I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I know that I did! I was away from my family and friends back home in Canada but the Lord had blessed me with a wonderful Christmas here with the lovely people of Tennessee! My companion and I did some Christmas celebration hoping and spent time with 3 different families and were also blessed to have a baptism of one of our dear friends on Christmas Eve! It will for sure be a Christmas to be remembered!
Now that Christmas it over that special light of Christ that we saw everywhere seems to have died down. The Christmas spirit is infectious, we are constantly wishing people a Merry Christmas and singing beautiful carols about our beloved Savior Jesus Christ. And then once December 25th comes the excitement and anticipation is over. We take down our decorations and our trees and we see the empty spots where our decorations used to be. Now the trick is to keep that spirit of Christmas with us all year round. As Christians we need to continue to honor our Lord and Savior even after the Christmas holidays and make sure our actions are in line with him. As a missionary I've thought about this idea a lot more this year. I was baptised and made a promise to my Father in Heaven to follow him and obey his commandments. I promised to...
“humble [myself] before God, … and witness before the church that [I] have truly repented of all [my] sins, and are willing to take upon [myself] the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by [my] works that [I] have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of [my] sins” (D&C 20:37).
I love my Savior Jesus Christ and I will honor him by honoring that convenient that I made with him. I know that as I have faith and repent of my sins my life comes more in line with what the Lord expects of me. I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have and the opportunity that I have right now share it with others. I know that Jesus Christ suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane for my sins and for your sins and I know that he suffered and died on the cross for us as well. And I know that you will have an added measure of peace in your life as you make an effort to come closer to your Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ!
The testimony, thoughts and feelings of a Missionary for the Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Christmas is a celebration about Jesus Christ!
Its easy to get caught up in the flashing lights and bling of Christmas but I encourage you all to spend some times thinking about our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the reason for the season and even though the world might have lost its focus at Christmas it doesn't mean we have to!
We are celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and in honor of him we are giving gifts to the ones we love. The Gifts we give show our loved ones that we appreciate them. The Christmas season is about giving and not getting. After Christmas we often hear people ask "what did you get for Christmas?". Instead of asking that we should ask "what did you GIVE for Christmas?"
For many years I remember our family prayerfully choosing a family we wanted to serve at Christmas and we would leave them anonymous gifts at their doorstep for the 12 days leading up to Christmas. We would leave a piece of a nativity set and then a silly gift that would go along with the 12 Days of Christmas song. We would try our best to do it early in the morning and not get caught. I learned a valuable lesson as a child that giving was more important than getting.
Make this Christmas about Christ and think about what gifts you can give to him this year! I love this Video, it shows the true meaning of Christmas! Just focus on Christ!!
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We are celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and in honor of him we are giving gifts to the ones we love. The Gifts we give show our loved ones that we appreciate them. The Christmas season is about giving and not getting. After Christmas we often hear people ask "what did you get for Christmas?". Instead of asking that we should ask "what did you GIVE for Christmas?"
For many years I remember our family prayerfully choosing a family we wanted to serve at Christmas and we would leave them anonymous gifts at their doorstep for the 12 days leading up to Christmas. We would leave a piece of a nativity set and then a silly gift that would go along with the 12 Days of Christmas song. We would try our best to do it early in the morning and not get caught. I learned a valuable lesson as a child that giving was more important than getting.
Make this Christmas about Christ and think about what gifts you can give to him this year! I love this Video, it shows the true meaning of Christmas! Just focus on Christ!!
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Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Don't Spend Christmas Keep it all year round!
We had to opportunity this past weekend to hear from the first presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to get us into the Christmas spirit. It was a great program that brought such a sweet spirit. President Thomas S. Monson talked about how we shouldn't be spending Christmas each December but that we should be keeping Christmas in our hearts all year round. He said:
I love that thought so much! We celebrate the birth of Christ because of the atonement that he made for us and becasue he died for us. We need to take that spirit of Christmas, the thoughtfulness, the charity, the love, and take it into our every day lives. We need to live the spirit of Christmas all year round.
