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