A Saint or a Nazi?

That was going to be a real clever reference to a picture I was going to send, but this computer doesn't seem to like my camera, so that'll be coming next week. Basically, we did a service project this week similar to when we cleaned out Grandpa Facer's garage and found hundrends of years worth of church manuals and ensigns and the like. A guy's wife died last week, so the branch is helping him clean up his house, including over 20 cats (27 if you count the kittens we found while cleaning), and our job was to burn all of the old stuff. That ended up being a lot of manuals, storybooks, music, and even bibles (I'm still unsure if that was ok) from many years ago. So yeah, Saint for doing servie, Nazi for a book burning. Aside from that, it was another slow week. Things certainly aren't easy right now, but I'm trying to press on.

One very good thing that happened this week was a meeting with the area president, Elder Daniel Johnson. First off, before the meeting, they gave every companionship cell phones, which is a huge help for us, then the meeting was excellent. He talked about the function of the spirit in the work, and about the elect that are being prepared for us. Also, he talked about the function of the Spirit in our testifying, and how the primary role of the Spirit is to testify of God the Father and Jesus Christ (3 Ne. 11:32,35,36), which is something I hadn't really thought of or totally understood before. Something he said that really impacted me comes from Alma 29:4 (I think...) that says that the Lord grants us according to all our desires. If we really want to be more Christ like, we will be. If we want to be partially obedient, we will be. If we want to be the best missionary the world's ever seen and do everything according to the Lord's will, it'll happen. I asked him how we can change our desires so we can become all that, and he said that the desire to change our desires is something the Lord can work within us. It was something I really needed to hear, and it was an excellent meeting.

It sounds like it was a pretty busy week for everyone at home. Tara, good work on driving the truck. I always enjoyed that, too. There's a member with a Lincoln Mark LT who gives us rides sometimes, and that is a powerful truck. You don't even feel how fast you're going. Anyway, that was fun. Also, that's great that you're finally cleared to play again. I expect more good news about victories in the very near future. Also, I'm glad you went to preference. I didn't know Breanna well, but just a little from band. Lys, I'm glad things are going great for your family. I'm maybe ok that Andrew isn't talking yet, because I want to hear it, too, but that's cute that he's still learning and growing up. Alicia, thanks for your letter this week, and Canyon, thanks for yours as well. It's just good to know that everyone's well at home. I am getting Emily's letters, and I though I had mentioned them... sorry. While we're on the subject, Emily, thanks for your letter that I got this week :) Also, letters from Alyssa came, which is always a nice thing as well.

The pills are working halfway. I'm definitely sleeping better, but I'm even more tired during the day. Who knows what's going on with me. Waiting upon the Lord was referred to me by Elder Stepp, and I've reviewed it a few times, so no worries there. I'm currently reading the Book of Mormon still (I read Jacob 2 today) and the Old Testament. Jacob is a great book, and Zenos knew what he was talking about, let me tell you. It would be pretty cool if we had his whole book as opposed to just references in the Book of Mormon. Also, who knew Deuteronomy was so good? I missed a lot the last time that I read it, and really enjoyed it this time around. It really explains the purpose of the law of Moses (to love the Lord) and does it quite well. Now I'm in Judges, so the Israelites have destroyed the Canaanites, Jebusites, and all manner of ites, but they turned wicked and sought after strange gods. Too bad for them. Gideon was also pretty cool, though. Too bad his son didn't turn out the same. You should've learned, Abimelech.

I know that God is our Father. He created us and gave us a perfect plan in order to become like Him. As His children, he loves us with an infinite, pure love that cannot fully be comprehended. To show His love, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer and die for us. I know that Heavenly Father loves us. I know that Jesus Christ is the savior of the world. I know that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, if they so desire. I know that Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers. I know that we speak directly to Him through Christ when we pray sincerely and with real intent. I know that the scriptures are the word of God given to us through His spokesmen, the prophets. I know that God has called Thomas S. Monson to lead us in this day so that we may progress in the pathway to Godhood. 2 Ne. 31:19-20

Elder Facer