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
Monday, October 26, 2015
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.
Friday, September 18, 2015
Another Transfer Slayed
Heyyyyooooooooo!!
The transfer is coming to an end, and I have been given an assignment
to train a new missionary! Sick! I love training! I'm not sure where
this is going to put me, so if you have sent me physical mail (HAH!
Doubt it) I may not get it for a while. I'm not sure if they will
transfer me to a new area, or have me stay here and move the Zone
Leader spot somewhere else, or have me be a Zone Leader/Trainer (it's
happened a few times in the mission, but not likely in this case) we
will see! It's been a crazy week! We had a family of 4 attend church
yesterday! #bonusPoints! They are so ready to be baptized!
Other than that there is really nothing too new happening up in here!
We have an investigator that has been struggling like mad lately! The
opposition is intense, we haven't been able to see her! I study really
hard for her, and it was sad to see that we couldn't get in with her
because her Dad is passing. If we could just meet with her, we could
help her out so much! Anyway! She isn't understanding the grace of the
savior. And it sparked some thought I had.
"Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, suffered, died, and rose
from death in order that He could, like lightning in a summer storm,
grasp us as we fall, hold us with His might, and through our obedience
to His commandments, lift us to eternal life." -Elder Holland.
"Even after we have accepted Christ and repented of our sins, we may
fall short and sin again. We should continually try to correct these
transgressions. In addition, we should continually improve--to develop
Christlike qualities, to grow in knowledge, and to serve more
effectively. As we learn more about what the Savior expects of us, we
will want to show our love by obeying Him. Thus, as we repent daily,
we will find that our lives will change and improve. Our hearts and
our behavior will become more Christlike. We will come to feel great
joy in repenting daily." -Preach My Gospel p. 63
Repentance does not just mean "Recognizing, stoping, confessing,
forsaking, asking for forgiveness, and exercising faith" it is much
more indepth than that. Notice: it says "in addition" in that quote up
there. "We should continually improve--to develop Christlike
qualities, grow in knowledge, and serve more effectively". I have
often wondered how long it should take for me to start doing these
things again, to serve, and to work on developing Christlike
qualities. As repentance is applied it's easy to feel unworthy, and
it's easy to feel like we can't serve, or read the scriptures, or
pray, or strive for those Christlike attributes. But I have mistakably
missed the point! To Repent is to do those very things! Those things
are what bring on change! They are powerful enough to change someone's
Nature! The power of Gods words created the earth and the heavens, he
had the power to take Matter unorganized and by command he created a
world, and put us on it! So why on earth is it so hard for me to
understand that those words, can create a God? Why Is it so hard for
me to understand that he can fix a broken souls? Application to the
powerful words that come from the scriptures can, and will heal us. If
we let them. We have to choose, and we have to work at it. It doesn't
come easy, salvation never came easy. But we can sure practice. We can
put all things on the alter of sacrifice and rise above it. Rock
Bottom doesn't come, with the Savior waiting for us to jump. There is
a better option, that is repentance.
I bare witness that Jesus Christ lives! I know him, he has restored
his church, and through a prophet, he continues to guide and direct us
today.
Elder Greenburg
Missouri Independence Mission
Kansas City Missouri Area
The transfer is coming to an end, and I have been given an assignment
to train a new missionary! Sick! I love training! I'm not sure where
this is going to put me, so if you have sent me physical mail (HAH!
Doubt it) I may not get it for a while. I'm not sure if they will
transfer me to a new area, or have me stay here and move the Zone
Leader spot somewhere else, or have me be a Zone Leader/Trainer (it's
happened a few times in the mission, but not likely in this case) we
will see! It's been a crazy week! We had a family of 4 attend church
yesterday! #bonusPoints! They are so ready to be baptized!
Other than that there is really nothing too new happening up in here!
We have an investigator that has been struggling like mad lately! The
opposition is intense, we haven't been able to see her! I study really
hard for her, and it was sad to see that we couldn't get in with her
because her Dad is passing. If we could just meet with her, we could
help her out so much! Anyway! She isn't understanding the grace of the
savior. And it sparked some thought I had.
"Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, suffered, died, and rose
from death in order that He could, like lightning in a summer storm,
grasp us as we fall, hold us with His might, and through our obedience
to His commandments, lift us to eternal life." -Elder Holland.
"Even after we have accepted Christ and repented of our sins, we may
fall short and sin again. We should continually try to correct these
transgressions. In addition, we should continually improve--to develop
Christlike qualities, to grow in knowledge, and to serve more
effectively. As we learn more about what the Savior expects of us, we
will want to show our love by obeying Him. Thus, as we repent daily,
we will find that our lives will change and improve. Our hearts and
our behavior will become more Christlike. We will come to feel great
joy in repenting daily." -Preach My Gospel p. 63
Repentance does not just mean "Recognizing, stoping, confessing,
forsaking, asking for forgiveness, and exercising faith" it is much
more indepth than that. Notice: it says "in addition" in that quote up
there. "We should continually improve--to develop Christlike
qualities, grow in knowledge, and serve more effectively". I have
often wondered how long it should take for me to start doing these
things again, to serve, and to work on developing Christlike
qualities. As repentance is applied it's easy to feel unworthy, and
it's easy to feel like we can't serve, or read the scriptures, or
pray, or strive for those Christlike attributes. But I have mistakably
missed the point! To Repent is to do those very things! Those things
are what bring on change! They are powerful enough to change someone's
Nature! The power of Gods words created the earth and the heavens, he
had the power to take Matter unorganized and by command he created a
world, and put us on it! So why on earth is it so hard for me to
understand that those words, can create a God? Why Is it so hard for
me to understand that he can fix a broken souls? Application to the
powerful words that come from the scriptures can, and will heal us. If
we let them. We have to choose, and we have to work at it. It doesn't
come easy, salvation never came easy. But we can sure practice. We can
put all things on the alter of sacrifice and rise above it. Rock
Bottom doesn't come, with the Savior waiting for us to jump. There is
a better option, that is repentance.
I bare witness that Jesus Christ lives! I know him, he has restored
his church, and through a prophet, he continues to guide and direct us
today.
Elder Greenburg
Missouri Independence Mission
Kansas City Missouri Area
Non-denominational church's light me up.
Friday, September 11, 2015
YupOkay
This week was interesting. I'm slightly in kind of a funk. Not sure
why, but I guess that happens from time to time. We had an awesome
Mission Leadership Council this week. We went fasting for answers to
improve our mission. We broke off into groups with a set of questions
on where things could improve. President Vest left the room to council
with the Lord about them, and the council discussed the same questions
for 45 minutes. He came back Into the room, and the council and
President Vest came up with the same exact answers. The spirit guided
both of us, and it was amazing, we could see the hand of the Lord that
day. After the council we had to get Elder Fillerups temple recommend
renewed. I had a great discussion with Sister Vest in the mission home
about the Council. She expressed gratitude for having such young
people be mature enough to follow the spirit. I had a prompting to ask
President Vest for a blessing, I wasn't sure why, and I wasn't sure
what his response was going to be, but i did it. It's A testimony to
me that what the Lord needed me to understand was answered upon my
head as the blessing was being given. I know that the Savior Lives.
And he is pulling for each one of us. "Every soul is great in the
sight of God" and that's why "He gave his only begotten son, that
whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life"
he has not forgotten us. He will never forget us. What he asks from us
is that we exercise Faith. Which for some reason in the church is a
confusing Concept to understand. Each time I hear someone talk about
their Faith they always start with how much faith they "Don't have".
What a copout! We get what we focus on consistently. If we desire more
faith, we must be obedient. We must pray earnestly for the guidance
and direction of the Holy Ghost, and live in harmony with it. We might
be surprised at the changes we realize we need to make. As we make
those changes, we are increasing our faith. As we focus on that change
consistently, we rely on the Lord for help, and we get to work our
faith will grow, and we will gain stronger testimony in the doctrine.
