In a World of Chaos, Where Can I Turn For Peace?

   Over the past few months, I have come to the realization that this world is becoming more and more chaotic, hectic, selfish, evil, and unreliable. These can be scary times...but they don't have to be. Yes, Jesus is coming again. When? We don't know. All we know that it is soon. It is easy to see that. But we do not have to fear. The Lord tells us in Genesis, "fear not, for I am with thee.." (Gen 26:24). What have we to fear if we are on the Lord's side? Because "...God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Tim 1:7). The Lord protects His servants.
   So where can we turn for peace in this world that offers none? To Jesus Christ. His gospel. His plan. His Sacrifice. His word. The gospel is the only thing that can save this world. The Gospel of Jesus Christ, found in its fullness in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is a gospel of hope and strength. It is a beacon of peace. We don't have to fear if we trust in the One who was perfect. Jesus Christ beckons "Come unto me all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Mat 11:28). We will find rest and peace as we search Him. How do we do this? Read the scriptures. Pray with a sincere heart. If you feel fear, stress, or frustration or anything else...let your Heavenly Father help you. He is always there. He wants to listen to our problems, or fears. Let him. He loves us.

  I post this because I am the one that needs this. And if I need it, I doubt I am the only one. I have felt fear for the future lately. But since I have been praying for peace in my heart, I have received it. No matter what happens, God is there. He is mindful of us as His precious children. He will never let us down. All we have to do is trust Him, and look to His Son for guidance...

The World of "Me" and "I"

   We have all heard that pride is the root of all sin. It's true, is it not? When we sin, we are always, in some way, just thinking of ourselves. If someone is drinking, they don't care about other people's opinions, about hurting family and friends, they just want the "buzz" or the "thrill." If someone is committing adultery or fornication, they are only thinking about their own personal pleasure. It all comes back to pride. We live in a world that teaches us that it is OK to think about ourselves, that the world revolves around us. But we know that that is not the case. Alma 38:11 says
 "See that ye are not lifted up unto pride; yea, see that ye do not boast in your own wisdom, nor of your much strength."
   All of us do it. Including myself. I am probably the worst at this, which is why I am studying it this week. Most of the time we think only about ourselves. We have the "what's in it for me?" mentality. We talk about ourselves more than we talk about others. I am as guilty as anyone. But what if we were to stop? Jesus Christ is the perfect example for all of us. What if he just said "Wait a minute, this is way too hard. I am outta here"? We all would be lost, with no hope. And of course, he teaches us to try and be like him. If we are to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father, we must acquire attributes of His Son, Jesus Christ. He always was serving, so selflessly. And you know what they say about service, right? "...when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God." (Mosiah 2:17) Prideful people don't serve, prideful people don't put others before themselves. We don't have to lay our lives down for someone or save their life to be serving them. We can do daily things to serve others. There are millions of ways to serve each other. A smile. A greeting. A "how are you today?" Remembering someone's name. Remembering someone's birthday. Find a way to make someone ELSE happy. We make ourselves happy all the time. And it feels good to make someone else happy, doesn't it? Why don't people do it more often? Pride is the root of all sin...
   This is what I have been studying this week. Humility and pride. Humility is one of the Christlike attributes I have the most trouble with. This was for me. Service is the best medicine!

The Standard Will Never Be Lowered

   In the game of basketball, the stand that holds up the basketball hoop is called the "standard." In almost every league, organization, or gym, the standard is held at 10 feet high. I have been playing basketball in gyms and churches since I could barely walk. The hoop has always been 10 feet high. I am a basketball fan. More so of college basketball, but I like the NBA too. And what I have noticed is this...no matter if it is little Johnny's 12 year old "rec league" team, or Lebron James and the Miami Heat playing the Los Angeles Lakers, the hoop is always 10 feet high. Isn't that interesting? The hoop isn't lowered based on one's ability to play basketball. Imagine if the hoop was lowered based on who was shooting the ball? So Kobe Bryant plays with the same standard as my high school team's. What can we learn from this? Let me tell you...
   That is exactly how the gospel of Jesus Christ is. The standards are high. Christ expects us to keep a code of conduct that the world doesn't keep. The world wants the standards adjusted, even lowered, to meet their wants. The Lord expects us to love one another, attend church every Sunday, keep the Word of Wisdom, save intimate relations until after we are married, and many other things. Difficult? Sometimes. Unreasonable? Absolutely not. The Lord will never lower his standards just because the world does. We must step up our game. The standard will be "10 feet" and it always will be. Even if we are "Lebron James" spiritually, or if we don't think we have much skill or if we don't care, it will always be 10 feet. It can't be adjusted. Christ expects a lot out of us. Salvation is not free. The best we can do is practice, practice, practice. Why sell our selves short by shooting on a lowered hoop? In the end we will still have to shoot at a 10 foot hoop. We can't sell ourselves short in the gospel. We must put it to practice to master it.

Enjoying The Fall

   I really do enjoy blogging about things that have to do with the current season or current events. The fall season is just a few days away, can you believe that? It doesn't really feel like it here in Florida. But it is the truth. And with that, I would like to address an issue that really has been an area of controversy over the centuries...the fall of Adam in the Garden of Eden...
   Now, having been in the South for over a year now, I have come across a plethora  of theories regarding Adam and Eve and their decision to partake of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Some say Adam sinned, thus we are all born with the sin of Adam and we are condemned for his choice. Others say it is Eve's fault, thus blaming the entire female gender for our state of sin. Some say it was a figurative "eating of the fruit" meaning something that has to do with chastity. Here's what it really means (meaning I am going to use church doctrine, not my own opinion.)
   In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Nephi teaches us that "Adam fell that men might be; and men are that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 2:25) That doesn't imply anywhere that we are born into the sin of Adam. In fact, we are here to have joy. And the church also states in the "Articles of Faith" which is a list of basic beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, "We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression." I think that point is clear.
   Now, as far as them partaking of the fruit as a bad thing. Not so.  One may think of it as breaking a lower law to keep a higher law. Because we read in the scriptures that they were commanded to "multiply and replenish the earth." Basically they were commanded to have children. They didn't know how to do that because their minds were as children. They were innocent and naive (that is not to say that the act of creating children makes one "not innocent"). It is a blessing that they partook of the fruit. The Book of Mormon teaches us this:
 "And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end.

  And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin.

  But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.

  Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 22-25).

  We are saved from the Fall by Jesus Christ and His sacrifice. If we come to Him and repent, we can over come our own "falls" and return to Him. So we should thank them for taking that step. We are here because of it. Adam and Eve were some of the noblest of the children of God. They should be revered as such. They chose to partake, willingly, knowing the consquences. God knew what was going to happen. It was all part of His amazing plan to bring us into this world that we may enjoy life here as did Adam and Eve. The "Fall" was only the beginning...

