December 27,2010
Merry Christmas! I hope your Christmas was as wonderful as mine! This Christmas really was amazing. I might have missed being away from home and such, but the MTC made sure to make it great. We had a fireside on Christmas eve which was followed by popcorn and the movie Mr. Kruger's Christmas. Then Christmas morning was a talent show, which ended up taking almost an hour longer than it was supposed to, but three elders in our zone performed and they were all really amazing. Then we had "Christmas dinner" at noon and made sack meals to eat for dinner so that no one had to work in the cafeteria. Following dinner we had an amazing devotional by Elder Nelson. He and his wife actually spent the entire weekend at the MTC, coming to the Christmas fireside that night and talking to us in Relief Society and Priesthood the next day. We then had time that was supposed to be set aside for writing families, but because we leave today we ended up spending it packing our suitcases and trying our hardest to figure out how to make things weigh less than they actually do. Finally- we had the Christmas Night Fireside- a presentation of A Christmas Carol by two performers, one playing scrooge and the other playing everything else. It was really neat!
Monday, December 27, 2010
My Christmas Miracle
December 27,2010
This Christmas was a little different from normal. I didn't get to spend it with my immediate family, I didn't open a million presents, I didn't sit around the house being unproductive. Instead I spent it with 5 sisters who have come to be my friends, with my district who I will miss greatly when we go our separate ways and get started on our own missions, and with Christ as I spent a Christmas truly focusing on him and on what this day represents.
Though I loved Christmas this year, I won't pretend it was easy. The differences, though wonderful, were difficult to deal with. The differences of the past nine weeks have been difficult to deal with. I've missed the freedom of my old life, especially the staying up late and staring at the night sky till the sun rays once again burst over the horizon and wash away the stars. I've really missed the stars. Through my whole life, the stars have always been one of those places that I felt at peace. When life got to hectic down on earth and I just didn't understand anything that was going on, I turned to the sky. The stars are understandable, peaceful, and still. The stars are always waiting for me, eternal celestial friends.
These past nine weeks have been particularly difficult, and the fact that I couldn't just turn to the sky made it more so. Even if I got a chance to step outside and glance up, the sky has been covered in clouds for nearly nine weeks straight. Even Christmas Day was mostly grey and cloudy. But miracles do happen...
Christmas night, after the last fireside ended and we were allowed to head back to our rooms for the night, I looked up. I didn't expect to see much other than clouds, but I was wrong. As I glanced up I saw Jupiter, hanging in the night sky like a diamond with the stars of heaven spread out around it. There were my stars, watching me like always. The clouds were gone, answering a silent prayer that had resided in my heart for days. I only had a few seconds before I was back in another building, but I got to see them anyways.
The next morning was once again clouded over, hardly a scrap of blue all day.
This Christmas was a little different from normal. I didn't get to spend it with my immediate family, I didn't open a million presents, I didn't sit around the house being unproductive. Instead I spent it with 5 sisters who have come to be my friends, with my district who I will miss greatly when we go our separate ways and get started on our own missions, and with Christ as I spent a Christmas truly focusing on him and on what this day represents.
Though I loved Christmas this year, I won't pretend it was easy. The differences, though wonderful, were difficult to deal with. The differences of the past nine weeks have been difficult to deal with. I've missed the freedom of my old life, especially the staying up late and staring at the night sky till the sun rays once again burst over the horizon and wash away the stars. I've really missed the stars. Through my whole life, the stars have always been one of those places that I felt at peace. When life got to hectic down on earth and I just didn't understand anything that was going on, I turned to the sky. The stars are understandable, peaceful, and still. The stars are always waiting for me, eternal celestial friends.
These past nine weeks have been particularly difficult, and the fact that I couldn't just turn to the sky made it more so. Even if I got a chance to step outside and glance up, the sky has been covered in clouds for nearly nine weeks straight. Even Christmas Day was mostly grey and cloudy. But miracles do happen...
Christmas night, after the last fireside ended and we were allowed to head back to our rooms for the night, I looked up. I didn't expect to see much other than clouds, but I was wrong. As I glanced up I saw Jupiter, hanging in the night sky like a diamond with the stars of heaven spread out around it. There were my stars, watching me like always. The clouds were gone, answering a silent prayer that had resided in my heart for days. I only had a few seconds before I was back in another building, but I got to see them anyways.
The next morning was once again clouded over, hardly a scrap of blue all day.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Last Week!
December 20,2010
Hey!
This past week has been so much fun, I've definitely been super busy. We only have one week left in the MTC, by this time next week I'll be in a shuttle driving to the airport to leave the country for the next 16 months- isn't that soooooo cool.
A few exciting things that happened this week- one of our teachers has already had his last day with us and is home for the Christmas season, so we are going to have a lot of subs in this next week. I have a feeling this will worsen the effects of declining focus as we prepare to leave. We took pictures and listened to him tell stories (in Tagalog) about his mission, it was really neat to realize just how much we were capable of understanding.
We've received a good bit of rain this week, and it finally resumed snowing today- so I'll be able to have a White Christmas before jumping in to a Filipino summer with temperatures in the high 90's and humidity levels in the same range (95%-99%). Speaking of Christmas, we are allowed to write home for Christmas day, though I won't be allowed to email. I might not be allowed to email next Monday either, sometimes the email program doesn't work on the very last p-day, it thinks you've left already. So- there is a chance that my next email will be from the Philippines, it might be really long.
Love you all! Miss you bunches! I'm soooooooooo excited!
Hey!
This past week has been so much fun, I've definitely been super busy. We only have one week left in the MTC, by this time next week I'll be in a shuttle driving to the airport to leave the country for the next 16 months- isn't that soooooo cool.
A few exciting things that happened this week- one of our teachers has already had his last day with us and is home for the Christmas season, so we are going to have a lot of subs in this next week. I have a feeling this will worsen the effects of declining focus as we prepare to leave. We took pictures and listened to him tell stories (in Tagalog) about his mission, it was really neat to realize just how much we were capable of understanding.
We've received a good bit of rain this week, and it finally resumed snowing today- so I'll be able to have a White Christmas before jumping in to a Filipino summer with temperatures in the high 90's and humidity levels in the same range (95%-99%). Speaking of Christmas, we are allowed to write home for Christmas day, though I won't be allowed to email. I might not be allowed to email next Monday either, sometimes the email program doesn't work on the very last p-day, it thinks you've left already. So- there is a chance that my next email will be from the Philippines, it might be really long.
