This week was so legit. We were extremely bold this week about
preaching the gospel to everyone. We had many occasions that were
quite historical. One in particular was when we were knocking doors at
8:30pm. We came across this man vacuuming his front room with the door
open. He saw us coming, he stopped and said "alright what do you
want?" I gave him our spill and he said: "I don't like religion, all
church's just confound one another, and want money, and build
themselves up to get gain. I'm not a fan" I said without a moments
hesitation: "Brother, you believe in the apostasy! So do we! Our
message is that the church of Jesus Christ is restored." He said: "Do
you really want me to slam this door in your face?" And I said: "sure,
but I'll be back. I love ya!" I truly did see the hurt in that mans
eyes, but I saw his countenance change as I bore solemn witness of the
restored gospel.
On another occasion we came across a Baptist Preacher. (This was our
third for the week.) He had attended the temple open house of the KC,
MO temple in 2012. He said he had a few questions, and we were happy
to answer them for him. His 1st was the account in the Book of
Revelation Chapter 22:18-19 18 "For I testify unto every man that
heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add
unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written
in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the
book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of
life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written
in this book."
These verses of scripture have been cited repeatedly by those
attempting to discredit the Book of Mormon. After I let the Man go on
for about 10 minutes, he finally came to the end of his rope, and I
was finally able to answer his question. To use John’s words, only to
the words of “the book of this prophecy.” That is, the prophecy
contained in the book of Revelation. This is held by the fact that
some of the books of the New Testament had not yet been written when
John wrote the book of Revelation, and even those that had been
written and were in existence at that time had not yet been gathered
into one compilation.
After this, he looked puzzled. I then had room to testify of the truth
and divinity of the Book of Mormon, and of the restored Gospel. He
accepted a copy, and said he would read it. He then started to go off
about the Trinity, and how we are not Christians because we believe in
the GodHead. I quoted Acts 7:55-56 when God and Jesus appeared to
Stephen. "But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly
into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right
hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the
Son of man standing on the right hand of God." Clearly enough, we see
the testimony of 3 separate personages. One in purpose. I then
testified of the first vision when Joseph Smith saw God the Father and
his son Jesus Christ in the grove of trees in 1820.
Something clicked in my heart this week after being rejected several
times Elder Burke said: "should we just go rest or something" I said
without even realizing it: "No, I love preaching this gospel too much
to give up now. We can rest later." I grew 10 feet tall after that,
and we had many fruitful conversations with people this week. I don't
know what happened, but the Lord had strengthened me. And I was able
to carry out his work.
I have a testimony that Jesus is the Christ. He has taken upon himself
our infirmities, that we might return to our loving Heavenly Father,
and become like him.
Elder Greenburg
Missouri Independence Mission
Kansas City Missouri Area
Monday, October 26, 2015
Come to Zion, Come to Zion October 19,2015
This week was historic! I witnessed the opening of the Far West stake! There were 4,000 people in attendance. It was a beautiful sight! Our zone was changed up pretty bad. New zone leaders and everything. Pretty sweet. This week was a rush of trying to contact the 8 people we found last week, we dropped 4 already. Well, we actually found a family, and then we found out they weren't in our area, so we had to give them to the areas missionaries. It's cool though. Salvation comes either way.
Some lessons I learned from my studies.
What is the relationship between the first principles of the gospel and Christlike attributes?
Moroni 8:25-26
Faith unto fulfilling the commandments, is a line of obedience, which are both attributes of Christ. So first and for-most we must be obedient in order to show faith to our Heavenly Father. Obedience to the commandments is a principle of faith, especially when we don't fully understand, if we desire more faith, we must be more obedient.
When we are obedient we Repent of our sins. Repentance brings on the principles and attributes of humility, meekness, and submission to Gods will. When we Repent, we begin to seek Gods approval, we hunger to become better.
When we have repented, we are Baptized. Which is the first fruits of repentance. Because we exercised Faith we have kept the commandments. Which then brings a remission of sins. Aligning our wills with God is simply replacing bad habits with good habits.
When we receive a remission of sins we are Meek and Lowly in heart. Another attribute of Christ.
And then we Receive The Holy Ghost. Which is the comforter. When we feel the Holy Ghost we have hope, and perfect Love, and that is the principle of diligence.
Almost anything we desire, is achieved with discipline.
