Monday, May 10, 2010

A click of the heels, I'm in Kansas now

Dear Family,

Well, I guess I just talked to you yesterday (which was absolutely wonderful, by the way), so you already know about transfers and everything. Colby, KS is pretty neat. The branch put us right to work, as soon as we got here. On Saturday we helped a family move out; yesterday we both spoke in Sacrament meeting; we were also supposed to teach the gospel principles class, but no one else showed up; AND we're in charge of cleaning the building this month! I'm already tired :) Just kidding, I think I'm going to have a lot of great experiences here in Colby.

Here's our address:

446 S Court Ave
Colby KS 67701

Mom, keep being the amazing, wise, and beautiful mother you always are. I love you tons!

Dad, thank you so much for your love, support, and example. Have a great week!

Benson, remember the scriptures warn against stiffneckedness. (JK, the same thing happened to me, if you remember. It should go away sooner or later. Just try not to aggravate it.)

Joshua, keep saving your money and being a good boy. You're going to be a super missionary!

Jacob, take good care of the goats and keep reading a lot buddy!

Thank you all for everything! I love you more than I could ever express. If I wanted I could easily get really homesick, but I'm deciding not to. I do, however, look forward to next year when we can meet again. Keep being worthy of the blessings that Heavenly Father has in store for you. Have a champion week!

Love,
Elder Craft

Monday, April 26, 2010

We Don't Bash!!!

Dear Family,
I think I did hear some gorgeous singing coming from the west on about 3 occasions yesterday.
Now I know what it was! Thank you all very much. (Hopefully the neighbors don't think you're TOO crazy!)

But the greatest birthday present I've ever received was to be able to see Gary and Susan Hill baptized on Saturday and then confirmed on Sunday. It was very special. Gary was baptized by Elder Tauteoli (his first time ever!) and confirmed by Bro. Bayron (our great ward mission leader). Susan was baptized by Bro. Bayron and confirmed by our great Bishop Smith. I got to just stand there and enjoy it all.

Dear Mother,
Thank you for all your loving effort in making my birthday special. I really am filled with gratitude to the Lord for the wonderful mother I've been given. I truly find strength from your testimony and example.
We actually moved to a different place, and we'll only be there for a week or so, till our new place is ready. So I'll have to pick up the stuff from our old house. Honestly though, I've been too busy to even think much about it. We'll live at 4696 Montebello Dr. for a week, but you could also just send stuff to the mission office, then I'll let you know our new address next week.
So is the PMG thing somewhat easy and cheap? If it's not, then it's really not a big deal. The size that would be good is close to the standard size of scriptures. I'm not sure exactly, but that's just about what it looks like to me.

Dear Dad,
So you did get a goat?! Well, I'm actually glad I wasn't there for that little incident. I think I might have died of laughter. Remember to tell him whose boss. :)

Dear Benson,
Stop writing me such lengthy letters. You know I only have an hour to read them. JK, thank you very much for remembering me. I sure love you buddy!


Thank you for all your prayers, love, and support. Please keep praying for missionary opportunities for both me and you.
I love you all!!!

--Elder Craft


Miracle Story:
Gary and Susan Hill were both baptized and confirmed this past week, which was a huge miracle. The whole process only took about 2 weeks, which really surprised a lot of the members, but we know that it was a blessing of the Lord. After they accepted a date on the 1st lesson, we came back the next day and presented a calendar plan for everything that would need to happen for them to be baptized. They accepted the plan and followed our sense of urgency all the way through until they were baptized. We didn't exactly follow the plan perfectly, but it helped them realize that the goal was attainable. They've both made incredible progress the past two weeks, especially Gary. He went from not really listening intently or talking a whole lot, to being excited about and wanting to prepare to get the Priesthood! They've been diligently reading the Book of Mormon, and are committed to keeping all the commandments. The Lord truly is preparing people to receive of His restored gospel.


