October 23, 2016 - From Mom

Rise and shout! The cougars are out!  (ahhh. good times.  don't you miss me waking you up like that???)

Good morning Elder G!  How is my wonderful son today?  How was your week?  Before I forget, I want you to send me pics of the area you are living in and your "apartment."  So this week, it was the birthday of one of the elders serving in our ward.  A lot of the elders in the US live with member families now to help save on some of the expenses.  So Sister Steed and i went over to the house they live in to bring him cupcakes and balloons.  I am so grateful that someone treated you so kindly on your birthday so I wanted to do the same.  So we get to the house and the family invites us in but the missionaries aren't there.  The "mom" asked us why we were bringing something over?  And we told her it was Elder Belnap's bday and she didn't even know.  Then we looked around and the house was so cluttered and tons (i mean TONS) of animals all around (dogs, cats, lizards, birds).  It was so noisy. The elders bedroom was right off the main family room. The tv was on so loud and I was thinking I bet they have to just stay inside that bedroom and even that is not very private or peaceful.  It was just another reminder to me that missionary service is so tough... on so many levels.  I told Michele as we were walking out that i bet that Sam would rather live in the places he lives over living in that home with all the noise.  There was no peaceful feeling being there.  They are such great missionaries and have never complained, but I guarantee it is a very hard thing to live there.  I came home and told dad that after Abby goes to college, we are going to have to house missionaries for a little bit.  At least they can have a peaceful place to rest at the end of a long hard day.  BUT, the good news is that we celebrated Elder Belnaps bday and he was so happy about it.  

I have been thinking a lot this week about you trying to decide if you should stay for the additional 5 months or not.  I really don't think you have to make that decision yet.  However, I want to give you some things to consider as you think about it... and you must pray about it!  It is a big decision for you.  

First of all, I want the Lord's will for you.  I trust Him and know he has a plan for you.  So if you pray about it and feel an answer, then I'm all in on that answer and will support you.  But as you are thing about what to do, will you think about these things?

First of all, I want you to remember that your mission will be remembered by the kind of service you gave, not the amount of time you served.  When Heber C Kimball opened up Great Britain and hundreds of people joined the church, he served 8 months.  As far as the histories of missions go, some missions were longer and some were shorter than 2 years.  That is just our current time period assigned to missionaries.  So don't get too mixed up about the number.  Remember that if you come home in August next year, it will have been 3 years since you began your mission.  The kind of missionary your are, how hard you work and your obedience and the people you reach, is more important than the number of months.  In addition, the fact that you went back in confirmation of how much you love the Lord and put His will before your own.

Secondly, your mission is just a starting point for a life full of service and sacrifice for the Lord.  I'm hoping this time when you come home, you will be the same person you were on your mission.  I hope you will continue to study, pray, obey, sacrifice and stay loyal to Him.  I love the words in Mosiah 5:15:

15 Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen.

I heard someone say once that their mission was like the MTC for their life.  You missionary service is a unique time in your life... a treasured time in your life.  But you don't have to separate it so much from the rest of your life.  Let it continue to work in you when you come home.  Continue to love and serve and pray and grow.  I pray for that so much for you.  I want you to come home changed and continue growing in that direction.  That has nothing to do with the months you serve, but the kind of service you give.

A couple of logistic concerns.  You already deferred for your missionary service at BYU the first time you left.  You can only defer once so when you went' back on your mission, we had to do a leave of absence which can only go for 1 year.  So I'm not sure how that will go if you stay and miss more schooling.  We will have to figure that out.  Can you at least be home in December if you decide to stay so that you can start in January and not miss a complete year?  Coming home in mid december would be 4 1/2 more months out of the 5.  

You are a loyal servant of our Heavenly Father.  You are such an example to so many people around you in Guatemala and here at home.  Take dignity in your service and be proud of your mission.  The Lord will accept what you give him and He loves you so much for your willingness to return.  That is special in itself.  You have a lot to do when you get home.  You have lots of schooling, you will find a wonderful woman to marry and start a family.  This is a continuation of a faithful life... not just a faithful mission.  Try to see your mission on a larger scale as part of a full life more than just the 2 years you serve.  

