Hi Jacob, I'm sorry I haven't written in a while but all that has happened is not worthy for a letter. It's just been tiny things like playing LaCross outside and stuff like that. I did learn how to surf though and I'm getting better each time I do it. The day before school started we went to the red-neck water slide for mutual so that was a pretty fun thing to do right before school. But this week was the slowest week I have had in a long time and it was so boring. I'm sorry for the short letter again.
Love,
Adam
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Adam's letter
Hi Caleb, I'm sorry I haven't written in a while but all that has happened is not worthy for a letter. It's just been tiny things like playing LaCross outside and stuff like that. I did learn how to surf though and I'm getting better each time I do it. The day before school started we went to the red-neck water slide for mutual so that was a pretty fun thing to do right before school. But this week was the slowest week I have had in a long time and it was so boring. I'm sorry for the short letter again.
Love,
Adam
Love,
Adam
Back to school 🚌 !
Well, we're three days into school and miracles are happening here! Samantha has been awakened by her alarm every morning at 5:50 am. She starts getting ready and walks down the streets with Adam to catch the bus an hour later...you both would be very impressed with her. She goes to Cedar Ridge now and has a locker with 6 different teachers. Sariah rides her bike alone now, down the street to Greenville. Adam is still at North Cache (9th) and went to his first Sky View football game on Friday. Sydney is starting to feel normal for the most part. She's a little nervous for this term's classes because she has calculus and oil painting.
We went boating on Dad's birthday last Monday and when we got home, we had him open up his presents. I finally scored a home run with this one...we got him a slack line! He tried it at the reunion because Derek's wife McKenzie had hers (she is very good at it). So Dad spent quite a few hours on it and figured it out. Now he tries it every morning and night! Ours is set a little higher and longer but he'll get it a hang of it soon.
We are eating a ton of food from our garden. The watermelon are HUGE! Thanks to all of the different herbs that we're growing, we are in love with veggies again. We now know how to make fresh veggies the star of our gourmet meals! I'm starting to sound like Grandpa Winkel. :) By the way, he just had hip surgery on Tuesday and received s new "ball" in his hip socket. He's recovering now at home but I'm sure in a couple of months, he's going to feel like a kid again!
That about wraps it up for this week's happenings. I laugh AND cry while reading both of your letters. You both have grown so much and your letters are always my favorite part of my week! We're waiting to hear about your transfers this week Caleb. Another adventure awaits! And Jacob, the gym AND the chapel of yours looks like the inside of a ship. Take a picture of the outside because I'm very curious about all those round windows.
Love you both so much!
Mom
Personal Letter 8 28 2016
Caleb:
Transfers are almost here. I'm sure you're thinking that a change would be nice. I remember hoping that I would either be able to stay with a companion or get rid of one. Most of my companions weren't perfect and by the time transfers happened I was ready.
Remember the members in your area. You've been entrusted to help them see missionary work through your eyes. Hopefully they love you for the efforts you've made and recognize the love you have for them.
One of the things I think about is how my communication to my clients is perceived by them. When I send a letter or talk on the phone I make sure I respond to them and their needs realizing that they are getting input from other professionals also. I want to make sure that the advice I give them is consistent with other professionals so they have confidence that the advice they are receiving is consistent and they con move forward.
Now think about your message. There is almost no way it can be consistent with some of the tenants they have been taught and come to believe. In this case, all you can do it rely on the spirit so they have the strength to carry the burden of the decisions they will make as a result of your message. We all have our quiet moments when we take inventory of our lives and of the decisions we've made. At some point in the future, your investigators will have that opportunity and will need to draw strength from the promptings of the spirit that they've felt.
I love you. Keep the faith,
Dad
Letter 8 28 2016 Yield
FYI - Jacob Lyman was kind enough to remember me in his weekly email so I'm adding him here. And for purposes of these letters, I refer to him as I do you, as my son.
Last week, I asked one of our YSA girls to give a talk on Chastity. I had no idea what we'd get because it's a tough topic; today she spoke and we found out, she is simply amazing and brought unique thoughts for everyone to consider. She quoted this scripture:
O, my beloved brethren, remember the awfulness in transgressing against that Holy God, and also the awfulness of yielding to the enticings of that cunning one. Remember, to be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal.
After quoting that scripture, she discussed the meaning of the word Yield. In her mind, when you drive, the yield sign means to slow down, look both ways, and then proceed with caution. Think about this in the context of the law of chastity. I thought this was a great insight and worthy of sharing with you.