P.S. I did hear my new favorite quote this past week. Elder Tauteoli and I have been running into an unusual amount of Bible Bashers lately. (I didn't realize there are so many people who will flat out say our church is wrong). I mentioned the "bashing" to a Zone Leader, and he shared this quote by Mark McConkie (Stake Pres. in a nearby stake; son of Bruce R. McConkie/both are master scriptorians):

"We don't bash. But when we do bash, we win."

Hey, funny story: One of the nice bible bashers we ran into reminded me so much of someone. He looked and talked very much like him. Guess who? Tony Robbins! I'm not kidding. I think he was his little brother. He was really nice and friendly, but we were discussing his concerns about our church. It almost made me laugh, because I felt like I was debating religion with one of my role models.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Almost 20

Dear Family,

Oh how I miss the hilarious comments of my favorite 8-year-old brother Joshua! But PLEASE, don't snap their wings off. I don't want to come home to a haunted house.

The upcoming mile-markers for me are causing a lot of strange emotions. I don't feel ready to enter into a whole new decade. I remember when I turned 10. The time has just flown by! I don't even want to think about what it'll be like when I'm 30! Also, it's crazy to think I'm about half-way done with my mission. Benson, Joshua, and Jacob still have 2 whole years to serve the Lord full-time. I only have 1. I'm kind of jealous. Oh well, "the future is as bright as your faith"!

Dear Mom,
So did you get the camera memory card too? I hope it didn't get lost in all the stuff. Also, I got a couple more ideas for birthday presents. You've probably already sent the package, but just in case you haven't, there's a couple of music CD's that are approved. Jon Schmidt's "A Day in the Sunset" and others with gospel themes. Also, "24 sacred hymns for missionaries" (piano arrangements). Also, Afterglow CD's are okay. Some I can only listen to on P-day, but my current supply is getting old :) Actually I did have one other idea: I watched a talk by Elder Holland in the MTC, entitled "The Miracle of a Mission." I think it was a MTC talk, and I'm not even sure if it's available to get, but it's amazing if you can! Thank you!!!

Dear Benson,
So you're 6 feet tall??!!! What are you eating? Miracle Grow? Whatever it is...STOP. As much as I USED to want a big brother, I don't want one anymore (besides John and Randy, you guys are okay). JK, keep up the good work :)

Dear Dad,
I hope you liking your new farm! :) It sounds like you're turning in to Bob the Builder, which is pretty cool. Good luck with everything. Remember to eat your green vegetables.

I love you all so very much! Have a super-duper week!

Love,
Elder Craft

MIRACLE Stories:

Gary and Susan Hill have been progressing wonderfully this past week. They've been reading a lot of the Book of Mormon, asking great questions, and understanding the lessons. They've actually faced some opposition from friends and such, but have kept pushing along the straight and narrow path. Last Monday when we went for the appointment we walked up and saw that they were talking to the Jehovah's Witnesses outside their apartment. We didn't want to make a scene, so we just went into a neighboring apartment building a waited (and prayed very fervently!). After a few minutes (which seemed like an hour) they came in, and we started the lesson. They told us that they didn't even want to listen to the other guys, and still wanted to learn the gospel. We were thrilled!

One night we had an appointment at 8:00, and were trying to get the rest of our 20 ITL's before the our day was up (ITL=Invite to Learn/Street Contact. We're supposed to get at least 20 a day). We were riding around and struggling to find people out. We were praying really hard that people would be placed in our path. Time was running out, and with less than 5 minutes left, we only needed 1 ITL! We desperately were riding up a hill looking for someone, and at the very last minute we found someone. It was a miracle!

