November 25

Thanksgiving Greetings Elder Williams,

I've just finished reading a really good book that I think you would like which is titled How to Read Literature Like a Professor. It shows a reader how to understand symbolism and metaphor that is woven throughout the great books. I really enjoyed it. I've also been listening to a podcast called The Heritage Podcast and it is attempting to go through the great ideas of Western thought and have the listener gain a liberal arts education along the way. I'm so excited because this is exactly what I'm interested in. He starts with the meaning of Liberal Arts which is defined as the knowledge of freedom and morality. Do you remember the Latin root word, liber, where we get the words liberty and library? Well it's the same idea. I love the liberal arts and delving into the ideas about the heart and mind. To bad the word liberal has been high-jacked and become a political term. 

Speaking of liberal arts, have you thought at all about Southern Virginia University? It's a liberal arts school in an LDS environment. Just wondering if you had considered it. 

I want to go through the great books and be more literate with the trivium and quadrivium. I love how it's all interconnected. I see the connections between music and math, literature and logic, philosophy and science. It's exciting to have the opportunity to learn and grow.

I also love the gospel and believe that it is the philosophy of God --- philosophy being the love and pursuit of wisdom. And I also know as Hamlet said: "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy." God has an infinite perspective that our limited minds can't comprehend and as we learn in 1 Corinthians: "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." This reminds me of what Lorenzo Snow said, "As man now is, God once was; as God is now man may be.”

Hope you are well. Hope your people are feeling the spirit of truth. I hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving Holiday. I am grateful to you for your service and love of the gospel. Thank you for sharing the good news. You are a precious blessing to me. You are a good son and a great example to your brother and sisters. 

With love,

Mom

Dear Mom,

That book sounds so awesome. I've got a great love for the liberal arts, like you. A lot of the things that I learned before my mission has helped me connect with many of the people that I meet. I love surprising people in conversation. They don't expect me to know the stuff that I do.

I have thought a bit about SVU. It is an awesome school, from what I gather. I would consider going there, but I want to be close to all of you while I go to school. I want to be there for the kids and all of their stuff and be able to visit often. 

Now, the reason I wouldn't do ROTC and all of that would be because I couldn't study the liberal arts as much as I would like. I remember what Oliver Demille said about the program at BYU, (I forgot what it was called) that it was the best besides GWU. I have thought a bit about going to BYU and doing that. 

I love what you said about the gospel. It truly is the philosophy of God. You know, I'm so blessed to have you as my mom. I'm grateful that you raised me to love learning seek a broad knowledge. 

Things are going well for me. I'm constantly in flux, changing and refining. I love it. I'm forever grateful for my mission, and I'm grateful that I still have time to change and learn.

I love you. Happy Thanksgiving.

Love,

Elder Williams

November 18

Dear Elder Williams,

I wanted to share a quote I really like: "So very much of pure prayer seems to be the process of first discovering, rather than requesting, the will of our Father in Heaven and then aligning ourselves therewith."

I need to make this concept part of my devotions. I'm sure as a missionary you are learning all about the will of the Father. Do you have any experiences where you have discovered His will and seen his hand directing and guiding you? 

How are your people? I think about them and hope they can feel our love. 

In Sunday School, we talked about what makes our church different than others. Some things mentioned were priesthood, prophets, revelation, Holy Ghost, and truth. I agree with this, but in my thoughts I was going over many other good and noble people who are guided by the Spirit and act upon the truth they have. They enlarge their understanding by doing Christian acts of kindness. I learned about a man in India who serves 450 mentally ill and old people, who live on the streets, 3 meals a day. He was of the Brahman class but renounced it to fulfill his calling in life. I was so impressed by his dedication and love. I believe he is living the by the spirit and by truth. My point is, we as members of the church need to be wary of hubris because we certainly don't have a monopoly on truth. I know the Lord loves and guides all of his people. Some members seem to think we have the truth all locked up in a box, but that is so untrue. Truth is available to all seekers. I hope the seekers will find the fullness that is available in the gospel of Christ and our church. 

I love you and pray for you. 

God be with you 'till we meet again.

