Thursday, July 28, 2011

Sirius black knows whats up!

     So who is a little Harry Potter crazy right now? It seems like everyone has a bit of the wizard fever with the last movie coming out and everything! I was thinking about all the good parts of the Harry Potter series, and I soon realized there is much that can be learned from this! One of the most memorable lessons that I took away from it was something that Sirius Black said in the 4th book.

     Harry, Ron and Hermione have snuck off during a Hogsmeade visit, to go see Sirius, who is of course, disguised as the big black shaggy dog until they are back into the mountains in the cave he has been hiding out in. During their visit, they discuss Bary Crouch and who he is and what kind of character he has as a person.

     In their conversation, Hermione mentions how poorly Mr. Crouch treats his House elf, Winky. House elves are considered to be lower class in the magical world. Ron, points this out and tries to shrug it off like it wasn't a big deal, however, Sirius Black replies with some excellent insight on people's character.  He says
" If you want to know the character of a man, look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals."

     So let's disect how true this statement really is. We know that all men are created equal, and I don't believe that is what Sirius is saying. When he says inferiors, he is talking about those who may not have as many blessings as we do, or those who are looked down upon by society, such as a house elf. I believe Sirius hit the nail on the head with this one! Look at Jesus Christ! He spent his time with the poor and the sinners. Clearly they did not reach his level, him being the Son of God. But he set the example of how we need to treat them.

     So let us ask ourselves. How do we treat those who are less fortunate than ourselves? When we see a home less person on the side of the road what is our first reaction? Do we automatically judge and say it was their own fault? Or do we follow the Savior's example, and show them love and evaluate how we can help them? I know that if we all try our best to treat everyone with love and kindness, the world will be a much better place!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

The Tasty cookie v.s. The Burnt cookie

     Soooooo who loves cookies raise your hand! If you currently have your hand in the air then this is the post for you, because you are about to like cookies even more! Last night, my companion and I were teaching a lesson about overcoming temptaion and choosing the right. We were describing how Satan desguises temptaion and makes it look desirable, and makes it look delicious.

     So imagine this! You have a mean older brother, or mean older sibling ( which some of you won't have to imagine too hard ) Well your sweet mother has just finished baking an amazing batch of chocolate chip cookies. All of them look so yummy, however a few of them got burnt in the process, which we know can happen sometimes. But there are still a bunch of warm soft ones that did not get burnt. Well as your mother pulls them out, she councils you to wait and let them cool off before taking one. So, as a good child you listen and find something to occupy yourself with for 15 minutes while they cool down. After 15 minutes it is finally time! The amazing cookies are ready to be devoured! And how nice your older brother is approaching you with a cookie in hand, letting you have the first one. He even covered it in some chocolate frosting to enjoy even more! You are so excited, you close your eyes and bite into the seemingly fresh cookie. And then you find out it is not good at all! You didn't just eat a good soft cookie, but a burnt one! How could this be!? Well i'll tell you. Your brother tricked you. He took a burnt cookie and covered it in frosting and sprinkles making it look like a tasty treat. Which is exactly what he wanted you to think!

   
      Just like the older brother, Satan does the same thing with temptation. Clearly we know right from wrong, we know what our Savior wants us to do. However, Satan tempts us, and disguises sin to make it look fun and delicious. He makes it seem like something that we really want, until we bite into it, and realize it isn't at all what we thought it was going to be. It is something we need to watch out for and be careful of! Remember what the Savior taught and the commandments he laid out for us to be happy! I promise if we follow his teachings and keep the commandments we will be so happy in this life! Stay away from the burnt cookie covered in chocolate frosting!

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Answering a couple questions!

     Recently I was asked about my newest post, feeling the witness rather than seeing it. For some reason my account will not let me post comments so I have had trouble answering their question, so I decided I would answer it through another post.

     The question that was asked, was if there is scripture that she could compare to biblical scripture, as well any bblical scripture of prophets who felt the Holy Ghost so strongly. I am so grateful for the person, forasking such great questions!

     First, on of the most famous scriptures in the Book of Mormon, is all about the Holy Ghost testifying of truth and answering our questions. Moroni 10: 3-5

"Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."