Discipline is the action of Obedience. Obedience is the action of Faith. Faith sends forth heavens power. Heavens power sends forth the comforter, the comforter sends forth love. And love enables us to be diligent. Love enables us to be patient, Charitable, courageous, humble, virtuous, and endowed with power. Only through the Holy Ghost can we see events, and people as God sees them. We cannot execute our purpose without it. Every Key indicator would turn into a competition, every person we meet would turn into a number or baptismal statistic, we would only search for investigators in clean environments and people that look the part of a clean soul, the next door we knock on wouldn't seem worth it, and eventually we would "be left unto [ourselves] to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints and to fight against God". In order to be A Christlike missionary I must learn that "No power, or influence can or ought to be maintained by Virtue of the priesthood; only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness and by love unfeigned. By kindness and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy and without guile" D&C 121
We can't become like Christ, if we do not execute our purpose. It's insanity to have one, and not the other.
"We need to be Christlike missionaries, not just do missionary things.
We follow his example-Develop his attributes-one action at a time."
I have a testimony of this everlasting gospel.
Elder Greenburg
Missouri Independence Mission
Kansas City Missouri Area
Some lessons I learned from my studies.
What is the relationship between the first principles of the gospel and Christlike attributes?
Moroni 8:25-26
Faith unto fulfilling the commandments, is a line of obedience, which are both attributes of Christ. So first and for-most we must be obedient in order to show faith to our Heavenly Father. Obedience to the commandments is a principle of faith, especially when we don't fully understand, if we desire more faith, we must be more obedient.
When we are obedient we Repent of our sins. Repentance brings on the principles and attributes of humility, meekness, and submission to Gods will. When we Repent, we begin to seek Gods approval, we hunger to become better.
When we have repented, we are Baptized. Which is the first fruits of repentance. Because we exercised Faith we have kept the commandments. Which then brings a remission of sins. Aligning our wills with God is simply replacing bad habits with good habits.
When we receive a remission of sins we are Meek and Lowly in heart. Another attribute of Christ.
And then we Receive The Holy Ghost. Which is the comforter. When we feel the Holy Ghost we have hope, and perfect Love, and that is the principle of diligence.
Almost anything we desire, is achieved with discipline.
Discipline is the action of Obedience. Obedience is the action of Faith. Faith sends forth heavens power. Heavens power sends forth the comforter, the comforter sends forth love. And love enables us to be diligent. Love enables us to be patient, Charitable, courageous, humble, virtuous, and endowed with power. Only through the Holy Ghost can we see events, and people as God sees them. We cannot execute our purpose without it. Every Key indicator would turn into a competition, every person we meet would turn into a number or baptismal statistic, we would only search for investigators in clean environments and people that look the part of a clean soul, the next door we knock on wouldn't seem worth it, and eventually we would "be left unto [ourselves] to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints and to fight against God". In order to be A Christlike missionary I must learn that "No power, or influence can or ought to be maintained by Virtue of the priesthood; only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness and by love unfeigned. By kindness and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy and without guile" D&C 121
We can't become like Christ, if we do not execute our purpose. It's insanity to have one, and not the other.
"We need to be Christlike missionaries, not just do missionary things.
We follow his example-Develop his attributes-one action at a time."
I have a testimony of this everlasting gospel.
Elder Greenburg
Missouri Independence Mission
Kansas City Missouri Area
Friday, October 16, 2015
HeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyOOOOOH
This week was pretty sweet! At the beginning of the week we had a goal
to find 7 New Investigators! I thought this was a little bit steep,
but the lord always proves me wrong. We worked very hard and found 8
new people to teach!
Then we got into a run in with a few Muslims! Pretty much the craziest
time on my mission. We street contacted a few guys after contacting a
few investigators, they were just chilling and talking with us, and
this big tall huge black dude steps out of the house, and walks up
behind us. We turned around and asked him what his name was. He had
the craziest look in his eyes, I thought he was going to kill us! Holy
Moses! He just looks at us and says "what are you doing? I am the son
of God" and he just went all out on us. What the junk....he tried to
give us 600 bucks to bail us out of jail. anyway....crazy dude, didn't
kill us. Just a drunk dude.
The steps of Faith building
(These are just impressions, and insights as I have study this passage.)
These first 4 steps are the pre-ground for faith. Every farmer plows
his field before dropping seed. We can plow our fields, and prepare
our spiritual grounds for seed and nourishment in preparation for more
faith.
"Alma 32:11 And moreover, I would ask, do ye suppose that ye must not
worship God only once in a week?