Monday, April 12, 2010

13 short months left

Dear Family,

Hello everyone! How's everything going on the old farm? I'm having a great time out here is the Springs! We're helping 2 investigators right now prepare to be baptized on the 24th of April. Then their confirmation will be a nice little birthday present for me :)

Dear Mother,
As far as birthday ideas...I'm not really sure. I think I want some really classy shirts, a new ipod, a better cell phone, and some power tools :P JK. There's really not a whole you need as a missionary. All my clothing is holding up pretty well, except for maybe my shoes. It'd be nice to have a good pair for just church and meetings; then my other 2 pairs for tracting and regular stuff. I like ties too :) Missionary tools that you get at Deseret Book or something like that are pretty handy too. Also, I've seen some missionaries have really small PMG's. I think they have a copy center shrink it down or something. That'd be nice to have a scripture size PMG. Anyways, that's all I can think of right now. They're just ideas. But when it comes down to it, I really don't NEED anything. Also, I trust your judgment and will be TOTALLY grateful for anything you decide on. Thank you so much!!! I love you Mom!

In the package, did you find the tape and memory card? You asked for the audio recording of my adventures with Flat Joshua, right? I hope I didn't do that for nothing :) Anyways, so you want the written version too? Well I don't have a whole lot of time, so could you just give Benson the homework assignment of typing it up? It'll be good practice :) It can just be the abridged version too. Anyways, Joshua will probably never pick me again to do his homework, and so I apologize and hope that it works out all right.

Dear Dad,
Sometimes I see a car identical to your's and think that you're stalking me, but I'm grateful that you've resisted the temptation. :) Say "Hello" to Grandpa Craft for me. I sure love him, and grow increasingly grateful for his influence in bring our family into the church. Good luck with your travels. I love you Dad!

Well, I love you all and wish you the greatest week ever!!!

Love,
Elder Craft

MIRACLE Stories:
Gary and Susan Hill were a member-referral from Sister Ferrell. We taught Gary about a week ago, but last Friday we were able to teach both Gary and Susan. They accepted a baptismal date at the end, and the next day we presented a calendar plan to help them prepare. They made it to church Sunday, and we have an appointment today! Susan also made it to the recent convert fireside, and enjoyed it. They've definitely been prepared by the Lord.

Miracles you have seen from planning.:

We both felt inclined to tract Topaz Dr. one day, and when we made it out there, we were able to ITL a lady named Dawn. She has never talked to missionaries before, and is interested in learning more. We have to wait till May because of her schooling, but we were able to leave her with a pamphlet, get her address, and have a good conversation. The Lord does place His elect in our path as we follow the Spirit!

Monday, April 5, 2010

20 years old in 20 days

Dear Family,

It's been a great week, and I love you all very much!

Yes, Mom I did get the package. Thank you so much!!!!!! Tell Joshua that I scheduled a flight for Flat Joshua today, and he should be home and safe soon. Sorry he's a little late, but he was just having too much fun. (Honestly, it was kind of a pain training 2 missionaries at once :P ). Also, thank you for the pictures. I really enjoyed them. Benson, Joshua, and especially Jacob all look a lot taller! (Sorry Dad, you look about the same height). It's crazy how time passes and people change. It's crazy to me that I'll be hitting my 11 month mark in about a week, and in 20 days I'll be TWENTY years old! Aaahhh!! I really love being a (teenage) missionary. I'm not going to like being in my 20's, and I'm really not going to like the upcoming feeling of being on my mission longer than I have left!

By the way, I also really enjoyed Elder Holland's exciting talk. Also, I liked Elder Christofferson's talk about the scriptures. (Did you notice that he and Elder Holland sort of switched topics from last conference?) President Uchtdorf sure wants us to understand the importance of love (it's a common theme of his)! And Elder Bednar once again gives us 3 important things to focus on. I also like Sister Beck's talk and her statement that goes something like this: "The most valuable skill we could develop in this life is the ability to qualify for, receive, and follow personal revelation." The importance of having and following the Spirit seems to be an essential theme that our inspired leaders are trying to emphasize. It's going to be more and more critical as time goes on and things get harder. I sure love our General Authorities, especially President Monson. Isn't he just the most cheerful person ever? Especially for the load that he has to carry. He is a great example to all of us.

