james letter 4-16-12

So, I'm probably the worst person at writing letters home to my family. I've been thinking about what kind of things I write, and about how boring they always seem to be, so I've decided to try and do a better job, let me know how I do.

First I need to wish dad a happy birthday. I remembered after time on the computer ran out that last week was his birthday. Sorry its a week late, but I hope its at least better than nothing. I hope that your birhtday was a good one.

Thats exciting news about Alic, it sounds like that will be a great mission to serve in, and that it will be a lot of fun for him. I know exactly what he means by it just felt right. Thats exactly how I felt when I opened my call. It was where I needed to go.

Thats cool that the missionaries could be there to give a Book of Mormon to Mike's sister. I hope that she will be able to read it and gain an answer, maybe she will be the extra nudge for Mike to be able to join the Church. You never know why certain things happen the way they do, but one thing is for certain He is in control.

I do agree that dad is a great teacher, I think I learned a lot of my teaching/speaking skills from him. Its a good thing too, because if I didn't have any prior experience the work out here would be a lot harder. Going out with the missionaries helped a lot too. Dad, make sure that Alic goes out with the missionaries, and tell him to write me a letter. He told me on one of the Christmas chain links that he would. He's a bit overdue I'd say.

This week was definetly not the best. The weather was fantastic, but everyone seemed to be gone. I guess they were taking advantage of the weather. I would do the same, but unfortunatly for us, we don't get a break like everyone else. It makes it hard sometimes, when everyone but you is gone.

We did have a great lesson with one of our investigators though. He was the only one we were able to meet with, but we did see him twice. He came to Church again, and he loved it. He commented that he wished that everyone could be as nice as we were to him. The members did a fantastic job of making sure that he felt welcome. He is planning on being baptized on April 28. Elder Davidson will be baptizing him, and I will be confirming him. I'm really nervous about that part, but I'm sure it will be fine.

Our other solid investigator was sick this week, and we also had to push his date back one week. His girlfirend will be at a track meet in Eugene all day on the 21st, and it is important that she's there. So instead of being baptized on the 21st, he will also be baptized on the 28th. It will be a double service.

Oh, I got a letter from Cathy this week, and she told me that Julia was close to being engaged, but is going to wait, and putting in her mission papers. That is way cool. How come no one told me? Do you guys even know? If you don't, then I probably just ruined the surprise, so ignore that last comment.

So the members that we live with, the Simmons. They are a super nice elderly couple. They missed Church yesterday, which was unusual for them, and I got up today, and Sister Simmons told me that Brother Simmons almost died yesterday. They had to call an ambulance, and rush him to the hospital. Apparently his blood sugar had dropped to 36, which I'm no expert, but that is way too low. They were able to fix it, and he is slowly mending today, with another doctor appointment scheduled for this afternoon. It was a close call. I would be so sad if he died. He is an awesome person, and I hope that you will have the opportunity to meet him.

So in Sacrament Meeting yesterday they talked about accountability/agency. I had a couple great thoughts come through my mind, and so I would like to ask you a few questions.

Do you think before you act?

Do you recognize the power, and blessing of our agency?

What does God want us to do?

What have you done with your name?

What kind of difference are you making in the world?

What does God think about you?

What does it mean to repent?

Are you ready to be judged?

Have you done all you can to follow Christ?

I'm almost out of time, so I'll have to write the rest of my comments next week. Think about these questions for family home evening, and let me know what you think next week.

Love you

Elder Schultz