Time out for Tiaras

My father in Heaven is a the supreme creator of all things.  He is the King.  He controls all aspects of the universe, holds the power to heal, and understands perfectly the practice of unconditional love.  By virtue of being His spiritual offspring I am a being of divine worth.  My purpose here in this life is to live according to my Fathers commands so that I can return and live with Him in the courts most high.  In order to combat the evils that persist in this day it is only necessary to pause and reflect regularly on who I really am.  This past week I did just that.  I spent a night with a room full of equally divine beauties discussing the reality of our being.  We enjoyed food, laughter, and of course wearing hand crafted tiaras.  Nothing less will do for queens. 

"I have always loved the story of the son of King Louis XVI of France because he had an unshakable knowledge of his identity. As a young man, he was kidnapped by evil men who had dethroned his father, the king. These men knew that if they could destroy him morally, he would not be heir to the throne. For six months they subjected him to every vile thing life had to offer, and yet he never yielded under pressure. This puzzled his captors, and after doing everything they could think of, they asked him why he had such great moral strength. His reply was simple. He said, “I cannot do what you ask, for I was born to be a king.” 

Like the king’s son, each of you has inherited a royal birthright. Each of you has a divine heritage. “You are literally the royal daughters of our Father in Heaven.”  Each of you was born to be a queen." -Elaine S. Dalton

Reunions

Several times over the past 18 months I have envisioned the reunions that would be had with my beloved family.  There would of course be great joy, hugs, screams, tears, laughter, and a peace that comes from knowing we are back together at last.  These visions became a reality over this past week.  They were as wonderful and grand as I could have ever imagined them to be.  Here's a peek....  

Indeed, the Larsen clan has been reunited (minus one..only 3 more months till Elder Larsen's return).  It has been wonderful to be with them again.  I can not help but think about the reunion that will be had when we all make it to the other side.  We will all see loved ones that we have long since been separated from.  We will with great excitement be reunited.  The gospel of Jesus Christ provides us a plan that helps us to reach that point of eternal bliss.  The Savior set the ultimate example of being a faithful servant; obedient to the will of our Heavenly Father.  Following Him will grant us joyful reunions with those that we love.

Am I Turtly enough for the Turtle Club?

Well.  I have decided that I want to be more like a turtle one day.  Now I do not know to much about the thought process of the creatures, but from what I have observed they are worth admiring.  I can not even count how many of the little guys we have passed in our recent travels.  They are all just there.  Right in the middle of the road.  Some might consider them suicidal.  I choose to call them determined.  It takes a lot of dedication to ones end goal to endure facing so much danger.  I mean there are a lot of crazy drivers out on these Kentucky roads.  We all know they can not dodge those kinds of things.  And its hot, they could melt right on the spot.  The turtles however stay focused.   Maybe they know that a better life is just on the other side of that long stretch of pavement.  Maybe the mere hope of such an ideal is enough to drive them to act.  Maybe they trust their instinct so much it leaves no room for doubt.  They are determined to the end.  Sticking with what they know is right even when they know it may cost them everything.

Our challenge today is simlar to that of my turtle friends that patiently, and diligently maintain a larger perspective.  An eternal perspective you might say.  Often we do not know what promised blessings await us on the other side of that long and dangerous journey.  But if we stay fast to what we know to be true, trusting in those instincts that are greater than our own, our reward will be of infinate worth. 

Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God adn of all men.  Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

2 Nephi 31:20

Absolutely

"For behold, he surely must die that salvation may come; yea, it behooveth him and becometh expedient that he dieth, to bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, that thereby men may be brought into the presence of the Lord. 

Yea, behold, this death bringeth to pass the resurrection, and redeemeth all mankind from the first death-that spiritual death; for all mankind, by the fall of Adam being cut off from the presence of the Lord, are considered as dead, both as to things temporal and to things spiritual. 

But behold, the resurrection of Christ redeemeth mankind, and bringeth them back into the presence of the Lord. 

Yea, and it bringeth to pass the condition of repentance, that whosover repenteth the same is not hewn down and cast into the fire; and there cometh upon them again a spiritual death, yea, a second death, for they are cut off again as to thins pertaining to righteousness."

