Letter #4 (this one was the Monday after his birthday):

Happee Happee Birthday to Me!

Monday, March 17, 2014

Everyone, 

 

Whew, what a week filled with doing almost nothing. To explain what I mean, I wish to share a scripture, Moroni 6:4 which says: "And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith." So guess what Elder Hosteen and I did this week? Color coded our records and maps and put all the notes from missionaries past onto one list. Now, all we have to do is visit around 450 less-active members and see who is still living here and who has moved on. Or if any of them don't want anything to do with the church, or (best case scenario) they allow us to serve them in some way and gain a desire to come back to church. That's been the focus of our efforts this week. Oh, and my birthday. 

 

To which I say thank you for all the birthday wishes. This was a very special birthday for me, because... I turned 21!!!!!!! Now to go out and do... all... the things... that usually happen? Hmmmmm... well, at least I can now... nope can't do that either. Hmmm... suggestions would be helpful here... 

 

Regardless it was a good week, full of random miracles and seeing the Lord's hand in this work. And learned some stuff about grace in church yesterday: 

 

"Christ asks us to show faith in Him, repent, make and keep covenants, receive the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end. By complying, we are not paying the demands of justice—not even the smallest part. Instead, we are showing appreciation for what Jesus Christ did by using it to live a life like His. Justice requires immediate perfection or a punishment when we fall short. Because Jesus took that punishment, He can offer us the chance for ultimate perfection (see Matthew 5:48; 3 Nephi 12:48) and help us reach that goal. He can forgive what justice never could, and He can turn to us now with His own set of requirements (see 3 Nephi 28:35)." 

 

I love you all and hope that you have an excellent St. Paddy's day as well as the rest of the week. 

 

Elder Cox