tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53128383460598402992024-03-08T04:49:32.429-08:00Elder Mariano LongAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622275263950177510noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312838346059840299.post-22896255857308696412015-05-11T14:05:00.001-07:002015-05-11T14:05:12.515-07:00My bid farewell...<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Hey there family and friends!
I am full of a lot of emotions, thoughts, and feelings as my two years
have pretty much came to an end... its so crazy to think that two years
ago i was in Mexico learning the language and all and adjusting to the
missionary life and preparing to leave to Honduras,then getting to
Honduras and starting a two year journey. Its hard to believe that this
two year experience is coming to a close. I know that this journey has
been like nothing i could have ever imagined to say the least, It has
been full of a lot of ups and some downs jaja but its been the most
memorable 2 years of my life. Looking back and reflecting a lot these
past few days my heart has been really filled with a lot. My year at the
Air Force Academy was quite the year and then leaving for a two year
mission to serve others and give back to the Lord i wasnt quite sure
what was going to happen. But now looking back, these past 3 years have
really been incredible. I would not change a thing. Most importantly i
would not change a thing to have served the lord with all my heart,
might, mind and strength every day for the past two years. I can
honestly say i have given the lord what i have and have enjoyed every
single day and learned more than i ever thought that i would learn, what
i have learned here with be with me for my entire life. I can say that i
am coming back a man. I would like to share with you some of my
thoughts and feelings that i have. I am so thankful for the United
States, and all that we have on american soil. I would not trade a thing
to be an american citizen. We are free, blessed , and given so much
opportunity that we MUST not take for granted. We must stand up for what
we have and believe cause not every country has it. I have seen and
been apart of so much and my love for being an american has grown ever
farther than i thought it would. We are more blessed than we can ever
imagine. I am so blessed to be an American. With that being said, we
need to be more thankful for the things that we have. My gratitude has
changed like no other... we are all spoiled and take the little things
for granted, bathrooms running water, and all the little things far and
between, we must thank our heavenly father for EVERY little thing that
we have. My level of gratitude for the states has grown and my love and
respect for other people in other countries as well has grown like no
other. My love for the culture here is imense. The Honduran people
really are amazing. They are extremely humble and loving and have taught
me what life is really about. I have gotten the big picture to say the
least... And most importantly these people have helped me grow closer to
my savior jesus christ and the lord himself. I have served these people
and they have served me. They have taught me what service is all about.
The lord served all of us throught the atonement of jesus christ. He
gave us all he ever had. He died for each and every single one of us and
gives us the opportunity to return and live with him once again. I love
my savior jesus christ and god. They are my fathers in heaven and have
done so much for me, the people here and each and every one of you. I
know that the lord lives and loves each one of us. I know that he wants
us to succeed in all aspects of life. We just need to be willing to do
his will. Doing his will and not ours is the hardest part in life. But, i
promise you that as you do what the lord has in store for you, you will
be blessed like no other. I have seen it in the life of other and also
in my own life here while being on the mission. Through service one can
feel the love for others and know what really brings true joy. I have
seen the lords hand every day in this work, i know that this work ishis
and we are just his representatives at this time. This work is his and
we are helping the rest of his sons and daughters come unto him and
recieve the blessings that he can poor upon each and every one of us.
The lord lives my brothers and sisters. I invite each and every one of
you to be obedient to all the lord commandments and you will be blessed
in these lattter days. I promise you that. I know that the gospel of
jesus chirst is the best thing that we can have in our lives. It changes
one and helps change so many others. I have seen it and been a personal
witness of this for the past two years. I know that you guys can all
have similar experience, but you must do your part. Obedience brings
blessings. Are you willing to do what the lord has in store for
you.....have the faith and believe me that being faithful to the lord in
all that we do , you will be blessed and you will live a much better
life. I love this work, i know its true and there is nothing better. I
am so thankful for each and every one of you, you have changed me and i
know that its throught the gospel of jesus christ and friendships and
families and the atonement of jesus christ that one day we will all have
the opportunitty to live together once again, i know this to be true, i
testify that the lord lives, and loves us and wants the best for each
and every one of us. I love you guys. I am so thankful for you guys, i
cant wait to keep in touch and grow together. I know all that i have
learned will and can be put into practice starting <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2027136184" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">thursday</span></span>
when the airplane touches down on US SOIL BABY! I am so thankful for
the time i have had to serve the lord and my loving brothers and sisters
of Honduras. I love you guys. Cant wait to see and talk to you guys.
LOVES.... </span><br />
<div style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
CON MUCHO AMOR</div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<br /></div>
Eler Mariano Long Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622275263950177510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312838346059840299.post-50644101411190237382015-05-04T12:21:00.002-07:002015-05-04T12:22:02.800-07:00I'm Forever Changed<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well there family and friends.... I
really don’t know where my time has gone. Two years ago... I was flying in with
this view and didn’t know what in the world was going to happen... Here I am
two years later, completely changed for the better and really don’t know what
to say. My life has been forever changed and I don’t know what else to say but
THANK YOU for all the love and support, you guys are the bomb. I miss and love
you guys and just over a week I will be leaving this airport with a completely
different view and perspective on EVERYTHING in life. I would not change a
thing, this has been the best experience that I could have asked for. The Lord
lives and loves each and every one of his children. What do you do for him... I
love the Lord and each one of you. I love you guys and cant wait to talk
and see many of you. LOVES LOVES LOVES. Make it a great week. Do something
special this week. I love you guys with all my heart! HAPPY MOTHERS DAY MOM...
You are very special. Thanks. Have a great week. </span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">#10DIAS#</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aim high in all that you do and put
your best foot forward.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Con mucho amor,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Elder Long</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622275263950177510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312838346059840299.post-78824735703683971942015-04-27T12:55:00.006-07:002015-04-27T12:56:15.179-07:00I LOVE THIS COUNTRY<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hey there familia and
amigos! I hope that all is good and that you’re kicking alive and doing well! I
am sweating my you know what’s off, but am working hard and enjoying every day
more and more. At the same time I am READY to be in the promise land and see how
things have changed and all. I can’t wait to see and hear from familia and
friends, but until then I am enjoying the best thing ever, living in Honduras! </span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s been great to
say the least, what an experience that it has been... I wouldn’t have done
anything different. It’s been crazy, full of great and exceptional experiences
and serving people that are really the best people. It’s been fast to say the
least and I am just trying to make the most of every last day... while getting
through the heat. It’s been SO hot it’s not even funny. Like 95 and hotter
every day with humidity to make you die.... but I can’t complain because there
are way worse problems I could have. So lets get down to it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So this week I was in
my area one time all week... yea… so that was way different than before. I was
in different areas of my zone. So I got to visit with a lot of the missionaries
and a lot of different areas and meet a lot of great people. I just love
working with people so much. I have learned so many things from so many good
people. It was an excellent time and the week went by super fast. </span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is always
wonderful to see people that are really changing with the gospel of Jesus Christ
in their lives. It is always good to see, hear and feel the testimony of someone
that has been converted, really converted. I wish I could sit down with each of
you and share the amazing and incredible changes I have seen in people. This
isn’t just people making changes. I have seen many of them do things that would
seem impossible. It has happened because of the Savior and his help.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">EVERYONE has a story,
what is your story? We need to make our own story in every aspect of our lives.
It will make us be such better people. So it’s always great to see other people
and all. It’s a great time. Other than that this week... that’s about it, all
is good!!! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We have a baptism and
hopefully another one before I leave. I am working hard giving the Lord my very
best every day. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Please watch, learn,
and act!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/bearing-our-burdens-with-hope"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/bearing-our-burdens-with-hope</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/obedience-to-the-ten-commandm"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/obedience-to-the-ten-commandm</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/the-savior-wants-to-forgive"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/the-savior-wants-to-forgive</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/the-other-prodigal-son"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/the-other-prodigal-son</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LOVE U
GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!! CAN’T WAIT TO SEE AND TALK TO MANY OF YOU. HAVE A GREAT
WEEK! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">AIM HIGH IN ALL THAT
YOU DO AND PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WHAT DOES THE LORD
HAVE IN STORE FOR YOU THIS WEEK........ </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LES QUIERO
MUCHO!!!!!!!!!!! TENGAN UNA BUEN SEMANA </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">ELDER LONG </span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622275263950177510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312838346059840299.post-82778773715526378702015-04-21T11:29:00.000-07:002015-04-21T11:29:53.563-07:00Working hard until the end<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Arial;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073711037 9 0 511 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hey there familia and
friends! Well, I really don’t know what to say besides I literally have died
this past week.... you can’t even imagine how hot it really has been this past
week. It’s been miserable. I am not going to lie haha I really haven’t slept
for an entire week. And the bad news is that it’s not going to get better any
time soon, supposedly this week is supposed to be upper 90´s all week.... so
yea and throw in the humidity in there and yea... that makes it for a good one
to say the least. During the day it’s bad but really it’s just the nights that
really get to you. So yea enough about the sweat report to say the least. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This week we spent
most of our week finding new gators to teach, so we did a lot of contacting and
finding some new gators to see if they are ready and chosen. So it was good to
get after it this week finding new people. It was a lot of fun to find some new
familias and good people and we made it fun and got to meet some really great
people.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I really love the
Latin culture. It’s great and the people are sooo amazing, I am going to miss
them so much. But I guess I will just have to find Latins to hang out with in
the states and maybe even find a Latin wife…wouldn’t that be sweet JAJAJA…you
never know! So other than sweating like crazy and just finding and leaving the
area better than when I arrived here, we are just plugging away. I want to
leave the area so that when the new missionaries come in after me it’s ready
and people are doing good, I am just working hard to help the new guy that
comes so there is lots of work to follow up on.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I can’t believe that
in just a few short weeks I will be going home. That is crazy to say the
least!! What else do I have for you? So this week there was a fire and we tried
putting it out so it didn’t reach the house and all but we had to finally call
the firefighters so yea I about got stuck in there because the smoke caught up
so fast and I could barely see or breath. So I bent this pole back... my adrenaline
got going so bad that I really don’t know where all the strength came. So the
pic below is of me destroying the pole and getting out before dying. So yea the
force of the body is incredible under panicked situations. Good stuff. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Today we had a barbeque
with the zone and I and two buddies did all the cooking and grilling. Don’t
laugh dad, we can cook, you’d be surprised. It was a good time today doing
that. Then we played some volleyball with towels and water balloons. This week
flew bye and I really don’t know what else I have to say, just working hard and
doing my part to leave the area better than when I found it. What else... just
sweating my you know what’s off! HAHA…working hard and sweating plenty. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ENJOY A TALK THAT I
READ AND LOVED, APPLY IT TO YOUR LIVES.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">“No Substitute for Family Prayer”</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">by H. Kent
Rappleye</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Modern prophets have
consistently taught that family prayer is essential if we are to protect our
families from the perils of today’s world.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The counsel of the prophet was plain and to the point:
“Parents, safeguard your families. … Pray together. There is no substitute for <a href="http://www.mormon.org/values/family"><span style="color: blue;">family</span></a>
prayer when all kneel together before the Lord.”<sup> <a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/2001/02/no-substitute-for-family-prayer?lang=eng&cid=HP_TH_4-16-2015_fENSN_xLIDyL2-2_#footnote1-21902_000_006"><span style="color: blue;">1</span></a> </sup></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Somehow
when I had listened to President Gordon B. Hinckley speaking in general
conference, I must have let those words be overshadowed by his announcement a
few sentences later that the Nauvoo Temple would be rebuilt. Yet as I reread
his talk in the Ensign, I realized that here was inspired counsel no one could
afford to ignore: nothing can take the place of kneeling with our families and
petitioning God for His help, guidance, and mercy. If we would help save and
strengthen our families, nothing else we do can replace family prayer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It
is counsel that President Hinckley has consistently offered. A decade ago, in a
First Presidency message in the Ensign, he similarly taught that “a return to
the old pattern of prayer, family prayer in the homes of the people, is one of
the basic medications that would check the dread disease that is eroding the
character of our society.”<sup> <a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/2001/02/no-substitute-for-family-prayer?lang=eng&cid=HP_TH_4-16-2015_fENSN_xLIDyL2-2_#footnote2-21902_000_006"><span style="color: blue;">2</span></a> </sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It
is a call that other prophets have consistently sounded throughout the history
of the Church. Following the sorrow and tragedy of World War I, for example,
President Heber J. Grant shared his feelings about family prayer: “I am
convinced that one of the greatest things that can come into any home to cause
the boys and girls in that home to grow up in a love of God, and in a love of
the gospel of <a href="http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/jesus-christ"><span style="color: blue;">Jesus Christ</span></a>, is to have family prayer. … I
believe that there are very few that go astray, that very few lose their faith,
who have once had a knowledge of the gospel, and who never neglect their
prayers in their families, and their secret supplications to God.”<sup> <a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/2001/02/no-substitute-for-family-prayer?lang=eng&cid=HP_TH_4-16-2015_fENSN_xLIDyL2-2_#footnote3-21902_000_006"><span style="color: blue;">3</span></a> </sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
have often reflected upon my own experience growing up in a home with family
prayer. I don’t remember ever being instructed by my parents on how to pray. It
was just something we always did in our family. My earliest memories of prayer
are kneeling as a family around the kitchen table, feeling the steady,
unwavering faith of my father. Although he passed away more than a quarter of a
century ago, I will be eternally grateful for his humble and sincere prayers.
He had many sayings and proverbs he used to impart to us children, but no
phrase of his is more often remembered than one I heard him pray every time he
spoke to Heavenly Father. It wasn’t a vain repetition but a daily, heartfelt,
and sincere petition: “Wilt Thou bless the poor and the needy, the sick and the
afflicted, and those who have cause to mourn.” Little did I realize at the time
that my father was teaching me compassion for others less fortunate and mercy
for those in need. No lecture or lesson has had as far-reaching an impact on my
soul as did this simple, faithful, heartfelt plea of my earthly father to our
Heavenly Father.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
have since learned that although one’s heart may be full and the desire great
to share thoughts and feelings with Heavenly Father, there needs to be a
special sensitivity to those who are participating. President Spencer W.
Kimball taught that family prayers should be “appropriate to the need. A prayer
of a single couple would be different from one for a family of grown children
or for one of small children. Certainly, it should not be long when little
children are involved, or they may lose interest and tire of prayer and come to
dislike it.”<sup> <a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/2001/02/no-substitute-for-family-prayer?lang=eng&cid=HP_TH_4-16-2015_fENSN_xLIDyL2-2_#footnote4-21902_000_006"><span style="color: blue;">4</span></a> </sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wise
parents will recognize the protective power of regular family prayer. President
Kimball taught: “No mother would carelessly send her little children forth to
school on a wintry morning without warm clothes to protect against the snow and
rain and cold. But there are numerous fathers and mothers who send their
children to school without the protective covering available to them through
prayer—a protection against exposure to unknown hazards, evil people, and base
temptations.”<sup> <a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/2001/02/no-substitute-for-family-prayer?lang=eng&cid=HP_TH_4-16-2015_fENSN_xLIDyL2-2_#footnote5-21902_000_006"><span style="color: blue;">5</span></a></sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><sup><span style="color: blue;"> </span> </sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Be
Consistent</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
challenge for parents in this age of rapid transit, rapid communication, and
hectic schedules is that families can easily fall into the habit of rapid prayer
or no prayer at all. Gathering the family together can be quite a challenge
when everyone seems to be headed in different directions at different times.
Even a half century ago, Church leaders were concerned with this intrusion of
busy schedules into family life. President George Albert Smith cautioned the
Saints: “I fear that, in the midst of the world’s confusion, of hurry and
bustle, many times homes are left without prayer and without the blessings of
the Lord; these homes cannot continue to be happy.”<sup> <a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/2001/02/no-substitute-for-family-prayer?lang=eng&cid=HP_TH_4-16-2015_fENSN_xLIDyL2-2_#footnote6-21902_000_006"><span style="color: blue;">6</span></a> </sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Later,
President Kimball counseled: “When we kneel in family prayer, our children at
our side on their knees are learning habits that will stay with them all
through their lives. If we do not take time for prayers, what we are actually
saying to our children is, ‘Well, it isn’t very important, anyway. We won’t
worry about it. If we can do it conveniently, we will have our prayer, but if
the school bell rings and the bus is coming and employment is calling—well,
prayer isn’t very important and we will do it when it is convenient.’ Unless
planned for, it never seems to be convenient.”<sup> <a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/2001/02/no-substitute-for-family-prayer?lang=eng&cid=HP_TH_4-16-2015_fENSN_xLIDyL2-2_#footnote7-21902_000_006"><span style="color: blue;">7</span></a></sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><sup><span style="color: blue;"> </span> </sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Be
Flexible and Creative</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some
parents may get discouraged trying to hold family prayer. They have a desire to
follow the counsel of our leaders, but because of conflicting work hours and
school schedules, it sometimes seems impossible for them to gather their
families to the same place at the same time. Even so, with faithful devotion to
the words of the prophets and a little inspired creativity, families can find a
way to pray together. Elder Joe J. Christensen, then of the Presidency of the
Seventy, gave an encouraging insight to parents when he counseled: “Remember
family prayer every day. With schedules as they are, you may need to have more
than one prayer.”<sup> <a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/2001/02/no-substitute-for-family-prayer?lang=eng&cid=HP_TH_4-16-2015_fENSN_xLIDyL2-2_#footnote8-21902_000_006"><span style="color: blue;">8</span></a> </sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Because
of the steady example of my mother and father, I can bear personal witness of
the value of these words of counsel from our leaders. When my parents had a
family of four small children, family prayer in the morning was not too
difficult to do on a regular basis. However, as we children got older, the
morning schedule of our family became unpredictable and hectic. There were
times when my father would have to leave for his job as an electrician at four
or five in the morning. My mother would arise with him and they would have
“family prayer” together before he left. Soon my sisters and brother would be
up for work or school, and my mother would have “family prayer” with them. Many
times I would be the last to arise in the morning and would rush to get ready and
run out the door. Without fail, my mother would call to me, “Let’s have family
prayer.” I would often complain that my ride was waiting or that I didn’t have
time. I am most grateful that my mother would ignore my pleas and excuses and
simply say, “You always have time for prayer.” In fact, my most prevalent
memory of family prayer in the morning is when my mother and I prayed together.
How grateful I am that she did not let busy schedules and the hustle and bustle
of everyone leaving for work and school get in the way of praying with her
family, even though it sometimes was in stages. Now that our children are
older, my wife and I often find ourselves kneeling in prayer with different
ones at different times before they leave for the day. It is not uncommon to
have “family prayer” three or four times in the morning.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don’t
Let It Slide</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">President
Hinckley has encouraged parents to be hopeful and to persist in holding family
prayer, even if the blessings of doing so are not immediately apparent: “I give
you my testimony that if you sincerely apply family prayer, you will not go
away unrewarded. The changes may not be readily apparent. They may be extremely
subtle. But they will be real, for God ‘is a rewarder of them that diligently
seek him’ (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/heb/11.6?lang=eng#5"><span style="color: blue;">Heb. 11:6</span></a>).”<sup> <a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/2001/02/no-substitute-for-family-prayer?lang=eng&cid=HP_TH_4-16-2015_fENSN_xLIDyL2-2_#footnote9-21902_000_006"><span style="color: blue;">9</span></a> </sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Faithful
adherence to the counsel of the prophet will bring blessings. Most children
probably don’t realize the impact their parents’ example will have on the rest
of their lives, but parents must persevere.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">President
James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, once told of an
interview President Kimball held with a bishop. President Kimball asked the
bishop how often he held family prayer. The bishop responded that he tried to
hold family prayer twice a day, but that his family probably averaged only once
a day. The prophet answered: “In the past, having family prayer once a day may
have been all right. But in the future it will not be enough if we are going to
save our families.”<sup> <a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/2001/02/no-substitute-for-family-prayer?lang=eng&cid=HP_TH_4-16-2015_fENSN_xLIDyL2-2_#footnote10-21902_000_006"><span style="color: blue;">10</span></a> </sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
teaching that we should have family prayers in the morning and the evening,
Church leaders have called for more than simply expanding the blessings we
pronounce upon our meals. President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “Just a few words
added to the blessing on the food, as is becoming the custom in some parts, is
not enough. We need to get onto our knees in prayer and <a href="http://lds.org/topic/gratitude/"><span style="color: blue;">gratitude</span></a>.”<sup>
<a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/2001/02/no-substitute-for-family-prayer?lang=eng&cid=HP_TH_4-16-2015_fENSN_xLIDyL2-2_#footnote11-21902_000_006"><span style="color: blue;">11</span></a> </sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">During
difficult times family prayers in the morning and the evening will not always
be enough. President Kimball said: “Never hesitate to gather your family around
you for your prayers, especially in those times when more than morning and
evening family prayer is needed. Extra needs require extra prayers.”<sup> <a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/2001/02/no-substitute-for-family-prayer?lang=eng&cid=HP_TH_4-16-2015_fENSN_xLIDyL2-2_#footnote12-21902_000_006"><span style="color: blue;">12</span></a></sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><sup><span style="color: blue;"> </span> </sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Teach
Your Little Ones</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Although
children learn to pray as they listen to their parents pray, family prayer is
meant to be a time for all the family to participate. Even very small children
should have the opportunity to voice family prayer. “One cannot learn to pray
by merely listening, but must be given experience.”<sup> <a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/2001/02/no-substitute-for-family-prayer?lang=eng&cid=HP_TH_4-16-2015_fENSN_xLIDyL2-2_#footnote13-21902_000_006"><span style="color: blue;">13</span></a> </sup>There is, of course, a proper order of
things governing who should direct family prayers. “If the father is home, he
takes charge, and calls on one of the family to pray. If father is not there,
the mother is in charge. If both are gone, the oldest child is in charge, and
every night and every morning, the family is on their knees in prayer to the
Lord.”<sup> <a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/2001/02/no-substitute-for-family-prayer?lang=eng&cid=HP_TH_4-16-2015_fENSN_xLIDyL2-2_#footnote14-21902_000_006"><span style="color: blue;">14</span></a> </sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As
children participate in family prayer and hear their parents speak to God in
humility, with faith in Jesus Christ, they can begin to learn things of the
soul in a setting that cannot be duplicated anywhere else. During family
prayer, children may begin to consider the answers to the great questions of
the ages: “Who am I?” “Why am I here?” “Where am I going?” Through family
prayer—and their own personal prayers that are thus encouraged—children will
begin to learn that they are sons and daughters of a loving Father in Heaven,
that they are here as part of a great and wise plan of happiness, and that they
can hope to return to their Father after this life. It is through family prayer
that children become acquainted with many eternal <a href="http://www.mormon.org/values/family"><span style="color: blue;">family
values</span></a>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What
an impact parents can have on their children if they pray as a family that
their sons will prepare for and be worthy to serve missions! How powerful will
be the message when parents pray that their daughters and sons will stay
morally clean and keep themselves worthy to enter the holy temple to be sealed
for time and all eternity! As parents plead for the Holy Spirit to be in their
home, children will come to know the importance of seeking the Spirit in their
own lives. As children hear their parents plead for help in resolving difficult
challenges and then witness the answers to those prayers, they will begin to
develop a spirit of inquiry of their own. They will pray with a desire to
knock, seek, and ask for help with problems and trials they face in their own
lives (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/7.7-11?lang=eng#6"><span style="color: blue;">Matt. 7:7–11</span></a>). The spirit and behavior that
parents leave as a model when they approach Heavenly Father in prayer will have
an important, long-lasting effect on their children. As President Kimball once
reminded parents, “Your little ones will learn how to talk to their Father in
Heaven by listening to you as parents. They will soon see how heartfelt and
honest your prayers are. If your prayers are a hurried and thoughtless ritual,
they will see this too.”<sup> <a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/2001/02/no-substitute-for-family-prayer?lang=eng&cid=HP_TH_4-16-2015_fENSN_xLIDyL2-2_#footnote15-21902_000_006"><span style="color: blue;">15</span></a> </sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Parents
can also learn much about prayer from their little ones, as did a group of
Nephite parents when the resurrected Savior appeared among them and loosed the
tongues of even their small children (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/26.14?lang=eng#13"><span style="color: blue;">3 Ne. 26:14</span></a>). Often the words given to little
children in prayer are more profound than they understand, but the humble,
listening heart can hear the Holy Spirit speak through them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don’t
Wait to Begin</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Families
that have not been having family prayer should not wait for some change in
conditions or some ideal time to start. There is no better time to begin than
now. Family prayer is a habit that should be part of a family from its
beginning—when a husband and wife become one through marriage. But families
that have not had the habit can usually begin it with little preparation; the
parents—or mother or father if the parent is single—can lead out and teach or
encourage the children to follow.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sometimes
there are special circumstances—a spouse or child who declines to participate,
for instance. But if the spouse will permit prayer or if the child will be
present, even without participating, a heart often can be won in the end by
humble, persistent, loving example. Over time, the benefits of family prayer
usually become obvious even to those who decline to participate, and they may
be learning from what they observe, even when they do not realize it. Many are
the stories of those who have been touched by prayers, both in the family group
and in the solitary, yearning heart that would not give up on loving.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
end result is worth whatever sacrifices we make to build the habit—and often
these are no more than small sacrifices of time. President Hinckley has said:
“I know of no single practice that will have a more salutary effect upon your
lives than the practice of kneeling together as you begin and close each day.
