tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31684918367826179642024-03-12T17:38:08.343-06:00The Mission President's Wife - alpinekleinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950528432410686245noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168491836782617964.post-16676787276274666872016-07-27T22:03:00.001-06:002016-07-27T22:10:22.286-06:00The Things that Matter Most . . . <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Imagine Yourself as a Living House - </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Serving as Mission Presidents is a very humbling experience . . .</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">You may be familiar with the CS Lewis quote that begins -</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“Imagine yourself as a living house” . . . </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It's very painful to say I think I was a little prideful in my life before the mission, but yep, um, i think I was prideful. I was quite proud of the little house I had built, I was very content with my life . . . I had no idea of the major remodel that my Heavenly Father had in store for me, or how painful it might be. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">And at first I resisted that remodel quite . . . insistently . . .</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">But as I let Honduras, and each missionary, and each little starfish on the vast number of beaches that our Heavenly Father has out there . . . a</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">nd more importantly, the fervent fervent message that filled my heart of our Heavenly Father’s love for all of His children change my heart -</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">I began to experience this extensive remodulation take place, until I can truly say I am hardly the same person that I was three years ago when we said farewell to family and friends and got on an airplane to Honduras.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>My Pride is Showing Again - </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I thought I pretty much understood all there was to know about life (my pride again), but I came to realize very shortly that I understood very little . . . we have grown in so many ways - </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">. . . in faith, knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Our Heavenly Father has greatly blessed us to open our hearts to all the things He has prepared and planned for us when He sent us to this earthly experience. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">From CS Lewis . . . </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of - throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.”</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>And This is Life Eternal - </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Actually, He is teaching us about Eternal life . . . and what it means to dwell with Him forever, what it means to actually BE an exalted being, or in other words, what it means to become LIKE him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">"And this is </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">life</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">eternal</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">, that they might </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">know</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;"> thee the only true </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">God</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">sent."</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;"> - John 17:3</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">This great gift is made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. However, to inherit eternal life requires our obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I’m going to come back to that thought in just a minute, </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">but first I’m going to take you on a little journey . . . </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>I’m going to begin by telling you a little bit about Honduras.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Having been blessed to attend sacrament meetings in a variety of countries throughout the world, i always smile when people say no matter where you go in the world, the church is the same. And i would agree that the gospel is the same throughout the world, but the CHURCH is very much different, in other parts of the world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The culture of Honduras very much has an influence on the Church in Honduras, the Doctrine is the same, but culture is very different and that is ok.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I want you to close your eyes for just a moment . . . </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">(seriously, it’s ok, everyone around you is doing it also!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>I’m going take you to my favorite sacrament meeting in Honduras . . .</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Imagine yourself in a garden, that looks very much like the garden of Eden right out of the newer LDS temple video scenes . . . palm trees . . . flowers . . . and you’re sitting beneath a large mango tree, on a dirt floor, on a rustly, brown ancient metal folding chair, in a small congregation of beautiful brown skinned people, dressed very humbly, perhaps without the means to purchase special Sunday clothing, but some of the men can be found in a white shirt and a tie . . . perhaps they are wearing jeans, or something else that in you congregation you might think a little inappropriate . . . </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"> . . . but nevertheless, you can be assured, that it is the best that they have . . . and a dog is curled up at your feet, and mama chickens with their little pollitos are wandering in and out of the congregation . . . </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Above your head is a corrugated tin roof to provide a little bit of shade, and the air smells smokey from the many fires burning nearby . . . and across the street loud music is blaring, and a farm truck is passing through the streets nearby peddling his crops loudly from a loudspeaker almost piercingly . . . </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">But you realize that despite all these distractions, the spirit is strong . . . </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">These people love the gospel, they love the church, here they find the peace that is missing in the world all around them. Here they find the comfort that will guide them through the rough and difficult challenges of the future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Here they catch a glimpse of the grand plan of salvation, that their Heavenly Father has prepared for each one of His children. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Here . . . they partake of the Sacrament.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>That They do Always Have His Spirit to be With Them - </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">On the night before His Crucifixion, <a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/jesus-christ?lang=eng"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(1, 145, 188); color: #0191bc;">Jesus Christ</span></a> met with His Apostles and instituted the sacrament (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/22.19-20?lang=eng#18"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(1, 145, 188); color: #0191bc;">Luke 22:19–20</span></a>). </span></div>
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19 ¶And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake <i>it,</i> and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.</div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(1, 145, 188); color: #0191bc;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"> </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup <i>is</i> the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">After His Resurrection, He instituted the sacrament among the Nephites (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/18.1-11?lang=eng#0"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(1, 145, 188); color: #0191bc;">3 Nephi 18:1–11</span></a>). </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Today the sacrament is an ordinance in which Church members partake of bread and water in remembrance of Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice. This ordinance is an essential part of worship and spiritual development. Through this ordinance, Church members renew the covenants they made with God when they were baptized. <i>To always remember him, and to keep his commandments.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Now I’m going to return to my earlier statement . . . </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">This great gift (meaning eternal life and exaltation) is made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>However, to inherit eternal life requires our “obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel”.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As I was preparing to finish our service and leave the mission field, I had the opportunity to share a message with all our missionaries. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I spoke to them of the<b> last lecture series</b> here in the United States in the academic world . . . </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It consists of an ongoing series of lectures where top academics are asked to think deeply about what matters to them, and then give a hypothetical "final talk", i.e., "what wisdom would you try to impart to the world if you knew it was your last chance?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Since this would be my last chance to share my thoughts and testimony with them. I had so many thoughts and so much to share, so many messages I wanted to leave with them . . . </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">But I had to condense it down to to a short message . . . </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>The Things that Matter Most . . .</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">My words and thoughts should not be a surprise . . . they are almost exactly the exact lessons that our missionaries teach to their investigators everyday . . . </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">We know today that the world is in serious trouble. The fundamental values of the United States and other nations are being threatened and weakening daily. There is a continual collapse of principles, virtue, integrity and religious values. All the things that as missionaries and members of the Church of Jesus Christ, we realize are the foundation of a refined culture, and the ingredients of lasting peace and happiness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">But we are more fortunate that most, because we have the revealed words of modern prophets and apostles to give us guidance in these troubled times. They have given us a pattern for success and happiness in life despite these conditions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>The Power of Faith - </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Our Heavenly Father created us with the agency to choose to exercise faith, so that we can find peace, joy and purpose in life here on earth. Our faith gives us great power in life. The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. But what does that mean? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">First of all, there is no more powerful foundation than faith in the love your Heavenly Father has for you, and in His plan of happiness for you. And secondly, faith in Jesus Christ, the knowledge that He willingly and with great love for all mankind, will fulfill all His promises. This is what the first principle of the gospel, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ really signifies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">There are important gospel principles upon which our faith is based. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The first is trust. Trust in God and in His desire to provide help when you need it, no matter how challenging your circumstances are.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">A little side note, especially for missionaries, parents of missionaries, future missionaries . . . God loves all His children. Of this there is no doubt. But I do know that He reserves a special measure of love and blessings for His missionaries throughout the world. There is no general population more blessed, more prayed for than the missionaries serving all over the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">But as we come to develop this important trust in our Heavenly Father, we will have an increased desire to be obedient to His commandments, and demonstrate to Him, that He can trust us! </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Receive the Holy Ghost - </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As missionaries we are dependent upon the Spirit to lead us to those who are seeking our life changing message. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we received the Holy Ghost to be our companion, to guide us in our many decisions we make each day. Our daily decisions determine our destiny. The Holy Ghost is real, His influence is real. We experienced this great blessing and power on an almost moment to moment basis. And you can to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The Holy Ghost works in perfect unity with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, fulfilling several roles to help us live righteously and receive the blessings of the gospel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">He “witnesses of the Father and the Son” (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/31.18?lang=eng#17"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(1, 145, 188); color: #0191bc;">2 Nephi 31:18</span></a>) and reveals and teaches “the truth of all things” (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/10.5?lang=eng#4"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(1, 145, 188); color: #0191bc;">Moroni 10:5</span></a>). </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>We can receive a sure testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ only by the power of the Holy Ghost. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">His communication to our spirit carries far more certainty than any communication we can receive through our natural senses.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As we strive to stay on the path that leads to eternal life, the Holy Ghost can guide us in our decisions and protect us from physical and spiritual danger.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Through Him, we can receive gifts of the Spirit for our benefit and for the benefit of those we love and serve.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Live by the Whisperings of the Spirit - </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It is absolutely essential that we are sensitive to the quiet promptings of the Holy Spirit. How do we develop this sensitivity? Through obedience. Through paying attention to the promptings that we do receive. Perhaps noting each one in a special journal at the end of the day. And then acting, taking action, based upon the inspiration and revelation that we receive. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>When we do this, our Heavenly Father increases His trust in us, and pours out an even greater abundance of the Spirit out upon us.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Think of it this way - </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If you think that you can do whatever you want here in this life . . . perhaps not seeking diligently the teachings from the scriptures, and following counsel of the prophets, and receive the same trust from our Heavenly Father, the same outpouring of the Spirit, you are not correct. You haven’t earned that trust or gift of the Spirit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Spiritual Crocodiles - </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Just recently, we watched with our missionaries a short video entitled <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ts59aInN2Q0">“Spiritual Crocodiles”</a>, if you haven’t seen it . . . it’s very effective. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It demonstrates the hidden power of the adversary, likening the adversary, to the many hidden camouflaged crocodiles of Africa, lurking in every little watering hole, well hidden by the mud, waiting for unsuspecting prey, human or animal to come along. Indeed it very well describes the adversary who is all about us, exerting a stronger and stronger influence in the Latter-days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>It seems almost to be against our nature, particularly when we are young, to accept much guidance from others. But, young people, there are times when, regardless of how much we think we know or how much we think we want to do something, that our very existence depends on paying attention to the guides. - Boyd K. Packer</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Our goal is to get through mortality without being injured by these spiritual crocodiles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If you will listen to the counsel of your parents and your teachers and your leaders when you are young, you can learn how to follow the best guide of all—the whisperings of the Holy Spirit. That is individual revelation. There is a process through which we can be alerted to spiritual dangers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Read the Book, the Book of Mormon - </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I want to finish by sharing my witness of the Book of Mormon - </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The Book of Mormon is powerful evidence of the divinity of Christ. It is also proof of the Restoration through the Prophet Joseph Smith. An essential part of conversion is receiving a witness from the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon is true. Young people, future missionaries . . . as a missionary you must have a powerful testimony that the book of Mormon is true. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Have confidence that the Holy Ghost will testify to those who read and ponder the Book of Mormon and ask God if it is true with a sincere heart, real intent, and faith in Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I have experienced this witness in my life so many times! There are many things I do not know. There are many questions I have about life, about the gospel, about the Church. But I do know the Church is the restored Church of Jesus Christ, restored to the earth today through the prophet Joseph Smith, because I have a witness of this great book that I can never deny.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I love the gospel, I love the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon helps us understand that God’s commandments, the counsel from the prophets, are not a restrictive list. But the pathway to a happy and abundant life. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDCmOxnYWDCj18rODz9c38C1Kf5Rgai3zOOYfteNB3jX7R-tvFtok-26YqaJ7RB2LhM0XLIYL9cKAGjYpD6fa2xmF5y0nOiv44WKTiL5uFacHlvLPXch3nTElsYAiGDtPahK2XwfMp38/s1600/mormon-book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDCmOxnYWDCj18rODz9c38C1Kf5Rgai3zOOYfteNB3jX7R-tvFtok-26YqaJ7RB2LhM0XLIYL9cKAGjYpD6fa2xmF5y0nOiv44WKTiL5uFacHlvLPXch3nTElsYAiGDtPahK2XwfMp38/s640/mormon-book.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Missionary Blessings - </b></span><br />
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A great blessing of serving closely with the missionaries as we did, you find your self upon occasion in close proximity to the prophets and apostles of the Church, specially called in their leadership roles to bear witness and testify of the Savior Jesus Christ. We have heard them share that because of singular and sacred experiences they have had, they can testify that the Savior lives. </div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I have had sacred and special experiences in my life, that I can testify that I know our Heavenly Father knows us and loves us. He cares about each one of us, He knows our names, He knows our needs, He desires to bless us. He is waiting for us to take those first necessary steps in our life to acknowledge His existence, exercising even the smallest evidence of faith, choosing to believe. </span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FTQmhNSD9-Q/V5Zviv08fPI/AAAAAAAAVh8/s94LMiXH3a8DM_wEEOeDZ_zkEtvHX-vWACKgB/s1600/IMG_4130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FTQmhNSD9-Q/V5Zviv08fPI/AAAAAAAAVh8/s94LMiXH3a8DM_wEEOeDZ_zkEtvHX-vWACKgB/s640/IMG_4130.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cLaYsYz7wRY/V5ZwOEJ5oOI/AAAAAAAAViI/C9d3zjc6aYMG99hUrOP3Z-vmBBkSm382ACKgB/s1600/IMG_4132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cLaYsYz7wRY/V5ZwOEJ5oOI/AAAAAAAAViI/C9d3zjc6aYMG99hUrOP3Z-vmBBkSm382ACKgB/s640/IMG_4132.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>I am Like a Rough Stone Rolling . . .</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I feel like I have truly come to know what Joseph Smith meant when he said -</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> "</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">I am like a huge, rough stone rolling down from a high mountain; and the only polishing I get is when some corner gets rubbed off by coming in contact with something else, striking with accelerated force . . . knocking off a corner here and a corner there. And Thus I will become a smooth and polished shaft in the quiver of the Almighty."</span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwdUJnYNrLpgOauwNygpjNFBe3NBhOA458TL5GawXdGg4V_ha6iVtUl9UafewknyzAN43Z3PqZ6ks0C89aWsUHV7AwyIxNwY2BdMJnVQOMOHc1PlzBJYGYaaU7_1wYbJutVHiRS3PHo0/s1600/the-joseph-smith-papers-histories-episode-85-2012-06-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwdUJnYNrLpgOauwNygpjNFBe3NBhOA458TL5GawXdGg4V_ha6iVtUl9UafewknyzAN43Z3PqZ6ks0C89aWsUHV7AwyIxNwY2BdMJnVQOMOHc1PlzBJYGYaaU7_1wYbJutVHiRS3PHo0/s400/the-joseph-smith-papers-histories-episode-85-2012-06-22.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Well, I am a long ways from becoming a smooth and polished shaft, but certainly closer than I was three years ago. I have learned and grown through our mission experiences greatly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>I share my testimony</b> that life does go on after the mortal death of our bodies. That the Savior Jesus Christ came to earth, suffered and died for us, that we can live eternally again, to dwell with Him forever, actually becoming an exalted being, or in other words, becoming LIKE Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><i>“this great gift is made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. However, to inherit eternal life requires our “obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel”</i></b></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As we begin to understand that these basic gospel principles that missionaries teach to their investigators everyday, the principles and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ are the way to an abundant life, a life full of purpose, joy, pleasure, and great happiness, we will come to appreciate that these principles really can help us answer any question and fill every need.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnFIgVgRubDPQEkYiRtCcumOeAR2dt-4QZ_dkBdcb-4dSahorRstqbiDplZ7I_Gl8a4YId0emTqzyWvJmNw9Jdl_5AtJ5_sT00CoEj7Hv7GgTaFLGRBV_RbPXlb9gFBRiaq8UmYTFhiE/s1600/Come-unto-Christ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnFIgVgRubDPQEkYiRtCcumOeAR2dt-4QZ_dkBdcb-4dSahorRstqbiDplZ7I_Gl8a4YId0emTqzyWvJmNw9Jdl_5AtJ5_sT00CoEj7Hv7GgTaFLGRBV_RbPXlb9gFBRiaq8UmYTFhiE/s640/Come-unto-Christ.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">Yea, </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">come</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;"> unto Christ, and be </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">perfected</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;"> in him, and </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">deny</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;"> yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">love</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;"> God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">perfect</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;"> in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God. - Moroni 10:32</span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">(If you read all the way to the end . . . I have a little excitement to share, we have been called to work in a branch presidency, spanish speaking at the MTC in Provo. We are very excited that our missionary experience will continue for a little bit longer. Stay tuned for more missionary updates!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Love you all!</span></div>
alpinekleinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950528432410686245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168491836782617964.post-2728202600127960162016-06-23T12:32:00.000-06:002016-06-23T12:33:22.442-06:00Nothing But Photos . . . I'm very far behind on blog posts . . . and I have a bunch of photos to share -<br />
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So here is a BONUS photo post -<br />
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<b>Nothing But Photos</b></center>
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<b>(lots of missionaries!)</b></div>
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<b><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FgBw-4NpdHA/V17SaAmbNWI/AAAAAAAAVAg/EgDGhydFNhg4DPw4Wn9xL-9wxeeRAzo2ACKgB/s1600/1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FgBw-4NpdHA/V17SaAmbNWI/AAAAAAAAVAg/EgDGhydFNhg4DPw4Wn9xL-9wxeeRAzo2ACKgB/s640/1" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fjMwQZWM6Ac/V17SpHg0sAI/AAAAAAAAVA0/08OfKuiMHwgm-5WLpGZmugQuVPkm4tfSACKgB/s1600/2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fjMwQZWM6Ac/V17SpHg0sAI/AAAAAAAAVA0/08OfKuiMHwgm-5WLpGZmugQuVPkm4tfSACKgB/s640/2" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KpdwOjxT0j4/V17S3-gP_9I/AAAAAAAAVA0/skSEpbg9-JUqmvFzGNvhDL17QZoIhGI2wCKgB/s1600/3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KpdwOjxT0j4/V17S3-gP_9I/AAAAAAAAVA0/skSEpbg9-JUqmvFzGNvhDL17QZoIhGI2wCKgB/s640/3" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sppHKB0w8-Y/V1uKBUxcZtI/AAAAAAAAUYE/cPKDFbdFkxYaHOHFWRGv7lln71EVT4fMQCKgB/s1600/IMG_3148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sppHKB0w8-Y/V1uKBUxcZtI/AAAAAAAAUYE/cPKDFbdFkxYaHOHFWRGv7lln71EVT4fMQCKgB/s640/IMG_3148.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b>(An inside look to the sisters home)</b></div>
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<b><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ufmVqv2o944/V17TeNiseqI/AAAAAAAAVBA/Kqw8Rm3_GEMyoatxESiSNjEl-8EQ-tVFACKgB/s1600/4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ufmVqv2o944/V17TeNiseqI/AAAAAAAAVBA/Kqw8Rm3_GEMyoatxESiSNjEl-8EQ-tVFACKgB/s640/4" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-upe0-boXsTE/V17Trv62bSI/AAAAAAAAVBA/fKAX_EIS6WItCKJi0C1OClObuGpKQjQuQCKgB/s1600/5" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-upe0-boXsTE/V17Trv62bSI/AAAAAAAAVBA/fKAX_EIS6WItCKJi0C1OClObuGpKQjQuQCKgB/s640/5" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b>(departing missionaries)</b><br />
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<b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NLLmyuwasJ8/V1uNKyPoILI/AAAAAAAAUmg/Iho8dtpNpBEhPTSOmCe2qhXaVMfJpO_bACKgB/s1600/IMG_3626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NLLmyuwasJ8/V1uNKyPoILI/AAAAAAAAUmg/Iho8dtpNpBEhPTSOmCe2qhXaVMfJpO_bACKgB/s640/IMG_3626.jpg" width="478" /></a></b></div>
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<b>(Cultural Garifuna lunch)</b><br />
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<b><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cAbbOtqKtoo/V1uNDo42bzI/AAAAAAAAUmg/7n1lmdDbKHI9NIk9xeuvYydVrEQDDvHTACKgB/s1600/IMG_3555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cAbbOtqKtoo/V1uNDo42bzI/AAAAAAAAUmg/7n1lmdDbKHI9NIk9xeuvYydVrEQDDvHTACKgB/s640/IMG_3555.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vVjgq82KMS8/V1uNCfv-2WI/AAAAAAAAUmg/cgZHU-di_NQnDbUEPLowZKx_gIKqJrfdwCKgB/s1600/IMG_3554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vVjgq82KMS8/V1uNCfv-2WI/AAAAAAAAUmg/cgZHU-di_NQnDbUEPLowZKx_gIKqJrfdwCKgB/s640/IMG_3554.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b>(new arriving missionaries and training)</b></div>
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<b><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KiE345YlRp4/V17UDOqS8rI/AAAAAAAAVBM/Wdh5wHcS52IvctAs8DqfiiYKLf6oBYvuQCKgB/s1600/6" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KiE345YlRp4/V17UDOqS8rI/AAAAAAAAVBM/Wdh5wHcS52IvctAs8DqfiiYKLf6oBYvuQCKgB/s640/6" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNO62B1rOZg/V17UYmG5p_I/AAAAAAAAVBY/v2HTAbi5dsgZoydzzEZ4JYUIor3aN1s2QCKgB/s1600/7" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNO62B1rOZg/V17UYmG5p_I/AAAAAAAAVBY/v2HTAbi5dsgZoydzzEZ4JYUIor3aN1s2QCKgB/s640/7" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TTf9f0hNRXM/V17UxhkIP-I/AAAAAAAAVBk/Hp8ymeRyOhYqFk02ADdZZQZyvttX3tyTQCKgB/s1600/8" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TTf9f0hNRXM/V17UxhkIP-I/AAAAAAAAVBk/Hp8ymeRyOhYqFk02ADdZZQZyvttX3tyTQCKgB/s640/8" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b>(a visit from some returned missionaries!)</b><br />
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<b><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_eeughm0clg/V1uM7WA1l7I/AAAAAAAAUlI/zVib1l1b8_4u_R4_KbBeL3y7Vv-Id_PcwCKgB/s1600/IMG_3523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_eeughm0clg/V1uM7WA1l7I/AAAAAAAAUlI/zVib1l1b8_4u_R4_KbBeL3y7Vv-Id_PcwCKgB/s640/IMG_3523.jpg" width="480" /></a></b></div>
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<b>(my wonderful kitchen helpers!)</b><br />
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<b>(in the airport) </b><br />
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<b> (outside my window)</b><br />
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<b>(new missionaries and training)</b><br />
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alpinekleinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950528432410686245noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168491836782617964.post-61358477774069384842016-04-28T10:54:00.000-06:002016-04-28T10:56:00.671-06:00The Mission Experience & Photos<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Time for an Update - </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Oh my goodness, it has been a LONG time since I have been able to compose a new blog post. Every single day, week, and month is so filled to the brim . . . we are not sure if it's just us trying to finish everything up in the last few months of our mission, or if we're just getting older, with a lot less energy than we began 34 months ago! Most likely both!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have been working on Part II of a previous Post - </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://themissionpresidentswife.blogspot.com/2016/02/missionaries-are-you-best-you-can-be.html"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">MISSIONARIES . . . ARE YOU THE BEST YOU CAN BE?</span></a></h3>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It has been longer in coming together than I had hoped. I have so many thoughts to share, and trying to get them all organized and presented in succinct blog post hasn't quite happened yet. Yet, it is in the works and I do anticipate finishing it before too much longer.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the meanwhile, I have many photos from the last several weeks in the San Pedro Sula East Mission to share, and some tender missionary experiences. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There's no doubt President Klein and I are inspired daily by our missionaries, through their challenges and growth that we see occur on almost a daily basis. We are certainly so proud of them in all they are able to accomplish, and the many testimonies they share to bring other to a greater light and knowledge of our Savior, Jesus Christ.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Just a little update on our lives to begin with - </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US">When we started this assignment, we left our 2 grandchildren behind. When we return (last week of June), we´ll have 8 grandchildren! Our second son and his wife deliver</span><span lang="EN-US">ed their third boy in January, </span><span lang="EN-US"> Our youngest daughter, who was married here in the Tegucigalpa Temple near the beginning of our mission</span><span lang="EN-US">, welcomed a little boy in March</span><span lang="EN-US"> and our other daughter and her husband are expecting</span><span lang="EN-US"> a boy in July!</span><span lang="EN-US"> Of course, we miss being there to support each of them, but it will come soon enough. We sold our “grandparent house” just before we left for the mission, because our children were moving out of the Utah and did not appear to be returning, and it was just too big for two people. We purchased o</span><span lang="EN-US">ur</span><span lang="EN-US"> townhouse so that we would be able to more easily visit </span><span lang="EN-US">THEM</span><span lang="EN-US">, but even the best plans have a mind of their own. Now, </span><span lang="EN-US">much to our delight, </span><span lang="EN-US">all o</span><span lang="EN-US">f our grandchildren, with their parents, have returned to Utah!</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What an amazing time it is to be working in the mission field, despite our many ups and downs, we feel very blessed to be part of this great work and to work alongside of the many young people of the Church. We are impressed by how they are changed and strengthened during their service, it's amazing for us to watch this spiritual growth that takes place in their hearts. We remark frequently that this is one of our favorite blessings of missionary service. </span></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Glimpses from our last Zone Conferences and Mission Leader Council)</span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Harvesting Seeds - </b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We are always planting gospel seeds everywhere we go. It's all part of being a missionary. Yet, we feel very fortunate in the last several months to see the 'fruit of the tree' actually being harvested! We have seen two of our little faithful groups become actual branches of the Church the last couple months, in Morazon and Masica. It was such a privilege to be with them and celebrate this great blessing. These groups of people who are located far from any organized ward or stake have met faithfully, and had a priesthood member travel weekly to preside in their midst for many years. They are beyond grateful to finally become an organized branch, and will someday soon have an actual meeting house to meet in, instead of someones garden or home. (Although, seriously it doesn't get any better than attending Sacrament meeting </span>beneath a Mango tree, with butterflies all around, and pollitos, little baby chicks, wandering around your feet)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We also were present recently as a new Stake was created in our mission. The first one in 5 years in Honduras. A wonderful blessing to be present when a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy came to preside, and organize two Stakes out of one. A few weeks ago we attended a branch who has outgrown their building, they have about 175 in attendance weekly, up from 80 when we arrived almost three years ago. They have just been approved to construct a new, larger building on the property. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>(Our Mission Leadership Council)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And in the next few months, our one Mission District in Olanchito, consisting of 6 branches in the far reaches of our mission will become a Stake also! We have been doing training with all their leadership to help them understand this big transition that is coming and help them be better prepared to work together as a Stake. What great blessings!! We feel very humbled to be a part of this work at this time. We know MANY have come before us, and planted seeds, and these seeds have been nourished and nourished for many years. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Some Mission Happenings - </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thought we would share a few stories from the last couple weeks. This week it was truly humbling to see the many blessings we take for granted in our lives . . . for instance, running water. This week Norm visited a family with the missionaries in the pouring rain. We thought the rain was a little messy and inconvenient . . . but here they were all scurrying around with every </span><span style="font-size: small;">container and bucket they could scrounge up in the house to collect the rain water that was coming off their roof. They do not have access to water in their home. So this was a great blessing for them. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">In March we welcomed a new group of 10 missionaries to the mission. Two were returning from health problems. Elder G. broke his leg playing soccer several months ago and is returning as well as Elder S., our missionary who fell 70 feet off a cliff (did we share that story?? It was a crazy one!) We knew he promised us 6 months ago that he would return when he completed his rehabilitation and physical therapy, but we seriously didn't believe it could possibly occur before we ourselves returned home from the mission field. So just another miracle in his whole story of one dedicated missionary and the many miracles that have sustained him from the time he fell off the cliff, and now today returns to missionary service!!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One more cute story - We had a missionary and his companion in the hospital recently, and picked up the companion of the sick missionary to go get a bite to eat after spending all day patiently supporting the sick elder at the hospital all day. As President Klein drove him past several food options available here in the big city of San Pedro Sula, he pointed out McDonalds. He said he had a Big Mac 12 years ago, and always remembered how good it was! Guess where they went for dinner!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">April has been an event filled month, President Klein's final interviews with all our missionaries. Very bittersweet moments as the missionaries realize this is their last private time with us. We will be doing teaching and training in May, and Zone conferences in June, but this is our last month of personal interviews with all the missionaries. There have been quite a few tears this month . . .</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>(A visit to the Roatan branch and a fireside for the youth)</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Tender Missionary Miracles and Mercies - </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"We had Hna. B and Hno. R baptism this month, they are both very special people. Hno. R always impresses me even though he has a learning disability with his desire to learn and study the gospel. He told us he wanted to be baptized before we even had an opportunity to extend an invitation to him. Sunday he was confirmed and bore a strong testimony during Sacrament meeting, there he was dressed in his white shirt and tie, even though he had to walk more than a half hour to get to Church" "Even though I can't go to the temple during my mission, I want to do all in my power to help our recent converts get to the temple soon and as often as they can. I taught my first pastor this week and was terrified, while he said the first prayer I was praying in my heart to have the words to share what I know to be true, and I remembered that we were declaring the truth of the everlasting restored gospel and we could not be confounded by man . . . and all that fear just went away!"</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>The Power of Temple Blessings!</b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">"We struggled through the Semana Santa this week with many people away and traveling, but we were happy to see that so many of our recent converts still very active in the Church and attending their meetings. This makes us so happy! It also makes us so happy to see that at least half of them have already received temple </span>recommends and have visited the temple to do baptisms for the dead and are getting started in family search to do temple work for their families!" </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Yesterday one of our recently baptized converts was confirmed, a young girl who is already getting started on her Personal Progress with the Young Women of the ward. This weekend she is going to the temple for baptisms and is taking her mother who is not yet a member, but has noticed all the amazing changes taking place in the life of her daughter. We feel that soon, she will also have a desire to become a member of the Church!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(The Parable of the Oranges!!)</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Hello President Klein, this week we have seen many miracles in our missionary work. We had 5 baptisms on Saturday. This week our ward has a temple trip planned, we are working with our newly baptized members to help them be prepared to go and participate in the sacred baptism ordinances in the holy house of our Heavenly Father. They all have a great desire to go and we are doing all in our power to help them be prepared!"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Power of the Book of Mormon - </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"We had a great experience this week, we had three baptisms. They were three young men who we met through a recent convert. When we first arrived at their home, one of them pulled out an old Book of Mormon, he found it and was already reading it. He read clear through 2nd Nephi without even understanding what the book was. He was so ready to hear our message, and they all received our lesson with great interest. We also helped 5 of our recent converts find family names and they were able to take these to the temple this week when our ward had a temple trip. It was a great week!"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"We want to tell you about one of our investigators, we were teaching lesson 3 (The Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Atonement, Faith in Jesus Christ, repentance and baptism) and he had many good questions, but at the end of our lesson he told us he didn't agree with many of the principles we had taught. Then just as we were leaving, he saw the Book of Mormons we were carrying with us, and ask us if it would be possible for him to read it. He said he had a copy previously, many years ago, but was never able to finish reading it. He was very happy that we left a copy with him, and really we could see a complete change in his countenance as we began talking about the Book of Mormon. The lesson ended well and we can testify strongly of the power of this great book!"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"We found a great couple, they are the parents of one of our recent converts. The father had received a Book of Mormon about 20 years ago. And during this time, he has read it about 3 or 4 times, and he has highlighted many different parts, and made notes throughout the book. It is one of the older style Book of Mormons because it is a little bigger in size, and the format is different. Actually, I haven't seen one like it. It was awesome to hear about and see this experience with the Book of Mormon! Last week he came to church with his wife, and they felt very at home and welcomed. I love to see how this fruit of that person who gave him a Book of Mormon more than 20 years ago, is now coming to fruition. It just goes to show we never know what kind of an impact we will make and when it will happen."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"We are trying to work more with references because all our area is basically very strong in the two giant evangelical churches in our area. But this week we received a reference from one of our recent converts and when we went to visit, one of them had an old beat up Book of Mormon that his mom had given him. He had already begun reading it! They are two brothers and when we asked them why they were reading the book they told us they didn't know why, but they just found the book and had an unexplainable desire to read it! They came to Church with us this Sunday, and are already expressing a great desire to be baptized."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Power of the Holy Ghost - </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"I want to share an experience we had this week in one of our teaching lessons. We were teaching J. and we also have recently begun to teach his grandmother who also lives in the home. She is amazing, she told us that since we have been teaching in her house, her grandson has been very blessed. And now that we are teaching her also, she says "every time that you all share something with me, it fills my heart with a great joy". We explained to her that this is the Holy Ghost she is feeling, and we know she already has a great to desire to continue learning more about the gospel."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"This week we had a wonderful experience, one of our recent converts came to listen to General Conference, then later received the ordinances of the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods, and we had the opportunity to spend time during these with his wife. And it made us so happy to see their progression in the gospel. For the first time he was able to give a priesthood blessing to his wife, and this made her so happy. We all were overcome with how wonderful this opportunity was and filled with the Spirit, and we are so happy that they can enjoy this great blessing. It makes me so happy to be a missionary and see what joy comes to those who find and practice the gospel in their lives."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>( A visit to the Sonaguerra Branch)</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Power of teaching and testifying - </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"This week we have found several people who have already been prepared by Heavenly Father and have a great desire to make changes in their lives. Yesterday, we taught someone who went to all three sessions of Stake Conference with us, and he says he already feel much happier, fells more excited now that he is going to church meetings. Before he just felt so alone. We also found a couple who is well prepared to hear our message. The husband has spent many years living in a way not becoming to gospel standards but now is excited to implement many changes and get his life in order. He wants to change so bad. We invited them also to Stake Conference and they came. President Cruz (the Stake President) talk was perfect for him, and he was right up front to hear it. Members all around him, already know him, and are fellowshipping him. This is how it is supposed to work."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"On Saturday night we visited a Garifuna family that we have taught a few times. They are in their 30's with two small children. They are married! Which is a miracle! Since the first day we found them we have felt something special about them. As we sat down in their living room, she told me something I didn't expect, she said, "Elders, I want you to know that my husband and I have decided we will go to church this week with you, but only if it doesn't rain." That was a problem, because it had been pouring rain for 3 days straight. Upon arriving at the house my companion and I prayed, absolutely begin g for a break in the rain to give them a chance to experience the church for the first time. As I opened my eyes Sunday morning, I sprinted to the window and what did I see? Blue sky, the first blue sky for a week! They came to church, and loved it! Such an incredible blessing from a loving Father!"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>The Power of Prayer - </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"We want to tell you about a great experience we had, we know a man of about 48 years old, who never in his life has said a prayer. And for the first time ever in his life, this week he prayed with us! We all felt the Spirit so strong, and he truly felt as if he was communicating for the first time ever with his Heavenly Father". </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"We found a new family to teach, a reference from a recent convert. On our first visit, they opened the door and let us in. It is a mom, a dad, and 5 small kids. We taught them about the restoration of the gospel, and how it can bless their family, then the mom said the closing prayer. All she said was, "Heavenly Father, thank thee for these messengers you sent to us. Please bless my family". And then she could barely talk because the Spirit was so strong and she was crying. When she said, "amen", we looked up and both the mom and dad were crying. We all could feel the Spirit testifying to them that they are children of God, and He loves them, and he wants to bless their family. It was incredible."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Power of the Priesthood - </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"This week we stopped by the house of a neighbor of one of our investigators. We found an elderly man there who was very sick and could hardly walk or talk. But they invited us in to visit them, and while we were there, asked if we would give the man a blessing. Other churches had been there before and prayed for him they explained to us. But they trusted us, and we gave him a blessing and set an appointment to return another day. We shouldn't have been surprised but we were so happy to see that already he was able to talk and walk so much better! That they have no doubt that the priesthood authority has restored his health, and now he wants to hear all the lessons and get ready to be baptized. He told us that immediately after we left he started to feel better. We were surprised to find out that he was a pastor, and he had great knowledge of our doctrine already. He has read the Pearl of Great Price, and understands much about our temples, and is so appreciative of the great miracle that has come into his life. Now he is reading the Book of Mormon. He told us that years ago, he and his sisters listened to the missionaries, but his mother wouldn't give permission for them to be baptized, this happened when he was 9 years old. Now he is so happy to have a chance to begin again where he left off learning about the restored gospel. He knows his Heavenly Father has a plan for him."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">What an amazing time it is to be working in the mission field, despite our many ups and downs, we feel very blessed to be part of this great work and to work alongside of the many young people of the Church. We are impressed by how they are changed and strengthened during their service, it's amazing for us to watch this spiritual growth that takes place in their hearts. We remark frequently that this is one of our favorite blessings of missionary service. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">Many times we have likened the mission to the Starfish on the Beach story . . . and it has been overwhelming to see sooOOo many starfish on the beach. But we realize truly, it is just one beach after another filled with starfish, all our Heavenly Father's children and creations. When we remember that we are our Heavenly Father's hands it helps us keep all in it's proper perspective. It takes many many hands to do our Heavenly Father's work, and we feel so blessed to be a part of His great work. </span></div>
