Letter of November 11, 2008

Dear Family,

First of all I am feeling much better. Thursday last week I went to the doctor again and he prescribed stronger anti-cough and decongestant. Of course, the next day I reacted and have had the hives ever since but I no longer am as congested and such. I'm not taking the medication still either.

We got two new roommates, my companion and I. The two elders that were with us before moved to another room because two other elders in our district left for the Guatemala MTC last week. The two new elders aren't in our district but are in our branch. They are good, strong young men. One of them is the only non-native speaker in his destrict. It's an advanced class so they will still be gone before me even though this was their first week.

As for my own district, things are going OK. There are a few problems, mostly that it isn't very unified. Sometimes even in the church we have to take a step back and remember we are all children of God and the only difference between us all is our choices. Pride is so extremely destructive and often difficult to catch. Last night one of our teachers in an attempt to combat the disunity gave an excellent lesson on humility. I loved it and it was very edifying. However, the teacher came to my companion who is the district leader and said that she didn't think everyone really got the message. I could already tell that at least one really hadn't. She wants my comp. to give another lesson if necessary. I sincerely hope it doesn't have to be. But I think that perhaps the Lord is having us go through some specific training right now that requires it.

What I really want to say is beware, beware the awful pitfall of price. Pride destroyed the Nephites, the Jaredites, and many other nations. Pride is the universal sin. It was pride that caused Lucifer to fall. Pride is the great destroyer. President Benson gave a great talk in the April 1989 General Conference called "Beware of Pride." He expertly describes what it is and how to overcome it.

One key priciple of humility that we discussed last night was reverence. When you are reverent you are humble. Reverence is much more than just being quiet, it is having a love for your Heavenly Father and an understanding of what He has done for you. When you have this you will submit to His will and know that all things are possible through Him.

Well I probably should say a few things about me, though my letters show what is happening to me I'm sure. I am happy and grateful to be here. Basically all I feel right now is joy and gratitude for my Savior and a desire to do His will. He is everything for me, I love Him so much. I love all of you as well, very much. I remember and pray for you always.

Love
Elder Skiles