11-7-11

Dear Everyone,
  I am doing really well. And I'm glad to hear that you all or "all y'all" (as the people down here would say... ha ha) are doing great. It seems like Nate is always having back problems. I think we should just put him down... ha ha just kidding. And of coarse Zadok throat is hurting him. He can't be the one that doesn't have the undivided attention of mother. Wow, that is pretty neat for the Whitings. The Philippines, that's exciting. I'm super sad I missed Jay becoming an elder but I'm so happy that he has been ordained one and that he is making that progress in life. Please send me those pictures. I've gotta see my buddy as an Elder.
  The baptism of Conner Chase went great. I talked about the Holy Ghost a little bit and he only had to get dunked once. He was confirmed a member yesterday I think he would've preferred to have it done next Sunday cause his mom wasn't there cause she had to work and she wasn't sure if she would get next Sunday off either so she told us to just go with it on Sunday so we did. There was also 2 baby blessings on Sunday and one of the babies cried into the microphone the entire time. Kind of funny but it was a short blessing so it wasn't so unbearable ha ha. King James is doing alright. A lot of problems have been sprouting up in his life and he hasn't come to church the past two weeks cause of that but he is living the Word of Wisdom and wants to improve is life. So I know that God will help him out with those things that are coming up.
  I am extremely happy for Amy and Russell, congratulations! Tell mom to take you both out to eat, her treat! ha ha. And Isaac, that's why we are here. To learn how to improve ha ha.
  Well based on past traditions this evening for Family Night I'm assuming you are going to talk about Conference and your favorite talk so I would like to participate and share we you mine. I really liked President Monson's talk Sunday Morning session titled "Stand in Holy Places" He says, Communication with our Father in Heaven - Including our prayers to Him and His inspiration to us - is necessary in order for us to weather the storms and trials of life. He goes on to say "Although  the world has changed, the laws of God remain constant. They have not changed, they will not change. The 10 commandments are commandments not suggestions. they are every bit requisite (or required) today as they were when God gave them to the children of Israel." Our code of conduct is definitive; it is not negotiable and our Father in Heaven is the same yesterday today, and forever God is unchangeable from all eternity to all eternity." What a comfort that is to me. Knowing that I don't have to worry about if what God commands us to do today will be the same commandment tomorrow. It's just great. President Monson continues his address saying "In this world where nearly everything seems to be changing, His constancy is something on which we can rely an anchor to which we can hold fast and be safe. It may appear at times that those out in the world are having much more fun that you are. Some of you may feel restricted by the code of conduct to which we in the church adhere there is nothing which can bring more joy into our lives or more peace to our souls than the spirit which can come as we follow the savior and keep the commandments. It is essential that we reject anything that does not conform to our standards, refusing in the process to surrender that which we desire most: eternal life in the kingdom of God.The works of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever." What a great promise. He goes on to tell a story about how he came to know about the power of prayer when he was only 12, because of time I wont talk about his story but I will share one of my own, and how I know that God will always answer your prayer no matter how silly or ridiculous it seems to anyone else. I remember one time I was on top of our old rickety shed playing with my tech deck. I took it apart cause I wanted to change a wheel and one of the pieces fell out off my lap and rolled down the shed. It was a very important piece and I couldn't continue playing with my toy with out it. I searched for some time for it and then I decided to pray. I don't remember how old I was, I couldn't of been very old, maybe like 8-10 or something but I knew that I could pray for help. So I knelt down on top of the shed and asked for help in finding my toy. As soon as I said amen I looked up and the sun hit the wheel just right that is sparkled and I was able to continue playing it was a great experience and one I will never forget. Russell and I had an experience like that not too long ago either. Ask him about it. It's a good one. But I know that God can and will answer our prayers. I've known that for a very long time and that experience was the first one of many that just continue to strengthen my testimony. Anyway, President MonsonValdosta preaching the gospel to those that want to hear it. I'm thankful to all those that have helped me make this choice and i am eternally indebted to you. You know who you are and know that I love all of you. Till next week.
Love Elder Klingler