So lets all remember the reason for the season. Lets all keep the spirit of Christmas in our hearts all year long!
"Because when we keep the spirit of Christmas we keep the spirit of Christ, for the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit. It will block out all the distractions around us, which can diminish Christmas and swallow up its true meaning "
I love that thought so much! We celebrate the birth of Christ because of the atonement that he made for us and becasue he died for us. We need to take that spirit of Christmas, the thoughtfulness, the charity, the love, and take it into our every day lives. We need to live the spirit of Christmas all year round.
So lets all remember the reason for the season. Lets all keep the spirit of Christmas in our hearts all year long!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Rejoice in Christ!!
One of the best things about being a missionary is that I get to talk about Jesus all the time!! Its the best! There is a scripture in The Book of Mormon that I love..
"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies" -2 Nephi 25:26
That Scripture truly does describe what we do as missionaries. We spend our days TALKING to people about Christ. We have the awesome job of teaching people about how a relationship with Jesus Christ WILL bless their lives. Then we get to REJOICE in Christ. We get to see people grow and change through repenting of their sins and accepting the atonement of our beloved Savior Jesus Christ. It has been an amazing experience to see the light of Christ in people, to see how people's lives improve because of their knowledge of Jesus Christ. We spend our time PREACHING and PROPHESYING of how the restored gospel of Jesus Christ has blessed our lives and we get to share the promise in the scriptures of how it will bless the lives of all who will receive it! And in our mission we get to write according to the prophecies in our blogs! How great is that?
The most important thing that we teach people is that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. It reminds me of that famous verse the New Testament, John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
As missionaries we get to talk to people about this beautiful message. We love the Bible and teach from it often and God has given us more scripture, The Book of Mormon that compliments and clarifies the teachings in the Bible. Check out http://mormon.org/ and find out more or meet with a missionary just like me! http://mormon.org/missionaries/
The most important thing that we teach people is that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. It reminds me of that famous verse the New Testament, John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Our Father in Heaven loves us so much that he created a means by which we could return to him. He knew that we would sin when we came to this earth so he created a means by which we can be forgiven and become like him. He allowed his beloved Son, Jesus Christ to suffer for our sins in the garden of Gethsemane and to suffer and die on the cross for us so that we could be cleansed from all our sins and have everlasting eternal life! The best gift we could ever get.
As missionaries we get to talk to people about this beautiful message. We love the Bible and teach from it often and God has given us more scripture, The Book of Mormon that compliments and clarifies the teachings in the Bible. Check out http://mormon.org/ and find out more or meet with a missionary just like me! http://mormon.org/missionaries/
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Trust Jesus!
I came across this amazing quote today...
"Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten and Beloved Son of God. … He is our Savior from sin and death. This is the most important knowledge on earth." - Dallin H. Oaks
I love this quote! Of all the things that we need to know and to learn, the most important is knowing that Jesus Christ is our Saviour! The scriptures teach many beautiful principles and commandments that we are to follow but we need to start with understanding the atonement of Jesus Christ. When we talk of the atonement we are giving reference to Jesus Christ's shedding of blood in the garden of Gethsemane, His death on the cross and then His bodily resurrection. The only way in which we can return to live with our Father in Heaven is through this atonement. We will all be resurrected, that is a free gift given to us from Jesus Christ but in order to be forgiven for our sins we must repent. We will be forgiven for our sins to the degree in which we have faith, repent and obey God's commandments.
We make mistakes on a daily basis and we needed a way to be forgiven for those sins! We cannot be perfect ourselves but through the Atonement we can have all of our sins washed away and we can be clean. I love that scripture in Isaiah where it talks about our sins being washed away..
Come now, and let us areason together, saith the Lord: though your bsins be as scarlet, they shall be as cwhite as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. - Isaiah 1:18
I know that as we repent we will feel our sins being washed away. I know this because I have repented and continue to repent. Sometimes our sins are big and we have a hard time letting go of them but we must trust in the redeeming power of the atonement and repent and forsake our sins and then we are promised that the Lord will remember our sins no more!
