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.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Allow Remembrance
Helaman 5:5 For they remembered the words which their father Helaman spake unto them. And these are the words which he spake:
6 Behold, my sons, I desire that ye should remember to keep the commandments of God; and I would that ye should declare unto the people these words. Behold, I have given unto you the names of our first parents who came out of the land of Jerusalem [Lehi and Nephi]; and this I have done that when you remember your names ye may remember them; and when ye remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were good.
What does remember mean in this context? Helaman went so far as to give his sons specific names to help them remember who they stood for and what they had been taught. What did Helaman want them to remember?
9 O remember, remember, my sons, the words which king Benjamin spake unto his people; yea, remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who shall come; yea, remember that he cometh to redeem the world.
12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.
Helaman wanted them to remember the teachings of Christ. He wanted them to have that with them When the hard times come; When the storms hit. Why did Helaman want it?
14 And they did remember his words; and therefore they went forth, keeping the commandments of God, to teach the word of God among all the people of Nephi, beginning at the city Bountiful;
Because they did what their father had asked. They built their own testimony and went out to teach. So what happened?
18 And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi did preach unto the Lamanites with such great power and authority, for they had power and authority given unto them that they might speak, and they also had what they should speak given unto them—
19 Therefore they did speak unto the great astonishment of the Lamanites, to the convincing them, insomuch that there were eight thousand of the Lamanites who were in the land of Zarahemla and round about baptized unto repentance, and were convinced of the wickedness of the traditions of their fathers.
All because they remembered what they were taught!
So how can we remember?
I love the example that Nephi and Lehi set for us all to follow. I love seeing their efforts and results from them. I think the way to help us do the same is to allow ourselves to remember.
We allow ourselves to do many things in a day. Maybe it's allow one more snooze of the alarm, or allow one more piece of candy, or one more missed opportunity. Why not allow one more chapter of reading for the night, one more phone call to a friend, one more kind word, one more smile. I know we have it within us to do what is right, and we have the desire and promptings to be an instrument in God's hand. Just Allow It! If we all allowed one more gift at Christmas, one more kind word, one more...... how much of a change could we make? I know the Holy Spirit guides us and we have the choice to act upon it or shrug it off. Allow yourself one more today. Make the world happier for one more person, and make one more moment brighter.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Give Oh Give, Give Oh Give!
As this Christmas time is here, I'm reminded of the lyrics to a childhood song I used to sing.
Give said the little stream,
Give oh give. Give oh give.
Give said the little stream,
As it hurried down the hill.
I'm small I know but wherever I go,
The grass grows greener still.
Singing, singing all the day,
Give oh give away!
Simple, yet profound. The stream gave what it had. Although small, it's contribution was obvious and it saw the grass grow greener wherever it went.
At this time of year, all we have to do is give away our little song, our little smile, out little time and love, and the grass will grow greener. The love will reciprocate. I know we all have something to contribute. I know Christ's love is real, and for anyone who has felt a glimpse of that, there is a light within to share with others. Give of yourself this Chrsitmas, and watch the grass grow greener in others lives, as well as your own. That's the beauty of giving, all parties lift. Give oh give away!
Give said the little stream,
Give oh give. Give oh give.
Give said the little stream,
As it hurried down the hill.
I'm small I know but wherever I go,
The grass grows greener still.
Singing, singing all the day,
Give oh give away!
Simple, yet profound. The stream gave what it had. Although small, it's contribution was obvious and it saw the grass grow greener wherever it went.
At this time of year, all we have to do is give away our little song, our little smile, out little time and love, and the grass will grow greener. The love will reciprocate. I know we all have something to contribute. I know Christ's love is real, and for anyone who has felt a glimpse of that, there is a light within to share with others. Give of yourself this Chrsitmas, and watch the grass grow greener in others lives, as well as your own. That's the beauty of giving, all parties lift. Give oh give away!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Brain Flow
So along with my last post on Words, I have another idea rolling around that I have always liked sharing, and thought I'd include on this page. Sometimes, words are hard to get out. Things in our mind can be there but not have materialized into reality yet. I want to talk about the concept of brainstorming, it's value, and how the lord can inspire us through our own thoughts.
There is great value in brainstorming. I love doing it. We as missionaries will brainstorm different teaching ideas, or things to say when we first meet people, or specific answers to questions we have posed often. In all cases, the brainstorm starts out a bit slow. We think of the same old things we always say. Then the ideas start getting a bit out there, crazy. There is so much value here though. As we start to get the words flowing, the bad ones come out, but it will get your mind cranking and eventually the truly good ideas come out. You have to start throwing out the crazy ones first, with the total understanding that you won't be using that idea. It's just a brainstorm. This is hard for people sometimes. We as humans get so possessive about our ideas. We don't want to admit it's a bad idea, we want to cling to ideas we have and pound them into the ground til they work. As we let the ideas flow, letting them be bad, then we don't care any more. Then the ideas can be flushed out, the old usual ones, then then crazy ones, then the good ones. It helps to write things down.