Somehow the little storms that seem to afflict every marriage are dissipated
when, kneeling before the Lord, you thank him for one another, in the presence
of one another, and then together invoke his blessings upon your lives, your
home, your loved ones, and your dreams.”<sup> <a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/2001/02/no-substitute-for-family-prayer?lang=eng&cid=HP_TH_4-16-2015_fENSN_xLIDyL2-2_#footnote16-21902_000_006"><span style="color: blue;">16</span></a> </sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Following
the devastation and terrible destruction that occurred after His crucifixion in
the Old World, the Savior appeared to the Nephite people and comforted them
with the counsel to “pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name,
that your wives and your children may be blessed” (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/18.21?lang=eng#20"><span style="color: blue;">3 Ne. 18:21</span></a>). What simple yet powerful direction
to a people who had lost and suffered so much. What peaceful direction to all
who suffer and need guidance in their families today.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Recently
a good father and husband passed away unexpectedly in his home. He was only in
his 55th year. His youngest son found him while the mother was away in a nearby
city. The boy’s older brother and sisters were contacted at work. Friends and
neighbors came to assist. The children gathered at the hospital with extended
family and priesthood leaders. Medical personnel tried in vain to resuscitate
the father, but he was gone. There was much sorrow and grieving. Mother was
finally contacted and sped to the hospital, not knowing that her eternal
companion had already passed away a few hours earlier and that her children had
been heartbroken and awash in grief and pain for some time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Upon
arrival, this mother was informed of the loss of her husband and taken to the
small hospital chapel where her children had been waiting. What a trial and
test lay before this woman! As she entered the chapel, her children rushed to
the comfort of her arms. Immediately, before much else was said, this wise and
steady mother said to her sorrowing children, “Let’s have family prayer.” And
so a family whose life and future had looked so bright and promising that
morning knelt together, arm in arm, to petition their Father in Heaven to help
and comfort them as they began the process of rebuilding shattered lives. The
members of this family testify that God heard their prayer. From that moment
on, there was strength and comfort. Testimonies were reaffirmed, hope was
steadied, and love and understanding filled the family circle. Father was gone,
but they knew it would be only temporary. Uniting in family prayer, they had
been reminded that through the grace and Atonement and <a href="http://www.lds.org/topics/resurrection?lang=eng"><span style="color: blue;">Resurrection</span></a>
of Jesus Christ, they would be together again as a family.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For
this family, for other families in the Church, and for all families throughout
the world, the words of a living prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley, bring
comfort, guidance, and promise of everlasting spiritual growth: “There is no
substitute for family prayer.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">SEE YOU GUYS SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<wbr></wbr>!!!!!!!!!
23 days baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder Long</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622275263950177510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312838346059840299.post-41891740904705853872015-04-13T14:09:00.003-07:002015-04-13T14:53:33.115-07:0031 days...<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:sans-serif;
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-alt:"Times New Roman";
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:auto;
mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well there familia
and friends… I hope that this email finds you guys all doing great, alive and
well! This week was very hot and humid to say the least. We spent a lot of time
at home this week because my companion was sick. We don’t know what he had so I
had to spend like 3 days at home with him. With that being said I did a lot of
reading and just getting my stuff organized and ready to head home soon. I
never have time for that kind of stuff so that felt good to get organized. It
wasn’t that very exciting of a week to say the least, nothing too amazing, or
nothing bad really happened. It was just anther week that passed by like
nothing!! </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So this week I spent
some time reading some talks from leaders of our church. There are a few that I
studied that I really liked that I want to share with you guys. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But first this week
we helped a single lady move her entire house, actually we did it this morning.
We got there at 6 am on the dot and finished around 12:00. It was great, I had
the entire zone humping and we got it done fast, in total we had about 10 or 12
people there doing work. More hands make lighter work and we worked faster and we
got done before the real heat of the afternoon hit. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We found also this
week a few new people to teach and all, so that is always exciting. Other than
that this week is going to be super busy because we are trying to find a lot of
new people and I really want to leave this area with a lot of people so that
the next person that steps in is in good hands. Other than that, just grinding
away and enjoying the sun and all! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thanks for the love
and support. I really would love you guys to read what I am going to share with
you guys. They are very good to learn from. So please read them and learn what
you can from them. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.4pt; margin-bottom: 15.05pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">The Music of the Gospel</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.4pt; margin-bottom: 15.05pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">The
music of the gospel is the joyful spiritual feeling that comes from the Holy
Ghost. It brings a change of heart.</span><b><span style="font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.4pt; margin-bottom: 15.05pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Years ago I listened to a radio interview of a
young doctor who worked in a hospital in the Navajo Nation. He told of an
experience he had one night when an old Native American man with long braided
hair came into the emergency room. The young doctor took his clipboard,
approached the man, and said, “How can I help you?” The old man looked straight
ahead and said nothing. The doctor, feeling somewhat impatient, tried again. “I
cannot help you if you don’t speak to me,” he said. “Tell me why you have come
to the hospital.”</span><span style="font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.4pt; margin-bottom: 15.05pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="14cb45abf01d089a_14cb4423bff4c21a_p6"></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The old man then looked at him and said, “Do you dance?” As the
young doctor pondered the strange question, it occurred to him that perhaps his
patient was a tribal medicine man who, according to ancient tribal customs,
sought to heal the sick through song and dance rather than through prescribing
medication.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.4pt; margin-bottom: 15.05pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="14cb45abf01d089a_14cb4423bff4c21a_p7"></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No,” said the doctor, “I
don’t dance. Do you dance?” The old man nodded yes. Then the doctor asked,
“Could you teach me to dance?”</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.4pt; margin-bottom: 15.05pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="14cb45abf01d089a_14cb4423bff4c21a_p8"></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The old man’s response has for many years caused me much
reflection. “I can teach you to dance,” he said, “but you have to hear the
music.”</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.4pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="14cb45abf01d089a_14cb4423bff4c21a_p9"></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sometimes in our homes,
we successfully teach the dance steps but are not as successful in helping our </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.mormon.org/values/family"><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">family</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> members to hear the music. And as the old medicine man
well knew, it is hard to dance without music. Dancing without music is awkward
and unfulfilling—even embarrassing. Have you ever tried it?</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.4pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="14cb45abf01d089a_14cb4423bff4c21a_p10"></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In section 8 of the </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://lds.org/study/topics/doctrine-and-covenants?lang=eng"><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Doctrine
and Covenants</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, the Lord taught </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/joseph-smith"><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Joseph Smith</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and Oliver Cowdery, “Yea, behold, I will tell you in your
mind and in your heart, by the </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://lds.org/study/topics/holy-ghost?lang=eng"><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Holy Ghost</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart”
(</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/8.2?lang=eng#1"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">verse 2</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">). We learn the dance steps with our minds, but we hear the
music with our hearts. The dance steps of the gospel are the things we do; the
music of the gospel is the joyful spiritual feeling that comes from the Holy
Ghost. It brings a change of heart and is the source of all righteous desires.
The dance steps require discipline, but the joy of the dance will be
experienced only when we come to hear the music.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.4pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="14cb45abf01d089a_14cb4423bff4c21a_p11"></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are those who
ridicule members of the Church for the things we do. That is understandable.
Those who dance often appear strange or awkward or, to use a scriptural term, “peculiar”
(</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-pet/2.9?lang=eng#8"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1 Peter
2:9</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">) to those who cannot hear the music. Have you
ever stopped your car at a stoplight next to a car where the driver was dancing
and singing at the top of his lungs—but you couldn’t hear a sound because your
windows were rolled up? Didn’t he look a little peculiar? If our children learn
the dance steps without learning to hear and to feel the beautiful music of the
gospel, they will over time become uncomfortable with the dance and will either
quit dancing or, almost as bad, keep dancing only because of the pressure they
feel from others who are dancing around them.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.4pt; margin-bottom: 15.05pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="14cb45abf01d089a_14cb4423bff4c21a_p12"></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The challenge for all of us who seek to teach the gospel is to
expand the curriculum beyond just the dance steps. Our children’s happiness
depends on their ability to hear and love the beautiful music of the gospel.
How do we do it?</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.4pt; margin-bottom: 15.05pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="14cb45abf01d089a_14cb4423bff4c21a_p13"></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">First, we must keep our own lives attuned to the correct
spiritual frequency. Back in the olden days, before the digital age, we found
our favorite radio station by carefully turning the radio dial until it lined
up perfectly with the station’s frequency. As we approached the number, we
could hear only static. But when we finally made the precise alignment, our favorite
music could be heard clearly. In our lives, we have to align with the correct
frequency in order to hear the music of the Spirit.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.4pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="14cb45abf01d089a_14cb4423bff4c21a_p14"></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When we receive the gift
of the Holy Ghost after</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://lds.org/study/topics/baptism?lang=eng"><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">baptism</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, we are filled with the heavenly music that accompanies
conversion. Our hearts are changed, and we “have no more disposition to do
evil, but to do good continually” (</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/5.2?lang=eng#1"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mosiah
5:2</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">). But the Spirit will not endure unkindness
or pride or envy. If we lose that delicate influence in our lives, the rich
harmonies of the gospel can quickly become dissonant and can ultimately be
silenced. Alma asked the poignant question: “If ye have felt to sing the song
of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?” (</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/5.26?lang=eng#25"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Alma </span><span style="color: #0091bc; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">5:26</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">).</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.4pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="14cb45abf01d089a_14cb4423bff4c21a_p15"></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Parents, if our lives are
out of tune with the music of the gospel, we need to tune them up. As President
Thomas S. Monson taught us last October, we must ponder the path of our
feet (see “Ponder the Path of Thy Feet,” <i>Ensign</i> or <i>Liahona,</i> Nov.
2014, 86–88). We know how to do it. We must walk the same path that we walked
when we first heard the heavenly strains of gospel music. We exercise faith in
Christ, repent, and take the </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://lds.org/study/topics/sacrament?lang=eng"><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">sacrament</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">; we feel more strongly the influence of the Holy Ghost; and the
music of the gospel begins to play again in our lives.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.4pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="14cb45abf01d089a_14cb4423bff4c21a_p16"></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Second, when we can hear
the music ourselves, we must try our best to perform it in our homes. It is not
something that can be forced or compelled. “No power or influence can or ought
to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood”—or by virtue of being the dad or
the mom or the biggest or the loudest—“only by persuasion, by long-suffering,
by gentleness and meekness, … by love unfeigned; [and] by kindness” (</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/121.41-42?lang=eng#40"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">D&C
121:41–42</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">).</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.4pt; margin-bottom: 15.05pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="14cb45abf01d089a_14cb4423bff4c21a_p17"></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Why would these attributes lead to increasing power and
influence in a home? Because they are the attributes that invite the Spirit of
the Holy Ghost. They are the attributes that tune our hearts to the music of
the gospel. When they are present, the dance steps will be performed more
naturally and joyfully by all of the dancers in the family, without the need
for threats or intimidation or compulsion.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.4pt; margin-bottom: 15.05pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="14cb45abf01d089a_14cb4423bff4c21a_p18"></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When our children are little, we can sing them the lullaby of
love unfeigned, and when they are obstinate and refuse to go to sleep at night,
we might need to sing the lullaby of long-suffering. When they are teenagers,
we can tune out the cacophony of arguments and threats and, instead, perform
the beautiful music of persuasion—and perhaps sing the second verse of the
lullaby of long-suffering. Parents can perform in perfect harmony the tandem
attributes of gentleness and meekness. We can invite our children to sing along
with us in unison as we practice kindness toward a neighbor who is in need.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.4pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="14cb45abf01d089a_14cb4423bff4c21a_p19"></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It won’t come all at
once. As every accomplished musician knows, it takes diligent practice to
perform beautiful music. If early efforts at making music seem dissonant and
discordant, remember that dissonance cannot be corrected by criticism.
Dissonance in the home is like darkness in a room. It does little good to scold
the darkness. We must <i>displace</i> the darkness by introducing
light.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.4pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="14cb45abf01d089a_14cb4423bff4c21a_p20"></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So if the basses in your
family choir are too loud and overbearing, or if the string section in your
family orchestra is a little too shrill or a little bit sharp, or if those
impetuous piccolos are out of tune or out of control, be patient. If you’re not
hearing the music of the gospel in your home, please remember these two
words: <i>keep practicing.</i> With God’s help, the day will come
when the music of the gospel will fill your home with unspeakable joy.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.4pt; margin-bottom: 15.05pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="14cb45abf01d089a_14cb4423bff4c21a_p21"></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Even when performed well, the music will not solve all of our
problems. There will still be crescendos and decrescendos in our lives,
staccatos and legatos. Such is the nature of life on planet earth.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.4pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="14cb45abf01d089a_14cb4423bff4c21a_p22"></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But when we add music to
the dance steps, the sometimes complicated rhythms of marriage and family life
tend to move toward a harmonious balance. Even our most difficult challenges
will add rich plaintive tones and moving motifs. The doctrines of the
priesthood will begin to distill upon our souls as the dews from heaven. The
Holy Ghost will be our constant companion, and our scepter—a clear reference to
power and influence—will be an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth.
And our dominion will be an everlasting dominion. And without compulsory means
it will flow unto us forever and ever (see </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/121.45-46?lang=eng#44"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">D&C
121:45–46</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">).</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.4pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="14cb45abf01d089a_14cb4423bff4c21a_p23"></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">May it be so in each of
our lives and in each of our homes is my prayer in the name of </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/jesus-christ"><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus Christ</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, amen.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ANOTHER GREAT TALK THAT I READ THIS WEEK </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Why, Marriage,
Why Family!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Above
the Great West Door of the renowned Westminster Abbey in </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">London,
England, stand the statues of 10 </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/jesus-christ"><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt;">Christian</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> martyrs of the 2</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">0thcentury.
Included among them is Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a brilliant Germantheologian born
in 1906.</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-why-family?lang=eng#1-12565_000_25christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Bonhoeffer became a vocal critic of </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the
Nazi dictatorship and its treatment of Jews and others. He was imprisoned for
his active opposition and finally executed in a concentration camp. Bonhoeffer
was a prolific writer, and some of his </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">best-known
pieces are letters that sympathetic guards helped him smuggle out of prison,
later published as <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Letters and Papers fro </span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Prison.</span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One of those letters was to his niece before her wedding. It
included these significant insights: “Marriage is more than your love for each
other. … In your love you see only your two selves in the world, but in
marriage you are a link in the chain of the generations, which God causes to
come and to pass away to his glory, and calls into his kingdom. In your love
you see only the heaven of your own happiness, but in marriage you are placed
at a post of responsibility towards the world and mankind. Your love is your
own private possession, but marriage is more than something personal—it is a
status, an office. Just as it is the crown, and not merely the will to rule,
that makes the king, so it is marriage, and not merely your love for each
other, that joins you together in the sight of God and man. … So love comes
from you, but marriage from above, from God.”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-why-family?lang=eng#2-12565_000_25christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In what way does marriage between a man and a
woman transcend their love for one another and their own happiness to become “a
post of responsibility towards the world and mankind”? In what sense does it
come “from above, from God”? To understand, we have to go back to the
beginning.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prophets have revealed that we first existed as intelligences
and that we were given form, or spirit bodies, by God, thus becoming His spirit
children—sons and daughters of heavenly parents.</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-why-family?lang=eng#3-12565_000_25christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> There came a time in this premortal existence of spirits when,
in furtherance of His desire that we “could have a privilege to advance like
himself,”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-why-family?lang=eng#4-12565_000_25christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> our Heavenly Father prepared an enabling plan. In the
scriptures it is given various names, including “the plan of salvation,”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-why-family?lang=eng#5-12565_000_25christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">5</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “the great plan of happiness,”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-why-family?lang=eng#6-12565_000_25christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">6</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and “the plan of redemption.”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-why-family?lang=eng#7-12565_000_25christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">7</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The two principal purposes of the plan were explained to
Abraham in these words:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“And there stood one among them that was like
unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there
is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth
whereon these [spirits] may dwell;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“And we will prove them herewith, to see if
they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon; … and
they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for
ever and ever.”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-why-family?lang=eng#8-12565_000_25christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">8</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thanks to our Heavenly Father, we had already
become spirit beings. Now He was offering us a path to complete or perfect that
being. The addition of the physical element is essential to the fulness of
being and glory that God Himself enjoys. If, while with God in the premortal
spirit world, we would agree to participate in His plan—or in other words “keep
[our] first estate”—we would “be added upon” with a physical body as we came to
dwell on the earth that He created for us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If, then in the course of our mortal experience, we chose to “do
all things whatsoever the Lord [our] God [should] command [us],” we would have
kept our “second estate.” This means that by our choices we would demonstrate
to God (and to ourselves) our commitment and capacity to live His celestial law
while outside His presence and in a physical body with all its powers,
appetites, and passions. Could we bridle the flesh so that it became the
instrument rather than the master of the spirit? Could we be trusted both in
time and eternity with godly powers, including power to create life? Would we
individually overcome evil? Those who did would “have glory added upon their
heads for ever and ever”—a very significant aspect of that glory being a
resurrected, immortal, and glorified physical body.</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-why-family?lang=eng#9-12565_000_25christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">9</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> No wonder we “shouted for joy” at these magnificent
possibilities and promises.</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-why-family?lang=eng#10-12565_000_25christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">10</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At least four things are needed for the
success of this divine plan:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">First was the Creation of the earth as our dwelling place.
Whatever the details of the creation process, we know that it was not
accidental but that it was directed by <a href="http://lds.org/study/topics/god-the-father?lang=eng"><span style="color: #2f393a;">God the Father</span></a> and implemented by <a href="http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/jesus-christ"><span style="color: #2f393a;">Jesus
Christ</span></a>—“all things were made by him; and without him was not any
thing made that was made.”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-why-family?lang=eng#11-12565_000_25christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">11</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Second is the condition of mortality. Adam and Eve acted for all
who had chosen to participate in the Father’s great plan of happiness.</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-why-family?lang=eng#12-12565_000_25christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">12</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Their Fall created the conditions needed for our physical
birth and for mortal experience and learning outside the presence of God. With
the Fall came an awareness of good and evil and the God-given power to choose.</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-why-family?lang=eng#13-12565_000_25christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">13</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Finally, the Fall brought about physical death needed to
make our time in mortality temporary so that we would not live forever in our
sins.</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-why-family?lang=eng#14-12565_000_25christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">14</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Third is redemption from the Fall. We see the role of death in
our Heavenly Father’s plan, but that plan would become void without some way to
overcome death in the end, both physical and spiritual. Thus, a Redeemer, the
Only Begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ, suffered and died to atone for Adam and
Eve’s transgression, thereby providing <a href="http://www.lds.org/topics/resurrection?lang=eng"><span style="color: #2f393a;">resurrection</span></a> and <a href="http://lds.org/study/topics/immortality?lang=eng"><span style="color: #2f393a;">immortality</span></a> for all. And since none of us will have
been perfectly and consistently obedient to the gospel law, His Atonement also
redeems us from our own sins on condition of repentance. With the Savior’s
atoning grace providing<a href="http://www.lds.org/topics/forgiveness?lang=eng"><span style="color: #2f393a;">forgiveness</span></a> of sins and sanctification of
the soul, we can spiritually be born again and reconciled to God. Our spiritual
death—our separation from God—will end.</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-why-family?lang=eng#15-12565_000_25christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">15</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fourth, and finally, is the setting for our physical birth and
subsequent spiritual rebirth into the kingdom of God. For His work to succeed
to “[exalt us] with himself,”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-why-family?lang=eng#16-12565_000_25christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">16</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> God ordained that men and women should marry and give
birth to children, thereby creating, in partnership with God, the physical
bodies that are key to the test of mortality and essential to eternal glory
with Him. He also ordained that parents should establish families and rear
their children in light and truth,</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-why-family?lang=eng#17-12565_000_25christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">17</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> leading them to a hope in Christ. The Father commands us:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Teach these things freely unto your children,
saying:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“That … inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and
blood, and the spirit, which I have made, and so became of dust a living soul,
even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the
[Holy] Spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten;
that ye might be sanctified from all sin, and enjoy the words of eternal life
in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory.”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-why-family?lang=eng#18-12565_000_25christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">18</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Knowing why we left the presence of our
Heavenly Father and what it takes to return and be exalted with Him, it becomes
very clear that nothing relative to our time on earth can be more important
than physical birth and spiritual rebirth, the two prerequisites of eternal
life. This is, to use the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the “office” of
marriage, the “post of responsibility towards … mankind,” that this divine
institution “from above, from God” occupies. It is the “link in the chain of
the generations” both here and hereafter—the order of heaven.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A <a href="http://www.mormon.org/values/family"><span style="color: #2f393a;">family</span></a> built on the marriage of a man and
woman supplies the best setting for God’s plan to thrive—the setting for the
birth of children, who come in purity and innocence from God, and the
environment for the learning and preparation they will need for a successful
mortal life and eternal life in the world to come. A critical mass of families
built on such marriages is vital for societies to survive and flourish. That is
why communities and nations generally have encouraged and protected marriage
and the family as privileged institutions. It has never been just about the
love and happiness of adults.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The social science case for marriage and for families headed by
a married man and woman is compelling.</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-why-family?lang=eng#19-12565_000_25christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">19</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And so “we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring
upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient
and modern prophets.”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-why-family?lang=eng#20-12565_000_25christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">20</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> But our claims for the role of marriage and family rest
not on social science but on the truth that they are God’s creation. It is He
who in the beginning created Adam and Eve in His image, male and female, and
joined them as husband and wife to become “one flesh” and to multiply and
replenish the earth.</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/why-marriage-why-family?lang=eng#21-12565_000_25christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">21</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Each individual carries the divine image, but it is in the
matrimonial union of male and female as one that we attain perhaps the most
complete meaning of our having been made in the image of God—male and female.
