Downpour.

I like this picture because it show's two sides to a rainy day.

It has been raining here a lot over the past few days and, I love it.  I always think of the calm feelings I felt as a child when it was raining.  Some of the best afternoon naps that I've ever taken in my life were during a nice rainstorm. "Calm feelings", what does calm mean?  The Dictionary has it phrased as: The lack of agitation or excitement; tranquility; serenity.  I've come to respect and love the rain because it is so much like the Holy Ghost.  The Lord will give us a Downpour of the Spirit when we are doing righteous works.  Downpours of the Spirit will give us that calm feeling of a nice rainy day.   I can see it in my life. When I'm doing well and the Spirit is with me I'm overcome with "calm".  This sort of peace is pretty easy to find, Scripture Study is a pretty solid advocate of the spirit. Along with scripture study and as a conduit to God prayer helps me feel the comforting calm of the Spirit as I read with a prayerful heart.  Scriptures show me how to live my life in accordance to the Gospel. In John 14:26, the Lord promises, "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." As we follow that counsel, the Holy Ghost can give us that calm in our hectic lives.  

Aloe Blacc needs a dollar...could this be Charity???

 When we have charity, we are willing to serve and help others when it is inconvenient and with no thought of recognition or reciprocation. We don’t wait to be assigned to help, because it becomes our very nature. As we choose to be kind, caring, generous, patient, accepting, forgiving, inclusive, and selfless, we discover we are abounding in charity. This is a small tid bit from a talk given by Sister Silvia H. Allred. I picked Aloe Blacc because of his song "I Need A Dollar".  Some of the Lyrics that make me think of Charity are, 

And if I share with you my story would you share your dollar with me

Bad times are coming and I reap what I done sown
(Hey hey)
Well let me tell you something: All that glitters ain't gold
(Hey hey)
It's been a long old trouble, a long old troublesome road
And I'm looking for somebody, come and help me carry this load.

I'll leave this ending open for discussion but please read the last lyric and please post on this.  How do you feel that we can answer or acknowledge his question?

Domino's, Snowballs and, Rolling Coconuts.

So for the most part my blog has been about inviting others to do things with you as members. I've seen people come into the church because of friends who care. In Hamilton Montana, a young woman started to come to church with her friends and, after some time she realized that she wanted to be baptized.  She met with us Missionaries for about 5 weeks and then what do ya know...she entered the waters of Baptism.  Not only are you a friend to someone who is ready for the Gospel, you are the pathway for someone to receive it.  One friend can turn into many, one choice can change a life.

Hey wanna get some food?

So this video displays some simple truths.  It only takes some simple questions and love to make someone understand the basics of the Gospel.  Years before I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints I was in the position of the friend who gets asked.  A good friend of mine Ron James asked me a question that I will never forget. Let me paint a picture for you real quick we worked out in a place called Orderville, Utah haha we just did ranch work lots of hay throwin and random odd jobs.  We stayed with his Grandparents in a room up stairs at their house and they had some sweet old school bunk beds ya it's pretty cool I know you can see it...... So we are getting ready to fall asleep and Ron asks me...what do you think happens after we die?  I told him how I felt about the afterlife and that situation and he taught me the Plan of Salvation in a sense just some basics and other tid bits.  Feelings that I received from hearing his testimony and knowledge of this plan changed me as a person.  The spirit of God was introduced into my life at that moment from a 15 year old friend who just asked a question.  Invitations are always so simple to give for anything but the Gospel...but, when you take a step back I think it could be the easiest Invite ever.  "Hey what are you doing Sunday?"

Seek the Higher Ground

Samoan people are so cool.... everyone should talk to any Samoan that they meet...especially if they are missionaries.  There is always somewhere to go "The Higher Ground" is always there. Living a better life is always an option, I know this because I have seen the effects of seeking "The Higher Ground" in my own life. Had I not ever searched for it i'd never of become the man that I am and I would not have the experience that I do.

My New Life

Do you ever feel that God taps your heart to let you know that you're still alive?  I know that he does in my life....trials are the blessings of life we've been given our life struggles to know that we're still alive!
She's so awesome the words she's spoken have refreshed my mind on the importance of trial and struggle and the no good days.  I hope that I can always remember that God just wants me to know that I am alive and that I can overcome.  I hope that if you're reading this you can feel that God does love and care for you because I know without a doubt in my heart, that he does because of our trials we can find out how much he truly does.