So why am I talking about this? I think we all have the potential to affect those around us. We can plan events, plan gifts for people, come up with all kinds of things that lift others. Sometimes we get stuck in a rut. Sometimes we need fresh new ideas. Sometimes we're trying to overcome something, or trying to make a change in life, but can't seem to think of a way to do it. If we take the time to get out a pen and paper, let the ideas flow, especially with other people, we can come up with ideas that can be turned into real action. If you're trying to think of a good B-day present for mom. Start with flowers... card... balloons... dayspa... circus animals... airplane flying by... parachuters... firework show... tickets to a circus... day at a horse ranch... now the flowing is happening, and the good ideas started.
I know God can inspire our ideas. We have to do the work. The old adage, "God can help the guy who's out Pushing his car and praying, much more than the guy just sitting In his car praying." Sometimes that work can be in the form of pen, paper, and good brain flow. God can inspire. Brainstorming takes some effort, but if used well, God can inspire our actions. Try it next time your planning activity, or trying to help someone out, or trying to help yourself out. I know we have great potential if we give our self the chance to be inspired. I know that we can let things go, and move on to better things. Give it a try. Happy Brain Flowing!!
There is great value in brainstorming. I love doing it. We as missionaries will brainstorm different teaching ideas, or things to say when we first meet people, or specific answers to questions we have posed often. In all cases, the brainstorm starts out a bit slow. We think of the same old things we always say. Then the ideas start getting a bit out there, crazy. There is so much value here though. As we start to get the words flowing, the bad ones come out, but it will get your mind cranking and eventually the truly good ideas come out. You have to start throwing out the crazy ones first, with the total understanding that you won't be using that idea. It's just a brainstorm. This is hard for people sometimes. We as humans get so possessive about our ideas. We don't want to admit it's a bad idea, we want to cling to ideas we have and pound them into the ground til they work. As we let the ideas flow, letting them be bad, then we don't care any more. Then the ideas can be flushed out, the old usual ones, then then crazy ones, then the good ones. It helps to write things down.
So why am I talking about this? I think we all have the potential to affect those around us. We can plan events, plan gifts for people, come up with all kinds of things that lift others. Sometimes we get stuck in a rut. Sometimes we need fresh new ideas. Sometimes we're trying to overcome something, or trying to make a change in life, but can't seem to think of a way to do it. If we take the time to get out a pen and paper, let the ideas flow, especially with other people, we can come up with ideas that can be turned into real action. If you're trying to think of a good B-day present for mom. Start with flowers... card... balloons... dayspa... circus animals... airplane flying by... parachuters... firework show... tickets to a circus... day at a horse ranch... now the flowing is happening, and the good ideas started.
I know God can inspire our ideas. We have to do the work. The old adage, "God can help the guy who's out Pushing his car and praying, much more than the guy just sitting In his car praying." Sometimes that work can be in the form of pen, paper, and good brain flow. God can inspire. Brainstorming takes some effort, but if used well, God can inspire our actions. Try it next time your planning activity, or trying to help someone out, or trying to help yourself out. I know we have great potential if we give our self the chance to be inspired. I know that we can let things go, and move on to better things. Give it a try. Happy Brain Flowing!!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Words Without Number
I have many thoughts rolling around my head on Words. I want to share some of them on how we have power to control words, how God has used that power, and how we can use that power.
With a few simple words, I can direct your attention to something very specific. Watch: The angel Moroni on the Tokyo Temple has a fly on it's nose with one wing. Weird example, but with very few words, you now have your attention on the wing of a fly in Japan. My point is that we as humans have been given the gift of learning and understanding words, in whatever language, that can take our minds together to any place we choose to take it. There are volumes of written words all over the world that are impossible to read in this lifetime. It's hard to choose what to take the time to read, with the vast amount that you'll never get too. The power that words have to make us who we are is astounding. Written or spoken, words can brighten your mood, make you cry for joy, or the opposite. We can't control all of the words that we hear, but we can choose to bring certain words in or out of our life.
It's so amazing to me that words are the one tangible thing that God can give to us. We have those words because of chosen prophets and their learning. We have the ability to know what God has said to them, and what he still says. Think about it, these words have traveled from outer space, across who knows how many light years, to arrive in our hands, ears, and hearts. This is truly communication from the beyond this world. As pointed out by Neal A Maxwell in his book "Things as They Really Are," men are trying right now to send radio waves into space and hoping for a response, when we already have messages that have come and continually come to us right now.
Of course I'm alluding to the scriptures, General Conference, ensign, family proclimation, etc. The history of the bible is complex and amazing, but God has preserved those words for us. The coming forth of the Book of Mormon is a story for the ages, prophesied in both ancient America and Jerusalem. I have a growing understanding and appreciation for the power of those words and their origin. God loves us! He is reaching out to us in the way that can affect us the most. The power of those words can enlighten our souls and minds to truth. Think about it. TRUTH..... There is a reality, and God wants us to know it.