Love you all! Miss you bunches! I'm soooooooooo excited!
Two Weeks Left
December 13, 2010
I would first like to apologize, this weeks blog post won't be very long. The weeks have become incredibly routine and I'm running out of things to talk about. I only have two weeks left here at the MTC and I'm definitely excited to leave, though I will miss the safety and control of the MTC lifestyle. Later this week I will receive my flight plans and begin to sort through the stuff I have to figure out what I'm going to send home and what I'm going to bring with me to the Philippines.
I almost feel bad that I have so little to talk about, but the days have become so similar that they begin to blur together and I feel like it was just yesterday that I last had the opportunity to email. The weeks are so quick, yet each day feels so long.
Oh and another quick fact about the Philippines that I forgot to mention in my last post- the total land area of the Philippines is about the same as Arizona. It has the same number of people as 1/3 of the total people in the US. Small, crowded, and consisting of 16 missions. I'm so excited!
Mahal Kita!
I would first like to apologize, this weeks blog post won't be very long. The weeks have become incredibly routine and I'm running out of things to talk about. I only have two weeks left here at the MTC and I'm definitely excited to leave, though I will miss the safety and control of the MTC lifestyle. Later this week I will receive my flight plans and begin to sort through the stuff I have to figure out what I'm going to send home and what I'm going to bring with me to the Philippines.
I almost feel bad that I have so little to talk about, but the days have become so similar that they begin to blur together and I feel like it was just yesterday that I last had the opportunity to email. The weeks are so quick, yet each day feels so long.
Oh and another quick fact about the Philippines that I forgot to mention in my last post- the total land area of the Philippines is about the same as Arizona. It has the same number of people as 1/3 of the total people in the US. Small, crowded, and consisting of 16 missions. I'm so excited!
Mahal Kita!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Additional Info
Hi, this is Elora's Mom. I mentioned to her that there were several items in her family emails that she should add to her blog. She agreed and asked me to post them for her, so here they are:
From Week 1:
My companions name is Sister McDonald and she is pretty amazing. She's my complete opposite, to the point where she wanted to take 5 minutes prior to computer time in order to make an outline of her email to her family. I just write. We are both slightly OCD but in totally different ways and hopefully we don't start to drive each other crazy because of it too soon. I already feel like I know so much more than I knew last week. I walked into class on the first day and was greeted by two teachers who refused to speak in English. I'm now to the point where I can understand nearly everything there are saying. The craziest part of Tagalog is the over-abundance of letters. For example- Hi is kamusta, Savior is tagapagligtos, and the word for faith (which I'm really good at forgetting) is 15 letters long. Every sentence is one long tongue twister.
Another exciting, and complicated, part of being at the MTC is the roommates. Each bedroom has 3 sets of bunks beds, 3 desks, and 6 tiny closets. We store anything we don't need on top of the closets. Right now (and probably for a while according to the older girls) we have 2 empty beds, so there are only 4 of us. The room still feels crowded though. It only matters in the morning and night, we aren't really supposed to be in there the rest of the day, but there are still a lot of people in a room maybe twice the size of the room in my old apartment.
From Week 2:
I've had to learn very quickly how to get over being shy and my dislike of asking questions. The first few times we had a practice teaching session, I was almost to scared to function. Now- at least I say something. It doesn't always have to do with what the lesson seems to be about. Yesterday I even asked a question that seemed to have nothing to do with what we were teaching. I'm really glad I did because the person I was practicing with later told me that I asked exactly the right question to make him feel like I actually cared about him. I feel like I'm really far behind in this aspect of missionary work. All the other people in my district can sit down and talk to anyone about anything. I, on the other hand, can't even think of what to say when the "investigator" asks me a direct question. Starting the conversation is even harder.
Fortunately, there have been several things that have helped me a great deal. One of those things is the sisters in my zone. They are always willing to listen to me and many of the ones who have been here longer have advice on how they dealt with similar problems. My teachers are also really great. One of them loves to say "We cannot measure what is most important, so we try to make most important what we can measure." This reminds me that I need to focus on the things that are more difficult to measure and remember that they are more important. I can't let myself think that what I can measure is more important than internal things like how hard I'm trying and reliance on the Lord.
I really love being here. I'm learning so much about myself and about the Gospel. It's not easy, but I have a feeling it wasn't meant to be. I put my trust in God, ask him to help in the areas I'm no good at, and then I try my hardest to do my best.
From Week 3:
I'm getting better at socializing with people, the weather is getting colder, and people in the zone today are leaving (along with getting a new district in our zone so we won't be the new-be's anymore) We are also getting more sisters in our room- this means there will be 6 people in a room only a little bigger than my bedroom back home. These sisters won't be in our zone, we've speculated that they will be english speaking missionaries. But I'm still a little apprehensive about how cramped the room will feel.
A note of disappointment- the MTC normally has pizza every Friday night, which has been a nice carry over from home. This week- with no warning at all- they had teriyaki stix instead, it was incredibly disappointing.
This weeks devotional was given by Elder Bednar. This makes 4 apostles speaking at a devotional in a row. Our branch president said that one normally only comes every other month. It's been really neat. My favorite part of his talk was when he stated "I know some of you are thinking 'I don't think I can do this'... or course you can't... alone" It really stuck out to me and has definitely been pushing me forward this week. I definitely don't think I can do this alone. Fortunately I don't have to.
From Week 4:
So, This week was Thanksgiving. As much as I love Thanksgiving with my family, I don't think I will ever have a thanksgiving quite like this one. It was way amazing!
Elder Holland came to speak and brought all his children and grandchildren with him. They were so cute. His grandkids even got up and sang a song. He spoke on gratitude, families, and the Savior. The devotional ended up going 30 minutes over the length it had been scheduled to be, which is pretty crazy when it was only meant to be an hour. That afternoon, the missionaries got to participate in a service project where we cut out the piece to make backpacks for needy children. The pieces will be shipped to wards that will construct them, fill them with school supplies, and send them back to the church for distribution. There are approximately 2000 missionaries at the MTC, we made over 33000 backpacks, including cutting out all the pieces, placing them in boxes of 25 and preparing the boxes for shipping. It was so cool!