Helaman 14:15-18

"I seldom use the word absolutely.  It seldom fits.  I use it now-twice:

Because of the fall, the Atonement was absolutely essential for the resurrection to proceed and overcome the mortal death.  The Atonement was absolutely essential for men to cleanse themselves from sin and overcome the second death; spiritual death, which is separation from our Father in Heaven, for the scriptures tell us...that no unclean thing can enter into the presence of God."

-President Boyd K. Packer

The Oak Tree

by Johnny Ray Ryder Jr.

A mighty wind blew night and day

It stole the oak tree’s leaves away

Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark

Until the oak was tired and stark

But still the oak tree held its ground

While other trees fell all around

The weary wind gave up and spoke.

How can you still be standing Oak?

The oak tree said, I know that you

Can break each branch of mine in two

Carry every leaf away

Shake my limbs, and make me sway

But I have roots stretched in the earth

Growing stronger since my birth

You’ll never touch them, for you see

They are the deepest part of me

Until today, I wasn’t sure

Of just how much I could endure

But now I’ve found, with thanks to you

I’m stronger than I ever knew

Oh My Heart

My Mother

Is always so graceful when things get a little too deep.....

Has a passion for lighthouses and the beauty of the world.....

Raises really smart and attractive children....

Loves her calling as wife and mother....

Is the worlds best cheerleader....

Teaches by example what it means to be a righteous daughter of God....

Is my very best friend.

For all of these reasons and then some I love my mom.  She is my hero in every sense of the word.  Mostly because she epitomizes the following scripture...

Charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.  Charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.  Moroni 7

The Power of Two Witnesses

I am grateful for the influence these two books have had on my life.  They have brought great peace and happiness.  They have taught me all things that I should do (2 Nephi 32:3).  They have helped me come to know the Savior, Jesus Christ. 

The Value of Work

Work: Be engaged in physical or mental activity in order to achieve a purpose or result, esp. in one's job; do work

I remember being handed a toilet cleaning brush at five years old.

Mostly because I know now how to keep the house clean.

I remember gathering thousands of rocks from the backyard for endless summers with my brothers and sisters.

Mostly because now I have a strong relationship with my siblings.

 

I remember late nights of my parents staying up with me to finish homework.

Mostly because now I can enjoy the blessings of valuing education.

I remember often being physically exhausted from service projects.

Mostly because I now value the satisfaction that comes from an exhausting day of missionary work.

I remember being drug out of bed for early scripture study and being hauled to church in frilly dresses.

Mostly because I have now been blessed with a personal testimony of Jesus Christ,  His  restored church, and with a love for His word.

One of the greatest gifts I have ever been given is an understanding of the value of work.  My parents were really good and helping us kids understand the definition of work early.  Because of it my life has forever been blessed.

"By work we sustain and enrich life. It enables us to survive the disappointments and tragedies of the mortal experience. Hard-earned achievement brings a sense of self-worth. Work builds and refines character, creates beauty, and is the instrument of our service to one another and to God. A consecrated life is filled with work, sometimes repetitive, sometimes menial, sometimes unappreciated but always work that improves, orders, sustains, lifts, ministers, aspires.”

 Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Hopes of Glory

I am so grateful for this Easter season and the chance that it provides for us to more seriously reflect on the life and ministry of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  I know that He paid the price for our pains and shortcomings.  A price that we can not pay for ourselves.  I know that He lives today.  That knowledge brings me indescribable peace and happiness. 

Testimonies of Jesus Christ given by modern day Prophets and Apostles

"The sufferings and death of Christ atone for their sins, through faith and repentance, and so forth; and that he breaketh the bands of death, that the grave shall have no victory, and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory"

 Alma 22:14

Did you Know??

Did you know that Mormons have horns?

Did you know that Mormons have more than one wife?

Did you know that Mormons do not watch television?

Did you know that Mormons wrote their own Bible?

Did you know that Mormons are not Christians?

That's funny because I have been a Mormon (more preferably known as Latter-day Saint) my whole life and knew none of that.  Yet I have people tell me regularly tell me that all of these facts relate to my religion/lifestyle.  The moral of the story is that there is plenty of sources out there willing to claim to know the true facts.  But the truth of the matter is facts only come from those who REALLY know.  If you had a question about heart surgery you would not ask your dentist.  If you have questions about the Latter-day Saints you are best off to just ask a Latter-day Saint.  Click Here to Learn More.

Here's your sign.....

