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

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. 

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

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

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!

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

Grace

At church on Sunday there was a talk given centered on the subject of grace.  The speaker made some really good points that have had me thinking all week long.  I decided that what I needed was a better understanding of the word grace.

Grace: divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ.

A story was shared of a three year old girl.  She wanted so badly to help her mother bring the groceries in from the car.  Her ultimate goal was to carry in the milk jug.  After several failed attempts the mother picked up the little girl and the milk and hauled them into the house.  The girl exclaimed loudly to her father, "look what I have done all by myself!"  Oh how very often, I have realized, I pronounce the exact same thing.  Truth be told there is very little we can do without the grace of Christ.  It is only through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that any of us really accomplish anything.  Through faith in His atonement and repentance we each receive the divine assistance necessary to do good.  Grace is an enabling power that allows each of us to grasp on to that all desirable reward of eternal life.  However, grace alone is not sufficient.  It is required that each recipient gives there best effort.  "For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do" 2 Nephi 25: 23.