I love to talk about our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! He has done so much for every single one of us! He was the only perfect person to live on this earth and his life was a perfect example of what we can pattern our lives after. So continue on and trust in the atonement of Jesus Christ and repent!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
How do we know?!
I was thinking today about how it is that we can say that we know something to be true. How do I know that the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ are true? How do I know that I have a Heavenly Father? How do I know that Jesus Christ atoned for my sins? How do I know that Joseph Smith was called of God to be a Prophet? How do I know that The Book of Mormon is the word of God?
I came across this scripture in The Book of Mormon that I think helps answer these questions. Alma 5:46
"Behold, I say unto you they are made aknown unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have bfasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the spirit of crevelation which is in me."
That scripture truly does tell us how we can know, and it tells us that we need to put a little effort into it. As we read the scriptures I think its important to remember that scriptures are the testimonies of Prophets (Men called of God to lead his children on earth). This scripture is the testimony of Alma, a Prophet in The Book of Mormon. He is sharing with people how he came to know the truth, he tells the people that he has put forth his own effort and fasted and prayed and he says that he knows the truth of these things because the Holy Spirit of God has made it known unto him. I love it!! Who better to ask for advice than a prophet of God!
We need to fast and to pray!
When we fast we give up food for a period of time and show God that we are willing to sacrifice our temporal needs for a time to get that answer. In fasting we show God that we are willing to put aside something we want and need (food) in order to receive our answer.
3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how amerciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and bponder it in your chearts.
4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would aask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not btrue; and if ye shall ask with a csincere heart, with dreal intent, having efaith in Christ, he will fmanifest the gtruth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
I love that!! So lets recap, if we:- "receive these things", hear the word of God
- "ponder it in your hearts", really think about in in our mind as well as our heart
- "Ask God", pray about it!
- "with a sincere heart", really sincerely seeking an answer
- "real intent", be will to act on the answer
- "faith in Christ", having faith we will get an answer
Then we will get an answer, its that simple!!
As a missionary we teach people everyday and everyday we ask people to pray. I myself have prayed and I know the message we share is true but only as you pray will you be able to know the truth as well!
I challenge you all to read and pray about The Book of Mormon! If you do I know that God will answer your prayers and tell you that it is indeed his words!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
For the Beauty of the Earth
Today as I was pondering the gospel it brought me to think about times in my life where I've felt the most happiness and felt the most peace. As I thought back in my life so many of those times were when I was outside appreciating this beautiful earth that Jesus Christ created through the direction of our Heavenly Father.
I remember on day while I was on a vacation in Las Vegas with my friends and one of the moments I remember the most was when we stopped in the Valley of Fire on our drive back home. As I look out over that beautiful sandy canyon I felt to incredibly happy. It was early in January and I could take my shoes off and run through the sand! I could look out over this beautiful canyon and see these amazing red rock formations.
I remember one day stepping out of my from door and looking at the clouds in the sky and how the sun coming through them reflected off the street after the rain. It was such a beautiful moment in the middle of a busy day where I had the opportunity to stop and see the beauty of this world.
I remember just before I left to come out here on my mission my friends and I went to Waterton National Park in Southern Alberta. As we hiked the mountains and spent time in nature I remember stopping and pondering on this beautiful earth and the majesty of it all. We climbed to the top of Bears Hump Mountain and as I sat there at the top looking down over the little town and the lake and surrounding mountains I remember feeling so peaceful. I took some time to pray and thank God for this world we have and for the many blessings he has given me. As I prayed I felt God's love and knew without a shadow of a doubt that he personally knows me and loves me. He loves us all so much that he sent his son Jesus Christ to this earth to suffer for the sins of all the world and to die on the cross so that we to can return to our father in heaven. So amazing!
I'm reminded of a scripture in Alma 30:44
“Yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it … do witness that there is a Supreme Creator”
That scripture sums up my thoughts on this subject. Those words speak peace to my heart as I drive through the country roads here in Tennessee and Kentucky. As I look at the beauty of the earth I know that "all things denote there is a God." As I look at the leaves falling and the sun setting I find peace and comfort in knowing that our Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ love us!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
A testimony is everything!