The most miserable missionaries I know are those that 1.) Aren't
living their lives in harmony with spirit through disobedience,
dwarfed goals, and lukewarm commitments, but want the blessings that
come from the spirit. 2.) have the ability to listen to the spirit,
they live in obedience to the material things like staying clean,
listening to approved music, and watching their time. But they are
quiet within their hearts. They don't act on the promptings they
receive, and become frustrated within. They too, want the blessings of
Baptism, and they might Baptize, but a part of them dreads the day
when the teaching pool is low, and they have to start opening their
mouths. They don't baptize with "an eye single to the Glory of God"
but they do it for themselves. Some will step up, others with rely on
their companion, and the rest usually fall back into category #1 The
greatest missionaries I know Have the spirit, the courage to act on
the message he receives, and he does it. He gives all emotions to the
Lord, he understands his weaknesses of Faith, but recognizes the
principle that it will not GROW if he does not ACT. He doesn't need
much attention, but he gives everything he has. He is made strong, he
is happy, and he loves his mission, good times and bad. The conclusion
is that if we want more Faith, we must Act on the impressions we
receive. The Lord blesses those who act constantly.
We were able to find 7 new people to teach this week, and we have put
6 people on date for baptism. The Lord has blessed us with building
this area. We have literally asked every person we talk to if they
would be baptized, no matter where we are at, door step, mall,
anywhere. We haven't had a single person tell us No. I know the Lord
is a part of this work. I know that this church is true, I know that
the Book of Mormon is true, and is a blessing to all who will only
humbly submit to him. He wants to help, we just need to submit.
Here's a picture of Elder Garrick and I on exchanges after a 5AM
workout. He's from Stansbury, we went to junior high together,
Love ya!
why, but I guess that happens from time to time. We had an awesome
Mission Leadership Council this week. We went fasting for answers to
improve our mission. We broke off into groups with a set of questions
on where things could improve. President Vest left the room to council
with the Lord about them, and the council discussed the same questions
for 45 minutes. He came back Into the room, and the council and
President Vest came up with the same exact answers. The spirit guided
both of us, and it was amazing, we could see the hand of the Lord that
day. After the council we had to get Elder Fillerups temple recommend
renewed. I had a great discussion with Sister Vest in the mission home
about the Council. She expressed gratitude for having such young
people be mature enough to follow the spirit. I had a prompting to ask
President Vest for a blessing, I wasn't sure why, and I wasn't sure
what his response was going to be, but i did it. It's A testimony to
me that what the Lord needed me to understand was answered upon my
head as the blessing was being given. I know that the Savior Lives.
And he is pulling for each one of us. "Every soul is great in the
sight of God" and that's why "He gave his only begotten son, that
whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life"
he has not forgotten us. He will never forget us. What he asks from us
is that we exercise Faith. Which for some reason in the church is a
confusing Concept to understand. Each time I hear someone talk about
their Faith they always start with how much faith they "Don't have".
What a copout! We get what we focus on consistently. If we desire more
faith, we must be obedient. We must pray earnestly for the guidance
and direction of the Holy Ghost, and live in harmony with it. We might
be surprised at the changes we realize we need to make. As we make
those changes, we are increasing our faith. As we focus on that change
consistently, we rely on the Lord for help, and we get to work our
faith will grow, and we will gain stronger testimony in the doctrine.
The most miserable missionaries I know are those that 1.) Aren't
living their lives in harmony with spirit through disobedience,
dwarfed goals, and lukewarm commitments, but want the blessings that
come from the spirit. 2.) have the ability to listen to the spirit,
they live in obedience to the material things like staying clean,
listening to approved music, and watching their time. But they are
quiet within their hearts. They don't act on the promptings they
receive, and become frustrated within. They too, want the blessings of
Baptism, and they might Baptize, but a part of them dreads the day
when the teaching pool is low, and they have to start opening their
mouths. They don't baptize with "an eye single to the Glory of God"
but they do it for themselves. Some will step up, others with rely on
their companion, and the rest usually fall back into category #1 The
greatest missionaries I know Have the spirit, the courage to act on
the message he receives, and he does it. He gives all emotions to the
Lord, he understands his weaknesses of Faith, but recognizes the
principle that it will not GROW if he does not ACT. He doesn't need
much attention, but he gives everything he has. He is made strong, he
is happy, and he loves his mission, good times and bad. The conclusion
is that if we want more Faith, we must Act on the impressions we
receive. The Lord blesses those who act constantly.
