Week 4

Dear Family,

 

We have had a very special week. Last night we were blessed to hear from Richard G. Scott for our evening devotional. He talked for the most part about being led by the Spirit. Elder Scott invoked an apostolic blessing on us that we would have the gift of tongues, confidence in the guidance of the Spirit, and retain the lessons learned on our missions. He bore powerful testimony that the Savior Jesus Christ lives. He said I know He lives because I know Him. He emphasized that gratitude is an essential part of being led by the Spirit. We show gratitude by acting on spiritual promptings and recording them. A proud person will never be led by the Spirit. I will be sending a copy of his points home in the envelope I send my SD card in. The night before the devotional, our teacher showed us a devotional by Elder Bednar about being led by the Spirit and then in a letter I received from you (Dad) shared with me your impressions on the subject. The importance seems to be stressed by repetition.

 

After the devotional, we went back to our classroom and had an hour discussion about it. We went over his points and had a really good testimony meeting afterwards. I have a really good district that teaches me a lot.

 

It snowed for the first time last night. It was really coming down hard. We had fun running around in it while walking back to our apartments after planning for the next day. It has gotten absolutely freezing here. Fortunately, we are required to wear our suits every day now. (I think I would anyway). I do not want any sweaters or anything though. The buildings are all very warm, and I would end up stripping it off anyway. The MTC is really beautiful when it is covered in snow. We have taken many pictures.

 

My companion Elder Biesinger is no longer the district leader. He was released this last Sunday. Elder Schrimsher is now our district leader. I enjoy have my companion around more now that he doesn't have to go to so many meetings. Elder Schrimsher will be a good leader. It has been fun to see him grow into the position. He is already leading by his righteous example.

 

Elder Scrimsher and I have been pretty sick these last couple days. Our throats are feeling better today, but we are still pretty congested. This turn in the weather has not been helping either. Up until now we have been blessed with very good health.

 

I appreciate all of the letters and packages I have been receiving. I am sorry if I am unable to respond to many of them. I am getting them and am thankful for them. The Mullens were very thoughtful of me while they were visiting for parents' week. They are great friends, and I am blessed to know them.

 

It is fun when Elder Biesinger and I do not realize we are talking in Spanish. The language is really coming fast. We have been studying hard and are realizing the gift of tongues.

 

I am finding more joy in the work each day. As we delve deeper into the gospel, my desire to share it grows.

 

I love you,

 

Elder (Jeff) Whiting