He Can Heal

"And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which he will take upon him the pains and sickness of his people." 

Alma 7:11

A few years ago I had an experience which would change the way I viewed the suffering of Jesus Christ and changed my relationship with him. After a serious accident on a horse I was left with a Traumatic Brain Injury. During the following months I lost a lot of my memory and my ability to do a lot of the things that I loved to do. During this time I had no control over my thoughts. I felt utterly alone with no one to turn to. A few weeks after the hospital I began to read from the Book of Mormon and study the scriptures because that was the only place I could find peace with what was going on. I spent a lot of time on my knees, pleading with my Heavenly Father to help me push the negative, destructive thoughts out of my mind, and replace them with ones that would uplift and help me. Multiple times I thought of the Savior in Gethsemane suffering "the pains and sicknesses of his people." This was the only thing that brought peace to me. I began to understand and realized what the scriptures mean when they talk about him taking upon him the pains of the world. There is no limit to the atonement. It covers all suffering we may have! There is a lot that Jesus Christ can help us to overcome through continual faith and trusting in his divine role as our Savior. What ever it may be he has felt it! The greatest thing we can do as humans is turn to him  in our times of trial and sickness. Let him heal us spiritually! The power of his suffering is infinite, without end, everlasting! I know that he truly does love us! He wants to heal us! May we each come to Christ! He can heal and he will heal if we will come to him! 

Act in Faith

"Oh wilt thou know...faith without works is dead." 

James 2:20

Something I read this morning during personal study really hit me.  I was reading in the Book of Mormon, the book of Alma chapter 19 verse 6, "Now, this was what Ammon desired, for he knew that King Lamoni was under the power of God; he knew that the dark veil of unbelief was being cast way from his mind and the light which did light up his mind, which was the light of the glory of God, which was marvelous light of his goodness- yea, this light had infused such joy into his soul, the cloud of darkness having been dispelled, and that the light of everlasting life was lit up in his soul, yea, he knew that this had overcome his natural frame, and he was carried away in God-" I am pretty sure I have read that scripture so many times, but I was really impressed this time by how it speaks of the veil of unbelief being cast from his mind and the light of God lighting up his mind. So often a veil of unbelief or doubt comes over our minds and limits our ability to understand all that God has to offer us. Doubt gets us nowhere! We have to remove our doubts and begin to increase our faith, to push the doubt out and fill our minds with the light of God. Faith will overcome doubt if we allow it too, but faith is an word of action! We have to do our part! " Faith without works is dead ", as says James chapter 2 verse 20. If we don't exercise  faith each day, the Lord has no way of lifting the veil of unbelief from our minds. For example, we can exercise faith as we pray each day, read from the scriptures and attend church each week. And we can see the result,  King Lamoni had to take a step of faith in praying to know if there was a God and asking God for mercy. After he exercised faith God was able to show him great things and fill his mind with His light. We have to act in faith! I know that as we exercise even the smallest particle of faith, God can fill our minds with his light and remove the cloud of darkness and disbelief from our minds. But this not a one time experience, we have to continue to exercise faith and continue to let His light fill our minds. I am grateful for ability that we each have to exercise faith, come closer to our Savior and let the Lord remove any veil of unbelief from our minds! I know he can and will if we allow him too!

Because He Lives

"They said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? 

He is not here, but is risen." 

Luke 24:5-6

What would it have been like to be there when the angels announced that Jesus Christ had rose from the dead and fulfilled prophecy? I can't even imagine the joy that must have filled everyone who heard! Each time Easter comes and we remember and celebrate the risen Christ, my heart fills with joy. Its because he lives that I can have a personal relationship with him as if he were still here. Its because he lives that I can be with my family for eternity. Its because he lives that we all have agency, or the ability to choose for ourselves.  Its because he lives that our loving Heavenly Father would send each of his spirit children to Earth to learn and grow in our mortal bodies.  Its because he lives that we can have joy! Its because he lives that we can repent of our sins and not be weighed down by guilt or shame. Its because he lives that we can make sacred promises through the proper priesthood authority on Earth today that will bring the greatest happiness and joy in this life and the life to come! Its because he lives that we can have hope to know that we will see those we love who have pasted on again! Its because he lives that we can have eternal life! It means everything to me that he lives today and that everyone can come to him and find the peace he promises! Easter season is a great time to remember what he has done for each of us and what we can do to better follow his example! I know he lives! I know he has provided a way for us to come to him and gain eternal life! Let us each follow him and come closer to him this Easter season! Because He Lives!! 

Small Steps

"We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the gospel are: first, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost." 

-4th Article of Faith-

The first principle of the gospel is Faith in Jesus Christ. What does it mean to have faith in Jesus Christ? When we have faith in Jesus Christ we follow his example.  Faith is a principle of action. It is taking a step forward towards a place that maybe we aren't sure of, but with a hope that once we take the step Christ will do rest. Miracles are wrought through and in response to our faith and the steps we take. Some may wonder why He can't just give us what we need without us having to go through all the work, well, we can't move forward if we aren't willing to move. As a result of our faith we have a desire to repent, the second principle of the gospel.

I love the bible dictionary definition of repentance, "a fresh view about God, about oneself, and about the world...Repentance is not optional for repentance; it is a commandment of God." Repentance should not be something we shy away from, it is an opportunity for us to see God in a different way and to increase our relationship with him. Following adequate faith in Jesus Christ, repentance is a sacred experience where we remember what the Savior did for us in the Garden of Gethsemane. Repentance leads us to desire to be baptized by the proper authority. 

Baptism, by the proper authority, is the path way to receiving exaltation! We make sacred covenants with Heavenly Father that gives us full access to the Atonement of Jesus Christ, including a remission of sins! I often think back to the day that I was baptized and what that really means to me now! I have felt my Saviors love so many times and it never ends! I know that each time I fully repent I am forgiven and he remembers my sins no more! But baptism is dead with the Gift of the Holy Ghost! 

Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the proper authority is the baptism by fire or the purifying process! He refines us and purifies our sins and as we live worthy of him he will help to guide us through our lives and give us peace when we are doing what we need to do! 

I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ brings happiness! Baptism and receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the proper authority will bring added happiness and will be the means of true joy! It has done that for me and I know it can do if for anyone who pursues this course! I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who has given us a simple path with simple steps to follow. He doesn't complicate it! I know he lives and loves each and every one of us! 

Whats in a Name?

"The Lord sets his standard so he can bless us. Think about those blessings: he promises those who meet the standards the help of the Holy Ghost. He promises personal peace. He promises the chance to receive holy ordinances in his house. And he promises those who endure in living His standards that they will have everlasting life...because we love the people we serve, all of us want to do better in lifting Heavenly Fathers children to faithfulness and purity... they need to have all the blessings of the Lord... you begin by holding up the Lords standards clearly and without apology. And the more the world drifts from them and mocks them, the bolder we must be in doing that."

-President Henry B. Erying-

What's in a name? As a missionary we all wear name tags that have two pretty important names on them. The first is the name of the church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Immediately when someone reads the name tag they know what I represent and who sent me, but it goes a lot deeper than simply the church. I represent Jesus Christ. Each time I think of this I think back to when I was 8 years old, being baptized, and making covenants with Heavenly Father. One of those covenants that everyone makes when they are baptized is to take the name of Savior Jesus Christ upon you. What does that really mean? To me it means to act in such a way that if someone where to see me they would know that I believe in Jesus Christ and the relationship that I have with him is important to me and I take it very seriously. The Lord has set a standard for those who take his name, it is standard that requires a little more of us, requires that we be a little more conscious of our actions and words. He asks us to act in such a way that all who see will want to know him through us.

The second part of a missionaries name tag means so much to me! It represents a family, with hundreds of years of history and stories that have built the name, bringing it down to where it is now.  I often look at my name tag and think of the stories told by each side of my family that have played such a major role in getting me to where I am now! Each person has a story behind their name, people who have fought to keep the name alive. We are all products of those who have come before and are paving an important path for those who will come.