12 I say unto you, it is well that ye are cast out of your synagogues,
that ye may be humble, and that ye may learn wisdom; for it is
necessary that ye should learn wisdom; for it is because that ye are
cast out, that ye are despised of your brethren because of your
exceeding poverty, that ye are brought to a lowliness of heart; for ye
are necessarily brought to be humble."
Step 1: A man must be humbled by being compelled or by his own
instance. Faith cannot work without a building place, therefore we
must give place in order to grow. It's like a farmer, he has to plow
the field in order to place a seed. Likewise, On the Lords terms, one
must plow his own field, or it needs be plowed by someone the Lord
sent, usually his servants (*Cough cough* missionaries)
Alma 32:13 "And now, because ye are compelled to be humble blessed are
ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh
repentance; and now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find mercy; and
he that findeth mercy and endureth to the end the same shall be
saved."
Step 2: Repentance, we must seek to change, and we will obtain mercy
from it. In the "Gospel of Jesus Christ" pamphlet it states clearly:
"Repentance does not always mean making big changes. Often it simply
requires an increased commitment to live according to God's will. True
Repentance does not always happen quickly" in the end, if we have
obtained mercy, and take it a step further and ACT. We "shall be
saved"
Alma 32:16 "Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves without
being compelled to be humble; or rather, in other words, blessed is he
that believeth in the word of God, and is baptized without
stubbornness of heart, yea, without being brought to know the word, or
even compelled to know, before they will believe."
Step 3: Is the breaking ground of a Stoney heart. Steps 1&2 were the
blasting, now it's time to talk about the humble submission of
Baptism. If you have believed in the word of God, you would know that
you would need to be Baptized. It says so simply in (2 Nephi
33:10-11)"....hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if
ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall
believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the
words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all
men that they should do good....And if they are not the words of
Christ, judge ye--for Christ will show unto you, with power and great
glory, that they are his words, at the last day;"
Alma 32:23 "And now, he imparteth his word by angels unto men, yea,
not only men but women also. Now this is not all; little children do
have words given unto them many times, which confound the wise and the
learned."
Step 4: Listen to the spirit with submission. Even like a child.
Promise to follow those promptings. Mosiah 3:19 "he yields to the
enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and
becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and
becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love,
willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict
upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father."
PHASE 2 Of Faith Building
These next steps are in demonstration of nourishing, and helping our
faith take root in the word of God. We can obtain continuous guidance,
as we pluck the fruit of a good seed. The Action, is the application
of faith. The hope of faith. You can't have one without the other,
that's insanity.
Step 1, Action 1
Alma 32:28 "Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give
place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a
true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief,
that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to
swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions,
ye will begin to say within yourselves--It must needs be that this is
a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my
soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it
beginneth to be delicious to me.
29 Now behold, would not this increase your faith? I say unto you,
Yea; nevertheless it hath not grown up to a perfect knowledge.
30 But behold, as the seed swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to
grow, then you must needs say that the seed is good; for behold it
swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow. And now, behold, will
not this strengthen your faith? Yea, it will strengthen your faith:
for ye will say I know that this is a good seed; for behold it
sprouteth and beginneth to grow.
31 And now, behold, are ye sure that this is a good seed? I say unto
you, Yea; for every seed bringeth forth unto its own likeness.
32 Therefore, if a seed groweth it is good, but if it groweth not,
behold it is not good, therefore it is cast away.
33 And now, behold, because ye have tried the experiment, and planted
the seed, and it swelleth and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, ye
must needs know that the seed is good."
Action:
Alma uses the word "Beginning" 8 different times in these verses, in
connection with "grow" and "enlighten". Everything has to have a
beginning before progression starts, and hearts are changed. The
beginning could be finding people to teach, it could be a lifelike
matter such as someone prepared their field for a seed, the beginning
could simply be the missionaries knocking on their door, or a member
inviting them to dinner with the missionaries. Whatever the case may
be, it has to start with a beginning before it can progress to
something greater. It only progresses to something greater if the Holy
Ghost can testify of its goodness.
Step 2, Action 2:
Alma 32: 34 "And now, behold, is your knowledge perfect? Yea, your
knowledge is perfect in that thing, and your faith is dormant; and
this because you know, for ye know that the word hath swelled your
souls, and ye also know that it hath sprouted up, that your
understanding doth begin to be enlightened, and your mind doth begin
to expand.