Neither we nor any other mortal can alter this divine order of matrimony. It is
not a human invention. Such marriage is indeed “from above, from God” and is as
much a part of the plan of happiness as the Fall and the Atonement.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the premortal world, Lucifer rebelled
against God and His plan, and his opposition only grows in intensity. He fights
to discourage marriage and the formation of families, and where marriages and
families are formed, he does what he can to disrupt them. He attacks everything
that is sacred about human sexuality, tearing it from the context of marriage
with a seemingly infinite array of immoral thoughts and acts. He seeks to
convince men and women that marriage and family priorities can be ignored or
abandoned, or at least made subservient to careers, other achievements, and the
quest for self-fulfillment and individual autonomy. Certainly the adversary is
pleased when parents neglect to teach and train their children to have faith in
Christ and be spiritually born again. Brothers and sisters, many things are
good, many are important, but only a few are essential.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To declare the fundamental truths relative to
marriage and family is not to overlook or diminish the sacrifices and successes
of those for whom the ideal is not a present reality. Some of you are denied
the blessing of marriage for reasons including a lack of viable prospects,
same-sex attraction, physical or mental impairments, or simply a fear of
failure that, for the moment at least, overshadows faith. Or you may have
married, but that marriage ended, and you are left to manage alone what two
together can barely sustain. Some of you who are married cannot bear children
despite overwhelming desires and pleading prayers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Even so, everyone has gifts; everyone has
talents; everyone can contribute to the unfolding of the divine plan in each
generation. Much that is good, much that is essential—even sometimes all that
is necessary for now—can be achieved in less than ideal circumstances. So many
of you are doing your very best. And when you who bear the heaviest burdens of
mortality stand up in defense of God’s plan to exalt His children, we are all
ready to march. With confidence we testify that the Atonement of Jesus Christ
has anticipated and, in the end, will compensate all deprivation and loss for
those who turn to Him. No one is predestined to receive less than all that the
Father has for His children.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One young mother recently confided to me her anxiety about
being inadequate in this highest of callings. I felt that the issues that
concerned her were small and she needn’t worry; she was doing fine. But I knew
she only wanted to please God and to honor His trust. I offered words of
reassurance, and in my heart I pleaded that God, her Heavenly Father, would
buoy her up with His love and the witness of His approval as she is about His
work</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That is my prayer for all of us today. May we
each find approval in His sight. May marriages flourish and families prosper,
and whether our lot is a fullness of these blessings in mortality or not, may
the Lord’s grace bring happiness now and faith in sure promises to come. In the
name of Jesus Christ, amen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Two photos attached: us doing service this
week at the church this week cutting the lawn with a weedwacker hahaha and the
other one was from this morning moving a sister and helping her out. All is
good! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thanks for the love and support and everything
that you guys do for me! I can’t wait to talk and see you guys there in the
Promise Land in one month!!! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LOVES! Elder Long</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622275263950177510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312838346059840299.post-46655857547527521822015-04-06T15:20:00.001-07:002015-04-13T14:57:05.563-07:00Week 91<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Alfombras, they are like carpet rugs but made out of saw
dust and stuff and sometimes other types of materials. They are SO cool. You
can see more online, look up Alfombras Comayagua, they are so sick. So we went
and saw them this week, there were so many and they are really neat! Other pic
is Familia Varela, they are simply amazing!!! And the other one is us in front of
the big catholic church here that's really beautiful! Enjoy the pics!! </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That is it...I have much to do and no more time today.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elder Long!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622275263950177510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312838346059840299.post-87779044778804206582015-03-31T07:39:00.002-07:002015-03-31T07:39:41.203-07:00A difficult but most rewarding week...and many baptisms<div class="MsoNormal">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
--></style><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hey there fam and
friends. I hope that this letter finds you guys alive and enjoying the March Madness!
Great time of year for everyone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>March
Madness and I have 6 weeks left! I have a ton of mixed feelings to say the
least... I don’t know what to think about the time that I have left and what is
going to happen in six weeks... life is going to change. This week was one of
the toughest weeks on my mission but at the same time it was one of the most
rewarding weeks that I have had on my entire mission. So lets get down to it
shall we! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So this week was the
weekend of a big baptism and wedding. So the familia V. has been trying to get
married for years and so he worked little by little to get the money for the
papers and by the time he would get most of them done they would expire. So he
has been at a lost cause trying to make this happen... so just about a month
and half ago, he and his familia were having some challenges and his wife said
a prayer and asked for help. Well, that same day we as missionaries found him.
Can you believe it? It is just another example of how this is the Lords work
and we are just His messengers. So that’s the story…the short version! The
change we have seen with them is unbelievable.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This past week they
got married and baptized, and that’s a whole new story in itself. So everything
here government related is very complicated. So we had some miracles happen to
say the least. Without going into details let me just tell you that what we
accomplished in a day should have taken a good week. There is NO DOUBT the Lord
was really on our side. So we got all the papers accomplished to get them
married. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Another challenge and
a common one was we didn’t have much money and neither did they so we took some
money out from home, thanks dad! Well, we wanted them to appreciate the wedding
and everything that we were doing so we thought that we would go to work to get
all the money back and also to have a little party after the wedding. So this
familia sells donuts for a living as I’ve told you before, that’s how they make
their living. So they are famous here in C. for selling them. And BTW they are
so good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also sell pastelitos de
pina. In English it’s like a dessert - pineapple thing that are amazing! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So we went to work
and sold about 800 between those and the donuts.... we helped them start making
them at :830 am and were on the streets selling until about 9:30 for two days
this week to make it all happen. It was quite the experience to say the
least.... all I can say to wrap it up very easy is this, COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
AND WE ARE SOOOOOOOOOOO BLESSED TO LIVE IN AMERICA. NEVER GO A DAY WITHOUT
THANKING THE LORD FOR WHAT WE HAVE. COUNT THE LITTLE LITTLIEST BLESSINGS.
It was an amazing experience. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So on Friday they got
married and on the same day they got baptized. They were very emotional for all
that had and did happen. It was a tough week to try and get it all pulled off
but in the end it was the most rewarding week on my entire mission. After the
wedding we went out to a restaurant, a Chinese one, that was amazing too! That
was a whole other experience.... it all comes down to one thing…we need to be
MORE THANKFUL... my mind was blown but I am so happy that what we did for them
we could tell beyond belief that it was well worth it. Elder W. and I pretty
much made it all happen haha between him and I we sold about 400 donuts and
all, we got it done big time! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I also gave him my
suit jacket and he was SO happy about that, it’s about the little things in life
to say the least. I am so happy to be here and doing what I am doing and being
able to experience things that no where else I could or would have the same
experiences. I learned more this week than I ever thought I could about myself,
life and others. I could go on for days about the lessons that I learned and
all but it all comes down to one thing, GRATITUDE. I have a lot to say but I
really don’t know how to say it.. it was just a marvelous experience. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I don’t have much to
say about this week except it was amazing and hard - hard - hard and just the
most rewarding week ever. It was great, I wouldn’t change a thing about it. I
am staying here for the last six weeks of my mission and don’t have changes this
Wednesday. I will also be with the same companion and he better get ready
because we have much to accomplish in 6 weeks. I am kicking it and doing great
and just dealing with all this heat, it sucks to say the least but all
good! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I ASK YOU ALL THIS.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BE MORE THANKFUL AND
BE EVEN MORE THANKFUL FOR THE LITTLE THINGS. IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE. SERVE
OTHERS WITH ALL YOUR HEART, MIGHT, MIND AND STRENGTH. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LOVES - LOVES – LOVES!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elder Long </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622275263950177510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312838346059840299.post-27423361466538299622015-03-24T08:28:00.001-07:002015-03-24T08:29:04.069-07:00Another wonderful baptism<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hey there familia and
amigos! I hope that this letter finds you guys alive and kicking as well as I
am. All is good here, just making the most of the heated days and sweating up a
storm like no other! The time is going bye faster and faster and I can’t even
believe it! But this week was good, we had a good time baking in the sun,
getting some things done, and helping those people that needed our help. It is
all good here in the desert of Comayagua baby! So lets get down to it shall we… </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So this week we helped
prepare O.C for her baptism, another gator dunked and extremely happy for the
decision that she made. She is wonderful and has been blessed in so many ways.
So the quick low down of O. is that she has listened to the missionaries for
years and has never taken the step to move forward for no reason really. It just
wasn’t the time and very important. We told her what was up and what she needed
to do and now she feels alive and better than ever before. We are very happy
for her and I know that she is doing great with this change in her life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are working on five
other gators for this weekend. Familia V. are there names and they have changed
their lives so much, especially the husband to say the least... wow it has been
an AMAZING time working with them and helping them align their lives more with
what the Lord expects from them. They are great and are going to be getting
married this Friday and baptized the same day. So we are SUPER happy for
them and all that is going on with them and the positive changes happening in
their lives. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers this week and in the
coming weeks.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SWEATING ALL DAY
EVERY DAY LIKE NO OTHER.......</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What else? Well, President
F.came and worked with us one day thisweek, I have never had that opportunity before
so that was pretty cool. He took us out to eat at Wendy’s and we just talked
and had a good time. He had a great time with Familia V. and they broke down
when he came to visit them. It was a great experience for them to feel the
spirit really strong for someone that really wants the best for them. They have
had a ton of challenges to say the least but the change is amazing. We are all
so happy for them. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thinking thinking
thinking.... every day seems like a blend from one day to the next… haha I think
honestly that’s all I have for you guys.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Take a look at something
that I read and studied this week that I really enjoyed and hope that you guys
can get something out of it as well as I did.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">The
Savior’s Selfless and Sacred Sacrifice </span></b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">by
President Boyd K. Packer. President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Lord is always there. He has
suffered and paid the penalty if you are willing to accept Him as your
Redeemer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
all live on spiritual credit. In one way or another, the account builds and
builds. If you pay it off as you go, you have little need to worry. Soon you
begin to learn discipline and know that there is a day of reckoning ahead.
Learn to keep your spiritual account paid off at regular intervals rather than
allowing it to collect interest and penalties.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Because
you are being tested, it is expected that you will make some mistakes. I assume
that you have done things in your life that you regret, things that you cannot
even apologize for, much less correct; therefore, you carry a burden. It is
time now to use the word guilt, which can stain like indelible ink and cannot
easily be washed away. A stepchild of guilt is disappointment, regret for lost
blessings and opportunities.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If
you are struggling with guilt, you are not unlike the people of the </span><a href="http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/book-of-mormon"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Book
of Mormon</span></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> of whom the prophet said, “Because of their iniquity the
church had begun to dwindle; and they began to disbelieve in the spirit of
prophecy and in the spirit of revelation; and the judgments of God did stare
them in the face” (</span><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/hel/4.23?lang=eng#22"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Helaman 4:23</span></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
often try to solve the problem of guilt by telling one another and telling
ourselves that it does not matter. But somehow, deep inside, we do not believe
this. Nor do we believe ourselves if we say it. We know better. It does matter!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prophets
have always taught repentance. Alma said, “Behold, he cometh to redeem those
who will be baptized unto repentance, through faith on his name” (</span><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/9.27?lang=eng#26"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Alma 9:27</span></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Alma
bluntly told his wayward son, “Now, repentance could not come unto men except
there were a punishment, which also was eternal as the life of the soul should
be, affixed opposite to the plan of happiness” (</span><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/42.16?lang=eng#15"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Alma 42:16</span></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There
are two basic purposes for mortal life. The first is to receive a body that
can, if we will, be purified and exalted and live forever. The second purpose
is to be tested. In testing, we certainly will make mistakes. But if we will,
we can learn from our mistakes. “If we say that we have not sinned, we make him
a liar, and his word is not in us” (</span><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-jn/1.10?lang=eng#9"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 John 1:10</span></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You,
perhaps, may feel inferior in mind and body and are troubled or burdened with
the weight of some spiritual account that is marked “past due.” When you come
face to face with yourself in those moments of quiet contemplation (which many
of us try to avoid), are there some unsettled things that bother you? Do you
have something on your conscience? Are you still, to one degree or another,
guilty of anything small or large?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Too
frequently we receive letters from those who have made tragic mistakes and are
burdened. They beg: “Can I ever be forgiven? Can I ever change?” The answer is
yes!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paul
taught the Corinthians, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is
common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above
that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that
ye may be able to bear it” (</span><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-cor/10.13?lang=eng#12"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 Corinthians 10:13</span></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
gospel teaches us that relief from torment and guilt can be earned through
repentance. Save for those few—those very few—who defect to perdition after
having known a fulness, there is no habit, no addiction, no rebellion, no
transgression, no offense small or large which is exempt from the promise of
complete </span><a href="http://www.lds.org/topics/forgiveness?lang=eng"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">forgiveness</span></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. No matter what has happened in
your life, the Lord has prepared a way for you to come back if you will heed the
promptings of the Holy Spirit.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some
are filled with a compelling urge, a temptation that recycles in the mind,
perhaps to become a habit, then an addiction. We are prone to some
transgression and sin and also a rationalization that we have no guilt because
we were born that way. We become trapped, and hence comes the pain and torment
that only the Savior can heal. You have the power to stop and to be redeemed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Satan Attacks the </span></b><a href="http://www.mormon.org/values/family"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Family</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">President
Marion G. Romney (1897–1988) told me once, “Don’t just tell them so that
they can understand, tell them so that they cannot misunderstand.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nephi
said: “For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord
God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the
understanding” (</span><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/31.3?lang=eng#2"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 Nephi 31:3</span></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So
listen up! I will speak plainly as one called and under obligation to do so.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You
know that there is an adversary. The scriptures define him in these terms:
“That old serpent, who is the devil, … the father of all lies” (</span><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/2.18?lang=eng#17"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 Nephi 2:18</span></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">). He was cast out in
the beginning (see </span><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/29.36-38?lang=eng#35"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">D&C 29:36–38</span></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">) and denied a mortal
body. He has now sworn to disrupt “the great plan of happiness” (</span><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/42.8?lang=eng#7"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Alma 42:8</span></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">) and become an enemy to all
righteousness. He focuses his attacks on the family.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You
live in a day when the scourge of </span><a href="http://lds.org/study/topics/pornography?lang=eng"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">pornography</span></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
is sweeping across the world. It is hard to escape it. Pornography is focused
on that part of your nature through which you have the power to beget life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To
indulge in pornography leads to difficulties, divorce, disease, and troubles of
a dozen kinds. There is no part of it that is innocent. To collect it, view it,
or carry it around in any form is akin to keeping a rattlesnake in your
backpack. It exposes you to the inevitable spiritual equivalent of the
serpent’s strike with its injection of deadly venom. One can easily understand,
with the world being what it is, that you can almost innocently be exposed to
it, read it, or view it without realizing the terrible consequences. If that
describes you, I warn you to stop it. Stop it now!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Book of Mormon teaches that all “men are instructed sufficiently that they know
good from evil” (</span><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/2.5?lang=eng#4"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 Nephi 2:5</span></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">). That includes you.
You know what is right and what is wrong. Be very careful not to cross that
line.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Although
most mistakes can be confessed privately to the Lord, there are some
transgressions that require more than that to bring about </span><a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/forgiveness?lang=eng"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">forgiveness</span></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.
If your mistakes have been grievous, see your bishop. Otherwise, ordinary
confession, quietly and personally, will do. But remember, that great morning
of </span><a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/forgiveness?lang=eng"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">forgiveness</span></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> may not come all at once. If at
first you stumble, do not give up. Overcoming discouragement is part of the
test. Do not give up. And as I have counseled before, once you have confessed
and forsaken your sins, do not look back.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Savior Suffered
for Our Sins</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Lord is always there. He has suffered and paid the penalty if you are willing
to accept Him as your Redeemer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As
mortals, we may not, indeed cannot, understand fully how the Savior fulfilled
His atoning sacrifice. But for now the how is not as important as the why of
His suffering. Why did He do it for you, for me, for all of humanity? He did it
for the love of </span><a href="http://lds.org/study/topics/god-the-father?lang=eng"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God the Father</span></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and all mankind. “Greater love
hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (</span><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/15.13?lang=eng#12"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John 15:13</span></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
Gethsemane, Christ went apart from His Apostles to pray. Whatever transpired is
beyond our power to know! But we do know that He completed the Atonement. He
was willing to take upon Himself the mistakes, the sins and guilt, the doubts
and fears of all the world. He suffered for us so that we would not have to
suffer. Many mortals have suffered torment and died a painful, terrible death.
But His agony surpassed them all.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At
my age, I have come to know what physical pain is, and it is no fun! Nobody
escapes this life without learning a thing or two about suffering. But the
personal torment that I cannot bear is when I have come to know that I have
caused another to suffer. It is then that I catch a glimpse of the agony the
Savior experienced in the Garden of Gethsemane.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His
suffering was different than all other suffering before or since because He
took upon Himself all of the penalties that had ever been imposed on the human
family. Imagine that! He had no debt to pay. He had committed no wrong.
Nevertheless, an accumulation of all of the guilt, the grief and sorrow, the
pain and humiliation, all of the mental, emotional, and physical torments known
to man—He experienced them all. There has been only One in all the annals of
human history who was entirely sinless, qualified to answer for the sins and
transgressions of all mankind and survive the pain that accompanied paying for
them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He
presented His life and in essence said, “It is I that taketh upon me the sins
of the world” (</span><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/26.23?lang=eng#22"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mosiah 26:23</span></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">). He was crucified; He died.
They could not take His life from Him. He consented to die.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Complete Forgiveness
Is Possible</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If
you have stumbled or even been lost for a time, if you feel that the adversary
now holds you captive, you can move forward with faith and not wander to and
fro in the world any longer. There are those who stand ready to guide you back
to peace and security. Even the grace of God, as promised in the scriptures,
comes “after all we can do” (</span><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/25.23?lang=eng#22"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 Nephi 25:23</span></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">). The possibility of
this, to me, is the truth most worth knowing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
promise that the brilliant morning of forgiveness can come. Then “the peace of
God, which passeth all understanding” (</span><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/philip/4.7?lang=eng#6"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Philippians 4:7</span></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">) comes into your life once
again, something like a sunrise, and you and He “will remember [your] sin no
more” (</span><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/jer/31.34?lang=eng#33"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jeremiah 31:34</span></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">). How will you know? You will
know! (See </span><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/4.1-3?lang=eng#0"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mosiah 4:1–3</span></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
is what I have come to teach you who are in trouble. He will step in and solve
the problem you cannot solve, but you have to pay the price. It does not come
without doing that. He is a very kind ruler in the sense that He has paid the
price necessary, but He wants you to do what you should, even if it is painful.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
love the Lord, and I love the Father who sent Him. Our burdens of
disappointment, sin, and guilt can be laid before Him, and on His generous
terms, each item on the account can be marked “paid in full.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Come
now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as
scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they
shall be as wool.” That is, Isaiah continued, “if ye be willing and obedient” (</span><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/isa/1.18-19?lang=eng#17"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Isaiah 1:18–19</span></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Come unto Him</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
scripture “learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the
commandments of God” (</span><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/37.35?lang=eng#34"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Alma 37:35</span></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">) is an invitation attended by
the promise of peace and protection from the adversary. “Let no man despise thy
youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in
charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (</span><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-tim/4.12?lang=eng#11"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 Timothy 4:12</span></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do
not expect that all will go smoothly throughout your life. Even for those who
are living as they should, it sometimes will be just the opposite. Meet each of
life’s challenges with optimism and surety, and you will have the peace and
faith to sustain you now and in the future.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For
those who do not yet have all of the blessings you feel you want and need to
have, I firmly believe that no experience or opportunity essential for
redemption and salvation will be denied you who live faithfully. Remain worthy;
be hopeful, patient, and prayerful. Things have a way of working out. The gift
of the </span><a href="http://lds.org/study/topics/holy-ghost?lang=eng"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Holy Ghost</span></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> will guide you and direct your
actions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If
you are one of those struggling with guilt, disappointment, or depression as a
result of mistakes you have made or blessings that have not yet come, read the
reassuring teachings found in the hymn “Come unto Jesus”:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Come unto Jesus, ye
heavy laden,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Careworn and
fainting, by sin oppressed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He’ll safely guide
you unto that haven</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Where all who trust
him may rest.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Come unto Jesus;
He’ll ever heed you,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Though in the
darkness you’ve gone astray.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His love will find
you and gently lead you</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From darkest night
into day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Come unto Jesus;
He’ll surely hear you,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you in meekness
plead for his love.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oh, know you not that
angels are near you</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From brightest
mansions above?</span><a href="https://www.lds.org/liahona/2015/04/the-saviors-selfless-and-sacred-sacrifice?cid=HP_Homepage-2015_3-20-15_dPTH_L1-B_767&lang=eng#footnote1-12564_000_014"><sup><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1</span></sup></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
claim, with my Brethren the Apostles, to be a special witness of the Lord </span><a href="http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/jesus-christ"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus
Christ</span></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. That witness is reaffirmed each time I feel within myself
or in others the cleansing effect of His sacred sacrifice. My witness, and that
of my Brethren, is true. We know the Lord. He is no stranger to His prophets,
seers, and revelators.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
understand that you’re not perfect, but you are moving along that road. Have
the courage. Know that any person who has a body has power over one who has
not.</span><a href="https://www.lds.org/liahona/2015/04/the-saviors-selfless-and-sacred-sacrifice?cid=HP_Homepage-2015_3-20-15_dPTH_L1-B_767&lang=eng#footnote2-12564_000_014"><sup><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2</span></sup></a><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Satan is denied a body; so if ever you
are confronted with temptations, know that you outrank all those temptations if
you will exercise the agency given to Adam and Eve in the garden and passed on
to this very generation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If
you look forward with hope and desire to do that which the Lord would have you
do—that is all that is expected.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Con
Mucho Amore,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elder
Long!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ENJOY THE PICS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A LOT OF FUN HERE TO SAY
THE LEAST LOL </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622275263950177510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312838346059840299.post-66585526944734962342015-03-24T08:22:00.001-07:002015-03-24T08:23:24.273-07:00I love teaching this work<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Helvetica Neue";
panose-1:2 0 5 3 0 0 0 2 0 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-2147483545 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hey there familia and
friends! I hope this letter finds you guys a little bit cooler than we are
right about now... I am MISERABLE with this heat. I am really trying to let it
not effect me but it’s bad to say the least... but we’re grinding and doing our
thing that is for sure! We are making the most of every day and really working
hard these last two months. I am going ham before I go home, leaving my stamp
where I have been… that’s what it’s all about right? </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We have had a very
good week. I wasn’t feeling great this week health wise for some reason, I
think it was a combo of the one two punch aka the heat and allergies or cold. I
am not too sure what it really was but other than that we had a lot of work to
do and things to get done so there was no time to be sick.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are really working
hard with a lot of people right now that are going to get baptized soon. They
are some really good gators to say the least! So other than the heat and just
dripping from every spot on your body, I don’t have much more to say hahah so I
am going to give you the lowdown on the gators that we have! Lets geter done
shall we. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So the first familia
that we are teaching is the familia V. and they are amazing! They are a familia
of 8 people and four are going to be baptized and the rest are young little
munchkins that right now won’t be getting baptized. They will get baptized when
they are 8 years of age. So this familia is literally one of the best examples of
giving all they have to the Lord and doing what the Lord wants them to do. He
used to work every day of the week, and now he has given up Sundays and he comes
to church with his entire familia. When he is out working on the streets he
works with a baby stroller to carry the donuts that they make and he goes around
to sell them. He makes about 400 limperas a day and he says at the end of the
day when they buy all the food for the fam he is maybe left with 20 or 30
limperas. He is a great example of being humble and doing what the Lord wants
for him on Sundays. It is a BIG sacrifice to not work Sunday but the Lord has
blessed him everyday to sell more than he has ever sold these past two weeks.
He is seeing the blessings of the Lord, that is for sure! They are doing everything
that they should be doing. They are praying, reading the scriptures and obeying
the Lord. There is nothing better than seeing a familia that has completely
changed their attitude on life. I can testify to you that this couple had
prayed individually for help before we met them. The wife prayed that someone
would talk to her husband and help him... but she prayed and asked the Lord
that someone or a messenger from God would come to him. She prayed that God
would show her, his real power by sending someone so that he really would change...
can you imagine that? A part of that prayer was that someone could find him and
help him. And while she was praying he too prayed that someone could find
him that would be able to help him… and that same day, we as missionaries found
him selling donuts on the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From
that moment on, we knew that he and his son and his familia would be special to
say the least... that’s how the story began. Now they are a familia that gets
to church 15 min early, they all come in white shirts and pants and come to
church with a tie on (since we hooked them up). They are just great. So that is
the one familia that we are teaching that should be getting baptized this
weekend or the next. We have to marry them first and are working on the papers
with them. The wife’s sister too is going to be getting baptized as well.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are also working with
a familia friend of a baptism that we had some weeks back, his name was D, but
now we are teaching his familia friend and she is going to be baptized this
week! She is great, her name is O! She is so cool and is just such a loving and
ready woman to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. I <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>am very happy for her and the familia! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are teaching a lot
of others right now but these are the most positive people that we are
teaching. We are moving along. We are looking to baptize about 6 people in the
next week or dos. All is good, making the most of every day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thanks so mucho for
your love and support, you guys are great and you each mean a lot to me. I hope
that your all making good choices and doing what the Lord has in store for you.
Everything you do, do it big! I know we each can always give more. If you feel
like you are, ask the Lord for more strength and I promise that he will be
there to help you. Thanks for the support and I want each and every one of you
to know that without YOU I am not here today doing what you have all helped me
prepare for. Thank YOU. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Con mucho amor,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">elder long! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Eating out with a friend of mine here!
