Busy October 3,2016

Hello everyone!

This one will be short. I'm on a time crunch, we have 2 appointments. 

Here's some insights from this week I've pondered.

Baring testimony prepares people to accept commitments you will extend. With this concept the progression cycle is applied. Missionaries give them Witness A, so the investigator can receive Hope, then Act, and receive Witness B. The challenging and testifying missionary executes this well, when he seals truths by baring testimony of them. Those truths are sealed by the presence of the Holy Ghost carried unto the hearts of the people. 

Thus, baring testimony is like a little radar that can be used to determine who is prepared. For the man that is prepared will allow the Holy Ghost to enter into his heart and will act because of the hope he received from the spirit. The missionaries should then invite. Upon extending that invitation to act,  the listening and prepared heart will gain a fresh view of God, and will see the way that is prepared by the Lord. Is this the principle of repentance? Yes it is.

My conversion experience echoes this very concept. As my bishop would bare testimony of the next step I needed to take for my return to activity, I would see a greater light of my potential as the the Holy Ghost entered into my heart. He would simply say "Do you understand what you need to do?" To which I would reply "yes bishop". He would then say "what is that?" I would then repeat back to him what the spirit taught me. "That is exactly right Jared. Are you ready to go to the next level?" In that moment the commitment was extended, and I would follow the guidelines established by the Lord in order to be worthy of that next step. I went from Priest to Elder, received a calling, turned in my mission papers, and received my endowment all based on receiving a witness of such act by the power of the Holy Ghost. The commitments he extended were not hard, because he was able to teach clearly the truth. He gave me witness A, which gave me a hope, I acted, and received witness B.  When all was said and done, he bore testimony that the will of the Lord was working with me, thus his testimony sealed the truthfulness of my actions, giving me greater confidence to act for myself. My mind was illuminated and my soul was filled with light, glory, and immortality. I was encircled about by them, and I knew for myself that the testimony of that man was true. 

This is identified in the confounding of Sherem. Jacob having been filled with the spirit of the Lord, was able to confound all of Sherems words. Because Jacob had gained a witness by the Holy Ghost that the scriptures are true, and that they testify of Jesus Christ. His conviction was sure because he was taught from the Holy Ghost that Jesus Christ shall come, and an atonement should be made. Sherem also read the scriptures, but did not have the same results, because he did not comprehend them by the spirit, but used his own logic and worldly wisdom. Sherems words did not have conviction, because they were not a testimony given by the spirit. But Jacob was able to confound Sherem by the conviction he had because of his dealings in the spirit. (Jacob 7:7-12) 

Elder Jared M. Greenburg 

Missouri Independence Mission 

Warrensburg Missouri Area

Spirit of Conviction September 26,2016

Hello! 

This week was saweet! 

Wednesday was when it really started to get good! We went and planted trees for a family in our ward. Missouri clay is much easier to dig! Still sweat my butt off though cause it was hot! Anyway, we got back to our phone and realized that we had received 4 referrals from the sisters. We were so happy that we went to the store to get them some cookies. Upon leaving I saw a man sitting in his SUV. The spirit spoke clear to me "go back, and talk to that guy" so I did. He was so prepared! We discussed many different subjects. When the Book of Mormon was presented, and we invited him to read it, he said "NO I WONT! Cause I already know it's the words of Christ" we said "how do you know?" He said "because I feel it in my heart, and only the spirit can do that, I've been looking for that feeling for quite sometime." We invited him to baptism right there and he is on date for October 22nd. 

That night at about 1205am we received a text from one of our former investigators. We had scheduled several appointments with this kid. We set up 2 church tours, but nothing came of it. He wouldn't show, and when we would call him he would have some sob excuse. Well, we hadn't heard from him in 2 weeks. But finally he sends us a text "Elders, sorry I haven't been able to get in touch with you. I have been in jail, but I would really like to talk to you. I have had some time to think" We scheduled a church tour, and he desired to repent and be baptized. He is also on for the 22nd! 

