Jacob Winegar: January 2023

To those of you who actually read these, apologies for missing a week. I kinda figured nobody would really notice, but a few did. For you few, this one's for you. :)

The power of God in great glory attended the work in Los Gatos this week in spectacular ways. In fact, so many marvelous miracles occurred I'm unsure how to put it all. Ammon, in his rejoicing, put it well when he said, "Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men? Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel" (Alma 26:16).

This week, before my very eyes, I have seen the forces of good and evil working. I have seen God's children, the people of the earth, face oppression from a very real adversary (Acts 10:38). And, with a power that is tangibly greater, I have seen the intervention of an undeniably real and undeniably loving God in the lives of His children, who could only be treated with such meticulous compassion if they were His everything, even His very "work and [His] glory" (Moses 1:39). That's what we are to God Our Father and Jesus Christ. We are their everything. I know it without a doubt.

The Lord is working wonders for His children. He will confound the confusing falsehoods of our day for us. He will heal us of all our infirmities, physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual ones. And if he doesn't do that, He will not leave you comfortless. He will be there to minister to you, to succor you, just when all seems to be lost.

I know the Lord will do these things because this week He has. And He did them through me. I watched as I was,"made [an] instrument in the hands of God to bring about this great work" (Alma 26:3).

This week, by no merit of my own, I was guided in ways so profound, I cannot describe them with words. I found myself in certain places at such a precise moment, I knew that my meeting certain individuals could only have been orchestrated by omniscience. I spoke words and thoughts that I could not have dreamed, but that surely were written above. And the feeling! Oh there could not be a greater joy experienced amongst all things living! There is nothing greater than to be used in the hands of God!

Even so, with Zion's fountains seemingly bursting around me, "my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities" (2 Nephi 4:17).

As I was encompassed in the perfection of the Lord, my own inadequacies became strikingly apparent. As the Lord fixed that which was broken around me, I remembered all that I had broken myself. I recalled my many weaknesses and all the poor choices I had made on my mission. My heart rejoiced in the goodness of God, but was filled with chagrin and regret for my own carnal nature.

But then I was taught in my studies this magnificent truth; "God can make good come …not just from our successes but also from our failures and the failures of others that cause us pain. God is that good and that powerful." I finally understood that God was the one who gave me my weaknesses and thus He could certainly manage the messes they would cause. I understood what Isaiah meant when he taught that the Lord could give me beauty for the ashes of my life (Isaiah 61:3).

He will do the same for you! Christ said of Himself, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised" (Luke 4:18). It is my prayer that each of you will cast your burden on the Lord, come unto The Master Physician, and let Him heal you through His sweet forgiving.

I thought I would leave you some holier songs that have warmed my heart these past weeks, but there has also been one nagging at me from the back of my mind so just ignore that last one.

🌌
Beautiful Zion, Built Above—Tabernacle Choir
Beautiful Savior—Tabernacle Choir

…

Lithium—Nirvana

ahem, AAAANYways, I hope you're well. I think of you and pray for you. I love you.

bye,

Elder Winegar

Weekly Mail, Elder Winegar

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

This week was calamitous. Not personally, but certainly within the area I have been given stewardship over.

The rain is unrelenting, the winds are fierce, and, just as the tune goes, the floods have certainly "come up." Our apartment complex lost power for a short time earlier in the week, which now seems inconsequential compared to the outage endured in the middle of our sacrament meeting on the Sabbath. And yet, the Saints faithfully gathered in the dark to engage in that sacred ordinance. Their actions show their devotion to and understanding of their covenantal relationship with Christ. This unique display of faith strengthened mine. All in all, the proceedings of the week, at least pertaining to the unusual weather, have left me feeling particularly empathetic towards the people of Noah…

This end of this week also marks the dawn of a new transfer. Sadly, my dear companion Elder Prestwich will be transferred away. In his stead I will receive Elder Barrus. Change is challenging, but my feelings are generally optimistic.

