Miracle Steve

Salutations Elder Williams,

Happy Day of Resurrection Celebration. I hope you had a lovely Easter Service at church yesterday. 

I listened to a talk where the speaker referenced President Hinkley and how he said that the symbol of our church isn't the cross because we worship the living Christ and that correlates to the symbol of our church--- which is the people and how they live their lives. We are literally a living example of the church---like Paul said, we are the body of Christ.  

I also listened to an outstanding BYU Devotional by Lawrence Walters on Citizenship. It was so powerful and he outlined specific things we could do as stewards of our nation to improve our culture and society. It was so inspiring and helpful to me. I feel very concerned that our people in the U.S. don't realize how vital, valuable, and essential freedom is. I've read too many books on Mao, Stalin, Hitler, etc., and the effects of evil government on a country. It decimates the population, destroys resources, religion, families, and the soul of man. I want to be part of the goodness that will bring about Zion. Brother Walters gave me hope and outlined things I can do to help build the kingdom of God. You'll have to read or listen to his talk when you get home.

I got part of the garden planted so I'm excited about that. I love to watch things grow. Blossoms are awakening all around the yard. It's a beautiful sight. I'm sure California is lovely also. 

How is your area? Do you have a new mailing address? companion? What are your new responsibilities? 

He is Risen! For this I'm forever grateful! Thank you for sharing the good news with our brothers and sisters in California.

Love you,

Mom

Dear Mom,

I had such a wonderful Easter. It was the Santa Rosa Stake Conference so I got to see a lot of my favorite people from the Bennett Valley Ward. It was a wonderful reunion.

Elder Acosta of the 70 spoke to us, and the thing that really stuck with me is moral authority. Gotta walk the walk if I am going to have an impact on any level. I'm grateful that I have been obedient on my mission. It has helped me not only have the Spirit, but also it helps me to lead. I can ask people to do certain things because I am doing them. It helps so much.

That is key because I am a zone leader now. I feel like this calling is mostly for me to learn something, but I am still excited that I have the chance to serve other missionaries and share with them the lessons I have learned from my experiences. 

I have seen so many miracles here already in Shiloh Park. I ran into one of the investigators I had in Bennett Valley, Steve. He moved to Southern California when I taught him the first time, but he moved back and now lives in my area. I'm so excited to teach him again. 

We also have a baptism for a girl named Audrey. She is 11, and her mom is a returning member. Audrey's sister and dad were baptized just before I came into the area. Things are going well here.

My new companions are Elder Waite and Elder Ashton. Elder Waite is going home in a couple of weeks to Colorado. He goes home before the transfer ends because he extended a month. I'm learning so much from him. Elder Ashton is from Highland and he is a good missionary too. I'm really lucky to have hardworking companions.

In a nutshell, my new responsibilities are to get numbers to report and love my missionaries. I go to more meetings, and I will get to work closer with President Alba. It is going to be a great experience for me

The ward is really elect. Even though I won't be here long, I know I will have some great connections. The people here are awesome.

My new mailing address is

5201 Old Redwood Highway #60

Santa Rosa, California 95403 

I know that Jesus is the Risen Lord. One thing that struck me during Stake Conference is that families fulfill the Atonement. That's what it is all about. Also, the Atonement is an expression of God's faith in us. He knows we can be successful. That's why He sent Jesus Christ. 

Love,

Elder Williams

Goodbye Vacaville

Called to Santa Rosa

Verily, verily I say unto you Elder Williams, because of your recent day of birth, you are now an elder Elder. Now it comes to pass that you shall reckon the time of the conclusion of your mission. However, elder Elder, thy mission in life is still at hand; therefore I exhort you to set thy intentions and resolve in thy heart to choose the right.Why not the left? Because, socialism was never happiness. Do not give sway to the temptations of the world whether they come in the form of eating, drinking caffeinated beverages or being overly merry. Heed not the calling or text message of the wicked and make no reservation at the great and spacious building. Stand firm and steadfast on the straight and narrow path that leads to a graduate degree because you lack wisdom. Go and do the things that will make you a productive servant in the city of Zion. Wo, wo unto those who cast their swine before pearls. No woman shall desire a man with unclean hygiene habits and remember, cleanliness is next to awesomeness. 