Friday we had an amazing experience! One that I will never forget! I learned what it means to be led by the spirit. We were in this place called Knob Knoster (IDK why it's called that...what kind of name is that?) anyway. it's out in the boonies of our area. We had an appointment fall through. But as I was sitting there i had an impression to go see someone in Leeton that kind of trip would cause us to back track 15 minutes, and the drive another 20. But it was so distinct that it could not be questioned. Off we went into the boons! We accidentally passed the home we were looking for, so my companion pulled into the drive way of a secluded country home. We looked on it, and decided to knock it. A women answered and said "we study all 5 of your standard works. My husband holds the priesthood, we believe that Joseph smith restored the truth, and we have church in our home every Sunday." We asked her if we could back and teach them a lesson this Sunday. She gladly accepted. Her husband was nice, and we sat down and began to discuss the gospel. This guy does not hold the priesthood, because his ordination was not under the keys of the prophet of the church. We ripped up and down their concerns for 2 hours! Each concern was resolved, or brought to a point where he had nothing but faith to rely on.  After each one of those concerns there was a moment of pausing and reflection on his part. We could tell that he was chewing on something. We invited him to pray about this stuff. He asked me how I knew it was true, and I gave him Moroni 10:3-5 and bore testimony of the prophet Thomas S. Monson. I then invited him to do what I did. He said he will ponder these things, and we will meet in a week. GOD LEAD US TO A FAMILY. MIRACLES HAVE NOT CEASED!!! 

The adversary will do anything and everything to get you to stay put. He knows that you recognize the Lords charge to open your mouth and declare this gospel. He knows that you have a conviction on your lips about Jesus Christ that will turn bad men good, good men great, and in the end great men perfect. In the words of Jack R. Christiansen "the devil don't kick dead dogs" if he didn't try and put fear into your heart before you go out for the day, you did not prepare with sufficiency, because the adversary is happy with those that lay down, and do not seek anymore. 

Missionaries that are full of zeal preach the gospel no matter who's watching, who's in their path, or the effort it takes to testify to the next living soul they see. They "Go...in the power of the ordination wherewith [they] have been ordained, proclaiming the gospel with tidings of great joy, even the everlasting gospel." The Lord leaves this promise "I will send upon him the comforter, which shall teach him the truth and the way whither he shall go"  

The adversary may tempt you to say "oh, he's mowing his lawn" or "they're getting unto their car" or "we are in a public place with too many people, isn't the gospel supposed to be personal?" Denying the fact that the Holy Ghost speaks to the mind and heart of all men. We can be completely silent on the outside, yet screaming with joy from within. Remember this simple promise that the Lord has given us in many different instances, it is a pattern all over in the scriptures. If you just Go, then the Lord will help you Do. "Go forth in the spirit, from multitude to multitude, declaring the word of God, even until [you] declare it unto them all" (Helaman 10:17)  "and it shall be given you by the comforter what you shall do" (D&C 31:11)

 

"And I was led by the spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do" (1 Nephi 4:6) Was Nephi led? Yes. Did he know exactly what he needed to do? No. It was unfolded by the spirit as he followed each and every prompting without stubbornness. As the charge is stated in 2 Nephi 32:5 "if he will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye shall do" if you have ever wondered what you need to do, you should first ask "did I enter in by the way" if you do not enter in, you will not receive the Holy Ghost, and you will be lost and discouraged. "It shall be given thee from the time thou shalt go, until the time thou shalt return what thou shalt do" D&C 28:15 if we are "faith unto me [the Lord], it shall be made known unto them what they shall do" D&C 52:4 it is when we place our confidence and faith in the Lord, that we are able to preach by His spirit, and know what we are to do. When we place confidence in our own talents, we will fall ever short of the daily tasks we need to perform. But if we place our faith in Christ, we will see miracles, and we will not under work. 

Something will come into every missionary that learns to recognize, and rely on the spirit. That is the spirit of  prophesy. Alma and Amulek knew the thoughts and intents of zeezroms heart because they "were given power that they might know of these things according to the spirit of prophesy" Alma 12:7 When we identify this style of teaching, we will be able to observe, listen, discern, and speak. We will not speak at them, but we will speak to their hearts. The things they yearn for are far more important to them, than anything else you could say.  

I have made it appoint to leave in the morning fully resolved that before my head hits the pillow at night, that someone, ANYONE will hear my charge to baptism. Each person I meet will know and feel my conviction of the Savior by the power of the Holy Ghost. One must be worthy and willing in order to have such a conviction. My goal in the gospel of Jesus Christ, is to have such a conviction, such a knowledge of the doctrine, that when I speak, it will go far beyond the words I say. But will be a conviction that can be felt to those who are seeking. The patterns we find in the scriptures are the anchors in which the Doctrine of Christ can be stitched to the fleshy tables of our hearts. 

