I just love it when my mind completely blanks and I can't think what to say next and then something profound just pops out of my mouth. Have you ever had that happen?
Just the other day I was trying to explain to someone what it was like to gain a spiritual witness of something. I couldn't quite find the words so I tried to think of something to compare it to. Before I could think of anything my mouth decided to go for it. So out came an explanation that it was like building trust in a friendship. At first you don't know how trustworthy they are, but over time, as you listen to what they say and see how well it works, you begin to trust them. Right? You don't just trust some stranger on the street, do you? Well, it's the same way with learning to trust the Holy Spirit. As I've gotten to know how the Spirit speaks to me and as I've follow the impressions he gives, I've gained trust in him. The Holy Ghost has never lied to me. The more I've become familiar with him, the more I've come to know he can't lie, and he's always right. I didn't just start trusting everything he said from the first. My trust and faith has grown as I've tried out what he's said, until it has grown to where it is now, and it keeps growing each and every day.
Pretty cool, isn't it? I'd never thought about it like that before, so I'm glad my mouth ran in front of my mind this time. I learned something new!
So for you readers out there, how have you learned to trust the Spirit?
Showing posts with label Mormon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mormon. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
I Like To Look For Rainbows
You know, I just love the hymns of our church. No, they aren't all that entertaining, but there's a lot of meaning and beauty in them. I especially love the children's hymns! For example, the children's hymn "I like to look for rainbows" always gives my courage and strength to keep on following God and trying to do good.
"1. I like to look for rainbows whenever there is rain
And ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again.
2. I know when I am baptized my wrongs are washed away,
And I can be forgiven and improve myself each day.
And I can be forgiven and improve myself each day.
ChorusI want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.
I want to be the best I can and live with God again."
I want to be the best I can and live with God again."
Who couldn't be lifted in a hard time by that? That's why I love children's hymns.
Feel free to listen to some of the children's hymns on the interactive music player on LDS.org: Interactive Church Music Player .
I'd suggest "I am a child of God" "I'll walk with you" "I lived in Heaven" -just a few of my favorites.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Go to the source- Mormon.org
I think it's funny how when many people want to know about our church, they ask their preacher or a friend. If I wanted to learn about Catholicism do you think I'd ask a Baptist? It's sounds funny when you put it like that, doesn't it? Why not just go to the source? Wouldn't it make more sense to ask a member of the church? Most members are more than willing to share about their beliefs. Better yet, talk to missionaries like me- that's one of our main purposes is to teach about our church. Or if talking to people would make you too nervous, why not go to mormon.org, the church's official website on the basics of our beliefs.
On mormon.org you can find profiles of members who have posted a little bit of who they are and their testimonies of why they are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You can find the Church's official stance on many subjects. It's a great way to learn about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. And when you think about it, it just makes sense, doesn't it?
http://mormon.org/people/find/eng/
On mormon.org you can find profiles of members who have posted a little bit of who they are and their testimonies of why they are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You can find the Church's official stance on many subjects. It's a great way to learn about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. And when you think about it, it just makes sense, doesn't it?
http://mormon.org/people/find/eng/
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Keep Moving Forward
Have you ever seen the Disney movie "Meet The Robinsons?" I love it! It's hilarious! I love the Tom Selleck reference (I'm indirectly named after him... long story...) and the imagination used in it! What a great adventure!
I also love the message it gives to it's viewers- "keep moving forward!" Sometimes life gets hard, or sometimes we get hung up on things that might get us down or hold us back. Perseverance is a key to life. We keep moving forward, we push along, and we keep on living. Remember to love God and just push along despite the opposition. Just stick it out and in the end you'll realize you are stronger than you think!
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God..." Romans 8:28.
I also love the message it gives to it's viewers- "keep moving forward!" Sometimes life gets hard, or sometimes we get hung up on things that might get us down or hold us back. Perseverance is a key to life. We keep moving forward, we push along, and we keep on living. Remember to love God and just push along despite the opposition. Just stick it out and in the end you'll realize you are stronger than you think!