Dad, I missed you at the Priesthood Session too. Actually I have kind of a funny story about that. Before the Priesthood session one of our wards got together at Del Taco to eat dinner. They had some special where you got 6 tacos and 6 (1/2 pound) burritos for $9. So they got Elder Tauteoli and I one to share. Near the end of the big meal, I noticed how many beans were in those burritos and made the comment that I felt bad for whoever had to sit next to Elder Tauteoli and I at conference. Anyways, afterwards we headed over to the church, and got there a minute or two late. So we headed to the back, and guess who we saw and ended up sitting by? President Pfile! He shook our hands and patted the seat right next to his. So I got to sit shoulder to shoulder with my mission president for the entire session. Elder Tauteoli said later that he wanted to lean over and ask, "Do you still feel bad for who sits next to you?" but he feared being overheard :) It was actually a cool experience, because every so often President would lean over and make a comment to me throughout the session. When Elder Rasband said he was speaking on missionary work, President Pfile nudged me and smiled. After the talk he whispered, "I've had lunch with him. He's about as down-to-earth as you can get." Anyways, of course he can't replace you Dad, but it was pretty neat. I definitely made sure to take good notes :) (When they would say something profound I would race to see if I could write it down faster than President!)

I love you all tons and hope all is well in the beautiful city of Lehi! Have a wonderful, Spirit-filled week!

Love,
Elder Craft

Monday, March 29, 2010

A Tongan Transfer

Dear Family,

My new companion is Elder Tauteoli from West Valley, Ut. His parents are originally from Tonga. He's a great Elder. He played sports in high school (football, basketball, baseball). He's very disciplined, humble, and ready to work. So I'm really excited for this transfer. Our first day out I started praying for Elder Tauteoli as we were tracting, and I realized I couldn't remember how to say his name in my prayer :) But now I've finally got it down! (The vowels are pronounced like Cow, Hey, and Ravi(oli).) He's also got a great sense of humor, which is cool.

Also, we got a new car! It's a RED 2010 Corolla. It's the car the AP's were driving and it only has about 1200 miles on it. (The previous one had 55,000!). So I feel incredibly spoiled. It's a VERY nice car (nice interior, new car scent, etc...). It'll probably be the nicest car I drive for quite some time. So here I am doing missionary work full-time in the best mission in the world, being entertained by a greenie, and driving a beautiful new car. Can life get better? I submit that it cannot!! ....and it sure beats riding a stinky old horse! (no offense Mc-whatever-your-name-is). But I still would very much enjoy pictures of your new-found paradise :)

Some one recommended a book to me for when I get back. It's called "Pure Religion". Apparently it's about how the gospel is all about service, and stuff like that. They said it is very good. You might want to look it up.

We had a visit with our Ward Mission Leader the other day and he said something that really stuck me. He said, "Every member is a missionary whether they like it or not. We just need to teach them how to be more efficient missionaries." The prophets don't say "Every member SHOULD be a missionary." They say, "Every member IS a missionary." And it's so true! When we took upon ourselves the covenants of baptism, we accepted that responsibility. I've seen the impact that members have on other people quite a bit on my mission, for good or for bad. Mostly for good, which makes people more interested in what we have to say, but I did run into a lady who said that she's had some bad experiences with some of our members, and it's hard to argue with that, because it's only fair that people judge the church by what the people are like. That's why it's so important, for us a members of the one true church, to faithfully "stand as a witness of God at all times, in all things, and in all places." People are constantly watching us and as President Uchtdorf counseled, we need to be known for our love for God and our fellow men. We must always act like disciples of Christ, and be willing to share the gospel whenever we can. Children are the best examples of this. They are fearless! When they share the gospel, they are doing it out of love, and so it's not awkward, hesitant, or unclear. No wonder the scriptures say, "be like little children." They are our examples of what disciples of Christ are like, because their light of Christ is not tainted or dimmed with sin.