I love the power we have with words too. We have knowledge and understanding that deepens in us as we hear words and have experiences. We can share those words with those around us. We can choose to speak up. We can choose to send out good or bad words. Words are making reality out of our thoughts. Once you say something, it's out in the universe now. It's gone from a thought to real vibrations detectable to the world around you. As those words echo from or to us, there is power that can follow those words if they are true. That power is the Holy Ghost. He can be in those words, and he can carry those words to the hearts of the hearers (2 Ne 33:1). If the words, read or spoken, are truth, and the listener is in tune, the Holy Ghost can bear record of that. I know this is true. I have felt his presence in the words I've heard and read. I've felt the lack of his presence in words also. I've felt his presence in words I have spoken. I know the Holy Ghost is real!!!!
Words are all around us. We can choose to bring the best words into our life. I know that as we read from the words God has, and still does deliver to us, we will grow in our understanding and be guided. I know this life is a process. Our minds are continually being prepared to receive more and more words. We may hear words several times before they finally ring true. We may hear words ring true in a new way over and over as we change. I know that we as humans, use the words from God to grow and progress, the Holy Ghost will guide our Journey here. I know those words lead to happiness in this life, and eternal life in the world to come. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
http://lds.org/scriptures?lang=eng -Scriptures online
http://lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2011/10?lang=eng - October 2011 Conference
With a few simple words, I can direct your attention to something very specific. Watch: The angel Moroni on the Tokyo Temple has a fly on it's nose with one wing. Weird example, but with very few words, you now have your attention on the wing of a fly in Japan. My point is that we as humans have been given the gift of learning and understanding words, in whatever language, that can take our minds together to any place we choose to take it. There are volumes of written words all over the world that are impossible to read in this lifetime. It's hard to choose what to take the time to read, with the vast amount that you'll never get too. The power that words have to make us who we are is astounding. Written or spoken, words can brighten your mood, make you cry for joy, or the opposite. We can't control all of the words that we hear, but we can choose to bring certain words in or out of our life.
It's so amazing to me that words are the one tangible thing that God can give to us. We have those words because of chosen prophets and their learning. We have the ability to know what God has said to them, and what he still says. Think about it, these words have traveled from outer space, across who knows how many light years, to arrive in our hands, ears, and hearts. This is truly communication from the beyond this world. As pointed out by Neal A Maxwell in his book "Things as They Really Are," men are trying right now to send radio waves into space and hoping for a response, when we already have messages that have come and continually come to us right now.
Of course I'm alluding to the scriptures, General Conference, ensign, family proclimation, etc. The history of the bible is complex and amazing, but God has preserved those words for us. The coming forth of the Book of Mormon is a story for the ages, prophesied in both ancient America and Jerusalem. I have a growing understanding and appreciation for the power of those words and their origin. God loves us! He is reaching out to us in the way that can affect us the most. The power of those words can enlighten our souls and minds to truth. Think about it. TRUTH..... There is a reality, and God wants us to know it.
I love the power we have with words too. We have knowledge and understanding that deepens in us as we hear words and have experiences. We can share those words with those around us. We can choose to speak up. We can choose to send out good or bad words. Words are making reality out of our thoughts. Once you say something, it's out in the universe now. It's gone from a thought to real vibrations detectable to the world around you. As those words echo from or to us, there is power that can follow those words if they are true. That power is the Holy Ghost. He can be in those words, and he can carry those words to the hearts of the hearers (2 Ne 33:1). If the words, read or spoken, are truth, and the listener is in tune, the Holy Ghost can bear record of that. I know this is true. I have felt his presence in the words I've heard and read. I've felt the lack of his presence in words also. I've felt his presence in words I have spoken. I know the Holy Ghost is real!!!!
Words are all around us. We can choose to bring the best words into our life. I know that as we read from the words God has, and still does deliver to us, we will grow in our understanding and be guided. I know this life is a process. Our minds are continually being prepared to receive more and more words. We may hear words several times before they finally ring true. We may hear words ring true in a new way over and over as we change. I know that we as humans, use the words from God to grow and progress, the Holy Ghost will guide our Journey here. I know those words lead to happiness in this life, and eternal life in the world to come. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
http://lds.org/scriptures?lang=eng -Scriptures online
http://lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2011/10?lang=eng - October 2011 Conference
Monday, September 26, 2011
Final Change Finally
(Balance; A Changer's Art, part 3. Read parts 1 and 2 first)
So I'm wrapping up my thoughts, for now, on this whole change topic. First I talked about Balance and making sure you change gradually and healthily to make it lasting. Then I talked about perspective, and applying change to reality to make it practical. Now I want to address my thoughts on how to keep going forward towards perfection, especially when it feels like you're not going anywhere.
