No Trial is Too Difficult

       In the Book of Mormon a prophet named Lehi had a vision (See 1 Nephi 8). In this vision he saw a tree representing the love of God. The fruit of this tree was so delicious he wanted others to partake of it also. Numberless concourses of people pressed their way forward all trying to make it to this tree of life. The people found the path that led to the tree but when a mist of darkness descended upon them many wandered and were lost.

       Our Heavenly Father does allow trials and temptations to enter into our lives. We must learn to make righteous decisions. However, we are promised that we will never have more than we can handle. We will never be tempted above that which we are able (See 1 Corinthians 10:13).

NASCAR

       I know that there are many opinions on whether or not NASCAR is actually a sport. We'll try not to get into that. My favorite part of watching sports like NASCAR is the highlight reel of all of the crashes. I know, I know, probably not the best thing. In fact, I should probably show a little bit of empathy for the drivers who wreck.

       Anyhow, I wanted to compare this to life. Do we sometimes hope for others to fail?? Do we rejoice when others "crash" so to speak. President Uchtdorf says, "...we must realize that all of God’s children wear the same jersey. Our team is the brotherhood of man. This mortal life is our playing field. Our goal is to learn to love God and to extend that same love toward our fellowman. We are here to live according to His law and establish the kingdom of God. We are here to build, uplift, treat fairly, and encourage all of Heavenly Father’s children." 1

       We need to follow Jesus Christ's example and strive to help our fellow man get up after a "crash" rather than rejoice him falling.

Please see:

Pride and the Priesthood, Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Joseph Smith

       Joseph Smith was just a young man when he learned the true nature of God. He lived in an area where there was quite a bit of excitement concerning religion. He wondered which church was true, which one would lead him to salvation. Many of the religions interpreted the same scripture differently, confusing young Joseph. As he attended different meetings and studied the scriptures he came across a passage that really grabbed his attention. It was James 1:5 which says, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." Joseph decided that was exactly what he needed to do.

       He picked out a place near his home and prayed to Heavenly Father. Joseph says, "I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me...When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!" Joseph Smith was instructed that none of the churches were true and that he would be called as a prophet to restore Christ's church, once again, to the earth. He would be given priesthood authority to lead and guide God's children.

Why Joseph Smith?

God is Our Loving Heavenly Father

     Our Heavenly Father loves us all very much. Before this world was, we lived with him. He created a plan of happiness so that we might return and live with Him again. He created the earth through His son Jesus Christ. Now here we are. How can we know that God loves us?? Look around. Although there is so much evil in this world, our Father in Heaven has given us beautiful sunsets and breathtaking mountain ranges. But perhaps the biggest evidence that God loves us is found in the Holy Bible. John 3:16 says, "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." Because of Jesus Christ we can overcome our sins through His Atonement. Heavenly Father has also given us our agency and the chance to grow. Evidences of his love can be found all around us! Through prayer I have come to know and love my Father in Heaven. How grateful I am for Him.

Leaving Home

       After serving in Frenchtown, Montana for three and a half months I really started to feel at home. I can remember my first Sunday there and how I hardly knew anyone. I didn't think that I would ever get attached the way that I did. In King Benjamin's sermon in the Book of Mormon he talks about service. He says in verse 17 of chapter 2, "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." Also, as I served my friends in Frenchtown I truly began to love them and want what's best for them. I hope that my service there was of help to them and I wish them all the best!

Why Serve a Mission?

Why do members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints serve missions?
There are many different reasons why Mormons serve missions. Some reasons why I chose to serve are:
1. I love God.
2. I read in the scriptures that I am commanded of God to share what I know. (D&C 88:81)
3. I want to share the joy and happiness the Gospel brings me with others.
4. It blesses my life and my family's life.
5. It is a lot of fun.
I am thankful for the opportunity that I have to share the message of happiness and of Jesus Christ with the world. It truly has helped me grow so much already.