Br Luebke's Influence - 12-11-08

Dad,

Thank you for the story (from the New Era) that is one of my favorites. As I read it I can still remember Bro Luebke telling that story to all of the teachers quorum up at his cabin. Then after he was done we all walked out to a clearing and separated, and had our own personal prayer in the still, quiet space. Looking back on that time, I wish that I could have done it more and cherished that time more.

After Bro. Luebke died, we talked about what he was doing. In Doctrine and Covenants 138:57 it talks about missionary work in heaven. I would like you to read it some time and tell me how it makes you feel.

I know with full asurety that Bro. Luebke is working hard in heaven and helping David find the people that are ready for the Gospel.

You asked what I would like for Christmas and I would really like a copy of this months New Era, so that I have a copy to hold onto, and read that story from the book. that story really has value to me in many ways. It has helped me in my life, and looking back in my life I would be a whole lot different without Bro. Leubke and David's influence.

Thank you again for sending it to me in a letter, and thank you for knowing what I needed to remind me of the lessons that I have already learned in my life.

Thank you and I love you.
- Elder Boy, your son, forever!

P.S. Can you send that to Anneke and have her put it up under the scriptures tab as New Era Dec 08 - The Gift Box by Scott Luebke

1st Pres Christmas Broadcast - 12-9-08

Dad,

Hey, just wondering what is going on at home and how everyone is doing.I hope all is well and that everyone is getting ready for Christmas. There was a Christmas broadcast from the First Presidency yesterday and it was really cool to hear the prophet talk about Christmas and the true meaning of it.

-Elder Boy

The Gift Box - 12-8-08

William,

I talked to Grandma Boy yesterday, she went to her Ward Christmas party and told everyone that she had 3 grandson on mission this year. She is so proud of all of you.

We went to the company Christmas party last week. It was at Thanksgiving point. They had entertainment, it was a group called "Octepella" they sang without any instrument backup, and they were funny too. They sounded like the guys that sing "Where in the world is Carmen San Diego.

We are getting ready for Christmas, cleaning the house and getting gifts. On Saturday we had our Ward party, it was a "Day of Caring" we made over 30 gift boxes for families that would not have Christmas this year.

In Elders Quorum I was asked to tell about a Christ-like Christmas that our family has had. I told how we had done a Sub for Santa for a family when you kids were very young, and how much fun you kids had helping buy Christmas for a family that you would never meet.

This Saturday we are driving to Las Vegas to pick up Patricia so that she can work over the Christmas vacation. I am not sure if you have been keeping in touch with David Luebke, but his Dad had a story in this months New Era. I thought that you would enjoy it if you haven't had a chance to read it yet.

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The Gift Box
by Scott Luebke

When I was seven, I thought I had the true meaning of christmas all figured out. Christmas was more than just receiving gifts. You had to be willing to give a gift if you expected to receive one in return. Each year our gifts to friends and neigh­bors were Mom's holiday cookies and candies. Her walnut divinity was famous. My sisters and I would pitch in to help deliver plates of treats around the neighborhood. The neighbors would reciprocate by deliver­ing their own favorite treats to our house— completing the exchange program. That year the last of the neighbors came by with their gift on Christmas Eve. However, instead of a plate of cookies, they gave us a small, beautifully wrapped present. They instructed us not to open it until we had opened all the other gifts under the tree the next day.

I used my best detective skills to try to determine what was inside. But the only clue I could find was a gift tag that merely added to my curiosity: "To the Luebke Family—the Greatest Gift of All." That was quite a promise for such a small box—espe­cially when all we had given them was homemade cookies and candy. Christmas morning finally came, and we opened all our presents. (Then, as we sat in the carnage of torn wrapping paper and opened boxes, Mom brought out the mysterious gift and read the tag. My sister and I fought over who would open it. I don't recall who won, but I clearly remember my disappoint­ment when I saw what was inside the box— nothing except a card. I had been skeptical that this gift would really be "the Greatest Gift of All," but I had certainly expected more than a handwritten card. Mom, on the other hand, was visibly touched by the card.