I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!! 

Peace! 

Marshall District

Missionary Funeral

September 19.2016

Hello everyone! 

This week we walked and talked a lot. Not too much fruit was yielded, though there was a lot of seeds planted. I did not come on my mission to plant seeds, I came to harvest. (D&C 4) But, I find that the Lord is probably working on my endurance. Whenever someone accepts literature, but does not set a return appointment I just find it an opportunity to find someone that is waiting for me, or that the lord needs my time somewhere else. 

As we talk with people we try and identify 2 things. 

1.) what evidence do we have that the person we contacted felt the spirit?

2.) what evidence do we have that they want to repent? 

As we have done this we have been able to better identify the spirit in our work, and we have been able to invite more people to act on the repentant attitude they have. We help them identify that attitude by inviting them to be baptized. I haven't had one person tell me no, and I have not "been confounded before man." For I know that the Holy Ghost is the teacher. He aluminates the mind, and expands the heart as truth is unfolded. Those who receive this gospel, receive it best by a willing and open heart. They must let it into their hearts. We bring it unto, but they must let it into. I love that thought. Heavenly Father lets us exercise our agency even when he is speaking to us directly. 

I love being a full time missionary. I love my Savior. I love feeling the Holy Ghost in my life. It is the most enjoyable thing. Everything depend on that. 

Elder Jared M. Greenburg 

Missouri Independence Mission 

Warrensburg Missouri Area

September 12,2016

Hello! 

I hope everyone's week went well! I had a pretty good week! We had a few meetings, but we still managed to get some work done in our area. 

I had the wonderful opportunity of giving a training on Desires. I won't give the whole training, but I will touch on just a few points: 

1.) Agency only works if you are obedient. Disobedience causes the adversary to make you "miserable like unto himself". Thus we must educate our desires. Do we want to serve God, or Satan? Are the desires of our hearts leading us upward and forward toward God, or further from him? Do we aim for His pleas, or the worlds? 

2.) Righteous desires are more than passive preferences or fleeting feelings. Making a split second decision upon the arrival of instant gratification can lead to detrimental consequences.  In this realm, self mastery is not in our habitual attribute, but becomes an irritant. Righteous desires are those with eternal pleas, and not temporal things. 

3.) Those who truly want the desires of their hearts, will receive them without delay. For as Alma taught "I ought not to harrow up in my desires the firm decree of a just God, for I know that he granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life; yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction." (Alma 29:4) If you desire the things of the flesh, you will obtain them. IF you desire the things of God, you will get them. God does not remove your agency. He will respond to our earnest pleas. 

4.) If we are unhappy it is because we so desired to be. This one is difficult to recognize until one reflects on the eternal grand plan of progression. You see, we progress in only 2 ways. 1.) Toward God. 2.) Toward the Adversary. Each decision we make causes us to progress into darkness or light, Telestial or Celestial, Exaltation or eternal damnation. We set the standards of temptation. The sizing and the magnitude of temptation is determined to the heed we give to it. We make choices every day. Each choice we make is either a building block toward God, or a loop hole toward the adversaries final trap. We must then be honest with the consequences of our desires. We must be courageous enough to say that our desires are wrong and that we need to change. 

5.) Drawing upon the Atonement of Jesus Christ to change. As we recognize our wrong desires, we then must determine how we will change. Change in its process requires the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We must reflect upon our hearts, and prayerfully consider our eternal destiny. Are we really doing what's right when we act on our desire? Our all loving Heavenly Father wants us to have eternal happiness. That is His desire. He wants us to succeed and obtain all that he hath, and we can choose that path as we make the sacrifice necessary. 

I have recently began a study on the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ. The significance of this part of the Atonement is deep. 

Preparatory to affixing the condemned to the cross, it was the custom to offer each a narcotic draught of sour wine or vinegar mingled with myrrh and possibly containing other anodyne ingredients, for the merciful purpose of deadening the sensibility of the victim.

The Savior did not partake of such, knowing the contents it contained would cloud his focus on the children of men during his death on the cross, and with his communication with the Father. In that very moment, we can understand that the Lord really did engrave us upon the palms of his hands. He undoubtedly did so. 

As He was crucified there was one Malefactor on His right, the other on his left. Thus, the prophesy of Isaiah being fulfilled "he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." (Isaiah 53:12)

I know Jesus Christ performed the Atonement perfectly. There was no fault in His countenance, no disobedience in His choice, step by step he performed what was necessary for the children of men to succeed and obtain every needful thing. 