I'm looking forward to a cold December with lotsa snow- I'm so glad next December will be warm!
From Week 5:
This week has been super fun, though for the most part, it hasn't been too different from any other week. The strangest thing is that the group of missionaries in our zone who came in right before us are leaving today. This means that I only have 3 weeks left at the MTC and that there will no longer be anyone here older than me to look up to. Kinda sad- but super exciting anyways. I'm kinda starting to stress a little because I still feel like I'm absolutely hopeless on the language, but my teachers tell me that I'm doing great and not to worry. That and everyone says it doesn't matter how well you think you know it in the MTC, you never know anything when you actually get to the field.
For the devotional last Tuesday, Julie B. Beck came to speak to us. The coolest thing about her talk was when she shared her experience when her parents were mission presidents of the only Brazil mission. In about 50 years this country has evolved from not having a single church building within it's borders, to having around 25 missions, isn't that insane! Thursday was interesting because it was the first time we taught volunteers in the TRC in Tagalog. It was definitely scary and the volunteer asked a lot of questions I was lacking the vocab to answer.
Yesterday, instead of having a regular fireside, we watched the Christmas devotional. It was really neat and I'm so excited for the Christmas season. If you didn't get a chance to see it, you should try to. The first presidency shared some beautiful stories of looking past the presents and decorations and really remembering what the Christmas season is about.
A quick word in Tagalog, just for fun. Alam ko po na sasagotin ng Diyos ang mga dasal natin. Mahal niya tayo and gusto niya para sa maging tayo masaya. Maganda po ba iyen?
From Week 1:
My companions name is Sister McDonald and she is pretty amazing. She's my complete opposite, to the point where she wanted to take 5 minutes prior to computer time in order to make an outline of her email to her family. I just write. We are both slightly OCD but in totally different ways and hopefully we don't start to drive each other crazy because of it too soon. I already feel like I know so much more than I knew last week. I walked into class on the first day and was greeted by two teachers who refused to speak in English. I'm now to the point where I can understand nearly everything there are saying. The craziest part of Tagalog is the over-abundance of letters. For example- Hi is kamusta, Savior is tagapagligtos, and the word for faith (which I'm really good at forgetting) is 15 letters long. Every sentence is one long tongue twister.
Another exciting, and complicated, part of being at the MTC is the roommates. Each bedroom has 3 sets of bunks beds, 3 desks, and 6 tiny closets. We store anything we don't need on top of the closets. Right now (and probably for a while according to the older girls) we have 2 empty beds, so there are only 4 of us. The room still feels crowded though. It only matters in the morning and night, we aren't really supposed to be in there the rest of the day, but there are still a lot of people in a room maybe twice the size of the room in my old apartment.
From Week 2:
I've had to learn very quickly how to get over being shy and my dislike of asking questions. The first few times we had a practice teaching session, I was almost to scared to function. Now- at least I say something. It doesn't always have to do with what the lesson seems to be about. Yesterday I even asked a question that seemed to have nothing to do with what we were teaching. I'm really glad I did because the person I was practicing with later told me that I asked exactly the right question to make him feel like I actually cared about him. I feel like I'm really far behind in this aspect of missionary work. All the other people in my district can sit down and talk to anyone about anything. I, on the other hand, can't even think of what to say when the "investigator" asks me a direct question. Starting the conversation is even harder.
Fortunately, there have been several things that have helped me a great deal. One of those things is the sisters in my zone. They are always willing to listen to me and many of the ones who have been here longer have advice on how they dealt with similar problems. My teachers are also really great. One of them loves to say "We cannot measure what is most important, so we try to make most important what we can measure." This reminds me that I need to focus on the things that are more difficult to measure and remember that they are more important. I can't let myself think that what I can measure is more important than internal things like how hard I'm trying and reliance on the Lord.
I really love being here. I'm learning so much about myself and about the Gospel. It's not easy, but I have a feeling it wasn't meant to be. I put my trust in God, ask him to help in the areas I'm no good at, and then I try my hardest to do my best.
From Week 3:
I'm getting better at socializing with people, the weather is getting colder, and people in the zone today are leaving (along with getting a new district in our zone so we won't be the new-be's anymore) We are also getting more sisters in our room- this means there will be 6 people in a room only a little bigger than my bedroom back home. These sisters won't be in our zone, we've speculated that they will be english speaking missionaries. But I'm still a little apprehensive about how cramped the room will feel.
A note of disappointment- the MTC normally has pizza every Friday night, which has been a nice carry over from home. This week- with no warning at all- they had teriyaki stix instead, it was incredibly disappointing.
This weeks devotional was given by Elder Bednar. This makes 4 apostles speaking at a devotional in a row. Our branch president said that one normally only comes every other month. It's been really neat. My favorite part of his talk was when he stated "I know some of you are thinking 'I don't think I can do this'... or course you can't... alone" It really stuck out to me and has definitely been pushing me forward this week. I definitely don't think I can do this alone. Fortunately I don't have to.
From Week 4:
So, This week was Thanksgiving. As much as I love Thanksgiving with my family, I don't think I will ever have a thanksgiving quite like this one. It was way amazing!
Elder Holland came to speak and brought all his children and grandchildren with him. They were so cute. His grandkids even got up and sang a song. He spoke on gratitude, families, and the Savior. The devotional ended up going 30 minutes over the length it had been scheduled to be, which is pretty crazy when it was only meant to be an hour. That afternoon, the missionaries got to participate in a service project where we cut out the piece to make backpacks for needy children. The pieces will be shipped to wards that will construct them, fill them with school supplies, and send them back to the church for distribution. There are approximately 2000 missionaries at the MTC, we made over 33000 backpacks, including cutting out all the pieces, placing them in boxes of 25 and preparing the boxes for shipping. It was so cool!
I'm looking forward to a cold December with lotsa snow- I'm so glad next December will be warm!
From Week 5:
This week has been super fun, though for the most part, it hasn't been too different from any other week. The strangest thing is that the group of missionaries in our zone who came in right before us are leaving today. This means that I only have 3 weeks left at the MTC and that there will no longer be anyone here older than me to look up to. Kinda sad- but super exciting anyways. I'm kinda starting to stress a little because I still feel like I'm absolutely hopeless on the language, but my teachers tell me that I'm doing great and not to worry. That and everyone says it doesn't matter how well you think you know it in the MTC, you never know anything when you actually get to the field.
