For me going on a mission was kind of like a big trust fall. I didn't know where I was going, who I was going to meet, the trials I would face, but, what I did know, was that I had a desire to serve others, that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ wanted me to serve and that they would be with me every step of the way. When I got my call, I knew that was where I was supposed to go.
Before going to the MTC I was soo nervous about saying goodbye to everyone and was sure I would have the worse case of homesickness ever experienced in all of history. But I kept looking to the Lord, reminding myself that he would bind up broken hearts. When I got to the the MTC I was so happy and excited! And homesickeness? Barely any. I realized, I had taken that fall, and the Lord caught me and was carrying my burdens for me. The MTC was one of the greatest experiences of my life and strengthened my testimony so much.
When I went out to the field, I was soooo excited! I was ready to work hard and see miracles! When I found out I was going to be serving in a walking area, I was a little worried about my feet (having had problems with them before) but trusted in the Lord and knew that was where I needed to go. It was a difficult adjustment for a few days, but I remembered why I was there and often repeated to myself "faith precedes miracles." I kept working hard and indeed saw many miracles. It didn't take long for me to notice though that my body was not keeping up with my heart and mind. Only a few days out and I was experiencing a lot of pain in my feet, ankles and knees. I told myself it was fine. I said "Satan is just trying to weaken me, trying to keep me from working as hard as I can" or "I'm just being melodramatic and need to suck it up"
My companion was not having it. She was worried about both me and the work suffering if it gets worse, so I called my Mission Presidents wife and told her what was happening. She said if thats the case, I might need to go home, that was definitely not what I wanted to hear, I decided then that, yes, I really needed to just suck it up and deal with it, because I wanted to be there and knew that Heavenly Father wanted me to be there. I refused to let anything keep me from being a full time representative of Jesus Christ. Over time, my love for the work, the people, the ward and my companion deepened, as did the pain. I was constantly fighting within myself, wanting to work soooo badly but hating having to be in pain, but I kept pushing through and never stopped working, loving each and every day, regardless of the pain. I loved being a missionary. Seeing miracles, helping people, learning and growing so much everyday and having the spirit so abundantly was amazing. One day, the pain became too much to bare, with my feet feeling like they were broken, stabbing in my knees and hips, and shooting pain up both my legs and back. I tried, unsuccessfully to bite back tears during the 20 minute walk home. When we arrived I fell onto the floor, hoping and praying that the pain would cease. I pleaded with my Heavenly Father to grant me the strength and healing my body needed so I could carry out the work and be the most effective instrument in His hands for the people he had called me to serve and that I love so much. This day also happened to be my birthday, so we had many people coming in and out of our apartment delivering various treats. People were very concerned about me and were all trying to help. Our wonderful neighbor asked her father to give me a blessing. It was beautiful and meant so much to me. I instantly felt the pain lighten and had peace in my heart because the words he said and through the comfort of the Spirit. I knew that all would be well and that I just needed to continue to trust in the Lord. I hoped that I would be transferred to an area with a car and felt confident that everything was going to work out and that I would continue my mission.
The next morning me and my companion agreed that I should call the Presidents wife and fill her in on what happened. She was very worried and said she would speak to President. As we continued our studies, we got a call from President. He told me that he had spoken to the missionary department, the missionary medical people and my Stake President and they all felt that I needed to go home, to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. I was devastated, I felt like I had been hit in the stomach by a semi. I didn't know what to say or think, besides not wanting to go home. We hung up so we could go to an appointment. After, he called again, to ask me how I was doing and to fill me in on what was being discussed. All I could muster to say was that I was broken hearted and didn't want to leave...but that wasn't an option. A few hours later, while I was trying my best to process and telling myself that it was happening for a reason and that I just needed to have faith, I received my flight info for the next evening. It was real. It was really happening. I was going home. I imagined myself at home, far from the people we were teaching, without the missionary nametag, without the calling and blessings. I saw myself trying to live without my purpose, trying to be "normal" again and later having to go through the pain of saying goodbye to everyone again (as I have been invited to go back when I am healed). I felt sick. We went around saying goodbye to as many people as we could, it felt like I was leaving home all over again, saying goodbye to the people I had developed so much love for.
