Dear Family,
I have been having a great time. Yesterday, however, can be described in one instance. I was walking back to my dorm room at 9:35pm having just finished the day and got distracted by something behind me. I kept looking behind me staring off into space, and the next thing I know I run straight into a pole. I had some pent up frustration in me so I started hitting the pole till I didn’t feel angry anymore. As I was changing, all I could say is “I have a hard head”. My head didn’t hurt and it still doesn’t even though I have a good sized lump on my head. I’m not sure I will ever forget the A-flat ping the pole made as it woke up my mind fully for the first time in a few days.
I have been fighting feeling sick the last few days. It hasn’t hindered me but it still isn’t easy. It really isn’t anything new. Yet I am grateful because it helps keep me humble and focused. I have really taken a love to scriptures and prayer because of it. I know I am entitled to healing by the priesthood, but I would rather live with it for my whole life than let my pride gain any ground. In reality, I have really cursed myself to always have physical problems. I asked to be humble. I asked the Lord to humble me in any and every way so that I can best serve Him. I am grateful for the trials I face and will gladly face more. Like the sons of Mosiah, I will bear with patience mine afflictions that perhaps I might bring one soul unto repentance (read Mosiah 26, it has become one of my favorite chapters).
Learn to apply the scriptures, not just understand the principles but learn how the prophets and missionaries in the Book of Mormon acted, what they did, what they thought. Follow their examples and be who you think they were. Try and just be who you think and feel Christ is exercising faith and you will find Him in yourself. You will begin to see Him everywhere, especially in your own eyes. You will find your very being will begin to be filled with a flame that will burn in your heart always, and the spirit will be ever present. Don’t ask why, don’t question, just do. “Iré y Haré”. “I will go and I will do,” like Nephi. The Lord has a might work for each and every one of you to do. Let Him prepare you. I trusted in Him and let Him do His work in me. Let my heart change, and that was sufficient.
Things are about to get bad. The toughest times this world has ever seen are around the corner, they are here. The wrath of the almighty God is coming down on the children of men. The Lord’s arm is almost laid bare. Hold fast to the rod. Hold it with all your might, for it will save your life, as it has mine.
Love,Elder Skiles
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Letter of October 21, 2008
Dear Family,
The MTC is not really what I expected. The spirit here is akin to the temple. I can feel the spirit at all times in all places. We are given power to learn and study we didn't have before. Time seems to have been slowed down to increase the amount of knowledge we can take in. It feels as if I have been here for months. Yet I haven't even been here a full week yet. Time doesn't seem to go slow though. Let me just say this, in the MTC time really doesn't exist. This really is a place for the Lord's Priesthood army to assemble and learn.
The power of the spirit is intense. To listen to hundreds of missionaries sing with the spirit is an unequaled experience. In a week I feel I have grown more than the last few years. We as elders are a rock that has been cut out of the mountain without hands. We are an unstoppable power. All of us are numbered among the noble and great ones. That I know for a surity. By all of us I mean everyone in the Church and many in the rest of the world. This is not my doctrine, it is one of the things I have learned here.
Do not doubt yourself. You all are the greatest spirits to ever walk this earth. Your potential is huge. Any one of you could be the means of bringing entire nations unto Christ. Never underestimate your ability. Abanadi though he brought one soul unto Christ, that one soul was the reason and lineage of the next half of the Book of Mormon. Alma brought hundreds into the gospel and was the father of Alma the Younger, who was the father of Helaman, who was the father of Helaman, who was the father of Nephi, the father of Nephi the Apostle. Knowing this and what each of these prophets did, Abinadi's diligence and faith eventually led to the salvation of millions of souls. He brought one soul unto Christ during his ministry, but his example, diligence and faith are everlasting.
I urge you to even now let everyone you know who you know you are and who is your Protector, Savior and Redeemer. You have the most important message on this earth. The Gospel is the most important thing there is other than your family. The knowledge and truth you have is what men have fought, lived and died for for many hundreds of years. What you have to say may very well be the words that eventually bring some soul or many souls eternal incomprehensible joy. You could literally save a life. For that is what I am doing, saving spiritual lives even as they are dying from an eternal death. Like the sons of Mosiah, I can't bear the thought that any soul should perish (Mosiah 28:3). I love you all very much.