Football and Family

   God loves us so much. He truly wants us to be happy in this life. That is why He gave us families. Families are ordained of God. (Meaning marriage between a man and woman is a divine principle, not just a nice suggestion). My family means so much to me. Being a missionary, you can't see your family for 2 years. And throughout my mission I have realized times when I took my family for granted. It's the old saying "You don't know what you have until you lose it." I had great parents who taught me the ways of our Lord. I am the oldest of 5 children in my family. I have so many great memories with my family.
   The reason why I annoy people with how much I love sports is because I associate my passion for sports with my family. I grew up watching games on TV with my dad, going to Padres games with my family, and just spending quality time together watching a game or going to one. My dad was also my baseball coach in for 6 years. That really meant a lot to me as well. He took the time from work and his church obligations to teach me and my peers the game of baseball.That meant the world to me. He took the time to take road trips and take me to a BYU football game. I have so many great memories that tie in sports with my family. My family is everything.
   God intended for all of us to grow in a loving, united family, an atmosphere conducive to the Spirit and to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is not only the chief cornerstone of this church (Ephesians 2:20), but should also be the foundation of each household. God wants all of us to be in a home where a father and mother live together in harmony and love, raising their children together. There are so many broken homes nowadays. This may result from fornication, adultery, alcoholism, or other things. I do understand that there are some instances beyond the family's control, such as death and accidents, that make it impossible to have a father and mother in the home. But for most cases, it can be avoided and should be. The choices we make today effect our families, whether they be current or future families. What are you learning or doing today to better yourself as a father, mother, husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, or sister? Everyone needs to work together to make a family successful. It does not all lie on the parents...
   Though my family is imperfect, I always feel loved and cared about in my home. Everyone (for the most part) gets along and at the end of the day, we all love each other. The home is the best place to learn about our Savior and God's plan for us. Much of the world uses their homes for yelling, fighting, abusing, and neglecting. We all will be accountable for how we treat our families, as a child and parent, at God's judgement. I know my parents love me, and they taught me so much about my Savior and about His church. I am grateful for them and their example to me. If I didn't have a home support, I do not know where I would be. Probably not wearing a shirt and tie in 92 degrees in North Florida....

Kickoff A New Life

   God has given us so many gifts. I have mentioned several in my blogs thus far. One that has become more personal to me during my mission is the gift of repentance. We are so imperfect. Every single day it seems, we do something we regret. How come God loves us so much? Because we are His children. That is why. I may not be a parent yet but I can sure say that I have done a lot of stupid things in my life but my parents still love me. He is the same. Even more so, since He is perfect. Repentance truly is a gift:
    "Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved." (3 Nephi 9:22)
    We can all be saved if we come unto Him asking for forgiveness. We must "confess and forsake" our sins. Confessing means to tell the Lord what we did and ask for forgiveness and also, if necessary, going to a church leader for more serious sins so they can help us repent fully. Forsake simply means to stop doing the sin. If we go back to the same sin, we really have not repented at all. Repenting means to turn back. To start a new life, in line with God's will...
   In light of the football season about to start (No I cannot watch it but the clock installed in me senses it is time for football), we must remember that we must seek to change our lives to be more in line with God's. We must kickoff a new life, a life for God and His will. In football, a kickoff starts everything over again. New opportunities arise for your team. No matter what happened, who scored or how they scored, a kickoff starts it over (everything but the score that is). Repentance gives us that opportunity. We can start over. We can become better and improve on our past mistakes. Let us all kickoff a new life, repenting of our shortcomings and mistakes and seek to be better people. People that follow Christ closely. I know that as we repent, and align our lives with the will of our Father in Heaven's, we will see blessings. And those blessings will increase exponentially as we seek every day to get better, to be a little better than yesterday.

Make It To the Playoffs

     "And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.

  Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." (2 Nephi 31:19-20) 

   Quite simply, the "strait and narrow path" this scripture is referring to is entering into the waters of baptism and making that covenant with God. It is saying that just because we are baptized, does not mean we can put our lives on "cruise control" and chill. We must endure to the end...

   Let me put it like this. I always got to throw sports into it so it makes more sense to me. I love baseball. Every year in high school, my baseball team looked really good. We had big strong guys who could hit the ball hard and far. We had pitchers getting looked at by pro and college scouts. Every spring when the San Diego area newspapers would discuss which high school team could win it all, or at least do very well, our team was usually thrown in the discussion. We had so much potential. We would start the year off really well. We usually would win 4 of our first 5 games, and maybe 8 of our first 10. We would ride sky high. Our confidence was high. We thought that we could beat anyone without hardly even trying. The problem was, a high school baseball regular season is about 30 games long, plus a few extras maybe. So we always did well for the first third of the season. And then we got complacent. We started making mistakes, dumb plays and being lazy during practice. And we paid for it. In my years of high school baseball, we never made the playoffs. Not once. We had players in the top 10 in the county in homeruns, batting average and for pitchers, strikeouts. Yet, we could never quite....endure to the end. You see what I am trying to say? My team didn't understand the concept of enduring to the end. We must fight and strive to always improve. Our opponents took advantage of our complacency. This lesson does not just apply to baseball teams. 

   In life, once we are baptized into the Church, and head on the path that "leads to eternal life," we aren't exempt from any more work or progression.We must always work to get better and endure to the end. How do we endure to the end? We keep going to church every Sunday, we read the scriptures everyday and pray daily to our Heavenly Father. We strive to keep all the commandments of the Father.We serve our fellow men and fulfill our callings and duties with all our hearts. Easy enough, right? With God, it can be. And if we are complacent, just like my baseball team was, our "opponent" (Satan) will take advantage of us and we will fall off the path. We must always be on our toes and not be complacent with where we are. Enduring to the end is an essential part of living the gospel of Jesus Christ. The word "endure" implies that we will face challenges. We can rely on the Lord in prayer and scripture study to get us through them. We have to make it to the "playoffs," which is eternal life. We must endure. We must beat Satan. That's the only way we will make it to the playoffs.

What a Wonderful World

    A lot of people these days do not stop and smell the roses. I have always tried to. I have always been one of those people that, if walking outside at night, will look up in awe at the starry sky. I love camping, I love being outside, I love the simple pleasures in life. What do I think about as I marvel at the night sky, or at the tall cliffs on the shore of California's beaches? I think about their Creator. "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:" (Col 1:16).

    God has created all things. From humans, as complex and amazing as our own bodies are, to the simplest plant at the bottom of the rain forest floor in Brazil. This is such a beautiful world. And it is such a gift to live here. We need to have gratitude for the simple things in life that we have, that God has given us. How would you feel if you gave someone a gift and they never thanked you or even expressed joy for the gift? Like dirt, right? I always wonder how our Heavenly Father feels when we are ungrateful towards the wonderful gifts he has given us.
   My ability to walk was almost taken from me 6 years ago this month. I will forever be grateful for the simple ability to still be able to run across a basketball court without much effort, or throw a baseball. The old saying goes "you don't know what you have until you lose it." Too many times I have caught myself in that situation. We should thank God for all the things He has given us. We have so much to thank Him for, we must always show gratitude to the one who has given us everything.

Eternal Life: It's So Simple

   When you think on it, obtaining eternal life, which means to live in the presence of God in a state of never-ending happiness with our families, is pretty simple. There is a difference between simple and easy. I never said it was easy, but simple? Yes. Why do I say it is simple? Because we have the road map to eternal life right in front of us.

   God tells us several times in the scriptures how to obtain eternal life. In the book of 2 Nephi, chapter 31, it says 

"And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son. 

