This week was good. We had transfers, and I got a new comp. Elder Sutton from Idaho. Honestly it's my last 12 weeks, and I'm trying hard not to check out.
We found a new family the other day. The Perry family. They are sweet. Invited us over for dinner on Tuesday. Super redneck, but we love the crap out of them.
Here's a few rough insights from my studies.
Many things in life "Doth worry your mind, which ye cannot understand". The family of God-our brothers and sisters-wonder where they came from, why they are here, and where they are going next. Whether it be at the moment of contact they make with missionaries, or a younger time, they have wondered these things, and have pondered them continually. Some have come to a conclusion based on mans understanding, and others still wonder, but have become preoccupied with the things of the world. No matter who it is, they have wondered it. Just like Alma teaching his son Corianton, we have the glorious privilege to do the same. Through the Book of Mormon we can unveil those truths to them, we can enlighten their minds with the wonderful knowledge of the great plan of happiness. It gives me great motivation to know that these things still worry the minds of the people. Whenever I ask someone the 3 key questions, and they respond with "not really" I have a mini freak out with them and say "Really? You have NEVER once thought about that? You have never been in a position to think about that?" They generally respond with "well, yeah. It has troubled my mind before"
Adam and Eve being cut off from the presence of the Lord became subject to follow after their own will. Heavenly Father was not quick to redeem them from the temporal death, but it was expedient that He redeem them from the spiritual death. This time of probation was given because of the fall, we dwell in our bodies today, so our spirits can receive redemption. This redemption comes by using our will to become redeemed on conditions of repentance. The Atonement of Jesus Christ was given as a gift to all. Those who partake of that gift, become fully subject to the blessings of standing in the presence of God, and entering into His kingdom. Those who do not, but remain in their sins, and harden their hearts, will suffer. It's like being given millions of dollars to pay for an impossible debt that could not be balanced, and then using it to get into more debt. Our "Impossible" debt has been paid through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He asks us to turn to Him in humility, and repent so he can cover us in His everlasting, and infinite sacrifice. "For except it were for these conditions, mercy could not take effect except it should destroy the work of Justice"
Being in the grasp of Justice, and being consigned to be cut off from God, we must needs have a means whereby the plan can be fulfilled. "The plan of mercy could not be brought about expect an Atonement should be made, therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of Justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also." As mortal and carnal men it is hard for us to comprehend a well rounded individual as this. Who is "just, perfect, AND merciful". There was no side step in His plan, no cut corners, Justice was satisfied and the children of men go free.
How could a man repent except he should sin? The Law was given, so that man would have a remorse of conscience, and desire repentance and relief from the punishment affixed.
How could he sin if there was no law? If there was not law given against sin men would not be afraid to sin.
How could there be a law save there was a punishment? There would be no claim for Justice, or mercy upon the sinner if there was no punishment given.
The trouble we face, is the trouble that comes from sinning. That trouble is called guilt, it is meant to bring us down so that we will repent, and become strong again through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. That trouble however, is not meant to play in our heart forever. For when we feel the pains of anguish and regret, the only intelligent thing to do is to repent. But, Satan knows that guilt will come if the man sins. Guilt will come, and because guilt comes that means Satan can play on that guilt. He can twist that guilt, and make a man feel like he is at the point of no return. He will make one feel unloved by God, by acquaintances, family members, and so forth. If Satan can twist words in the scriptures and can justify every day matters, what makes you think he will not try and claim guilt? it is his play ground. He thrives off of make men more miserable than they have to be. Knowing that guilt is an essential role in Gods plan, I can now understand that anything further than that guilt, is not of God. When repentant, I am fully submerged again in the will of God, and redeemed and forgiven. There is not need to play the shame game that the adversary loves to play. Men were not made to be unhappy forever, but to experience eternal happiness in the end. This happiness is achieved by recognizing the need for repentance, and humbly submitting to those conditions which were affixed by a loving God. He wants us to repent, because he knows that if we do not, the adversary will have an eternal hold upon our souls. That hold is not the end of Gods plan, that is not where he wants us to be. But we must choose where we want to be. Thank goodness we have a choice, and a time appointed to figure that our for ourselves. If I didn't know misery, I would not know happiness. I would not be able to govern myself, and recognize truth and error without this probationary state.
Love ya! 
Elder Jared M. Greenburg
Elder Jared M. Greenburg
Missouri Independence Mission
Warrensburg Missouri Area
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