We were able to find 7 new people to teach this week, and we have put
6 people on date for baptism. The Lord has blessed us with building
this area. We have literally asked every person we talk to if they
would be baptized, no matter where we are at, door step, mall,
anywhere. We haven't had a single person tell us No. I know the Lord
is a part of this work. I know that this church is true, I know that
the Book of Mormon is true, and is a blessing to all who will only
humbly submit to him. He wants to help, we just need to submit.
Here's a picture of Elder Garrick and I on exchanges after a 5AM
workout. He's from Stansbury, we went to junior high together,
Love ya!
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Temple Day
Hey everyone! Sorry I didn't write yesterday! We decided to go to the temple last minute, so we had to take our P-day a day later.
This week was awesome! We are seeing the fruits of finding those who are prepared. We found 5 new awesome people this week, and now
We miraculously have 4 on date for Baptism, and hopefully 2 more this week!:)
We had interviews with President And Sister Vest! We love it interviews because we just feel this lift of being edified each time!
The temple was amazing, as always! I feel a boost of energy and power that comes so tenderly whenever I go. The Lord speaks to us in so many different ways, it's amazing what you can learn.
This coming week is going to be a doozy! We have MLC all day tomorrow, and then we are training the zone on Thursday. That gives us literally no time to prepare any trainings! Then of course we can't not end our week without an exchange. We are going on exchanges with the assistants. I'll be going with Elder Garrick. We went to school together in junior high school and he's from stansbury. so this will be great! Haha!
Here are some insights from my studies this week about repentance.
D&C 18:10 Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;
-First thing we need to know about Gods nature is that he is not going to let us fall forever, and be in shame and misery, he has not sought out to destroy us, nor condemn us. We matter to him, if we didn't, the Atonement would not have taken place, and men would have been sold to the devil at Adams transgression. However, our Father recognized that sin was the problem, he knew it would keep us apart. He cannot stand sin, but he can stand the sinner. The Atonement was the only way sin could be taken out of the sinner.
"11 For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him.12 And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance."
-Here's the good news. In the grand council in heaven, we had our Fathers plan explained to us. When Christ said: "Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever." It was accepted. And we jumped for joy. Thinking about this moment has caused me much reflection. Repentance, is a change of mind, a fresh view about God, about oneself, and about the world. Furthering my point about God condemning the sin, and not the sinner. We feel Godly sorrow because we know the sin has effected us, we know that we did not follow the Lord. But that does not mean that sin has to become a part of us. What he asks of us is that we recognize that we have disobeyed his commandments, when we recognize this we know that we have gone carnal. Therefore we are not spiritual, and we are not in line with Gods will. The only way we can stop the Natural man is on conditions of repentance. The Atonement advocates the fact that we can be forgiven as we come unto the Lord and accept his power to overcome the carnal state that we are in. He can enable us to put off the sin, and become saints who keep on trying. He breaks us free from sin, and we become clean in the sight of God.
"13 And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth
-When I repent, I can imagine the Lord looking at me and saying "Elder, I am so proud of you. Thank you for trying again. You have given it another shot, you have kept the Faith in me!" I sometimes even feel a presence of someone hugging me. I don't imagine him saying "get away from me". We learn from scripture that when ever the Lord addressed the sinner he has said: "come unto me" I can picture him saying "please, don't abandon me, I know what you are feeling, just believe in me" I can even imagine the Father saying "oh child, please. Make the right choice, please. Choose to stay. Use my Atonement. I want to see you again" We are to "trust in that spirit that teacheth us to do good" one of those good acts is to come unto the Savior when we have not done our best, and ask for his best. That we might be able to do better. Our souls are great in the sight of God. He cares about us enough to give the option to receive redemption. He wants us to succeed. He has given us everything that we need to succeed. We just need to do those things with faith in his son, and an eye single to his glory. We are not working WITH Repentance. We are working THROUGH repentance. Our Father in heaven Weeps when he sees us struggle, hence why "the worth of souls is great in the sight of God". We feel the tugging guilt of our wrong doings because he is nudging us to change. The only acceptable change is through the Savior. We feel peace when we repent because we have become reconciled to God. We are no longer off the path but on it. God, cares, he is not playing the shame game. He is playing the change game.