While packing I made a mental "Positives lists," a list of all the good things that will happen and that I'll get to do when I go home, like "get better" and "be there when my best friend goes to the temple" and "be able to teach my friends and family with more power." I knew there was a reason I was going home and was determined to find it. I also decided that, either way, I am going home, so I should make the best out of it and trust Gods plan for me.
When I got home, everything felt different. It was my house, it smelt the same, most of the furniture was the same, I knew where everything was, but it was different. I was different. I loved it there but so desperately wanted to be calling my missionary apartment home. I didn't know how to talk to people, I only wanted to talk about my mission, like if I kept talking about it, maybe it wouldn't be so far away.
When I was released, things changed. I literally felt something leave me when I took my tag off. I spent days reaching for it and looking for my companion. Once the shock wore off and I really accepted that I was home, I tried looking even more for the good. Since then, I have seen over and over again, that Gods plan, is always the best plan. Since I was young, I've been a planner, I try to plan everything out the way I think will be the best, going home from my mission was not in my plan, but God needs me to be home. I need to be home right now.
I have seen, as I have strive to look for Gods Hand and trust in His perfect plan, many blessings and opportunities to serve that I wouldn't have had if I was gone. I have learned about many health issues I didn't know I had and have been able to receive treatment that without, and had I stayed, would have caused permanent damage. I have seen and felt Him teaching me priceless and immensely personal lessons that will bless me and my future family forever. But I think biggest of all, preparing to go on my mission, being on it and coming home has taught me to fully trust in the Lord. Not to just trust Him when I like the plan, or when I can see the benefits, but to trust Him and surrender to Him in all conditions and situations. I know without a doubt in my mind that God loves us and is mindful of us and our needs. When we seek Him we will be guided, strengthened, taught, empowered and feel His infinite love, no matter the circumstances.
I loved the time, though brief, that I was "Sister." My mission was amazing. Serving others is a gift. Working with God to bless His children is a sacred and priceless honor and blessing. I have really learned for myself the truthfulness of the sayings, "to love another person is to see the face of God," and “There are few things in life that bring as much joy as the joy that comes from assisting another improve his or her life.” I still wear the nametag in my heart and cannot wait to get back in the field, if that is His will, but I know that no matter what, as long as I trust in Him, all will be well.
-Sister Gresham
A blog about my adventures preparing to leave my home in California to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Washington Kennewick Mission!
California to Kennewick.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Sunday, April 27, 2014
The Temple is the House of God
On Tuesday the 22nd and had the amazing blessing to be able to go to the Temple to receive my endowments and wow!! So amazing!!! I know that the Temple really is the House of God! I felt the spirit soooooooooooooo strong! Stronger than I ever have! From the moment I walked in I felt it! But especially during the Initiatory, my heart was truly full! I felt so much love and like my sins really have been forgiven! And the promises made they are sooo incredibly beautiful <3 The Endowment was so cool and spiritual! It also reminded me of how important it is to prepare our MINDS in addition to our spirits to help us understand. Of course, we won't understand it all at first, but good preparation and study will help so much! But really, preparing our hearts and spirits is the most important part. Then, the Celestial Room <3 It really is a piece of Heaven on Earth and where the spirit of the Lord dwells sooo powerfully! I never wanted to leave! I was reminded that my dad (a very inactive member) was at the Visitor Center waiting, but I couldn't leave, plus some time in the VC is good for him. Haha. But really, everyone who reads this, please do all that is necessary to prepare yourselves to go to the Temple to make those amazing covenants with our Father. I promise that if you are worthy and ready that you will have more strength, peace and joy! <3
Teaching the Gospel to help others, and ourselves as well, prepare to recieve the blessings of the Temple
I was asked a few days ago to give a talk in the YSA ward (I go to a family ward) and this is it! There are a lot of parts with with just key points to allow room for the spirit and lots of potentially confusing notes, but I hope you enjoy it :)
ps. Don't be scandalous and steal this for your own talk! lol.
President Boyd K. Packer taught us that “all of us—leaders, teachers, missionaries, and parents—have a lifelong challenge from the Lord to both teach and learn the doctrines of the gospel as they have been revealed to us.”