"Stand Tall"

So this video...shows a pretty solid member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Through the principles of the Gospel we learn how to "Stand Tall" we can face any adversity and turn it into something great.  The Lord gives us all personal struggles or trials but what we do in the face of those trials is what shapes us into the people that we can be.  Not only is she known for her height but, she's known for showing her friends a better way.  We can always find a better way.  I'm impressed by her because of her willingness to share the Gospel with anyone who needs it.  Today's youth is pressured to shape shift or mold into things that society has created.  Often times these things are not whats best for our future leaders, opinions are changed as well as lives because of mainstream ideas.  Having the Gospel allows us to take time to step back and focus on who we want to become or who Christ would have us be.  It is never a bad idea to be a better person. Everyday people are placed in our paths on a daily basis that need our help not only int he Gospel but in life.  One day I wish to be the example or the voice of change.  I hope that i'll be able to help someone find who they really are.  I hope the same for you as well.

Good News we bring.

This is such an amazing song!  It's crazy to think that just a few words can sum up all of the feelings that I have for my mission and for my life.  People all over the world are coming together to praise our King and Savior.  No matter what walk of life no matter what circumstance lives can be changed.  This Gospel is everywhere and I am so grateful for that.  I'm grateful for missionaries and the efforts they put into the lives of so many.  Never in my lifetime will I forget Elders Lund and Hill.  Through their efforts they gladly brought my soul to Christ. Love the Lord keep his Gospel simple and spread the "Good News" as often as one can.  Truly I wish I had more to say on this subject but it's so difficult to type i'm so overcome with joy.  This Gospel and this work is so great.

Your Spiritual Journey: You Know Enough

You don't know everything but you know enough.

This video and talk...blows my mind!!! It is so amazing to me how much truth is in that little statement.  I know that I don' t know everything but, I do know enough I'm blessed with the knowledge that I do have....and that is that this gospel has been restored through a living prophet and that the teachings of this church are the teaching I needed in my life...the teachings that this world needs. Investigating the LDS church was strange to me at first because I wasn't sure what the purpose for all of this "knew knowledge" was I often felt frustrated because I just didn't understand.  Missionaries are all different they all speak in some strange way....but the Book of Mormon and the teachings within spoke loud and clear and, I knew it was true. Elder J.Lund and J Hill did help me out a ton tough :) great guides to more understanding but ya....  I invite everyone who reads this to take their faith take what they believe and amplify it.  I know that through reading the Book of Mormon you're love for the Savior will grow your understanding of our Father in Heaven will change.

Charity: An Example of the Believers

 

An Example of the Believers.......wow how could I ever show that i'm a true believer of our lord and savior?  After watching this video I feel so humble I can't even explain how I want to be an example but, who knows if I am or not.  Some of the things I've realized on my mission come to mind when I really focus in on it.  Service without any intention of recieving payment is one of the most amazing acts of a "Believer".  Sharing our faith and the truths that it teaches the peace that it can bring.....and all the other blessings from a firm understanding of who we are and what we can accomplish is such an amazing gift I don't know why anyone would not want to share it with the whole world.  I hope that I can continue to be an example of the believers after my mission during my mission and forever because I know that someone will need a gift some sort of Charity and, I know how to give them what they need more than anything else.

The Bright Side of a Dog Bite

The Bright Side of a Dog Bite

By Tara Stringham

In the summer of 2009, I was bitten on my face by my friend’s dog. Unfortunately, the bite split my lip open, and I had to get stitches.

Following the injury, I was very downhearted. I allowed adversity to take over my thoughts, and I felt like my whole life had been ruined. I was self-conscious about my lip and didn’t want to go out in public at all. In my mind my plans for piano, volleyball, church, swimming, and school were crushed by my injury.

But whenever I prayed, received priesthood blessings, talked with my parents, or had visits by my family and friends, my spirits were lifted and I felt happiness at a time of sadness. I soon realized that if people were thinking about my injury, they were feeling compassion.

This experience helped build my character, and I learned not to be as worried about what other people thought about me. I was also blessed because my injury helped me realize that I should think less about myself and start caring more for others. My spirit was greatly strengthened during this time.

I learned that adversity is a part of Heavenly Father’s plan for us. If we look for the good and not the bad, we can overcome adversity, become a better person, and let the experience strengthen our testimony.

So I came across this talk today and it hit me like a ton of bricks....and puppies.  I often find myself consumed by what other people think of me and it holds me back from sharing the full love of the Gospel.  Tara Stringhams story has opened my eyes and helped me realize I am on this earth to serve the Lord and, only he can judge me!  As I read the scriptures this morning one stood out to me from St. John 21:15

"So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs."

What I take from this is that the "lambs" are the children of the world and for us to truely love Christ we need to share(feed) the gospel with our fellow man. 

We all have a greater purpose in this life and when we find it even if it's just a glimmer of it we can be truely blessed and enjoy the happiness of this life.

