The Book of Ages: Your life.

Many times I would hear the counsel to keep a journals. I would blow it off as I thought to myself, Journals are for girls. But when I became older and went on my mission I decided to keep a journal. It has been fun to be able to look back on funny times and it's been amazing to look when I was going through had times to see when the Lord would step in to lift me through it. But this last week in a missionary meeting they talked about keeping a journal. They compared scriptures to journals and why it is important to keep them. I never had thought about it like that, to think that they were a journal at one time.
As I though about this a thought came to me "If journals are like scriptures, could they help me too?" While at the end of a hard day I was looking for help. I say my journal and I opened it to a random page. With in the first three lines of reading my question was answered and I was able to push on. The thought has come to me that maybe we feel that our life is not that amazing, these thoughts and impressions are not wroth much. We have been counseled by modern prophets and apostles to keep a record. No we may not be famous or feel too important, But maybe the story of when you felt like you couldn't go on how you turned to the Lord will help one of your kids who read it get through a hard time. One thing I like to think about is we don't know how far we have come until we know where we came from.
I do know that their is a reason for why we are counseled to keep a journal, though I don't know every reason I know it is a wise thing to do. Just like Nephi a book of Mormon Prophet did not know exactly why at the time when he was told to keep a record when he said. In 1 Nephi 19:1-2 "1. And it came to pass that the Lord commanded me, wherefore I did make plates of ore that I might engraven upon them the record of my people. And upon the plates of ore that I might engraven upon them the records of my people. And upon the plates which I made I did engraven the record of my father, and alos our journeyings in the wilderness, and the prophecies of my father; and also many mine own prophecies have I engraven upon them.
 2 And I knew not at the time when I made them that I should be commanded of the Lord to make these plates.." I know of the strenght and comfort that comes form keeping the Lord's invitations. I can promise you even if you don't know why it is so important to keep a journal that when you do you will, see the lord's hand more in you life, you will have more comfort, you will know of the growth you have made in your life adn you will be able to not only read the scriptures for help, but also your own record of you life. I know that God and Christ are very aware of us and loves us so much. They want us to be blessed and I know this is one more way to help us.

(A video on the blessing of Keeping a journal. )

The Haka of Satan. How we can still win.

                                                       (This is the new zealand rugby team doing the haka)

While growing up my fist P.E./Music teacher was from Hawaii. We had a lot of fun learning different things form his culture. One thing that I really have always kept with me was how he taught us the Haka. The Haka is a ceremonial war dance. The purpose of it was to intimidate your opponent before you even start to fight. I thought this is how satan works,you could even say he has his own haka  

I have seen in my life how satan will attack us though the things that we hold most dear and close to our heart. His haka consists of doubts, trials, and worries. I have seen myself often times start to give up when these things come into play. By that time satan has already won before it has even began. We see this principle happen in the book of Mormon in Mosiah 23:26. AS the people of Alma were starting to build up there city and enjoy religious freedom something happened. They were out in their fields and they saw an army of the laminates, as it says : there were much frightened because of the appearance of the laminates.” They surrendered themselves and were placed in bondage.

But once satan does come into our lives with doubts and fear how do we get out of it? I have heard that it is easer to keep someone out then to kick someone out. As recognize we have doubts and fear we may being to lose hope. But if we do as the people of Alma did and “begin to cry (pray) mightily to God.” we then will be able to handle whatever trials we are going through. Then if we humble ourselves and “submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord. He will then help us get thought that hard time or win our war with satan.

No matter how fierce Satan's Haka (doubts, and fear) may seem we need not fall victim to it. Even if we do there is still hope to break free. I know the Lord is ever mindful of us and will not allow anything to happen to us that we can not handle. But as we continue to remember the lord and turn to him in prayer and learn the lessons he is trying to teach us, all things are possible. One Scripture some to mind that is found in the doctrine and covenants. Fear not and know I am God. As we trust in him we will find that faith to fight and become free from the efforts of satan.

Be loyal to the royal within you: The ugly ducking!