I testify to all of you that I know this Church is true! God is our loving Heavenly Father who is perfectly aware of each and every one of us. He sent His Son to suffer and die for us and to show us the way to return back to Him. The Book of Mormon is inspired of God. Joseph Smith restored the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and President Monson is the Lord's representative on the earth today! Listen to the words of our living prophets like everything depends on it, because it does! Listen to them like they're your guides through the most dangerous jungle in the world, and follow every word of command with exactness. I love you all and wish you a wonderful conference experience this weekend! (Strive your best to be worthy of the Spirit this week, because the Spirit is the master teacher).

Love,
Elder Craft


MIRACLE Stories:
Neal Kermas was our only investigator with a baptismal date, and we've trying to contact him all week, but because of his work, we haven't been able to. He had only been to church once, and we were under the impression that he was out of town and couldn't make it to church. Anyways, as I was greeting people before Sacrament Meeting, lo and behold, in walks Neal! He came completely on his own! Later we were able to teach the gospel principles class with Neal and one other investigator. We taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which was something they both needed, and it went well. It was quite miraculous!

Transfer day was pretty cool. After a quick planning session we went out to teach Jared Rubino for the second time. We taught him the Plan of Salvation, and it went well. Then we went tracting and were able to get into 2 doors and teach both of them a lesson. Neither ended up being solid, but we were blessed with valuable teaching experience. I can tell this transfer will be awesome! We were ITLing and came across a couple who were moving a washer and dryer up some apartment stairs. They said we arrived at just the right time. Afterwards, we ITLed them, taught a 5 min. Restoration lesson, left a Book of Mormon, and will be following up in a week. It was a miracle!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

100% Faith

Dear Family,

Well, I'm staying here again, which I'm happy with. I'll actually be getting a new missionary again as well. I'm now in suspense as to what he'll be like. Please pray for me! :)

Okay, so I have a funny story. You'll read at the bottom about us getting a church tour with one of our investigators, Neal Kermas. He is a single guy and is kind of shy, but really nice. Anyways, the Garza family that did it with us is a young couple with a 5 year old boy named Enoch and a two year old girl. They were sooo cute! The kids basically led the entire tour, which made our job really easy. They were so excited to show Neal everything. They showed him how the piano, the microphones, the speakers, and everything worked. They even were singing primary songs as we walked around (things like "Follow the prophet"). Anyways, something that Enoch was doing was holding Neal's hand as we walked around. At one point, they had let go and we were all standing in a group. As we started walking away, Enoch came a grabbed my hand, which I thought was very nice of him, but he did give me a couple of weird looks. After a little bit he realized that I wasn't Neal, and so as we were walking down the hall, he let go of my hand and went over and grabbed Neal's hand. It was hilarious!

Anyways, gotta go. I love you all so very much!

Love,
Elder Craft

P.S. Be careful with the horse! Have fun, but not too much fun. (Dad, you especially. You're not 18 anymore :P ).


MIRACLE Stories:
We tracted into a new investigator last Friday, Jared Rubino, and taught a first. He seemed really interested, and happens to live right next to our old ward mission leader. We have a return appointment for Wednesday.

Last Saturday we got a call from Neal Kermas, an investigator we were trying to contact throughout the week. He had the day off from work, so we decided to do a Church tour. We had some new ward missionaries come assist with the tour, and then we did a lesson afterwards and set a date for April 3rd! He came to church the next day and is progressing quite well. It was purely miraculous!
We planned to see a RC whose been going LA recently. We planned to see him and were able to have a nice visit. He agreed to take the new member lessons which he missed out on!

On Sunday we did quick teamups for an hour or so. Our appointment fell through, so Elder Bosen and I went tracting and ITLing. The very first ITL we got an appointment for next Saturday. Then the very first door we knocked on we got an appointment for Tuesday. For some reason our faith is strengthened on teamups and then the miracles just flow. I just need to learn to have that 100% faith all the time.

