Dearest kin,
I realized that I haven't put a subject on my emails lately, so I thought I'd spice things up a bit. It was so good to hear how everyone is doing! I was struck with a pang of jealousy to see you all at beautiful Glacier Point. But, I'm really glad you could all witness the spectacle of Yosemite. Isn't it incredible? It really is cool that you live by such a beautiful place. When I get back, we all have to climb Half Dome. Deal? I also have to applaud whoever took the photos. They were very well shot. I'm impressed. Speaking of photos, I never told you guys about how cool that one picture that you sent me of Brock chasing Jase is. I think that is probably the best family picture that has ever been taken. The lighting is perfect and the emotion of the scene makes me smile when I look at it. Props to whoever snapped that one.
To start things off, I need to thank my wonderful mother for the package she sent. I haven't had a chance to give you an accounting, but I got all the Amazon stuff including the cereal. I was so excited to get some of my favorite cereal, and Elder Broadbent and I had actually been talking about how much we wanted to buy cereal before it came. Who knew that you could order cereal from Amazon. I was pretty surprised. It was also funny that you sent Grape Nuts because one of my titles in the MTC was Grape Nut due to the large quantities of Grape Nuts I consumed. I think there was a point where I had Grape Nuts for every meal. I ended up getting a lot of grief in the MTC for my strange vegetarian eating habits. My district had a lot of fun with that. So, getting Grape Nuts brought back fond memories. I've thoroughly enjoyed eating Grape Nuts out in the field as well. Also, Elder Tremble did get his package, and I think it made him happy. That was really nice of you to be so thoughtful. He definitely needed the love, I think. Oh, and how could I forget how much I enjoyed the cashew clusters. Those things are so good. Thank you, thank you, thank you. My family is the best. I love you guys.
Today marks the beginning of my third transfer, and I got word on Saturday that I'll be staying in the same area for another transfer. As a result, I will also have my first "kill" in mission terms. I really don't think I like that term, but basically it just means that I'll be with Elder Tremble until he goes home. I'm really excited to have another transfer with him, though. He is the coolest missionary, and he even has President Calderwood's endorsement. President told me that he is one of the best missionaries in the entire mission. I'm really lucky to have the chance to learn from him. It will be a fun transfer too, because not only is Elder Tremble a great missionary, but he's a super cool guy. Now that you have all seen a picture of him, you'll understand the joke we have between us that our companionship is like Psych or possibly Men In Black. It's probably more like Men In Black because we walk around New York City in suits all day. He is honestly a stud though. And, I wouldn't be surprised if the opportunity for us to fight aliens arose sometime during this next transfer, because not much would surprise me at this point. New York is a crazy place. The other day, E.T. (Elder Tremble) and I were walking down the street, and we came across a huge iguana just hanging out on the sidewalk. I stopped and stared at it for a bit, trying to figure out why there was a giant lizard in the middle of Brooklyn, and it looked over at me and we just looked at each other for a moment and then went our separate ways when we came to terms with each other (actually, it was more like I went my separate way because the iguana didn't move). I was left to wonder if one of Godzilla's babies had survived or if someone's pet iguana was on the loose. Obviously, one of these scenarios was far more likely, but, like I said, nothing would surprise me at this point. We later found out that it was indeed someone's pet, but that doesn't mean that the possibility of E.T. and I encountering aliens is any less likely. I'll let you all know if we have the chance to fight extraterrestrials and then neutralize people's memories.
On Sunday, Floretta was confirmed, so she is officially a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! She is really incredible. Her faith and obedience is nothing short of inspiring. She has been reading the Book of Mormon like crazy too! I was a pretty comfortable margin ahead of her in my personal reading, but she has overtaken me! And, she often receives personal revelation when she reads. It's awesome. Seeing how much she has gained from the Book of Mormon has really strengthened my testimony of the power of that book. It full to bursting with doctrines that will bring the utmost happiness to us all if we allow them to. I love the Book of Mormon. It's my favorite book. I came across a quote that I really like, and I want to share it with you all. It goes like this: "There is no greater issue to ever confront mankind in modern times than this: Is the Book of Mormon the mind and will and voice of God to all men?" Bruce R. McConkie said that, and I couldn't agree with him more. It is really easy to take the Book of Mormon for granted, and I have often been guilty of doing so. But, if we stop to think about what the implications are if the Book of Mormon is indeed the voice of God to all men, it really is an eye-opening experience. I give my witness that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. By knowing this, I know that the Church of Jesus Christ was restored through Joseph Smith, and that there is a prophet of God, Thomas S. Monson, who leads that church today. I promise that if anyone reads the Book of Mormon with an open mind and heart, and does so prayerfully, they can come to know that it is indeed true. Many treasures of knowledge are unfolded when the simple knowledge of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon is acquired.