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alpinekleinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950528432410686245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168491836782617964.post-83195407111910068082016-02-29T17:36:00.002-07:002016-04-28T11:04:31.115-06:00Are YOU the BEST you can BE?<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>What is Required?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we believe that our Heavenly Father is always preparing people to receive His message of the restored gospel. The challenge of each missionary is to reach out and find those prepared to receive this special message. It delights a missionary's heart when almost immediately their message is well received. We call these contacts “golden” investigators. In many instances they have been waiting and waiting for the missionaries to come into their lives. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Perhaps, they have heard the missionaries message before, but were not at the proper </span>place and<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> time in their lives where they needed to be, to make the important changes necessary to embrace the gospel message and move forward. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">An </span>Exercise<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> in Faith!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">But we do believe through exercising our faith in our Heavenly Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ, as missionaries we will be led to those who are seeking a message that can bring great joy, peace and comfort into their lives. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">One of the most important ways missionaries can find those who are seeking the gospel is to build and strengthen their relationships with the current members of the Church in their areas. Almost everyone has a neighbor, a friend, an acquaintance from work, brothers, sisters or parents who need the gospel to bless their lives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">According to the statistics that the Church keeps, newly baptized converts are more likely to stay active in the Church if they are already acquainted with current members and are taught the gospel within the homes of the members.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Gathering all the Right Ingredients - </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But just the act of teaching a lesson in a member’s home is not the only necessary ingredient in bringing someone into full activity in the restored gospel. Of course, it would be wonderful if people could join the Church and stay active regardless of whether or not they felt welcomed into the wards in their areas, regardless of whether they discovered new lasting friendships, regardless if they receive callings to reach out and be of service to their wards and branches. But it doesn’t often work out that way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The words of President Gordon B. Hinckley have proven to be true when he said - </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>"Every convert needs “a friend, a responsibility, and nurturing</i></span> </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>with ‘the good word of God."</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And Indeed, we are hopeful that a great effort will be made</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> throughout the Church, throughout the world, to retain every convert who comes into the Church. We try as missionaries to make this happen as frequently as possible by following up with new members, helping them receive callings in the Church, encouraging visiting the temple, getting them involved in preparing names for the temple through the family history centers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">cleansed</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">church</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> of Christ; and their </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">names</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">watchful</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> unto prayer, </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">relying</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith" --</span></i> </span></blockquote>
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<i><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Moroni 6:4.</span></span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">New converts are human beings after all, just like the rest of us, who long for company and acceptance. It’s difficult for new members of the church to give up old habits, old friendships who would discourage their activity in the Church. When someone commits to changing their life, developing new habits, accepting the gospel, that is when they most need the company of others to surround them, to share their faith, to reassure them they have a place in the gospel family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdGJIhV84-VvFmZG6Eh10CsVAZVTXR1wlXLw8U-8n7vsOYJbN4_-ARjjFiZphjNYz18xW33hSacH9bH6Er1UYRh3Vyaq0DyVUjDYlxi2MidB9Rappap1leKKisiPtf9CZrGIsqQmzS6g/s1600/feb+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdGJIhV84-VvFmZG6Eh10CsVAZVTXR1wlXLw8U-8n7vsOYJbN4_-ARjjFiZphjNYz18xW33hSacH9bH6Er1UYRh3Vyaq0DyVUjDYlxi2MidB9Rappap1leKKisiPtf9CZrGIsqQmzS6g/s640/feb+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>How DO we get to that point?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How DO we get to that point, where the missionaries meet those prepared to receive the message, helping and leading them to a testimony of the restored gospel principles, baptism and full activity into the Church, surrounded by a ward family who nurtures them through this gigantic change in their lifestyle? That is the big question!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As the Mission Presidents wife, and surrogate mother to hundreds of adopted missionary sons and daughters I feel like I am on both sides of the coin, sometimes reaching out to others, sharing a short gospel message, teaching brief principles to others I come in contact throughout my day, leaving them with pass-along cards, pamphlets, perhaps a Book of Mormon. If at all possible I try to get a phone number for the missionaries to follow up with them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Stepping away from my position for a moment . . . to members of the Church, as they desire to share the gospel with others, these referrals are their friends, acquaintances, they feel a responsibility for how well they will be introduced to the gospel. What kind of example will they see in the missionaries and members that will surround them? After all, we will be asking them to change their lives. Whether they join the Church or not, these are our friends and acquaintances, and we want them to remain so. So naturally, we are perhaps too careful about how we introduce them to the gospel. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We want the missionaries who will introduce them to the gospel to have the most sincere motives. We want the BEST of the BEST when we trust our friends and acquaintances to someone with a powerful life changing message. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>To missionaries everywhere . . .</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">ARE YOU THE BEST YOU CAN BE?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If not? How can you get to that point? How can you arrive at the point where members, neighbors, bishops, Relief Society Presidents will be falling all over themselves trying to find people for you to come teach?? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As a missionary if you have been observed being lazy, lounging around the homes of members, watching TV (a no no for missionaries! MM pg 25), playing games, (outside of Preparation Day) spending the evening with member and investigator families . . . if you are not familiar with the lessons and scriptures found in Preach my Gospel, if you are not making an effort to reach out in love and service to those who surround you each day . . . you can be sure others will not waste what may be their only opportunity to introduce a friend to the gospel by showing them this kind of missionary!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">They will wait (perhaps indefinitely) for the kind of missionary who loves the gospel! Who loves the people! They will wait for missionaries who know the gospel and are excited about what it takes to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one who has experienced the atonement in their lives, and can testify with power and authority of it’s blessings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Missionaries . . . </b>so before you question the motives and dedication of the members in your area . . . you have to ask yourself - </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>AM I THE BEST I CAN BE?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Am I the kind of missionary I would trust my best friend too? Would I refer my favorite and precious family members to a missionary like myself? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If you have some work to do . . . and for certain, we ALL do! I am going to explore some thoughts in my next blog post that will help us arrive at that point. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I think of the fruit trees back home in my garden. Each tree is precious and has the potential to bring forth much fruit. Yet each one requires care to bring forth the abundance of fruit that is possible. They must be nurtured, tilled about, fed the proper balance of nutrients and water. Each one is precious to me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Each one of our Heavenly Father’s children is precious to Him. He is preparing their hearts for a great change in their lives. He wants to entrust these precious souls to the very best of the best. One that will lead them and guide them along a difficult pathway. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">As missionaries we can be the best! I will share my thoughts and observations as I have seen missionaries become some of the very best at </span>bringing<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> souls to Christ. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">We all have much to learn from each other. I am humbled to have learned from some wonderful examples in my life! Missionaries who have taught me powerful principles of the atonement!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><b>For my Yoke is Easy, and my Burden is Light - </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">One of the greatest blessings we as a Mission President and wife experience in the </span>mission<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> field is seeing the change of heart that comes about through receiving the gospel message, gaining a testimony of the Atonement of the </span>Savior<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> Jesus Christ. How it blesses and changes lives and family. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Sometimes the greatest change we see is in the life of a missionary as he finally understands what his true potential is not just here in the mission field, but for life forever more. It gives them a new outlook on their purpose as a missionary. It brings a perspective they have never felt before. It </span>raises<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> their thoughts and expectations to a divine and higher level of thinking. They look to Christ, and understand the true potential that Savior brings to each one of our lives. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">And that is what makes everything worthwhile . . . </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">"Come unto me, all <span class="clarityWord" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">ye</span> that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. <span class="verse" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span>Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. <span style="color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For my yoke</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span class="clarityWord" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">is</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">easy, and my burden is light."</span></span></i></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: large;">-- Matthew 11:30 </span></blockquote>
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alpinekleinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950528432410686245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168491836782617964.post-6572697130036569682016-01-20T13:46:00.002-07:002016-01-21T07:35:11.711-07:00Come Serve a Senior Mission . . <b>Come Serve a Senior Mission in Honduras . . .</b><br />
<br />
Hey!<br />
<br />
What can I say?<br />
<br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #9a9792; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Countless opportunities await Senior Missionaries to help keep the Lord’s work moving forward.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #9a9792; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: "opensans" , sans-serif , "georgia"; font-size: 14px;">Married couples can be found in the Church’s 406 missions serving alongside the younger missionaries at a time in their lives they could be enjoying hobbies during their retirement such as spending more time on the golf course, fishing, traveling or being with their grandchildren. Some couples end up serving multiple missions because they find the opportunity to serve others very rewarding.</span></div>
<br />
This is an outright blatant plea for your consideration . .<br />
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We're even willing to offer a bribe (or a promise) of sorts . . .<br />
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What is it?<br />
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Hopefully I have your attention!<br />
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<b>Wanted: LDS Senior Missionary Couples</b></div>
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<b>to serve as Senior Missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</b><br />
<b>Particularly in the San Pedro Sula East Mission!</b></div>
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<i>Are you the adventurous sort, just wondering where the next stage of life is taking you? Looking for an opportunity where you can really make a difference? </i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Boy . . . have we got an opportunity and challenge for you!</i></div>
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We are currently in need of Senior Couple missionaries. No Spanish necessary to serve in English speaking areas of our mission. We are really in need of 3-4 Senior Missionary couples! <br />
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You are in a position to serve and really make a difference in the lives of the people.<br />
<br />
Do you have love you an share?<br />
You are qualified for the work.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
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(<a href="https://www.lds.org/callings/missionary/senior">learn about LDS Senior Missionary Service here!</a>)</div>
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I'm sure many of you are contemplating a Senior Couple mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Now is your time!! </div>
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Watch this video for just a little taste of what's in store for LDS Senior Missionaries!<br />
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Here is the best (and worst) of what Honduras has to offer:</center>
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<b>The best of Honduras:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Homes are painted and beautiful in some areas as families strive to keep their humble circumstances clean.</li>
<li>The flowers ARE beautiful!</li>
<li>Honduras has a beautiful recently dedicated LDS temple in Tegucigalpa. Senior Missionaries can visit from time to time.</li>
<li>Full service at all the gas stations</li>
<li>Fresh fruit such as - bananas, oranges, pineapples, watermelons and more are always available.</li>
<li>You never have to shovel snow, or scrape ice.</li>
<li>Missionaries have great energy and excitement and testify with great enthusiasm.</li>
<li>Honduras is a beautiful green country with lots of rivers.</li>
<li>The LDS chapels are some of the nicest buildings in their cities.</li>
<li>The gospel of Jesus Christ changes people and enlightens their life.</li>
<li>The missionaries and people are among the best in the world.</li>
<li>Senior missionaries are housed in safe, secure and comfortable housing!</li>
<li>Wintertime temperatures are approximately a balmy 85 degrees.</li>
<li><b>Roatan, the paradise of Honduras in currently in need of a senior missionary couple.</b></li>
<li>The people of the islands are as beautiful as their accompanying scenery.</li>
<li>Time is indeterminate and no one is bothered by tardiness.</li>
<li>Baleades, a tortilla of rice and beans are typical daily fare.</li>
<li>The people love the missionaries.</li>
<li>The children are delightful!</li>
<li>Sometimes missionary work is just plain ol' fun.</li>
<li>Baptisms on the beach really happen.</li>
<li>It's an honor to be a missionary!</li>
<li>The Lord has his eye on each tiny branch of the church in Honduras.</li>
<li>Kayaking on Roatan is an amazing opportunity where one can see dazzling coral and beautiful fish.</li>
<li>Ummm . . . can you believe the seafood is amazing!</li>
<li>On the islands, the air is clean, it's quiet and the beaches are amazing.</li>
<li>Sunsets are gorgeous.</li>
<li>The blessings are endless.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>The worst of Honduras:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Most of the roads are rutted and bumpy dirt roads </li>
<li>Not all neighborhoods have garbage pick up and litter sometimes lines the roads</li>
<li>Many roads are narrow and difficult to maneuver.</li>
<li>Traffic is crazy and frequently causes long lines.</li>
<li>Senior missionaries have VERY long days.</li>
<li>In some neighborhoods children must play inside during the day as it's too dangerous to go out and play in the streets.</li>
<li>Intestinal parasites are a possibility and one takes medication to prevent / overcome.</li>
<li>Tens of thousands of taxi's are honking constantly in the bigger cities.</li>
<li>Noise congestion and rubble abound in San Pedro Sula.</li>
<li>The no-see-um's at the beaches are particularly annoying.</li>
<li>Time is indeterminate and no one is bothered by tardiness.</li>
<li>Baleades, a tortilla of rice and beans are typical daily fare.</li>
<li>During the rainy season it rains, and rains . . . . and rains and rains . . .</li>
<li>You might have to learn to cook lobster.</li>
<li>The days are long and the work is hard.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
<b>In return for missionary service we have much to promise . . .</b></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The best experience of your life. </i></div>
</blockquote>
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<i>The opportunity to serve alongside the best missionaries in the world. </i></div>
</blockquote>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Service to the most humble and teachable of our Father's children. </i></div>
</blockquote>
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<blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>We will be the best missionary President for you to work with - we promise!</i></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<b>Contact Information:</b><br />
<br />
You can contact President Norman Klein or Sister Kristin Klein at -<br />
alpinekleins at aol(dot)com<br />
<br />
To read about many of the experiences of young missionaries currently serving in Honduras -<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>We invite you to check out the many missionary blogs, reporting from Honduras</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> in the right side margin.</b></div>
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<b>Photo Gallery</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(You can also see the experiences of a previous Senior Couple<br />
in Honduras here - <a href="http://www.ourhondurasmission.blogspot.com/">Our Honduras Mission</a>)</div>
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This is NOT an official <a href="http://www.lds.org/">Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> website. But you can click the link to take you to the official site.<br />
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<b>Where do I Begin?</b></div>
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<a href="https://apps.lds.org/recentry/login.lds">Click here to start the recommendation process! </a><br />
<a href="https://www.lds.org/bc/content/ldsorg/content/english/callings/missionary/pdf/online-missionary-recommendation-instructions.pdf?lang=eng">Instructions for the online recommendation.</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.lds.org/church/news/changes-in-senior-missionary-rules">Just a reminder - </a><br />
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As of September 1, 2011, couples may serve for 6, 12, 18, or 23 months. In addition, a cap of $1,400 (US) per month will be established for housing costs.</div>
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In the past, the policy has been that couples serving outside their country of residence were called for at least 18 months. Those wishing to serve outside their country of residence for less than 18 months may now do so if they pay for their own transportation to and from the field.</div>
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A change in housing costs for senior missionaries will also take place in September. Missions, temples, or area administration offices now will locate and secure appropriate housing and pay all housing costs (including rent, utilities, and furnishings). Missionary couples will then reimburse some or all of those housing costs up to the cap.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Blessings await!</span></b></div>
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alpinekleinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950528432410686245noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168491836782617964.post-29285596029406835022016-01-19T17:07:00.000-07:002016-01-19T17:08:01.609-07:00The First Twelve Weeks of a Mission<div class="tr_bq">
<b>What you Should Know about the First Twelve Weeks of a Mission - </b></div>
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One of the fairly recent additions to missionary work across the world is the program entitled "<a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/new-missionary-in-field-training-extends-mtc-experience?lang=eng">The First 12 Weeks for New Missionaries and their Trainers</a>". It came about after the age limit was lowered to 18 years old for men of the Church and 19 years old for the women.<br />
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As the MTC's (Missionary Training Centers) across the world were reaching their capacity for receiving new missionaries, the time a new missionary spent in training in these facilities was decreased tremendously. In most instances, new missionaries learning a foreign language now spend no more than 6 weeks in the MTC. Those not learning a new language usually have a 10 day length of stay. <br />
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These circumstances lend great importance to the first 12 weeks a missionary spends in their assigned mission with a new trainer. It's important that those first 12 weeks be the most productive and beneficial that they possibly can.<br />
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I personally have a great testimony of this program. While is was developed for training new missionaries, this is a program that benefits each missionary in the field continuously.<br />
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<b>Live by the Whisperings of the Spirit . . .</b></div>
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One of the greatest roles of a trainer for a new missionary is to help their new companion seek for and heed the promptings of the Spirit. This begins in the MTC training and is carried forward right into the mission field. </div>
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As missionaries we invite increasing numbers of people "to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end". (<a href="https://www.lds.org/manual/preach-my-gospel-a-guide-to-missionary-service?lang=eng">Preach my Gospel</a>, pg1) That is a great charge and sacred responsibility as called representatives of Jesus Christ. It can only be accomplished through being familiar with the gift of the Holy Ghost and heeding the promptings that come to us. </div>
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<b>Prepare to Become a Trainer - </b></div>
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An additional part of "The First 12 Weeks" program is to prepare newly arrived missionaries to become trainers themselves for the missionaries that will follow them. It has also been known to occur that a missionary might be called upon to train a newly arriving missionary before they have even completed 12 weeks in their assigned mission! Therefore, it is even more vital to be attentive and diligent during this time as a Mission President may need to place a young missionary in a position to train another very early on in their missionary service. </div>
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As I mentioned above, I have a great testimony and love for this program. I love to use the lessons found within the program to augment my own personal scripture and gospel study. </div>
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I thought I would take you through some of the basic principles found within this small booklet, very inspired by our prophet and the Quorum of the Twelve. </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(P-Day means preparing cookies for our upcoming Christmas Zone Conferences - a little </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">help from our Sister Training Leaders)</span></i><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4yrujW0uYpc/VpP7xma46KI/AAAAAAAANrw/vQ6Cwo0DJ4M/s1600/DSC05421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4yrujW0uYpc/VpP7xma46KI/AAAAAAAANrw/vQ6Cwo0DJ4M/s640/DSC05421.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(I also love their help with Christmas preparations for the Mission Home!)</span></i></div>
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<b>An Introduction to the First 12 Weeks - In-Field Training for New Missionaries - </b></div>
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The training begins with a review of basic principles that are important for missionaries everywhere, principles such as:</div>
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<li>Be obedient to mission rules and the direction contained in the Missionary Handbook</li>
<li>Love, serve and listen to your companion</li>
<li>Eagerly participate as a fully contributing member of your companionship.</li>
<li>Focus your study on helping your investigators prepare to make and keep covenants.</li>
<li>Stay anchored in the scriptures and <a href="https://www.lds.org/manual/preach-my-gospel-a-guide-to-missionary-service?lang=eng">Preach my Gospel.</a></li>
<li>Learn to effectively teach the doctrines in Preach my Gospel, chapter 3</li>
<li>Conduct effective daily and weekly planning according to the Spirit, seek revelation</li>
<li>Follow the training schedule of the booklet, The First 12 Weeks</li>
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<b>Additional 60 Minutes of Companionship Study - </b></div>
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Each missionary companionship during the first 12 weeks of a newly arrived missionaries service is expected to spend an additional hour after personal time and companionship study time to review and follow closely the 12 weeks of lessons found within the booklet. When this period is over, companion study will return to the regular 60 minutes per day. Usually for our missionaries this occurs in the mornings beginning at 10:00 am. <i>Missionaries not participating in this program with a new missionary leave their houses and begin proselytizing at this time. </i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(A glimpse of some of our First 12 Weeks training sessions that we do with missionaries and trainers)</span></i></div>
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<b>Language Study -</b><i> </i></div>
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All missionaries without regard to their nationality or length of time in the mission, serving outside of the United States in a country where English is not the primary language, spend an additional 30-60 minutes each day in language study. For those learning the language of the country where they are serving this is important study time! They receive booklets and study guides to follow to help them become acquainted quickly with the language they will be teaching with their investigators and companions. It's an important time to practice discussions and terminology of the Church and doctrine of the Church found in Preach my Gospel.</div>
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For missionaries learning English, which should be ALL missionaries who do not already speak English, they also are learning a language and should spend 30-60 minutes daily practicing English from the study guides and booklets provided to them from the missionary department. All missionaries who do not have English as their primary language have an opportunity at the end of their missionary service to take an International English Spoken Language exam that will certify them at a certain level of English. This will enable them to more than double their earning power in many countries of the world, enabling them to better support and serve their families and bless their Church service throughout the world.</div>
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<b>Accountability to the Mission President and to the Lord - </b></div>
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Missionaries participating in the 12 weeks program, both the trainer and the newly arrived missionary are accountable to the Mission President for their progress in the program. It is essential that you report what you are learning. You should also report how what you are learning is helping you to accomplish your missionary purpose. </div>
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Also, very important, at the end of everyday, to give an accountability to the Lord, what you are doing with the time He has blessed you with during the period of your sacred calling. </div>
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<b>Missionary service is a privilege and great responsibility!</b></div>
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<b>The Basics of Companion Study - </b></div>
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During your personal study time and companionship study time it's important to focus your studies on the needs of your investigators, thinking of each one individually, what their needs are, what their understanding of gospel principles is, how they are progressing, what do they lack to be prepared for baptism? All of this under the direction of the Spirit. </div>
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<i>A successful missionary will use this time to improve their capacity to serve the Lord, not to simply cover the material. </i> </div>
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The basics of companion study include:</div>
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<li>Beginning with prayer</li>
<li>Reading three pages of the Missionary Handbook (and discussing how you can implement these guidelines better into your daily routine!) </li>
<li>Sharing what you felt through the Spirit in your Personal Study time.</li>
<li>Preparing and planning to teach the investigators you are meeting with that day</li>
<li>Completing the items listed on the weekly lessons of the First 12 weeks booklet</li>
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<b>Lesson Schedule - The First 12 Weeks - </b><br />
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The lessons included in the booklet invite missionaries to study specific chapters from Preach My Gospel as well as the eight "Fundamentals" from Preach my Gospel, which are referred to as "Fundamentals from Preach My Gospel: Teaching More Effectively". <br />
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Through following the program closely, missionaries gain a greater understanding of the power of the scriptures, the importance of, and improved use of Preach My Gospel, and discover wonderful<br />
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Along the way there are opportunities to check your progress through completing a self assessment.<br />
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<b>Check Your Progress - </b><br />
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Personally, I love the self-assessments. Missionaries have an opportunity to think and ponder on how they are coming along in their knowledge and skills of missionary work.<br />
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There are a total of 44 assessment questions to ponder during your personal and companion study and first 12 weeks training. They provide a great opportunity to discover where you should focus most of your attention during your study time. </div>
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Some of my favorite assessments to ponder are - (you evaluate yourself and give yourself a score 1-5)</div>
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<li>I seek to help others strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ as I teach.</li>
<li>I try to notice spiritual impressions and ideas that come to my mind and heart as I teach.</li>
<li>My investigators know how the Holy Ghost operates so that they recognize answers to their prayers.</li>
<li>I invite my investigators to pray to know the Book of Mormon is true.</li>
<li>My investigators understand how to keep the Sabbath day holy.</li>
<li>I listen carefully in order to discern the thoughts and needs of my investigators.</li>
<li>I help others to make commitments out of a desire to draw closer to the Lord, not out of obligation to me</li>
<li>My investigators understand my role in helping them receive the blessings of the gospel and of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.</li>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Practicing our Preach my Gospel Skills in a search activity!)</span></i></div>
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<b>Fundamentals from Preach My Gospel: Teaching More Effectively</b></div>
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And finally, my favorite part of the First 12 Weeks program . . . the study guide that introduces the most important fundaments found in Preach my Gospel. The fundamentals that teach some of the core doctrines and practices of the Church. Some of the very most important principles that make our Church different from all other churches that are present on the earth today.</div>
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<b>It All Begins with the Doctrine of Christ - </b></div>
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And that is a topic for another whole blog post . . . as I couldn't begin to do it justice with one short paragraph. </div>
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In fact each one of the following topics that are found in the study guide could be the focus and is the focus of a weeks worth of study for each missionary around the world as they enter their assigned mission service.</div>
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<ul>
<li>The Doctrine of Christ - The Missionary Purpose</li>
<li>The Role of the Holy Ghost in Conversion</li>
<li>Revelation Through Prayer</li>
<li>Revelation through the Book of Mormon</li>
<li>Revelation through Church Attendance</li>
<li>Teach People, Not Lessons</li>
<li>We invite, They Commit, We Follow up</li>
<li>How to Begin Teaching</li>
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<b>So there you have it . . .</b><br />
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The principles of the training program for missionaries across the world. An inspired and revealed program through the apostles and prophets. I can share my witness that these principles bless the lives of those who spend their time in diligent study and practice.<br />
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The have the power to change your life not just during your missionary service but to bless your life forever. <br />
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I want to finish with some of the words of a favorite prophet of the Book of Mormon, Nephi.<br />
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<i> Wherefore, the things which I have written suffice me, save it be a few words which I must speak concerning the doctrine of Christ; wherefore, I shall speak unto you plainly, according to the plainness of my prophesying.<br /><span style="color: #0091bc;"> </span>For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding. (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/31?lang=eng">2 Nephi 31:2,3</a>)</i></blockquote>
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Our Heavenly Father does bless us with His Light when we seek it. He blesses His missionaries. He sends His angels to surround them, His Holy Spirit to lift them, to guide them, to direct their missionary efforts through their worthiness. <br />
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Missionary work is a great privilege. And we are grateful for an opportunity to serve our Heavenly Father and be His hands it this great work.<br />
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<br />alpinekleinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950528432410686245noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168491836782617964.post-89131850604537704432015-12-23T14:43:00.002-07:002016-01-26T18:11:43.891-07:00Merry Christmas from Honduras 2015<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>For all our dear friends and family and this special time of year.</b></span></span><br />
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When we say our 'dear' friends and family, that is the understatement of a lifetime . . . We cannot even begin to recognize and rejoice in the many ways that each one of you have influenced our lives in some way. When we say we miss you and wish our most happiest and most joyful wishes for you in the New Year ahead, it's doesn't even begin to express the heartfelt emotion that we experience as we think of each one of you. You all touch our lives in so many ways. From your kind caring concern, your actual physical service and good deeds, the good thoughts and prayers we feel in our behalf, to the support we have felt throughout our missionary service, to the friendships you extend to our family, especially our children . . . thank you just isn't a big enough word. We feel emotionally connected across the miles to so many . . .</div>
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And a special thanks to our many many missionaries, serving and returned . . . what a privilege it has been in our lives to be associated with you, and to serve alongside you as we accomplish our Heavenly Father's work here on the earth. We extend our warmest Christmas wishes to you and your families and want you to know that not a day goes by that we don't think of and miss you all and appreciate the wonderful things you were and are able to accomplish during your missionary service. Thank you.</div>
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<b>The Savior of the World . . .</b></div>
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Even though life continues to be a roller coaster of challenges and adventures here in Honduras, life is good and we truly feel our blessings have far outweighed our challenges. Our Heavenly Father continues to bless us greatly, and we feel privileged to have the opportunity to testify daily of the glorious mission of our Savior, Jesus Christ. That He is the Savior of the world, the Son of God, our Redeemer. That He was born in Bethlehem, organized His Church with Priesthood power and authority upon the earth. He is the only way by which we can return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. </div>
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Jesus Christ suffered and died for the sins of the world, for you and for me, for us, giving each of God's children the gift of repentance and forgiveness. And through His resurrection prepared the way for each person to overcome physical death as well. These events are called the Atonement. We testify that it is real, and is for you for me, for us. </div>
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It's a privilege to share with the world that some day He will return to the earth again - </div>
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<i>"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government</i></div>
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<i>shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, </i></div>
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<i>Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.</i></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/isa/9.6?lang=eng">(Isaiah 9:6)</a></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b>We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Wherever this Christmas season may find you, we testify that these things are real. That God is our loving Heavenly Father. That He knows us and loves us. That He desires to bless us. That we celebrate the birth of His son at this special season of the year. May you enjoy this special season with your family gathered all around. May you experience the fulness of life's greatest blessings in the year ahead. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">We send our love across the miles from the wilds of Honduras. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Merry Christmas!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Norm and Kristin</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">President and Sister Klein</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Honduras, San Pedro Sula East Mission</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">2013 - 2016</span></span></div>
alpinekleinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950528432410686245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168491836782617964.post-37012471505844613092015-12-14T12:02:00.000-07:002016-05-01T22:01:37.623-06:00A Mission, in the Service of God<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<b>In the Service of Their God . . .</b></div>
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<i>(Enjoy this beautiful video . . . of the life of a missionary here in Central America,</i></div>
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<i>prepared by those who love missionaries here in our mission)</i></div>
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"Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.</div>
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Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.</div>
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Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;</div>
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<span style="color: #0091bc;"> </span><span style="color: #333333;">For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;</span></div>
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And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.</div>
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Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.</div>
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<span style="color: #0091bc;"> </span><span style="color: #333333;">Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen. (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/4.4?lang=eng">Doctrine and Covenants 4</a>)</span></div>