I'm so incredibly proud of you.  You know that I am overwhelmed by the kind of character you have shown.  If you get called to any leadership position in the mission it will be because you are a great, loving, obedient missionary and you have such leadership to provide.  It won't have anything to do with the months you spent.  It will have more to do with your willingness to return and give everything you have to the Lord for that period of time.  

With all this being said, when you receive your answer, I'm all in.  I will support whatever you decide. You know I love you more that you could ever know.  I know that the Lord  and our Heavenly Father love you even more than that.  It's hard to imagine. 

Have a wonderful week my boy.  Let me know your thoughts on all of this.  All my love infinity + infinity.

mom

October 17, 2016 - From Sam

What it do party people

Solid week in the Guat. Pretty wiped out today so keeping it short. 

The miracles we see every day are incredible. Its weird to be so accustomed to them that I dont think much about it anymore. Of course I thank Heavenly Father for his amazing grace that He continually shows us, its just crazy truly how many miracles weve seen.

Among the many people we are teaching right now, 3 are 100% future missionaries who have baptisms coming up soon. But they leave with us all the time and help us teach the lessons. Theyre all incredible and their desire to serve the Lord in such a short time is miraculous. I love this work. 

One simple, but powerful scripture I was pondering this week is in Helaman 5:9 "O remember, remember my sons, the words which King Benjamin spake unto this people; yea remember that there in no other way nor means whereby man can be saved only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who shall come; yea, remember that He cometh to redeem the world.¨ 

The atonement of Jesus Christ is incredible. I know the blessings it brings when we choose to apply it into our lives and Im beyond grateful for the change it has brought about in me personally, and all of our investigators. 

The Book of Mormon is true. A 541 page book that testifies of Christ in the way that the Book of Mormon does in all the immense and miraculous stories could not be written by one man with a third grade education as Joseph Smith was. Rather it was written by true and inspired Prophets, and later translated by an incredible yet humble man in Joseph Smith, who I also know to be a prophet of God. Together with the bible we have the fulness of the gospel on earth. 

Love you all,

Elder Gurksnis

October 16, 2016 - From Mom

Happy Monday sweetie!  I've missed you so much this week!  Seems like it was a long week to me... I hope it wasn't for you:)  I just couldn't wait for Monday to get here so I could hear from you and know how you're doing.  

How is everything?  Did Axel end up coming to church?  How are the others doing?   How is training and your new comp coming along?  And most importantly... how was your birthday?  I hope you got a little bit of special treatment.  We all thought about you all day and hoped you had a great day.  

We had a good week.  It was homecoming this weekend so Abby went with Cater and a group. I think they had fun.  She looked so gorgeous  She said she is sending you pictures so I wont duplicate that.  I have attached some pics with me and dad with Abby:)  We watched the byu game (until 1:30am because of double overtime) and got to see Gray in the stands at the very end... going nuts after the win.  It was awesome.  Also, i'm sure dad and gray will tell you about it but I'll send you the pic:)

So a few things going on here.  I think I told you Karlee Winters is getting married at the Draper temple in December.  I'll be there for the wedding.  We are bring ol steady betty out to provo one more time!  Since Gray will be there another semester, and since we are going to Utah for Christmas, we thought we'd bring it out.  Hopefully it will make it another time! 

The election is .... ugh... There is a Mormon guy out of Utah that is a really interesting guy.  I think he is super solid but it would be tough for him to gain enough ground to do anything meaningful.  Trump is down about 11 points in the polls now.  No one likes Hillary but his trashing women constantly (lots of recordings that I'm sure he never thought would make daylight) are just devastating.  I want to throw up everytime I think I might have to vote for him.  I haven't decided what to do yet.  Never voting for Hillary... but might consider a third party candidate.  He is just disgusting and I get so mad when I hear evangelical Christians supporting him and asking us to overlook his moral flaws... the same Christians that were blasting Romney because he was too rich... or he put his dog ontop of the car when they went on vacation... or he was "too straight."  I actually read a rolling stone article where the guy was apologizing to Romney since now we are stuck with the two crappiest candidates EVER!  The funniest meme I saw this week was "Remember when Sarah Palin was the craziest thing in politics?  Good times..."  