So here's an activity for ya. Take a piece of paper and rip it into a bunch of random sized pieces. Then take the biggest and rip it into two, then the next biggest. Keep finding the biggest pieces and rip them in half til you get down to a small pile of confetti. Really, go ahead and do it.... Here's the point. As you get going, the big pieces stand out and then when ripped, they are just part of the pile. Those will be out of the focus, and others will stand out that hadn't before. You'll cycle through until those same pieces become the bigger ones again, grab your focus to be ripped, then blend in again. As they get smaller, the size of the rip becomes smaller, and the number of pieces to rip increases.
I'm trying to illustrate how change works in our lives. We start with huge changes, especially when first starting anything new, like a sport, or first joining the church. The changes are obvious and huge at first. One change makes a huge difference. But as we get farther and farther, there are more changes and they become smaller. Things that were small and out of sight, eventually become the big ones and require attention again. The learning curve is fast at first. It's easy to become proficient at something, but to become a master takes much much more. This is also illustrated with a stone being polished, or a piece of wood being sanded smooth. The rough grit sandpaper first knocks off huge edges. Then you keep switching to finer and finer paper and the edges you knock down become smaller and smaller. The thing that makes it tough, is that you have to start all over and redo the whole thing every time you switch sandpaper grit. The first rough grits are done quickly, but the finer you get, the longer it takes. Imagine you could zoom in your view on the piece of wood. You'd see a bunch of jagged edges that obviously need work. When you get most of the jagged edges off, it starts to look fairly smooth; so then you zoom in again, and it looks all jagged again. The list of edges to knock down gets big again, even though you made progress. Now you have a ton of sanding to do again.
O hope you can see the analogy in life. If we're working we make progress. When we do, the next logical step is to zoom in to finer details and find that there are tons of things to work on again. We did just make tons of progress, but now it's time to go to work again on the same things. The key is to know that you're making progress, and though the list of things to change may actually go up, the overall smoothness is increasing. This gives me hope when I see my 'list of things to change' go up. It's overwhelming at times, but actually is a sign that I'm getting somewhere. God wants us to be perfect someday, and there is a process to get there. The first few edges go quick and are obvious, but the finer points take more time and attention.
This of course all relates to the atonement and to the sacrament on Sundays. I have yet another cheesy analogy. Repentance and the sacrament is like on a computer when you put stuff in the trash. Then, later you empty the trash. If you don't first put it into the trash, emptying it won't do anything. At the same time, if you put it into the trash but don't empty it, it's not totally gone. Repenting is similar. It is done daily, and puts our sins on the chopping block, but they aren't gone til you "empty the trash", or take the sacrament. We must prepare for the sacrament be repenting first, then we can be cleansed. If we allow sin back in, or a virus back on our computer, we have to repeat the process. Sometimes we have to hunt around to find the sin, or change, to be put into the trash. We have the ability, because of Jesus Christ, to be made clean every week, and set a new resolve to make changes again. This is one of the greatest blessings that has been given to us. God says that no unclean thing can enter into His rest, and this is the process to make us clean. In Mosiah 3 http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/3?lang=eng it talks about the healing power of the atonement and the pains Christ went through to know our pain. This is the central message of all the prophets and the scriptures they wrote. Through Christ we CAN be cleansed from sin to live with God again someday!
Repentance is synonymous with Change. Repentance is Happiness; Change is Happiness! That is the main thing I want to get across in all of this. Change is what it's all about. Repentance makes it possible. Repentance is possible because of Christ. "Wanna be Perfect, Repent Perfectly." - Ed J. Pinegar. He also said, "The greatest thing we'll do in this life as an individual is Repent." I have such a Testimony of repentance. That is why I'm spending my life calling others to repent. I'm calling others to Happiness. I know it works because I've felt that happiness. I know it's true because I've seen myself change and become smoother. I know the burden can go away, that there is a way to overcome and be Perfect in Christ. I know the way is here on earth today. Sacrament has meant more to me on my mission than ever before, and I hope everyone within in the sound of my voice (or sight..or whatever) will continually evaluate what sacrament and repentance means. God loves us, this is proof. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
So I'm wrapping up my thoughts, for now, on this whole change topic. First I talked about Balance and making sure you change gradually and healthily to make it lasting. Then I talked about perspective, and applying change to reality to make it practical. Now I want to address my thoughts on how to keep going forward towards perfection, especially when it feels like you're not going anywhere.
So here's an activity for ya. Take a piece of paper and rip it into a bunch of random sized pieces. Then take the biggest and rip it into two, then the next biggest. Keep finding the biggest pieces and rip them in half til you get down to a small pile of confetti. Really, go ahead and do it.... Here's the point. As you get going, the big pieces stand out and then when ripped, they are just part of the pile. Those will be out of the focus, and others will stand out that hadn't before. You'll cycle through until those same pieces become the bigger ones again, grab your focus to be ripped, then blend in again. As they get smaller, the size of the rip becomes smaller, and the number of pieces to rip increases.