-we are so blessed
-It is our duty and privilege as members of the church to teach the Gospel
-to helps others, knowledge, joy, peace from the plan/atonement, HG, relationship w/ Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and we need to help them to progress in making/keeping covenants
I would like to share a story with you that President Boyd K Packer shared in Conference many years ago
He starts by telling us about a big ward party held at a nice park on a beautiful sunny day, and there was delicious food every where. Everyone had truly outdone themselves, and they had a big, wonderful feast awaiting them. Before blessing the food, they are interrupted by the noise of a very loud car, clearly not in good shape, as it jerks into the parking lot. They decide to hold off on the prayer until in became quite again, but soon an obviously distraught mother and her children, who are in dirty, ragged clothing exit the car and go to a nearby picnic table. The children are visibly hungry and excited for mealtime, the mother lays out few leftovers, moving them around in an attempt to make it seem like there is more, but their is simply not enough food for her to feed her children. The ward members watch on, still waiting to pray, when they notice the children admiring the huge feast they had, saying things like "yum, look at that! I wonder what that tastes like"
President Packer then asks us what we would do, if we were one of those ward members.
Would we insist that the mother quite them down, then ignore them, and stuff down our feast while the hungry children looked on? he didn't think so
would we take a little of this and a little bit of that and lure them back to their own table to avoid further interruption?
OR, would we invite them to join us, let them enjoy this feast with us, help fix their car and send them home with more food?
President Packer tells us, "Surely it is what you should do. But forgive me if I have a little doubt; let me explain.
We, as members of the Church, have the fullness of the gospel. Every conceivable manner of spiritual nourishment is ours. Every part of the spiritual menu is included. It provides an unending supply of spiritual strength. Like the widow’s cruse of oil, it is replenished as we use it and shall never fail. (See 1 Kgs. 17:8–16.)
And yet, there are people across the world and about us—our neighbors, our friends, some in our own families—who, spiritually speaking, are undernourished. Some of them are starving to death!
If we keep all this to ourselves, it is not unlike feasting before those who are hungry.
We are to go out to them, and to invite them to join us. We are to be missionaries."
we have the message everyone needs, we have the ordinances of Salvation. We can't keep it to ourselves
We need to remember that "...the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;"
as they should be to us!
We need to open our mouths, share the truths that we know, and in our missionary work and all the teaching we do in the church, The Temple should be the goal
Elder Nelson said "The temple is the house of the Lord. The basis for every temple ordinance and covenant—the heart of the plan of salvation—is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Every activity, every lesson, all we do in the Church, point to the Lord and His holy house. Our efforts to proclaim the gospel, perfect the Saints, and redeem the dead all lead to the temple.
they all lead to the temple! the Lord desires for all his children to receive the gospel and make sacred covenants with Him in his Holy Temples! Like the Lord taught in Luke 22, we need to remember
"when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." I have some friends that are an amazing example of this
once upon a time I was not a member of this church, no religion in home, made friends, who love and taught me, join church, now I have a mission call, went to the Temple on Tuesday. Because of this I am blessed, so is my family, all those I will teach on the mission, then who they teach, my future children and grandchildren and those they teach. It is a amazing domino effect, that started just because a few people befriended me, I was able to see their light and was drawn to it, and they went on to share with me, saw me not just as I was, but also for who I could become, and kept the temple in mind as a goal for me.
Gordon B. Hinckley said "I make you a promise that if you will go to the house of the Lord, you will be blessed; life will be better for you."
I know that is true, my life really is better and more full of joy because of my temple attendance and I want to share those blessings so bad with those who don't
We should all strive to do everything that we can do to prepare and worthy to enter the temple and make sacred covenants, or continue to honor those covenants and attend regularly, for there lies some of the greatest blessings Heavenly Father has for us and then when we teach others, whether is be an investigator, inactive member or faithful member, the Temple should always be in our mind, we may not always verbalize it, but like Elder Nelson taught, all that we do and teach should point to the Lord and his temples.
In Doctrine and covenants 97:16, the lord tells us, speaking about the Temple...
"Yea, and my presence shall be there, for I will come into it, and all the pure in heart that shall come into it shall see God."
what a beautiful promise, one that we should desire not only for ourselves but for all of Gods children, as he does.