We had the elders over for dinner last night.  They are great missionaries.  I listened to them talk about how in each area there are people that pretend to be interested in the gospel only to target the missionaries and their "goal" is to send the missionaries home with doubts and shake their testimonies.  I never thought about that.  I just can't believe how hard Satan is working on people right now.  Can't imagine spending that much time trying to tear someone's faith apart.  It goes along with a talk I listened to this week from Elder Holland.  You may have heard it.  It was given to missionaries in the MTC and I think they replay it for new missionaries when they arrive at the MTC.  I'm putting some of the text here and also attaching a youtube file.  I'm not sure if you can watch it but if you can, its really great.  The longer I teach seminary, the more I realize that everything in the gospel points to the Atonement.  Missionary work is no exception and Elder Holland makes the connection so beautifully.  (see the text at the bottom of my letter).  

I've wondered if you had a tough week. You have been on my mind so much ... I really hope I'm wrong.  But either way, the words from Elder Holland are perfect for you.

I LOVE studying the New Testament this year.  The early part of teaching seminary is rough... but I love how I am so entrenched in the scriptures.  Something I thought about this week is how every time Heavenly Father introduces Christ, he always calls him his "beloved son."  I know how he feels.  You are my beloved son.  I want you to know how much I love you!  You are my hero and I am constantly thinking of this amazing thing you are doing and how you put your own desires aside in order to put the Lord's will first.  It's something that I teach but don't see it always in life.  You are such an example to me and our family.  You are our beloved son, brother, grandson, cousin.  You are precious to me.  I love you so much my son.  Have a wonderful week and know that you are in my prayers EVERY day many times.  I did go out on your birthday and look up at the moon.  We're under the same moon.  Not so far away.  I love you Sam.

xoxoxoxo

mom

p.s. This week is Ama's birthday.

Elder Holland

"Anyone who does any kind of missionary work will have occasion to ask, Why is this so hard? Why doesn’t it go better? Why can’t our success be more rapid? Why aren’t there more people joining the Church? It is the truth. We believe in angels. We trust in miracles. Why don’t people just flock to the font? Why isn’t the only risk in missionary work that of pneumonia from being soaking wet all day and all night in the baptismal font?

You will have occasion to ask those questions. I have thought about this a great deal. I offer this as my personal feeling. I am convinced that missionary work is not easy because salvation is not a cheap experience. Salvation neverwas easy. We are The Church of Jesus Christ, this is the truth, and He is our Great Eternal Head. How could we believe it would be easy for us when it was never, ever easy for Him? It seems to me that missionaries and mission leaders have to spend at least a few moments in Gethsemane. Missionaries and mission leaders have to take at least a step or two toward the summit of Calvary.

Now, please don’t misunderstand. I’m not talking about anything anywhere near what Christ experienced. That would be presumptuous and sacrilegious. But I believe that missionaries and investigators, to come to the truth, to come to salvation, to know something of this price that has been paid, will have to pay a token of that same price.

For that reason I don’t believe missionary work has ever been easy, nor that conversion is, nor that retention is, nor that continued faithfulness is. I believe it is supposed to require some effort, something from the depths of our soul.

If He could come forward in the night, kneel down, fall on His face, bleed from every pore, and cry, “Abba, Father (Papa), if this cup can pass, let it pass,”  ¹⁶  then little wonder that salvation is not a whimsical or easy thing for us. If you wonder if there isn’t an easier way, you should remember you are not the first one to ask that. Someone a lot greater and a lot grander asked a long time ago if there wasn’t an easier way.

The Atonement will carry the missionaries perhaps even more importantly than it will carry the investigators. When you struggle, when you are rejected, when you are spit upon and cast out and made a hiss and a byword, you are standing with the best life this world has ever known, the only pure and perfect life ever lived. You have reason to stand tall and be grateful that the Living Son of the Living God knows all about your sorrows and afflictions. The only way to salvation is through Gethsemane and on to Calvary. The only way to eternity is through Him—the Way, the Truth, and the Life."