I hope that everyone is healthy and happy, and I hope that life is a blissful canoe ride along the river. I love you all so much, and I'm so grateful to have you in my life. I hope and pray that there are many happy surprises just around the river bend. I know there will be. No one says it better than Pocahontas. Over and out.
Love,
Elder McDonald
Monday, October 22, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
Elder McDonald's First Baptism!
Loved Ones!
I'm so sorry about last weeks email. It brought great pain to my heart to have no time to read your emails and write back in detail. It was such an eventful week mostly because of conference, and this week was pretty big as well, so I don't think there is any way that I can even come close to covering everything I'd like to say. Honestly, when I get back we can just have a pow wow and have a big question answer session and I'll try to catch up. There just isn't enough time to tell the half of it. I greatly underestimated the scarcity of time I have out here. It's crazy! I'm almost done with my second transfer, and I hit my 3 month mark last week! It has seriously flown by. Especially this last transfer. I don't know where the time went. It really does make me want to be the best missionary I can be because I know that the time will continue to speed by on wings of lightning, and this is the only time I have to fully dedicate my self to the Lord's work. I definitely want to take advantage of the time.
I don't know where to start.... Yesterday was a big day, because Floretta was baptized! It was an incredible experience. To see how far she's come is truly touching. It makes me happy to think that if she is faithful, she has a life full of happiness ahead of her. Not only that, but happiness through all eternity. I performed the baptism, so this was my very first baptism on the mission. I'm really at a loss for words trying to summarize the experience. There was actually a bit of a hiccup in the baptismal service that added a bit of humor and made the experience more memorable. When the time came for the baptism and I stepped into the font, I encountered a liquid inferno. The water was boiling! I tried it again once or twice, but I quickly concluded that there was no way that I was going to survive if I went into the water, and I definitely wasn't going to immerse Floretta in it. I guess that someone took the concept of baptism by fire a little too literally :) I told Elder Cabinilla, who was witnessing, that the water was way too hot, and he tried to convince me to just man up and go for it, but I told him it wasn't going to happen. We had to put things on hold and begin to add cold water to the font. I balanced myself between the two sides of the font above the lava water and swirled my leg around in it to try to mix in the cold water. It was ridiculous. I may have received first degree burns on my foot, but I'm not sure. But, eventually the water was an acceptable temperature, so we started the service again and went through with the baptism with out any more major interferences. It made for a great memory. Elder Tremble has concluded that everything that can go wrong tends to happen to me, and I've come to agree with him. I guess that's ok, because when things go wrong, memories are made and laughs are usually had. Humorous experiences aside, the baptism was a really special experience, and Floretta was visibly filled with the Spirit. She bore an amazing testimony in Sacrament meeting and then after the baptism as well. She has been prepared to receive the gospel, and it's been a great privilege to participate in her conversion.