**testimony about the temple** the spirit is stronger, more fully feel their love and feel closer to then, receive stronger answers, feel happier,
Because of this James E. Faust has urged us all "who have not yet received these greatest of all blessings within the walls of the temple to do whatever may be necessary to qualify to receive them."
we need to to whatever is necessary to receive the blessings of the temple and after we've made them, need to keep them, and then we will receive those blessings that come from being faithful and true, then we need to testify of those blessing and be a tool in the Lords hands help prepare our brothers and sisters, come unto Him so they can one day enter the temple
and I know that as we seek to do so with the Lords guidance, continually strengthening our testimonies and following the promptings of the Holy Ghost, miracles really will happen and we will be guided to those who are prepared
we need to remember the Lords council in...
D&C 11:21 "Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men."
in order for us to be truly effective we must first gain our own testimonies, but more than that, we must be truly converted, or striving to be, as that can be a lifelong process. but as we TRUST in him, seek His word, strive to know Him and be close to Him, we will be blessed, so much, greater peace, light and knowledge, and our tongues will be loosed and we will be powerful in helping others find the truth and make sacred and beautiful covenants with the Lord in his Holy Temples. And in doing so will help them to find peace and guidance, and like Gary E Stevenson they and us, can come to know that...
"You are never lost when you can see the temple. The temple will provide direction for you and your family in a world filled with chaos. It is an eternal guidepost which will help you from getting lost in the 'mist of darkness."
I know that is true, that the Temple is a beacon of light to the hold World, and is a guide to us in this life to make better decisions and to help lead us back to the Presence of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
there are few things in life that bring as much happiness as the joy that comes from helping others improve their lives,
In Les Mis at the End, they sing, as valjean dies, having turned his life around after getting help from the Bishop, and filled his life with service... "To love another person is to see the face of God"
I know this is true,
I know the field truly is white, and ready for harvest, we just need to be available and trust in the Lord
ps. Don't be scandalous and steal this for your own talk! lol.
President Boyd K. Packer taught us that “all of us—leaders, teachers, missionaries, and parents—have a lifelong challenge from the Lord to both teach and learn the doctrines of the gospel as they have been revealed to us.”
-we are so blessed
-It is our duty and privilege as members of the church to teach the Gospel
-to helps others, knowledge, joy, peace from the plan/atonement, HG, relationship w/ Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and we need to help them to progress in making/keeping covenants
I would like to share a story with you that President Boyd K Packer shared in Conference many years ago
He starts by telling us about a big ward party held at a nice park on a beautiful sunny day, and there was delicious food every where. Everyone had truly outdone themselves, and they had a big, wonderful feast awaiting them. Before blessing the food, they are interrupted by the noise of a very loud car, clearly not in good shape, as it jerks into the parking lot. They decide to hold off on the prayer until in became quite again, but soon an obviously distraught mother and her children, who are in dirty, ragged clothing exit the car and go to a nearby picnic table. The children are visibly hungry and excited for mealtime, the mother lays out few leftovers, moving them around in an attempt to make it seem like there is more, but their is simply not enough food for her to feed her children. The ward members watch on, still waiting to pray, when they notice the children admiring the huge feast they had, saying things like "yum, look at that! I wonder what that tastes like"
President Packer then asks us what we would do, if we were one of those ward members.
Would we insist that the mother quite them down, then ignore them, and stuff down our feast while the hungry children looked on? he didn't think so
would we take a little of this and a little bit of that and lure them back to their own table to avoid further interruption?
OR, would we invite them to join us, let them enjoy this feast with us, help fix their car and send them home with more food?
President Packer tells us, "Surely it is what you should do. But forgive me if I have a little doubt; let me explain.
We, as members of the Church, have the fullness of the gospel. Every conceivable manner of spiritual nourishment is ours. Every part of the spiritual menu is included. It provides an unending supply of spiritual strength. Like the widow’s cruse of oil, it is replenished as we use it and shall never fail. (See 1 Kgs. 17:8–16.)
And yet, there are people across the world and about us—our neighbors, our friends, some in our own families—who, spiritually speaking, are undernourished. Some of them are starving to death!
If we keep all this to ourselves, it is not unlike feasting before those who are hungry.
We are to go out to them, and to invite them to join us. We are to be missionaries."
we have the message everyone needs, we have the ordinances of Salvation. We can't keep it to ourselves
We need to remember that "...the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;"
as they should be to us!