I love you, and I know that he also loves you. If he didn't, we would have been damned to hell at the first sight of sin. 

Elder Jared M. Greenburg 

Missouri Independence Mission 

Warrensburg Missouri Area

Got a hair cut. I wear my sun glasses inside cause it's always sunny in d-ville

September 5, 2016

Hello! 

This week we were lead and guided to a sweet family! We had somehow been lead to a boons area of the Ward. There we started contact people on the street one by one. Then I miracle happened! We began to approach this couple walking down the street with a baby in their stroller. By the body language they had given previous to me contacting them, I could tell they were not interested in talking to me. "Hey guys! We aren't interested" before I could hold my tongue from the sarcasm I had inside of me, I said "yeah, I knew that about 6 steps back; do you know anyone in the area that just lost a loved one that we could visit? Maybe had a baby kinda like you?" They didn't have anything for me, but the Lord sure provided! We knocked on the nearest door and a man walked out, grabbed my arm and pulled us into the garage. He said "Elders! Where are you from?" He talked to us as if he was a member. He continued "you guys have no idea what kind of month I have had. I just lost my 1 month old son, and I have been praying to God that the Elders would find me, and now you are here. I want to be sealed to my son, and I want my family to become members" 

An experience like that will leave a man in awe for several days; and it sure did! I love the sweet tender mercies of the Lord. 


I have had some serious allergies this week! It kind of stems from the fact that I went to Gods great vegetation! I got the wonderful opportunity to go to Adam-Ondi-Ahman and Far West Temple Site this week!!!! That is a sacred and consecrated ground my friends! Onto some deep doctrine....cover your ears and eyes kids! 

Starting here with the Grand Council at Adam-Ondi-Ahman as prophesied in Daniel 7:9-14

"9 ¶I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.

10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

11 I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.

12 As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time.

13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed."

"This council will be the most importance to this world. At that time there will be a transfer of authority from the imposter, Lucifer, to the rightful King, Jesus Christ. Judgment will be set and all who have held keys will make their reports and deliver their stewardships, as they shall be required. Adam will direct preside at this judgement, and then he will make his report, as the one holding the keys for this earth, to his Superior Officer, Jesus Christ. Our Lord will then assume the reins of government; directions will be given to the Priesthood; and He, whose right it is to rule, will be installed officially by the voice of the Priesthood there assembled. This grand council of Priesthood will be composed, not only of those who are faithful who now dwell on this earth, but also of the prophets and apostles of old, who have had directing authority. Others may also be there, but if so they will be there by appointment, this is to be an official council called to attend to the most momentous matters concerning the destiny of this earth." 

“When this gathering is held, the world will not know of it; the members of the Church at large will not know of it, yet it shall be preparatory to the coming in the clouds of glory of our Savior Jesus Christ as the Prophet Joseph Smith has said. The world cannot know of it. The Saints cannot know of it--except those who officially shall be called into this council--for it shall precede the coming of Jesus Christ as a thief in the night, unbeknown to all the world.” Joseph Fielding Smith

Because of this knowledge, I decided to study about the millennial Era, Nephi said that “because of the righteousness of his [the Lord’s] people, Satan has no power; wherefore, he cannot be loosed for the space of many years; for he hath no power over the hearts of the people, for they dwell in righteousness, and the Holy One of Israel reigneth” (1 Nephi 22:26). 

There are many who teach that the binding of Satan will be merely the binding which those dwelling on the earth will place upon him by their refusal to hear his enticings. This is not true. He will not have the privilege during that period of time to tempt anyone. It is true that the result of the righteousness of the Saints is that Satan cannot have power over them. The restrictions that will come upon Satan will be a result of two important actions by the Lord: (1) He will destroy telestial wickedness from the earth at His Second Coming; and (2) He will reward the righteous by pouring out His Spirit on them to such an extent that Satan’s power will be overwhelmed. Satan will not have the power to tempt or negatively influence the Lord’s people. Both the righteousness of the Saints and the operation of the Lord’s power are necessary to bind Satan: if the Saints do not give heed to God’s word, He will not give them His Spirit. And without the Spirit, they on their own cannot withstand the force of the adversary. 