And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do... 

Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." (2 Nephi 31:11-12, 20)

   We have that promise right there.  We shall have eternal life. All we have to do is repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, have faith in Christ, and then endure to the end. It's the only way. But how do we endure to the end? It is simple. This process called the "Doctrine of Christ" which you have seen me mention before (faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end) is actually a cycle. It doesn't end once we are baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. We start over. We try to increase our faith even more. We do that by reading the scriptures and coming to church. We always need to be repenting. We are not perfect. None of us are.

 "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." (1 John 1:8-10). 

   Since we can't really be baptized again, we renew the covenants we made at baptism every Sunday when we take the sacrament. That's how we keep living the cycle. We must go to church every Sunday to fully live the doctrine of Christ. As we take the sacrament to renew that baptismal covenant, we are promised the companionship of the Holy Ghost. So you see? It all fits together. 

   This is a cycle that never ends. We must always be striving to make ourselves better. As we do that, the Atonement of Jesus Christ takes over the rest. Christ is our Advocate with the Father. In Spanish, it says that He is our "abogado." Which means "lawyer." He fights for our side, defends us and will convince the Father that we are worthy to merit eternal life and glory. The question is, are we worthy?

It Is Not Enough...

   We all know the scripture that says "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Tim 4:12). It is about being an example to the world. When asked why we don't have crosses in our church buildings, President Hinckley replied that the symbols of our Christian faith are “the lives of our people.” (Dallin H. Oaks, Sacrifice, Ensign May 2012). That is the way it should be. To our neighbors, our friends, coworkers, and acquaintances we are the Church. Their perception of the "mormon church" rests on what we do and say. Whether we like it or not, that is how it is.

   However, if we just simply walk around "being an example" will people flood to the church to be baptized? Probably not. If that happened, we really wouldn't need full-time missionaries, would we? But, the responsibility to preach the gospel does not rest solely on the shoulders of us full-time missionaries. God tells all of us that we need to "open our mouths." The Lord told Joseph Smith:

 " But with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths, but they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man. Wo unto such, for mine anger is kindled against them.

    And it shall come to pass, if they are not more faithful unto me, it shall be taken away, even that which they have." (D&C 60:2-3)

   Do we fear man more than God? When we don't tell someone about the gospel when the opportunity arises, what are we afraid of? People we know and care about that don't have the gospel are all around us Even people we may not even know. The Lord has promised us that there are people everywhere being prepared to receive the gospel. There is only so much 2 young missionaries can do. For example, Elder Vilorio and I cover an area roughly 30 miles wide. There are approximately 8500 people living within the city limits of Orange Park alone. We can't talk to 8500 people. That would take years. We need everyone's help. Opening your mouth is the 2nd step of sharing the gospel, and perhaps the most important. Being an example is just not enough...

Man's Best Friend

   No, I am not talking about the one that wags his tail when you get home and begs to play outside and chews up your couch. I am talking about a guide. This guide can be our best friend, if we let him...
   There are a lot of misconceptions about the Holy Ghost. What is it? Or who is it? What does he/it do? Why is he/it important? A lot of churches teach different things about his role. (Yes, I am going to refer to the Holy Ghost as "he").
   He is the 3rd member of the Godhead. Yes, they are separate beings: God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost. They all are separate beings but work as "one" in purpose. The role of the Holy Ghost is to show us truth. John 14:26 says: "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." He is there to guide us and teach us. But only if we let him. There are a few requirements on our part in order to receive this guide or "comforter." Peter in the book of Acts says "...repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38). In order to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, we must be repent and be baptized. But that baptism must come by the proper authority, as does the reception of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. We need the Holy Ghost in order to get through this life. He is like the flashlight that helps us see the path in front of us. We can avoid a lot of bumps and holes in the road by his guidance. He is that little voice that whispers "Don't do that" when you are about to do something wrong. He is also the feeling of joy and love when you are keeping the commandments and staying on the path. He testifies to us of truth. But here's the catch....
    We must always be worthy in order to receive his guidance and inspiration. He does not dwell in "unholy places" as the scriptures say. Elijah describes the Holy Ghost as a still small voice. If we are too busy or too preoccupied, we will miss it. In the Book of Ether, the Lord says "for ye shall remember that my Spirit will not always strive with man." (Ether 2:15). The Spirit will not fight for our attention. If we don't pay heed to his whisperings, he will discontinue dwelling within us. He is like Jiminy Cricket from the movie "Pinocchio." He tries to guide Pinocchio to do the right things, but ultimately the choice is his whether or not to do it. Jiminy lets him do his own thing after a while because he was tired of Pinocchio not listening to him. Such it is with the Holy Ghost...It is also like a quarterback in football. His team is on the road, playing in the opponent's stadium. That crowd can get loud. If the crowd is too loud, the QB will not be able to call the play right, and the offense gets confused or it will result in a penalty. If our lives are too "loud" for the Holy Ghost, he can't call the play. He can't lead you to victory. Quiet the crowd a little and listen to him. You might want to listen to what he has to say. He is always guiding you in the direction your Heavenly Father wants you to go. He truly can be "man's best friend"...If you let him!

Why Are We Called Mormons?

    The word "Mormons" is the word usually used to describe members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Where did that word come from? Why are we called Mormons? Well good thing I am here, because I will tell you...
    First of all, I will explain where that nickname comes from. As many people know, us members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints believe in additional scripture. We absolutely sustain and uphold the Bible as the word of God. But we know that God had children all over the world, not just in Jerusalem. And we know that He loves ALL of His children. He wants all of His children to know His will and to read from the scriptures. The Bible couldn't be posted on the internet or made into millions of copies to be brought throughout the whole earth back in the time of Christ, so the word spread very slowly. So how did God help His other children receive His word? Easy: The Book of Mormon. The proper title actually is The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. This is a record of God's children here on the American continent. In John, the Savior taught: "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." ( John 10:16). The Savior is referring to the people in the Americas. Prophets here also testified of Christ's coming, life, sacrifice and resurrection. The Book of Mormon is a record of those prophets' testimonies and prophecies concerning Christ. That is important because Christ actually came to the Americas and ministered to the people here. He taught them His doctrine, His way and the way we can get back to heaven. He did this here in the same manner He did it in Jerusalem. This book is essential to know whether or not The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is really the only true church on earth and that Joseph Smith really was a true prophet called of God.
    Now...why is it called the Book of Mormon, thus giving members of the Church this nickname? Mormon was a prophet. He lived on the American continent roughly 300 years after the coming of Christ. He was the one in charge of keeping all the records of his people and abridging it into a smaller book. He took all the records of his people, most of whom were long dead, and compiled them in a way that God commanded him to. That gives us the Book of Mormon. It is called The Book of Mormon because he was its compiler. Mormon explains in his own words: "But behold, I shall take these plates, which contain these prophesyings and revelations, and put them with the remainder of my record, for they are choice unto me; and I know they will be choice unto my brethren." He explains more in detail why exactly he did it in Words of Mormon 1:3-7. He did this for OUR benefit. So we may apply the scriptures to our day. Because of the prophet Mormon's faithfulness, diligence and obedience, we now have another book of scripture to testify of Christ. And this book separates us from any other religion or denomination. I am very grateful for the Book of Mormon and I know it comes from God as more scripture. I invite all to read it and pray about the things it contains.
   

