Again, I'm so close to the end of my mission, that I have been reflecting a lot. I feel I haven't blogged enough in the last few months. I'm not really sure what I have planned for this blog, but I want to just express some things that I've come to learn a little bit more about, and things that have led to how I feel right Now; the greatest feeling of True Joy I've ever experienced.
I've thought a lot about what the word "happy" really means. The scriptures often talk about the "Great Plan of Happiness." (aka plan of redemption, or plan of salvation) In the end, that is why we came to this world; to discover what this whole idea of "happy" means, and then to achieve it for eternity. "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 2:25) This is God's entire reason for making the universe. He wants us to have Joy, and an immortal body to experience it with.
As 2 Nephi also teaches, there must be an opposition in all things (vs. 11). How could we know the light without the dark, comfort without discomfort, etc. I think it makes perfect sense then why a lot of the happiness that come in this life is actually from negative things we experience going away. That's why the atonement of Jesus Christ is the true source of happiness. Christ allows all guilt, pain, suffering, sorrow, and anything we ever go through, because of ourself, others, or just misfortune, to be swept away and forgotten. That's the true beauty and miracle of the atonement. That's why Christ is the source of true happiness.
Well I've come to learn this concept more as I'm in the process of applying the atonement to my life through repentance, change, and service. I've come to see why serving others is the source of that true joy. When you help someone else experience happiness, or when you help them overcome some pain, you can't even start to think of the pain you have. I'm so caught up in someone else's happiness in that moment, and I am just so full of Joy that they have been able to experience that change. I feel that True Joy is helping others find happiness. This is why the mission is the happiest and most full of joy I've ever felt. I also think that this is why parenting will be so great, because I'll be able to see this happiness and joy come into lives of those I'm completely devoted to with complete love.
I know that as we serve others we can help their Happiness increase, and especially as they come to be rid of all pain through the atonement of Christ. This is the True Joy. Helping others find this is something we can do our whole life. I want to help others feel this happiness any chance I get. I want them to feel the change I've felt. Then they in turn will want to spread the happiness they've felt, producing that Tru Joy in their life. I know we can all help this joy spread, through spreading happiness and love, and the message of Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Friday, July 13, 2012
Open Your Mouth, and it Shall Be Filled
Doctrine and Covenants 33:
8. Open your mouths and they shall be filled...
9. Open your mouths and spare not...
10. Yea, open your mouths and they shall be filled...
I am reaching the tail end of my mission. It's an amazing and frightening thing. I have loved this chance more than words can express. I have come to realize that the most important thing I have been carrying around, and that I'll maintain with me as I move on, is my testimony. I have learned that to tap into that testimony, all I have to do is open my mouth, and trust that the words will come. That's a hard concept. I want to talk about how to prepare for testimony bearing opportunities, how to deliver the words that you have prepared with spiritual power, and how to know the spirit directed the words to say what was necessary.
As I left my mission, I received a challenge from my Stake President to bear my testimony in every possible place and situation I could. He especially encouraged me to bear testimony in every fast and testimony meeting. I am happy to report that I have achieved 24 out of 24 fast and testimony meetings. I knew from the start I would be doing this, so I decided to have an experiment with the spirit in this particular time. I've always been told scriptures that say basically this, "Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say, ... and it shall be given you..." (D & C 84:85)
Well I decided that fast and testimony meeting would be a good time to put this to the test. Every meeting, I would purposefully NOT think of what I was going to say in my testimony. This was a hard temptation. Knowing I'd be going up there, I'd want to think of a good joke, or a list of good stories or lessons to sound profound. I had to clear my mind, and just wait til my turn to speak. I figured, this testimony can be whatever comes out. If a 5 year old can get up and do it, how bad could I mess it up. I knew that no matter what I said, it'd be fine.
I learned several things from this experiment:
1. If you're not thinking about what you are going to say, you can pay attention to the people speaking.
2. When you sit back down, you won't think about all the stuff you were going to say and didn't remember to in the heat of the moment.