As we go thought this life we hear so many degrading things that we can't help but allow some into our lives. I'm sure we have all heard some of these "You're not smart enough!" "You'll never make that team." " He wont make it far." Many of these sayings I have heard in my life, and as we go thought life we start to listen to some of them. I have wondered how can we get these thought out of our heads and why do they come up?
Since being on my mission I have come to understand a couple of things, First satan does not want us to be happy. second if satan can get us to not grow or help others then that helps him. Then last I have learned that if we turn to Christ, He can change us to be who we are suppose to be.
As I have stated in already satan does not want us to be happy he looks for every for us to fall and to give up. Because if we get off the path and settle for some, we may miss out on that which was best for us. I have seen in my life so many times of me just doing enough to get the grade, or to get out of it. If we do that in our lives satan is happy with that. If we look at ourselves as just somebody we forget that we are children of God, and we forget all that that mean.

                                                                        

We must remember who we are, we are Children of God that loves us and the power that comes form that faith is the power that changes lives. While I was growing up I though of myself as the common children  "The ugly duckling". But was I got older and read more in the scriptures I began to look at myself and the world in a different light. As I gave my life to Christ and told him I may not have much to give, but I will give it to you His love and power began to work in my life. As it says in the book of Mormon in Ether chapter 12:27   "If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness....for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, I will make weak things become strong unto them." So as we have faith in Christ and come unto him, and begin to look at ourselves in the manner that he would have us see us in his eyes. 
The point of seeing ourselves in his eyes was addressed in the 2011 October general conference in a talk by  Sister Elaine S. Dalton entitled "Love Her Mother", She explains how fathers can help there daughters know what is best for them as they (the fathers) lead by example as she says " You can show your daughters by the way you love and honor your wife that she should never settle for less".  I believe this is true as we treat those around us as Christ would they can feel of the love there Heavenly Father has for them. As we do this we ourselves will see our lives as Christ would have us, one of worth and honor! As Sister Elaine S. Dalton says, " Be Loyal to the royal within you!" 

I know that as we do turn to God and treat others as He and Christ would have us ourselves will change and we will help others come closer to Christ. The blessings that will come are amazing. I am so thankful for all that the Savior has done for us. For we may feel like we are not much but to him we truly mean everything! 

Calming that sea around us.

As I was reading in the book of Luke the other day one story that we hear so often hit me. It is the story of Christ calming the raging sea. I began to try and see how this lesson could relate to me in my life. How does a storm over 2000 years help me in my life today. As the story goes Christ and his disciples take off in a ship to another city while on there way they run into a storm. As any person would be the disciples were scared and they woke Jesus up and he calms the sea and they arrived to the city and all was well. (this is just a summary).  

 As I thought about this a few lines hit me.

 First in we see in verse 22 it says " Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth." As we think about this Christ will invite us to make changes or to grow more. We know not the day or the time, but we must be ready. Second verse 23 it talks about how the storm came and how Jesus fell asleep. As we are on the trial of discipleship hard times will come, and we may feel alone. But as it says in verse 24, they woke Christ (we can wake him as we pray for help). Then he arose and calm the sea, this can be liken to us when we are scared and Christ speaks peace to our soul. 

In this video we see how Christ can help us though hard times.

As we turn to Christ in our lives when our lives become as uneasy as the sea was for them in the ship, He will calm out soul and give us peace in our lives. I can promise that as we give more efforts to Christ we will see the blessings that of guidance and peace in our lives. 

His touch can heal all.

The other day I read the familiar story of Christ healing the blind man found in John chapter 9. I began to think how amazing it is that this man who once could not see now could. I began to think how this story could relate to my life. 
As we see, when Christ was out with His disciples they came to a man who was blind.They asked if this man had sinned, or his parents, to cause this man to be born blind? Christ answered their question when he said, "Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." 
Then Christ put clay on his eyes and told him to go and wash in a pool of water. And as he did it says "He...washed, and came seeing. " 
As we take this lesson into our lives, we see that as we go through trials and hard times it is not because we have done something wrong, but that the Lord help us become the type of  person He knows we can be. Trials that happen in our lives are there to help us and others come closer to Christ. But when we start to think "why me?" or " why must I go through this?",  that is when we need to turn to Christ and ask him to touch our eyes. He may anointed our eyes with the clay (humility), and ask us to go and wash (cleans ourselves in the atonement). 
As we see in this video of the trials Joseph Smith that great things came from him enduring. 

