December 18, 2016 - From Mom

Hi my love!  The next time I talk to you, it will be face to face!!!  I CANNOT wait!

Well its actually Sunday and I'm in Draper with Noelle and fam. I got here early so I could go to Karlee Winter's wedding last night.  It was pretty fun.  She was a gorgeous bride.  There were a lot of TX peeps represented.  I attached some pics.  They were married in the Draper Temple.  I like her husband.  He is a good guy.  I think you might have met him before you left. 

We are getting ready for Christmas here.  Dad and Abby got in late last night.  It is absolutely freezing here!!!  High of 19 degrees today.  Lots of snow on the ground. I'm a wimp in this cold now.  I don't really love it!  But I love being together with our family so it will be fun!  I've got my laptop and I'm going to test out skyping this week to make sure everything works!  What is the plan?  Do you have one yet?  The only time I can't skype is between 10-12 because we will be at church.  They are just having sacrament meeting.  Are you doing the same?  

There is no decision yet for Grayson and his mission papers.  He has an appt with Bishop Brown on the 28th after we get home so we will hopefully know more after that. 

I also heard about a roommate possibility for you.  Mitchell Cordy is transferring to BYU Provo this semester and he and Kade Nielson are rooming together (Kade just got home a few days ago).  I don't know if that sounds like a possibility you'd want to consider ... let me know what you think. 

I've been thinking a lot about some words of advice I could give you to help with your comp situation.  I know this area/change/comp has been a little taxing on you.  I have been praying for you and all the Dallas and Draper temples are praying for you.  Two thoughts I want to share with you.  The first one is that had there never been a storm on the Sea of Galilee that caused the apostles to fear for their lives, Peter would have never learned he could walk on water.  Sometimes the difficult times in our lives help us to turn to the Lord because we feel we have no where else to turn and then He can help us do miraculous things.  Or at least see his presence in our lives.  So first of all, I hope that during this "storm", you are able to focus on those moments where you see that He is there and can give you aid when there is no one else who can.  Hopefully you are beginning to learn how to "walk on water.'

Secondly, I know it is hard for you to be a jr. comp.  You are a natural leader and you have sacrificed tremendously to be back on your mission.  So, working less and being unproductive doesn't work for you.  And its tough when you don't feel like your opinion is guiding the team.  In someways, this is what will drive you to succeed in life.  But its good to learn to be a team player and be good in a supporting role as well (when necessary).  So I've thought about some people that I'd like you to study this week.  One person that I have always admired so much is Hyrum Smith.  He was Joseph's older brother and you can imagine that it would be easy for Hyrum to feel a little put out when his younger brother was the leader, the one who speaks with God, and the head of this glorious dispensation. Hyrum played a supporting role.  But the thing I love about Hyrum, is that at least in anything I've ever read about him, he was truly devoted to Joseph and the gospel.  He doesn't demonstrate irritation or jealousy in any way.  But the Lord is aware of him and recognizes his devotion to the gospel.  The Lord said this:  “And again, verily I say unto you, blessed is my servant Hyrum Smith, for I, the Lord, love him because of the integrity of his heart, and because he loveth that which is right before me, saith the Lord.” [D&C 124:15.]  Hyrum was devoted to Joseph and the gospel and had tremendous leadership ability in his own right.  He gave Joseph trusted counsel and advice. But he was also humble and had a quiet strength. And then the prophet Joseph said this about him: “I could pray in my heart that all my brethren were like unto my beloved brother Hyrum, who possesses the mildness of a lamb, and the integrity of a Job, and in short, the meekness and humility of Christ and I love him with that love that is stronger than death, for I never had occasion to rebuke him, nor he me." 

I hope that helps you to see that you have an important role to perform in the jr comp position.  That is one of support, encouragement and example too.  Some others I thought of that you could study this week is Helaman and Capt Moroni.  Capt. Moroni was kindof the rockstar of the time.  Yet Helaman had such an important role to play and became one of the great heroes of the BOM.  (Read Alma 48: 17-19)  They both were a vital part of God's Army and each had important part to play.

Think of Sam and Nephi (Read 2 Ne.4:11) Sam’s role was basically one of supporting and assisting his more acclaimed younger brother, and he ultimately received the same blessings promised to Nephi and his posterity. Nothing promised to Nephi was withheld from the faithful Sam, yet we know very little of the details of Sam’s service and contribution.

I hope some of these examples give you some things to think about.  I can only imagine how frustrating it is when you want to work harder and be more productive.  You will have that opportunity soon.  In the meantime, try to encourage your comp and help him to see the blessings that come from hard work and obedience.  You've seen those miracles and blessings so many times. 

My letter has been a little "lengthy" this week.  haha!  So I won't say much more.  Only know that I could NOT be more proud of you, Sam!  I love you so very much and I know the Lord must be so proud of you too!  You are such an example of sacrifice, testimony, hard work and love to our family and many others around you.  I couldn't love you any more! 

Merry Christmas my sweet son!  I'll talk to you in less that 1 week!

All my love!

mom

xoxoxo