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.

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

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.

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.

I am a Child of God

One of the most fundamental doctrines, and reassuring facts, about my faith is that I am a Child of God.  I know that he is the literal Father of my spirit and as such He is extremely aware of me (Romans 8:16).  Because of that relationship I know that I can communicate with Him daily through prayer.  He is anxious to hear from each of us, and wants to help in any way we are willing to let Him.  The ultimate expression of God's love came in the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ.  Because of the atonement of Jesus Christ we are able to be free from the burden of sin, and are given the faith necessary to face trials.  We show our love for God as we are obedient to His commandments. 

The Love of God
God is our Father