matthew10:29-31

 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

He is always aware of us and what we are doing he care about us so much and wishes to bless us.

The next scripture is in the Book of Mormon 1 Nephi 21:14-16

14 But, behold, Zion hath said: The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me—but he will show that he hath not.
15 For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel.
16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.

He can never forget us he has us engraved upon his palms he love each and everyone of us and is aware of where we are and what we are facing and he reaches out to you.  My mission president shared a wonderful thing last night he told of the time when Jesus fasted for 40 days and was then tempted by the adversary 3 times.  Some people say he was tempted with a few things but really he was tempted to question weather or not he really was the Son of God!  He was tempted to forget who he was and this is a big struggle we all face in this life but I want you to all know you are wonderful children of God and that he knows and loves each and everyone of you.  Never forget who you are!  If you ever feel discouraged or low or like your not good enough if you ever feel like you've hit a rough patch look to your high priest of good things to come he has felt everything you will ever feel and is right there to even carry you through it. I have a personal testimony that Jesus is the Christ and he love us individually and we are never alone he is with us in every trial with his arm extended we just have to grab it. I absolutely love this talk https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1999/10/an-high-priest-of-good-things-to-come?lang=eng and encourage you to read listen to or watch it. I love and miss you all especially during this holiday season and I think of you all often hope to hear from you guys. I hope you have a wonderful week and that God may be with you till we meet again. I'm going to hike sky line drive today so I'll post those pics next week. Love you guys!

                                                                                       Love, your Elder Bowles

Skyline Drive Hike