Happy President's Day!

Palatka, FL

Dear Family~

I hope each of you have a wonderful President's Day as well! It was a little difficult finding a computer to use this morning, but the library happened to be open, so we are good to go. Mission life is going well. I am learning much about service as well, Mom! Surprise, surprise :) I like the idea behind, it however. When you think outside yourself, let go of your own problems, and seek to strengthen and bless the lives of others, your days are much happier and your personal burdens float away.

I was asked to give a talk in our last Zone Conference, which I thought turned out well enough. I wasn't expecting to speak, but it was a good thing I was prepared. Elder Pelo called me up to speak right after another missionary, and I happened to be in the restroom as I was assigned. Similar to being put in the game with little or no warning. I hurriedly got back to the room and prepared for action. I was happy to share my thoughts with the zone. I wasn't nervous or anything, just thankful to be a part of the show.

I've had several missionaries tell me as of late that I have exceptional writing skills. I don't know why this seems to be the case, because I wouldn't consider myself that "exceptionally" talented at writing. But it is nice to be complimented. Of course, there are others who have so graciously applauded some of the things I have written (namely you, and family, and friends)--I think whatever the case may be, I got it from you, Mom. You wrote most of my reports growing up anyways. :)

We have a possibility of two baptisms coming up this weekend. Patrick, who is eleven, and Cole, who is nine. We've been working on coming up with ways to teach them most effectively since they are so much younger than everyone else we are used to teaching. Simplicity is the beauty of Heavenly Father's plan, therefore, we have decided simplicity will be the mode of our teaching henceforth, but especially for Patrick and Cole. Elder Oaks said that to be brief and powerful is key to effective gospel teaching. In Preach My Gospel it says that true genius is to take a complex thought and to explain it so simply a child can understand, or perhaps not misunderstand. The Spirit works more powerfully in plainness, and in the Book of Mormon it says that the Lord delights in speaking in terms of plainness to His people, after the "manner of their own language".

Honing in a complex mind and using it to simplify and not complicate is, and ever has been my test. Elder McFarland pointed that out to me yesterday over the phone and he challenged me to use my ultra-concentrated mind and learn to simplify. He invited me to use thirty minutes to finish my training at District Meeting--no matter if the lesson called for longer (i.e. this coming lesson is supposed to take at least an hour and a half of training). I like the idea. Succinct. Precise. Powerful.

I think Grandpa MacKay is a good example of using few words to paint a broad picture.

Another thought:

Obedience unlocks the door to freedom. The purpose of life is to have joy. Joy requires freedom. Life is to be lived and loved. Obedience makes all such possible.

I have decided that whatever I do, I am going to always be obedient to the gospel. And in so doing, I am always going to love my life. Prayer, scripture study, service, and hard work are a few fundamentals of joyous living. Jesus Christ made it possible for us us to have joy, so joy is what I'm aiming for. My point being--Elder McArthur, one of my missionaries, has almost convinced me that I should go with him to BYU-Hawaii. I thought about it, and I like the idea. We can discuss more later. I guess the big thing is, I have always striven to choose the right, but I haven't always allowed myself to be happy. I think I want to try something new. Something I don't think I would have ever considered. Perhaps it will work and maybe it will be fun. As long as I do what I'm supposed to do, I can always find joy. :)

Mosiah 2:41

"And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it."

I love each of you and wish you a wonderful week. I hope that Aaron, Billy, and Kendall are able to continue to enjoy themselves and to live happily. I pray for you, Mom and Dad, and am grateful for all you do for me. I am thankful to be your son and to be able to serve a mission. Tell everyone I love them and that I also hope they will have a great week as well.

Love~
Austin