Love,
Elder Skiles
The MTC is not really what I expected. The spirit here is akin to the temple. I can feel the spirit at all times in all places. We are given power to learn and study we didn't have before. Time seems to have been slowed down to increase the amount of knowledge we can take in. It feels as if I have been here for months. Yet I haven't even been here a full week yet. Time doesn't seem to go slow though. Let me just say this, in the MTC time really doesn't exist. This really is a place for the Lord's Priesthood army to assemble and learn.
The power of the spirit is intense. To listen to hundreds of missionaries sing with the spirit is an unequaled experience. In a week I feel I have grown more than the last few years. We as elders are a rock that has been cut out of the mountain without hands. We are an unstoppable power. All of us are numbered among the noble and great ones. That I know for a surity. By all of us I mean everyone in the Church and many in the rest of the world. This is not my doctrine, it is one of the things I have learned here.
Do not doubt yourself. You all are the greatest spirits to ever walk this earth. Your potential is huge. Any one of you could be the means of bringing entire nations unto Christ. Never underestimate your ability. Abanadi though he brought one soul unto Christ, that one soul was the reason and lineage of the next half of the Book of Mormon. Alma brought hundreds into the gospel and was the father of Alma the Younger, who was the father of Helaman, who was the father of Helaman, who was the father of Nephi, the father of Nephi the Apostle. Knowing this and what each of these prophets did, Abinadi's diligence and faith eventually led to the salvation of millions of souls. He brought one soul unto Christ during his ministry, but his example, diligence and faith are everlasting.
I urge you to even now let everyone you know who you know you are and who is your Protector, Savior and Redeemer. You have the most important message on this earth. The Gospel is the most important thing there is other than your family. The knowledge and truth you have is what men have fought, lived and died for for many hundreds of years. What you have to say may very well be the words that eventually bring some soul or many souls eternal incomprehensible joy. You could literally save a life. For that is what I am doing, saving spiritual lives even as they are dying from an eternal death. Like the sons of Mosiah, I can't bear the thought that any soul should perish (Mosiah 28:3). I love you all very much.
Love,
Elder Skiles
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
First Letter from the MTC
Letter dated 10/15/08 (the day Elder Skiles entered the MTC)
Dear Family,
Well I'm here. The MTC is a well oiled machine that runs smoothly and effectively. They have a very strict system. I was moved into the intermediate class and so should be leaving in 8 weeks instead of 3. My companion is Elder J----s, who is the district leader as well. Every week we are required to prepare a talk on a given subject, and two people will be called on in the meeting to give their talk in Spanish. We have one sister in our district as well. This is a new experience. I am glad to be here. It is truly the work of God going forth among the children of men.
The Lord sends us imperfect young men to do this most important work so that He may build us up into the very leaders that He needs to send our sons and daughters in the world to proclaim His message of joy and happiness. I love each and every one of you and ask that every one of you, including Mom and Dad, become more missionary-minded everyday.
Love, David Skiles
Dear Family,
Well I'm here. The MTC is a well oiled machine that runs smoothly and effectively. They have a very strict system. I was moved into the intermediate class and so should be leaving in 8 weeks instead of 3. My companion is Elder J----s, who is the district leader as well. Every week we are required to prepare a talk on a given subject, and two people will be called on in the meeting to give their talk in Spanish. We have one sister in our district as well. This is a new experience. I am glad to be here. It is truly the work of God going forth among the children of men.
The Lord sends us imperfect young men to do this most important work so that He may build us up into the very leaders that He needs to send our sons and daughters in the world to proclaim His message of joy and happiness. I love each and every one of you and ask that every one of you, including Mom and Dad, become more missionary-minded everyday.
Love, David Skiles
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Elder Skiles enters the MTC
Elder David Skiles entered the MTC today in Provo, Utah at 1 pm.
We, mom and dad, and Sister, Carlene, all went to the training center to see him off.
We, mom and dad, and Sister, Carlene, all went to the training center to see him off.
Putting on the badge.
There were approximately 400 missionaries who entered the MTC in Provo today. Both the MTC president, his wife, and one of his counselors spoke to all of us. After the meeting, all of the missionaries filed out through the back of the room. Obviously, it was a very tender moment for all of us.