From the start to the end of this transfer I have come to understand why the Lord likens His work unto laboring in a vineyard (Jacob 5). The ambiance of the area when I first arrived, as far as the work was concerned, could certainly be described as decaying. There was nothing too promising going on and the work was far from flourishing. But because I knew this piece of the ground was loved by the Master of the Vineyard I set out to nourish it to health and fruitfulness.

I must say, the work did often feel as arduous as pruning and digging about a tree. But because we labored with our might, full of love for God and His children, we have seen miracles. We have found those who are prepared and who desire to be grafted into the "true vine" that they might "[bring] forth much fruit." (John 15:1-5). I am happy to report that the diligent effort expended this transfer resulted in three of our friends, Wayne, Robert, and Matthew choosing this week to begin preparations for baptism on February 11th. We are overjoyed at their choice and delighted for them to join the Lord's fold and taste more completely of His love.

I testify that the Lord's "work and [His] glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39), is purely a labor of love, "for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation" (2 Nephi 26:24).

I also testify that in His matchless love for us, He also has provided us the opportunity and privilege to be a part of His marvelous work. And His simple instruction of how we might join Him has trickled through the centuries to our day: "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another" (John 13:33).

I echo the admonition of John, Christ's beloved, who taught, "if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another" (1 John 4:11). I know this is how the Lord would have us serve with and alongside Him. Afterall, do we not sing, "Where love is, there God is also?"

I promise that all who will choose to love in every situation, no matter how divisive and regardless of the stakes, will find truth, fulfillment, and joy in this life and throughout eternity.

Songs

Low Tide Love—Tipling Rock

If you made it this far, or if you didn't, I love you.

See you,

Elder Winegar

P.S.

You may recall some, shall we say, artistic choices in last week's email. Should that become the new normal? Let me know what you think…

P.P.S

I had some razy dreams all last week, if you want to know if you were in them, hit me up.

Elder Winegar, These Are The Latter Days

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

*Elder Winegar closes his umbrella and enters through the door frame of your mind*

*brushes off shoulders*

Well hello there! Awfully rainy out isn't it? I must say there has been a good amount of hullabaloo over the unusual weather, but I've found it rather pleasing in a strange way. It brings a sort of melancholy upon the landscape that offers release to the heart and soothe to the mind. Though, I do occasionally fear for the wellbeing of the people. They seem well enough off to me…I do hope they're well…

May I?

*Elder Winegar proceeds to sit in a red, velvet armchair*

Why thank you! Where shall we begin…I did receive some interesting training about storms and buffalo, but nevermind that now, we haven't the time. Remind me to elaborate another day.

I did spend some wonderful, but brief time in the Santa Cruz mountains. A member of the ward had us for dinner and their home was tucked away in the forest. Quite quaint.

We met some rather astonishing individuals as well that had some interesting notions and ways of living. One gentleman enlightened us to the many ways the government was, and I use his words, "pushing the agenda of Satan!" My companion went along snickering for the duration of his discourse (and by any standard it certainly was a discourse!) while I, in my state of awe, tried to answer his questions by expounding the scriptures. His mind must've been too jumbled to receive any more information, for all exhortations were vain. If he were here now he would ensure I informed you that the current calendar is fictitious and constructed by conspiring officials.

Another man, I'll call Ed, was also quite unique. He first opened the door and nearly hacked his lungs onto our feet. He began his attempt to send us away, but not before we could offer to administer the healing power of the priesthood. He gladly accepted. At the conclusion of a blessing his cough had, miraculously, completely ceased. Now recognizing us as servants of the Lord, he began to pour out his heart. He told us of the many hardships he was enduring and we assured him that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ would strengthen him through any affliction. He invited us back to his home but since that day our interactions have been…less productive, but very amusing. On one occasion he even answered the door in what most would consider scantily clad attire.

Recently in my studies, I have become increasingly focused upon the God given power of freewill. Within each of us is light, which allows us to discern good from evil and truth from deception. To accompany this discernment we are then provided the opportunity to choose.

Our choices have great power. They affect the shape of our life experience, the experiences of those around us, and our eternal destiny.

