Lessons Learned from my Dad

I was thinking about Father's Day coming up.  I thought about all the lessons I have learned from my dad, and the example he has set.  He could out work anyone I know.  My dad is very focused and driven.  One of the lessons that stands out to me, that my dad taught me was, "if you are going to do something, than do it right, don't do it half speed"

The importance of this lesson rings true each day I walk out the door.  What I am doing is missionary work, my goal in mind is to bring as many of my brothers and sisters unto Christ.  My dad's slogan playing in the back of my mind, motivates me to always be striving to improve.  The way a missionary can be successful is by working with the Spirit.  Lack of effort or disobedience destroys that connection with the Spirit.

What motivates me also is the love I have for the people! Another lesson I learned from my dad.  He is a superintendent for a construction site.  As I worked with him, I saw the way he handled his employees.  Sometimes stern, but the employee always walking away knowing my dad cared about them.  Most the guys on the site would always talk about my dad like he was their hero.  Each one of them trusted and respected him.  As a dad he fulfilled that role for me too, even at times he would be stern, I always knew my dad loved me.

This lesson has help me make the connection with my Father in heaven.  Romans 8:16 says, "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God"  I know that God is much more than just some powerful being up in the sky.  God is my loving Heavenly Father.   His and mine relationship works in a similar fashion as my dad's and mine.  Each time I kneel and pray I know He is always listening and will answer.  Sometimes His answer maybe stern, but each time I stand up I know He loves me.

My Father in heaven has given me a chance to be on His job site for 2 years,  and just the same as I saw in the relationship with my dad and his employees, most people love, respect, and trust their Father in heaven.  I will always be grateful for both my Fathers!  Both my Fathers have taught me valuable lessons, which have made me into the person I am today!  I love my dad here on earth, and I love this opportunity to remind people of our Father in Heaven!

To all the great dads out there, ENJOY YOUR FATHERS Day!  I love you dad!

Love not Judge

As I walk around I see people from all walks of life.  There are those who seem to have life pretty easy, and those not so much.  There are some who try to avoid eye contact, while there are others who joyfully greet me with a warm "hello".  There are some that are God fearing people, and others who would not set foot into a church building.  As I go door to door, meeting so many kinds of people my love for people begins to grow.  Even as contrast as we may seem on the outside we are all brothers and sisters in God's eyes.

As I have met and talked with all sorts of people I have learned lots, and heard a lot of interesting stories.  Amazes me how some are so open to share their life story, but others instantly slam a door in my face.  But you still gotta love them all just the same.  No matter how far off or different we may be we all still need our Heavenly Father.  For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God.

I have loved my opportunity to come to know so many of my brothers and sisters.  Each one unique and special in their own way.  People are amazing, every one of them.  Sadly, judgement clouds our minds at times, and these lost brothers and sisters take the form of strange and different.  We place in our minds judgements which limit our chance to love them.  We skip out on the chance to learn from one another...but why?

Is it natural for us? Are we all just programmed to do so?  Do we do it out of fear of the unknown?  I have asked myself this question countless times in the pass few days....I feel the cause of these judgements is from lack of love, or simply forgetting who the people around us really are.  Our minds operate in a manner of stereotyping and trying to arrange and categorize life as it comes towards us.  As I remind myself of who these people are, " my brothers and my sisters", the walls of judgement begin to fall.  My love for those around me regains strength and becomes and outward flow towards them.



This is one of my favorite pictures, which teaches this lesson to me over and over again.  When a woman caught in serious sin was brought before Christ, he was not quick to judge, but instead taught us all a lesson with a simple statement... "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her."  We are all on the same playing field.  None of us are above another.  We must drop our stones of judgement, and love our fellow brother!

  

My Momma comes next to God

We were talking to a man named Ray (25 year old average guy in a rush to catch his bus).  He was in a rush so we walked quickly down the sidewalk them him.  As he hurried on his way, we asked if he believed in God.  Ray was quick to respond "absolutely my brother".  Well Ray we have a message for you...

With our persistence, it perked Ray's interest just enough that he said "alright, I have about 5 minutes until I have to catch my bus, what is your message all about?"  We began to teach Ray all about how The Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored back to the earth in its fullest.  Ray was rather intrigued by this statement, with a curious look on his face he asked "well now what?"  We invited Ray to follow the example of his Savior Jesus Christ when he comes to know the message is true by being baptized.  Ray with a smile responded back, "I got to check with my momma first, my momma comes next to God in my life."  We exchanged numbers and set up a return appointment.

Ray's comment stuck in the forefront of my mind.  Ray was a confident man, seemed rather well to do, and was not afraid to admit he was a momma's boy.  What an example to all of us.  Just by Ray's smile and demeanor you could tell how much he appreciated and loved his mom.  Every one's momma should come next to God.  Without our moms' we would be nothing, literally.

 

There is no love, like a mother's love,
no stronger bond on earth...
like the precious bond that comes from God,
to a mother, when she gives birth.

