As simple as Checking the Mail...

Beep...beep...The timer goes off, and the pizza is finished.  Elder Barrett pulls the pizza out and the peperoni's are just sizzling.  The pizza needs to cool for 5 minutes or so, to pass the time we decided to go and check the mail.

AIR BOX!!! (meaning looking into the mailbox with hopes of seeing something inside, but then sadly seeing the back of an empty mailbox.) With slight sighs we headed back to our apartment, to devour our lunch which awaits us.  As we climb up the staircase back to our apartment, we hear shouts "MISSIONARIES!!! MISSIONARIES!!!"  We turn to see a little boy about 4 or so, and his sister chasing after him.  The little boy wrapped around my legs as soon as he got to me.  His sister pulled him off, and by now their slightly embarrassed mom gets to us. 

After prying the little guy off me, and exchanging hello's, turns out the mom is a new member of only 2 weeks and she is visiting her family.  While she told us her conversion story (she had a huge smile the whole time, and she was so happy! ) the rest of her family came over.  As she finished her story, we asked the rest of the family if they would like to learn why their sister was so happy, and how they to can find this happiness?

With anxeious head nods, we set an appointment.  Heavenly Father had much more instore for us that lunch break rather than just checking mail and eating pizza.  He is always working to bring His children to this eternal happiness.  As a missionary, I get to see these miracles unfold right before my eyes daily.  I am so humbly grateful to have this chance to serve!

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!

  

Our Time to Change

Knowing Christ is my Savior has changed my life.  But when? How?  Once someone knows Jesus Christ when should they change?  How soon should they begin to follow?  More than not we question this, and catch ourselves saying "I can change tomorrow...Or it won't hurt just this one last time."  These justifications or slight excuses to put off following Christ only do harm to ourselves.  Choosing a life style of living Christ's teachings should not be a something we dread, if so we have missed the message.

Here is a passage from Acts that puts the decision of when to follow Christ into a good perspective for us all...

 37¶Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

 38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

 39For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

 40And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

 41¶Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

The moment they felt something in their hearts they desided to change.  Not only did they think to, but they immediately did.  Words or a desire can only take us so far, life does not change or improve until we act.  Christ and his teachings become a reality as we live them.  I know this to be true.  Choose Christ now, don't wait for tomorrow, or put it off for another day, but make the choice and act! 

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/

A,B,C's of FAITH!

Today I asked myself what do I have faith in?  Is my faith in Christ, or is my faith in myself?  This question should be a no brainier...FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST.  But all too often we have a natural tendency to forget where our faith should lye.  I have seen in instances I begin to trust in my own strengths rather than relying on the Lord. 

This question of faith reminded me of a door I had knocked a few days ago.  A elderly man answered the door.  He openly shared his view on Christ, and then began to question ours.  He said something that stuck with me about faith in Christ. 

 He said "well boys I am gonna speak to you like your grandpa.  I have got quite a few years on ya, so I think I know a little more on faith.  Let me give you the A,B, C's of faith.."

A-ACTION

B-BASED on a BELIEF

C-with CONFIDENCE

As we walked away the man was still no closer to letting us in his home than when we had first knocked on it, but the door was not a failure.  I learned about faith, and we gave the man a chance to testify of his faith in Jesus Christ. 

As I apply the simple A,B,C's of faith to my origin question of where my faith should lye the answer is rather easy.  We alone can not make it through this life, or overcome/fix the mistakes or sins we commit, but as we act on our belief in the saving power of Christ with confidence we can overcome the obstacles in life.  Our faith must be in Christ.  Without Christ the end result is failure, we can not accomplish this alone!

Easter is just around the corner.  Soon kids will be scavenging for cleverly hidden Easter eggs eager to see what tasty treats await inside.  As they search some move quickly and race around the yard impatiently, others scan the yard first to survey the obstacles that lye before them.  After 30 minutes or so with only a few eggs left to find, usually a helpful parent steps in and shows the way or gives hints to where the last few eggs can be found.  Once the hunt is over everyone rushes home to rejoice in their findings.

We can relate this Easter egg hunt, to our lives.  We all may take different approaches at it, some fast, others slow, but in the end we all need a little help.  That is why our Heavenly Father is just a prayer away.  He has a plan for us, and is more than willing to help us with our obstacles in our life, but we must trust in him.

The hints or plan that God has for us are perfect.  He sent His son to show us the perfect way to find the "Easter eggs" or the happiness which await us in our lives.  Not only did Christ show the way, but he also made the ultimate sacrifice.  By this act of love Jesus Christ made it possible for us all to make it through this life, eventually finding all our eggs, and then returning safely back home to rejoice with our loving Heavenly Father!

Happy Easter!!!  Hope Egg hunts all go well!!!  Remember Christ!!

Why?!