Today my companion (the lovely Sister Cosper) and I were talking about how we can better explain to people how being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will help them in their lives so we got to talking about how it has blessed us personally. Such an important thing to think about. The reason we are out here as missionaries is because we have personally been blessed by our Heavenly Father and know that if others will come unto Christ through faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end they will also be blessed. We know that this church is truly lead by Jesus Christ himself through his prophets and apostles and we have been blessed for our faith!
So I think now (in between Canadian Thanks Giving and American Thanks Giving) its an appropriate time to think about the blessing that I have been given because of my faith.
The first thing that comes to mind is that I know my purpose here on earth. I know that this life as Alma states in The Book of Mormon is the time to prepare to meet God. Knowing that the things that I do here on earth matter and that I will be judged by my works or the things I do helps me to understand my purpose.
I also think about how my faith has helped me to develop my relationship with my Heavenly Father and to know His son Jesus Christ. As I pray I know that God hears me and loves me. I know that He loves me because He sends me comfort when I need it and also allows me to feel sorrow and pain when I need to learn and grow. I have learnt so much from reading the scriptures and applying what I read to my life. I am more in control of my emotions. The closer I am to my Heavenly Father the easier it is for me to forgive others and to let go of the hurt and pain I feel in my life. The more I pray the easier it is for me to love others around me and not to judge others.
I know that I have found the true church here on this earth. I know that is a bold statement but I can say that I know without a shadow of a doubt that Jesus Christ leads this church and that ALL of the Prophets that have been at the head of this church have gone to him to know how to lead us. This church is lead by a Prophet called of God who is an instrument in the hands of God to lead and guide this church. I know that this is true because I have prayed and God has answered my prayers. I know that he will answers yours too, all you have to do is ask.
I would love to heard others testimonies of how they know truth! Share it with the world my friends!
So I think now (in between Canadian Thanks Giving and American Thanks Giving) its an appropriate time to think about the blessing that I have been given because of my faith.
The first thing that comes to mind is that I know my purpose here on earth. I know that this life as Alma states in The Book of Mormon is the time to prepare to meet God. Knowing that the things that I do here on earth matter and that I will be judged by my works or the things I do helps me to understand my purpose.
I also think about how my faith has helped me to develop my relationship with my Heavenly Father and to know His son Jesus Christ. As I pray I know that God hears me and loves me. I know that He loves me because He sends me comfort when I need it and also allows me to feel sorrow and pain when I need to learn and grow. I have learnt so much from reading the scriptures and applying what I read to my life. I am more in control of my emotions. The closer I am to my Heavenly Father the easier it is for me to forgive others and to let go of the hurt and pain I feel in my life. The more I pray the easier it is for me to love others around me and not to judge others.
I know that I have found the true church here on this earth. I know that is a bold statement but I can say that I know without a shadow of a doubt that Jesus Christ leads this church and that ALL of the Prophets that have been at the head of this church have gone to him to know how to lead us. This church is lead by a Prophet called of God who is an instrument in the hands of God to lead and guide this church. I know that this is true because I have prayed and God has answered my prayers. I know that he will answers yours too, all you have to do is ask.
I would love to heard others testimonies of how they know truth! Share it with the world my friends!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
The Atonement Covers Sins as well as AFFLICTIONS
A mission is an amazing thing! As missionaries we have 2 hours set aside to study from the scriptures daily and that has helped my testimony of the Savior grow more than I ever expected. As missionaries we get to testify of the Savior and his atoning sacrifice and every time that I have the chance to testify my testimony grows. The other day I was reading in The Book of Mormon and I came across this scripture.