The next year when the Christmas decora­tions went up, the little present was back under the tree, like an unwanted fruitcake. I lifted the lid, hoping that I had missed some­thing the year before. But it proved again to be an empty box with a simple card in it. As the years went by, that little gift became a family tradition. Every year it was the first present under the tree and the last one opened on Christmas morning. In my teenage years my attitude began to soften toward the little gift.The first Christmas after my mission, I headed home for the holidays after a semester at college. As I walked through the door, the memory of many Christmases at home came flooding back. As I looked in the living room, I saw it, that unusual little present, alone under the tree. It showed the wear of having many heavy packages piled on top of it over the years. I picked it up with a reverence I had never shown it before. The tag was still attached: "To the Luebke Family—the Greatest Gift of All." As I lifted the lid and read the card inside, I now had a testimony that it truly did represent the greatest gift our family could ever be given. It read, "From Jesus Christ— The Gift of Eternal Life."

I am grateful for the family who gave us this family tradition that has blessed our Christmases by reminding us of the greatest gift of all.

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I can't believe that next week you will be heading for Virginia. Let us know if there is anything that you need or want for Christmas? We are putting together a care package for you, so let us know soon. Also we will need your new address as soon as possible so we can get the care package in the mail in time to get it to you for Christmas.

We love you, and pray for you and all of the missionaries everyday.
-Dad, Mary Ann and Benson

She Might be an Angel - 12-08-08

Dear Dad,

Dad, this song has been in my head for the past week. (She Might be an Angel) I think it is because all we have been talking about this week is Charity. Everytime I think about it, I think of you, and those many times you have told me, and the times that I have been there to see the times that you helped those in need. In those times you were a big example to me, and you showed me that charity is another way to thank my Heavenly Father for the blessings that I have.On my mission I will have many opportunities to serve and to help people, and I hope that I can be as selfless as you are when those times come.

Thank you,
Elder Boy


She Might be an Angel
by Steiner Tommy Shane

There's a man standing on the corner
With a sign sayin "will work for food"
You know the man
You see him every morning
The one you never give your money to
You can sit there with your window rolled up
Wondering when the lights going to turn green
Never knowing what a couple more bucks
In his pocket might mean

What if he's an angel sent here from Heaven
And he's making certain that you're doing your best
To take the time to help one another
Brother are you going to pass that test
You can go on with your day to day
Trying to forget what you saw in his face
Knowing deep down it could have been his saving grace
What if he's an angel

There's a man, There's a woman
Living right above you in apartment
G, There's alot of noise coming from the ceiling
And it don't sound like harmony
You can sit there with your TV turned up
While the words and his anger fly
Come tomorrow when you see her with her shades on
Can you look her in the eye

What if she's sent here from heaven
And she's making certain that you're doing your best
To take the time to help one another
Brother are you going to pass that test
You can go on with your day to day
Trying to forget what you saw in her face
Knowing deep down it could have been her saving grace
What if she's an angel

A little girl on daddy's lap
Hiding her disease with a baseball cap
You can turn the channel, Most people do
But what if you were sitting in her daddy's shoes

Maybe she's an angel
Sent here from Heaven
And she's making certain you're doing your best
To take the time to help one another
Brother are you going to pass that test
You can go on with your day to day
Trying to forget what you saw in her face
Knowing deep down it could have been her saving grace
What if she's an angel

Email to William - 12-2-08

Son,

I love you, and I am sorry that I haven't taken the time to write you an email this week. I am very proud of you and the growth that you have shown these last several weeks.

Your mother and I have had more pleasant conversations since you have left, then the entire time since the divorce. So there are some benefits that we are seeing because of your mission already.

Keep up the great work, I love you
- Dad

William's Email Address - 12-2-08

Dad,

Just thought that you would like to know that I have an email account now.

It is gameday@myldsmail.com.

If you would like to email me sometime today I only have 1/2 hour. I can spend it how I want, so if you email me anytime today before 3pm I should get it. Anytime after that I might not get it until next week.

-Elder Boy

Bean Bag Chair and the Roof - 11-26-08

This last week has been really fast and yet each day is really slow. I feel like I have been here forever and really want to get out in to the field and start helping people find the true and everlasting gospel.I have had some really cool experiences that I will have to tell you when I get home so don't forget to remind me about the cat and the water balloon launcher, so anyway, the MTC is really cool and I can't wait to get out of here.

