Hey All!

 

Alrighty now, I really don't have a lot of time to write this post so I figured I would do something a little different. In lew of General Conference this past weekend, I just wanted to highlight on a couple of things that really strengthened my testimony.

 

I want you all to know that I wouldn't be anywhere else in the world right now. This opportunity is such a blessing. I cannot describe just how much I appreciate this chance to serve our Heavenly Father. Words cannot express the power and blessings of this calling.

 

General Conference, once again, was amazing to me. This was my second Conference in the mission and I was giddy for the whole week for the opportunity to listen to our beloved prophet again. This Conference was filled with such spiritual power I couldn't absorb it all. I look forward to next month's Ensign so I can re-study the instruction I received.

 

I found it very interesting, but not the least surprising, to see such a huge emphasis on the family. I felt a little out of place, being a missionary, but then began to realize that I am closer to parenthood that I am childhood and the gap keeps getting smaller and smaller with every day. I want to bear witness that the family is ordained of God. It is the fundamental unit in the Plan of Salvation. This vital structure was set apart by our loving Heavenly Father himself for the blessing of all of his spirit children. I am so grateful for loving, sincere, patient, and understanding parents that allowed me the chance to experience pain, sorrow, frustration, sadness, and sometimes feelings of loneliness (I know I was never alone though :)) The lessons and habits they taught me as a child are some of the most treasured things I have in my life. The love of the scriptures, personal sacrifice, hard work, diligent family prayer, etc. All of these things have helped me become the person I am today: An ordained servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Referring back to last conference, I re-read Elder Holland's talk about the Book of Mormon. My dearest brothers and sisters, I know that this sacred book is true. I know that it came about how Joseph Smith said it did, for now man could have translated it unless he was inspired of God. I know that The Book of Mormon teaches true principles. It shows us the road for salvation. With it in hand, we will be able to know the path required for us to return to live in the presence of our loving Heavenly Father and the Savior, Jesus Christ, with our eternal families. I know this book speaks of a fallen people here in the America's. I know that the stories it contains are true. I know...I know the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind came to them after 3 days of darkness, despair, and sadness, as a resurrected being. I know he allowed them to come one by one to touch the nail prints in his hands and in his feet. I often think to myself what that must have been like: to see the Resurrected Savior of the world, look into his eyes and feel the powerful love he has for us, then bathing his feet with my tears of joy. I think of the quote President Uchtdorf gave Sunday morning "You are my hands". My dear friends who are not of my faith, I would encourage you to take a copy of this book into your own hands, study it, and pay attention to the feelings you have. YOU WILL COME TO KNOW that the message contained in this book is of God and that it WILL bless you in your lives.

 

I know we have a prophet on the earth today, Thomas S. Monson. He was been called by God to lead and guide us through this time of trial and uncertainty in the world. I know that if we follow by his precepts we will be able to overcome the temptations of Satan and find the happiness we long for.

 

Lastly, I know that the Savior Jesus Christ lives. I know he is the Son of God chosen before the foundations of this world to come down and atone for the sins of mankind. I know he healed the sick, comforted the weary, caused the lame to walk, the blind to see, and the dead to raise. I know that he made the perfect example for us to follow and that if we do all that we can to emulate his actions and love, we will be worthy of his love and mercy. I know that he suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane where he took upon himself all the sin, sadness, loneliness...to complete the Great and Eternal Plan of God. I know he was crucified on the cross on a hill called Calvary where he completed the Father's will, then rose from that sacred garden tomb on the third day thus overcoming death for all mankind. I know that he lives and loves each and every one of us and that his grace is for all those who will call upon his holy name, follow his example, and enter into the straight and narrow gate of baptism. He lives my friends, he lives.

 

Well, that about caps this small post. I hope that you are able to feel the spirit I felt while writing it. These things are just one of many aspects to my testimony of this great an powerful Gospel. This is the message I have been called to teach, to to live, and to proclaim to the world. How great is my calling!

 

I hope that you all have a fantastic week and that those friends of mine at BYU will have success on their finals coming up! I hope you know that you are in my prayers and are loved and missed. Take care, be safe and until next week iHASTA LUEGO! :D