Happy Valentines from Spike

Hey there ladies and gentlemen! What is going on up there in the land of the free, and home of the brave? Has Obama torn our country apart yet or what? Haven’t heard much from you all or anyone for a matter of fact since he was sworn in. I am still anxious to hear how things will go with this guy.
I was so happy to get on the internet today and see e mails from my sisters! Every one of them wrote me a nice little letter, and let me know how everything was going on! Sounds like my little nieces and nephews are growing up, and they are getting big. I never thought that I would miss the little rascals so bad. Make sure you let them all know that I am thinking about them and love them a ton! I also got a letter from my love, and one from Andrew Joseph lee Gatten. That really made my day to read their letters. I just don’t understand what is going on with the mail system. I have sent aj a couple letters, and punky too, but they have not been getting anything. I don’t know, but know for sure that I have been writing. I will be sending postcards home and stuff this week, so well see how long it takes for them to get there. If only we had the us mail system here.
This week for me has been really interesting, and heart searching to say the least. I have been having some tuff days here and there with the work in the area. We have a baptism this week, on Saturday, but besides that it doesn’t seem like we have much going on. We have been putting tons of ideas in affect from Preach My Gospel, on how to find new people and families, but nothing has really caught fire. I have been praying extra hard, and looking to thank my Heavenly Father more for the blessings that he has bestowed upon me than those that I would like at the present time. I have been thrashing threw the last general conference talks in the Ensign, and it really has just changed my life; everything. The words of the latter day prophets and apostles have just really hit home to me. It just seems so clear what I need to put in practice in my life. Modern day revelation is so important. When you think about it it really separates others churches from ours. What a blessing that is, we have a prophet here on the earth, now in our days, to lead and guide the lords chosen people.
My mind has been turning to the basics of the gospel this week. I have thought many things from the concept or principle of faith, to the existence of our Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ. What proof exists, how I can receive answers, and really if Heavenly Father answers my prayers? The Ensign comforted me, and gave me the answers I sought, and the comfort I needed. I watched the movie about the restoration of the gospel that passes there in salt lake, and it really just reaffirmed to me the truth of everything. It brought feeling back that I felt when I walked on holy ground in the sacred grove, when I participated in baptisms for the dead in the Nauvoo Temple, and when I walked into carthage jail where the prophet Joseph was martyred. I cannot explain the love I felt, the tingling in my spin, or how it felt to have tears running down my cheeks, but I can tell each of you that I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints is the true church of our savior restored upon this earth in this last dispensation. I am certain. What else matters? Simply nothing. I have dedicated myself to his work, to his cause, to his will. There is no greater calling, no greater cause to be a part of. Save souls, brothers and sisters, and ensure their salvation in the kingdom of our father. At times I do not feel worthy, but I know it is because I know the calling is so great. How humbled I am to be a part of his army on the earth today in these parlous times.
I love each of you dearly. I think of you each often, and I can feel your love. My prayer, and my true desire is that you will all strengthen each other. Lift each other up, give a helping hand, and do a good deed. See to be like our Savior is. We forget, at times, our purpose and duty. Don’t forget, seek to fulfill his will each day. Live for him, not for yourself, not for the world. He has his arms open, he has blessing waiting to bestow upon your heads. That is a promise.
Love you all…
Elder Gatten