As I taught a man today, we promised him the blessings or happiness which come from knowing that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored on the earth today.  Just by way of a humble prayer he could come to know that these things are true also..

He pondered our invitation and then with slight hesitation he asked " Now I don't ask this to offend you, but so what?  So what if the Book of Mormon is true, or God does have a prophet on the earth today..."

Elder Vomocil  and I turned and looked at each other, and then humbly bore testimony of the covenant or promise you make as you come to know these things to be true, and the eternal blessings attached to each promise.  Our message is BOLD but if lived and followed leads to true happiness. 

Things such as.....

• Personal Prayer (trusting in Heavenly Father for Truth, developing a relationship with God)
• Baptism (promising God to follow Him, in return taking upon us the name of Christ)
• Living the Commandments (Showing obedience to God, in return living a fulfilling life)
• Modern day Prophet (listen to the prophet, in return we get guidance)
• Eternal Families (living worthy of a temple marriage, spending eternity with those you love)

Just to name a few major blessing from coming to know that is simple yet perfect message is true.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored!  I know this to be true.  Don't take my word for it, but I invite all of you to ask in prayer if the message is true, and when you receive your personal witness from the Holy Spirit follow the example of our Savior Jesus Christ and be baptized, enabling these eternal blessing into your own life!

picture of question mark came from http://www.plymouth.k12.ma.us/OurSchools/HighSchools/PlymouthNorth/tabid/293/Default.aspx

What has Christ done for you?

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

 

" And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me, that they may be judged according to their works."

       "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:  And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"

The miracles Christ preformed were amazing, but do not have much value if we do not still rely on Him.  Put trust in Jesus Christ, and allow His miracles to work within you!

picture from http://www.morethings.com/god_and_country/jesus/crucifixion_photo_gallery20.htm

A Message just for You

General Conference is a time that we can all cherish, and be grateful for. It is a time when the Lord's anointed servants (Prophets and apostles) speak to the entire world, and each one of personally at the exact same time. Here is a sneak peak of the conference...



What "personal prophetic little epistle" did you receive?

The Book which Changes Lives

A book of CHANGE.  A book of HOPE.  A book of HAPPINESS.  A book of CHRIST.  They are not just simply words on the pages, but directions from our Supreme Creator to lead us to happiness.  As I trust the feeling I get as I read my life takes new meaning.  The guidance is there for all to receive it, we must just begin to read it. 


The Book of Mormon is TRUE.  Read for yourself, and allow the spirit to work with in you.  Ponder the message and ask God if it is true.  Follow the teachings, and enjoy the happiness which follows! 

Obedience Leads to Happiness

Why should I choose to obey?  Why does God have to have so many rules?  Not going to lie these questions have crossed my mind before....but thankfully I have a little better idea why Heavenly Father gives us commandments.

Heavenly Father is just like any other parent, He sets rules (commandments) and invites us to follow them.  As we choose to obey happiness and blessings begin to come our way.  This idea of "obedience leads to happiness" was a hard lesson for me to swallow, but one that blesses me daily! Don't take my word for it, test it for yourself!

"And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it."

Life just goes better as we obey.  Heavenly Father knows the way all we have to do is choose to follow!

For more on the lesson of obedience check out the talk The Potter and the Clay

picture from http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonarrowood/3350717255/

A simple Gift that keeps on giving

What is a testimony?

A testimony can be simple or complex, but to sum one up, a testimony is what you believe and know to be true.

While serving a mission I have realized how much of an impact a testimony can have, not only in my own life, but in the lives of others too.  As opportunities come up for me to share mine, each time I do my own is strengthen and I feel who I share it with gets strengthen from it too.  My testimony is great source of comfort and peace to me knowing I have values and beliefs to rely on. Mine is also a great defense when facing personal challenges or avoiding situations around me.  Pretty amazing what a testimony has done, and is doing for me, and mine is even rather simple....

I know Jesus Christ is my Savior, and through Him I can find true happiness while overcoming my weakness.  I know God is my loving Heavenly Father; He hears and answers prayers with love.  I know that Joseph Smith is the prophet of the Restoration.  I know that the Book of Mormon is true, and I know as I do my best to follow the teaching from it, life gets a whole lot better!

Brigham Young was not baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during the first year of his learning about the restored gospel. But of his conversion he said:

“If all the talent, tact, wisdom, and refinement of the world had been sent to me with the

Book of Mormon, and had declared, in the most exalted of earthly eloquence, the truth of

it, undertaking to prove it by learning and worldly wisdom, they would have been to me

like smoke which arises only to vanish away. But when I saw a man without eloquence

or talents for public speaking, who could only say, ‘I know by the power of the Holy Ghost

that the Book of Mormon is true, that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of the Lord,’ the Holy

Ghost proceeding from that individual illuminated my understanding, and a light, glory,

and immortality were before me. I was encircled by them, filled with them, and I knew

for myself that the testimony  of the man was true”

Please share your testimony with others.  Don't be afraid or ashamed to share something that has given so much to you.  Be willing to allow another to grow from just hearing what you have to say. No worries if you feel like yours is too small or may even not know if you have one. Still speak up and share! I know one is in there, took me a while to find mine too!  Open your mouth and allow the spirit to speak!

