choosing a flat

Last night we were driving to some appointments and somehow, somewhere I ran over glass. The light came on making me aware that there was a problem. I pulled over jumped out and to my surprise our tire was completely flat. We got to safety and quickly called for some reinforcements. Not wanting to waste more time than needed my companion and I began to change the tire. We must have looked like we were in distress, or maybe we looked like we didn't know what we were doing. Either way a man came to offer us some help. As this man took over, he began talking to us about somethings that made my companion and I very uncomfortable. Trying to be patient and bear witness to him of my testimony of Jesus Christ, I could tell that he was not interested and came at us with more harsh words. Glancing at the road and praying ever so desperately for the strength of the Lord I started to sing a hymn. "Do what is right; let the consequence follow. Battle for freedom in spirit and might;" (Hymns 237) Do what is right rang over and over in my head.  Although this man was trying to be nice and help us out, we thanked him and told him we could handle it. Peace once again filled my heart as he walked away.

The Spirit can act as our "warning light" when we are paying attention. If we hear the quiet promptings of the spirit we need to access our danger level and sometimes if necessary call for reinforcements. Sometimes we might be in a situation that may seem harmless or controlable. Just like this man. We were grateful for the help. However we did not know the "spiritual danger" he carried with him. We had to choose what was right. A good choice... allowing him to continue to help us. Or a better choice... asking him to leave and allowing the spirit to be with us. Dallin H Oaks said this about choices. "As we consider various choices, we should remember that it is not enough that something is good. Other choices are better, and still others are best. Even though a particular choice is more costly, its far greater value may make it the best choice of all."

I am most grateful for the Spirit that helped us to make the "better" choice. Not long after the tire was free our help arrived and we felt safe once again. As we listen to the "warning lights" we will be able to make better choices. We will be kept safe from danger and harm. I testify that the Lord loves us and He send His Spirit to help us make these choices.

being a missionary

I love being a missionary. It is my privilege to teach people every day about our Savior Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon, The Restoration of the Gospel and many other wonderful things. I serve around some young men and women who love doing the same thing I love. Everyday we have the honor to wear the name of Jesus Christ on our chest and spread this powerful message!  I am so thankful to be where I am today!

Why, you might ask, am I so thankful for this wonderful calling? Because it changes people's lives. Hearts are changed and people come closer to our Lord, Jesus Christ. In a unique and special way I form a spiritual bond with people that I teach and work with everyday. It has changed me, and I know that the message that the missionaries teach can change anyone who is willing to listen.

How does this happen? Because we are teaching pure truth that can not be torn down by any person, thing, or argument. Because Jesus Christ is the leader of this great work and we do things His way. Because we teach from The Book of Mormon. It is another testament of Jesus Christ and we are the only Church that recognizes it as scripture. This book sets us apart and teaches true doctrine. "It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come." (Introduction)

I know the Promise at the close of the Book of Mormon is true! It has worked for me and I know it can work for you. "We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 10:3–5.) Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is his revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the second coming of the Messiah."

Contact a missionary! Invite them into your home to teach you this life changing message! And if you have heard it before, if you are already a member. Share it with your friends and allow the Spirit of the Lord to work in their hearts.

Just moments ago we went to visit with someone we have been teaching. Her mood had changed, her smile was gone, and she quickly told us she was busy and didn't know when we could come back. As we drove away my heart was burning I was sad. As my companion and I sat in silence thinking to ourselves my mind tuned back into the song that was playing. "Have you ever felt like you are alone" I smiled really big looked at my companion, and started to laugh, knowing that the song was exactly what we needed at that moment. "There's one who knows you perfectly He can take the hurt away.." Loved filled the car and my mind reflected back to the Savior and the matchless love He has for us all.  The tender mercies of the Lord are all around us.

I talk about Jesus Christ all the time. I search for His guidance and I feast upon the scriptures that teach of Him because I love Him! But I never cease to learn more and more about His love and feel it stronger and stronger. I often think of the Testimony of the Living Prophets known as The Living Christ. "He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world."

I add my witness to The Living Christ that our Savior lives! He knows me more than anyone. I feel His love as I read from the Book of Mormon, and the Bible. I feel His love as I serve others. I know who to turn to when things get hard, I know who to thank when I am blessed. Not only has He felt my pains and sicknesses but He has felt yours. He has felt the heartbreak and the lonliness. You are not alone, nor will you ever be. We are so blessed to have this kind of love in our lives. Turn to Him and allow Him to heal the hurt that you feel inside. "...after he is laid in a sepulchre for the space of three days he shall rise from the dead, with healing in his wings; and all those who shall believe on his name shall be saved in the kingdom of God. Wherefore, my soul delighteth to prophesy concerning him, for I have seen his day, and my heart doth magnify his holy name." (2 Nephi 25:13)

a test of faith

This morning we woke up to rain. On any normal day this would have been fine. But on this particular day we had decided to ride our bikes. You can call it stubbornness but I wouldn't settle for the warm dry car. When we first started riding the rain had stopped, we thought we would be fine. The further and further we got away from our car the rain slowly became worse. Head down and hands tightly gripped to my handle bars we pressed forward to our appointment. We could have turned back. We could have gotten back in the car and driven, but we had decided to ride.