I'm trying to illustrate how change works in our lives. We start with huge changes, especially when first starting anything new, like a sport, or first joining the church. The changes are obvious and huge at first. One change makes a huge difference. But as we get farther and farther, there are more changes and they become smaller. Things that were small and out of sight, eventually become the big ones and require attention again. The learning curve is fast at first. It's easy to become proficient at something, but to become a master takes much much more. This is also illustrated with a stone being polished, or a piece of wood being sanded smooth. The rough grit sandpaper first knocks off huge edges. Then you keep switching to finer and finer paper and the edges you knock down become smaller and smaller. The thing that makes it tough, is that you have to start all over and redo the whole thing every time you switch sandpaper grit. The first rough grits are done quickly, but the finer you get, the longer it takes. Imagine you could zoom in your view on the piece of wood. You'd see a bunch of jagged edges that obviously need work. When you get most of the jagged edges off, it starts to look fairly smooth; so then you zoom in again, and it looks all jagged again. The list of edges to knock down gets big again, even though you made progress. Now you have a ton of sanding to do again.
O hope you can see the analogy in life. If we're working we make progress. When we do, the next logical step is to zoom in to finer details and find that there are tons of things to work on again. We did just make tons of progress, but now it's time to go to work again on the same things. The key is to know that you're making progress, and though the list of things to change may actually go up, the overall smoothness is increasing. This gives me hope when I see my 'list of things to change' go up. It's overwhelming at times, but actually is a sign that I'm getting somewhere. God wants us to be perfect someday, and there is a process to get there. The first few edges go quick and are obvious, but the finer points take more time and attention.
This of course all relates to the atonement and to the sacrament on Sundays. I have yet another cheesy analogy. Repentance and the sacrament is like on a computer when you put stuff in the trash. Then, later you empty the trash. If you don't first put it into the trash, emptying it won't do anything. At the same time, if you put it into the trash but don't empty it, it's not totally gone. Repenting is similar. It is done daily, and puts our sins on the chopping block, but they aren't gone til you "empty the trash", or take the sacrament. We must prepare for the sacrament be repenting first, then we can be cleansed. If we allow sin back in, or a virus back on our computer, we have to repeat the process. Sometimes we have to hunt around to find the sin, or change, to be put into the trash. We have the ability, because of Jesus Christ, to be made clean every week, and set a new resolve to make changes again. This is one of the greatest blessings that has been given to us. God says that no unclean thing can enter into His rest, and this is the process to make us clean. In Mosiah 3 http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/3?lang=eng it talks about the healing power of the atonement and the pains Christ went through to know our pain. This is the central message of all the prophets and the scriptures they wrote. Through Christ we CAN be cleansed from sin to live with God again someday!
Repentance is synonymous with Change. Repentance is Happiness; Change is Happiness! That is the main thing I want to get across in all of this. Change is what it's all about. Repentance makes it possible. Repentance is possible because of Christ. "Wanna be Perfect, Repent Perfectly." - Ed J. Pinegar. He also said, "The greatest thing we'll do in this life as an individual is Repent." I have such a Testimony of repentance. That is why I'm spending my life calling others to repent. I'm calling others to Happiness. I know it works because I've felt that happiness. I know it's true because I've seen myself change and become smoother. I know the burden can go away, that there is a way to overcome and be Perfect in Christ. I know the way is here on earth today. Sacrament has meant more to me on my mission than ever before, and I hope everyone within in the sound of my voice (or sight..or whatever) will continually evaluate what sacrament and repentance means. God loves us, this is proof. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Counter-Balance
(Balance: A Changer's Art part 2, read part 1 first)
So I'm still on this balance kick in my head these days. After my last post, I've been thinking a lot about putting change into reality. The real life goes something like this. Say you're on a new diet. You do pretty good for a time, you make progress, but the tension of missing out on your favorite food builds, you're suffering through food you don't like and just holding on. Well, according to the metal spring idea (previous post), you're pulling past the bending point, and you'll balance back out to being someone that eats just a little bit better in the end. Sounds great right. Well what happens in life is you can't take it any more, or you forget about it, and let caution go to the wind. You go on an eating binge, and gain all the weight back from before plus some. Now you're worse off than you started, you're heading down because you have momentum that way, and you have one more dissappointment discouraging you from trying again. What gives?
Here's my thoughts on this dilemma, it's all about the boiling water and the frog again. It has to not only be gradual, but comfortable. You can't just start eating a totally different diet than before and expect to just like it and keep it up. You're body is used to the old diet, and will actually need those old foods you used to give it. You're body is ramping up to have a huge backlash that can be counter-affective. The solution is easing your way to change. This is the same way Satan eases us away from the good. He makes one little justification here and there til we are so far down we don't know how we got there. Well that's because he's got a great strategy. It Works! Just use it for yourself. Ease your way up, one adjustment at a time. With the diet, just cut out one type of food; or just cut out one extra snack per day til that becomes the normal balance you have. Then make another adjustment towards where you want to go. Enjoy the ascent upwards.