I did a quick look online and added some discussion points on Yield below:
1) to give way to someone or something that one can no longer resist. yield may apply to any sort or degree of giving way before force, argument, persuasion, or entreaty.
2) suggests full surrendering after resistance or conflict to the will or control of another.
3) stresses the fact of ending all resistance and may imply either a coming to terms (as with an adversary) or hopelessness in the face of an irresistible opposing force.
4) implies weakness and helplessness to the one that gives way or an overwhelming power to the opposing force.
Now consider Yield in this context:
For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.
You choose to whom and what you yield your heart. My council is to yield your heart to God. Consecrate your efforts to him and do your best. The benefit of yielding to God is that he will make more of your life than you can.
I love you,
Dad
Sariahs Letter
Hi Caleb and Jacob:
I don't have much to say but we are going to Lake Powell on a houseboat. We've also been on the boat which is also fun . Well I guess that's all that I have to say.
Love, Sariah
Sent from somewhere really cool.
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Goodbye Summer vacation! 😢
It's Sunday night and this is what we're doing. We're having cream puffs right now! Can you smell them? Dad's leaving for Ward Prayer and then he and Adam are going to go Home Teaching right after. It will be Adam's first time! He will be giving the message and almost seems excited!
I hope you both had a great week and that you're feeling healthy. It's been an uneventful week here in North Logan so this letter won't be very long. We've just been getting ready for school which is starting next week by doing registrations and shopping...yuck!
Sariah seems to be pretty much better from having her tonsils out but Syd is still very much in pain. I guess it's true what they've told us...the older you are, the harder the recovery. Sydney had her first photo shoot for her music stuff. She is not one to really get off on fashion, hair & makeup so it was a challenge for her to put herself out there with all these people watching but she did a great job considering that she's never been in a situation like that. After 4 hours of forcing smiles, we came home and had to put herself back to bed because she has a cold on top of tonsillectomy recovery. Unfortunately, those are the only photos we have for the week. But I'll go take some more...
I can't tell you how much in awe I am of you two and what you're doing right now in your lives...waking up every morning, preparing to spend your days searching for those who may, or may not be ready to hear your message of the gospel. We are all so, so proud of you both and the example you're setting. Adam (and even Sydney) is on a very good path towards having the desire to serve a mission and the fact that both of you are there, surely has a HUGE impact on what his final decision will be when the time comes. Maybe he's already made that decision! :). Anyway, I love and miss you both so much! Until next week...
Mom
Personal Letter 8 21 2016
Caleb:
Remember that our view is informed by our perspective.
Right now, you are fighting the good fight. Your boots are on the ground and you are struggling through each day. Some days, it may seem like you are being suffocated with challenges.
Hold the course. Be resolute in your determination to be the best missionary you know how to be. It is that determination that may be the source of your pain right now, but in time you will look back and your perspective will be different. With everything that has transpired in your life between now and then, you will be able to order your challenges and make sense of them.
I will say this much, I'm glad that Mom will be my companion on my next mission and that there will be no transfers. I suspect that when you get a great companion you'll never want that companionship to end. Just be a great companion so that those who get you will be appreciative of your efforts.
Mom tells me that Supe came home from his mission. It's a tough deal on a young man and I hope that he will be able to work through it and keep his testimony and good feelings for the church. If you get the chance of it, you might let him know that you wish the best for him.
I love you. I pray for you - more earnestly right now than if I know you are in a good companionship. Have a good week.
Dad
Letter 8 21 2016, Nothing Cool
Caleb and Jacob:
I hope this week has been good for you. Fall is upon us. The nights are cooling off and there is a lot of smoke in the atmosphere from forest fires throughout the West. Sydney has been sick this week and has basically been down since getting her tonsils out three weeks ago.
I have been digging around the front yard and found the outlet pipes and put bubblers on them so water can escape if we have another big storm. I suspect that these freak storms will become more the norm going forward.
One of the things that I've been thinking about this week is our inability as humans to see the beginning to the end. Especially when we commence on a new path. I can't imagine the stress that some investigators have when they embark on a new lifestyle. I think that is the most compelling thing about the gospel of Christ is that you don't have to know everything, rather, you take what you know and you improve upon that with the knowledge that your course is what heavenly father has outlined as his course.
I'm sure that you've noticed lots of houses in disarray on your missions. There is a gospel lesson that can be taken from this. At one time those homes were built new and beautiful. Over time, different people inhabited those homes and at some point, the homes fell into disrepair and were abandoned.
Similarly, our own testimonies need constant repair and maintenance to remain in good shape, If we stop caring for our testimonies, they will soon fall into disrepair. Anyway, you understand and can use this is you ever get the chance as you teach investigators.
I hope that you are both doing well. I am so proud of your and the efforts you are putting forth. You are great young men... the very best there is. I love you both and am thankful to call you my sons.
Dad
Friday, August 19, 2016
Quick Greetings
Caleb and Jacob:
We just wanted to tell you that we're thinking of you and talking about you this morning. We don't know what we did to deserve such great young men for sons. You're both so wonderful and talented and make us so proud and thankful to be your parents.
Today is a new day. Be thankful.
Dad and Mom
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Lots of water!
How was your week? We had a great one but August is going by WAY too fast! The kids will be in school soon but we try not to talk about it too much around here because we're relishing every single summer vacation day!
Sydney spent the week at BYU for EFY even though she was feeling cruddy from her tonsillectomy. After dropping her off, I took the 3 younger kids to Seven Peaks in Salt Lake to meet Janeen, Stephanie, Amy & her kids. On Thursday, Dad & I rode a bus with all of Jones Simkin's employees and spouses to the Snake River near Jackson, WY. We rafted the same section that we did about 10 years ago with you boys. It was a great firm retreat!
Aunt Julann, Andrea, Allyson & Andrew came and stayed with us Friday night so we could go to Bear Lake on Saturday. It was the most perfect weather for Bear Lake and the water was, as always, so beautiful. Then on Sunday, we went to Jenny Winkel's farewell. She gave a great talk and seems very excited to go to the Philippines.
We love you both and enjoy your letters so, so much! Have GREAT week!
Love,
Mom
Personal Letter 8 14 2016
Caleb:
I feel for you as I've considered your PPI this past week I've had a scattering of thoughts this past week as I've considered your situation.
1) I don't know why some of us get the challenges we face in life. But, we get them nevertheless. There are some that we can control and some that we can't. For instance, you are in the Richmond Virginia Mission and Jacob is in the Scottsdale Arizona Mission. You will get more people who are skeptical of your message than he will. The people you teach will have a very different life experience than many of his investigators. Who knows what the outcomes will be in terms of baptisms? Not I. So, we get challenges and we face them, sometimes they are difficult and it's all we can do to fight through each day. The key is that we fight an honorable fight. We do our best so in the end, we can reflect with pride on our time in the mission field.
2) Find something every day to be thankful for. When you are most frustrated about being in your current situation, find something, anything, that will bring you joy and engage your mind. Let your mind fix on that something and allow your mind to help you transcend your situation.
"Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored." - Earl Nightingale
3) Engage your Heavenly Father in prayer. Ask him to provide a measure of grace to you as you try to be obedient to the mission rules. Pray like everything depends on him, then work like everything depends on you.
4) Remember that the prize most worth having can also be the hardest to win. Sometimes the things that prevent us from being successful are the limitations we place on ourselves. Remain optimistic and enthusiastic.
I love you and I pray for you. I wish your mission was a bed of roses but that's not the way it works sometimes. I'm sure you're doing the best you know how. I'm thankful for that. Keep it up,
Dad
Letter 8 14 2016, Haiku
I thought a some haiku might make you smile this week...
7 Pride, thankfulness, fill my heart,
5 For efforts you make.
5 This week has been great,
7 Family togetherness,
5 Mom is a keeper
5 Remember and act,
7 According to what you know,
5 Do your best, be strong.
FYI - Haiku (A traditional Japanese haiku is a three-line poem with seventeen syllables, written in a 5/7/5 syllable count. Often focusing on images from nature, haiku emphasizes simplicity, intensity, and directness of expression.)
Monday, August 8, 2016
Hello August!
How are our missionaries, as Sariah always calls you two.? I'm going to write to both of you at the same time and see how that goes. We a loved both of your last letters. I slept out on the tramp with the kids and we read them together, right before we went to sleep. That was a fun thing.
We don't have a lot to write about but it has been an eventful week here at home. Sydney & Sariah got their tonsils out on Thursday and then Sariah got baptized on Saturday. She was very happy, in spite of the pain she was in. We didn't have a huge crowd here for our brunch but it was still fun. It was the perfect day!
