Spike could use extra prayers

April 29, 2009 1:45 PM
Hey ladies and gentlemen! I hope that everyone is doing awesome, and that you’re all happy! I think how blessed we are as a family to have such good health, and to have everything we do. We have never really passed difficulty, or had a real loss in our family. You know what I mean? I feel so blessed to have each of you in my life; to be your son or brother or uncle or friend. That in itself is such a great blessing. I have been reading the book written by President Joseph F. Smith, Doctrines of Salvation. It talks about the great blessing of being born under the covenant and I think, wow, I am a recipient of it. Thank you to such awesome parents, and my Heavenly Father. I think about the many experiences that I have had in my life, the people I have met, the reunions, the birthdays, the laughs, and the sorrows, and I feel so fortunate that I have been the whole journey with each of you. Thank you and I love you all so much, each one of you. Parents, brothers, sister, bro in laws, sis in laws, and nieces and nephews. Grandparents also. The list is so long, and I'll always forget someone, but you all know who you are. I love you all dearly, and am so appreciative for you, who you are, and what you mean to mean. As you can tell I have really been reflecting on my life, and the countless blessings that my Heavenly Father has bestowed upon me in my short time here upon the earth. They are many, they are great, they were pre-ordained, and all of which I have received for obedience in this life. My heart is full, and my emotions budding, I love life. I have learned on the mission to smile at everything. Smile at those who despise me, those who persecute me, those of other faiths, the neighbor who is catholic, and the garbage man that doesn’t like us because his wife left him to be baptized into the church of the Mormons. I need to be an example of the believers. We have to learn, like president Monson taught us, to find "joy in the journey". Sit and think that this day may be your last, take advantage of it and be who you know you can be. Represent Christ, and be his disciple. Share the gospel, be a good friend, keep secrets, work a little harder, and walk the extra mile. If we do this we will feel, as ours days upon this earth come to a close, that we have lived a full life, and look back with no regrets! Like a member of the quorum of the twelve said last year in the April conference, ´´tears upon a grave of a loved one are actions undone and words unsaid.´´ Do things at this instant, be fun, be valiant, be diligent, be devoted, be meek, be loving. Reach for the stars; it’s never too late no matter how far you are along this expedition we call life. This week for some reasons I have had the opportunity to have my life flash before my eyes a couple times.
First, I was with my companion yesterday in the street right after our lunch appointment, and we had a real scary experience. We were walking to an appointment when we see this guy run out of a little bank near our house. He just happens to look right at us and hesitate. Next I saw his huge pistol he had in his hand, it was a revolver, and that is when my heart dropped. He looked at us as if for a second he was thinking whether he was going to shoot us or not. Then continued and jumped in a white gol car that zipped around the corner. Immediately after this man that was by us said it would be safe if we went home for the rest of the afternoon, so we could avoid any problems that could happen later. He said that usually that if there are witnesses to crimes, they are usually the next ones to get it ya know. So yes we headed home, and then cleaned the house. So in those quick moments I saw my life flash before my eyes. I thought you know what everything we do in life doesn’t mean anything, because any random person can take it away from us at any point.
The second time I saw my life flash before my eyes was when I was in the house of a member here in my area. His father had a stroke this last week, and asked me to give him a blessing. I was honored to do that, and it became something really emotional for all of us who were there. I felt as if the spirit was by me, and led me in all my words and actions. It was one of those spiritual experiences that you will never forget, that build you up as a person. While I was giving the blessing and after I remembered receiving my patriarcle blessing and when mom and dad were with me. Then a couple times when I received blessings in my life when I was in need. I, for the first real time in my life felt the power of the priesthood, and its totally divinity. It is the power to act in the name of our Heavenly Father. I am so thankful for experiences like these. To have the opportunity to truly be reminded how fragile life is, and how important spiritual things are. You find yourself doing a self inventory, which is a good thing. What is sad is that we as humans usually need to pass for big things to realize the small ones. The member’s father is a little better. They removed six clots of blood from his brain the size of a cherry, and now he is in a coma. My prayers are directed to him in this moment and I am in a state of prayer. Once again life is fragile, don’t take it for granted. I am so grateful for the gospel and for the comfort it brings to us.
This week we had a couple of baptisms, and I could totally see the changes in the people. And then, when I marked the baptisms of another family I could just feel the power that this message of the restoration holds. What I am teaching is true, I love it. I love this work, I am so busy, I feel like I cannot do enough, and I always forget someone, but I know that my best is all that the Lord requires. I love the people, culture, and food. Ha. It is so nuts how you come to love the people, they are my brothers and sisters. I better get out of here though because my time is getting short huh…six months and counting down. I love you all, and thank you for your thought, loves, prayers, and everything. Love you all. Elder Gatten

Another wonderful year!