The prophet Moroni is telling us to ask God and let him answer our questions, through the power of the Holy Ghost! I love this scripture!

As far as scriptures in the Bible, i did find a few!

John 14:26    
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

John 15:26
"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me"


And finally: 1 Corinthians 2: 9-16

"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ."


I hope these scriptures answered this persons questions, I feel bad that I could not comment back, so hopefully they will read this! And everyone else who reads this enjoy!


Thursday, June 23, 2011

A witness more convincing than sight!

     So we hear about the Holy Ghost a lot in our lives right? He is something we cannot see however we can feel of his love when he testifies of truth. I often find myself getting that feeling in my heart when I know I am doing something righteous, something that I know would please my Savior and my Heavenly Father. He also gives me that feeling when I have questions about things.  In the Doctrine and Covenants, we hear about Heavnly Father answering our questions throught the Holy Ghost.

"But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right."

- Doctrine and Covenants 9:8

     That is what we ask people to do as missionaries, to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it, and let God tell you if it is true or not, through the power of the Holy Ghost. We would never ask anyone to take our word for it, we want them to know for themselves. However, for some reason people in the world today do not think they can trust their feelings or trust their heart, but rather the only thing they can trust is hard evidence that they can see in front of their face.

      We recently had a meeting with all the missionaries and our mission president and this very question arose. How can a witness from the spirit be stronger or more convincing than something we can see or hold in our hands? The answer he gave made it all too clear for me.

     Imagine this. Your about to do some branding, and you have your branding iron just come out of the flames. You are standing there looking at it... What does it look like? Probably really red correct? Looks pretty hot and the knowledge that we have which tells us metal conducts heat really well is another clue that it is really hot.

     Now imagine this. Instead of standing there looking at the red iron, you are blind folded while someone else is holding the iron. All of the sudden that person presses the tool into your chest. Now you can't see it, but what is a stronger witness that the iron is hot, when you can see? Or when you can feel it? Now, the witness of the Holy Ghost is not as hot as a branding iron don't worry! But the concept is the same! We know these things to be true even when we haven't seen them, because of the things we have felt in our hearts! I know my Heavenly Father would not lie to me! And we are all entitled to this feeling. Our Heavenly Father wants us to ask questions and find out for ourselves if things are true. I promise he will do that for you!

Saturday, June 11, 2011

MMMM DONUTS!

     So Homer Simpson.  A pretty interesting character am I right? He is not the sharpest tool in the shed, but he does still have a good heart and when it comes down to it he always shows how much he truly loves his wife and family.
     One of the funniest aspect about Homer, is his love for DONUTS! He loves them with an unconditional love, and when he sees them he loses all control. The famous phrase " mmmmmmmmm.... Donuts! " Haha cracks me up every single time.

    However, the other day I was pondering life, as missionaries often do, and I was thinking about Homer Simpson's addicion to donuts, and how he loses complete control when he is around them. He cannot think straight and does everything he can to obtain the delicious treat. At this moment I realized something. Homer is not in control at all, it is as if the donut is in control of him! A lifeless object has so much power over him! It is insane!!





     Now, I understand it is just funny cartoon meant to amuse even the most easily entertained audiences such as myself. However! Let us learn from Homer! How many of us in our lives have vices that seem to have more control over us than we do over them? That is why we have the Word of Wisdom!

Word of Wisdom :
The Word of Wisdom is a law of health revealed by the Lord On February 27, 1833,for the physical and spiritual benefit of His children. It was counseled that we should stay away from harmful and ADDICTIVE substances,  mainly coffee, tea, tobacco, alchohol, and any type of illegal drugs.  All the things can grab hold of you to where you feel as though you have no control, and that isnt good. Our Father in Heaven loves us and wants to take care of us and keep us safe. That is why the Word of Wisdom is so important and I am so grateful and so blessed to have it in my life!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Follow the Leader!

     Have you ever noticed that all great sports teams have something in common? Take the past dynasty's in recent years. The Indianapolis Colts, or the Chicago Bulls back in the 90's. Why were they so successful? Its been my experience in sports and just in life really, is that people have the most success in what they do, when they have a great leader to rally behind to accomplish their goal.

