L . O . V . E .

"Think of the purest, most all-consuming love you can imagine. Now multiply that love by an infinite amount -- that is the measure of God's love for you." -- Dieter F. Uchtdorf

One of the talks I enjoyed in today's church meeting is God's love for us. Our Heavenly Father is mindful of each one of us because he loves all his children. We all require different things, but the love that God has for his children is all the same. I am a big believer on "things happen for a reason." I try not to look too deeply in to things, but I have always found that God has placed me in a certain place at a certain time for a reason. We may not realize it at the time, but God is mindful of each one of us, therefore he puts different people in our paths. Whenever my plans change I feel of my Heavenly Father's love because its almost like a warning that I should be doing something different.I try not argue with it, even though there have been times where I've asked "why do I have to do this?" In the long run I've learned to trust that feeling.   

    With General Conference coming up in 2 weeks I can't help but be excited for whats to come. Growing up, my family would dress up for conference and go to our chapel to watch it. We got way too distracted being in my house so going to church made us all focus. During my first year at BYU-I I got to go to a General Conference session for the first time! It was a pretty BIG deal since I had never been to one. We went to the Sunday morning session and got to our seats extra early because we wanted to sit as close as we could. I remember when President. Monson came out followed by the 12 apostles, it was all surreal to me. Before conference started I sat down thinking of how many people were gathered at their meeting houses or homes to watch/hear General Conference all around the world. I also thought about people who traveled thousands of miles just to be in the same room as the prophet. I had only drove 3 1/2 hours from Idaho. It made me grateful for the opportunity to be in the same room as these men. President Monson gave a talk on temples. I don't remember everything that was said that day, but looking back at some of the talks I realize now what really inspired me to start attending the temple more. Going to the temple has to be one of the best things. There is a certain peace there that can be felt no where else. 

   Just a year ago, President. Monson came out with the announcement of the age change for missionaries. I didn't know then that I would be serving a mission, but I know Heavenly Father did, and that he had been preparing me long before. So much has happened since that announcement and it has been amazing to see the response. I am so grateful to be part of this change and to see the Lord's work hastening. I love sharing the gospel because I love to see the change it can bring into someone's life. There is no greater feeling than to see someone else allow Christ in their life and see the difference it makes. 

      

Needless to say, I like General Conference a lot.

Prayer

 

"Lift up your hearts and be glad, for I am in your midst, and am your advocate with the Father; and it is his good will to give you the kingdom.
And, as it is written—Whatsoever ye shall ask in faith, being united in prayer according to my command, ye shall receive." -Doctrine and Covenants 29:5-6.
I think sometimes we get too casual with our prayers. We forget that our prayers are direct communication with our Heavenly Father. He wants to hear from us and if we have faith, we will receive those answers we are looking for. I know that when we have a willing heart to learn and grow we will grow closer to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ I know that because I have seen in it throughout my life. Life is too short, pray hard!

I can do hard things

"Come What May, and Love it".

 

One of the things I learned really fast on my mission was that attitude is everything. If you have a positive outlook on things then you are a happier missionary. Now, this concept does not only apply while on a mission, but it applies throughout our lives. There are times in our lives that are harder than others, however whatever the situation may be we can always learn from it. I've been out on my mission a little over a month now and it is amazing to see how often I have to apply this principle. In this video, Elder. Wirthlin teaches us a smart phrase, "Come What May, and Love it". When we are going through a trail we are often quick to blame others and even sometimes blame God. When we are faced with a less desirable moment Elder.Withlin suggests these four things: First, learn to laugh. As we go about our days find opportunities to laugh at the situation, rather than get mad. We cannot change other people, but we can change our attitude towards the situation. Second, seek for the eternal. We often let the little things get to us and forget to look at the eternal perspective. The more we seek to look for the eternal, the less important the little things become. Third, learn more the principle of compensation. The Lord does not intend for us to suffer he wants us to learn from those trials we go through so that our faith can grow. We may not see the blessings right away, but the Lord keeps his promises. Fourth, and most importantly, Trust the lord.