Joy

Throughout the mission you are given the opportunity to experience bits of joy. The first introductory page of Preach My Gospel tells us that more happiness awaits us than we have ever experienced as we labor among God's children. I've been thinking about this statement for the last little while. Questions arise in my mind. What is joy, how do we have it, and how can we retain it consistently in our lives? As always the conclusions end up pointing us to Jesus Christ and following Him. 

Jesus gave us the great key to abiding fulfillment when he taught His disciples in Jerusalem. "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full"(John 15:10-11). What a beautiful formula! The secret to consistent joy is to follow the commandments of the Almighty God. But He didn't keep this secret hidden to those in the Holy Land. God told prophets in the Americas the secret to joy as well.

After a lifetime of serving as King, Benjamin delivers an address to the people of Zarahemla. He testifies of Christ's divine mission and fore ordination and teaches the people how to follow Him, how to find financial success, and how to find lasting joy. "I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God"(Mosiah 2:41). Again, what a beautiful algorithm. It's so simple. Keeping the commandments of God leads to happiness. What's more is He will prosper you. "If ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you" (Mosiah 2:22) -- wisdom from a leader and man of God. Thank you Benjamin.

It is important to keep in mind that joy is not an easy process. The Book of Mormon teaches us that Adam and Eve would never have experienced joy if they hadn't experienced misery (2 Nephi 2:23). It isn't until we experience the result of transgression that we know to prize the good (Moses 6:55). And in the end we can choose for ourselves whether we want happiness or misery (2 Nephi 2:27). I choose happiness! I choose the God of Abraham! I choose Jesus Christ, the Almighty God! The choice is mine.

To close I'll discuss the thoughts of a great teacher of mine. As is often the case the affect of her teaching imprinted in me more than the subject she taught. She observed how people can become jaded over the years. Some people's light seems to dim. But she taught me the importance of remaining unjaded. An insight that I will always remember. She probably doesn't know it meant so much to me!

I love you, take care now y'all!

Fundamental Unit of Society

Elder Albetson and Elder Tibubos joined the Angleton ward this last week as my companions. Elder Scott is back in Houston teaching in Vietnamese. With each companion I learn new insights and ways of teaching. This past week for whatever reason we've had ample opportunities to testify of the importance of the family in God's plan of happiness. We've passed out many proselyting cards with the picture of the Salt Lake Temple and have explained that families can be sealed in these houses of worship for time and eternity. Great blessings are found in the House of the Lord. 

The family seems to be the ne plus ultra of the Mormon community. We are taught young. Primary children grow up singing "families can be together forever through Heavenly Father's plan". We read from The Family: A Proclamation to the World that "the divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in Holy Temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally". We realize the family is the most important social unit this world has to offer (D&C 49:15-16). But the idea that we can be linked to our families after this life didn't originate in these latter days. 

Jesus Christ gave the keys (or authority) to bind on earth and in heaven (Matthew 16:19). This responsibility gave the Apostle Peter the opportunity to bind ordinances that took place on earth in heaven as well. This includes marriage and the child parent relationship. If someone is married civilly for example their marriage is "until death do you part". Or in other words the marriage was bound on earth and not in Heaven. Through the authority of the priesthood Jesus gave, this marriage can last past this life and on into the eternities. The authority was given in these last days to Joseph Smith. This is recorded in the 132 section of the Doctrine and Covenants. 

"For I have conferred upon you the keys and power of of the priesthood, wherein I restore all things, and make known unto you all things in due time. And verily, verily, I say unto you, that whatsoever you seal on earth shall be sealed in Heaven; and whatsoever you bind on earth, in my name and by my word, saith the lord, it shall be eternally bound in the heavens". 

The authority continues in an unbroken line of Prophets to this day.

The greatest joys and best memories of life are found within the family. It is no wonder God places strict commandments within the family unit. If these commandments are ignored the family disintegrates and our community and world suffers the consequence. At this opportune time I express my gratitude to you specifically Mom. Thank you! And equally so with Dad! I suppose that goes for everyone else as well! 

The spirit of Elijah is real-- " he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers" (Malachi 4:6).

Take care now, I love you

New Year

A smile creases our faces as we reminisce in what 2014 had to offer. Many good memories were had and shared. Everything from finding friends to teaching the gospel to getting rear ended by an F-350! These memories are cherished, and they really couldn't be made in any other way than full time missionary service. When Joseph Smith and the Saints were building the Kirtland Temple he told them God wasn't just building the Temple, He was building the Saints. The same is true on the mission. If you give Him your mind, your might, your strength, and your heart He will make something from them. He will make something of you. And allow you to see Him bless other people in the process. 

A couple highlights of the year: Hazard lights help signal cars to go around your vehicle in the case of emergency. Elder Scott and I realized these hazard lights also help when there are no real parking places in view. If you get back in the car quick enough you will be able to park virtually anywhere. So my heart sank when I saw a lowered Suburban pull up in my peripheral vision. Sure enough the police saw our car and the women walked up to our conversation. Fortunately, she was looking for someone else! Anywho, it was still an interesting experience. 

Studies have been great this year! There is so much happiness and peace found between the binding of the Old and New Testaments, the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. When read daily and pondered continually they become something you can rely on in a time of need. If I remember correctly Elder Scott of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles said a good scripture passage can be like a good friend. The right to prayer and revelation is real. Seek and you shall find.

But I would be less than honest if I didn't say the best part of missionary service is baptismal services. There is no better feeling than watching a brother follow the example of Jesus Christ and go down into the waters of baptism. To be baptized with the same priesthood authority John the Baptist held. When done correctly a binding promise is made and lives are changed. Jesus Christ showed the example by going straight to John to be baptized. He didn't go to an Sadducee, a Pharisee, or anyone in the Sanhedrin. He went to John because he was called before his birth to do the work he did. John's miraculous birth and name change told not only Jesus but the whole community that he held the authority to baptize. So Christ showed the example by going to him. That authority exists today.

