Oranges - Sharing is Caring

Well I had an orange for lunch today, it was delicious by the way, and I couldn't help but notice how convenient that this fruit is for sharing. How peculiar, I thought, that it would grow into separate wedges. Although, I didn't happen to share my orange today (Elder Gunnerson is allergic) it was a reminder to me of all the wonderful things our Heavenly Father has given us to share with each other. More specifically, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. May we share with our neighbor that fruit which our Father has given us, the fruit of the Tree of Life.

Christmas Time

I have really enjoyed this Christmas season as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This time of year has always been a special time for remembering Christ in my life but being a missionary just amplifies it. I feel that the greatest gift any of us could give to another is the gift of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Presents, packages, and stocking stuffers will come and go but Christ offers us something that won't disappear or fade with time. I pray that this Christmas season we will have charity towards those around us and pass the good news of Christ along. Have a Merry Christmas everyone!

Marriage

Since I been here in Montana I have had the opportunity to enter into many homes of people from all walks of life. It has been very interesting to observe the different atmospheres. I have learned much about what makes a happy home. Of course I am no expert but I just wanted to share some of my insights on the subject of marriage.

“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:18, 24). Man and woman are meant to be together and they are meant to be unified. Parents who work together in love to rear their children in righteousness are able to enjoy the blessing of having the Holy Ghost to help guide them.

Parents who live the gospel and teach their children about God in turn come closer to God. I've seen it illustrated this way:

As husband and wife get closer to God they also get closer together.

True happiness is to be found in eternal marriage not just 'til death do you part. This doctrine is found in the true gospel of Jesus Christ. President Hugh B. Brown gave a great talk entitled: The Latter-day Saint Concept of Marriage. I would suggest it.

No matter who you are whether you are married or single, the gospel of Jesus Christ can and will help you. I have seen it change individuals and families and I know it can help you too. There is truth in the adage: Families who pray together stay together.

For more information on eternal marriages and families please visit lds.org.

Wearing the Right Shoes

I grew up playing a lot of sports.1 Soccer, basketball, running, and football were some of my favorites. Sports are all different from one another. They require different skills and equipment. One of the most important items, in my mind at least, are the shoes. Soccer and football are played on grass/turf and in order to prevent yourself from slipping you wear cleats. On the basketball court, however, wearing cleats would not only ruin the floor but you would slide everywhere too. Bad idea...

So what shoes should we wear in battlefield against Satan? In Ephesians 6 it talks about a whole bunch of equipment that will help us defend ourselves and fight against the adversary. In verse 15 specifically it says to have "your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;"

In order to shod your feet with the gospel you have to know the gospel. And I don't think that there is any better place to learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ than in the Book of Mormon. I would challenge everyone to read the Book of Mormon everyday, even if it's just a little bit. Heavenly Father will bless us if we will study the words of the prophets. I so testify, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Need a Book of Mormon?

Other articles to check out:

The Armor of God

A Testimony Vibrant and True, President Gordon B. Hinckley

The Keystone of Our Religion, by Elder Steinicke

The Gospel of Jesus Christ

Through Christ We Can Be Cleansed from Sin

Faith in Jesus Christ

Repentance

Baptism, Our First Covenant

The Gift of the Holy Ghost

Endure to the End

B.E.E.F.

       No, I'm not talking about cattle. B.E.E.F. is an acronym my basketball coaches used to help us remember how to shoot a basketball. B stands for balance, E for eyes on the rim, E for elbow in, and F for follow through. I spent hours working on my shooting form. I wanted to be a decent ball player and shooting well is a big part of that.

       Comparing this to the gospel, our goal in life should be to become a decent person and maybe even more than just decent. To realize our potential, Heavenly Father has given us a formula just like the one my coaches gave to me. We call this formula the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It helps us to keep our lives balanced, focused on worthy goals, keep covenants with our Father in Heaven, and follow through unto the very end. So just remember: B.E.E.F.

The Gospel Blesses Families

     The teachings of Jesus Christ and His church blesses families now and for eternity. I grew up with two little sisters and two little brothers. I love them very much. They are all fantastic examples for me. My parents are exceptional and I learn a lot from watching how they live their lives. I was truly blessed because of the family I was given. Unfortunately, not every child is born into a home where they are loved and looked after. Heavenly Father allows His children to make their own decisions. The gospel of Jesus Christ shows us all how we can better our family relationships here on earth and in the next life. If we follow His teachings we will be blessed tremendously. The blessings may not come immediately but they will come if we have faith and press ever forward.