A Land of Promise

   I like to make my blogs appropriate to the time of year or season. Even though I will post this after the holiday, we need not one single day to remember and recognize the greatness and potential this country has. This country was founded on Christian principles. I have done my "homework" on the Founding Fathers and yes, they were all self-proclaimed Christians. They were not just simply "deists" as the school textbooks will say. They were open about their belief in Christ. At one time, this nation had Christian morals...Oh how the times have changed...
   Everything happens for a reason. It was no coincidence that Columbus found this land, it was no coincidence that this land was destined to be free, it was no coincidence that a rag-tag team of American colonists defeated highly trained and far superior British troops to win their independence. God's hand is in all things.  In the Book of Mormon, it talks much of the American continent and the future freedoms it would have. This is only appropriate because America is the actual setting of the Book of Mormon. In Ether 9:23-25, it states:

"Wherefore … it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you, which are built up to get power and gain–and the work, yea, even work of destruction come upon you, yea, even the sword of the justice of the Eternal God shall fall upon you, to your overthrow and destruction if ye shall suffer these things to be.
Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you; …
For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries; … for it is built up by the devil. "

This land was meant to be free. And anything that is done to hinder or take away from these freedoms is the works of the devil himself. So why is this country suffering? 2 Nephi 1:7 can tell us:

"  7 Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever."

It is only a land of liberty if  we keep the commandments of God. He will maintain this country as free so long as we remember Him. So as long as we keep making everyone work on Sunday, which is supposed to be the Sabbath Day, fall into sin such as alcohol, drugs and fornications, then this land will keep getting worse and worse. But the opposite is true as well, God's hand is over this nation. But He will only bless us and protect this nation if we keep His commandments.

Not Everyone That Saith Unto Me "Lord, Lord..."

   The scripture is clear. Matthew 7:21, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." This scripture is also repeated in 3 Nephi 14:21. The first principle in the Gospel is faith in Jesus Christ. What does it mean to have faith in Jesus Christ? Having faith in Him means you follow Him. You follow His teachings and strive to be like Him. The reason I bring this up is because there are many who say "I believe in Christ, so I'm saved." That is a very broad and generic statement. What does it mean to be saved? What does it even mean to believe in Christ?
   First of all, what is the definition of saved? The dictionary defines "saved" as: to rescue from danger or possible harm, injury, or loss. In that respect, we are all saved thanks to Jesus Christ. Christ rescued all of us from the effects of the Fall of Adam and Eve. He rescued us from physical and spiritual death. So in this sense, we are "saved." But, this does not guarantee us a place in the kingdom of heaven. This does not eliminate our own personal responsibility to act. "For we labor diligently to write, to our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." (2 Nephi 25:23) After all we can do, then we are saved by the blood of Christ.
   Like I said before, having faith in Christ leads you to act and strive to be like Him. And if you have faith in Him, you believe what he taught. But part of having faith is acting on that belief. "Faith, if it hath not works, is dead." (James 2:17). How do we act on that faith? Like I mentioned in previous blogs, the Gospel of Jesus Christ has 5 components: faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. All 5 of those components involve some sort of action. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is one of action. How do we follow Jesus Christ? We do what he says. What does he say? "Now this is the commandment: "Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day." (3 Nephi 27:20). Repent, be baptized and get the Holy Ghost. That is the "action" we must take with the faith we have. It's not enough to say you "believe." Believing requires action. To play professional sports, you can't just say "Yeah, I will play for your team, sure." You must sign a contract, by physically signing your name on the dotted line at the bottom of the contract. The Lord has written a contract for us, He asks us to sign it and follow it. But no one is forced to sign this contract. But I will say this, this contract is way better than a 10-year, $250 million contract. It is a eternal reward for a life contract.

God Needs a Pinch Hitter, Will You Step Up to the Plate?

   If you have spent at least 5 minutes around me, you know I love sports. Especially baseball. I love them because there are so many parallels to life lessons in every sport. It's so easy to turn them into analogies about life. So here is my attempt to make one...
   The bases are loaded, in the the bottom of the 9th inning, you are down by 1. You have been sitting on the bench all game waiting for a chance to prove yourself and get in the game. The coach decides to put you in as a "pinch-hitter" which means he will substitute you in the game for whoever was supposed to bat at that time. So you will hit in the place of that person. But the person you are hitting for happened to be the best hitter on the team. The coach just wanted you to have a shot at success. So now it's up to you. You are up to bat, the bases are loaded in the 9th inning. The question is...can you deliver?
   God, our Heavenly Father, is our coach. He tells us what we need to do in this life to be successful and return to Him. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is our exemplar. He came to earth and established His church by His authority, the priesthood. This priesthood he also gave to his disciples to act in His name. As He gave them this authority, He told them "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" (Matthew 28:19). They were to act in His name as they preached the gospel and establish the church. He chose them to do it. Jesus Christ is the "best hitter on the team." God has restored that priesthood on the earth through the prophet Joseph Smith to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. That priesthood is given to every worthy man. This priesthood is the ability to act in the name of Jesus Christ to do such things as perform baptisms, heal the sick, give blessings, and preach the gospel. Since we are acting in the name  of Jesus Christ as holders of the priesthood, we are, in a sense, pinch-hitting for Christ as we minister to the sick, guide the Church, baptize, and preach the gospel.
   "Many are called, few are chosen" as the scriptures say. We could change that into "many are on the team, few are chosen to play." When we receive the priesthood, we are called into the game. We are the pinch-hitter in that tight spot. Acting in the name of Christ. He needs us to deliver. Will we be ready to step up to the plate? When the "coach" motions in our direction to go into the game, will we come through in the clutch? Or will we strike out? Anyone can play, so long as they are worthy. God has restored His priesthood, His Authority to the earth and given it to men once again. We must honor and cherish that privilege. We must do our duty: minister unto the sick and poor, bless our families, guide and lead the church as well as preach the gospel. That is our call. Let us all be ready to be called on when the game is on the line. Let's drive in that winning run instead of strike out. Let us all magnify our callings in the priesthood. God calls to us: "arise from the dust, my sons, and be men, and be determined in one mind and in one heart, united in all things, that ye may not come down into captivity;" (2 Nephi 1:21). God needs a pinch-hitter, will you step up to the plate?

Dad: My Example and My Friend

      In "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" given in September 1995 by the President of the Church of the time, Gordon B. Hinkley, it states:
"By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families."

