I just wanted to share a few excerpts from Brandon's last letters to his family from the MTC. Brandon has done such a great job sharing his testimony with each member of our family and teaching and challenging us individually. Some things he shared blew us away...wear a helmet??? Things we had said to Brandon for years are coming right back! We have loved getting these letters! Here is a little part from each letter this last week...
To Zachy Poo... "I am so glad you are excited to serve a mission. You are going to be such a good missionary too! I love you so much Zach!"
To Caden..."I want you to know, Caden. The Savior lives. He lives. He is real.He loves you. He died for you and me. He watches over you. He is with me. I feel His presence. Pray to know how He helps you in your life, because He is there. You just gotta listen and the Holy Ghost will help you know. I'm am thankful, Caden, for you in my life."
To Cam da Man... "How's skating? I want you to be careful. Cameron, don't do anything you don't think you should do. It is dangerous! Pray so the Spirit will warn you.Just because you are good, doesn't mean you are safe...so promise me you will always wear a helmet. OK? Read your scriptures. You will learn to love them. Apply what you read though. It can be hard at first, but it will become easier after practice." "Don't listen to bad music...don't do it! I don't care if everyone does it...it is Satan's way to bring you down. I miss you and love you, bud!"
To Brooke..."I love you. there are so many things in America that are of the devil. He decieves us...he makes things look good and appealing. The biggest lie he ever told is that he doesn't exist, and people believe it. Music can be one of the greatest things in the world and of God...but it can also be so bad and sex driven and drug pushin, etc. It can lead to negative thoughts and even be spiritual damning." "I am so proud of you. I'm proud that you got your Patriarchal Blessing. I love mine and I refer to it all the time and I know you will too."
To Mommy... "I got your letter about the specific time you felt you needed to pray for me. I looked back in my journal to that night...I had written... I miss my dad, my mom, Brooke, Cameron, Caden, and Zach. But then I was comforted and things were better. I know your prayer helped me right then. I love you mom. Thank you for being in tune with the Spirit. I know if you were here, I'd be making you proud. I try to think about that everyday. That's how I determine how I act...if you were here... what would I do. I remember all of our talks and I am applying all that you taught me I love you! Mom, you have done such an awesome job at raising our family. I know Jesus Christ and God are proud of you. I miss your cookies. You are my hero, mom. I love you!"
To Papa Smurf..."You are such an awesome father. I have learned so much from you. I think it is ironic that I now look back at everything you taught me and know you were right! i will be thanking you throughout my life for everything you taught me that I didn't agree with at the time...so go ahead and say it..."I told you so!" But seriously, dad, I love you. I can't wait to be a father so I can follow your example. I am so thankful for my mission. I have learned so much and I am becoming the person that I aspire to be."