Great food he took us to! Mr V. and one of his sons! When Porter and I hit up
some good food when he had to get an exam in Teg. He’s all good though! Enjoy
the pics. </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost
300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and
missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I
succeed- MJ I LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GET AFTER IT THIS WEEK
GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622275263950177510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312838346059840299.post-886895058439598972015-03-09T18:52:00.005-07:002015-03-24T08:23:45.884-07:00My journey in FINDING THE ONE continues...<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-520092929 1073786111 9 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hope you guys were
able to watch those videos I sent last week and learn from them. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So this week got real
my fellow loving followers.... I got my flight info to be coming home... I can’t
believe that my time is coming to an end... it’s sad and I have mixed emotions,
but it’s all good. I won’t miss the heat that’s for sure! It’s sooo brutal
right now it’s not even funny. The humidity is horrible and you just sweat all
the time.. even at night with a fan sometimes it just blows hot air so you just
sit there and wake up in the morning and there is like your body mark on the
sheets from sweat! hahaha So yea it’s kinda bad but there could be a lot of
worse things that’s for sure! What else happened this week?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So this week we
started working on papers for two different couples to get married and baptize.
So that is a lot of fun to say the least! NOT! The places where you have to get
all the papers and stuff are so unorganized and all. I really don’t know how
places here function at times, it’s really bad to say the least... they just
don’t have all the info and then when they do they try and charge us more for
obvious reasons. So yea, right now we are getting all the papers done to get
these couples married so they can be baptized. They are super excited! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The one couple is
familia V. and they are amazing. I believe I told you about them last week.
Lhey are chosen from God and are working just so hard to align their lives with
the teachings from the Lord. We are so proud of them. There are five in their
familia that are going to be baptized, they are just he MOST HUMBLE familia...
they are amazing. Like many here their living conditions are something to be
said and they are just trying to do everything exactly like we tell them. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So a little story
about them that is amazing! So last Sunday we promised this guy if he kept the
commandments regarding keeping the Sabbath Day the Lord would bless him like
never before. So this guy sells donuts on the streets every day to make a
little money for the food and to pay basic bills. He sells about 400 donuts
every day and so we promised him if he went to church that he would sell so
much more. So we told him to make 600 donuts because he would sell all of them.
So Monday guess what? The Lord blessed him and he sold 650 donuts.... he was so
happy I can’t even tell you. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Look at what the Lord
can do when we are willing to do his will.. we can all learn from this brothers
and sisters, I promise you when you do what the Lord wants he will bless us so
much. Don’t question it, just DO IT. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So the other familia
is familia H. They are amazing too. The wife has 3 years going to church and
she has never been able to get baptized because her husband has NEVER wanted to
get married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just so you know you have
to be married before you are baptized; you can’t just be living together. I
have been building a relationship with this man the entire time here and he has
opened up to me and we have a great relationship. He finally made the choice to
get married, 30 years later with being with her and she can get baptized. When
he said that he was going to marry her, she left the room and was crying so
much. The whole familia was there and the daughter said a prayer after that was
one of the most powerful prayers that I have heard on my mission. The daughter
was so thankful for all that we have done and said that the Lord has answered
her prayers. I promised the daughter and the mother that if they fasted and
prayed hard every Sunday that the Lord would bless them and that I promised
them that before I left here she would be able to get married and baptized and
it’s going to happen at the end of this month, I have NEVER seen someone so
happy in my life when she heard that she could be married... it was by far one
of the highlights of my mission. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We also did some
service this week and were building a house out of rock and adobe which that
was pretty cool to learn how to do that and help the familia V. out. That is
where we did the service project as a district. It was a good time! We wrestled
the husband and were just having a great old time like big boys do and it was a
lot of fun and they were super thankful for all that we did to help them . So
it was a good time to say the least! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We went to the AF
base this past Monday and I got to meet some guys from the Academy that were
pilots and passing through, it was a great time! They are C17 pilots and we ate
with them and it was good to talk about the good ol promise land and all that
good stuff. It was a lot of fun and all! The food at the base was soo good but
only one thing hahaha i got so sick after. I think my stomach was in SHOCK from
American food hahaha oh grrreeeeeeeeatttt hope that doesn’t give me hints of what
it will be like when I get back hahaha but it was soo good!!!!!!!!!!!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ENJOY THIS TALK.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Free
Forever, to Act for Themselves</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is God’s will that we be free men and women enabled to rise
to our full potential both temporally and spiritually.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">William Shakespeare’s play <i>The Life of
King Henry V</i>includes a nighttime scene in the camp of English soldiers
at Agincourt just before their battle with the French army. In the dim light
and partially disguised, King Henry wanders unrecognized among his soldiers. He
talks with them, trying to gauge the morale of his badly outnumbered troops,
and because they do not realize who he is, they are candid in their comments.
In one exchange they philosophize about who bears responsibility for what
happens to men in battle—the king or each individual soldier.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">At one point King Henry declares, “Methinks I
could not die any where so contented as in the king’s company; his cause being
just.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Michael Williams retorts, “That’s more than we
know.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">His companion agrees, “Ay, or more than we
should seek after; for we know enough, if we know we are the king’s subjects:
if his cause be wrong, our obedience to the king wipes the crime of it out of
us.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Williams adds, “If the cause be not good, the
king himself hath a heavy reckoning to make.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Not surprisingly, King Henry disagrees. “Every subject’s duty is
the king’s; but every subject’s soul is his own.”<sup><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/free-forever-to-act-for-themselves?cid=HPWE030415731&lang=eng#1-10991_000_16christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span></a></sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shakespeare does not attempt to resolve this
debate in the play, and in one form or another it is a debate that continues
down to our own time—who bears responsibility for what happens in our lives?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When things turn bad, there is a tendency to
blame others or even God. Sometimes a sense of entitlement arises, and
individuals or groups try to shift responsibility for their welfare to other
people or to governments. In spiritual matters some suppose that men and women
need not strive for personal righteousness—because God loves and saves us “just
as we are.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But God intends that His children should act according to the
moral agency He has given them, “that every man may be accountable for his own
sins in the day of judgment.”<sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/free-forever-to-act-for-themselves?cid=HPWE030415731&lang=eng#2-10991_000_16christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span></a></span></sup> It
is His plan and His will that we have the principal decision-making role in our
own life’s drama. God will not live our lives for us nor control us as if we
were His puppets, as Lucifer once proposed to do. Nor will His prophets accept
the role of “puppet master” in God’s place. Brigham Young stated: “I do not
wish any Latter Day Saint in this world, nor in heaven, to be satisfied with
anything I do, unless the Spirit of the Lord<a href="http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/jesus-christ"><span style="color: #2f393a;">Jesus
Christ</span></a>,—the spirit of revelation, makes them satisfied. I wish them
to know for themselves and understand for themselves.”<sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/free-forever-to-act-for-themselves?cid=HPWE030415731&lang=eng#3-10991_000_16christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span></a></span></sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So God does not save us “just as we are,” first, because “just
as we are” we are unclean, and “no unclean thing can dwell … in his presence;
for, in the language of Adam, Man of Holiness is his name, and the name of his
Only Begotten is the Son of Man [of Holiness].”<sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/free-forever-to-act-for-themselves?cid=HPWE030415731&lang=eng#4-10991_000_16christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span></a></span></sup> And
second, God will not act to make us something we do not choose by our actions
to become. Truly He loves us, and because He loves us, He neither compels nor
abandons us. Rather He helps and guides us. Indeed, the real manifestation of
God’s love is His commandments.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We should (and we do) rejoice in the God-ordained plan that
permits us to make choices to act for ourselves and experience the
consequences, or as the scriptures express it, to “taste the bitter, that [we]
may know to prize the good.”<sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/free-forever-to-act-for-themselves?cid=HPWE030415731&lang=eng#5-10991_000_16christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; vertical-align: baseline;">5</span></a></span></sup> We
are forever grateful that the Savior’s Atonement overcame original sin so that
we can be born into this world yet not be punished for Adam’s transgression.<sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/free-forever-to-act-for-themselves?cid=HPWE030415731&lang=eng#6-10991_000_16christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; vertical-align: baseline;">6</span></a></span></sup> Having
been thus redeemed from the Fall, we begin life innocent before God and “become
free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for [ourselves] and not to be
acted upon.”<sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/free-forever-to-act-for-themselves?cid=HPWE030415731&lang=eng#7-10991_000_16christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; vertical-align: baseline;">7</span></a></span></sup> We
can choose to become the kind of person that we will, and with God’s help, that
can be even as He is.<sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/free-forever-to-act-for-themselves?cid=HPWE030415731&lang=eng#8-10991_000_16christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; vertical-align: baseline;">8</span></a></span></sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The gospel of Jesus Christ opens the path to what we may become.
Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and His grace, our failures to live the
celestial law perfectly and consistently in mortality can be erased and we are
enabled to develop a Christlike character. Justice demands, however, that none
of this happen without our willing agreement and participation. It has ever
been so. Our very presence on earth as physical beings is the consequence of a
choice each of us made to participate in our Father’s plan.<sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/free-forever-to-act-for-themselves?cid=HPWE030415731&lang=eng#9-10991_000_16christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; vertical-align: baseline;">9</span></a></span></sup> Thus,
salvation is certainly not the result of divine whim, but neither does it
happen by divine will alone.<sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/free-forever-to-act-for-themselves?cid=HPWE030415731&lang=eng#10-10991_000_16christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; vertical-align: baseline;">10</span></a></span></sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Justice is an essential attribute of God. We can have faith in
God because He is perfectly trustworthy. The scriptures teach us that “God doth
not walk in crooked paths, neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the
left, neither doth he vary from that which he hath said, therefore his paths
are straight, and his course is one eternal round”<sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/free-forever-to-act-for-themselves?cid=HPWE030415731&lang=eng#11-10991_000_16christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; vertical-align: baseline;">11</span></a></span></sup> and
that “God is no respecter of persons.”<sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/free-forever-to-act-for-themselves?cid=HPWE030415731&lang=eng#12-10991_000_16christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; vertical-align: baseline;">12</span></a></span></sup> We
rely on the divine quality of justice for faith, confidence, and hope.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But as a consequence of being perfectly just, there are some
things God cannot do. He cannot be arbitrary in saving some and banishing
others. He “cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance.”<sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/free-forever-to-act-for-themselves?cid=HPWE030415731&lang=eng#13-10991_000_16christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; vertical-align: baseline;">13</span></a></span></sup> He
cannot allow mercy to rob justice.<sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/free-forever-to-act-for-themselves?cid=HPWE030415731&lang=eng#14-10991_000_16christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; vertical-align: baseline;">14</span></a></span></sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is compelling evidence of His justice that God has forged the
companion principle of mercy. It is because He is just that He devised the
means for mercy to play its indispensable role in our eternal destiny. So now,
“justice exerciseth all his demands, and also mercy claimeth all which is her
own.”<sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/free-forever-to-act-for-themselves?cid=HPWE030415731&lang=eng#15-10991_000_16christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; vertical-align: baseline;">15</span></a></span></sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We know that it is “the sufferings and death of him who did no
sin, in whom [the Father] wast well pleased; … the blood of [His] Son which was
shed”<sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/free-forever-to-act-for-themselves?cid=HPWE030415731&lang=eng#16-10991_000_16christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; vertical-align: baseline;">16</span></a></span></sup> that
satisfies the demands of justice, extends mercy, and redeems us.<sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/free-forever-to-act-for-themselves?cid=HPWE030415731&lang=eng#17-10991_000_16christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; vertical-align: baseline;">17</span></a></span></sup> Even
so, “<i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">according to justice,</span></i> the plan of redemption could
not be brought about, <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">only on conditions of
repentance.</span></i>”<sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/free-forever-to-act-for-themselves?cid=HPWE030415731&lang=eng#18-10991_000_16christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; vertical-align: baseline;">18</span></a></span></sup> It
is the requirement of and the opportunity for repentance that permits mercy to
perform its labor without trampling justice.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christ died not to save indiscriminately but to offer
repentance. We rely “wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save”<sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/free-forever-to-act-for-themselves?cid=HPWE030415731&lang=eng#19-10991_000_16christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; vertical-align: baseline;">19</span></a></span></sup> in
the process of repentance, but acting to repent is a self-willed change. So by
making repentance a condition for receiving the gift of grace, God enables us
to retain responsibility for ourselves. Repentance respects and sustains our
moral agency: “And thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircles
them in the arms of safety, while he that exercises no faith unto repentance is
exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice; therefore only unto him
that has faith unto repentance is brought about the great and eternal plan of
redemption.”<sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/free-forever-to-act-for-themselves?cid=HPWE030415731&lang=eng#20-10991_000_16christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; vertical-align: baseline;">20</span></a></span></sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Misunderstanding God’s justice and mercy is
one thing; denying God’s existence or supremacy is another, but either will
result in our achieving less—sometimes far less—than our full, divine
potential. A God who makes no demands is the functional equivalent of a God who
does not exist. A world without God, the living God who establishes moral laws
to govern and perfect His children, is also a world without ultimate truth or
justice. It is a world where moral relativism reigns supreme.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Relativism means each person is his or her own highest
authority. Of course, it is not just those who deny God that subscribe to this
philosophy. Some who believe in God still believe that they themselves,
individually, decide what is right and wrong. One young adult expressed it this
way: “I don’t think I could say that Hinduism is wrong or Catholicism is wrong
or being Episcopalian is wrong—I think it just depends on what you believe. … I
don’t think that there’s a right and wrong.”<sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/free-forever-to-act-for-themselves?cid=HPWE030415731&lang=eng#21-10991_000_16christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; vertical-align: baseline;">21</span></a></span></sup> Another,
asked about the basis for his religious beliefs, replied, “Myself—it really
comes down to that. I mean, how could there be authority to what you believe?”<sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/free-forever-to-act-for-themselves?cid=HPWE030415731&lang=eng#22-10991_000_16christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; vertical-align: baseline;">22</span></a></span></sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To those who believe anything or everything could be true, the
declaration of objective, fixed, and universal truth feels like coercion—“I
shouldn’t be forced to believe something is true that I don’t like.” But that
does not change reality. Resenting the law of gravity won’t keep a person from
falling if he steps off a cliff. The same is true for eternal law and justice.
Freedom comes not from resisting it but from applying it. That is fundamental
to God’s own power. If it were not for the reality of fixed and immutable
truths, the gift of agency would be meaningless since we would never be able to
foresee and intend the consequences of our actions. As Lehi expressed it: “If
ye shall say there is no law, ye shall also say there is no sin. If ye shall
say there is no sin, ye shall also say there is no righteousness. And if there
be no righteousness there be no happiness. And if there be no righteousness nor
happiness there be no punishment nor misery. And if these things are not there
is no God. And if there is no God we are not, neither the earth; for there
could have been no creation of things, neither to act nor to be acted upon;
wherefore, all things must have vanished away.”<sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/free-forever-to-act-for-themselves?cid=HPWE030415731&lang=eng#23-10991_000_16christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; vertical-align: baseline;">23</span></a></span></sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In matters both temporal and spiritual, the
opportunity to assume personal responsibility is a God-given gift without which
we cannot realize our full potential as daughters and sons of God. Personal
accountability becomes both a right and a duty that we must constantly defend;
it has been under assault since before the Creation. We must defend
accountability against persons and programs that would (sometimes with the best
of intentions) make us dependent. And we must defend it against our own
inclinations to avoid the work that is required to cultivate talents,
abilities, and Christlike character.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">The story is told of a man who simply would not work. He wanted to
be taken care of in every need. To his way of thinking, the Church or the
government, or both, owed him a living because he had paid his taxes and his<a href="http://lds.org/study/topics/tithing?lang=eng"><span style="color: #2f393a;">tithing</span></a>.
He had nothing to eat but refused to work to care for himself. Out of
desperation and disgust, those who had tried to help him decided that since he
would not lift a finger to sustain himself, they might as well just take him to
the cemetery and let him pass on. On the way to the cemetery, one man said, “We
can’t do this. I have some corn I will give him.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">So they explained this to the man, and he
asked, “Have the husks been removed?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">They responded, “No.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">“Well, then,” he said, “drive on.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is God’s will that we be free men and women
enabled to rise to our full potential both temporally and spiritually, that we
be free from the humiliating limitations of poverty and the bondage of sin,
that we enjoy self-respect and independence, that we be prepared in all things
to join Him in His celestial kingdom.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am under no illusion that this can be achieved by our own
efforts alone without His very substantial and constant help. “We know that it
is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.”<sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/free-forever-to-act-for-themselves?cid=HPWE030415731&lang=eng#24-10991_000_16christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; vertical-align: baseline;">24</span></a></span></sup> And
we do not need to achieve some minimum level of capacity or goodness before God
will help—divine aid can be ours every hour of every day, no matter where we
are in the path of obedience. But I know that beyond desiring His help, we must
exert ourselves, repent, and choose God for Him to be able to act in our lives
consistent with justice and moral agency. My plea is simply to take
responsibility and go to work so that there is something for God to help us
with.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I bear witness that <a href="http://lds.org/study/topics/god-the-father?lang=eng"><span style="color: #2f393a;">God the Father</span></a> lives, that His Son, Jesus
Christ, is our Redeemer, and that the Holy Spirit is present with us. Their
desire to help us is undoubted, and Their capacity to do so is infinite. Let us
“awake, and arise from the dust, … that the covenants of the Eternal Father
which he hath made unto [us] may be fulfilled.”<sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/free-forever-to-act-for-themselves?cid=HPWE030415731&lang=eng#25-10991_000_16christofferson"><span style="color: #0091bc; vertical-align: baseline;">25</span></a></span></sup> In
the name of Jesus Christ, amen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LOVE YOU GUYS!! THINKING OF YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HAVE A GREAT
ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Con mucho amor, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Eder Long! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don’t worry that
bullet hole was there before we got in the taxi hahahaha all good, just another
story!!!!!!! </span>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622275263950177510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312838346059840299.post-83740668248514950412015-03-02T13:05:00.002-08:002015-03-24T08:24:11.181-07:00It's heating up again my friends<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Okay, where do I even start because the
time is just flying by faster and faster. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s CRAZY! So the weather...it’s getting so
hot it isn’t t even funny. Here in Comayagua it’s one of the hottest places in
all of Honduras. There are other hot spots too but here its super hot. It’s
been actually super miserable, but we are making it happen, so lets get down to
the sweat report. Lets getter done! </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So right now we are teaching this
familia that literally are amazing. They are super humble and are chosen... and
when I say they are chosen, I am not kidding. The Lord prepared this familia
like no other. They are the familia V. They are amazing... we love them so
much. There are five kids and then the wife. They live about a half hour away
from the center up into the mountains. They are so great, they just get it.
They have such an open mind and are so willing to do what the Lord has in store
for them They are looking to get dunked here in about 2 or 3 weeks. They came
to church this weekend and they came in ties and white shirts and all… hahaha
todod estaban pensando que eran miembro de la iglesia jjaja pero no son. So
everything is going great with them, so if you all can keep them in your
thoughts and prayers that would be great. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are teaching about 8 right now that
are really progressing and are working towards getting baptized this month and early
next month. We literally are running with our heads cut off to get everything
done that we need to do each day. It’s so hot so we are dying. I carry around a
rag in my pocket as a sweat rag to somewhat try and stay dry... so funny story.
Well, not too funny but yah... so I always put the rag hanging out of my back
right pocket. So I didn’t think anything of it... well a huge gang banger mafia
type dude told us, “Listen make sure you never put that in your back left
pocket or you might have problems”.... didn’t even think about that! Gotta love
the people that are always looking out for you. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Okay another great story for the
week! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So the other elders here in our area
are teaching a woman... well come to find out they are big time high ups in the
drug world here and we didn’t even know it. So we were walking down the street
and a guy came up and talked to us. He started telling us that we need to tell
the other missionaries, and he knew there names, that they NEVER needed to go
back to such house at all. He told us all.. they had us stalked pretty much and
they knew that we went to the gym in the morning and all because some people
believe here that missionaries are like usa spies... so dumb right. But they
were making sure that we were not investigating the house and all of them. So
come to find out like that whole block where all the elders have been teaching
are total gang bangers and all. Now we can’t ever go back... crazy stuff! So
that was some exciting news... what else happened this week? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are just trying to teach a lot and
get a lot done.. only 73 days more for Papi Long to get stuff done so I am
trying to make the most of each day. All is great. I am loving the mission more
than ever right now and we are doing big things. I am so happy to be an
instrument in the Lords work and I know this work is His work and not mine. All
is great, couldn’t be any hotter or happier, just making the most of every
day! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am going to attach a few links of
videos that I love and that we are using a lot right now. Watch them and take
what you can from them please, they are great! Loves! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/the-hope-of-gods-light"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/the-hope-of-gods-light</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/your-potential-your-privileges-1"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/your-potential-your-privileges-1</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/my-new-life"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/my-new-life</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/what-shall-we-give-2"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/what-shall-we-give-2</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I LOVE YOU GUYS! MAKE IT A SPECIAL
WEEEK. LOVE YOU GUYS. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I love you. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Con Mucho Amor, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elder Long! </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622275263950177510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312838346059840299.post-33048884456834548162015-02-23T12:02:00.002-08:002015-03-24T08:24:25.016-07:00The work moves forward<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Arial;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073711037 9 0 511 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-520092929 1073786111 9 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hey there familia and
friends. LET ME TELL YA, This week was amazing!!! This week flew past sooo
much! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So lets get down to it shall we. I
am sad that my old companion left. It’s not the same without him but it’s all
good. He is at home in the USA, aka Promise Land, living it up and doing his
thing. All is good though. So my new companion is Elder Henderson and he is
from the factory, so we are together now. He is good, but I am missing Elder Cook
a lot, but it’s all good, </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I HAVE ELDER
WALLENTINE WITH ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!He is in my district and
we see each other every day because we work in the same area, and do a lot
together. We get swoll every morning or I should say we burn off all the
tortillas that we eat each day together. So every day we have been getting up
at 5:15 and heading to the gym! So it’s amazing that we are together. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The weather is
heating up so much.. it is brutal, but that’s all good. Only one more time
through the brutal heat. So what else do I have for you? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So our zone this past
week was combined with another zone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
past month our zone won “zone of the month”, we had the most baptism out of any
other zone in the mission! And so President made some changes that are in the
missions benefit and now combined a few different zones and changed some
districts around. Right now our zone is the biggest zone in the entire mission
and we have not had a zone this big since I have been on the mission. We have
13 companionships in our zone, so that makes 26 missionaries. We are huge,
working hard and getting after it! It’s a lot of fun! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This morning we had a
breakfast together and have been playing today to get to know each other and
what not, we should have a good time. This month we have a goal as a mission to
have 319 baptisms, so we are working hard to geter’ done! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What else is going
on?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So this week we found this familia, actually
a few weeks ago we found the husband on the street and he told us where he
lived but we could never find it. We also tried to contact him but his phone
was lost and so the number we had is a goner so we have really be trying to
figure out what we can do to find him. Well, we found him again and we finally met
with him this week. We actually were on splits that day. I was with Porter aka
Wallentine and we taught him and the familia is AMAZING. They are literally SO
ready for this gospel, the Lord has prepared the way for them and they are so
ready for the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are getting them married and they are
going to be baptized soon. As far as now they are such an amazing familia.