   This decribes the fundamental duties of a father in the home. God intended for men, husbands, and fathers to fulfill this role. Sadly, in today's world, many men shy away from such responsibility towards children, work or family as a whole. My father, however, does not fall into this category...
   In the Book of Mormon, there was a man named Lehi. He was a prophet. He had 4 sons: Laman, Lemuel, Nephi and Sam. Two of his sons walked with him the ways of the Lord. Nephi and Sam were righteous and obedient to their father. The other two, Laman and Lemuel, were rebellious and constantly fighting against their father Lehi. Lehi was saddened by the wickedness of his two wayward sons. He feared for their lives and their salvation as they drifted farther and farther from the ways of God. In 1 Nephi 8:37, Lehi encourages them, almost begs them with "all the feeling of a tender parent" to listen to him and stop their evil ways. That scripture has always touched me. Lehi was so persistent yet loving with his children. He set the example for that family.
 My father has been the ultimate example to me of how to be a man, a father, a husband and in the Church, a worthy priesthood holder and leader. He, like Lehi, strongly encouraged me "with all the feeling of a tender parent" to stay on the right path. Unfortunately, I didn't always listen to my father. And whenever I didn't, I paid for it. He knows best.
    I love my dad. He has taught me everything I know today. I learned how to work in the church, how to be a man and how to treat women. I have very fond memories of my dad. I cherish all the times we sat down together and just watched a game on TV or when he would take me to baseball games. We just enjoyed each other's company and talked about the game. Perhaps this is why I have such a deep passion for sports, is because it reminds me of my dad and all the great times we have had. Everyone who sees me and my dad says the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. I look at that more in depth than just in appearance. If someone were to tell me I am just like my father in work ethic, in serving the church, in how I raise my children and treat my wife, I would consider that a compliment. If I can be the priesthood holder my dad is, the husband and father he is, the hard worker he is, I would consider my life to be successful.
   I look up to my dad in every way. He is a great example of how men should be. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said this in his latest address in April: "Not always but often it is the men who choose not to answer the call to 'come join the ranks.' Women and children frequently seem more willing. Brethren, step up." (The Laborers in the Vineyard, Jeffrey R. Holland, May 2012). This does not describe my father. He answers the call, he has stepped up, and I hope I can serve a mission as well as he did, be a man, husband and father like he is. I love my example, my friend, my dad.

Always On My Toes

   Though I am sad to leave South Carolina, I am excited for the adventures that lay ahead for me here in Orange Park, FL. The only thing that is constant in life is change. Change happens constantly. The Lord seems to know when you start to get complacent and throws you into another challenge to keep you on your toes.
   See, God doesn't want us to get complacent. Because we become idle. An idle mind is the devil's workshop. Ecclesiastes 10:18 says, "By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through." Elder Ian Ardern of the Seventy (I posted his talk last week) said that "the poor use of time is a close cousin to idleness." We musn't get complacent with where we are. We must always look for opportunities to grow and to progress in life. Progression is an eternal principal.
    2 Nephi 31:19-20 states:
     "And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.
    Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."
  
   Once we are baptized and receive the Holy Ghost, all is not done. We can't get complacent. Just like how I cannot get complacent with an area I am serving in. I always have to be on the move, stretching myself. Making myself grow. That's how we become stronger in this life.
   I heard a story once of a man who hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, or PCT. It stretches from the bottom of California all the way to the Canadian border near Washington. It takes 4-6 months to complete this hike. He said that along this trail, there are little shelters with beds for each hiker if they wished to stop and rest a bit. He said that as he traveled, he saw many hikers enter those shelters to rest, and then become slothful and idle and stay there longer than they need to. Because it was comfortable. An easy way out. He then told us many of those hikers ended up quitting before they completed the 2,663 mile hike. They became complacent and comfortable with where they were. They wanted to be comfy and take the easy way. How many of us do that in life? We must always stretch ourselves and look for opportunties to grow. Don't be satisfied. Your muscles don't get stronger unless you stretch them out and push them to the limit. There's a saying that the Marines use to keep their troops on their toes....Complaceny Kills.

The Gift of Time

  Our Heavenly Father has given us many gifts. He has given us everything we have. One of the greatest assets is the gift of time.
 Do we use this gift wisely?
   Elder Ian S. Ardern of the Seventy said "time is never for sale. ("A Time to Prepare" Ian S. Ardern, Ensign Nov. 2011). There are many great ways to use this great gift of time that is so precious and priceless. How often do we pass the time doing useless things such as video games, watching TV sitcoms, sleeping too late, and many more unproductive activities? Time is precious.
   Today's world is a world of chaos, commotion and instant gratification. It may be hard at times to "stop and smell the roses" as they say. It can be pretty easy to be spread too thin. But from time to time, we need to check ourselves to make sure our priorities are in order. How often everyday are we giving ourselves time for scripture study? Personal prayer? I'm not talking about the prayer in the morning where you turn off the alarm and get on your knees and fall asleep again in the prayer position by your bed. I'm talking about a sincere conversation with our Heavenly Father. How often to we do that? He wants to here from us. He has given us everything, can't we give just a little time each day back to Him? The job that you commute to frantically...He gave you that. The kids you run around taking care of...He gave you those. The technology you always play around with...He blessed you with that. He has so richly blessed us. We must devote time to Him.
   Now, nobody is perfect and I ain't saying I am. We all do things that might need to be lowered on our priority list. At the same time, God wants us to be happy and not be so stressed. He is happy when we are happy. Even when it's a simple pleasure such as going to a baseball game. There's nothing wrong with that. But we must be careful with what consumes our time. There must be a balance to everything we do. Leave enough time for family, for work, physical exercise, relaxation, but most importantly the things pertaining to the gospel. We owe it to our Heavenly Father. He loves us so much and He wants us back. He wants us to be happy. I promise that we will find happiness as we devote more time to our Father in Heaven.

You See It Everywhere

      As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we have a very deep understanding of the gospel, or doctrine of Jesus Christ (or at least we should). When we say the "gospel" do we really know what that means? The Gospel of Jesus Christ has 5 components: faith, repentance, baptism, holy ghost and enduring to the end. 
    First, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Everything starts with faith. When we say we have faith in Christ, we are saying we follow His teachings and trust in Him and His Atonement. Because we have faith, we come to church. Because we have faith we read our scriptures and pray. If a farmer didn't have faith that the seeds that he planted would grow into crops, would he plant seeds in the first place? No. Faith "is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1). Faith brings that hope that keeps us going. It all starts with faith. Faith leads us to change to be more like Christ.
   Second, repentance. Repentance is changing our lives in a way that will bring us closer to God. We all sin. We are all imperfect.  Repentance brings a peace and joy and freedom from the bondage of our sins. In 3 Nephi 7:24, it says, "Now I would have you to remember also, that there were none who were brought unto repentance who were not baptized with water." So in order to fully repent, one must be baptized for the remission of sins.
   Third, baptism. Baptism is a commandment of God. But the important thing is to do it by the proper authority. In the book of Matthew, we read that Jesus sought out John the Baptist to baptize him. Jesus knew that John had the proper authority to baptize. He couldn't just walk up to any man and ask him to baptize him. We also know that one must be baptized by immersion. In Matthew 3:16, it says that when Jesus was baptized, he "went up staightway out of the water.." (see Matt. 3:16).
   Fourth, the gift of the Holy Ghost. In John, Jesus says that a man must be born of water "and of the spirit" to inherit the kingdom of God. To be born of the Spirit means to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. This gift completes the baptism. The baptism of water and the spirit go hand in hand, one cannot be without the other. The Holy Ghost is given to be a companion, a guide and an influence in our lives. The Holy Ghost testifies of truth, it teaches us through our feelings and thoughts.
  Fifth, enduring to the end. In 2 Nephi 31:14-15, it says:

  

 "But, behold, my beloved brethren, thus came the voice of the Son unto me, saying: After ye have repented of your sins, and witnessed unto the Father that ye are willing to keep my commandments, by the baptism of water, and have received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, and can speak with a new tongue, yea, even with the tongue of angels, and after this should deny me, it would have been better for you that ye had not known me.