3. I truly had to lean upon the spirit to direct me, and trust that the words would come.
I found myself saying things I never thought I would. I'd pull up scriptures out of the blue, or stories that I hadn't even thought of for months sometimes. I just could feel that the spirit was taking control, because I had given the reigns over. I not only was uplifted through the experience, but I knew that God could use me to help anyone that may need what I had to offer. It became easier and easier to yield my words to the spirit.
I also feel that this is closer to the way God wants us to bear our testimony. 2 Nephi 33:1 "...when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men." Right from the first time I bore my testimony this way, I felt total satisfaction in what I said. I knew that what I needed to say, I did. I also found that my testimonies were shorter in length and felt more clear. Sometimes I could hardly even remember what I'd said, but I knew I'd said what I needed to. The spirit is the central key to making words reach someone's heart.
I've been trying to apply this concept throughout all my dealings. As a missionary, we spend a lot of time preparing what we're going to teach people. Preparation is a very crucial part of all we do. I also learned this principle in these types of situations. As we prepare for something, we are giving the spirit things to pull from, ideas to use, and making the direction that it can lead us have more options. As is taught in Preach My Gospel pg 30, we should be prepared and even have some things memorized, but we should then yield to the spirit's direction. We may not use much, if any, of what we have prepared, but we give the spirit direction, and gain insights that we can use for ourselves and others as needed.
I have a firm testimony that the spirit Will direct us. "And it shall be given thee in the very moment what thou shalt speak and write, and they shall hear it, [and] I will send unto them a ... blessing." (D&C 24:6) I know that I have felt the spirit direct my words both spoken and written, and I'm so grateful for the guidance and direction available when the reigns are handed over the spirit, who knows infinitely more than I do about who needs to hear what, including myself. I have taught myself by my own words, and I know that God sends us His will through the channels that He has established.
8. Open your mouths and they shall be filled...
9. Open your mouths and spare not...
10. Yea, open your mouths and they shall be filled...
I am reaching the tail end of my mission. It's an amazing and frightening thing. I have loved this chance more than words can express. I have come to realize that the most important thing I have been carrying around, and that I'll maintain with me as I move on, is my testimony. I have learned that to tap into that testimony, all I have to do is open my mouth, and trust that the words will come. That's a hard concept. I want to talk about how to prepare for testimony bearing opportunities, how to deliver the words that you have prepared with spiritual power, and how to know the spirit directed the words to say what was necessary.
As I left my mission, I received a challenge from my Stake President to bear my testimony in every possible place and situation I could. He especially encouraged me to bear testimony in every fast and testimony meeting. I am happy to report that I have achieved 24 out of 24 fast and testimony meetings. I knew from the start I would be doing this, so I decided to have an experiment with the spirit in this particular time. I've always been told scriptures that say basically this, "Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say, ... and it shall be given you..." (D & C 84:85)
Well I decided that fast and testimony meeting would be a good time to put this to the test. Every meeting, I would purposefully NOT think of what I was going to say in my testimony. This was a hard temptation. Knowing I'd be going up there, I'd want to think of a good joke, or a list of good stories or lessons to sound profound. I had to clear my mind, and just wait til my turn to speak. I figured, this testimony can be whatever comes out. If a 5 year old can get up and do it, how bad could I mess it up. I knew that no matter what I said, it'd be fine.
I learned several things from this experiment:
1. If you're not thinking about what you are going to say, you can pay attention to the people speaking.
2. When you sit back down, you won't think about all the stuff you were going to say and didn't remember to in the heat of the moment.
3. I truly had to lean upon the spirit to direct me, and trust that the words would come.
I found myself saying things I never thought I would. I'd pull up scriptures out of the blue, or stories that I hadn't even thought of for months sometimes. I just could feel that the spirit was taking control, because I had given the reigns over. I not only was uplifted through the experience, but I knew that God could use me to help anyone that may need what I had to offer. It became easier and easier to yield my words to the spirit.