As we learn to look at our trials as chances to grow we can benefit more then ever. I know that trials are never fun, but they are the way we can become stronger and grow closer to Christ. :) 

The women in our lives. :)

With Christmas around I can not help but think about the love of the savior that I felt thought in all my past Christmases. I see now as I have begone to grow that the spirit of the savior always shown though my mother! Though I was young and stubborn someday,  she always made the best Christmas. Just with that thought I wanted to give a shout to my mother and along with all the other women and say thank you for keeping the spirit of Christ in this season. But to many times the world tries to diminish  the role of womanhood. Please always stay strong! Please always stand for what is right. Just as we see the love Mary had for the savior , we can see in our own lives just how amazing women are!

So Check out this clip on how amazing women are!

And when times get hard this turn to the Lord. Check out this video.

Thank you all the women in my lives and all of you around this world! You truly do help show the Lord's spirit     though your action. Thank you.

It's all on the line.

As We passed in the ball they yelled out the score "21-20, win by two". After a couple of missed shots and turn over by both teams, the ball was finally ours again. We were passing it around the top of the key trying to work it in down low. They passed to me and no one was open. But I was open just long enough to take the shot. "Swish"! Game winning three pointer! The team was ecstatic. On my way home with my dad he told me how proud he was of me and how glad he was to see me having so much fun. Then he added some words of advise to me. "That was a good shot, but don't trust in that. You know you are better with in 15 feet."

Just this passed week I see the lesson my dad was trying to tell me. Don't trust in things of chance. Yes we may make the game winner shot every once and a while, but that is not what I do consistently. I have see in my own life how often times I see people try and push the line, they just to get closer and closer to the edge without seeing it. Just because can get aways with it before does not mean we will be able to get away with it again. As it says in the Book of Mormon, in 2 Nephi, Chapter 26:22 it says "He (Satan) leadeth them by the neck with a flaxen cord, until he bindeth them with his strong cords forever." So as we continue to push the line awe will soon find ourselves walking in and living behind enemy lines. But just as it took one step to cross over it takes some step to come back. Remember that a flaxen cord is like string or twin. It is easy to break at first, while a strong cord, or chains are hard to break.

I am so thankful for the Savior and for his wonderful gift of the Atonement (when He paying for our sins). Which as we come unto Him, we can break those chains which bind us down! I know as we stay with in bounds, and use the Atonement. That our days will be brighter, our hope and love will be stronger! This is the blessings that comes as we stay with in bounds and don't cross over the line. :)

This is what we are! Christians!

With much of the thing in this world today people have had some questions if members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are Christians. I give my testimony with millions of others that we are Christians. This video is the simple truth. Please watch it.

keep your eyes open!

As I sat in the middle of the field I watched steadily for the arrival of the big buck. With only 30-45 minutes left of light left they finally desired to come out. I scanned over the herd and there he was, the one I wanted. It was an easy shot, only 150 yards away. It was in the bag. Just the year before I had taken a shot from 250 yards away as the deer was moving up hill. I sighted him in my scoop and shot; I missed! I prayed he would not run away, and he didn’t. So I took aim and shot again! I missed again! This pattern happened for another three times. As all this was going on the deer just kept on eating. When the sun finally set we went back to the car. It was one of the most embarrassing times of my life. But as we drove home the memories of my dad’s conversations with me for the pasted four months came flooding back. “Son if you don’t sight in your gun you wont get a deer this year." " But dad I got that deer last year and all I did was sit there, it’s still on.“

This lesson of still retuning ourselves even when we feel we don’t need to is found in James Chapter 2:16-17 “Faith with our works is dead.” As we begin to get comfortable in our ways, with such thoughts as I went to church last week I’m good, or I don’t need to read or pray everyday. Those thoughts will define our choices in the future. As we get set in the mind frame of, I have already done enough, that's when we find out just how far we have really fallen. I know that as we work on the little things and do the practices of prayer, reading, and church, we will be ready for when that buck comes into our sight, and we will be able to get him.

