Week 6

Hermana Lutze,

We love you and we're praying for your success multiple times each day. Think of this when times get hard. I know you CAN do this and you will be a very effective missionary. (I know from personal experience that Satan works hardest on you before great things are about to happen. He wants you to fall so they won't happen.) You're about to enter another difficult period of a mission-transitioning from the CCM to the mission field. There's a fear of the unknown. I remember being frustrated, scared, and lonely but ultimately I felt the love of my Savior and His encouragement that I could do it. Once again Emily taught a great lesson on Tuesday. She's been visiting various colleges with Garrett Bolles and noticing some of their mission statements - Embrace the Grind, Finish the Drill, Win the Day Take care of each other. We then looked for a few mission statements or meaningful phrases in Deuteronomy on ways that we rise up and move forward. 

• Stand Thou Here by Me Deuteronomy 5:31-33 (think of this in relation to the answer you received in serving a mission)
• Ye were the Fewest and Ye were Chosen Deuteronomy 7:6-9 (This is speaking of you. We are chosen because we are the fewest and He will make us the mightiest if we rely on Him)
• Rejoice in every good thing Deuteronomy 26:11 and 28:1-14 (Look at these great blessings)
• Be strong and of good courage Deuteronomy 1:38, 3:28, 31:3 and 6-8, 31:14, 31:23 (Mantle changing from Moses to Joshua-You are now going out to replace a missionary in Torreon and the mantle will be on you to do the work. You've been set apart for this. The Lord is pleased with your efforts and so you should be as well.)
• Let it suffice thee Deuteronomy 3:24-29, 31:2-3 and 34:1-12
• God's will for us is good always Deuteronomy 10:12
• Take your journey Deuteronomy 2:3-7 and 13, 24 (v. 3 change the words to Ye have compassed the CCM long enough... It's time to move forward even though you don't feel ready. This allows the Lord to show you His power and to put your trust in Him.)
• Especially the Day Deuteronomy 4:9-12 and 20 (Remember what you are doing now will affect your children some day)
• The Great Things Deuteronomy 4:32-35 and 39 and 1 Nephi 18:3 (The Lord has shown Moses and Nephi and their people great things... What great things does He have to show you?)
• These Words Shall Be in Your Heart Deuteronomy 6:6-9 and 11:13-21 (When we have His words always in our hearts only then can our hearts remain soft and not become hardened)

We had an incredible presidency meeting on Tuesday. The Spirit was so strong and I was so grateful that we were being guided. You could feel it! And we just met with President Lyman. It was incredible to see how he brought up the very paragraph in Handbook 1 that we talked about in our Presidency meeting. I love knowing that our Presidency is receiving the same inspiration that he is receiving. It shows that we are on the correct path that Heavenly Father would like us to pursue as a Presidency. 

I've spent most of my week in Simulation and learning how to be a facilitator. I really enjoyed the three day class. We had our work party last night... cute pictures of you on the screen. :) 

Hannah really likes her Senior pictures. They turned out cute. I hope she finishes her college applications today.

Natalie is still working on all her music and actually spending a little time with friends. Please pray for her that she will soften her heart in regards to Personal Progress. This is still a constant battle. :(

Jakob enjoyed his camp out last night but he got really cold.

We love you! We know you have the strength and courage within you to do this! I know there are certain investigators waiting for you and what you can share with them.

Love,

Mom

P. S. We had Christmas today!!!! Sister Call gave us your gifts and we love them. I will cherish most the letter from you. (At first I didn't think I had a letter and I was so sad, but then Natalie found it.) Please learn from my mistakes. I've really tried hard not to be that way in the last few years but I'm still working on it and have relapses every once in awhile. I, too, enjoyed our time together in the temples. We'll definitely have to find more time to spend together when you return. If Hannah decides to serve a mission then it would be fun to take another trip like that with her. Should we include Dad as well? :) I'm proud of your hard work to pay for your mission. You are truly amazing!!! And yes you are smart, beautiful, funny, happy, kind, etc... Sometimes we have a hard time seeing ourselves... This is because we are too busy comparing ourselves to others and looking at what we lack instead of remembering what we are and can become! Sister Call couldn't stop talking about how incredible you are and what a great missionary you will be! She kept commenting on the light you carry with you. I know this too be true. You radiate light Rachael and those you meet will notice it! They will recognize that there is something different about you and because of that they will be drawn to find out what you have that gives you that light.