Some of the people here are really cool and I never want to see them again, and the bean bag chair and the roof are not good things to use in a sentence so ( no I promised that I would not tell anyone about that fun little experience and so don't ask just think about all the thing you can do on top of a roof with a bean bag chair) so this week has had some fun time and some fast falls but we are all ok except for elder... ha you thought that I would tell you the name

bye, love you all and I pray that you are all safe. Thank you for the packages(high pitched) "BYE!"
- Elder boy

Ultra-Concentrated Joy - 11-24-08

Hello Son,

We spent the weekend getting the yard ready for winter. We raked all of the leaves, cleaned out the garage out and put the Christmas lights on the house. We got all of the Halloween decorations up in the garage and all of the Christmas decorations down.Sue and Grandma send their love and said that they got the thank you notes that you wrote them. I hope that you get a chance to see ‘Mooker’ at Thanksgiving dinner.Mom told me that you have a companion from Washington State, Elder MacIntire. Mary Ann used to live in Kent, Washington. What city is Elder MacIntire from? Benson taught Indy how to shake hands, it’s really cute. Someone broke into the truck while Benson was on a date with the priest quorum. They broke the door handle and the driver’s side window. But they didn’t take anything.I was pleased and surprised to see that Anneke DID really did update your home page. I will get the pictures from the MTC to Mom so they can get put onto your page.

Well at church on Sunday Ben Sampson gave a talk about how the gospel shows us that we can find true happiness. He was walking down the detergent aisle at Wal-mart and found a bottle of “Ultra-Concentrated Joy” (like the bottle that we have by the sink) and then it hit him. We can be happy if we live a good life, and we can be happy if we make good choices. But if we follow the Lords plan and live a life that is in harmony with the gospel of Jesus Christ we can know “Ultra-Concentrated Joy”

William, at this Thanksgiving time I want you to know how thankful that I am for the gospel and the part that it has played in helping me to know how to find true happiness. I also want you to know how thankful I am to have you as a son. I hope that you are learning a lot in the MTC and finding a happiness that will help to set the tone for your entire mission.

I love you son, and I find myself thinking about you all the time. Mary Ann sends her love, and Benson just grunted when I asked him if he wanted to say something to you.

Love, - Dad

Letter to Dad- 11-23-08

Dear Dad,

Today was really relaxed and I was able to take it easy today. Also, I saw Elder Bentz today at lunch.Just a quick update, my Companion is Elder McIntire, he is from Washington and is a really cool companion. I am really excited to get out to Virginia and start working. I might be leaving one week later then expected, but I will let you know after Monday. My P-day (preparation day) is Tuesday so I will email you at that time.

Love you,Elder Boy

P.S. I got a new pen, it opens up like a light saber.

William's Letter – 11-23-08

Dear Everyone,

I would like everyone to know that I am well and that I am really exited to serve. With all of the stuff we are learning the first day it is a little overwhelming, but I know that there will be a way to understand all of this.

Elder Boy

William 1st Email - 11-22-08

Dad,

The MTC is a really cool place, although I can't really see any mountains and yesterday I saw the street light, that was the weirdest feeling so far. I have learned alot since Wednesday and I can't wait until I get out in the field.

Oh, by the way, I am not leaving on the 9th I am leaving on the 17th. My district all got moved back one week and so we are all kind of bummed, but, we all are having a good time here. The food is really great and gym time is not long enough though we make the best of it. My companion and I are really bonding, we have already learned the first lesson and are getting ready to learn the 2nd. We have had time to teach volunteer investigators and did a really good job our first time.

That is all I have right now. I will not be checking my email until next Tuesday so if you what to send me a letter then send it to dearelder.com as a letter.

So bye- Elder Boy

Lift where you stand - 11-19-08

William,

I am very proud of your decision to serve your Heavenly Father as a full-time Missionary. I can't believe how you have grown in just the last few weeks. Our prayers will be with you as we figure out exactly what it means to have a missionary out in the mission field. Last week in Elders Quorum we had a lesson based on the talk "Lift Where You Stand" by President Uchtdorf, the Second Counselor in the First Presidency. As soon as I heard it I thought of you. I thought that it was just the kind of story that would help you know that where you are is exactly where the Lord needs you to be right now. Your choices got you here, and what you do now that you are there will determine the experiences that you have on your mission. I know that you heard this story while you where at the General Priesthood session in October but I thought I would include it for you as a reference.

