Dear Mom...

Thanks for writing me and telling me about that Elder's talk, it was really good. (Yesterday in Kate's ward was a missionary farewell for an Elder Scott Lee - he will enter the MTC the same day as Garrett - but he is going to Romania.  He talked about praying to receive a confirmation from the HG that he was doing the right thing.  He received that confirmation and is excited to serve the Lord and learn more about charity.  One of the YM's leaders spoke after him - he talked about testimony and how the only way to teach is by the HG - which I know you know.  He referenced D&C 42:14 - And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith, and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach.)  The Director of the MTC gave a talk on Sunday about distractions too (Keeping the Spirit should be easy for you missionaries as you remove yourselves from the world - the secular music, movies, tv - all the junk, satan throws at us.)  and how we may be limited in the MTC but when we are in the field we will need to be careful because we will have those distractions again.  Yesterday in our TRC the man we taught told us we really had a special Spirit about us (As you remain humble - knowing that all comes from God - knowing that your are vehicle for the Lord's word to go forth, you will qualify for the Spirit to be with you.  I know you know that.
He told of a story Pres Hinckley had shared - about a couple of super star missionaries  - they knew their scriptures and the language but they became arrogant - Pres. Hinckly said you don't need to be a HOT SHOT - just a humble servant - you may not be as eloquent in speaking but the Spirit will testify to the people of the truth - Travis Bailey talked about this in his report to our ward.).  He said the problem with the world is that no one really knows when they are receiving it so we need to help people realize what they are feeling.  Also a man in our branch presidency said our job is really simple,  all we have to do is teach people to have faith, then everything falls into place.

That is cool that you're having fun in CA (Life in CA is great the weather is so nice and it has been fun here with Kate and Jon and the boys.).  The weather here in Provo is so nice too.  There is a sprinkle some days but it pretty much stays between 70 and 90.  By the time you get this you would have already read my email about my flight plans (WILL YOU CALL ON THE 7th?  WHAT TIME? Let me know the details).  In the MTC I can't check anything other than my email for 30 minutes on p-day and lds.org.  But when in the field I can check my blog (Can you check blogs??).  I do not care what you put in the blog, so do whatever.  The personal stories are where people can feel the Spirit or laugh.  Ha!!

Believe me I feel the prayers.  In the temple we are reminded constantly that we have millions of people praying for us.  It is awesome. (We sure love you and pray for you - even when we bless the food - I hope you can feel those prayers.)

Well, I will talk to you later.  Thank you so much for all you do and I love you guys so much.
Love, Elder Shipley
Received 9/14/10 - forwarded from CA. - I'm impressed how much he reads my letters - gee, if I would have know this, I would have wrote my kids a daily letter.