I am so grateful to wear the name of my Savior on my nametag and to represent him. I am grateful to wear the name of Major on my tag and represent my family. Be proud of who you are and where you came from! Represent it well! The best way is to uphold the standard set by the Lord and the families we each come from! What's in your name?

Walk in Light

"And the Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world; and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that harkeneth to the voice of the Spirit. And every one that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit cometh unto God, even the Father."

D&C 84:46-47

 

I read a talk this morning from a CES Fireside by Elder Marlin K. Jensen from 2012 entitled "Stand in the Sacred Grove." In this talk Elder Jensen talks about sacred places and what we can learn from them but specifically what we can learn from the Sacred Grove and even more specifically what we learn from the trees in the Sacred Grove. He starts by talking about trees need light in order to survive. As a result of that they grow towards to light, almost competing with each other to get the most light to produce photosynthesis or energy. Natural light from the Sun is essential to these trees. Just like trees need natural light each of us needs spiritual light in order to survive in an increasingly darkening world. Spiritual light comes through the basics, reading scriptures, saying prayers, and attending church meetings. The more light we receive the more we strive closer to the source of that light, the Savior Jesus Christ. Just like trees that push towards the Sun to receive energy and light, we will push away from the darkness of the world to receive spiritual light.

 

As I read this talk I thought about the times I have sought for more spiritual light. I loved the time that I had and continue to have to study and find answers to questions that I was asking. I found myself being more happy and I felt better about myself. I know that Heavenly Father strives to give us more spiritual light. He wants us to feel his love and the light of his gospel! Spiritual light is so important in this ever changing world. The Savior and our Heavenly Father will remain constant! We can see for that as we strive to receive more light and understanding!

 

"I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

John 8:12

Have Joy

 

"Adam fell that men might be; and man are, that they might have joy."

 

2 Nephi 2:25

I love this scripture!! I often read it on a day that is a little cloudy and it is hard to have joy! Thinking back to the Plan of Salvation where Adam and Eve fell out of the garden of Eden. While living there they lived in a state of innocence where they knew no pain or sorrow, or joy! When ever I read about the state they were in I was so grateful for the Fall because only after the fall could we truly have joy!!

 Joy is a choice! Heavenly Father has given us agency to choose good from evil, but it all starts with our thoughts! When we choose to be happy and have joy it spreads like wild fire! And we have so much to be happy about! We are living, walking, breathing humans. We have so many opportunities daily to learn and to live! We have the ability to choose! We are surrounded by a beautiful Earth! There are beautiful flowers, fresh cut grass, and great food to smell!! The list goes on and on!

I think most important, we have a Father in Heaven the loves us and a Savior who atoned for our sins so that we can have joy and live free from guilt and shame that comes from wrong doing! He is the master engineer of our lives preparing numerous ways and opportunities for us to grow and to have joy! Hard times will still come, things may not always turn out the way we would like, but we can have joy to know that the Savior has over come all! His love is for everyone! It is infinite! It covers all! I know that is true! Joy is a choice, and may I venture even a commandment! Heavenly Father wants nothing more than for us to have and find joy in every part of our lives! He have provided a way for that to be so! That is our purpose for being here on Earth! In every situation there is joy to be found! We can find it through the Savior Jesus Christ! I have seen it in my life and I know it is true!!!

"There things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulations: but be of good cheer; I have overcome to world!"

John 16:22

All Things Denote

"And it came to pass that he saw One descending out of the midst of heaven, and he behold that his luster was above that of the sun of noon-day. And he also saw twelve others following him, and their brightness did exceed that of the stars of the firmament."

 1 Nephi 1:9-10 

This scripture from 1 Nephi contains so many truths! I was reading chapter 1 this morning and really tried to study it to get the most out of it! I had never before really noticed this scripture! I have come to see that in each chapter in the Book of Mormon is met to bring us closer to the Savior! I connected this verse to Alma 30:44:

"But Alma said unto him:...the scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even that earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and in its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in the regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator." 

The scriptures testify that there is a God! If that is not enough then the world all around tell that there is a Supreme Creator! I love reading the scriptures and having the Holy Ghost confirm with the truth of it to me! Later on in the chapter, Lehi receives a book. As he reads to book he is "filled with the spirit." That is exactly what happens when scripture study occurs! I know that the Book of Mormon and the Bible are the word of God and together are powerful! I know that reading the scriptures fill us with the spirit, as well as brings us closer to the Savior as we read his words! I would challenge all to spend more time reading the scriptures! Make them a priority and I know that you will come to know of the divinity and love of our Heavenly Father for you as an individual!! He will fill you!!! I know that is true!! 

Drops...

This morning for my personal study I was reading a blogpost by Kathryn Thompson called "Drops of Awesome." The whole idea of the post was how we can use each moment in our lives to lift us higher and to bring us closer to the Savior. She used an analogy of drops in a bucket. Each drop of good was called a Drop of Awesom! Each time something good is done it adds a drop of awesome into the bucket, but, the part I really liked, is how she pointed out that when we make mistakes it doesn't take any drops out of our bucket.

"You don't loose drops for every misstep. You can only build. You can only build." 

Lucifer on the other hand would make us feel that each mistep we take brings us back down! He makes us feel that because we weren't "perfect" that there is no way to make it back to where we were before. To finisth the analogy she brought out a picture of water, labled "the atonement", it fills the rest of the bucket. The Savior makes up the rest! I just want to testify that I know that is true!  As we do our part to do our best and fill our buckets with good, he will do the rest! He has done that for me and know he can do it for you! I know He lives and loves us! He wants the best for us and has paid the price for us, if we will draw near to him! 

Fruit of the Spirit

"For the fruits of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth."

Ephesians 5:9

 

We are all faced with many decisions in this life. Simple decisions that affect only a little to large decisions that can determine eternity. Decisions were part of Heavenly Fathers plan for us during our Earthy existence. He gave us our agency or the ability to choose. He knew that challenges would come and we would be tempted to do wrong so he provided a Holy Ghost to help direct us. We each have the ability to feel the Holy Ghost but it is only after being baptized by the proper authority can we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. With the gift of the Holy Ghost we can have him as our constant companion to guide us and direct us as we make those essential decisions. The Holy Ghost is member of the God head, thus he knows what we need to do in order to return to live with our Heavenly Father. Our greatest desire in this life should be to live worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost. During the times of decision making we can remember the fruits of the spirit. I love Ephesians 5:9 and Galatians 5:22-23:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance."

 

If it invites us to feel those good feelings you can be sure that it is of the spirit. Although, keep in mind that Satan mimics these same feelings. That's when you can fall back on the rule in Moroni 7:13, 

"That which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually...everything which inviteth and enticeth to do good and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God."

 

 

You can know that the Holy Ghost will not lead you astray. He brings happiness and guidance that is divine and eternal. He is an important part of our eternal progression, specifically in our decisions! We always should strive to live worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost at all times!

 

"For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he way know good from eveil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge;for everything which inviteth to do good and persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the pwoer and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know which a perfect knowledge it is of God."

Moroni 7:16

There Is A Plan

 

"God bless you to realize where you came from and the great privileges that are yours. If the veil were rolled back and you could just see one glimpse of God's great eternal plan concerning you and who you are, it would be hard for you not to love him, keep his commandments, and live to be worthy of every blessing that he has had for you since before the foundations of the world were laid."

