March 14, 2011

Hey Mom,

So I did hear about the earthquake, but didn't realize it was that big.  Crazy!  I wrote to Caitlin and Dad about it and said something along these lines. What are you doing to prepare for the future?  President Steinagel has talked a lot recently about how the second coming is really really close.  President Steinagel recently said it will be within 30 years, without a doubt, but he thinks it will be much sooner.  That is so incredible.  The earthquake in Japan is another sign that Christ is coming soon and we need to prepare.  On my mission, I have really learned what I want from life and I know that which is important right now and I always think about how I can be prepared for the future.  As long as we just do what we have always been told to do, then we will be fine, but it is awesome to think that the end is so close.  Anyway, I just want you to think a little about that and how we can prepare.  I am just so happy that God has given us the knowledge that we need to be prepared.  Anyway, so it is crazy to think about, but we really do need to prepare and now because the end is close.

The temple was awesome and I can't wait to go back.  I am definitely going to make that a weekly habit after the mission.  The two sessions I have done were both in Russian, but I used headphones for an english translation.  I will do Ukrainian next time I think to try it.  It is really cool though.  Thanks for the support too.  I have allowed some things to frustrate me recently, but it is good to remember that the Lord is happy with what I am trying to do and that I am making an impact.  I know I am and I am glad that I have this great opportunity.

I am glad that you enjoyed your lesson at church.  I can't wait until I am home and able to enjoys Sundays again.  Honestly, on the mission they are hard because we have to work the whole time and everything is in a different language and it is just hard.  Luckily we will have zone conference this week and that will be an awesome opportunity to receive some guidance. It is so great that we do have our sabbath day and other opportunities to learn and grow each week, not to mention the study we can do personally and as a family.  It is just great that the Lord loves us enough that He has made it so easy for us to prepare for the future.  We just have to do our part and give in to the will of the Father and we will never have to worry.  I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and that He loves us.  We are here because He has given us a chance to receive the fulness of happiness.  It is possible through the gospel of Christ.  This is His Church and Kingdom on the earth.  I know this is true.  

I love you,

Elder Jones