A great leader is someone who makes everyone else better. He understands that you are only as good as your weakest player or weakest aspect of your team. They constantly set the example for others to follow, and has a determination that is not matched by anyone.

     The Colts have been lead by Quarterback Peyton Manning for over a decade now and have been one of the most successful franchizes since then. Most people will attribute it to Manning's leadership skills that he brought to the program. He is great leader who makes his entire team better. He brings them up to his level, leaving none behind.

     Michael Jordan may be the best example of this. Winning 6 NBA championships, and not playing with a group of guys who were known for being all stars. But because of Jordan, the level of play was raised as they rallied around him. He was that mediating factor between the Bulls just being ok and achieving greatness, and he did it for his whole entire team, leaving none behind.

     How do we liken this to ourselves personally?  Who is my leader that I rally behind, that I follow his example, and I let him make me better day in and day out? Who do I let be the mediator to take me from being good, to great? Well of course that would have to be Jesus Christ! He is the mediator for all of us! Without him we can only do so much on our own, without him, we will never achieve our goal. Without him, we can never live with our Heavenly Father again.
Its become apparent to me that my only shot is to rally around my Savior, and do all the he asks, and follow his example. Ill leave you with one of my Favorite scriptures that I am dedicating to always apply to my life.

Joshua 24 :15 ".... as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD"

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Life is all about how we handle Plan B!

     It has been my experience, since being on my mission, that things are not always going to go your way. In fact, it feels like things rarely ever go the way we would have them go, in our perfect world. We always seem to need a Plan B. I came across a quote the other day that I think sums up how life is in a nut shell.

"Life is All About How you Handle Plan B
Plan A is always my first choice.
You know, the one where
Everything works out to be
Happily ever-after.
But more often than not,
I find myself dealing with
The upside-down, inside-out version --
Where nothing goes as it should.
It's at this point that the real
Test of my character comes in..
Do I sink, or do I swim?
Do I wallow in self pity and play the victim,
Or simply shift gears
And make the best of the situation?
The choice is all mine...
Life is all about how you handle Plan B."
Suzy Toronto



     In my opinion, she hit the nail on the head, that it does test our character when we have a change in plans. It really says a lot about who we are when we can just take it in stride, and keep a positive attitude. Because attitude really does make all of the difference. We as human beings, tend to forget that so much of our happiness depends on us.

"Happiness is an attitude.  We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong.  The amount of work is the same." 
-Francesca Reigler

      I think we all can agree however, that it is much easier said then done. While we all would love to constantly have a good attitude about life, it gets difficult without something to hold on to or a little motivation behind us.
     For me in my life and through the course of my mission I have come to realize the reason we always read our scriptures and pray everyday, as well as go to church every sunday, is to invite the spirit into our lives. When we have the spirit in our life, we are happier, and have that motivation to keep a good attitude. We find that strength to press forward in the work of the Lord, with a smile on our face and joy in our hearts.

     I promise that as we all do the little things, our attitudes will be positive and we will be able to deal with the woes of life, especially when plan A falls through, and plan B is placed before us.

    

Thursday, April 21, 2011

My Testimony

     I haven't been too sure what to put in my blog lately, because there are so many things I think that everyone should know. Things that give us hope, and things that bring us true happiness. Then it hit me that all these things are a part of my testimony, so I decided I would post parts of my testimony, that hopefully will be a resource for some to draw strenght from.

     I KNOW that this church is true. I know with all my heart that the same Church and Gopsell has been restored to the Earth that Jesus Christ himself set up when he was here. I know that the Priesthood, the authority to act in God's name, was restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. I know he truly was a prophet of God, called to bring back those priesthood keys that were lost, those keys that are crucial to our salvation.