Check your powder.

As the rain began to fall, I sat in the midst of a small group of trees. Hunting season had just opened up the day before and I was awaiting the big buck. As I continually thought about the events of the day I remembered my dad and older brother helping to get me ready for this moment. My dad helped place me where I would be able to to get a deer, and my brother had loaded the black powered gun for me while my dad talked to me. As the rain began to come down more a little group of bucks came out into the field. once they got wit in yards of me, I got in position, took aim, and fired. Nothing! So I replaced the primer, fired again, and nothing once more. I was a little frustrated. Once the sun had set and it was time to go back to the truck we checked the gun. We noticed that we had loaded the pellets in backwards and the fast igniting side was not able to be light.

This experience taught me an interesting lesson, we must make sure we are the one doing the work. We can not trust in other people to get us to heaven. Just like in the parable of the ten virgins. They had all gotten dressed and ready, they had even brought lamps. But only five of them had brought extra oil. We need to understand that today is the day to prepare to put our house in order. We can not wait until the "deer" is in your sights and about to pull the trigger to remember, oh I should probably check my things. As it says in the Book of Mormon in Alma Chapter 34: 32 "today is the time to prepare to meet God." I know that as we check our lives and make sure we are as ready as we can be that great blessings will come. Such blessings of having comfort and directions in our lives. As we study the scriptures and follow modern day prophets the Lord will make sure we are ready for all things.

Well I Did It Isn't That Enough?

As a young boy, I learned a very important lesson that has impacted my life a great deal. I learned that "it's not enough to just do something, you must do it right the first time." My dad told me this many times growing up. This principle was illustrated to me by the trips my dad and I would take during my summers growing up. When we would go bug collecting we would pack a few things; a white sheet, a generator, and light bulbs. We would then go to our predetermined canyon and find an isolated place. Once we were at our destination, we would string the sheet between two trees and hook up the lights. We used two different types of lights, multi-vapor lights and black lights. Depending on what type of moth we were trying to catch, determined what lights or watts were needed to pull them in. After setting everything up, the real work would begin. We would have to keep checking the sheet at different times to see if anything new was on it. My dad would check it about every two or three hours. More times then not there would be something new on the sheet. This may seem like a lot of work to do for some moths, but I learned a great lesson in doing this. I learned that if something is worth it to you, then you must do everything you can to get it. It's not enough to pack up all the gear and not go out. Just like it's not enough to pack up all the gear, go out, and not set it up. We must put everything we have into it.

It is the same as we grow in our own lives. We need to decide how bad we want to come close to Christ. We need to decide if we will be like the man in Matthew Chapter 19, where a rich man came to Christ and asked how to receive eternal life (Matt 19:16). Christ tells him to "keep the commandments". And the man replied I have since my youth. Then Christ extended this invitation. "Then sell all thou hast...and come follow me." (Matt 19:21). At that time the man went away sorrowful. (Matt19:22) What type of man will we be? We must make the choice today. We can not follow Christ only 50%, or even only 90% of the way; we must go all the way. As a missionary, I have seen many people that will meet with us and even pray. However, they are not willing to read continually or go to church. We must be willing to give all of ourselves to know God better and to strengthen our testimonies. Which in turn answer some of the bigger questions such as; is God really there, does He love me, is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints the church of God today, does the priesthood have authority from God to act in His name, and is it lead by a prophet of God today? If we want to know these things, we must be willing to do all that we can. Think about it, when Christ was paying for your sins in the Garden of Gethsemane, did he say, "oh wait, the game is on today I can't do it," Or "sorry everyone, it is cutting in to my free time, maybe later." He has given you everything and wants you to be more happy in this life and to be closer to Him. All He asks is for you to pray two times a day (morning and night), read at least 5-10 minutes a day, and to go to church weekly. Can't we give Him our all? For without Him we would be eternally lost! Let us give Him just a little of our time.

