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.