    I know that families can be together forever. If I live worthily and keep the commandments God has set for us, I will have the opportunity to be with my family for eternity. Families are so important. God organized us into families so that we can support and love each other through the trials of life.
    I know my Savior lives. I know the atonement is real. I have felt the power of it in my own life, and I know we can be forgiven of our sins if we take the necessary steps of repentance.  I know that He sufferred the pains and sins of the world because he loves us, and me individually. When I am going through a hard time in my life, I can draw strength from his atonement, and know he is there bearing me up. I am so thankful for how the Gospel blesses my life and how it will bless me in the life to come. I say these things in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

We are not alone, God has called a prophet to lead and guide us!

     In my personal study this morning, I had the opportunity to study the account of when Nephi is commanded with his brothers to go and retrieve the plates from Laban. The plates were so important because they recorded geneaology as well as words which were spoken by prophets at the time. The verse thaty stuck out to me the most in my study this morning comes from 1 Nephi 3:20

"And also that we may preserve unto them the words which have been spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets, which have been delivered unto them by the Spirit and power of God, since the world began, even down unto this present time."

This scripture has so much truth to it! There is another scripture that I think if we apply both of them to today, it makes everything so clear!

This is Nephi, talking about the Lord:

"For he is the same yesterday, today, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him."

     These two scriptures give me so much peace and comfort! Since we know that God is the same forever, we know that he calls prophets today just as he did throughout the bible and Book of Mormon. And since we know that the prophets that have been called by God, speak by the power of the Holy Ghost and testify of truth, we have reason to rejoice! We have a prophet on the Earth today, Thomas S. Monson, who leads us and guides us, to know what our Lord would have us do! I am so grateful that we are not left alone, but that God has called someone to be his mouth piece and help us obtain our salvation!

     I know this church is true, I know Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God called to lead us and guide us today. I know that Jesus is my Savior and that through him and his grace I can return to live with my Heavenly Father. I say these things in that sacred name, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Rejoice in your God!

     This morning during my personal study, I was reading from the book of Alma in the Book of Mormon, and was going over a chapter that I have read multiple times. In it, there never have been any particular versus to stick out to me, until this morning. Here is what stuck out to me.

" 11 But Ammon said unto him: I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God.
  12  Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever."
- Alma 26: 11-12
 

     These two versus hit me really hard today. We need to understand where we stand and where God stands. Everything we have comes from him. All the gifts and talents and parts of our personality come from him. We owe everything we have to him, and need to be so grateful for it. Ammon also does a wonderful job in understanding that without God, we are nothing. If we can remember this, it will be easy for us to stay humble, in always recognizing we are nothing without Him.
     The next thing I noticed and loved in my reading today was how Ammon says he will " REJOICE in my God " This stands out because it shows how thankful and how much love he has for Him. When I think of rejoice, I think of visible happiness. Someone who is not trying to hide their delight, and who wants to share it with others. That is how we need to be about our God and our faith. We need to always be thankful for our blessing, and always willing to share our happiness with others.  I love Jesus Christ and am so thankful for his atoning sacrifice, I am nothing without him. I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon and how close it has brought me to my Savior!



Saturday, March 12, 2011

Mormons don't EARN Heaven, We LEARN Heaven

     Last night, I had the opportunity to attend a fireside in which Brad Wilcox was speaking. He is a proffesor at BYU and a great motivational speaker. In his talk, he mentioned something that I found very interesting.
     He mentioned how many of his friends of a different faith say that Mormons try and earn their way to Heaven. His reply to that is always the same. "We do not EARN Heaven, but rather, we LEARN Heaven." Which is so true! It is said in the scriptures that no unclean thing can enter into the kingdom of Heaven. Brad Wilcox pointed out that no unclean thing will WANT to enter into the kingdom of Heaven. They will not feel comfortable and realize they do not belong. This is a perfect explanation of why Mormons live the way we do. We are living our lives in a way that will make us feel comfortable in Heaven. Brother Wilcox referred to it as "practicing". This life is a probationary and practice period for the life to come!