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<b>Called to the Work . . .</b><br />
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Above is a scripture much loved and memorized by missionaries throughout the world. Really, it's a call to each of us. To share, teach and testify of our Savior, Jeus Christ, the lessons of the atonement and the restored gospel.<br />
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But today . . . at this blessed and sacred time of year, when we celebrate the birth of the Savior, a long time ago, in the humble city of Bethlehem, with all the surroundings of the nativity story as found in literature throughout the ages, and the scriptures of the New Testament. Today, I want to focus on the tens of thousands of young people throughout the world, those who willingly give up 18 months to two years of their life, so that others might find the Light of the Savior in their life. <br />
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These last years have shown me the magnitude of their service, sacrifice, dedication, love, honor, commitment . . . I can't praise them high enough. My heart is full each time I ponder upon the more than 65,000 young people and the Light that they share daily as they go through the world. From small villages, in jungles, in big cities, in ghettos, in bordos, on mountains, in valleys, speaking almost every language imaginable. It's touches my heart each day as I think of the message and the hundreds of testimonies that are born daily of the Savior, our Heavenly Father, their love for mankind and for the children of God. It is such a privilege to find myself among them.<br />
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<b>Qualified for the Work . . .</b><br />
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As missionaries prepare to serve the are busy accumulating the necessary physics preparations that will sustain them on their journey. Suitcases, clothing, incidentals, good shoes, white shirts, ties, knee length skirts, bug spray, umbrellas . . . you name it. Much is required. <br />
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But even more than the physical necessities and even of more greater value and importance are the spiritual necessities as outlines in the scripture above from D&C 4. <br />
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<ul>
<li>Desire</li>
<li>A Calling</li>
<li>Work ethic</li>
<li>Strength</li>
<li>Emotional preparation</li>
<li>Faith</li>
<li>Hope</li>
<li>Charity</li>
<li>Love</li>
<li>Eye single to the glory of God</li>
<li>Faith</li>
<li>Virtue</li>
<li>Knowledge</li>
<li>Temperance</li>
<li>Patience</li>
<li>Brotherly Kindness</li>
<li>Godliness</li>
<li>Charity</li>
<li>Humility</li>
<li>Diligence</li>
<li>Desire</li>
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I am humbled each day as I see these young people develop these qualities in their life that will bless their service here in the mission field, and bless their lives and their families forever more. <br />
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Where else can you gain these divine attributes in your life in such a short period of time. I stand all amazed . . . truly.<br />
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<b>I Stand All Amazed . . .</b><br />
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I think almost all of us understand (me from experience in much practice!) how difficult it is to give your whole heart over to the Lord. Yet this is what He is asking of each, especially during this period of missionary service. We all like to retain and keep handy a little package of our favorite weaknesses, those things in which we are most reluctant to submit, or pay the price to conquer. </div>
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Serving with all our might and our strength. To me, might is slightly different than strength. It involves a capacity which is comprised of spiritual energy, devotion, commitment and faithfulness. It inspires a divine purpose. Have you ever noticed that frequently the most spiritual people, are also some of the most hard working? </div>
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In whatever manner the Lord has called us to serve, as Home teachers, Visiting teachers, Gospel doctrine teachers, Primary leaders . . . we can each follow the examples of the missionaries and service with all our heart, might, mind and strength.<br />
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<b>Blessed Art Thou . . .</b><br />
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I love this additional witness from the scripture that our Heavenly Father desires to bless us as we serve him with a fullness of heart . . .</div>
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<i>"Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments.</i></blockquote>
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<i>And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever;" (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/hel/10?lang=eng">Helaman 10:4</a>)</i></blockquote>
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Our Heavenly Father promises great blessings to all who labor in His service. The scriptures are full of references that illustrate our Heavenly Father's desire to bless His children. Frequently we study these together in our training meetings with our missionaries. These scriptures always fill my heart as I have witnessed these great blessings in my own life and in the lives of the missionaries which surround us. <br />
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One which is in my heart daily at this time of year is the great joy I find as I teach and testify of our Savior, that although He came to the world long ago, suffered and died for use, today . . .<br />
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<b>He lives!</b><br />
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<b>He Lives!</b><br />
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I'm so grateful for this powerful witness, for the many instances in my life that have strengthened this witness that I share, for the many miracles that have occurred in my life that testify to me that I have a real Heavenly Father who loves me and blesses me. <br />
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I am grateful at this time of year. And yet, I am also humbled when I think of the need that I have for the atonement daily in my life And so grateful that there was a Savior who loved me enough to take my weakness upon him. I'm grateful to testify of these things each day.<br />
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Enjoy this beautiful Christmas season. Enjoy the holidays filled with love, laughter, warm hugs amongst family, the smiles and excitement of little children, the bright and sparkling lights of the season, enjoy it all! And remember the reason for the season.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;"> . . . "I am come that they might have </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">life</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">, and that they might have </span><span class="clarityWord" style="background-color: #fefbbf; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">it</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;"> more </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">abundantly</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">." (John 10:10)</span></blockquote>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Called to Serve . . .</span></b></div>
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alpinekleinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950528432410686245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168491836782617964.post-51762371147598743322015-12-05T11:18:00.002-07:002016-01-26T18:14:10.921-07:00LDS Missionaries - A Savior is Born<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Sorry so long in between posts . . . I broke my camera in September and have finally received a new one! Hurray! So more photos on the way . . . in the meanwhile, enjoy these cell phone photos! Thank goodness for cell phones!!)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
The Living Christ . . .</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As Missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is our great privilege to testify daily of the important role of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Even though He came to earth, suffered and died for us upon the cross . . . </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Today He lives!</i></b></span><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfaf3; border: 0px; color: #575656; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 35px; vertical-align: baseline;">He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (</span><span class="scriptures" style="background-color: #fdfaf3; border: 0px; color: #575656; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; line-height: 20.799999237060547px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 35px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a class="scripture" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/john/1/3#3" style="border: 0px; color: #5e6c84; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">John 1:3</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfaf3; border: 0px; color: #575656; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 35px; vertical-align: baseline;">). </span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfaf3; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 20.799999237060547px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Of Him the Prophet, Joseph Smith, </span><span style="background-color: #fdfaf3; font-style: inherit;">also declared: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-style: inherit;">“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—</span><span style="background-color: #fdfaf3; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 20.799999237060547px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (</span><span class="scriptures" style="background-color: #fdfaf3; border: 0px; font-style: italic; line-height: 20.799999237060547px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a class="scripture" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/dc/76/22-24#22" style="border: 0px; color: #5e6c84; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">D&C 76:22–24</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfaf3; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 20.799999237060547px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">).</span> </blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfaf3; font-style: inherit;">(Excerpts from </span><a href="http://jesuschrist.lds.org/testimonies-of-him/articles/the-living-christ-the-testimony-of-the-apostles-of-the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints?&lang=eng" style="background-color: #fdfaf3; font-style: inherit;">The Living Christ</a><span style="background-color: #fdfaf3; font-style: inherit;">)</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>The Scriptures Testify of Christ . . .</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Many Christians throughout the world are familiar with the testaments of the Savior found in the scriptures of the New Testament. The accounts of his life and teachings as found in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Yet as missionaries and called representatives of the Savior, we testify of revealed further witnesses of the Savior, revealed through modern prophets in the Latter-days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Knowing that doubt, disbelief, and misinformation would remain after centuries of darkness, our loving Heavenly Father brought forth an ancient volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible, which contains the fulness of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This volume of holy scripture provides convincing evidence that Joseph Smith is a true prophet of God. This record is the <b>Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The prophets in the Book of Mormon knew about the mission of the Savior and taught His gospel. After His resurrection, Christ appeared to these people. He taught them His gospel and established His Church on the American continent. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In order to gain a knowledge that the Book of Mormon, as revealed to the prophet Joseph Smith is true, a person must read, ponder upon what he is reading, and be willing to pray and ask God if these things are true. The honest seeker of truth will soon come to feel that the Book of Mormon is the word of God.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Many titles and names are descriptive of the Savior's divine mission and ministry . . . </span></b><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">He Himself taught . . .</span></blockquote>
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<li> <span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"I am the light and the life of the world. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end" (3 Nephi 9:18).</span> </li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"I am . . . your advocate with the Father" (D&C 29:5).</span> </li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"I am the good shepherd" (John 10:11)</span> </li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"I am Messiah, the King of Zion, the Rock of Heaven" (Moses 7:53)</span> </li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger or thirst" (John 6:35)</span> </li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">" I am the resurrection, and the life" (John 11:25)</span> </li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"I am the bright and morning star" (Revelation 22:16)</span> </li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, the Great I Am" (D&C 29:1).<a href="http://christmas.mormon.org/"> </a></span><a href="http://christmas.mormon.org/"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="cursor: pointer;">ASaviorIsBorn</span></a></li>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Many people are curious about this Book of Mormon, of which we teach from and testify daily.</span></b><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The book was written by many ancient prophets by the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Their words, written on gold plates, were quoted and abridged by a prophet-historian named Mormon. The record gives an account of two great civilizations. One came from Jerusalem in 600 <span class="small" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: baseline;">B.C.</span> and afterward separated into two nations, known as the Nephites and the Lamanites. The other came much earlier when the Lord confounded the tongues at the Tower of Babel. This group is known as the Jaredites. After thousands of years, all were destroyed except the Lamanites, and they are among the ancestors of the American Indians.</span><a class="bookmark dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3168491836782617964" name="p3" style="background-image: url(https://edge.ldscdn.org/cdn2/csp/ldsorg/notebook/20130501/images/study-tools-sprite.png); background-position: 0px -493px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; cursor: ns-resize; height: 25px; left: -13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 30px; z-index: -1;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after His resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/introduction?lang=eng" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(Introduction to the Book of Mormon)</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Christ's Visit to the America's </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I love to study the visit of the Savior to the American continent as relayed in <b><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/9?lang=eng">3 Nephi of the Book of Mormon</a>.</b> Especially at Christmas time, I find it brings me closer to the Savior. I hear His voice as I read and study His words found in these scriptures. I'm so impressed with the beauty of this section of the Book of Mormon and the powerful witness of our Savior, that today he lives! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I see many similarities to our day as we anticipate the Second coming of the Savior. The Nephite people had become an independent and proud people. No longer listening to the voice of the prophets. Gradually, they came to reject religion and the teachings of God as revealed through the prophets. Secret combinations flourished in the land, and Satan gained great power upon the hearts of men, tempting them to be proud of their independence, and not looking to the Lord in gratitude and seeking His guidance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There were a few righteous among them. Nephi continued to lead the Church with power and even performed many miracles, but still the people in general preferred to disbelieve and trust more in the works of men than those of God. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>There arose a mighty storm . . .</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And in those days a storm began, such as one as had never been before in the land. Lightning flashed and thunder shook the earth, violent winds carried away people, houses, flocks and herds, never to be seen again. Many great and notable cites were sunk, and many were burned, and many were shaken and fell to the earth. And many died and were injured in the great storm. Even the whole face of the land was changed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For several hours the storm raged and shook and blew and just as all were doomed to perish, the quaking and tempest ceased and a darkness settled over the land in all parts. For three days the people mourned in darkness and no light could be seen, nor candle penetrate the great darkness. A great mourning and weeping could be heard throughout the land. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Then a voice began to speak from the Heavens and was heard throughout the land. Imagine how the people felt when they heard, "<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;"> “Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?” (</span><a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/9.13?lang=eng#12" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3 Ne. 9:13</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">)."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;"><i>“Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God” </i>(</span><a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/9.15?lang=eng#14" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3 Ne. 9:15</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He declared to them that by Him, redemption came, that through Him the law of Moses was fulfilled. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When the darkness dispersed, the people gathered at the Temple in the land of Bountiful. Once again they heard the same voice, Mormon tells us - </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">“it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn” (</span><a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/11.3?lang=eng#2" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3 Ne. 11:3</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">)</span></span></blockquote>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>The Voice of God . . .</b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> And again a voice came from the Heavens saying,</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;"><i>“Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him”</i> (</span><a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/11.5-7?lang=eng#4" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3 Ne. 11:5–7</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">).</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Very few people in all the history of the world have been blessed to hear the voice of God. And as the people looked towards the heavens they saw a Man descending from the Heavens. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> He was clothed all in white, and he came down and stood in the midst of the people. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He reached out his hand towards the people and spoke to them saying, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<div class="" id="p27" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/general-conference/1987/04/the-saviors-visit-to-america.p27">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>“Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.</i></span></div>
<div class="" id="p28" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/general-conference/1987/04/the-saviors-visit-to-america.p28">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>“And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning” </i>(<a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/11.9-11?lang=eng#8" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3 Ne. 11:9–11</a>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And all the people fell to the earth, but Jesus Christ invited them to rise up, and come to Him and see the marks from the crucifixion, in His hands, and the wounds in His side. He invited them to come forward and to touch and to feel Him. And one by one the people did come, and they did touch and feel Him, the resurrected Savior, a member of the Godhead, the creator of innumerable worlds. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When the last of the people had come unto Him, and touched and felt, they then all fell to the ground and worshipped Him, saying, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>“Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God!"</i>(3 Nephi 11:16)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
While he dwelt with the people, many things did he teach and testify, many mighty miracles he works. Yes . . . those were days to never have been forgotten.<br />
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<b>The Powerful Book of Mormon . . .</b><br />
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I love the powerful witness of the Book of Mormon. It testifies of Jesus Christ, of His prophets, of His doctrine of salvation. What a blessing it would be if every family could the testimony found of the Savior in the Book of Mormon. What a blessing it would be if every family could study the words of the Savior, liken His teachings to their home and their lives.<br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b>From Birth to Atonement . . .</b><br />
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As the Savior, Jesus Christ prepared to leave the disciples He established here on the American continent, He left them with these words . . .<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>“Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you—that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>“And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil. …</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>“And it shall come to pass, that whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world. …</i></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>“Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the <a class="no-link-style" href="https://www.lds.org/topics/holy-ghost?lang=eng" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: none !important; color: #2f393a; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none !important; vertical-align: baseline;">Holy Ghost</a>, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>“Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel” (<a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/27.13-14%2C16%2C19-21?lang=eng#12" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3 Ne. 27:13–14, 16, 19–21</a>).</i></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Living Christ - </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The mission of the resurrected Savior did not end with his visit to the America's. The continuing miracle is that He has revealed Himself to men again in our day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Modern day prophets and apostles together testify to the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith, who restored the gospel to the earth again . . . </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: #fdfaf3; font-style: inherit;">“And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-style: inherit;">“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—</span><span style="background-color: #fdfaf3; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 20.799999237060547px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (</span><span class="scriptures" style="background-color: #fdfaf3; border: 0px; font-style: italic; line-height: 20.799999237060547px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a class="scripture" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/dc/76/22-24#22" style="border: 0px; color: #5e6c84; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">D&C 76:22–24</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfaf3; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 20.799999237060547px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">).(Excerpts from <a href="http://jesuschrist.lds.org/testimonies-of-him/articles/the-living-christ-the-testimony-of-the-apostles-of-the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints?&lang=eng">The Living Christ</a>)</span></blockquote>
<b><i>As Christ lives today in a resurrected body, so shall we!</i></b><br />
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<b>As Missionaries . . . </b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As missionaries we witness, that the teachings found in the Book of Mormon, that witness of the Savior are true. That Jesus is the Christ, and He stands at the head of this Church today. Even the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that bears his name.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We testify that HE will come again, in great power and glory. May we follow His example and be prepared to meet Him in that great day.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://christmas.mormon.org/">Christmas.mormon.org</a></span></b></div>
alpinekleinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950528432410686245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168491836782617964.post-71289748695307760252015-10-11T22:19:00.001-06:002015-10-25T12:05:15.812-06:00Behold, I am a Disciple of Jesus Christ<div class="" id="p2" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/general-conference/1992/04/a-disciple-of-jesus-christ.p2">
“Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.</div>
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“Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind” (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/64?lang=eng">D&C 64:33–34</a>)</div>
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Our focus for the last three months has been on how can we be better disciples of Jesus Christ. </div>
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More than ever before, our Heavenly Father needs missionaries and members with willing hearts and minds, with a desire to stand for right, share a testimony of the Savior through example, thoughts, deeds, and actions. </div>
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Missionaries come to the mission field with many varied backgrounds and talents. Indeed some are very well educated, some are great teachers and speakers, some have no fear of testifying boldly, some are extremely diligent and obedient with exactness. <br />
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<b><i>The goal of every missionary should be the ability to follow through with their commitment of what they said they would do! </i></b><br />
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- Stand as valiant witnesses of Christ at all times, through all things, and in all places.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vXF7EjTfeoQ/VhgJpt4INiI/AAAAAAAAMyQ/JCTsXKxmF88/s1600/collage%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vXF7EjTfeoQ/VhgJpt4INiI/AAAAAAAAMyQ/JCTsXKxmF88/s640/collage%2B1" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xRuO-x3qbxE/VhgLRWa7GLI/AAAAAAAAMy0/10QfbhlSHIk/s1600/collage%2B5" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xRuO-x3qbxE/VhgLRWa7GLI/AAAAAAAAMy0/10QfbhlSHIk/s640/collage%2B5" width="640" /></a></div>
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Missionaries dedicated to getting up early and do so everyday without fail, missionaries who don't depend on companions, district leaders, or anyone else to tell them how and when they should act. Missionaries committed to become - </div>
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<span class="chunk" id="chunk260007" node="260007" paranum="26" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="7">"anxiously </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk260008" node="260008" paranum="26" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="8">engaged</span><span class="chunk" id="chunk260009" node="260009" paranum="26" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="9"> in </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk260010" node="260010" paranum="26" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="10">a </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk260011" node="260011" paranum="26" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="11">good </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk260012" node="260012" paranum="26" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="12">cause, </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk260013" node="260013" paranum="26" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="13">and </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk260014" node="260014" paranum="26" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="14">do </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk260015" node="260015" paranum="26" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="15">many </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk260016" node="260016" paranum="26" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="16">things </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk260017" node="260017" paranum="26" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="17">of </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk260018" node="260018" paranum="26" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="18">their </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk260019" node="260019" paranum="26" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="19">own </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk260020" node="260020" paranum="26" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="20">free </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk260021" node="260021" paranum="26" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="21">will, </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk260022" node="260022" paranum="26" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="22">and </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk260023" node="260023" paranum="26" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="23">bring </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk260024" node="260024" paranum="26" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="24">to </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk260025" node="260025" paranum="26" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="25">pass </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk260026" node="260026" paranum="26" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="26">much </span><span class="chunk hl-id-51387611" id="chunk260027" node="260027" paranum="26" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="27">righteousness;" - <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/58.42?lang=eng">D&C 58:27</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Photos from our missionary training meetings)</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TbrjmLgFnNc/VhgKhjH47XI/AAAAAAAAMyk/tRiCp1MkkRg/s1600/collage%2B3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TbrjmLgFnNc/VhgKhjH47XI/AAAAAAAAMyk/tRiCp1MkkRg/s640/collage%2B3" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefbbf; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: start;">Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: start;">called</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: start;"> of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefbbf; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: start;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/5.13">- 3 Nephi 5:13</a></span></div>
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As committed disciples of our Heavenly Father our contribution to the work of salvation is much different than it was previously. In the past missionaries focuses primarily on finding, teaching and baptizing, and that was it. </div>
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As Elder Nelson so beautifully taught,<br />
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<i>"Missionary work should begin and end with our minds focused on the blessings of the Holy Temple." </i></blockquote>
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So missionary work today is much broader and more wonderful! Missionaries work with members, assisting in teaching and strengthening both members and investigators before and after baptism. We encourage member missionary work, working to retain new members and reactivate less-active members. We work to connect temple and family history work in all our teaching and strengthening. </div>
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As disciples of Christ we labor diligently to increase our ability to find and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ in a manner that brings those we teach to an understanding of Jesus Christ, through the witness of the Holy Ghost. </div>
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The missionary purpose is to "invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end."</div>
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As we understand more completely our missionary purpose found in <u><a href="https://www.lds.org/manual/preach-my-gospel-a-guide-to-missionary-service?lang=eng">Preach my Gospel</a></u>, we understand that as missionaries today we work with and help all of Heavenly Father's children. All of Heavenly Father's children need to be invited to come unto Christ. All of them need faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement. We help them and teach them. All need repentance. We help them repent, and we also seek the blessings of the Atonement in our own lives.</div>
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Here are a few examples of missionary life . . . as missionaries act as -<br />
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<i> "disciples of Jesus Christ" - </i></div>
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<b>Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ . . . </b></div>
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"We had a surprising but powerful experience as we visited our investigators, a couple, as is common here in Honduras, living together as a family, but not yet married. When we first arrived, no one answered our greeting, but as we were starting to leave the husband opened the door looking astonished but welcomed us into the home. He explained it had been a difficult week with many personal trials and challenges. He explained they had been fighting over fears, suspicions, and he had been near to packing and leaving the family when he excused himself to a room and began to pour his heart out in prayer, begging God for help. At that exact moment we arrived. His wife soon joined us, and we shared our prepared message on the subject of Chastity, a sacred commandment with promised blessings. They have a great desire to know the truth, and we left them with a challenge to continue to pray, and hope that our message will provide some healing . . . "</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(a glimpse into our most recent multi-zone conferences)</i></span></div>
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One of our Latin missionaries shares his testimony of the gift of tongues. He has been diligent in studying his English. They were teaching a North American investigator, and after practicing with his companion, was able to share the first vision in English and testify of the Prophet Joseph Smith in English, testifying of the Spirit which accompanied him and helped him with the language.</div>
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Many tender mercies occur through faith and through prayer - missionaries preparing for a baptism arrived at the church to find the door to the baptismal font locked and no key available. They prayed with all their might for a miracle that they could open the door, they tried the door knob and it was still locked. But soon discovered Heavenly Father has a sense of humor as he prompted them to reach across the font with a mop, and they could just barely turn the handle of the door and open it in a short period of time! Their prayers were answered and the baptism proceeded!</div>
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<b>Missionary life is hard, but </b></div>
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. . . "as the days pass I love it more and more. The one thing that makes me love it the most is the people. I don't think I have ever met a more loving and kind people. Especially the people we teach. I have found a genuine love them. I'm still trying to get used to the heat and all the rain, but the teaching makes up for that!"</div>
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". . . a miracle has happened as we have focused on references, people literally have an unbeatable urge to give us references. One person literally ran down the street to follow us and give us three references, another investigator wanted us to visit her friends and relatives and gave us 6 references. It's gotten to the point that it's more difficult to find time to contact them all because we are receiving them so fast!</div>
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"We had a really spiritual experience that reminded me that the Lord is always preparing people for us and guiding us to people who are in need of our message . . . we were walking down the street when someone called out, "missionaries!" and a woman came running to us and told us she had been looking and looking for us. She originally was from another city where she had attended Church meetings with her husband, and after her husband was killed she moved to our area to be with family, but couldn't find the missionaries. We shared a message with her and her family who also are not members and the spirit was really strong, and they want us to return soon. I know if we always try our best and pray for the Spirit, the Lord will guide us."</div>
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<b>Some weeks are just GREAT to be a missionary!</b></div>
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"This last week was absolutely great, one of those weeks that just makes me love going a missionary. Our investigator was baptized on Saturday and the whole family came to the baptism and then to church on Sunday for the confirmation. And the best part, our investigator was able to go to the temple already on Tuesday! We are so happy for them and this big step. Seeing the conversion process and the Spirit influencing people is one of the greatest experiences ever!"</div>
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And another . . . </div>
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"something I've learned is that the joy really comes when you can see people changing their lives for the better . . . not really the baptism, but the change that happens before they are baptized. Some might decide not to be baptized but they have changed their life to be better, and that's a huge thing . . .</div>
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". . . it was Sunday, and there were few in Church as the power had been out all night, but the faithful were there. It was testimony meeting and a young man arrived with a friend who we were teaching. As he listened to the testimonies he desired to share his testimony as well, he said, "Brothers and Sisters, it is good to be here. I am a young person who has experienced much sadness in my home with my family, <i>(insert note** You call can't EVEN imagine what sadness means when they talk about sadness . . .** )</i> until one day these young missionaries arrived and my home and I felt something in my heart, something I can't explain, and they gave me a vision of how I could change though faith, repentance and baptism. I'm thankful you have permitted me to come forward and share my testimony that Jesus Christ lives and I can feel His love for me. I'm feeling something growing in my heart that gets bigger and bigger, and as I pray it grows even more. I can feel the truth in the gospel. I know I can change and be something more in my life . . ."</div>
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<b>Family blessings . . .</b></div>
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Many many missionaries have shared experiences of their inactive, or part member families progressing in the gospel during their missionaries service, receiving temple blessings, being baptized, bringing family members into the gospel. Missionary work really is contagious . . . a great blessing for families!</div>
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<b>Sometimes its just plain great to be a Mission President . . . </b></div>
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"I have enjoyed so much sharing the great news of the restored gospel, I hope to continue to share the gospel for the rest of my life. I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for each one of his children. I know that He loves us. I know that Jesus Christ lives, the Atonement is real. I have felt it's power in my life. Thank you so much . . . truly one of the most happy and spiritual moments of my whole life . . . </div>
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"Thank you President, thank you for accepting to be our mission president, thank you for studying before every meeting, and thank you for sharing your own personal spiritual experiences, and for receiving the guidance of the Holy Spirit to give hope and help us, and suggest ideas to help us overcome challenges. Thank you for helping us realize the difficulties really are only opportunities to increase our faith. Thank you for fasting to know what is the will of our Heavenly Father for me here in the mission. I have learned so many things, the difference between love and charity, how to recognize the difference between revelation and my thoughts, but the most important, I learned that God is my loving Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is my Savior, and for these two perfect persons, so full of love we have the restored gospel . . ."</div>
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"I would like to thank you and Hna. Klein for everything. These past two years have been an incredible experience, and in part that has been thank to you and your leadership, and the revelation that you received to send me to the areas that I had here in the mission. Thank you for your love and support, and for all the instruction and counsel given in conferences and interviews. I will always be praying for you and Hna. Klein, and for the mission in general, thanks for everything . . . "</div>
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As valiant consecrated missionaries we can say . . .</div>
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Behold, I am a Disciple of Jesus Christ . . .</div>
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I strive to live worthy of the Spirit through honorable service and obedience with exactness. I strive to have the Spirit daily to accompany me in my work in the mission field. </div>
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<i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);">President Benson’s counsel is very clear: “Our preaching and our teaching must be by the power of the Holy Ghost. We must ever remember that in this glorious work, the most essential element is the Spirit” (</span><span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);">Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988, p. 313.)</span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);">I am a witness that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. It is my deep conviction that He has called us to teach and testify in His name before the world.</span></div>
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I will not be weary in well doing . . .</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">“Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind” (</span><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/64?lang=eng" style="text-align: center;">D&C 64:33–34</a><span style="text-align: center;">)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Official Zone Conference photos - Sept 2015</i></span></div>
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alpinekleinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950528432410686245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168491836782617964.post-38692090149078021932015-08-21T18:34:00.001-06:002016-01-06T05:49:02.246-07:00Are you Ready for a Mission (Part II)<b>Previously . . .</b><br />
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In our previous post . . .<br />
We shared ideas and thoughts for advanced mission prep. I've been trying to get this update prepared through all our interviews and mission traveling this month, so thank you for being patient.<br />
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<a href="http://www.themissionpresidentswife.blogspot.com/2015/07/are-you-ready-for-mission.html" style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #0a0a66; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: small;">Are you Ready for a Mission?</span></a></h3>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://themissionpresidentswife.blogspot.com/2015/07/are-you-ready-for-mission.html">Part I of <i>Advanced Mission Prep</i> - </a></span></b></div>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />A while back a popular LDS Magazine shared an article by Jeremy Goff entitled -<br /><a href="http://ldsmag.com/7-ways-to-come-pre-trained-for-your-mission/"><b><span style="color: #0a0a66;">"7 Ways to Come Pre-Trained for your Mission"</span></b>.</a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If you haven't had an opportunity to read and study the linked article, please do so.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I also suggest you read our post, <b><a href="http://www.themissionpresidentswife.blogspot.com/2015/07/are-you-ready-for-mission.html">Part I</a> , </b>so you understand that these remarks are continuing on from the foundation laid in the previous two articles.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #636363; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4;"><b>Hastening the Work of Salvation - </b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #636363; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.4;">As our Heavenly Father hastens His work of salvation, it is up to us as members of His Church to keep </span><span style="line-height: 21px;">pace. I am inspired by the words of <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-bednar-learn-teach-hasten-the-work-the-lords-way?lang=eng">Elder David A. Bednar </a>from instruction given at the <i>Seminar for New Mission Presidents in 2014 </i>- </span></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Zoram, 'noto sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">"The hastening of the Lord’s work requires His followers continuously to learn, to change, and “to press forward with faith in the Savior . . . </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Zoram, 'noto sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Elder Bednar suggested that members ask themselves if they as individuals and as a Church will choose to keep pace with the Lord’s hastening. “Or will we insist on doing things the way they have always been done, or the ways we are accustomed to or comfortable with?”</span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #636363; line-height: 21px;">When it comes to missionary work missionaries must now enter the mission field better prepared to serve! We no longer have the long stays once possible at the MTC's (Mission Training Centers) and CCM's (Centro de </span><span style="color: #636363;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Capacitacion Misional). Stays are brief, focusing for many on learning necessary language skills and a brief introduction to the missionary lifestyle and <i>Preach my Gospel</i>. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #636363;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 21px;">Upon arrival in the mission field missionaries begin teaching and testifying from day one! You will have an assigned trainer and companion who will lead you through the prepared lessons of the booklet <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/new-missionary-in-field-training-extends-mtc-experience?lang=eng"><i>"The First 12 Weeks"</i> </a>as you become familiar with and gain a testimony of missionary work and the gospel principles and doctrines of the Church found in <i>Preach my Gospel.</i> </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #636363;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">The following video describes the importance of "The First 12 Weeks" program and the great blessing it is for missionaries as they begin their mission.</span></span></span><br />
