A.T.T.I.T.U.D.E

Magandang Araw Po,

It's More Fun in the Philippines:

• I am LOVING LIFE with my new companion, Elder Gabriel. He is my first Filipino Companion, and has got to be one of the coolest missionaries around. He is from Tarlac and only has 2 more months in his mission, but that won't stop these man from working hard!

As Zone leader in the Balayan Zone I am in charge of watching over 10 missionaries. Here in Batangas I felt as though we were losing energy just a little bit. I felt that maybe my 10 missionaries were getting tired; however, that has all changed with the new cycle/transfer. Half of our zone left us last week, and they were replaced with many new faces. These new missionaries are excited to learn, improve and give it their all. Much of this excitement comes simply down to the fact that these are great new missionaries, but I like to make a comment or even suggestion in how we can create a spirit of excitement within our own families, classrooms, friends, or whatever it may be. It only comes down to one word: Attitude.

First off, before the transfer even occurred I had a list of the incoming missionaries. I began spreading word to the zone that the incoming missionaries were some of the best missionaries I knew. The funny thing is, I had no idea who these missionaries actually were, I had NEVER met them. It didn't matter who they really were, I wanted my 10 missionaries to get excited for their new companions. Pay attention to the ATTITUDE. We were Positive, Energetic and Hopeful.

Secondly, when transfers came I picked up all of the new missionaries by myself and was in charge of bringing them back to my zone and introducing them to their new companions. While traveling I told them that they were extremely lucky to join such a wonderful zone. I told them they had lots of great things to look forward to, but that they would need to work hard. This got them excited for the things in store. Notice the ATTITUDE. Purely Positive. Never Negative.
Finally, I have been receiving calls and texts all saying how happy each companion is here in Balayan zone. Any negative comments have been shoved off and replaced by the positive things.

Now let us examine the word A.T.T.I.T.U.D.E. If we replaced each letter with it's equivalent number in the alphabet we will find something quite divine. (ex. A-1, B-2, C-3)

A-1

T-20

T-20

I-9

T-20

U-2

D-4

E-5

Add these numbers up and we will find that they equal exactly 100! Attitude is 100%
Ultimately, this new excitement in Balayan zone is grounded in our attitude, and I assisted in this by spreading a sense of excitement, positivity and hope throughout the zone.

WEEKLY CHALLENGE:  If we want to have a happy life, why would we talk about the negative things? Focus on the positive, and we can have a spirit of joy within our families, church, or any other group in which we affiliate. Spend this week talking only about the positive things in your life and about others. At the end of the week evaluate your effort and reflect on the feelings you had when you were positive.

Elder Hemmert