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"Lift Where You Stand"
by Pres Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

Some years ago in our meetinghouse in Darmstadt, Germany, a group of brethren was asked to move a grand piano from the chapel to the adjoining cultural hall, where it was needed for a musical event. None were professional movers, and the task of getting that gravity-friendly instrument through the chapel and into the cultural hall seemed nearly impossible. Everybody knew that this task required not only physical strength but also careful coordination. There were plenty of ideas, but not one could keep the piano balanced correctly. They repositioned the brethren by strength, height, and age over and over again—nothing worked.As they stood around the piano, uncertain of what to do next, a good friend of mine, Brother Hanno Luschin, spoke up. He said, "Brethren, stand close together and lift where you stand."It seemed too simple. Nevertheless, each lifted where he stood, and the piano rose from the ground and moved into the cultural hall as if on its own power. That was the answer to the challenge. They merely needed to stand close together and lift where they stood. I have often thought of Brother Luschin's simple idea and have been impressed by its profound truth.

Tonight I would like to expand on that simple concept, "lift where you stand."This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of John Rowe Moyle. John was a convert to the Church who left his home in England and traveled to the Salt Lake Valley as part of a handcart company. He built a home for his family in a small town a valley away from Salt Lake City. John was an accomplished stonecutter and, because of this skill, was asked to work on the Salt Lake Temple. Every Monday John left home at two o'clock in the morning and walked six hours in order to be at his post on time. On Friday he would leave his work at five o'clock in the evening and walk almost until midnight before arriving home. He did this year after year.One day, while he was doing his chores at home, a cow kicked him in the leg, causing a compound fracture. With limited medical resources, the only option was to amputate the broken leg. So John's family and friends strapped him onto a door and, with a bucksaw, cut off his leg a few inches from the knee.In spite of the crude surgery, the leg started to heal. Once John could sit up in bed, he began carving a wooden leg with an ingenious joint that served as an ankle to an artificial foot. Walking on this device was extremely painful, but John did not give up, building up his endurance until he could make the 22-mile (35-km) journey to the Salt Lake Temple each week, where he continued his work.His hands carved the words "Holiness to the Lord" that stand today as a golden marker to all who visit the Salt Lake Temple. John did not do this for the praise of man. Neither did he shirk his duty, even though he had every reason to do so. He knew what the Lord expected him to do.Years later, John's grandson Henry D. Moyle was called as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve and, eventually, served in the First Presidency of the Church. President Moyle's service in these callings was honorable, but his grandfather John's service, though somewhat less public, is just as pleasing to the Lord.John's character, his legacy of sacrifice, serves as a banner of faithfulness and an ensign of duty to his family and to the Church. John Rowe Moyle understood the meaning of "lift where you stand."

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I hope you will "Lift Where You Stand" William. the Lord has told you that he will lift you up and give you the power to do the things that he has asked you to do. You do not always know the the outcome, but if you will do your best to do the Lord's will, you can be sure that it will be worth it.Again, I love you and I am proud of you. I hope that you are getting the hang of life in the MTC. I am sure that they have a lot for you to do. Put your shoulder to the wheel and push along.Today is the first day of the best two years of your life.

Love,- Dad

19-Nov-2008

-- "It's never to late to live happily ever after."

Richmond, Virginia Mission

William will be leaving on Dec 17, 2008 to begin serving the people in the Richmond, Virginia Area. He will be in Virginia for the next 2 years, and although we will miss him we wish him the best of luck.





William and his "Little" brother Benson at the front gate of the MTC on Nov 19, 2008.


<-- William and his Mother

his Dad, Anneke, and Benson. -->

and last minute visiting before saying goodbye.

William's Web Site

Anneke (William's sister) is maintaining a website that William designed before he left on his mission. She is doing a great job keeping it up to date with the latest information that William sends to her and her mother.

http://sites.google.com/site/wboy4mission/

Elder Bentz's Site

William's Aunt Susan is maintaining a blog for William's Cousin Michael, who is serving a mission in Frankfort, Germany. You can visit his site at:
http://eldermooker.blogspot.com/