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Most people outside of the mission field do not have 3-4 hours every day to study subjects of any topic, especially gospel principles. This is in my opinion one of the greatest blessings of missionary work. This is your time! Come prepared to make good use of this time. Developing good study habits will do more to bless your mission and your life after the mission than almost any other missionary principle. It is through your personal and companionship study, your additional study of the principles found in the booklet described above, that your understanding, knowledge and appreciation and testimony of gospel principles will increase and bless your life. Come prepared to study everyday!</span></center>
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The mission experience is different for every missionary. I do have some suggestions that I think would be helpful to plan for in advance. Some suggestions that might make your transition easier, might make your service more meaningful, might make you a more effective missionary. If you are interested in hitting the ground running, making the most of every moment, you might want to give some thought to implementing some or all of these as your time for preparation permits.</span></center>
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<b>What next?</b></center>
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But first . . . be sure you begin with the suggestions from the article linked above! These are wonderful important principles for all missionaries! </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>What does it mean to come pre-trained for a mission? And what does that look like? </i></b> </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One needs to come with a firm testimony and understanding of the
gospel, and how to do missionary work. These things cannot be taught in the MTC, the time is too short. When you arrive in the mission field you will be focused on many other things - being away from home, when can I eat? What if I don’t get a good companion,
will I survive in the mission field? Learning a foreign language, not feeling well,
different food than you are accustomed to . . . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This can be challenging for everyone but especially challenging for those fairly new to the gospel, who are also trying to live and learn basic gospel principles.</span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-glXlYaduMkI/Vah36Jk2NcI/AAAAAAAALm0/LiX4AdyIezU/s1600/zone%2Bconference%2Bworkshops" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-glXlYaduMkI/Vah36Jk2NcI/AAAAAAAALm0/LiX4AdyIezU/s640/zone%2Bconference%2Bworkshops" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v6JQQrtTOKs/VaBXvspKlkI/AAAAAAAALtU/xa_Oi3cb8WQ/s1600/IMG_9206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v6JQQrtTOKs/VaBXvspKlkI/AAAAAAAALtU/xa_Oi3cb8WQ/s640/IMG_9206.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A mission is a privilege.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You must be physically well, mentally well, spiritually well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is hard!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Come with desire!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As you put into practice the suggestions found in the linked article you will come <b>"Spiritually prepared"</b> to serve! But there's more . . .</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Preparation Day activity with our Mission Leadership Council)</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lxoBhH0PqFQ/Vdes_VjqqwI/AAAAAAAAML4/7bjNoTHnZio/s1600/collage%2B18" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="538" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lxoBhH0PqFQ/Vdes_VjqqwI/AAAAAAAAML4/7bjNoTHnZio/s640/collage%2B18" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pawZ2Anyk6E/VdemHJk4tgI/AAAAAAAAMJ4/1hSPd4EP_c0/s1600/collage%2B2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pawZ2Anyk6E/VdemHJk4tgI/AAAAAAAAMJ4/1hSPd4EP_c0/s640/collage%2B2" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3fXFttxJ7po/Vdel4UpIRZI/AAAAAAAAMJw/ifFaCMrx6bE/s1600/collage%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3fXFttxJ7po/Vdel4UpIRZI/AAAAAAAAMJw/ifFaCMrx6bE/s640/collage%2B1" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Preparation for physical wellness . . .</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Exercise - </b>All missionaries have 30 minutes each morning for exercise. This is an important part of the missionary daily schedule. The schedule is found in both <i><a href="https://www.lds.org/manual/preach-my-gospel-a-guide-to-missionary-service/what-is-my-purpose-as-a-missionary?lang=eng">Preach my Gospel</a></i> and the <a href="https://www.lds.org/bc/content/ldsorg/topics/missionary/MissionaryHandbook2006Navigate.pdf"><i>white handbook</i></a>, the missionary manual. Begin well before your mission to participate in a daily exercise program! Think, study, and discover ways you can do this without going to a gym, or without any equipment. Some suggestions we have found helpful are running / jogging, jump rope, calisthenics, or a routine of warm up / cool down, with 10 2-minute exercises in the middle. (i.e., jumping jacks, running in place, marching, push ups etc)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In many missions across the world, missionary work is very physically demanding. You need strong backs, legs, arms and core muscles to endure the rigorous physical activity of missionary service. You carry bags each day with food and snacks, water, scriptures, pamphlets, personal items. Missionaries are on their feet for 8 hours or more daily. They participate in challenging service projects. Frequently proselyting in an area requires hiking and hill climbing. Daily exercise is the best way to maintain good body strength, fitness and flexibility. Be prepared to exercise daily!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(saying farewell to so many wonderful missionaries!)</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C4ZqMoJiIbs/Vdemc9RXm-I/AAAAAAAAMKA/CvsToxjRsvg/s1600/collage%2B3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C4ZqMoJiIbs/Vdemc9RXm-I/AAAAAAAAMKA/CvsToxjRsvg/s640/collage%2B3" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SI8i0iMpWxY/VdemwM4LlcI/AAAAAAAAMKI/XURN-5V3Ltc/s1600/collage%2B4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SI8i0iMpWxY/VdemwM4LlcI/AAAAAAAAMKI/XURN-5V3Ltc/s640/collage%2B4" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Nutrition - </b>What you eat is an important part of staying physically fit. Be determined to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. They are usually available in most areas and fairly inexpensive to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables. It will be up to you to find these items, wash them well, usually with a few drops of bleach and purified water. Plan to incorporate them into your meals daily. For missionaries this usually means breakfast, snacks, or before bed, as many missionaries frequently receive their lunch and dinner from cooks or members and investigators. Not all the food offered to you will fulfill your daily nutritional requirements, so you must be responsible to add the missing ingredients, usually, fresh fruits and vegetables. Be prepared to take charge of your nutritional health!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A good <b>multiple vitamin </b>is also an excellent and important suggestion for missionaries to maintain a well balanced diet. You may want to bring them from home, as they can be difficult to find in the mission field. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(newly arriving missionaries - July 2016)</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QUfZkYwV75o/VdencVOIGKI/AAAAAAAAMKQ/eOWBoOQwCTQ/s1600/collage%2B6" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QUfZkYwV75o/VdencVOIGKI/AAAAAAAAMKQ/eOWBoOQwCTQ/s640/collage%2B6" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Learn to cook some basic foods! </b> In Honduras and many other places in the world eggs are plentiful and an inexpensive source of protein. Learn to cook eggs in many different ways. They make great sandwiches also, either fried or boiled and mashed with a little mayo and salt and pepper. Make your sandwiches with three slices of bread to be more filling! Because eggs are plentiful . . . so is chicken! Learn to cook chicken, in a small frying pan, with a few fresh vegetables, or a microwave baked potato. Pasta can be very tasty served with just salt and pepper and butter or margarine. Potatoes are another filling food and can easily be prepared in a number of way. Breakfast food such as pancakes, french toast also make great lunches or dinner, or before bed snacks and are inexpensive to prepare. If you really want to be prepared, learn how to make no bake cookies! Be prepared to cook! </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Basic First Aid - </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Brush up on your basic first aid skills! Be familiar with how to treat bee stings, dog bites (which can be very potentially serious in third world countries - so always let the mission nurse know if you receive a dog bite, or other animal bite!), mosquito bites, ticks, small cuts and scrapes (or large ones), muscle strains and sprains (very common!) Be familiar with what to do when you catch a cold, or flu bug, when you have diarrhea, or the opposite! What to do if you are nauseated and vomiting. If you can, bring a small first aid kit like the one described <i><a href="http://www.themissionpresidentswife.blogspot.com/2013/07/missionary-first-aid-kit.html">in this post</a></i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(training for all our District Leaders)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I saved the best part of physical fitness for last! </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Be Clean! Both Inside and Out - </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Learn how to clean . . . here in the Central America area that means sweeping and mopping floors. Cleaning all surfaces with a few drops of bleach in a bucket of water, scrubbing sinks, toilets and showers in bathrooms. Practice cleaning toilets . . . because your momma won't be here to do it for you! Be prepared to clean VERY dirty toilets . . . You have one day a week, every preparation day to do your laundry and clean your apartment. It's more important to live in a clean environment where the Spirit can be present than it is to go play games or do activities with your zones. Learn to divide up the tasks and each person have their responsibilities to maintain a clean living environment. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Be clean within . . .</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You will be studying, teaching and testifying of the Savior's Atonement daily. It's much better to put the atonement into practice in your own life before coming into the mission field. Clear up anything that may be troubling you with your priesthood authority promptly and early. You can then be prepared to share a personal testimony of the blessings of the Atonement in your life. This will contribute to your physical, spiritual and emotional health during your mission as you testify daily with a clean conscience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(more District Leader training)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Take a moment to read and study this article from Dr. Donald B. Doty on <a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/2007/03/missionary-health-preparation?lang=eng">Missionary Health Preparation</a>. </span> </div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px;">Fortunately, many of the health problems that missionaries encounter are preventable with proper preparation. Elder </span><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/david-a-bednar?lang=eng" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">David A. Bednar</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px;"> of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stated, “The single most important thing you can do to prepare for a call to serve is to </span><span class="emphasis" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">become</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px;"> a missionary long before you </span><span class="emphasis" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">go</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px;"> on a mission.”</span></span></i></blockquote>
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(<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Restaurante Casa de la Misión!)</i></span></div>
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<b>Preparation for Emotional Health -</b> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The missionary lifestyle is very different from life at home surrounded by friends and family. A little advanced thought and preparation can lead to a smoother more rapid adjustment to your new lifestyle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Open Your Mouth </b>-</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A difficult concept in the beginning of missionary service is to become accustomed to speaking with everyone! Everyone you meet . . . store clerks, people on the park bench, your neighbor on the bus . . . you can practice this skill easily before the mission. Think about greeting everyone you meet. Ask about their family, their health, what brings them to where they are . . . you will soon find a way to introduce a brief message and testimony of gospel principles. Don't worry . . . you don't have to teach them a full discussion in the first 10 minutes . . . as you share a brief testimony of the Savior you will find many who are interested in learning more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>"</b>Yea, verily, verily, I say unto you, that the field is white already to harvest; wherefore, thrust in your sickles, and reap with all your might, mind, and strength. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Open</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">your mouths and they shall be filled, and you shall become even as</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Nephi</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> of old, who journeyed from Jerusalem in the wilderness." - D&C 33:7-8</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">And your whole labor shall be in Zion, with all your soul, from henceforth; yea, you shall ever open your mouth in my cause, not </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">fearing</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> what </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">man</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> can do, for I am </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">with</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> you. </span></span> - D&C 30:11</blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20px;">“Therefore, verily I say unto you, lift up your voices unto this people; speak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts, and you shall not be confounded before men; For it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment, what ye shall say.” -D&C 100: 5-6</span> </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Be Prepared to be Obedient - </b> </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The happiest and most well adjusted missionaries are those missionaries who have resolved to do the will of the Father during their missionary service. Those who have resolved to live according to the missionary manual and the principles taught concerning missionary service in Preach my Gospel. Obedience in missionary service is critical . . . it is primarily in place for the safety of all missionaries. Be prepared to study the missionary handbook and put into practice each line and paragraph. It will not be easy . . . there will be many companions who may not agree with your determination. Be obedient anyway. You will be blessed for each act of obedience you choose to participate in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated— And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated. - D&C 130:20-21</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I believe this with all my heart and have witnessed countless instances where this is true, and sadly many occasions where some choose to not be obedient and experience the loss of the Spirit and other consequences. Come prepared to be obedient!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(the man with the money, our financial secretary is always very popular)</i></span></div>
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<b>Budget . . . what Budget? </b>-<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now is the time to learn the basic financial principles of budgeting money. That means to estimate what your expected expenses will be . . . and know what your income will be . . . and PLAN to set aside the finances and monies necessary to meet your expected expenses. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the mission you will likely need to budget for food, laundry (or do your own), haircuts, personal hygiene items, transportation, postage, teaching supplies, occasional treats. Each missionary receives an appropriate amount of money from the mission each month to cover their basic expenses. Gifts and souvenirs and all expected to be paid for with personal money. </span></div>
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<b>Be Positive! </b>-<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some people are just naturally positive. They think positive thoughts from the time they get up in the morning. You can be that person! Each day will present it's own particular challenges. Decide now that challenges won't get you down or distract you from your missionary purpose. The power of the adversary is particularly attentive to missionaries. We can expect that attention from the adversary due to the import nature of missionary service. You have the calling, power and authority to bring a message of the Savior to all people. You can expect to feel the adversary present in your life during your missionary service. Get up each morning and begin the day with cheerfulness. Put on a smile, think of the many good things that can happen in the day. In the evening, make an account of all your blessings during the day. Some may be subtle and very hard to find. But learn to give thanks in all things. Learn to give thanks for the lessons you learn as you overcome difficult situations. You have the power to change your thoughts from negative ones to positive ones. As you learn and memorize scriptures, you will find that just focusing on a particular scripture for a few moments can change your outlook to become more positive. The same can be said of favorite hymns or stories. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Morazon - our newest branch in the mission)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Come expecting to work hard, experience long days, to get up when you are too tired to get up, and to walk when you are too tired to take another step. You can do it! You have been called by our Heavenly Father, through the prophet and apostles to be a special servant of our Heavenly Father. He will rejoice in all of your labors and will bless you daily for your efforts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> . . . for I will go </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">before</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Spirit</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> shall be in your hearts, and mine </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">angels</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> round about you, to bear you up. - D&C 84:88</span></span></blockquote>
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<b>Last Suggestions . . . </b></center>
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Be prepared to use your special gifts and creativity in your missionary service. Make teaching and sharing the gospel fun. <b>Think creatively. </b> </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Don't wait to be commanded in all things </b>. . . you can do many good things of your own free will and choice. As long as you are obedient to the missionary handbook . . . use your own creativity to bless your service.</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Come prepared to serve</b> . . . as we forget ourselves and reach out to all in love and service . . . we find the most wonderful and memorable experiences. These are the times that will bless your life forever.</span></center>
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In our mission we <b>memorize 10 scriptures</b> that teach of the Atonement of the Savior. Start now to search and find your favorite scriptures on the Atonement and commit them to memory. It will be a tremendous blessing during your service.</span></center>
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Be prepared to <b>use and teach from Familysearch.org</b>. Right now . . . become familiar with it and find your own family names to take to the temple. You can testify powerfully of the importance of temple covenants and ordinances as you participate in this aspect of the work of salvation.</center>
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Come prepared to <b>love those who are difficult to love</b>. There is good in everyone of our Heavenly Father's children. Learn to find it . . . </center>
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Come prepared to <b>develop patience </b>. . . you might as well start now.</center>
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<b>Come prepared to set personal and companionship goals</b> . . . Set a goal and see it through . . . list the steps necessary to accomplish your goal. Plan how you can accomplish each step. Take the initiative to be in charge of the preparations for your mission. That would be a great goal . . . what do you need to do to accomplish it?</center>
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<b>Some miscellaneous things you may want to bring that you hadn't thought of before . . .</b></center>
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<li>Good high quality insect repellent - for instance 40% Deet</li>
<li>A debit card that doesn't expire during your missionary service. (Emergency use only)</li>
<li>An MP3 player and small speakers (no devices with internet access are allowed, a iPod Nano or shuffle may qualify)</li>
<li>You may want to treat some clothing with Permethrin</li>
<li>I suggest you bring permethrin for use during the mission</li>
<li>A flashdrive to back up camera photos</li>
<li>Small bottle of hand sanitizer to get you started - but expect to buy more in the mission!</li>
<li>Photos of your family to show to investigators</li>
<li>The Gospel Art Book from Church Distribution</li>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There isn't any way possible to prepare completely for your missionary experience. Each one will have their own unique, varied, wonderful, challenging, inspiring, humbling experience filled with blessings and inspiration especially for you. Stay close to the Spirit. Remember you have been called by your Father in Heaven, through modern prophets and apostles, set apart by priesthood authority present on the earth today to do our Heavenly Father's work. He will not leave you comfortless. You are part of the most prayed for group of people upon the earth! You have loved ones, members, family, church leaders, temples praying for you daily. </span></i></center>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Do your best to prepare to serve with all your heart, might mind and strength.</b></span></i></center>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Trust the Lord to watch over and bless you as a missionary.</b></span></i></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); text-align: left;">Now behold, a </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); text-align: left;">marvelous work</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); text-align: left;"> is about to come forth among the children of men. </span>Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day. <span style="background-color: transparent;">Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> called to the work; For behold the</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">field</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">is white already to</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">store</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul; And</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">faith,</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">hope,</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">charity</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">and</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">love, with an</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">eye</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">single to the</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">glory</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">of God,</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">qualify</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> him for the work. Remember faith,</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">virtue, knowledge,</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">temperance,</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">patience,</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">brotherly</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">kindness,</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">godliness, charity, humility, diligence. Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">opened unto you. Amen. - D&C Section 4</span></span></div>
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alpinekleinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950528432410686245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168491836782617964.post-2319892304526470262015-07-16T23:19:00.000-06:002016-01-06T05:37:39.108-07:00Are you Ready for a Mission?<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Part I of <i>Advanced Mission Prep</i> - </b></div>
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<b>Part II coming soon</b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">with photos of mission life, zone conferences and transfers . . .</span></div>
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A while back a popular LDS Magazine shared an article by Jeremy Goff entitled -<br />
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<b>It is an excellent article! </b><br />
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It is absolutely true that there are many things young men and young women of the Church can and should do so that they will enter the mission field more prepared and effective upon their arrival. The Lord is hastening His work of Salvation, there can be no doubt. We are seeing both the challenges and the blessings of increased emphasis coming to pass all around us daily. We see an outpouring of the Spirit and blessings upon those missionaries who have the desire and come prepared to serve.<br />
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Not very long ago young men and young women of the Church had an opportunity to spend a lengthy time in the MTC's (Mission Training Centers) of the Church located throughout the world. Amongst many things, a particular purpose was to educate and train them to be more effective missionaries, to help them comprehend gospel principles they did not yet understand, to help them increase the strength of their testimonies. Young people do not have such a luxury at this time. They need to come prepared. Although to loved ones, two years or 18 months seems like a long time . . . and it is . . . the time passes rapidly. You will want to make use of everyday!<br />
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<b>Missionaries come from many different backgrounds . . .</b><br />
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We see that not all missionaries come to the mission on equal footing. They come with many and varied experiences in the gospel. Some missionaries arrive after learning gospel principles from their days of Primary, Young men / Young Women and seminary and institute classes. Many missionaries, especially outside of the United States arrive in the mission field as new converts to the Church. Each has a fervent testimony and a desire to share, but their experience in the gospel is somewhat different.<br />
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The most important convert of a missionary is him or herself. Each missionary will see long term blessings related to missionary service. Yet, the missionaries of the Church are the mouthpiece of our Heavenly Father and Savior in proclaiming His restored gospel here upon the earth. They are called and set apart by Priesthood authority to be representatives of the Savior and to teach in His name. They can fulfill their sacred calling more effectively and have more meaningful experiences by taking the time to come well prepared. <br />
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I would advise young people (and ALL people really . . . for are we not ALL missionaries and representatives of the Savior?) to read carefully the article referenced above.<br />
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In addition to strengthening your testimony and gospel knowledge in the weeks and months before your mission, there are some other important preparations to make.<br />
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<b>The Importance of Emotional Preparation</b><br />
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Speaking to future missionaries, Elder L. Tom Perry explained, <i>"Missionary service is emotionally demanding. Your support system is going to be withdrawn from you as you leave home and go out into the world . . . " </i><br />
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This can be a very difficult emotional time for new missionaries. All missionaries go through a period of becoming more comfortable, and it will be easier if you are emotionally prepared to serve. Your new emotional support will be in the form of your companion, district and zone leaders, sister training leaders and your mission president and wife. Yet missionaries need to be prepared to act as adults, live and prosper in an adult world, and they need to make this transition rapidly. <br />
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<b>The Challenges of Missionary Life - </b><br />
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Suddenly you will be budgeting a limited source of money to provide for all your expenses, perhaps dealing with homesickness, living with an assigned 24x7 companion, perhaps in a difficult culture or environment, adjusting to a busy schedule of long days that begin very early. Frequently those learning a new language will not understand their new companion for weeks, or anything those they are teaching or the Church members and leaders surrounding them are saying. Some may struggle with weaknesses they are still trying to overcome.<br />
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All these experiences contribute to how quickly you can feel comfortable in your new role as a missionary. <br />
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It's not unusual for missionaries newly arrived in the mission field to experience stress related physical symptoms. They are no fun! Sometimes it can be headaches, back pain, heart palpitations, insomnia, fatigue, stomach problems, dry mouth, frequent colds and flu bugs. Sometimes stress can even lead to panic attacks, anxiety, depression and difficulty functioning on a daily basis.<br />
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<b>Growth through New Skills and Talents - </b><br />
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Your Mission President and his wife, and other leaders will help you to learn new coping skills as very likely, the coping skills from your past will not be available. You can't phone a friend . . . enjoy a relaxing game on your latest game system, watch TV, hug your dog, go for a swim, enjoy some alone time, read a novel, text message and tweet. But you will find new skills that will strengthen and bless your life, not only during your missionary service but for all the challenging times that the future holds in store for you. <br />
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Yet, wouldn't it be much nicer if you came to the mission already prepared! Already prepared with some great skills and advanced personal strengths!<br />
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<a href="https://www.lds.org/manual/missionary-preparation-student-manual/chapter-11-physical-and-emotional-preparation?lang=eng">President Gordon B. Hinckley </a>phrased it very well when he said:<br />
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<i>"This work is rigorous. It demands strength and vitality. It demands mental sharpness and capacity . . . Missionary work is not a rite of passage in the Church. It is a call extended by the President of the Church to those who are worthy and able to accomplish it . . . Good physical and mental health is vital . . . There are parents who say, 'If only we can get Johnny on a mission, then the Lord will bless him with health. It seems to not work out that way. </i> </blockquote>
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<i>Rather, whatever ailment of physical or mental shortcoming a missionary has when he comes into the field only becomes aggravated under the stress of the work. We simply must face up to the facts. We are spending millions of dollars on medical care and countless hours assisting those with problems that make it impossible for them to perform the work . . . There are other areas where those with serious limitations may work and have a satisfying experience. And the Lord will bless them for what they are able to do . . .</i> </blockquote>
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<i>Permit me to emphasize that we need missionaries, but they must be capable of doing the work . . .</i></blockquote>
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<b>Mental and emotional health is critical to the success of a missionary in serving the Lord with - </b></div>
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<i><b>"all your heart, might, mind and strength"! (D&C 4:2)</b></i></div>
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<b>You can do it!</b></div>
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It is a great blessing in our lives to serve with young men and young women of the Church who have come from all over the world to serve as representatives of the Savior and bring the blessings of the Atonement to people everywhere. They are fulfilling the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith who foresaw the day when - </div>
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"the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated</div>
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every continent, visited every clime, swept every country." <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(<span class="emphasis" style="background: 0px 0px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 30.6000003814697px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">History of the Church,</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; line-height: 30.6000003814697px;"> 4:540)</span></span></div>
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As prospective missionaries seek to become more prepared in every way, they will experience all the choicest blessings our Heavenly Father has reserved for his Latter-day missionaries, who are serving in this great period of hastening . . . as our Heavenly Father hastens his work to restore the gospel throughout the world. As they share the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they will receive some of the most sweet and richly rewarding moments of their lives.</div>
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<b>Now that I've helped you realize the importance of preparation . . . continue on to</b><br />
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<b><a href="http://themissionpresidentswife.blogspot.com/2015/08/are-you-ready-for-mission-part-ii.html">Advanced Mission Prep II</a></b><br />
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<b> for many practical and important ideas you can put into practice!</b></div>
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<br />alpinekleinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950528432410686245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168491836782617964.post-7100822998236551372015-06-03T13:04:00.002-06:002015-10-15T11:41:09.639-06:00The LDS Missionary Experience . . .<b>The LDS Missionary Experience . . .</b><br />
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We continue to marvel at the amazing experiences that come to pass through the efforts of the many young people serving in all parts of the world . . . otherwise known as missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (aka Mormon Missionaries, LDS Missionaries, Sister Missionaries, Elders) . . .<br />
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LDS missionaries receive a charge to teach the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. They are called by priesthood authority, by a member of the living apostles present upon the earth today. They are called as authorized representatives of the Savior, Jesus Christ and are expected to represent him and do his work in all things. <br />
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Therefore they can teach with both power and authority . . .<br />
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<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3168491836782617964" name="7" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><span style="background-color: #fefbbf;">Wherefore, </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf;">redemption</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf;"> cometh in and through the </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf;">Holy</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf;"> </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf;">Messiah</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf;">; for he is full of </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf;">grace</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf;"> and truth. . . . </span>Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise. (2 Nephi 2:6,8)</blockquote>
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<b>You can't miss them . . .</b><br />
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They have a very distinct appearance and they are pretty difficult to miss when you see them walking down the street two by two. Our favorite moments, and it happens frequently, we will be driving down the street on our way to a meeting somewhere, and spot two of our wonderful missionaries from the San Pedro Sula East Mission. We try to always carry treats in our car, or bottles of water so we have something to share with them when and wherever we find them! They always have big smiles on their faces, despite the 100 degree plus temperatures, perhaps pouring pouring rain, dusty dirty shoes from walking through the dry and rocky paths and trails of the mission here. <br />
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It never fails that they have incredible stories to share from their teaching and testifying of the previous week. We are amazed at all the good works that come to pass through their teaching and examples of service. We have seen so many wonderful families and individuals change their life for the better, quit drinking, stop smoking, become more dedicated mothers and fathers and families, youth prepare to serve their own missions. We love to see the light of Christ that comes into their lives as they change their lives to bring them more in line with the example of our Savior, Jesus Christ. <br />
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<b>The Challenge of Missionary Work . . .</b><br />
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Missionary work is difficult, filled with daily challenges . . . but the many miracles and wonderful experiences make each painful moment worth while. <br />
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Not all missionary stories end happily . . . we can testify that miracles do not convert to a true knowledge of the gospel. Proven gospel principles and irrefutable evidence does not convert one person to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is only through the witness of the Holy Ghost, by those who are seeking to know the truth of all things . . . that one receives that conversion to the gospel deep into their heart. That's when the beautiful, filled with light transformation begins to take place in the lives of those who come to know their Savior on a personal basis. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(some of our past and present Mission Leader Council members)</i></span></div>
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<b>Sharing Missionary Experiences</b><br />
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I thought I would share just a few missionary experiences with you all today -<br />
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(<b><i>Just a reminder</i></b> . . . when you share missionary experiences, be sure not to share names of members, other missionaries, investigators or the locations they are serving. We want to protect the privacy of each of these people that we love so dearly. Try to refer to them with initials, or in some other way to protect their safety (always an issue here in Honduras) and their privacy).<br />
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. . . we experienced a great miracle this week! This week, one of our new converts had the opportunity to go to the temple! We were so proud of him . . . when we found him he was addicted to alcohol, and had a smoking habit. He has completely changed his life, and this week he went to the temple with the names of 10 of his ancestors. It is such a great blessing to see how this gospel really changes lives and makes people happy! . . .<br />
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. . . this has been a challenging week, and even though we have been working so hard, we have seen very little progress, but we keep talking with everyone and know that Heavenly Father will guide us. We did have a great experience teaching family history to a recent convert. We have been helping him fill our his "My Family" pamphlet, and we are helping him get set up with an account in FamilySearch. We are finding it incredible that this is helping him increase his testimony of the gospel and feel the power of the blessings of the temple . . .<br />
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(Bet you never thought your 19 year old missionary would be doing this)<br />
. . . it's been a little crazy this week. A ward member suffered an emotional attack and locked the family out of the house. The member remained inside distraught, with their youngest daughter, and holding a machete. The bishop asked for our help, to visit the family and see what we could do. We literally ran to the house and spoke to the member through the window. The distraught member was experiencing many great family challenges and didn't feel able to go on . . . A priesthood blessing was refused, and we prayed mightily for help and guidance as to what to say or do. We felt inspired to share Isaiah's words in Chapter 53 on the Savior's suffering on our behalf. And bore a simple testimony that the Savior bore pain and grief and a broken body for exactly this sort of need, and that we CAN rely on Him. After some time, the daughter was allowed to leave the house, and we were so grateful we had taken Elder Neil L. Andersen's challenge to memorize scripture to heart. It was just what we needed today . . .<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Post General Conference lunch with missionaries!)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Training the trainers of new missionaries!)</i></span></div>
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(So grateful for the kind words of the missionaries)<br />
. . . I wanted to share with you a cute story . . . a little girl in the family we were teaching looked at her father and said "Daddy, when I'm big, I want to marry someone just like you!". It made me think . . . Thank you President and Sister Klein for your wonderful example. Thank you for calming my fears, giving the answers to all my doubts and questions, providing for my necessities, thank you for your love and for all your hopes and desires for me. Thank you for your energy, your spirit and for all you do! . . .<br />
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(We really are not like the other churches . . .)<br />
. . . this week went by really fast. We did have one of our investigators go to church with us this week. She loves meeting with us and loves learning more about Christ. The only thing is, she was very confused on Sunday. She asked us why we weren't jumping, dancing, singing and clapping our hands during the church service. She has gone to an Evangelical church all her life . . . so I can see she has many questions for us in our upcoming appointments!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(More past and present Mission Leader Council members)</i></span></div>
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. . . a miraculous week, a couple investigating the church needed to get married to prepare for their baptism, a very expensive experience here in Honduras. After taking the required marriage class they went to a doctor appointment to receive the required medical exams, where they discovered the cost would be 1000 Lempira, a great deal of money for a Honduran couple. They left discouraged and disappointed as they had spent all their money to receive the necessary paperwork to get married. As they were entering a taxi to return home, an acquaintance approached them and told them he knew where they could get the medical testing done for free. They couldn't believe it! They arrived to find a group of doctors traveling through Honduras doing free marital exams. The doctors had just barely arrived and they were one of their first patients. So grateful to see the hand of God in his work, and he knows the needs of each of his individual children.<br />
