Sunday, October 30, 2016

Fall Weekend A Letter To Elder Hawley 10/30/16

Hey Elder,
I cannot believe how fast Sundays come. The weeks seem to be flying by. How was your week? Do they seem to be going fast for you too?
It will be Halloween when you read this so BOO...Happy Halloween! Is Halloween celebrated in Mexico like it is here?
It was a busy week for us with all the Fall festivities going on and the last week of 1st term already. Megan worked at the ranch all week and long hours for the Fall Festival. She had a date Friday and carved pumpkins. She also went on a date to an EFY conference Saturday. She wanted me to tell you that Brad Wilcox spoke and taught to "Act and not React". She also liked the acronyms that were taught for GOSPEL-Godhead, Only true church (we have all the piano keys), Spirit, Priesthood, Everyone-it's for everyone, Living prophets.
Malia had her orchestra concert and Miles had his school pajama party in his classroom. Mom was able to help with that which was fun. Saturday was crazy busy. Miles attended a birthday party for Will Hoeksel who turned 6. After that we had the Hawley family Halloween party. We sure missed you there. Everyone asked about you and said they enjoy reading your letters/pictures and get a kick at the titles you name your letters. After the family party, we had the ward party that dad and mom helped at. Dad made root beer and mom made chili. It was a good turn out and all the food was gone. We were all warn out. Miles said, "Wow three parties in one day!"
Today was Malachi's farewell. He gave a great talk. He spoke about all his friends his age and you and your age group who went on missions and how that was part of his decision. He knew that it was his time to serve his mission. He also talked about how right after high school he didn't know what he wanted in life and got so sick of everyone asking him if he was going to go on a mission. He just stopped going to church for a while. He knew it wasn't the best decision but he said the Lord didn't give up on him. He enjoyed attending the U though.
Mom learned about JOY in relief society today. We should think of Jesus first, Others next, then Yourself.
Dad says, "I had some training before stake conference. Thought I would pass it along to you. We talked about the parable of the lost sheep. You are probably familiar with the painting of Christ holding the little lamb in a peaceful meadow.  If you read the parable closely they went in search of a lost sheep in the wilderness, a dangerous place. The shepherd went in search of a sheep not a lamb. He threw the sheep over his shoulders not cradled in his arms.  The sheep was no doubt wounded or hurt (that is why it was carried). Rescuing sheep is hard, dangerous work. Carrying a heavy wounded sheep out of the dangerous wilderness is no small task. That is what you are doing. It's hard work, but the rewards are out of this world."

Here is a scripture for this week that goes along with our letter. Ezekial 34:11-13
"...I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered...And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries..."

Can't wait to hear about your week!
We Love You, Pray for You Always, your companion, and the people of Mexico.
Love, Your Family

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