Ok, ok...enough of the pseudo-biblical words of wisdom.  :)

Basically I'm saying, stay the person you are. Keep up your good habits and stay focused on the Savior. You've worked hard to become a disciplined person and a disciple of Christ. I hope you will continue to do the things that have made you happy. I know the feeling of joy that comes from obedience. I felt like, "I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me", and I wanted to serve everyone I knew. I'm trying to do better and gain that confidence back, but I'm lacking. But I know God sees my efforts and knows my heart. 

Brandt is 13 years old now. I'm officially a mom to young adults - aka, teenagers. No more little kiddo's in my household. Guess it's time to look towards grand-babies in 5 or 10 years. I'm going to be an awesome grandma. I'll let them make dinosaur shirts and sew them matching shorts. :) You were so stylish in the little creations we made with fabric paint and t-shirts. Fun times.   

I've been working on my new job a lot. I've visited elementary schools, preschool, Head Start, Library story times, been interviewed on the radio and will have a feature article in the Reaper. Cool beans. I'm trying to reach out to all the 4 year old's in Sevier County and help them get enrolled in the program. Waterford Institute developed the software and it's really good. It's very enriching, engaging, and a fun way to learn. I feel good about it. My online classes end this week, so I'll be able to focus on the other job more. 

God be with you 'til we meet again. 

Love you,

Mom

Dear Mom, 

I will take your pseudo biblical advice to heart. :) Scripture says to harken unto thy parents, right?

I am going to keep all of my good parts and strengthen them. God has also given me the opportunity to gain some more experience. Turns out that I have been called to serve as a zone leader in Santa Rosa. I will be serving in the Shiloh Park Ward. It is sad to leave all of my people, but I know that God has everything figured out for me. I will be with an Elder Ashton and Elder Waite. It will be a good time. I am going to forget myself more than ever. 

I am grateful for your example, Mom. You can do all things The Lord wants you to.    Even wrangle 3 teenagers at the same time. 

Sounds like you are really finding a lot of joy in in your new job. I am happy that you are doing so well. You will make a big difference for those kids and their parents. 

Love,

Elder Williams

Birthday boy!

Dear Elder T-T,

Gosh! I can't believe that you're 21 years old on Tuesday. I can't believe that I'm old enough to be a mother to a 21 year old man. Crazy!!....but it's crazy good. Happy birthday to you on April 8th! You were such a cute little baby boy with lots of black hair. What a special day it was when you came into my life. I'm grateful for you. 

Wasn't conference wonderful? I always look forward to it and come away refreshed and full of bright hope. I love our leaders and admire them so much. My respect and gratitude grows with every talk they give. I always look forward to my favorites, but am just as inspired by the other speakers. Elder Holland's talk was so powerful. I love Elder Bednar and his gentle way of encouragement. Elder Christofferson speaks to my need to hear of immutable truth and objective reality. I loved Elder Oaks talk on priesthood authority. Oh, it was all so good! I loved it. I want to be a better disciple. 

What were your impressions? Were there any talks that stood out to you? I hope some of your investigators were able to listen to conference and feel the spirit bearing witness to them of the truth. 

I love to listen to the Christian Radio Station because they - the pastors and preachers-  are so knowledgeable about the Bible. What they say deepens my testimony of Christ. But listening to modern day apostles and prophets and the words they speak is a direct communication from God. I know it and I feel it. I truly "stand all amazed" when I think of how blessed we are as a family to have the gospel in our lives. I'm grateful for the restoration of the truth and the fullness that we have. I pray that Bella, Sophia, Jacob and Rich will join the church. I hope Megan can stay strong and her testimony will fully bloom and that she can help Denise. I love your people even though I don't know them. 

I hope you have a fun day and that your package and card arrives on time. Happy, happy birthday Elder dear!!

Love you so much!

Mom

Dear Mom,

I can't believe it is my birthday already. Thank you for bringing me into this life, and not taking me out early, ha ha. Thanks for putting up with me. I'm blessed that you are my mom.