Mom

Dear Mom,

That's a great quote. It reminds me of the Bible Dictionary entry on prayer.

Yes, ultimately, that is the greatest lesson I've learned on my mission. God's will, not mine is not only the right thing, it is the best thing. Even though it seems to exact a high price, the blessings are so worth it. I've learned that, and I try to share that with those I teach.

Lori again thanked us for finding her. She is reading the Book of Mormon and knows that it is true. She said she has found her new family and home here in the church. She has so many different challenges, friends and family, but she is pulling through. She will be baptised here shortly. 

I had several powerful experiences with the priesthood over the last few weeks. Yesterday we gave blessings to a less active member and his girlfriend. They were filled with the Spirit. We picked her up as a new investigator. Her name is Karen.

I look forward to the day when all things will come forth into the light, and I can see how intimately God's hand has been involved in my life. I know that I can only see a small bit of His majesty and goodness. 

You are right about hubris. We too often are guilty of it. Hubris is a counterfeit of a good thing, though. That good thing is boldness. We can unapologetically declare that it is only through Christ that we attain salvation, and this is His church. We do have to remember that God will give everyone a chance to accept His plan, though. 

Love,

Elder Williams 

Hi Talon,

How are you. I'm just liv'in the dream here in good ole Monroe. I decided to take the day off work to get the yard more ready for winter and to get all my junk on the patio organized better. I was finally able to finish all the electrical on the garage. I had trouble getting the 4 way switch wired correctly but after a while I watched a youtube video and was able to get it all to work. So now we have an abundance of light. 

We had a very busy week. Brandt had 3 games. The first on was in Richfield. He exploded for 32 pts in the first half alone including 4/4 on 3 pt shots. I have never seen a kid dominate a game at any level so completely. They had such a lead at halftime that Brandt only took 1 shot in the second half so he ended with 34 pts. He had 42 pts in Monroe Thursday and over 30 on Saturday. With the team I coach I really need to work at getting more kids involved so Brandt doesn't have to do it all.

Raina had a solo in the play. She did very well and to me was the best vocalist on stage.  I worry about things when she turns 16 I'll have to sit out front with a shotgun to keep boys away. She did so well singing and dancing, worked hard and had fun but is relieved it's all over. 

Aubree seems to be having a hard time right now. I think she sees her siblings getting accolades and feels left out some. Also some friend problems. If you could drop her a note of encouragement that would be nice I think. She was awarded a renewable $3000 annual scholarship to SUU. That's very nice for her. I am encouraging to her look at going to Snow where I think she might get a full scholarship. She really wants to move out so she's attracted to SUU. I think she could have some fun in Ephraim though but her opinion of Snow is much like yours was.

I put $140 in your account last week.

Be well,

Love Dad

November 11

Hello Elder Williams,

I hope the package arrived. 

How are your people doing? Are they feeling the spirit? I hope they will feel the love of God in their lives. President Joesph Fielding Smith said that the impressions on the soul that come from the Holy Ghost "are far more significant than a vision."  He also said, "When Spirit speaks to spirit, the imprint upon the soul is far more difficult to erase. Every member of the Church should have impressions that Jesus is the Son of God indelibly pictured on his soul through the witness of the Holy Ghost."

I read a quote by George MacDonald and it reminded me of missionary work: "a candle is not lighted for itself; neither is a man." You are bringing light into a darkened world and illuminating the path to salvation. I'm grateful for your service as a called and ordained preacher of the good news of the gospel. God bless you, Elder Williams.

With love,

Mom

Dear Mom,

Thank you so much for the packages! I've received them both now. Darla loved the book you sent her. Thank you for being so thoughtful.

We had a really great week. We had an investigator come to church for the first time. Her name is Lori. She had a powerful experience in sacrament meeting. She thanked us for knocking on her door. It was an awesome moment. Darla even drove her to church, and they are developing a special connection.

It has been good for Darla to have the opportunity to serve. Our first real lesson with her daughter, Sadie, is tonight. 

Tyler has been doing well too. We challenged him on Saturday to read the Book of Mormon every day, and the Spirit prompted us to promise him that he can have his witness at the end of this week if he diligently reads. We'd really appreciate prayers on his behalf. 