     It is so true. If we do not live good clean lives, and do our best to repent for the sins we know that we do commit, we will not even have a desire to reside in Heaven because we will feel uncomfortable and unclean. We are not earning it, but trying to learn how to live so that we can feel comfortbale.
     I testify that we enter into the kingdom of Heaven only by the grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ, after all that we can do. I love my Savior with all my heart, and am so thankful for this Gospel and the Book of Mormon. For the comfort and peace it gives to me in my life, and the comfort and peace it can give to anyones life, as long as they have a soft heart. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Consider on the Blessed and Happy State

     There are many who do not like or agree with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There are those who will call us foolish for the standards we keep, and how we abstain from many of the things in the world. They will ask why we deny ourselves those certain pleasures and not just be happy. Well over the course of my mission I have really seen the difference between pleasures of the world and true eternal happiness. As a representative of Jesus Christ, I will testify that those worldy things WILL NOT bring you true happiness. The only thing that brings us the satisfaction we are all looking for, is keeping the commandments of God. When we keep the Word of Wisdom ( abstain from alchohol, tobacco, drugs, tea and coffee ) as well as the Law of Chastity ( no sexual relations outside the bounds of marriage ) there is where we find the true happiness. Going to church and partaking of the Sacrament is where we find the true happiness. And of course, in the sacred unit of family is where we find the true happiness.

I would like to quote one of my favorite scriptures in the entire Book of Mormon, that gives great advice to anyone having a hard time keeping the commandments of God.

"And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it."

- Mosiah 2:41

     As a true representative of the Lord, Jesus Christ, I testify that he lives. I testify that the only way back to our Father in Heaven is through him and him alone. I testify that those cammandments that have been given to us are not restrictions, but rather freedoms. They are to keep us safe and free from the bonds of sin. They are how we will return to Him. I know this Gospel is true, and am so grateful for the blessings I have in my life because of it. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Service

     I've been pondering lately, the true meaning of love. What does it mean to love someone and how do we show it to them? It is really easy at times, to throw around the phrase " I love you " to family and friends, but how can they really know of our love for them. Like I said, after much pondering and searching out the answer, it all comes down to service. We must be willing to serve those that we love. This life is not easy, nor was it meant to be however, we can make it much more bearable if we are willing to help those around us who are in need.

King Benjamin said it best in the second chapter of Mosiah in the Book of Mormon
"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."
- Mosiah 2:17


     Nothing makes our Heavenly Father happier than when we serve and help our fellow man. We are all children of God and he wants all of us to be happy. Since our Father in Heaven cannot be on the Earth with us right now, it is up to us to do the service towards others that he would do if he were here. I testify that when we are helping and serving others, we truly are in the service of our God. I do know that he loves each and every one of us, and I know that the best way to prove my love to others and to my Savior, is by serving and helping others. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Small and Simple Things

     In recent years, I have had trouble understanding the little things of the Gospel, or the importance of those little things. We are always taught that prayer and scripture reading everyday is so important. These are the main little things will affect us so much. They may seem so menial and routine, and growing up I never could understand how those little things could affect my life so dramatically. However since being on a mission, where all the little things have to be apart of our daily lives, I have learned of the joy that the little things will bring into our lives. One of the prophets from the Book of Mormon, Alma, said it best :

"6 Now ye may suppose that this is afoolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by bsmall and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.
7 And the Lord God doth work by ameans to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth cconfound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls"

-Alma 37: 6-7
These small and simple things are what will lead to our salvation. It is not to say that the big things and big commitments we make are not important, but rather, if we do the small things it will make the big things not so much of a chore. With the small and simple things in our lives everyday, we invite the spirit into our hearts, making us more loving, charitable and overall more Christlike, which to me, should be our overall goal.

I just want to bear my testimony, that I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints ( Mormons ) is true. I know with all my heart Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that through the power of God he was able to bring forth the Book of Mormon. I know that if we read the Book of Mormon everyday, we will come closer to our Savior. I am so grateful for it and know that it changes lives. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Families

     One of the most important aspects to our message as missionaries is the message about families. The true Gospel of Jesus Christ blesses families better than anything else in this life. Through this Gospel and the ordinances within it, we are able to have an eternal family as long as we keep the promises we make.
     I know in my life, my family has been one of the biggest sources of strength for me when I am feeling discouraged or down in the dumps. They have always been there for me, to build me back and show me the love I need to keep moving on. With a family like that, who I love and a family who loves me, wouldn't it make sense for our Heavenly Father ( who loves us more than we can comprehend and just wants us to be happy ) to make it so we can spend eternity with our families? To me, it just seems like common sense. I don't know where I would be without my family, nor would I like to think about where I would be.



