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!!

Going to God's House

Just the other day, the other missionaries in Vacaville, Brother Christensen (local member who is legit), and I took a trip to the Sacramento Temple.  What a sweet experience, to go to such a sacred place.  Temples are the closest thing to being in heaven for us here on earth!

After about an hour or so of driving we exited off the freeway.  We took our last turn and headed up the hill.  On the side of the road is a bit of forest and usually there are some turkeys and maybe even a deer or two (Brother Christensen loves to spot the animals).  Breaking the crest of the hill, and coming to a clearing, there the temple sits.

As we pulled into the parking stall I could not take my eyes of the god-like structure.  The Sacramento Temple has a fairly simple design, but yet still a pristine look.    As I marveled at the beauty of the Lord's House, I felt a sense of peace and security.  To me temples are like "the castle on the hill."  A place all can come to find peace and protection.

I am a bit of an art nut; the inside of the temple, the paintings, glass work, and stonework is breath taking.  As I examined each detail and inch finding all to be flawless.  The temple is a house fit for a king.  In a literal sense the temple is the house of the King of Kings.

After, participating in sacred ordinances, and  serving those who have already passed on  , I could not help, but feel complete.  Waiting for the others to finish I took the time to recognize and appreciate the peacefulness I felt in the temple.  Inside the walks of the temple, my problems are left at the door.  The worries and worldly concerns which normally weigh me down, are a lost thought for a moment.  In the temple I feel at home, I feel the love which my loving Heavenly Father has for me.  Inside I am safe from my life's challenges and struggles.  The temple frees me from my life's bruises and bumps.

Temples are eternal, and the work is too.  There we can learn to see afar off , having more of an eternal view on our lives.  At the temple we can have a taste of what heaven might be like.  All are invited and welcomed to take this trip to God's house.

Our Prophet Thomas S. Monson says it quite nice in a short poem...

How far is heaven?

It’s not very far.

In temples of God,

It’s right where we are.

I invite all to go and check out the temple!  It is such an amazing place, the Oakland Temple has a lot of events and such during the Christmas season.  Check out http://www.templehillevents.com/ for more information.  Lets all take a trip to God's house!