A LIFE line in the water

Calm the storms of Life!

Why do some days seem like windless, and waveless waters, while other days bring only tempest, and storms? And this applies to anyone that I have met in the world. No matter your background, your way of life we all tend to find ourselves challenged by the waves of the world. At these moments where is there to turn? When the Waves get to high, and the winds continue to rage, where do we go for comfort? Where is the shelter? I may not know the answers to all questions, actually I have no clue about the mysteries of Psychology, or merits and understanding of Doctors, but this I do know that there is at least one person in this wide expanse of the world who does know how to overcome unseen and seen waves of the world. I speak of the individual in whom his very title refers to rescuer. He is our "Savior, Redeemer" in a very real, and literal sense he saves us from the winds, waves, and depths of despair. I often reflect on the story of Peter walking on water. While in the commencement on walking on the water for only a few seconds he catches sight of the winds, and the waves, but that little glance was enough to bring the doubts, worries, and anxiety of that moment back into view. He began immediately to sink, but having no where to turn, and no one to save him, he cries out "Lord, Save me". What power in those simple words, "Lord, Save me." this is what we are also able to do when everything seems to go wrong, and the waves reach to high. We can Cry out, and say "Lord, Save me". As for Peter we are not physically in front of Christ nor are we on the sea walking on water (If you can walk on water please call me. I would like to talk!). But we are on spiritual waves, and we do have Christ always in front of us spiritually. We have the enormous blessing of being able to simply cry out in prayer, and we will be heard. Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles once said ""No Father would send His children off to a distant, dangerous land for a lifetime of testing where Lucifer was known to roam free without first providing them with a personal power of protection. He would also supply them with means to communicate with Him from Father to child and from child to Father. Every child of our Father sent to earth is provided with the Spirit of Christ, or the Light of Christ (see D&C 84:46). We are, none of us, left here alone without hope of guidance and redemption." Think on this we have the ability to simply ask for help, and there are hosts of angles and heavenly power that will come to our rescue. Perhaps they will calm the storm, and still the waves, but I am sure that most of the time they will simply strengthen us so that we can walk the waves. The Lord is my help, then why should I fear. God be thanked that we can cry out!

Dimming Lights, and Lost Ways!

When the lights seem to fade to the background and the way is no longer clear. Is all lost? Has the times of sadness finally overtaken us, has the last weight of the world finally pushed us to the edge? I can't speak for the world, but I can tell you that I have felt this way. I know that there is always someone who has gone through much worse then I, but perhaps a word of encouragement will help. There are days on a mission and not lots of days just a few that seem to tear you from limb to limb. Weather it be someone pulling a gun on you, or while you are walking down the street someone throwing a ham sandwich at you (Sadly it wasn’t turkey I might have enjoyed it a bit more). May it be physical, or just dealing with the stress of waking up only to feel overwhelmed by the responsibility to carry such a message to so many in such a short time. Whatever the reason, or circumstance there is always HOPE!!! What great power comes from just saying, and pondering upon the word Hope. Hope is trusting that things will work out for our good. "It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance. It is believing and expecting that something will occur. When you have hope, you work through trials and difficulties with the confidence and assurance that all things will work together for your good. Hope helps you conquer discouragement." -Preach My Gospel pg. 117 (Preach My Gospel) But the question is what do we place our hope in? Some may place there hope in food (and to this I might agree to a certain extent), or they may put there trust in the things of the world. Luckily for us there is something, or rather someone that we can all put our trust in. That is the supreme creator of us all, our Father in Heaven. When we place our trust in the one who loves without reserve, and comes to our aid before we comprehend the need for aid. We will see our Confidence wax strong, we will see the world become a wonders, and joys place. Each day we will wake up and know who we are, and where we are going. This is the power of Hope, and the confidence in a Loving Father. But what about the pains and sorrows. Does Hope conquer the memories of a hopeless and darkened past? The answer is undoubtedly, and resoundingly YES. Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can all become healed. We can have a hope that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can feel relief form pain, and the worry of the past. In the End hope will conquer all discouragement, and chase out the darkness to revel a new day."For God so Loved the World" John 3:16

What happens when all hope seems to fail? Or does it...

Mornings on a Mission

AWAKE!!!