     Unfortunately, not everyone feels there family life is where they would like it to be. People are not perfect, and there are situations where family life is not a good memory growing up. If you have been victim of this I am very sorry. However! It is not too late. It is up to you to do what it takes to make sure that when you start your own family, you make it as happy loving as possible. This section from Mormon.org explains the best way to have a great family life.
    
    
"Happiness within our family will most likely be achieved when it’s founded on the teachings of Jesus. That means being unselfish, honest, loyal, loving and a whole host of other virtues, not to mention a lot of effort. A loving and happy family doesn’t happen by accident."
-Mormon.org

I am so grateful for how the Gospel of Jesus Christ has blessed me and my family, and I know it can bless yours in the same way. You just have to let it. I leave this with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World.

      I have been thinking a lot about what it means to be a missionary. Why is it so important for us to go around sharing our message? Clearly, it is because Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. We are nothing without him and we would have nothing without him. For some reason, the world has this idea that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints ( or Mormons ) are not christians. As I was scrolling through the Mormon.org website today I came across this excellent explanation as to who Jesus Christ really is.
   "But what do we mean when we say He is the Savior of the world? The Redeemer? Each of these titles point to the truth that Jesus Christ is the only way by which we can return to live with our Heavenly Father. Jesus suffered and was crucified for the sins of the world, giving each of God’s children the gift of repentance and forgiveness. Only by His mercy and grace can anyone be saved. His subsequent resurrection prepared the way for every person to overcome physical death as well. These events are called the Atonement. In short, Jesus Christ saves us from sin and death. For that, he is very literally our Savior and Redeemer. In the future Jesus Christ will return to reign on earth in peace for a thousand years. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He will be our Lord forever."
- Mormon.org

     I would just like to add my testimony to this wonderful explanation. I know my Savior Jesus Christ lives. I know that through him, we all can be saved. I know that when I apply the atonement to my life, my sins can be washed away, which in turn gives me a greater quality of life. I know that he loves me, and that he loves everyone. He is my Lord and Redeemer, as well as my closest friend. When I am discouraged, I can find strength from him. I love him with all of my heart. I say these things in that sacred name, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Tasks equal to our power

     My post today is short but I will get right to the point. We all will face trials in our lives, it is inevitable and it is a part of life. One of the biggest reasons we are here is to overcome trial and tempation in order to grow and progress. At times, these trials seem too much for us to bare. We feel as though we are in a dark tunnel with no light at the end of it.
     However this is not the case. Nephi explains when he is commanded to go and get the plates. 1 Nephi 3:7  "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."
     Let us all find the faith and courage that Nephi found in the Lord. The Lord will always provide a way, no matter what the case or situation may be, as long as we put our trust in him. He is our Heavenly Father. He wants us to be happy, and will always be there for us.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Prayer

     Throughout the course of my mission, I have had my testimony of prayer strengthen greatly. It has been commanded of us to pray to our Heavenly Father in the name of His son, Jesus Christ. However, I feel as though we tend to look at the commandments as things that hold us back, things that do not improve our lives but restrict them.
     I hope and pray that we all can have a new outlook on all of this especially prayer. Prayer does not need to be just another aspect to our daily routine. We need to see prayer as a gift from our Heavenly Father. It is a way to relieve our soul and our spirit.
    This quote from President Hinckley really says how we should view prayer:






“Believe in prayer. I remind you that the Church came out of an initial prayer offered by the boy Joseph Smith. … The Lord will hear the prayers of faithful people as certainly as He heard the prayers of the boy Joseph. I believe that with all my heart”

    I too add my testimony to prayer. I know that when we are faithful, and offer up our hearts to our Father in Heaven, he will hear us and answer our prayers. Do not hesitate to pour out your whole soul to him. Just as our parents on Earth wish to hear from us when we are troubled, our Father in Heaven wants the same. Because he literally is the Father of our spirits, and loves us more than we can comprehend. I say these things in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.