17 October 2011

bueno estoy moy contento que tango una familia tan lindo!

well about my week it was rather good we had a good time and I have been a rather busy missionary I worked on my B-day but for lunch we went to Denny's as a district and I got a free meal:)

I did get the package and it was unopened so every thing went through:D
I have pic's I want to send but i don't have the cord with me);

well elder trader wanted to cut his hair for president interviews the next day but he messed up and could not fix it so he had to shave his whole head.

so whats up?????? I am promised pics but I never get any!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had a lot of fun this last week but I have to tell you it was a packed one. Now it seams that I only have fun if I am working hard. oh... there are roomers of a new Spanish elder coming out! and the roomers are saying that ether I or Elder Escobar are training but I say that it's Elder trader but we will see. I am looking forward to the time I look back at the day and say I am tired and I am going to bed.

I loved my gifts but I think that next year just put more money on my card and I will send home a lot of stuff ok. Oh yeah I have no money on my card could you kindly put some on so that I could get you some post cards?!?!?!?!?!

What I have done with my gifts so far. I have eaten almost all of the candy I put the monkey right on my desk and the journal awaits my pen to fill it's pages,

Oh my Christmas wish list early: Celtic instrumental cd., and a big hug from every one.

I was reading in the ensign about the Book of Mormon and I really love the short article about the man washing his hands. That was so cool. this is the talk that I listened the most to and to those who know me I think will understand why.


Thomas S. Monson
May we ever be courageous and prepared to stand for what we believe.



My beloved brethren, it is a tremendous privilege to be with you tonight. We who hold the priesthood of God form a great bond and brotherhood.

We read in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 121, verse 36, “that the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven.” What a wonderful gift we have been given—to hold the priesthood, which is “inseparably connected with the powers of heaven.” This precious gift, however, brings with it not only special blessings but also solemn responsibilities. We must conduct our lives so that we are ever worthy of the priesthood we bear. We live in a time when we are surrounded by much that is intended to entice us into paths which may lead to our destruction. To avoid such paths requires determination and courage.

I recall a time—and some of you here tonight will also—when the standards of most people were very similar to our standards. No longer is this true. I recently read an article in the New York Times concerning a study which took place during the summer of 2008. A distinguished Notre Dame sociologist led a research team in conducting in-depth interviews with 230 young adults across America. I believe we can safely assume that the results would be similar in most parts of the world.

I share with you just a portion of this very telling article:

“The interviewers asked open-ended questions about right and wrong, moral dilemmas and the meaning of life. In the rambling answers, … you see the young people groping to say anything sensible on these matters. But they just don’t have the categories or vocabulary to do so.

“When asked to describe a moral dilemma they had faced, two-thirds of the young people either couldn’t answer the question or described problems that are not moral at all, like whether they could afford to rent a certain apartment or whether they had enough quarters to feed the meter at a parking spot.”

The article continues:

“The default position, which most of them came back to again and again, is that moral choices are just a matter of individual taste. ‘It’s personal,’ the respondents typically said. ‘It’s up to the individual. Who am I to say?’

“Rejecting blind deference to authority, many of the young people have gone off to the other extreme [saying]: ‘I would do what I thought made me happy or how I felt. I have no other way of knowing what to do but how I internally feel.’”

Those who conducted the interviews emphasized that the majority of the young people with whom they spoke had “not been given the resources—by schools, institutions [or] families—to cultivate their moral intuitions.”1

Brethren, none within the sound of my voice should be in any doubt concerning what is moral and what is not, nor should any be in doubt about what is expected of us as holders of the priesthood of God. We have been and continue to be taught God’s laws. Despite what you may see or hear elsewhere, these laws are unchanging.

As we go about living from day to day, it is almost inevitable that our faith will be challenged. We may at times find ourselves surrounded by others and yet standing in the minority or even standing alone concerning what is acceptable and what is not. Do we have the moral courage to stand firm for our beliefs, even if by so doing we must stand alone? As holders of the priesthood of God, it is essential that we are able to face—with courage—whatever challenges come our way. Remember the words of Tennyson: “My strength is as the strength of ten, because my heart is pure.”2

Increasingly, some celebrities and others who—for one reason or another—are in the public eye have a tendency to ridicule religion in general and, at times, the Church in particular. If our testimonies are not firmly enough rooted, such criticisms can cause us to doubt our own beliefs or to waver in our resolves.

