Sept 17, 2010- excerpts

Bonjour Ma Famille!

Wow time has flown right on by here at the MTC! Only 10 more days. 1 devotional, two more Sundays, one more Temple day, and then bam, out of here! I'm glad to hear everything is going well for the most part!

I have been thinking a lot about this month.... it is full of memories. I think the day has already passed when mom was diagnosed, but i know it was this month, sometime around the 15th? I thought of 9/11, I thought of Grandma's passing, I thought of breaking my leg on Mindi's birthday.... I don't mean to ponder on all the sad things, but there have been so many blessings that have come from each of these things, and I can't help but thank the Lord.

I have been studying many Christ-Like attributes lately. I believe as I strive to understand Christ better, and who he is, I will gain those attributes as well. One of which is Charity. I had an experience in the temple where I was in the chapel waiting to enter the endowment, and I began to read in Mosiah. I feel such peace in the temple. I had barely began to read when the spirit whispered 'Charity'. Like you speaking to me, I heard it. It was new, peircing, and an experience I haven't had before. I almost ignored it, but then immediately looked up Charity in the Index and found Alma 7:24. It is a simple scripture, but it is very profound. Truly if we abound in good works, and have charity, we will never be in the power of Satan. I challenge you to pull out that Preach My Gospel in the magazine basket and study Charity in the Christ-Like Attributes section.Also study Virtue and Patience. Those are what I am working on. I also had another amazing temple experience....I immediately thought of you mother. Your experience made it that much more significant for me. The lord knows each and everyone of us, and he answers our prayers. I know that.

I was reading in 'Our Heritage' Sunday, and guess what I found!! Great Great Great Grandpa George Darling Watt is in the Church history book!!!! page 34. Take a look! You should study up on our ancestors and send me a few stories, I enjoy them :)

I have seen Elder Park many a time now that he is here. He is in my Zone obviously, and his classroom is right next door to mine ;)

Exciting news!!! I HAVE MY FLIGHT PLANS!!! I'll get them copied and send you it in the mail. It is all coming together now. Thanks for putting up my flag Mom and Dad ;) You know how much that momument means to me, and I am grateful you are taking care of it for me. Momma, I loved your poem in your letter. It made me feel a lot of peace, and i think about it often. You are such an amazing woman, and momma. Thank you for always pushing me to be better, and but also bringing me out of my many holes of self-pity. You are a testimony to me, and your light shines through your letters, and when I teach. Dad I recieved your dearelder. I really enjoy your testimony and it strengthens mine. Continue to rock my world with your testimony! I also got your package! I always love your little notes mom ;) They make me smile :D You and dad and the sis's truly are the greatest family to ever exist ;) 'I have a family here on earth, they are so good to me, I want to share my life with them through all eternity" Families can be together forever, and Dad has revamped my testimony. No matter the trials, no matter what happens, the Lord's Will be done, and his love will be eternal. Thank you for your love. Continue to send it my way. Please encourage some of my friends to write me hahaha. It would be nice ;)

Love forever and always!

Elder Petersen