"But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your AFFLICTIONS, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction." Jacob 1:3
I myself have had moments where I've felt sorrow and loneliness and desperation and as I have prayed for comfort I have felt the love of our Father in Heaven and of his Son Jesus Christ. I know that God loves me and knows me personally and have felt him comfort me when I need it. I have felt the love of my Saviour and know that he knows the pains and the afflictions that I go through. He has comforted me and He will comfort you if you turn to him for support. So keep on keepin' on my friends and have faith. Turn to your Heavenly Father in prayer and seek that comfort. Use that gift of the Atonement that our elder brother Jesus Christ so freely offers us. Pray, have faith and lose yourself in the service of others! I'll end on that thought and with one more amazing scripture!
"But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your AFFLICTIONS, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction." Jacob 1:3
I LOVE this scripture. We often think about how Jesus Christ suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane for our sins but I think that we forget that he also suffered our AFFLICTIONS as well. Afflictions are trials, pains and suffering that we feel and expereince in our lives. Jesus Christ suffered for ALL of the sorrows and the pains that we feel. He knows our loneliness our desperation our sorrow our pain and we can find comfort in turning to him and knowing that he has felt how we are feeling. He is the only one who truly understands how we feel and he is the only one who can bring true and lasting comfort to our lives.
I myself have had moments where I've felt sorrow and loneliness and desperation and as I have prayed for comfort I have felt the love of our Father in Heaven and of his Son Jesus Christ. I know that God loves me and knows me personally and have felt him comfort me when I need it. I have felt the love of my Saviour and know that he knows the pains and the afflictions that I go through. He has comforted me and He will comfort you if you turn to him for support. So keep on keepin' on my friends and have faith. Turn to your Heavenly Father in prayer and seek that comfort. Use that gift of the Atonement that our elder brother Jesus Christ so freely offers us. Pray, have faith and lose yourself in the service of others! I'll end on that thought and with one more amazing scripture!
"11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and AFFLICTIONS and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will ctake upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him adeath, that he may bloose the bands of death which bind 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 csuccor his people according to their infirmities.
13 Now the Spirit aknoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the bflesh that he might ctake upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me." - Alma 7:11-13
Thursday, October 20, 2011
I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go
As a missionary we get to spend all day everyday in the service of our God. Such an amazing calling that we have. I get to spend 18 months of my life as a witness of Jesus Christ in everything that I do, how great is that? As I was thinking about missionary work today I was thinking about how amazing music is and how hymns help me to feel the spirit and feel the love of God.
During General Conference the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang the song "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go" and as I heard that song it really brought home my calling as a missionary. Have a listen to it...
This song has always been one of my favourites but as I listened to it this time I truly felt the love of my Heavenly Father and knew that he loved me. All the verses are amazing but the third verse really spoke to me this time around.
There's surely somewhere a lowly place
In earth's harvest fields so wide
Where I may labour through life's short day
For Jesus the Crucified.
So trusting my all to thy tender care,
And knowing thou lovest me,
I'll do thy will with a heart sincere:
I'll be what you want me to be.
I love this part so much, I'm here in Tennessee preaching the good word of God and I have the opportunity to labour for Jesus the crucified! How amazing is that? I know that God is real and that he sent His son, Jesus Christ to this earth to suffer for EVERYONE'S sins and to be crucified and resurrected for ALL of us. We just need to live our lives in a way that honours that sacrifice. I love sharing that with people but the scriptures say it better than I ever could in The Book of Mormon is states
"Behold, I am Jesus Christ whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. And behold, I am the light and life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning." (3 Nephi 11:10-11)
I love the scriptures, so beautifully written! I am so grateful for our Saviour Jesus Christ and for all he has done for me. I'm so grateful for this opportunity to testify to the people of Tennessee the things that I know to be true. I know that I was sent here for a reason and as the song says...
I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord
Over mountain or plan more sea;
I'll say what you want me to say, dear Lord;
I'll be what you want me to be.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
The Book of Mormon
One of the biggest things that set a part The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the fact that we study from modern-day scripture that has been brought to us from our loving Heavenly Father. The Book of Mormon is an ancient book of scripture that is comparable to the bible and testifies of Jesus Christ just as the Bible does. The book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and was translated by Jospeh Smith, a man called of God to be a Prophet in these latter-days.
