So today I just felt like writing a doctrinal rant about something that's been on my mind a little while.
Forgiving isn't always easy. Someone cuts you off, says something offensive- sometimes even on purpose. Sometimes you feel you have a right to be angry or offended. But who are you really hurting by holding a grudge? Holding a grudge is just holding onto your own pain. Sometimes it's best just to start over new- a clean slate. Let the pain go. Forget about the past and start over. Give yourself another chance, give them another chance, and move on!
The Atonement of Jesus Christ provides that clean slate between us and God. When we sin, we cause God to be disappointed in us. That sin separates us from God. But through the Atonement we are able to have a fresh start. We can feel the forgiveness of our loving Heavenly Father and be renewed. So, let the past be in the past and form fresh views of life! Let go of your pain and you'll feel God's love in your life.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Sometimes it's hard to "bless them that curse you!"
Partly as a safety rule, we missionaries have "companions" just like kids that go to the pool might have "swimming buddies." We stay with our companions all day, everyday. It can be exhausting sometimes, but it can be really fun, too.
Anyway, when you're around someone that much, you have to learn to put aside your differences and get along. Despite common belief, we don't automatically become best friends when we meet our new companions. And for those of you who don't know, we switch off "swimming buddies" several times in the two years of service we do.
I've had to learn to have patience while I've been out here. But moreso, charity. Charity is a Christ-Like attribute that in some ways is related to patience. It means putting others' welbeing before your own, even when sometimes that person is annoying you! Charity is more than action, it's a state of being and a way of life.
As I've learned to get along with my companions I have come to have a deeper understanding of my savior and of charity. Christ was the greatest example of it. Even when the people spat on him and hated him and eventually killed him, he allowed it to happen because He loved them and what He was doing would allow them to be forgiven of their sins. He loved the very people who killed him- He loved them so much that He paid the price for them, so they could be saved in the Kingdom of God and have eternal happiness! That price included His life.
I've learned to love those that persecute me while serving as a servant of Christ, and only in that little way, I've felt some of what Christ endured for each of us! It was hard for me to have that love for just one person- it still is. I can't imagine how hard it was for Christ to do it for every sinner that ever lived- to love each of us enough to suffer in our place so we can be forgiven and live with God again! I'm not sure I could ever have that kind of love, but I am grateful for our Savior, who did! He truly lived and suffered for us so we can be forgiven of our sins and live with God again!
Anyway, when you're around someone that much, you have to learn to put aside your differences and get along. Despite common belief, we don't automatically become best friends when we meet our new companions. And for those of you who don't know, we switch off "swimming buddies" several times in the two years of service we do.
I've had to learn to have patience while I've been out here. But moreso, charity. Charity is a Christ-Like attribute that in some ways is related to patience. It means putting others' welbeing before your own, even when sometimes that person is annoying you! Charity is more than action, it's a state of being and a way of life.
As I've learned to get along with my companions I have come to have a deeper understanding of my savior and of charity. Christ was the greatest example of it. Even when the people spat on him and hated him and eventually killed him, he allowed it to happen because He loved them and what He was doing would allow them to be forgiven of their sins. He loved the very people who killed him- He loved them so much that He paid the price for them, so they could be saved in the Kingdom of God and have eternal happiness! That price included His life.
I've learned to love those that persecute me while serving as a servant of Christ, and only in that little way, I've felt some of what Christ endured for each of us! It was hard for me to have that love for just one person- it still is. I can't imagine how hard it was for Christ to do it for every sinner that ever lived- to love each of us enough to suffer in our place so we can be forgiven and live with God again! I'm not sure I could ever have that kind of love, but I am grateful for our Savior, who did! He truly lived and suffered for us so we can be forgiven of our sins and live with God again!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
......Awkward......
The other day, a missionary told me he thought starting out a blog by saying "As a missionary..." was boring and uninteresting.... I'm about to be boring and uninteresting!