A mother's love is forever strong,
never changing for all time...
and when her children need her most,
a mother's love will shine.

God bless these special mothers,
God bless them every one...
for all the tears and heartache,
and for the special work they've done.

When her days on earth are over,
a mother's love lives on...
through many generations,
with God's blessings on each one.

Be thankful for our mothers,
for they love with a higher love...
from the power God has given,
and the strength from up above.

I love my mom!  I am so grateful for her love!  She is always there, and has always been an example.  My mom is one great lady!  Just like Ray, my momma comes next to God too! Don't be afraid to be a momma's boy, let your moms know just how much you love them on this special Mother's Day!!  I love you PPPEEEAAACCHH!!

http://www.mothersdaycentral.com/verse/poems/religious/

Empty Room...maybe God....Who are You Talking to?

What makes a prayer, a prayer?  How do we know God is There?

The past few days this concern has come up a few times as I have talked with people.  What makes the difference from kneeling down and talking to an empty room and feeling totally awkward; to being on your knees conversing with Heavenly Father and feeling His love?

The answer that brings me comfort while I pray is found in 3 Nephi 14:9-11 ...

Or what man is there of you, who, if his son ask bread, will give him a stone?

Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

When we remember our true relationship with our Heavenly Father, which is Father and child...Our Prayers won't be just words fillin' space in an empty room, but a heart to heart with our Father.

On your knees...

Open Heart...

Address Him (Our Heavenly Father)...

Pour out your soul...

Close in Christ's name..

FEEL HEAVENLY FATHER'S LOVE!!!

God loves us!

"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."

"If ye love me, keep my commandments"

Show God your love, by striving to fulfill His simple request

Happy Valentines Day!

Strive towards Christ

Right now I am trying to focus on knowing Christ better in my life.  I came to the conclusion the best way to come to know someone, is to become like them.  Becoming like Christ is no simple task, He is perfect, but it something to continually strive for.

Once I had set my mind to this focus of Christ, it seemed like opportunities to put it to the test kept arising.  These opportunities were not always ones looked forward to.  Christ is Christ because He loves perfectly.  No matter what the situation maybe or how unfair the circumstance He still loved perfectly.  My opportunities came from loving in tough situations.  We all come across a lot of people in our lives, some are not the easiest to love.

How does Christ do it??  How can He keep His cool, and not get frustrated??  How does He only show this perfect type of love, and not even complain or expect praise back??

I don't think I will ever fully know how He does it in this life.  But I am sure grateful that He does.  I am grateful that He has mastered the art of Love, giving us all an example to follow.  I have realized in my focus on Christ, as I come closer to Him it seems like I see more and more areas I can personally improve on.  How awesome is that, as we strive to come closer to Christ, Heavenly Father shows us our imperfections and gives us the chance to work on them.

I know becoming like Christ is a lofty goal, but it is one I desire to work towards.  It brings lots of self reflections, and helps me realize where true happiness comes from.  Christ didn't have eternal happiness because of riches and gold, but because the perfect love He had developed for others.  His love did not have bounds or confound by pride.  He did not see people for their outward worth or appearance.  Christ loves all, the righteous and the sinner.

I invite all of you in joining with me in attempts to become more like Christ.  He is the light and life of the world.  He is perfect.  He is the Lamb of God.  He is our older brother we can all look up to and diligently strive to become like!!

What is a Hero?

I have always been grateful to the heroes in my life.  I would like to first state the definition of a hero.  A hero is: a man/woman of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his/her brave deeds and noble qualities.  The heroes that have left the greatest impression on me are without a doubt women, God's precious daughters.  I am eternally grateful for the women I have met in my life that can have a smile on their face through the most difficult of times.  I think about the heroes I have met in my life that have taught me the power of trusting in the Savior.  I want to give a few examples that have been the most touching to me.

I remember when I was in high school my mother had a heart attack and she was placed in the hospital for a while.  There were many friends and family who had supported us through that time of constantly visiting the hospital and going to and from school and work.  I am filled with gratitude at the sacrifice and love that was shown to us by my mother's sister and niece.  They were with us every step of the way helping us to feel reassured and showing by their faith that everything was going to be okay and making it easier for life to go on.  I will always remember the seemingly countless words of strength and smiles that they shared for us.  Now everything is great for our family.  I know that it was because of the great strength and endless service that my aunt and cousin gave us in our time of need.

At the beginning of my mission in Vacaville there was a family who we grew close with.  They were a couple who were at home alone because their kids were grown up and moved out of the house.  I remember when my companion and I visited them, the husband had not come home yet and his wife told us about a major trial of illness that had come to him.  I will never forget the smile that she kept on her face as she was asking for us to give him a priesthood blessing and being completely optimistic despite the bad news that they received.  Everything turned out well for them and the memory of her smile through the rough time has helped me get through so much.