I could probably talk to you guys for hours about conference. I loved it so much. There were so many timely messages shared. Mom, I agree with you about the theme. I think that in a way, the theme was also missionary work. Most of the talks seemed to be essentially talking about either full-time or member missionary work either through sharing the gospel or being an example by truly living it. I also agree with you that Elder Holland's talk was awesome. He is the most powerful speaker, and he is my personal role model. I was especially affected when he said, "Once you have put your hand to the plow, you can never look back." That may not be the exact quote, but it was something along those lines. Another talk that I really loved was by Ann M. Dibbs (I think that's her name). The one where she said "I'm a Mormon. I know it. I live it. I love it." I thought that that was a perfect talk. I want to get a shirt that says that! That may have been my favorite of the conference if I'm being honest. Another stand out for me was Marcus B. Nash. I really like what he said about faith and reason being two wings of an airplane. They should be in balance, and if we find one is contradicting the other, then we need to pause. That's already been super helpful to me as I've tried to apply it. I honestly loved all the talks, and I have a ton more that I would love to talk to you all about, but it will have to wait. I think that the main message from conference was that there is so much more that needs to be done, and that we have a far greater potential than what we often settle for. The Lord knows that we aren't perfect, but I know that he expects nothing less than our very best. I heard something in the MTC that I really liked. It was something like, "The good news is the Lord only expects our best. The bad news is that the Lord expects our best." I loved that, because I think that it really hits the mark. And, it goes along with another thing that I heard in the MTC: "We have all that it takes, and it's going to take all that we have." I definitely need to be a lot better about giving my best.
It sounds like everyone is doing well! Jacob! You are looking good, my man! Those pearly whites suit you just fine. I'm glad to hear that the house is off your hands, Mom. I look forward to hearing about the cool place that you guys pick for a more permanent home. It sounds like the Andrews clan had a fun time in Witchita Falls. I wish I could have joined in. I still haven't heard the verdict on Clovis! What is the rating out of 10? Jacob, your preparation time for your mission just went down a whole year! Let me just say that it is never too early to start preparing in earnest. It may seem tedious to prepare for missionary service, but I promise that the things you do to prepare will bring balance and happiness to all aspects of your life. You will form habits that will bring lasting peace and joy. I can't recommend Preach My Gospel highly enough. I've really gained a testimony of Preach My Gospel since I've been serving. I know that it is a divinely inspired resource, and it is honestly a treasure trove of awesome. There is just too much good stuff in there which is actually impossible contrary to what the AM/PM stores would want you to believe.
I wish I could write more, but this was a pretty jam packed P-day again. I will try to catch up gradually. I love you all so much, and I am truly grateful for the support you give me. I keep you in my prayers.
Love,
Elder McDonald
I'm so sorry about last weeks email. It brought great pain to my heart to have no time to read your emails and write back in detail. It was such an eventful week mostly because of conference, and this week was pretty big as well, so I don't think there is any way that I can even come close to covering everything I'd like to say. Honestly, when I get back we can just have a pow wow and have a big question answer session and I'll try to catch up. There just isn't enough time to tell the half of it. I greatly underestimated the scarcity of time I have out here. It's crazy! I'm almost done with my second transfer, and I hit my 3 month mark last week! It has seriously flown by. Especially this last transfer. I don't know where the time went. It really does make me want to be the best missionary I can be because I know that the time will continue to speed by on wings of lightning, and this is the only time I have to fully dedicate my self to the Lord's work. I definitely want to take advantage of the time.
I don't know where to start.... Yesterday was a big day, because Floretta was baptized! It was an incredible experience. To see how far she's come is truly touching. It makes me happy to think that if she is faithful, she has a life full of happiness ahead of her. Not only that, but happiness through all eternity. I performed the baptism, so this was my very first baptism on the mission. I'm really at a loss for words trying to summarize the experience. There was actually a bit of a hiccup in the baptismal service that added a bit of humor and made the experience more memorable. When the time came for the baptism and I stepped into the font, I encountered a liquid inferno. The water was boiling! I tried it again once or twice, but I quickly concluded that there was no way that I was going to survive if I went into the water, and I definitely wasn't going to immerse Floretta in it. I guess that someone took the concept of baptism by fire a little too literally :) I told Elder Cabinilla, who was witnessing, that the water was way too hot, and he tried to convince me to just man up and go for it, but I told him it wasn't going to happen. We had to put things on hold and begin to add cold water to the font. I balanced myself between the two sides of the font above the lava water and swirled my leg around in it to try to mix in the cold water. It was ridiculous. I may have received first degree burns on my foot, but I'm not sure. But, eventually the water was an acceptable temperature, so we started the service again and went through with the baptism with out any more major interferences. It made for a great memory. Elder Tremble has concluded that everything that can go wrong tends to happen to me, and I've come to agree with him. I guess that's ok, because when things go wrong, memories are made and laughs are usually had. Humorous experiences aside, the baptism was a really special experience, and Floretta was visibly filled with the Spirit. She bore an amazing testimony in Sacrament meeting and then after the baptism as well. She has been prepared to receive the gospel, and it's been a great privilege to participate in her conversion.
