Letter of October 28, 2008

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