May 21, 2012 Email

Hey, Everybody!

Well, this week has been interesting.  I have now met Elder Packham, and have found out a few things.

There is indeed a difference in personality and (I guess) "style".  Elder Ottley was a bit more laid back.  He believed in the difference in  flow of Benton City as contrast to most other places.  Whereas the brisk style of the city may be applied and accepted generally, Benton City is a small farming community and its members prefer a kind, slower (and a bit more genuine) approach.

I say nothing against Elder Packham in this wise.  In all honesty, I think he's finding that out the hard way that in order to work in Benton City, patience must be applied.  Talk with people in a kind, genuine manner, without being too hasty in making a decision or comment.  As such, I end up staying a bit silent when he launches quickly into an explanation.  I try to say something, but the time passes too quickly before I do, so it goes unsaid.

But dealing with it will be good.  I find it interesting that people find that life is good, and that they are doing the best with what they have.  They might say in prayer, "Well, Father, I'm doing the best with what I have." But He hears that and says, "Yes, you are.  But I want you to be better." Then the adversity comes.  I remember reading Elder Eyring's talk from this past conference, where he is talking about asking the Lord to give him more mountains to climb, as President Kimball asked in an earlier conference.  He judged that it was a bit early in his life to ask for it, but I personally think that's a good thing.  The person you see standing at that pulpit is definitely different than the man that got on his knees earlier in life.  Change is not always bad.  In fact, without change, you would amount to little.  But BECAUSE of the refining fire and the extreme heat and pressure that all of us undergo through life's adversity, we are able to become what God sees in us to become.  We cannot receive our full potential unless it's through that adversity.  We are stupid, prideful people.  But that can change because of the adversity that we go through.

Whatever change I go through in this, I perceive will help me in the end become more the person the Savior wants me to be.  It will be one of those changes of heart that is wrought in the scriptures as you have asked us to look for.  It will be a simple example, maybe.  Possibly larger.  But it will be greatly constructive in the end.

I thank Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for my adversity!

On to other subjects. *ahem*

I didn't see the eclipse.  It was OVERCAST!  Of ALL the times I was hoping to see it, it had to be overcast.

Send pictures of feast and ball!

I remember thinking that I graduated last year.  I can't believe it!  But it's cool.  Have fun, Nathan!

Nooooo!!!  So many teachers leaving!  Tell April (HAHAHAHA!!!  I can refer to her as such; I'm GRADUATED!!!) it's a great idea!  (I guess I should call her Sister Sorenson, instead.)

I always pray for you all, at home, and I'm glad that I could have you all in my life.  I wish that you all have a good time.  I'm a couple months short of being a quarter of the way through my mission. . .  Who woulda thunk it would go so fast?

I hope you all have a good week, and I pray the Spirit will be with you.  Don't worry!  ALL WILL GO WELL.  Just apply a little faith, nothing doubting.

Until next week!

Elder Skeen 3.0