Interesting facts: The church maintains 300 dairy cows specifically to provide the milk needs of the MTC--about 400 gallons of milk a day. The missionaries at the MTC go through about 1.2 tons of cereal each year. There are about 2,200 missionaries in the MTC at any given time.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Setting Apart as a full-time missionary
David was set apart this evening by President D. Jeffrey Burnham, president of the Kirkland Washington Stake. His father, grandfather Weight, and Bishop John Farmer stood in the circle. Now that he is set apart, we will refer to him as 'Elder Skiles' from now on. Elder Skiles was set apart in his home with his family present.
Some thoughts from his blessing:
He was set apart as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and assigned to serve in the Chile Santiago East Mission. He was blessed with the gift of knowledge and the gift of healing. He was blessed that he would learn to love their culture and their language. He was blessed that he would be able to speak the language clearly. He was blessed with a deep testimony of the gospel and a knowledge and understanding of the Atonement and be able to teach it to the people of Chile.
He was admonished to get up and go to work every day--even when sick. However, he was blessed that no bug would harm him, but would pass through his body quickly.
Some thoughts from his blessing:
He was set apart as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and assigned to serve in the Chile Santiago East Mission. He was blessed with the gift of knowledge and the gift of healing. He was blessed that he would learn to love their culture and their language. He was blessed that he would be able to speak the language clearly. He was blessed with a deep testimony of the gospel and a knowledge and understanding of the Atonement and be able to teach it to the people of Chile.
He was admonished to get up and go to work every day--even when sick. However, he was blessed that no bug would harm him, but would pass through his body quickly.
David's Farewell Sacrament Meeting
David's farewell Sacrament Meeting was held today. Except for Carlene, David's immediate family was all there. Also in attendance were his Grandma and Grandpa Skiles, his Grandma and Grandpa Weight, his Aunt Michelle and Uncle Brett, his cousins Camille and Gabe, and his good friend Theo Squires.
Marc, Tammy, and David all spoke on the subject of 'Watchmen on the Tower'. Janai and Marc sang "Be Still My Soul" and the ward choir sang "Come, Come Ye Saints".
Some thoughts from David's talk:
"I have had many watchmen on the tower. In many ways, we are all watchmen on the tower. We can be protected and uplifted by them. We canchoose to listen and heed their counsel or to ignore them. Abinadi and King Noah are great examples of how this works. King Noah and his priests murdered Abinadi and later were killed by fire and disease. Alma listened to Abinadi and later brought many to the truth. We need to heed the counsel and guidance of the Holy Ghost. Always remember the Savior. He will guide us away from the evils of the world."
Marc, Tammy, and David all spoke on the subject of 'Watchmen on the Tower'. Janai and Marc sang "Be Still My Soul" and the ward choir sang "Come, Come Ye Saints".
Some thoughts from David's talk:
"I have had many watchmen on the tower. In many ways, we are all watchmen on the tower. We can be protected and uplifted by them. We canchoose to listen and heed their counsel or to ignore them. Abinadi and King Noah are great examples of how this works. King Noah and his priests murdered Abinadi and later were killed by fire and disease. Alma listened to Abinadi and later brought many to the truth. We need to heed the counsel and guidance of the Holy Ghost. Always remember the Savior. He will guide us away from the evils of the world."
Sunday, October 5, 2008
David Receives His Call
Elder David Skiles received his mission call from President Thomas S. Monson with a letter dated June 17, 2008. In part, the letter from President Monson reads:
"You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Chile Santiago East Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 24 months."
He is to report to the Missionary Training Center at Provo, Utah on Wednesday, October 15, 2008. It also states:
"Your purpose will be to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. As you serve with all your heart, might, and strength, the Lord will lead you to those who are prepared to be baptized."
It is signed by President Monson.
"You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Chile Santiago East Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 24 months."
He is to report to the Missionary Training Center at Provo, Utah on Wednesday, October 15, 2008. It also states:
"Your purpose will be to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. As you serve with all your heart, might, and strength, the Lord will lead you to those who are prepared to be baptized."
It is signed by President Monson.
Our Last Family Vacation
The whole family went on its last summer vacation before David goes on his mission to Santiago, Chile. This is a picture of the family at Lake Wenatchee. August 25, 2008
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