Dec 30

Happy New Year Elder Williams,

Have you set any goals for 2014? Mine is to read the Old Testament. I've never read it before clear through, so I'll give it my best try. I did complete some goals of reading the New Testament and Book of Mormon plus I've been reading D&C. I've had other goals too and it's good to look back and see where I've progressed and where I need to work.

I have a question or two for you, so pretend I'm an investigator.

Christianity is a monotheistic religion and most Christian sects hold to the creed of the Trinity: "There is but one only living and true God, who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions, immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible....etc."
But according to LDS beliefs, we believe in God as Heavenly Father, God as Jesus Christ, and God as Holy Spirit as three separate and distinct personages. Would that make the belief polytheistic? How do you explain that to a Lutheran, Methodist, or Calvinist?

Monotheism was one of the great revolutions in world history that changed the beliefs of people from animism, myths, and magic into a real religion. Jews have always been monotheistic. Zoroastrianism from Persia is considered a genesis of monotheistic thought. Islam was one of the other great monotheistic religions that civilized the much of the Middle East. My point is, isn't monotheism a foundational pillar on which religion stands? How do you explain this difference in views to your investigators? I've just wondered this for a very long time and never have been able to find an answer. If you don't know, it's okay...I'm not grilling you on your gospel knowledge.....it's just a question that I've had for a long time and thought maybe you could help me with some clarification.

It was so nice to visit with you on Christmas Day. You look marvelous. :) I received the ornament you sent, packed it very securely in bubble wrap and tucked it away with the other Christmas decorations. It should be perfect for you when you get home and want to hang it on your tree next year. :)

I have a testimony, but lack a depth of knowledge. I'm working towards truth because I want to rest in surety. I've been to this place before, but have not been diligent lately so I need to strengthen my resolve, focus my vision, and walk the path that leads to peace.

God bless you 'til we meet again,

Mom

Dear Mom,

I do have goals for the New Year. I'm working on them right now, ha ha. I figured that it would be better to start sooner than later. Become more consistent now so that they will carry over into the next year. I'm going to keep running and doing strength training, and I'm going to work on memorizing more scriptures in my studies. I'm about half way through the Old Testament. I've been reading it purring lunch and at night a bit.

I like your question. I would say that we are monotheistic because we believe that God the Father is the origin of all. He created the master plan.

Now, we are polytheistic in the sense that we believe that Christ has achieved the stature of God because He is now exalted. He wasn't at one point, however. He still needed to go through a mortal life. Still, He was Jehovah. He organized the world. We are also polytheistic in the sense that we believe that we can become like God too.

The Book of Mormon explains how they are one. 2 Nephi 31:21 "And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen."

They are One God because they are on the same team, if you will. They are perfectly unified in the Gospel.

I wish I could give you a better explanation. It is something I've thought about a lot. Most important point, God the Father is the origin of all.

I will pray for you and that lots of people sign up for your classes. You don't need to send me green drink if that will be a burden.

Mom. you are one of the most knowledgeably people I know. You have had many spiritual confirmations in your life, and what I think you are really working on is just trying to figure out how all of these truths fit together. I admire the way you have embraced the goodness around you.

Love,

Elder Williams

Hey Talon,
It was really nice to see and speak to you last week. You look well and happy and are enjoying doing the work.

I've had a lazy week through the Holidays. It's been refreshing for me. I just wish it was warmer. It is so nice having the wood stove. I've had to chop some wood because I'm running out of what I chopped last year. Grandpa Ron was good to help out with fire wood again this year.

You asked if I had companions that needed help. Honestly I think they all needed help but as I think about things, your mission President seems to rely on you to help out Elders who under different circumstances wouldn't be able to serve as completely as they do with you. Perhaps part of your mission is to serve in that capacity. I recently read an article in the Deseret News about the difficulty missionaries have if they have to go home early. They suffer social stigma, depression and an unresolved sense of failure that troubles them for years to come. So I think you should feel good that President Alba senses your ability to work with these young men. It might just have a longer lasting impact on these young men than you realize.

Well Happy New Year,

Love Dad

Dear Pops,

It was good talking to you too. I'm glad that everyone is doing well.

You deserve a lazy week. You work hard even on your off time.

Thank you for sharing that about your experience and that article. Sometimes it has been hard for me because I feel like my companions hold me and the work back, but I've been able to learn how important it is to love and help them. I really do hope I've made a positive impact on my companions.

Thing have been getting better and better. Elder McKay and I are getting on the same page more, and we are seeing it in the work. We have been blessed with more people to teach.

Love,

Elder Williams