I could probably talk to you guys for hours about conference. I loved it so much. There were so many timely messages shared. Mom, I agree with you about the theme. I think that in a way, the theme was also missionary work. Most of the talks seemed to be essentially talking about either full-time or member missionary work either through sharing the gospel or being an example by truly living it. I also agree with you that Elder Holland's talk was awesome. He is the most powerful speaker, and he is my personal role model. I was especially affected when he said, "Once you have put your hand to the plow, you can never look back." That may not be the exact quote, but it was something along those lines. Another talk that I really loved was by Ann M. Dibbs (I think that's her name). The one where she said "I'm a Mormon. I know it. I live it. I love it." I thought that that was a perfect talk. I want to get a shirt that says that! That may have been my favorite of the conference if I'm being honest. Another stand out for me was Marcus B. Nash. I really like what he said about faith and reason being two wings of an airplane. They should be in balance, and if we find one is contradicting the other, then we need to pause. That's already been super helpful to me as I've tried to apply it. I honestly loved all the talks, and I have a ton more that I would love to talk to you all about, but it will have to wait. I think that the main message from conference was that there is so much more that needs to be done, and that we have a far greater potential than what we often settle for. The Lord knows that we aren't perfect, but I know that he expects nothing less than our very best. I heard something in the MTC that I really liked. It was something like, "The good news is the Lord only expects our best. The bad news is that the Lord expects our best." I loved that, because I think that it really hits the mark. And, it goes along with another thing that I heard in the MTC: "We have all that it takes, and it's going to take all that we have." I definitely need to be a lot better about giving my best.
It sounds like everyone is doing well! Jacob! You are looking good, my man! Those pearly whites suit you just fine. I'm glad to hear that the house is off your hands, Mom. I look forward to hearing about the cool place that you guys pick for a more permanent home. It sounds like the Andrews clan had a fun time in Witchita Falls. I wish I could have joined in. I still haven't heard the verdict on Clovis! What is the rating out of 10? Jacob, your preparation time for your mission just went down a whole year! Let me just say that it is never too early to start preparing in earnest. It may seem tedious to prepare for missionary service, but I promise that the things you do to prepare will bring balance and happiness to all aspects of your life. You will form habits that will bring lasting peace and joy. I can't recommend Preach My Gospel highly enough. I've really gained a testimony of Preach My Gospel since I've been serving. I know that it is a divinely inspired resource, and it is honestly a treasure trove of awesome. There is just too much good stuff in there which is actually impossible contrary to what the AM/PM stores would want you to believe.
I wish I could write more, but this was a pretty jam packed P-day again. I will try to catch up gradually. I love you all so much, and I am truly grateful for the support you give me. I keep you in my prayers.
Love,
Elder McDonald
Monday, October 8, 2012
The Times, They are A-Changin!
Holy moly. How about that conference weekend. I'm still completely blown away by the change to the missionary age requirement. I was covered in goosebumps during that entire announcement. You can imagine how the news was received by a room full of missionaries watching conference together. I'm so excited! I really hope that this dramatically increases the number of missionaries in the field seeking to bring the gospel to all the earth. I'm mostly just writing this email to let you all know I'm alive. My P-day got eaten up this week, so I have zero time. With the little time I do have, I just want to bear my testimony that I know that we just heard from a prophet of God this weekend. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's Church, and every single person on earth can benefit from living the teachings of the Church, namely the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love you all, and I wish you all the best.
Love,
Elder McDonald
*A little clarification: For anyone who didn't watch the General Conference of our church this past weekend, our prophet, President Thomas Monson, announced that they are changing the eligibility age for missionary service. It is being lowered to 18 (and graduated from high school) from 19 for young men and to 19 from 21 for young women.
I finally got some new pics! Elder McDonald, being a frugal missionary, decided not to waste precious money on a haircut and instead let another missionary take care of it for him.