We need to open our mouths, share the truths that we know, and in our missionary work and all the teaching we do in the church, The Temple should be the goal
Elder Nelson said "The temple is the house of the Lord. The basis for every temple ordinance and covenant—the heart of the plan of salvation—is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Every activity, every lesson, all we do in the Church, point to the Lord and His holy house. Our efforts to proclaim the gospel, perfect the Saints, and redeem the dead all lead to the temple.
they all lead to the temple! the Lord desires for all his children to receive the gospel and make sacred covenants with Him in his Holy Temples! Like the Lord taught in Luke 22, we need to remember
"when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." I have some friends that are an amazing example of this
once upon a time I was not a member of this church, no religion in home, made friends, who love and taught me, join church, now I have a mission call, went to the Temple on Tuesday. Because of this I am blessed, so is my family, all those I will teach on the mission, then who they teach, my future children and grandchildren and those they teach. It is a amazing domino effect, that started just because a few people befriended me, I was able to see their light and was drawn to it, and they went on to share with me, saw me not just as I was, but also for who I could become, and kept the temple in mind as a goal for me.
Gordon B. Hinckley said "I make you a promise that if you will go to the house of the Lord, you will be blessed; life will be better for you."
I know that is true, my life really is better and more full of joy because of my temple attendance and I want to share those blessings so bad with those who don't
We should all strive to do everything that we can do to prepare and worthy to enter the temple and make sacred covenants, or continue to honor those covenants and attend regularly, for there lies some of the greatest blessings Heavenly Father has for us and then when we teach others, whether is be an investigator, inactive member or faithful member, the Temple should always be in our mind, we may not always verbalize it, but like Elder Nelson taught, all that we do and teach should point to the Lord and his temples.
In Doctrine and covenants 97:16, the lord tells us, speaking about the Temple...
"Yea, and my presence shall be there, for I will come into it, and all the pure in heart that shall come into it shall see God."
what a beautiful promise, one that we should desire not only for ourselves but for all of Gods children, as he does.
**testimony about the temple** the spirit is stronger, more fully feel their love and feel closer to then, receive stronger answers, feel happier,
Because of this James E. Faust has urged us all "who have not yet received these greatest of all blessings within the walls of the temple to do whatever may be necessary to qualify to receive them."
we need to to whatever is necessary to receive the blessings of the temple and after we've made them, need to keep them, and then we will receive those blessings that come from being faithful and true, then we need to testify of those blessing and be a tool in the Lords hands help prepare our brothers and sisters, come unto Him so they can one day enter the temple
and I know that as we seek to do so with the Lords guidance, continually strengthening our testimonies and following the promptings of the Holy Ghost, miracles really will happen and we will be guided to those who are prepared
we need to remember the Lords council in...
D&C 11:21 "Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men."
in order for us to be truly effective we must first gain our own testimonies, but more than that, we must be truly converted, or striving to be, as that can be a lifelong process. but as we TRUST in him, seek His word, strive to know Him and be close to Him, we will be blessed, so much, greater peace, light and knowledge, and our tongues will be loosed and we will be powerful in helping others find the truth and make sacred and beautiful covenants with the Lord in his Holy Temples. And in doing so will help them to find peace and guidance, and like Gary E Stevenson they and us, can come to know that...
"You are never lost when you can see the temple. The temple will provide direction for you and your family in a world filled with chaos. It is an eternal guidepost which will help you from getting lost in the 'mist of darkness."
I know that is true, that the Temple is a beacon of light to the hold World, and is a guide to us in this life to make better decisions and to help lead us back to the Presence of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
there are few things in life that bring as much happiness as the joy that comes from helping others improve their lives,
In Les Mis at the End, they sing, as valjean dies, having turned his life around after getting help from the Bishop, and filled his life with service... "To love another person is to see the face of God"
I know this is true,
I know the field truly is white, and ready for harvest, we just need to be available and trust in the Lord
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Sister Missionary Fashion Musts!