In Lehi’s vision of the tree of life, found in 1 Nephi 8, Lehi sees, among others, those who hold to the iron rod until they come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree of life, which we know is a representation of the love of God. And then, sadly, after they partake of the fruit, some are ashamed because of those in the “great and spacious building,” who represent the pride of the children of men, who are pointing fingers at them and scoffing at them; and they fall away into forbidden paths and are lost.3 What a powerful tool of the adversary is ridicule and mockery! Again, brethren, do we have the courage to stand strong and firm in the face of such difficult opposition?

I believe my first experience in having the courage of my convictions took place when I served in the United States Navy near the end of World War II.

Navy boot camp was not an easy experience for me, nor for anyone who endured it. For the first three weeks I was convinced my life was in jeopardy. The navy wasn’t trying to train me; it was trying to kill me.

I shall ever remember when Sunday rolled around after the first week. We received welcome news from the chief petty officer. Standing at attention on the drill ground in a brisk California breeze, we heard his command: “Today everybody goes to church—everybody, that is, except for me. I am going to relax!” Then he shouted, “All of you Catholics, you meet in Camp Decatur—and don’t come back until three o’clock. Forward, march!” A rather sizeable contingent moved out. Then he barked out his next command: “Those of you who are Jewish, you meet in Camp Henry—and don’t come back until three o’clock. Forward, march!” A somewhat smaller contingent marched out. Then he said, “The rest of you Protestants, you meet in the theaters at Camp Farragut—and don’t come back until three o’clock. Forward, march!”

Instantly there flashed through my mind the thought, “Monson, you are not a Catholic; you are not a Jew; you are not a Protestant. You are a Mormon, so you just stand here!” I can assure you that I felt completely alone. Courageous and determined, yes—but alone.

And then I heard the sweetest words I ever heard that chief petty officer utter. He looked in my direction and asked, “And just what do you guys call yourselves?” Until that very moment I had not realized that anyone was standing beside me or behind me on the drill ground. Almost in unison, each of us replied, “Mormons!” It is difficult to describe the joy that filled my heart as I turned around and saw a handful of other sailors.

The chief petty officer scratched his head in an expression of puzzlement but finally said, “Well, you guys go find somewhere to meet. And don’t come back until three o’clock. Forward, march!”

As we marched away, I thought of the words of a rhyme I had learned in Primary years before:
Dare to be a Mormon;
Dare to stand alone.
Dare to have a purpose firm;
Dare to make it known.

Although the experience turned out differently from what I had expected, I had been willing to stand alone, had such been necessary.

Since that day, there have been times when there was no one standing behind me and so I did stand alone. How grateful I am that I made the decision long ago to remain strong and true, always prepared and ready to defend my religion, should the need arise.

Lest we at any time feel inadequate for the tasks ahead for us, brethren, may I share with you a statement made in 1987 by then-Church President Ezra Taft Benson as he addressed a large group of members in California. Said President Benson:

“In all ages, prophets have looked down through the corridors of time to our day. Billions of the deceased and those yet to be born have their eyes on us. Make no mistake about it—you are a marked generation. …

“For nearly six thousand years, God has held you in reserve to make your appearance in the final days before the second coming of the Lord. Some individuals will fall away, but the kingdom of God will remain intact to welcome the return of its Head—even Jesus Christ.

“While this generation will be comparable in wickedness to the days of Noah, when the Lord cleansed the earth by flood, there is a major difference this time: [it is that] God has saved for the final inning some of His strongest … children, who will help bear off the kingdom triumphantly.”4

Yes, brethren, we represent some of His strongest children. Ours is the responsibility to be worthy of all the glorious blessings our Father in Heaven has in store for us. Wherever we go, our priesthood goes with us. Are we standing in holy places? Please, before you put yourself and your priesthood in jeopardy by venturing into places or participating in activities which are not worthy of you or of that priesthood, pause to consider the consequences. Each of us has had conferred upon him the Aaronic Priesthood. In the process, each received the power which holds the keys to the ministering of angels. Said President Gordon B. Hinckley:

“You cannot afford to do anything that would place a curtain between you and the ministering of angels in your behalf.