Love,
Elder McDonald
*A little clarification: For anyone who didn't watch the General Conference of our church this past weekend, our prophet, President Thomas Monson, announced that they are changing the eligibility age for missionary service. It is being lowered to 18 (and graduated from high school) from 19 for young men and to 19 from 21 for young women.
I finally got some new pics! Elder McDonald, being a frugal missionary, decided not to waste precious money on a haircut and instead let another missionary take care of it for him.
This is a picture of Elder McDonald and Elder Patchett who was Jarom's zone leader until he just recently returned home.
This is an incredibly goofy picture of Elder McDonald with his first companion, Elder Pulla from India.
These are a few shots of Jarom and his new companion, Elder Tremble from Atlanta, GA.
Looks like they are getting along just fine!
This is what happened when Jarom asked his companion to make a little extra rice. Missionaries don't waste a thing!!!
Monday, October 1, 2012
Great Week in the Big Apple!
Family and Friends,
Alright, you caught me, Mom. I'm going to answer your questions now so I don't forget. I got the package, and it was wonderful! The cookies were delicious, and my roommates appreciated the home-cooking greatly. And the cashew clusters have been a wonderful thing to have along with the noodle things. And I got all your letters! They usually get to me on Tuesday or Wednesday, so there's a bit of a build-up since I can't respond to them the day I get them. Sorry about that. I really do love to hear from my beautiful family though. Thank you so much for sending me all the goodies and for taking care of me so well! I have to say that I was a little shocked about your story concerning the mom who sends her son $300 to $400 extra every month. I mean, we definitely have to budget our money, but I can't imagine what in the world he would be spending all that on. He must be eating at five-star restaurants every night and be golfing 18 rounds every P-day (while hiring a caddy and eating caviar). That's a little ridiculous. I assure you that I am doing alright and I'm getting plenty to eat. Grandma is making sure of that with her priceless gifts of granola. Qua is doing well, but it's really interesting to see the difference in his progression when compared to Floretta's. Qua isn't showing nearly as much faith and commitment as Floretta, and it shows. He has felt the Spirit numerous times, but he has just been a little bit reluctant to fully commit and act on the promptings he's receiving. I think with time he will come to understand what he needs to do, though. He told my companion and I that he would write a rap about the Book of Mormon and put in a shout out to the two of us, so I'm looking forward to that. Floretta amazes me with her progress. She has changed everything she needs to in order to live the Gospel, and her light is clearly discernible. She is always happy now, and it's a really powerful experience to see the Gospel work wonders in her life. She even went to the General Relief Society broadcast and fasted yesterday for fast sunday. I'm so happy for her and really excited for her baptism on October 14th. I can't imagine anything stopping her from continuing to move forward. She just got a new job to replace the one she quit to come to church, so her faith is being rewarded!
I totally forgot to mention in my last email that the mission was visited by Elder Bowen of the Seventy two weeks ago. There is a video that features a talk by him on the youth section of lds.org, and it's really good. I recommend it. But, he completely blew my mind with the things that he taught. He knows his stuff, and I realized that I needed to really change my attitude and commitment level. He made one point that I thought was very poignant and relevant. He said that there are two things that Satan will never have: a body and a family. He then said that those are the two things that he is fiercely fighting to destroy. He related this specifically to the deterioration of the family in society and to the plague of abortions that has been occurring. I thought that was so important to realize. I'd never thought about the fact that Satan would never have a family. The way Elder Bowen said it almost made me pity the terrible condition that Satan is in. I can't imagine the agony and misery he feels, and how strongly that makes him want to drag the rest of us down to his level of woe. But he's tricky, and he makes wickedness look like happiness. It's a big blessing to know that happiness comes from living the Gospel and building righteous families. I was reading Jesus the Christ today, and I came across one of the greatest quotes I've heard about pleasure verses happiness. It goes like this: "Happiness leaves no bad after-taste, it is followed by no depressing reaction; it calls for no repentance, brings no regret, entails no remorse; pleasure too often makes necessary repentance, contrition, and suffering; and, if indulged to the extreme, it brings degradation and destruction. True is happiness lived over and over again in memory, always with a renewal of the original good; a moment of unholy pleasure may leave a barbed sting, which, like a thorn in the flesh, is an ever-present source of anguish. Happiness is not akin with levity, nor is it one with light-minded mirth. It springs from the deeper fountains of the soul, and is not infrequently accompanied by tears. Have you never been so happy that you have had to weep? I have." Sorry, it's a little long, but I love it. Everyone wants to be happy, but many people don't really know how. There are a lot of unhappy pleasure-seekers that wander the streets of New York, I've found. It's really interesting to see the contrast between those who have light and those who are lacking in light. I would imagine that when there is an absence of light in people's countenance, then there is a lack of happiness as well. The Gospel makes people happy! Floretta's progress is a testimony to me of that.
