Christmas Eve is Here!

It was good to see pictures of Matt and Mackenzie's little guy.  I hope that he is doing well.  It's sad to hear that he has little problems with health, but it doesn't sound too serious, so I hope the recovery is quick.

This week I really devoted myself to reading Our Heritage. I was able to start and finish the book this week, and it really opened my eyes to how different (many times) the church feels today.  The people in the early days of the church were so dedicated to their beliefs me to see that I can do so much more as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. I could feel my spiritual eyes opening a bit, and I see the bigger picture of things.  I love to have experience like this.  It is something that humbles me, and gives me the hope that I need to work harder and to be better.  We really limit ourselves a lot of times. We forget that we have made great covenants with God, and that with obedience to these covenants comes great blessings and miracles.

Something that I am coming to recognize in the mission is that there really is something special about reading.  I think you know well that before the mission, I didn't like to read too much.  But here, it is really opening me up.  I am reading so much more than ever before, and I can feel the Spirit with me so much more as I am procuring more knowledge and further wisdom.  It is incredible.  I am now taking on the task of finishing Jesus the Christ.  I have been reading a little bit at a time since last February, but now I will make it a goal to finish by the end of next week.  I am really happy, and I am able to see through the difficulties that are about me, and I can't thank you and mom enough for how well and how diligently you raised me.  You guys were always a firm foundation for me, and I know that as I start to build my life in the future, it will be strong enough to withstand the forces of evil.

I love you So much, and I can't wait to talk to you tomorrow.

Elder Nielson

P.S. We still don't know what time we will call tomorrow.  The only irmã that invited us to her house is waiting to know what time her son will call.  He left the MTC to his mission this week, and will let her know today.  We will call between 4pm-7pm Recife time.  We will know a little later the exact time, and we will let Sister Houseman know.  She was nice enough to offer to send a message informing you guys when we know.

P.P.S In my last area one member had a daughter that lives in Utah.  She came to visit, and she told me she works at DI in Springville. Her name is B----- K----.  I will attach two pics that I took with her parents.  So Dad can search her out the next time he goes looking for a good book to read.