Here is the link if you can watch.  It's about 10 mins. 

October 10, 2016 - From Sam

Wow thank you everyone for the birthday emails! I wont be able to respond to all of them today but I promise to try to get back to as many as possible. I love you all! If you havent written me my bday isnt til wednesday so theres still more time to give me more attention ;)))))

Im gonna keep this email short but we had three baptisms saturday! Incredible. We have three more golden investigators who im almost postive will all be baptised this month. SIX souls able to enter into the gates of the celestial kingdom! Im so happy to be seeing the fruits of our labors finally. 

We had interviews with President and Hna Crapo yesterday. They were amazing. Sister Crapo said something that made her and I tear up pretty good. Essentially she just said shes seen my change over these past 2 years and 3 months and that she can see Im truly trying to live up to my potential. If I had a nickel for every time someone has said to me i have a lot of potential but im not living up to it I would be a fairly rich guy. It was a great feeling to know that Im finally living up to that potential I think. And still trying to grow constantly and become more converted every day. I love the Lord with all my heart. You all have amazing potential and spiritual capability. Take Elder Bednarz advice from conference and BELIEVE in Him and that his mercy applies to you personally. I love you all and thank you for the bday emails again! Sucks I dont get to sing Feeling 22 but its all gravy ;) See you all soon.

Love Elder Gurksnis

October 9, 2016 - From Mom

Happy birthday sweet Elder Gurksnis!  How I wish I was there to cook bacon and eggs for you and put balloons and streamers all over your room and give you the most giant hug and never let go! Erik posted the rap they did for your 16th birthday on facebook today and it just cracks me up!  A reminder of all the great birthdays we get to celebrate after this one.

I really, really hope you have our package by now.  If so, you have my permission to open it on Wednesday:)  I'm gonna make a date with you now, that next year on your birthday, I'll be in Utah to celebrate with you.  So for now, we'll have to rely on Pday emails for my incredibly valiant and amazing young man.  

I have so much I want to hear about today... how were your baptisms? How are the families progressing?  Pres Crapo posted a picture of you and your comp (i'm guessing) with him on his Instagram account.  It was such a fun surprise!  Did he come for the baptisms? How did that visit go? How is your new comp?  When you sent that picture telling me you'd be online late today, it looked like you were with an American so I thought you might have an American comp.  Who was that?  How are you doing with obedience?  We have been praying that you stay obedient and can continue to stay valiant even when tempted.  

We are doing good here at home.  It was quiet compared to last week with all the wedding excitement.  Abby has been going to counseling and taking medication for about 1 month now and I can see some improvement.  It's hard because she REALLY does not like to talk about it so I don't.  But I wish I could ask her to really know what she is dealing with and if she is truly improving.  She got an 87 on her first college test in her dual credit class and she was pretty excited about that!  I'm going to reactivate my real estate license and start selling again.  I have mixed feelings about it.  But I'm hoping we can save enough over the next year to do our first flip.  That will be so fun! 

We had a second debate last night.  It came on the tails of an 11 year old video that was released of Trump talking when he thought the microphone was turned off (but it was actually on and recording everything he said).  He's basically talking in the most crude way about women and how his star status allows him to do whatever he wants to women. It has caused so many problems for his campaign as you can imagine.  Many republicans are backing out of supporting him (including Gov. Herbert).   Most people think he did well in the debate.  I just cant believe I have to vote for one of these people.  They are both disgusting.  So I have tried to focus more on our real leader, our Savior.  It truly has helped me to feel less discouraged to know that whoever is President doesn't change the outcome of the Lord's plan.  He knows what will happen.  He knows the full story and those on His side will find joy and peace and eternal life inspite of all that goes on around us.  So that is what I'm holding on to.

Seminary is going great.  I'm super tired but my class is bonding and getting better.  I wish I could act out for you some of the outbursts my two Asperger students make on almost a daily basis.  It's pretty hysterical! They are great and keep things interesting:)

Taylor Austin was allowed to stay on her mission.  I'm so happy for her.  She and Kellie are so grateful for your example and words of advice to her.  