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God..." Romans 8:28.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Pray with all energy of Heart
If I could get out just one message, or teach someone something that could change their lives I would most definitely teach the significance of PRAYER. Yes, I would love to teach people of God and Jesus Christ, don't get me wrong, but prayer is our connection with God, and is the only true way to gain a witness of their reality or divinity.
In our church, some young men are the ones who bless the sacrament (or eucharist, or Lord's supper, or communion some faiths might call it). I was one of those young men before I served my mission. As I got older, other young men started to bless the sacrament and would look to me for advice and help on how to do it. My first advice was ALWAYS to remember that the blessing is a prayer, and prayer is a conversation with someone- GOD. When you pray, you are talking to an actual being! You aren't talking to the air, or saying something that only sounds nice to the people who hear the prayer- you are talking with God.
I remember the times when the young men and I really prayed to God, and not just recited a prayer. The Holy Spirit was SO strong! We KNEW God heard us, because we were sincere and we were talking with Him with full purpose of heart. God's power was evident and we were blessed.
I know this is the case for all who pray to God, remember He's a person, and talking with him, not preaching a sermon to Him- they will be strengthened and enlightened by His spirit. So, to you readers out there, the next time you pray remember that and you will really talk with God! He will answer your prayers, and it will change your life. You will find you are closer to God than ever.
"36. Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and withersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.
"37. Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day."
-Alma 37:32-43
In our church, some young men are the ones who bless the sacrament (or eucharist, or Lord's supper, or communion some faiths might call it). I was one of those young men before I served my mission. As I got older, other young men started to bless the sacrament and would look to me for advice and help on how to do it. My first advice was ALWAYS to remember that the blessing is a prayer, and prayer is a conversation with someone- GOD. When you pray, you are talking to an actual being! You aren't talking to the air, or saying something that only sounds nice to the people who hear the prayer- you are talking with God.
I remember the times when the young men and I really prayed to God, and not just recited a prayer. The Holy Spirit was SO strong! We KNEW God heard us, because we were sincere and we were talking with Him with full purpose of heart. God's power was evident and we were blessed.
I know this is the case for all who pray to God, remember He's a person, and talking with him, not preaching a sermon to Him- they will be strengthened and enlightened by His spirit. So, to you readers out there, the next time you pray remember that and you will really talk with God! He will answer your prayers, and it will change your life. You will find you are closer to God than ever.
"36. Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and withersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.
"37. Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day."
-Alma 37:32-43
Saturday, April 9, 2011
In The Beginning...
"So just what is a day in the life of a mormon missionary like?" you might wonder. Well, for me, it's an adventure. Every day is different and you can never predict what might happen. Such was yesterday: loosing a dear friend, hiding in a Wal Mart during a tornado watch, teaching the Gospel in a power outage...
I am currently stationed in Nashville, Tennessee, where the trees are green and the people park on their lawns- a practice rarely seen in my hometown in California. For the last two weeks I've been with two other fantastic missionaries- Elder Waltman and Elder Vasquez.
Elder Vasquez was originally called to serve in Brazil for his mission, but had trouble getting his visa, so he was sent here with us for a while instead. Late last week Elder Vasquez finally received his visa and was told he would leave Monday morning. He was bothe sad to leave, and excited to go, and we felt the same way. We're glad he's finally going to where God wants him to go, but we're sad to see him leave. Monday morning we dropped him off with the other missionaries also leaving for Brazil and said our goodbyes.
Our trio was down to two. Elder Waltman and I went about our day as planned from that point-- going to email, go shopping, etc. As we pulled into Wal Mart's parking lot and got out we heard a tornado siren and figured we'd be okay in the building. Not a few minutes after we walked in, we, along with every one in the store- customers and employees alike- were asked to go to the center of the store for safety! When the winds got louder and the lights flickered, some people ducked and others joked about what they would do if a tornado actually hit the building. We tried to text and call other missionaries from our cell phone, to let them know what was going on and that we were okay, but there was no reception.We stayed there for around twenty minutes, before it was announced the storm had passed and we were free to shop.
As we left the Wal Mart and drove down the street, we saw a MacDonald's sign broken from the wind and branches from the trees strewn across the roads.