  And I heard a voice from the Father, saying: Yea, the words of my Beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved." 

In order to be saved in the kingdom of God, we must endure to the end. Which means coming to church and participating in the sacrament, reading our scriptures, praying sincerely, and repenting constantly. If we do the first 4 steps and don't endure, our journey is meaningless.

   You see these 5 steps prominently in the scriptures. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a pattern of living. It's not a one time thing. Be aware of these 5 components of the gospel as you read the scriptures and learn and grow in the church. You see it everywhere.

Raining Blessings

   Summer is almost here. The thermometer looks awfully red here in Ridgeland. As we approach the summer months, it is starting to rain a lot more here in the South. I have never seen it rain like it rains here. The rain drops are like water balloons. They are so big and you get instantly soaked! During a storm, it seems that the heavens open and buckets of water poor on unsuspecting missionaries on bikes. But let me tell you just how the heavens can open unto us spiritually. We don't get soaked in this kind of "rain."

   In the Old Testament, the Lord told the prophet Malachi:

"Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." (see Malachi 3:8-10). 

    We must "bring [our] tithes into the storehouse..." Tithing has been a principle since the Old Testament. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we are asked by God to pay 10% of our income to the church to build up the kingdom of God. No one in our church gets paid for their services in the church. It is all voluntary. Not even the prophet himself sees a dime. It all goes to the building of temples, church buildings, missionary work and much more.

   Some people think it is a big sacrifice to give the church 10% of their money. But think of it this way...isn't everything we own God's anyway? Everything we "own" has been given to us as a blessing from God. Everything is His. How merciful then, is it to only ask for 10% back after He gave us everything? The blessing outweighs the sacrifice. The Lord promises us that He will pour out blessings upon us and He will "open the windows of heaven." It will rain down blessings upon us like a summer storm in the South. That's a promise from the Lord Himself. 

   I am a living witness of this promise. I was in college, attending Dixie State College in St. George, UT. It was my first semester of college and I realized that it was in my best interest to transfer to BYU-Idaho that next semester. In order to do that, I had to pay fees and also sell my housing contract for the apartment I was currently living in. So I had to sell my contract or I would be on the hook for $1000 for an apartment I wasn't even living in. I had less than $500 to my name. Then, to make matters worse, as I was searching for a place to stay in Rexburg, ID, where BYU-Idaho is, I erroneously signed up for a contract there too. I didn't mean to sign up for that one. So I was told I had to sell that one as well. So now I was left with 2 housing contracts for places I wasn't going to live, the total on my head was about $2000 if I didn't sell them. I needed a miracle. I called the person who I knew wouldn't think I was a complete idiot, and who could help me...my mom. She talked to me and asked me if I had paid my tithing recently. I admitted that it had been months since I had done so. It was long overdue. However, I pleaded my case with my mom, saying if I paid the tithing I owed, I would be left with far less money than I needed to pay off these contracts if I didn't sell them. I would be over $1500 short. She encouraged me to pay it anyway and try the Lord on His promise. So I did. I paid my tithing to the bishop in St. George. I felt better about my decision but the possibility of needing to pay $2000 loomed ominously in the distance. I had been trying to sell those contracts for a month. After I paid my tithing, not a week later, I received phone calls from people wanting my contracts for both places! I sold both of my contracts in less than a week! I didn't have to pay for them myself. I left there debt-free with the universities and also debt-free with God. I know I was blessed because I paid my tithing.

   God encourages us to try Him in this promise. I did, and I was blessed. Let us all pay our tithing honestly. God doesn't need our money. This is an issue of faith. Let us show our faith in Him and see if he won't "open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

A Mother's Love

   In light of this weekend being Mother's Day, I would like to dedicate this blog to mothers, especially mine. A mother's love is so unconditional. Proverbs 1:8 tells us we are to not forsake the "law of thy mother." (see Proverbs 1:8). Unfortunately,  I did this all too often as a teenager (that makes me sound old). I always ended up regretting it. But you know what? She loves me anyway. No matter how many times I fall or mess up, she is right there to comfort me and love me. My mom, Angela, is the best mom in the world. To this day I do not know how she is not in an insane asylum with how me and my 4 younger siblings act sometimes.
    In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Moroni talks about charity:
"And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." (Moroni 7:45).
   These is the easiest way I can explain how my mother is. She "suffereth long" because she has 5 kids and we all drive her crazy sometimes. She has unparalleled patience with us. My mother is one of the kindest people I know. She is not envious or puffed up. She is very humble. She never seeks "her own." I always see her doing something for someone else: laundry, making dinner, cleaning, driving kids to school, relief society projects, all these things and never a second to herself. She is definitely not easily provoked. Sometimes I don't know how she doesn't beat me and my siblings. She shows us love and when it is time for discipline, it is done in a loving, constructive manner. My mom is very sensitive to the Spirit. She "thinketh no evil." The Spirit is ever present in our home. She never rejoices in iniquity. I always have seen her doing good for other people. She is a huge reason why our family has a strong Christian foundation. She rejoices in truth. My mom taught us to tell the truth. She showed us the truth by taking us to church and teaching us God's way. She "beareth all things." My mom has endured so much. But she keeps going. No rest for the weary. If she gets 2 hours of sleep, she gets through it. There are mouths to feed, people to take to school/practice, meals to cook. She has superhuman abilities to get through the day, with zero complaints. She "believeth all things." She raised us in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She believes in Christ. She believes in our Heavenly Father and His plan. And she has taught that to us. She "hopeth all things." She has such a bright hope for all of us, her children. She sees the good in everyone. My mom "endureth all things." After all that me and my siblings have put her through, she still loves us. Unconditionally. Sometimes I wonder how in the world she is still walking and not sleeping. My mother is a great example of endurance and love. She is a wonderful exemplar of the Savior's love.
   So if my mom loves me so much after all I have put her through, wow... I can't even comprehend the love my Heavenly Father has for me. If you were lucky enough to grow up with a mother like mine, pray to your Heavenly Father tonight and thank Him profusely for such a great blessing. If perhaps you did not, there is one who will always love you unconditionally and will always have arms wide open for you. Your Heavenly Father. He loves you. His love is perfect. And it's perfect for you. It's perfect for me.