I also feel that this is closer to the way God wants us to bear our testimony. 2 Nephi 33:1 "...when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men." Right from the first time I bore my testimony this way, I felt total satisfaction in what I said. I knew that what I needed to say, I did. I also found that my testimonies were shorter in length and felt more clear. Sometimes I could hardly even remember what I'd said, but I knew I'd said what I needed to. The spirit is the central key to making words reach someone's heart.
I've been trying to apply this concept throughout all my dealings. As a missionary, we spend a lot of time preparing what we're going to teach people. Preparation is a very crucial part of all we do. I also learned this principle in these types of situations. As we prepare for something, we are giving the spirit things to pull from, ideas to use, and making the direction that it can lead us have more options. As is taught in Preach My Gospel pg 30, we should be prepared and even have some things memorized, but we should then yield to the spirit's direction. We may not use much, if any, of what we have prepared, but we give the spirit direction, and gain insights that we can use for ourselves and others as needed.
I have a firm testimony that the spirit Will direct us. "And it shall be given thee in the very moment what thou shalt speak and write, and they shall hear it, [and] I will send unto them a ... blessing." (D&C 24:6) I know that I have felt the spirit direct my words both spoken and written, and I'm so grateful for the guidance and direction available when the reigns are handed over the spirit, who knows infinitely more than I do about who needs to hear what, including myself. I have taught myself by my own words, and I know that God sends us His will through the channels that He has established.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
The Power of Prayer
I have been having been thinking about my prayers and evaluating them a lot these days. I have studied, and asked questions, and gained new insights from many great examples that I thought I'd consolidate and post today. I've been learning new things about listening, about the difference between formal and continuous prayer, and how the word "Amen" can make even prayers I don't personally say become meaningful.
A prayer is direct communication with God. It's a 2-way conversation. We say things to Him, and He will respond. If we only talk, we can't hear what He says. Since he hears what we say all the time, I view prayer as more of a listening experience than a talking one. Our prayers, whether formal or continuous, are a chance for us to "tune" ourselves into His help and insight. Sometimes we need to wait for the answer, or "ponder" as the scriptures say. Take some time to give God a change to talk. It is a conversation after all. The biggest key to making a prayer reach God is that it is said in the Name of Jesus Christ. He is the only name under heaven by which we can get to the Father. He is our advocate.
I'm coming to discover the difference between a prayer in your heart and daily formal prayers. Both are necessary. Daily prayers are formal acts when we stop what we're doing and submit to God for a time. Submitting can take several forms. The more we submit, the more we show God we value and need his help. Kneeling is the ultimate showing of humility. The kneeling position is the most vulnarable position a human can be in. In defense of an attack, the knees are the worst place to be. You have to first move to your feet or drop your hands to the floor to be able to move your body. Even on your back you can roll over or push off. Being on your knees is total submission. We also put other senses at bay when we pray. We close our eyes, bow our head, fold our arms, and isolate ourself in a quiet place. All these actions show God our dependance on him and our true desire to receive His answers. Even as we speak outloud, we can fill the sound with the words we want, that will create the environment we want. Try doing it outloud maybe once a day, it's awesome.
The prayer of the heart is one that happens continuously through out the day. It's like having your radar tuned into God at all times. As we need his help or guidance even more, we can tune our radar into him slightly more by silently calling out to him. For me, I've found that as I just pause for a brief moment, I can say a breif prayer. Since a prayer needs to be in the Name of Jesus Christ, that is how I begin my silent prayers. The declaring of Christ's name can occur any time through our the prayer. Like the sacrament prayers, his name is stated, the prayer follows, then said with Amen. Similarly, I like to start my silent prayers that way, and then in one quick thought ask for the help I need. In my mind I'll say, "In the Name of Jesus Christ, help me with this situation." That's a prayer as we then listen to what follows from on high.
