Apr 10, 2011

re-cap

Just in case you didn't get a chance to watch this, or even if you did, I want to share some of my favorite quotations from our inspired leaders. (Click their names to read the full text)


"In the fourth chapter of Paul’s writings to Timothy, we read: “These things command and teach. … Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”  I can think of no better way for us to begin or continue to be an example of the believers than in our observance of the Sabbath day." -L. Tom Perry

"It is here in our families, in an atmosphere of love, where we see and appreciate in a more personal way the divine attributes of His spirit children. It is here in our families where our hearts can be softened and in humility we desire to change, to become more childlike. It is a process by which we can become more Christlike." -Jean A. Stevens


“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.” -Kent F. Richards

"The names and the details of operation are changed to fit the needs and conditions of people. But always the Lord’s way to help those in temporal need requires people who out of love have consecrated themselves and what they have to God and to His work." -Henry B. Eyring

"We live in a time of turmoil. Earthquakes and tsunamis wreak devastation, governments collapse, economic stresses are severe, the family is under attack, and divorce rates are rising. We have great cause for concern. But we do not need to let our fears displace our faith. We can combat those fears by strengthening our faith." -Russell M. Nelson

"Desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices, and choices determine our actions. The desires we act on determine our changing, our achieving, and our becoming." -Dallin H. Oaks

"Brothers and sisters, the gospel of Jesus Christ is simple, no matter how much we try to make it complicated. We should strive to keep our lives similarly simple, unencumbered by extraneous influences, focused on those things that matter most." -M. Russell Ballard

"Brothers and sisters, with the blessings of modern technology, we can express gratitude and joy about God’s great plan for His children in a way that can be heard not only around our workplace but around the world. Sometimes a single phrase of testimony can set events in motion that affect someone’s life for eternity." -Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"The Crimson Trail in Logan Canyon is one of my favorite hikes. The main part of the trail creeps along the top of tall limestone cliffs and offers beautiful vistas of the canyon and valley below. Getting to the top of the cliffs isn’t easy, however. The trail there is a constant climb; and just before reaching the top, the climber encounters the steepest part of the trail; and views of the canyon are hidden by the cliffs themselves. The final exertion is more than worth the effort because once the climber is on top, the views are breathtaking. The only way to see the views is to make the climb.  A pattern in the scriptures and in life shows that many times the darkest, most dangerous tests immediately precede remarkable events and tremendous growth. 'After much tribulation come the blessings.'" -Paul V. Johnson

"As we increase our own level of self-reliance, we increase our ability to help and serve others the way the Savior did. We follow the Savior’s example when we minister to the needy, the sick, and the suffering. When love becomes the guiding principle in our care for others, our service to them becomes the gospel in action. It is the gospel in its finest moment. It is pure religion." -Sylvia H. Allred

"As you appropriately seek for and apply unto the spirit of revelation, I promise you will “walk in the light of the Lord” (Isaiah 2:5; 2 Nephi 12:5). Sometimes the spirit of revelation will operate immediately and intensely, other times subtly and gradually, and often so delicately you may not even consciously recognize it." -David A. Bednar

"The world can be a challenging and difficult place in which to live. We are often surrounded by that which would drag us down. As you and I go to the holy houses of God, as we remember the covenants we make within, we will be more able to bear every trial and to overcome each temptation." -Thomas S. Monson 

"Pure love is an incomparable, potent power for good. Righteous love is the foundation of a successful marriage. It is the primary cause of contented, well-developed children. Marriage is wonderful. In time you begin to think alike and have the same ideas and impressions. You have times when you are extremely happy, times of testing, and times of trial, but the Lord guides you through all of those growth experiences together." -Richard G. Scott

"Sadly, much of modern Christianity does not acknowledge that God makes any real demands on those who believe in Him, seeing Him rather as a butler “who meets their needs when summoned” or a therapist whose role is to help people “feel good about themselves.” " -D. Todd Christofferson

"We are all indebted to the Lord. Let us not be accused of robbing God." -Carl B. Pratt

"Many of us create to do lists to remind us of things we want to accomplish. But people rarely have to be lists. Why? To do’s are activities or events that can be checked off the list when done. To be, however, is never done. You can’t earn checkmarks with to be’s. I can take my wife out for a lovely evening this Friday, which is a to do. But being a good husband is not an event; it needs to be part of my nature—my character, or who I am." -Lynn G. Robbins

"Through His Atonement, He heals not only the transgressor, but He also heals the innocent who suffer because of those transgressions. As the innocent exercise faith in the Savior and in His Atonement and forgive the transgressor, they too can be healed." -C. Scott Grow

'We testify to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people that God not only lives but also that He speaks, that for our time and in our day the counsel you have heard is, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, “the will of the Lord, … the word of the Lord, … the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation.” -President Thomas S. Monson


I sure do love the words of our prophets.  If you missed General Conference and would like to watch it, click here!