There are many parts of mortality that lie within our ability to choose. Despite what intuition may tell us, we really can control through our choices our thoughts, our feelings, even our desires. We can choose what we believe in and what we doubt. We can choose what we do with our time, which will ultimately decide who we will become. Depending on how we choose, we can find joy, fulfillment, and purpose or restriction, captivity, and sadness.

And so, I testify that we can indeed choose to have faith in Jesus Christ. If you desire to believe that Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the world, then choose to believe it. If you desire to believe that this is His church on the earth, choose to believe it. If you desire to believe that His gospel is true, you must simply choose to. And then, once you have made the decision, live accordingly. Keep the Lord's commandments and follow His teachings.

Jesus taught, "My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself" (John 7:16-17). As the blessings of our righteous decisions begin to flow into our lives, our natural hesitations will diminish and our knowledge of the truthfulness of Christ's doctrine will become sure. But such surety will never come without some uncertainty first. Is not this faith? "Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true" (Alma 32:21; see also Ether 12:6).

I promise you that if you really desire to know the truth you can. Choose to follow Christ. "Experiment upon [His] words" (Alma 32:27) and watch and see as your life begins to fill with light, with peace, and with joy. Watch and see confusion dispelled and purpose revealed. Watch and see the miraculous change that will occur in you as you choose to be converted to Jesus Christ.

*Elder Winegar glances at his watch*

Well would you look at the time. I best be off. But in parting I leave you my love and a song recommendation.

Song

Not Around–Ritt Mommney

And with that my friend, adieu, until we meet again.

As they say, "back into the frey," I suppose.

*Elder Winegar rises from his seat, walks towards the entrance, now his exit, and dips out into the rain. He quickly opens his umbrella and perhaps pops the collar of his jacket against the wind. He begins to walk away, but then, before departing, he turns and looks back at you once more with a grin on his face. He then walks briskly into the bowels of The Unknown.*

Elder Winegar, Weekly Post

Thursday, January 12, 2023

Sup.

So, New Years. I know, right? Crazy stuff.

It was a chill week. Just kidding, it was basically the exact opposite of chill. I worked harder this week than I had in many weeks and I couldn't be happier. I testify from personal experience that the joy and satisfaction of righteousness living is in large part proportional to our diligence. Steady, consistent, earnest, and energetic effort regardless of circumstance keep our focus riveted on what is most important, an imperative perspective to have with the dawn of a new year. A new year comes with just as much distraction and trial as it does prospect and potential. No matter what the new year holds we can choose now to stay the course of moral integrity and its corresponding habits.

The hard work paid off. A very fruitful week in which I had the opportunity to meet many, many people, a few of whom accepted the commitment to make covenants with Jesus Christ after just meeting for the first time. Truly, the gospel of Jesus Christ is for every "nation, kindred, tongue and people" (D&C 42:58).

We ran two exchanges this week. I got to spend time with some pretty cool missionaries. Avid readers will remember Elder Burke, my Zone Leader in Menlo Park, who coerced me into eating a full Little Caesars Pizza in one day. Well, you will be happy to hear that our paths crossed again and yes more extortion occurred. The results? I drank a whole gallon of milk in one day. Don't think it's a lot? Try it sometime, I promise you're mistaken. Fortunately, I kept it down, but Elder Burke learned that what is reaped is also sown. He expelled ¾ of a gallon of milk, a subway footlong, a cheeseburger, and fries in front of some poor hotel manager's establishment. But let it be known that I was triumphant and completed that which was given me to do.

We had a lot of rain. Like, a lot of rain. The earth was washed clean to ring in the new year. Just as precipitation brings a newness of life to the ecology it falls upon, Jesus Christ renews, well, us as we come unto him.

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Cor. 5:17). We need not worry about things past when we make the choice to follow Christ. For, if we do so with all our hearts, we will allow the sanctifying power of God to, "distil upon [our souls] as the dews from heaven" (D&C 121:45).

For this new year, and every year to follow, I echo the comprehensive resolution of Paul,

"...this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philip. 3:13-14).

️Songs️

In Heaven–Vulf

Business Casual–Vulf

Hangin' Round–Briston Maroney

See you this year…

Elder Winegar