Friends & Family,
Never have I related to the lamanites, but then I found this verse... Mosiah 19:14
14 And it came to pass that the Lamanites had compassion on them, for they were charmed with the beauty of their women.
Crazy to think that when I actually read my scriptures, I get so much more out of them when I take notes. Also if anyone is studying any book, you will receive so much more knowledge from it if you mark, and take notes. Would highly recommend "Zebrite" Scripture highlighters (please sponsor me)
This week has been very good, but also a little long. The excitement and joy I get from teaching and even simply talking to Friends of the Church is exhilarating. I love the MTC but I feel as though I'm being dragged through this last week. It's similar to the feeling on Christmas eve, when you can't sleep because you can't stop thinking of tomorrow. That's how I feel about getting to the field!
CTR = Cease-Think-Recognize
Stop what you are doing, and realize that the spirit is always with you. It is similar to breathing, you really don't realize you are doing it until you are either running, or underwater. You can however stop and notice your breathing in the same regards to the spirit. The Spirit is there, He is with you, you simply need to recognize his presence.
We had a move this week, our entire zone moved into a different building and a new floor (my guess is to build unity within zones) because of the numerous shifting of different districts into different zones, most zones were very spaced out. Wasn't a very fun move, but now I'm packed and ready for Tuesday! So I guess there is always an upside.
On the more spiritual side of this week, we had some excellent devotionals. From both the MTC president (LeSueur), and Brent H. Nielson (seventy). One overarching idea from the week was that, in any God given commandment, there are always promised blessings. God will never ask you for something and not return the favor, such goes against the laws of justice. God is a just deity and will thus accordingly willingly blesses those who follow him. For example, keeping the law of chastity you will have a greater appreciation for your spouse and your relationship with strengthen.
If you have any question or doubt about the commandments, Ask yourselves, are you willing to live without those blessings? The best way I've heard it described comes from D&C 82: 8-10
If you have any question or doubt about the commandments, Ask yourselves, are you willing to live without those blessings? The best way I've heard it described comes from D&C 82: 8-10
8 And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a new commandment, that you may understand my will concerning you;
9 Or, in other words, I give unto you directions how you may act before me, that it may turn to you for your salvation.
10 I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.
Essentially "if ye do what I say, I will bless you. If ye don't do what I say, good luck, you are on your own"
God would never give us a commandment or prompting that wouldn't benefit us, and those around us.
Also in connection with that same thought. Some people might wonder why commandments are neccessary for the spirit. 1 Nephi 10:21 "...and no unclean thing can dwell with God..." The Holy Ghost, being a deity, cannot dwell in an unclean temple. You must keep the commandments so he can reside with and guide you. You cannot expect to be led by the spirit, when you are living your life in a way that drives the spirit away. It would be as though you wear a suit of peanuts and try to give a hug to someone who had a peanut allergy, they are obviously going to avoid you. Furthermore, if you are living in accordance with the laws from God and think you aren't feeling the spirit. Stop, breath, and listen.
9 Or, in other words, I give unto you directions how you may act before me, that it may turn to you for your salvation.
10 I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.
Essentially "if ye do what I say, I will bless you. If ye don't do what I say, good luck, you are on your own"
God would never give us a commandment or prompting that wouldn't benefit us, and those around us.
Also in connection with that same thought. Some people might wonder why commandments are neccessary for the spirit. 1 Nephi 10:21 "...and no unclean thing can dwell with God..." The Holy Ghost, being a deity, cannot dwell in an unclean temple. You must keep the commandments so he can reside with and guide you. You cannot expect to be led by the spirit, when you are living your life in a way that drives the spirit away. It would be as though you wear a suit of peanuts and try to give a hug to someone who had a peanut allergy, they are obviously going to avoid you. Furthermore, if you are living in accordance with the laws from God and think you aren't feeling the spirit. Stop, breath, and listen.
CTR = Cease-Think-Recognize
Stop what you are doing, and realize that the spirit is always with you. It is similar to breathing, you really don't realize you are doing it until you are either running, or underwater. You can however stop and notice your breathing in the same regards to the spirit. The Spirit is there, He is with you, you simply need to recognize his presence.
I challenge everyone to see how the spirit guides them, and also let the spirit guide you more. God always wants to bless you, you just need to get moving. Read the Book of Mormon every day. It truly will bless your life. I love this church, I love the Gospel, I love my family, and I Love my Savior Jesus Christ.
Thankyou all for the emails! And letters! 🤟
-Elder Vance
Thankyou all for the emails! And letters! 🤟
-Elder Vance
