Happy New Years Eve

Happy New Year's Eve,

 

I've been on a spree...not a shopping spree or an eating spree, but a cleaning spree. I've cleaned out every closet, under every bed, in nooks and crannies and everywhere in between. It feels so good. I've given loads of stuff to the DI, and thrown sacks and sacks of stuff out. For example, I've had notes from college that are 20 years old, and decided that I just don't need them anymore! It has been very freeing. :)
 

It reminds me of repentance and forgiveness. We hold onto stuff for some reason,but when we realize that it is just weighing us down and cluttering up our lives, then giving it up makes life much easier. Through forgiveness, we open up our lives to receive peace and the light of Christ. Through repentance, we open our hearts to truth and knowledge of God. I am reminded of King Lamoni who said I will give up my sins to know thee. I need to give away my sins to know Christ. I want to be receptive to the spirit, but if I have spiritual clutter I am cutting myself off from his presence.
 

Clutter comes to us in many forms. For example I think being overly busy is clutter. Dwelling on regrets is clutter. Focusing on external trivia is clutter. I know that I have way, way, way to much clutter in my head, but I am going to work on simplifying my life. I want to have room to be open to the spiritual promptings that may come.
 

I hope your new area is ready for one great missionary and servant of God. Please send me you address again. I lost the paper when I was cleaning!
 

Oh, by the way, I threw away all of your stuff that you had stored, because I figured that you won't need it anymore and want to help you be free of clutter.

Just kidding. :)

It was great to Skype with you on Christmas. You look so good...you have the missionary glow.

I love you.

Mom


 

 

Dear Mom,

It is good to hear that the year is really going to be a good start. I love that comparison to forgiveness. We just need to let go of the things that tie us down.

My mission has been good for me for a few reasons. One of those is that I am overcoming some personality quirks that hold me back from being being the best I could be. I love the Atonement, and how it helps us to change. People are afraid to change, but in reality it is one of the greatest gifts the Lord has given to us. I've been leaning into these changes, because I know that I will be happier as a result.

I love seeing people change. I've been learning about how truly powerful the gospel is in helping people change. Because of my growing testimony of the converting power of the Gospel, it is easier and easier for me to have hope for change in others. Sometimes it feels like I am beating on a rock when I talk to some people. I feel like I can love them more and more, because I know that God loves them and knows they can change. All they have to do is choose.

The area is white already to harvest. There is nothing better than being in the right place at the right time and saying the right things to the right people. When I do that, I feel successful.

My address is:
683 Spring Street
Fortuna, CA 95540

It was great to see everyone on Skype. Even Ra-Ra, ha ha.

Love,

Elder Williams