For the devotional last Tuesday, Julie B. Beck came to speak to us. The coolest thing about her talk was when she shared her experience when her parents were mission presidents of the only Brazil mission. In about 50 years this country has evolved from not having a single church building within it's borders, to having around 25 missions, isn't that insane! Thursday was interesting because it was the first time we taught volunteers in the TRC in Tagalog. It was definitely scary and the volunteer asked a lot of questions I was lacking the vocab to answer.
Yesterday, instead of having a regular fireside, we watched the Christmas devotional. It was really neat and I'm so excited for the Christmas season. If you didn't get a chance to see it, you should try to. The first presidency shared some beautiful stories of looking past the presents and decorations and really remembering what the Christmas season is about.
A quick word in Tagalog, just for fun. Alam ko po na sasagotin ng Diyos ang mga dasal natin. Mahal niya tayo and gusto niya para sa maging tayo masaya. Maganda po ba iyen?
Monday, December 6, 2010
The Miracle of the Philippines
December 6, 2010
One of the neatest things we discussed in class was the mission field in the Philippines. The Filipino people are super nice and love to say yes in order to make someone happy. They will never say something to intentionally hurt another persons feelings and they are incredibly friendly. Because of all this, the First Presidency of the Church has instated several restrictions on who the church is able to baptize. They want to make sure an investigator is sincerely interested in the church, instead of saying yes because they want to make the missionaries happy. They are required to have all the lessons before baptism, attend church consecutively 4 times, and even a few other things. The exact requirements aren't that important.
These requirements have helped the Philippines become the country with the highest retention rate! (meaning that the people being baptized are actually remaining active in the church) The Philippines missions also have a really high number of baptisms each month. The Gospel is spreading so fast to so many people. To me, this demonstrates just how prepared the people in the Philippines are to have the gospel in their lives. The field really is white, the people are ready, they are just waiting to hear the fullness of the gospel. I feel so privileged to have the opportunity to bring the message of the Restoration to them.
Mahal Kita!
One of the neatest things we discussed in class was the mission field in the Philippines. The Filipino people are super nice and love to say yes in order to make someone happy. They will never say something to intentionally hurt another persons feelings and they are incredibly friendly. Because of all this, the First Presidency of the Church has instated several restrictions on who the church is able to baptize. They want to make sure an investigator is sincerely interested in the church, instead of saying yes because they want to make the missionaries happy. They are required to have all the lessons before baptism, attend church consecutively 4 times, and even a few other things. The exact requirements aren't that important.
These requirements have helped the Philippines become the country with the highest retention rate! (meaning that the people being baptized are actually remaining active in the church) The Philippines missions also have a really high number of baptisms each month. The Gospel is spreading so fast to so many people. To me, this demonstrates just how prepared the people in the Philippines are to have the gospel in their lives. The field really is white, the people are ready, they are just waiting to hear the fullness of the gospel. I feel so privileged to have the opportunity to bring the message of the Restoration to them.
Mahal Kita!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Gratitude
November 29, 2010
This Thursday was Thanksgiving. I had the opportunity to listen to several missionaries speak about what they are thankful for, and here are the two that stuck out to me most.
One elder who spoke is serving at the MTC mission. He has cystic fibrosis and didn't actually expect to live to the age where he could serve a mission. He spoke of how glad he was that he could wake up every morning, walk into a room, and spend the rest of the day on the telephone or chatting online with people who had questions about the church. His mission is so different from mine, and he had so much gratitude just that he could do it.
The other was a Sister from Asia, I'm not sure which country. She had written her testimony with the help of her companion, she gave it in broken English asking for help on how to pronounce words, and the spirit of her testimony was so strong. She spoke of how she knew God loved her because he sent his son to die for her. She knew that Christ suffered so that she could be clean. And she was so thankful for all of God's creations that make her happy. Her testimony was short and simple, it took her a long time to say it all, she stumbled over words I have long thought are simple. But she had such a strong desire to share her gratitude with us that it didn't matter what she sounded like.
I'm so thankful for these missionaries, who helped remind me of the blessings in my life.
Ingat
(Take Care!)
This Thursday was Thanksgiving. I had the opportunity to listen to several missionaries speak about what they are thankful for, and here are the two that stuck out to me most.
One elder who spoke is serving at the MTC mission. He has cystic fibrosis and didn't actually expect to live to the age where he could serve a mission. He spoke of how glad he was that he could wake up every morning, walk into a room, and spend the rest of the day on the telephone or chatting online with people who had questions about the church. His mission is so different from mine, and he had so much gratitude just that he could do it.
The other was a Sister from Asia, I'm not sure which country. She had written her testimony with the help of her companion, she gave it in broken English asking for help on how to pronounce words, and the spirit of her testimony was so strong. She spoke of how she knew God loved her because he sent his son to die for her. She knew that Christ suffered so that she could be clean. And she was so thankful for all of God's creations that make her happy. Her testimony was short and simple, it took her a long time to say it all, she stumbled over words I have long thought are simple. But she had such a strong desire to share her gratitude with us that it didn't matter what she sounded like.
I'm so thankful for these missionaries, who helped remind me of the blessings in my life.
Ingat
(Take Care!)
Friday, November 26, 2010
Speaking 2
November 22,2010
First- I just thought everyone might want to know that dear-elder letters are not printed on Saturday or Sunday. This means that if you send me a DearElder Friday afternoon or over the weekend, I usually do not receive it until late on Monday evening and at that point I usually don't have time to respond to it. So- if you want me to write you back within a week of sending me something, send it before noon on Friday so that I receive it Friday night.
So- as I mentioned in my last post, I got to speak last Sunday. While speaking I was scared and mostly just trying to focus on what I was saying and making sure I said anything I felt prompted to bring up. Several people mentioned how great it was and how they really felt the spirit. I didn't quite understand what impact I had until several days later.
