Saluti

Saluti Elder Williams,
 

We had a great day on Saturday. After Brandt won the hoop shoot, the girls and I went to The Phantom of the Opera presented by BYU Theater Arts. I had purchased the tickets for a Christmas present and it just happened to be on the same day as Brandt's state competition. The Phantom was phenomenal. It was a quality production with so many talented perfomers, and I really enjoyed it.
 

I've been listening to a book by George MacDonald called Getting to Know Jesus. George MacDonald influenced C.S. Lewis through his writings and led Lewis to Christ. George MacDonald was a fascinating person. He was a minister, but was rejected by the provincial churches, so he was an itnerant preacher with a great love of God. Here is a quote:

“Man finds it hard to get what he wants, because he does not want the best; God finds it hard to give, because He would give the best, and man will not take it.”
 

That is so true. We aren't willing to accept the best because our sights are on the ephemeral things of this world...the things that rust and corrupt. I'm so guilty of this. I think that's why this has touched such a chord in me...because he spoke of living a simple life filled with truth.

“If we will but let our God and Father work His will with us, there can be no limit to His enlargement of our existence.”
 

We would be content to live in the husk of a walnut shell and think ourselves kings, yet there is infinity as an offering if we would accept it. If we would submit our will and choose to look through the lens of eternity, our views would be grand indeed. But we look through the glass darkly and don't trust in the promises. I am trying to change my focus, and want rely on God to bring me to his home.

I am grateful that you are His servant and helping others to see the truth. I hope you will find those who are seeking.

I love you.

Mom

Dear Mom,

 

It is really good to hear that everyone is having such a good time.

 

I feel like I'm getting to know Jesus a lot more. I'm feeling the need for mercy more and more, and I'm understanding more and more that the Lord wants to extend it to me. I'm grateful that I can feel the Atonement work more in my life. It is so much better yoking myself with the Lord. There is so much more peace and comfort. I'm feeling that change of mind that repentance is, and I'm more confident that it will be changed forever. That's what true repentance is. Never going back.

 

I'm grateful that my mission has changed my life forever. There are going to be even more and greater changes in the future.

 

Love,

 

Elder Williams

 

Hey Talon,
I hope you are well. It sounds lime you and your comp are doing good. Good companions are a real blessing.
All is well here. The snow is melting and we are having a warm day now and again.
We had a busy day Saturday. Brandt had state finals for the hoop shoot. Mom and the girls went to phantom of the opera at BYU and then we went to a BYU basketball game.
Brandt won the hoop shoot and now advances to the Western States regional later this month. It was really neat for him but he's very humble about it.
Work is good for me. Never a dull day.
Be well.
Love Dad



Hey Dad,

 

I'm doing pretty good. I got sick this last week, which wasn't all bad. Elder Davis stepped up and helped with tracting and everything.

 

I'm really proud of Brandt. I'm really glad that he isn't getting prideful, too.

 

I'm glad that work is good too.

 

Love,

Elder Williams