The concept of "Amen" has come to mean a lot more to me these days. Amen means "it is so." By saying Amen after a prayer, you are basically stating that you agree with the prayer, so in essense, you are offering the same prayer. We have a dialogue with God in each setting in which we pray. We have a personal dialogue, a companion dialogue (for the missionaries or spouses out there), we have a family dialogue, a congregation, etc. With each setting, when we say Amen, we are all agreeing that we have said the same thing and we all can then listen to the answers that come from God. A practice that's come to help me a lot is to actually repeat the words of whoever is praying in my own head, and then it becomes even more meaningful for me in every situation.
I know our prayers can become so meaningful and useul in our lives. I have gained a much deeper appreciation for God's communication to me. I know it is the best source of guidance, and has become my first action for any situation. I thank all those who have helped my prayers improve, and hope to have this process continue to climb throughout my life. I hope my insights can help your prayers increase in meaning. I know God loves us and is always there for us.
A prayer is direct communication with God. It's a 2-way conversation. We say things to Him, and He will respond. If we only talk, we can't hear what He says. Since he hears what we say all the time, I view prayer as more of a listening experience than a talking one. Our prayers, whether formal or continuous, are a chance for us to "tune" ourselves into His help and insight. Sometimes we need to wait for the answer, or "ponder" as the scriptures say. Take some time to give God a change to talk. It is a conversation after all. The biggest key to making a prayer reach God is that it is said in the Name of Jesus Christ. He is the only name under heaven by which we can get to the Father. He is our advocate.
I'm coming to discover the difference between a prayer in your heart and daily formal prayers. Both are necessary. Daily prayers are formal acts when we stop what we're doing and submit to God for a time. Submitting can take several forms. The more we submit, the more we show God we value and need his help. Kneeling is the ultimate showing of humility. The kneeling position is the most vulnarable position a human can be in. In defense of an attack, the knees are the worst place to be. You have to first move to your feet or drop your hands to the floor to be able to move your body. Even on your back you can roll over or push off. Being on your knees is total submission. We also put other senses at bay when we pray. We close our eyes, bow our head, fold our arms, and isolate ourself in a quiet place. All these actions show God our dependance on him and our true desire to receive His answers. Even as we speak outloud, we can fill the sound with the words we want, that will create the environment we want. Try doing it outloud maybe once a day, it's awesome.
The prayer of the heart is one that happens continuously through out the day. It's like having your radar tuned into God at all times. As we need his help or guidance even more, we can tune our radar into him slightly more by silently calling out to him. For me, I've found that as I just pause for a brief moment, I can say a breif prayer. Since a prayer needs to be in the Name of Jesus Christ, that is how I begin my silent prayers. The declaring of Christ's name can occur any time through our the prayer. Like the sacrament prayers, his name is stated, the prayer follows, then said with Amen. Similarly, I like to start my silent prayers that way, and then in one quick thought ask for the help I need. In my mind I'll say, "In the Name of Jesus Christ, help me with this situation." That's a prayer as we then listen to what follows from on high.
The concept of "Amen" has come to mean a lot more to me these days. Amen means "it is so." By saying Amen after a prayer, you are basically stating that you agree with the prayer, so in essense, you are offering the same prayer. We have a dialogue with God in each setting in which we pray. We have a personal dialogue, a companion dialogue (for the missionaries or spouses out there), we have a family dialogue, a congregation, etc. With each setting, when we say Amen, we are all agreeing that we have said the same thing and we all can then listen to the answers that come from God. A practice that's come to help me a lot is to actually repeat the words of whoever is praying in my own head, and then it becomes even more meaningful for me in every situation.
I know our prayers can become so meaningful and useul in our lives. I have gained a much deeper appreciation for God's communication to me. I know it is the best source of guidance, and has become my first action for any situation. I thank all those who have helped my prayers improve, and hope to have this process continue to climb throughout my life. I hope my insights can help your prayers increase in meaning. I know God loves us and is always there for us.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Power Up Your Testimony
So I've been slacking on my blog posts, so I'm gonna get back into it with a simple one today. I've really been thinking a lot about my testimony, the testimony of those around me, and how I can build both mine and theirs.
What is a testimony?
