Sunsets, Signs, & Silence

Good Morning!

The scenery here is amazing. Obviously mountains on the East and West are a bit different, and the sun has graced us with a number of cool views. The moon was also pretty unique last night, you may have seen that in Texas (or elsewhere). I attached a bunch of pictures, I won't give them much explanation this week. A sunset is only so explainable. 

One thing I've noticed is the number of cool signs everywhere. I photographed a few, those are included as well. Make your own opinions, but they're all just cool. 

Now for silence. I won't talk a lot about direct experiences this week, but I have 4 cool stories for you, and I'll do my best to paraphrase in the 15 minutes I have to type it all out. 

First, we had our meeting with the Mission President, President Kaluhiokalani. These meetings happen every six weeks (once every transfer), so when it was my turn I walked in and sat down. Now, normally I'd expect there to be a lot of talking back and forth, but he just started talking. It was almost like rambling, but each statement had a purpose. As I listened, I tried to think of ways to jump in and contribute, get him to know more about me, or try and learn what I could do to improve. But as I listened, I found that he was answering every single one of my questions. After the 15 minutes were up, the meeting was over. It was so informational I even took notes afterwards. 

We have a weekly meeting on Tuesday with some adults who are struggling with various addictions. We were discussing Ether chapter 12, and one guy brought up how he didn't think our view of Heaven was fair. We have three levels to Heaven, and he was under the assumption that only Latter-day Saints made it to the highest degree. My companion and the set of sisters that were with us basically told him, in a polite way, that they were sorry he believed that because it wasn't correct. (Please message me for more information, anyone who loves Jesus and tries their best on Earth will make it to the highest 'level'.) I was sitting there, thinking, because I wanted to answer his question politely, but towards his needs and feelings, because he appeared 'shot down' and not like his question, or statement, had been properly acknowledged. (No fault to the other three missionaries in the room, I just don't think they noticed.) 

So, I was thinking, and praying, and as I scrolled through the chapter, I read this verse. 

Ether 12:37 And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me: If they have not charity it mattereth not unto thee, thou hast been faithful; wherefore, thy garments shall be made clean. And because thou hast seen thy weakness thou shalt be made strong, even unto the sitting down in the place which I have prepared in the mansions of my Father.

I asked him (Lee) to read this verse, and after I did I explained that everyone will have their own place in Heaven, one where they're comfortable. Anyone can make it to either of the three 'levels' (we call them 'degrees of glory') because everyone will get a fair chance to accept and understand Jesus Christ, even after death! And someone who doesn't want to live with Jesus, say, a murderer who doesn't want to change, may be happier in a lower level rather than living with God and Jesus in the highest degree. I also explained that literally almost every single person ends up in a place that's happier and prettier and more amazing than Earth. The only people who are cast out into 'Hell' (we call it Outer Darkness) are the people who are so evil and terrible that they are akin to the devil himself. (Almost nobody is like that.) This means everyone has a place in Heaven, where they'll be happy. Which is why we see Heaven as a place of different degrees of glory. 

I know it was long, but my point is that the spirit helped direct me to that verse to answer his question. I wouldn't have found it if I wasn't listening to the Holy Ghost. 

My third story is from us knocking on doors in Indianola. There you have a good chance of being shot, but we were following one of the members, Brother Noorlander. He's a kind, older gentleman who has this way with words. He can be super bold (like knocking on a door and saying "You need the missionaries in your life! Do you have any unbaptized children we can help? It's a crazy world out there, they need some direction in their life!"), yet despite this boldness he does it with such a kind, older man's sweet voice that you don't feel offended. Nothing he said came across rude, if anything I think people listened better to him than they would have to us! So I spent the entire time listening to him pitch us to each home, and tried to learn from his charismatic boldness.

Lastly, we went to this one member's home to share a lesson and get to know him. He's Brother Butler, and served a mission in Spain a number of years ago. As we were there, he shared so many stories from his mission about miracles he'd witnessed, and how God's hand worked in his life, and more especially the people around him. One guy read the Book of Mormon and changed his whole life from a drunk/addict to a charismatic young man in three days! Another time one guy tried to Bible-bash them, but couldn't find the gospel of John for 5 whole minutes. He was fuming, and finally agreed to let his son, who wanted to be a member, be baptized. Funnily enough, this guy knew the Bible inside and out, but even though he would be staring RIGHT AT the gospel of John, he couldn't see it. The stories sound cooler in person, but as we listened to him I realized that miracles can happen on my mission too, as I seek for them and strive to spread the gospel as best I can. 

I've had a lot of fun, we just went shopping today and I have some healthy meals ahead of me. people kept giving us cash to buy lunch and stuff, so we saved it and spent it on our groceries. I only had to pay like 5 dollars for some fruit after we used the generous gifts of those around us. I'm grateful for my area, and the lessons I've learned simply from listening. It could change your life, who knows. It sure changed mine, and many others. Most of the knowledge people have gained can be shared if you just listen. You may find more than you expect. 

Thanks for reading! If something doesn't make sense, please email me. I won't preach, but I will clarify. I did my best, but now I'm almost late for our service project. We're expecting snow this week! Thanks for everyone's love and support!

- Elder Williams

P.S. My mailing address is:

Elder Talmage Williams
P.O. Box 412
Mt. Pleasant, UT, 84647 

As always, I don't expect anything, but I do appreciate anything that does come. Happy Holidays!

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