On Wednesday night we had a practice session with another district in our zone. We were paired up with another companionship, we taught them and then they taught us. I didn't speak up much as I was teaching but when I felt prompted to (or when I had nothing else to say) I bore testimony about whatever my companion had taught on. After the lesson, one of the elders asked to speak to me. He explained how just two weeks ago he had received news that his best friend passed away. The grief and pain from this news caused him to begin to doubt the reasons he was here and the truthfulness of the church. He told me that he had been ready to go home.
Then he said "You have a very powerful spirit when you teach. I felt it when you spoke last Sunday, reminding me of truths I had forgotten and testifying of things I had doubted." He explained how I re-ignited his testimony and gave him reason to stay. When he and his companion then took their turn teaching us, the spirit was so strong. I know that the things he was testifying of are true. More importantly, I know he believes them.
I didn't think I would have the opportunity to change someone's life before even leaving the MTC. I'm so grateful I had the chance to help someone make that decision to stay and continue on their mission. I believe many of the missionaries stop and have to make that choice. They realize it is a lot harder than expected, they miss friends, and they have to find their own motivation to continue. I know I had to make this choice, the choice to stay where I knew the Lord needed me. I'm so glad that I did, that I stayed and spoke and helped someone else when it was his turn to decide.
First- I just thought everyone might want to know that dear-elder letters are not printed on Saturday or Sunday. This means that if you send me a DearElder Friday afternoon or over the weekend, I usually do not receive it until late on Monday evening and at that point I usually don't have time to respond to it. So- if you want me to write you back within a week of sending me something, send it before noon on Friday so that I receive it Friday night.
So- as I mentioned in my last post, I got to speak last Sunday. While speaking I was scared and mostly just trying to focus on what I was saying and making sure I said anything I felt prompted to bring up. Several people mentioned how great it was and how they really felt the spirit. I didn't quite understand what impact I had until several days later.
On Wednesday night we had a practice session with another district in our zone. We were paired up with another companionship, we taught them and then they taught us. I didn't speak up much as I was teaching but when I felt prompted to (or when I had nothing else to say) I bore testimony about whatever my companion had taught on. After the lesson, one of the elders asked to speak to me. He explained how just two weeks ago he had received news that his best friend passed away. The grief and pain from this news caused him to begin to doubt the reasons he was here and the truthfulness of the church. He told me that he had been ready to go home.
Then he said "You have a very powerful spirit when you teach. I felt it when you spoke last Sunday, reminding me of truths I had forgotten and testifying of things I had doubted." He explained how I re-ignited his testimony and gave him reason to stay. When he and his companion then took their turn teaching us, the spirit was so strong. I know that the things he was testifying of are true. More importantly, I know he believes them.
I didn't think I would have the opportunity to change someone's life before even leaving the MTC. I'm so grateful I had the chance to help someone make that decision to stay and continue on their mission. I believe many of the missionaries stop and have to make that choice. They realize it is a lot harder than expected, they miss friends, and they have to find their own motivation to continue. I know I had to make this choice, the choice to stay where I knew the Lord needed me. I'm so glad that I did, that I stayed and spoke and helped someone else when it was his turn to decide.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Speaking
November 15, 2010
This week has been pretty great, other than the fact that it's cold and rainy. But ignoring the weather, I had the opportunity to teach again, which was a little easier than last week, I got to speak in church on Sunday, and I got 4 letters just on Monday and it made me feel super special.
So- the most exciting thing, speaking in church. At the MTC, the branch president announces the topic of the following week, everyone is supposed to prepare something, and we don't find out who speaks till after church has started. This week I was called on. The topic was faith in Jesus Christ, something I've been studying a lot since I've come into the MTC. I walked up to the pulpit, shaking like I leaf, and started to speak. I'm really glad I didn't pass out.
I spoke of how faith in Christ is a form of confidence. It is having the confidence that you can do something despite your inadequacies because you will receive the help that you need. Confidence that no matter how hard it is, you can make it through because He is with you. Faith is displayed through our diligence. When we have faith that God will help us through our trials, we also need to diligently press through our trials and try to overcome them. He can't help us if we sit on our rears and wait for the trial to go away. That was what my talk was on. I finished with a short testimony in Tagalog- Alam ko po na mahal ako ng Diyos dahil sa ang anak siya ako. (I know that God loves me because I am his child)
Mahal Kita!
This week has been pretty great, other than the fact that it's cold and rainy. But ignoring the weather, I had the opportunity to teach again, which was a little easier than last week, I got to speak in church on Sunday, and I got 4 letters just on Monday and it made me feel super special.
So- the most exciting thing, speaking in church. At the MTC, the branch president announces the topic of the following week, everyone is supposed to prepare something, and we don't find out who speaks till after church has started. This week I was called on. The topic was faith in Jesus Christ, something I've been studying a lot since I've come into the MTC. I walked up to the pulpit, shaking like I leaf, and started to speak. I'm really glad I didn't pass out.
I spoke of how faith in Christ is a form of confidence. It is having the confidence that you can do something despite your inadequacies because you will receive the help that you need. Confidence that no matter how hard it is, you can make it through because He is with you. Faith is displayed through our diligence. When we have faith that God will help us through our trials, we also need to diligently press through our trials and try to overcome them. He can't help us if we sit on our rears and wait for the trial to go away. That was what my talk was on. I finished with a short testimony in Tagalog- Alam ko po na mahal ako ng Diyos dahil sa ang anak siya ako. (I know that God loves me because I am his child)
Mahal Kita!
Monday, November 8, 2010
SMILE!
November 8, 2010
This past week has been really great. The best part was Tuesday night. Each Tuesday there is an MTC devotional, and this week Elder Russell M. Ballard came to speak. He spoke a great deal about how the most important thing we do is communicate. If we don't communicate, how can we tell people about our wonderful message. For a long time, I felt like I was listening to a talk saying everything I already knew I needed to do, but I didn't feel like I was getting any advice on how to do it. Then he said something that has stuck in my mind ever since. "The most powerful thing you have is your smile."
Now- I have trouble talking to people. I hate asking questions. But I can smile.
So I decided to spend Wednesday making sure I smiled at people, Then Thursday I decided to make it a little more challenging by saying Hi as well(or rather, I said Kumusta! because that is hi in tagalog). Now- well, I'm still not a particularly great communicator but at least I feel like I'm getting a little bit better.