Flying Into Danger We May Not See

As my dad came I from the garage h told me to come and see his newest project. I walked out and asked what is that? He said that is a bucket trap. I just chuckled. It was a five gallon bucket with a funnel and plexiglass veins coming off of a black-light. (as seen here) 

 

I thought the trap would not work until I was able to see it in action. What would happen is the bugs would be attracted to he light they would fly towards it and then hit the plexiglass. Once they fell down the funnel would take them down to inside he bucket where the fumes from some chemicals would take the Bugs out. (that is a basic explanation).

Since being out n my mission I have see how Satan does the same things to catch us. He will set something that is pleasing to our eye in front of us. But he will put it just passed our reach. So we will have to leave out safe hold. Once we are on our way to JUST check out the “greener pasture” we fall into his trap and lose out lives to him. The things Satan uses are such things as worldly entertainment, our wants, and our lusts. And as we leave out safe holds, JUST to see it for a second,that is when we are trapped by Satan. We don’t see the danger in the situation and we talk towards it. And once Satan catches us he poisons us by degree (Alma 47:18) until we can not tell anything has happened. We need to remember we can either act on our righteous desires or be acted upon by Satan it is up to us.(2 Nephi 2:14)

This short video shows this principle very well, How we can not leave out strong holds for even a second.

I am thankful for those around me who have shown me the path to walk. So I can stay safe from Satan's power. Satan will always be there, but God is there too, and his servants the prophets. Who give us guidance for this life to stay away from the temptations of Satan.

It's only one time.

Growing up in life I'm sure we all have heard It's only one time. But in all reality only once can change the rest of your life, for me this is true. One choice I made changed the rest of my life and I can never look back on in. But this choice was a blessing n my life. The Choice to serve the Lord on a mission. I made that choice to leave my family for two years so others could find the truth and be with there families forever. There have been VERY hard times on my mission but the I have never been alone for one second. I have never been alone for the choice of our Savior Jesus Christ made. Just one time He made the choice to drink that bitter cup so that He could be there for me. I am so blessed for that.

In our lives we have the choice everyday to make that once choice yes or no. These choices can be, should I read my scriptures, should I pray today, should I help that person. These choices are not going to effect us right this moment, but in time they will. The Choice to follow Christ is not a one stop choice, everyday we can do His will or not. In the Book of Mormon in Helaman Chpt 5:12 it says “upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation..” It is the little choices everyday, of prayer, scripture study, going to church loving those around us, and so on and so forth. We will never be perfect at it, but all he ask is for us to try our best. But one night of not saying your prayer, and one day of not reading the scriptures could be the start of the rest of your live. But let us be strong in our faith and not even do it once.

Don't look down

While growing up in Utah I was very active in scouting. We did a lot of outdoor things as you would think. One of the things I loved to do was rock climbing. I wasn’t very good but I loved the feeling you would get after a climb. To see a big challenge like a mountain in front of you and to over come it was a thrill I loved. There are two main trips that stick out in my mind. My first time going out and then my last time. They help me see a very important lesson on trusting in the Lord.

As I was sitting on the the edge as a 12 year old boy, I looked over the edge. Trying to get enough strength to get over the edge. I kept telling myself, “Come on you can do it, everyone else is doing it.” I went up five times and five times I came down the other way. For some reason I could climb up but the repelling off part was a whole other story. This was my first trip with out my brother and I was scared for sure. I would try and pass off the blame by saying “If your brother was here then you would do it.” But on the way home the thoughts of the day was replaying in my mind. This thought came to mind, just because someone wasn’t there to push you along doesn't make it there responsibility. That hit me and so I decided from that moment that I would never back down from repelling again. It is your choice to go big or go home. Some years later we went again. And while standing over looking the edge all the same feelings came rushing back. But the memory of my first trip was firmly in my mind. I knew that I would not back down this time. As I got all the stuff on and set up and began to walk to the edge and turn around I the doubts came flooding back more then ever! But I stopped them and said no I must do this. So I just told myself here we go and I made that jump. The freedom that came as I felt the fear and shame melt away as I knew now that I had nothing that held me down anymore. As I did my first trip down that day I then turned to the younger scouts and help them down. And as I say the fear in there eye leave them was so worth it.