We saved a turtle.  Some might call us hero's, others just good citizens.  I prefer just to be called a

missionary: one sent to do charitable work in a territory or forigen country.  It all happened last week we were driving down a typical country road.  Thanks to Sister Stubbs' sensitive eye we dodge our reptile friend just in time.  These are the country roads mind you so coming to a complete and sudden stop is not considered an unsafe move.  Just the thought of leaving him there with one and a half lanes of road to still cross made us ill.  We found a comfortable box to put him in, made sure his seat belt was secure, and kept a watchful eye out for a safe home.  Turtles do not belong in the middle of the road.  We played the phone a friend card, and with some help from Google I'm sure, they informed us that our little friend, who we lovingly named Gary, belongs in a muddy wet habitat.  Having a slight understanding of what kind of environment we were looking for, and where to find it amidst all the farm land we pressed on.  Not five minutes later we came to a road sign...GARY LN.  Hello red flag, I think we will stop here.  Not twenty feet from the sign was the ideal home for any turtle named Gary.

I admit my missionary nerdiness regurlarly.  Now is no exception.  As I thought about this experience I thought a lot about all the people that I often talk with about signs and answers from God.  Might seem crazy, but I am grateful for the GARY LN sign because it is hard to say how long we would have been looking for a home for our beloved friend.  He could have died on our watch!  And really we have more important work to do.  I consider it a serious tender mercy from Heavenly Father.  People are constatnly looking for signs and answers to help them better understand what God wants for them.  Too often we are watching for some giant display from the cosmos or a literal sign on the street to tell us what to do.  Although that would be super convenient its not how it works.  Heavenly Father requires faith, and patience to hear the gentle whisperings of the spirit that are sent to give us answers.  I am reminded of a group of peole in the Book of Mormon:

Helaman 16:

13...there were great signs given unto the people, and wonders; and the words of the prophets began to be fulfilled.

14 And angels did appear unto men, wise men, and did declare unto them glad tidings of great joy; thus in this year scriptures begn to be fulfilled.

15 Nevertheless, the people began to harden their hearts, all save it were the most believing part of them, and began to depend upon their own strength and upon their own wisdom saying:

16 Some things they may have guessed right, among that all these great and marvelous works cannot come to pass, of which has been spoken.

22 And notwithstanding the signs and the wonders which were wroght among the people of the Lord, and the many miracles which they did, Satan did get great hold upon the hearts of the people upon all the face of the land.

Everyday God sends us the answers that we are begging for.  As hard as it may be to admit it we all at times harden our hearts and depend on our own strength when the signs are there.  I testify that if we watch with a sensitive heart we will recognize the answers and the signs from our loving Heavenly Father. 

Where in the World?

I know there has been a serious case of MIA going on here in the blog world.  My deepest apologies.  I have been given a new assignment that keeps me far from regular computer access.  Rather than spending all my time in one area Sister Stubbs and I now travel much of Kentucky sharing the gospel (see diagram).  We are in a different town every day.  Seeing various people, that will be attending different church buildings come Sunday.  I have realized that some wonder how that works.  Why is there not variance from one place to the next?  Isn't each church unique?  I have been thinking a lot about why such a method of missionary work is successful.  Although there are many conclusions here is the most exciting answer I have come up with....

The writings of Paul to the Ephesians tell us much about the structure of Christ's church.

Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 

Ephesians 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism

Paul teaches that there is essentially one truth for all of us follow.  Based on the foundation of prophets and apostles with Christ at the head the church can serve as a force to unite the children of God under one gospel.  With the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ a prophet was called for these latter days.  One answer can be found.  One church has been established to unite all of God's children.  This is why traveling around the world sharing the gospel works.  No matter where you may find yourself on Sunday morning you know that what is being taught within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the same whereever you go.  It does not matter if you are in Morgantown, Kentucky, or Eldorado, Illinois.  Brazil, or Sweeden.  The gospel of Jesus Christ is universal just as our Heavenly Father intended for it to be.

Find a Church Building Near You

Go UK!

Lets just state the facts.  March is a wonderful time of year.  Spring means putting up winter coats, cleaning up yards, popcorn starts a popping from the apricot trees, and people finally  make their way out of hibernation.  Yes for all these reasons I love March.  But mostly my excitement and love for the month of March comes from two very important events.  Both celebrations stir my soul to such excitement that I rarely can contain myself.