Another idea I have with this is Perspective. Your diet in a day has a range of many flavors, from bitter to sweet, to salty and spicy. You need a bit of every flavor to get the balance you have for the day. It's good to have each flavor, and check it off your list (in sensible portions). Well if your balance includes that extremely sweet piece of cheesecake, that becomes a necessary part of your taste list for the day. On a scale of 1-10 of sweetness, that cheesecake becomes a 10. If you have a carrot, it's like a 5 on the list. If you try to cut out everything from 6-10 in sweetness, you'll be totally off balance, and eventually need all of it plus some. You have to plan for all of it and then you won't eat it with a vendetta, more of a fulfillment of the plan. Well if you can cut out just that piece of cheesecake from your diet, and make that your push for the week, all of a sudden your sweetest thing for your balance becomes that bowl of cereal or something. Not quite as sweet. That's now the 10. Now that carrot actually bumps up to a level 7 or 8. If you can slowly adjust your balance to where that carrot is ideally the sweetest thing you eat in a day, now that will become the 10. It will actually taste better. You'll be comfortable with what you eat. Now you eat vegetables and enjoy it, instead of suffering through a huge change. Now this depends on complete abstinence from the sweetest thing. Once you have even one bite, now the scale is reset and it's all restarted. Planning, preparation, and prayer are vital.
Now I'm not the skinniest guy in the world, and I sure love cheesecake, so you may be wondering about taking diet advice from me. I'm still working on this one. One thing at a time right... It's a process. :) But this can apply to our life and the gospel in so many ways. As we progress toward perfection, we make gradual changes. It isn't a burden if we depend on Christ and slowly balance our self to our new lifestyle of righteousness. If we're too drastic, we may bounce back and do even worse than before, with a downward momentum and discouragement to try again. But, if we push the little changes, one at a time, allowing Christ to shoulder the burden, we can make lasting change. It takes planning, preparation, discipline and prayer. Christ will help us if we make the plan for ourselves and make the changes. He can help us push past the hard times when the temptations seem bigger. He can help us adapt and make the changes permanent so we can be at a good balance, ready to make the next adjustment. He makes it all possible. Allow Him to help you. I know that as I have made changes in my life, I have enjoyed them. I know that I am who I am today from putting the burden on Christ, and I'm in His debt. I enjoy who I am today and look forward to using Christ to make many more changes in the future. God is happy when we are happy. If it is a righteous change we desire, he will help us. I Know He Will. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
So I'm still on this balance kick in my head these days. After my last post, I've been thinking a lot about putting change into reality. The real life goes something like this. Say you're on a new diet. You do pretty good for a time, you make progress, but the tension of missing out on your favorite food builds, you're suffering through food you don't like and just holding on. Well, according to the metal spring idea (previous post), you're pulling past the bending point, and you'll balance back out to being someone that eats just a little bit better in the end. Sounds great right. Well what happens in life is you can't take it any more, or you forget about it, and let caution go to the wind. You go on an eating binge, and gain all the weight back from before plus some. Now you're worse off than you started, you're heading down because you have momentum that way, and you have one more dissappointment discouraging you from trying again. What gives?
Here's my thoughts on this dilemma, it's all about the boiling water and the frog again. It has to not only be gradual, but comfortable. You can't just start eating a totally different diet than before and expect to just like it and keep it up. You're body is used to the old diet, and will actually need those old foods you used to give it. You're body is ramping up to have a huge backlash that can be counter-affective. The solution is easing your way to change. This is the same way Satan eases us away from the good. He makes one little justification here and there til we are so far down we don't know how we got there. Well that's because he's got a great strategy. It Works! Just use it for yourself. Ease your way up, one adjustment at a time. With the diet, just cut out one type of food; or just cut out one extra snack per day til that becomes the normal balance you have. Then make another adjustment towards where you want to go. Enjoy the ascent upwards.
Another idea I have with this is Perspective. Your diet in a day has a range of many flavors, from bitter to sweet, to salty and spicy. You need a bit of every flavor to get the balance you have for the day. It's good to have each flavor, and check it off your list (in sensible portions). Well if your balance includes that extremely sweet piece of cheesecake, that becomes a necessary part of your taste list for the day. On a scale of 1-10 of sweetness, that cheesecake becomes a 10. If you have a carrot, it's like a 5 on the list. If you try to cut out everything from 6-10 in sweetness, you'll be totally off balance, and eventually need all of it plus some. You have to plan for all of it and then you won't eat it with a vendetta, more of a fulfillment of the plan. Well if you can cut out just that piece of cheesecake from your diet, and make that your push for the week, all of a sudden your sweetest thing for your balance becomes that bowl of cereal or something. Not quite as sweet. That's now the 10. Now that carrot actually bumps up to a level 7 or 8. If you can slowly adjust your balance to where that carrot is ideally the sweetest thing you eat in a day, now that will become the 10. It will actually taste better. You'll be comfortable with what you eat. Now you eat vegetables and enjoy it, instead of suffering through a huge change. Now this depends on complete abstinence from the sweetest thing. Once you have even one bite, now the scale is reset and it's all restarted. Planning, preparation, and prayer are vital.