A testimony is knowledge based on experiences one has had. One can testify they witnessed something, either for a case in court, or even for vouching their friend really did eat 6 saltine crackers in under a minute (possible... by the way.. ha). A testimony is something that grows over time and by degrees. A testimony can even be built by the testimony of others.
I'll liken our testimony to a flashlight that you winde up to generate the power to turn it on. As you start from a dark light, it takes a while to winde it up until it is bright. Once it's there, you have to continue to winde it in order to keep it bright. If you stop winding, it will begin to dim. You may not always be in dire need for the light, it may be daytime. But night will come. You may pass through a tunnel, or cloudy weather, or any number of places that the light needs to be used. If the light is not there because you haven't been winding, it may be too late to prevent a mishap. On the other hand, if that light is kept bright, it'll be there when you need it.
I know this applies to us today, as we do the little things, reading our scriptures, saying our prayers, going to church, we "winde up" our testimony. If we keep it bright, it will be there when we need it. I know our testimony is one of the most valuable things we can have in this life. I testify that my testimony has lighted the dark paths of my life. I hope and pray we all keep winding our light. If you feel yours getting dim, winde a little harder for a while, and it will catch up!
What is a testimony?
A testimony is knowledge based on experiences one has had. One can testify they witnessed something, either for a case in court, or even for vouching their friend really did eat 6 saltine crackers in under a minute (possible... by the way.. ha). A testimony is something that grows over time and by degrees. A testimony can even be built by the testimony of others.
I'll liken our testimony to a flashlight that you winde up to generate the power to turn it on. As you start from a dark light, it takes a while to winde it up until it is bright. Once it's there, you have to continue to winde it in order to keep it bright. If you stop winding, it will begin to dim. You may not always be in dire need for the light, it may be daytime. But night will come. You may pass through a tunnel, or cloudy weather, or any number of places that the light needs to be used. If the light is not there because you haven't been winding, it may be too late to prevent a mishap. On the other hand, if that light is kept bright, it'll be there when you need it.
I know this applies to us today, as we do the little things, reading our scriptures, saying our prayers, going to church, we "winde up" our testimony. If we keep it bright, it will be there when we need it. I know our testimony is one of the most valuable things we can have in this life. I testify that my testimony has lighted the dark paths of my life. I hope and pray we all keep winding our light. If you feel yours getting dim, winde a little harder for a while, and it will catch up!
Friday, January 27, 2012
I Hope you're Hoping, Hopefully
So it's been a little while since I posted and I have been meaning to do so. Here's a nice short post to share my recent thoughts and get my Blog ball rolling again. What is Hope?
I recently studied "Hope" as one of the Christlike attributes in Preach My Gospel (pg. 117), and was taken back that it's not quite what I thought it was. The world has a misconception on what hope really is. In the world's view, hope has a connotation that leaves room for doubt. "I hope my team wins the game," or "I hope it's not raining tomorrow." Well when the word hope is used in the scriptures, it is used in an sure and confident kind of way. PMG says that hope is an abiding trust, an assurance, an anchor. Hope is knowing that things will work out for our good.
Hope is closely related to faith. Faith is an action. If we have faith in something we move forward with steps we might not have taken otherwise. Hope is the assurance that something will come of that action. In my mind, faith starts the action, and hope maintains it. In the Book if Mormon in Ether 12:4 it reads "Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."
Hope creates a foundation that is sure and steadfast. Hope is the driving force that brings us to face the hard times and remember why our faith got us started in the first place. I hope I can serve my mission to the best of my ability. I hope I will receive remission of my sins. I hope I will be found spotless and inherit eternal life. I know that we can all attain these things as we go forward.
2 Nephi 31:20 reads, "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."
I know that this is true! I know that we can hope for a better world, and see it happen.
I recently studied "Hope" as one of the Christlike attributes in Preach My Gospel (pg. 117), and was taken back that it's not quite what I thought it was. The world has a misconception on what hope really is. In the world's view, hope has a connotation that leaves room for doubt. "I hope my team wins the game," or "I hope it's not raining tomorrow." Well when the word hope is used in the scriptures, it is used in an sure and confident kind of way. PMG says that hope is an abiding trust, an assurance, an anchor. Hope is knowing that things will work out for our good.