35 O then, is not this real? I say unto you, Yea, because it is light;
and whatsoever is light, is good, because it is discernible, therefore
ye must know that it is good; and now behold, after ye have tasted
this light is your knowledge perfect?
36 Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither must ye lay aside your faith,
for ye have only exercised your faith to plant the seed that ye might
try the experiment to know if the seed was good."
Action
The action word is "KNOW". You must recognize that the seed is good or
likewise-the word is good. Acknowledge that it is from God, and that
your own mind did not come up with it. But it was divine revelation
from the almighty. The spirit is what expands out knowledge in that
thing. Light is discernible above all other elements, and if increased
can one day pierce the vail. The revelation begins to flow, and the
people begin to become enlightened.
Step 3, Action 3:
(Alma 32: 37-43)
Action
Nourish it until it takes root, and then continue to nourish it with
an eye of faith, looking forward to the fruit. The fruit, Is
revelation and guidance. If we desire more guidance and revelation, we
must have more faith, we must nourish our spiritual trees and be able
to pluck the fruit by and by and reap the rewards of everlasting life.
Nourishing the word takes diligence, patience, long suffering,
submission, and the continuation of the spirit. We can expand our
knowledge, our testimonies unto conversion, by nourishing the good
word of God, exercising what we know, and looking forward with a
positive mind to the future. If we choose to dwell in the past, we
will end up doing past things. If we choose to dwell in the future,
and the future is a righteous desire, we will eventually become that
righteous desire, our hearts will be changed, and we will know with a
perfect knowledge that it is in fact a good seed, it will take root,
and it will not be cast away. We will be building our foundations upon
the rock of our redeemer who is Christ the son of God. And THAT, is
how we can become "disciples of Jesus Christ, and declare his word
among his people, that they might have everlasting life"
I testify that not only does this work for us, as baptized members of
the church, but for those who are not yet baptized. Who need help
building their faith. We can help them if we understand our purpose,
walk with patience, are uplifted by prayer, and labor with power. If
we are not bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, divided or
delayed. If we do not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the
presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder
in the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. If we
do not give up, shut up, or let up. We can can go until he comes, give
until we drop, preach until we know, and work until he stops us. Our
lamps will be filled, and we will be endowed with power.
to find 7 New Investigators! I thought this was a little bit steep,
but the lord always proves me wrong. We worked very hard and found 8
new people to teach!
Then we got into a run in with a few Muslims! Pretty much the craziest
time on my mission. We street contacted a few guys after contacting a
few investigators, they were just chilling and talking with us, and
this big tall huge black dude steps out of the house, and walks up
behind us. We turned around and asked him what his name was. He had
the craziest look in his eyes, I thought he was going to kill us! Holy
Moses! He just looks at us and says "what are you doing? I am the son
of God" and he just went all out on us. What the junk....he tried to
give us 600 bucks to bail us out of jail. anyway....crazy dude, didn't
kill us. Just a drunk dude.
The steps of Faith building
(These are just impressions, and insights as I have study this passage.)
These first 4 steps are the pre-ground for faith. Every farmer plows
his field before dropping seed. We can plow our fields, and prepare
our spiritual grounds for seed and nourishment in preparation for more
faith.
"Alma 32:11 And moreover, I would ask, do ye suppose that ye must not
worship God only once in a week?
12 I say unto you, it is well that ye are cast out of your synagogues,
that ye may be humble, and that ye may learn wisdom; for it is
necessary that ye should learn wisdom; for it is because that ye are
cast out, that ye are despised of your brethren because of your
exceeding poverty, that ye are brought to a lowliness of heart; for ye
are necessarily brought to be humble."
Step 1: A man must be humbled by being compelled or by his own
instance. Faith cannot work without a building place, therefore we
must give place in order to grow. It's like a farmer, he has to plow
the field in order to place a seed. Likewise, On the Lords terms, one
must plow his own field, or it needs be plowed by someone the Lord
sent, usually his servants (*Cough cough* missionaries)
Alma 32:13 "And now, because ye are compelled to be humble blessed are
ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh
repentance; and now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find mercy; and
he that findeth mercy and endureth to the end the same shall be
saved."