Apr 5, 2011

confession

I have a slight obsession with waterfalls. As missionaries, we have one day each week that is available to us for preparation and recreation. Lucky for me, there are so many cool places to explore around these parts. So what do I want to do every time this preparation day rolls around? Waterfalls! Each time I visit a new fall, I can't help but stare in wonder as the magnificently powerful rivers force their way through canyons and forests until they cascade over the towering boulders. Sometimes the river from which the fall descends is not even visible, because the water just seeps through the bedrock and emerges directly from the rocky face of the cliffs. No obstacle can stop the mighty waters from pressing forward. The power of it all amazes me.. and causes me to reflect upon my life.

Do I press forward when mighty obstacles stand in my way? Do I continue onward even when the path is not perfectly clear or certain? I like to think I do, but I know I am not always as persistant or determined as the mighty rivers God has created. Obstacles and trials are an unavoidable part of life, but I can't say that they never frustrate me. Sometimes I wish that the path would be more clear and simple. Sometimes I wish life was more easy.

But then I think of the life of the Savior, my perfect example, and the trials he faced every day of his life. His life was not easy, and it will not be easy for any disciple of His either. However, turning to Christ is what offers hope and allows us to continue on each day. As we press foward despite the obstacles in our paths and do our best to follow the Master, I know that God will lead us through those rocky paths to cascade triumphantly over the mountains ahead.

"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." -2 Nephi 31:20

Mar 31, 2011

what would it be like...

... to hear Noah invite everyone to repent and get on his giant ship?

...or to stand behind Moses as he parted the Red Sea? ...or to watch Abraham offer his sacrifices?...or to sit next to Isaiah as he poetically wrote about the Messiah to come? ...or to trust John the Baptist as he spoke of one greater than he? At the time, most thought these prophets and their followers were crazy. Matt 13:57 states that "a prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house." When God's promises were fulfilled through His prophets, people usually recognized them as prophets later. When Joseph Smith told people he saw God the Father and Jesus Christ, most people thought he was crazy. We tell people about Thomas S. Monson, God's prophet on the earth today. A lot of people think we are crazy too. This weekend is General Conference. Our prophet and twelve apostles are speaking from this building, and it will be broadcast throughout the world. Think that sounds crazy? Watch and listen for yourself, it's the only way to know.

Mar 30, 2011

newness

There has been a lot of "newness" going on here lately. New springtime blossoms, new mission companions, new goodwill skirts (my favorite), and a new mindset for my future. Generally I do not do well with change. I tend to hold onto the past until it is down to the very last thread and I have nothing left to hold onto. This time, however, feels different. Its like I said in my last post, rejuvenating.

I cannot put my finger exactly on what makes this time different than my previous experiences with change, but I'm pretty sure that prayer, scripture study, and missionary work are the biggest factors. It brings to mind a few scriptures on the subject:

"..born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters. And thus they became new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God." -Mosiah 27:24-26

"..like Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newnewss of life" -Romans 6:4

"..that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter." -Romans 7:6

And while we are speaking of new, here are a few pictures of my new companions and my favorite new members of the Burgess Falls ward at the Nashville temple for the first time.




Such an exciting day! Sometimes, change is a good thing. I think it is healthy to have some newness; new friends, new seasons, and a constant goal to become a new person in Christ.

Mar 27, 2011

rejuvenation

Springtime in Tennessee is incredible. It is so refreshing. These are some of the blossoms I see everyday here:

Japanese Magnolia

Forsythia

Bradford Pear

Eastern Redbud


"And as the living, verdant spring follows the dismal, deathlike winter, all nature proclaims the divinity of the risen Lord, that He was Creator, that He is the Savior of the world, that He is the very Son of God." -Spencer W. Kimball

Mar 26, 2011

jesus walk with me



This song.. just speaks to me. Especially lately. Perhaps I could request that Mo-Tab perform it at General Conference next weekend? I'll give it a try.

Mar 23, 2011

9 months

No, I am not talking about pregnancy. I am talking about...

-9 months of many goodbyes and many hellos
-9 months of uncertainty and fear and faith and hope
-9 months of exhaustian and energy and excitement
-9 months of breaking down stereotypes and making best friends
-9 months of missing Utah and loving Tennessee
-9 months of finding myself through losing myself
-9 months of feeling lonely but never truly being alone
-9 months of 6:30 alarms and 9:30 curfews
-9 months of sharing my deepest desires and beliefs with strangers on the street
-9 months of learning how to trust in God
-9 months of listening to Mormon Tabernacle Choir
-9 months of sorrows and disappointments and joy beyond measure
-9 months of heat waves and snow days
-9 months of Tennessee "you'ins" and "y'alls"
-9 months of listening and teaching
-9 months of 20+ prayers a day
-9 months of scripture studies and testimonies
-9 months of frequent (or not so frequent) letters from loved ones
-9 months of being a total dork and not caring what people think
-9 months of fighting the adversary and serving the Master
-9 months of the best work in the world



9 months... of being a full-time missionary; oh how I love it.
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