Who's excited for General Conference? It's right around the corner! I'm super excited. Apparently General Conference is better than Christmas when you're a missionary. We'll see about that, but I am really looking forward to a spiritual smorgasborg (spelling?). It will be really interesting to see what the theme is considering all the things that are happening in the world right now. Mom, I wish I could have seen the interview where Brandon Flowers had to defend his faith on that talk show. I'm proud of him! I think that the focus on the Church will continue to last long after the elections. I imagine that the Church will continue to be criticized and put in the spotlight, and that this trend will increase rather than fade away. Who knows, but it will be interesting to hear the counsel from the prophets. We live in an interesting time.
It sounds like everyone had a good week! Jacob, way to score a goal man! It sounds like you're becoming a level 7 water polo master already. I'm nervous that you're going to be able to beat me up when I get home. But, lately I've been eating Michael Phelps sized breakfasts, so maybe I'm going to grow 6 inches like Uncle Mark and still be able to take you :) I'm proud of you little brother. Jase, I'm really glad to hear that football is going well. I think that next year you should try rugby. And someone needs to give boxing a try. Tell me if the old-school, traditional boxing isn't the classiest sport ever. Ok, maybe croquet or polo would win in that competition, but I still think that boxing would be cool. So, I haven't heard a definite verdict on Clovis yet... How does everyone like it? Does it seem like a place that you could permanently call home? Hopefully the heat has abated a bit. I wish I could be there to watch all the games and join in on all the cool things you're doing! I love you guys.
Well, I have to get moving. I'd write an essay, but apparently some of the missionaries like to do other things besides emailing on their P-days. I hope that everyone has the best week ever, and I can't wait to hear from you again. Thank you for your support. It really does mean a lot to me. I thank Heavenly Father for my family everyday in my prayers. I love you all!
Alright, you caught me, Mom. I'm going to answer your questions now so I don't forget. I got the package, and it was wonderful! The cookies were delicious, and my roommates appreciated the home-cooking greatly. And the cashew clusters have been a wonderful thing to have along with the noodle things. And I got all your letters! They usually get to me on Tuesday or Wednesday, so there's a bit of a build-up since I can't respond to them the day I get them. Sorry about that. I really do love to hear from my beautiful family though. Thank you so much for sending me all the goodies and for taking care of me so well! I have to say that I was a little shocked about your story concerning the mom who sends her son $300 to $400 extra every month. I mean, we definitely have to budget our money, but I can't imagine what in the world he would be spending all that on. He must be eating at five-star restaurants every night and be golfing 18 rounds every P-day (while hiring a caddy and eating caviar). That's a little ridiculous. I assure you that I am doing alright and I'm getting plenty to eat. Grandma is making sure of that with her priceless gifts of granola. Qua is doing well, but it's really interesting to see the difference in his progression when compared to Floretta's. Qua isn't showing nearly as much faith and commitment as Floretta, and it shows. He has felt the Spirit numerous times, but he has just been a little bit reluctant to fully commit and act on the promptings he's receiving. I think with time he will come to understand what he needs to do, though. He told my companion and I that he would write a rap about the Book of Mormon and put in a shout out to the two of us, so I'm looking forward to that. Floretta amazes me with her progress. She has changed everything she needs to in order to live the Gospel, and her light is clearly discernible. She is always happy now, and it's a really powerful experience to see the Gospel work wonders in her life. She even went to the General Relief Society broadcast and fasted yesterday for fast sunday. I'm so happy for her and really excited for her baptism on October 14th. I can't imagine anything stopping her from continuing to move forward. She just got a new job to replace the one she quit to come to church, so her faith is being rewarded!