-Elder LeGrand Richards-

 

I love the plan that Heavenly Father has provided for us to come to Earth, to learn and grow and then someday to return to live with him again. We knew him before we came to Earth. We loved him and learned from him and he loved us. He knew that we would experience hard things during our time on Earth but he also knew that those experiences would help us to grow and learn. I think of it like a parent sending their children off to college. They know that they will experience hard things but they also know that there is no other way for them to learn them but through experience. I am truly so grateful that our Heavenly Father cared enough about us to send us to Earth, away from him for a time, but always in his constant care. Under the direction of Heavenly Father Jesus Christ created the Earth, where Adam and Eve, our first parents were placed in the Garden of Eden. They lived in a state of innocence, walking and talking with God; but Heavenly Father gave them their agency to choose. They could partake of any fruit in the Garden but that of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. By doing so they would be cast out and experience death, pain and suffering. Satan tempted them and they partook of the fruit and were thrust out. Only by partaking of the fruit could they have children and progress. I love the scripture in 2 Nephi 2:25, "Adam fell that man might be and men are that they might have joy." Adam and Eve were blessed with children, beginning the human family. I can imagine all of us waiting to come down to earth. Jumping for joy at the opportunity that we had to receive a body and experience life. We will all die. When we do die our bodies and our spirits will be separated. Our sprits will go to the spirit world where those who didn't hear the gospel will have the opportunity to accept it or reject it. Heavenly Father will give everyone the opportunity to hear his gospel. After time our bodies will be resurrected, our bodies and spirits will be reconnected never to be separated again. We will then stand before God to be judged of our works, where we will receive our reward. Heavenly Father wants us to come home to him! He has prepared blessings and opportunities here on Earth for us to grow! The Plan of Salvation has the same fundamental steps but it is so individual for everyone! If only we knew what we have in store for us if we are obedient and follow Gods commandments! Heavenly Father is waiting to bless us! He has provided such an amazing plan for us! He loves us and wants us to return home to him! His commandments on this earth are simple. Be baptized by someone holding the Priesthood authority of God, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost by that some power, repent, have faith, and endure to the end. He promises us that if we will do this we will receive eternal life in the Celestial Kingdom! I love the Plan of Salvation! I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who provided us with a way to return to live with him!! I know he lives!! There is a plan for each and every one of us! 

Without Seeing

"Know that more important than sight is the witness that one may have by the witness of the Holy Ghost to his soul that things are so and that Jesus is the Christ, a living personage. It is that which guides me through many of life experiences."

President Harold B. Lee

 

I love this quote from Harold B. Lees talk entitle, Be Loyal to the Royal in You. As I studied it I thought of Laman and Lemuel in the Book of Mormon. They both saw an angel of the Lord but that did not change the way that they acted. Seeing is not enough. True conversion doesn't come through seeing but after receiving the undeniable witness from the Holy Ghost that what is being said or taught is true. It sinks into the soul and becomes who you are rather than what you are. That manifestation is what binds to the Savior and his teachings. Our faith grows and our desire to follow the Savior grows.

 

"Learning by faith is no task for a lazy man...such a process requires the bending of the whole soul, the calling up from the depths of the human mind and linking the person with God. The right connection much be formed; then only comes knowledge by faith, a kind of knowledge that goes beyond secular learning, that reaches into the realms of the unknown and makes those who follow that course great in the sight of the Lord."

-President Brigham H. Roberts-

 

Receiving a witness requires a lot of effort, but it is effort well worth it! When we are faced with something that can seem so hard the faith that we have and a witness received from the Holy Ghost will help us to make it through. With a witness like that seeing will not be required! We will know for a certainty that Jesus is the Christ and that he doesn't leave us in our time of need! I know that is true! I don't have to see the Savior to know that he lives and stands by us all the time! A witness through the Holy Ghost can be received, without seeing!! 

What You Know

"The fruits of testimony may be observed in the lives of the faithful. Those lifted by the power of testimony can find greater happiness and fidelity in marriage. Their testimonies are an antidote to the plague of divorce. They enjoy greater freedom, seldom enslaved to alcohol, tobacco, drugs, abuse, and other forms of self-indulgence. They find strength to deal with the problems of life."

Elder Robert Hales

 

This morning I was studying Elder Hales talk entitled The Importance of Receiving a Personal Testimony. In this talk I found great enlightenment on the subject of testimony. What a testimony is and how to strength a testimony in an ever changing world. Something that really impressed me was the theme that the strength of our testimony will make or break us during trails. A testimony is given by the power of the Holy Ghost was he teaches truth to us. It is in accordance to our faith. The more faith we exercise the greater our testimonies will be and visa versa. Our testimonies remind us of who we are as sons and daughters of God. They make us want to be better! As they are strengthen through sharing them with others, exercising our faith, searching for truth, our commitment to follow the Savior and his teachings will increase! Our testimonies become more then something we know but what we say and how we act! As we work on our testimonies and strengthen them our ability to withstand trials and adversities will increase! Trials and trouble will be apart of an eternal perspective with the ability to strengthen us rather than tear us down. Through life experiences our testimonies will increase and become stronger! I spent a lot of time thinking about what experiences in my life that have  been important components to my testimony that I have right now. I am sure that through out the remainder of my life, it will grow as I experience more and learn more about my Heavenly Fathers plan. Testimony is a little piece of heaven that we have to remember what have experience before and what we know to be true!!

"Share your testimony. "O that I were an angel, proclaimed Alma, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might speak with the trump of God." Let others know what you know. Bear your testimony in fast meeting. Tell you family; tell your friends. You will find when you share your testimony it becomes stronger, and there are many others around you who also want to embrace the truth."

Elder Hales

We are often placed in situations where someone needs to hear our testimony. It doesn't have to be elaborate but can be simple as we share what we know with those around us. I would invite you to find a way to share something that you know each day with someone around you! You will find it becomes almost natural after time! It will grow and you will see Gods hand in your life on a daily basis as you focus on sharing it with others!

 

I know that a testimony is sacred! It is strengthened each time we share it! It gives us increased power over the devil as we study and grow in our testimonies!! What a great promise!! 

A Book with a Promise

"I told the brethren that the Book of Moron was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding my its precepts than any other book." -Joseph Smith

 

The Book of Mormon is the word of God and contains the fullness of his gospel! I love this book!!! It has brought more happiness and answers than any other book! Just like Joseph said it is the most correct book on the face of the Earth! It is a book with a promise, if you read it and pray about it you will receive an answer. The other day we were in a lesson and one of the young boys asked us how we would know if we received an answer after we prayed. We spent a little bit of time talking about the Holy Ghost and how it only speaks truth to us through our thoughts and our feelings! After, I spent a little bit of time thinking about how I came to knew the Book of Mormon was Gods word just like the Bible. I received a confirmation as I have studied and read it and prayed to know if it is true! Through the Book of Mormon we receive extra power and strength to overcome in our daily trials. I love that is it just that simple. Read the Book of Mormon and apply its teachings into your life and you will have strength! Plus, it is a great story! I love reading about how the sons of Mosiah and Alma go to foreign land to preach the gospel, or how Lehi takes his family into the wilderness before Jerusalem is destroyed! The Book of Mormon teaches us about family life and how we can strength our families! It holds the secrets to a happy life as it is read and pondered and learned from. I love this book! If the whole world would honestly seek and ask it would change the world for the better! I know it is the word of God and that it works hand and hand with the Bible to teach us. Together they are powerful and holds great revelation and understanding!! I love the Book of Mormon! If you haven't read it I would invite you to read it and pray about it! You will receive an answer! If you have read it I would invite you to read it again and recommit yourself to living by its precepts!!

"Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is his revelator and prophet in these last days, and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the Lords kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the second coming of the Messiah." 

Introduction to the Book of Mormon

 

I would like to add my witness that I know the Book of Mormon is true and that it is the world of God on the Earth! I know that Jesus Christ lives and loves us! I know that he answers prayers! I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is Gods complete church on Earth today! 

Patterns of Prophets

Yesterday we were tracting and knocked on a very nice ladies door! We chatted with her for a little bit and she started to tell us that Joseph Smith didn't know what he was talking about and if we had done more research we wouldn't believe in what he said he saw and wouldn't be members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Her comments got my companion and I both thinking especially about Joseph Smith. I have prayed to know if what he experienced was true and received an answer that I cannot deny or back down from. I spent this morning studying particularly why Joseph Smith is attacked and how I can answer when someone asks us why Heavenly Father would talk to a 14 year old boy.

