I watched a CES broadcast by Elder T. Callister yesterday which was really, really good. He talked about how the church is patterned after the New Testament church of Christ. It helped reinforce the reason we needed the restoration by Joesph Smith. I'm so grateful for the restoration because it makes so much sense and so many questions are answered. It makes sense to the rational mind yet it also touches the emotional life. The restored gospel speaks to the dual nature of man---heart and mind---the seat of the soul. Philosophy, religion, science---they have cut the head from the heart or vice-versa. When that happens we get the dark ages, or martial societies, or tyranny, or anarchy, etc, etc.....The church of Jesus Christ is the answer to the questions of humanity. I'm glad to know that I'm not just a housing-unit for a few trillion atoms for a mere 75 years or so. I'm glad there's more to this mortal life. But I'm glad to know that I am composed of atoms, and sub-atomic particles, and leptons, gluons, quarks, and all that other cool quantum physics stuff. Truth is everywhere if we are willing to seek it out. Like Alma said, everything in the universe points to God.
Anyhooo......
Remember the questions I had about monotheism, randomness, and what constitutes reality/truth?
Well, I found some answers that I'd like to share with you.
"Monotheism does not limit its claim to there being only on God. Biblical monotheism teaches that everything is an expression of this Unity." D&C 50:43 And the Father and I are one. I am in the Father and the Father in me; and inasmuch as ye have received me, ye are in me and I in you.
"The solid world is really 99.9999999999999 percent empty space made solid by force-carrying massless particles." (photons which are light) D&C 50:24 That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.
"It's our choice as to where we, as individuals, fall within that spectrum of behavior that stretches from intimate Divine direction to total random chance." Proverbs 16:9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.
The quotes come from Gerald L. Schroeder author of the book The Hidden Face of God
Thanks for listening to my "deep thoughts". No one else likes to. :( I hope you don't mind my personal pondering when I write my weekly emails.
I don't know if Dad or I told you but Abby Chesley got married to Scott Hutchinson. She came home early from her mission. We went to the reception (Randy Chesley works with dad) and they looked super happy.
Sister Verdell Dowell, Robert and Jerrelle's mom died. She was very old and feeble, so I think it was a blessing.
The couple missionaries in our ward are dropping like flies. The Neilson's, Chaston's, and now the Johnson's are home. Health and family problems. That would be a bummer.
Andria and Travis' son, Devan, was baptized on Saturday. It was fun to see lots of family. Everyone is doing well.
Your dog is still alive.
Can't think of any other news.
Love you little, love you big, love you like a little pig.
My grandma used to say that. :)
Love,
Mom
Dear Mom,
Elder Tad Callister is one of my all time favorite General Authorities. He knows so much about the primitive Church. I have been studying more Hugh Nibley articles, and it is confirming my testimony that everything in the Church stems back to God, and that He has revealed the same truths from the beginning.
Thank you for sharing your deep thoughts with me. I learn a lot from you every time you share.
What you shared about the dual nature of the soul reminds me about several of the people we are in contact with. Steve, one of our investigators, and a few JWs that we have talked to don't believe in an immortal soul. Instead, they believe that all we are is a body and "the breath of life". In other words, we have no life of our own. So, they don't believe in a premortal life, and they don't believe that there is a spirit that goes on after we pass on. Instead, they believe that you lie in the grave, and if you aren't resurrected, there is nothing after. It is a hollow and shallow doctrine.
I'm grateful for the knowledge I have of the Plan of Salvation, because it gives so much more meaning and purpose. Knowing that I am a son of God and that I can inherit all He has after this life is so much more meaningful than the idea that we are merely made out of clay, puppets that can never truly progress.
I have learned so much while I have been here in Cloverdale. It is like God tailors my experiences to help me grow.
I'm getting transferred to a town called Vacaville. That is probably where I am going to end my mission. My new address is : 999 Marshall Road #22, Vacaville, CA 95687. I am pretty sure about the Apartment #. I will double confirm with you next week.
Abby sent me an invitation. I'm happy for them.
I got accepted to BYU. They transferred almost all of my credits. All but 3, so just one class, I think.
Was that Grandma Wilson's saying? I like that. )
Love you,
Elder Williams
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