Miracles!!!

Miracles happen all around us everyday.  The sun rises, a friend smiles, a baby's born.  We are all surrounded by miracles, its just up to us to see them in that way!   Just yesterday I saw a miracle.  I was back in Vacaville, and knocked on a family's door who I knew from before.  She opened the door and let us in.

The miracle was simple, it was just her answering the door.  Which led to us talking for about an hour and now her and her daughters want to all be baptized!  Miracles do happen! This family is a miracle!

"Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain."

We just got to be looking for miracles, and have the faith that they will happen!

Next Door Neighbor Hero

All heroes don't wear capes and have chiseled abs like superman.  In a matter of fact one of my heroes is nothing like that.  Not to long ago dirt bikes and girls were a lot more important to me than church things.  One of the many heroes that did not give up on me, and came to my rescue was my next door neighbor. 

He was a man in his mid 60's and from the outside lookin' at him, he and I did not have much in common.  From time to time he would come pokin' his head around to invite me out to some church activity of some sort.  This would usually result in me sneaking out the back door to run off on my dirt bike to avoid his friendly invitation. 

Sadly, some heroic acts go unseen or the helpless victim may even act as if the act is a complete nuisance.  But those simple heroic acts do not go unseen or forgotten.  I will forever be grateful for my next door neighbor for continually trying to bring me back.  That man always showed me love, and was always there trying to help me.

To all the next door neighbor heroes do not give up.  Continue reaching out!  Your helpless victims do need you.  Coming from one that was rescued by my heroes continuous efforts, keep trying.  We do appreciate it!

Personal thanks to my next door neighbor hero, and all my other heroes that did not give up one me!!

                                                                                                                photo from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Where do We stand?

Where have our values of today gone?  What runs our society?  Is it just mass amounts of green bills with money signs, or do we still stand for more than the quick buck?  As I met with a man just this morning, he brought concerns of how the world has lost all good intentions...He stress how all people will fall if enough money or a pretty figure is offered to them.

As I listen to the man I felt sorrow for him.  In his eyes he has lost hope in the world around him.  The thought striked deep, is this hopeless view overtaking our views on life?  How can we fight back?  Where can we find hope and happiness which seems to be long forgotten?

I realized the man had maked a good point; I feel though we can not just lay down and lose this fight.  I don't know if it was my own ego or just a child-like desire to find happiness.  I asked "how can we find the values" in somewhat of a plee hoping to see there was still a chance....

We have forgotten God.  That is where our world is falling short, we feel the quick fix is happiness, instead of the long haul happiness which God can bring us.  When we all take a stand in our own lives the happiness and high standards will begin to show their faces.  Our world is not a lost hope, but just in a testing state, which we have to to stand up and continue to fight.

No one will win this battle expect for each one of us.  Lets all take a stand for our values.  Bring back the hope and values which we all need.  Find the happiness waiting for us all, which can not be find by an amount of dollar bills.

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Follow Christ's invitation to find HAPPINESS!

A Feeling You Can't Describe

As I listen to a lady tell her conversion story of how she found Christ in her life, this unique feeling came over me.  It was nothing overwhelming, or anything to fear, but subtle peace.  As she spoke this feeling told me her story was all true.  As she bore testimony of the happiness which comes from following Christ, the feeling caused her words to ring true inside me.

The feeling is happiness. The feeling is peace.  The feeling is love.  Its like receiving a hug from someone you know and love in a time of need.  The feeling is amazing, but so hard to explain.  Words don't seem to give justice to this divine feeling...

But what is this feeling that is so hard to explain?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

This feel is the Spirit!  We all have the chance to feel it if we put ourselves in the right place, and open our hearts!  I am grateful for this indescribable feeling, that Heavenly Father sends each one of us personally to let us know of the His truth.

FOLLOW, and ACT when this feeling is sent to you!

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!!!

The Yoke We Bear

Have you ever wondered why life seems to come so fast?  School, family, church, the world, life in general, and it seems like everything that could go wrong, goes wrong all at once....Or am I alone in my state of life overload...

What can we do when our world is in overload and seems to be weighing us down or just to much to take??

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden [That's an invitation to every single one of us] and I [Jesus Christ] will give you rest."

"Take my  yoke upon you [live the Gospel of Jesus Christ], and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls[life turns out to be a little less stressful]"

We may not get to choose what happenings we have to bear, but we can decide how we bear them.  Rely on Christ, His yoke is light!

For more on this topic check out My Role was to Lead them to Him

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!