God works in patterns. He has a pattern of apostasy and then calling prophets to receive revelation and proclaim his word. Many of these prophets were called as young men to be prophets. A few bible examples include David and Jeremiah. In 1 Samuel 16 we learn that David was young when he went up against Goliath. All the other "men" in the army were scared of Goliath. When David tells Saul that he would go Saul tells him, "Thou art but a youth and he a man of war since his youth." (1 Samuel 17:33) David knew he was small but knew that if he relied on the strength of the Lord that he could do anything that was asked of him. He went against him and succeeded. David was called in his youth to be a prophet.

Jeremiah was called of God from his young age and he defiantly felt inadequate. "I cannot speak: for I am a child." (Jeremiah 1:6) Because he was so young Heavenly Father knew that he would rely on him to do his work. He wasn't marred by the world and by experience that gave him his own wisdom. He had to rely on the Lord to do his works.

So is it no surprise that after centuries of darkness Heavenly Father would call a young boy to be the prophet to restore His gospel back to the Earth? Joseph was asking. He had a real intent on acting on the answer that he received. He had been prepared and was ready to be an instrument in Gods hands. He knew acted in faith when he prayed and knew that he would get an answer if he asked. The other preachers in the time thought that God no longer spoke to his children, thus they weren't asking questions.

I know that Joseph Smith saw what he said he saw! He gave his life for it! Sometimes people believe that we worship him, I can say that is not true! We respect him for what he did and what he stood for! He was and is a Prophet of God! I know that is true! If you struggle with knowing follow his example and ask! There is no better person to ask about God or his gospel that God himself! I know that he will answer you! He answered Joseph, he has answered me and I know he will answer you if you sincerely seek and follow the guidance that he gives!!!

The Power of Sacrifice

What in the world is worth sacrificing everything for? if you were asked to give up everything that  you have or everything that you own would you do it? Sacrifice has been on my mind a lot lately as I have thought about what I need to sacrifice to be a better representative of Jesus Christ and how sacrificing leads to conversation. A scripture came to my mind, Mosiah 3:19,

"For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been since the fall of Adam and will be forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord and becometh as a little child, submissive, meek, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father."

 

From this scripture we learn that we have to put off the natural man or in other words, sacrifice what would seem to be natural for us, but in return we become converted. Heavenly Father has set the standard and the blessings for keeping those standards. When he tells us that he will keep his side of the promise if we will keep ours, he means it! He will never go back on his word. When we sacrifice what seems so important to us for something Heavenly Father has asked he will give us something so much better!!

 

  "A new heart also I will give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: I will take away the stony     heart out of your flesh and...I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statues, and ye shall keep my judgments..."

Ezekiel 36:26-27

 

Our hearts and desires will change and we will become converted to his gospel! He simply asks us to sacrifice what we want for what he has commanded us to do! To turn aside from our natural man and follow him! To sacrifice those things that we want for something so much better! I have really been working on sacrificing those little things that are convenient at the time but maybe not necessary, for what Heavenly Father has asked of his missionaries! The small and simple things are probably the hardest things to sacrifice but they will bring the greatest blessings! I know we are blessed from sacrificing! His promises will never change! There is a great power in putting aside something that we want to follow the Savior! We receive such powerful spiritual strength from sacrificing!! 

Broken

"It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It takes the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume...it is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever."

-Vance Havner-

 

 

I think that it is amazing that Heavenly Father can take us when we feel broken and make something more. He teaches us what we need to do to become better and especially to return to live with him. I have seen that more and more as a missionary. He can't use us if we aren't willing to turn to him and to sometimes be a little broken before he turns us into something much better. I think of Peter when he denies knowing the Savior three times just as Christ prophesied. He weeps bitterly when he realizes what he has done but uses that as a learning opportunity to become converted and bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. Sometimes when we feel broken Heavenly Father uses that as an opportunity to teach us and show us the path that he has for us. Its funny how his path will always work out while ours often lead to dead ends. It is no surprise that he asks us to come to him with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. He can't fix something that is already whole. It is interesting to think that he takes us broken so we can be made whole through the atonement of Jesus Christ. I know that is true! I know that the Atonement provides that strength and will make us whole! Good come from broken things! 

Greater love

I love the scripture in John chapter 15 verse 13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that he lays down his life for his friends." Especially during Valentines day it gives us an opportunity to look at what kind of love we have. Is it a fleeting love, that when trouble comes you drop it and run? Is it a temporary love, when the going get tough you just shrug it off your shoulders and move on? Or is it a lasting love, no matter what happens love will remain? Real love will last through the years, nothing will dim the light! The greatest love is that of the Saviors when he died for each of us! Would we do that for those we love? I guess that is easier said than done but how do we get that kind of love? I think it comes with spending time with each other. Looking beyond the weaknesses of others and the shortcomings of those around us. It comes as we realize that we are all children of God with an infinite potential and plan. Valentines day gives us an opportunity to look beyond ourselves to those around us. I would hope that it would last all year round and that we wouldn't need a day to remember the people in our lives that we love. So start to day to remember what we really have!! The Savior truly showed us the perfect way by which we can follow him and gain the greatest love of all! I am so grateful for all those in my life that I love, my family, my friends, my leaders, my teachers, my companions, and so many more!! I am grateful for Valentines day to remember what love really means and that it goes far beyond the best gift that we can give! Love is deep and abiding! It goes farther than words!! "True love blooms when you care more about another person than you care about yourself." -Elder Holland-

Vision meets Discipline

A few weeks ago President Taylor gave the missionaries some guidance to help us as we serve. He asked us what we wanted to get out of life and how we were going to get there. I thought it was interesting that he used life rather than what we wanted to get out of our mission, but the formula is the same.     Vision + Discipline = Destiny

Vision consists of the what and where. Where do I want to end up and what do I want. In the gospel this can be seen as the plan of Salvation. We would all like to end up in the Celestial Kingdom. That's the vision. On a smaller scale, a vision could be graduating from college with a specific degree. Nephi gives us a great example of vision when he is asked to get the plates from Laban. He sees the plates in their possession! At that point he did not  know how he was going to do it he just knew that he could. "And it came to pass that I Nephi said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord has commanded, for I that the lord giveth no commandments unto the children of man save he shall prepare a way for them to accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." 1 Nephi 3:7 He had a vision!!

With vision comes discipline or the how.  How do we make it to the Celestial Kingdom? It takes discipline to live righteously, have faith, repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost and endure to the end. Sometimes we have to give up something that is of worth to us. Discipline means putting a side what we want right now for what we want in the long run. Countless prophets in the Book of Mormon and the Bible saw the world fall into apostasy, but they saw the end, they saw us today and knew that with discipline at the end all will be made right!! We just have to discipline ourselves to make our vision a reality.

The final result... our destiny. Vision is what gets us started and discipline is what gets us there! The result hangs in the balance of how we are going to do and if we are going to make it to the vision that we have. It can be done!! It is done everyday!!! Nephi takes a seemly impossible task and with the help of the Lord is successful and achieves his vision! So what's your vision? Where do you want to end up? It can be as simple as "I would like to make it through each day" or something larger like "I would like to graduate with a doctorate degree". What ever it is, it can be done! With the proper vision and discipline to make it through each day until the end it can be achieved!! The things that are learned through the process are priceless!

I know that this formula works!! I know that if we keep Heavenly Father involved  in our lives , like Nephi did, anything can be achieved! Start today!! Pick a vision, set some goals, have discipline and achieve great things! Our time on Earth only comes once! Make the most of it!

Valentines Day...its coming up!!

