13 Jan 2008

Jan. 13, 2008
Dear Elder Sean,
How you doing, my son? We are well, still cold, but well. Kirk is off having completed his first week back at college. He sounds good and we've even been able to chat with him on our iChat video, so we get to actually see him and his room etc. Maybe someday you'll be able to do the same with your own children on their missions. Although actually when I think about it, seeing each other might make everyone more homesick, so maybe not such a great idea.

I loved reading about your mission conference. The talks sounded great. I seem to be on the same wave length with the Book of Mormon right now. Of course, in SS that's what we're studying and also I'm re-reading one of my favorite books by Jeffrey R. Holland "Christ and the New Covenant". The new covenant of course being the Book of Mormon (D&C 84:57). The whole book talks about the Book of Mormon and ...well, I'll just quote a couple of his sentences. "The principal and commanding figure in the Book of Mormon, from first chapter to last, is the Lord Jesus Christ. In its unparalleled focus on the Messianic message of the Savior of the world, the Book of Mormon is rightly referred to as God's "new covenant with the house of Israel. It is literally a new testament or (to avoid confusion) "another testament" of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon has many purposes, but this one transcends all others. Written by prophets and preserved by angels, it was written for the fundamental and eternally essential purpose of "convincing...the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations."

The book really opened my eyes to a lot of things about the Book of Mormon and its main purpose for us in these latter days. If you ever get a chance to read it, I highly recommend it.

Leah gave the scripture today in Primary and did it all by herself and did a fine job. She's getting so grown up. Nikki only threw a little fit in sacrament, so we're making some progress there too. The joy that Kristina is feeling with being in YW now is so fun to see. She just exudes happiness after each meeting, lesson or activity. Alex had his first ward conference today. One of the Star wards. Bro. Shaw called on him to bear his testimony first. He said he kind of knew it would be him. He had a big group of friends over yesterday to play Wii games, so he said he was feeling a bit guilty speaking about becoming addicted to video games, but that he knows how to set limits. I told him tomorrow night we're having a family night lesson on balance in one's life which might help him with some of his future thoughts for ward conferences. He's also been trying to hang out with Austin Westerberg more since they both have no brothers at home any more. Austin was here last night. Have you been able to write Jared or hear from him? Alex also has finals this week. He feels like he's done well this semester.

It's good to hear that you're having fun with the president too. When he wants to take you all on in a game of basketball, are you able to play yet? Have you been able to have any down time for your knee's sake?

Sports updates-BYU won UCLA 17-16 (rumor has it that one of the 3 Nephites jumped up and blocked UCLA's last-second attempt at a winning field goal! LSU beat Ohio State in a very anti-climatic season ending game. AFC championship will be undefeated Patriots against SD Chargers and NFC it will be GB Packers vs. Giants. Eagle is 11-2 so far in their basketball season. Alex claims that when he wears his lime green blazer they always win.

Thanks for the pictures you sent. You mentioned a video too, but there wasn't a video attached. That would be fun to see too. You look good in the pictures you sent. Are you able to get out of the office much and do any teaching? I hope so. We always pray that you'll be led to people that the Lord has already prepared for you.

A couple mission calls that I've heard of here- the Martin boy (sorry, don't know his first name) in the Star ward is going to Madrid. Kurt Van Wagenen is going to the Russia Samara mission. The DeSpain boy(again no first name) is going to Jacksonville, Mississippi.

Also we have Alex Erickson's girlfriend's baptism on Saturday. She is very excited and very nervous. Her parents are not for this at all which has made it even more difficult, but she is determined.

Sorry I've kind of rambled here today. My mind is a little mush. Dad is working on his ward conference talk. We have ward conference next Sunday. He's speaking on family prayer. He says to send his love. If you have any good stories on prayer, he'd love to hear them. You know that our prayers are always with you and we always ask Heavenly FAther to send our love to you. I'm going to work on a letter for Hermana Paez. I may have it by the time you read this, but maybe not. I have to send it to Kirk to get it translated and I don't know how much time it will take him. Does she by any chance speak English?

Here are some missionary tips from my little book for the week:
1.Eat frozen vegies instead of canned vegies. They're better for you.
2. Put fun stickers on the back of your name tag-children love that.
3. Make sure you and your companion each carry a set of keys for the apartment and car.
4. Prepare a 2 1/2 minute talk on Mosiah 15:1-4.

Have a wonderful week. Obey with exactness and be grateful in all things. Thinking of all the things you are grateful for and giving thanks will always bring a smile to your face.

I love you very much.
momxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxxoooxo