I supect that you're both sitting in meetinghouses in your respective missions, hopefully with investigators. I hope you're having a spiritual time of it.
A few weeks ago, Matt Robinson returned from his bike tour to New Zealand. He went with Corey Jones and they toured throughout the continent (is New Zealand a continent or a coujple of large islands?) together. Although they saw some cool things, there was a schism created because Corey no longer affiliates with the church and is trying to persuade those within his influence to his way of thinking.
One thing we confided in Matt was that he intends to convince Jake Lyman that the church isn;t true when they are in Jackson working this summer. When I heard that, it was game on... Jake really respects Brady Jardine and looks to him as a mentor. On Wednesday at lunch I saw Brady. He was working with a client but I asked him to join me at my table when he was done. I informed him of Corey's stated intent and we both agreed to make sure that Jake was prepared before he went to Jackson.
Brady went with Jake to Priesthood last night and afterwards talked with him. Jake immediately texted me and came over last night. We had a great conversation with him. He asked if I thought he should avoid Corey. I told him that I deal with people all the time that have lost their testimonies and that I was not encouraging him to forsake a friendship. Rather, I wanted him to know that we loved him and that if he ever had concerns, we would be there to help if he wanted. At this point in my life, my testimony can be reduced to the fact that Mom and I are trying to live the Plan of Happiness which can be described as trying to be good and raise kids that are good. I know that this is the right way of living.
As time passed, kids showed up and soon we had Jake, Malia, Josh Dixon, Vanessa Jeppsen, and Danilo at our place.
Early this week, one of my associates came into my office and shut the door. Any time this happens, it's a signal that something heavy is coming. About three years ago, his wife decided the church wasn't true and he has spent the last few years trying hold him little family together. She now has decided that they don't relate to each other and that they should separate. This is heartbreaking. He was trying to figure out how to get her some money so that she could move forward with her life as an independent person.
Hindsight is 20/20. I hope as you go through your daily routine that you consider the importance of making great decisions, especially as you enter a period of your life where your decisions will have critical impact on our future happiness. I trust that you will make great decisions becuase you are both great young men.
Mom and I are so proud of you. We love you more than we can say. I love you. Have a great week.
Dad
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