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!!

Refiners Fire

This morning I was reading in 3 Nephi chapter 11, the account of the Savior coming to the American continent. I couldn't help wondering about what it would have been like to be there. A voice spoke from heaven, "not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that heard to the very center...and did cause their hearts to burn." (verse3)  I love the reference to piercing their hearts to the center. The word pierce shows that it left an impression and touched them deep down to the center of their hearts! I think of how often we each have spiritual experiences that touch us so deep and cause us to change. That is what the atonement of Jesus Christ does for us! It allows us to have experiences that change us! It allows us to forgive and live in peace. The atonement while bring us true happiness. It helps us realize what is most important in live, helping us to keep our priorities straight. In President Uchtdorf's talk from the 2013 general priesthood session entitled "You Can Do It Know," he talks about letting the moments that we "fall" become strengths as we apply the Saviors atonement. "Ever person, young and old, has had his own personal experiences with falling. Falling is what we mortals do. But as long as we are willing to rise up again and continue on the path toward the spiritual goals God has given us, we can learn something from failure and become better and happier as a result." (You can do it now, President Uchtdorf) I know that as we are willing to rise up that Heavenly Father gives us the strength we need to carry on and overcome. I know that he gives us moments when we fall to refine us. To go along with that I love the analogy of the refiners fire. When a silversmith refines silver he must watch it closely until the moment where he can see his image in the silver. No two pieces of silver require the same time. He watches them closely as it is refined so it isn't over heated, just like Heavenly Father watches us as we are refined, until that moment when he can see his image in us. That takes a lot of heat and challenges, but he promises us that "great shall be your reward in heaven" ( 3 Nephi 12:3-12) as we endure well. I know that he lives and watches us and helps us through the heat of life. Like a silversmith he will not leave us while we are being refined! He doesn't take the heat way but watches over us until we are refined, not matter how long it takes! I know he loves us and that one day when we return to him if we endure it well he will say, "well done thou good and faithful servant!" That is what should keep us going!!

Resolution

Well I guess this is a little late but I was thinking this morning about 2013 and new year resolutions! It has been a year of great growth and tender mercies from the Lord. He has been so good to me in giving me experience's that may not be what I would like but have defiantly helped me to grow. Here are a few points that really stood out in this last year!

 Beginning in March I had the opportunity to go to Hawaii for the first time with the Utah 4-H Ambassadors. While we were there I met some of the greatest people! We got to spend some time at the ocean where we learned to paddle board. Who would have thought that it would have been so difficult?! I may have stood up a total of three times! I was so grateful that there were some great swimmers close by to grab the board so that it wouldn't float out into the ocean before I could get to it! I learned that I don't have very good balance! Something that I am going to have to work on!:) We got to spend sometime with the leaders of 4-H from the Western United States. During the months prior to Hawaii we spent a lot of time earning money as a group and individually. Lesson learned? If you want something you are going to have to work for it, even if it means spending many weekends away from the comforts of your home to teach workshops! Sometimes you may not get to do what you want but you just put on your shoes and do it because it is what you have been asked to do. I think often times in the gospel we are asked to do things that are out of our comfort zone or just down right hard to do, but we do them because we know that Heavenly Father has promised us that we will be blesses for it!

In May I graduated from Mountain Crest High School! That is a pretty big deal! Thirteen years of school, studying and homework complete! I never thought that day would come but when it did I felt like I had finished a chapter of a book and turned the page onto a new page, ready to be written! The day following graduation I started that chapter though by opening my mission call to Vancouver Washington leaving in September! I could look ahead with excitement and be happy to know that I had done my best so far and that Heavenly Father had a plan for the next year and a half as long as I was obedient to his word! That can be the same for all of us! He has a plan for us so we can be at peace to know that as we are obedient we will fulfill his plan!

In mid July, the 4-H State Contest, I was released from a year of serving Utah 4-H as an ambassador. It was bitter sweet and defiantly a road that I know Heavenly Father wanted me to go down to prepare me for a mission. During that year I learned to stand up and talk in front of people. I learned to be friends with everyone even if it would seem that we have nothing in common. I learned to not take anything personally,(a HUGE thing while you are on a mission). I learned what it met to take responsibility and make the best better in what ever situation I was in. I learned what it means to love someone more than yourself as you spend your time and energy to serve them. It is only magnified as a missionary! I am grateful that I could serve Utah 4-H and learn so much! I know Heavenly Father gives us experiences that will prepare us for future opportunities! We best be prepared:)

On July 23, I celebrated my 4 year anniversary of TBI! On that day I went through the Logan Temple to receive my endowment. It was crazy to think that 4 years prior I was at Primary Children's Hospital. Elder Holland stated about trials in this life "trails are a would be temple for those going through them." Looking aback now I can defiantly say that it turned into one of the most sacred experiences of my life. So to be able to share that day with going through the temple met a lot to me! I am continually reminded of the goodness of our Heavenly Father! He gives us experiences that are hard to bring us closer to him if we let them! I am sure grateful that he does!