We look forward to the memories in store during 2015! But until then take care now y'all and know that I love you!

December 22, 2014

Its a wonderful time of the year! We had an awesome Christmas program last Sunday. There were many musical numbers and great speaking. It is really humbling to rub shoulders with great people each week. 

This one's going to be short because I"ll talk to you via SKYPE later in the week.

Until then know that I love you!

Repair

Thank you for the prayers! It was an awesome week!

During the cool of the night Nehemiah rode his beast to observe the full damage Jerusalem had undergone. He saw the walls destroyed and the gates burned with fire. The city was once a strategic stronghold built above the Valley of Kidron, a literal fortress set on a plateau to protect the nation's capital. But it was broken down and battered. However, Nehemiah knew it could be rebuilt. He knew the promises of the Lord would be fulfilled. When he rallied the people to bring this great work about their memorable cry rung loud to those that observed."I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down"!

While speaking of this great reformation we can't forget Ezra's part of the plan. He worked as a scribe to help his people understand the laws of God and tutor them in His statutes and judgments. In my opinion his greatest task involved bringing "the law" within reach of every Jew instead of it being mainly the privilege of the priests. With this knowledge the average person could find out for him or herself what was expected and how he or she should act.

Last week I omitted a huge part of the repentance process. Repentance starts with faith in Jesus Christ, and changing accordingly, but the fruits of repentance (or the resulting joy) are not realized until an ordinance of the priesthood is performed (Moroni 8:25). An ordinance such as baptism by proper authority. But if we turn back to what we gave up it is not true repentance. 

On a completely different note we had an awesome opportunity after the ward Christmas party. There was tons of left over food so we went around town and gave food to different people we've worked with. It was fun! This is a wonderful time of the year!

I love you!

Taboo

You may feel today's topic of conversation far more sobering than usual. It's really the black sheep or runt of the litter you would rather keep out of mind. You may feel like Ebenezer Scrooge when the Angel of Christmas Present revealed the twin children of greed and neglect from beneath his robe. Scrooge would do anything to not look at them-- to not deal with them. But try as he would, the societal problems remained.

At issue is pornography. A recent study indicates nearly 100 percent of teenagers are exposed to pornography before exiting high school. If you've ever watched a James Bond movie, seen a magazine in a grocery store check out line, or viewed a hamburger commercial you'll understand the statistic. Many try to avoid the subject hoping to wash their hands of the situation, but scrub as they will the inside of their cup remains what It is while the outside looks presentable. 

If anyone has been captured by this malignant mole there is no secular escape. Although helpful, the Internet filters, self-help books, and checklists of life changing procedures don't solve the dilemma of the dirty inner cup. No mountain or hill can hide or fix what was partaken. Like always, the real solution is found in the Savior of the world. And it begins with faith in Him. 

Do we really believe Jesus Christ understands our temptations (Alma 7:11-12)? Do we believe he took our transgressions upon Him (Isaiah 53:5)? Do we believe His blood can purge our conscience to serve the living God (Hebrews 9:14)? Do we believe through Christ we can forget the shame of our youth (Isaiah 54:4)? In each case I answer unequivocally in the affirmative. 

Keep in mind we can believe all we want, but it is when we do we start acting in faith (James 1:22-25). 

"No, it's not without recognition of life's tempests but fully and directly because of them that I testify of God's love and the Savior's power to calm the storm"-- Jeffrey R. Holland.

I love you! 

Hierarchy

One Sunday afternoon Sister Penovich decided to wash all of our feet. I watched as each 9 year old in front of me took their turn to have their stinky feet sponged. When it came time for me I said I didn't want to take my socks off so she washed my socks too. While she did so I wondered why she took the time to do this. I knew it was part of some object lesson, but please, she's the teacher. Shouldn't she be doing something more important with her time? I didn't realize then that she taught by example what Jesus told his disciples long ago. "And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant".

 

In high school sports we would always worry who the best player was. We would even watch film on our opponents to see who the best was so we would know his weaknesses and exploit them. Many good memories were had watching film. "Did you see that swat?" "Watch out for him, he's first team all league". "He can't dribble with his left". After the video session we would know who the greatest was and how to guard against him. 

 

In the meridian of time Christ's disciples asked Him a very similar question. "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He responds by saying the greatest is like a child. And in a way we are all children finding our way through life. 

 

I think about Jacob's Ladder. He lays on a pile of rocks and dreams a wonderful vision. He sees heaven with a giant ladder reaching up to it from the ground. On the steps angels are going up and down. Some are close to God and some are far away. Each individual with a unique story and destination. It doesn't necessarily matter where we are on this Ladder of Life, it only matters that you are moving up and progressing. 

 

It seems that Jesus Himself walked each wrung of the ladder. He went from grace to grace until he received a fullness (D&C 93:12-13). One of the only scriptures that describes his teenage and pre-ministry adult life describes Him as increasing in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:52). He learned line upon line and precept upon precept.

 

After He spent a lifetime learning and growing and after His glorious transfiguration He tells us the secret to taking each step up the ladder. "And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted"(Matthew 23:12). It is interesting to think that exalt means to rise in rank and abase means to make lower in rank. Doesn't this seem a little counterintuitive to you? But it is truth. It is wisdom. 

 

I would like to close with a seemingly unrelated quote. Before you read please have the radio playing either I Believe I Can Fly or Space Jam.

 

"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships"--Michael Jordan.

 

I love you