The last example is our mission mother.  Our mission president and his wife are incredible examples of believers of Jesus Christ and his gospel.  This past summer Sister Bunker, our mission president's wife, was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I remember seeing in her eyes the strength of Jesus Christ to sustain her through this trial.  I do not understand what it would be like to go through this while serving a mission and raising a family.  I do not understand how, but through it all she still smiles and it brings me incomprehensible humility and strength and I am so grateful for her example. 

I have a testimony that Jesus Christ lives and he is the Son of God.  I have witnessed my testimony grow through those experiences because of the women in my life.  Men and women are both so precious in the sight of God, but it is our heavenly father's precious daughters who have inspired me to get through my microscopic sorrows.  I want to thank all of the women of the world that give strength to others by being strong and showing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Written by Elder Hinton

It is Ok to be Different; God made Us that Way

I could never be a doctor I would for sure pass out the first surgery I would have to perform.  Having to cut someone open, or have blood all over my hands, would not be my first choice of an occupation.  Having to go to work each day to be grossed out would not be my idea of a good job.

Sorry mid-conversation again, let me rewind.  Elder Webber and I were talking about the schooling and classes we had taken before our missions.  We talked about how what we had learned has helped us on our missions, and what we will do with our schooling afterwards.  He mentioned how he had taken a medical class....which sent me into a tangent on how I could never be a doctor.

After our chat about what to become, and how to use our schooling/talents, the thought crossed my mind...How unique each one of us really are.  My interests and talents could be completely different from someone elses, and that is all ok.

For example three different people we visited this week showed us one of their talents/interests.  One was a four year old boy.  He really wanted to show us a robot dragon thing he had made out of legos.  I admired his creation, but in the back of my mind I couldn't help but think what is this thing.  I could tell it was important to him so I showed interest.  After hearing all the adventures him and his dragon had been on, it turned out to be a pretty awesome creation.

Next was a man who showed us his stamp collection.  When he first brought his collection out to show us, I thought this is going to be the most boring 20 minutes of my life.  As he showed us a few of his favorite stamps or most memorable ones with the stories behind them his face lit up with excitement.  My interest increased as I realized how much his stamps meant to him.

Last, was a guy around my same age.  He wanted to show us a comic he head been workin on.  I thought to myself comics are sorta nerdy, but I enjoy to draw so I will check it out.  His talent and love fore creativity shown through as he read his comic out load.  Turns out it was pretty funny and we all had a good laugh.

On the bike ride home from our visits, and with mine and Elder Webber's conversation from before rummaging around in my mind.  I thought again how unique each one of us are!  Our Heavenly Father blesses each person with their own talents and interest.  With good reason, if we were all the same society would collapse.  Just think if everyone was like me, there would be no doctors, the world would be in a whole lot of hurt, lives would be lost.

After learning this lesson, I made a goal to appreciate not only my talents/interest more, but also others.  Talents are another way for us to feel God's love.  Who am I to limit someone from feeling that love in not giving them the time to share their talent.  A talent is special no matter how "nerdy" we might think it may be.

Give time to others' talents.  Be appreciative that we are all different.  Be grateful that we are all children of God with the same purpose, just using different talents to achieve it.  Who knows by giving someone else the time to share their talent/interest, we just might find something new that we are interested in.  It is ok to be different!  

Not Cheating....Just Calling Home

Vacaville recently had a few tragedies.  There was a young man hit by a car, and two others were shot and killed.  I never met any of them, but from what I have heard from those that did, they are all amazing people. 

As I walk around talking to everyone I see, almost everyone knew one of them, or has heard about these unexpected deaths.  It is amazing to see how a community joins together, after an event like this.  Why does it take an event like these to unite people?  To often in our lives, myself included, we find ourselves so wrapped up in ourselves that it takes a tragedy to snap us back to reality.  To open our eyes seeing life is bigger than just "us".  " ...blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble..."

A few years before I came out on my mission my cousin Kailey passed away.  The young men who passed reminded me a lot of her.  My cousin alike these guys, were young, full of life, all around awesome people!  As I reflected on this, I thought about how I coped with my cousin's death.  I remember, it seemed like life flipped upside down.  The idea of how unfair was this crossed my mine.  There was a point where I was mad at God.  In an act of helplessness, I blamed Him.  Why did He do this?  Why would He let bad things happen to my cousin?

I found comfort when I found a story of a man with similar questions.  His name is Amulek, he is a prophet from ancient America. He and Alma were focused to watch many innocent and helpless women and children be burned.  Amulek pleads out " How can we witness this awful scene? "  Or in modern terms, how could this happen?  Alma replies to his question, "The Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory....be it according to the will of the Lord..."

I know God does not like to see His children suffer.  I know God loves each one of us.  For one reason or another some of our lives are shorter then others, then God brings us home.  Life at times can seem so unfair.  Things will happen that can't be explained.  There is no clear answer for it.  But I we can trust in God.  I know He is mindful of us, and has a plan.  I know He calls us home when it is our time.  I find peace in knowing that when bad things happen to good people, God is not cheating them; He is calling them home with open arms!