Hey Family,
It snowed yesterday, which was very
cool. I haven't seen it snow like that since the day I left the MTC those
many moons ago. It was beautiful, and it’s getting very very cold.
Our day is a dangerous time to be
alive, especially for youth. I think about King Bens words to his people,
he told them of the many ways to be led away in sin, he even said there were
countless ways that a man could fall away by transgression. Well, if that
was true in that day, how true is it in our day. Not only are there so
many more divers ways to sin or to tempted to sin, but the temptation has never
been stronger, nor has it ever been as easy to give in to. I'm grateful
for the awakening conversion that I've received from the Lord, but having the
perspective I now have, I see so many others, even members of the church, still
shrouded and led away by the subtle craftiness of men. Satan doesn't mind
if anyone joins the church, his real concern is the potential people have to
grow and progress down the gospel path. There are many people, even
members of the church, who are idle and "comfortable", saying
"all is well in Zion" and not concerned about the many things going
on all around them. This is represented well in Patrick Henry's own
words:
"...it is natural to man to
indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful
truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts.
Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for
liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see
not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their
temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am
willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for
it."
I love that speech, in my mind it’s
probably the most profound non-prophetic utterance recorded yet. I also
think of the words of Nephi I believe, the one in Heleman, who wished he had
been born in the time of Nephi of old, because he viewed the people in that day
as quick to believe and do the word of God. Although his perceptions were
a bit skewed, his next words are the important bit, "but I am consigned to
my day, to preach the gospel to this people which are quick to do iniquity and
slow to hear the word of God" or something like that. The word
consigned means, to have been assigned to or given trust over. Indeed we
in our day are also consigned, or given trust over, our day. I rejoice in
this truth, although it’s quite hard sometimes. I would rather it be this
way than to have it easy.
Glad to hear that you got to see me
sing, hope we sounded alright. The actual performance in Stake Conference
was the best one we ever did. Stake conference was very interesting as
well. I will tell you why. So the missionaries generally were not
to attend the Saturday night session, but we had an investigator who wanted to
attend it, so we organized it and went to meet him there. We waited for
about ten minutes after the meeting and he never showed up, so we were about to
leave, when Elder Herbertson (of the seventy) walked up to us and shook
our hands. I had met him before but he obviously didn't recognize me, he
asked us where all the missionaries were. We told him the situation, and
he said it was hoshposh and told us to sit in on the conference. So we
did, of course.
It turned out to be great, the
conference was fantastic and many people, who I know, from Perth and Liff, gave
great talks. Also, during Elder Herbertsons talk, which was great as well
(I've always enjoyed his presentations he's a good and humble guy) he made
reference to us, the missionaries many times. He even asked us to stand
at one point while talking about hastening the work. I was glad there
were at least some missionaries there and afterwards lots of members from our
ward came up to us proud that we had "represented well". Elder
Taxiera from the seventy then spoke, had us stand again and made many
references to the missionaries, whose only emissaries that day was my companion
and I. It was interesting and inspiring.
The Sunday session went much the
same, however this time all the missionaries came. President Brown was
also present. It was a great time, we sang and participated and the new
Stake Presidency was called. Lots of tears and thank-yous'.
Glad to see that mom and syd had
some fun this week, and that you’re all happy. Looking forward to the Christmas
package yes moves in next week so we will see what happens. There really
isn't a way to predict what's going to happen, so I'm not sure what to
think. I would like to stay for the winter but I'm not letting my desires
get me down in case the Lord has another area in mind. Anything will
do. I'll go wherever.
Have a great week, Merry Christmas
and I love you!
Elder Merrill
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