General Guidlines for Sisters :)
https://missionary.lds.org/dress-grooming/sister/
Great sites for Missionary appropriate clothes!
us.asos.com
www.shabbyapple.com
www.modestpop.com/
www.missionarymall.org
www.sistermissionaryfashion.com
www.sistermissionaryclothes.com
www.jenclothing.com
http://www.sis-miss.com/
https://www.missionarymall.org/t-sisters.aspx
http://www.themissionarydepot.com/product-category/clothing/sister_missionary_clothes/
http://www.ldsbookstore.com/lds-clothing-for-women
http://www.mikarose.com/
http://www.novaeclothing.com/
http://www.sierrabrooke.com/
http://www.modestapparelusa.com/
http://www.modcloth.com/
http://www.hm.com/us/
http://us.dorothyperkins.com/
http://downeastbasics.com/modest-clothing.aspx
http://www.beautifulonemodest.com/default.asp
http://daintyjewells.com/
http://apostolicclothing.com/
Follow LDS Fashion blogs for inspirtation!
http://houseoftong.blogspot.com/p/mormon-modest-fashion-bloggers.html
I think a key to mission shopping is finding things that go with everything and maximizing ways to wear your accessories :)
Learn how to tie scarves!!
http://www.scarves.net/scarf-tying-index.html
Learn how to tie head scarves too!! Maximize you scaves!!
http://www.scarves.net/how-to-tie-a-scarf/head-scarves/
Wear It As A Bracelet: Use smaller/thinner scarves as bracelets!
Wear It As A Belt: By using a scarf belt, you can totally change the look of your outfit.
http://www.clothedmuch.com/2009/09/scarf-belt.html#.UykHIfldW-M
Wear It On Your Head: This chic look is currently trending with fashionistas all over the globe.
How to tie a bunch of different head scarves:
http://www.scarves.net/how-to-tie-a-scarf/head-scarves/
Detachable Collars!! Why don't more people think about this?? It can totally change an outfit!
http://www.molaposh.com/2012/01/fashion-trends-removable-collar.html
Reversible Skirts!!!
Seriously! Two skirts in one? YES PLEASE!!
Beware...some a hideous, but if you do some digging, you are sure to find some cute ones! :D
These sites has some cute ones!!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/HazelsThreads?ref=l2-shopheader-name
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SkirtsbyLaurel?ref=l2-shopheader-name
Learn to tie belts! :D
Monday, March 17, 2014
Uplifting scriptures and quotes about Missionary work.
http://laytreasuresinheaven.com/scriptures-on-the-power-of-your-calling/
- …you are called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands to preach the Gospel… (Articles of Faith 1:5)
- You are “commissioned of Jesus Christ” (D&C 20:73).
- Christ is “the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world…” (D&C 93:2)
- The Priesthood is like a spiritual power of attorney given by God to mortals. With this power a man can teach with authority, heal the sick, perform miracles, administer the saving ordinances, and regulate the affairs of the Church, just as the Savior would do if he were present. In a sense, the priesthood is the power to think God’ thoughts, to speak his words, and to be his hands.” –Elder Tad R. Callister
- So literal is the power to think his thoughts that the Savior said, “Speak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts, and you shall not be confounded before me” (D&C 100:5).
- So literal is the power to speak his words that the Lord said, “What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, …whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (D&C 1:38).
- The Savior prophesied that his disciples would bear testimony before governors and kings, and then informed them that, “It is not ye that speak, but the spirit of your Father which speaketh in you” (Matt 10:12).
