December 5, 2016 - From Mom

Good morning Elder G!  I'm not entirely sure if you are writing today or Tuesday so I thought I'd just be safe and write you Monday just in case. 

Well the good news of the week is Erik finally passed his Paramedic licensing test!  I'm so happy for him because it has weighed heavily on him.  I gave him a few vyvanse and I know that helped while he was studying and preparing.  So we had a little celebration last night at Ama and Pop Pops house (see the pic I attached).  He and Chelsea are officially trying to get pregnant now.  Chelsea has even given up Diet Coke!  Since she'd been drinking about 6 per day, I guess that means she's serious about this baby thing!  Katie and Andrew found out that they are having a boy and are going to name him Henry James (james after my grandpa Jim:).  They are getting so excited and of course Rob and Laurette are over the moon about being grandparents. 

Abby and I went to an Amy Grant Christmas concert this weekend.  You would be familiar with her music because I always play it at Christmas.  Jordan Smith who is a guy who won  the Voice last season was also performing with her.  If you can get past the fact that he kinda looks and sounds like a woman, his singing is absolutely beautiful!  He sings a version of Oh Holy Night that is absolutely gorgeous.  It was a great way to get in the spirit for Christmas. 

It's been a special Christmas for me because I am immersed in the new Testament.  Its interesting because the closer we get to celebrating Christ's birth, the closer I am in my studies to the end of His life on earth.  This week I'm studying the parables of Matt 25.  Its amazing to think that this was Christ's last instructions to his disciples before his death.  The 3 parables are all about using our talents to help others and to build the kingdom and also about service. (You have discovered how to use your gifts and talents to build the kingdom in a very literal way:)  It's the verses that we always use at Christmas time when our family does our service challenge.  The thing that stuck out to me when I read it this time is that those who feed the hungry, visit the sick, take in a stranger and clothe the naked will receive eternal life.  The people who do not feed the hungry, visit the sick, etc. .. receive eternal punishment.  So in order to receive eternal punishment, we don't have to steal the clothing from the naked, kick the stranger, or poison the sick... we just have to ignore them.  I know because this was the Saviors last sermon before his death, it is of great importance.  I know I need to do better at caring for His children.  It's really inspired me.  Next week I'm studying Gethsemane.  Any great insights you learned this spring from your class that you can share with me?

Speaking of our Matt 25 challenge, we drew for you and you have "I was sick and ye visited me."  I hope you can fulfill this service by Christmas.  Keep us posted on how you do it.  We will let you know when we do ours too. We are doing this in combination with Light the World.  It is a great way to celebrate Christmas.

I read something else this week that I wanted to share with you. I think it is great for you but it might also be helpful for you to share with your companion or others in your zone that may be struggling in some ways.  It's the Parable of the Pebbles:

A man was walking in the wilderness, when suddenly he heard a voice from heaven. The man was instructed to collect as many pebbles from the ground as he could, and told that the next day he would be both glad and sad at the same time.

Confused by the menial nature of the task assigned to him, the man collected only a handful of pebbles. The next morning he discovered that they had transformed into precious gems. He was glad that he had collected the pebbles, but sad that he had not collected more.

Many times, we cannot perceive the value of what we are doing until it is accomplished. If we do not always do our best in whatever we do, we may have regrets about lost opportunities.  Serving a mission is a great opportunity to collect pebbles that will later reveal themselves as treasures in your life.  Put your best effort out there so you will collect every pebble possible.  That will require great effort and work, but each pebble collected will bring joy throughout your life.  I hope that means something to you and it may help someone else you work with.
Well, your Christmas packages should be arriving today!!!  Yay!  I'm hoping if you go to the temple tomorrow you might have the opportunity to get them.  The packages were each kissed and sent with all our love to you!  ONLY 3 WEEKS til we get to skype! 
How is your new area going?  Are you getting to know the ward better?  Making any friends?  I don't worry about you, I know it will happen.  Sometimes it just takes some time.  How about investigators?  Tell me about being a ZL.  What do you like about it and what are the challenges? 
I love you my sweet boy.  You are my wonderful son and I'm so grateful for you and for the kind of man you are becoming.  I'm incredibly proud of you.  I love you more than the sun and the moon and the stars... infinity + infinity and even more than that!  Have a tremendous week!  You have my prayers and love everyday!

xoxo
mom