Their name is familia Varela Casares. I am so proud of them. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The first lesson we
taught them about how the Church of Jesus Christ should be organized; all from
The Bible and they LOVED it. The second time we taught them we went ham, we
taught them about so much. We taught them about temples, eternal
marriage, baptism and The Proclamation to the Familia. We put it all out there
for them and THEY LOVED it. So we are so happy that the Lord has guided us to
another familia that is READY. We are super excited for them and they at the
moment are super ready to make things happen! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What else is new? Tomorrow
we have a meeting with President and all the zone leaders and district leaders
to talk about how we are going to get the 319 baptisms done. So that will be
good. My time with President Fortuna is always the highlight of the week, or
lets say month. I am so happy to be here, minus the weather ! It is just SO
DANG HOT to say the least but it is all good though. We are enjoying every day
more and more and now that I am with Wallentine, time is going by so fast,
crazy!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So let me share with
you something that I read this week that I loved. Read it and take what you can
from it, loves!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By President Eyring;
First Counselor in the First Presidency</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Human judgment and
logical thinking will not be enough to get answers to the questions that matter
most in life. We need revelation from God.</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My hope for us today is that we may all feel
love and light from God. There are many listening today who feel a pressing
need for that blessing of personal revelation from our loving Heavenly Father.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For mission presidents, it may be a pleading prayer to know how
to encourage a struggling missionary. For a father or a mother in a war-ravaged
place in the world, it will be a desperate need to know whether to move
their <a href="http://www.mormon.org/values/family"><span style="color: #2f393a;">family</span></a> to safety or whether to stay where
they are. Hundreds of stake presidents and bishops are praying today to know
how to help the Lord rescue a lost sheep. And for a prophet, it will be to know
what the Lord would have him speak to the Church and to a world in turmoil.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We all know that human judgment and logical
thinking will not be enough to get answers to the questions that matter most in
life. We need revelation from God. And we will need not just one revelation in
a time of stress, but we need a constantly renewed stream. We need not just one
flash of light and comfort, but we need the continuing blessing of
communication with God.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The very existence of the Church stems from a young boy knowing
that was true. Young <a href="http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/joseph-smith"><span style="color: #2f393a;">Joseph Smith</span></a> knew that he could not of
himself know which church to join. So he asked of God, as the book of James
told him he could. <a href="http://lds.org/study/topics/god-the-father?lang=eng"><span style="color: #2f393a;">God the Father</span></a> and His Beloved Son
appeared in a grove of trees. They answered the question that was beyond
Joseph’s power to resolve.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Not only was he then called of God to establish the true Church
of <a href="http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/jesus-christ"><span style="color: #2f393a;">Jesus Christ</span></a>, but with it was restored the
power to invoke the <a href="http://lds.org/study/topics/holy-ghost?lang=eng"><span style="color: #2f393a;">Holy
Ghost</span></a> so that revelation from God could be continuous.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">President Boyd K. Packer described that identifying mark of
the true Church this way: “Revelation continues in the Church: the prophet
receiving it for the Church; the president for his stake, his mission, or his
quorum; the bishop for his ward; the father for his family; the individual for
himself.”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/continuing-revelation?cid=HPTU021715700&lang=eng#1-10991_000_41eyring"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That wonderful process of revelation begins,
ends, and continues as we receive personal revelation. Let’s take the great
Nephi, son of Lehi, as our example. His father had a dream. Others in Nephi’s
family viewed Lehi’s dream as evidence of mental confusion. The dream included
a command from God for Lehi’s sons to run the terrible risk of returning to
Jerusalem for the plates which contained the word of God so that they could
take them on their journey to the promised land.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We often quote Nephi’s brave declaration when his father asked
them to go back to Jerusalem. You know the words: “I will go and do the things
which the Lord hath commanded.”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/continuing-revelation?cid=HPTU021715700&lang=eng#2-10991_000_41eyring"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When Lehi heard Nephi speak those words, the scripture says that
“he was exceedingly glad.”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/continuing-revelation?cid=HPTU021715700&lang=eng#3-10991_000_41eyring"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> He was glad because he knew that Nephi had been blessed
with confirming revelation that his father’s dream was a true communication
from God. Nephi did not say, “I will go and do what my father told me to do.”
Rather he said, “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From your experience in your own families, you
also know why Lehi was “exceedingly glad.” His joy came from knowing that Nephi
had received confirming revelation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many parents have set family rules for when a
teenage child is to return home at night. But think of the joy when the parent
learns, as one did just a few weeks ago, that a child who had recently left
home not only set a curfew for herself but also kept the Sabbath just as she
had been taught at home. The revelation of a parent has its lasting effect in
the personal revelation that continues in the child.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">My mother must have understood that principle
of revelation. As a young man, I would close the back door very quietly when I
came home late in the evening. I had to pass my mother’s bedroom on the way to
mine. However quietly I tiptoed, just as I got to her half-opened door, I would
hear my name, ever so quietly, “Hal, come in for a moment.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">I would go in and sit on the edge of her bed.
The room would be dark. If you had listened, you would have thought it was only
friendly talk about life. But to this day, what she said comes back to my mind
with the same power I feel when I read the transcript of my patriarchal
blessing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">I don’t know what she was asking for in prayer
as she waited for me those nights. I suppose it would have been in part for my
safety. But I am sure that she prayed as a patriarch does before he gives a
blessing. He prays that his words will come to the recipient as the words of
God, not his. My mother’s prayers for that blessing were answered on my head.
She is in the spirit world and has been for more than 40 years. I am sure she
has been exceedingly glad that I was blessed, as she asked, to hear in her
counsel the commands of God. And I have tried to go and do as she hoped I
would.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have seen that same miracle of continuing
revelation in stake presidents and bishops in the Church. And, as is true in
the revelation to family leaders, the value of the revelation depends on those
who are being led receiving confirming revelation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">I saw that miracle of revelation in the
aftermath of the breaking of the Teton Dam in Idaho in 1976. Many of you know
the story of what happened. But the example of continuing revelation that was
passed through a stake president could bless all of us in the days ahead.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Thousands of people were evacuated as their
homes were destroyed. Directing the relief efforts fell to a local stake
president, a farmer. I was in a classroom at Ricks College just a few days
after the disaster. A leader from the federal disaster agency had arrived. He
and his chief assistants came to the large room where the stake president had
assembled bishops and even some ministers of other local religions. I was there
because many of the survivors were being cared for and housed on the campus of
the college where I was the president.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">As the meeting began, the representative from
the federal disaster agency stood and began to say with the voice of authority
what needed to be done. After he listed each of the five or six tasks he said
were essential, the stake president responded quietly, “We’ve already done
that.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">After a few minutes, the man from the federal
disaster agency said, “I think that I will just sit down and watch for a
while.” He and his deputies then listened as bishops and elders quorum
presidents reported what they had done. They described what direction they had
received and followed from their leaders. They talked as well about what they
had been inspired to do as they carried out the instructions to find families
and to help them. It was late that day. They were all too tired to show much
emotion except their love of the people.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">The stake president gave a few final
directions to the bishops, and then he announced a time for the next report
meeting, early the following morning.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">The next morning the leader of the federal
team arrived 20 minutes before the report and assignment meeting was scheduled
to begin. I stood nearby. I heard him say quietly to the stake president,
“President, what would you like me and the members of my team to do?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What that man saw I have seen in times of
distress and testing all over the world. President Packer was right. Continuing
revelation comes to stake presidents to lift them above their own wisdom and
capacities. And, beyond that, the Lord gives to those whom the president leads
a confirming witness that his commands come from God through the Holy Ghost to
an imperfect human being.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have been blessed to be called to follow
inspired leaders much of my life. As a very young man I was called to be
counselor to an elders quorum president. I have in turn been counselor to two
district presidents and to a Presiding Bishop of the Church, a member of the
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and a counselor to two Presidents of the Church.
I have seen the revelation given to them and then confirmed to their followers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That personal revelation of acceptance, for
which we all long, does not come easily, nor does it come simply for the
asking. The Lord gave this standard for the capacity to receive such witnesses
from God. It is a guide for anyone seeking personal revelation, as we all must.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Let thy bowels also be full of charity
towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy
thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of
God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews
from heaven.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion.”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/continuing-revelation?cid=HPTU021715700&lang=eng#4-10991_000_41eyring"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From that I draw counsel for us all. Don’t
take lightly the feeling you get of love for the prophet of God. Wherever I go
in the Church, whoever the prophet is at the time, members will ask, “When you
get back to Church headquarters, will you please tell the prophet how much we
love him?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That is far more than hero worship or the
feelings we sometimes have of admiring heroic figures. It is a gift from God.
With it you will receive more easily the gift of confirming revelation when he
speaks in his office as the Lord’s prophet. The love you feel is the love the
Lord has for whoever is His spokesman.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That is not easy to feel continually because
the Lord often asks His prophets to give counsel that is hard for people to
accept. The enemy of our souls will try to lead us to take offense and to doubt
the prophet’s calling from God.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have seen how the Holy Ghost can touch a
softened heart to protect a humble disciple of Jesus Christ with confirming
revelation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">The prophet sent me to confer the sacred
sealing power on a man in a small city far away. Only the prophet of God has
the keys to decide who is to receive the sacred power which was given by the
Lord to Peter, the senior Apostle. I had received that same sealing power, but
only by direction of the President of the Church could I confer it on another.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">So, in a room in a chapel far from Salt Lake,
I laid my hands on the head of a man chosen by the prophet to receive the
sealing power. His hands showed the signs of a lifetime of tilling the soil for
a meager living. His tiny wife sat near him. She also showed signs of years of
hard labor alongside her husband.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">I spoke the words given by the prophet: “Under
delegation of authority and responsibility from,” and then the name of the prophet,
“who holds all the keys of the priesthood on earth at this time, I confer the
sealing power on,” and I gave the name of the man and then the name of the
temple where he would serve as a sealer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Tears flowed down his cheeks. I saw that his
wife was also weeping. I waited for them to compose themselves. She stood up
and stepped toward me. She looked up and then said timidly that she was happy
but also sad. She said that she had so loved going to the temple with her
husband but that now she felt that she should not go with him because God had
chosen him for so glorious and sacred a trust. Then she said that her feeling
of being inadequate to be his temple companion came because she could neither
read nor write.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">I assured her that her husband would be honored
by her company in the temple because of her great spiritual power. As well as I
could with my small grasp of her language, I told her that God had revealed
things to her beyond all earthly education.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">She knew by the gift of the Spirit that God
had given, through His prophet, a supernal trust to the husband she loved. She
knew for herself that the keys to give that sealing power were held by a man
she had never seen and yet knew for herself was the living prophet of God. She
knew, without having to be told by any living witness, that the prophet had
prayed over the name of her husband. She knew for herself that God had made the
call.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">She also knew that the ordinances her husband would perform would
bind people for eternity in the celestial kingdom. She had confirmed to her
mind and heart that the promise the Lord made to Peter still continued in the
Church: “Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/continuing-revelation?cid=HPTU021715700&lang=eng#5-10991_000_41eyring"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">5</span></a></span></sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> She knew that for herself, by revelation, from God.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let us go back to our starting point. “Revelation continues in
the Church: the prophet receiving it for the Church; the president for his stake,
his mission, or his quorum; the bishop for his ward; the father for his family;
the individual for himself.”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/continuing-revelation?cid=HPTU021715700&lang=eng#6-10991_000_41eyring"><span style="color: #0091bc; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">6</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I bear you my witness that is true. Heavenly
Father hears your prayers. He loves you. He knows your name. Jesus is the
Christ, the Son of God, and our Redeemer. He loves you beyond your ability to
comprehend.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God pours out revelation, through the Holy
Ghost, on His children. He speaks to His prophet on the earth, who today is
Thomas S. Monson. I witness that he holds and exercises all the keys of
the priesthood on earth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As you listen in this conference to the words
of those God has called to speak for Him, I pray that you will receive the
confirming revelation you need to find your way on the journey home again, to
dwell with Him in a sealed family forever. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ,
amen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">LOVE YOU GUYS! Make it a great week, do big things! Gi get
after it in all that you do and can’t wait to see you Gi Gi. I miss you tons
man. Your looking big in the pictures. I can’t wait to see you in 80 days! Love
you stud! </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.95pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Con Mucho Amor, </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elder Long! </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622275263950177510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312838346059840299.post-36693356192969691302015-02-18T15:20:00.000-08:002015-03-24T08:25:25.733-07:00Changes again...<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">He gave us a quick update
yesterday. His current companion goes home tomorrow
so their schedule has been nuts.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">This is what he said…Well, I
really don’t know what to write about this week. Its been a blur and so busy.
We had changes this week and my current companion Elder C. is heading home.We have had a lot of fun together and have worked very hard. We've had much success in FINDING THE ONE...I will miss him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Today I met my new companion Elder H. and he is from St. George. We are going to have a
good time together, he is a great guy and we are going to work hard and give the Lord our all. I am
still going to be serving in the same area, Comayagua.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">One of my best friends in my
mission, Elder W., is now in my district. W. literally lives 3
minutes from my house so we will see each other EVERY DAY!!!!!!! Tell his
mother please, this is literally the BEST THING EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are
soooooo pumped, it’s going to be amazing to say the least. We will most likely
finish together. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">I’ve had another awesome
week. We baptized David, another blessing from the Lord. We have worked so hard
and I am pleased to know that Elder C. had the blessing of a final baptism, his last week while serving the Lord and people in Honduras. That's a great way to end your mission.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">It is soooooo hot I can’t
even explain it. I can’t concentrate and write right now because it’s so
hot…not even funny. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">So, Monday you will get a
much better email. Enjoy the pics and know that I AM IN HEAVEN WITH W.
RIGHT NEXT TO MEEEEEEEEEEEEE. WE GOT SO EXCITED WE ARE SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
PUMPED! We are going to rock this place and make things happen. I’ve got 12
weeks left to serve the Lord and SOOOOOOOOO much to still accomplish.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">That is all I have, until
next Monday. Loves! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Elder Long</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622275263950177510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312838346059840299.post-87478249761924278922015-02-10T14:22:00.000-08:002015-03-24T08:25:53.436-07:00Another wonderful baptism<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Georgia;
panose-1:2 4 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What a great week!
These weeks are just going by faster and faster... I really don’t know where
the time is going. So lets get down to the sweat report. It’s so flippen hot I
can’t even tell you.. Cada dia estamos sudando mas y mas.... pero ni modo! Here
wee gooo! </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So we had to break
into our house this week… that was kind of fun. HAHA My companion locked his
keys in the house so we had to bust down the front gate in order to get in. The
barbwire didn’t allow us to go over the fence at all, so we had to bust down
the front door. Everyone was looking at us like we were crazy. So that was fun
and interesting. HAHA </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So we baptized a
familia this week. They are amazing. Familia Madrano, they are so great. They
are quite the couple. She is like 45 and he is 78… do the math on that one.
They are in such love, it’s not even funny. They are amazing. We have had such
a great time teaching them! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hermano Madrano is
amazing. He is such a great guy, has been to a TON of churches and knew a lot.
It was great helping him come along and answer all his questions and doubts
that he had along with his wife and allow them to make the best decision of
their lives. They were SO happy to get married and baptized, they were estatic!
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So Friday we married
them and Friday night we baptized them too. Noche de Blanco! Night of white
baby! It was quite the hall trying to get them married because she is from a
pueblo about 3 hours from here and he is from one about an hour from here, but
it all worked out. There were some delays and problems with the papers (ask me
about when I get home hahha) but in the end we all got it worked out. It was a
miracle straight from the Lord, let me put it that way. They were so
happy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Right now our zone is
the highest baptizing zone in the mission and we are doing great, having a lot
of fun and making some changes for the better to see the results change around.
Last week we had a few meetings with president and we came to conclusion that
we needed to make some changes mission wide, so that is what we are doing and
we are seeing the results. We are really getting after it in the zone. It’s so
much fun, every day we just see the Lords hand in our work. IT’S AMAZING. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There is no better
thing than seeing the little miracles every day that the Lord has for us. I
challenge each of you to look for the miracles that the Lord has in store for
you each day. Look for the little things that make things all worth it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This week we had
interviews with president and they went very well. He didn’t have too much to
say, he was just talking about how he is excited for me to put into practice
all that I have learned when I get home. It went well, it was super chill, we
talked a lot about our zone and other mission stuff. We talked about how my scripture
studying is going and talked about life and down the road. It was good, always
great to get some inspiration from such a spiritual man. So that was a good
time. Learned a lot from Papi Fortuna. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What else... we went
to this AMAZING restaurant with a good friend this week. It was SO good. So
that was a pretty good time to say the least. We had some good laughs, only
thing we were missing were a few girls with us hahaha but it was a great time.
It was like a BBQ place. What else... I am trying to think of everything from this
week, it all seems like a blurrrrr… so fast. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I LOVE THESE. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>READ AND PONDER. ACT AND YOU WILL RECEIVE.........</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: #a3a097; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"The Lord made it very clear at the start of this last
dispensation that we were to take the gospel to all the world. Whatever our
age, capacity, Church calling, or location, we are as one called to the work to
help Him in His harvest of souls."</span></i><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: #a3a097; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
"All missionaries, younger and older, serve with the sole hope of making
life better for other people. The decision to serve a mission will shape the
spiritual destiny of the missionary, his or her spouse, and their posterity for
generations to come."<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></i><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: #a3a097; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"A desire to serve is a natural outcome of one’s
conversion, worthiness, and preparation."<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></i><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: #a3a097; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"The love of Jesus Christ must be our guide if we are to
become aware of the needs of those we can help in some way. The teachings of
our Lord, Jesus Christ, show us the way. And that is how our personal ministry
begins: discovering needs, then tending to them."<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></i><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: #a3a097; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one
another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all
men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another (John
13:34–35)."<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></i><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: #a3a097; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"The great test of life is obedience to God. “We will prove
them herewith,” said the Lord, “to see if they will do all things whatsoever
the Lord their God shall command them” (Abr. 3:25). The great task of life is
to learn the will of the Lord and then do it. The great commandment of life is
to love the Lord."<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></i><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: #a3a097; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"There is room for improvement in every life. Regardless of
our occupations, regardless of our circumstances, we can improve ourselves and
while so doing have an effect on the lives of those about us."<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></i><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Enjoy the pictures.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Con Mucho Amor, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elder Long! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aim high in all that
you do and put your best foot forward. Loves! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DON’T BELIEVE IN THE
GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST, LIVE IT TO ITS FULLEST. WHAT DOES THE LORD EXPECT FROM
YOU THIS WEEK........................? FIND THE ONE</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622275263950177510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312838346059840299.post-74220700957463500042015-02-02T15:11:00.003-08:002015-03-24T08:24:49.897-07:00One of the BEST weeks of my mission<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So this week I don’t
even know where to begin... it has been one of the best weeks of my entire
mission. It has been one of the most spiritual weeks of my entire life. It
literally was amazing. I don’t know who I would be today without this mission
and especially this weeks experiences being around a Seventy, which is a leader
of our church. My experiences have been very personal and I am grateful for them.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It has been quite the
week to say the least. THIS IS THE LORDS CHURCH. THIS IS HIS CHURCH. THE CHURCH
IS PERFECT. YOU HAVE NO IDEA... I AM FOREVER CHANGED AFTER THIS WEEK. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am humbled to know
that Christ lives. The Savior is the way to truth, light and happiness. The key
to spiritual living is prayer, scripture reading and frequent temple
attendance. I know this to be true. I promise you it is true. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My heart is full.
Blessings come when we live the gospel of Jesus Christ. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s been a great
week my family and friends.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Love, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elder Long</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622275263950177510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312838346059840299.post-68784458834366311372015-01-27T11:37:00.000-08:002015-01-27T11:37:25.987-08:00A baptism and lots of goals<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Arial;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073711037 9 0 511 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Lucida Grande";
panose-1:2 11 6 0 4 5 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-520090897 1342218751 0 0 447 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So I want to start off and say sorry
for my spelling and all in all my letters.. My English sucks and it’s hard to
think in English let alone write... so throw me a bone and cut me a break haha.
Here we are once again... I really don’t even know where the time is going, it’s
crazy! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I hope that this letter finds you all
alive and kicking. So this week was a little crazy haha but it’s all good. We
are doing a lot of running around and getting things done. We are currently
helping a lot of the newbies in our zone kill it! We are getting after it.
There is a lot of motivation in our zone and we are all competitive and trying
to kill it together. The Enero Madness has been a lot of fun and people are
really trying to take it to the people that they are competing against. So that
has been a lot of fun! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are working right now with a lot of
people but we need to start finding some newbies that we can get for the next
month. The mission right now is working on having a vision for two months so that
we don’t do well one month and then the next month we’re crapping bricks. So it
is all about planning and being well thought out. We have been really pushing
the new people in our zone to hold on tight and go along for the ride. We are
getting after it... everyone is pumped about the vision that we have for the
zone and all. We are trying to have 30 baptisms as a zone this next month so we
are working our little buns off. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So this week there was a companionship
that married a familia and then they got baptized, but the elders were new and
didn’t know the process so we did it all for them but it wasn’t that easy. It
was a difficult thing because the couple was from a place called Gracias A Dios
which is like 6 hours from here and you can’t get there on land... so we had to
coordinate it through the airlines and airport in order to get them here... it
was quite the process... but we got it all done. The family got dunked and they
were SO happy! It was great for these new elders to see the process and change
the lives of their first familia! That took a lot of our time up but it was all
worth it in the end.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oh, so this week I met a guy... and let
me tell you... he had some stories that would blow your mind... my mouth I am
sure was wide open for about two hours just listening to this dude tell me
things that I couldn’t believe.... it was insane! We are teaching his wife and
she has come to church for 2 years and wants to get baptized and all but we
have to work on him. The missionaries have never gotten anywhere with him and
we are getting somewhere, he is an amazing man but he has had a past... I can’t
even tell you... it BLEW my mind. So that literally made my week haha it was
amazing!! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Read the following talk. I really
enjoyed it. It has a great message. Ponder and make a change baby! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Guided
Safely Home </span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by President Monson</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We look heavenward for that unfailing
sense of direction, that we might chart and follow a wise and proper course.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Brethren,
we are assembled as a mighty body of the priesthood, both here in the
Conference Center and in locations throughout the world. I am honored yet
humbled by the responsibility which is mine to address a few remarks to you. I
pray for the Spirit of the Lord to attend me as I do so.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Seventy-five
years ago, on February 14, 1939, in Hamburg, Germany, a public holiday was
celebrated. Amid fervent speeches, cheering throngs, and the playing of
patriotic anthems, the new battleship Bismarck was put to sea via the River
Elbe. This, the most powerful vessel afloat, was a breathtaking spectacle of
armor and machinery. Construction required more than 57,000 blueprints for the
380-millimeter, radar-controlled, double-gun turrets. The vessel featured
28,000 miles (45,000 km) of electrical circuits. It weighed over 35,000 tons,
and armor plate provided maximum safety. Majestic in appearance, gigantic in
size, awesome in firepower, the mighty colossus was considered unsinkable.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Bismarck’s appointment with destiny came more than two years later, when on
May 24, 1941, the two most powerful warships in the British Navy, the
Prince of Wales and the Hood, engaged in battle the Bismarck and the German
cruiser Prinz Eugen. Within five minutes the Bismarck had sent to the depths of
the Atlantic the Hood and all but three men of a crew of over 1,400. The other
British battleship, the Prince of Wales, had suffered heavy damage and turned
away.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Over
the next three days the Bismarck was engaged again and again by British
warships and aircraft. In all, the British concentrated the strength of five
battleships, two aircraft carriers, 11 cruisers, and 21 destroyers in an effort
to find and to sink the mighty Bismarck.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">During
these battles, shell after shell inflicted only superficial damage on the
Bismarck. Was it unsinkable after all? Then a torpedo scored a lucky hit, which
jammed the Bismarck’s rudder. Repair efforts proved fruitless. With guns primed
and the crews at ready, the Bismarck could only steer a slow circle. Just
beyond reach was the powerful German air force. The Bismarck could not
reach the safety of home port. Neither could provide the needed haven, for the
Bismarck had lost the ability to steer a charted course. No rudder, no help, no
port. The end drew near. British guns blazed as the German crew scuttled and
sank the once seemingly indestructible vessel. The hungry waves of the Atlantic
first lapped at the sides and then swallowed the pride of the German navy. The
Bismarck was no more.<sup><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/guided-safely-home?lang=eng#1-10991_000_36monson"><span style="color: blue;">1</span></a></sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Like
the Bismarck, each of us is a miracle of engineering. Our creation, however,
was not limited by human genius. Man can devise the most complex machines but
cannot give them life or bestow upon them the powers of reason and judgment.
These are divine gifts, bestowed only by God.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Like
the vital rudder of a ship, brethren, we have been provided a way to determine
the direction we travel. The lighthouse of the Lord beckons to all as we sail
the seas of life. Our purpose is to steer an undeviating course toward our
desired goal—even the celestial kingdom of God. A man without a purpose is like
a ship without a rudder, never likely to reach home port. To us comes the
signal: chart your course, set your sail, position your rudder, and proceed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As
with the mighty Bismarck, so it is with man. The thrust of the turbines and the
power of the propellers are useless without that sense of direction, that
harnessing of the energy, that directing of the power provided by the rudder,
hidden from view, relatively small in size but absolutely essential in
function.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our
Father provided the sun, the moon, and the stars—heavenly galaxies to guide
mariners who sail the lanes of the sea. To us, as we walk the pathway of life,
He provides a clear map and points the way toward our desired destination. He
cautions: beware the detours, the pitfalls, the traps. We cannot be deceived by
those who would lead us astray, those clever pied pipers of sin beckoning here
or there. Instead, we pause to pray; we listen to that still, small voice which
speaks to the depths of our souls the Master’s gentle invitation, “Come, follow
me.”<sup><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/guided-safely-home?lang=eng#2-10991_000_36monson"><span style="color: blue;">2</span></a></sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yet
there are those who do not hear, who will not obey, who prefer to walk a path
of their own making. Too often they succumb to the temptations which surround
all of us and which can appear so enticing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As
bearers of the priesthood, we have been placed on earth in troubled times. We
live in a complex world with currents of conflict everywhere to be found.