"I suppose no one is as handsome or as beautiful as he or she wishes, or as brilliant in school or as witty in speech or as wealthy as we would like, but in a world of varied talents and fortunes that we can't always command, I think that makes even more attractive the qualities we can command- such qualities as thoughtfulness, patience, a kind word, and true delight in the accomplishment of another. These cost us nothing, and they can mean everything to the one who receives them. True love blooms when we care more about another person than we care about ourselves. That is Christ's great atoning example for us, and it ought to be more evident in the kindness we show, the resect we give, and the selflessness and courtesy we employ in our personal relationships." - Elder Jeffery R. Holland-

During this time of Valentines Day were the world is so rapidly looking towards the perfect gift to give to the perfect someone , there is something that is often over looked. In all the hustle and bustle of the season it is great time remember the greatest act of love, the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Valentines Day would be very different if we focused more on his example of love and pattern our day after it than worrying about all the gifts that we can give. The Savior has shown us the way that we should go and how we should live our lives. The possibilities are endless! I know that as we focus more on Christ like love during Valentines Day that this will be the greatest Valentines Day yet!! Start thinking of ideas so when Friday rolls around...you will be prepared to make it a good day!!:)

Eternal Life

I learned a great lesson from Alma the older this morning during my personal study! King Mosiah asks Alma to be the judge over the people, but Alma knowing his imperfections goes to the Lord and asks him what he should do and exactly how he should judge. He shows us the pattern after which we should get answers to our questions. He went straight to Heavenly Father. Alma realized that he didn't have the power the judge so he went to the ultimate judge. I love the response he receives in Mosiah 26:20, "Thou art my servant; and I covenant with thee that thou shalt have sternal life; and thou shalt serve me and go forth in my name, and shalt gather together my sheep." Heavenly Father promises Alma eternal life, as long as he will serve him and go about doing good in his name. What a great promise!! I believe that promise is the same for us know. As we go about doing good and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with those around us we will receive eternal life!! Alma may have lived forever ago but the path home is the same today! Heavenly Father does change! His promises are the same today as they were yesterday and will be the same tomorrow! He simply asks us to have faith in him and keep his commandments! That is really the easy way! When we keep his commandment we are staying on his side and playing right along side him, when we sin and turn away from him we are working against him! Who would want that?! I know that Heavenly Father keeps his promises!! It is up to us to do our part and stay on his team!!

Life Lessons

Yesterday at dinner, we had an opportunity to read the will of a relative of one of the member of our ward. It was simply a list of what she had learned in her life along with her testimony for her grandchildren and children to know! It was so powerful!! I thought that would be fun to do today! At least a few things that I have learned in the past 4 months!

Number one: Sometimes we have to give up some good things for some better things. Example: going on a mission!!!! Being a missionary is nothing like I expecting but it is everything that I need right now!! I couldn't imagine my life with out a mission!

Number two: People have good intentions. We are usually the ones who think that they don't! Most of the time when someone says something that may seem offensive, they don't mean it to be like that! Lesson to be learned, Don't take everything personally!

Number three: We are all on the same path! Lets help each other along! It is so easy to be selfish and think only about what we need at the moment, but something interesting happens when we being to realize that we all have the same basic goal whether some people realize it or not!  I love the scripture Matthew 10:39, "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." Our focus changes and shifts from what we want, to what Heavenly Father wants us to do! We begin to see everyone around us as children of God with a divine purpose and plan!

Number four: This one goes along with a lot of the ones above!! Communication is everything!! All of the problems that have risen in my companionships have been because of the lack of communication! Satan is really good at binding us down when we don't communicate! We being to assume the reaction of the other person, eventually pushing us to the point where there is no way that we would say anything because we are so worked up!! More than likely if we had talked about it right from the beginning the result isn't anything like we think it will be! Everyone has agency!! It is so much easier to talk about it first before letting the problem get us all worked up!!

Number five: A mission is a refiners fire! There is a great thought from Elder Christenson's book the Power of the Everyday Missionary when he talks about missionary work. He says something along the lines of , as missionaries we are on the forefront of the battle for souls. We are battling Satan's minions like no one else! He is doing all he can to stop the Plan of Salvation from working! It is a constant battle each of every day, but the reward is the most gratifying, wonderful, amazing, etc.., etc.., etc..!! The reward out weighs anything ad everything in this life!!

Number six: This one is probably one of the most important ones!! Light will always overcome darkness!! The Savior will always overcome Satan!! The only thing that keeps that from happening is our inability to rely on faith and believe that all that is wrong in this life will be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ!! Our natural tendencies are the limitation to us. We limit Gods ability to make everything right! That is the constant struggle for each of us! To turn ourselves to the Savior and let his infinite power be our strength and guide!!

Number seven: Obedience brings blessings, exact obedience brings miracles!! I have learned that when we are exactly obedient the spirit is with us. I thought that I had learned this before but I guess not!! It will guide us exactly where we need to be! With that being said repentance is key to being a successful missionary!! I am constantly repenting and getting back on the straight and narrow path! It is an every moment, everyday process! But I am grateful to be learning that!

Number eight: Don't get sick on a mission!!! There isn't enough time to be sick or at least enough time to recover! You feel like your hands are constantly covered with germs which makes you not want to shake peoples hands!! Always have hand sanitizer so when ever you touch a surface you can sanitize your hands!!
*the list goes on...

Number Nine: the Gospel of Jesus Christ will change the world!! Having faith in Jesus Christ, repenting of our sins, being baptized by someone who holds the Priesthood Authority of God, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost by that same authority and enduring to the end, applying these things into our own individual lives will bring lasting peace that can found no place else!!

Number Ten: the commandments are a road map for life. I think the Lord knows something that we don't about returning to live with him and what it takes to become like him. That is the purpose of commandments and covenants. Christ's grace is conditional on our willingness to follow commandments. I could go on and on about this! So why in the world don't we just follow the rules? Of course our natural man keeps us from being obedient but we know that it will bring us the most happiness.  We can decide to be happy and obedient now!!

Number Eleven: This one goes along with an earlier statement I made about the Savior overcoming darkness, the Saviors love is always there! I can't even begin to say how much our Savior loves us and how badly he wants us to choose him to be our Savior. I love the words to the hymn, Reverently and Meekly Now, "I have loved thee as they friend, with a love that cannot end." His Atonement is always there for us! I echo the words of apostles, there is not a place so dark that the light of the Saviors Atonement cannot reach!

Number Twelve: The promptings of the spirit are as real as the air we breath! So often we feel that it is going to be some spectacular incident when most likely it is small and quit but it pierces us to the core and cannot be denied! We can hold onto those like a life line and know that they are real and true! That is the role of the spirit to testify of truth. We can have faith and trust in that role!

Those are only a few!! I plan to continue to add to the list as the months go by! Each lesson in life makes us grow into something better!! Someone more!!  I know that the Church of Jesus Christ is the complete church of God on the Earth today and the same church that the Savior had while he was here! It is a privilege for me to work and study its doctrines everyday and grow in understanding!!

Infinite Atonement

This morning I was reading in 2 Nephi 9. I love this chapter, and like usual I found a great favorite scripture!! 2 Nephi 9:7, "Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement- save it should be an infinite atonement this corruption could not put on incorruptions. wherefore the first judgment which came upon man much needs have remained to an endless duration. And if so, this flesh much have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to rise no more." I love this scripture! I love that it says that an Atonement was necessary!  I am so grateful for the Atonement! I am grateful because there would be no way to find peace in this life without it! We would never ben able to be forgiven of our sins and become better! We would never be able to overcome sin! Because of the Atonement good will win! Satan is so good at what he does but through the Savior we are stronger than Satan! I love that we can each have a personal relationship with the Savior! I know that he lives and that he loves us! The Atonement was the ultimate example of love! It is so much bigger than we will ever be able to understand but that is what makes it so amazing! That love will never change! It is constant and will always be no matter what we do! That gives me a lot of peace and comfort! The Atonement is so close to my heart! I absolutely love my Savior and what he has done and what he continues to do in my life!! All people everywhere can learn of and feel this love!! If you haven't felt it pray to feel it or ask the missionaries!! I love being a missionary and bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all those around me! It means so much to me!

