Monday April 29, 2013

Its a great day when I receive an email from my favorite missionary.  It has been a great week for Austin.  He is learning fast what it takes to be a missionary.  He is starting to be able to see the big picture and realize that this is preparing him for the rest of his life.  Its tough, but definitely worth it.  This weekend a member of the quorum of the twelve is visiting, Quentin L. Cook.  Austin is very excited.
The weather seems to be bipolar in Waco.  It seems more drastic than our weather.  One day it is 80 degrees and very humid and the next its pouring rain and 40.  Kind of sounds like our weather in Syracuse, Utah.
He has finished the book of Mormon and is focusing on Jesus the Christ.
He loves the gummy bears I sent him.  Hehehe  He also commented that his weight continues to increase.  I have pictures that he sent me.  We will be the judge of that.  I cant imagine Austin gaining too much weight.
His spiritual thought was upon finishing the book of Mormon and how depressing the last couple of chapters  
of Moroni are... the anguish that Mormon and Moroni feel for the nephites and the lamanites is immense, and you can feel the sadness in their words.
I love being a mom, and I am so blessed that my Heavenly Father has entrusted me with 4 wonderful children.  My blessings continue to grow.

                                 
                                            6th grade dance: Austin, Colton Cavalli,
                                            Beans , Dillon Durtschi

I AM BLESSED

I received another letter today.  I was singing with joy when I walked back from the mailbox.  Good thing my neighbors are not home.  
He sent us the map of where he is serving and the baptismal program of the latest baptism.  
He talked about making good friends, and being a member missionary.  He regrets not inviting friends to church.  "Every member is a missionary!"
"Friends can make a huge difference in your life.   Some friends fill your mind with poison and let Satan influence you for the worst.  But, there are friends out there, who fill your mind with the gospel and help you to become a better person, and a better member of the one true church.  I am grateful for the friends that I have had, that made living the gospel so much easier." quoted from Elder Wilcox  
This is such great advice from Austin.  I pray and pray my other boys will listen to this advice. 
Once again, I love this elder.  He is the best.  Keep him in your prayers, please.
love,
Elder Wilcox's mom

April 22, 2013

I missed a week.  But here is the update on Austin.  He is determined to serve the Lord.  Times can be tough out there.  He said "I will stay and serve the Lord with all my heart might mind and strength!  D&C 4)  I couldn't be more proud of him.
He did not feel the explosion of the fertilizer plant in West, Texas.  He is hoping this will give them the opportunity to teach the Plan of Salvation.  He is studying hard.  He is enjoying JESUS THE CHRIST.  He is learning about life.
"As we rely on the atonement of Jesus Christ, He can help us endure our trials, sicknesses, and pain.  We can be filled with joy, peace, and consolation.  All that is unfair about life can be made right through the atonement of Jesus Christ"
He misses us like crazy, but he also knows he is there to serve the Lord.  He mentioned the movie Gladiator.  In the end of the movie Maximus's friend said I will see you again, but not yet.  Thats how he feels about his family.  Jeff knows the ending, but it looks as if I will be watching at least the end of Gladiator.
His last remarks:
THE CHURCH IS TRUE!!!  I LOVE YOU ALL.
I now have one more week to wait for another letter.  I treasure these letters and read them often.  Sometimes I miss my son so much the tears cannot help but run down my cheeks.  Life will never be the same.  He is doing the Lords work, what every young man should be doing.  A mission can teach so much.  I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It makes a weak man strong.
till next week:)

THE CALL

mission call memories

"CAST NOT AWAY THEREFORE YOUR CONFIDENCE" by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland - from a BYU devotional given March 2, 1999

It is plain and very sobering truth that before great moments, certainly before great spiritual moments, there can be adversity, opposition, and darkness.  Life has some of these moments for us, and occasionally they come just as we are approaching an important decision or a significant step in our lives.

April 8, 2013

Mondays are great days for me.  I love hearing from Elder Wilcox.
A quote from Austin:  "The church is true! The Book of Mormon is the word of God, and the Lord answers prayers!!! He continues to do it every day out here in the mission field."
In the letter I wrote him I asked him a few questions.  He really liked the idea of questions and answers.
A few of the questions I asked were:
What does he do on p-day or preparation day?
His response:  P-days are one of the most busiest days of the week.  First they study, and then at around 10:30 they do email, and then grocery shopping.  They then have a p-day activity at the church, and then hurry and get ready to go out and teach the restored gospel. They play a lot of dodgeball.
Do the members feed you every night?  
His response: 3-4 times a week  (our Utah missionaries are spoiled)
What was your favorite conference talk?
His response:  President Henry B. Eyring's talk
Austin is studying Jesus the Christ and in his words  ITS INSANE.  He said it is a hard book to read, but is determined to finish reading it while he is on his mission.
Elder Wilcox is doing well.  I can feel his missionary spirit in our home.
 I am grateful for my Savior and his atonement.  I am blessed to be a part of this wonderful gospel.
Continue praying for his safety and for the spirit to guide him in his efforts.

Happy Birthday Elder Wilcox

April 1, 2013

I LOVE MONDAYS, I LOVE MONDAYS, I LOVE MONDAYS!!!!
Elder Wilcox is doing lots of studying.  He recommened some reading for us.
1 Nephi 14:10
2 Kings 5
Alma 34
Ezekial 37
Psalm 46:10
D&C 76: 5-101
       121: 7-9
1Kings 19:12
Matt. 28:19-20
Isaiah 55:8-9
I will update more later today.
Keep the letters coming.  He really appreciates them.