spiritually sick

Recently I have not been feeling well. I have talked to lots of people and sought help for whatever seems to be wrong. I have tried all sorts of things to help relieve the pain and the discomfort I have. Although it is helpful and comforting for a time I haven't found that healing that I have been searching for. The pain sets back in and I am sent back into a reality of the truth around me.

There is a difference between comfort and healing. Some people may not be dealing with a physical sickness but they are spiritually sick. They try different  things in search for the healing they are so desperatly searching for. They only find comfort for a time. Then just like me they are sent back into their reality and start their search again.

I know that the healing they are searching for is only found in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! In King Benjamin's address to his people he says "...that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent." (Mosiah 3:17) The way to Salvation is by living by the teachings of Jesus Christ and following Him. His teaching and His doctrine are found in there true and fullest state in His restored church. Healing comes through Jesus Christ and the sacrifice He has made for us. He has felt what we have felt.

If you are searching or know someone that is searching for more meaning in their life then I invite you to come unto Christ. Learn of His restored gospel and allow His healing arms to wrap around you. I know that this is His Church and that there is no other way to receive the healing you are searching for. I have not felt this healing in any other place. I have started the steps to my healing and I encourage you to find the truth for yourself.

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 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.”

Charity- the pure love of Christ.

I am so filled with love I could burst. I love my missionary work, I love the people that I work so close with and I love my Savior, Jesus Christ more then anything. This kind of love is motivating, is exciting and makes me feel extreme joy beyond measure. Being filled with this kind of love is Charity. Am I perfect? NO! I could use so much more Charity in my life. But what I have helps me do what I do. I strive everyday to have more. So what is Charity? Moroni 7:45 says:  "And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." Doesnt that sound delightful? 

Elder Marvin J. Ashton beautifully observed: “Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other.”

I must warn you that trying to have this love comes with concequences! All things we do have concequences. This love is motivating, is thrilling and in all you truly desire the salvation of souls. This love promts you to act, to teach to love even more and to become like Jesus Christ. This love is pure and clean and earth shaking. I have learned to let my love grow. I have seen so many people that I love choose to accept the message of the Restoration. I have seen so many of these same people that I love chose to reject what they have learned is true. But I would go through the heartbreak, the emotional rollercoasters, the tears and the sorrow everyday, to share that one tender moment where the Spirit comes to bear witness of the truth. In that moment, everyone involved can feel the power of God. In those moments the love in the room is breathtaking and overwhelming. How much better is the spirit that follows when we chose to accept and act upon what we feel. I would go through the pain and the tears everyday just to see one of my Brothers or Sisters accept and learn for themselves the joy that comes after baptism. I have never in my life felt greater love then I have on my mission. I love more than words, the peace that fills the room at the baptism of someone who has chosen to follow the example of Jesus Christ. This is His church and this is the only way back to live with Him!