Grandma Helen is having a birthday the 26th!  We are so  blessed to have her in our family and to be such a wonderful  grandma and great grandma to all our little ones, whom she is holding every chance she gets. She never misses one birthday or special occasion when she and Grandpa are invited.  Working in the temple twice a week doesn't deter her from her many activities whether it is visiting a sick friend, going out to lunch with  her girlfriends, making special  gifts or dresses for babies.  She loves grandpa so much and takes good care of him!   They make each other belly laugh.  She loves traveling and seeing new places, and we call her a go go gramma.  We love her so much...and are happy she has been in our family the past 4 years.

 

Words of wisdom from Elder Gatten

Hey! It sounds like everyone is doing amazing, and that the weather is getting  better up there. You all seem too busy to think, and you're just living the life! I  realize that we, you guys and me, are all so busy some times in life we forget to  take advantage of the little moments of happiness and joy we have. It is what  makes are lives complete. What makes us smile and frown. The little things are  important; do we take advantage of the little things? I know that I don’t, and  that I need to learn to smile more often. In the roughest moments in our lives  we need to sit back and laugh, and realize that everything is fine. We just  build things up in our minds! Don’t let the bad thoughts, feelings, and attitudes  build up because at some point you will burst, and regret will be the result!  I  have seen, and experienced it so many times!   This week we had yet another transfer! They seem to come and go so stinking  fast! Well nothing happened, I am with my same companion which is a blessing,  and the other companionship in my district stayed together also. So we are just  trucking forward, working our little sun beaten butts off! Sorry for the  language, but at times that just gives it justice! ;) It is not easy in the Amazon  sun if you were wondering. Not to mention the humidity and crazy animals that  hang around you and can take your life if they decide to attack you. Its what  makes up the mission though, it’s exciting! I will never forget this stuff!   We had the opportunity of hearing from another GA this week! President Soares,  the first councilor in the area presidency of Brazil. It was an amazing  experience, and I learned a ton from him. I did not get interviewed, but I did  get to shake his hand. He said my name and remembered me from the CTM in São  Paulo a year and a half ago when he went there with Elder Nelson of the twelve.  That was a little bit surprising to me. He challenged us to baptize 25% men  above the age of eighteen, which will be a tuff challenge. Just to give you an  idea; in Manaus the ratio of women to men is 11:1. That is ridiculous huh! I know  it is possible to baptize these men though because it was challenged by a man  called of God. For sure it was inspired! It only requires the faith of us, his  servants. Also, he spoke of the importance of righteous practices and habits in  our lives.  His talk was based upon a quote by President Monson. The decisions  we make now affect our future. Our Decisions Dictate Destiny! I felt the spirit  super strong, and I know that he is a man called of God, and that this is truly  the true church restored upon the earth. It is the church of Christ in its  fullness.   We are teaching a couple of sweet families that look really promising. We are  going to fill out the wedding papers and such for one family tomorrow, and  prepare them for their marriage and baptisms. We have a couple other women that we  are teaching that are totally progressing too. I love the work, and I am so  grateful for the opportunity I have to share my testimony with others! I grow as  a person, and I know that they feel the spirit, and they feel that the gospel  will work wonders in their lives. Like the scriptures say tons of times, the  true gospel brings true happiness. Happiness that is not temporal, but is  eternal in its fullness. Have we each been spiritually born in Christ?   I love you all, and I think of you all so much. Yes I miss you, and yes I think  of home, but there is so much to do I end up forgetting you all quite a bit. I  feel bad, but you know that I can’t lie, home seems like a dream. I am engaged  in a hole work, of which I was pre ordained in the pre-earth life. I am learning  to magnify my calling, and putting myself last, and to serve my fellow men.   There is nothing better I could do, besides start my eternal family, but that is  soon to come! Ha! Loves, hugs and kisses!  Elder Gatten  Ps. I want to thank you mom and dad for the package you sent, I did receive it.  It was awesome. I love the mariners shirt, and cavaliers shorts. You are to  great! Love you all, and tell grandpa hi!     

