It's really awesome that a temple is being built soon. Funny thing is that we were just talking about the Gifts of the temple which are found throughout the Doctrine and Covenants. We were reading in Section 109 about the blessing that are found from those who participate in the ordinances of the greater priesthood. President Gonzalez was talking about the power of Godliness made manifest... etc. It was some really interesting stuff.
I feel that out here I have change a lot. I think that most of the changes have been something like a sculpture who chisels out a vague silhouette of what he intends to make and then begins the process of intensifying its features until everything is sharpened into perfect contrast. I feel that everything that is important to me has played a big part of that.
Wow... didn't meant to stop there.
- My family: teaching me the kind of person I should be and giving me a good example of who I should strive to be like. I love my family.
- the Scriptures: which continually nourish and nurture, and constantly bring me to repent and push to give my all. I love the scriptures and all of those prophets who gave their all, showing us an example whereby we can follow and live.
- The Mission (which greatly includes President and Sister Gonzalez): Hijole! That pretty much sums up my feelings about this mission. Today was something of the farewell talk for President and Sister Gonzalez. I really love them. They are such an amazing example to of an eternal companionship. They constantly remind me of you and mom. They give me hope for you both, as well as myself. I know that this is what I want. Sister Gonzalez is very much like mom. She has a very funny, fiery character but in large groups is rather quiet.
President Gonzalez reminds me very much of you. It is really kind of funny that because you both are so similar, I immediately felt that connection with him as a father figure, although I'm not sure that he ever knew that.
Today, at the end of that great (but rather long) meeting, we sang "God be with you til we meet again". BOOM. Such a strong feeling of love for them so completely overcame me that I couldn't sing. I think I sang all of half a verse. They have been such an amazing example to me and I wish that I could somehow get them to meet you. Me and like 1000 other missionaries.
Yesterday for preparation day, we had a mandatory Zone Activity at the Turlock Stake Center, where we watched "Forever Strong". That movie was inspirational, but as much as if not more so were the special features "Lessons for Larry Gelwix" (our soon to be Mission President who will be arriving in July). I have a feeling that something really big is going to happen soon.
In that he talked about several different things that were really poignant to me, one of which was that there were only really 2 different types of pain:
1. The pain of work
2. the pain of regret
The first one comes with working as hard as we can - work is hard - yet it fades away, leaving behind the beautiful feeling of accomplishment.
The second never really fades, never really leaves. It sits there and nags, eating away at our confidence in ourselves.
That, as well as several other things really hit home. If you ever find any time to watch that, I would definitely encourage you to do so.
Well, I'm going to attach a picture of Justin Rosales' Baptism.
I love you all.
Love,
Elder Ostler
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