Step 2: Repentance, we must seek to change, and we will obtain mercy
from it. In the "Gospel of Jesus Christ" pamphlet it states clearly:
"Repentance does not always mean making big changes. Often it simply
requires an increased commitment to live according to God's will. True
Repentance does not always happen quickly" in the end, if we have
obtained mercy, and take it a step further and ACT. We "shall be
saved"
Alma 32:16 "Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves without
being compelled to be humble; or rather, in other words, blessed is he
that believeth in the word of God, and is baptized without
stubbornness of heart, yea, without being brought to know the word, or
even compelled to know, before they will believe."
Step 3: Is the breaking ground of a Stoney heart. Steps 1&2 were the
blasting, now it's time to talk about the humble submission of
Baptism. If you have believed in the word of God, you would know that
you would need to be Baptized. It says so simply in (2 Nephi
33:10-11)"....hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if
ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall
believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the
words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all
men that they should do good....And if they are not the words of
Christ, judge ye--for Christ will show unto you, with power and great
glory, that they are his words, at the last day;"
Alma 32:23 "And now, he imparteth his word by angels unto men, yea,
not only men but women also. Now this is not all; little children do
have words given unto them many times, which confound the wise and the
learned."
Step 4: Listen to the spirit with submission. Even like a child.
Promise to follow those promptings. Mosiah 3:19 "he yields to the
enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and
becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and
becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love,
willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict
upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father."
PHASE 2 Of Faith Building
These next steps are in demonstration of nourishing, and helping our
faith take root in the word of God. We can obtain continuous guidance,
as we pluck the fruit of a good seed. The Action, is the application
of faith. The hope of faith. You can't have one without the other,
that's insanity.
Step 1, Action 1
Alma 32:28 "Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give
place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a
true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief,
that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to
swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions,
ye will begin to say within yourselves--It must needs be that this is
a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my
soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it
beginneth to be delicious to me.
29 Now behold, would not this increase your faith? I say unto you,
Yea; nevertheless it hath not grown up to a perfect knowledge.
30 But behold, as the seed swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to
grow, then you must needs say that the seed is good; for behold it
swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow. And now, behold, will
not this strengthen your faith? Yea, it will strengthen your faith:
for ye will say I know that this is a good seed; for behold it
sprouteth and beginneth to grow.
31 And now, behold, are ye sure that this is a good seed? I say unto
you, Yea; for every seed bringeth forth unto its own likeness.
32 Therefore, if a seed groweth it is good, but if it groweth not,
behold it is not good, therefore it is cast away.
33 And now, behold, because ye have tried the experiment, and planted
the seed, and it swelleth and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, ye
must needs know that the seed is good."
Action:
Alma uses the word "Beginning" 8 different times in these verses, in
connection with "grow" and "enlighten". Everything has to have a
beginning before progression starts, and hearts are changed. The
beginning could be finding people to teach, it could be a lifelike
matter such as someone prepared their field for a seed, the beginning
could simply be the missionaries knocking on their door, or a member
inviting them to dinner with the missionaries. Whatever the case may
be, it has to start with a beginning before it can progress to
something greater. It only progresses to something greater if the Holy
Ghost can testify of its goodness.
Step 2, Action 2:
Alma 32: 34 "And now, behold, is your knowledge perfect? Yea, your
knowledge is perfect in that thing, and your faith is dormant; and
this because you know, for ye know that the word hath swelled your
souls, and ye also know that it hath sprouted up, that your
understanding doth begin to be enlightened, and your mind doth begin
to expand.
35 O then, is not this real? I say unto you, Yea, because it is light;
and whatsoever is light, is good, because it is discernible, therefore
ye must know that it is good; and now behold, after ye have tasted
this light is your knowledge perfect?
36 Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither must ye lay aside your faith,
for ye have only exercised your faith to plant the seed that ye might
try the experiment to know if the seed was good."
Action
The action word is "KNOW". You must recognize that the seed is good or
likewise-the word is good. Acknowledge that it is from God, and that
your own mind did not come up with it. But it was divine revelation
from the almighty. The spirit is what expands out knowledge in that
thing. Light is discernible above all other elements, and if increased
can one day pierce the vail. The revelation begins to flow, and the
people begin to become enlightened.
Step 3, Action 3:
(Alma 32: 37-43)
Action
Nourish it until it takes root, and then continue to nourish it with
an eye of faith, looking forward to the fruit. The fruit, Is
revelation and guidance. If we desire more guidance and revelation, we
must have more faith, we must nourish our spiritual trees and be able
to pluck the fruit by and by and reap the rewards of everlasting life.