We finally received word that all missionaries in our area had been ordered to stay in there apartments, so we did. We knew the storm was bad, so we called as many people as we knew to make sure they were safe and well. Luckily each of them were, and no damage had been done to their properties either.
When the lock-down finally ended we left to go teach people we knew about the Gospel of Jesus Christ- finally some more common missionary work. We were able to find a lady Elder Waltman knew from a different part of Tennessee who had moved here. She was so excited to see him and get to talk with us. We talked for about an hour and then headed back toward our apartment for another apointment.
As we got close we noticed all the lights were out for several blocks. Our apointment was in one that area, and when we knocked on the door the husband answered and told us, "I don't think we can read the word tonight- we have no light." We told him to wait as we went to our apartment to grab flash lights for them to borrow.
Upon our return we read from the scriptures with this family using flash lights in the power outage. It was a very unique and special experience for each of us. After talking for a while and inviting them to read the Book of Mormon and pray about our message, we left the family with our flash lights and with a prayer and hoped the best for them as we went back home to go to sleep.
That is just a taste of what it is like being a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It is full of ups and downs, happiness and heartache, great adventure and simple conversations. There's nothing quite like the opportunity to serve the Lord full-time for two years.
To those of you reading this, I hope I can help you see what being a mormon missionary is like, and moreso I hope that through your reading of this blog you'll be pricked in your hearts to learn more of Jesus Christ and learn of the Book of Mormon, which testifies that He is, and that He lives. I hope you will come closer to your Savior, and to your Father in Heaven. I hope you will feel a deeper conviction of the truth in your hearts. I invite you to learn more about the unique message we- as missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints- share. A message which will improve your life and help you come closer to God in immeasurable ways!
I am currently stationed in Nashville, Tennessee, where the trees are green and the people park on their lawns- a practice rarely seen in my hometown in California. For the last two weeks I've been with two other fantastic missionaries- Elder Waltman and Elder Vasquez.
Elder Vasquez was originally called to serve in Brazil for his mission, but had trouble getting his visa, so he was sent here with us for a while instead. Late last week Elder Vasquez finally received his visa and was told he would leave Monday morning. He was bothe sad to leave, and excited to go, and we felt the same way. We're glad he's finally going to where God wants him to go, but we're sad to see him leave. Monday morning we dropped him off with the other missionaries also leaving for Brazil and said our goodbyes.
Our trio was down to two. Elder Waltman and I went about our day as planned from that point-- going to email, go shopping, etc. As we pulled into Wal Mart's parking lot and got out we heard a tornado siren and figured we'd be okay in the building. Not a few minutes after we walked in, we, along with every one in the store- customers and employees alike- were asked to go to the center of the store for safety! When the winds got louder and the lights flickered, some people ducked and others joked about what they would do if a tornado actually hit the building. We tried to text and call other missionaries from our cell phone, to let them know what was going on and that we were okay, but there was no reception.We stayed there for around twenty minutes, before it was announced the storm had passed and we were free to shop.
As we left the Wal Mart and drove down the street, we saw a MacDonald's sign broken from the wind and branches from the trees strewn across the roads.
We finally received word that all missionaries in our area had been ordered to stay in there apartments, so we did. We knew the storm was bad, so we called as many people as we knew to make sure they were safe and well. Luckily each of them were, and no damage had been done to their properties either.
When the lock-down finally ended we left to go teach people we knew about the Gospel of Jesus Christ- finally some more common missionary work. We were able to find a lady Elder Waltman knew from a different part of Tennessee who had moved here. She was so excited to see him and get to talk with us. We talked for about an hour and then headed back toward our apartment for another apointment.
As we got close we noticed all the lights were out for several blocks. Our apointment was in one that area, and when we knocked on the door the husband answered and told us, "I don't think we can read the word tonight- we have no light." We told him to wait as we went to our apartment to grab flash lights for them to borrow.
Upon our return we read from the scriptures with this family using flash lights in the power outage. It was a very unique and special experience for each of us. After talking for a while and inviting them to read the Book of Mormon and pray about our message, we left the family with our flash lights and with a prayer and hoped the best for them as we went back home to go to sleep.
