Meet the Mormons

Over the years, I have heard sooo many different ideas about what Mormons believe. Being one of them, I have always been intrigued by those ideas.

Isn't it fun to break the mold? I think so.

Meet the Mormons is a new film that will be in theaters starting October 10th, 2014.

It is the story of 6 individuals and their journey's through life.

"Jermaine Sullivan works full-time as an academic counselor to 200 students in order to support his wife and three kids. He also volunteers full-time as a Bishop of a Mormon church in Atlanta, Georgia. He leads his diverse congregation with youthful exuberance while shattering stereotypes of what it means to be a Mormon Bishop."

For more info, see meetthemormons.com. All proceeds will go to the Red Cross.

Come Unto Christ

Sunday, we went to a member's house for dinner. Usually, we come prepared with a message about Christ to share with the families that feed us. We thought we were going to be the teachers. This time though, we were the ones who needed a message.

During dinner, one of the kids started talking about a video that they love to watch as a family. It was a new music video for youth called, "Come Unto Christ." The teenage daughter pulled it up on the television and we all gathered around to watch.

As I listened, I saw reflections of myself. I was given a unique perspective as I recalled who I was as a youth and where I found myself now. I know that it is only because of Christ that I was given the hope I needed to pull through my moments of darkness. Now, I can look up and see the light that was always there, leading me on.

We all face our moments of darkness. We all have different situations. We all feel heartache and sorrow. But one thing I know is that no matter who we are or what we face, our eternal worth is more than we can even begin to imagine. 

I know I have a Savior that loves me and can see that worth even when I can't and I know without a doubt that you do too. Never give up on yourself. Keep looking forward. When we walk in faith, the future is always brighter than the past.

I leave you my testimony that our Savior, Jesus Christ, is the very Son of God. He suffered and died for us so that we never have to be alone. He always has his arms outstretched. All we need to do is come unto Him.

Remember who you are.

My New Life

This week, one of my companions was sick, so I stayed home to care for her. At one point, we sat and watched practically every Mormon Message known to man. As we did, I rediscovered this video about Stephanie Neilson. What an amazing woman!

Learning about Stephanie and her story is actually what inspired me to start blogging. Two years ago, I started a blog called "The Wind is Blowing." It documented some of the trials and feelings I felt after the passing of my mother. Now, I have this blog to document all my new adventures as a missionary for the Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I know that I still have a lot to learn, but I pray that one day, I will be able to be as powerful of a force for good as Stephanie Neilson has allowed herself to be. Here is her story:

We all face different challenges in life. Some cope with loss of sight, hearing, or even a loved one. Others struggle to adapt to new challenges and cultures. However, each of us can rest assured that we have the strength to make it through because YOU have a Heavenly Father who loves you and a Savior to carry you. I know this to be true. I have seen it in my life and I promise you can see it too.

When life gets hard, just look forward in faith and say, "This is my new life."

I believe in you. Will you believe in yourself?

An Elect Lady

Last month, we had a special sisters meeting for all of the sister missionaries in my area. We were put into groups of four, given a woman from the scriptures along with a Christ-like attribute, and asked to give a discussion on how that woman showed that attribute.

My group was assigned Emma Smith and charity.

Emma Hale Smith: The first president of the oldest women's organization in the United States. The faithful, loving wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith. 

Charity: n. the pure love of Christ. It is the highest, noblest, and strongest kind of love and the most joyous to the soul.

Getting to study her life more in depth was such an amazing experience. She has been an amazing example to me in my life. I have always felt a curious attachment to her, so I was ecstatic to hear the assignment.

Just before her husband, Joseph Smith, was martyred at Carthage Jail, he responded to her request for a blessing. He told her if she wrote one, he would sign it when he returned home. This is some of what she wrote:

"I desire the Spirit of God to know and understand myself, that I might be able to overcome whatever of tradition or nature that would not tend to my exaltation in the eternal worlds. I desire a fruitful, active mind, that I may be able to comprehend the designs of God, when revealed through His servants without doubting. ...I desire... that I may wear a cheerful countenance... and be a blessing to all..."

Her words show such love and devotion to her Heavenly Father. In all she did, she showed charity for others, often caring for their welfare above her own. I believe that the words she wrote in that blessing from the Lord expresses the desires of my heart as well. I believe that is why I love Emma.

May we all love a little deeper, act a little kinder, and serve a little more.

Lost and Found

Still searching for my path,
I fall upon the ground.
I'm sitting in the dirt
With thistles all around.

I stay there and I cry,
"Well, this must be my place;
The path, it may be grand,
But I'm a different case."

Just as I'm giving up,
Oh, I begin to see,
Brushing past the weeds,
A man has come for me!

I show to him my broken leg,
And he vows to carry me
We travel to the end of day,
With sweat across his brow.

Finally, we reach the gate
And my family's waiting there
O, I fall before my guide.
And wash his feet with my tears;

Unworthy of His love.
He lifts me up from in the dust,
And whispers in my ear,
"You were worth it, every step."

The Family

"THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities."-The Family: A Proclaimation to the World

In My Life

Some people may not deem me qualified to speak on this subject because I do not yet have children of my own. I know that I cannot speak as a parent; however, I can speak as a child.

These are things I remember from my early childhood.

Founded Upon the Teachings of Christ

1. I know that the happiest times of my childhood occurred when the gospel of Christ was taught in my home. 
2. I remember gathering as a family every Monday night to spend time together, to laugh together, and to learn together. 
3. On Sundays, we would come home from church to the smell of Mother's roast filling the house. Everyone helped to prepare for dinner. Even the little ones.

Faith, Prayer, Repentance

1. From my amazing mother, I learned the principles of faith, prayer, and repentance. 
2. As a 9 year old, getting up at 5 AM to have family prayer and scripture study before the older kids went off to early morning seminary was not my favorite thing in the world. (Some people may know how long it takes me to get out of bed in the morning.) 
3. However, I look back on that time with fondness. 
4. That time spent together helped me grow closer to my family and feel more secure.
5. It was something I could count on, just like Sunday dinner.

Forgiveness

1. We were also regularly taught to love and care for each other. 
2. When one person was hurt during a game, as often happens in a family of twelve, even if it was an accident, we had to apologize to and forgive each other. 
3. We had to mean it when we apologized.
4. If we said sorry in a mean way, we had to come back later to apologize again.

One time, I had been sent to my room for hitting my sister. I sat on my bed angrily justifying my actions. "She did it first. It's not fair!" I repeated over and over. Then, my eye caught the set of scriptures lying by my pillow. They had been a gift from my grandmother to celebrate my baptism. I did not want to let go of anger, but was getting bored in my room. I picked them up and began to read. I turned to Doctrine and Covenants 64:9-10. It read,

"Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin. I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men." 

This scripture was exactly what I needed to hear. To this day, I still keep a bookmark at that page of scripture. It has given me strength in times of trouble and helped me find greater peace as I let go of anger towards others.

The Gardener

Sometimes we may wonder how a loving Heavenly Father could let so many things happen in our lives that tear us down. How could He let me hurt so much? How could I be denied such righteous desires?

As a missionary, this is a question I have heard time and time again. I think the secret to understanding why is faith. We must have the faith that God knows what we need better than we do. He knows what we can handle and has a plan for us.

This is something I have truly gained a testimony of over the years. Every hardship I have endured has somehow been able to bless my life and sometimes the lives of those around me. Because of certain trials and hardships, I have been blessed with empathy and understanding towards others.

This Mormon Message has brought so much strength and comfort to me over the last year. I pray that you may find the same peace.

"... And above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?"
Doctrine and Covenants 122:7-8