It pleases me to hear you are faithful to the Lord's commands. Sometimes I am certain it feels like a great sacrifice to obey. At other times we think what is the harm in doing this thing or that? There are basically three levels of obedience. First, we obey to avoid discipline or punishment. Second, we obey in hopes of a reward. Finally, we obey because we love. This type is the greatest.
The Anti-Lehi-Nephi's are a perfect example of true conversion. They willingly praised God as they were martyred, rather than disobey. Their astonishing sacrifice reaped astounding blessings as in the midst of carnage and warfare, their murderers became converted to the Lord in greater number than their deaths. This type shows true conversion, when our actions matches our testimony.
Elder Dabel wrote home recently about the many miracles he and his companion attribute to faithful obedience. Unfortunately, they recently walked in on another set of missionaries who will likely be sent home for their wicked disobedience. He didn't share any details, but it broke his heart. Temptations and storms will come to all. If we have our heart sealed to God, we will withstand them. Living worthy to enter the temple is the goal we all should always strive for.
This week the only temple we saw was the Washington DC temple. It was magnificent and beautiful. Most importantly, it gives Nauvoo and Malachi a chance to be in a place where the spirit can penetrate to their hearts and witness that this is where they should long to be.
We spent the first half of the week visiting Lady Liberty, Ellis Island and DC. The second half is on the beach in Virginia City, VA. While we were swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, dozens of dolphins were frolicking by. It was a cool experience even though they were at a distance. I had hoped to spend the next couple of weeks cruising down the eastern shore then visit the southern states, but the heat and humidity is so oppressive,I long for Oregon. Today it is 115 with no end in sight for this heat wave. I'm sure it will turn out to be a blessing for us to alter our plans.
Today is Pioneer Day, as members of this church we all share in the heritage of our pioneer ancestry whether or not we are direct descendants. You however, are the result of that direct line and great blessings and responsibilities are yours because of it. Take a moment today to ponder those blessings and record your insight in your journal.
Quick family update:
Dad is lonely at home, says he looks like a hippie since I've been away so long and he has had to go without a haircut and is going to buy another motorcycle. I graduated from the Pathway Program and have applied at BYUI online. My application is just pending my ecclesiastical endorsements.
Christian was promoted to Sargent. Sariah flew out to Charleston, NC to spend a week. Camilla is thriving and on-track with her goals. Nauvoo shows your picture to everyone and beams with pride about you and she wants to live on the beach on the East coast, (I accept full blame.) Malachi is striving to become a good young man and still be cool. He is still a mama's boy and I love it!
We all love you so much! I trust you are getting to know the people in your area, setting personal and companion goals, and considering the multitude of daily tender mercies in your journal. Please share with us about your work in Gijon. (I met a young man from there while at the Statue of Liberty.) Living for missionary Mondays, to hear from you!
Love,
Mom
To My Very Most Favorite Boys/Missionaries/Men,
I'm always so thankful for you guys. Friendship like you have is a rare treasure. Just wanted you all to know I pray for you all the time, love you all the time, and think about how you are and wish good things are happening to you all the time. With fullness in my heart I love you all.
Ubuntu,
Momma Lisa
I also forwarded a bunch of pictures of Gavin from Lisa to Moroni.
Hey Mom
Gavin looks crazy
skinny, he looks like me! Anyways thank you
for those fotos I'm starting to miss that guy. You guys look like your
having a lot of fun. Has Dad sold his other bike already? This week we
are going to spend our time on being strong, diligent and obedient.
Also we are also focusing on always being ready. I gave a talk
yesterday in church and it was about the priesthood I talked about Dad
the whole time and I realized that he has been there every step of the
way in giving me the priesthood, hey could you send me a copy of my
line of authority thru Email?
On Saturday we had a ward activity, it was a lot of fun and we ate
some really great meat. President and his wife are amazing and they
really keep up the animo! I love you Mom and I will be better at
writing you more description.
Love you Moroni
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