That is just a taste of what it is like being a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It is full of ups and downs, happiness and heartache, great adventure and simple conversations. There's nothing quite like the opportunity to serve the Lord full-time for two years.
To those of you reading this, I hope I can help you see what being a mormon missionary is like, and moreso I hope that through your reading of this blog you'll be pricked in your hearts to learn more of Jesus Christ and learn of the Book of Mormon, which testifies that He is, and that He lives. I hope you will come closer to your Savior, and to your Father in Heaven. I hope you will feel a deeper conviction of the truth in your hearts. I invite you to learn more about the unique message we- as missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints- share. A message which will improve your life and help you come closer to God in immeasurable ways!
Feed My Sheep
Christ taught, "Feed my sheep." (John 21:17) As a missionary for the Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I was "called to serve" not "called to preach." Although preaching and proclaiming the Gospel is the main part of how we perform this service, we also try to serve people in other ways too.
Just a few days ago, Elder Waltman and I were driving down the road when we saw a group of men with a big moving trailer outside of their house, hauling large and small items, little by little into the house. I looked to Elder Waltman and said, "do you think we should go help them?"
Elder Waltman replied, "sure."
So we did. There were probably seven men there already helping out, but we offered our help and they accepted. We helped unload the trailer they already had there, and a truck or two and another trailer. We got to help them lift furniture in their house, and random trinkets and bags. As we helped out we got to know the couple moving in a little bit. They had a young child, and were moving in from across town. They were the nicest people and we had a lot of fun helping them out.
When all the moving was done, we talked to the man moving in for a brief moment and he told us of the church he goes to, and how they are reaching out to people who may not feel comfortable in regular church buildings. What a wonderful idea. He and his family were such caring, Christ-like people and we enjoyed being around them.
We then said our goodbyes and began walking back to the car, when this man graciously called out to us and invited us in for some pizza. I wasn't expecting that, but we readily accepted the invitation and enjoyed some pizza and their company for a little while longer. They were so appreciative and thankful- and honestly we hadn't done much in a group of so many people. I felt so honored that they would be so kind to us for such a little thing. Some would call it Southern Hospitality, but I would call it an exalting and Godly attitude.
From King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon we learn, "...when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." (Mosiah 2:17)
I would invite you to look for ways to serve others, and do a good deed here and there. When you do, you are serving God, and you can be at peace. I know in my life I have always been happiest when I have been more concerned with the well being of others before thinking of my own. When you put your all into selfless service you are doing exactly what Christ talked about when He said, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
Just a few days ago, Elder Waltman and I were driving down the road when we saw a group of men with a big moving trailer outside of their house, hauling large and small items, little by little into the house. I looked to Elder Waltman and said, "do you think we should go help them?"
Elder Waltman replied, "sure."
So we did. There were probably seven men there already helping out, but we offered our help and they accepted. We helped unload the trailer they already had there, and a truck or two and another trailer. We got to help them lift furniture in their house, and random trinkets and bags. As we helped out we got to know the couple moving in a little bit. They had a young child, and were moving in from across town. They were the nicest people and we had a lot of fun helping them out.
When all the moving was done, we talked to the man moving in for a brief moment and he told us of the church he goes to, and how they are reaching out to people who may not feel comfortable in regular church buildings. What a wonderful idea. He and his family were such caring, Christ-like people and we enjoyed being around them.
We then said our goodbyes and began walking back to the car, when this man graciously called out to us and invited us in for some pizza. I wasn't expecting that, but we readily accepted the invitation and enjoyed some pizza and their company for a little while longer. They were so appreciative and thankful- and honestly we hadn't done much in a group of so many people. I felt so honored that they would be so kind to us for such a little thing. Some would call it Southern Hospitality, but I would call it an exalting and Godly attitude.
From King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon we learn, "...when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." (Mosiah 2:17)
I would invite you to look for ways to serve others, and do a good deed here and there. When you do, you are serving God, and you can be at peace. I know in my life I have always been happiest when I have been more concerned with the well being of others before thinking of my own. When you put your all into selfless service you are doing exactly what Christ talked about when He said, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
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