Nourishing the word takes diligence, patience, long suffering,
submission, and the continuation of the spirit. We can expand our
knowledge, our testimonies unto conversion, by nourishing the good
word of God, exercising what we know, and looking forward with a
positive mind to the future. If we choose to dwell in the past, we
will end up doing past things. If we choose to dwell in the future,
and the future is a righteous desire, we will eventually become that
righteous desire, our hearts will be changed, and we will know with a
perfect knowledge that it is in fact a good seed, it will take root,
and it will not be cast away. We will be building our foundations upon
the rock of our redeemer who is Christ the son of God. And THAT, is
how we can become "disciples of Jesus Christ, and declare his word
among his people, that they might have everlasting life"
I testify that not only does this work for us, as baptized members of
the church, but for those who are not yet baptized. Who need help
building their faith. We can help them if we understand our purpose,
walk with patience, are uplifted by prayer, and labor with power. If
we are not bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, divided or
delayed. If we do not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the
presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder
in the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. If we
do not give up, shut up, or let up. We can can go until he comes, give
until we drop, preach until we know, and work until he stops us. Our
lamps will be filled, and we will be endowed with power.
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Officially interviewd by an apostle
Well, well! Dale G. Renlund (new apostle) is the one that interviewed
me back in March! I remember he taught me about patience. Pretty
legit!
I loved conference, it's like Christmas for missionaries! Henry B.
Eyrings talk was stellar! I got a few impressions I wanted to share.
There is no mortal man that is so much interested in the success of an
elder when he is preaching the gospel as the Lord that sent him to
preach to the people who are the Lord’s children”-Lorenzo Snow
-The Lord is interested in My success. Go figure right? This is the
drive I get, the stirring motions I feel, when I see a child of God in
my midst and the Restored Gospel is on the for-front of my mind and
heart. That is the Lords interests, he Atoned for that persons sins,
he knows that persons heart just as much as he knows my heart, and he
will testify with me as I bear record of him! I want to talk to them
because he expects me to, but further more, I should want to talk to
them because HE loves them, just as he loves ME, he wants that person
to come unto him, and I am the only tool that qualifies for the work.
How great is my calling.
As I reflected on the words that were spoken in General Conference, i
sought revelation in many different subjects. One in particular was
following the spirit, the desire to do so, the courage to act, and the
meaning behind it. I'm happy to say that the spirit taught me a great
deal while President Eyring spoke in the afternoon session on Sunday.
The spirit whispered: "Only through the Holy Ghost can you see people
as God sees them!!"
"The influence of the Holy Ghost can help you obtain the gift of
discernment, the talent and opportunity to lift others spiritually and
emotionally, and to see people as they really are. Compassion will
follow for your fellow beings, and you will be able to help them."
We found a guy from Sudan! He has a family of 10! He is inviting them
to sit in on our next visit! Holy Moses! We are excited!
We had a pretty great mission conference, I attached a video of us
singing "called to serve" to some members as a thank you for preparing
a lunch for us! Excuse my terrible singing
me back in March! I remember he taught me about patience. Pretty
legit!
I loved conference, it's like Christmas for missionaries! Henry B.
Eyrings talk was stellar! I got a few impressions I wanted to share.
There is no mortal man that is so much interested in the success of an
elder when he is preaching the gospel as the Lord that sent him to
preach to the people who are the Lord’s children”-Lorenzo Snow
-The Lord is interested in My success. Go figure right? This is the
drive I get, the stirring motions I feel, when I see a child of God in
my midst and the Restored Gospel is on the for-front of my mind and
heart. That is the Lords interests, he Atoned for that persons sins,
he knows that persons heart just as much as he knows my heart, and he
will testify with me as I bear record of him! I want to talk to them
because he expects me to, but further more, I should want to talk to
them because HE loves them, just as he loves ME, he wants that person
to come unto him, and I am the only tool that qualifies for the work.
How great is my calling.
As I reflected on the words that were spoken in General Conference, i
sought revelation in many different subjects. One in particular was
following the spirit, the desire to do so, the courage to act, and the
meaning behind it. I'm happy to say that the spirit taught me a great
deal while President Eyring spoke in the afternoon session on Sunday.
The spirit whispered: "Only through the Holy Ghost can you see people
as God sees them!!"
"The influence of the Holy Ghost can help you obtain the gift of
discernment, the talent and opportunity to lift others spiritually and
emotionally, and to see people as they really are. Compassion will
follow for your fellow beings, and you will be able to help them."