Political schemes ruin the stability of nations, despots grasp for power, and
segments of society seem forever downtrodden, deprived of opportunity and left
with a feeling of failure. The sophistries of men ring in our ears, and sin
surrounds us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ours
is the responsibility to be worthy of all the glorious blessings our Father in
Heaven has in store for us. Wherever we go, our priesthood goes with us. Are we
standing in holy places? Please, before you put yourself and your priesthood in
jeopardy by venturing into places or participating in activities which are not
worthy of you or of that priesthood, pause to consider the consequences.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
who have been ordained to the priesthood of God can make a difference. When we
maintain our personal purity and honor our priesthood, we become righteous
examples for others to follow. The Apostle Paul admonished, “Be thou an example
of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in
purity.”<sup><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/guided-safely-home?lang=eng#3-10991_000_36monson"><span style="color: blue;">3</span></a></sup> He also wrote that the followers of
Christ should be “as lights in the world.”<sup><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/guided-safely-home?lang=eng#4-10991_000_36monson"><span style="color: blue;">4</span></a></sup> Providing an example of righteousness can
help to illuminate an increasingly dark world.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many
of you will remember President N. Eldon Tanner, who served as a counselor
to four Presidents of the Church. He provided an undeviating example of
righteousness throughout his career in industry, during service in the
government in Canada, and as an Apostle of <a href="http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/jesus-christ"><span style="color: blue;">Jesus
Christ</span></a>. He gave us this inspired counsel: “Nothing will bring
greater joy and success than to live according to the teachings of the gospel.
Be an example; be an influence for good.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He
continued: “Every one of us has been foreordained for some work as [God’s]
chosen servant on whom he has seen fit to confer the priesthood and power to
act in his name. Always remember that people are looking to you for leadership
and you are influencing the lives of individuals either for good or for bad,
which influence will be felt for generations to come.”<sup><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/guided-safely-home?lang=eng#5-10991_000_36monson"><span style="color: blue;">5</span></a></sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
are strengthened by the truth that the greatest force in the world today is the
power of God as it works through man. To sail safely the seas of mortality, we
need the guidance of that Eternal Mariner—even the great Jehovah. We reach out,
we reach up to obtain heavenly help.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
well-known example of one who did not reach upward is that of Cain, son of Adam
and Eve. Powerful in potential but weak of will, Cain permitted greed, envy,
disobedience, and even murder to jam that personal rudder which would have
guided him to safety and exaltation. The downward gaze replaced the upward
look; Cain fell.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
another time and by a wicked king, a servant of God was tested. Aided by the
inspiration of heaven, Daniel interpreted for the king the writing on the wall.
Concerning the proffered rewards—even a royal robe, a necklace of gold, and
political power—Daniel said, “Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards
to another.”<sup><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/guided-safely-home?lang=eng#6-10991_000_36monson"><span style="color: blue;">6</span></a></sup> Great riches and power had been offered
to Daniel, rewards representing the things of the world and not of God. Daniel
resisted and remained faithful.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Later,
when Daniel worshipped God despite a decree declaring such to be forbidden, he
was thrown into a den of lions. The biblical account tells us that the
following morning, “Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt
was found upon him, because he believed in … God.”<sup><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/guided-safely-home?lang=eng#7-10991_000_36monson"><span style="color: blue;">7</span></a></sup> In a time of critical need, Daniel’s
determination to steer a steady course yielded divine protection and provided a
sanctuary of safety. Such protection and safety can be ours as we also steer
that steady course toward our eternal home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
clock of history, like the sands of the hourglass, marks the passage of time. A
new cast occupies the stage of life. The problems of our day loom ominously
before us. Throughout the history of the world, Satan has worked tirelessly for
the destruction of the followers of the Savior. If we succumb to his enticings,
we—like the mighty Bismarck—will lose that rudder which can guide us to safety.
Instead, surrounded by the sophistication of modern living, we look heavenward
for that unfailing sense of direction, that we might chart and follow a wise and
proper course. Our Heavenly Father will not leave our sincere petition
unanswered. As we seek heavenly help, our rudder, unlike that of the Bismarck,
will not fail.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As
we venture forth on our individual voyages, may we sail safely the seas of
life. May we have the courage of a Daniel, that we might remain true and
faithful despite the sin and temptation which surround us. May our testimonies
be as deep and as strong as that of Jacob, the brother of Nephi, who, when
confronted by one who sought in every way possible to destroy his faith,
declared, “I could not be shaken.”<sup><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/guided-safely-home?lang=eng#8-10991_000_36monson"><span style="color: blue;">8</span></a></sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With
the rudder of faith guiding our passage, brethren, we too will find our way
safely home—home to God, to dwell with Him eternally. That such may be so for
each of us, I pray in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer,
amen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Thanks
for all the love and support family! I really can’t thank you all enough for
all that you do for me! Mr. 210 you really mean a lot to me and the family and
all that you do for us. Thank you so much. I hope that all is going well, a lot
to do in just short time, gotta find the one. </span><span style="color: #2f393a; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Con Mucho Amor,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elder Long </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622275263950177510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312838346059840299.post-79187973546080522262015-01-20T11:58:00.003-08:002015-01-20T11:58:32.570-08:00My mission is perfect! I love this work.<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hey there familia and
friends, the weeks are going so fast that I really cant think twice and here we
are again. I am doing good though and just enjoying life so much and doing my
thing. We are doing a lot of good things here in Comayagua. So lets get down to
the sweat report shall we! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So this week we spent
a lot of time focusing on what we can do better as a zone. We have 10
companionships in our zone and a ton of news, so we are really focusing on
getting after it each day. We have set the bar high along with president with
the teaching standards that we want to achieve every day. So I will share the
love with ya’ll haha. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So we are trying to
teach 3 lessons every day with a member, 4 others leciones, 10 contacts, 3 less
actives, every day. It’s all based off of organizing your time and getting
after it. So this week we had a meeting with a zone and we put together
something pretty cool that we are going to do to motivate the zone to getter
done. So we put a thing together called the ENERO MADNESS. So it’s a huge pool
with our zone and it’s based off a weekly competition, so you have to complete
with these standards to get a point for the day, you get all or nothing. So at
the end of the week they will see who wins. It’s going to be a fun one. So that’s
what we are doing as far as that! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What else do I have
for ya... We are currently teaching a family right now and the husband is 78
and the wife is 40!! Crazy, I know!!!!!!!! But they are amazing. They literally
are the perfect match for one another if you can imagine that one haha They are
the familia Madrano, they are going to be baptized soon. We are teaching a
decent amount, we’ve gotta get some things moving and help the members like the
missionaries more and support us in our work. There was a missionary here last
change that RUINED a lot of things with the members and so it has hurt the work,
but don’t you worry we’ve got things in the process of turning it around. Side
note, we are teaching a dad of members that is not baptized and his name is
Mariano, kinda cool! So we have about 6 people that should be getting baptized
in the next month or so. We shall see. It’s all in the Lords hands. So the
people we got are great, just continuing to find new gators and help them move
a long! What else...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oh, so this week we went
to the temple, it was great. We went and visited hno mejia and their family and
they literally are seriously the most amazing people. They fed us and we played
on their trampoline and all and it was a great time for us all. We had to wait
around for a few hours to get into our session so we headed up to his house to
have a good time for a little bit. I am so grateful for their family. They
have been an amazing blessing in my life here on the mission. I love them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So we are grinding
and doing our thing baby! We are getting after it and enjoying every day or it!
Elder C. and I are doing great. We are enjoying every day so much it’s not even
funny. It’s been such a good time to say the least. We lift every day at 5AM so
watch out Gi, aka American Woman!!! I am coming for you! And Mr. 210 you better
watch out too, I am coming in hot and strong, gotta find the one when I get
back if you know what I mean! jeje So trying to getter’ done. Other than that just
running with our heads cut off and trying to get all that we have on our plate done
and trying to help the others make it happen as well. So ,we are doing our
thing and enjoying it every day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So we did have an
activity this week on Wednesday at church and we killed it! It’s like a familia
home evening but we do it at the church and play games and all and it’s
something that I have started in every area and it’s literally THE KEY. So the
members were loving it all, they were getting after it. Other than that hnas y
hermanas, todo bien no se precupe, we are doing what the Lord wants and I know
that we are going to see the fruits of his labor. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So in the store this
week we were buying food and I met an academy grad that is stationed at the AF
base here in Comayagua. She was cool and graduated in 2009. We talked for a
little, she was cool. Everywhere you go you see people that you just feel so
close too. I love this country and the people. My love for them...I can’t even
describe to you how I feel about the country and them, I love it here so
much. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thanks so much for
your love and support family and friends. I love you. Help me stay focused
because I need to make this time special, this is not my time, its the lords
time. I love it and living it up and cant wait to see you all but i have to
stay focused and the things after will come into place. I love the people and
the lord to much to think about home right now, yes its on the mind but there
is just to much to do and little time. I encourage you each to give more to the
lord. Go up up and away and do not put boundaries. Our success do not have
limits, make each day count</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aim high in all that
you do and put your best foot forward, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Con mucho amor! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elder Long</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622275263950177510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312838346059840299.post-85947098281388844592015-01-12T10:30:00.005-08:002015-01-12T10:30:49.703-08:00Goodbye La Paz...hello Comayagua<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hey there my family and friends... well let me tell ya... we
are back to the sweat report once again, and it’s in full force! I am in the
second hottest area in our WHOLE MISSION. Its crazy! Oh yea, I had changes haha
so I am currently in a new area! So there is a lot to tell about on this weeks
sweat report... lets get down to it shall we! </span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My new area is called Comayagua, and it’s about 30 minutes
from where I was before. It’s the second hottest area on the mission.. gotta
love that part right! It’s soooo hot and summer is just coming, they say that
it’s over 95 every day and last summer hit like 105 alot.. so yea we’re in for
a hottie. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So all the things that mom would want to know about the
area... lets see! So our house is hotter than ever haha we don’t have to wash
our clothes because the members help us out with that... oh yea the best part!
WE GET FED LUNCH AND DINNER EVERYDAY! So literally that is amazing! We live by
a gym so we have been getting swole with the district! Everyone in our district
is from the states so we are just all on the same page and tearing it up! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This week we got after it in our area and had the most at
church ever, we had 154 which is the best ever, so by far the biggest branch
that I have been in my whole mission by a ton. It was kind of weird and was
great at the same time. So we have a lot to work with. There is another set of
missionaries with us in our ward. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What else do I have for ya... so most likely this will be my
last area on my mission and I am not to sure how I feel about that but it is
what it is. We’re getting after it! My new companion is so cool, he is from
Arizona, Elder C. is his name. We are having a blast together. He goes
home in like 6 weeks, or the next changes so we are trying to go ham before he
goes home!! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We just had a baptism Saturday of a lady 22 and boy is she a
sharp lady. We are working with her sister now and she is moving along. We have
a lot of people that we are working with and not only our people but the people
of the zone as well. We don’t get a ton of sleep because we are always up late
trying to help everyone out and their investigators and making all the plans
and all for zone, but it’s a good time. We have things moving really quick this
week! We have the goal this week as a zone to get 1000 contacts. A contact
consists of getting their name, number, where they live, and a time that we can
come back and visit them. Our zone has 10 companionships. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What else do I have for ya... so yea it was tough leaving
the Paz but I gave it my all. I know that I left the area a lot better than
when we got there and the area is doing good so I am happy with that! I am pretty
close to there so maybe I will have the chance to go back once or twice, we’ll
see. I don’t know though cause we are running with our heads literally cut off,
but I am loving it! We wake up at 5 am to hit the gym and go to bed at like 11.
Reminding me kind of like academy hours but I can honestly say I feel better
and feel the best than I have on my whole mission physically. We only don’t go
to the gym on Sunday. So it’s great, getting rid of that 0 pack or fat pack
that I was rocking hahaha. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Other than that I am just super excited to be over the zone
and help everyone out, including the 7 companionships that are in training with
someone brand new. It’s fun to be able to help the new guys out, we have a lot
that have the deer in the head lights look going but their GETTING AFTER IT…fresh
off the block and doing their thing. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So that’s about all I have for you, getting after it and doing
our thing! Thanks for all the love and support! Love you guys!!! <br />
<br />
Aim high in all that you do and put your best foot forward!! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">con mucho amor, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elder Long!!!</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622275263950177510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312838346059840299.post-70869357834316023852015-01-08T10:16:00.005-08:002015-01-08T10:17:41.951-08:00I love my mission<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well, what’s good
there family and friends! I hope that all is well with you guys and your alive
and kicking. I really can’t explain how fast time is going bye... it’s crazy! I
really am loving it right now. So this week was great. I really don’t remember
much haha but I will write about what I do remember! </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So this week we
worked hard all week trying to make a baptism happen and it happened! Pedro
Maradiaga was dunked and he is more happy then ever. He is 73 and a stud. We
found him about 5 weeks ago and originally he didn’t want too much to do with
us and all... he was die hard catholic, so we had to put him on blast a little
bit. We knocked some sense into him with pure bible doctrine and he connected
the dots together. Saturday he was dunked. He is a great guy, has had a hard
life and has been super let down by a wife that left and the story goes on and
on. He is a good guy, he is the one with the picture of the pool tables in it
that I sent you guys in previous weeks. So he was super happy and Elder Salazar
baptized him and he was super happy too. Pedro cried after and was super happy
to start his life over and do what the Lord wants for him. I was super happy
for him. So that was good.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This week we
literally ate more then ever, you have no idea. We ate soooo mucho. It was
insane, but celebrating the New Year was super good. I can’t believe that I
have spent an entire year in a foreign country doing what I love so much. I am
going to miss this life, there is nothing better. I am going to miss sooo much
the people and their love. It means so much to see people that are so thankful
for the little things. My time here has been such a blessing. I am so thankful
for people like Brother Manning and Tyler Wilson that gave me the encouraging
words to stick in my head and help me get to where I am today. Without them...I
would not be the man I am today. So thank you guys. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am also so thankful
for the opportunity I had to go to the AFA. The hill means the world to me. I
had and will have opportunities that I can or would not have had anywhere else.
This week I had the chance to go to the American Air Force base here and
visit... what great memories that I have of the armed forces of the states. I
am SO THANKFUL to be an American. You have no idea. We are sooo blessed to be
citizens of the best country in the world. It’s great. We are blessed in so
many ways. So that was a really good time to be able to spend a few hours there
this morning... so yea! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This week we have
changes and we find out today who is a gonner and who is staying. I hope that I
... actually I don’t know at all what is going to happen and am good with going
and I am good with staying. It doesn’t matter to me at all, I will find the one
wherever I go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You gotta live it up at
all times, that’s what life’s all about! So next week the sweat report could be
coming from somewhere else, time will tell! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let me share with you
guys something that I studied and loved reading this week. Enjoy it. Thanks for
all.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Receiving a Testimony of Light and
Truth</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">by President Dieter F. Uchdorf</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Your personal testimony of light and
truth will not only bless you and your posterity here in mortality, but it will
also accompany you throughout all eternity.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As
an airline pilot, I flew numerous hours across continents and oceans during the
darkness of night. Watching the night sky out of my cockpit window, especially
the Milky Way, often made me marvel at the vastness and depth of God’s
creations—what the scriptures describe as “worlds without number.”<sup><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/receiving-a-testimony-of-light-and-truth?lang=eng&query=There+is+no+litmus+test#1-10991_000_17uchtdorf"><span style="color: blue;">1</span></a></sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It
was less than a century ago that most astronomers assumed that our Milky Way
galaxy was the only galaxy in the universe.<sup><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/receiving-a-testimony-of-light-and-truth?lang=eng&query=There+is+no+litmus+test#2-10991_000_17uchtdorf"><span style="color: blue;">2</span></a></sup> They supposed all that lay beyond our
galaxy was an immense nothingness, an infinite void—empty, cold, and devoid of
stars, light, and life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As
telescopes became more sophisticated—including telescopes that could be
launched into space—astronomers began to grasp a spectacular, almost
incomprehensible truth: the universe is mind-bogglingly bigger than anyone had
previously believed, and the heavens are filled with numberless galaxies,
unimaginably far away from us, each containing hundreds of billions of stars.<sup><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/receiving-a-testimony-of-light-and-truth?lang=eng&query=There+is+no+litmus+test#3-10991_000_17uchtdorf"><span style="color: blue;">3</span></a></sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
a very short period of time, our understanding of the universe changed forever.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Today
we can see some of these distant galaxies.<sup><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/receiving-a-testimony-of-light-and-truth?lang=eng&query=There+is+no+litmus+test#4-10991_000_17uchtdorf"><span style="color: blue;">4</span></a></sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
know that they are there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They
have been there for a very long time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But
before mankind had instruments powerful enough to gather celestial light and
bring these galaxies into visibility, we did not believe such a thing was
possible.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
immensity of the universe didn’t suddenly change, but our ability to see and
understand this truth changed dramatically. And with that greater light,
mankind was introduced to glorious vistas we had never before imagined.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It Is Hard for Us to
Believe What We Cannot See</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Suppose
you were able to travel back in time and have a conversation with people who
lived a thousand or even a hundred years ago. Imagine trying to describe to
them some of the modern technologies that you and I take for granted today. For
example, what might these people think of us if we told them stories of jumbo
jets, microwave ovens, handheld devices that contain vast digital libraries,
and videos of our grandchildren that we instantly share with millions of people
around the world?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some
might believe us. Most would ridicule, oppose, or perhaps even seek to silence
or harm us. Some might attempt to apply logic, reason, and facts as they know
them to show that we are misguided, foolish, or even dangerous. They might
condemn us for attempting to mislead others.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But
of course, these people would be completely mistaken. They might be
well-meaning and sincere. They might feel absolutely positive of their opinion.
But they simply would not be able to see clearly because they had not yet
received the more complete light of truth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Promise of Light</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It
seems to be a trait of humanity to assume that we are right even when we are
wrong. And if that is the case, what hope is there for any of us? Are we
destined to drift aimlessly on an ocean of conflicting information, stranded on
a raft we have poorly pieced together from our own biases?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Is
it possible to find truth?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
purpose of my remarks is to proclaim the joyful message that God Himself—the
Lord of Hosts who knows all truth—has given His children the promise that they
can know truth for themselves.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Please
consider the magnitude of this promise:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Everlasting and Almighty God, the Creator of this vast universe, will speak to
those who approach Him with a sincere heart and real intent.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He
will speak to them in dreams, visions, thoughts, and feelings.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He
will speak in a way that is unmistakable and that transcends human experience.
He will give them divine direction and answers for their personal lives.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of
course, there will be those who scoff and say such a thing is impossible, that
if there were a God, He would have better things to do than hear and answer a
single person’s prayer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But
I tell you this: God cares about you. He will listen, and He will answer your
personal questions. The answers to your prayers will come in His own way and in
His own time, and therefore, you need to learn to listen to His voice. God
wants you to find your way back to Him, and the Savior is the way.<sup><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/receiving-a-testimony-of-light-and-truth?lang=eng&query=There+is+no+litmus+test#5-10991_000_17uchtdorf"><span style="color: blue;">5</span></a></sup> God wants you to learn of His Son, <a href="http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/jesus-christ"><span style="color: blue;">Jesus
Christ</span></a>, and experience the profound peace and joy that come from
following the path of divine discipleship.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My
dear friends, here is a fairly straightforward experiment, with a guarantee
from God, found in a book of ancient scripture available to every man, woman,
and child willing to put it to the test:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">First,
you must search the word of God. That means reading the scriptures and studying
the words of the ancient as well as modern prophets regarding the restored
gospel of Jesus Christ—not with an intent to doubt or criticize but with a
sincere desire to discover truth. Ponder upon the things you will feel, and
prepare your minds to receive the truth.<sup><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/receiving-a-testimony-of-light-and-truth?lang=eng&query=There+is+no+litmus+test#6-10991_000_17uchtdorf"><span style="color: blue;">6</span></a></sup> “Even if ye can no more than desire to
believe, let this desire work in you … that ye can give place for [the word of
God].”<sup><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/receiving-a-testimony-of-light-and-truth?lang=eng&query=There+is+no+litmus+test#7-10991_000_17uchtdorf"><span style="color: blue;">7</span></a></sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Second,
you must consider, ponder, fearlessly strive to believe,<sup><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/receiving-a-testimony-of-light-and-truth?lang=eng&query=There+is+no+litmus+test#8-10991_000_17uchtdorf"><span style="color: blue;">8</span></a></sup> and be grateful for how merciful the Lord
has been to His children from the time of Adam to our day by providing
prophets, seers, and revelators to lead His Church and help us find the way
back to Him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Third,
you must ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, to
manifest the truth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints unto you.
