I served In Rochester and Buffalo New York helping others come unto Jesus Christ. I was there for 18 months. It changed my life. I came to know how much God loves all of us, and how he answers our prayers.
God uses the same simple means to speak to us: through the Holy Spirit, through prayer and the scriptures, through prophets, sometimes through angels or loved ones. Yet He manages to speak to us in our individual language or way that we learn best. Lately I've been pondering the way in which we all learn and communicate. I find comfort in the scripture 2 Nephi 31:3, "For my soul delighteth in plainess; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding." God uses the same means to speak to us, yet He manages to give us all an indivual message. How remarkable our Father in Heaven is.
What blocks that communication between God and us?
It is hard to feel the absence of God especially when you feel you need him most. Many things block that communication. I enjoy Henry B. Erying's thoughts on the matter. Henry B. Erying states, "Our own desires, rather than a feeling of 'Thy will be done,' create the feeling of a pavilion blocking God. God is not unable to see us or communicate with us, but we may be unwilling to listen or submit to His will and His time...The pavilion that seems to be hiding you from God may be fear of man rather than this desire to serve others. The Savior’s only motivation was to help people. Spencer W. Kimball told us that 'God reveals himself to [people] who are prepared for such manifestations.'"
If you want more guidance on how to feel God in your life I would refer you to this article entitled, "Personal Revelation". I know Heavenly Father really does love every person on this earth. He knows our needs and concerns. He will answer our prayers if we ask in faith, and He will answer in our indiviual language. Trust in God, for He loves you and has a plan for you.
Martin Luther King once said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." Who we truly are is determined by where we stand when storms hit. Standing up for personal beliefs can be hard, and standing up alone can be terrifying. However I've learned that when you stand alone for the cause of Jesus Christ you are never alone.
Could you imagine waking up one day and walking outside of your tent and seeing an army of your enemies waiting to fight you? Elijah and Elisha experienced this.
2 Kings 6:
15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?
16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
17 And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
I know that it's after our trial of faith that we receive miracles and see the angels and chariots round about us. Dare to be bold. Dare to stand alone. Pray to have your eyes opened. There are many fighting for the cause of Jesus Christ, and you are not alone. Here is one more scripture to illustrate that fact.
6 Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion; for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee. 2 Nephi 22:6
I have come to know that not only angels are in the work, but the Holy One of Israel, Jesus Christ Himself is in this work.
The Hill Cumorah Pageant is the largest outdoor American theatrical production. The cast has more than 700, and seating for 9000 is available. It is an inspiring play depicting stories from the Book of Mormon. It's free and an amazing thing to see. To find out more information see
My dad is one of a kind. A unique, funny fellow, who always gives. He wouldn't kill a fly- literally he catches flies and spiders and frees them in our front yard. Over my 21 years of life I have really learned to appreciate my Dad and all the things he taught me. He taught me by words and example. Some of the things he tried to teach me I was too stubborn to understand- however there are a few precious truths that have really stuck with me. The lessons that my Dad taught me are:
1. It's a choice to be happy.
In my more dramatic years.. I'd complain to my Dad of the frustrations of school, or work, or a conflict in a relationship. I would let these things take a toll on me and my life. My Dad would offer advice, "did you try this...?" or that, or that, and I would reply, to all, "No that won't work". After trying to console me numerous times. He would always say, "Well Megan, you can choose be happy. It's up to you". To which I would roll my eyes and walk away more grumpy than before. I have learned it is true!! My friend Donna Meister says it another way, "Some people walk in the rain, some people just get wet". The scriptures say it another way: Proverbs 23:7 "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." My Dad was right! I believe his words- if you want happiness, then choose it.
2. A short pencil is better than a long memory.
I often came to my Dad in his room and he is hunched over writing in his journal. Behind him- a bookcase full of journals. I have picked up my Dad's habits and become an avid writer. He emphasizes writing the precious things down so that we will have always have them and be ready to find more.
