December 5, 2011

12-5-11

Hey again all,

                I hope everyone had a happy and productive week! Unfortunately, ours wasn’t as productive as one might hope. I’ve been dealing with a few bouts of illness that have seriously put a damper on the work here in Athens. I’m feeling MUCH better now though and this week looks as though it should be much better.

                Friday night, the Athens ward had their annual Christmas social, which included a talent show. Elder Miller and I were involved in the Elders Quorum skit, which turned out pretty well. We did a “dry synchronized swim”.  I’m not exactly sure how to explain it… but I’m sure by now it’s made its way to Facebook or YouTube or both. If for some reason it hasn’t, I’ll be sure to send video clips of the skit to anyone who wants them.

                I don’t know how many of you had the opportunity to watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional last night, but I absolutely loved it. For anyone who may have recorded it to watch later or just happens to catch a replay at some point in time, I definitely recommend watching it. I always love hearing from our dear Prophet, President Monson. I love the spirit that can be felt as I listen to the words of the prophets of God. What a privilege it is to live in the time and age when the words of the Prophets and Apostles are so easily accessible.

                I love you all very much and I want each of you to know that I have deep and abiding testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ. When I left for my mission, I had a very simple testimony, of very basic gospel truths. I don’t know that my testimony now is any more elaborate or complex. I have the same knowledge that God lives; that Jesus is truly the Christ; that they love us so intensely that we cannot begin to comprehend the magnitude. While my testimony is yet simple, it has been driven into my very heart. I have experienced my Father’s love in too many ways to ever deny His existence. I have witnessed too many demonstrations of His power to ever doubt the reality of His Priesthood and the restoration of that Priesthood in these Latter-days. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is without a doubt His church. It is presided over by a true Prophet of God as genuine as any one may find in the history of the Earth. All of the tools and resources we require in order to return to presence of our Heavenly Father have been provided. It is our task to make use of those tools unto our own progression and perfection. I know that if we will do so, all things are possible. I love the Lord and I will be eternally grateful for this opportunity to be his full-time servant. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

All my love,

Elder Michael P. Lyman

   Texas Dallas Mission

 

 

P.S. I am nearly positive I should be able to skype on Christmas. I'll have more details as it gets a little closer, but we've determined who we'll be spending Christmas with and I don't expect any problems skyping. I love you!