111 degrees in Texas - 6-17-13

Dear Mom and Dad,

 

I love being here in Texas. Arlington is a great area and I have been able to learn and grow so much serving in this area. The area that Elder Russell and I cover is in the city but on the edge there is a lot of neighborhoods and a ton of people.  I would compare the area of Arlington that we serve in kind of like the area where Uncle Mike lives in Spokane. There are always a bunch of cars on the road. Lets just say I am learning to be a very defensive driver and cautious too. We have certainly been getting some good storms here but none dangerous. This morning we woke up and it was nice and light outside and then in a matter of 10 minutes it was dark and raining. I will send a picture. Anyways it has been kind of stormy.

 

This week was a great week. We were able to meet a lot of our goals and teach many people.  There were nine investigators at church on Sunday.  The Rongey family was there along with two other couples. We will actually be teaching the Rongeys this evening in a members home.  We will be teaching the Plan of Salvation. They are doing so great and are praying about being baptized on the 29th of June. We also set 3 baptismal dates last night with a mother and her two children. The work is going forth and it is so wonderful to see the change in these peoples lives.

 

I love hearing about the talks and spiritual things that are learned at church along with the insights that you get from your scripture study Dad. I love the analogy of the well and how we need to make sure that we are living close to Christ in our lives and even being more fully converted. It sounds like bro. Merkley's talk was wonderful and was a call to repentance. I know that I have continually become more and more converted every day. I also love hearing about these spiritual things helping me to connect with y'all.

 

I just want to end with an insight from my studies this week. I had a little time to study before church yesterday so I read in 3 Nephi chapter 11. I was only able to read the first few verses but as I read I put myself in the place of the people in the story and really asked myself, "do I believe that Christ appeared to the people in the Americas?"   I thought about it and the spirit reconfirmed to me and impressed upon me that it really did happen.  It helped me to focus on Christ throughout the day and allow me to find ways to help others know the truthfulness on the Book of Mormon too.

 

Thank you Mom and Dad for all you have done for me.

 

Happy Fathers Day Dad

 

Love Natey

 

 

Picture descriptions 

 

Cloud cover this morning

 

this tree did not fall because of a storm the branch rotted and fell we were waiting for dinner when were heard it fall on the cars

 

Trudy

 

Stake Presidents license plate

 

Hot temperatures

9 Investigators came to Church !!! :)) 6-3-13

Dear Mom and Dad family and friends,

 

Well y'all's week sounds like it has been super busy and packed with so much stuff. I have made sure to keep you in my prayers with all that has been happening. It is great to know that Micki is so willing to help our family out in this process. Make sure to send pictures of you new home mom. Ha ha. I will do the same today. It is great to see the way things always work together and that the Lord provides for his children that are living the gospel valiantly in their lives. I am very excited for the Trek experience that you will have. Make sure to get some good sturdy boots and make sure you break them in. I used my cross country shoes for trek and they were destroyed afterwards.

 

I bet Spencer is enjoying his job as a valet driver and driving some pretty fancy cars. Tell him to make sure and not go to crazy with the cars haha. Tell Chelsey Congatulations for me too. Oh and I know their anniversary is coming up. Could you get the exact date for me?

 

I cannot believe that school is almost out and that Jacob, Chelsea, and Aubrey are graduated already. It will not be long till Justin is wearing that cap and gown.

 

This week was so great. There was 9 non-members at church on Sunday and they all loved it and will be back again. One was the family I think I had mentioned, but either way they are a wonderful family of 6.  They loved church and we will be teaching them on Wednesday. They are so prepared for the gospel.  The kids have already been to mutual and their sons are involved in scouts and their daughter is going to Girls Camp.

 

And to wrap up, I started reading the 4 gospels this week since I finished the Book of Mormon. I was reading when Christ was baptized and when other were receiving the Holy Ghost. It was great to read verse 11 of chapter 3 in Matthew and how amazing the gift of the Holy Ghost is and how mighty our Lord is. I am also grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ and how he has set the perfect example for us.

 

11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

 

Love, Elder Nathaniel Shoemaker

 

PS hope you get a bike ride in this week dad ;)