This lesson is the same with Christ. We can’t say oh that trial or that challenge is to hard or I’m not feeling that today. We need to accept our challenges in our lives and face them head on. Yes we will always be scared(2 Timothy 1:7), but we can not let that control us. Then when once we go though those trials we nee to turn around and help those around us. Chris is there and he is the one holding the other end of the rope for us. And if we fall he will be there to catch us. We need to take that leap of faith because he will never let us fall. Trust in him, he is there for you.

Bridge Building

HE BRIDGE BUILDER

An old man, going a lone highway,
Came at the evening cold and gray,
To a chasm, vast and deep and wide,
Through which was flowing a sullen tide.
The old man crossed in the twilight dim-
That sullen stream had no fears for him;
But he turned, when he reached the other side,
And built a bridge to span the tide.

"Old man," said a fellow pilgrim near,
"You are wasting strength in building here.
Your journey will end with the ending day;
You never again must pass this way.
You have crossed the chasm, deep and wide,
Why build you the bridge at the eventide?"

The builder lifted his old gray head.
"Good friend, in the path I have come," he said,
"There followeth after me today
A youth whose feet must pass this way.
This chasm that has been naught to me
To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be.
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;
Good friend, I am building the bridge for him."

 -WILL ALLEN DROMGOOLE

 

As we all have seen at one point in our lives we think that we are having to do this life all on our own. But we need to remember that Christ has already built us the path and the Bridge to help us though any trial or hardship we have. But Christ is there for us all we need to do is to turn to him in prayer and act on the our faith. Always remember that no matter how hard it is or what we are going though, He has been though it all.
He will lift our burdens, It may not always be how we want it, but he does promise that if we do our part He sill lift our burdens. There is nothing to small or too big for him to help help us with. He went though it all for you!! He loves you!! Turn to him. 

 

The Chase of a Life

There it is!! Run!! Jumping over sage brush, Oh there its goes to the left! Look out here it comes to the left of you!!! swing you got it!!!

This is some of the conversations that would happen to me when I was growing up when I would go on bug collecting tips with my dad. I bet when you think of bug catching you think of a little kid or girl skipping though the woods. This is far from what it really is. you’re running jumping, falling and getting cuts.

One of the bugs I loves to collect are day flying moths, called Hemileuca.  The reason I love to collect them is because they are a day flying moth. Which means they have a little more strength and agility then the normal butterfly, so the chase for them is more rewarding intense. These Moths would take me on a course of jumping over sage brush, leaping over ditches and ending up anywhere and everywhere. As I remember these chases it reminds me the chase God puts on us, the chase for a testimony.

This chase is never easy, but is always worth it in the end. As Christ says in Matt 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you;seek, and ye shall find;knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

three things, and all action words. Just as we seek in the 

scriptures and study them it’s never just read once and we’re done. But continually feasting on them, then we shall find. Asking is prayer. It is a scary thing for some people to ask God for something. But as we see in the scripture James 1:5 and in Moroni 10:3-5, we are told time and time again to ask him. Also we must knock. This is where it really turns to action. We must go to church, we must meet with missionaries, we must physically get up and do. We must open the door to Christ. as we see in this picture there is not door handle door handle for Christ, we must open the door for him. We must get up from our lazy boy (the comforts of the world) and go to him. 

I had to do the same things growing up to get my testimony. I couldn’t trust my parent’s testimony anymore. I needed to know for myself. So I did all the same steps, prayer, study the scriptures, and going to church. I did this course for 3-5 months. Finally it hit me as I was mowing a lawn, It’s true and you know it. When that thought came to me a warm peaceful happy feeling came over me. These feelings were the same fruits of the spirit which are talked about in Galatians 5: 22-23.

The road is often times long, the battle is hard. But when you catch that testimony it is always worth it. This testimony can change you for the rest of your life. It brings you closer to God, your relationship with him is more personal and you know he loves you. I am so thankful for this gospel and that Christ is truly at the head of it and gives modern day guidance though a prophet of God. Just like he has always done it in the bible.