Joseph Smith was directed by a heavenly messenger to a hill where gold plates had been hidden for centuries. These gold plates contained writing of prophets of God's dealing with the people in the ancient Americas. Joseph Smith was able to translate the writings on these plates by the power of God.
The Book of Mormon like the Bible is a record of prophets writing about the mission of the Savior and his gospel. The stories are about different people but still testify of the Savior. This record is for all the world to read and not just those that belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We as missionaries are going about two by two bringing this book to the world and inviting everyone to come unto Christ. I want to challenge you all to read this book and pray about. I know that this book is true and that it is indeed the words of God and I know this because I have asked God if it is true and he has answered me. I know that if you ask God with a sincere heart with real intent to know if this book is true that he will also answer your prayer. I daily study from the words of this book and it has blessed my life and I know that it will bless yours. Read and ponder it.
If you don't have a copy of The Book of Mormon you can have one for free!! click on this link http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/
"If any of yea lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbradeith not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5
"Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read then, that ye should read them, that ye wold remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your heart. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." Moroni 10:3-5
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Conference was Amazing!!
Did everyone get a chance to watch Conference? I hope so, it was so inspiring. As I watched the sessions this weekend I truly felt that my Heavenly Father loves me and I knew that the things that the Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, and his apostles taught were true. If you didn't get a chance to watch it I would stronly recomend checking it out on line. Go to http://www.lds.org/ and click on Last General Conference and you will be able to select different talks to listen to. http://lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2011/10?lang=eng
Here are 2 highlights...
Elder Eyring talked about The Book of Mormon, he said that The Book of Mormon will lift, guide and inspire you. The people in these books will inspire you to be better and it will become part of your character. As he spoke of The Book of Mormon I felt the spirit testify to me that the things he was saying were true. This book is amazing and can change your life if you will read it, ponder on it and allow the teaching to take root in your life. If you haven't read this book then read it, and if you have then share it with someone today!
My favourite talk from the weekend was from our beloved Prophet, Thomas S. Monson (the last one in the sunday morning session). He was funny and spiritual! He quoted the scriptures saying "draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you."(D&C 88:63) I love this promise, if we draw near unto our Heavenly Father he will draw near unto us, I love reading promises like that in the scriptures! President Monson goes onto say "Develop a relationship with your Heavenly Father through prayer and he will bless you." He shared a personal story about prayer, it was funny yet spiritual, a perfect combination! look it up and watch the video, his facial expression are the best! http://lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2011/10?lang=eng
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
I am thankful to hear a Prophet speak!
October is one of my favorite months on the year! Tennessee is proving to be as beautiful as people claim it to be. The leaves are starting to change colour and falling to the ground in preparation for the winter months. The weather wont quite get as cold as I'm used to back home in Canada but I'm still looking forward to this beautiful season. In Canada we celebrate our Thanks Giving in October and with that coming up in a few weeks I have thought about the things I am grateful for. One thing we as Missionaries get to tell the world is that there is a Prophet called of God to lead and guide the church of Jesus Christ and the world. In October we get the opportunity to hear from him and his apostles.
Its a new thing to most people that we have a living prophet on this earth today but that fact strengthens my testimony of my Heavenly Father and his love for us. God loves his children in the Bible time just as much as he loves his children that are living now so if he gives us the gift of a Prophet to lead his children in the ancient times then it only makes sense that he would give us a Prophet to lead and guide us today. The prophets role is to be the lords mouth peace here on the earth. In Amos 3:7 is states "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.". In a world of confusion and turmoil the Lord gives us prophets to guide and teach us. In 1820 God called Joseph Smith as a prophet in these latter days to restore His church on the earth again and since that time he has continued to call a prophet. Today Thomas S. Monson is the prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the prophet to all the world. Just as in ancient times these prophets have been directed by God to call 12 Apostles lead and guide his children. President Monson and the twelve apostles are speaking in a general conference on October 1st and 2nd at 10am and 2pm mountain standard time (11am and 3pm Tennessee time!) and I hope you all will watch.