We found a guy from Sudan! He has a family of 10! He is inviting them
to sit in on our next visit! Holy Moses! We are excited!
We had a pretty great mission conference, I attached a video of us
singing "called to serve" to some members as a thank you for preparing
a lunch for us! Excuse my terrible singing
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Sept. 21st and Sept 28th Posts
Sept. 21, 2015
This week has been long and crazy, we haven't had too much going on,
just a lot of finding, there's a special character that is built when
you talk to people. Especially when they make you a "Hiss and a
byword" I love it. Training is so much fun, I always feel like I learn
more. Our zone got consolidated. That means there are 20 companion
ships in our zone now. That's huge!
This letter is short, but I'm going to keep trekking! We have a
baptism in October that's going to be sweet!
Love yall
I'm out.
This is a huge steak!
This week has been long and crazy, we haven't had too much going on,
just a lot of finding, there's a special character that is built when
you talk to people. Especially when they make you a "Hiss and a
byword" I love it. Training is so much fun, I always feel like I learn
more. Our zone got consolidated. That means there are 20 companion
ships in our zone now. That's huge!
This letter is short, but I'm going to keep trekking! We have a
baptism in October that's going to be sweet!
Love yall
I'm out.
This is a huge steak!
September 28, 2015
Welp this week was interesting. We found 2 new investigators, put them
on date, and then gave them to the sister missionaries because they
were single women. Salvation is coming whether by us or by them,
doesn't really matter as long as the work is getting done.
We had an awesome lesson with our investigator Chris. He's so ready
for baptism! He committed to living all the commandments, reads his
Book of Mormon every night, knows it's true, and who knows there is a
prophet on the earth, the only thing he is struggling with is church
attendance because he runs 5K's every weekend. But we had a sweet
lesson with him about the sacrament, and he grew in his testimony. He
committed to come to general conference this weekend with us! And then
every week after that! The down side is that we have to move his date
back because the week he's scheduled is for the 17th, and that's stake
conference, (go figure right?) it will be good for him to get the
habit forming of coming to church. He's 20 years old, so our vision is
seeing how much we can help him grow, maybe one day he will serve a
mission! That'd be shweet!
Elder Burke and I have been working hard. We have been trying to see
how "exactly obedient" we can be. We are at the starting stages, so
it's super rough but, we hope it gets easier. For instance, we cleaned
our apartment like crazy! It's like deep cleaned! We even did the tub!
Holy Moses you'll never see that in a missionary apartment! The past 3
tubs I've seen have been black! It's ridiculous! Hopefully this helps
Elder Burke get a good start to his mission, training is so crucial.
You can form good habits with a trainer, or bad habits. Hopefully I'm
helping him form good habits. I know it's helping me be a better
missionary, and more effective servant.
Stroke of sarcasm fell out of my mouth this week while at a door step.
(Anyone surprised?) so this 24 year old blonde girl answers, we spill
a short statement, and use the how to begin teaching point that says
" we will be guides so that you can learn the truth of our message for
yourselves. It is your choice to accept and act on the message."
"As you accept our message, you will learn how to make covenants, or
promises, with God. You will learn how to make changes to bring your
lives in closer harmony with His teachings. You will want to follow
the teachings of Jesus Christ and be baptized by proper authority" Ok,
so this is a normal thing for us. We invite literally everyone we meet
to be baptized, it's just what we do. If you want to baptize only a
few people, talk to and invite only a few people. If you want to
baptize everyone, talk to and invite everyone. So we go on with this
point of being "guides so they can accept and act on our message" and
she goes "well, I have a brain, so. I don't need you guys to come
around and 'tell me' I'll figure it out on my own." (Applicable
argument) hence why we say "we will invite, you act." That's what I
meant to say to her. This is what I actually said "well, ya know. What
we do as missionaries is simple. We extend invitations so you can USE
YOUR BRAIN to find those answers, and if you pray God will reveal them
to you." Oops. She uh, shut the door on us. I have found that I have
slight struggles with defending the truth, and being nice and
charitable in the process. Sometimes when people start to argue, or
try and "prove us wrong" with "false, vain, and foolish doctrines, and
shall be puffed up in their hearts, and shall seek to hide their
councils from the Lord and their works shall be in the dark" (2 Nephi
28:9) it just makes me want to drive a drill bit through my ear.
Probably one of the many reasons why I'm training again, and also
visiting with the mission therapist once a week.