       So I have come to find in my life that the more you do something the more it becomes part of your daily life, and easier to do. But I have also come to find that there is a glitch to this theory.  You might ask what is this glitch (or you might not ask, but I'm going to tell you) that disputes this theory, it is none other then SLEEP!!! Yes the one thing we can't get enough of, and the one thing we wish we didn't have to do is wake up from Sleep. Me and sleep have a love, hate relationship, and I  believe that it started the day I was born. I'm not one to complain, but when something causes such emotional, and mental pain it should be put to death. However on the other had there is nothing like doing a long hard days work, and at the end you get the reward of slipping into bed, and slowly falling into a world of carelessness. But then you have to waking up to the sound of an unnatural, and completely unnecessary noise called an alarm clock. While wishing you could slam someones head against the door, and tell them to keep it down for just five more minutes (and no you would never do that because your a God fearing person). So how do we solve this problem? Well there is no good answer, and I have no clear way to tell you what to do to get up in the morning. I do however know what the scriptures say on the matter. In the Doctrine and Covenants 88:124 Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated. (See D&C 88:124) In this scripture the Lord is telling us that we should not be Idle or Lazy, but we need to rise early, and if we do that we will be invigorated both spirit and mind. I'm not sure about any of you, but I need that blessing. So for that reason alone that the Lord commanded that we arise early, and the fact that it is a mission rule that we arise at 6:30 "Every Day, Every Day, Every Day" I will go and do the things that the Lord requires. It is a great blessing to be able to obey the Lord. Let us all arise each day, and serve the Lord. Physically waking up is not the only thing that we need to do in this life. We also need to awake Spiritually!!! "O my brethren, hearken unto my words; arouse the faculties of your souls; shake yourselves that ye may awake from the slumber of death; and loose yourselves from the pains of hell that ye may not become angels to the devil, to be cast into that lake of fire and brimstone which is the second death." (see Jacob 3:11) As we wake up from the deep spiritual sleep that often befalls us we will feel a renewed since of purpose, and energy. The Lord will always allow us to awake and escape the grasps of everlasting sleep. Because no one likes to sleep all day you only get groggy, and ugly. Let us Awake!

Play the Game!

I'm not sure how many of you know, but I really don't, and can't play the wonderful game of Basketball. But however much I can't, or don't play this game that seems to change when you go on a mission. Every Monday of the week  missionaries have the great opportunity to have what we call Preparation Day or "P-Day" It is a day set apart to do all the tasks around the house such as cleaning, and more cleaning. We also are able to go and enjoy ourselves with activity such as the Museums, Zoos, Basketball, Frisbee, and other sports. It is a time to unwind and relax. However while I was having the great opportunity to play a game of Basketball (being humiliated as I attempted to shoot that ridiculous ball into a net above me) I noticed a key element to how I played the game. While I was enjoying myself and having a good time just playing, and not worrying about what others were thinking I started to enjoy myself and get lost in the game. (This however does not mean that I like Basketball in any way shape or form. Just so you know!) It just means that if we stop worrying about everything going on, and just enjoy the moment things seem lighter, more enjoyable. I have the same feelings when it comes to life. I don't always want to play the game of life, far to often I find myself looking to see what others think and worrying about everything going on around me. Its really shocking that when we take the time to step back from the busy world, and look at what the lord has truly given us things start to look up. We begin to see that we aren't worrying so much on what people think, but what our father in Heaven thinks. We begin to see that there is a much larger picture of why we are here, and what we can do to have more happiness. I know that in my life things started to look up when I start following the rules (Even with Basketball) it goes more smoothly when you follow the rules, and I felt more protected. I learned that the Rules and Commandments of God are there to protect us and give us safety for the soul. I believe that the commandments are like a fence on a mountain side. The fence is only there to protect us and keep us from danger, but most of us only think it is restraining us, and keeping us from doing what we want. I am grateful for the commandments which keep me from falling off the edge, and I know that I get so many blessings from following the Commandments. The Lord even promises us that as we keep his commandments he will prosper us, and bless us (Mosiah 2:22). How grateful I am for the blessings of the commandments, and the opportunity I have to live here on the earth at this time. We are truly blessed to have so many beautiful things that remind us that God lives and he loves us. I am so grateful for our Lord and our Savior and I know that he lives. So stop worrying and start looking! Life is far to short to play a game where your not having fun! God Loves us and he sent us here that we might have joy and not world joy, but eternal Joy! (2 Nephi 2:25) Just Play the Game!

Finding the Light Ahead

Driving cars has always been a fun, and exciting thing for me. Ever since I was little I always wanted to be old enough to drive, but if you ask my parents they would tell you that I have a lead foot, and need to learn to brake, and slow down. Well luckily on a mission we serve God, and not man so our views on the world change. Most learn to be a little cautious because this is the Lords work, and we are driving essentially the Lords car. So imagine this in your mind you get the opportunity to drive Gods car, and then try to not feel a little pressured to drive safe! To make matters more lovely, while we were driving back to Georgia from Jacksonville Florida we hit a small patch of rain. And if you have ever driven in the rainy country its not just rain its RAIN!!! It was like diving through a waterfall, and we could hardly see anything. So excreting all my effort to concentrate I started searching for the car in front of us. I was starting to worry when I saw two flashing red lights ahead of me. What unfolded before me was amazing, I looked around me and realized that everyone had turned on their hazards so that they could see the person in front of them. Thus warning the person behind them. I quickly turned on my Hazards so that I could help the person behind me. I had never experienced anything like this before, and I was very excited to learn something new. So as we continued on our journey in the rain I searched earnestly for the flashing lights in front of me. Every time I saw the lights I could judge how far away they were, and where I was so that I could stay on course. While I was driving through the storm I realized that this reminded me of our journey to the Lord. We are all searching and moving towards the savior, but sometimes it is so hard to see him. Lucky for us we can always see the flashing light of the spirit leading us on. I also realized that everyone around me was driving in the same storm, some were driving faster and some slower. Some were having problems seeing in the rain, while others had abandoned the course and pulled off to the side of the road. It was amazing to see how everyone dealt with the situation differently, here I was a young 20 year old so excited about our situation, and the new trick I learned about driving through a rain storm. While on the other hand there was others that were griping the wheel for dear life. The Lord is always inviting all of us to come unto him and he will recive us. It reads in Matthew 11:28  "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." At first I counldn't see the end of the road while I was driving, but I always new that I was going the right way, and the end was infront of me. When Christ invites us to come unto him we are always progressing towards everlasting life. The storms may be hard, but we are never alone!