I love that quote by President Smith. Indelible is my favorite word. That is what I am constantly striving for; an indelible impression on my self and those I teach.

Love,

Elder Williams

Hey Talon,

Good to hear the ward likes you and that you have some potential baptisms coming up. You have been so blessed on your mission. The members really are the key vs tracting. I hear some missions no longer allow tracting anymore. 

We are all doing well. I still continue working to get the electrical on the garage done. I put a flood light out front to light up the driveway and have most of the outlets done. I will have 9 lights in the garage itself so we can see good. Mom has found some good deals at the DI the past few weeks. She bought an old fashion stereo cabinet and some book shelves. We took out the old stereo components and mom refinished all of it and we now have a sweet looking entertainment center in the family room. I just emailed you a picture of it. We still need to put the bookshelves in and of course one day I want to get a larger TV. Mom is genius with stuff like this.

Raina starts her musical this week. She has a solo and seems excited to perform. I am looking forward to seeing it.  Aubree has been working a lot with her photography. Mom should be sending you a family photo sometime that Aubree did. 

Brandt had his first game last week. You would have thought it was Christmas with how excited he was the night before. We won our game 53-25. Brandt scored 33 pts and was 3/3 on 3 point shooting. He has 3 games this week. 2 in Monroe and 1 in his Richfield City league. He was very happy with how he did.

We went to Summit yesterday and got our garage doors. Grandma is looking better. She's lost most of her hair and is wearing a wig. She says she still feels very tired. I hope she can improve.

Well have a happy Veteran's Day

Love you

Dad

Hey Pops,

I'm pretty excited about everything going on in the area.  I'm feeling the clock ticking, though. I'll probably be leaving in a month, so I want to give it all I have while I'm here. 

Part of me wishes that we weren't allowed to tract, but I've seen miracles tracting, so I don't mind doing it.

The entertainment center looks really sweet. Mom did an awesome job. 

I'm glad that Brandt did so awesome. I'm stoked for him. He is tearing it up!

It will be good getting a photo. I'm sure ya'll look a bit different now. 

I'm happy that Grandma is looking better. I'm hoping she is doing a lot better when I see her.

Thanks for your service, Dad. Happy Veteran's Day.

So, I got a flu shot, then I was sick. So I went to the doc and they got me stuff and I feel a lot better. But, I had to spend more money than I would like. Could you put some more money in my account? 

Love,

Elder Williams

November 4, 2013

Elder T-T,

How is Darla and your folks doing? I've been thinking about them and hope that they are happy. We pray for your people every night. 

I read an interesting and entertaining book called Maphead. It's all about maps and geography. I'm a geography nerd and love to learn about new places, cultures, and people. My wish is to explore the world and tramp about for a few years before I die. Perhaps dad and I will get the chance if we are able to go on missions someday. 

We had our Young Women's "Evening in Excellence" night yesterday. Jimmy LaRue just returned from a mission and he spoke to the girls. He has conviction and a testimony of the gospel. It's a neat thing to see the excitement, love, and passion that newly returned missionaries posses. 

How do you answer questions about evolution, biology, carbon-dating, and things that don't fit into the story of the Bible? What about Australopithecus-man and other hominid types? Are you asked these types of questions? Obviously there were creatures on earth that predate the Adam story, for example, the carved ivory knife bone and cave painting that are validated as thousands upon thousands of years old. What do you say to those questions? I love science and I love the gospel. How do you fit the two together? I know we have to walk by faith, but I also believe that God gave us our logical reasoning capability to use it. I believe in empirical evidence, yet I also believe in the metaphysical world around us that can't be quantified. I have a testimony, but I really empathize with people outside of the gospel and wonder how they are able to take that step into becoming a member. Is it a suspension of disbelief? Or is it true knowledge? I just put myself into those shoes and wonder if I would be able to accept Jesus as the Christ and Redeemer if that wasn't my previous worldview. Would I be able to trust in the vision of Joesph Smith and the Golden Plates? I think it's a true miracle when anyone accepts the gospel and changes their life. I wonder if I would do the same. 

