You guys are great

Another Mission

More Mission Reports coming your way!

I decided to put my thoughts and feelings on this blog - I'm hoping I have access in the Philippines - so you don't have an influx of letters in your email and you can safely ignore all missionary posts or you can jump on and see what is going on in my heart on any given week.

Having grandchildren in my home "living among my posterity" is really the greatest blessing and what I'll miss while I'm gone. I miss Corina too and wish we could see each milestone in her life. 

I talking about missing.........Rachel is leaving next Tuesday to go to college and that makes me cry way too often. I am so grateful that she is beautiful, smart, moving on in life with ambitions and goals and doing the right thing.........but my life will never be the same as the last of my 'children' will be gone.  I think one of the greatest tender mercies of the Lord is the fact that my attention is going to be on serving others instead of contemplating the loss of the life I once knew. This is going to be the start of a great adventure and hopefully I can be part of the preparation for the second coming of the Lord.

Dromedaries of Median

I love how Jeremiah describes the powerful affect of the scriptures sinking deep in him, "His word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones". God's word literally transformed Jeremiah's nature and helped him overcome the vicissitudes of life. He molded and shaped Jeremiah into an instrument in His hand to do His work. Isaiah (Jeremiah's teacher) described this process in his unique way, "The lord hath called me from the womb . . . and he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword . . . and made me a polished shaft". After the Lord shaped these men he used them to do a great work, helping and serving others. 

This last transfer we've had the opportunity to use different tools to accomplish different tasks. We repaired the side of a barn using a hand saw, tin clippers, a couple two-by-fours, and Elder McMillan's carpentry skills. We dug a pipeline trench using flat shovels, round shovels, and a narrow shovel. We also installed a chandelier with a Phillips screw driver. We trusted each tool for the specific task at hand. The tools worked well and we only broke one shovel. Fortunately, we didn't have to ask the penetrating questions penned by Isaiah "Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself".

Benjamin understood what it means to be an instrument in the hands of the Almighty. In Mosiah chapter 2 he speaks of service to God. He explains that if we give our lives to God in the service of Him and our fellow beings we will still be unprofitable. In the end the Good Shepherd supplies our needs. I love Benjamin's words "In the first place, He hath created you, and granted unto you your lives, for which ye are indebted to Him. And secondly, he doth require that ye should do as He hath commanded you; for which if ye do, He doth immediately bless you; And ye are still indebted unto Him, and are, and will be, forever and ever; therefore, of what have ye to boast?"

All good things come from God! This world was created by Him. Our bodies were made by Him. To Him we owe everything.

I'll leave you with the words of the Lord "Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work" (3 Nephi 22:16-17; Isaiah 16-17; Isaiah 44:12-13).

I look forward to seeing y'all in a week! I love you!

Sauld

We'll start off out of order with a quote from Sir Francis Bacon. "The joys of parents are secret; and so are their griefs and fears. . . Children sweeten labors, but they make misfortune more bitter". Within every parent-child relationship stands a tug and pull affect. This is natural and good. One person's decision directly impacts the other. And as we push and pull, learn and grow our parent-child relationship grows ( I would go out on a limb and say this applies to the entire family unit, i.e. siblings, aunts, uncles, etc.). On a personal note I am grateful to you for all you have done for me. I feel like Nephi when he writes the first line of the Book of Mormon "I Nephi having been born of goodly parents". Thank you!

Elder Dawe, McMillan, and I felt it pertinent to purchase month passes to the local recreation center for early morning workouts. This facility is equipped with the finest modern exercise equipment including treadmills, dumbbells, an ab workout thingy, and other materials created for the betterment of the body as a whole. We'll all attest that our daily exercise has intensified which directly affects the rest of our day. It is amazing how much the body effects the mind and spirit.

Think about Daniel shortly after Kind Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon took over the Israelite homeland. The king told Ashpenaz to find "children in whom was no blemish, but well favored, and skillful in all wisdom, and cunning knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace". Daniel was one of many chosen to compete in this intense environment. But he found an advantage that helped him and his buddies stand out. 

The King gave the entire group the same menu items to eat. Daniel looked at the food he was about to eat and felt if he continued he would "defile himself". Instead of eating the usual meal he decided to eat other foods that would help him. The results were quick, "at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat". Not only did he feel better physically, but he and his friends performed better intellectually. "God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom".

Having a health code has blessed the lives of God's children throughout time. For example under the law of Moses God administered a strict health code which helped the children of Israel not have disease and stay healthy. I am grateful God continues to bless the earth with a health code. He revealed to Joseph Smith this law of health "given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints".

This health code includes strict abstinence from Alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee, and illegal or harmful drugs. It also shows which foods are meant for the body including wholesome herbs, every fruit in its season, flesh of beasts and fowls used sparingly,and grain as the staff of life. I'm grateful you taught me this law from a young age. It blesses me and will bless generations to come. 

I love the promise given to those who remember to keep and follow this health code. "All saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; and shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures".

Molten Sea

We shared the privilege of family home evening with the Contreras family. The night began with the customary meal and spiritual message and ended great with a game called "Animal-Noises" or something like that. We formed a circle around the person in the middle who remained blindfolded. We then briskly walked in a counterclockwise motion if the person in the middle turned clockwise and visa versa. This made the individual completely disoriented when he or she stopped and pointed. The closest person to the pointed finger would then be politely asked to make an animal noise of the person in the middle's liking. After listening intently a guess would be given to ascertain who the noise actually came from. Needless to say it was a blast!

