I hope everyone loved General Conference as much as I did! I loved the idea that they let the Apostles speak in their own native language. Something I never thought of until I met my native companion Hermana Cruz as she told me, "I want to learn English only because I want to hear the prophet speak in his own voice". It really hit me as I thought about how my companion has never actually heard the prophet or apostles of the Lord! It is always some kind of recording in some other voice. One talk I loved was from Russell M. Ballard. The story of "staying in the boat". When life tends to be good we get a little anxious and tend to jump out of the boat and suddenly drown. It is important to "stay in the ship" but the question is how? How do we stay in the ship? He mentioned three important things:
1. Continuing conversion (faith)
2. Always wear a life jacket
3. Hold on with both hands!
These three things are our foundation in life but how can we stand firm and not be tempted? I listened to what was said and found that we need to, wax strong in the knowledge of truth, search the scriptures diligently, study the doctrine of Christ, and exercise much prayer and fasting. Now why is it that we become tempted or stick our toes or fingers in the water? Because it is cool?! At times we forget what is really on the other side. Sharks, sea creatures, and the deep blue sea that can swallow us up in a matter of seconds! At times there are even things in the water we can't even imagine that are so deadly. They can easily creep up on us and quietly take us away from shore if we are not careful. I loved how Russell M. Ballard said, "avoid becoming easily distracted." This can apply to all things! Missionaries, members, life, school , etc. We live in a world full of distractions and we need to remember why we are here and what our purpose is. What are we trying to accomplish? I love how this can also relate to our decisions in life.
This week my companion and I were teaching an investigator about keeping the commandments as he has struggled with many. He wants to change his life around and as well get baptized! Something that is so special and an example of our Lord Jesus Christ and be cleansed from ALL of our sins! But our decisions prepare us for Baptism. Do our decisions really matter? YES! YES THEY DO! As times we tend to become distracted in the choices we make as well. We tend to think not all of my choices depend on my eternal salvation such as "what color shirt should I wear" or often we tend to say I can repent of that later. It's ok. As we also have agency in this life to choose between good and evil I love the "strength of youth " "while here on earth , you are being proven to see if you will use your agency to show your love for God by keeping his commandments." As well as, "while you are free to choose your course of action you are not free to choose the consequences." So how do we get there? How do we hold on with both hands to the boat? Seek to avoid the bad and seek to ACTIVELY do good. Don't question yourself. "I don't want to go to church today," "I fall asleep anyways - the same goes for seminary!" "I'll clean my room tomorrow", "or I can study for my test tomorrow", Or "I'll exercise Monday". Every little decision really does matter. Decide to ACT NOW! Because maybe you won't have the choice tomorrow. Instead consider the goals you want in life now and in the future for example, "Do I want to serve a full time mission" "Do I want to stop drinking" "Do I want to start going to church every day with a smile on my face and actively listen" Do I want to graduate college "Do I want to pay off my debts"?????? Stop and think. Also remember the outcome of what blessings come from these questions.
D&C 14:7
7 And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.
The strength of youth also says " observing the sabbath will bring you closer to the Lord and your family. The world of wisdom when obedient will help you remain free from harmful addiction and have control over your life." I don't know about you, but to me these blessings sound wonderful! As I have taught many investigators, to keep the commandments will bring happiness and joy in your life as well as being one step closer to God. At times it's not going to be easy to make a decision, it could be something you have struggled with your whole life, but why not start now to CHANGE. At times you many need to start over, but it's okay. We are not perfect only our Lord is perfect and our purpose here is to try with all our might to be like the Savior. Because you love Him. And He loves you. He will not abandon us, He wants to help and we can't do things alone. STOP and ASK for help. Remember that the Lord can't help us if we are not willing to change. So stop and think about the future and what you really want and make that decision now. I promise you that as we make the right decisions in our life it will not only strengthen you but also your family and the home and in the life to come. Follow the good shepherd, don't get lost in the fields or the depths of the great blue sea. If you see a friend or loved one tighten your life jacket a little tighter and stretch your faith (your fishing pool) and fish them out!!! IMMEDIATELY! They will love you for it. :) I know this church is true! I love the Savior Jesus Christ and I love what I'm doing. I love the missionary work and the people of Argentina they are my brothers and sisters and I love every single one of them. And I'm so grateful to teach them about out Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Homework: Think about a friend in need and fish them out of the sea. Invite them to a church activity or FHE !Or even share with them a Book of Mormon!
Birthday Celebration!
Fun in the RAIN!!
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