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. . . we had a good week this week. We worked with the elders from our ward and some future missionaries, all good experiences. I'm so grateful to be a missionary! We had a very spiritual experience with someone we were teaching that had not prayed in three years because of some personal challenges in their life, feeling abandoned by God . . . but as we talked about repentance, the atonement, the power of prayer . . . the Spirit was strong and their hearts were touched. A baptismal challenge was accepted and this person was finally able to end their long spiritual drought by offering a first prayer, after a very long time. This is what I love about missionary work . . .<br />
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. . . we have been teaching a wonderful prepared person for the last four weeks that will soon be baptized. We met him at church one Sunday . . . we saw a man arrive on a bicycle, who had obviously been riding for quite a distance. He said that one of his friends had invited him to come to church, and although at first he didn't want to, he kept getting feelings like he needed to come. He rode his bike for and hour and a half to arrive at the church. We taught him the first lesson and he asked, "How long do I have to come to church before I can get baptized?" We were stunned. We knew it was through the promptings of the Holy Ghost, that he was prepared long before we met him . . .<br />
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. . . this week was super great, we have felt the Spirit so strong and experienced so much joy. Someone we had been teaching was baptized. The service turned out wonderful and we had so much support from the ward to welcome him. After his baptism I asked him how he felt and he replied, "liberated", and he had the biggest smile on his face. Yesterday he was confirmed, and received the priesthood as well. But that's not all, he is also going to the temple this Friday and he is taking 10 family names!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(New missionaries just as they arrive in the mission field . . . soon to become just like the next photo!)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Departing missionaries - who served with all their heart, might, mind and strength!)</i></span></div>
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. . . I love this work, I love my area! I love seeing miracles occur as we strive to invoke them through our obedience. We had another person we had been teaching and who was going to church regularly, but hasn't wanted to be baptized yet. While we were all participating in a family history activity, she came up to me and said she was ready to be baptized. I don't understand everything about the Spirit of Elijah, but I see it testify to people, and touch and change their lives everyday. It's inspired us to help all those we are teaching better understand the blessings of the temple.<br />
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<b>Hastening the Work of Salvation - </b><br />
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It's been incredible to witness the increased amounts of youth accepting mission calls to serve the Lord and dedicate all their heart, might, mind and strength. They are responding to the prophets call to hasten the work of salvation. Their task has been magnified and encompasses much more than previously was expected by missionaries in the past. But we are seeing increasing blessings that occur everyday. <br />
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As members and leaders we have the same opportunities to find ourselves in the Savior's work of salvation. <br />
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We are all in this together. With fellow ward members and missionaries, we plan and pray and help one another. Please keep the full-time missionaries in your thoughts and prayers. Trust them with your family and friends. The Lord trusts them and has called them to teach and bless those who seek Him.</blockquote>
<cite style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #777777; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Elder Neil L. Andersen</cite></blockquote>
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<i><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">For behold, this is my </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">work</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> and my </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">glory</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">—to bring to pass the </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">immortality</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> and </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">eternal</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">life</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> of man.</span> Moses 1:39</i></blockquote>
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alpinekleinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950528432410686245noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168491836782617964.post-48606546438317053662015-05-01T18:03:00.001-06:002015-10-25T12:06:37.773-06:00Elder Neil L. Andersen in Honduras<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>As a mission, and as a country we were greatly blessed to receive Elder Neil L. Andersen, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as a guest here in Honduras, and especially here in our mission. </b></div>
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He was accompanied by Elder Richard J. Maynes of the Presidency of the Seventy, Elder Dean M. Davies, second counselor in the Presiding Bishopric of the Church, Elder, Elder Adrian Ochoa of the 2nd Quorum of the Seventy, and Elder Valladares, our presiding Area Seventy. It was a great opportunity to hear from each one of them as they addressed the youth of the Church both in a special fireside, and a meeting of both missions here in San Pedro Sula.<br />
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Whenever you have many wonderful General Authorities gathered and more than 450 missionaries in one place . . . you can certainly feel the spirit of the great work of the Church on the face of the earth today. <br />
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I have been blessed to be in the presence of General Authorities in my life, but I will always remember the feeling I experienced as I first met Elder Neil L. Andersen. My immediate impression was he brought with him the love of the Savior for each person there in the room. I never really comprehended what the love of the Savior might feel like . . . but I experienced it that day in some small measure through Elder Andersen.<br />
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His eyes sincere, and each immediately felt an overwhelming sense of caring and concern for the one. He and the other visiting authorities began to tour the room when they entered shaking hands and greeting as many people as possible. It was marvelous to be seated on the stand and watch the expression of the many youth who had opportunity to meet and shake hands with these authorities of the Church. We could tell, it was a lifetime experience, they will not likely forget.<br />
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The following day, approximately 450 missionaries from the San Pedro Sula missions gathered to hear the words of the visiting General Authorities. I hope to share messages from each one, but for now will focus the remainder of this post on the words from the special witness of Christ, Elder Neil L. Andersen and his wife.<br />
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I was impressed with the words of Sister Andersen as she testified of the apostolic witness of her husband. She spoke of how she studied the words of the apostles as a youth, never dreaming that she would find herself in a position one day, where she would bear personal witness of their great calling and responsibility. She shared with us that she always takes notes, even though they have been married many years, as she always learns something new, something special and inspired, and that we should enjoy and make use of this great opportunity. (What a great example for me of love and support in marriage!)<br />
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Elder Andersen clearly demonstrated the gift of tongues . . . he of course speaks English, he served as a young missionary in France, and later presided over the France Bordeaux mission, therefore speaking French. Later he presided as the Area President in Brazil South Area, learning Portuguese. And today he spoke to us in Spanish . . . which kind of rolled off his tongue with a French / Portuguese sort of accent - so lovely.<br />
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Elder Andersen arrived with much experience of visiting Church members all over the world. He acknowledged that each area of the Church is a little bit different. In France it's difficult to find people to speak to, in Africa the people are very spiritual, in Russia, Americans can be unpopular and not well liked. Each area has it's particular challenges . . . but here in Honduras, the people are very loving but they need help staying active in the Church, staying faithful forever. Here it is not hard to teach the gospel, the difficulty lies in helping them become truly converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ.<br />
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It's especially necessary for each missionary to be personally converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ in order to truly help and convert and change the lives of others here in Honduras. To help a person receive a change of heart, you have to have received that grand change of heart yourself first. Each missionary needs to receive their own witness of the importance of the Atonement in their lives and put it into practice in their lives. He taught the words from the Book of Mormon, the words of Alma the younger, speaking of his father . . .<br />
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<i> . . . "there was a mighty changewrought in his heart. Behold I say unto you that this is all true.<br /><a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3168491836782617964" name="13" style="border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <b> </b></a>And behold, he preached the word unto your fathers, and a mighty change was also wrought in their hearts, and they humbled themselves and put their trust in the true and living God. And behold, they were faithful until the end; therefore they were saved.<br /><span style="color: #0091bc;"> </span>And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?" - Alma 5</i></blockquote>
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How can we become great instruments like unto Alma, and Alma the younger?<br />
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By keeping our focus on the eternal principles that matter -<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">While we look not at the things which are </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">seen</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen </span><span class="clarityWord" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">are</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> temporal; but the things which are not </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">seen</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> </span><span class="clarityWord" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">are </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">eternal</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">. (2 Cor 4:18)</span></span></i></blockquote>
Each missionary is specifically called with authority, to act as a representative of the Church, and to teach with power and authority the principles found in Preach my Gospel. We must teach the principle of the Atonement, as found in the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon. Many many scriptures from the Book of Mormon teach of the Atonement of the Savior. It's not just important, that today the Savior lives . . . but what He did. What He accomplished through the Atonement for us. <br />
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We were so impressed with a challenge Elder Andersen left for each missionary to memorize 10 scriptures that teach of the Atonement. To commit them to memory, to be ready to teach and to testify at a moments notice the power of the Atonement. (Each missionary may choose their own meaningful scriptures. Five from the Book of Mormon and five from other scripture sources. We have been implementing this wonderful challenge and have already seen great and marvelous things begin to come to pass! For myself it has given greater meaning to my scripture study, and greater purpose as I have tried to commit these special scriptures to memory). <br />
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Elder Andersen also taught the principle taught by President Spencer W. Kimball -<br />
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<i>President Spencer W. Kimball, who gave such comprehensive teachings on repentance and <a class="no-link-style" href="http://www.lds.org/topics/forgiveness?lang=eng" style="border: none !important; color: #2f393a; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none !important; vertical-align: baseline;">forgiveness</a>, said that personal suffering “is a very important part of repentance. One has not begun to repent until he has suffered intensely for his sins. … If a person hasn’t suffered, he hasn’t repented.” (<span class="emphasis" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball,</span> Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1982, pp. 88, 99.)<br />The Savior taught this principle when he said that his atoning sacrifice was for “all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.” (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/2.7?lang=eng#6" style="border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">2 Ne. 2:7</a>.) The repentant sinner who comes to Christ with a broken heart and a contrite spirit has been through a process of personal pain and suffering for sin.</i></blockquote>
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As we experience and use the Atonement in our own lives . . . we can then teach and testify with power of it's greatness, as we help others become truly converted, truly ready to make great changes in their life through repentance and bringing their lives into harmony with gospel principles. We are the instruments . . . that bring the gospel of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ to others . . . we are his hands.<br />
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He also shared Elder Bednar's quote from his wonderful address, <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2004/10/in-the-strength-of-the-lord?lang=eng">"In the Strength of the Lord"</a>.<br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thus, the enabling and strengthening aspect of the Atonement helps us to see and to do and to become good in ways that we could never recognize or accomplish with our limited mortal capacity. - Elder David A. Bednar</span></i></span></blockquote>
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He closed with his greetings from the Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson and thanked the missionaries for their devotion, service and hard work, with a blessing for all that their knowledge would increase as they reach out to help all, to teach the Atonement, to strengthen the members, to elevate all together. He blessed the missionaries that they might be able to see the things that can't be seen, to understand more clearly, to understand the situations of the people they will encounter. He bore a powerful testimony that our Heavenly Father lives. He said, "Jesus Christ lives". "I really know that He lives, was resurrected and directs the Church." "One day we will all be in front of Him". "This mission will be a great blessing". "God is our Father". "The Book of Mormon came from light". "I love you, this is my witness of Christ, I testify He lives, I really know".<br />
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<b>Powerful! Yes, it was powerful.</b></div>
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<b>The Spirit bore witness to us . . . that this apostle of the Lord</b></div>
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<b>speaks and testifies as His special witness.</b></div>
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<br />alpinekleinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950528432410686245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168491836782617964.post-6398026281746060962015-03-21T16:30:00.000-06:002015-10-15T11:42:07.673-06:00So Much to Share . . . So Little Time . . .<div class="tr_bq">
<b>Much to Share, Not Much Time . . .</b></div>
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A continual challenge that we have is to try to fit everything in. The days are full from morning until night. We are frequently on the road, traveling, in meetings, training, planning with missionaries, Church Leadership or members of the Church for various reasons.</div>
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We have so many messages we could share, so many experiences, trials, challenges, miracles, wonderful occurrences from our own happenings or that missionaries have shared with us . . . but we have so little time to put together the words to express what has come to pass.<br />
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<b>During the month of March the mission has been very blessed!</b><br />
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The mission San Pedro Sula Este has been blessed to have several uplifting and inspiring visitors that have blessed us through their teachings and testimonies.<br />
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Our visitors this month include -<br />
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<li>Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles</li>
<li>Elder Richard J. Maynes of the Presidency of the Seventy</li>
<li>Elder Dean M. Davies of the Presiding Bishopric of the Church</li>
<li>Elder Adrian Ochoa of the Second Quorum of the Seventy with their wives, and . . .</li>
<li>Elder Kevin R. Duncan of the First Quorum of the Seventy.</li>
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This post will be about our visit from Elder Kevin R. Duncan of the First Quorum of the Seventy.<br />
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<i>(Because he came earliest in the month, I will also be posting the inspiring messages of the other visiting General Authorities of the Church soon)</i><br />
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<b>Elder Kevin R. Duncan - </b><br />
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Elder Duncan has much experience in Latin America and had much to share with our missionaries. He served as a young missionary in Chile, then spent time working in Brazil, later served as a Mission President in Chile, and now is the President of the Central America Area, living in Guatemala with his wife and two youngest daughters. We were very grateful to have him tour our mission and greet all our missionaries, as well as address them in three different meetings.<br />
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I'm going to share many of the thoughts he left with us . . .<br />
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<b>Always begin and end speaking of Jesus Christ.</b><br />
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Jesus Christ was Jehovah of the Old Testament and the Messiah of the New Testament. He visited the American continent after his death and resurrection, he appeared to many so that there could be no doubt of his resurrection. These occasions are recorded both in the Bible and in the Book of Mormon which is another witness of Jesus Christ.<br />
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He is our Lord, our Redeemer, our Advocate with the Father.<br />
He ransomed us with his blood.<br />
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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We can do nothing as missionaries except we teach and testify of the importance of the Savior, his atonement and the blessings of the His restored gospel to the earth.<br />
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<i>Because of Him </i>. . . all that is good in the world, has come to pass.</div>
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<b><i>Testify powerfully of Christ in all moments.</i></b><br />
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<b>Are you Living up to Your Potential?</b><br />
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You are very needed here - field is white and ready to harvest, have a great work to do, much potential!<br />
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Are we living beneath our privileges?<br />
Do we have the faith required to live UP to our privileges?<br />
Knowing that our Heavenly Father will bless us.<br />
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Elder Duncan - "I am here to invite you to receive the VISION of the work you can accomplish in your areas, branches, wards and stakes. Through much study, and much work, I promise you can receive it!"<br />
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We need to envision each of our areas as the future Stakes of Zion!<br />
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We need good priesthood leaders! Men who diligently pay a full tithe and offerings. I particularly noted his next words . . . "think of the strength behind these faithful men!" "Speaking of women, I know all the apostles, and believe it or not, each of their wives are better than they are. My wife is better than me!" "So think of the strength that comes when we find these faithful men!"<br />
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<i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">And we, ourselves, also, through the infinite </span><sup class="studyNoteMarker" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup><a class="footnote" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/5?lang=eng#3a" id="footnote3" rel="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/footnote?lang=eng&volumeUri=bofm&bookUri=mosiah&chapterUri=5&noteID=3a" style="border: 0px; color: #0091bc; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">goodness</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">of God, and the manifestations of his Spirit, have great views of that which is to come; and were it expedient, we could prophesy of all things. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mosiah 5:3</span></span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<b>Envision the potential of yourself and your areas. </b><br />
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<b>An Invitation . . . to be Better . . .</b><br />
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Get rid of those things in your life that are preventing you from accomplishing this great work . . . tablets, extra telephones, telephone chips, inappropriate music . . . inappropriate activities or thoughts . . . selfishness, problems with leaders or companions . . . just stop it, get rid of it today!<br />
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Teach the members what are appropriate missionary activity and don't linger longer than necessary after lessons, lunch or dinner. Teach and testify in every home, with every person. Keep visits to less than an hour, preferably 30 minutes.<br />
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You are a representative of the Savior, you have been officially called by a prophet to represent the Church and the Savior. Be an example 24 x 7.<br />
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<b>We have the power to change the work here that is miraculous.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<b>Do Your Part to Hasten the Work of Salvation</b></div>
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Elder Duncan shared Elder Bednar's words from the most recent Seminar for Mission Presidents in 2014. Speaking of the scripture found in D&C 88:73 -<br />
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<i><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Behold, I will </span><sup class="studyNoteMarker" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><marker>a</marker></sup><a class="footnote" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/88.73?lang=eng#73a" id="footnote144" rel="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/footnote?lang=eng&volumeUri=dc-testament&bookUri=dc&chapterUri=88&noteID=73a" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">hasten</a><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> my work in its time.</span></i></div>
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It is very clear that we play a role in helping the Kingdom of God roll forth across the world. But it is the Lord who hastens His work. It is the Lord's work and he does the hastening. It is the Lord who directs and moves His work forward.<br />
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<b>Elder Bednar - </b><br />
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<b>"Will we keep pace?</b> Will we as individuals and collectively as a church keep pace with the Lord's hastening? Or will we insist on doing things the way they have always been done, or the ways we are accustomed to or comfortable with? </blockquote>
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<b>Will we learn and teach the Savior's way? </b> Will each of us here today learn, repent, change, and teach more effectively the Savior's way? Or will we be so entangled in the traditions and patterns of the past that we will be unable to keep up the pace of the Lord's hastening? </blockquote>
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<i>If we always do what we have always done, then we will always get what</i> </blockquote>
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<i>we have always gotten. </i> </blockquote>
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May I suggest that what we have always done and always gotten were good in their time but need to improve as the Lord is quickening the pace. The Lord's hastening of His work requires us continuously to learn, to change, and to press forward with faith in the Savior. </blockquote>
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<blockquote>
The Lord's anointed servants are leading the way to more spiritually sensitive, rigorous, and demanding patterns of learning and teaching. </blockquote>
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You were not called to serve today because of what you have done in the past. Rather, you were called because the Lord has confidence in what you can and will do in the future. You were called because of what you will become! </blockquote>
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<b>Will we keep pace as the Lord hastens His Work? Will we shape ourselves to the majesty of our callings?"</b></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<b>Every Member a Missionary . . . and . . .</b><br />
<b>Every Member a Member!!</b><br />
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Elder Duncan shared a video with the missionaries of easy ways to involve the members more frequently in their teaching. Encourage the members be active in teaching, attending firesides with investigators, inviting neighbors and friends into their homes for the missionaries to meet with. <br />
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Think how beneficially the time is spent if a member invites two families into their home for the missionaries to come teach! Saves the missionaries a great deal of time finding, and they feel the Spirit of a warm Latter-day Saint home, as well as make very good use of the missionaries teaching time. <br />
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Continually invite less active members to come back. Involve them in reading the Book of Mormon so they can remember that same Spirit that testified to them originally of the truthfulness of gospel principles.<br />
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<b>Members are Key!</b></div>
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<b>Always be Finding - Always!</b><br />
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During lessons, invite everyone in the house to participate. Invite the the neighbors in. Ask each person for references. Point out moments when the witness of the Spirit is strong. Invite everyone to come participate in the next lesson.<br />
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Elder Duncan brought an example of a teaching sheet for all investigators, filled with lesson plans and gospel principles.<br />
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Our assistants have already created one special for our mission that each missionary will have available to use with each of their investigators. <br />
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<b>Use the Area Calendars - </b><br />
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Each missionary, investigator, less active or active member should have a copy of the Area Calendar to use to track their personal scripture study, prayers, Family Home Evening, temple work, family history work. <br />
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Use the calendars!<br />
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<i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: DistrictLight, 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth … : for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”—</span><a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/6.19,%2021?lang=eng" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #486fae; display: inline; font-family: DistrictLight, 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Matthew 6:19, 21</a></i><br />
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<b>A Mission of Angels -</b> </div>
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We have a mission of angels on the other side of the veil doing their part to hasten the work. They are preparing the hearts of many to receive the word of the Lord. </div>
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<i><a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3168491836782617964" name="24" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><span class="chunk" id="chunk230001" node="230001" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="1">For </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230002" node="230002" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="2">behold, </span><sup class="studyNoteMarker" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="chunk" id="chunk230003" node="230003" paranum="23" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="3">a</span></sup><a class="footnote" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/13.24?lang=eng#24a" id="footnote46" rel="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/footnote?lang=eng&volumeUri=bofm&bookUri=alma&chapterUri=13&noteID=24a" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="chunk" id="chunk230004" node="230004" paranum="23" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="4">angels</span></a><span class="chunk" id="chunk230005" node="230005" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="5"> are </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230006" node="230006" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="6">declaring </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230007" node="230007" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="7">it </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230008" node="230008" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="8">unto </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230009" node="230009" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="9">many </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230010" node="230010" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="10">at </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230011" node="230011" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="11">this </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230012" node="230012" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="12">time </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230013" node="230013" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="13">in </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230014" node="230014" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="14">our </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230015" node="230015" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="15">land; </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230016" node="230016" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="16">and </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230017" node="230017" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="17">this </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230018" node="230018" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="18">is </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230019" node="230019" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="19">for </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230020" node="230020" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="20">the </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230021" node="230021" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="21">purpose </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230022" node="230022" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="22">of </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230023" node="230023" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="23">preparing </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230024" node="230024" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="24">the </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230025" node="230025" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="25">hearts </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230026" node="230026" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="26">of </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230027" node="230027" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="27">the </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230028" node="230028" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="28">children </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230029" node="230029" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="29">of </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230030" node="230030" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="30">men </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230031" node="230031" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="31">to </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230032" node="230032" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="32">receive </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230033" node="230033" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="33">his </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230034" node="230034" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="34">word </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230035" node="230035" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="35">at </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230036" node="230036" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="36">the </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230037" node="230037" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="37">time </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230038" node="230038" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="38">of </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230039" node="230039" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="39">his </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230040" node="230040" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="40">coming </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230041" node="230041" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="41">in </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk230042" node="230042" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="42">his </span><span class="chunk hl-id-55724676" id="chunk230043" node="230043" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="43">glory. Alma 13:24</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="chunk hl-id-55724676" node="230043" paranum="23" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="43"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">How do we work with these Angels? Through the power of prayer, fasting, planning, study, planning to teach and praying for the proper preparation. What would the Savior have us do so that we can be prepared to assist these missionaries from the other side of the veil with their work?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="chunk hl-id-20010181" id="chunk150001" node="150001" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="1">And </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150002" node="150002" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="2">there </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150003" node="150003" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="3">was </span><sup class="studyNoteMarker" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="chunk" id="chunk150004" node="150004" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="4">a</span></sup><a class="footnote" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/16?lang=eng#16a" id="footnote16" rel="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/footnote?lang=eng&volumeUri=bofm&bookUri=alma&chapterUri=16&noteID=16a" style="border: 0px; color: #0091bc; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">no</a><span class="chunk" id="chunk150006" node="150006" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="6"> inequality </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150007" node="150007" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="7">among </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150008" node="150008" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="8">them; </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150009" node="150009" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="9">the </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150010" node="150010" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="10">Lord </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150011" node="150011" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="11">did </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150012" node="150012" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="12">pour </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150013" node="150013" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="13">out </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150014" node="150014" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="14">his </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150015" node="150015" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="15">Spirit </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150016" node="150016" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="16">on </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150017" node="150017" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="17">all </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150018" node="150018" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="18">the </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150019" node="150019" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="19">face </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150020" node="150020" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="20">of </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150021" node="150021" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="21">the </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150022" node="150022" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="22">land </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150023" node="150023" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="23">to </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150024" node="150024" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="24">prepare </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150025" node="150025" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="25">the </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150026" node="150026" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="26">minds </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150027" node="150027" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="27">of </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150028" node="150028" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="28">the </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150029" node="150029" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="29">children </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150030" node="150030" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="30">of </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150031" node="150031" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="31">men, </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150032" node="150032" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="32">or </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150033" node="150033" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="33">to </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150034" node="150034" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="34">prepare </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150035" node="150035" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="35">their </span><sup class="studyNoteMarker" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="chunk" id="chunk150036" node="150036" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="36">b</span></sup><a class="footnote" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/16?lang=eng#16b" id="footnote17" rel="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/footnote?lang=eng&volumeUri=bofm&bookUri=alma&chapterUri=16&noteID=16b" style="border: 0px; color: #0091bc; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">hearts</a><span class="chunk" id="chunk150038" node="150038" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="38"> to </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150039" node="150039" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="39">receive </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150040" node="150040" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="40">the </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150041" node="150041" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="41">word </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150042" node="150042" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="42">which </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150043" node="150043" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="43">should </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150044" node="150044" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="44">be </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150045" node="150045" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="45">taught </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150046" node="150046" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="46">among </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150047" node="150047" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="47">them </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150048" node="150048" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="48">at </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150049" node="150049" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="49">the </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150050" node="150050" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="50">time </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150051" node="150051" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="51">of </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk150052" node="150052" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="52">his </span><span class="chunk hl-id-20010181" id="chunk150053" node="150053" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="53">coming— Alma 16:16</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="chunk hl-id-20010181" node="150053" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="53"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span class="chunk hl-id-20010181" node="150053" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="53"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Today is a New Day! </b></span></span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PDe4RDR9COg0Ymje0bGdetMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cQF2rt4Zn8I/VQzvrsWGNwI/AAAAAAAAKJ8/-V0RvXma3uA/s640/IMG_6680.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114162105848614156462/March202015?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">March 20, 2015</a></td></tr>