The first is March Madness.  Oh how I love it.  In college there was a very large white board that hung in our kitchen.  Seriously it was as big as some of my friends.  Each year we would spend hours drawing out the mega bracket so that we could all stay up to date on what is happening in the NCAA tournament world.  Nothing else has the power to bond an apartment full of girls quite like some good basketball.  As a missionary I have now down sized a little.  There is a folded piece of paper covered in tournament updates on my nightstand by my scriptures.  I am at the mercy of others for my tournament information. Yep I am still a junkie.  A poorly informed one, but a junkie all the same.  The good news is that I am in Kentucky now so I can more properly cheer for the Wildcats.  Go UK!

All that excitement can not compare however to the refreshing peace and trills that come into my heart as I anticipate General Conference.  Twice a year people all over the world can gather to hear the voice of God's prophet upon the earth today.  Conference brings with it the same excitement as a holiday.  It means family gathering together to be edified by the teachings of God.  It means council applicable to our time.  Conference means that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  I know that our Heavenly Father loves us just as much as He did the people that lived at the time of Moses or Noah.  He cares about our happiness and success.  More than any other time in the history of the world we need Him.  I am grateful that he loves me enough to call a prophet.  A living voice to teach us all that the Father would have us do working under the direction of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.  This weekend everyone can have the chance to participate in this amazing conference.  Thanks to modern technology the words of God's servants on the earth are carried by radio, satellite, and Internet in ninty-two different languages.  I can promise that great blessings will come into your life as you take the time to listen to this message of hope and direction. 

Click Here to Acess General Conference

The Namesake

I remember all too well coming home from school in my younger years (okay lets not lie it still happens sometimes) seeking refuge from the torments of my peers.  Or leaving the gym frustrated because the taunts and screams from the opponent had gotten into my little head and taken a toll on my athletic performance.  This world is not lacking for that constant opinion of what you are not, and what you should be.  There will always be someone to tell you that you are not good enough, not skinny enough, not funny enough, or not smart enough.  It seems that such people are always easier to find than those who will build and encourage you to meet your potential.  When I came home with these feelings of discouragement I was often met with the same advice.  "You know Mar, just don't listen to them.  You know who you are and what you are about.  Just drown them out."

Always the easier said then done right?  I have however found it to be the most effective way of avoiding peer pressure/rejection.  As a missionary I am far from the most popular person in town.  Daily my deepest beliefs and passions mocked.  I will admit that there are times when it really gets to me, because this is who I am and I know that what I have been called to represent is true.   A scripture in the Book of Mormon has come to be especially meaningful to me on the matter.  You might recognize it.."they did point the finger of scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we HEEDED THEM NOT" 1 Nephi 8:33.  Here the people Lehi is referring to had made it to the Savior.  They were feeling of His total goodness and love.  They had endured struggle to feel the peace that comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Many however, were mocking them.  Often times in the world in which we live doing what is right may not be the most popular decision.  They will try to tell you that the cool kids drink.  That love does not wait.  That making religion a priority is nerdy.  Yes undoubtedly there will be a never ending supply of beliefs that tell you that being part of the crowd is the answer.  The important thing is that we remember who's vote really counts. The Lords.  When all other opinions come in remember the counsel of the prophet of old HEED THEM NOT!

A Chocolate Endorphin Prayer

I am beginning to realize that I have a short attention span.  Many are probably shocked that I am just now beginning to realize this.  What can I say I am daily growing older and more aware.  I have noticed that I occasionally have to take a break.  Step back.  Take a breathe.  Do something spontaneous.  Then my focus can return to the task at hand.  Prior to my mission  I had quite a few available outlets that I could count on to bring refreshment.  I could sing Wicked at the top of my lungs as I danced around the table with my sisters to get a break from house work.  I could escape to the gym with my friends for a few games of basketball to avoid a homework melt down.  The phone was an available tool to call a friend for some encouragement in moments of trial.  Yep I had the system pretty well figured out.  Or so I thought.  Then I came on a mission.  I can honestly say I have never been happier.  I find great fulfillment in being a missionary and love the people with whom I serve.  I would be lying however to say the need for momentary vacation has all together ceased.  Now my sisters are not around, my Nike's are in the safe, and the phone is for missionary purposes only.  My typical outlets have dissolved.  I have noticed new habits taking their place.  Daily I reach for the treat bucket to pull out some chocolate.  That satisfies for a time.  Occasionally I find some time to run up and down the stairs out side of our apartment to get some endorphins pumping.  That works for a good natural high.  The most satisfying outlet however comes when I make it to my knees and turn to my Heavenly Father in prayer.  The rest of the world around me seems to disappear and I find myself in a realm of peace and comfort.  Prayer helps me align my will with God's.  It brings direction.  It helps me to feel the love of my Eternal Father.  Prayer brings the refreshment necessary to face whatever life may bring.  It is by far the greatest outlet we have been given.