I hope you can maintain your convictions of truth and belief in the principles of the gospel for your entire life. I hope you will sustain your passion and love for the Savior and our fellow brethren. I hope you will continue your journey of faith and walk with the Lord through mortality and into eternity. I hope I can make that journey with you. 

I love you my dear boy,

Love,

Your Momma

Dear Mom,

Darla is going through a lot of hard family trouble now. We've been praying for her a lot. Thank you for keeping her in your prayers. I'll let you know how she is doing.

Tyler is doing so great! He came to stake conference with us yesterday, and he seems to be more and more comfortable with the church. The young couples in the ward are doing such a great job fellowshipping him. 

We've been teaching some new people. I hope that they keep on progressing.

It is good to hear about Jimmy. It is good to hear about how he is still making a positive impact. I want to do that too. 

Most of the time we don't get questions like that, because the types of people who ask them aren't very open. They use those kinds of questions as weapons. Still, I've had to answer those questions for myself. Honestly, it is only because of the spiritual experiences that I've had throughout my life that I believe in the Gospel. It is only because God has answered my prayers. Without them, I'd be totally adrift. I would feel lost in a dark ocean. I wouldn't see purpose beyond immediate pleasure, and even that wouldn't be worth living for eventually. All things will be reconciled one day. That day is not now, and I will not compromise my values and doubt my faith even if the "facts" seem totally opposed to the Gospel. 

I've asked myself the same question. Would I accept the Gospel if I hadn't been raised in it? I doubt myself sometimes. I doubt the goodness in me. Sometimes I don't think that there would be any way that I would accept the gospel because I would be too hard hearted.

I know now that those thoughts are wrong. I know better than ever that the Gospel has a power. I believe that the Gospel is so powerful that even I could accept it if I was born out of the Church. I'd just simply have to take the same steps that I invite the people I meet every day to do. I would simply have to read and pray about the Book of Mormon, humbly and sincerely. I'd have to make those choices. I have this confidence not because I think that I'm special or good, but because God is good. I know that He gave me a fair chance in the premortal life. I chose to come here. I know no matter what situation He put me in, it would be fair. I'd have the chance to accept or reject the Gospel. I'd be accountable.

I love you Mom. I hope what I said can convey some of the conviction I feel.

Love,

Elder Williams

Hey Talon,

Sounds like you will be staying there a bit longer. How do you feel about it? How's it going training? So your car got egged. Hopefully it was only a 1 time thing and not an ongoing problem.

Grandma has decided to stop her chemo treatments. We are all praying the cancer was all removed during surgery. She says she'd rather have a higher quality of life for a shorter time. What a hard choice to make though. She has a lot of faith and feels good about it.

Last month I signed up for the runner's series to gain entry into the St. George marathon so the past 2 weekends I've run 2 5Ks. I am in bad shape but I finished both of them without any walk breaks.

All in all not much changes here at home. 

Be well and happy,

Love Dad

Hey Dad,

I'll be here until the beginning of December. I'll be out after that. 

I'm pretty glad that I get to be here another transfer. The ward really likes us. We are communicating well with them. I wish we could get the bishop to raise his expectations. I want to tear it up more, and tracting and contacting are just not the most effective way to do it. 

Hopefully we have a couple of more baptisms this transfer. We are working with a few solid people

Training is going well. Elder Snow is stepping up and lessons are getting better. He is pretty willing and learns quickly. He is going to do well when he takes over the area. It has been a good experience. I have been learning a lot about myself lately.

I hope Grandma recovers from her treatments quickly. When are they going to check and see if the cancer is gone? I'm praying for her. I've been feeling peace and comfort when I think about her.

Runner's series again, eh? It is sweet that you are going to do another marathon. I've been running in the mornings and I'm getting faster and faster. I feel good. So far my knees aren't giving me trouble. Something I could use, (maybe for Christmas?) is a new pair of running shoes. I have had mine since high school. They are beat.I'm trying to take time in the evening to work out too after planning. 

I'm glad to hear that all is going well at home. I pray for ya'll. 

Love,

Elder Williams