Hope is closely related to faith. Faith is an action. If we have faith in something we move forward with steps we might not have taken otherwise. Hope is the assurance that something will come of that action. In my mind, faith starts the action, and hope maintains it. In the Book if Mormon in Ether 12:4 it reads "Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."
Hope creates a foundation that is sure and steadfast. Hope is the driving force that brings us to face the hard times and remember why our faith got us started in the first place. I hope I can serve my mission to the best of my ability. I hope I will receive remission of my sins. I hope I will be found spotless and inherit eternal life. I know that we can all attain these things as we go forward.
2 Nephi 31:20 reads, "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."
I know that this is true! I know that we can hope for a better world, and see it happen.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Here's Me
So today, I'm writing a more personal and out of the ordinary (for my blog) type of post. Most of what I've written is ideas I've had, things I've always wanted to get out into the world, or just plain gibberish that I've happily emptied from my mind. Today, I'm gonna post what I consider to be a "normal post." I feel it is time to just talk about where I'm at, and express the best I can in words, how thankful I am to my Father in Heaven for my wonderful life and people that make it that way.
I'm now about 17 months into this 24 month ordeal, and blown away at the experience that it is. I absolutely Love being a missionary. It is full of so many things that just don't compare to anything else I've ever done. I've never lived such a strict routine, and I love it. I love seeing such changes in myself and others when consistent goal setting, plans set, and action really occurs. It's amazing! I love the gospel. My testimony of this church and of the restoration is more solid than I ever thought it could be. I can say "I Know..." and mean it. I'm so thankful for this. I've been blessed so much I sometimes think it is unfair.
The parable of the talents has been on my mind a lot on my mission. One guy got 5, another 2, and another 1. The guy with 5 used them and made 10, the guy with 2 made 4, but the guy with 1 hid it away and lost the one he had. The part to this that I've been realizing is that God gave me many talents. I have an obligation to use them. The more talents we are given, the more additional talents we then must gain and use for God's work. I equate this to more than just actual talents, but also blessing we are given in life. The more we are blessed, the more we should use those blessings thankfully to further God's work.
I've been thinking a lot about relationships we have in this life as some of those blessings, or talents per se. The people around me, and the relationships and memories I have with them, are the best part of my life. Time = Love, and Love is what it takes to make a good relationship, so good relationships require time. I think that is why my mission is so great. We spend all our time building these relationships with anyone and everyone that will hear our words. No wonder I've grown to love so many people so much in such a short time (on the calender). Whenever I first get to a new town, I think, "Eh, this place is ok... I don't really like the weather, or geography or... I doubt I'll want to come back here." And then after a relatively short time, I meet so many wonderful people, build these amazing and inspired connections, and now I can't fathom Not coming back to visit. It's happened everywhere I go. Take away the people, I doubt I'd ever go back. But with those faces, memories, and life-changing moments in both mine and their lives, I must go back to visit.
Well back to my other train of thought, I've been so blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life, and right now I want to take a moment to tell the world about the most important relationship I have in this life. My Mom. She has spent more time on me than anyone I know. She has given more of herself to making me who I am than I even realize. Words can't express the amazement I have for who she is, what she's done, and the great example she has set for me. She served her mission to Italy, and her testimony has never wavered in the tiniest amount. She's always stood by me and sometimes I don't even understand why I deserve to be so lucky. "Because I have been given much I too must give." My mom's love is spreading to the people of California.
Now that little Momma's boy is done, I want to say that so many relationships in my life have given me knowledge, experience, happiness, and growth. These are what make me me. I have been given so much, that I'm duty bound to use that for the benefit of God's work. I'm so grateful to do it in this capacity. I'm so glad to have learned what life is truly all about. I know that I will be doing this my whole life, whether I have a badge on or not. I've been shown a lifetime of love and blessings, and if I don't use them to do the same thing, I'd be hiding them away.
