I've been trying to read the Old Testament and I'm finding it's rather boring. But instead of giving up, I'm reading a book called The Hidden Christ - Beneath the Surface of the Old Testament. It has opened my eyes and helped me see the beauty of the stories and how they all point to Christ. I want share an example that inspired me.
On the first day, the "Light of the World" introduced light. Second day, "he that giveth breath unto the people" introduced air. Third day, the "living water" and "true vine" introduced water, soil, and vegetation. On the fourth, "the light which is in all things" caused the sun, moon and stars to shine. Fifth day, the "fisher of men" prepared the earth to bring forth fishes and fowls. On the sixth, the "Good Shepherd" prepared the earth for animals, all creeping things, and the "Son of man", formed man and woman "in the image of God." Just as the Savior transformed the earth, it is he who transforms man.
I just love the connections and symbolism that is in the creation story. I'm learning to appreciate the Bible much more now that I can see how it all points to Christ. I've known and loved the types and shadows in the Book of Mormon, but being able to see them in the Bible has opened up a whole new door for me to learn about the significance of these stories.
You asked about some names to take to the temple, but they need to have baptism and confirmation done before any other ordinance if performed. As soon as the kids do baptisms for the dead, we'll be able to move forward on it.
You asked about my classes also...well, the ones I'm teaching at LEA are going well. The enrollment was really low throughout the whole school, so I was bummed about that. I'm not making much money but hopefully the short spring semester will help. The classes I'm taking online are going ok. I HATE Micro and Macro Economics. It's so boring to me. But I need to slog through it. I loved the Western Civ and US History I took. But that's me...I love ideas but struggle with numbers-- especially when it pertains to business.
Let me know how your people are progressing. We send them our love and prayers.
Love you,
Mom
Dear Mom,
Singles Awareness Day should be SINGLE Day. Safely Independent Nonproblematic Great Laughs Day. Something cheesy like that.
I'm on fire for family history. We have been working closely with the Bishop, and we have great plans underway. We helped him complete the ward mission plan on Thursday, and I'm excited to see some of the fruits. We are going to visit every member and teach them the doctrine of family history and invite them to use the "My Family" booklet, which is something we are piloting as a mission, as a tool for themselves as well as a missionary tool. Yesterday we presented it to a member of our Stake Presidency, President Mortensen and his family and we were able to get Sister Mortensen kick-started doing temple work for her ancestors. We were able to figure out and help her reserve temple ordinances for her family. The Spirit was so powerful, and I know that it will have great repercussions. I look forward to seeing the whole ward/world catch on fire for all aspects of the work of salvation.
We've been able to have much success using family history for our investigators. Over the last two weeks we have been helping our investigator Ruth do her family history. The first week we came to the FHC she was blown away at how fast and how far she could go back. We traced a line all the way back to our first parents. This last week we were able to dig and dig and find information about her father's side. She is truly being touched by the Spirit of Elijah, and she says she sees the pieces starting to fall into place. We have been able to talk about how she can be sealed to her husband, who passed away a little over a year ago.
Singles Awareness Day should be SINGLE Day. Safely Independent Nonproblematic Great Laughs Day. Something cheesy like that.
I'm about half way through Isiah now, and I really love it. I'm glad that you have been able to see the symbols the Lord uses in the Scriptures. I've got a lot to learn, that's for sure. The Bible is incomplete, and that is sad when people just don't get it. We had a lesson with a couple of Jehovah's Witnesses yesterday, and although they didn't accept the Gospel, it was an experience that testified to me of the truthfulness of our Church. I was prepared because of my studies, and we confounded them over and over. They weren't willing to accept the truth, but I am happy with the way that we were able to answer their often pointed questions. Hopefully we were able plant some questions in their hearts.
I'm on fire for family history. We have been working closely with the Bishop, and we have great plans underway. We helped him complete the ward mission plan on Thursday, and I'm excited to see some of the fruits. We are going to visit every member and teach them the doctrine of family history and invite them to use the "My Family" booklet, which is something we are piloting as a mission, as a tool for themselves as well as a missionary tool. Yesterday we presented it to a member of our Stake Presidency, President Mortensen and his family and we were able to get Sister Mortensen kick-started doing temple work for her ancestors. We were able to figure out and help her reserve temple ordinances for her family. The Spirit was so powerful, and I know that it will have great repercussions. I look forward to seeing the whole ward/world catch on fire for all aspects of the work of salvation.
We've been able to have much success using family history for our investigators. Over the last two weeks we have been helping our investigator Ruth do her family history. The first week we came to the FHC she was blown away at how fast and how far she could go back. We traced a line all the way back to our first parents. This last week we were able to dig and dig and find information about her father's side. She is truly being touched by the Spirit of Elijah, and she says she sees the pieces starting to fall into place. We have been able to talk about how she can be sealed to her husband, who passed away a little over a year ago.
Thank you for working on getting me some names to do endowments for. My temple trip is this Thursday, but I have one more temple trip, in April or May. I would love to take someone through the Endowment.
I'm happy that things are going well in school for you. I hope you get more students this next semester. The economics classes you are taking don't sound nearly as entertaining and interesting as Freakanomics. I know you will do well, though.
Love,
Elder Williams
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