Now I'm not the skinniest guy in the world, and I sure love cheesecake, so you may be wondering about taking diet advice from me. I'm still working on this one. One thing at a time right... It's a process. :) But this can apply to our life and the gospel in so many ways. As we progress toward perfection, we make gradual changes. It isn't a burden if we depend on Christ and slowly balance our self to our new lifestyle of righteousness. If we're too drastic, we may bounce back and do even worse than before, with a downward momentum and discouragement to try again. But, if we push the little changes, one at a time, allowing Christ to shoulder the burden, we can make lasting change. It takes planning, preparation, discipline and prayer. Christ will help us if we make the plan for ourselves and make the changes. He can help us push past the hard times when the temptations seem bigger. He can help us adapt and make the changes permanent so we can be at a good balance, ready to make the next adjustment. He makes it all possible. Allow Him to help you. I know that as I have made changes in my life, I have enjoyed them. I know that I am who I am today from putting the burden on Christ, and I'm in His debt. I enjoy who I am today and look forward to using Christ to make many more changes in the future. God is happy when we are happy. If it is a righteous change we desire, he will help us. I Know He Will. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Balance; A Changer's Art
Part 1
So last post I talked about change, and I want to share another idea that I have on the subject. Balance. Life is all about balance. We hear that all the time. What does it really mean? More to the point I want to make, How can we find balance as we change?
I think about the routine I get into, the balance I find. We all have an equilibrium in life. You can see it in small patterns like how you wake up in the morning and prepare for the day (on my mind a lot as a missionary), or you can see it in an over-all pattern of a month or a year, or the direction you're life is heading 50 years down the road. The issue I want to speak on is how to change our pattern. Change is necessary, especially when we are humbling our self and recognizing the need for change in many things. But our body doesn't like drastic shock. The old story of the frog in boiling water comes to mind, or trying to quit a bad habit cold turkey. While it is possible, it's not necessarily the best way for us. Our system needs to change gradually if it's going to be permanent and healthy.
With that said, I want to illustrate an idea I've had rolling around in my head for some time now, and struggle to find words for. I like to imagine you are swimming down a stream that is pulling you down a fast current. To change your course, you'll have to swim for a time against the flow. This takes work, and even pain if you will. To make a change, you have to go against the norm, almost to the extreme. You'll be facing the shore as you swim, but that's not the new direction you want, just a means to get you there. In real life it shows it self in practicing something (or role-playing). To get good at a golf swing, you'll work on the grip, then the stance, then addressing the ball, then keeping your head down, etc. None of these actions you'll actually use in the game, but they prepare you for the real thing, so you've changed the way you swing, or the course you're going.
The other idea that goes along with this is back to the issue of balance. Say you work real hard for a time. After a while you're body gets tired, and you balance it with adequate time resting. If you over-exert yourself, you can actually need extra re-coup time. In the end, the over exertion wasn't worth it because you did less than you would have if you'd have gone a steady pace for twice the time and not needed extra time to re-coup. The idea here is that if we're going to try to change something, we have to push against the grain, and expect a backlash of the opposite. I imagine a piece of metal you're trying to bend to a new place. If you pull it to the place you want it to be, then let go, it will spring back and forth til it's right back to where it started. If you want to bend it and make it stay, you have to bend it past it's bending point and past where you want it to end up. Now when you let go, the metal will still spring back and forth, possibly past the old place it was, but once it settles, it will have been adjusted to a new direction. That's what takes work. It takes pain, and against-the-grain effort.
This is the idea I'm attempting, with a lot of words, to explain. To change, we must go against the grain, we must work at it, must go through some pain. If we only push to what we want to be in the end, we'll bounce back to where we started. To make a lasting change, we have to push past where we want to end up, then when we balance back out, we'll be where we want to be in the end.
The kicker here is Christ. He is the one that allows us to push past the bending point, to go through the pain, to go against the grain to the extreme. He takes upon him the burden. He makes it possible to change. If we rely on Him, we can swim against the flow, we can be the only one in our group of friends or family to hold the standards we have. We can decide to become something new and make a lasting change. We can decide that our direction is off a little and make adjustments.
I know this is true. I know life has major and minor changes, and the major changes are just a whole bunch of minor ones. I know that it is truly through Christ and His gospel that we can find the direction and changes we need to make. I know we can make lasting change in all things from little day to day habits, to life long patterns that direct our course to eternal life. The pain of change can and will be lessened, or even removed, if we rely on Jesus Christ. Allow Him to change you. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
So last post I talked about change, and I want to share another idea that I have on the subject. Balance. Life is all about balance. We hear that all the time. What does it really mean? More to the point I want to make, How can we find balance as we change?