As a missionary we talk to a lot of people every day. Sometimes it can be very awkward. If you've ever felt awkward talking to missionaries like me on the street, just know the feeling was probably mutual. But I like the saying "delight in awkwardness" -it's going to happen, so just deal with it, right? Okay, maybe it's not always awkward, in fact that's what I felt like sharing today.
I don't care for awkwardness, but when I first meet someone, it seems there's a little switch that goes off in my head, turning me into "awkward mode." I was thinking about it the other night before going to bed, how strange that little switch is, and how to turn it off. Here's what I came up with. If we realize that we are all beloved children of God, then we are all brothers and sisters, and if I can see everyone who is walking down the street the way I see my immediate family then all of the sudden I become much more relaxed. I'm less afraid to be myself and more interested in the person I'm talking with. Instead of thinking "what am I going to say?" it turns into, "hey! There's my brother, let's go see how he's doing! I'm so happy to see him!" When people say mean things it doesn't hurt as much, and I still want the best for them. Just like if I were a little kid and got in a fight with my sister- we'd be best friends ten minutes later. It's awesome!
What helps you get out of awkward mode?
As a missionary we talk to a lot of people every day. Sometimes it can be very awkward. If you've ever felt awkward talking to missionaries like me on the street, just know the feeling was probably mutual. But I like the saying "delight in awkwardness" -it's going to happen, so just deal with it, right? Okay, maybe it's not always awkward, in fact that's what I felt like sharing today.
I don't care for awkwardness, but when I first meet someone, it seems there's a little switch that goes off in my head, turning me into "awkward mode." I was thinking about it the other night before going to bed, how strange that little switch is, and how to turn it off. Here's what I came up with. If we realize that we are all beloved children of God, then we are all brothers and sisters, and if I can see everyone who is walking down the street the way I see my immediate family then all of the sudden I become much more relaxed. I'm less afraid to be myself and more interested in the person I'm talking with. Instead of thinking "what am I going to say?" it turns into, "hey! There's my brother, let's go see how he's doing! I'm so happy to see him!" When people say mean things it doesn't hurt as much, and I still want the best for them. Just like if I were a little kid and got in a fight with my sister- we'd be best friends ten minutes later. It's awesome!
What helps you get out of awkward mode?
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Knocking Doors
KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK.
(Man opens door): "Don't EVER knock on this door again- THAT'S what you can do for the Lord!"
SLAM!!!
That was our experience about a week ago. Sad, but true. Funny enough, we meant to knock on his neighbor's door (someone we knew), but accidentally knocked on the wrong one.
Now, that doesn't happen to us all that often, but it does happen once in a while. I just wanted to share the story to give you a taste of what we go through and to pose a question.
I wonder: what could have upset the man so much that he would open the door just to yell at us and slam it back in our faces?
It seems almost silly, doesn't it? We meant no harm, nor offense. We are just the messengers, here to tell the world about the story of what happened between God and a boy named Joseph Smith, and the significance for everyone of that event, and then invite them to ask God about it- to see what the Almighty and All-knowing says about it. If they've heard it before, yes, I'd like to hear what happened, yes, I'd like to talk more, but that doesn't change my objective to share the message and invite people to find out for themselves, in order to build their faith in Jesus Christ. It doesn't change the fact I'm simply there to share what I know and do it in a Christ-like way.
Honestly, I don't really like knocking doors- I try to avoid it. I don't want to come off as a salesman, or have anyone feel as though we're invading their privacy. That's not Christ-like. But to keep to myself what I know is true, and what I know can bless every human soul's life, would not be very Christ-like. So we go out and try to share it with people. I hope for the day, when all people can talk openly and respectfully about what matters most to any of us, and not have doors slammed in our faces, or obcenities shouted from car doors. I hope for the day when we all come in the unity of faith and can deal kindly with one another even when our views differ. I hope for the day there is absolute peace on Earth.
(Man opens door): "Don't EVER knock on this door again- THAT'S what you can do for the Lord!"
SLAM!!!
That was our experience about a week ago. Sad, but true. Funny enough, we meant to knock on his neighbor's door (someone we knew), but accidentally knocked on the wrong one.