- And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi did preach unto the Lamanites with such great power and authority, for they had power and authority given unto them that they might speak, and they also had what they should speak given unto them.” (Hel. 5:18)
- So literal is the power of God’s hands that when Edward Partridge was called to be a missionary, the Lord said regarding his setting apart, “And I will lay my hand upon you by the hand of my servant Sidney Rigdon.” (D&C 36:2)
- On one occasion, Nephi spoke with such commanding force that the disbelievers “were angry with him, even because he had greater power than they, for it were not possible that they could disbelieve his words.” (3 Ne. 33:1)
- Men who held the priesthood taught the gospel truths with a persuasive and piercing power that “carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men.” (2 Ne. 33:11)
- “And we ask thee, Holy Father, that they servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them; And from this place they may bear exceedingly great and glorious tidings, in truth, unto the ends of the earth, that they may know that this is thy work, and that thou hast put forth thy hand, to fulfill that which thou hast spoken by the mouths of the prophets, concerning the last days.” (D&C 109:22-23)
Promises God offers those who share the Gospel
- None shall stay you (D&C 1:5)
- You shall receive strength such as is not known among men (D&C 24:12)
- He Himself will go with you and be in your midst. Nothing shall prevail against you (D&C 32:3)
- Power shall rest upon you. He will be with you and go before your face (D&C 39:12)
- Your enemies will not have power over you (D&C 44:5)
- The Lord will stand by you (D&C 68:6)
- No weapon formed against you shall prosper (D&C 71:9)
- He will uphold you (D&C 93:51)
- The gates of hell shall not prevail against you (D&C 17:8)
- You shall have power to declare His word (D&C 99:2)
- Your tongue shall be loosed, and you will have the power of God unto the convincing of men (D&C 11:21)
- Your mouth shall be filled and you shall become even as Nephi of old (D&C 33:8)
- You will not be confounded. It shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man (D&C 84:85, 100:5)
- Your words shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, and shall be the voice of the Lord and the power of God unto salvation (D&C 68:4)
- Your arm will be God’s arm. He will be your shield and buckler; He will gird up your loins and put your enemies under your feet (D&C 35:14)
- You shall stand blameless before God (D&C 4:2)
- You shall be lifted up at the last day (D&C 17:8)
- You will be given a testimony of the words of the prophets (D&C 21:9)
- You shall have revelations (D&C 28:8)
- You shall be forgiven (D&C 31:5, 36:1, 60:7, 62:3, 84:61)
- You shall have great faith (D&C 39:12)
- You will be able to keep God’s laws (D&C 44:5)
Blessings that pertain to happiness, health, and prosperity
- You shall have blessings greater than the treasure of earth (D&C 19:37-38)
- He will take care of your flocks (D&C 88:72)
- Your back shall be laden with sheaves (D&C 31:5, 33:9)
- You shall not be weary in mind, body, limb, or joint, and you shall not go hungry or thirsty. A hair from your head shall not fall to the ground unnoticed (D&C 84:80, 116)
- Your joy shall be great (D&C 18:14-15)
Promises to Fill Us and Our Work with the Holy Ghost
- He will send upon you the Comforter, which shall teach you the truth and the way whither you shall go (D&C 79:2)
- The Holy Ghost shall be shed forth in bearing record of all things, whatsoever ye shall say (D&C 100:8)
- He will go before your face. He will be on your right hand and on your left; His Spirit shall be in your hearts, and His angels round about you, to bear you up (D&C 84:88)
- He will bear you up as on eagles’ wings; and you shall beget glory and honor to yourself and unto the Lord’s name (D&C 124:18)
- He will make you holy (D&C 60:7)
- If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things – that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal (D&C 42:61)
Saturday, March 15, 2014
A beautiful story about sharing the Gospel!
I love this! <3
The following event took place in a Salt Lake City ward in 1974 It occurred during Sacrament Meeting, and was told by a Regional Representative of the Twelve, who was in the meeting.
A young man, just before leaving on his mission stood in Sacrament Meeting and bore the following testimony:
Brothers and Sisters, as you know during the past few weeks I have been awaiting my Mission call. During the time I was waiting, I had a dream. I knew it was not an ordinary dream. I dreamed I was in the pre-existence and was waiting my call to come to Earth.
I was filled with the same excitement and anticipation that I had before I received my Mission call. In my dream, I was talking to a friend, he was a dear friend, and I felt a special closeness to him, even though I’ve never met him in this life…
As we talked, a messenger came and gave me a letter, I knew it was my call to go to Earth, in great excitement my friend and I opened the letter. I gave it to him and asked him to read aloud. The letter said;
“You have been called to Earth in a special time and a special land. You will be born into the true church and you will have the priesthood of God in your home. You will be raised with many advantages and many blessings. You will be born in a land of plenty - A land of freedom. You will go to Earth in the United States of America.”
My friend and I rejoiced as we read my call and while we rejoiced, the messenger returned. This time he had a letter for my friend. We knew it was his call to Earth. My friend gave me the letter to read a loud. His letter said;
“You have been called to Earth in circumstances of poverty and strife. You will not be raised in the true church. Many hardships will attend your life. Your land will be raught with political and social difficulties which will hinder the work of the Lord. You will be born in Costa Rica.”
We wept, my friend and I, as we read his call. And my friend looked at me with tears in his eyes and said, “When we are down on Earth, you in your choice land and me in Costa Rica, my friend, please come and find me.”
