A Comeback

Loved Ones,

Hello! Happy Love Day! For Valentine's Day, the ward here is having a
chocolate bonanza. There will be three chocolate fountains as well as
a significant assortment of various chocolate offerings. Needless to
say, I'm pretty darn excited. The missionaries are going to perform
two songs for the activity, so we're practicing up! They will be love
songs. But don't worry. They won't have any romantic lyrics or
overtones (that's a missionary joke). They are from the hymnbook, so
they focus on the love of God. Recently, I've been thinking a lot
about Heavenly Father's role as our Father. I have watched "Earthly
Father, Heavenly Father" two or three times. I'm just seeing more and
more how much Heavenly Father loves us. He is literally our Father! I
think I forget how much He loves us sometimes. But when we feel that
love, it is very clear how deep and powerful it is. May we each be
motivated by the love of and for God. That is my sincere desire. It's
hard, but I know it's worth it!

Perhaps the subject of this email has you wondering what sort of
riveting Cinderella story I am going to share. Truthfully, I just
titled this email that way because I think it's the first time I've
had a subject in like a year. So, the subject is making a comeback.
I'll be honest, it will probably be a brief one. Unfortunately, I
still struggle to invent a fitting subject. Maybe I'm just not
applying myself. I don't know. At any rate, I hope that I haven't
disappointed anyone who came here looking for an exciting tale. I also
hope that someone has experienced some sort of a comeback or personal
triumph recently. I hope that everyone is feeling as happy as Heavenly
Father wants for us to feel.

How about a report? Well, Jim is doing swell. He invited his dad to
meet with us, and Elder Booth taught the two of them with a priest in
the ward. We were on splits, the first time in my mission, so it was a
doubly good experience. Jim's dad looks like he walked off the set of
"Duck Dynasty". They are the coolest. We're going to meet with Jim
tonight. He has been sharing his testimony with friends, professors at
school, and his family. He's a great example of opening his mouth and
proclaiming glad tidings. In other good news, the work with the ward
is beginning to accelerate as well. I'm excited! The work of salvation
is exciting! It's fun! It's amazing! I know that the best way to feel
joy and to find success is to become immersed in this great cause. The
immortality and eternal life of all God's children is the goal. We
have the opportunity to share the truth that will make such a goal
possible for our brothers and sisters. Isn't it beautiful that he Lord
has trusted us to do His work? Isn't it inspiring to know that He will
bear us up, lead us on, and fill our mouths with the words that will
bring cheer and light to a cold, dark world? I know that this work is
true. I can never deny it no matter what may happen. I have had too
many witnesses, and to deny those witnesses would be to be dishonest
to myself and to God. I bear my own witness that Jesus is the Christ.
We have a Father in Heaven who loves us. The gospel WILL bring
happiness to all who embrace it. It was restored though Joseph Smith.
I know that he was a prophet. I also know that Thomas S. Monson is the
Lord's prophet in our day. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. My
message to everyone is that you can know these things as well. It is
no secret!

May you all have a wonderful week! I'm happy that there will be plenty
of Disneyland in your lives. Make sure you get a pineapple whip and go
on "Small World" at least once for me :) I love you all! We've been
apart for quite some time now! It's kind of weird. I still love you,
though!

Love,
Elder McDonald