“You cannot be immoral in any sense. You cannot be dishonest. You cannot cheat or lie. You cannot take the name of God in vain or use filthy language and still have the right to the ministering of angels.”5

If any of you has stumbled in your journey, I want you to understand without any question whatsoever that there is a way back. The process is called repentance. Our Savior gave His life to provide you and me that blessed gift. Despite the fact that the repentance path is not easy, the promises are real. We have been told: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”6 “And I will remember [them] no more.”7 What a statement. What a blessing. What a promise.

There may be those of you who are thinking to yourselves, “Well, I’m not living all the commandments, and I’m not doing everything I should, and yet my life is going along just fine. I think I can have my cake and eat it too.” Brethren, I promise you that this will not work in the long run.

Not too many months ago I received a letter from a man who once thought he could have it both ways. He has now repented and has brought his life into compliance with gospel principles and commandments. I want to share with you a paragraph from his letter, for it represents the reality of flawed thinking: “I have had to learn for myself (the hard way) that the Savior was absolutely correct when He said, ‘No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.’8 I tried, about as hard as anyone ever has, to do both. In the end,” said he, “I had all of the emptiness, darkness, and loneliness that Satan provides to those who believe his deceptions, illusions, and lies.”

In order for us to be strong and to withstand all the forces pulling us in the wrong direction or all the voices encouraging us to take the wrong path, we must have our own testimony. Whether you are 12 or 112—or anywhere in between—you can know for yourself that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. Read the Book of Mormon. Ponder its teachings. Ask Heavenly Father if it is true. We have the promise that “if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.”9

When we know the Book of Mormon is true, then it follows that Joseph Smith was indeed a prophet and that he saw God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. It also follows that the gospel was restored in these latter days through Joseph Smith—including the restoration of both the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods.

Once we have a testimony, it is incumbent upon us to share that testimony with others. Many of you brethren have served as missionaries throughout the world. Many of you young men will yet serve. Prepare yourselves now for that opportunity. Make certain you are worthy to serve.

If we are prepared to share the gospel, we are ready to respond to the counsel of the Apostle Peter, who urged, “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.”10

We will have opportunities throughout our lives to share our beliefs, although we don’t always know when we will be called upon to do so. Such an opportunity came to me in 1957, when I worked in the publishing business and was asked to go to Dallas, Texas, sometimes called “the city of churches,” to address a business convention. Following the conclusion of the convention, I took a sightseeing bus ride through the city’s suburbs. As we passed the various churches, our driver would comment, “On the left you see the Methodist church” or “There on the right is the Catholic cathedral.”

As we passed a beautiful red brick building situated upon a hill, the driver exclaimed, “That building is where the Mormons meet.” A lady in the rear of the bus called out, “Driver, can you tell us something more about the Mormons?”

The driver pulled the bus over to the side of the road, turned around in his seat, and replied, “Lady, all I know about the Mormons is that they meet in that red brick building. Is there anyone on this bus who knows anything more about the Mormons?”

I waited for someone to respond. I gazed at the expression on each person’s face for some sign of recognition, some desire to comment. Nothing. I realized it was up to me to do as the Apostle Peter suggested, to “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.” I also realized the truth of the adage “When the time for decision arrives, the time for preparation is past.”

For the next 15 or so minutes, I had the privilege of sharing with those on the bus my testimony concerning the Church and our beliefs. I was grateful for my testimony and grateful that I was prepared to share it.

With all my heart and soul, I pray that every man who holds the priesthood will honor that priesthood and be true to the trust which was conveyed when it was conferred. May each of us who holds the priesthood of God know what he believes. May we ever be courageous and prepared to stand for what we believe, and if we must stand alone in the process, may we do so courageously, strengthened by the knowledge that in reality we are never alone when we stand with our Father in Heaven.

As we contemplate the great gift we have been given—“the rights of the priesthood … inseparably connected with the powers of heaven”—may our determination ever be to guard and defend it and to be worthy of its great promises. Brethren, may we follow the Savior’s instruction to us, found in the book of 3 Nephi: “Hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do.”11

That we may ever follow that light and hold it up for all the world to see is my prayer and my blessing upon all who hear my voice, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.



I simply love that one and it is now a driving force for me and I seek to apply President Monson's advice.