Favorite

I feel like I go through favorite scriptures so fast!! I will read something great in  my personal study that will become a favorite and then the next day read something that will be my new favorite! So I thought that today I would share my new favorite scripture from my morning study. 2 Nephi 4:19-20, "And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groanth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted. My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep." I have never had to sail across an ocean but there are other trials that require just as much faith on my part! Just like Nephi and his family today requires us to put our trust and faith in the Lord!  Trusting in the Lord will lead us through our trials!! He will give us strength! As a missionary we knock on a lot of doors!! We talk to a lot of people and a lot of people turn us away! It has difficult to pull your boots up and keep knocking!! But we can do it because our trust is in the Lord and we know how important our message is!! He helps us by giving us those people who are interested and want to listen to our message!! I love this message of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ! The testimony that I have keeps me trusting in the Lord and pushing forward! I know that the Savior lives! I know that the Prophet Joseph Smith restored Christ church to the Earth today!! I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is Gods church on the Earth today! I love the scriptures! I am thankful that I can have favorite scriptures that keep me moving forward!! I know that as we put our trust in the Lord that he will guide us through our afflictions just like Nephi wrote! What a blessing that is!!

Peace like a River

I love scripture in 1 Nephi 20:18, "O that thou hadst harkened to my commandments- then had thy peace been as a river and they righteousness as the waves of the sea." If you think about a river, it is ever flowing. Nothing can stop it from flowing. The waves of the sea are constant. I love walking a long the ocean shore and hearing the waves on the sand. I think most people do love that!! Heavenly Father is clear when he tells us that if we are righteous like the waves of the sea, constant and exactly obedient to the Lord then He will give us peace that is ever flowing! Who wouldn't want that? What a great promise that is!

I have been thinking about the Holy Ghost as well. This morning I studied in Preach My Gospel about Learning by the Holy Ghost. I think about the great gift of the Holy Ghost. Heavenly Father gives us the third member of the Godhead to be with us at all times if we are obedient and live righteously. The Holy Ghost is a little piece of Godliness that is with us. I have never thought about truly how important the Holy Ghost is! He is our way to receiving personal revelation that will guide our lives but he acts under the direction of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I am so eternally grateful for the Holy Ghost and his guiding hand in my life! I know that he will never lead us astray if we follow his guidance! Although his voice is still and small so that often times means that we must take a second to be still to feel his influence in our lives and receive the answers to our prayers. He is always constant and will do his job if we are living worthy of His companionship! I am so grateful for his guidance!!

Holy Place

I started the Book of Mormon over today! I am highlighting the Doctrine of Christ, Faith, Repentance, Baptism, The Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End, each in a different color. One thing that I have noticed as I been reading is how often the Holy Ghost or the Spirit gives guidance or is connected to a promise. Especially when the scriptures talk about baptism. I think of how often the Holy Ghost has guided me in my life or given me the reassurance that something that I was doing or going to do was right! It seems like when a spiritual experience like that happens the place where it occurs turns into a Holy Place for us. When ever we think about that place we associate it with the good feeling that we had or the things that we learned. I think that is why the temple or church buildings are sacred places, places where we make and renew covenants with our Heavenly Father and bring us closer to him. One Holy Place that I particularly like is the mountains or just being out in nature. I have often pondered why this is the case for so many people and this is what I have come up with. Nature is a result of Heavenly Fathers power. This world that we live in is here because we have a Heavenly Father that loves us enough to give us a chance to be way from him for a time to gain experience, learn and grow. Each experience that we have is part of a grand design by a master engineer! I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who loves us enough to give us  trails to refine us! I am grateful for Holy Places that help us remember the mercies of the Lord in our lives! He is our Father and we wants the best for us in this life!! I am grateful for the Holy Ghost that really makes possible the holy moments through his still small voice that speaks to our souls, the love and truth of a Heavenly Father. He seems to just tap us in just the right place that moves us forever and creates for us a Holy Place!!

Patterns

I love patterns!! Patterns in life keep everything running smoothly!! I love patterns in the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Since the beginning of the world God has worked in patterns! He called prophets who preached his word, but they we rejected and for a time spiritual darkness covered the Earth, but because of the love the Heavenly Father has for his children he called another prophet. The pattern goes on and on and for a time there was a long time of darkness known as the Great Apostasy or a time that the Priesthood Authority (Gods Authority) was taken from the Earth. Heavenly Father ends this Apostasy by calling a young boy Joseph Smith who had a question that prompted him to ask God. Joseph Smith through the power and revelation of God restored the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Earth once again, but his gospel will never be taken from the Earth again. The patterns the Lord develops are constant and never changing! A pattern that I love is the pattern of receiving answers through scripture study. It begins with a question, we pray to Heavenly Father to help us find the answer. After praying, study the scriptures and write down the ideas that come to mind, that is revelation. Then the pattern starts over, pray for Heavenly Father to bring further knowledge to your mind, study and revise as ideas come. I know that this pattern helps us to find answers to our questions!! It has helped me to find the enlightenment that I have needed to guide my life! To finish close with a prayer. Explain what you have learned and thank Heavenly Father for the guidance he has given! This pattern can be used to find answers to many questions! I love this pattern! I know that it works in finding answers to our questions through the scriptures, specifically through the Book of Mormon! I also know that following the pattern will make the time of studying the scriptures a time of enlightenment and will even be looked forward too!! There are so many questions to be asked, and the answers can be found through the scriptures! I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and contains answers to any question! I am grateful that there are patterns!! It makes the future bright to know that Heavenly Fathers patterns will never change because he will never change! He will never not give an answer! He will never break a promise! He tells us to ask and receive! We just have to do our part and ask, and study to receive! I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the way to receive true happiness! I love this gospel!! I am grateful for patterns!!

In the Way

I finished the Book of Mormon this morning!! I know that it is the word of God! It brings people closer to the Savior as you read! One particular part that really stood out to me was chapter 8. This is a letter that Moroni receives from his father Mormon, specifically talking about infant baptism. He says that because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ children will be saved. They are in a state of innocence until the age of 8, so they have no reason to be baptised. In fact baptising children mocks the Atonement of Christ, "And he saith that little children need baptism denieth the mercies of Christ, and setteth at naught the atonement of him and the power of his redemption." (Moroni 8:20) On another note wouldn't it make sense that Heavenly Father would do all that he can so that we can return to live with him again? Baptism is an important step in that process! At some point in our lives we must be baptised! As we do so we enter the gate that leads to eternal life and exaltation! Taking the step to be baptised allows us full access of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, repentance and forgiveness and a fullness of joy! Although sometimes that is easier said than done! The advisory knows the importance of making covenants with the Lord and will do all in his power to keep us from making and keeping convents with the Lord! If you look at the great sins of the world, all of them have to do with breaking commandments!! Those commitments we make are so sacred! As we make convents with the Lord we are entering into the "way" where all of Heavenly Fathers blessings flow. For as long as I can remember being in the "way" was a bad thing but in the Gospel it is right where we want to be!! Sometimes we leave the "way" and miss out of some of the important blessings that help us to overcome trails. Sometimes outward forces pull us away from the "way" into other paths. It is important to understand that we remain in the "way" as we keep our covenants! When we make convents with him we are binding ourselves to him as we do our part! Who wouldn't want to be bound to the great creator of all???  So how important is Baptism? Very Very Important!! Like I said before it is what allows us to enter in the gate, or the "way"! Baptism is the first step towards eternal life and exaltation!! I know that Heavenly Father will always keep his promises when we make convents with him! He wants us to return to live with him and that way is through  baptism by the proper authority! He wants us to be in the "way" so that he can bless us!! Lets be in the way!!