For those of you who want an update on the language- I'm LOVING it! It's so much fun. I really believe that my calling to speak a foreign language was inspired. A- learning Tagalog gives me something really fun and academic to do, I feel like I'm back at school. B- it let's me stay here for 6 weeks longer than English speakers so that I can get better at the previously mentioned communication problem. It's a crazy language with over 20 ways to conjugate verbs and the sentences are structured the way Yoda would say them, but I'm having so much fun!
Mahal ko Kayo (I love all of you)
This past week has been really great. The best part was Tuesday night. Each Tuesday there is an MTC devotional, and this week Elder Russell M. Ballard came to speak. He spoke a great deal about how the most important thing we do is communicate. If we don't communicate, how can we tell people about our wonderful message. For a long time, I felt like I was listening to a talk saying everything I already knew I needed to do, but I didn't feel like I was getting any advice on how to do it. Then he said something that has stuck in my mind ever since. "The most powerful thing you have is your smile."
Now- I have trouble talking to people. I hate asking questions. But I can smile.
So I decided to spend Wednesday making sure I smiled at people, Then Thursday I decided to make it a little more challenging by saying Hi as well(or rather, I said Kumusta! because that is hi in tagalog). Now- well, I'm still not a particularly great communicator but at least I feel like I'm getting a little bit better.
For those of you who want an update on the language- I'm LOVING it! It's so much fun. I really believe that my calling to speak a foreign language was inspired. A- learning Tagalog gives me something really fun and academic to do, I feel like I'm back at school. B- it let's me stay here for 6 weeks longer than English speakers so that I can get better at the previously mentioned communication problem. It's a crazy language with over 20 ways to conjugate verbs and the sentences are structured the way Yoda would say them, but I'm having so much fun!
Mahal ko Kayo (I love all of you)
Monday, November 1, 2010
Magandang Araw!
November 1, 2010
That means "Good Day" in Tagalog. Tagalog is officially the funniest language in the world. A few reasons why include the fact that araw (day) rhymes with the word cow, ng is both a letter and a word, the word diyan sounds something like jen, and the word Hi is Kumusta (nearly 4 times as long). But I've really loved learning it so far. It's the hardest thing I think I've ever done but it's so worth it.
I'm totally loving the MTC. The people here are super nice, our zone is huge, and so many of us are going to Iloilo (my mission). 28 new missionaries came in on Wednesday, so there are a ton of us all on the same page. Life is kinda crazy, and the schedule is way strict, but that almost helps make it more fun. We spend most of our time laughing or rambling in unintelligible, poorly pronounced Tagalog.
To finish off- here is the most important thing I think I've learned while being here: Alam ko po na totoo ang simbahan ni JesuCristo ng mga banal sa mga huling araw. Alam ko po na tunay na propeta ng Diyos si Joseph Smith. Nagpapasalamat ako na Aklat ni Mormon. (I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true. I know that Joseph Smith is a real prophet of God. I am thankful for the Book of Mormon)
Mahalakita!
(I Love you!)
That means "Good Day" in Tagalog. Tagalog is officially the funniest language in the world. A few reasons why include the fact that araw (day) rhymes with the word cow, ng is both a letter and a word, the word diyan sounds something like jen, and the word Hi is Kumusta (nearly 4 times as long). But I've really loved learning it so far. It's the hardest thing I think I've ever done but it's so worth it.
I'm totally loving the MTC. The people here are super nice, our zone is huge, and so many of us are going to Iloilo (my mission). 28 new missionaries came in on Wednesday, so there are a ton of us all on the same page. Life is kinda crazy, and the schedule is way strict, but that almost helps make it more fun. We spend most of our time laughing or rambling in unintelligible, poorly pronounced Tagalog.
To finish off- here is the most important thing I think I've learned while being here: Alam ko po na totoo ang simbahan ni JesuCristo ng mga banal sa mga huling araw. Alam ko po na tunay na propeta ng Diyos si Joseph Smith. Nagpapasalamat ako na Aklat ni Mormon. (I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true. I know that Joseph Smith is a real prophet of God. I am thankful for the Book of Mormon)
Mahalakita!
(I Love you!)
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Another Week
October 19, 2010
I only have one week left... this thought kinda scares me. In one week I have to make sure I have everything I might need for the next 18 months and then try to find some way to fit it into 2 suitcases. In contrast, the 8 month collection of stuff I brought for my first two semesters at school filled the family car. I'm slightly less stressed knowing my living arrangements will be fully furnished.
Isn't it interesting though, how much we can simplify our lives. We really don't need all that much in order to survive. Of course we need some clothing and it's always a good idea to have a basic first aid kit on hand, but it's the pleasantries in life that really take up space. I'm sure I could have made it through my freshman year just fine without bringing along my electronic piano, guitar, temper-pedic mattress topper, and other such items. So this next week is about figuring out how to simplify. The next 18 months are about trying not to go crazy with my simplified living style.
I only have one week left... this thought kinda scares me. In one week I have to make sure I have everything I might need for the next 18 months and then try to find some way to fit it into 2 suitcases. In contrast, the 8 month collection of stuff I brought for my first two semesters at school filled the family car. I'm slightly less stressed knowing my living arrangements will be fully furnished.
Isn't it interesting though, how much we can simplify our lives. We really don't need all that much in order to survive. Of course we need some clothing and it's always a good idea to have a basic first aid kit on hand, but it's the pleasantries in life that really take up space. I'm sure I could have made it through my freshman year just fine without bringing along my electronic piano, guitar, temper-pedic mattress topper, and other such items. So this next week is about figuring out how to simplify. The next 18 months are about trying not to go crazy with my simplified living style.
Friday, September 24, 2010
One Month
In case you haven't yet looked at the time stamp, today is the 24th of September. Exactly one month from now I will be giving my last pre-mission talk. In one month and two days I will be set apart as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In one month and three days I will enter the Missionary Training Center.
Now that I've laid that all out, I might as well start the count down. 34 days until I walk through those doors. I'll admit, despite being mega-excited, I'm nervous. What if I walk through those doors and realize I can't do it? My mind floods with what-ifs and self-doubts. Yet a much stronger voice speaks from a place in my heart no fear can touch. I KNOW this is what I'm meant to do.
I notice my flaws, I fear my imperfect will hold me back, I worry that I won't be good enough. But I know the Church is true. I know that the Gospel has brought me peace and happiness. I know my Savior loves me. And I wish I could share this knowledge with the whole world. And when one looks at it that way, how could I not feel inadequate. 1 compared to approximately 6.5 billion.