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<span class="chunk hl-id-20010181" node="150053" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="53"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="chunk hl-id-20010181" node="150053" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="53"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="chunk hl-id-20010181" node="150053" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="53"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"><b>Faith is the key. </b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Through faith we can overcome whatever challenges we may find in our paths. It's easy to have faith when times are good, when things are easy, when our appointments come to pass, when our investigators come to church, when they progress and read and study and pray as we have helped them. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Having faith during the hard times is hard! But it is the most important time! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Faith is the basis of testimony.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Faith represents sacrifice.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Faith is a miracle.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Faith is a gift from God.</div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"<span class="chunk hl-id-52902367" id="chunk110036" node="110036" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="36">It </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110037" node="110037" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="37">is </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110038" node="110038" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="38">a </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110039" node="110039" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="39">marvelous </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110040" node="110040" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="40">and </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110041" node="110041" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="41">wonderful </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110042" node="110042" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="42">thing </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110043" node="110043" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="43">that </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110044" node="110044" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="44">thousands </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110045" node="110045" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="45">are </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110046" node="110046" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="46">touched </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110047" node="110047" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="47">by </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110048" node="110048" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="48">the </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110049" node="110049" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="49">miracle </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110050" node="110050" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="50">of </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110051" node="110051" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="51">the </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110052" node="110052" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="52">Holy </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110053" node="110053" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="53">Spirit, </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110054" node="110054" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="54">that </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110055" node="110055" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="55">they </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110056" node="110056" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="56">believe </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110057" node="110057" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="57">and </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110058" node="110058" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="58">accept </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110059" node="110059" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="59">and </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110060" node="110060" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="60">become </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110061" node="110061" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="61">members. </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110062" node="110062" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="62">They </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110063" node="110063" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="63">are </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110064" node="110064" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="64">baptized. </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110065" node="110065" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="65">Their </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110066" node="110066" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="66">lives </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110067" node="110067" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="67">are </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110068" node="110068" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="68">forever </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110069" node="110069" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="69">touched </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110070" node="110070" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="70">for </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110071" node="110071" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="71">good. </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110072" node="110072" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="72">Miracles </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110073" node="110073" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="73">occur. </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110074" node="110074" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="74">A </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110075" node="110075" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="75">seed </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110076" node="110076" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="76">of </span><span class="highlight" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="chunk" id="chunk110077" node="110077" paranum="11" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="77">faith</span></span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110078" node="110078" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="78"> comes </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110079" node="110079" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="79">into </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110080" node="110080" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="80">their </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110081" node="110081" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="81">hearts. </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110082" node="110082" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="82">It </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110083" node="110083" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="83">enlarges </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110084" node="110084" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="84">as </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110085" node="110085" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="85">they </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110086" node="110086" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="86">learn. </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110087" node="110087" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="87">And </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110088" node="110088" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="88">they </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110089" node="110089" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="89">accept </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110090" node="110090" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="90">principle </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110091" node="110091" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="91">upon </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110092" node="110092" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="92">principle, </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110093" node="110093" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="93">until </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110094" node="110094" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="94">they </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110095" node="110095" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="95">have </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110096" node="110096" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="96">every </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110097" node="110097" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="97">one </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110098" node="110098" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="98">of </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110099" node="110099" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="99">the </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110100" node="110100" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="100">marvelous </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110101" node="110101" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="101">blessings </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110102" node="110102" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="102">that </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110103" node="110103" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="103">come </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110104" node="110104" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="104">to </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110105" node="110105" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="105">those </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110106" node="110106" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="106">who </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110107" node="110107" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="107">walk </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110108" node="110108" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="108">with </span><span class="highlight" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="chunk" id="chunk110109" node="110109" paranum="11" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="109">faith</span></span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110110" node="110110" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="110"> in </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110111" node="110111" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="111">this, </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110112" node="110112" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="112">The </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110113" node="110113" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="113">Church </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110114" node="110114" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="114">of </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110115" node="110115" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="115">Jesus </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110116" node="110116" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="116">Christ </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110117" node="110117" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="117">of </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110118" node="110118" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="118">Latter-day </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk110119" node="110119" paranum="11" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="119">Saints.</span></span></i></div>
<div class="chunked" id="p13" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/general-conference/2001/04/the-miracle-of-faith.p13">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="chunk" id="chunk120000" node="120000" paranum="12" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="0">It </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk120001" node="120001" paranum="12" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="1">is </span><span class="highlight" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="chunk" id="chunk120002" node="120002" paranum="12" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="2">faith</span></span><span class="chunk" id="chunk120003" node="120003" paranum="12" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="3"> that </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk120004" node="120004" paranum="12" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="4">is </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk120005" node="120005" paranum="12" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="5">the </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk120006" node="120006" paranum="12" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="6">converter. </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk120007" node="120007" paranum="12" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="7">It </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk120008" node="120008" paranum="12" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="8">is </span><span class="highlight" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="chunk" id="chunk120009" node="120009" paranum="12" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="9">faith</span></span><span class="chunk" id="chunk120010" node="120010" paranum="12" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="10"> that </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk120011" node="120011" paranum="12" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="11">is </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk120012" node="120012" paranum="12" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="12">the </span><span class="chunk hl-id-52902367" id="chunk120013" node="120013" paranum="12" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="13">teacher."</span></span></i></div>
<div class="chunked" id="p13" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/general-conference/2001/04/the-miracle-of-faith.p13">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="chunk hl-id-52902367" node="120013" paranum="12" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="13">--Gordon B. Hinckley</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="chunk hl-id-20010181" node="150053" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="53"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="chunk hl-id-20010181" node="150053" paranum="15" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 25.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" wrapper="53"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3168491836782617964%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2F-rKB1knZQMxY%2FVQztnr1EIcI%2FAAAAAAAAKJ8%2Fq_cwGp0D9bM%2Fs640%2FIMG_6573-2.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 29px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 12093px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3168491836782617964%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2F-rKB1knZQMxY%2FVQztnr1EIcI%2FAAAAAAAAKJ8%2Fq_cwGp0D9bM%2Fs640%2FIMG_6573-2.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 29px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 12093px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>alpinekleinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950528432410686245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168491836782617964.post-67696124897810657352015-02-28T17:49:00.000-07:002015-03-21T16:32:32.450-06:00There is a God, and He Sent His Son . . .<b>In a previous post - </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b> entitled <a href="http://www.themissionpresidentswife.blogspot.com/2015/01/there-is-god-and-he-loves-you.html">There is a God, and He loves You . . .</a></b><br />
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We shared an important message that we, missionaries and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, take to all the world. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>God is our Heavenly Father. We are his children. He loves us.</i> </div>
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Because of his great love for us, we are here in this mortal existence on earth to learn and grow through challenges that bring us closer to God and help us become stronger. Despite experiencing many challenges and trials in life, God's plan is a plan of happiness. <br />
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It is centered on the Atonement of Jesus Christ.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CKyX1GsrUEo/VPJYJJgGyQI/AAAAAAAAJsQ/gD9nY0qY0jw/s1600/IMG_6943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CKyX1GsrUEo/VPJYJJgGyQI/AAAAAAAAJsQ/gD9nY0qY0jw/s1600/IMG_6943.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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As we learn about Jesus Christ, we can discover lasting inner peace, great joy in this life, and a continuing eternal life of joy and happiness.<br />
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In the above referenced <a href="http://www.themissionpresidentswife.blogspot.com/2015/01/there-is-god-and-he-loves-you.html">post</a> we answered many questions such as, <i>"Why it's important to know of God's existence", "How can I know that God exists?",</i> and <i>"Why do I need God and Jesus Christ in my life?"</i> <br />
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If you are seeking answers to questions, you may want to start by reading <a href="http://www.themissionpresidentswife.blogspot.com/2015/01/there-is-god-and-he-loves-you.html">this post</a> first.<br />
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As an important part of God's eternal plan for his children, or our Heavenly Father's plan . . . it is important to understand that . . .<br />
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<b>There is a God, and He Sent His Son . . .</b><br />
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As missionaries we share wonderful news that brings great comfort to many; that your life did not begin here on earth. Nor will it end when you leave this life. <br />
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In addition to our physical bodies, we are made up of a spiritual or immaterial being as well. This spiritual portion of our being is immortal. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and other religions as well refer to this portion of our being as our <i>spirit or soul</i>. So we are essentially created with two very important parts . . . our physical bodies, and our spirits which during our earthly existence dwell within our physical bodies.<br />
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Before we were born on earth our spirits lived with our Heavenly Father who created us. Part of our Heavenly Father's plan for us was coming to earth to receive our physical bodies. Our bodies allowed us to experience both great joy . . . and pain . . . experiences necessary to strengthen us and allow us to progress. <br />
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<i>Just as our own children cannot learn, grow and progress if they stay forever in our homes and under the watchful and nurturing eye of their parents . . . we like all children everywhere had to leave our Heavenly home to learn to grow through experience on our own through the ability to make great choices and decisions and experience the consequences that bring growth and change.</i></div>
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<b>Heavenly Father Knew We Would Make Mistakes . . .</b><br />
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Heavenly Father knew we would make mistakes in our mortal life. Sometimes through our choices or decisions and the choices and decisions of others, He knew we would experience great pain, remorse, adversity, misery, shame or guilt. <br />
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In our earthy existence God has given us commandments, that through obedience we can learn to experience joy, and learn to make choices between right and wrong. We can read about the commandments in the scriptures . . . a favorite is found in <i><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/14.15?lang=eng">John 14:15</a></i>. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"If ye love me, keep my commandments"</i>. </span></div>
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But the scriptures also teach us that <i>"no unclean thing can dwell with God"</i>. <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/10.21?lang=eng">1 Nephi 10:21</a>.<br />
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Since all of us are mortal here, living in an imperfect and mortal world, try as hard as we can we all will make mistakes. We all will make choices that go against the commandments of our Heavenly Father, we all make some bad decisions, bad choices or act in ways contrary to the divine law of God.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">So how can we as imperfect beings return to live again in a perfect world with God, our </span></i></div>
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<b>God sent His son Jesus Christ . . .</b><br />
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God sent His son Jesus Christ to earth to give us a way to overcome our mortal sins and imperfections.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;"> "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (</span><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/john/3/16#16" style="border: 0px; color: #006dc0; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">John 3:16</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;">).</span></blockquote>
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Our Heavenly Father sent His son Jesus Christ to take upon Him, by His suffering, the sins of all who would live upon the earth, and to overcome physical death. Jesus Christ, through His suffering became our Savior and our Redeemer, and made an infinite atoning sacrifice for us. He is the only way by which we can return to live with God, our Heavenly Father. The mortal ministry of Jesus Christ upon the earth ended through his suffering, crucifixion, death and resurrection. <br />
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Resurrection, meaning through death, His physical body separated from His spirit. Then on the third day after His death, His Spirit and body were reunited again, for all eternity, never to be separated again. Thus, giving each of us, God's mortal children, the gift of repentance and forgiveness. Only through his mercy and grace can anyone be saved, and through the power of resurrection, overcome the physical death of our own bodies.<br />
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After His death and resurrection, Jesus Christ appeared to many people, showing them the wounds in his hands, feet and sides, showing them that he had a physical immortal body of flesh and bones.<br />
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<i>These events are called the Atonement.</i></div>
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<i>Jesus Christ saves us from sin.</i></div>
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<i>Jesus Christ saves us from death.</i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">For that . . . he is very literally our Savior and Redeemer.</span></i></div>
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<b>Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ . . . </b></div>
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We<i> will ALL be resurrected. </i>We will all be resurrected regardless of whether we have done good or evil in this life. We will have a perfect immortal body of flesh and bones, that will never again be subject to death, pain or disease. The power of the resurrection makes it possible for us to return to God to be judged, but does not guarantee that we will be able to live in his presence. For that blessing we need to be free from sin.</div>
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Being made free from sin is possible through exercising faith in Jesus Christ, repenting, being baptized, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and striving faithfully to keep his commandments throughout the rest of our lives. </div>
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Through continually evaluating and making changes to improve our lives, we may obtain forgiveness and be made free from sin, by the power of the Holy Ghost. We are relieved of our burdens of guilt, shame, doubt - through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and become worthy to live in the presence of God once again.</div>
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As we rely on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can also experience overcoming trials, challenges, grief, sickness and pain. We can find peace, joy, and consolation.</div>
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<b>How can we follow the Savior and become like Him?</b></div>
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<i>When asked what the greatest commandment is, Jesus replies: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind ... And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself" <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/22?lang=eng">(Matthew 22:37–39)</a>. Other ethical teachings of Jesus include loving one's enemies, refraining from hatred and lust, and turning the other cheek <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/5?lang=eng">(Matthew 5:21–44)</a>.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In paying for our sins, grief, and pain through His Atonement, the Savior did not relieve us of our personal responsibility. We must show that we accept Him and will strive to follow his commandments. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/followers-of-christ?lang=eng">Elder Dallin H. Oaks</a>, one of the twelve apostles on the earth today, tells us - </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-size: 24px; line-height: 28px;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice but a continuous commitment and way of life that applies at all times and in all places.</span></i></span></blockquote>
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We can learn of the Savior and follow him through studying his life as found in the New Testament, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and other scriptures.<br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px;">Jesus taught that </span><a class="no-link-style" href="http://lds.org/study/topics/baptism?lang=eng" style="border: none !important; color: #2f393a; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none !important; vertical-align: baseline;">baptism</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px;"> was necessary to enter the kingdom of God (see </span><a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/3.5?lang=eng#4" style="border: 0px; color: #0091bc; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">John 3:5</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px;">).</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px;">Jesus began His preaching by inviting His listeners to repent (see </span><a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/4.17?lang=eng#16" style="border: 0px; color: #0091bc; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Matthew 4:17</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px;">).</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px;">He affirmed that keeping His commandments would require His followers to leave what He called “that which is highly esteemed among men” (</span><a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/16.15?lang=eng#14" style="border: 0px; color: #0091bc; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Luke 16:15</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px;">) and “the tradition of men” (</span><a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/mark/7.8?lang=eng#7" style="border: 0px; color: #0091bc; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Mark 7:8</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px;">; see also verse </span><a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/mark/7.13?lang=eng#12" style="border: 0px; color: #0091bc; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">13</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px;">).</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px;">And</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px;"> the Apostle Peter later declared, the followers of Jesus were to be “a peculiar people” (</span><a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-pet/2.9?lang=eng#8" style="border: 0px; color: #0091bc; line-height: 30.600000381469727px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1 Peter 2:9</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px;">).</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus taught that “men ought always to pray” (<a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/18.1?lang=eng#0" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Luke 18:1</a>).</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the familiar parable of the lost sheep, Jesus taught that we should go out of our way to seek after any of the flock who have strayed (see <a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/18.11-14?lang=eng#10" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Matthew 18:11–14</a>; <a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/15.3-7?lang=eng#2" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Luke 15:3–7</a>).</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus taught that when we are wronged by persons, we should forgive them (see <a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/18.21-35?lang=eng#20" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Matthew 18:21–35</a>; <a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/mark/11.25-26?lang=eng#24" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Mark 11:25–26</a>; <a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/6.37?lang=eng#36" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Luke 6:37</a>). </span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most Christians give to the poor and the needy, as Jesus taught (see <a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/25.31-46?lang=eng#30" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Matthew 25:31–46</a>; <a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/mark/14.7?lang=eng#6" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Mark 14:7</a>).</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; line-height: 30.600000381469727px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Savior directed His followers to take His teachings to every nation and every creature. (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/mark/16?lang=eng">Mark 16:15</a>)</span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 30.600000381469727px;"><b>Participate in Sacred Ordinances . . . </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 30.600000381469727px;">The Savior instituted the ordinance of the Sacrament, or communion as other Christian religions call it. He commanded His followers to participate in this sacred ordinance in remembrance of Him. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we follow that commandment each week by attending church services on the sabbath day where we partake of the bread and water in His name, and renew covenants to always remember Him and keep His commandments.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 30.600000381469727px;">For members of the Church, the Sacrament meeting in the most sacred and holy of all the meetings of the Church. If we are to be His disciples and be committed members of His Church, we must remember and reverence the sacrament. By doing so we express our desire to follow the Savior, and allow His Atonement to work it's blessing in our lives. Participating in the sacrament increases our love and appreciation for our Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 30.600000381469727px;"><b>Be Ye Therefore Perfect . . .</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 30.600000381469727px;">The Savior taught in Matthew, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect". We understand that we become perfect only through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and it is part of God the Father's plan for his children to return to him. By following the example of the Savior, we become "like" him . . . and become "joint-heirs with Christ". (Romans 8:16-17) Meaning we have the opportunity for eternal life with our Heavenly Father.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 30.600000381469727px;"><b>There is a God . . . and he loves us.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 30.600000381469727px;"><b>He sent His Son.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 30.600000381469727px;">His son, even <b>Jesus Christ</b> died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which we teach to all people everywhere . . . every missionary message that we share . . . is only an appendage to this testimony.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 30.600000381469727px;"><b>Indeed He Lives. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 30.600000381469727px;"><b>We express our great faith and confidence in Him, as we strive to live His gospel.</b></span></span></div>
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alpinekleinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950528432410686245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168491836782617964.post-29588317137666387552015-02-11T09:32:00.000-07:002015-03-21T16:33:09.218-06:00Missionary Congo Bars<b>Hello all</b><br />
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By popular demand . . . here's a recipe for another favorite missionary treat!<br />
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<b>It's Interview Time Once Again . . .</b><br />
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It's February . . . hard to believe it's interview month again . . . seems like we just barely finished. My how time flies when you're having fun. (Yes, missionary work can be fun, but it's also hard work :)<br />
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Many of the missionaries want me to share the recipe for their interview treats this month!<br />
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<b>Congo bars</b> have become a missionary favorite, usually made only for interviews or other special occasions. I've been told that the missionaries LOVE their interview time with President Klein . . . but what they really look forward to is their homemade treat from Hermana Klein. Just sayin' . . .<br />
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I was very fortunate to run across a good <b><a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/02/congo-bars-recipe.html">Congo bar recipe</a></b> from <b><a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/">Six Sisters</a></b> that is much easier to make in mass for a special treat.<br />
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<b>Always a Search for Ingredients . . .</b><br />
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I was even more fortunate to be able to locate all the ingredients to make these delicious bars here in Honduras. You never know what you are going to find at the grocery store . . . thank goodness I bought every package of brown sugar on the shelf last time I found it . . . because today I'm going through it and after a quick trip to the market found that there is none on the shelf at the grocery store.<br />
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<b>But here is the recipe! Hope you enjoy!</b><br />
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<b>Missionary Congo Bars</b></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/02/congo-bars-recipe.html">(adapted from this recipe here at Six Sisters cooking blog</a>)</b><br />
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<b>This is a double batch, meant to be baked for a CROWD</b><br />
<b>in a large jelly roll pan.</b></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: underline;">Missionary Congo Bars Recipe:</span></span></div>
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5 1/2 c. all purpose flour</div>
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5 tsp. baking powder</div>
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1 tsp. salt</div>
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<em id="__mceDel" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1 1/3 c. butter, softened</em></div>
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<em id="__mceDel" style="box-sizing: border-box;">4 c. brown sugar</em></div>
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<em id="__mceDel" style="box-sizing: border-box;">6 eggs</em></div>
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<em id="__mceDel" style="box-sizing: border-box;">2 tsp. vanilla</em></div>
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<em id="__mceDel" style="box-sizing: border-box;">2 package semi-sweet chocolate chips (I like a mixture of chocolate chips, white chocolate chips and butterscotch chips)</em></div>
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<em id="__mceDel" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><em id="__mceDel" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></em></em><em id="__mceDel" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1 c. chopped pecans (optional)</em></div>
<i>(I actually leave out the nuts because some of our missionary have allergies . . . and besides the big chief . . . President Klein is NOT a fan of nuts :)</i></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</span> Sift flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Set aside. Combine butter and sugar using a mixer until blended. Add eggs, one at a time to sugar mixture, mixing on low in between each addition. Add vanilla and mix. Add flour and mix until combined. Stir in chips and then pecans.</div>
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Spray a large JELLY ROLL pan with non-stick spray and spread batter evenly into dish.</div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 29px;">Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until top is golden brown. </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 29px;"><b>Make sure you don’t over bake. </b>(I feel like I underbake them slightly in the center but they are always baked all the way through when I cut them up)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 29px;">I like to let them cool completely before cutting. May be frozen and served at a later date.</span></span></div>
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Yield: about 40-48 bars<br />
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<span style="font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 29px;"> . . . And there you go!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 29px;">All packed up and ready to go . . .</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 29px;">All 250 of them!</span></div>
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alpinekleinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950528432410686245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168491836782617964.post-18642606987705637412015-01-30T19:37:00.000-07:002015-03-21T16:33:42.810-06:00There is a God, and He Loves You . . .<b>There is a God, and He Loves You . . .</b><br />
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The first and most important message we take to all the world is . . .<br />
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There is a God.<br />
He is our Heavenly Father, we are his children.<br />
He has a body of flesh and bone, much like ours, only perfected.<br />
He loves us. Each one of us . . . his children.<br />
He weeps with us when we suffer, and rejoices with us when do things that are right.<br />
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He desires to hear from his children . . . through prayer.<br />
He has prepared this earthly experience for us so we can learn and grow.<br />
And through our earthly trials, challenges and experiences, become as He is.<br />
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He sent his son Jesus Christ to save us from physical and spiritual death.<br />
He has a plan for us, here in this earthly existence.<br />
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<b>From the beginning of time . . .</b><br />
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From the beginnings of all time man has asked the same question, is there a God? Does he know me? To seek such answers is the pursuit of religion. By definition, religion is a belief or worship of a Being higher than our humanness, that has a controlling power. The very definition implies that knowledge of such a Power comes through belief, or strong belief, which is equivalent to faith. A belief or faith is also by definition a spiritual comprehension as opposed to knowledge based on proof.<br />
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Therefore if we seek for answers of a religious nature, having to do with a higher power or being greater than ourselves, our knowledge must include strengthening our beliefs, through strengthening our faith, rather than from knowledge only based upon proof.<br />
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<b>The Foundation of all Righteousness</b><br />
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In an ever more confused and increasingly turbulent world . . . it will be essential to increase our capacity to seek learning by faith. A quest if you will to seek and obtain and apply spiritual knowledge. Faith is the first principle in revealed religion and the foundation of all righteousness. A belief, strong belief, the equivalent of faith requires action on our part. It is not a passive. It requires that we participate and actively pursue. <br />
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Elder Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shares, "<a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/2007/09/seek-learning-by-faith?lang=eng">Learning by faith</a> requires spiritual, mental, and physical exertion and not just passive reception." "Are you and I agents who act and seek learning by faith, or are we waiting to be taught and acted upon? <br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);">In an ever more confused and increasingly turbulent world . . . the world will surely come to us, with the teachings of men, mingled with their interpretation of scripture, or guidance from a higher power as is convenient to the current moral and political trends of the day. We cannot wait to be "acted upon" by the world but must be anxiously engaged in asking, seeking and knocking (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/14.7?lang=eng">3 Nephi 14:7</a>).</span><br />
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<b>The Loud Voice of the Adversary - </b><br />
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In recent years, with the rise of increasing use of the Internet, the loud voice of the adversary, in direct opposition to people of faith would proclaim that there is no <i>evidence</i> that God exists. Evidence is the body of facts or information provided with the purpose to convince that a belief is true or valid. It is meant to convince another of truth. Even in a court of law the evidence is often contradictory, even one eyewitness can contradict another. Scientific evidence is subject to many different interpretations, or may be unreliable due to errors in collection and analysis.<br />
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Therefore in a quest for reliable spiritual, religious, faith based knowledge, physical evidence only or the lack thereof cannot be deemed genuine, sound or true. In people of faith, and particularly to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have experienced miracles and personal tender mercies of a spiritual nature, the evidence comes in the form of their own personal experience.<br />
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<b>The Evidence of God's Existence - </b><br />
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Try convincing the many that have been healed by God's priesthood power that evidence of God doesn't exist. Try convincing those who entered the waters of baptism spiritually ill and burdened with a lifetime of sin that evidence of God's healing power doesn't exist. The multitude of these seemingly insignificant in a great universe, acts of physical Godly power multiplied by the millions upon millions through thousands of years . . . and you begin to get a sense of the cumulative total of the evidence not just of God's existence but of His active intervention in human lives.<br />
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Ultimately the knowledge of God's existence and power can only be spiritually discerned. But until the Spirit of the Holy Ghost which witnesses to the heart of man the truth of all things . . . that heart will remain without the evidence it seeks, and the natural man will continue to be "acted upon" by the world all around.<br />
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<b>How do we Receive a Spiritual Witness?</b><br />
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But how does the Holy Ghost testify of truth and witness unto us? Yes, through our feelings or senses, but much more than just a feeling . . . if you have ever felt a witness of the Holy Spirit then you know it's not just following your own subjective feelings. It is something very different. If you don't believe you have experienced a witness from the Holy Spirit it can be difficult to fully explain.<br />
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Some scripture examples might be helpful:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3168491836782617964" name="37" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #486fae; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Acts 2:37, 38 </a>Now when they heard <span class="clarityWord" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">this,</span> they were <i>pricked in their heart</i>, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men <span class="clarityWord" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and</span>brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.</blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">Luke 24:32 And they said one to another, Did not <i>our </i></span><i><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">heart</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">burn</span></i><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><i> within us</i>, while he </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">talked</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?</span> </blockquote>
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Matthew 16:15-17 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. <span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon</span><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">Bar-jona: <i>for flesh and blood hath not</i></span><i><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">revealed</span><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="clarityWord" style="border: 0px; color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">it</span><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> </span></i><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><i>unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven</i>.</span> </blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: #fefbbf; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #486fae;">John 14:26 </span></span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">But <i>the </i></span><i><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">Comforter</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">, </span><span class="clarityWord" style="background-color: #fefbbf; border: 0px; color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">which is</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> the </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">Holy Ghost</span></i><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">, whom the Father will send in my </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">name</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">, he shall </span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">teach</span><span style="background-color: #fefbbf; color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">John 15:26 But when the </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">Comforter</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, </span><span class="clarityWord" style="border: 0px; color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">even</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, <i>he shall </i></span><i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">testify</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> of me:</span></i> </blockquote>
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<b>Mere Words Cannot Express . . .</b><br />
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It is fundamentally difficult to understand another's own personal manifestation of the Spirit due to the limited vocabulary of mankind. We don't have the correct words to describe the significant experience that takes place through the senses to describe a spiritual witness of the Holy Spirit. Because few have the poetic mind and descriptions necessary, we are left to try our best to convey what we've experienced, and it can be different for everyone.<br />
