Letters to Missionaries

My dear cousin,  There is a story of the little pianist (https://thelittlepianist.com/the-story/) That goes a little like this. Once upon a time (I'm paraphrasing here) a couple brought their son to see a famous pianist. At the event, the boy got separated and the worried parent was surprised to see their son as the curtain opened. He was playing with chopsticks.  The parents were shocked and embarrassed. As the boy played the master pianist stepped on stage and came up to the boy.  "Keep playing," he said with a smile. Suddenly the master player began to duet with the young player. The two finished the song together and received a standing ovation. The parent's embarrassment melted into pride.  Heavenly Father wants us to play the song of redeeming love; the message of the Savior. Some may mock and scorn at the song but remember Zeezrom, who mocked, was changed by the message. Elijah wanted Elisha to see the army that stood on the ready and I want you to know that t...

My dear cousin,  The Lord puts people in our lives for two reasons; one, as a blessing, and two, as a lesson. There are moments when the Lord blesses us with someone that is both, the prime example is a spouse, a mission companion, or a work colleague. I have been blessed to have all of those. On my mission, my companion taught me, not to pray, but to pour out my spirit to the Lord. My eternal companion has taught me, "I am with you always". Finally, my colleagues at work have taught me, to be patient, and humble, as I do not know all things but am being taught, line upon line, precept upon precept; here a little, there a little. The point I am making is to Love your companions, cherish your adversity, and find wisdom and learning in each person you meet. I hope you hear from the Spirit how much the Lord loves you and what you are doing for Him. You see the blessings, daily, that He pours out for you and your companions. He loves you dearly and is with you all the way. Cousin...

Ah, Packer Town, home of the cheese heads. So many stories. It is difficult moving from field to field (or it was for me) but He does it for the benefit of His purposes. Might I recommend on a prep day trying the cheese and talking to the locals?  You are so far ahead spiritually than I was when I was your age. That said, I will share what I have learned this week from Psalms 51. When you teach repentance, teach the people, it is not feeling guilty, it is not the sad countenance, sackcloth, or ashes that pleases God. It is the intense work and desire to restore the relationship lost. Feeling sorry and apologizing is only part of the process. When we do wrong things and our parents punished us, it wasn't the punishment that showed repentance. When we strived, worked, and pleaded to restore the trust lost that our parents blessed us with trust. They knew that we wanted to be good. Heavenly Father is no different. Trust is a fragile thing and can be quickly lost. The Lord desires to t...