The Book of Mormon.

With the Book a Mormon is the media today more then ever, have you ever wondered what the Book of Mormon actually is? This video is my an apostle of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This book is true! I love this gospel. The Book of Mormon, and the Bible are the greatest strength in my life. This is the true and living gospel of God!! I bear my testimony along with this apostle. If you just read it and pray as it says in Moroni 10:3-5 with sincere heart, real intent, having faith in Jesus Christ you will know the truth of this book. Here is a great testimony of the Book of Mormon. If you would like to read this for yourself click here and you can get a free Book of Mormon.
 

Bite and Die

Bite and Die

Growing us I spent a lot of time out doors, camping, hiking, hunting and Fishing. Every summer on most weekends I was gone. But one of my favorite activities was fly fishing. While I was looking back on these memories a lesson I learned caught my eye.  While fly fishing you use something called a fly, flies are used to imitate an insect. The fish will see the fly and eat it. But little does it know it could be its last bit. This is just like us with the temptations of Satan. Satan uses his

Lest's Eat!!

Let’s eat are one of the most inviting words inviting words we can hear when we are around a big layout of food. If we think of Thanksgiving, and other holidays or celebrations where everyone is waiting to eat. Finally when the cook give the okay it is like a mad house of grabbing this and passing that until you plate is heaping full and you can not possible fit any more on it. Then you go for round two and so on and so forth. I love having feast like this, but how often do we have a feast spiritually? How long has it been since we have eaten spiritually? 

Growing up my dad was a bug collector for fun. In the Summer we would go out on the Weekends (Thur-Sat) to some obscure dirt road in Utah and Collect bugs. Many times though in the spring we would collect some caterpillars and we would take them home and raise them, mostly we would raise tiger months. I was put in charge of taking care of them. While looking back on this I see a valuable lesson I learned, if you don’t eat your strength will never come.

When I look at this lesson a scripture comes to mind in the book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 32:3 “ ..Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do..” So as we see the Lord has given us a promise to us. If we feast then we will know what to do, and how to do it. Like wise it was with the caterpillars. When they first came out they were able to crawl and eat. But they still were tender and vulnerable to prey (like we are to Satan). But as they grew they are able to run faster and get away from danger (or sin and temptation for us). Then once they eat enough they eventually turn make a cocoon. They are stronger, but they are still able to be attacked. Now as they continue to do the things they are suppose to do, there is a change that happens inside of them, like wise that is with us. As we come unto God and do as he asks, we too change. The lord give us a great promise in this scripture, “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.” So just as the caterpillars would eat and grow, that is just like us. If we eat we will grow our testimony and that testimony will set us free just like the butterfly is able to be freed from the cocoon.

This is the great blessing we can receive when we do as the Lord directs. But there is the other side, If we do not feast and eat on the words then we will die.. We will not have the testimony to help us through life to be an added strength to us. It’s our choice 2 Nephi 2:27, But for me I want to be free with Christ.

Independence Day!!!

Why we need independence!!!

 With the 4th of July here how can we not think of independence? Independence is what our country is founded on. But, as we see in the world today, Satan is coming oh so close to our boarders, if not already in them. He is trying to attack the standards of the world, family life, and our own personal life with sin. The great thing is that we have the greatest general to lead us into battle, Jesus Christ.

With Him we are able to become free. Often times we do not notice Satan coming into our lives. It is always little things at first, When we justify our actions. Once Satan gets his foot into the door he is able to walk right in. That is why we need to keep a close watch of the little things we do. But when we do see that Satan is in or around our lives that is where the help of Christ comes into play. With him we are able to break free from those chains that bind us.

He has been through everything for us so that He can know exactly what it feels like. With the love He showed for us in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He shedding of his blood for us,and pained for our sin. We truly do know He loves us with all His heart. With His blood we are able to break free and be cleansed. We are able to start anew and build our new live with freedom and independence from Satan. Yes we will always have trials and mess up here and there. But that is what repentance is an how we can be come closer to Christ. 

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