Spiritual Destiny

Like it frequently is, life as a missionary has been a bit hectic lately.  I wanted to get something up today so I looked up one of my favorite talks.  Elder Neil Anderson, an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, teaches us about the importance of our existence.  He gives wonderful guidance and direction for preparing for our spiritual destines.  Here is a brief excerpt, check out the link to get the whole effect.

Journey through Mortality

Number 1: You are on a journey through mortality.

The passengers of Flight 1549 did not begin their existence as they entered the plane in New York. They were on a journey. Much had occurred in their lives prior to the flight, and much would occur following the flight. Likewise, this mortal life is not where we began nor is it where we will end. We are on a journey. This journey began a very long time ago in a premortal state where we received our “first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth in the due time of the Lord” (Doctrine and Covenants 138:56). We are literally spirit sons and daughters of heavenly parents. The Lord has said, “I am God; I made the world, and men before they were in the flesh” (Moses 6:51), “for in heaven created I them” (Moses 3:5).

The poet William Wordsworth wrote these beautiful words:

Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:
The Soul that rises with us, our life’s Star,
Hath had elsewhere its setting,
And cometh from afar:
Not in entire forgetfulness,
And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come
From God, who is our home.1

Our premortal life was not a passive existence. We had choices to make there as we do here. We had progressed and were in need of a physical body and the experiences of mortality. We needed to prove our willingness to live by faith. Our Heavenly Father presented a plan to us. Central to that plan was the role of His Only Begotten Son to provide a way back for us. We accepted the Father’s plan and rejoiced in the chosen Savior. Our foreordained opportunities and responsibilities help shape what we are to do in mortality. In ways not fully understood, “our actions in the spirit world influence us in mortality.”2

We are now here—in our long-awaited mortality. Although we have no present memory of our premortal life, it rings true to us. Even in this life we don’t remember all the things that are important. For example, do you remember speaking your first words or taking your first steps? Do you remember thinking, “You know, my mother is not carrying me around as much as she used to. So, if I am going to move around like I want to, I better get up and walk”? It is not difficult for us to sense deep inside that who we are did not begin with our birth into mortality. We are sons and daughters of God. There is a passage in Alma that describes the role of the scriptures to “[enlarge] the memory of this people” (Alma 37:8). Our memories have been enlarged, and we know that we prepared for the life we are now living.

Just as our life began before our birth into mortality, our life does not end with the stopping of a heartbeat. We will continue on. Who you are—you, the distinct individual—you will always be you. Some may say, “I don’t like myself.” Sorry. You can shape who you become, you can be more than you are today, but you will always be you.

LDS.org - CES Fireside - Preparing for Your Spiritual Destiny

Bread Bandit

If it had not happened twice, on two very separate occasions, I would have scheduled an appointment to get my eyes checked.  Things like this just do not happen every day.  The other night we were just making our way on one of Cookevilles busier streets.  We started approaching a truck that greatly resembles my Grandpa's old farm truck.  As we got closer I realized it was overflowing with bread.  Yep, bread.  Loaves and loaves of it-close to 500.  A few thoughts went through my head.  Either this man loves his peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or he hijaked the Spring Street bakery.  Needless to say I was left in awe.  A week or so later, still baffled by our first encounter we saw another 'bread truck'.  Apparently Cookeville has a real problem with bread crime.

Being a missionary this experience got me thinking gospel terms, go figure.  I was reminded of Christ's declaration in John 6, "I am the bread of life he that cometh to me shall never hunger and he that believeth in me shall never thirst".  The Savior gives the promise that those who seek for the "bread of life" shall have everlasting life.  Now wonder the invitation of "Come unto me" is so frequently extended in the scriptures (Alma 5:34).  It is the only way for us to "feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted" (2 Nephi 9:51).  The scriptures teach us how it is we are to lay hold upon this supply of everlasting bread.  We are directed to repent, bring forth works of righteousness, be born of the water and the spirit, immerse ourselves in the scriptures, pray with faith, bring a broken heart and contrite spirit, and partake of the sacrament.  If we intend to enjoy forever we must seek for that which will last forever.  We must like the Cookeville bread bandit fill our truckbeds to capacity.  We cannot afford to ignore the Savior's invitation.