Power of a Question

 Alot has been on my mind lately but in the forefront is the Prophet Joseph Smith! Joseph had a question! He used that question to compel him to go to the woods and ask God which church he should join. This was a huge act of faith on his part because he had never before prayed vocally. When he went to the place where he had perviously designed he began to pray. I love his words at this point, he says, "I saw a pillar of light, exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which decended gradually until it fell upon me. When the light rested upon me I saw two personages who brightness and glory defy all description standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name, and said pointing to the other, This is my Beloved Son...Hear Him." As a missionary we receit that every morning during our study time. I love to ponder the significance of what Joseph Smith expericened and the impact that it has! The question that he had played a huge impact in history! His prayer opened the heavens! Heavenly Father spoke to his children! Previous to this the Heavens were only closed because man didn't ask questions of God! They relyed on their own logic rather than asking Him. Josephs prayer  showed that God does in fact speak to his children on Earth and answers questions. Questions are what lead us to act and search for answers. The problem that often arises is when questions come but an answer isn't persued! God gives us questions not to confuse us but to help us strengthen our testimony in him. With that being said some questions I feel won't be answered in this life and require the asker to walk by faith, until the answer does come! I am so grateful for questions! The answers to my own questions have strenghened my relationship with my Heavenly Father and confirmed my faith in him and his love! I know that questions, when saught correctly, are divine and help us to grow! I know Joseph Smith was a true prophet! He was prepared to do what he did! God doesn't close the Heavens, Man do when they stop asking questions!The power of a question leads to answers and actions!

Believe

"...We must never, in any age or circumstance, let fear and the father of fear (Satan himself) divert us form our faith and faithful living. There have always been questions about the future. Every young person or every young couple in every era has had to walk by faith into what has always been some uncertainty...But that is all right. There is a plan. It will be okay. Just be faithful. God is in charge. He knows your name and He knows your need...We cannot and much not be paralyzed...We cannot stop living life. God is anxiously waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as He always has. But he can't if you don't pray and He can't if you don't dream. In short, He can't if you don't believe." I love this thought by Elder Holland! I often think of the role that prayer has played in my life, the moments when I received an answer to a prayer or when it felt like I didn't receive an answer. Those are the hardest times when we feel that we haven't received an answer at all, but I feel that Heavenly Father gives us opportunities to use our agency because he knows that we will make a good choice. I think that we would be surprised how often Heavenly Father doesn't give us an answer so that we can trust in what we do know to be true when we make our decision! "For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward." (D&C 58:26) As we look around us and notice good that can be done, we shouldn't need to be told to do so! Heavenly Father has given us the great gift of agency to choose and act for ourselves. He wants us to dream and have plans for our lives and be anxiously engaged in making the best of our life on Earth. He will direct us, when he feels we need direction, and lead us to better opportunities. Sometimes he lets us go down the wrong road a little ways so that we know it is wrong before we go down the right road. Sometimes the wrong road may be a little rocky, but that gives us experience and will help us realize the goodness of the right road! Believe that he has a path for you and that as you are anxiously engaged in doing good that you will go down that path! He is in control and will do his best to direct down the right path, but we have our agency to choose! Do not let fear for the future keep you from dreaming! The future is good! There is so much to look forward too! I know that Heavenly Father loves us! He has given us the great gift of agency and the gift of the Holy Ghost to direct us down the right paths! When you feel that you aren't getting an answer that doesn't mean that Heavenly Father hasn't answered, but that he trust your judgment. Use what you know to be true and it will lead you down the right path! Heavenly Father wants us to dream and make the most out of our lives! He is so good and wants to best for us! He sent his Son Jesus Christ so when we do choose the wrong we can return on the right path to him! He loves each and everyone of us so much! I know he lives! Don't let fear get in the way of your dreams and prayers! Lets believe!!

The Golden Rule

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." I feel that I have heard this phrase a thousand times from the time I was very young but it hasn't been until now that I have really begun to understand what that truly means. I believe that it means when we speak, and act, we would never say anyway that we would want someone to do to us. Would we be comfortable if someone was pointing out all of our faults or weaknesses but those exact things seem to be the topic of so many conversations! I find myself so easily discussing what others need to work on rather than focusing on my own weaknesses that I need to work on myself! The Savior gave his own golden rule, "Love thy neighbor as thyself." He was the perfect example of loving those around us in his everyday life! He was kind to those who needed help. He forgave those who had faulted him, even up to the end. Sometimes I think that it can be hard to compare with the Savior because he was perfect but he still provided the way to go! No one is perfect! With that in mind, patience is required when we associate with others, whether it be in our families, workplaces, or school. When the subject turns to someone who may be struggling, remember that they are on the same path as you! Instead of tearing down, build them up! I love the quote by Eleanor Roosevelt, "Small minds talk about people, Medium minds talk about things, Great minds talk about ideas." There are so many good ideas to talk about, when the topic turns to people have the strength to change the subject! "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you! Say unto others as you would have them say unto you! Be unto others as you would have them be unto you!" If we all lived by the Golden Rule, families would stay together! Hearts wouldn't be broken and feelings wouldn't be hurt! I know that living by the Golden Rule will bring happiness! It will give a strength of character that can be found no where else! My heart breaks because this world is falling to pieces but the solution is clear, just follow the Golden Rule! We have the prefect example and the way to follow! I know that Savior loves us! Let us each love others with that same love and remember that we all in this together! Let us be patient with those around us!!

Light in the Dark

I just started reading Ether this morning about the Jaredites. The Brother of Jared is preparing barges to take the people across the ocean to the promise land. Heavenly Father tells him that the barges that he makes need to be "tight like unto a dish"(verse 17) so that the water could not go into them. The Lord explains to him that they will put a hole in the top and when the water begins to come in they will stop the hole until they need air again. The Brother of Jared is obedient to the Lord and makes the barges in the manner that the Lord has asked him too. He then realizes that there is going to be no light in the barges while they travel to the promise land (for an extended period of time). He takes on the responsibility to go and get small stones and takes them to the Lord. He asks the Lord to forgive him of his weaknesses and asks the Lord to make something good out of the stones so that they will have light. The Brother of Jared understood that the Lord can do all things according to our faith. He can make light out of something that is dark! I have always be so amazed at the qualities of light. Light will always overcome darkness! When light appears darkness cannot exist! When the sun rises in the morning the darkness departs! I especially believe that is so relevant in the world that we live in right now. We are surrounded by darkness and it is becoming darker each day! In a world that darkness is so apparent light will prevail! But that is not without effort! It doesn't take any energy to be dark, but light takes effort! The particles of light are moving so fast using so much energy! I believe this is the same for anyone who wants to have the light of the gospel in their lives; it is going to take energy and effort! It takes a lot to put a smile on your face when you are having a bad day but you do it because the gospel of Jesus Christ is something worth being happy about! It takes effort to get out your comfort zone or stand up for what you believe in! Light takes energy! I know the gospel in light and brings light into lives! It has brought light into my life! I am so grateful for that!! Light will always prevail! May we be a light to the world!!

Faith in Him

Faith is like a little seed! If planted it will grow! There are so many examples of faith through out the scriptures and in our own lives. Someone who puts all their trust in the Lord in a tough time and has faith that if they will endure it well, the out come in the end will out weigh anything they could have asked for. Something that often becomes a hurdle, when the outcome is not what we expect or the end isn't when we wanted it. I love this part in Preach my Gospel about Faith in Jesus Christ, "When we have faith in Christ, we accept and apply His Atonement and His teachings. We trust Him and what He says. We know that He has the power to keep His promises." Our faith in Jesus Christ is what will help us through trials that come into our lives! As we begin to realize that the outcome from relying on the Savior during a trial will far outreach not having faith, our trials will be bearable! Our lives are a time to be tested and go through trials, but I believe that is because Heavenly Father wants us to learn to trust him and his plan, so he gives us tough times. Central to that plan is the Atonement of Jesus Christ! I know that I have said a lot lately about the Atonement but it means so much to me and I want everyone everywhere to know that they can be healed and find peace and solace through the Atonement of Jesus Christ! That is what makes me happy because I know that what ever I go through in this life that Christ is at the helm helping to overcome!  Some believe that God has ceased to be a God of miracles today but I am here to say that is not true!! He sends us miracles each day but it is conditional on our faith in him!  "If ye awake and arouse your faculties...and exercise a particle of faith" that will be sufficient! Faith can move mountains but most importantly it can get us through our day to day trails! If God can move mountains through faith don't you think that he could pay our bills when we exercise faith in paying our tithing! It is the same for about every commandment! Faith is truly an action word with a miraculous outcome!  Having faith that as long as we do our part and keep the commandments that Heavenly Father will do his part will be enough! Faith precedes miracles! I know if we have faith in the Savior and in our Heavenly Father that we will see miracles in our lives, small and large, some we may not even notice and some will practically slap us in the face! I know that faith can help us through our tough times and bring us closer to the Savior in the end if we will let them! I know he lives and died for us! Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer! He wants to best for us and will help us through our trials! We just have to have faith in him!!