Just got back Spikes goose.  Looks good on the wall in his room.

Mylee shares her room with us when we go to visit. She always runs up to us for a BIG hig, the kind I like to get. Mylee likes to read and is getting to be such a good student. She plays the piano with a beautiful soft touch and is very musical. She is becoming her mom's #1 babysitter as her older sister Hayliann gets busier. Mylee is a good friend and even attracts many friends that are male. She has read the Book of Mormon and has a strong testimony of the Gospel. With a wonderful imagination she is a fun big sister to her siblings. We are soo pleased she is our loving, sweet granddaughter.  Happy birthday Mylee

 

Our Smiley 1 yo BRADY

Brady is such a happy boy. He will smile in a second at everyone who gives him attention. He loves to play with his brother Jackson the most but will follow a ball all around the room. He is inquisitive and busy and brings us all sooo much joy.From the moment he came into our lives he has been so easy to love.  Happy birthday Brady!

 

A productive morning

Steve woke me up at 6:20 am to share his "story" about his early morning hunt. As you can see he had a turkey already home before I even got up this morning. He says it is a beauty with a ten inch beard! So here you have his his prize.

He still loves us.

Hey everyone, I hope that your all doing well! I didn’t receive many e-mails really from anyone this week. I heard from Cassie is all, and Carlee. I hope that everyone is doing good and is busy. I know that this last week I have been too busy to think straight. I never stop running from one place to another, and I don’t fell like I have enough time to do everything. I don’t know maybe I have to manage my time better, but there are millions, literally, of people to teach and baptize!
This last week we found a couple sweet families to teach. The ones that we have already been teaching are doing well. We have been marking weddings and baptisms. It is going awesome. I feel like I tell you the same thing every week, but it is my life. The ward is huge and helps a ton!
This week President Soares from the presidency of the area of all of Brazil is here for a conference with the mission. Also, he is going to preside over our stake conference this Saturday and Sunday. If I didn’t tell you guys, my ward is going to be splitting this weekend. We will be the Ajurí ward. I was the Nova Canaã ward. Everything here is just like growing hard core. People are helping with the work and we are receiving references left and right. We have started having the members baptize the investigators, so that the new members have a good member friend from the start, and it will help them stay active. Things are going basically perfect here. This weekend is transfers too, so I will see if my companion will be leaving or not. I don’t know what will happen. So yes, you can tell I don’t have time to think twice.
Today I went and killed two turtles at a members house that I had bought. We waited this week to kill them so that a lady from Peru could be here because she knows how to prepare it really tasty. I first cut the head off, then I got an axe and chopped the belly part of the shell, and them got a knife and cut the meat off of the shell. It was a hard shell. The female one was pregnant too. It was awesome because she had like twenty eggs, and we are going to eat them whole without cooking them baby. RAW. That’s right. I feel like I am in the Amazon now. Ha.
Nothing to much is new besides that. I was wanting to see pictures of my new goose mount to show people but I haven’t got any yet. Also I was wondering if mom has talked to the DMV about my license if I can renew it before I get home cause its going to expire. I love you and think about you often. I love the gospel, and I have a passion for this sacred work. Love you all.
Elder gatten

What a week!

Today was the first time I have missed writing to Spike since he left on his mission. I attended my 2nd NIC photography class last night and somehow it really messed me up. The temple was closed this week too so the day and week were just all messed up. I totally feel like a failure as a mom. How could I mess up the days so badly that I would forget my sweet missionary?
I just can't believe I did it. Steve went into write him tonight and realized he was a day late too. the home teachers had come to visit last night and then the worst news of all came. He, Tom, Tyler and Jon did not draw the big game hunt in Montana. That is the worst news around here. I know it is hard for some of you to believe that that would make such a difference, but, it ruins their whole season! Elk and deer. So they have to go back to the drawing board to see how they will feed their families next winter.
My dilemma is much easier. I just need to get on my knees and ask for forgiveness from my missionary. If you didn't write to him either he probably feels like no one loves him and we all need to write NOW. Love you all and Happy birthday to Tom Thursday.

Spring has sprung...finally!