This week was awesome! We are seeing the fruits of finding those who are prepared. We found 5 new awesome people this week, and now
We miraculously have 4 on date for Baptism, and hopefully 2 more this week!:)
We had interviews with President And Sister Vest! We love it interviews because we just feel this lift of being edified each time!
The temple was amazing, as always! I feel a boost of energy and power that comes so tenderly whenever I go. The Lord speaks to us in so many different ways, it's amazing what you can learn.
This coming week is going to be a doozy! We have MLC all day tomorrow, and then we are training the zone on Thursday. That gives us literally no time to prepare any trainings! Then of course we can't not end our week without an exchange. We are going on exchanges with the assistants. I'll be going with Elder Garrick. We went to school together in junior high school and he's from stansbury. so this will be great! Haha!
Here are some insights from my studies this week about repentance.
D&C 18:10 Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;
-First thing we need to know about Gods nature is that he is not going to let us fall forever, and be in shame and misery, he has not sought out to destroy us, nor condemn us. We matter to him, if we didn't, the Atonement would not have taken place, and men would have been sold to the devil at Adams transgression. However, our Father recognized that sin was the problem, he knew it would keep us apart. He cannot stand sin, but he can stand the sinner. The Atonement was the only way sin could be taken out of the sinner.
"11 For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him.12 And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance."
-Here's the good news. In the grand council in heaven, we had our Fathers plan explained to us. When Christ said: "Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever." It was accepted. And we jumped for joy. Thinking about this moment has caused me much reflection. Repentance, is a change of mind, a fresh view about God, about oneself, and about the world. Furthering my point about God condemning the sin, and not the sinner. We feel Godly sorrow because we know the sin has effected us, we know that we did not follow the Lord. But that does not mean that sin has to become a part of us. What he asks of us is that we recognize that we have disobeyed his commandments, when we recognize this we know that we have gone carnal. Therefore we are not spiritual, and we are not in line with Gods will. The only way we can stop the Natural man is on conditions of repentance. The Atonement advocates the fact that we can be forgiven as we come unto the Lord and accept his power to overcome the carnal state that we are in. He can enable us to put off the sin, and become saints who keep on trying. He breaks us free from sin, and we become clean in the sight of God.
"13 And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth
-When I repent, I can imagine the Lord looking at me and saying "Elder, I am so proud of you. Thank you for trying again. You have given it another shot, you have kept the Faith in me!" I sometimes even feel a presence of someone hugging me. I don't imagine him saying "get away from me". We learn from scripture that when ever the Lord addressed the sinner he has said: "come unto me" I can picture him saying "please, don't abandon me, I know what you are feeling, just believe in me" I can even imagine the Father saying "oh child, please. Make the right choice, please. Choose to stay. Use my Atonement. I want to see you again" We are to "trust in that spirit that teacheth us to do good" one of those good acts is to come unto the Savior when we have not done our best, and ask for his best. That we might be able to do better. Our souls are great in the sight of God. He cares about us enough to give the option to receive redemption. He wants us to succeed. He has given us everything that we need to succeed. We just need to do those things with faith in his son, and an eye single to his glory. We are not working WITH Repentance. We are working THROUGH repentance. Our Father in heaven Weeps when he sees us struggle, hence why "the worth of souls is great in the sight of God". We feel the tugging guilt of our wrong doings because he is nudging us to change. The only acceptable change is through the Savior. We feel peace when we repent because we have become reconciled to God. We are no longer off the path but on it. God, cares, he is not playing the shame game. He is playing the change game.
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