Shavua Tov

Shavua Tov Elder Williams,

 

That is Hebrew for "Good Week". I just finished reading The Chosen by Chiam Potok again, so I wanted to send you my blessings in Hebrew.

I love that book. It really opened up my eyes to Jewish culture and traditions. I also learned that anything that is true is able to withstand scrutiny and critical observation. That is what brought us out of medieval and superstitious thought... thinking, challenging, and putting a thesis to a test. I've also been reading A Leap of Faith by Bob Bennett where he talks about the authenticity of the Book of Mormon and he answers a lot of questions that come from skeptics. I believe that the Book of Mormon does stand up to scrutiny. It passes the test in many ways; however, a person still does have to exercise faith.

I've been reading the New Testament and been in the books written by Paul. He is fiercely loyal to Christ and I admire his courage. I don't like the things he has said about women though...I guess you have to look through a historical lens when reading his writings.

How is the work progressing? Do you have any people that you are teaching? We went to the temple on Friday, and I thought a lot about you and your people. I hope they will accept the gospel and be able to obtain the blessings available if they go to the temple. I'm so grateful for my covenants. I'm so grateful for the promises and the hope I have of being with my family forever. I love you so much and I send you my best wishes.

Love,

Mom

 

 

 

Dear Mom,

I wish I could read the Old Testament in Hebrew. I've met a few people that have out here.

I love what you said about the Book of Mormon and faith. It is so true. Actions are hollow without faith. The evidence is hollow without faith. I'm learning that faith is what makes actions meaningful.

One thing that helps me when reading Paul's writings is looking at the Joseph Smith Translation. It clarifies it a bit.

We are teaching some new people. Last week a member told us to go knock on the door of a lady named Jessica who's daughter goes to school with hers. We did, set up a return appointment, and at the end of the conversation she said, "It's like you guys knew I wanted to learn about this". It was pretty awesome. We also gave her a church tour this week and she asked how she could become a member. We as missionaries love hearing that, ha ha.

We are teaching a few other people. There are a couple of kids named Kyle and Lethan. Their baptismal date is for May 11th. They come from a really rough environment, so they could use some prayers.

We are working on getting the ward excited about missionary work, and they are starting to catch more of a vision. They are trusting us more and more.

I've been thinking about a lot this week is how profound life is. This brief experience is enough for us to be exalted in God's presence. It is composed of all these little experiences.At times it can be so hard, but to think of the reward waiting for the faithful makes me feel awe at the condescension of God. He truly is merciful and loving to provide a plan and a gospel whereby we can become clean. He is so good to me and to all of His children.

Love,

Elder Williams

 

 

 

Hey Talon,

 

We have been enjoying nice warm days recently. We are trying to get the yard in order. The winter was particularly cold so I spent all weekend fixing broken sprinkler pipes. 8 breaks in all so far and I still have 2 I need to fix. I ended up capping the main line to the front because when the new driveway is put in they will be tearing it out any way.

The garage is all framed up and I will order the shingles today. There is a lot to do right now. I am going to have to get Brandt working to help me out.

Aubree has been named as yearbook editor next year, she's signing up for a bunch of college classes. Raina was elected class vice president for next year and made Madrigals, she's really excited about it.

Later this week Brandt is starting track and field training. It's a new program ran by Raina's cross country coach. Hopefully he has fun with it.

I went out and visited 3 inactive prospective Elders. There are so many of them in the ward. It is evident that they have Word of Wisdom problems. I don't know if any good will come of my efforts but at least they will know they are being thought of.

Be well and safe,

Love Dad