No matter how hard it gets Look to the Light!

Seek, and ye shall Find

He is always Calling! Do we come?

There is truly nothing greater then declaring the Gospel of our Lord, and savior Jesus Christ. What greater way is their to find Peace, Happiness, Salvation, Eternal Families, Hope, Faith, and Love. A prophet in the Book of Mormon named King Benjamin stated the following "And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent. (Mosiah 3:17) He has truly done everything for us so that we can return to live with our Father in Heaven, and all we need to do is follow his perfect plan. As I have gone around from place to place while serving in the Florida I have noticed that there are many yet that still haven't found the fullness of the gospel. So many individuals are so very close, but they are missing simple truths (Its like having a puzzle and missing one piece) .  There has always been one puzzle or there has always only been one true Church, the quest we are on is where is the full and complete puzzle (or Church)?

From the beginning of time there was one Puzzle, or one way and a path set that we must follow to come unto Christ. There has always been One God, One Faith, One Baptism (Ephesians 4:5) so we know that the our Father and Heaven made it simple ONE WAY not millions.Now the question is are we on the right path, and does that path we are on have the proper authority from God. We know from the scriptures that one needed to be ordained of God to establish and preach his gospel. You can't just go to school or wake up one morning and say that God called you to be a prophet it doesn't work that way. The same goes with wanting to be a police officer if you weren't called by the state our country you reside in to be an Authorized officer, then you have no power to arrest or take control of any situation. See the following scriptures that speak of receiving proper authoritarian (-I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations, Jer. 1:5 - he ordained twelve, Mark 3:14 -I have chosen you, and ordained you, John 15:16 -fasted and prayed, and laid their hands, Acts 13:3 -ordained them elders in every church, Acts 14:23 -with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery, 1 Tim. 4:14) We can see that when Christ was here he established a system of authority and organization. I know that today that same orginization has once again been reestablished on the earth. I know that the truthfulness of the gospel has been restored, and that no person, people, or nation can stop the work of the Lord. The Prophet Joseph Smith stated the Following: “The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; … the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”
I know that this work is sweeping the earth, and I implore all to come and find for themselves. Come and hear and see the Gospel (Good news), and when you hear and see it don't blindly believe ask God the Father in the name of Christ; and he will tell you if it true!!!
P.S. Sorry I got all preachy but sometimes you just wake up and want to go on the corner of a street and scream the message to the world. I wouldn't suggest doing that because most people look at you like your crazy, and to be honest you probably are if you are doing that.

Together Forever

       There is nothing better then seeing two individuals make the steps to enter into a covenant with the Lord. I was very honored to have the opportunity to see the marriage of two individuals that are very important to me. It has been so much fun to watch them grow and change to become closer with the Lord. You begin to see everything in their very personality, and outward appearance change. It is as if someone has not only polished them and turned on the all glowing awesomeness of life, but you see the happiness illuminating from them. On the Other hand it is sad to see how the world treats the sanctity of marriage. I have seen the world treats marriage more as an inconvience then anything else, and its easier to be single and living together then married. We know that marriage is fundamental in a relationship between a man and a women. The Lord has told us today through his Prophet, and Apostles that "The First commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We Further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between a man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife." (The Family: A Proclamation to the world) How grateful I am that the Lord has given such incredible advice on the importance of marriage, and the relationship between a man and a woman. I have been given the great privilege to have been raised in a Family where both my Mother and my Father honored, and cherished the covenant that they made with each other. It is because of their great example that I want to raise my children in the same environment. Marriages are not something that is just a requirement, it is a sacred responsibility that is to last for time and all eternity. It is only within the walls of the Lords Holy house that we can receive the sealing powers of Heaven. I love the primary song that says:
"I have a family here on earth. They are so good for me. I want to live my life with them for all eternity. Families can be together forever through heavenly fathers Plan. I always want to be with my own family, and the Lord has shown me how I can. The Lord has shown me how  I can. While I am in my early years, I'll prepare most carefully, So I can marry in God's temple for eternity. Families can be together forever through heavenly fathers Plan. I always want to be with my own family, and the Lord has shown me how I can. The Lord has shown me how  I can." (Families can Be together Forever)

       How awesome is that! Families can be forever I know thats true, and I am going to do everything I can to enter into the Holy Temple so I can be married to my wife (whoever that may be) for time and all Eternity!!! Thank you to my dear friends that were a great example to me to be married so that they can receive the blessings the Lord wants to offer them. Marriage is not supposed to be until death till you part, but its supposed to be for time and all eternity.

-Family Forever-