11 October 2011

Yes I had a very good week and I have learned a lot this last week and it is all in my journal. The one Diana gave me is full but I got another one that is rather large so I have a lot of room.

Well any way I am still asking where has the time gone? I am keeping sane at night I bought a Chess board and I am winning against another Elder 5 games to 4 with 2 stale mates.

Not much in teaching so far but we are doing a lot of tracting and so that is a lot of work.

Any way I am very excited to see the new additions to the family.

I am looking forward to the package but I don't feel like I am going to be 20. The district and I have plans to go to Denny's so I can get a free grand slam it will be after our district meeting.


I will also be spending the rest of my B-Day in Surrey on an exchange. Other than that I have only plans to share the gospel and trust me it ain't easy there can be no L.A.Z.Y. syndrome on a mission it is defiantly hard work.

Yesterday was Thanksgiving here in Canada but there was no civil build up to it. HERE IT IS. that's all it was all the advertisements are for Christmas and Halloween.

It's strange to think that I will reach a year on my mission this winter. I still miss everyone but it seems like I have only been gone a few months. I am working harder and harder every day.

By the way the pic I sent saying "can you see it" its a grouse!!!!


I LOVE YOU ALL AND PRAY FOR THE BEST. Love Elder Ziegler


A note from Mom (me): HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY STRIPLING WARRIOR!!!!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!!
October 12th is Elder Ziegler's (Eric) 20th Birthday.

4 October 2011

I HAD CLAM CHOWDER so happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

well anyway we had a great p-day and it was a long one. The weather is getting colder and it is raining more and more here.
I am getting happier than I have ever been and when I look back I think "WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE???????????????????" I am told that the time goes faster and that scares me.

Canada is very wonderful and I am so happy to think that I have changed so much so far. I know that I still have troubles but I also know that I will be able to grow from what it is that I am teaching. Now I feel that I can help in some small way and I have to thank you for all you have done to teach me and help me.

I really loved Conference this year but most of all this is the talk I felt the most.
I felt it manly because I lived it in Carthage and I had to Stand for what it was that I Believed and know what was right. I also wish to adapt the words of Abraham Lincoln "All I am or ever hope to be is because of my angel (parents)" It is true! you have been the driving force in my life. I, like the two-thousand sons of Mosiah know for I have never seen doubt in my mother or fathers eyes, of the truthfulness of this Gospel.
I will leave you now with my Love. Elder Ziegler

2 Oct. 2011

Watch for Eric in this video around 21:30. http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

26 September, 2011

the sunrise the other day
one of my favorite pics a black tusk
CAN YOU SEE IT????? I CAN HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA JAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJA






Well first off with the getting out of bed on time she(Diana) will have a crash (no pun intended) coarse on that one and being on time well same story.

There are only 2 wards in Spanish here. so yeah I don't move much.

Can you believe it I have been a missionary for almost 1 YEAR. it's crazy for me to think about it, it feels like only a few months.

well the work is progressing a lot of things happened this last week...
1.Elder Maynes was here and did a mission tour.
2. I saw a Datson 280 Z (yellow).
3. I saw a sticker that said "Going to the sun Road, Glacier national park." that brought back some memories about the weeping wall and Mariahs pass.

Well not much else is going on here not anything exciting anyway just working hard and not much sleep so it's very tiring. But I would never change what I have learned thus far for anything in the world.

Well I have more E-mails to write I will keep you all in my prayers.

LOVE ELDER ZIEGLER.

19 SEPTEMBER 2011

How is life treating you? the life is not to bad I am getting better at a lot of things and I am actually starting to forget allot about the things back home and what I liked to do.

so more about how things have been well I have a new companion well one I had before. Elder Trader elder Silbas went to surrey to finish his mission.

Remember how last week we went to Black tusk on a hike well I don't hurt anymore. yesterday I gave a talk in sacrament about missionary work but I tried to use a different way. I talked about the 2000 stripling warriors. Alma 53:17 I talked about how many missionary's have the same desire. They fight for the souls of their brothers and sisters. When I was reading this and preparing for the talk I was thinking is this my desire is this what I want to do. So that really changed my view on what I need to do to become closer to my Father in heaven.

I also can feel how much I miss you because today I was able to write a little and then the other elders wanted to go downtown and so on the way back I stopped here at the library so I could finish writing to you.