Do we see why it is important to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and honor our covenants? We on our own cannot withstand the force of the adversary. We need the enabling power of Jesus Christ. Satan will be bound by the power of God; but he will be bound also by the determination of the people of God not to listen to him, not to be governed by him. The Lord will not bind him and take his power from the earth while there are men and women willing to be governed by him. That is contrary to the plan of salvation. To deprive men of their agency is contrary to the purposes of our God. 

Satan only gains power over man through man’s exercise of his own agency; and when Satan shall be bound, as the Lord says he will be for a thousand years, one of the great powers that will help bring this to pass will be man’s agency. The Lord has never forced men against their will to obey Him. He never will do so. If Satan, therefore, has power with man, it is because man yields to his influence.

So how do we prepare for this Millennial era? There are several ways, but I'll list a few I have identified in the scriptures. 

(1.) Repent, and don't procrastinate. Alma 34 "32 For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.

33 And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed.

34 Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world." 

(2.) Take Heed, learn to discern what the spirit of Christ is.  Moroni 7: "14 Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil.

15 For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night.

16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.

17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him."

(3.) Do not allow yourself to think that because it is the Millennium, that you will magically be able to do the right things. (Wickedness never was happiness) if you haven't been doing them now, you won't be doing them then.  Alma 41 "10 Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness.

11 And now, my son, all men that are in a state of nature, or I would say, in a carnal state, are in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; they are without God in the world, and they have gone contrary to the nature of God; therefore, they are in a state contrary to the nature of happiness."

In conclusion to this brain baby I had I will say this: I know that Jesus Christ lives. I know He lives. He is enough. Through Him I have been strengthened to carry the burdens of this life, and to liter on the path of discipleship my grievous transgressions, and imperfections. Without him, I am nothing, and I can do nothing. I love Him, and I know that He loves me. I know that God the Father loves his children. I am highly privileged to be one of those who has been called to be an instrument in His hands for the blessing of His children. I have joy in that and nothing else. 

Love you. 

This is Adams Alter of sacrifice built up after he was cast out of the garden. 

Preachers rock 

Oh dear,,, August 29,2016

Oh Warrensburg. "Oh wretched man that I am" I love the look of this
place, but man it feels dark here. That means there's a lot of work to
do! There is a college in our town along with the Whiteman Air Force
base so our ward is very unique! So many people moving in and out!

I was walking around contacting people the other day and came across a
man who asked me a very distinct question "What is the Holy Ghost?"
What a golden question! I think that was the Lord showing me that
people are searching here! I am extremely excited to have some success
in this area. My new companion is from Tooele. His name is Elder
Sagers. He works hard! He went to Stansbury and played on their
drum line. (Red head kid next to Ron) Pretty good dude. I'm still
getting to know him!

I'm also starting my 4 months to sexy challenge! I have been slacking
on my morning workout and a member is going to let me come over and
use his sweet gym! I'M pumped!

I came to an interesting observation this week.

We cannot live our lives with the risky chance of dying as an enemy to
God. Not only is it miserable, it is extremely unintelligent. We never
know when our "time to prepare to meet God" will be ended. We cannot
with good conscious say "when I am brought to that awful crisis; I'll
repent and return to my God". Life is not about squeezing our way into
the kingdom, but rather learning how to act appropriately so we can be
comfortable there.  There is a better way to live life; repentance.
Though it is hard to face our challenges and transgressions at times,
it makes an eternal difference in the end because we will hear the
Lord say at the final inning "well done, thou good and faithful
servant".  I know people who live there lives in complete and utter
misery, when they do not have to!

I had an experience this week that sunk deep into my heart. So deep
that it brought my own soul to ponder my life more fully, to
appreciate my life to its fullest. This moment that is so
sacred....changed me.

Before I got to Warrensburg I met with a family in Blue Springs to
thank them for serving me, and allowing me to serve them. At this
point I did not know where I was going. When the time to say good bye
came, I offered a prayer. After the prayer, the patriarch of the home
pulled me aside and said "Elder, you might know more about this than I
do. But I got a strong impression to tell you that there is someone in
your next area that has heard the gospel for quite some time now, but
when you invite him to be baptized, he will say yes. You need to find
him son." Pondering this experience for several days before transfers,
I was greeted with the calling to Warrensburg. I got here, and there
is indeed a special man that has been meeting with missionaries for
quite some time. I felt a connection with him immediately. I knew then
that this was the guy. The Lord has guided me along the path to teach
to this mans needs, though I have not invited him to be baptized yet,
I know that when I do, the Lord will be with me as I strive to
influence him.