Yet I wasn't asked to teach 6.5 billion. I will not be asked to do anything that I cannot do. I will be prepared for the challenges that come my way. Looking back on the past year I can see that my preparation has already started.
Now that I've laid that all out, I might as well start the count down. 34 days until I walk through those doors. I'll admit, despite being mega-excited, I'm nervous. What if I walk through those doors and realize I can't do it? My mind floods with what-ifs and self-doubts. Yet a much stronger voice speaks from a place in my heart no fear can touch. I KNOW this is what I'm meant to do.
I notice my flaws, I fear my imperfect will hold me back, I worry that I won't be good enough. But I know the Church is true. I know that the Gospel has brought me peace and happiness. I know my Savior loves me. And I wish I could share this knowledge with the whole world. And when one looks at it that way, how could I not feel inadequate. 1 compared to approximately 6.5 billion.
Yet I wasn't asked to teach 6.5 billion. I will not be asked to do anything that I cannot do. I will be prepared for the challenges that come my way. Looking back on the past year I can see that my preparation has already started.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Philippines!
My life has been super exciting this week. My call arrived Wednesday afternoon with the mail and I opened it that night amidst friends and several cell phones being used to call family. To my great surprise (and everyone else's, no one even came close to guessing right) I was called to serve in the Philippines Iloilo mission and I will be speaking Tagalog. This happens to be a relatively new mission, which makes everything even more exciting. More than likely, if you are reading this, you have already seen the posts all over facebook or received a text or phone call. So I'm sure you already know, but I figured the blog would be somewhat incomplete without a post on where I'm going.
A few fun random things that happened the night of receiving the call. Shortly after learning where I would go, I looked in my mission packet for the mission map. I discovered that there isn't yet a map for this mission because of how new it is. I realized that knowing where in the Philippines my mission was didn't really matter much because I didn't actually know where the Philippines were. I proceeded to a friends apartment to look at their large map and locate the approximate location of where my mission was. I then became extremely excited about the fact that I get to go somewhere warm! Let's just hope I don't come home to severely sun burnt.
The next day was filled with letting dozens of people know about the call that I hadn't gotten around to telling the day before. I also announced my call in my mission prep class and my sign language class, which was really fun because I signed the announcement (well- most of it, I went ahead and wrote the location on the board). All in all, The experience has been amazing. Although I would have never guessed it and had a million places in mind for where I wanted to go, it feels right. I know that I'm going where I am needed.
A few fun random things that happened the night of receiving the call. Shortly after learning where I would go, I looked in my mission packet for the mission map. I discovered that there isn't yet a map for this mission because of how new it is. I realized that knowing where in the Philippines my mission was didn't really matter much because I didn't actually know where the Philippines were. I proceeded to a friends apartment to look at their large map and locate the approximate location of where my mission was. I then became extremely excited about the fact that I get to go somewhere warm! Let's just hope I don't come home to severely sun burnt.
The next day was filled with letting dozens of people know about the call that I hadn't gotten around to telling the day before. I also announced my call in my mission prep class and my sign language class, which was really fun because I signed the announcement (well- most of it, I went ahead and wrote the location on the board). All in all, The experience has been amazing. Although I would have never guessed it and had a million places in mind for where I wanted to go, it feels right. I know that I'm going where I am needed.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The Papers are in!
I am preparing to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I recently finished all the paper work and submitted it to the church. Now, I am waiting for my mission call.
I could be asked to serve almost anywhere in the world, speaking almost any language. I will be gone for 18 months. Everyone tells me it will be the best 18 months of my life so far. All I know is that I'm excited. I've been looking forward to this opportunity for years, and submitting my papers has made it feel more real. This is really happening.
I have set aside this blog for the posting of events that occur while on my mission, but I figure the months leading up to it have a few important events that should also be posted. In a few short weeks I will be posting the location of my mission call and all the crazy feelings that will go along with it. I know I'm looking forward to having stories to tell, I hope you are looking forward to reading them!
I could be asked to serve almost anywhere in the world, speaking almost any language. I will be gone for 18 months. Everyone tells me it will be the best 18 months of my life so far. All I know is that I'm excited. I've been looking forward to this opportunity for years, and submitting my papers has made it feel more real. This is really happening.
I have set aside this blog for the posting of events that occur while on my mission, but I figure the months leading up to it have a few important events that should also be posted. In a few short weeks I will be posting the location of my mission call and all the crazy feelings that will go along with it. I know I'm looking forward to having stories to tell, I hope you are looking forward to reading them!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Exodus
There are many parallels to the Exodus story of the bible through out the Doctrine and Covenants. Many of these parallels are created due to the events that were occurring. One of these parallels is, of course, the pioneers who crossed the wilderness to the promised land. I have already written a blog on how the end of the trek, the Salt Lake Valley, geographically parallels the end of the journey of the people of Israel, Jerusalem. The parallels start earlier than that though.
In both events, the people were attempting to escape the predicament they were currently in, one being slaves and the other persecuted for their beliefs. As they began the journey, the Lord gave a system of organization. He commanded that companies are organized with captains leading the whole company and sub-captains in charge of smaller groups of hundreds, fifties, and tens. The President of the church and his counselors are in charge of everyone. This provided an easy way for solutions to problems that the president did not need to deal with and made sure that every individual was cared for.
In section 136 of the Doctrine and Covenants, a revelation given to Brigham Young on how to get the saints somewhere they would be safe, the Lord declares "Zion shall be redeemed in mine own due time." In this circumstance, the Lord is referring to the place that has been designated as Zion that the saints have been kicked out of. A similar idea happens in the Exodus story, the Lord declares he will redeem Zion in his own time, but this Zion has a different meaning. He is referring to the people of Zion who, because of their iniquities, are left to wander in the desert.
One of the things I find most interesting are the language parallels. In this section God refers to himself as the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob. He uses languages and terms that are more often used in the Old Testament than in any of the other scriptures.
In both events, the people were attempting to escape the predicament they were currently in, one being slaves and the other persecuted for their beliefs. As they began the journey, the Lord gave a system of organization. He commanded that companies are organized with captains leading the whole company and sub-captains in charge of smaller groups of hundreds, fifties, and tens. The President of the church and his counselors are in charge of everyone. This provided an easy way for solutions to problems that the president did not need to deal with and made sure that every individual was cared for.