This didn't go quite where I thought it would go, but in the end, I just want to tell the world, or anyone who may stumble across this blog and make it through my un-illustrated posts to get to this point, that I Love Life. This is such a wonderful place to be right now. I have so many wonderful blessings that I'm eternally grateful for. The main one being Christ, My Savior, My Redeemer, My Lord, My Friend. I'd be lost without him, and I'm eternally in his debt. As we celebrate his coming into the world, I express my joy and hallelujahs for his birth. He has shown more time and love than any being before and since for every single individual on this earth, me included. I Know He Lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
I'm now about 17 months into this 24 month ordeal, and blown away at the experience that it is. I absolutely Love being a missionary. It is full of so many things that just don't compare to anything else I've ever done. I've never lived such a strict routine, and I love it. I love seeing such changes in myself and others when consistent goal setting, plans set, and action really occurs. It's amazing! I love the gospel. My testimony of this church and of the restoration is more solid than I ever thought it could be. I can say "I Know..." and mean it. I'm so thankful for this. I've been blessed so much I sometimes think it is unfair.
The parable of the talents has been on my mind a lot on my mission. One guy got 5, another 2, and another 1. The guy with 5 used them and made 10, the guy with 2 made 4, but the guy with 1 hid it away and lost the one he had. The part to this that I've been realizing is that God gave me many talents. I have an obligation to use them. The more talents we are given, the more additional talents we then must gain and use for God's work. I equate this to more than just actual talents, but also blessing we are given in life. The more we are blessed, the more we should use those blessings thankfully to further God's work.
I've been thinking a lot about relationships we have in this life as some of those blessings, or talents per se. The people around me, and the relationships and memories I have with them, are the best part of my life. Time = Love, and Love is what it takes to make a good relationship, so good relationships require time. I think that is why my mission is so great. We spend all our time building these relationships with anyone and everyone that will hear our words. No wonder I've grown to love so many people so much in such a short time (on the calender). Whenever I first get to a new town, I think, "Eh, this place is ok... I don't really like the weather, or geography or... I doubt I'll want to come back here." And then after a relatively short time, I meet so many wonderful people, build these amazing and inspired connections, and now I can't fathom Not coming back to visit. It's happened everywhere I go. Take away the people, I doubt I'd ever go back. But with those faces, memories, and life-changing moments in both mine and their lives, I must go back to visit.
Well back to my other train of thought, I've been so blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life, and right now I want to take a moment to tell the world about the most important relationship I have in this life. My Mom. She has spent more time on me than anyone I know. She has given more of herself to making me who I am than I even realize. Words can't express the amazement I have for who she is, what she's done, and the great example she has set for me. She served her mission to Italy, and her testimony has never wavered in the tiniest amount. She's always stood by me and sometimes I don't even understand why I deserve to be so lucky. "Because I have been given much I too must give." My mom's love is spreading to the people of California.
Now that little Momma's boy is done, I want to say that so many relationships in my life have given me knowledge, experience, happiness, and growth. These are what make me me. I have been given so much, that I'm duty bound to use that for the benefit of God's work. I'm so grateful to do it in this capacity. I'm so glad to have learned what life is truly all about. I know that I will be doing this my whole life, whether I have a badge on or not. I've been shown a lifetime of love and blessings, and if I don't use them to do the same thing, I'd be hiding them away.
This didn't go quite where I thought it would go, but in the end, I just want to tell the world, or anyone who may stumble across this blog and make it through my un-illustrated posts to get to this point, that I Love Life. This is such a wonderful place to be right now. I have so many wonderful blessings that I'm eternally grateful for. The main one being Christ, My Savior, My Redeemer, My Lord, My Friend. I'd be lost without him, and I'm eternally in his debt. As we celebrate his coming into the world, I express my joy and hallelujahs for his birth. He has shown more time and love than any being before and since for every single individual on this earth, me included. I Know He Lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
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