For the lesson portion of the evening we watched a great video about the Temple. It was awesome to see the beauty of the Temple and hear about what goes on in the Temple. During the film one scene really focused on the baptistry of the temple. The 12 statue oxen upheld the baptismal font just like it did in Old Testament times. Symbolism of spiritual things stood all around-- ways in which God tries to communicate to His children. The baptistry was pristine and pure which invites harmony and peace. 

Who can step into the baptistry and not think about the scripture found in 1 Corinthians 15:29? "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptised for the dead?" In the temple our deceased ancestors can accept the ordinance of baptism vicariously. An ordinance that is required to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5).

Have you ever wondered what happens to someone who never had the opportunity to be baptised by proper authority? Would God not allow them to enter His presence even if they hadn't been exposed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ? No, there is a greater plan for all of God's children.

As Paul taught the Corinthians, life moves on after death. If any of God's children didn't have the opportunity to accept Jesus Christ they will be taught in the the next life and have the opportunity given to accept Him and His baptism (D&C 138:29-30). Apparently even those who were exposed to the gospel but remained rebellious will be taught. It will be their choice to accept or decline the gospel of course, but if they accept they will receive greater joy than we can imagine. Then it is up to us to be baptized for and in behalf of them. In a very real way we have the opportunity to step into the waters of baptism for them and help them accept Jesus Christ in their lives. What an amazing opportunity! What an incredible plan! I am grateful this privilege has been restored to the earth.

I'll end with the words of Peter "For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit" (1 Peter 4:6).

I love you

Inquire

I like to see people ask questions. But I love seeing people ask the hard questions. Questions about life, death, commandments, polygamy, prophets, church, tithing, authority, etc. These show people are thinking and they want the truth. God likes it when we ask the hard questions in prayer. It shows humility on our part and leads us to the truth. But when we ask, it shouldn't be in an insouciant manner. We need to ask with real intent, nothing doubting. If we do, the simple promise is we will receive the wisdom we previously lacked (James 1:5-6). 

Examples of people asking the hard questions lay all over the standard works. "Will a man rob God?" "Which is the great commandment in the law?" "Why stand ye gazing up into heaven?" "Why weepest thou?" These questions lead to answers. These answers lead to truth. Truth leads to God. 

Joseph Smith grasped the importance of asking God the right questions at an early age. He grew up in a time of great religious confusion. Many churches claimed to be God's and continued to tell others the same. Joseph's father affiliated himself with the Methodist church. His mother went to the Presbyterian church. Which left Joseph at the crossroads of theological opinion. He wanted God. He wanted the truth. So he went out and found Him. 

In Palmyra, New York, Joseph Smith resorted to a quiet grove of trees to offer up to God the desires of his heart. In this grove Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father appeared in a glorious vision. Jesus Christ informed Joseph Smith that non of the churches currently existing were right. Joseph soon became a key instrument in the hands of the Almighty to restore the truths that were carelessly lost over centuries of darkness. Through Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ restored the privilege of saving ordinances. Ordinances such as baptism and the sacrament. 

Jesus Christ offered us a unique promise while he taught on the Mount. "Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened". Notice that ask, seek and knock are all action verbs. When we act in faith God rewards us.

When we ask in prayer it shows humility to God. He knows all things. He has all power. We submit to Him to receive guidance, protection, information, light, truth. Without Him we can do nothing. With Him all things are possible (Mark 10:27). I personally enjoy kneeling to pray because it is a physical manifestation to God that I submit to His will. Apparently, in Old Testament times some were known to pray prostrate. I may give it a shot. Why not?

I'll close with a praise-- "Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice (Psalm 141: 2).

I love you, take care now!

Remember

Elder Dawe drove us up to Mission Bend to be with some friends he knew that got baptized last Saturday. On the ride up we saw familiar landmarks that sparked memories of this area. As you may recall I served in Mission Bend as well a while back so we both had a lot to talk about. We reminisced in good times and arrived at the baptism with time to spare.

I'll have to admit the baptism was unique. The women that was baptized has a phobia of water. As she went into the font her breathing grew heavy. Elder Jensen struggled to baptize her under the water completely. It took several tries and silent prayers in the audience, but she overcame. It was pretty cool to witness. Her children that were baptized had a similar struggle but all came off the conqueror. I'm reminded of the scripture "Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ".

I hope I don't sound too nostalgic. Sometimes we can come off a little overbearing when we get  caught up in good memories. There is defiantly a balance here as with everything. For example we love the photos and videos of children and grandchildren but we don't need to witness their every step via camcorder or smart phone!

But there are certain things we must remember-- that God has decreed we remember. We must remember Jesus Christ. Shortly before His death He instituted the sacrament and told His disciples to eat and drink in remembrance of Him. They began gathering on the first day of the week to remember His Resurrection, life, and sufferings. When we partake worthily every week we are given the spirit to lead and guide us through our earthly journey. When we look to Him and live we can overcome the struggles of life.

I'll close with Jesus Christ's words to Joseph Smith "Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not."

I love you!