We all face what seems like unachievable trials. James E Faust said “Everybody in this life has their challenges and difficulties. That is part of our mortal test. The reason for some of these trials cannot be readily understood except on the basis of faith and hope because there is often a larger purpose which we do not always understand. Peace comes through hope.” Peace comes through hope! I love that. What a beautiful thought.

There is always light at the end of the tunnel. As we press through these difficult tasks we need to stay positive and remember that our Savior is always there to support and help us! "Turn to the Lord. Exercise all of the faith you have in Him. Let Him share your burden. Allow His grace to lighten your load." ( Donald D. Hallstrom) I know that if we turn to the Lord He will lighten our load and make the things we are doing easy to bear. The rain beating on our faces wasn't as noticeable as we sang hymns peddling as fast as we could toward the warm home ahead. With faith we can do all things! But having faith doesn't mean that everything will be perfect. Alma a great Book of Mormon prophet explains faith in one of my favorite ways."And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true." (Alma 32:21) Remember peace comes through hope? It truly does. 

I love my Savior and am so grateful that He is willing to help and support me in my trials. I could not make it another day if He wasn't there to lift and support me. He pulls me up off  feeble knees daily and helps me to know that I am not alone! I am never alone.

just like a rising sun

The other morning we walked out of our apartment to this beautiful Sunrise! It reminded me of a talk by Elder David A. Bednar last April.

He said "The gradual increase of light radiating from the rising sun is like receiving a message from God “line upon line, precept upon precept” (2 Nephi 28:30). Most frequently, revelation comes in small increments over time and is granted according to our desire, worthiness, and preparation. Such communications from Heavenly Father gradually and gently “distil upon [our souls] as the dews from heaven” (D&C 121:45). This pattern of revelation tends to be more common than rare..."

"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. But regardless of the pattern whereby this blessing is received, the light it provides will illuminate and enlarge your soul, enlighten your understanding (see Alma 5:7; 32:28), and direct and protect you and your family."

The Spirit of God is real! I have felt it in my own life and it has strengthened my testimony of Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. Most of the time the Spirit speaks to me and guides me just like Elder Bednar explains above. Although it may seem simple and little at the time I know that the results are beautiful and lasting! When I feel the Spirit teach me I can not go contrary to what I have learned!

– PRESIDENT JAMES E. FAUST

If you are seeking an answer to a prayer don't give up! There is hope in the future! When you receive the answer you are seeking nothing will separate you from that. Heavenly Father loves you and will send you His Spirit and it will most likely come just like a rising sun.

The Holy Ghost bears witness of the truth and impresses upon the soul the reality of God the Father and the Son Jesus Christ so deeply that no earthly power or authority can separate him from that knowledge.”

racing to repentance

So there I was flying down the race track at just over 100 mph, with the sun beating right down on me. Sweat dripping from my eye brow and the finish line just in reach I feel a jerk from something to my left and BAM.... I am sent back into reality. The race track faded and the noisy engines disappeared back into my imagination. Now faced with the real world I took off my stinky helmet and climbed out of the silent car.

Sometimes we find ourselves in imaginary worlds not ready or willing to face the reality and truth that is before us. We cover up sin, with rationalization or just by pure neglect to follow God's will. Whatever the case may be we send our minds into a universe that only we can see and hear. A place where we think no one can enter. Quentin L. Cook said, "Rationalization for bad choices will not be effective, but repentance will. Those who repent will be particularly blessed by the Atonement."

Repentance is real and it heals and blesses us as we allow Jesus Christ to come into our hearts. "And he hath power given unto him from the Father to redeem them from their sins because of repentance;" Helaman 5:11

Repentance is also hard. But I will be the first to tell you that it is worth it. Jesus Christ came to help us overcome our struggles and problems. The more I have turned to Him to allow Him to help me the closer I feel to Him. "Sincere repentance brings several results. We feel God’s forgiveness and His peace in our lives. Our guilt and sorrow are swept away. We feel the influence of the Spirit in greater abundance. And when we pass from this life, we will be more prepared to live with our Heavenly Father and His Son." (Preach My Gospel pg 62)

“Sometimes in our repentance, in our daily efforts to become more Christlike, we find ourselves repeatedly struggling with the same difficulties. As if we were climbing a tree-covered mountain, at times we don’t see our progress until we get closer to the top and look back from the high ridges. Don’t be discouraged. If you are striving and working to repent, you are in the process of repenting.”  Neil L. Andersen

Remove the rationalization, over come the pride and accept that Jesus Christ can heal you from the guilt and shame that you might feel in your life. I have felt it in my life and I pray that you will feel His love as you sincerely pray to be forgiven. I know that He can help! Step out of the race car and into the arms of the one who knows you and your trials far better then anyone else. Because He has been there and He knows how to help! "...and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people...and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." Alma 7:11-12