I totally forgot to mention in my last email that the mission was visited by Elder Bowen of the Seventy two weeks ago. There is a video that features a talk by him on the youth section of lds.org, and it's really good. I recommend it. But, he completely blew my mind with the things that he taught. He knows his stuff, and I realized that I needed to really change my attitude and commitment level. He made one point that I thought was very poignant and relevant. He said that there are two things that Satan will never have: a body and a family. He then said that those are the two things that he is fiercely fighting to destroy. He related this specifically to the deterioration of the family in society and to the plague of abortions that has been occurring. I thought that was so important to realize. I'd never thought about the fact that Satan would never have a family. The way Elder Bowen said it almost made me pity the terrible condition that Satan is in. I can't imagine the agony and misery he feels, and how strongly that makes him want to drag the rest of us down to his level of woe. But he's tricky, and he makes wickedness look like happiness. It's a big blessing to know that happiness comes from living the Gospel and building righteous families. I was reading Jesus the Christ today, and I came across one of the greatest quotes I've heard about pleasure verses happiness. It goes like this: "Happiness leaves no bad after-taste, it is followed by no depressing reaction; it calls for no repentance, brings no regret, entails no remorse; pleasure too often makes necessary repentance, contrition, and suffering; and, if indulged to the extreme, it brings degradation and destruction. True is happiness lived over and over again in memory, always with a renewal of the original good; a moment of unholy pleasure may leave a barbed sting, which, like a thorn in the flesh, is an ever-present source of anguish. Happiness is not akin with levity, nor is it one with light-minded mirth. It springs from the deeper fountains of the soul, and is not infrequently accompanied by tears. Have you never been so happy that you have had to weep? I have." Sorry, it's a little long, but I love it. Everyone wants to be happy, but many people don't really know how. There are a lot of unhappy pleasure-seekers that wander the streets of New York, I've found. It's really interesting to see the contrast between those who have light and those who are lacking in light. I would imagine that when there is an absence of light in people's countenance, then there is a lack of happiness as well. The Gospel makes people happy! Floretta's progress is a testimony to me of that.
Who's excited for General Conference? It's right around the corner! I'm super excited. Apparently General Conference is better than Christmas when you're a missionary. We'll see about that, but I am really looking forward to a spiritual smorgasborg (spelling?). It will be really interesting to see what the theme is considering all the things that are happening in the world right now. Mom, I wish I could have seen the interview where Brandon Flowers had to defend his faith on that talk show. I'm proud of him! I think that the focus on the Church will continue to last long after the elections. I imagine that the Church will continue to be criticized and put in the spotlight, and that this trend will increase rather than fade away. Who knows, but it will be interesting to hear the counsel from the prophets. We live in an interesting time.
It sounds like everyone had a good week! Jacob, way to score a goal man! It sounds like you're becoming a level 7 water polo master already. I'm nervous that you're going to be able to beat me up when I get home. But, lately I've been eating Michael Phelps sized breakfasts, so maybe I'm going to grow 6 inches like Uncle Mark and still be able to take you :) I'm proud of you little brother. Jase, I'm really glad to hear that football is going well. I think that next year you should try rugby. And someone needs to give boxing a try. Tell me if the old-school, traditional boxing isn't the classiest sport ever. Ok, maybe croquet or polo would win in that competition, but I still think that boxing would be cool. So, I haven't heard a definite verdict on Clovis yet... How does everyone like it? Does it seem like a place that you could permanently call home? Hopefully the heat has abated a bit. I wish I could be there to watch all the games and join in on all the cool things you're doing! I love you guys.
Well, I have to get moving. I'd write an essay, but apparently some of the missionaries like to do other things besides emailing on their P-days. I hope that everyone has the best week ever, and I can't wait to hear from you again. Thank you for your support. It really does mean a lot to me. I thank Heavenly Father for my family everyday in my prayers. I love you all!
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