I know that if you will listen to the Prophet and his Apostles speak you will feel the spirit of the Lord and you will know as I know that these men are truly called of God. When I listen to the prophets speak I feel my testimony grow and I feel the spirit of the Lord witnessing to my heart that the things that they are telling us are indeed from God. I know that God loves everyone of his children and tries to speak to us on a daily basis. Open your heart and listen for his words! I challenge you all to watch at least one session of General Conference and have a question in mind and let the Lord speak to you through his servants and through his spirit. God loves you and will answer your sincere prayers to him. Keep seeking him and listen with your ears and with your heart!
Any thoughts my friends?! I love you all!
This is a photo of me and some of my closest friends attending conference live in Utah. As we stood in that room as the Prophet of the Lord walked in I felt the spirit so strongly and I knew that he was a man called of God. Pray to know for yourself, I know that if you pray with real intent your prayers will be answered!
(The 181st Semi-anual General Conference will be held live in the conference centre in Salt Lake City Utah on October 1st and 2nd. You can view this conference on your own television (check you local listings) at any LDS meeting house and on the Internet at http://www.lds.org/ . Please watch at least one session, it will change your life!!)
Its a new thing to most people that we have a living prophet on this earth today but that fact strengthens my testimony of my Heavenly Father and his love for us. God loves his children in the Bible time just as much as he loves his children that are living now so if he gives us the gift of a Prophet to lead his children in the ancient times then it only makes sense that he would give us a Prophet to lead and guide us today. The prophets role is to be the lords mouth peace here on the earth. In Amos 3:7 is states "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.". In a world of confusion and turmoil the Lord gives us prophets to guide and teach us. In 1820 God called Joseph Smith as a prophet in these latter days to restore His church on the earth again and since that time he has continued to call a prophet. Today Thomas S. Monson is the prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the prophet to all the world. Just as in ancient times these prophets have been directed by God to call 12 Apostles lead and guide his children. President Monson and the twelve apostles are speaking in a general conference on October 1st and 2nd at 10am and 2pm mountain standard time (11am and 3pm Tennessee time!) and I hope you all will watch.
I know that if you will listen to the Prophet and his Apostles speak you will feel the spirit of the Lord and you will know as I know that these men are truly called of God. When I listen to the prophets speak I feel my testimony grow and I feel the spirit of the Lord witnessing to my heart that the things that they are telling us are indeed from God. I know that God loves everyone of his children and tries to speak to us on a daily basis. Open your heart and listen for his words! I challenge you all to watch at least one session of General Conference and have a question in mind and let the Lord speak to you through his servants and through his spirit. God loves you and will answer your sincere prayers to him. Keep seeking him and listen with your ears and with your heart!
Any thoughts my friends?! I love you all!
This is a photo of me and some of my closest friends attending conference live in Utah. As we stood in that room as the Prophet of the Lord walked in I felt the spirit so strongly and I knew that he was a man called of God. Pray to know for yourself, I know that if you pray with real intent your prayers will be answered!
(The 181st Semi-anual General Conference will be held live in the conference centre in Salt Lake City Utah on October 1st and 2nd. You can view this conference on your own television (check you local listings) at any LDS meeting house and on the Internet at http://www.lds.org/ . Please watch at least one session, it will change your life!!)
Saturday, September 17, 2011
And it begins!
I have been a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for one month today! I have the opportunity to share with people a message that has changed my life. I have been called by a prophet of God to share with the world what I know to be true. I have accepted the opportunity to share my testimony daily of how the restored gospel of Jesus Christ will bless all those who accept it. As missionaries we teach people about this beautiful message and ask people everywhere to turn to their personal Saviour, Jesus Christ through faith in him and his atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. Our message is simple and pure but we know that it takes a lot of faith to follow it. We are his representatives sharing his message and doing the things he would do if he were here on this earth. Being a missionary is hard, we deal with rejection on a daily basis but the one thing that keeps us going is our understanding of how important it is for us to turn unto our Savior. The Book of Mormon is true and Jesus Christ has resorted his Church in these Latter Days through a prophet. This I know to be true!
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