We are so blessed. Samantha Cox, the daughter of our Bishop came home this week from her mission. They were the other family in the ward that had two missionaries out at the same time like us. Her mom, Jen Cox, whom I admire very much, gave some remarks in fast and testimony meeting today. She talked about the blessings that she had always heard about when families have missionaries serving. She put things into perspective for me. She, like me, had a hard time saying "goodbye" to her son and daughter but the blessings did come. Not the kind that she had thought would come, but her eyes were opened to be able to recognize the other ways in which their family has been blessed at home. I too, am seeing small, but "big" ways in which our family has been blessed by having two wonderful missionaries serving. I could start to list them but I won't here. The biggest though, is that our family, albeit feels a little smaller on this end, seems to have become closer with you away. Not because you are away, but because of what you're engaged in. Your letters are AMAZING! You are such wonderful examples, not only to your family, but extended family AND friends. You both are talked about so much at home and at church! I'm amazed how much a part of our lives you are here in Utah! Your sacrifice and hard work will never go unnoticed. We love you sooo much! Keep your spirits high, for we are all praying, praising, and cheering for both of "OUR missionaries!"
Love,
Mom
Sunday, August 7, 2016
Letter 8 7 2016 Ward Council Thoughts
Caleb and Jacob:
Some of the things I share with you are the stuff that I would do differently if I had the chance to serve a mission again. You'll have to humor me.
I did not understand the importance of Ward Council and communicating to the ward leadership on my mission. As a result, if I were to serve again, I would treat Ward Council as one of the most important meetings of the week. As such I would do everything in my power to help the Ward Mission Leader to succeed in his calling. That may mean that you go overboard to help the ward mission get involved with your investigators. You do this at the expense of being efficient as a missionary. On the other hand, if you can get the ward excited about missionary work, you multiply your efforts.
I spent some time talking to Grandpa Gibbons this past week and getting his ideas and we are of the same mind that the way to get the Ward Mission excited is to bring them success and make them successful... You take the approach that if they feel the spirit, they will have a desire to make and keep commitments just as your investigators do. When viewed in that light, you become the teacher to investigators and members alike. Your goal is the same, to get them to feel the spirit so that they will have a desire to make and keep commitments.
How is it done? That is the golden question.
I am the managing tax partner in the firm and am responsible to get 5 other tax partners to catch the vision of where the firm is headed and essentially choose to orient their behavior such that they choose to self-align their actions with the firm vision. I've tried many things, but I have decided that a meeting once a week where I inform them of happenings and make assignments for the upcoming week is a good way to help them in this process.
I create a draft email (I title the email "Agenda") early in the week and when I think or hear of things that need communicated with them, I immediately write them down in that email. I also look at the prior week agenda and make sure I follow-up on open items. Then, usually early Monday morning, I take 30 minutes and organize my thoughts as relating to the topics I've written down during the week. Then every Monday morning at 8:30, we meet as a partner group and I always have an agenda that directs our meeting. It works well and generally nothing falls through the cracks. I am confident that we all are headed in the same direction and without saying anything, I'm also confident that I'm in charge and directing them. I also know they appreciate it.
I think you could do the same thing as relating to ward councils and the ward missions that you serve. I can almost guarantee that nobody is doing this in the wards you serve in; primarily because it's a volunteer church and most people don't make the time to over-achieve in their callings. Ward Mission Leaders will love you as you make them look awesome when they show up to their meetings with meaningful ways that the members can help you in your missionary efforts. If the WML buys into the process, you'll find that the ward leadership will follow. Soon the WML have every auxiliary asking how they can help and the stone will start to roll. Once it is rolling, it won't be stopped as long as you are in the area. Once you leave, all bets are off.
Anyway, when you do this, you put yourself into a tier that not many (if any) other missionaries do well. The other point is that you learn to do this well on your mission and it can become a prototype for running your businesses in the future. Do it and do it well. Learn to let go of controlling tasks and focus instead of controlling (or helping the WML control) the strategic direction of the ward mission. Joseph Smith said that he taught the people correct principles and let them govern themselves; that's what you should do here. The church is super-easy to lead effectively because everyone has a common goal and money isn't involved. Learn and implement well. It will be the difference between 100K and 400K in salary in the future. You need to learn how to leverage your abilities and delegate to others. Get people excited about your successes with your enthusiasm and they will want to be a part of working with you.
Finally, I suggest that you get material and study what should be happening in ward councils as relating to the role of the ward mission leader. Someone has spent a lot of time putting that information together and most people only skim the content. My experience is that when the church produces instructions, the material is excellent. Let me know if you want me to gather some stuff and I will.
I love you both. Do your best and be the master of your attitude,
Dad
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