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<b>Why Believe?</b><br />
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Why is a belief, strong belief, the equivalent of faith in God important in your life? Sooner, or later, all of us will need our Heavenly Father and the Light of His Son, Jesus Christ in our life. Sooner or later we will all need the Savior. We all make mistakes we cannot fix, experience losses we cannot recover, and face pains, persecution, tragedies, burdens, and disappointments we cannot handle alone.<br />
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The good news is that we don't have to handle them alone.<br />
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When we stumble and fall, the adversary, even the devil, Satan, wants us to think we're not good enough to get up and get back on the right path. When we face serious challenges, sometimes we find it difficult to trust in the Lord. But trusting in Him brings us the hope we need in order to face our challenges. If you've ever faced a natural disaster, been the subject of cruel gossip, experienced a life-changing challenge, had a falling-out with a friend, or stood up for what's right . . . you know you need the Lord's peace.<br />
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<b>Comfort . . . Peace through the Atonement - </b><br />
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The Savior is important to us because through his Atonement, teachings, hope, peace and example, He helps us change our lives, face our trials, and move forward with faith. <br />
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You can find the Savior's words of eternal life in the scriptures, the teachings of the living prophets, and the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. They offer a foundation for happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. <br />
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<b>We turn to our Heavenly Father and the Savior by:</b><br />
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<li>Praying to Heavenly Father for the Spirit to be with us.</li>
<li>Reading the Lord's words in the scriptures and as revealed by living prophets.</li>
<li>Attending the temple.</li>
<li>Studying the Savior's life.</li>
<li>Applying his Atonement by repenting of our sins.</li>
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When we feel the Savior's peace, our hearts need not be troubled or afraid. (John 14:26-27)<br />
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<i>But the Comforter, <span class="clarityWord" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">which is</span> the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.</i></div>
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<i><a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3168491836782617964" name="27" style="border: 0px; color: #486fae; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a>Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.</i></div>
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<b>God lives</b></div>
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<b>And he does love you</b></div>
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<br />alpinekleinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950528432410686245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168491836782617964.post-79261122204360666322015-01-05T22:01:00.000-07:002015-03-21T16:34:10.617-06:00I Hope They call me on a Mission<b>A familiar refrain . . .</b><br />
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<i>I hope they call me on a mission . . .</i><br />
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<i>(Most photos are from our recent Zone Conferences, Leadership Training or recent transfer day)</i></div>
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A favorite line from a favorite song that inspires excitement even amongst the smallest of primary children. And truly for many LDS youth missionary preparation begins from the earliest years spent in the Primary organization of the Church.<br />
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But what happens when everything you ever learned in Primary, the Young Mens organization, Young Women's, and Sunday School isn't everything one needs to be ready to serve?<br />
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President Gordon B. Hinckley emphasized the importance of having good mental and physical health while serving a full-time mission.<br />
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"This work is rigorous . . . it demands strength and vitality. It demands mental sharpness and capacity" . . .<br />
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President Hinckley certainly knew what he was talking about.<br />
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<b>Physical and Emotional Preparation</b><br />
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Missionary work is a call extended by the President of the Church to those who are worthy AND able to accomplish it . . .<br />
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Good physical and mental health are essential.<br />
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Not all missions in the world are created equal. In some ways . . . you could say - it's the missionaries against the elements.<br />
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The heat, cold, sun, rain, sleet, hail, rocky roads, insects, dirty water, no water, no electricity, hills, rivers, streams, mountains, rain forests, snakes, ants . . . each part of the world presents it's own particular challenge.<br />
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Here, as in most locations in Central America missionaries do not have the use of cars or bikes . . . an additional burden or challenge to be on their feet, walking and carrying their back or shoulder packs throughout the long days . . . day after day . . .<br />
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The effort required is actually much more than one would ever imagine.<br />
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<b>Heavenly Father Blesses his Missionaries</b><br />
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Without a doubt, Heavenly Father blesses his missionaries! Clearly, he desires to bless each of them so they can do their best to teach and testify of the Savior and his gospel. But each missionary has a part to play as well in maintaining both physical and emotional readiness and good health.<br />
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It seems to be that whatever ailment or physical or mental challenge that a missionary brings into the mission field only becomes more aggravated, more challenging and more difficult under the physical challenge of a difficult and arduous work. <br />
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Therefore it is super important to enter the mission field with as much physical and emotional strength as possible. <br />
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"There should be an eagerness and a desire to serve the Lord as His ambassadors to the world. And there must be health and strength, both physical and mental, for the work is demanding, the hours are long, and the stress can be heavy" ("Missionary Service," First Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Jan 2003)</blockquote>
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The Lord has asked us to serve with "all your heart, might, mind and strength" (D&C 4:2). Young men and woman planning a mission need to be sure to take good physical care of both their bodies and minds. The opportunity to serve challenges many young people to seek and maintain both physical and emotional strength throughout their teenage years. Avoiding risky behavior that may threaten life or limb, avoiding unhealthy eating habits . . . while working to promote healthy sleep and work patterns, good personal hygiene, exercise habits and a healthy diet lead to the likelihood of adapting well to missionary service.<br />
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<b>The Real Purpose of Missionary Work</b><br />
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We would do well to focus on the real purpose of missionary work and the need for a healthy mind and body in order to accomplish that purpose. <br />
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Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles emphasized the importance of daily care for our bodies both before the mission and during missionary service. <br />
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"Many people . . . have difficulty finding the time for sufficient rest, exercise, and relaxation. We must schedule time in our daily calendars for these activities if we are to enjoy a healthy and balanced life. Good physical appearance enhances our dignity and self-respect"</blockquote>
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<i>(Just lucky this year . . . everyone is getting flu shots for Christmas along with their</i></div>
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<i>ice cream sundaes! Yippee) </i></div>
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"We are not asking for perfection . . . the work of the Lord is done by ordinary people who work in extraordinary ways . . ." Yet every person can change and improve. If you're planning missionary service . . . now is the time to begin healthy habits in preparation. Begin now to implement healthy habits into your daily activities!<br />
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Understand that a mission will likely include many of the same challenges we face in regular life . . . but even more so! Finding time to exercise, preparing and including healthy foods into a busy schedule . . .<br />
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<b>Prepare and Counsel Early with Bishops and Stake Presidents</b><br />
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If a young person has challenges with an emotional illness such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive compulsive behavior . . . now is the time to seek professional treatment and counseling before considering missionary service. It's important to enter the mission field completely stabilized for a period of time, and functioning independently of parents or medical guidance. Such guidance will likely not be available once you enter the mission field and are involved in the rigors of full-time service. Our Heavenly Father gives each of his sons and daughters particular challenges that we may grow my conquering and overpowering them. Use that determination to increase self worth and work towards service of our Heavenly Father, either as a full-time missionary or through the many other avenues available to give back to those around us. <br />
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Counseling early with your bishop and Stake President is an important part of your missionary service preparation.<br />
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There may be individuals who are honorably excused from full-time missionary service. There are many ways to render meaningful service compatible with any physical or emotional challenges you are working to overcome. Family history centers, temples, welfare projects, or service in local hospitals, care centers, shelters or other places are valuable and much needed. <br />
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<b>The Work isn't Over until it's Over . . .</b><br />
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Missionary service doesn't end when the mission ends . . . one must continue to maintain good health and emotional habits to enable them to continue serving throughout their lifetime. Each member will have many opportunities wherever they may find themselves to share a message of the Restored Gospel, to lead, to teach, to reach out to another . . . and lift them up . . .<br />
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Helping another to find the light of the Savior is frequently the best medicine, physical therapy or counseling one can provide for another and in turn increasing one's own health and well-being. Sharing the gospel brings joy no matter which part of the world, far or near, at home or abroad, it's the best spiritual therapy for the soul, as we lose ourselves in the service of the Lord, we find ourselves on the receiving end of more blessings than we can imagine.<br />
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The message is the same for all . . . wherever we may find ourselves called to serve . . .<br />
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<i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">Cease to be </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">idle</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">; cease to be </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">unclean</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">; cease to </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">find fault</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> one with another; cease to </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">sleep</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">invigorated</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">.</span></i></blockquote>
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<i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">Therefore, O ye that embark in the </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">service</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> of God, see that ye </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">serve</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">blameless</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> before God at the last day. (D&C 4:2)</span></i></blockquote>
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<br />alpinekleinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950528432410686245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168491836782617964.post-2791003071890815932014-12-14T18:59:00.001-07:002015-03-21T16:34:38.070-06:00The Missionary Expectations . . .<b>Just what is missionary service?</b><br />
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And what are some of the day to day issues that LDS young men and women experience every day as they leave families and homes to teach and testify of the Savior?<br />
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In a previous post, <a href="http://www.themissionpresidentswife.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-realities-of-missionary-life.html">The Realities of Missionary Life</a>, we commented on many of the realities of missionary service . . . we hope today to share some of the realities of a normal day and some of the challenges of life here in the Honduras, San Pedro Sula East Mission.<br />
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I would like to start with an example shared by Elder Bednar in a previous talk . . .<br />
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In his talk Elder Bednar describes a pair of missionaries he once invited into his home for breakfast. After breakfast the missionaries lingered on . . . playing with the young children, watching cartoons with the family . . . and in general overstayed their welcome . . .<br />
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And then before leaving, they asked Elder Bednar, "So do you have referrals for us?"<br />
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In his typical gentle-but-stern tone, he told this missionary companionship,<br />
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"Elder, I would never give you a referral".<br />
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The missionaries were of course taken aback. So, Elder Bednar explained. He told them that the missionaries to whom he would trust his friends and acquaintances would not have wasted so much time playing and hanging around in the house. They would have been polite, kind and grateful, shared a brief spiritual thought with the family and left quickly so that they could get back to searching for new investigators.<br />
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About a month later once again the two missionaries found themselves in the home of Elder Bednar enjoying a meal . . . at the conclusion of the meal the missionaries pulled out their scriptures, shared a spiritual thought from the scriptures, bore their testimonies of the example of the Savior in our lives and put on their backpacks in preparation for leaving. At the door as they were leaving, they once again asked Elder Bednar if he knew of anyone who would be interested in their gospel message.<br />
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To their surprise and delight he responded that now . . . they were the type of missionaries he would trust his family, friends and neighbors too . . . and proceeded to give them the referrals they sought. <br />
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One of the most important things that full-time missionaries can do is build strong relationships with LDS church members in their area. As missionaries they are always observed by those around them, members, less actives, new converts . . . it's important to remember as a missionary you represent the Savior in every moment! You wear the Savior's name over your heart and his attributes should be engrained in your heart.<br />
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<b>What kind of missionary are you?</b><br />
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Sometimes from a full-time missionary's point of view, it can seem like members aren't being as helpful as they should. Perhaps it appears they don't care about missionary work . . .<br />
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But it's not always that simple. What kind of missionary are you? Have you earned the trust of the ward members of your area? Members can be cautious to give out referrals if they suspect they will just be another "first discussion", another baptism challenge or statistical dat reported at the end of the week. <br />
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Be the kind of missionary that inspires the comment, "I wish these missionaries were serving in our ward!" "He is the kind of missionary I would refer my friends and acquaintances to!"<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Some of our missionaries arrived one day early this transfer)</i></span></div>
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What does that 'kind' of missionary look like . . . a missionary who is close to the Spirit, is well prepared, has a strong conviction of the gospel principals he / she teaches, has developed the Christlike attributes of charity, unconditional love for others, a desire to serve and give of themselves, one who looks for opportunities to lend a hand, never misses an opportunity to help, arrives early to set up, stays after to clean up and take down . . .<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(There's nothing sweeter than an elder with a broom in his hand :)</i></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sometimes in the mission, the exact opposite is the greater problem . . .</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There's no doubt that the missionaries can bring the influence of the Spirit into the home. It's hard to send them back out into the dark of night, and perhaps the heat or stormy weather. Sometimes well intended members ask missionaries to participate in activities that go against the missionary handbook, such as lingering for games or television programs, participating in non-gospel discussions or the current news of the day, or worse yet . . . the local gossip of the ward or mission field. These activities have no place in missionary work and detract from the Spirit, leading to the loss of the Spirit for anticipated visits with others. Once the Spirit is decreased or lost, it's much harder for missionaries to start over again to regain the Spirit for their next appointments. Perhaps even resulting in much wasted time and wasted opportunities, the loss of an opportunity to bring the gospel to one of our Heavenly Father's searching children.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Please don't be a missionary who lingers . . . OR a member who invites such activities.</i></b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The missionary lifestyle is very different for those who are not serving in full-time missionary service. No doubt it is a challenging lifestyle, but also one filled with a special witness of the Spirit daily, great opportunities to teach and testify of gospel principles, many opportunities to bring the light of Christ into the homes of struggling investigators, recent converts, or less active members of the Church. It is very important for missionaries to follow each guideline, rule and counsel found in the missionary manual and taught by the Mission President and experienced Leaders. Each missionary has their own special set of circumstances as they come from varied backgrounds, cultures, language skills, family support . . . but what they all have in common is a call from our Heavenly Father, to take the gospel to all the world. And here in the Honduras, San Pedro Sula East mission they are determined to do so and we are so proud of them :)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sometimes . . . this happens . . .</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A missionary companionship shared they were saddened because the members told them that they should be like the previous missionaries, that had been in the area before, that spent lots of time in their homes, or asked to use their phone or computer, or receive other favors, to call other areas, and when the missionaries explained that this type of activity was against the rules of the mission, and they didn't have time to linger for a longer period of time - they were made to feel bad because they weren't relaxed and fun like the other missionaries. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Remember to keep visits short, full of the Spirit, and leave while the Spirit is strong and bearing witness of gospel truths.</span></i><br />
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<i><b>Missionaries share . . .</b></i></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We know our Heavenly Father prepares his people to hear the gospel . . </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We found a new family and they already seemed like members of the church. One day as we were teaching the Plan of Salvation, as we told them they lived with Heavenly Father before they came to this earth, they just got beautiful smiles on their faces, that we felt was the Light of Christ shining right through them. Certainly a rewarding moment for a missionary!</span><br />
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<b>An example of how missionaries themselves receive their own witness of the Spirit . . . </b><br />
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This week changed my whole perception of the mission . . . we had two baptisms planned, a mother and her daughter . . . but when it came right down to it the husband and father wouldn't go along with their decision and give his blessing . . . and was very much against it. It was a very difficult situation for me, but I went to my Heavenly Father in prayer and he taught me a great lesson . . . I discovered that God does love me! And I'm not here only to baptize, baptisms are important, but it's important for all to have their free agency. We are here as Heavenly Father's mouthpiece, to invite them to come to Christ, and he will continue to guide us as we go forward in faith.<br />
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<b>Spiritual gifts abound in the mission, even the gift of healing . . . </b><br />
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We received a call from a recent convert asking us to come to the hospital to give a blessing to a family member who was dying of cancer. We arrived and found the sister in a great deal of pain with a very swollen and painful abdomen. I don't remember the words of the prayer but I remember the peace and calming influence of the Spirit that day. I knew she was loved by her Heavenly Father and he had a plan for her. Today our recent convert called again to report that truly a miracle had some to pass. When the doctors began the surgery her stomach was completely normal, and they had no idea how this could have occurred. The sister told the doctors it was because she had great faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and through the blessing received from the missionaries. I know that the Priesthood is real and that we can be healed through the power of the Priesthood.<br />
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<b>What missionary work is all about . . . </b><br />
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The most exciting moments are finding the sheep Heavenly Father has prepared to receive his message. One of our favorite investigators is sitting in her hammock each day as we pass by reading her Book of Mormon that we gave her. She has a great desire to be baptized and is working towards getting married so she can get baptized. <br />
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<b>Missionaries mature in many ways . . .</b><br />
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I've surprised myself a lot this week . . . I can tell I can growing and changing already in the mission. Before the mission I worried a lot about living continuously with just one person for six weeks or longer, and honestly, in the MTC I struggled in that area even though I was with an awesome elder, I was about to wring his neck many days :) Surprisingly, already I am finding that my patience has increased and I'm developing a great love for my companion. I'm grateful to be a missionary!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(A glimpse of the beautiful sights of Honduras!)</i></span></div>
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<b>Sometimes the greater strength is demonstrated by the missionaries returning home!</b><br />
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<b>One return missionary shares -</b><br />
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. . . upon my arrival back home, I was very grateful for my mission experience. It was difficult to return back home for many reasons, my previous friends invited me to parties, to drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, drink coffee . . . go with women . . . But I thank my Heavenly Father that through the mission I learned to have control over my decisions, to say no to everything, even though they give me a hard time and ask why I wouldn't want to participate . . . but it gives me a great opportunity to share my testimony of the gospel with them and explain really, why I don't want to participate in those kinds of activities.<br />
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There really is nothing like watching these young missionaries arrive with uncertainty, less experience . . . and seeing them transform before your very eyes. We see them truly become our Heavenly Father's hands, reaching out to others with confidence, teaching and testifying to all they come in contact with, sharing the Book of Mormon, living missionary standards and loving them, serving one another and those who surround them. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Bright and early . . . welcoming in our latest arrivals)</i></span></div>
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(<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>What gives you the first clue that many areas are flooded at this time of year??)</i></span></div>
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<i><b>It may be a sacrifice to give of self, time, talents far away from home and family, but it is indeed a privilege also.</b></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>My dear brethren (and sisters), we have been given much, and much is required of us. May you young men (women) more fully understand who you are as the seed of Abraham and become missionaries long before you go on a mission. After coming back to your homes and families, may you returned missionaries always be missionaries. And may all of us rise up as men of God and bless the nations of the earth with greater testimony and spiritual power than we ever have before.</i></span></blockquote>
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-- Elder David A. Bednar </div>
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alpinekleinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950528432410686245noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168491836782617964.post-27053976441618687372014-11-19T10:49:00.000-07:002014-12-14T14:39:41.510-07:00Women of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints<b>There's no going back now . . .</b><br />
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Things will be forever different in the Church, referring of course to <a href="http://www.mormon.org/">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> . . .<br />
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The influence of women in the Latter-days is going to change the face of the Church and likely the world.<br />
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There you have it, my prediction for the future.<br />
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I will add immediately, that this change is not going to come about in many of the ways you are thinking right now. I am not at all referring to the current events and issues of the day as to the outspoken few who are asking, or demanding rather, greater exposure and rights, including the Priesthood, for women in the Church.<br />
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No, that is not at all what I am talking about here . . . .<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Church is changing . . . and it is changing subtly each day according to our Heavenly Father's plan.</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGoUhLUPvEBKuSyaWoa2Dr1t-wgvYEmh-VOpS5tCtEZXlDxyLopVLlxsVo7HGW2kO2VYq_vDUStf_hG_fWYXr8Svin_I_kEOaRx4fADf62rzxf6SpR-bfi-UKKXdQaQ4CuluTryK3XUQ/s1600/sisters+changing+church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sister Missionaries strengthen the Church" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGoUhLUPvEBKuSyaWoa2Dr1t-wgvYEmh-VOpS5tCtEZXlDxyLopVLlxsVo7HGW2kO2VYq_vDUStf_hG_fWYXr8Svin_I_kEOaRx4fADf62rzxf6SpR-bfi-UKKXdQaQ4CuluTryK3XUQ/s1600/sisters+changing+church.jpg" height="640" title="Mormon Church and women" width="446" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">What exactly is our Heavenly Father's Plan?</span></b></div>
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This sensation that I am referring to began approximately two years ago, at this Autumn time of year, immediately after the President of the Church, President Thomas S. Monson gave his now famous <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/welcome-to-conference?lang=eng&media=video">"Welcome to Conference"</a> talk and immediately caught everyones attention by announcing a change in the missionary service age qualifications. <br />
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He already had everyone spellbound listening for the anticipated new temples to be announced. What everyone didn't see coming were his next remarks . . .<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">"I am pleased to announce that effective immediately all worthy and able young men who have graduated from high school or its equivalent, regardless of where they live, will have the option of being recommended for missionary service beginning at the age of 18, instead of age 19. I am not suggesting that all young men will—or should—serve at this earlier age. Rather, based on individual circumstances as well as upon a determination by priesthood leaders, this option is now available."</span></blockquote>
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. . . <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> "</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">we have also given consideration to the age at which a young woman might serve. Today I am pleased to announce that able, worthy young women who have the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service beginning at age 19, instead of age 21."</span> </blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">"We affirm that </span><a class="no-link-style" href="http://www.mormon.org/values/missionary-work" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: none !important; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none !important; vertical-align: baseline;">missionary work</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> is a priesthood duty—and we encourage all young men who are worthy and who are physically able and mentally capable to respond to the call to serve. Many young women also serve, but they are not under the same mandate to serve as are the young men. We assure the young sisters of the Church, however, that they make a valuable contribution as missionaries, and we welcome their service."</span> </blockquote>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bTPWr5_eaM/VGyKQFABMAI/AAAAAAAAIqw/PUSfXmkjOeE/s1600/IMG_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sister Missionaries Honduras" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bTPWr5_eaM/VGyKQFABMAI/AAAAAAAAIqw/PUSfXmkjOeE/s1600/IMG_0010.jpg" height="640" title="LDS sister missionaries" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4pSpFxknBc/VGzDG29qoeI/AAAAAAAAI3M/HPTqe9bZMzY/s1600/hermanas%2Bcollage%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sister serving as missionaries - LDS Church" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4pSpFxknBc/VGzDG29qoeI/AAAAAAAAI3M/HPTqe9bZMzY/s1600/hermanas%2Bcollage%2B1" height="498" title="Mormon Church strengthened by the Sisters" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>A Mighty Change . . .</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Amazing . . . and that is where the mighty change in the Church as far as the influence of women in the Church is going to come from . . . and it came from our Heavenly Father, through His Son, Jesus Christ who we believe stands at the head of His Church, and directs the workings of His Church, through the voice of his prophet . . . even the current prophet, President Thomas S. Monson.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints growing missionary program now includes <a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865606130/LDS-Church-releases-video-about-the-history-of-women-and-full-time-missionary-service.html?pg=all">20,000 young single women</a>, voluntarily, without thought to Priesthood duty, leaving home and family to share what is most precious to them . . . their testimonies of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the love our Heavenly Father has for all people.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">After that change in October 2012, missionary applications jumped from an average of 700 a week to 4,000 a week — and more than half of those applications came from women.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">Since the early beginnings of the </span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">restored gospel of Jesus Christ here on the earth by the prophet Joseph Smith on April 6, 1830; missionaries have had a profound and lasting influence upon the strength, growth, leadership and the influence and blessings of the family unit throughout the Church. Try to imagine where they Church would be today without it's powerful missionary program.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><b>What can we expect to see . . . </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Now prepare to see the exponential growth that will once again occur in the influence for good in the Church and throughout the world as these 20,000 young women begin to return home with their increased gospel knowledge, communication skills, efficient study and planning habits, and powerful testimonies and witness of our Savior Jesus Christ.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">The principle that I love most about this phenomena, is that it is being done in the Lord's way, and in his own time and according to his plan. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><i>The Lord is strengthening the Church from within by increasing the strength of the women of the Church.</i></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikurUSvJBZEcHc1JPfHOM2Nqr7riIAh0dJ8McIvWyrgcfSEdWRmsDo9Y_8mk8XL5gEBe02AvdOhVYFDRUy2fWRBiEfyxFHTUkwePr6gXMqeQ2Y6YpQ8PcvaqZETAdWtaBXoN2c8BJmKUo/s1600/sisters+strengthening+church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="LDS Sister missionaries have a strong role to play" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikurUSvJBZEcHc1JPfHOM2Nqr7riIAh0dJ8McIvWyrgcfSEdWRmsDo9Y_8mk8XL5gEBe02AvdOhVYFDRUy2fWRBiEfyxFHTUkwePr6gXMqeQ2Y6YpQ8PcvaqZETAdWtaBXoN2c8BJmKUo/s1600/sisters+strengthening+church.jpg" height="480" title="Lord strengthens Church through it's women" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><b>Bringing experience back home . . .</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">As their missions come to an end, each sister will head back home with an incredible repertoire of abilities they've gained through their missionary service . . . self-confidence, foreign language skills, financial budgeting, self-disciple, independence . . . and most of all a deeper, more rooted in the foundations of the gospel, testimony of the gospel principles that they teach and study everyday. They will have seen these principles at work, blessing the lives of those they teach and changing their own hearts each day of mission life.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">As they return home, these abilities will help them succeed in whatever course they choose to pursue . . . education, marriage, mothers in the Church, careers, service, teachers. And in each and every role that women today assume, which are many and varied, their mission experience will have a profound influence. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yZVqXzZ6Ba8/VGzGTGtNNbI/AAAAAAAAI30/bzF3NE27UfU/s1600/hermanas%2Bcollage%2B6" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mormon sister missionaries - make a difference" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yZVqXzZ6Ba8/VGzGTGtNNbI/AAAAAAAAI30/bzF3NE27UfU/s1600/hermanas%2Bcollage%2B6" height="398" title="LDS sister missionaries - a tremendous force for good in the world" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">One of the challenges of missionary service for any missionary is knowing that in many instances, they will never see their internationally serving brothers and sisters again after their missionary service ends. Many precious companionships serving side by side for many months, conquering daily challenges, will hopefully be maintained through the convenience of modern technology. But they will leave their new converts, and reactivated members, companions, and leaders behind as they return to their homes and lives outside of the mission field.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--zeSXL6OiQw/VGyKQaT0IuI/AAAAAAAAIq8/ekIKPzvx2xY/s1600/IMG_0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="LDS sister missionaries - a tremendous force for good" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--zeSXL6OiQw/VGyKQaT0IuI/AAAAAAAAIq8/ekIKPzvx2xY/s1600/IMG_0011.jpg" height="480" title="LDS sister missionaries - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Mormons" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><b>Causing a mighty change of heart . . .</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">I enjoy watching the companionships bond with one another . . . sisters of many different colors, races, backgrounds, styles . . . all coming together to serve their Heavenly Father. They laugh at shared experiences, common mistakes made, adapting to make do with what little the Lord has provided them here in the field . . . think cold water bucket showers, toilets that don't flush, dinner every night from a microwave, uncomfortable beds, the greasy lingering aroma of OFF insect repellant at the end of each day, the insects (actually they have been blessed with an abundance of insects!). </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">I watch them share belongings . . . those who have more always sharing and leaving behind whatever they can for those who have less. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Missionary rules dictate that although we have many lovely beaches in the mission, there is no swimming, no wading, no enjoying the beautiful waters of the Honduras coastline. There is no television, no movies, no radio and no Internet, except where approval has been granted by the Mission President. Only inspirational music is allowed, and only books and study materials from the designated missionary library are authorized. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Yet, all these apparent challenges seem to lead them to an amazing maturity and increased blessings of the Spirit. They really become the hands of our Heavenly Father as they reach out to each other, their ward members, neighbors, investigators in kindly service. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><b>It isn't easy!</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">It isn't easy . . . many struggle, and just as one obstacle is overcome, another is presented by the adversary on almost a daily basis. Yet almost all remain approachable and friendly each day as they leave their homes and begin to contact all that they meet. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">I have been amazed to see even the most timid survive and thrive! It just feels my heart to overflowing when I see the amazing growth of character that takes place as they overcome the fears that they initially arrive with. They have learned to be cautious in potentially dangerous situations, yet feel and seek their Heavenly Father's protection. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Even though they are much younger than us and usually arrive in good health . . . I am impressed with their dedication and stamina. They can run circles around us as their daily scheduling can be grueling, with the heat of the day, and the rockiness (literally!) of their paths. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><b>More Like the Savior . . .</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">And at the end of the day . . . when they are obedient to mission rules, Heavenly Father's laws . . . heed the whisperings of the Spirit . . . they develop Christ-like attributes and become more and more like the Savior each day. When they do all these things . . . the numbers of baptisms, while important, in bringing many to a knowledge of the Savior, are not the determining factor in their missionary success . . . it's what they will take away from their experience . . . </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Of course, it's not necessary to serve a mission to learn life's experiences and blessings and develop the attitude described here . . . but there's no doubt that it certainly "hastens" the process. That's what we are about, that is our business . . . to "hasten the work of salvation", to move our Heavenly Father's plan ahead at an unprecedented pace.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">There's no doubt that this is what is going to change the Church from the inside out . . . that will strengthen the position of women in the Church . . . and change the roles of women in the Church for future generations to come . . . Women who know that it's not all about them . . . women who serve unselfishly and put the focus on others. Women who go about cultivating the Spirit in their lives, in their homes and with their families and those who surround them.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><i>It is a wonderful time to be a woman in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today, of that I can testify.</i></span></span></div>
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<br />alpinekleinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950528432410686245noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168491836782617964.post-78999982055588856132014-11-02T19:53:00.001-07:002015-03-21T16:35:59.102-06:00We Believe in Sacrifice . . .<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(This is Part II of a series of blog posts about important doctrines that missionaries teach each day . . . not only do they spend much of their time in personal and companionship study, planning and setting goals, they also are out and about for approximately 8-9 hours each day teaching and testifying of basic gospel principles. Missionaries visit their new contacts, teach people who are investigating the church, strengthen new converts to the Church and seek out the less active members to strengthen them also. That's a lot of responsibility for young people ages 18-25. <a href="http://themissionpresidentswife.blogspot.com/2014/10/who-is-joseph-smith.html">Part I here</a>)</span></i><br />
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<b>Sacrifice? What kind of sacrifice?</b><br />
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Well . . . maybe not in terms of animal sacrifice, that practice ended with the death of Jesus Christ. But now perhaps you could say . . . human sacrifice . . .<br />
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No, not in the way that you are thinking!<br />
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After the Atonement of Christ, followers of Jesus Christ, at His direction - began to offer instead a "broken heart and contrite spirit", (3 Nephi 9:20) a willingness to repent of sins and a desire to follow Jesus Christ and align our thoughts, desires, actions and decisions with His commandments. <br />
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The prophet Joseph Smith taught . . .<br />
<i>(If you are not familiar with the Prophet Joseph Smith, <a href="http://www.themissionpresidentswife.blogspot.com/2014/10/who-is-joseph-smith.html">see our previous post</a>)</i><br />
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<i><b>"A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has the power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for, from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things."</b></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Companionship study - in a group today with our office staff and assistants)</i></span><br />
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<i>(First 12 Weeks training with newer missionaries and their trainers)</i></div>
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I think, as prophets always are . . . </div>
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Joseph Smith was a man with words wise beyond his experience. Isn't that what inspiration and revelation are all about?</div>
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Who could have guessed the importance of this paragraph and the words continued therein, penned greater than 170 years ago. Who could have foreseen the great and often tragic sacrifices required to bring the Church to where it is today . . .</div>
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<b>Why should we or why would we think that the days of sacrifice are behind us?</b><br />
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While I'm not familiar with the doctrines of all religions, I feel confident in saying that few christian religions require their members to offer any kind of sacrifice for their belief and worship of the Savior. However . . . we the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . . .<br />
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believe in sacrifice.<br />
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We believe so strongly in fact . . . that we make a sacred covenant to do so. <br />
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Why is that do you think?<br />
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<b>What exactly does the word sacrifice imply? According to the <i>New Oxford American Dictionary </i>-</b><br />
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<li> An offering to God</li>
<li>The act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy.</li>