I loved Conference too. One thing that I am grateful for is that I have learned better how I can receive specific guidance for my life as I listen to the messages. I have some things that I am going to change and improve. One thing that I noticed is how all of the talks are built on other talks given before. The apostles use one another's words. I think that is wonderful because it shows me how unified they are, even though their personalities are so different, just like you pointed out.

One thing I read in Preach My Gospel today that really stood out to me is the definition of a dispensation.

It says,"A period of time in which the Lord has at least one authorized servant on the earth who bears the keys of the holy priesthood. In addition to Jesus Christ, prophets such as Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Joseph Smith have each started a new gospel dispensation. When the Lord organizes a dispensation, the gospel is revealed anew so that the people of that dispensation do not have to depend on past dispensations for knowledge of the plan of salvation. The dispensation begun by Joseph Smith is known as the 'dispensation of the fulness of times.' "

I am so grateful that we have modern prophets and apostles. Even if all of our scriptures were destroyed, we would be okay so long as we had prophets to continue revealing new scripture.

One thing that really stood out to me was how we as members need to be ready to "give an answer to any man that asketh". We can be courageous and faithful, but still love like Christ. The times that lie ahead will give us more opportunity than ever to be Christlike. 

I loved what a speaker in the priesthood session said about the "choice generation". We are choice because we have so many choices. I see that as God giving us more agency. 

Thank you for praying for my people. Sophia and Ashley were able to watch conference at some members homes. I'm glad they got the chance. Sophia's mom is filing for full custody, so she may be able to be baptized sooner.

Thank you for the birthday wishes. Tell everyone thanks for me. I got the package today. :)

Love,

Elder Williams

Teaching Families

Dear Elder T-T,

We've had a busy week. I went up to my training on Wednesday and got home Friday. Then I went right back up Saturday morning and took Raina and her friend to a BYU production of Pride and Prejudice. It was such a cute play and we enjoyed it. Raina also got a guitar and is learning to play. It will be fun to hear her when she learns how to use it. 

I taught the lesson in Young Women's today and it went well. I try to engage everyone in a conversation instead of me just talking. I like it better that way. We talked about the ten virgins and the parable of the wedding feast. It's so sad that the Lord has given us the opportunity to have everything, but we trade it for trifles. It's that human nature we need to change so we have the correct perspective on life and will spend our time wisely. 

I've been listening to an audio book that I really like. Have you ever read or listened to Moby Dick? I love the author, Herman Melville. He's humorous and witty. This book is so powerful because of the metaphors and symbolism. I'm not very far into it yet, but it's very intriguing the way the narrator, Ishmael, tells the story...so many biblical allusions and parallel's, especially to the Old Testament God. I'm so grateful that our view of God is of a benevolent, kind, loving being whom we can call Father. What a blessing to know that he is infinitely merciful and full of grace instead of being a vengeful God bent on punishment and justice. 

We've been praying for Bella and that she can stop smoking. I hope Sophia and Jacob will be touched by the spirit and choose to be baptized. 

I think that's neat that your former bishop from Cloverdale spoke so highly of you. You have a compassionate spirit and kind heart. I'm so grateful that you are working hard and making your mission of such value. That is the mission of life....to love God and help others along the way. 

Stay well and always remember we love you.

God bless you 'til we meet again.

Love,

Mom

Dear Mom,

I'm glad that you had a good week. What did you think of the training? Did it make you excited, or is it more of the conveyor-belt style?

I'm glad Raina had a good birthday too.

I try to do the same thing in district meeting as you do in your classes. I think it is so important to involve everyone. That is how the teacher and student are edified. I'm glad that you were able to teach them about using time wisely. I'm glad that I've learned about that on my mission. I'm not going to waste nearly as much time as I used to.

I do love Moby Dick. It is a very gripping story. I'll have to read it again someday. I'm sure I will have more insights then I did when I was little. 

Thank you for praying for Bella, Sophia, and Jacob. We are teaching some more people too. Megan is a recent convert, and her husband Rich is a nonmember. We are also teaching her friend Denise. They are really excited about the gospel, but they have a lot of struggles. They just need to have more faith in themselves.

We also are teaching a new couple named Manuel and Veronica. They have a couple of little kids, and they have a Catholic background. They want to try something new for their family.

Thank you for your support and love.

Love,

Elder Williams