Then this young missionary, with tears in his own eyes said, “Brothers and Sisters, I have received my Mission call , I am going to Costa Rica.”
There is a sequel to this story. About a year after the Sacrament Meeting, the Bishop of this Ward received a letter from the missionary in Costa Rica. The letter had one sheet of paper in it. And on that sheet, written in inch-high letters where four words…
“I FOUND MY FRIEND”
A young man, just before leaving on his mission stood in Sacrament Meeting and bore the following testimony:
Brothers and Sisters, as you know during the past few weeks I have been awaiting my Mission call. During the time I was waiting, I had a dream. I knew it was not an ordinary dream. I dreamed I was in the pre-existence and was waiting my call to come to Earth.
I was filled with the same excitement and anticipation that I had before I received my Mission call. In my dream, I was talking to a friend, he was a dear friend, and I felt a special closeness to him, even though I’ve never met him in this life…
As we talked, a messenger came and gave me a letter, I knew it was my call to go to Earth, in great excitement my friend and I opened the letter. I gave it to him and asked him to read aloud. The letter said;
“You have been called to Earth in a special time and a special land. You will be born into the true church and you will have the priesthood of God in your home. You will be raised with many advantages and many blessings. You will be born in a land of plenty - A land of freedom. You will go to Earth in the United States of America.”
My friend and I rejoiced as we read my call and while we rejoiced, the messenger returned. This time he had a letter for my friend. We knew it was his call to Earth. My friend gave me the letter to read a loud. His letter said;
“You have been called to Earth in circumstances of poverty and strife. You will not be raised in the true church. Many hardships will attend your life. Your land will be raught with political and social difficulties which will hinder the work of the Lord. You will be born in Costa Rica.”
We wept, my friend and I, as we read his call. And my friend looked at me with tears in his eyes and said, “When we are down on Earth, you in your choice land and me in Costa Rica, my friend, please come and find me.”
Then this young missionary, with tears in his own eyes said, “Brothers and Sisters, I have received my Mission call , I am going to Costa Rica.”
There is a sequel to this story. About a year after the Sacrament Meeting, the Bishop of this Ward received a letter from the missionary in Costa Rica. The letter had one sheet of paper in it. And on that sheet, written in inch-high letters where four words…
“I FOUND MY FRIEND”
This is such a beautiful story and such a reminder to me of the importance of sharing the Gospel <3
You know you're a mormon when...
From my Tumblr:
http://sistergresham.tumblr.com
http://sistergresham.tumblr.com
so this isnt exclusive, I’m not saying if you don’t say these things or whatever, your not mormon, I’m just saying if you say/like/know most of these things, you probably are a mormon lol
You’ve seen this:
You’ve heard a guy say:
"You wanna hold the priesthood?" (then offers to hug you)
You say things like (or hear people say)
"Is there caffeine in this?"
"No thanks, I dont drink"
"Sorry, I can’t, its Sunday"
"Please bless this food to strengthen and nourish our bodies…"
"So this one time at institute…."
"Modest is hottest"
Are you going to the fireside tonight?"
"What temple do you want to get married in?"
"President uchtdorf is so handsome!"
"There better be refreshments"
"We should do a service project together!"
"I think she needs to re-read the for stength of youth"
"Was that a Nephi choice or a laman & lemuel choice?"
"Leggings are not pants"
"Everyones getting engaged!"
For the girls: "I’m never having my reception in a cultural hall!"
You’ve had encounters similar to these:
OR…
"YOU’RE A VIRGIN????”
If you love these:
You go on facebook and….
have ever heard, or at least get a good chuckle out of a mormon pick up line, like:
"Is your name virtue? Because you garnish my thoughts unceasingly"
"Are you the iron rod? Cause I wanna hold onto you for the rest of eternity."
"Even with the Liahona, I get lost in your eyes."
you’ve almost called a teacher/boss “Sister” or “Brother”
you’ve closed a speech at school or work by saying “in the name of Je….”
If you know all (or most) of these abbreviations:
LDS
CTR
YSA
SA
BOM
FHE
MTC
WOW
EFY
BYC
CES
EQ
JST
VC
DI
RM
RS
VT
YM
YW
BYU
MoTab
BSA
FTSOY
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