Monday, March 15, 2010

The Lehite Missionary

Dear Family,

I'm glad to hear that the move went well. What is your new address and phone number? And what's up with the outside buildings that Mom was talking about? Anyways, it sounds like a pretty nice place. I'd enjoy some pictures it you have time. I can't offer any money, but I'm sure if you tell Angela that pictures need to be taken, she wouldn't mind helping out her poor little brother some time. :) Thanks!!!

Dear Benson,
No, I'm pretty sure I'll beat you at basketball too! Missionary work doesn't deprive you of sweet skills, you know. Remember Ammon? He beat those robber guys at their own game! And with one hand behind his back (or at least that's how I like to imagine it)! Now, I don't mean to compare myself to Ammon, but I'm just saying...you just wait! Actually in all seriousness, since we both love basketball, and we just happen to be brothers, we're going to have to get together and practice some sweet moves that we can use to dominate on the court against all the old guys :)
By the way, so far you're passing at the "Write once a month challenge," so good job. Keep it up! I love you Benson! Keep being the kind of person that brings out the best in others.
Love, Elder Craft (the 2nd of 5, that have yet been born)

Dear Mom,
Great job surviving the move! And guess what? A month or two ago I got to hold a 5+ foot boa constricter, and I couldn't help but think of you. I'm sure you'll learn to love the surprises and adventures that country life will bring! I love you tons! Have a fantastic week!

Dear Dad,
Remember the Lord shapes the back to bear the burden placed upon it :) Plus, you gotta stay in shape, so I can have someone to wup on in racquetball when I get home :) JK. I truly hope everything is going well for you in every aspect of your life. I'll keep Grandpa in my prayers. Thanks for the update. I love you, and wish you a happy and successful week!

Love,
Elder Craft

MIRACLE Stories:
Mike LeBosco came to church yesterday! He was a referral from Sis. Guasp (a newly called ward missionary), so we gave him a call on Friday. He was busy at the time, but said he'd come to church, and he did! He hit it off pretty well with our ward mission leader, and we're very excited to begin teaching the restored gospel!
Because of Elder Allen's sickness, we weren't able to get a whole lot of work done on Friday, but we did go out tracting for a little bit, and I was really praying for a miracle to happen that would encourage him. So we planned to go to a certain street, and the very first door we knocked on a young man named Tommy, about 17 years old, let us in and seemed excited to talk to us. He said that he hasn't lived there long and was actually looking for a church, which is always good to hear, but he couldn't meet then, so we got his info and scheduled an appointment. It was a very clear and immediate answer to prayer!

Monday, March 8, 2010

Carpe Diem!!

Dear Family,

I love you all so much! Time really is going by extremely fast. I hope everything is going well. Carpe Diem!! (Seize the Day)

Dear Jacob,
Happy Birthday buddy!!! You're such a big 5 year old boy! I love you soooo much, and sure miss you! You're such a strong, handsome, smart, and awesome little brother. I can't wait to play with you when I get back. Be a good boy. Love, Spencer

Dear Mother,
I'm pretty sure my email is without the period. I'll try to send a letter for Jacob's birthday, but at least you can give him that little note for starters. Thanks! Good luck with the move. It sounds like quite the project :) And I bet it would be emotional moving after living there so long. Remember I was in 2nd grade when we moved there. Isn't that crazy?! We've had a lot of good times in that house, however, future days are going to be even better. I know that for a fact. I love you so much, and will definitely be praying for you this week :)

P.S. Could you send me my perfect pushup thing in the next package? It's no rush, but I think it'd be nice to have. Thanks!

Dear Dad,
Thank you so much for all you're love and support! I always appreciate your counsel and encouragement. A member in one of our wards said about a mission: "You have two years to do it, and the rest of your life to think about it." That's true for a lot of things, but it definitely gives me a sense of urgency for my mission. The time goes by too quickly. Anyways, I love you so much! Have a great week!