We pray for you multiple times each day.  I hope you get some special treatment on your birthday.  Rather than lots of gifts this year, however, you are giving a tremendous gift.  It is a unique opportunity and I hope you love every minute of your chance to give your gift on your birthday this year!  Pres. Monson said, "I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives.  Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish - and in effect save their lives."  

You are one of my greatest three gifts.  I love you so very much my wonderful son!  Your service and example has made a difference in our lives and we can feel the spirit more fully in our home because of your sacrifice.  Happy happy 22 years my boy!  I will think of you every second of that day and pray that you feel our love around you.  Have a tremendous birthday week!  I love you beyond words.

xoxoxoxoxoxox

mom

October 3, 2016 - From Sam

Amazing week of General Conference... some amazing talks were given huh?

Yesterday we had changes. Elder Leiva will be leaving and Ill be staying here in Tierra Nueva and training a new missionary! Im more than nervous because my first experience training was horrible with E Camacho hahaha but Im hoping this one will be better. Its also a lottttt of extra responsibility already with District Leader stuff and training is going to be stressful. But I know the Lord has a reason for me to be with this new missionary and I will try to teach him and be the best example I can be. 

I felt like the main topics of General Conference were Repentance and the Plan of Salvation. Wow two incredible topics that have played such a huge part in my life.  President Uchtdorfs talk on Saturday morning was incredible. Do we take for granted, or take advantage of the Plan of Salvation? Are we sincerely grateful for the knowledge of the plan our Heavenly Father has for us? Do we take advantage of teaching and sharing opportunities with non members?

I also loved David A Bednars talk on Sunday afternoon. Especially the part about coming to truly know our Savior rather than know only about Him. His 4th point was Believing Him. Often we preach to others that Jesus loves them and you can be forgiven if you repent, but often we dont believe that applys in our own personal lives. As if for some reason we feel that we can not be forgiven for our own sins. I testify by my own personal experience that those thoughts are not of the Savior. He is always willing to forgive us no matter how far away we feel we have departed from Him. 

My final thought is from Quentin L Cook. He used a scripture in 1st Cor 2:1-5. Paul is speaking: ¨And my speech and my preaching was not with the enticing words of mans wisdom, but in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power. That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.¨

I often feel as if other missionaries know more doctrine and are better about knowing scripture or stories or whatever the case may be. Im not the best about whipping out scripture after scripture to prove something or demonstrate something. But I know the Lord has blessed me with a testimony as strong as anyones. Although we should always strive to learn more about the gospel, we dont have to be geniuses in the scriptures to be able to testify to others with the spirit and with power as Paul did. I am very grateful for that scripture in the New Testament. 

I love you all with all my heart. Have a fantastic week!

Elder Gurksnis

October 2, 2016 - From Mom

Hello my Elder Gurksnis!

What a week!  Conference, Kevin's wedding, and lots of family in town.  First of all, I sent a separate email with lots of pictures.  What you can't see is that I'm holding pictures of you on my phone so you could be "with" us this week:)  So wherever you see me awkwardly holding my phone up in the picture, know that you are on the screen there.  Kevin's wedding was truly beautiful!  (ps. I know where we will have your wedding reception now).  It was in this barn in Celina with a complete wall of windows that overlooked a pond and these huge oak trees.  Such a gorgeous venue.  Kevin and Misti both seemed so incredibly happy and I just feel so happy for Kevin inparticular.  I knew he was lonely for many years and he has found his life partner and I think they are very well matched.  Now if we can just get them activated in the gospel, that would be awesome.  I passed your info that you told me to give to Kevin.  He really appreciated what you said and expressed how much he wished you could have been there.  It's never the same without you.  We danced most of the night.  Great music!  You would have been proud of Gray, he has some moves:)

