February 18, 2009

I'm on, Josh's call....That is too cool!!
Let's see so Dad I should probably tell you that my companion loves the exact same foods as you do. In fact he bought a package of Italian sausages that he cooks and a big bottle of saurekraut to put on them. That's just one of the things that he likes. Everything he eats or does reminds me of you. No I'm not running around in a t-shirt, I just don't suffer as much, I wear the same clothes and bundle up just as much. I really am loving this new apartment and especially the treadmills and workout room that's really nice. Since I'm not being transfered also that means that I get to enjoy it for at least another six weeks. So a radio shack geek, that's way too coo!!! I'm excited for you. Yeah josh will have some weird stuff that's for sure. We haven't been back to our sushi friend but I did get a picture with him last time that I'll have to send you. Yeah josh's call has got to be exciting. As far as taxes go I can't remember anything my mind is becoming null and dumb to the things of the world, I'm not sure I even know what a 401k is but I think I got one at costco. I haven't had any pizza lately, just the one time when I first landed in Chicago. My companion tells me I have to try deep dish at least another time at some other place. He has a big Checklist of all of these native chicago foods that he wants to try, he's checked quite a few. Once again something that reminds me of you. I think that you'll enjoy this scripture, especially as you endeavour to take on a new job which will decrease your time and add to your responsibility. Just know that you are loved not just by me and your family but also by a loving Father in Heaven. You are also a son and he watches over you. I love you dad. 1 samuel 16:7
Spencer, you better be good for that one year or else. And don't remind me how long I've been gone it's going too fast. Missionary time is like warp speed, and I don't want to have to feel what it's like to not be a missionary, especially since I'll have a brother out serving still. I love you litte bro. Keep writing me I love you little one.
Last preparation day we went to the Art institute of Chicago museum. There is some cool pieces of art and sculpture there. So Germany it is, that is too cool. I think it's funny you guys are doing all of these German things. I have received neither of the two packages. If you are sending them ups to the mission office then they cannot be forwarded to me. I don't know what has happened to things but it's really frustrating, are you sending them by the pony express. I'm pretty sure a handcart company would have reached me by now. The baptism was great. It was incredible. The lady getting baptised, Shirlene, was a friend of Eddie's. They've known each other for years and it was Eddie who introduced us to her and then we began to teach her. She asked Eddie to baptise her!! So Eddie was baptised 2 weeks ago, the next sunday he got the priesthood, was given the calling of being a ward missionary, and then a week later he baptised Shirlene. I thought it was so cool Eddie was baptising someone 2 weeks after he'd been baptised. He stumbled over the words and had to have some help, so he had to repeat the words a few times. He was really nervous, but eventually he got it and then he dunked her with power and authority. It was good for him. He said he felt something different this time. He could feel it. We told him that is the power of the priesthood being exercised worthily. It was just really cool. So other big news. I'm staying another transfer here with Elder Brown in North Shore!! Yeah I'm pretty excited because we should be having some more baptisms coming up. So it looks like I'll finish out winter here in North Shore. It's awesome I love it in this area. Also I get to enjoy the fitness center for at least another six weeks. This transfer will end April 1st one day before josh's b-day. This medication and counseling that my companion is getting is really helping him. I hope to hear from you again soon.
Love Elder Adams
Well I was on. We did email today down in this little lobby/coffee area outside of the fitness center in the apartment complex. It's really nice and we can email as long as we want. Maybe I'll check back later today, but I gotta go grocery shopping right now. Love ya.
Here's the rest of the talk stuff.
There are lots of good and worthy pusuits out there (school, profession). If anything else takes away from our full attention to God, then we are making a sacrifice to something lesser, because anything or anyone othan God is lesser. When it comes to thinking of the important things in life think of the account of mary and martha (Luke 10:38-42). Mary sits at jesus' feet and listens to him teach, martha during this time is going about, busily preparing a meal for the Savior. (An important task!) Martha asks Jesus why he doesn't make mary help her. Jesus answers, "Martha, Martha thou art careful adn troubled about many things; one thing is needful and mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be take from her." So when we talk about giving up our whole selves to the Lord, and not holding back the small part, we should be mindful that we consecrate our time and talents to the most important things, are we making time for our callings, for personal prayer and scripture study, or are we too busy cleaning the house, or pursuing a lofty career goal by pleasing our boss who is NOT the God that gave us life and is NOT the Christ who bled and died and redeemed us from sin. Wlhere are our priorities, are we consecrating our daily performance to the Lord?Now when you have sacrifice and done all, you might think that whatever reward or blessing came about because of your own efforts. On the contrary!! We might think "My poweer and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.: (Deut 8:17) It's the Lord that blesses us and makes things happen. I'd like to think our efforts are merely some small preparation in the soil (if that) the Lord plants, nourishes, strengthens, and builds up the Harvest. It's his vineyard. We are merely to be fully dedicated and consecrated tools in his hands that cooperate with his will.

More will come next week I just can't sit here and type it all. Let me know if you like any of it.