Aren't these beautiful roses my honey Steve gave me for our March 25th anniversary of the day we met!  Been a while since we celebrated this date.  We were married 4 and 1/2 years later after his mission to South Africa and a lot of school. Then, I began my nursing career and he still went another 6 years at BYU and then Northwestern dental school before we settled back down in Coeur d Alene.  I worked night shifts while he went to school.  A fun time we don't miss.

Steve with the bounty. He organizes a canning party about this time of year each year. We all love the canned meat for instant soups, stews,shredded, tacos, spaghetti etc.

Each year he fusses over a canner or two but they always do their job and we end up with about 40 jars of meat for all the families.

>Mikin, Tyler, and their kids "enjoying" general conference sessions. Dusty and Angie came over from Seattle and Jon and Brynne were here too. Had a nice couple of days canning deer and elk meat and having fun as a family.

This is a beautiful picture of spring and how I feel in my heart each time I witness general conference.  The spirit that it brings into our home and the reverence for the things of the Lord seem to go hand in hand. Again, I felt the talks were especially tailored for me and my time in life. I love this time of year. New life is a testimony of and all our Heavenly Fathers creations.  A time to ponder our Divine nature, knowing who we are and where we come from and where we are going.  I know my mom is smiling down on us as she sees the great posterity that is hers. And, I am so thankful for a loving Father who sent a Savior into this world to help us be saved and return to Him. I pray each of you can have these feelings of renewal and if you want answers to life's questions can find them in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Life is such a special miracle.  What a blessing we have in our family right now. A 1 in 100 chance is nothing....but, God's work.....a miracle! Our Heavenly Father pours out his blessings after the trial of our faith.  We are so Happy for Miracles!

Spike wants to share BBQ turtle!

Olá! Yet again I find myself reflecting on this past week, and wondering how it passed so fast! I don't know if it is like that for you guys, but it is sure flying by to me. I actually prayed yesterday hoping that the time would slow down some. I feel like there is so much to do and not enough time; the lords work is a hand full, its salvation!
Everyone knows now that Angie is pregnant! What a blessing in their living, but also in ours. It really has answered so many prayers, and has been a time to grow spiritually. I am excited for the both of them! Congradulations! I heard that they like put up some things from the doctor on the cupboards and everyone was trying to find out who it was. Then they turned to Angie and it was her! That is sweet, I bet there was not a dry eye after that one. Having the opportunity to bring childern into this world is truly a blessing. These childern were yours before this world existed. The lord has a plan for all of us, and those who have been born under the convenant truly are his chosen sons and daughters. As parents you will have a certain stewardship over them in the life here after if your were faithfull here upon the earth. What a blessing, what a responsibility, what a journey!
Besides the millions of cans of meat that you all canned, it sounded like you all enjoyed conference. It is truly a time for personal revelation, and time to take a self inventory. We had the opportunity to see, and to hear the words of the lords prophet here upon the earth. President Monson was preordained to this office before this world was. He was prepared, and was amongst the kings and rulers, which is a reference to the Pearl of Great Price. Can't you tell that he was? When he speaks I cannot explain the spirit I feel. He says things so simple, without dramatic grammatical expressions, but they are emmensly effective. These men, the twelve, are prophets, and revelators also. I can feel the truthfullness of what each of them teach. Personally I love Elder Holland. He is a spiritual giant. The theme that I got out of the conference is the importance of keeping our covenants, and being true disciples of Jesus Christ! I came away with a true desire to practice everything that I preach. Study the scriptures, not only read them, pray with real intent, not just repeat my thoughts,and serve others because I love them, not because I know that I should. Love is the motive, obedience is the price, and Jesus Christ is the reason. Do it out of rightous desire, live and love your Savior. Glorify his name, it is upon your shoulders. And like President Monson promised, the lord shapes the back to bear the burden. There is a purpose in everything. Live and learn from opposition.
I love this life that my heavenly father has blessed me with. I have a strong spirit, and a healthy earthly tabernacle. I have a family that loves me, and cares for me. I recieved one of the greatest blessings that exists, to be born under the covenant, and to find joy in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I have the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide me, and have partaken in ordinances of which prepare me to inherit the celetial glory in which the Lord lives. I am but a man, but my heart is full of faith, and the spirit. That is a combination to make miracles happen, and change others lives. I see it happening, and i am blessed for it. I love the gospel, you all, and most of all my lord, and redeemer. Have a awesome week, and remember that which the lord has blessed you with.
Yours
Elder Steven Spike Lee Gatten
ps this week we are having a bbq with two turtles that i bought yesterday. I am going to kill them with a knife to the throat, and were going to cook them up. It is one of the most packed protien meat in the world. Yummy...dont worry ill take pics! Your jealous i know!

