Finding Fuel

 Angelic associates of Arlington, 

Did you know that I'm in my sixth month as Bishop of the Arlington Ward!? I've reflected on that as we start this new year. It has become more poignant as we've called new youth leaders and as youth have graduated from primary and moved into the youth program. I realized that I will likely be their Bishop for the entirety of their time in young men and young women. That weighs heavily on me. I've wondered if I'm enough. I've wondered if I will always say the right things, ask the right questions, be the right example, and act on the right promptings at the right times. I'm confident that I've driven my counselors, the rest of the bishopric, and possibly the ward council crazy with my micromanagement and the "vision" for the ward (that I don't always understand). However, I've prayed mightily over that vision, and I promise I'm trying my absolute hardest to follow the Lord's will. 

I'd like to take a moment to share some that vision. By the end of the month, I'll have it formatted clearly and beautifully. ;) I envision the members of our ward, including the youth, developing a sure and unshakable testimony that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, their eternal Redeemer. I envision us becoming a diligently faithful people that makes and keeps covenants and thrives to make new ones as often as possible . I envision us developing an insatiable love for sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and being proactive participants in the work of salvation - both for the living and for the dead. I envision, that over the next five years, our ward will be a powerful and mighty discipleship training center. 

As I've been thinking on those things, I've been a little worried because I've been quite tired the past couple of weeks. I've worried about getting burned out. I've wondered, 'what is the fuel that I am missing?' There has been a bit of talk about that around our home lately. We've discussed sources of influence, guidance, and inspiration. What are the relationships that we foster that influence us? Am I surrounding myself with positive influences? Am I surrounding myself with powerful examples of righteousness and goodness? Am I fueling my soul with light and joy? Lastly, what brings me purity and lasting joy?

How has your understanding of your purpose and temple covenants led you to experience God's love for your personally? How has proclaiming the Gospel and loving your temple covenants brought you closer to Christ? Have you found strength as you've understood your covenants more deeply? Have you gained strength through Christ as you've shared the Gospel? What goals do you have for 2025? What is your mission for 2025?

I learned this week that I gain strength as I focus on gaining a deeper understanding of my covenants. I know that I can find joy and energy as I share the Gospel. I know that if I am humble, I can find strength. I'm not perfect but I don't need to be. I know that serving the Lord is the quickest way to finding happiness. I know that the fuel I need is faith, the water I need is Christ, and the energy I need is His Holy Sacrament. 

Thank you to all of you that have inspired me so incredibly much over the past several months. Thank you for bringing us to the temple, for sharing the Gospel with your friends, children, spouses, mothers, siblings, daughters, sons. Thank you for speaking in the name of the Savior of the world.


With so much love and adoration,

Bishop Kienzle