March 9, 2010

March 4, 2010

Dear mom/family,

I was just reading my scriptures! It seems like the more I learn and read from them the more I realize how much more there is in them. Same thing happens with the language, the more I learn the more I see that I still need to acquire. The scriptures are beginning to give to me soo much more now than I have ever seen in the past…its amazing what is in them! I hope you are all taking advantage of these awesome blessings that I know people members take for granted so often.

Everyone knows about my past life as a body builder. They are asking for a lot of advice about body building. Yes, I am reading the thought book you sent me! Only a page a day though, if I start to read much more I begin to get homesick! Two days ago I read the last few pages and began to cry…if was if front of my roommates and I was extremely embarrassed. There is a lot of insight in it and I love it! Thank you so much, I know you worked hard on it.

I found my favorite missionary scripture. It is D&C 84: 77-88. In verse 77 it says that I need to be Christ’s friend as a missionary – it is a commandment. In 79 is says He sent me out to prove the world. In verse 80 he promises that if I am faithful as a missionary, He will not let me be weary in mind, body, limb, or joint. And that not a hair on my head will not be lost without Him knowing it. I take a lot of comfort from the fact that the Lord is keeping such close tabs on me.

There is an awesome image that I have put in my mind - that goes along with verse 82. I like to think of myself as a lily – growing, not turning to and fro with the ways of the world. Glorious in testimony, in the clarity that I need to have.
Verse 85 says that I should not worry or think about what to say and that if I’m faithful the words will be put in my mouth.
Verse 88 I love how this verse reads! Essentially it says that He will be with me protecting me; so not to worry mom – Heavenly Father and his angels are my bodyguards!

I am so grateful for my district – I honestly think that we are at least in the top 10 most unified district here at the MTC. I was really blessed with them all!
We had devotional earlier in the evening. It was Bruce Hafen of the 70. I received some great analogies and insight from him. Something that pertains to you all are two things he said would increase kids/teens changes of staying active and getting married in the temple; those being:
Marriage of parents in the temple 2) Parents who have a testimony

Way to go mom and dad! Boo Boo I hope you know that mom and dad have a testimony! I know they do! You ought to ask to hear it sometime. Here are some other gems: these are things about testimony: the pre-requisites for a testimony are: desire and worthiness. The analogy is of a stool. The reason are the one leg to hold it up. The experience is the other and feelings are the last leg of the stool. For a testimony, we need to find or have a reason to have a belief or know. The feelings include being receptive to the feelings we get and the experience includes studying it out and pondering on it – to test the truth of it. This analogy can also be applicable to love. If ye have not charity, ye are nothing!

Mom, sometimes I really do miss everyone so much, but I know I’m where I am supposed to be! Please pray for me to learn this language – it is very hard!

Much love,
Elder Leash