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The Latin origins of the word stem from "sacer" or "holy".</div>
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In a supreme example, Jesus Christ forfeited or sacrificed His life for something He considered to be of greater value, the salvation of mankind. <br />
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As individuals and members of our Church . . . why and what do we offer as sacrifice?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Yippee! A real treat today with our training meeting!)</i></span></div>
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<b>Why do we offer sacrifice unto the Lord?</b><br />
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In an inspired hymn we sing, "sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven". We could just let it go at that . . . I'm sure that covers the spectrum for many. <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/sacrifice?lang=eng#3-10485_000_16oaksd">Elder Dallin H. Oaks</a> offers the following story of President Gordon B. Hinckley and a young student.<br />
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<i>President Hinkcley speaking with a young man who found the restored gospel while he was studying in the United States . . . As this man was about to return to his native land, President Gordon B. Hinckley asked him what would happen to him when he returned home as a Christian. “My family will be disappointed,” the young man answered. “They may cast me out and regard me as dead. As for my future and my career, all opportunity may be foreclosed against me.”</i></div>
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<i>“Are you willing to pay so great a price for the gospel?” President Hinckley asked.</i></div>
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<i>Tearfully the young man answered, “It’s true, isn’t it?” When that was affirmed, he replied, “Then what else matters?”<sup class="noteMarker" noteref="8" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/sacrifice?lang=eng#8-10485_000_16oaksd" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #486fae; font-size: 9px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">8</a></sup> </i></div>
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We sacrifice to show obedience to the laws and commandments of our Heavenly Father. We sacrifice to show faith and trust in Heavenly Father. Sacrifice is an opportunity to demonstrate our faith and increase our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. <br />
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If we remember the definition of "sacrifice", then it becomes clear that the Lord expects us to give up or exchange "something" for something else of greater worth. If our sacrifice is based on our faith in our Savior, then that which is of greater worth is the promise of blessings from a Heavenly Father who loves all His children and desires to bless them.<br />
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So in a way it can be said . . .<br />
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Our faith determines our actions.<br />
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How much faith does it take? <br />
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And . . .<br />
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<b>What do we offer as sacrifice unto the Lord? </b><br />
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Good questions!<br />
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. . . Faith is not something a person either has or doesn't have. It's not like a light bulb that's either off or on. It's something that's measured in degrees. Faith is not a constant value. It is something that can multiply or diminish, expand or contract.<br />
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One of the challenges we have in our earthly life is to learn the lessons our Heavenly Father wants us to learn through earthly life. In other words . . . we believe our purpose is to grow to become more like Him. Only through sacrifice can we learn and grow and become more like Him. When a church doesn't require its members to sacrifice, they are robbing them of the opportunity to demonstrate their faith and thereby grow . . . even unto perfection.<br />
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Throughout the history of the Church, members have been called upon to make great sacrifices to bring the restoration and growth of the Church to it's present state. Many, such as the pioneers, early members and missionaries of the Church made epic sacrifices, even to the loss of life. Today, for most followers of Christ, our sacrifices involve what we can do on a day-to-day basis in our individual lives. <br />
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<b>We are a covenant making people!</b><br />
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The Church expects much from it's members . . . tithing, obedience to the word of wisdom, acting in positions of service, home and visiting teaching, missionary work, temple work. In short, we have much opportunity to grow, to show our faith and trust in the Lord by sacrificing ourselves and all that we possess, including our own lives if necessary. This is the covenant that we make . . . because we are a church of covenant making Saints.<br />
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And like a spinning wheel . . . the greater our faith the greater our service will be. The greater our service and sacrifice, the greater our faith becomes.<br />
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The converse is also true, the less we sacrifice in doing these things, the less faith we show toward Him whom we profess to believe. <br />
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Like everything, faith is built a little at a time. Our faith grows as we offer ourselves willingly to the Lord. <br />
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<b>When much is given, much is required - </b><br />
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In Luke, the widow gave only two mites, but her sacrifice was great, for she sacrificed all she had. When much is given, much is required. We could say that to whom God has committed much faith, of them He will ask more of a sacrifice. <br />
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I am grateful for the many examples of Christian service I have observed in my life. Grateful for the example of others dedicating time and means to church callings, grateful for the great sacrifice of missionary service, from both young missionaries, the sacrifice of their families, and of the precious Senior Couples. Grateful for the examples of great charity, in providing love and services to those all around, using their talents and skills to bless the life of another. <br />
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Such examples strengthen all of us.<br />
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Just as the supreme example of the sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ is at the center of the plan of salvation, each of us as followers of Christ must make our own sacrifices . . . to grow, to learn to become like him. <br />
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In this way we will be able to have the power sufficient to produce the faith necessary <i>unto life and salvation.</i><br />
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When we are willing to sacrifice all that we have for Him then we will receive an enjoyment of life and salvation that never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthy things. <br />
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<b>He is the Savior, the Son of our Heavenly Father. It is only through His atoning sacrifice that each one of us receives the ultimate blessings of sacrifice, the gift of eternal life. </b></div>
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<b>We teach and testify of these principles everyday.</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(This transfer we received three sister missionaries, one from Mexico, two from Guatemala)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(It's always pretty heart wrenching to say goodbye to our most experienced missionaries - we already miss them so!)</i></span></div>
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alpinekleinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950528432410686245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168491836782617964.post-27276874288314409872014-10-16T18:49:00.001-06:002015-03-21T16:36:47.778-06:00Who IS Joseph Smith?<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(This is Part I of a series of blog posts about important doctrines that missionaries teach each day . . . not only do they spend much of their time in personal and companionship study, planning and setting goals, they also are out and about for approximately 8-9 hours each day teaching and testifying of basic gospel principles. Missionaries visit their new contacts, teach people who are investigating the church, strengthen new converts to the Church and seek out the less active members to strengthen them also. That's a lot of responsibility for young people ages 18-25. )</span></i></div>
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<b>Who is Joseph Smith?</b><br />
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A question frequently asked of the missionaries is -<br />
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<i>Who is Joseph Smith?</i><br />
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Frequently missionaries encounter some confusion by those outside of our religion, or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints concerning our prophet Joseph Smith.<br />
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Some mistakenly believe that we worship the prophet Joseph Smith . . . when actually that is not the case. He was and is a very influential and important part of the restored gospel here upon the earth.<br />
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We believe Joseph Smith was a young man called by our Heavenly Father, to be a prophet here upon the earth, and to restore the fulness of His gospel to the earth once more.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(this post illustrated with photos from our recent "First 12 Weeks Training", the arrival of new missionaries, and our recent transfer meeting, also a few scenes from our mission travels, and last but not least . . . Hna. Klein's birthday :)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Each missionary participates with their trainers in an orientation to the </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"First 12 Weeks" program that is an inspired program that continues their studies and learning</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>they began in the MTC)</i></span></div>
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<b>The Lord Reveals his Secrets to his Prophets - </b><br />
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Joseph Smith lived in the United States with his family during a period of time when great religious freedom was enjoyed in the United States. He came from a religious family who always sought the truth about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Many ministers claimed to have the real truth, but as a young man, Joseph Smith was confused about the many conflicting doctrines surrounding him during this period of time and desired to know which church he should join. <br />
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In the Bible we read from Ephesians 4:5, "One Lord, one faith, one baptism" . . . but what exactly did that mean, and after investigating many ministries of the day . . . Joseph Smith remained confused. As he sought the for the truth he remembered the scripture passage -<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<i>"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him" - James 1:5</i></blockquote>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VbBE7-lkXIM/VEBpSLUOnTI/AAAAAAAAIOk/eLuZF6t9O3o/s1600/Re%2Bdo%2BTraining" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VbBE7-lkXIM/VEBpSLUOnTI/AAAAAAAAIOk/eLuZF6t9O3o/s1600/Re%2Bdo%2BTraining" height="492" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>A Seeker of Truth - </b><br />
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Having great faith in God, Joseph Smith turned to God for the answer to one of the greatest questions of his life at his young age. In the Spring of 1820, he went to a grove of trees nearby his home in Palmyra New York and knelt in prayer to God, to seek an answer to this question that weighted upon his mind. He described his experience with these words:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me [ … ] When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other-This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!"</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 23px;"> (</span><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/js_h/1/16-17#16" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #006dc0; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Joseph Smith-History 1:16-17</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 23px;">).</span></span></blockquote>
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<i>(<span style="font-size: x-small;">orientation to the "First 12 Weeks" is taught by Pres and Hna. Klein</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">the Assistants and some of our Sister Training Leaders)</span></i></div>
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As described by Joseph Smith, in a vision he saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, who answered his plea saying none of the churches upon the earth contained the fulness of the gospel truths he sought, and that he should join none of them. <br />
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We believe today, that many good people believe in Christ and try to understand and teach his gospel, but they are missing the complete gospel truth established by the Savior during his ministry upon the earth, and the priesthood authority necessary to baptize and perform other sacred ordinances. Many of the precious truths and authority were lost as doctrine was passed from one generation to another making changes to and deleting gospel truths.<br />
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<b>A Prophet of God - </b><br />
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We believe as God had previously done with Adam, Noah, Abraham and Moses, and other prophets, that He called Joseph Smith to be a prophet in these great and glorious days, and bring about the restoration of the complete gospel principles of His church to the earth.<br />
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Later on, after this first vision occurred, the young man Joseph Smith received visions and visits from other Heavenly messengers, or angels. Joseph's friend and associate, Oliver Cowdery was present during some of these Heavenly visits. The most significant visitors being the John, the Baptist, and Peter, James and John, three of Christ's original apostles, who all appeared to Joseph and Oliver and conferred upon them the missing and necessary Priesthood authority to organize and direct the restoration of the Church upon the earth again. Through the prophet Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ directed the restoration of His Church and called apostles to administer The Church once again upon the earth. <br />
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<b>Jesus Christ will Return to Earth - </b><br />
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We believe and teach, as missionaries, and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that the Savior, Jesus Christ will return to the earth again one day. We believe that the day of his return will be soon. We believe that we all are now living in the last days of the earth before the return of the Savior, or in another term . . . the Latter-days. That is why we are called Latter-day Saints, or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(New arrivals at the airport)</i></span></div>
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<i>(<span style="font-size: x-small;">Some of our funnest days are greeting the new arrivals with our Assistants, Sister Training</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">leaders and much of our office staff)</span></i></div>
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<b>The Current and Living Prophet Today - </b><br />
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Even today, a living prophet directs The Church. His name is President Thomas S. Monson, and we believe he also has been called of God, by our Heavenly Father, and also by His Son, Jesus Christ to be a living prophet, to guide and direct His Church upon the face of the earth in these Latter-days. He and the current apostles trace their Priesthood Authority to Jesus Christ, in an unbroken chain of ordinations through the prophet Joseph Smith.<br />
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<a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/?cid=HP14GC&lang=eng">You can hear the counsel of these Latter-day Apostles and Prophets online if you would like.</a><br />
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(courtesy <a href="http://simpleasthatblog.com/">simpleasthatblog.com</a>)</div>
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There is much more to be shared about the restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and you can read much more about the Prophet Joseph Smith online -<br />
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<a href="http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/joseph-smith?CID=99100153&s_kwcid=AL!3737!3!30166181542!b!!g!!+joseph%20+smith%20revelation&ef_id=VCC@zgAAAMLmvJ@V:20141016214844:s">Joseph Smith - a Prophet of God</a><br />
<a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/joseph-smith/testimony?lang=eng">The Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith</a><br />
<a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/1995/05/the-translation-miracle-of-the-book-of-mormon?lang=eng">The Translation Miracle of the Book of Mormon</a><br />
<a href="http://josephsmithpapers.org/">The Joseph Smith Papers Project</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Missionaries are starting to arrive from all parts of the mission with all their belongings</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>in tow, it's TRANSFER day, and they are eager to receive new companions and</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>discover where they will be serving next.)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<b>Who do we Worship?</b><br />
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We do not worship the Prophet Joseph Smith, he was a man of great virtue who fulfilled an extraordinary calling from the Lord, although as a man he was not perfect. He accomplished the work our Heavenly Father called him to do until his life was taken, and we honor him for his faith, courage and devotion. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Transfer meetings are always held in the chapel, they are special reverent meetings where</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>we enjoy testimonies of missionaries, new converts to the church, and special musical numbers</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>prepared by the missionaries)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(The hardest part for us is saying "goodbye" - we are excited for families to welcome</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>home their much missed missionaries, but it's hard for us to let them go. It's incredible for us</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>to see the change that takes place from the less confident, unsure missionaries who arrive, as they </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>depart the mission as spiritual giants . . . we hope they will stay strong in their testimonies</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>and be good leaders and teachers in the gospel forever more!)</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-syC4TCxw3LM/VEBdwVX5RsI/AAAAAAAAIN8/sCP_VEPvoNE/s1600/birthday%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-syC4TCxw3LM/VEBdwVX5RsI/AAAAAAAAIN8/sCP_VEPvoNE/s1600/birthday%2B1" height="394" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Happy Birthday wishes to Hna. Klein - who is very excited for her family to arrive</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>to wish her happy birthday, and have an opportunity for a family visit! - Oh! And a peek</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>at the mission kitty also :)</i></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">We do worship the perfect God, our Heavenly Father and his Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">We invite all to seek more information</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> - ask the missionaries</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">those young men and women you see walking the streets two by two. They can help you find the truth about the restored gospel. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Or you can find answers to many questions online - </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.mormon.org/">www.mormon.org</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
alpinekleinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950528432410686245noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168491836782617964.post-51828626848670393972014-09-26T12:35:00.000-06:002014-09-26T12:35:01.451-06:00The Realities of Missionary Life . . .Well . . . (this will be looooong . . . so grab a snack and then come back . . .)<br />
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<b>The Realities of Missionary Life - </b><br />
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Now that we have been here for 15 months . . . and have experienced the arrival of approximately 200 new missionaries since our arrival . . .<br />
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I think we can say that . . .<br />
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many young people arrive in the mission field with a clear<br />
understanding of what mission life is all about . . .<br />
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Many do.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VLHEcmjTBW0/VCWQ47Z_v7I/AAAAAAAAH-o/DHmIfeorwM8/s1600/sept%2Bmissionaries%2B3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VLHEcmjTBW0/VCWQ47Z_v7I/AAAAAAAAH-o/DHmIfeorwM8/s1600/sept%2Bmissionaries%2B3" height="356" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Scenes from our recent multi-zone conferences)</i></span></div>
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<b>The Power of Example - </b><br />
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But some have had not the example of other missionaries in their families, father's and brothers who served missions, neighbors who served missions, friends and classmates . . .<br />
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Many are the first members of the church in their families.<br />
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Many are the very first missionaries in their families!<br />
(And hopefully the beginning of a long tradition of missionary service)<br />
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Some missionaries do not arrive with a clear understanding of what mission life is all about.<br />
So I thought it would be helpful to review the realities of missionary life . . .<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(<i>Zone leaders and Sister Training Leaders)</i></span></div>
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<b>A Basic Introduction - </b><br />
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The life of a young missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can actually be very challenging and strenuous! Being a missionary means that you are providing service as a full time representative of the Savior Jesus Christ, and of the Church every day . . .<br />
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all day . . .<br />
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24 x 7 . . .<br />
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Not a part time representative . . . not a 3/4 time representative . . . but a full time representative for the 18 to 24 months you committed to serve. Missionaries are expected to work hard, be obedient and follow the missionary schedule.<br />
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Missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are VOLUNTEER representatives . . .<br />
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(<i>A Few More Zone Leaders)</i></div>
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<b>Missionaries do not receive payment for their service - </b><br />
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That means they do not receive payment for their service. In fact, the missionaries or their families, or both will contribute funds to maintain themselves in the mission field each month. Many young missionaries save their money all their lives to be able to pay completely for or provide a large part of the financial support necessary for their missions and service as representatives of the Savior . . .<br />
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Many young men and women work long hours, and save and sacrifice the money they could have spent on other things, dating, cars, graduation trips, motorcycles, clothing . . . to set it aside to serve the Lord and share their testimonies of the restored gospel with others.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ibHSeZSsPC8/VCWSMBTKfZI/AAAAAAAAH-w/EOQeZe-ctjw/s1600/sept%2Bmissionaries%2B4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ibHSeZSsPC8/VCWSMBTKfZI/AAAAAAAAH-w/EOQeZe-ctjw/s1600/sept%2Bmissionaries%2B4" height="440" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Multi Zone - Conferences)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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In past years missionaries paid for their actual living expenses in the mission field. That became difficult when some areas of the world had exceptionally higher costs of living than others. Currently all missionaries pay to the Church, the same flat monthly rate no matter where in the world they serve. The church then redistributes this money to the missionaries who are serving, in an amount proportionate to the cost of living for each individual missionary. <br />
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Therefore, during their period of service, missionaries will receive a small stipend from the Church to cover the costs of basic expenses in the mission field, for instance food, haircuts, rent for your apartment, transportation, and other personal necessities. Learning to make the money stretch until the end of the month is an important skill to learn, and contributes to discerning basic needs from wants and desires. Missionaries are expected to use their own personal money if they desire to purchase personal items in the mission, such as additional clothing, gifts, camera's, cultural items etc. <br />
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<b>Then there's that rule about companions! - </b><br />
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Upon arrival at the MTC / CCM or in the mission field each missionary will be assigned a companion. It is extremely important that a missionary stay with their companion at all times. Believe it or not, this rule really is for the missionaries protection. The only time a missionary should be separated from their assigned companion is when using the bathroom. This is a difficult rule to follow but is of the utmost importance! Each missionary should be prepared to follow this rule and commit to staying within sight and distance of hearing one another's conversation at all times. <br />
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All missionaries are expected to maintain a high moral standard of worthiness, both in preparation to serve a mission and in the mission field. Before the mission, and while serving, missionaries should do all in their power to maintain a high level of physical, mental and emotional fitness. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(A visit to the Missionaries, members in Tela - where our Senior Couple is serving)</i></span></div>
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<b>P-day stands for Preparation Day -</b><br />
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The Missionary schedule is a busy, full schedule each day, including P-day . . .<br />
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Some missionaries mistakenly believe P stands for "play" day . . .<br />
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But it is really a day dedicated to making preparations to be a missionary of service the remaining six days of the week. Preparation day is a day when missionaries still rise at 6:30 am . . . follow the study schedule for personal and companionship study, and from 10 am until 6 pm, make their preparations for the week. Activities such as laundry, writing letters, shopping, getting haircuts, cleaning apartments, shining shoes, repairing clothing items, and writing the mission president are accomplished on Preparation Day. A missionary apartment should be cleaned each P-day!<br />
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Safe recreational and cultural activities are also permitted on Preparation day, once the important personal preparations have been taken care of. In our mission, occasional changes in the schedule can be arranged with permission from Zone Leaders, Assistants to the President, or mission president. Due to a hot climate, frequently zone activities can be switched to the early morning hours with preparation activities and studies to be done in the early afternoon.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Preparation Day with Tocoa Zone)</i></span></div>
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<b>Obedience brings increased blessings - </b><br />
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Missionaries are expected to read, study and be accountable for following the Missionary Handbook. This handbook is one of a missionaries main resources for finding success in the mission field. Inside the handbook are found the rules outlining dress and grooming, entertainment, music and media, finances, communication with family and friends, and other expectations of missionary life. <br />
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As missionaries are obedient to the schedule outlined in <i>Preach my Gospel</i>, they will certainly see the hand of the Lord in their lives each day, and in their work, and in the fruits of their labors. They will feel the comforting presence of the Spirit in greater abundance . . . not just during their months and years of missionary service, but for the rest of their lives as well. <br />
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Each missionary serving agreed to live by the standards outlined in the Missionary Handbook when they accepted their call. Remember each day who you are, who called you, and the importance of the work.<br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Let's talk about the opposite sex! </b><br />
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I knew that would get your attention . . .<br />
There is a tendency with the lower age changes for missionary service, for more problems to develop in regards to the opposite sex in the mission field. The Missionary Handbook specifies "never be alone with, flirt with, or associate in any other inappropriate way with someone of the opposite sex". This includes other missionaries! Missionaries and their companions should not visit individuals of the opposite sex unless another responsible adult (greater than age 18) of your own sex is also present.<br />
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Inappropriate ways would include, but are not limited to . . . relationships with members of the opposite sex that reside within mission boundaries, including other missionaries, sending text messages, telephoning, emailing, writing letters / notes or accepting letters / notes from members of the opposite sex that live within the mission boundaries. <br />
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<b>The best two years . . . say what??</b><br />
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What some don't realize is that their time of missionary service is extremely short . . . it's their only opportunity in this life to be free from the cares of the world, to serve Heavenly Father with all their heart, might, mind and strength everyday. Once the opportunity has passed . . .<br />
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It is passed . . .<br />
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And it won't be coming back around again. At least not for a very long time . . .<br />
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Really . . .<br />
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A mission is unlike any other experience you will ever have in your life. Someday it will be behind you and before you even know what happened, you will be getting on that airplane to go home. <br />
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And when you arrive home, it will be nearly impossible to describe the events of your missionary service. Words will be inadequate . . . to express your thoughts and feelings and emotions of the roller coaster you are just finishing. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Preparation Day with Zona Olanchito)</i></span></div>
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<b>Words will be inadequate - </b><br />
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The struggles with learning a new language and not understanding a thing for the first few months, the frustrations, the feelings of inadequacy. All the showers with a bucket of cold water, toilets that don't flush, food that you can't even begin to describe. Realizing that carpet and grass don't even exist here, hand washing all your clothing in a big tub, the smell of insect repellent everyday, all day . . . feeling soaking wet everyday, all day . . . either from the crazy rain, or just the sweat running down your back . . . the bugs that are everywhere, and the bug bites that scratch and itch endlessly and cause giant welts in unlikely body areas, the dirty dusty streets, skinny emaciated dogs . . . and cows . . . and pigs and horses . . . fungal infections, bacterial infections, dengue carrying mosquitos, intestinal parasites . . .<br />
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But neither can you describe that realization when it dawned on you that you now understand almost everything in your new language . . . when did that happen? Or how much you missed that companion when at first they drove you crazy . . . finding that first real contact, the one who is prepared and has been searching for help, searching for the truth . . . the one who wants to change his life, and watching them do it and experience their first real joy in months, maybe years . . . finding a golden family, preparing them for baptism, and they get baptized and begin to prepare for the temple . . . and you realize you just helped them become an eternal family. The hard work, discouragement, that leads to increased faith in God, our Heavenly Father . . . the realization that he does answer your prayers. That the Atonement is not just for the worst of sinners but for you as well . . . everything you have been teaching . . . is true, and applies to you in your life right now. <br />
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<b>It's all true - </b><br />
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Finally comprehending the reality of your testimony, that it was built once piece at a time . . . a knowledge of how the Book of Mormon changes people, changes lives . . . including your own. Joseph Smith was a prophet, he did restore the fullness of the gospel to the earth once again. God is our Loving Heavenly Father, he does love all his children. He has a plan for each one of them. The power of the priesthood is here upon the earth once again, never to be removed. Jesus Christ is the Savior, he will return to the earth . . . and you want to endure . . . endure to the end . . . no matter what the cost. <br />
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Yes . . .</div>
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<b>Those are the realities of mission life . . .</b></div>
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And if you're lucky . . . you will experience every one of them. And comprehend these</div>
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experiences for the great blessings that they are.</div>
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alpinekleinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950528432410686245noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168491836782617964.post-57360949328270935632014-09-07T22:43:00.000-06:002014-09-07T22:55:01.469-06:00We'll Teach 'n Preach 'n Work as Missionaries do . . .<b>Whew! It's been a whirlwind here in the mission . . .</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">This last month or so we have had opportunity to travel all over the Mission, an area that takes us about 6 hours in a car to drive from one end of the mission to the other, doing interviews with each of the 240 missionaries. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">It give us a wonderful opportunity to see the missionaries in their areas, meet some of their investigators, attend some of the baptisms our missionaries are involved in that live far away from the mission home and office, as well as meet with church leadership in the areas. </span><br />
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(missionaries in Telamar)</div>
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(Elder Webb teaching an English class)</div>
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(A view of the lovely Tela)</div>
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(Some of the elders of Masica - this is where I want to go to church every week!)</div>
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(A lovely family invited us for dinner after Sunday meetings)</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><b>From one big event to the next . . .</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">No sooner did we complete this round of travels, it was time for all our zone conferences to start! We have 10 zones in the mission and we gather them together in groups of 2-4 zones for zone conferences every quarter. Our focus was on the additional emphasis given for Mission Presidents at the seminar in July with new instructions for missionaries to provide extra care, attention, lessons and spiritual nourishment for those who have recently been baptized for up to one year. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><i>In the words of President Gordon B. Hinckley, "There is absolutely no point in doing missionary work unless we hold on to the fruits of that effort. The two must be inseparable . . . Every convert is a great and serious responsibility" (<a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1999/04/find-the-lambs-feed-the-sheep?lang=eng">"Find the Lambs, Feed the Sheep,</a>" Ensign, May 1999, 108).</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">The goal is to get them ready for the temple! It gives us more and continued responsibility to work very closely with the members of the church in doing missionary work and is truly the work that "Hastens the Work of Salvation". </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><b>Welcome to 19 new missionaries!</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">In between all that we took time out to welcome 19 new missionaries to the San Pedro Sula East Mission. Sadly this month we said goodbye to one of our Assistants, a Sister Training Leader, a temporary missionary serving helping us in the mission, and a few who had to return home and recuperate for health reasons. Sad for us . . . but we are happy for their families who welcomed them home!</span><br />
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(greeting the new arrivals from our August transfer!)</div>
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(loading everyone into buses - it's hot on the rooftop in a full suit!!)</div>
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(several missionaries were on hand to greet them and make them feel welcome!)</div>
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(Each missionary gets to attend quite a few orientation classes)</div>
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(We are always said to say goodbye to missionaries!)</div>
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(missionaries arriving for our transfer meeting)</div>
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You can see from the photos . . . </div>
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<b>The missionaries are always in action!</b></div>
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The missionaries are busy and in action at all times. Here are a few examples of the success they are experiencing here in the mission. Really, it's the miracles that occur as they exercise faith to find, teach and testify of our Heavenly Father who loves us and desires that all his children have an opportunity to hear of his gospel plan.</div>
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<i>We were contacting this week and decided to visit a home that the missionaries in the area previously had told us were interested in having missionaries return. At their door we called "buenas", "BUENAS!" . . . but no one answered. Disappointed we turned to leave but stopped to visit with someone working in front of the house, and as we visited a young man rode up on his bicycle saying to us, "when is there going to be a baptism in the church?' Confused we weren't sure what to think . . . he then explained that last year the missionaries had been teaching him and he hadn't had an opportunity to be baptized, he had been looking all over for the missionaries so he could continue the lessons and get baptized! In "Preach my Gospel" is says . . . "the Lord is preparing people to receive you and the restored gospel. He will lead you to them or He will lead them to you." This week he led them to us!</i></blockquote>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZJS6YdWY8c/VAiUPZcdCGI/AAAAAAAAGlo/8dUhZH06tPE/s1600/Into%2Bthe%2Brain%2Bforest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZJS6YdWY8c/VAiUPZcdCGI/AAAAAAAAGlo/8dUhZH06tPE/s1600/Into%2Bthe%2Brain%2Bforest.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another similar experience . . .<br />
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<i>We were walking to visit some families who had joined the church recently when we heard someone calling, "Hermanas!" So we turned back to see who was calling, it was a young woman about 20 years old who inquired of us where our church was located. She said she wanted to attend the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but hadn't been able to find it in this town. We began to teach her lessons and offered an invitation for baptism which she accepted. She is also attending church with us!</i></blockquote>
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One of our Latin senior companions shared with us that his new North American companion who had only two weeks here in the mission and was still learning the language already has met with much success finding those who are prepared to hear the gospel message. The new elder, in his basic Spanish has been quick to open his mouth and testify to all they have encountered. This week, they already encountered one person while street contacting, and after hearing a message from the new elder desired to find out more about the church! They are both very excited to be working together!<br />
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(August - our two assistants. The missionary on the right in his last transfer and</div>
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headed for home. He was</div>
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an amazing Assistant to the President, we'll miss him a lot!)</div>
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(can you tell, we really enjoy Wendy's!!)</div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"This week we have been doing a lot of contacting and have found 10 new people who are interested in hearing our message. I remember the promise you made that if we found 10 new people each week, we would see many miracles and it really is true! One person in particular, we challenged to baptism in the second lesson and he accepted, he then shared the most beautiful prayer I have ever heard . . . he thanked our Heavenly Father for sending him the Hermanas who could help him change his life, and help him prepare to be baptized."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">An example of working with ALL the members . . .</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This week an 11 year old girl accompanied us to her favorite pulperia with a "Plan of Salvation" pamphlet ready to give to her friend, an older woman who owned the pulperia. We walked up to the front and without any prompting from us, Maria said, "Hi! I am here to present my friends, the missionaries and I want to give you a little book about Jesus Christ. The missionaries can tell you more about it. Who says the primary doesn't make great missionaries too!!</span><br />
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<b>You too can be a missionary!</b></div>
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I love the words of <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/04/bring-souls-unto-me?lang=eng&query=open+your+mouth">Elder L. Tom Perry </a>- </div>
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D&C 33:7 . . . comes the injunction—three times—to open our mouths:</div>
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“Open your mouths and they shall be filled, and you shall become even as Nephi of old, who journeyed from Jerusalem in the wilderness.</div>
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“Yea, open your mouths and spare not, and you shall be laden with sheaves upon your backs, for lo, I am with you.</div>
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“Yea, open your mouths and they shall be filled, saying: Repent, repent, and prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (<a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/33.8-10?lang=eng#7" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #486fae; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">vv. 8–10</a>).</div>
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What would each of us say if we had to open our mouth three times? If I may, I would like to offer a suggestion. First and foremost, we should declare our belief in Jesus Christ and His Atonement. His redeeming act blesses all mankind with the gift of immortality and the potential of enjoying God’s greatest gift to man, the gift of eternal life.</div>
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The second time we open our mouths, we should tell in our own words the story of the First Vision—that is, our knowledge of a boy not quite 15 years of age who went into a grove of trees and, after sincere and humble prayer, he had the heavens open to him. After centuries of confusion, the true nature of the Godhead and God’s true teachings were revealed to the world.</div>
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The third time we open our mouths, let us testify of the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon complements the Bible in giving us a greater understanding of the doctrines of our Savior’s gospel. The Book of Mormon is the convincing evidence that Joseph Smith is truly a prophet of God. If the Book of Mormon is true, there was a restoration of the priesthood. If the Book of Mormon is true, then with the power of that priesthood, Joseph Smith restored the Church of Jesus Christ.</div>
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