Let God Help

   I have been very blessed to see a lot of success in Ridgeland, SC. The miracles seem to pour in unceasingly. Every time I see someone get baptized, it strengthens my testimony of the reality of this gospel. This past Sunday, Melissa was baptized. She is a great example of faith. I have never seen anyone who wanted a remission of their sins as badly as she did. She left so much behind and left so much at the mercy of the Lord. She truly trusts in her Heavenly Father. I have never seen anything quite like it.
   Trusting in our Heavenly Father is something we can all do more. How much do we rely on ourselves? Nephi in the Book of Mormon teaches us that it's better to trust the Lord than the "arm of the flesh" (see 2 Nephi 4:34-35). We as humans are very prone to only trust ourselves and in our own  abilities. This is especially true in men. We tell ourselves "I don't need help. I'm fine. I can handle this on my own." Don't lie to yourself. Be humble enough to get on your knees and ask your Almighty Father for help. He will help us. He is so willing and ready to help us...but we need to ask Him.
    We need to trust in Him even when it seems all is working against us. Think of the story of Job. He lost his house, his family was killed, he was afflicted with all sorts of physical ailments, and he lost his property. Yet he said  "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him." (Job 13:15). We can talk to Him about anything. Our prayers are supposed to be sincere and from the heart, not anything memorized or without feeling. Talk to Him as you would talk to your best friend about your problems. He will listen. He wants to help. All you have to do is let Him...
   Prayer is an amazing gift from our Heavenly Father. It is a direct communication with Him, there is no middle man, you don't have to wait to get signal. You always have signal with Heavenly Father. You are never roaming alone. All you have to do is ask the Father in the name of Christ in faith, and "whatsoever ye shall ask...it shall be given unto you." (3 Nephi 18:20). Let God help, ask Him in prayer for anything. He always answers, He never rejects or ignores your call. He listens. He knows you, He loves you, and He wants to help. Let Him.

Christ Runs This Team

   I would like to add on to my analogy I mentioned in my previous blog. I love sports, especially football because there are so many truths and lessons learned in sports that apply to everyday life.
So here goes round 2:
   Most football stadiums, including all college and professional stadiums, have what is called a "press box." It is a location on the side of the stadium mounted higher than the stands. This is where some of the teams' coaches sit during the games. Usually the offensive coordinator for both teams sit in this press box. They each sit in there with a headset on, enabling them to talk to the head coach on the field and give them advice and tell them what they see. This enables the head coach to then call a play and tell the players what they need to do to be successful during the game. What he tells the players is based on the advice and counsel given from the offensive coordinator sitting "upstairs" in the press box. The coordinator sitting in the press box can see all. He can see how the defense lines up, what the other coaches are doing, how his team is matching up with the opposing team. He relays information to the head coach to benefit the whole team.
   We remember from my previous post how the head coach is the prophet, the mouthpiece of God on earth. This is still true in this case. Who is the offensive coordinator? Jesus Christ himself. Why? He can see all. He tells the prophet what is coming, what He sees, what needs to be done to be successful in this life. He runs this church, this team. He is the one sitting "upstairs." Jesus Christ sits at the right hand of our Heavenly Father, guiding us. He doesn't need a headset to relay information, however. How does He relay information to the head coach, AKA our prophet? Modern revelation. He sees what the opposition, Satan, is throwing at us better than we do. With His view, He can tell us through the prophet what we need to do to be successful and overcome Satan. He knows what is ahead, He knows how to win this game, this game of life. All we have to do is heed the guidance given to our head coach, Thomas S. Monson. Because he is getting his guidance directly from "upstairs" in the press box called "heaven."

Thomas S. Monson: Our Head Coach

What makes The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints so unique?

   The word "restoration" is defined in the dictionary as "the act of restoring; renewal, revival, or reestablishment." Our message is that the church that Christ himself organized has been restored, or renewed, or it has been revived and reestablished. This church IS that very church that Christ organized. 
Why was this restoration necessary? 
   Christ established His church while He was on the earth. He called 12 apostles to run His church (see Luke 6:13). As we all know, eventually Christ was rejected and crucified. Also, all of his apostles were eventually rejected and killed one by one, until no one was alive that could run the Church of Christ. The people had rejected the gospel of Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father took the Church off the earth, including all the prophets and authority, because of wickedness. This time period is called the Great Apostasy. Let's look at it from a football point of view:
   A football team has a lot of key components that helps the team run and win games. Not one piece can do it all himself. Imagine a big time coach of an SEC football team. Let's take Steve Spurrier of the South Carolina Gamecocks football team for example. Let's say for one game, he decides to not show up for the game against Alabama. And none of his coaches on his coaching staff show up either. The Gamecocks are without an entire coaching staff for the big game with Alabama. South Carolina takes the field with just the players, absolutely no coaches. The players are still going to try and play the game. They have practiced and they feel they can go on without help from the coaches. Let's throw in another wrench. Every play must be ran as such: before each play, the team opens it up to the crowd and the fans to decide what play to run. They take suggestions from the crowd of 60,000+ people every single play. That would be confusing right? People would be shouting random, different things all over the place. The team would have a hard time deciding what play to run, much less running it successfully. They would try their best to execute the suggested play but against such a fierce team in Alabama, they would be destroyed.
Here's the translation:
   During this time of the "Great Apostasy," there was no prophet, no apostles, no authority and no real church of Christ. The people in the world at this time were left without coaches. Without leaders ordained of God. They were forced to try and make it on their own. They tried their best,but the world told them many different things about the Bible. They heard hundreds of interpretations of the Bible and they could never agree or decide which one was the right one to go with. They didn't know what play to run. They were confused. They were going off of the wrong source, the world. Because they didn't have any coaches, or a head coach...a prophet with that authority from God. The head coach and the coaching staff have that authority on the sidelines to interpret the playbook ("scriptures" for an offense) on a football team. Without that authority, the team would be crushed. Without prophets and apostles and other leaders with that authority from God, the church would crumble and the ultimate opposition, Satan, would win. The head coach directs his players (which represents people in the world) on what play to run to overcome the opposition. If we take advice from the crowd (interpretations of man), we will be confused and eventually lose. We have a prophet on earth today. He is our head coach standing on the sidelines in mortal life. His name is Thomas S. Monson, and he is our head coach today. If we pay attention to him, and the playbook (scriptures), we will not lose. The authority has been restored to the earth to run the Church of Christ, which is, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 