Scripture References: Alma 5:33, Alma 5:35, John 3:5, 2 Nephi 32:3, Jacob 3:1-2, Psalms 51:17, John 6: 51-57, 3 Nephi 18 

TRUTH has been RESTORED

Our message to the world is simple yet profound.  God is our loving Heavenly Father.  He cares greatly about our happiness and success in this life.  From the beginning of time He has show that love and concern by reaching out to us His children by revealing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Essentially the guide by which we are to return to Gods presence.  He proclaimed such knowledge through prophets such as Noah, Abraham, and Moses.  The ultimate expression of His love came when God sent His Son, Jesus Christ.  The Savior came and taught His gospel, established His church, and accomplished the Atonement.  Like they had with so many of the prophets before, the people rejected Christ and His teachings.  Whenever people disregard or distort true doctrines and ordinances, God withdraws His authority to administer the Church.

After centuries of being lost, original truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ have been restored by a loving God through a living prophet.  The authority to adminster His church has been restored.  This prophets name is Joseph Smith.  He was in fact called of God to restore gospel truths, just as so many have before.
God is the same.  His love for His children has not changed.  He desires for all of us to know with complete assurance His plan.    The evidence of this glorious truth is forund in the Book of Mormon. Our invitation is to add to the truths that you already treasure.  To those who with sincerety seek to know truth, read, ponder, and pray about this message will by the power of the Holy Ghost come to know of its truthfulness.

I know that these things are true by no other fact than I went to my Heavenly Father and asked Him.  By the power of the Holy Ghost I came to know truth for myself (Moroni 10:3-5).  This knowledge has blessed my life in ways that I can not describe.  I have a sure knowledge of who I am, where I am headed, and what I need to do to get there.  It has strenghthened my testimony of Jesus Christ.  His life, ministry, and atonement.  It has blessed me with a peace that can come by no others means.

The Restoration Movie click here

Momentum of the Storm

We have been experiencing some pretty intense weather over the past couple of days in Tennessee.  I actually think it is the location of our apartment that makes it seem so fierce.  Either way I was reminded of one of my favorite stories in the Book of Mormon and how it helps me in the daily storms of life...

The Book of Ether tells the story of the Jaredite people.  Their journey begins at the tower of babel.  The Lord commanded them to make their way to the promised land.  Under the direction of God they construct barges that will carry them across the sea.  As they set off to their destination the account states in Ether 6:5 "God caused that there should be a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters, TOWARDS the promised land".  The record goes on to describe the mountainous waves, great and terrible tempest, and fierce wind.  Verse 8 reads, "And it came to pass that the wind did never cease to  blow TOWARDS the promised land while they were upon the waters; and thus they were driven forth before the wind."  I would dare say that their journey was anything but ideal.  Even though these people were chosen of God.  Even though they had great faith.  Even though they were striving to do what is right "the wind did never cease to blow".  However they were continually, by the hand of God, moving towards their ultimate goal.  There are many storms that rage in our lives today.  Our struggles, our trials, our roadblocks are the winds that blow in our lives pushing us TOWARDS our eternal goal which ultimately is to return home to His presence.  The Lord understands perfectly what storms we need experience in order to guide us to our personal promised lands.  Our ability to bear the wind, and tempest comes from keeping our focus on the MOMENTUM OF THE STORM.

Bugs

Every morning.  Every night.  A couple of times in between.  I have discovered I have developed a rather healthy habit.  It is constantly bringing me great refreshment.  Now I do find myself praying that often, but that is not what I am referring too (although prayer brings great happiness to my life).  No, I have a love for brushing my teeth.  Just so clean and fresh.  As a missionary my toothbrush has made its permanent residence in its travel case.  Each time I pull it out of the bathroom drawer I am reminded of the kind of person that I want to be.  Yes, a person that values good hygiene, but more than that.  Before you think I am too crazy let me share a story...