Tom, our son has a birthday this month. Being the oldest child has been a good place for him. What a great dad he is to his children since he helped to raise his 8 siblings.  He learned how to tease very well from his dad, Steve and his tender heart comes from his mom. Tom love sports and has continued to participate in them whenever he can, from player to coach. As a high school vice principle, Tom works so well with the youth and is a good example to them. Always valiant in his faith he serves in the bishopric of his ward and is a good friend and leader. We love you Tom and have a wonderful birthday.(Notice I didn't tell how old you are!)

 

April 1st and no fool!

Another week has flown by and I cannot believe it! It feels like the days are like hours to me now! I cannot explain it to you, but before I know it I will be sleeping in my own bed after have a nice thanksgiving dinner! Ha! That is a good thing, but what is even better is the work that is getting done here in my area!
So it sounds like everyone is pumped for the general conference this next weekend, Saturday it starts that is. It seems to me that as I get older I get so much more pumped up for it. I remember dad trying to keep me from sleeping all the time when I was a kid! It is really a time for personal reflection, and revelation! It seems to go by so fast to when I am watching it. This time I will be watching it with a couple of my real good buddies who are going home here in two weeks. Elder Povey, and others from Idaho. Crazy because I remember when I was with them in Boa Vista and they had just made a year on the mission. Yet again I am realizing that the time is short for so much work that needs to be done!
I heard that Dusty went on a Mexican cruise too this last week, and visited some of the same spots that we went to when we were there together. It made me remember so much fun stuff we did together and as a family. Something that we definitely have to do again when we have a chance as a family! He went back to the Predator site, and did my famous belly side front flip and his big swing back flip. That a boy dusty!
The work here is going amazingly awesome as usual. I feel like I have been telling you all the same story basically for about the last three weeks. How impressed I am of the ward that I am in, and the stake and such. Actually today I went to the stake center here and the president had bought us pizza and fanta to reward us for our outstanding work as he put it. The zone that I am in is seriously being blessed so much, like our zone is tearing it up. President said that he is in a tuff position because all the other missionaries want to come here, but he cannot put everyone in one place at a time. Ha. I feel so blessed to be where I am at right now.
We are teaching five families that are super tremendous. They are totally reading in the Book of Mormon, and are totally stoked for the conference this week. It is a great opportunity for them to gain a testimony that President Monson is a prophet of god, and really that this is the true church upon the earth. We have a couple weddings and baptisms that we have set for the eighteenth of this month, and we are working with the other families too. All of them are references from members in the ward, which is totally awesome. They go with us to teach them, and they bear their testimonies of the things of which we teach. I feel the spirit constantly and I am so pumped to do the work. I wish that I could purify myself to the point that I could baptize thousands of people as did the sons of Mosiah, which is totally possible, but is based on my obedience and gods will. I totally find it gratifying bearing my testimony to the people, and seeing them totally feel the spirit and embrace the gospel. If you want to know how I am doing I am doing better than I have in my whole entire life. Miracles are happening all the time, everywhere I look, and people are accepting our message at what seems like our own will. I cannot seem to walk fast enough, or plan enough things in the day. So much work, and not enough time is my motto. I feel like I am literally an instrument in the hands our Heavenly Father. It is a miraculous experience.
My companion and I are like totally best friends. Like I don’t know, maybe we knew each other in the pre-existence. We love the same things, we have the same interests, and we love to work our little Mormon b.... off. Its like unexplainable to you guys, like we have so much fun, laugh so much, and find Heavenly Fathers elects that he has placed in our road. We are on a spiritual high, and are unstoppable. I love the gospel, and I love the work. I love my parents and for all they have taught me, and for my special other and the countless things that she taught me too. Everything that I have learned in life seems to be getting put into play. I am at the pinnacle of my life as up to this point that is. Who knows what is next in line.
I love you all, and I pray for you all daily. Thank you for your prayers, and your thoughts. Thank you for being who you are, and thank you for being my family. I am so privileged to be a part of you. Have an awesome week, and know that I am kicking butt!
Love you
Elder Gatten