3. Happy wife = happy life.
He has never stopped loving my mom, and seeking to make her happy.
4. Serving others brings true happiness.
My friends have often come over and been given unending amounts of food by- you guessed it- my Dad. He gives and gives. I've heard some say, "Why is your Dad so happy?"
He always told me to serve others, but I'll never forget when he showed it. After a crazy, fun, famished day in Salt Lake, we stopped at McDonalds. At the drive-through I ordered my usual- the spicy McChicken. yum. We got our food and started to pull out of the parking lot. We stopped by the cross walk before the main road and as I pulled the food from the bag, I was caught by surprise to see my dad was putting his sandwich back into the bag and handing his bag of food out the window. I leaned forward and a looked outside, a homeless man, clothes torn and rugged, hunched over and pushing his shopping cart full his belongings. The man quickly grabbed it with a big smile on his face and said thank you. My dad waved and drove away. I will never forget how quick my Dad was to give to others in need, and I've never known a happier person.
5. The pearl of greatest price is eternal families.
He always said this. I finally looked into it a little more. Jesus Gave a parable in Matthew 13: 45 ¶Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold ball that he had, and bought it.
He always emphasized families, and the importance of doing fun activities together, and learning to get along. Families are the most important thing we have, the most precious gift, the most precious relationships, and we should seek that precious pearl and sell all we have to attain it. I now know that its only because Heavenly Father gave us his son Jesus Christ that we can have families that will last after death, and forever. Ultimately I am grateful to my Dad and Mom for teaching me about my Heavenly Father. They have instituted a desire to learn of God in all my siblings, and I have had a priceless spiritual journey getting to know Father in Heaven and his Son Jesus Christ.
This video captures a fathers love for his family. Although my family dynamic is much different- I can easily relate to this. I hope you can also. It touches my heart. Happy Fathers Day!
“At the last moment, He could have turned back. But He did not. He passed beneath all things that He might save all things. In doing so, He gave us life beyond this mortal existence. He reclaimed us from the Fall of Adam."Once we understand the fall of Adam, we will then understand the need for a Savior. (President Thomas S. Monson)
Although we will never understand what Jesus Christ had to go through, I will forever be grateful that he filled that need, and is our mediator with the Father. It isn't until we've lost someone that we can really appreciate Jesus sacrifice to know that will we see them again. "In certain situations, as in great suffering and illness, death comes as an angel of mercy. But for the most part, we think of it as the enemy of human happiness."
“My beloved brothers and sisters, in our hour of deepest sorrow, we can receive profound peace from the words of the angel that first Easter morning: ‘He is not here: for he is risen.'" (Thomas S. Monson). It isn't until we have felt the darkness of the world that we can appreciate the rejuvenating light that comes from the Savior.
I'm forever grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ. I know that the greatest act of love was for us, because we all need Him to live again and return to our Father in Heaven. He is risen.
What is peace? The concept of 'World Peace', to me, seems vague and unattainable. There is another connotation of peace that you feel for the ten minutes in a day when you get to sit down. The peace I love to ponder, and the peace I will write about is described by Elder Wirthlin. He says, "In the scriptures, peace means either freedom from strife, contention, conflict, or war, or an inner calm and comfort born of the Spirit that is a gift of God to all of his children, an assurance and serenity within a person’s heart." Serenity within a person's heart, well that sounds amazing! A teacher once described peace to me in two ways. He said it was:
1. Inner Peace. Peace towards God and towards oneself.
2. Outer Peace. Peace towards our fellowmen.
I have found direct correlation between these and the two greatest commandments.
"Matthew 22:16. Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37. Jesus said unto him, Though shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38. This is the first and great commandment.
39. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
40. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
When I read this next quote, imagine my excitement to find another correlation to this concept. This quote is from the publisher note to the book Jesus the Christ, "Elder Talmage's objection in his preparation of this unique volume was to develop in readers a knowledge of and a moving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The individual who has such faith is at peace with himself, with God, and with his fellowmen." Jesus the Christ page xiv
Analogy Time
I love the beach!! The ocean is magnificent, so any chance I have to talk about it I will. I lived in Hawaii' 2 years ago and I often wish I was there on the beach. The main difference about my life on the main land and on that beautiful island-is peace. The chill attitude really rubbed off. Are your ready for analogy time? Ok, pay attention...When walking to the beach we didn't know what to expect; would the sun stay out? Would the waves be high, would the seed weed drift on shore? Would the jellyfish sting us? Would the ocean floor have rough reef? So many unpredictable things! But there is a constant. The waves will keep coming, and keep hitting the ocean floor. (I can't quite remember a more peaceful time in my life then listening to that sound.)
Life is like an ocean; their are numerous variables and chaotic conditions that we cannot predict. However our attitude and level of happiness can always be contast if it is built on the right foundation. If our faith in Jesus Christ is constant, we will not fall. Jesus Christ is the foundation we stand on when rough winds blow. I know that many unpredictable things will happen, rough winds will blow, but having faith in and trusting in Jesus Christ will bring us happiness, peace, and strength. It bring us peace with God, ourselves, and our fellow men.
True to the Faith has a beautiful definition of peace. If you too are intrigued by the concept of peace then read on!
“Peace,” True to the Faith, (2004),113–15
"Many people think of peace as the absence of war. But we can feel peace even in times of war, and we can lack peace even when no war is raging. The mere absence of conflict is not enough to bring peace to our hearts. Peace comes through the gospel—through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the ministration of the Holy Ghost, and our own righteousness, sincere repentance, and diligent service. Even when the world is in turmoil all around you, you can receive the blessing of inner peace. This blessing will continue with you as you stay true to your testimony of the gospel and as you remember that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you and watch over you. In addition to feeling peace yourself, you can be an influence for peace in your family, your community, and the world. You work for peace when you keep the commandments, give service, care for family members and neighbors, and share the gospel. You work for peace whenever you help relieve the suffering of another."
I love finding connections to characters through literature and film. When I find a good story with a relatable character, I'm hooked! Yet there are fewer occasion in my life when I am reading the Bible or Book of Mormon and I think "I can totally relate to this story!" For whatever reason, whether it be the era, language, because I was just going through the motions, I did not find frequent connection to characters in scripture. However when I do find that connection, it is a precious moment indeed. I have often heard that we talk to God through prayer and He talks to us through scripture. Then while reading scripture should I be reading intently and making connections?
I'm happy to say that I am seeking connections to characters in the scriptures much more, and I feel much more insight coming while I read. The most amazing thing I have in common with most the characters I love, is that their motive in doing good is to follow Jesus Christ. I also admit that the stories which have big events, and many times tragedies really get to me. I love them. And so some may wonder, "Why would this missionary post such a sad video on her first blog! Loca" But I'm not a loca. I've thought it through, and this story of relating scripture is too awesome not to share.
It is a story of two missionaries: Alma and Amulek. They both had amazing conversions to Jesus Christ. They, like many other apostles, "dropped their nets" in order to invite their fellow brothers and sister to come unto Christ. They followed God and walked in the light of the Lord through tragedy. I love this video.This mom, Jenny, succeeded in relating scripture to her. She loves Alma and Amulek, watch how it blessed her life.
Relating scriptures to our lives is crucial. I know that The Book of Mormon was written and translated for our generation. For you. So I invite you to experiment on its words; find connections while you read scripture. Talk to Him and He will talk back. And I know that when you read between the lines, and find the hidden principles and intricacies, you can find connections. Scripture and words from our Heavenly Father really can be precious to us, like it was for Jenny in the video. Feasting upon scripture will bring us closer to Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father, and it will bring the holy spirit more into our lives.
You can Alma and Amulek's story at http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/14?lang=eng
I highly recommend it.
