Enduring to the End

Loved Ones,

You know what the hardest part of writing these emails is? Starting
them. I have found a remedy though, and it's the same one I've used in
my daily journal entries. I actually just used it in my opening
remarks. I've found that by talking about how it's hard to start and
then offering a bit of commentary on the subject, I wind up with a
unique opening. It seems to work like a charm! So, now that the
hardest part is over, let's get on with the rest of the email!

How is everybody? I'm doing very well, myself. I'm just trying to bid
farewell to a little seasonal cold that has stopped by for a visit,
but my unwelcome guest just doesn't seem to be getting the message.
It's ok, though. A mission isn't a mission without at least a little
bit of sickness and affliction. That's just the way things go in a
fallen world. I, of course, refer to the fall of Adam and Eve and the
resultant fallen state of planet earth (thorns, thistles, etc.). I am
quick to add that I think this world is absolutely terrific in many
ways. As we hope for the things of a better world, I think we can find
healthy doses of joy right here in the world we're in. Sure, I could
do without this cold, but how can I complain when such a thing as
peanut butter exists? Quick, tell me the best things that happened
this week. Ready, go! ...You can start now... The clock is running...
Ok, I'll start. That's only fair :)

This past week was a stake conference week, and we had a magnificent
conference. The stake presidency here is working in perfect unity with
the missionaries, which is a beautiful thing. We are one in this great
work! It works better that way. I was edified by the thoughts and
testimonies shared by the speakers. Also, I had the opportunity to be
a part of the stake choir, along with the rest of the missionaries in
the district. I very much enjoyed that! Choir practice is always one
of the highlights of week because we get to spend time with our
awesome ward members, and our choir director, Sister Burgess, is the
coolest ever. She and her husband (who plays the organ) are from South
Africa, so they have really cool accents but even cooler
personalities. They're fun to work with. Another highlight was a trip
down to Bushwick for a giant blitz to find some of the members who we
haven't seen in a while. I was invited to come since I know the area.
I went down with Elder Booth, Elder Broadbent, Elder Jolley, and Elder
Rubin. It was so good to see all my Bushwick friends again. I went on
splits with President Frandsen (the one who made the film "Duck Beach
to Eternity"), so I lucked out because he's a lot of fun. It was good
to catch up with him a little bit. Being back in my first area was
very interesting. I saw many of the places which I passed so
frequently just about a year ago now. I suppose it was a foretaste of
what it will be like to visit my mission after my release. The places
I have labored are forever emblazoned on my mind.

Well, I suppose it is about time to bid you all farewell until next
week. Before I do, I'd like to share my testimony of the portion of
the doctrine of Christ referred to as enduring to the end. Consider
the following passage from the Book of Mormon:

"And when my father saw that the waters of the river emptied into the
fountain of the Red Sea, he spake unto Laman, saying: O that thou
mightest be like unto this river, continually running into the
fountain of all righteousness!
"And he also spake unto Lemuel: O that thou mightest be like unto this
valley, firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments
of the Lord!"
 (1 Nephi 2:9-10)

The words "continually", "steadfast", and "immovable" stand out to me
in the above passage. The strength of character which endurance to the
end demands is so essential for the fulfilling of our eternal destiny.
We all know from one experience or another the power of habit. Well,
if we make living the gospel of Jesus Christ a habit by enduring to
the end, meaning continually living the gospel every day of our lives
with a determination that can only be described as "steadfast and
immovable", then we won't just be doing good things, we will BE a good
person. The changes in us will be deep and eternal. We will be able to
call upon our spiritual strength and good habits in time of dire need,
and we will have sufficient oil in our lamps to meet the demands of
whatever circumstance we may be in. It is at least partially because
of the need to endure to the end that the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints is not just a twice-a-year or even once a week
church. We are asked to live our religion every hour of our lives. I
testify that if we "press forward with a steadfastness in
Christ...behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."
(2 Nephi 31:20). I hope to be more steadfast and immovable, and I
acknowledge that it is only through the grace of Jesus Christ that
this is possible.

I love you all so much! Thank you for all that you do! It means a lot
to me. I know I say that all the time, but I really do mean it. Have
an awesome week!

Love,
Elder McDonald