Love,
Elder Craft

MIRACLE Stories:
Last Monday we called Neal Kermas, a potential we tracted into, to see if we could teach him that day. He didn't answer the first time, but he called back a few hours later and we were able to teach him 30 minutes later! He had absolutely no concerns and accepted a baptismal date!

We've started teaching Dillon Jack who is trying to get active in the church again. He was interested in doing the stop smoking program, and so last Thursday we gave him a short preview of it, and he decided right there on the spot to start! He was already prepared and willing, and all we had to do was teach the principles.

Yesterday we found out that a Spanish referral we gave a couple of weeks ago was getting baptized. It was so exciting!

Miracles you have seen from planning:Last Tuesday on teamups, we planned to tract a certain street where a less-active member with an unknown address lived, and we were not only able to find the LA, but we also found a new investigator Glen Casner, who we've started teaching. It was a cool miracle :)

We lost contact for a few days with one of our investigators, Chris Brown. However last Friday we planned to just stop by at a time when we thought he'd be available, and we were able to teach him the Plan of Salvation! At the end of the visit when we were scheduling a return appointment, he wanted to do like a week and a half later because school was busy, but Elder Allen promised him that if he'd take out time to meet with us in the midst of his school work, he'd be blessed to do even better at his assignments. Chris accepted the promise, and we have an appointment with him tomorrow!

Righteous Leadership D&C 121:34-46

Dear Family,

Thank you so much for your prayers, support, love, example, and faithfulness! I love being a missionary and have been very blessed by the Lord in so many ways.

Joshua,
Thank you for choosing me to take your flat self on some adventures! I'm glad to hear that you still remember me :P I hope I can do a good job at helping out with your school project. Anyways, I love you so much Joshua and hope that you are still smiling and being a great boy! Love, Spencer

Dear Dad,
Thank you for your great example of diligent and meaningful scripture study. I'm am so incredibly blessed to have a righteous father! You've always been an inspiration to me as well, so thank you!
I'm sorry to hear that work is kind of slow :( But I do have faith in King Benjamin's promise (Mosiah 2:41), and I know that as you continue to be righteous the Lord will bless you with anything you may stand in need of. We actually did a "resolving concerns" role-play this morning in companionship study, where we addressed the concern of an investigator who is too busy with work, family, and other stressful things in life. We used the scripture found at the end of 3 Nephi 13, where the Savior says, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you....take no thought for tomorrow...for tomorrow shall take thought for things of itself (or something like that)." Anyways, the message from the Prince of Peace is to "be still and know that I am God." Of course it's hard to do in stressful times, but when we diligently seek the Spirit's comfort, our burden's may be eased. I love you more than you know and will be eternally grateful for your great leadership in my life!

Dearest Mother,
Good luck with the move! I'm sorry that I can't be there, but know that in the future whenever possible, I'll be the first to come and help! About that one address, if it's not in my area, did you just want missionaries sent there? And what is their situation? I'll look for their address, but if you still have it, could you re-send it? Sorry for not following up with it sooner.
I was reading the other day about the two prophets of the last days who will be killed in the streets, and I was just wondering: where was it said that their names will both be David? It's not super important, but I was just wondering if you knew or not.
Anyways, I decided to do the "Scripture of the Week" on a personal basis, so I'm starting this week, and I decided to let you know each week what I learned from last week's pondering and application, and what I will be doing for the coming week. This week I chose: Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-46, with the theme of "Righteous Leadership." It's definitely a great passage! Thank you for sending the skin stuff, I definitely try it. And thank you for all that you do! I love you dearly, and wish you a stress-free and sucessful week!
Could you let me know what your new ward, stake, address, phone #, etc... will be? Thanks!

All of your prayers are much appreciated. The Church is true, and I love you!

Sincerely,

Elder Craft