The night before teaching him I had a dream. A man came to me in this
dream and began to explain to me that he had passed away several years
ago in an automobile accident. He went into great lengths of detail
about the accident. The car (bronco) was tipped upside down, and that
he had 4 friends with him. The car had rolled and each person was
ejected from their seats. The man that was talking to me did not make
it, he had died on scene. He said he had pulled his friends off the
road and laid them side by side to avoid further injury, and to ensure
that the paramedics would find them. He looked at me and said "I need
you to find my family and Baptize them. I want to baptized, and the
only way I can do that is if you find them and teach them." What a
powerful experience.

I wrote down the experience and pondered it throughout the day.
Finally, I arrived at this mans house to teach him. As we taught we
got on the subject of the gospel being preached to the dead. Somehow
he began to speak of a near death experience he had when he was
younger. He began to tell me the exact details of the dream I had the
night before. He said "my friend did not make it. But he made sure I
did". Through this experience I know exactly where to find the dead
mans family. I also know exactly who will be doing his work too. It
will be the man "that has been studying the gospel for quite some
time"  This experience changed my outlook on life for at least 3
reasons.
1.) The dead man came to me seeking consultation, because he had not
received the gospel on earth, and was seeking redemption. He chose not
to repent while in the flesh, and allowed himself with the risky way
of living his life, and dying as an enemy to God.

2.) Finding investigators to teach goes far beyond this life. There
are people on the other side that are praying that we find there loved
ones. When we find and baptize there loved ones we get them into the
temple immediately so they can be baptized for those who have been
seeking redemption on the other side of the veil.

3.) I need to live my life in such a way that if I were called home
today, I would be ready. I need to live a life that will not cause me
to be an enemy to God for eternity.


I know that the Lord directs this week!


Love y'all!

August 22,2016

Hello everyone!

We saw a lot of success this week, even though we haven't had much
time in our area. We had a missionary return home a week early for
school, so that put us in a trio  double covering 2 areas. We have
spent so much time in our car, and drove way too many miles! All weird
things aside, the Lord provided a way for us to accomplish the work in
this area.

I also hit my 20 month mark, so reality kind of set in, I still have
plenty of time!  Transfers are also this week. I will probably be
transferred due to the fact that my companion goes home next transfer,
and I've been here for 3 1/2. The unfortunate part of that is that I
have no idea where I am going until Thursday! YAY! I feel like I'm
going to Warrensburg. Probably!





Here are a few insights from my journal this week.

1 Nephi 19:7

The Atonement of Jesus Christ covers "both the soul and body". It is
"of great worth" to some. But others "esteem it to be a thing of
naught" Both have the opportunity to enjoy It. But I wonder what he
means by that "thing of naught."

Great Worth--Those who exercise faith in Jesus Christ, repent, are
baptized and honor those covenants, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost
which sanctifies the soul, and endure to the end, are those who see it
to be of great worth.

Can there be a grey area? Yes. There CAN be, but will that grey area
be sufficient? No.

The grey area of which I speak is this--People think that confession
IS repentance. It is a step in the repentance process, but it IS NOT
repentance. This is what I believe he was speaking of when he said
"they set it at naught and trample under their feet. Yea, Even the
very God of Israel do men trample under their feet." Or in other words
"they set him at naught, and hearken not to the voice of his councils"

The only way to use the Atonement of Jesus Christ and not set it as a
thing of naught, is to hearken to his counsels by exercising Faith in
him unto complete and sincere Repentance. If it isn't used in that
way, I believe it is used in vain. Falling happens when we allow
ourselves to turn back for just a minute on past mistakes. But with
full turning away from sin, comes the responsibility to forgive
ourselves, and not cause father any more grief.

The Atonement of Jesus Christ was performed in the furnace of
iniquity. He was rejected by the estranged, so he could save the
estranged. "the world because of their iniquity shall judge him to be
a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it;
and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and
he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering
towards the children of men." The testimony of the coming of the the
Lord. In this very instance we capture a significant testimony of the
for-ordained Savior. Only He could take that kind of iniquity and have
long-suffering, and loving kindness toward his accusers. Why did the
Lord have that kind of feeling toward us? Because those who see the
big picture, who see our eternal worth would know that it is not worth
it to lash out, or to give up. Those who know that all eternity weighs
on them, would do that.