Ask with a sincere heart and with real intent, having faith in Christ.<sup><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/receiving-a-testimony-of-light-and-truth?lang=eng&query=There+is+no+litmus+test#9-10991_000_17uchtdorf"><span style="color: blue;">9</span></a></sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There
is also a fourth step, given to us by the Savior: “If any man will do [God’s]
will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak
of myself.”<sup><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/receiving-a-testimony-of-light-and-truth?lang=eng&query=There+is+no+litmus+test#10-10991_000_17uchtdorf"><span style="color: blue;">10</span></a></sup> In other words, when you are trying to
verify the truth of gospel principles, you must first live them. Put gospel doctrine
and Church teachings to the test in your own life. Do it with real intent and
enduring faith in God.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If
you will do these things, you have a promise from God—who is bound by His word<sup><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/receiving-a-testimony-of-light-and-truth?lang=eng&query=There+is+no+litmus+test#11-10991_000_17uchtdorf"><span style="color: blue;">11</span></a></sup>—that He will manifest the truth to you
by the power of the <a href="http://lds.org/study/topics/holy-ghost?lang=eng"><span style="color: blue;">Holy Ghost</span></a>. He will grant you greater light that
will allow you to look through the darkness and witness unimaginably glorious
vistas incomprehensible to mortal sight.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some
may say that the steps are too hard or that they are not worth the effort. But
I suggest that this personal testimony of the gospel and the Church is the most
important thing you can earn in this life. It will not only bless and guide you
during this life, but it will also have a direct bearing on your life
throughout eternity.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Things of the
Spirit Can Be Understood Only by the Spirit</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Scientists
were struggling to understand the breadth of the universe until instruments
became sophisticated enough to gather in greater light so they could understand
a more complete truth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Apostle Paul taught a parallel principle regarding spiritual knowledge. “The
natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God,” he wrote to the
Corinthians, “for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them,
because they are spiritually discerned.”<sup><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/receiving-a-testimony-of-light-and-truth?lang=eng&query=There+is+no+litmus+test#12-10991_000_17uchtdorf"><span style="color: blue;">12</span></a></sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
other words, if you want to recognize spiritual truth, you have to use the
right instruments. You can’t come to an understanding of spiritual truth with
instruments that are unable to detect it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Savior has told us in our day, “That which is of God is light; and he that
receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light
groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.”<sup><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/receiving-a-testimony-of-light-and-truth?lang=eng&query=There+is+no+litmus+test#13-10991_000_17uchtdorf"><span style="color: blue;">13</span></a></sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
more we incline our hearts and minds toward God, the more heavenly light
distills upon our souls. And each time we willingly and earnestly seek that
light, we indicate to God our readiness to receive more light. Gradually,
things that before seemed hazy, dark, and remote become clear, bright, and
familiar to us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By
the same token, if we remove ourselves from the light of the gospel, our own
light begins to dim—not in a day or a week but gradually over time—until we
look back and can’t quite understand why we had ever believed the gospel was
true. Our previous knowledge might even seem foolish to us because what once
was so clear has again become blurred, hazy, and distant.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
is why Paul was so insistent that the message of the gospel is foolishness to
those who are perishing, “but unto [those who] are saved it is the power of
God.”<sup><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/receiving-a-testimony-of-light-and-truth?lang=eng&query=There+is+no+litmus+test#14-10991_000_17uchtdorf"><span style="color: blue;">14</span></a></sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There Is No Litmus
Test</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a place for people with all
kinds of testimonies. There are some members of the Church whose testimony is
sure and burns brightly within them. Others are still striving to know for
themselves. The Church is a home for all to come together, regardless of the
depth or the height of our testimony. I know of no sign on the doors of our
meetinghouses that says, “Your testimony must be this tall to enter.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Church is not just for perfect people, but it is for all to “come unto Christ,
and be perfected in him.”<sup><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/receiving-a-testimony-of-light-and-truth?lang=eng&query=There+is+no+litmus+test#15-10991_000_17uchtdorf"><span style="color: blue;">15</span></a></sup> The Church is for people like you and
me. The Church is a place of welcoming and nurturing, not of separating or
criticizing. It is a place where we reach out to encourage, uplift, and sustain
one another as we pursue our individual search for divine truth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
the end, we are all pilgrims seeking God’s light as we journey on the path of
discipleship. We do not condemn others for the amount of light they may or may
not have; rather, we nourish and encourage all light until it grows clear,
bright, and true.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A Promise to All</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let
us acknowledge that most often gaining a testimony is not a task of a minute,
an hour, or a day. It is not once and done. The process of gathering spiritual
light is the quest of a lifetime.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Your
testimony of the living Son of God and His restored Church, The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, may not come as quickly as you desire, but I
promise you this: if you do your part, it will come.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
it will be glorious.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
offer you my personal witness that spiritual truth will fill your heart and
bring light to your spirit. It will reveal to you pure intelligence with
wonderful joy and heavenly peace. I have experienced this for myself by the
power of the Holy Ghost.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As
the ancient scriptures promise, the unspeakable presence of the Spirit of God
will cause you to sing the song of redeeming love,<sup><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/receiving-a-testimony-of-light-and-truth?lang=eng&query=There+is+no+litmus+test#16-10991_000_17uchtdorf"><span style="color: blue;">16</span></a></sup> lift your eyes to heaven, and raise your
voice in praise to the Most High God, your Refuge, your Hope, your Protector,
your Father. The Savior promised that if you seek, you will find.<sup><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/receiving-a-testimony-of-light-and-truth?lang=eng&query=There+is+no+litmus+test#17-10991_000_17uchtdorf"><span style="color: blue;">17</span></a></sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
testify that this is true. If you seek God’s truth, that which now may appear
dim, out of focus, and distant will gradually be revealed and clarified and
become close to your heart by the light of God’s grace. Glorious spiritual
vistas, unimaginable to the human eye, will be revealed to you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It
is my testimony that this spiritual light is within the reach of every child of
God. It will enlighten your mind and bring healing to your heart and joy to
your days. My dear friends, please do not delay the moment to seek and
strengthen your own personal testimony of God’s divine work, even the work of
light and truth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Your
personal testimony of light and truth will not only bless you and your
posterity here in mortality, but it will also accompany you throughout all
eternity, among worlds without end. Of this I testify and leave you my blessing
in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well that’s about all
I have for you guys!!! Kill it this next week!! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aim high in all that
you do and put your best foot forward!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Enjoy the
pics!!! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elder Long</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622275263950177510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312838346059840299.post-3031187668592924472014-12-30T21:21:00.001-08:002015-01-08T10:18:12.821-08:00Christmas Skyping was awesome<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well I really don’t
have much to say this week, it was great talking to my family and all and now I
am back on the grind baby! All is going good, only down thing is that the
weather is heating up really fast... so you know what that means, the sweat
report is back on track.... but that’s nothing new haha. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All is good, always a
good time this time of year and the new year and all! Good time to do
reflecting and make some changes for the better! Don’t’ ya agree 210? But other
than that we are just working like crazy and helping anyone and everyone that
we can. Most likely I will be leaving to a new area here the 6th of enero. So
we will see where changes might take me, or maybe I stay here… I just don’t
know. But all is going well, no complaints and nothing too crazy this week,
other than someone spit on me. I couldn’t tell you why but whatever. I wanted
to turn around and beat the you know what out of him but it’s all good, all
good:) hahaha </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just enjoying every
day that I can! So what else do I have for you all? I think that’s about all!
Sorry I don’t have too much to write about. I just talked about everything with
my family on Christmas.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So this week it’s
short, sweet and to the point! Thanks for all the love and support. Make it a
great week, aim high in all that you do and put your best foot forward.
Loves! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Con Mucho Amor,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elder Long</span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622275263950177510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312838346059840299.post-67447307984996218582014-12-30T21:18:00.001-08:002014-12-30T21:18:26.977-08:00Feliz Navidad<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Georgia;
panose-1:2 4 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Lucida Grande";
panose-1:2 11 6 0 4 5 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-520090897 1342218751 0 0 447 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hey there family and
friends! FELIC NAVIDAD!!!!!!!!!!!! MERRY XMAS!!!!!! I hope that this email
finds you all doing great and enjoying every day of this great time of year!! I
am thinking a lot about you guys but know that I am killing it here and enjoying
life more than ever and I really wouldn’t want to be anywhere else or doing
anything else at this time of year! So lets get down to the hot report shall
we! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well we ran with our
heads cut off all week, I really don’t remember really doing what because this
week just seemed like such a blur! It FLEW by.. and this week is going to be
even crazier with Christmas being celebrated here on the 24th and then 25th
celebrating once again because everyone is inviting us the both days, so we are
gearing up to have a BOMB week, but that’s nothing new, we make the most out of
every day every day! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So this week we
helped a familia go to church, they want to get married and get baptized so we
are working on that! Their name is Familia M., they are super humble and down
to earth people. Their living situation is something to be said but these people
really want to change their lives around. The husband has had some challenges
in his life but he has hit the point where he wants to change his life around
for the better. So this week we helped him out so that he could make some more
money so we went up into the mountains and brought back firewood for him with
him. We got a member to lend his truck and we went up like grizzy adams and
went and chopped away... it was miserable... it was sooooo hott but in the end
he was so happy. He was so happy that we helped him out and brought him back to
make a little more money. We spent hours working chopping with machetes and
brought back a full car full. He gained 250 limperas (12 dollars) from
ALL that we got... it broke my heart to put two and two together to know how
much he makes ever day. But he was SO THANKFUL. I am so thankful for the
oportunidad que tengo para prestar servicio y ayudar los demas durante this
time of year to help people feel real joy. This is what this time of year is
all about! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So I am getting
pretty excited about all the good food that we are going to eat this week! It’s
going to be bomb! This week is literally just full of food and dancing
everywhere that you go and look, its the bomb! I am getting to learn some good
new moves... ;)) watch out ladies, they are starting to call me Ricky Martin on
the dance floor...jeje… so this week is going to be a lot of fun! Can’t wait to
talk to the American Women and Mr. 210 this week too! It’s going to be the
bomb! What else... I really can’t remember haha… our investigators son is super
buenos! Algunos son mejores que los otros pero tenemos algunos que estan
progresando mucho solo que necisitan tomar la decision a bautizarse... entonces
estamos en processo a ayudar todos a sentir comado con la decision a seguir
adelante. All good though, helping all that we can every day. Our gator
Rigoberto that we baptized is doing great, so proud of that man, he has turned
his life around. All good. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well I want to share
a quick something with you guys that I really enjoyed, read it, love it, and
soak it up!! These are two talks that were given at our church holiday
devotional, I really enjoyed them and I think that we each can take something
from them both! DISFRUTALOS!!! :)) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F6ED; line-height: 40.5pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #3c424e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 36.0pt; letter-spacing: -.75pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Christmas Is
Christlike Love</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Merry Christmas,
everyone! This is a magical time of the year when miracles happen, hearts are
softened, and the pure love of Christ is felt and experienced like no other
time of the year. It is when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Only
Begotten Son of God in the flesh. We see around us representations of the
humble circumstances of Jesus’s birth—a stable for animals, a beautiful young
virgin, a concerned and compassionate husband, and most of all a tiny little
baby, unlike any other baby born on this earth. President Gordon B. Hinckley
once quoted E. T. Sullivan, who said: “When God wants a great work done in
the world or a great wrong righted, he goes about it in a very unusual way. He
doesn’t stir up his earthquakes or send forth his thunderbolts. Instead, he has
a helpless baby born. … And then God waits. The greatest forces in the world
are not the earthquakes and the thunderbolts. The greatest forces in the world
are babies.”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/christmas-devotional/2014/12/christmas-is-christlike-love?lang=eng#1-PD50055559_000_12"><span style="color: #486fae; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Notice the
great patience which God the Father has in letting His plan for His children
unfold. The Savior of the world did not come to earth at that time with a great
show of power and majesty—He came as a helpless baby. This Christ child was
certainly one of “the greatest forces in the world,” and yet He was born in a
simple stable with straw in a manger for His bed. “Through him, and of him, the
worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and
daughters unto God.”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/christmas-devotional/2014/12/christmas-is-christlike-love?lang=eng#2-PD50055559_000_12"><span style="color: #486fae; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> And
yet, according to tradition, He shared His birthplace with sheep and oxen. He
would become the Savior of all mankind, yet there was no room for His expectant
mother and her anxious husband in the inn. He is the Redeemer of us all, yet
His first visitors were humble shepherds. There is much surrounding the events
of that occasion to ponder and consider with awe.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">For me, one
of the greatest miracles of the Christmas story is the love which it reflects.
First is the love which our Father in Heaven has for His children: “For God so
loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth
in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/christmas-devotional/2014/12/christmas-is-christlike-love?lang=eng#3-PD50055559_000_12"><span style="color: #486fae; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> There
is the love which the Savior has for each of us. “Greater love hath no man than
this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/christmas-devotional/2014/12/christmas-is-christlike-love?lang=eng#4-PD50055559_000_12"><span style="color: #486fae; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> The
love of God has been described as “the highest, noblest, strongest kind of
love”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/christmas-devotional/2014/12/christmas-is-christlike-love?lang=eng#5-PD50055559_000_12"><span style="color: #486fae; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">5</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> “and
the most joyous to the soul.”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/christmas-devotional/2014/12/christmas-is-christlike-love?lang=eng#6-PD50055559_000_12"><span style="color: #486fae; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">6</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> This
spirit of love and concern seems to be especially strong during the Christmas
season.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">A
few years ago we had a daughter living in Connecticut. She attended a Relief
Society meeting one evening at which everyone was invited to share a story from
the life of one of their ancestors. She listened to a sister named Donna tell a
story which has had a great deal of meaning to her family through the years and
which involved a simple act of kindness shown at Christmastime. Our daughter was
amazed to hear that the name of the person who had shown kindness was her own
great-great-grandfather. It was a sweet experience as our daughter and Donna
shared notes after and realized how their ancestors had touched each other’s
lives.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">With
the permission of Donna, I would like to share a portion of her story. It took
place in a small town in Utah in December of 1901. There was a family with a
mother, a father, and eight children. The year had been difficult, with one of
the children suffering poor health, which drained the resources of the family
and the energy of the mother. On Christmas Eve, the mother told her excited
children that Santa would not be coming that year. She simply had not been able
to manage the money or energy to make anything to give her children for
Christmas. The older children were still hopeful, and the oldest son began to
hang stockings on the mantle. His mother gently told him that Santa was not
coming, but the boy insisted she must be wrong. Finally the mother suggested that
instead of hanging stockings, they put a plate on the table for each person in
the family. It gave the children reassurance that they would receive something,
so they went off to bed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">On
Christmas morning, the children all awoke, got dressed, and eagerly went into
the dining room to see what gift they had received. On each of the plates they
found a large dill pickle. Tears of disappointment filled their eyes, and they
turned to go back to their bedrooms so their tears wouldn’t be noticed. Their
mother noticed: “Children, I didn’t have anything else, and I just couldn’t
bear to leave your plates empty.” Her voice broke but she went on bravely, “We
have a lot to be grateful for.” Their father joined in and reminded them that
they were indeed blessed with many things, including a loving family, the
improved health of those who had been ill during the year, and food for their
table. Their spirits brightened, and as they began to celebrate the day, the
oldest son bumped the table and was amazed to find a dime lying near his plate.
He was convinced that Santa had come and had left a dime for them to buy some
candy. He put on his coat and raced out the door.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The
stores were all closed; however, Jed Stringham, who ran the local grocery
store, happened to live right next door to his store. The boy knocked on the
door of Jed’s home and apologized for disturbing him on Christmas Day but
explained that Santa had left a dime for them and he was hoping Brother
Stringham would open his store and sell him some candy for the little ones at
home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Jed
answered, “You bet I will. Come.” When the boy got home he was carrying a large
bag of candy and excitedly explained that Brother Stringham had taken a scoop
from each tray of candy, from hard tack to the very best. He had given it to
him, saying, “Take this dime’s worth home to those little ones, and enjoy some
yourself.” It was obvious that Jed Stringham had been very generous and had
given him much more than a dime’s worth. There was plenty for each child to
enjoy. The children remember their mother saying, “God bless Brother
Stringham.” What he did was not a huge sacrifice, and it really took very
little effort, but the story of the miraculous dime and Brother Stringham’s
candy meant enough to this family that it was written down and has been told
and retold in Donna’s family for years.</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/christmas-devotional/2014/12/christmas-is-christlike-love?lang=eng#7-PD50055559_000_12"><span style="color: #486fae; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">7</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Sometimes,
small things mean the most.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">As
our daughter Emily listened to this story, she recognized the name Jed
Stringham as being her great-great-grandfather and was touched that he had not
only opened his store but his heart with his simple act of kindness on that
memorable Christmas morning. Our family had never heard this story before, and
we now feel blessed to have received a copy, which will become a part of our
family history. It reminds both of our families that those who have made
covenants to be witnesses of the Savior of the world should always strive to be
generous with their time and means to bless the lives of those around them—and
especially at Christmas when the hearts of children and parents are most
tender.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The spirit
of Christmas makes us all more charitable, thoughtful, and kind. We are taught
in the scriptures that “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.”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/christmas-devotional/2014/12/christmas-is-christlike-love?lang=eng#8-PD50055559_000_12"><span style="color: #486fae; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">8</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> That
feeling which compels even the most cantankerous soul to show brotherly
kindness at Christmastime comes from God. How much more are those who are
already seeking to become like the Savior filled with love and compassion at
this season? The spirit of Christmas is Christlike love. The way to increase
the Christmas spirit is to reach out generously to those around us and give of
ourselves. The best gifts are not material things but gifts of listening, of
showing kindness, of remembering, of visiting, of forgiving, of giving time. I
have learned from my great-grandfather Stringham sometimes it is the small and
simple acts which have the biggest impact.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">As
we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this season, let us also celebrate all
that His birth symbolizes, especially the love. When we see shepherds, may we
remember to be humble. When we see wise men, may we remember to be generous.
When we see the star, may we remember the Light of Christ, which gives life and
light to all things. When we see a tiny baby, may we remember to love
unconditionally, with tenderness and compassion. May we open the doors of our
hearts and reach out to those around us who are lonely, forgotten, or poor in
spirit. As we contemplate the example and infinite sacrifice of the Savior, may
we also consider how we can be more Christlike in our associations with family
and friends, not just during this season but throughout the year.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I pray that
we may each be filled with the spirit and love of this Christmas season. I
testify that we have a caring Heavenly Father whose plan of happiness for us is
the ultimate expression of love. May we always remember that once we shouted
with joy</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/christmas-devotional/2014/12/christmas-is-christlike-love?lang=eng#9-PD50055559_000_12"><span style="color: #486fae; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">9</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> as we
understood that plan. I testify that Jesus Christ, whose birth and mission we
honor and celebrate, is the light of the world, our Savior and Redeemer, our
hope, our anchor, and the author of our salvation. There is such great joy in
that knowledge. May we all feel the Savior’s love in abundance this Christmas
season, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F6ED; line-height: 40.5pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #3c424e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 36.0pt; letter-spacing: -.75pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">The Light and the
Life of the World</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
am grateful to President Thomas S. Monson for the invitation to represent
the First Presidency to speak in this Christmas devotional. I add my
appreciation to the words of President Dieter F. Uchtdorf for the
magnificent music of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the orchestra.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Tonight
our hearts have been drawn to the Savior, and our commitment to follow Him has
been strengthened. The beautiful lights placed in this Conference Center are a
symbol of the joy we have felt.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The
Savior came into the world with light designed to confirm and celebrate His
arrival. You remember the account:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">“And
there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch
over their flock by night.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">“And,
lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round
about them: and they were sore afraid.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">“And
the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of
great joy, which shall be to all people.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">“For
unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the
Lord. …</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">“And it came
to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said
one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is
come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/christmas-devotional/2014/12/the-light-and-the-life-of-the-world?lang=eng#1-PD50055559_000_14"><span style="color: #486fae; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">They
were drawn, on that sacred night, to go to the Savior. What they saw with their
physical eyes, in the stable, was a tiny baby. What they went to verify was
visible only through spiritual feelings. We know that the Light of Christ is an
influence that we can recognize by its effects.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The
Savior said:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">“For,
behold, it is I that speak; behold, I am the light which shineth in darkness,
and by my power I give these words unto thee.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">“And
now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth
to do good—yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is
my Spirit.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">“Verily,
verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall
enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy.”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/christmas-devotional/2014/12/the-light-and-the-life-of-the-world?lang=eng#2-PD50055559_000_14"><span style="color: #486fae; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
felt that light, joy, and desire to do good when our first great-grandchild was
born. I looked down on her and thought, “She seems to glow with a beauty I
didn’t think was possible.” In an instant I realized that the beauty I saw and
the glow I felt when I looked at her face came from her purity and, to me, by
the Light of Christ.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">It
is important for you to trust that precious capacity to see more than what
physical eyes see. It does not require having received the gift of the Holy
Ghost. For instance, we had a neighbor in Utah. She was a widow, an elderly
widow. For years the members of our ward included her in quilt-making and other
activities. She enjoyed their friendship but showed no interest in the restored
gospel.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">She
told me that on one Sunday, after she moved to Nevada, she came back to her
apartment feeling dark, discouraged, and alone. Her doorbell rang.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">She
described what happened this way. She said, “I opened the door, wondering who
it could be. And there on the doorstep, I saw two beautiful women standing side
by side. And I felt that I saw halos around their heads.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">They
were the missionaries who came because my wife loved that widow enough to ask a
mission president to offer the gift of the gospel of Jesus Christ to her
friend.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">I
went to Las Vegas to baptize and confirm that widow. And my wife and I were her
companions when she first went to the temple. In all those sacred moments of
covenants, there seemed to me to be a brightness about her, just as I felt when
I looked down with love on my first great-grandchild.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">You have had
such moments when you felt the Spirit of Christ, as you may at this moment.
That is because these words are true: “Every soul who walks the earth, wherever
he lives, in whatever nation he may have been born, no matter whether he be in
riches or in poverty, had at birth an endowment of that first light which is
called the Light of Christ, the Spirit of Truth, or the Spirit of God—that
universal light of intelligence with which every soul is blessed.”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/christmas-devotional/2014/12/the-light-and-the-life-of-the-world?lang=eng#3-PD50055559_000_14"><span style="color: #486fae; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">You
might have felt the Light of Christ tonight in this devotional, the purpose of
which is to remember and to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. All of us here
have experienced an influence to want to be kind or to help someone in need.
All of us have felt an increased desire to stay away from evil. And we each
have felt a desire to be less prideful, boastful, or critical—to be more like
the Savior.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">As we have
felt the pure love of Christ, we have felt more His love for others. Charity is
the pure love of Christ. Whatever we feel now is only a beginning. The Lord
promised each of us a glorious future this way: “That which is of God is light;
and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and
that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/christmas-devotional/2014/12/the-light-and-the-life-of-the-world?lang=eng#4-PD50055559_000_14"><span style="color: #486fae; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Some watching
and listening tonight were drawn to be with us in the hope that they could find
peace as they face the sorrows of sickness and death that come with mortality
to us and to those we love. I testify that Jesus Christ “is the light and the
life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened;
yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death.”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/christmas-devotional/2014/12/the-light-and-the-life-of-the-world?lang=eng#5-PD50055559_000_14"><span style="color: #486fae; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">5</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">President
Thomas S. Monson, the Lord’s living prophet, has assured us: “With all the
strength of my soul, I testify that God lives, that his Beloved Son is the
firstfruits of the resurrection, that the gospel of Jesus Christ is that
penetrating light that makes of every hopeless dawn a joyful morning.”</span><sup><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/christmas-devotional/2014/12/the-light-and-the-life-of-the-world?lang=eng#6-PD50055559_000_14"><span style="color: #486fae; font-size: 7.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">6</span></a></span></sup><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> I add
my humble testimony to his.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
bear my witness that God the Father lives and that He gave us the gift of His
Beloved Son out of love for us. I know as surely as I live that the resurrected
Savior lives. He atoned for our sins. And I testify that He is the Light of the
World and the sure source of comfort, hope, peace, and joy. I pray with all my
heart that we all will draw closer to Him, to feel the warmth of His light and
love. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, whom we worship and serve,amen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; mso-outline-level: 4; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LOVE YOU GUYS!! MAKE
IT A GREAT WEEEK!! U GUYS ARE LO MAXIMO!!!! THANKS FOR ALL! MAKE IT A SPECIAL
WEEK!! DONT WORRY ABOUT ME I AM HAVING THE TIME OF MY LIFE!!!!!!!!!
LOVES!!!!!!!!!!!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">AIM HIGH IN ALL THAT YOU DO AND PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD EVERY
DAY!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ADIOS 210 y american women! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">CON MUCHO AMOR, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ELDER LONGGGGGGG</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622275263950177510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312838346059840299.post-89663423223224299802014-12-17T04:32:00.000-08:002015-01-08T10:18:46.559-08:00Birthday & Christmas Celebrations<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Arial;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073711037 9 0 511 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:inherit;
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-alt:"Times New Roman";
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:auto;
mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well hey there
familia and friends! This week didn't go so fast, well I guess it did but just
not as fast as usual.. but all good! This week I don't have much to report on
besides that it was my birthday and the sisters threw me a little surprise
birthday party that was really good so that was fun! Other than that my
companion has been pretty sick this week so we spent a lot of time going to
different docs/hospitals and stuff to try and figure out what he has. But he's doing good,
we are grinding along! <br />
<br />
This week we had an Christmas party for the mission and that was a complete
blast, that was on Tuesday. so that was great to see the BOYS and we got to
play some ball together for the first time since the CCM so that was a blast.
We did Christmas acts and our zone did the Haka. We have a Samoan in our zone so
that was sick, we killed it. So that was a good time. <br />
<br />
We just spent a lot of time traveling to docs and stuff in other areas... other
than that nothing too big this week... we didn't teach a ton because my comp
wasn't feeling good. Its all good, good times! <br />
<br />
We also had a ward Christmas party and I was santa hahahaha!!! It was so
funny so we had a lot of fun with that one!! We also had to go to the mall this
week to get my comp a backpack and we had a blast with that one... you don't
get to shop too much as a missionary so that was a treat. <br />
<br />
We met the pro volleyball team from Belize and one of the guys there was an
Academy grad!!!! It was crazy, good talk, he roomed with a baseball player name
chechi, I don't know how to write his name haha but that was his roommate and
he knew Sich and a ton of guys. I saw him in the mall in Teguc because they
were playing here so that was sooo cool. <br />
<br />
We went to TGI fridays today and I thought I was in heaven... it was amazing
but I had the worst gut ache because I think my body was shocked from some real
food so that's always good. We are going to get after it this week, we want
over 40 lessons so we are going to be running with our heads cut off. We have a
fun few week and half ahead with Christmas and everyone gearing up. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">GOTTA LOVE CHRISTMAS
SEASON... always remember what it's really all about.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 30.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Christmas
celebrates the <b>BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST.</b> His divine example of
love, service, and forgiveness gives Christmas true meaning.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #5d5e5e; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Making Christ the center of Christmas might seem like the most
natural thing to do during the season that bears His name, but so often the
true meaning of Christmas manages to get lost amid the chaos and the cash
registers, the presents and the parties. While these things may indeed create a
joyful noise, it is still noise, and they can sometimes drown out the quiet,
peaceful, reflective side of the season. Ultimately, Christmas is what we make
it—and we’re in a position to ask more of ourselves and of each other than
festively wrapped gifts and endless dinner parties. We can ensure that our
children focus primarily on what they will give, rather than get, this year. We
can give Christ the gift of a gentle heart, and we can focus on the gifts we
can receive from Him: forgiveness, love, and eternal life. When looking for the
true meaning of Christmas, we have only to look within: we each have the Light
of Christ within us, and it is ready to be recognized and ignited and put to
good use. But to understand that light, we must first come to better understand </span><span style="color: #00b0e8; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus Christ</span><span style="color: #5d5e5e; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Himself, and in
doing so, to better understand our own potential.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #5d5e5e; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our Savior spent much of His mortal life ministering to the sick
and to the sinners, helping them to understand their true worth. By serving
those around us, we gain and reflect some of Christ’s empathy and compassion.
