June 3

Hello Elder Williams,

I read the letter you sent to dad and I've been a bit concerned because you seem a bit discouraged. I just want you to know that I love you and I'm proud of you. You are going about our Father's business and I know that He is well pleased with you. Your effort as a missionary is a grand act of selfless service. I know through your devotion and dedication that you will change lives and help many of our Father's children come to recognize and accept truth. You are a compassionate, insightful, and thoughtful person with a good heart. I'm so grateful that you are my son and my friend.

Luke Oscarson returned from his mission. He bore his testimony on Sunday and he is a strong and faithful young man. I was so impressed with his spirit and conviction. He spoke about the enabling power of the Atonement and his belief in the Book of Mormon. What a beautiful example of the strength and faith of a missionary.

The healing effects of grace and mercy are available to us. I know I need them and I don't petition the Lord for them as I should. I've been thinking about my weaknesses with doubt and discouragement. A talk by Elder Bednar spoke to my soul. He used the example of Nephi when he was bound with cords on the boat. Nephi didn't just sit there...he struggled and fought to loosen the ropes and asked the Lord to help him get out of the situation. I thought of myself and how I need to struggle and fight to get free from the strong cords of my thought patterns. I am catching myself when I go into a downward spiral and say to myself, "Choose joy." I know the Lord will help me, but I also need to act in behalf of my agency and choose to turn my thoughts around. It is such a difficult thing for me because the patterns are deeply ingrained in my psyche, but I am trying. I do hope that I can become a light to others and serve them as my Father would have me do. We all have our different struggles and challenges, but we can change through the enabling power of the Atonement...anyways, this is my prayer.

I love you deeply and hold you in high regard.

God bless you.

Love,

Mom

 

 

Dear Mom,

Thank you for your email. It has been hard because I'm hard on myself. I'm understanding more and more that God wants me to continue to be diligent but not tear myself down. He wants me to be happy. You and Dad are helping me a lot. It is good to feel the love and support that you have for me. It keeps me grounded.

I'm grateful that you are my Mom. Thank you for your kindness.

I found this old Ensign in our apartment and I read this article that is helping me be more honest with myself. https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1993/10/truth-is-the-issue?lang=eng

Thank you for sharing your experiences with me. I feel like we are learning similar things. Because of that, I feel like you're on my team.

I'm sorry that I don't have too much to say this week. I've got a lot of reflecting to do. I just hope you know my gratitude and love. Thank you so much for all you do.

All my love,

Elder Williams