To Bless the Life of Another

Last night I was on my knees. I've been worried and concerned about a few things, and last night it became all too overwhelming for me, and I had to take it to the Lord. While praying, a feeling of peace came and I was filled with gratitude for a loving Heavenly Father who provides us with the Gift of the Holy Ghost. While talking with my Heavenly Father, the thought came to read Alma 17. Great. Love that chapter. It's when Ammon and the Sons of Mosiah begin their missions. I thought that was an appropriate reading assignment.

"Except a man be born again..."

I have recently had the occasion to reflect on the concept of being "Born Again." Indeed, as a missionary I have been asked on numerous occasions if we, as member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint believe in being born again. In response to this question, I pose a question of my own. Are we not Christians? Do our beliefs not all center in our Savior, our Redeemer, the Prince of Peace, the Holy one of Israel, the Son of God, even Jesus the Christ?

Come and Fear Not

I believe in miracles. Maybe you do also. I've seen enough of them in my life to know that they exist, and they remind us of God.

"And who shall say that Jesus Christ did not do many mighty miracles? And there were many mighty miracles wrought by the hands of the apostles. And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles." (Mormon 9: 18-19)

Life Lessons

Reflect back on your life. I know, right? There's a lot to it. Now focus in on school; let's say 3rd Grade. That's when you were more likely than not learning multiplication and division. Remember those questions Mrs. Jones would ask you? "What is 12 multiplied by 6?" Oh snap. Your heart would beat a little faster, your palms would sweat, and the cogs of your mind would struggle to function a little faster. Your face would screw up in concentration, and suddenly your mind tried to compute the hardest question of your life. "18, no wait, 72." Got it. Mrs. Jones nodded, and moved on to the next victim. Phew. You sigh a deep sigh of relief, lean back in your seat, and feel pretty darn good that you got the answer right.

The Atonement 1

124 years before the birth of Christ, there lived a man named Benjamin. This man was a king, as well as a prophet. He was "a just man before the Lord." (Omni 1:25) He knew that he was about to die, and being filled with a great love and concern for his people, he commanded them to gather together so he could address them one final time. King Benjamin built a tower so that all who were there could hear him speak, even the little children.

Jeremie Flanigan

There once was a place called Kalispell, Montana. In fact, if you travel about 450 miles north west from Billings you may still find it. In that little town lived a man; his name is Jeremie Flanigan.

Testimony

This is not going to be profound. If you are looking for something life changing, or earth shattering, I can direct you to somewhere else. But once again like Nephi, here I write the things of my soul.


Recently, I have been thinking a lot about a testimony. By definition, a testimony is a witness that we gain through the power of the Holy Ghost of spiritual truths. It can come in many ways. I've been thinking of the different ways that my own testimony has been strengthened.

 And he [took] upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he [took] upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." (Alma 7:11-12)

It really happened. Jesus Christ atoned for the sins of the world. Because of this, he perfectly knows how to comfort, and succor each of us, because he experienced it first. I testify that through Jesus Christ we can be cleansed from sin. He has the power and the capacity to heal whatever ails us. I have felt the reality of that power in my life time and time again. Christ lives.

Each and every child of God can know this as well. It comes through the power of the Holy Ghost. I invite all to study the Book of Mormon, and with real intent, as God the Eternal Father in the name of Christ whether it is not true. By the power of the Holy Ghost, I testify and promise that you will receive a witness. It may not come all at once; it may come in a variety of different ways. But it will come, and you will come to know that Jesus is the Christ, and that his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is on the earth today. It was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and God still speaks to us today. I add my witness and testimony that these things are true. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Bears

A couple of weeks ago, Sister Mace and I were driving from Joliet to Roberts. It's a 13 mile stretch that we drive almost every day. While cruising along the 212, my thoughts were everywhere from the service we had just done at the public library to our next appointment to discuss our musical fireside. Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye I saw a big black animal along the side of the road. "Oh my goodness," I thought to myself. "It's a bear! I've always wanted to see a bear!!"

Another Testament of Christ

I testify that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. It was translated by the power of God through His servant, the prophet. I testify that that prophet was Joseph Smith. I know that the Book of Mormon truly is a second witness of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We can know of the fullness of the Doctrine of Christ. I have found the Savior on every page of that most sacred book.

I recently have had the opportunity to kneel before my Father in Heaven in prayer, and ask him if the Book of Mormon is true. Having faith, and with real intent, I poured out my soul to my Maker. Peace filled my heart and my mind. An answer from the Lord came.

I leave you my witness that the Book of Mormon is true. I invite you to find out for yourselves by sincerely asking God, our loving Father in Heaven. You will receive an answer by the power of the Holy Ghost. This promise is given to all.