And what time better than Christmas to begin making this a year-round practice,
to regularly engage in the kind of service that can work amazing changes in our
hearts.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #5d5e5e; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just as the Savior forgave others and taught forgiveness during
His life, we can exhibit gratitude for this amazing gift by setting aside the
burden of harbored resentments against others and by actively forgiving them.
This too is a gift. Because as liberating as this act of forgiving often is for
those who have injured us, it is so much more so for ourselves; unencumbered by
grudges, our hearts are then much more able to reach out to and love others.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #5d5e5e; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When asked what was the greatest commandment, Christ said it was
to love thy </span><span style="color: #00b0e8; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God</span><span style="color: #5d5e5e; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> with all thy heart
and likewise to love one another. He gave us other commandments as well,
guidelines that formed the bedrock of His gospel on earth. The word <i>gospel</i> translates
as “good news,” and what better time than Christmas to learn of it and to
incorporate it into our lives. The saving principles and ordinances of
repenting, having faith in Christ, being baptized, receiving the Holy Ghost,
and enduring to the end are available to all for our salvation. That was the
good news that had been prophesied for millennia before Christ’s birth. And
Christ’s saving power was also what the Wise Men celebrated when they saw the
star in the sky that they followed. Like those Wise Men, we can offer </span><span style="color: #00b0e8; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus Christ</span><span style="color: #5d5e5e; font-family: "inherit","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> a gift to celebrate
the day of His birth—the gift of a faithful, loving heart. We celebrate Christ
in the Christmas season by taking the time to learn more about Him and by
trying to become more like Him. Doing so brings meaning to much more than just
the season; it brings deep meaning and purpose to our lives.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Well I don't have much more for you all, it was a way different
week with my companion not feeling well. I am very anxious to get back to the
work, We have so much more to do here. I love you all, miss you all and can’t
wait to see you all in 5 months BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have a great week.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">AIM HIGH IN ALL
THAT YOU DO AND PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD!!! LOVES</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ELDER LONG!!! </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622275263950177510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312838346059840299.post-56091192101332126152014-12-08T09:59:00.003-08:002014-12-08T10:00:30.755-08:00The true meaning of Christmas<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hey there familia and
friends, I hope that you guys are doing great and enjoying the Christmas
season. What ta great time of year it is and the time that we really reflect on
what this time of year is all about. So this week was just another super duper
fast week where I really don’t know where the time went. Well what do I have
for ya’ll? We had a stake conference meeting this week so everyone was working
hard so we could pack the house, and we did, so that was a success. It was all
centered on giving and what this time of year really means to so many. I am so
thankful to be serving at this time of year and where I am... This Christmas
seams so much different than my last... my area here has a lot more money and
it seems just a lot different than my last. It’s more centered on buying and
all and last year it just had a different feel, but we are doing the best to
try and help everyone understand the true meaning of Christmas. I love this
time of year and really have had such a great time during my mission finding
out what really matters in life and the things that will carry us during times
of difficulty and times of many blessings and abundance. I love this time of year
and learning more about our Savior and our Redeemer and trying to be the best
Elder Mariano Long that I can be. Christmas time is the best, familia time
together, no better thing than to be with your family.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am so happy that I
am here with my brothers and sisters here in Honduras... I love them so much
and am going to miss them. I am making the most of it every day with them because
I just love it here and the time that I have every day with the most loving and
humble people on this earth. I want you each to give a little more this
Christmas season. Serve others. Be there for others, doing something that’s not
expected. Give it your all every day. I just want people to serve each other
this Christmas season. Serving others brings a joy that nothing else can
bring... What gift are you going to give back this year to the Lord, We cannot
buy him a gift and send it to him, but what are we going to do for ourselves to
grow closer to Him or help another person draw closer to our Savior. What gift
are you going to give this year? What are you going to change or do
better? I want to share a few things for you guys to read or watch.
Listen, read and ponder and make a change. I promise you that we each can do
something better this holiday season, what can we give back to the Lord?? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I want to share this
link for all of you to take a minute and watch this great video. ENJOY!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.mormon.org/christmas?cid=HPFR112814529"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.mormon.org/christmas?cid=HPFR112814529</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Getting
Ready for Christmas </span></b><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf; Second Counselor in the First Presidency</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From “Seeing Christmas through
New Eyes,” 2010 First Presidency Christmas Devotional (December 5, 2010).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As
an old tradition, our <a href="http://www.mormon.org/values/family"><span style="color: blue;">family</span></a> has always celebrated the Advent of Christmas.
Starting on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, we would get together on Sunday
afternoons, light wax candles on a pine Advent wreath, enjoy delicious homemade
cookies, and read passages of scriptures that center on the Christ.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
read accounts of ancient prophets who yearned for the coming of the Messiah. We
read scriptures that proclaim the wondrous story of His birth. Each week by
singing beautiful Christmas songs and having a fun time together, our family
tried to refocus on the true meaning of the season. I must admit that delicious
hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and tasty homemade cookies helped a lot to
catch the joyful feeling of the Christmas season!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">While
celebrating the Advent of Christmas is not part of all cultures around the
globe, there is something we can learn from this widespread <a href="http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/jesus-christ"><span style="color: blue;">Christian</span></a>
tradition. Perhaps even this year we might carve from our busy schedules some
time to study and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas—personally and as
families.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When
we prepare for Christmas by pondering its real meaning, we prepare to
experience the Christ and His message. May I suggest three things we may want
to study, ponder, and apply in this season of preparation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">First,
rejoice in the birth of our Savior.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Second,
ponder His influence in our lives today.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Third,
look steadfastly for His coming.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
pray that each and every one of you will have a wonderful and merry Christmas
season.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
word Advent means “the coming of Christ.” In Germany, where President Uchtdorf
grew up, many families celebrate Advent for four weeks before Christmas.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Remembering
Christ</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">President
Uchtdorf’s <a href="http://www.mormon.org/values/family"><span style="color: blue;">family</span></a> used a pine wreath as part of their
holiday tradition. You can make a wreath to help you remember what you learn
about <a href="http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/jesus-christ"><span style="color: blue;">Jesus Christ</span></a> this Christmas season. Cut the
center out of a paper plate, turn it upside-down, and paint it green. Cut
simple candle shapes out of colored cardstock. Fold about a half inch at the
bottom of the candles. Choose some scripture stories about Jesus Christ to read
as a family throughout the month. As you read each story, glue a candle to the
wreath.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here
are some scripture stories to get started:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus
is born. (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/2.1-21?lang=eng#0"><span style="color: blue;">Luke 2:1–21</span></a>)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus
calms the storm. (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/mark/4.35-39?lang=eng#34"><span style="color: blue;">Mark 4:35–39</span></a>)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus
feeds five thousand people. (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/14.13-21?lang=eng#12"><span style="color: blue;">Matthew 14:13–21</span></a>)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus
teaches about the good Samaritan. (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/10.25-37?lang=eng#24"><span style="color: blue;">Luke 10:25–37</span></a>)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus
heals the ten lepers. (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/17.11-19?lang=eng#10"><span style="color: blue;">Luke 17:11–19</span></a>)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus
atones for our sins in Gethsemane. (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/22.41-45?lang=eng#40"><span style="color: blue;">Luke 22:41–45</span></a>)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus
appears to the Nephites in the Americas after His <a href="http://www.lds.org/topics/resurrection?lang=eng"><span style="color: blue;">Resurrection</span></a>.
(<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/11.8-17?lang=eng#7"><span style="color: blue;">3 Nephi 11:8–17</span></a>)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus
teaches the Nephites about the <a href="http://lds.org/study/topics/sacrament?lang=eng"><span style="color: blue;">sacrament</span></a>.
(<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/18.1-12?lang=eng#0"><span style="color: blue;">3 Nephi 18:1–12</span></a>)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rejoice,
Ponder, and Look Forward</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/magazines/friend/2012/12/fr12dec03-Christmas-activity-2012-11-08.pdf"><span style="color: blue; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"></span><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">President
Uchtdorf said we should rejoice in Jesus’s birth, ponder His influence in our
lives, and look forward to His coming. How would you finish the sentences
below?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rejoice:
“Knowing about Jesus Christ makes me happy because …”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ponder:
“When I remember what Jesus has done for me, I know that I can …”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Look
forward: “I can look forward for the time when Jesus will come again by …”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This week we did a service project and
cleaned a local park up, we went with the zone and it was a pretty good time. Tomorrow
we have the mission Christmas party so that’s always a great time! We have a Samoan
in our zone and were going to do a traditional dance called the HAKA that’s
like super famous with the rugby players so it’s going to be sick to say the
least. Next week I’ll check and see if I can send the video. So yea, that’s
about it for that. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Asking about changes, we don’t have
like a meeting anymore we just find out where we are going and coordinate with
them, we don’t all come together anymore and all. So that’s a new change that
you had asked about mom. It’s not a big deal it just doesn’t give one the
opportunity to see everyone at changes. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Other than that we are just working
like crazy... running with our heads cut off trying to teach a lot and find
people and help them know what this time of year is all about. Thanks for all
the love and support ustedes son muy amables! Gracias por todo! no sabe how
much it means to me! Thanks for everything! Thanks for all the birthday wishes,
you guys are da bomb!!! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aim high in all that you do and put
your best foot forward every day! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elder Long! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">enjoy the pics!!! </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622275263950177510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312838346059840299.post-77041154361434027072014-12-01T12:12:00.004-08:002014-12-01T12:12:51.006-08:00The Savior's parable...<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Arial;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073711037 9 0 511 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Lucida Calligraphy";
panose-1:3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Lucida Grande";
panose-1:2 11 6 0 4 5 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-520090897 1342218751 0 0 447 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well, here we are
again, another week down and kicking and doing well. Making the days full of
fun and entertainment, that’s for sure! So this week a cold front came in...I
was freezing. I am going to be done for when I get back haha it wasn’t even
that cold but I was freezing.. I HATED it… but then again it’s better than
sweating 24 hours a day.. all good though, it was a nice little break! </span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So this week we spent
time finding a lot of new people and because of the cold weather we didn’t have
a ton of success like we wanted.. when the weather is ¨cold¨ haha like the
world shuts down.. like people are locked in and don’t want to do anything but
we are still getting after it and making the most of it. We currently are
teaching some really good people and especially familia O. The husband lives
here and works and the wife lives three hours away and travels here on the
weekends to come to church. She has been one time and this weekend didn’t make
it in time because the roads are bad where they live and with tons of mud it
made trip slower so she didn’t make it this weekend, Her husband is great as
well. They are just a great familia! They are really progressing and we are
trying to take papers out for them to get married but in their pueblo there has
been no electricity for a week… so that makes things a little more difficult to
say the least, but all good once the electricity comes back she will take the
papers out for them. So we are grinding with them. All good though, they are
reading all the Book of Mormon and The Bible like crazy and making the most of
their conversion story. We each have a story and why we do the things that we
do... Do you have your own story, do you know it? So all good with them! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We spent time with
the bishop from the other ward here and he hooked us up with some good food. He’s
been to the states a ton and all so he knows what Thanksgiving is all about so
his wife cooked our district a good meal so that was super nice of them. So
that was legit! Good times! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So this week we also
spent a lot of time knocking doors... .so that’s always interesting and fun. Some
people are just sooooo rude and are complete jerks but you just kill them with
kindness haha and it’s even better, I have so much fun with people that don’t
wanna listen or think their all right, I just lay into them sometimes when they
have two sense it sinks in and others are just as hard headed as the donkeys
here haha… but we make it a good time! So that was a lot of the week as
well. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So I would like to
share something that I read this week that I really loved and it really hit
home to me. I loved it and I want you each to read this and take some time to
think about it... We can learn from the Saviors example and stories that we
learn in The Bible. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wish to speak of the Savior’s parable in which a
householder “went out early in the morning to hire laborers.” After employing
the first group at 6:00 in the morning, he returned at 9:00 a.m., at 12:00
noon, and at 3:00 in the afternoon, hiring more workers as the urgency of the
harvest increased. The scripture says he came back a final time, “about the
eleventh hour” (approximately 5:00 p.m.), and hired a concluding number. Then
just an hour later, all the workers gathered to receive their day’s wage.
Surprisingly, all received the <span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy";">same</span>
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy";">wage</span> in spite of the
different hours of labor. Immediately, those hired first were angry saying,
“These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us,
which have borne<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the burden and heat of
the day.” When reading this parable, perhaps you, as well as those workers,
have felt there was an injustice being done here. Let me speak briefly to that
concern.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First of all it is important to note that <span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy";">no one</span> has been treated
unfairly here. The first workers agreed to the full wage of the day, and they
received it. Furthermore, they were, I can only imagine, very grateful to get
the work. In the time of the Savior, an average man and his family could not do
much more than live on what they made that day. If you didn’t work or farm or
fish or sell, you likely didn’t eat. With more prospective workers than jobs,
these first men chosen were the most fortunate in the entire labor pool that
morning. Indeed, if there is any sympathy to be generated, it should at least
initially be for the men<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy";"> not
chosen</span> who also had mouths to feed and backs to clothe. Luck never
seemed to be with some of them. With each visit of the steward throughout the
day, they always saw someone else chosen. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But just at day’s close, the householder returns a
surprising fifth time with a remarkable eleventh – hour offer! These last and
most discouraged laborere, hearing only that they will be treated fairly,
accept work without even knowing the wage, knowing that <span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy";">anything </span>will be better than nothing, which is
what they have had so far. Then as they gather for their payment, they are
stunned to receive the same as all the others! How awe struck they must have
been and how very, very grateful! Surely never had such compassion been seen in
all their working days.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is with that reading of the story that I feel the
grumbling of the first laborers must be seen. As the householder in the parable
tells them (and I paraphrase only slightly): “My friends, I am not being unfair
to you. You agreed on the wage from the day, a good wage. You were very happy
to get the work, and I am very happy with the way you served. You are paid in
full. Take your pay and enjoy the blessing. As for the other, <span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy";">surely I am free to do what I like
with my own money.” </span>Then this piercing question to anyone then or now
who needs to hear it: “<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy";">Why
should you be jealous because I choose to be kind?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Brothers and sisters, there are going to be times in our
lives when someone else gets an unexpected blessing or receives some special
recognition. May I plead with us not to be hurt – and certainly not to feel
envious – when good fortune comes to another person? We are not diminished when
someone else is added upon. We are not in a race against each other to see who
is the wealthiest or the most talented or the most beautiful or even the most
blessed. The race we are <span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy";">really </span>in
is the race against sin, and surely envy is one of the most universal of those.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Furthermore, envy is a mistake that just keeps on giving.
Obviously we suffer a little when some <span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy";">misfortune
</span>befalls<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy";"> us, </span>but
envy requires us to suffer all <span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy";">good
fortune</span> that befalls <span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy";">everyone
</span>we know! What a bright prospect that is – downing another quart of
pickle juice every time anyone around you has a happy moment! To say nothing of
the chagrin in the end, when we find that God really is both just and merciful,
giving to all who stand with Him “all that he hath,” as the scripture says. So
lesson number one from the Lord’s vineyard: coveting, putting, or tearing
others down does <span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy";">not </span>elevate<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy";"> your </span>standing, nor does
demeaning someone else improve your self-image. So be kind, and be grateful
that God is kind. It is a happy way to live.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
A second point I wish to take from this
parable is the sorrowful mistake some could make if they were to forgo the
receipt of their wages at the end of the day because they were preoccupied with
perceived problems earlier in the day. It doesn't say here that anyone threw
his coin in the householders face and stormed off penniless, but I suppose one
might have.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
My beloved brothers and sisters what happened in the story at 9 o'clock or noon
or 3 o'clock is swept up in the grandeur of the universally generous payment at
the end of the day. The formula of faith is to hold on, work on, see it
through, and let the distress of earlier hours – real or imagined – fall away
in the abundance of the final reward. Don't dwell on old issues or grievances –
not toward yourself nor your neighbor nor even, I might add, towards this true
and living Church. The majesty of your life, of your neighbors life, and of the
gospel of Jesus Christ will be made manifest at the last day, even if such
majesty is not always recognized by everyone in the early going. So don't
hyperventilate about something that happened at 9 o'clock in the morning when
the grace of God is trying to reward you at 6 o'clock in the evening – whatever
your labor arrangements have been through the day.<br />
<br />
We consume such precious emotional and spiritual capital clinging tenaciously
to the memory of a discordant note we struck in a childhood piano recital, or
something a spouse said or did 20 years ago that we are determined to hold it
over his or her head for another 20, or an incident in Church history that
proved no more or less than that mortals will always struggle to measure up to
the immortal hopes placed before them. Even if one of those grievances did not
originate with you, it can end </span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">with
you</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. And what every ward there will be for the contribution
when the Lord of the Vineyard looks you and I and accounts are settled at the
end of our earthly day.<br />
<br />
Which leads me to my third and last point. This parable – like all parables –
is not really about laborers or wages anymore than the others are about sheep
and goats. This is a story about God's goodness, His patience and forgiveness,
and the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. It's a story about generosity and compassion.
It is a story about grace. It underscores the thought I heard many years ago
that Shirley the thing God enjoys most about being God is the thrill of being
merciful, especially to those who don't expect it and often feel they don't deserve
it.<br />
<br />
I do not know who in this vast audience today may need to hear the message of
forgiveness inherent in this parable, but however late you think you are,
however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel
you have made our talents you think you don't have, or however </span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">far</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> from home and family
and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have </span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">not</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> traveled beyond the
reach of divine love. It is not possible for you to sync lower than the
infinite light of Christ's atonement shines.<br />
<br />
Whether you were not yet of our faith or more with this once and have not
remained, there is nothing in either case that you have done that cannot be
undone. There is no problem with which you cannot overcome. There is no dream
that in the unfolding of time and return of the King not yet be realized. Even
if you feel you are the lost to last labor of the 11th hour, the Lord of the
Vineyard still stands beckoning. "Come boldly (to) the throne of grace,"
and fall at the feet of the Holy One of Israel. Come and feast "without
money and without price", at the table of the Lord.<br />
<br />
I especially make an appeal for husbands and fathers, priesthood bearers or
perspective priesthood bears, too, as Lehigh said, "Awake! and rise from
the dust... and to be men." Not always but often it is the man who choose
not to answer the call to "come join the ranks." Women and children
frequently seem more willing. Brethren, step up. Do it for </span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">your </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">sake. Do it for the
sake of those who love you and are praying that you will respond. Do it for the
sake of the Lord Jesus Christ, who paid an unfathomable price for the future He
want you to have.<br />
<br />
My beloved brothers and sisters, to those of you who have been blessed by the
Gospel for many years because you were fortunate enough to find it early, to
those of you who have come to the gospel by stages and phases later, and to
those of you - members and not yet members - who may still be hanging back, to
each of you, one and all, I testify of the renewing power of God's love and the
miracle of His grace. </span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His
concern is for the faith at which you finally arrive, not the hour of the day
in which you got there.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
So if you have made covenants, keep them. If you haven't made them, make them.
If you have made them and broken them, repent and repair them. It is </span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">never too</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> late so long as the
Master of the Vineyard says there is time. Please listen to the promptings of
the Holy Spirit telling you right now, this very moment, that you should except
the atoning gift of the Lord Jesus Christ and enjoy the fellowship of His
labor. Don't </span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">delay</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.
It's getting late. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #222222; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">I love this and hope that each and every one of you can take
something from it. Make it apart of your life. I love you guys, you mean the
world to me and I thank you for your love and support. </span><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #222222; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">We have so much to be thankful for... I hope that you all really
thought about what we have in the states and how we are blessed every day... I
would like you all to thank our Heavenly Father more and more for EVERYTHING
that we have.. the little things mean the most! I love you guys. </span><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aim high in all that
you do and put your best foot forward every day. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Get after it Gi, “How
do you want people to remember Giavanno Long?? “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Con mucho amor, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elder Long! </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622275263950177510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312838346059840299.post-24240983179063247212014-11-24T12:07:00.002-08:002014-11-24T12:07:45.466-08:00Week 72<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Times;
panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well here I am
sitting at the computer again thinking, holy crap where did the time go... it’s
incredible how</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">fast time is going
bye.. I don’t like it at all... I am enjoying the mission more and more and
have thought a lot about my time here. There is no better way to spend every
day than serving and helping people that really need it. I have been humbled
more than I ever thought I could be and realize more and more the blessings of
being an American. I am so happy to start the Thanksgiving season and Christmas
season shortly. It is a great time of year to reflect on all the things that
REALLY MATTER. What a great time of year! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So this week my
companion was a little sick with stomach problems, we think he had parasites or
something like that. I remember those days when I was new on the mission...
rough days but he is feeling good. So that’s out of the way, all good in the
stomach department right now! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What else... R. who
got baptized about a week or two ago is doing amazing and really enjoying the
new life that he has. He is such a great example to so many here in the La Paz
that people can change even when they had great challenges to overcome. He is
doing good things and moving along in a positive direction. I am so happy that
we had the opportunity to change his life. I love that man. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So we are teaching a
man right now that lives here in La Paz. His family lives in a little pueble
like 3 hours from here and his wife came here to church, with the family
yesterday. They know that it is true and are so happy. They are going to get
married and baptized as fast as we can take papers out for a wedding and all.
The wife is so happy… what a sacrifice, traveling 3 hours because it’s the
closest church , which is here in the La Paz. Their amazing, reading The Bible
and the Book of Mormon and know that it is true. The Lord with ALWAYS answer
our prayers. I promise ya’ll that. I am so happy for them, it’s been great
being a part of their journey.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Also this week I had
to give a talk in church along with my companion. We killed it to say the say
the least :) My companion talked about being humble and I talked about the blue
prints of the church. When I say that what do I mean? Referring to the blue
prints of the church, I talked about how the church is based on the same
principals that Jesus Christ himself established. I talked about how when
someone wants to build a house, they build it to the exact requirements that
one wants. It was and is the same with the Lords church. It was created perfectly
and with all the requirements that our Heavenly Father wanted. I promise you that
the exact church that the Lord started when he was in Jerusalem is on the face
of the earth today. We must have the same blueprints as before. It is crucial.
We must follow the Lord’s example and guidelines on each thing that we do. When
we fall away from the Lords way we are doing things in our own way and not his.
It is important that we have the things that are in the Holy Bible. The Bible
is the guidelines (blueprints) that we must have. I started my talk off about
how everything in the church in old times as well as today is based off of service
and our will. I love the story in Mark Chapter 12 versus 41-44. What a great
example we have from this woman. Everything starts with the love for our Savior
and wanting to do His will and not ours. So that started my talk off. So then I
talked about how the blueprints of old times need to match with today. So I
shared many stories and scriptures, for time sake I will share with you the
scriptures and you can look them up and study them and see for yourself.
Mathew 10:1, Lucas 9:1- talks about what authority is, we must understand that
having authority is a divine part of the gospel of Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We talked about the importance of marriage
and following the commandments. Mathew 18:18 and 1 Corinthians 11:11. We talked
about the importance of our bodies and how we MUST treat them like a temple and
not partake of things that alter or do not allow us to have the spirit to be
with us like drinking, smoking, drunks, or abusing other types of substances. I
challenge you guys to be better about this. Treat your temple with respect and
know what you are doing. We must read in The Bible to see the importance of our
bodies in 1st Corinthians 3:16 and chapter 6:19. Take some time and think about
how we as individuals can be better. I was happy to talk about how the
blueprints from before are all taught and followed today. If we are not in line
with the things that the prophets, apostles, and Lord taught, we must change to
be better. THE LORD WILL BLESS YOU FOR YOUR EFFORT, I PROMISE YOU MY BROTHERS
AND SISTERS. So that was the base of my talk.... </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This week was good,
and this week will be better. What are you guys going to do this week to draw
closer to our Savior? How about you Mr. 210? LOVE EACH OF U GUYS! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Make it a great week,
aim high in all that you do and put your best foot forward!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">con mucho amor,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elder Long! </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622275263950177510noreply@blogger.com0