His Love

Yesterday in Relief Society we had a lesson on God the Father and his love for us. As we talked I received an overwhelming feeling of the love that Heavenly Father has for me and all of his children! I also made this connection. If we understood how much Heavenly Father truly loved us we would treat ourselves different because we would see our worth. We would understand that he loves us enough to send his only begotten son to the Earth so that we could return home with him. If we understood the love he has for us it would change the way that we view others. We would begin to see each person as a choice son or daughter of God with a divine plan and purpose! We would understand that we are all on the same path, striving and struggling even if we don't realize it! We would be more compassionate and patient with our family and friends and the stranger at the store! We would see the eternal perspective for ourselves and those around us! This would ultimately change our lives! We would be more obedient to the commandments of God! It would be written on our hearts and seen in the way that we act! I think of the way I want my father on earth to be proud of what I am doing and how much I strive to be obedient to my parents here, that is only  magnified as we understand the love our Heavenly Father has for us! As we are obedient He pours out his blessing on us because He wants us to be happy here on Earth! He taught us before we came to Earth so we would know the path that we should take to receive the most blessings and happiness! While we are here He will continue to teach us how we can return home to Him through the promptings of the Holy Ghost! That is why it is so important that we live worthy of the Holy Ghost each and everyday! Following his promptings will bring us the most happiness because we will travel the path that our Heavenly Father has set for us! I know that Heavenly Father loves each and everyone of us so much! He wants the best for us! That is why He gave us so many guides in this life to follow! If you do not have this witness, or even if you have and need to reaffirm it, I would say, get on your knees and pray to know! He will answer you! Pay attention to each thought or feeling that you have, sometimes we miss the promptings because we have an idea of what the answer will feel like, but sometimes it doesn't come in the ways that we think! As we receive that witness and continue to follow him we will begin to see his hand in our lives daily! We will want to share it with those around us!! It will compel us to be better today than we were yesterday! The Gospel of Jesus Christ changes lives for the better! Knowing that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us is the beginning!! I know He lives and loves us!! He has provided a plan for us to return home to him!! This is his greatest desire!!

Small and Simple things

"If the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it?" (1 Kings5:) I love the story of King Naaman, the leper! He sends a message to the Prophet Elisha to come and heal him. Elisha in response sends a massager back telling him to washing in the river Jordan. This makes Naaman angry, first because the Prophet didn't come down and healing him and second because the River Jordan was a very dirty river! Through is fury one of his servants comes to him and asks him if the prophet had asked him to do something huge wouldn't he have done so why not wash in the river and be clean. Naaman probably a little shamefully goes to the river and washes and is clean. He teaches us so much about the importance of small and simples tasks. It seems like we focus so much on monumental experiences that we forget that the small and simple things are what bring those large events to pass. Something as small as having faith, which we learn that faith proceeds miracles.Small and simples things opens our mind to the direction of the Holy Ghost and gives us a new view on who our Heavenly Father is to us and his infinite love for each of us.

I never really understood just how important those small commandments were until now, especially how important it is in a world with increasing turmoil and trouble. Failing to do those small things will open the door just a crack for the advisory to enter in and being to work, little by little, so little that you don't even realize that it is happening. I was reading a talk from Elder Valenzuela entitled, "Small and Simple things" from this last general conference. Several times he gave examples of ways that small and simple acts made a huge impact on someone. That someone can be ourselves as we follow the commandments of Heavenly Father we become converted to his gospel, opening the way for us to receive all the blessings that Heavenly Father can provide.

Now I would like to touch for just a second on missionary work as a small act that can make a huge difference. Everywhere there are people who need something. They may need relief from sadness, the list goes on and on. As simply as smiling at someone at the grocery store or saying hi to someone who passes you on the street. These small acts can go so far! I know that small acts go so far, in both our individual lives and in the lives of others! As we let the spirit guide we will be guided to where we are needed on a daily basis! I love being a missionary and bringing the joy of the Gospel to others! I can't imagine a better place to be at this time! I love my Savior! I know that he lives and cares for us more than we know! Each of us can be his hands as we follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost!

Whole

This past October General Conference had some amazing thoughts!! This morning I was reading "Wild Thou Be Made Whole?" by Elder Timothy Dyches. He focuses on the healing power of the atonement in both repentance and forgiveness. Elder Dyches gives several examples of times when the Savior healed and forgave sins. One that really stood out to me was the 10 lepers. They had been cast out because they were unclean, but as the Savior walked past them they cried, "Jesus, Master  have mercy on us, Isn't there something you can do for us?" (Luke 17:13) The Savior tells them to show themselves unto the priests. As they go they are healed, because of their faith. One of them returns to the Savior and thanks him for healing him. The Saviors response, "Arise and go thy way, thy faith hath made thee whole." The other lepers were healed while one was made whole. That leper is forgiven of his sins and becomes converted to the Lord through his faith. Faith is required to become whole! Faith that you can repent and all will be made right in the end! Faith that all that is unfair in this life will be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ! Faith in the Lords timing! Faith that Heavenly Father will give us challenges that will mold us and make us whole! "Be assured the Savior still seeks to mend our souls and heal our hearts. He waits at the door and knocks." Let us have faith, to "beginning again to pray repent, forgive and forget." I know that we can become whole through forgiveness and repentance! The Savior atoned for that reason, for us to become whole as we rely on this atonement! I know that he lives and loves us and wants us to come to him! "Just as chalk can be erased from a blackboard, with sincere repentance  the effects of our transgression can be erased through the Atonement of Jesus Christ!" (President Boyd K. Packer)

More Than You Can Recieve

"Bring ye all the tithes into the store house, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it." (Malachi 3:10) This morning I was reading Elder Bednar's  talk from October 2013 general conference entitled "The windows of Heaven" where he explains the blessings both to individuals and to the church as a whole. I was impressed as I studied the talk to recognize just how important it is to pay a full tithe and the blessings that come. Often times we think of blessings from tithing for individuals being money to buy a new car, or finding just the right amount of money to pay the last bill, and although those do come, the smaller blessing are often overlooked. Elder Bednar talks about how it could be in finding a job that no one would have found or being content with where we are instead of wishing for more. He gives the example of his mother in laws testimony about the expenses always being lower than their income when she would pay her tithing. That is a blessing of tithing. A blessing that we may not notice that could be connected with tithing is good health or a running car. The second he discuses is in regards to the way that the church distributes the funds from the tithing. He talks about how it is distributed in a clear, simple way, but most importantly in the Lords way. The Lord knows where the money will be needed and instructs accordingly. Not a cent of the money goes to waste but is used to build up the kingdom of God. I always wondered why when we give so little does Heavenly Father gives so much back to us? This is the conclusion that I have come too. When we pay tithing we are feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. We are helping those who are in need, each of Heavenly Fathers children. "When ye do it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."(Matt 25:40)   It is a simple way of serving others and Heavenly Father blesses those who serve. Heavenly Father has set the standard, 10% of all our income, and he promises the window of Heaven will be opened! So why wouldn't we pay our tithing? The blessing will far out weigh our 10% that we give! I know that we receive blessing more than we can receive when we pay our tithing!! It takes faith but will bless us in more than just financial ways! I know that the Savior lives! He loves us and wants to bless us! He has set the limit, let us act in faith to receive the blessings he has in store for us!!