Broken Necks and Strengthened Testimonies

     A true blessing that we have from the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of the priesthood. It is what runs the Church. The prophet himself all the way down to the most humble of 12 year-old young men can hold this sacred power from God. Of course, there are a few prerequisites for such a privilege. God has given the priesthood power to men all throughout time. Moses, Adam, Abraham, and Noah all had it. This is the sacred power by which baptisms are performed. The sole purpose of the priesthood is to bless the lives of others.
My life was blessed by this very power...
   In  August of 2006, I was about to start my first ever season of high school football. My dad had played high school and college football and I grew up watching it all my life, I really wanted to play. I had no idea what to expect. A few days before I started "two-a day" practices for the first time, the dad of one of my good friends, who also was a highly respected leader of the Church in the area of Escondido, CA, suggested that I ask my dad for a priesthood blessing before I started practicing. I heeded his suggestion. My dad blessed me with safety and protection. I had a warm feeling in my heart and I knew everything would be OK.
   The next day, practice started bright and early. We did 2 days of practice without hitting or tackling each other. That all changed that Thursday. We put on our gold helmets and shoulder pads for the first time and started to play "real" football. I was assigned to play the position of middle linebacker. So my main job was to hit anyone who was carrying the football as hard as I could. During a drill in which I was to try and tackle our quarterback, who was about 2 inches taller and 20 pounds heavier than me. For this drill, we had to start off by laying on our backs until the whistle blew. I lay down on the prickly, sun-scorched grass staring up at the clear blue sky through my facemask. The quarterback was 10 yards away from me, also laying down. The whistle blows. I scramble to my feet as fast as I can and I stumble. I struggled to stand up in time, and right as I start to raise my head I see a gold blur right in front of me and I immediately feel as if a train had hit me head-on. A bright white light flashes as our helmets collide, his helmet making contact with the top of mine. I instantly feel a sharp, lightning quick pain shoot down my spine. I fall to the ground stunned, unable to talk or move. I close my eyes in sheer pain and open them again to see all my coaches and 2 members of the medical staff surrounding me with very concerned looks on their faces. My arms and legs feel tingly and unresponsive. The ambulance comes and immediately takes me to the emergency room. I am strapped to a metal neck brace and stretcher, with all my gear still on. I manage to ask the medic in the ambulance if I was going to be paralyzed. He gave me a disheartening shrug. I get examined and X-rays as I am still strapped to my stretcher. They move me to a room by myself as they wait for the results. My parents show up and  I will never forget my mom's face as she walked into the room, seeing me still with full football gear on unable to move. A few hours pass and the results finally come in...
    The doctor comes in and looks at me and says "I have good news and bad news. The bad news is you broke your neck. The good news is that you broke your neck in the best way possible." He then tells us how he doesn't know how I am not paralyzed. He is astonished at how forceful the impact was and how precise and perfect the fracture in my 7th cervical bone in my neck was. It was broken in place. If the bone would have moved a few millimeters out of place, I would have been a paraplegic and I would not be typing this right now. That is a miracle. I KNOW without a shadow of a doubt that, because I received a priesthood blessing, I was protected. The doctor told us I was so close to making headline news with a story about a high school football player breaking his neck and never walking again. But that was not the case. I was protected because of the priesthood and my faith in it. I recovered in 11 weeks and I was able to play the final 3 games of our season and I played football all 4 years of high school. I was blessed because of the faithfulness and worthiness of my dad giving me that blessing.
    The priesthood is real. It has been restored with Christ's church. I am a witness that it works. The priesthood works. Faith works. God blessed me and protected me. I have seen many miracles come to pass because of the priesthood. But they all weren't of that great magnitude. The priesthood is involved in many of the little things we do in the church, not just for the miraculous healings. Every worthy man can hold the priesthood, and they all should work to get it and remain worthy to hold this sacred privilege.

New meaning of Spring

      I can't believe it is already April! Throughout my life, as April approached my thoughts would turn towards baseball season. The green grass, the pop of the gloves, the ping of the metal bats, the smell of the spring air. Now that I am a missionary, I have come to understand something far more important about the spring season. It's not only a symbol of a new baseball season, but more importantly a symbol to new life through Jesus Christ's Atonement and Resurrection. Though baseball still runs through my veins, I have come to deeply appreciate the spring as a symbol of Christ's eternal love for all of us. He died for us. He also lives for us. We will celebrate Easter this Sunday. We really should celebrate Christ the whole week, or better yet, our whole lives.
    Where would we be without Christ?....The Book of Mormon prophet Nephi tells us where: "...for behold, if the flesh should rise no more our spirits must become subject to that angel who fell from before the presence of the Eternal God, and became the devil, to rise no more." (2 Nephi 9:8-9). Not a fun place, that is for sure. Christ redeemed us from eternal torment. He died and lives again, so that we may live again after we die. (see 2 Nephi 2:8). That is the whole point of Easter. He lives!
    Because He died for us, we all will be resurrected, granting us immortality. But it doesn't stop there. Everyone gets immortality, evil and righteous, male and female. God's work and His glory is to "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39). The immortality AND eternal life of man. Eternal life is different than immortality. Christ gave us all immortality as a gift from Him. Eternal life is something we must earn. We "must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men." We must also "endure to the end," and if we do that, God tells us that we "shall have eternal life" (see 2 Nephi 31:20).
    I know that my Redeemer lives. I know that through Him, I can be saved if I do my part. We all can, if we do our part. Our part is to follow His teachings and keep all of His commandments. He has set the example, we all must follow it. Spring means more to me than just baseball. It means I might live again, through Christ, my Savior.

Prophets of old, prophets today

So, there is a lot of talk about prophets in light of the "General Conference" of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. What's the big deal?
    To me, having a prophet today just makes sense. Why would God leave us hanging after calling prophets in ancient, biblical times? He loves His children so much, he wouldn't do that. He is "the same yesterday, today and forever," (Mormon 9:9). Since that is the case, he calls prophets today as he did in the times of Moses, Noah, and Abraham. The role of  prophets today is the same, to testify of Christ and to guide His church. We read in the book of Ephesians that Christ's church is built upon "apostles and prophets," (Ephesians 2:19-20). That is what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has to offer...apostles and prophets with Jesus Christ being the "chief corner stone."
    God has had prophets on the earth since Adam. They guide and direct the church by receiving divine guidance and inspiration. Christ's church has been restored again on the earth by another prophet. Joseph Smith was the first prophet of this dispensation. Through him, Christ restored everything back to the way it was when He Himself was walking on the earth. Joseph Smith also received divine power from God to be able to translate "The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ." He received scripture, just as Moses did, to guide the people in these days. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that God restored the Church of Christ once again through him.
   The living prophet today, Thomas S. Monson, will speak to us this weekend. He is called of God to guide His church. Every word he speaks we should heed and apply in our lives. He receives direct revelation from God. God has always had one man on the earth guiding His children, He does so again today with the true and living prophet, Thomas S. Monson.

Why be a missionary?

Why be a missionary?

So what is up with young men giving up 2 years of their lives to be missionaries? There are several answers to this question.
    I am serving a mission because I have been richly blessed because of this gospel. This gospel provides a certain level of happiness that no money can buy. The knowledge that this gospel provides is unlike anything else. We are blessed to have a living, modern-day prophet on the Earth today. This gospel has blessed me so much, and it would be downright selfish if I didn't share it with everyone else. Everyone deserves the blessings that I have received being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We have a Heavenly Father who loves us, each one of us. All of us are His children, and it's my duty and honor to work to bring His children back to Him.
   I was raised by amazing parents. They are such an example to me. My dad served a 2 year mission as well. He was my hero growing up. Everything he did, I did. Naturally, when I turned 19, I considered serving a mission, just as he had done. I chose to serve a mission not because anyone told me to, but because I love the Savior. I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that His gospel is true and that it can bless anyone and everyone. And I want to share it.
   I also like to think about it like this: what about the law of tithing? We give 10% of our increase to the Church. That has been a principle since the days of Malachi (Malachi 3:8-10). So if you do the math, 2 years of a young man's life, around the age of 20, is 10%. So a mission is like paying your tithing of your life to God, who gave you life. Now, this isn't the reason why missionaries serve missions, but I can testify that the windows of heaven have opened and have poured out blessings upon me. (See Malachi 3:10).
   I absolutely love being a missionary. It's the best work in the world. I wouldn't trade the experiences I have already had for anything. I love Jesus Christ. I love this Church. I love my Heavenly Father and it is a pleasure to serve Him.