July 28, 1014

Dear friends and family,

This week was very difficult, but very rewarding. Before transfers, I
prayed for humility and patience. Because "tribulation worketh
patience" (Romans 5:3) and "a man’s pride shall bring him low: but
honour shall uphold the humble in spirit" (Proverbs 29:23), God made
sure I had plenty of tribulation. Needless to say, I was feeling kinda
down, even at church. After church, I took a little nap and read in
this month's Ensign. An article said that we need to patiently wait on
the Lord's timing and it struck me so much, because I was praying to
see the purpose in all of this. I felt the Spirit and learned that
valuable lesson, that God's timing is far better for us that anything
we could come up with ourselves and He will ALWAYS fulfill His
promises. We also had the most lessons that I've ever had so that was
another really cool blessing.

So when I started writing this, I made a spelling error on the
computer (been having some issues lately) and i meant to say humility,
but since the U is close to the I it came out Himility. I changed it
but it struck me that Humility is aligning our will with Him hence
HIMility. Pretty cool mistake but I love you all and have a great
week!

Love,
Elder Spencer Coleman

Mon, Jul 7, 2014 at 2:02 PM

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Spencer Coleman <scoleman@myldsmail.net>
Date: Mon, Jul 7, 2014 at 2:02 PM
Subject:
To: Lori Coleman <lcoleman@byu.net>

Dear Friends and Family,

We had a great week! We had a church tour with O_____ and he said that he felt the Spirit and wants to be baptized. Unfortunately, he is not as active as he needs to be. So, we will be patient as he strives to develop faith. We are also having Family Home Evening with the H______family tonight at the Brown's home. It should help them start to do it on their own. 

I had a really cool experience yesterday. Before I begin I just want to say that I love fasting. Some may say, "How does a 20 year old dude like to go without food and water for 2 meals. He is loco." I love the Spirit that accompanies you when you go without the desires of the flesh, to help the poor through fast offerings, and focus your mind on the Lord and His work. I just find it easier to be more like Him and feel the Spirit as I fast. The spiritual experience that stands out though was pondering what I should speak about next Sunday (we were actually given a full weeks notice:) so I prayed to know how I can best present the talk. (Elder Bednar's General Conference address "Bear up their burdens with ease." My favorite talk, I highly recommend reading it.) As I prayed, I felt that I should play the piano that was in my apartment. So I flipped it open and turned to "Be Still My Soul" and then "Where Can I Turn For Peace?" two of my favorite hymns. I felt the Spirit very strong as I played and knew what I need to speak on. So, I will be speaking on Finding peace through the Atonement of Christ.

I haven't written much more than this for the talk, but I think I'll share something I was thinking about. "Where Can I Turn For Peace?" It is a question that everyone throughout history has thought about, some use meditation, money, or medication. But the only way to find true and lasting peace is through Christ's Atonement. I'll close my letter with the last few lines of the song in answer to the question, "where can I turn for peace?" "He, only One. He answers privately, reaches my reaching in my Gethsemane, Savior and Friend. Gentle the peace he finds for my beseeching. Constant he is and kind, Love without end." I know the Savior loves each one of you, more than you can possibly imagine. I hope you come to feel this in your life is my prayer. I love you all and have a nice week!

Love,

Elder Spencer Coleman