Now, that doesn't happen to us all that often, but it does happen once in a while. I just wanted to share the story to give you a taste of what we go through and to pose a question.
I wonder: what could have upset the man so much that he would open the door just to yell at us and slam it back in our faces?
It seems almost silly, doesn't it? We meant no harm, nor offense. We are just the messengers, here to tell the world about the story of what happened between God and a boy named Joseph Smith, and the significance for everyone of that event, and then invite them to ask God about it- to see what the Almighty and All-knowing says about it. If they've heard it before, yes, I'd like to hear what happened, yes, I'd like to talk more, but that doesn't change my objective to share the message and invite people to find out for themselves, in order to build their faith in Jesus Christ. It doesn't change the fact I'm simply there to share what I know and do it in a Christ-like way.
Honestly, I don't really like knocking doors- I try to avoid it. I don't want to come off as a salesman, or have anyone feel as though we're invading their privacy. That's not Christ-like. But to keep to myself what I know is true, and what I know can bless every human soul's life, would not be very Christ-like. So we go out and try to share it with people. I hope for the day, when all people can talk openly and respectfully about what matters most to any of us, and not have doors slammed in our faces, or obcenities shouted from car doors. I hope for the day when we all come in the unity of faith and can deal kindly with one another even when our views differ. I hope for the day there is absolute peace on Earth.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
For The Motherless
With Mother's day tomorrow, I've seen many postings on the Internet regarding mothers. Today I would like to send out my love to those who, for whatever reason, did not get the chance to grow up with their mothers or get to know them.
I did not grow up in that situation, so I will not even attempt to know what Mother's Day is like for those of you who did. But for the motherless out there, I send my love and appreciation. I hope you are able to enjoy the day, and know that there are thousands around the world that love and appreciate you. Especially your Savior, Jesus Christ!
I invite each of you, no matter what your childhood situation, to read Something in My Heart Changed and ponder on the message it contains of our Saviors love!
I did not grow up in that situation, so I will not even attempt to know what Mother's Day is like for those of you who did. But for the motherless out there, I send my love and appreciation. I hope you are able to enjoy the day, and know that there are thousands around the world that love and appreciate you. Especially your Savior, Jesus Christ!
I invite each of you, no matter what your childhood situation, to read Something in My Heart Changed and ponder on the message it contains of our Saviors love!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
How To Maintain A Positive Attitude
Every morning I try to think of some things I am grateful for. The new day. A good night's rest. Maybe the fact I'm no longer getting a bad night's rest. But whatever it is, I like to start off the day on a note of gratitude. Whenever I do that, it is easier to be happy and have a good day.
Someone once told me the last thing they do before going to bed was think of a way God had touched their lives that day, that way they could end the day on a happy note. When we take a little time to be grateful for our blessings, it opens our eyes to heaven's view and uplifts us. When we are grateful, we recognize our blessings, and God gives us more. Even though we will still face challenges, we face them with positivity and optimism, and our days seems to go better.
I for one am grateful for good friends and loving family. I am grateful for my knowledge of the restored Gospel. I am grateful for the experiences God has given me to help me, strengthen me, and feel of His love. I am grateful that when we make mistakes, God has given us a way to correct them and be forgiven. I am grateful for nature. I am grateful for my Savior, who marked the path so I can know how to return to my Father in Heaven. What kinds of things are you grateful for?
Someone once told me the last thing they do before going to bed was think of a way God had touched their lives that day, that way they could end the day on a happy note. When we take a little time to be grateful for our blessings, it opens our eyes to heaven's view and uplifts us. When we are grateful, we recognize our blessings, and God gives us more. Even though we will still face challenges, we face them with positivity and optimism, and our days seems to go better.
I for one am grateful for good friends and loving family. I am grateful for my knowledge of the restored Gospel. I am grateful for the experiences God has given me to help me, strengthen me, and feel of His love. I am grateful that when we make mistakes, God has given us a way to correct them and be forgiven. I am grateful for nature. I am grateful for my Savior, who marked the path so I can know how to return to my Father in Heaven. What kinds of things are you grateful for?
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