In August I showed my last steer, Max, at the Cache County Fair. That too was a little bitter sweet because he did extremely well but I would not longer be able to compete in the Jr. Livestock Program. I will jump ahead a little to September where I showed my last steer ever in my showing career, Stanley. He did pretty well as well, but to walk into the show arena for the last time as a participate brought tears to my eyes. I can't even begin to say the things that I learned from showing steers over the years! I learned to work hard, well I guess that is from living on a farm, but they are connected. Staying out late until the job was done and sticking with it. I learned what it met to be a good looser! To understand that each time you loose there is something to be learned. It is your job to find out and then work on it and master it. Many times I saw Heavenly Father hand while we were preparing calves for shows or in the show ring. He will always reward us for our hard work!

Later on in August, my great brother Casey let me ride home with him from New Jersey. We stopped at several of the Church History sites including the Sacred Grove. As I walked through the grove my testimony of Joseph Smith was renewed. I know that he saw God the Father and his son Jesus Christ! I know that the church he helped to restore is the same church the Christ formed while he was on the Earth. I am so grateful that Casey did this for me and let me come with him!

Then it comes to September! On September 18 I loaded my bags into our car and said good bye to my family and friends and headed to the MTC, not quit sure what was in store! Some the hardest experiences that I have ever had and all the way over on the other end, the sweetest! I never thought that I could come so close to my Heavenly Father! I never thought that I could love people the way that I do here! And I have 18 months of it!!!! This is something that I want to have forever in my life! I know that the Gospel can change lives! It has changed mine! I am excited for the remaining 15 months I have to continue to learn and meet people! There is nothing like a mission! I am grateful for a Heavenly Father who allowed me to be his servant here on a mission! I hope that each of us will recommit ourselves to living a life closer to the Savior! I know that it will bring the most blessing!

Well, there it is! My year in review! Heavenly Father has been so good to me! His tender mercies are all around if we take time to notice them! I was reading a message from the Ensign that quoted Dori from Finding Nemo, "Just keep swimming." All we need to do is keep swimming! On to resolutions! I have resolved this new year to keep swimming! I want to continue to grow closer to my Heavenly Father! I am resolving to be more obedient!  Heavenly Father is in control there is no need to fear!

My Yoke is Easy

"...It is easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss,...shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry s beyond this vale of sorrow into  far better land of promise...do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way." I love this scripture in Alma 37:44-46 because it reminds us that with the help of the Savior this life is easy. Often times I think we get so caught up in the hard bad times that we forget the joyful easy times. I often get in a rut of "woe is me" that I forget that Heavenly Father is blessing me all the time, in simple small ways that if you aren't looking for them you would completely overlook. Heavenly Father has provided us with every way possible to succeed in this life. He has given us a plan! His son has shown us the way to go! The Savior atoned for us so that as long as we do our best to become like him we will be forgiven. His atonement is infinite and without end! There is nothing, let me repeat nothing, that we could do that would not be covered by the Atonement. "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matt 11:28-30) He will never leave us! He stands at the door knocking waiting for us to come unto him and let him take our burdens. He will never leave us but we leave him. In the 4th Missionary by Elder L. Corbridge he states, "Life is hard but with the gospel it is easy." I want to testify that is true! I know that the Saviors way is the easy way! He can give us peace of mind and rest in our hearts as we turn to him and let him lead our lives! I know that he lives and loves us! He wants to help us we just have to be willing to give him the chance! I love him! I am so grateful to bring his gospel to the world!

Strait and Narrow

Wow I can't beleive that it is 2014! I guess time flies when you are working hard! This morning I was reading in Helamen 3 verses 29 and 30, "...Lay hold upon the word of God...which shall...lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow couse across that everlasting guld of misery...and land their souls, yea their immortal souls, at the right hand of God." For some reason this really spoke to me! President Taylor at a conference we had a few months ago talked about the strait and narrow path. The definition of strait, the way that it is spelled in the scriptures means a narrow passage of water connecting two larger bodies of water.  Often a strait is very rocky and hard to navigate without the help of a lighthouse to point out the rocks that could so easily cause damage to the boat, possibly sinking it. In life we are walking the striat and narrow path, which often just like a water strait can contain rocks but, as the scripture promised, our lighthouse through life is the word of God, and our Savior Jesus Christ. They can lead us right back home to our Father in Heaven. Navigating through life can seem hard and unbearable but we have been promised that we can make it through the strait as we rely on the lighthouse to point out the rocks that would pull us under. Relying on the light through personal revelation, the scriptures and the messages of Prophets on the earth today will give us clear direction of the way that we should go, carefully navigating us through this life. I am so grateful for the scriptures and that the heavens are not close today allowing us to recieve personal revelation. I know that Heavenly Father will provide us with a way to go through this life. I am so excited for this New Year! I am excited to know exactly what I will be doing during 2014! I am looking forward to the great opportunites and learning experiences that will come during this new year! I know that my Savior lives! I know that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us and wants the best for us! I am so grateful and fill so priviledged to be serving him during 2014!