Any-whom, far west Missouri. Ya know the famous "Adam-ondi-Ahman"
where Christ will return again someday. Yeah, well, they are opening a
Far West stake out there! Which is historical! The work is pushing
forward! The people are being prepared, and I thank my father in
heaven for this glorious privilege of being a missionary in the Alpha
and Omega mission. I know this is the land, I know that the Lord is
moving this work forward "like a stone cut out of a mountain without
hands" it's rolling forward, and it shall not stop. The opposition we
face is a "puny arm, trying to stop the Missouri River in its steady
course"-Joseph Smith.
Here is a picture of our Popsicle smoothies. Can't believe I didn't
on date, and then gave them to the sister missionaries because they
were single women. Salvation is coming whether by us or by them,
doesn't really matter as long as the work is getting done.
We had an awesome lesson with our investigator Chris. He's so ready
for baptism! He committed to living all the commandments, reads his
Book of Mormon every night, knows it's true, and who knows there is a
prophet on the earth, the only thing he is struggling with is church
attendance because he runs 5K's every weekend. But we had a sweet
lesson with him about the sacrament, and he grew in his testimony. He
committed to come to general conference this weekend with us! And then
every week after that! The down side is that we have to move his date
back because the week he's scheduled is for the 17th, and that's stake
conference, (go figure right?) it will be good for him to get the
habit forming of coming to church. He's 20 years old, so our vision is
seeing how much we can help him grow, maybe one day he will serve a
mission! That'd be shweet!
Elder Burke and I have been working hard. We have been trying to see
how "exactly obedient" we can be. We are at the starting stages, so
it's super rough but, we hope it gets easier. For instance, we cleaned
our apartment like crazy! It's like deep cleaned! We even did the tub!
Holy Moses you'll never see that in a missionary apartment! The past 3
tubs I've seen have been black! It's ridiculous! Hopefully this helps
Elder Burke get a good start to his mission, training is so crucial.
You can form good habits with a trainer, or bad habits. Hopefully I'm
helping him form good habits. I know it's helping me be a better
missionary, and more effective servant.
Stroke of sarcasm fell out of my mouth this week while at a door step.
(Anyone surprised?) so this 24 year old blonde girl answers, we spill
a short statement, and use the how to begin teaching point that says
" we will be guides so that you can learn the truth of our message for
yourselves. It is your choice to accept and act on the message."
"As you accept our message, you will learn how to make covenants, or
promises, with God. You will learn how to make changes to bring your
lives in closer harmony with His teachings. You will want to follow
the teachings of Jesus Christ and be baptized by proper authority" Ok,
so this is a normal thing for us. We invite literally everyone we meet
to be baptized, it's just what we do. If you want to baptize only a
few people, talk to and invite only a few people. If you want to
baptize everyone, talk to and invite everyone. So we go on with this
point of being "guides so they can accept and act on our message" and
she goes "well, I have a brain, so. I don't need you guys to come
around and 'tell me' I'll figure it out on my own." (Applicable
argument) hence why we say "we will invite, you act." That's what I
meant to say to her. This is what I actually said "well, ya know. What
we do as missionaries is simple. We extend invitations so you can USE
YOUR BRAIN to find those answers, and if you pray God will reveal them
to you." Oops. She uh, shut the door on us. I have found that I have
slight struggles with defending the truth, and being nice and
charitable in the process. Sometimes when people start to argue, or
try and "prove us wrong" with "false, vain, and foolish doctrines, and
shall be puffed up in their hearts, and shall seek to hide their
councils from the Lord and their works shall be in the dark" (2 Nephi
28:9) it just makes me want to drive a drill bit through my ear.
Probably one of the many reasons why I'm training again, and also
visiting with the mission therapist once a week.
Any-whom, far west Missouri. Ya know the famous "Adam-ondi-Ahman"
where Christ will return again someday. Yeah, well, they are opening a
Far West stake out there! Which is historical! The work is pushing
forward! The people are being prepared, and I thank my father in
heaven for this glorious privilege of being a missionary in the Alpha
and Omega mission. I know this is the land, I know that the Lord is
moving this work forward "like a stone cut out of a mountain without
hands" it's rolling forward, and it shall not stop. The opposition we
face is a "puny arm, trying to stop the Missouri River in its steady
course"-Joseph Smith.
Here is a picture of our Popsicle smoothies. Can't believe I didn't
know about this until now.
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