Mormon Messages: What Matters Most

The answer is yes....yes I could.  I feel the need to express my love for everyone in my life.  I don't often express my true love for the people who help me in life but I do.  My Parents especially this video is so moving because it's true I could have done all of those things so much more. The Scriptures say "Ponder in your hearts" more than the message the scriptures contain but the way we can apply them to our lives.  The lord has blessed us with minds that can ponder and, when we use that blessing it can really change the people around us and ourselves.

A Work in Progress

Growing up it's strange to think that goals will shape you into who you become.  It's also strange to step back and look at the sacrifice that a parent will make to help their child achieve their goals.  Growing up with parents who weren't a part of this Church when I made the decision to serve this mission I was scared that they were going to have issues with it but, oh was I wrong.  Love and comfort was all I recieved from them no anger no questioning they understood that it was a goal I had set for myself to become a better man and they helped me as much as they could.






I thought of all of this because this video.  His parents helped him achieve his goal that put in the time and they helped him remember the goal. The Scriptures show us this so often. 2 Corinthians 12: 14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I ^aseek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
 Parents sacrifice so much to ensure the joy and happiness of their children.  Time + Sacrifice + Love = Parents I'm sorry to say that I only learned this not long ago. 

I am not a hero, I am just a man.

This video just shows how amazing we can be if we choose to be nothing more than a man. I find in this video a life long goal to just follow the example i've been given by Christ and be a man of love and charity.  Things that change peoples lives the most are the simple things they will remember.  The father in this video didn't change the world but he changed the lives of his children and the way they see it. We don't have to wake up and try to be the big winner the hero that everyone will see. The most important thing to do is just be a man, provide, love and, cherish every moment and thing we are given.

Oh the Sabbath Day.

It's so strange to think back now that i'm on my mission of the importance of church attendance but, it's all come into perspective here in a short ammount of time. There is a talk given by James E. Faust called "The Lords Day" I won't put the whole talk on here but i'll put up some of it that I feel is very important.

"My brothers and sisters and friends, for some time I have pondered what I might speak about today. I seem to have been led in my thinking by a concern that so many in our generation are missing great blessings by not honoring the Lord’s day.

I confess that as a young boy, Sunday was not my favorite day. Grandfather shut down the action. We didn’t have any transportation. We couldn’t drive the car. He wouldn’t even let us start the motor. We couldn’t ride the horses, or the steers, or the sheep. It was the Sabbath, and by commandment, the animals also needed rest. We walked to Church and everywhere else we wanted to go. I can honestly say that we observed both the spirit and the letter of Sabbath worship.

By today’s standards, perhaps Grandfather’s interpretation of Sabbath day activities seems extreme, but something wonderful has been lost in our lives. To this day, I have been pondering to try to understand fully what has slipped away. Part of it was knowing that I was well on the Lord’s side of the line. Another part was the feeling that Satan’s influence was farther away. Mostly it was the reinforcement received by the spiritual power which was generated. We had the rich feeling that the spiritual “fulness of the earth” (D&C 59:16) was ours, as promised by the Lord in section 59 of the Doctrine and Covenants."

"Jesus reaffirmed the importance of the Sabbath day devotion, but he introduced a new spirit into this part of worship. (See Matt. 24:20.) Rather than observe the endless technicalities and prohibitions concerning what should and should not be done on the Lord’s day, he affirmed that it is lawful to do well on the Sabbath. (See Matt. 12:12.) He taught us that “the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day” (Matt. 12:8) and introduced the principle that “the sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath” (Mark 2:27). He performed good deeds on the Sabbath, such as healing the man with palsy (see Mark 2:1–12) as well as the man with the paralyzed hand (see Matt. 12:10–13). So the divine mandate of Sabbath day observance in our day is now more of a manifestation of individual devotion and commitment rather than a requirement of civil law."

The great modern-day revelation on Sabbath day worship is contained in section 59 of the Doctrine and Covenants: “And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day;

Here is a Link to reading the full talk....

http://lds.org/general-conference/1991/10/the-lords-day?lang=eng

I can't believe how much this talk in full has changed my perspective.  Going to Church and striving to keep the sabbath day as holy as possible can have such a great effect on our lives. Key points for myself have been highlighted in this talk and, I would invite all to read the talk in its entierty.  I just know that the simple things in this life can have the greatest reward and i'm so thankful for the chance I've been given to understand these things.

Wowza!!

So ya sorry for everyone who has looked at this or is looking at this haha it's just starting out I hope to have some good info and some cool stories to share soon just keep the faith! Take another gander here in a few days and we'll see where we're at!