A little over a year ago I was preparing to leave my home to make my way here to Tennessee to share the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.  There was about a million things to do.  The day of goodbye drew closer and closer and my to do list did not seem to be getting any shorter.  It was full of little tedious tasks.  As my mother and I were busy packing my little sister, whom I lovingly call Bugs was anxious to help.  I gave her one of the random tasks; washing out my toothbrush holder.  Weird I know.  With all of her six year old love she went to work.  She was willing and anxious to do what she had been asked.  She did not complain or argue because the job she had been assigned was not the coolest.  She happily went on her way and did what she could to serve.  Mom and I went about our work.  Nearly a half hour later Bugs returned with a practically new toothbrush holder.  Each of the several times a day I go to brush my teeth I think of that experience.  I think of the Christlike characteristics of my little sister.  The admonition of Christ to "becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things" becomes clearer to me and I am reminded of who the Savior wants me to be (Mosiah 3:19).  I am grateful to the wonderful example that I have in my life, and that I get to see each day as I learn from the little ones.

"And I am filled with charity, which is everlasting love; wherefore, all children are alike unto me; wherefore, I love little children with a perfect love; and they are all alike and partakers of salvation." Moroni 8:17

Clean Windows

This morning I came across a talk given by President Thomas S. Monson the Lord's prophet on the earth today.  I am so grateful for a Heavenly Father who loves us enough to give us guidance and counsel so we can stay on that path that leads us back to Him.  President Monson's guidance here teaches us a great lesson about charity. 

A young couple, Lisa and John, moved into a new neighborhood. One morning while they were eating breakfast, Lisa looked out the window and watched her next-door neighbor hanging out her wash. “That laundry’s not clean!” Lisa exclaimed. “Our neighbor doesn’t know how to get clothes clean!”  John looked on but remained silent.  Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, Lisa would make the same comments.  A few weeks later Lisa was surprised to glance out her window and see a nice, clean wash hanging in her neighbor’s yard. She said to her husband, “Look, John—she’s finally learned how to wash correctly! I wonder how she did it.”  John replied, “Well, dear, I have the answer for you. You’ll be interested to know that I got up early this morning and washed our windows!”

Tonight I’d like to share with you a few thoughts concerning how we view each other. Are we looking through a window which needs cleaning? Are we making judgments when we don’t have all the facts? What do we see when we look at others? What judgments do we make about them?

Said the Savior, “Judge not.” ¹ He continued, “Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” ² Or, to paraphrase, why beholdest thou what you think is dirty laundry at your neighbor’s house but considerest not the soiled window in your own house?

None of us is perfect. I know of no one who would profess to be so. And yet for some reason, despite our own imperfections, we have a tendency to point out those of others. We make judgments concerning their actions or inactions.

There is really no way we can know the heart, the intentions, or the circumstances of someone who might say or do something we find reason to criticize. Thus the commandment: “Judge not.”

Mother Teresa, a Catholic nun who worked among the poor in India most of her life, spoke this profound truth: “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” ⁵ The Savior has admonished, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” ⁶ I ask: can we love one another, as the Savior has commanded, if we judge each other? And I answer—with Mother Teresa: no, we cannot.

I consider charity—or “the pure love of Christ”—to be the opposite of criticism and judging. I have in mind the charity that manifests itself when we are tolerant of others and lenient toward their actions, the kind of charity that forgives, the kind of charity that is patient.

I have in mind the charity that impels us to be sympathetic, compassionate, and merciful, not only in times of sickness and affliction and distress but also in times of weakness or error on the part of others.

There is a serious need for the charity that gives attention to those who are unnoticed, hope to those who are discouraged, aid to those who are afflicted. True charity is love in action. The need for charity is everywhere.

Needed is the charity which refuses to find satisfaction in hearing or in repeating the reports of misfortunes that come to others, unless by so doing, the unfortunate one may be benefited. The American educator and politician Horace Mann once said, “To pity distress is but human; to relieve it is godlike.” ¹¹

Charity is having patience with someone who has let us down. It is resisting the impulse to become offended easily. It is accepting weaknesses and shortcomings. It is accepting people as they truly are. It is looking beyond physical appearances to attributes that will not dim through time. It is resisting the impulse to categorize others.

Life is perfect for none of us. Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life. May we recognize that each one is doing her best to deal with the challenges which come her way, and may we strive to do our best to help out.

"Charity Never Faileth", President Thomas S. Monson October General Conference 2010

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