Kevin and his groomsmen performed for about 10 minutes this funny dance and song routine.  They finished with a "Dirty Dancing" lift at the end.  One of Kevin's groomsmen is Dustin Rykert.  You've met him but not sure if you remember.  He is 6'8" and used to play football for byu.  He is such a great guy.  Very active in the church and totally hilarious.  He did the lift so Kevin is like 7-8 feet off the ground.  I'm sending you two versions of this same video.  If you can see and hear one of them, will you send me a reply so that I know which version worked for you?  Then I can send future videos in that same version.  Hopefully one will work!  If you can't hear it, just sing "I've had the time of my life... and I've never felt this way before..." in your head as you watch the video:)

We watched conference over at Laurette's house on Sunday morning with all our family in town.  We actually got a picture of me, my parents and all 8 kids for the first time in almost 7 years.  I was looking around at my siblings, aunts and uncles and cousins and thinking about how grateful I am for the rich heritage we have of church activity in our family.  Of course there are some who have left the church or really never were truly grounded in it.  But I'm so thankful that we aren't alone in our beliefs and that we have the support of parents and family that love the Lord and are trying everyday to follow His teachings.  I LOVED every bit of conference!  So many talks that seemed to speak directly to me.  I thought of you many times too.  Thinking that so much applied to you and your growth and your experiences.  I loved Sister Reeves talk about the early return missionary who returned so valiantly.  Not a dry eye in our family during that one.  I also loved Elder Bednar.  "The phrases "ye never knew me" and "ye know me not" should be cause of deep spiritual introspection for each of us.  Do we only know ABOUT the Savior? Or are we increasingly coming to KNOW him?"  I've been thinking so much about this lately and whether I am immersing myself in the gospel enough.  Do we have a testimony?  That is really important.  But more important than just knowing the gospel is true, is immersing ourselves in the gospel and living it... becoming who Christ sent us here to become.  You are inspiring me to be better.  To do better.  To do the hard things that are sometimes required to be truly "converted" to the gospel.  Thank  you my son for your wonderful example.  Maybe you could share some of that talk with Axel so he could understand how important his actions are.

I think Taylor's baptism is postponed.  Her family found out about her UVU interview and freaked out.  She's coming over tomorrow so I'll know more then.  But in January, she'll be on her own so she can make decisions then that her family won't be so involved in.  I hope she watched conference some this weekend.  I felt bad that she couldn't really watch with us because we were gone so much of the time due to wedding and family stuff.

Another big event this week is Taylor Austin... I know she wrote you because Kellie sent me a copy of the letter.  She is still waiting to find out if she has to come home or not.  I think conference this weekend slowed everything down regarding a decision since some of the decision makers are involved with GC.  However, she feels tremendous peace about her decision.  I know she sees you as such an example and it helped her to have the courage to take care of her confession.  She feels a tremendous burden lifted since she spoke with her Mission Pres.  Kellie has been pretty emotional this week because she knows how difficult it will be if she has to come home.  Taylor suffers from some anxiety and depression and since she has been on her mission it has been all but gone.  I know (and you know) how much Satan works on you when you come home.  I just pray that if she does have to come home, she will be committed to resolving whatever she needs to resolve and then returning to complete her mission.  It's been so incredibly good for her.  You have really been an example and inspiration to her.

We have been praying for all of your investigators.  How is it going?  How are the Gomez and Lopez families doing?  I hope GC helped.  How are you doing?  Feeling?  Does the time feel like its going quickly?  

I deposited $100 into your checking account this week so you have almost $200 in there now.  Your savings is growing as we put $100 per month in there too for your birthday/Christmas gift.  When you get home, you'll have a little nest egg to go back to school.  Did you secure the cash and credit card we sent with you?  Do you have it in a safe place?  Did you receive your birthday package yet?  If not, I'm hoping you will this week.  You have to wait til your birthday to open it!  

I love you so incredibly much, my son!  Each and every day I pray for you multiple times.  I always pray that you know and feel how much your family loves you and that you feel your Savior's love for you too.  I can't wait to hear about your week!  I'm home all day so I'll be here when you get online.  

Have a wonderful week sweet boy!

I love you forever!

mom

xoxo

p.s. Did you get my message that I sent Wilhelm?  Te amo mucho!

p.s.s. Abby said that Te amo mucho doesn't make sense.  Is that the right grammar for I love you?  Hoping you can clear up our Spanish dispute:)