I think about the routine I get into, the balance I find. We all have an equilibrium in life. You can see it in small patterns like how you wake up in the morning and prepare for the day (on my mind a lot as a missionary), or you can see it in an over-all pattern of a month or a year, or the direction you're life is heading 50 years down the road. The issue I want to speak on is how to change our pattern. Change is necessary, especially when we are humbling our self and recognizing the need for change in many things. But our body doesn't like drastic shock. The old story of the frog in boiling water comes to mind, or trying to quit a bad habit cold turkey. While it is possible, it's not necessarily the best way for us. Our system needs to change gradually if it's going to be permanent and healthy.
With that said, I want to illustrate an idea I've had rolling around in my head for some time now, and struggle to find words for. I like to imagine you are swimming down a stream that is pulling you down a fast current. To change your course, you'll have to swim for a time against the flow. This takes work, and even pain if you will. To make a change, you have to go against the norm, almost to the extreme. You'll be facing the shore as you swim, but that's not the new direction you want, just a means to get you there. In real life it shows it self in practicing something (or role-playing). To get good at a golf swing, you'll work on the grip, then the stance, then addressing the ball, then keeping your head down, etc. None of these actions you'll actually use in the game, but they prepare you for the real thing, so you've changed the way you swing, or the course you're going.
The other idea that goes along with this is back to the issue of balance. Say you work real hard for a time. After a while you're body gets tired, and you balance it with adequate time resting. If you over-exert yourself, you can actually need extra re-coup time. In the end, the over exertion wasn't worth it because you did less than you would have if you'd have gone a steady pace for twice the time and not needed extra time to re-coup. The idea here is that if we're going to try to change something, we have to push against the grain, and expect a backlash of the opposite. I imagine a piece of metal you're trying to bend to a new place. If you pull it to the place you want it to be, then let go, it will spring back and forth til it's right back to where it started. If you want to bend it and make it stay, you have to bend it past it's bending point and past where you want it to end up. Now when you let go, the metal will still spring back and forth, possibly past the old place it was, but once it settles, it will have been adjusted to a new direction. That's what takes work. It takes pain, and against-the-grain effort.
This is the idea I'm attempting, with a lot of words, to explain. To change, we must go against the grain, we must work at it, must go through some pain. If we only push to what we want to be in the end, we'll bounce back to where we started. To make a lasting change, we have to push past where we want to end up, then when we balance back out, we'll be where we want to be in the end.
The kicker here is Christ. He is the one that allows us to push past the bending point, to go through the pain, to go against the grain to the extreme. He takes upon him the burden. He makes it possible to change. If we rely on Him, we can swim against the flow, we can be the only one in our group of friends or family to hold the standards we have. We can decide to become something new and make a lasting change. We can decide that our direction is off a little and make adjustments.
I know this is true. I know life has major and minor changes, and the major changes are just a whole bunch of minor ones. I know that it is truly through Christ and His gospel that we can find the direction and changes we need to make. I know we can make lasting change in all things from little day to day habits, to life long patterns that direct our course to eternal life. The pain of change can and will be lessened, or even removed, if we rely on Jesus Christ. Allow Him to change you. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Consistent Change....
Today I have been really thinking about the idea of Change. I came up with an acronym for CHANGE. Christ Has A New Guiding Energy. All change is possible through Christ. He is the one who enables us to put off an old habit or sin, and become a new person, every day. He has taken upon him the big guilt and the huge pain for sin, but he has also taken on him the little feelings of dislike for a habit, like popping knuckles or negative speaking. He can take upon him everything we want to be rid of and allow us to move on. I know it is through the atonement of Christ that I can overcome any thing big and small. I know we all can use Christ in our life. I think we have used him in our life, without even realizing it sometimes. He is the reason we are able to come to this life and become better.
I'm thinking about this so much because I have been looking back on my mission and realizing how much I have changed already, and how much I am shocked with it. I has been a gradual process, although the incline is pretty steep on a mission. But Change Is The Point. The phrase "The only consistency in life is change" has never been more real and obvious in my life. I hope I never go back to who I was before. I hope I keep changing and continually overcome my big and small shortcomings. I know we all can change more and more as we recognize the need for it, and the source from which it is possible. Christ's energy is what fuels that, whether we realize that or not. I know this is true, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
I'm thinking about this so much because I have been looking back on my mission and realizing how much I have changed already, and how much I am shocked with it. I has been a gradual process, although the incline is pretty steep on a mission. But Change Is The Point. The phrase "The only consistency in life is change" has never been more real and obvious in my life. I hope I never go back to who I was before. I hope I keep changing and continually overcome my big and small shortcomings. I know we all can change more and more as we recognize the need for it, and the source from which it is possible. Christ's energy is what fuels that, whether we realize that or not. I know this is true, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
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