I am doing very well and I am sorry I did not send you an Email for your B-day to be honest I forgot and so I am trying to repent of that I love you very much I will be seeing you through different eyes when I get home.

well I need to go now but I will keep you all in my prayers.

12 September, 2011

So how is life this week? well rather tiring a lot of work.
the 6.4 earthquake off the coast of Vancouver Island. did you feel it? no I didn't I found out about it on Sunday.
have there been any aftershocks? not that I know of.

Well other than that I have been very busy I have had to find new investigators and drop some. Today we went to a place called black tusk. and it was very cool. I will add some pics.

I am progressing in many way's I am getting better with the language. I am starting to know more of the doctrine, and I am loving the people more and more every day.

How is life there I hear so little of the going on's I feel left out. and I am not really wanting much.

About my week it was good we started out with a good time of phone tag with some of the members. then we went to see one of the members we haven't passed by for a long time and her grand daughter wants to be baptized so we will see what the mother says.

About the hike we went to the top of the middle mountain in the 3rd pic. and the trip down was the hardest part. We all had fun we also saw a wonderful lake well I will send more pics another time.

any way I have been rather cranky to day because of the hike we got up at 4:00am to be able to get back in time to shower and get dressed.

I love you very much and I want you to know I am well. the last pic was at the beginning of the trail. cool huh.

A few pictures Eric sent in August 2011

6 September 2011

wow a Lightning storm that must have been scary! well I am glad that every thing is alright.
ohh the library's were closed yesterday so we are able to email shortly today. so my week has been great. we found 3 new investigators now we need to help them progress.
I have been working harder on working with the members so that I can have longer and longer conversations and understanding. so I am starting to really get into the culture of the Latin people I am asking all the questions I can about it. we will be having a big ward party where I can learn more.
I learned a few things lately and I wanted to share them. A simple invitation may make all the difference. Have the strength to stand against the storm and be not one to be commanded in all things, Chose to act. also we can never fully understand the blessings of the temple unless we attend on a regular basis.
I have found the at times the fewest words are the ones that need to be spoken, for they may be the ones need to be heard.
well I am finding a lot of Spanish stores here in Vancouver one is called La Tierra del sol (the land of the sun) and they sell clothing, art and give a smile all from Latin country's. I bought a shirt there and I love it I'll send you a picture of me in it.
here is a quote I like that I heard from a member. ( I will translate) "your dreams can live on in those you love, and in me live the memory of who you where".
well I am glade that all is well and that no one is hurt I am praying for you and I miss you. I am in the lords work and I will be blessed though they may not come in this life.

29 August 2011

So how is the work going in your part of the vineyard? they are going very well and I am surprisingly happy and tired at the same time. I can't put my head down as I kneel or I will drift away. Who are you teaching? we are teaching several people so far, but most of them are progressing slowly and others are like ( this is my first time here I like it, what do I need to do to become a member.) How are things with your Companion? they are great he will be going home after Diana goes into the MTC and he has told me that he wants me to be a better missionary than he was. and better than all the missionary's the members remember. Any more fun stories? well just last night I scared one of the Elders in the apartment. what I did was after they had settled down for the night I swung open the door and jumped onto his bed and asked him in a deep voice to give me a hug. and he was screaming and said no get away. but we all had a good laugh this morning. any Spiritual stories? we were teaching a lady (2nd visit) we had invited her to be baptized and she said yes, then she asked us to help her prepare for it by reading with her and helping her understand.

so Daddy is trying to play mach maker is he well..... I am to busy to worry about that right now I am even to busy to eat at times. oh another funny story it was a dream. Elder Silbas my companion is a Zone leader and as I said he is about to go home (next transfer) and in my dream we got a call from President Tilleman and after he told Elder Silbas where he was going He started to talk to me then he said "Elder Ziegler you will be replacing Elder Silbas as Zone leader!" and all I said was "Are you kidding?!?!?!?" and with that all the elders had a big roomer. any way how are things there? I don't really get much info and I feel so far out of the loop I have no idea there is one let alone where it might be. Well I need to E-mail my sisters TE AMO MAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go and stand in front of a temple. Study carefully the house of the Lord and see if it does not inspire you to make some improvements in the physical temple the Lord has given to you to house your eternal spirit.

WE WILL BE GOING TO THE TEMPLE TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!