Pace- I've always enjoyed listening to Elder Holland speak as well. He, President Oaks, and President Nelson all called down the fire (jk they were all pretty bold in rebuking the church). There was a line from Elder Holland that went something like "repent while you still have the chance." It caught my attention pretty quick hahaha :) but it reminded me of when President Leota would say "repent--fast and furious." :) It's a great quote to live by. I also really loved Elder Oak's talk. He was really bold in declaring some eternal truths, which is probably raising quite a stir for some people, but being on the mission has cemented a knowledge of the importance of family for me. When you get to see into so many different lives, it becomes obvious the blessings that living the gospel brings. And regardless of what people profess to believe, there are always set consequences for breaking God's commandments and blessings for keeping them...........any news on mission papers? So far we've knocked out 2 of the 6 continents, so you've got your pick of Europe, Asia, and North or South America.
Tad- (CONGRATULATIONS TO MOM AND DAD! that's huge!) I've actually been to the Hickory before on a failed homecoming date. I'm glad you've had better experiences there haha! It's fun to hear about Drew's undiscovered talent of navigating through the straw maze! (combined with his long distance ability, he could be a Maze Runner) If it makes Pace feel any better, the only time that I went, I got about 90% of the way through, but got so frustrated that I just backtracked out the entrance and pretended like I had beat everybody through. ;)
Sadie- You and Tad both sound SO much older, even through the emailing. I'm glad you enjoyed growing up with Isaac and I. At our Zone Conference yesterday, President Runia asked us to think of a favorite childhood memory. The first memory that came to mind was when we dug a trap in the driveway and caught the missionaries. Now that I'm a missionary I appreciate the humor of the whole situation a lot more! I would laugh so hard if that happened to my companion! It's pretty cool that you've got to meet the Perrets. Tad should ask him for some pro rugby tips. I guess I've just got used to hearing the accent over here. I don't really think about it much now.
Davis- You can only get another orange and white cat if you name him Hobbes III. or Hobbes 3.0 because short hair would definitely be an upgrade.
Drew- I laughed so hard at your chewbacca sound story. The sisters next to me kept asking what was so funny, but I was laughing so hard I couldn't tell them.
Dad- I honestly can't think of anything that I need. Being on the mission has turned me into a minimalist. Everything I don't need I just give away to other missionaries.
The announcement about 2 hour church is pretty cool. I think it's a great opportunity to reevaluate our commitment to the sabbath. The wards over here do a lot of linger longer activities which I love. At least once a month, everybody will bring food for after church and everybody stays around to eat and socialize. You could try a similar idea, but just start with a few families and grow it over time. I would be really excited about combining it with a gospel study group. If one Sunday a month, you could invite a la/pm/rc family to join you after church for snacks/meal and a gospel study, I think it would be a great idea! Also, while I was listening to conference, the way I saw it playing out with our family back home would be to move the home evening part of FHE to Sunday and turn it into a longer lesson/family study. Then Monday night would be reserved for a family activity (hike, scenic drive, ultimate, temple trip). I can really see this changing how our family studies the scriptures. I'm super excited for all the changes coming down the line.
Spiritual Insights:
Numbers 18:26
Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the Lord, even a tenth part of the tithe.
The historical definition of tithing was NOT 10% of our income. Rather, tithing is our offering to the Lord. I have taken it to mean that 100% of everything that we possess is tithing and we are commanded to give 10% of that tithing to Church. The other 90% of our tithing we are allowed to determine how best to build up the kingdom of God, and then use it accordingly.
That was one that I have been pondering for a bit and I think it puts a lot of things in focus. Anyway, I'll probably rap up now!
Have a great week!
Elder Nelson
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