It’s a major award

Oh hi Bakey,

I just wanted to send you a letter tonight because of everything going on. It’s all good too.

Today mom won the teacher of the year award. She’s been downplaying it but according to uncle Tim it’s pretty awesome. She brought home a bunch of goodies and gift certificates. I’m so proud of her. Plus, she has a job interview Friday that she’s excited/nervous about. I’m starting to think of her as a super hero these days. She’s only been doing this for six years, I think that’s insane.

Ben got some really good news yesterday too. He applied for a research assistant job at the U and he got it. He’s going to his first meeting tomorrow then he’ll get to quit his job at smith’s. He also found out today that he got a job as a teaching assistant in the mathematics department helping students with calculus next fall semester. He was also offered a lab assistant job for this summer, but he’ll probably have to turn that down assuming his research job works out, which I’m confident that it will. He also had his last final today, he came home in a great mood, so I’m hoping he did well.

I’m back to work twice a week, which I’m going to have to get used to. It’s going to be tough balancing cars and rides and everything. One of your brothers is going to have to learn to drive a stick.

Your cousin Max got his mission call to New Zealand, so I guess he’s better than us. He doesn’t leave till September. It will be exciting.

Jordan sent a recorded letter yesterday. Most of it was about moving because his old house had no water, and how now he only takes cold showers. Then the rest was how he doesn’t like to talk about all the baptisms he has then he bragged about him.

Mom’s buddy Ashley is having her baptismal interview with her bishop tomorrow. Mom’s going with her for support. Her bishop sounds a little like our Texas bishop, so it’s good mom’s going.

My cousin’s kids viewing is Friday. We’re going to miss part or all of auntie Selena’s surprise birthday party. The funeral is Saturday.

I was reading a talk this morning and thought of you and what you are going to do to increase your hard work. This quote is from Sister Carol Mckonkie, who was in the ward I grew up in.

Holiness is in the striving and the struggle to keep the commandments and to honor the covenants we have made with God. Holiness is making the choices that will keep the Holy Ghost as our guide. Holiness is setting aside our natural tendencies and becoming “a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord.” “Every moment of [our lives] must be holiness to the Lord.”

I think if you replace the phrase keep the commandments with work harder or be more dedicated it fits you perfectly. Don’t get the idea that I in any way think that you are not working har or are not dedicated. I’m full of faith and pride in the way you are growing now. I can see the growth and dedication in each letter you send. But with that growth comes the desire and capacity to do more. So keep striving and keep struggling to do more and work harder. This cycle will continue through your whole life, in your schooling, your work, your family, your callings and in developing your relationship with God. It really is the process for success in life, both temporally and spiritually.

Okay, enough of the sermon Jacob. Keep going and don’t let little set backs stop you. You can be awesome, up to your own standards. I love you kid and I have complete confidence in you.

Pops 

Here’s a link to that talk if you want to read it: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/04/the-beauty-of-holiness?lang=eng