In section 136 of the Doctrine and Covenants, a revelation given to Brigham Young on how to get the saints somewhere they would be safe, the Lord declares "Zion shall be redeemed in mine own due time." In this circumstance, the Lord is referring to the place that has been designated as Zion that the saints have been kicked out of. A similar idea happens in the Exodus story, the Lord declares he will redeem Zion in his own time, but this Zion has a different meaning. He is referring to the people of Zion who, because of their iniquities, are left to wander in the desert.
One of the things I find most interesting are the language parallels. In this section God refers to himself as the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob. He uses languages and terms that are more often used in the Old Testament than in any of the other scriptures.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
The Crandall Museum
This week, instead of attending class as normal, we attended a tour at the Crandall Printing Museum. The really cool thing about this museum is that it has exact replicas of old printing presses. The guides don't just tell you how the presses were used and made, but we actually got to participate in using the press to print a sheet.
Another interesting thing is how small the museum is, there are only three rooms in the tour. The first room has a Gutenberg printing press in it, set up just like Gutenberg's printing press would have been. The tour guide, dressed in printers garb, explained how the printing press was invented. He explained how Gutenberg had to create unique inks and metals to accomplish what was needed to actually make the press.
The next room was dedicated to the Declaration of Independance. The room had a slightly more modern press, though it was essentially the same. The guide in this room described how the printing press helped the American Revolution occur.
The last room was designed to look just like the place that the Book of Mormon was printed in. The tour guide explained the miraculous series of events that allowed so many copies of the Book of Mormon to be printed at the same time. The location of the restoration, the completion of the Erie canal, and the newer steel printing press all came together at just the right time and place for the printing of one of the most important books in my life. I just think it's pretty cool.
Another interesting thing is how small the museum is, there are only three rooms in the tour. The first room has a Gutenberg printing press in it, set up just like Gutenberg's printing press would have been. The tour guide, dressed in printers garb, explained how the printing press was invented. He explained how Gutenberg had to create unique inks and metals to accomplish what was needed to actually make the press.
The next room was dedicated to the Declaration of Independance. The room had a slightly more modern press, though it was essentially the same. The guide in this room described how the printing press helped the American Revolution occur.
The last room was designed to look just like the place that the Book of Mormon was printed in. The tour guide explained the miraculous series of events that allowed so many copies of the Book of Mormon to be printed at the same time. The location of the restoration, the completion of the Erie canal, and the newer steel printing press all came together at just the right time and place for the printing of one of the most important books in my life. I just think it's pretty cool.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Joseph's Teachings
This week's blog prompt asked us to explain why some of Joseph Smith's teachings became scripture. After thinking about this for a while, I realized that I don't really know. After thinking about it for quite a while longer I determined I definitely don't know, but I do have several ideas. Please keep in mind that these are only my ideas.
The majority of the Doctrine and Covenants are revelations from God given to Joseph that have been written down. However, near the end of the Doctrine and Covenants, many of the sections are letters or teachings of the Prophet. This change instigates two questions in me. The first is the one relating to the prompt, why were Joseph's teachings turned into scripture. The second question I have is why do there seem to be fewer revelations at this point. Fortunately for me, the second question was answered in class this week. The first question, if it was answered, I either didn't notice or didn't understand.
Anyways, here are my interpretations of the answers. The main reason that the number of revelations decreased was because all the big questions that needed answering had been answered. The saints didn't need specific instruction anymore. The reason I think that the teachings of Joseph Smith were placed into the scriptures is because of how universal the topics he was teaching are. He took answers found in revelations earlier in the Doctrine and Covenants and expounded upon them so that the saints could understand them better. Since these teachings help so many people and explain such important topics, it makes sense for these teachings to be published so that all the saints could see them.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Reflections
For this weeks prompt, we were asked to reflect on our examination of pages 381 and 639-649 of the Joseph Smith Papers. As unusual as it may seem, I took a lot more interest in page 381 than in the large section of pages we were supposed to read. Pages 639-649 were rather interesting, just not attention grabbing. At least not for me. These pages had the minutes from a meeting in which the high counsel of the church was organized. I understand the importance behind this meeting, but it had a very political feeling to it, and I have difficulty thinking through things politically.
Page 381 had a very different style. The part that we were supposed to be examining was the statement at the top of the page stating that the High Counsel had been organized that day. This is interesting because it wasn't until nearly 300 pages later that they places the information from that meeting into the revelation books. The rest of the page is what really stuck out to me though. It was one of those doom's day sort of revelations where it talks about the civil war that would soon break out and the famine and natural disasters that would occur before Christ came again. Maybe it's just my depressed attitude lately, or maybe it's because of all the stuff going on in the world as earthquakes destroy cities, but for some reason this portion of the page that I wasn't supposed to be focusing on really hit me. The revelation ends with "Wherefore, stand ye in holy places and be not moved until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh quickly." The way the revelation ends just hit me really hard. It talks of death and destruction and fear, but it ends with a simple message of how to deal with all of it.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Museum of Art
For class this past week, instead of having a normal class period the class took a tour of one of the exhibits at the schools Museum or Art. We toured the exhibit Types and Intimations, which is filled with works that depict Christ and the Atonement in some way. We also attended this exhibit last semester. I happened to write a very long blog post then on what was, at the time, my favorite painting in the exhibit. I'm not sure if it is still my favorite or not. I still really like the painting and it still means a lot to me, but my life since then has developed in ways I didn't expect.
If you would like to read a long post on my experiences at the exhibit last time, it was published November of 2009, feel free to read it. This post is going to be a bit different though. Unlike most prompts, this one had no word limit. So it's going to be much shorter than the other posts. For once, I don't really want to tell the world want I think, because I stopped thinking and finally let myself respond to the work through feeling.
My eyes were opened, I recognized vital truths in life that I've always known but have a tendency to forget. Everyone suffers, we all have hard lives. Most people spend all day trying just to make it through. However, if we stop and give just a bit of time to something else, to someone else, we are giving more than our time. To make that small sacrifice and to give up something for another person means that we are giving ourselves fully to Christ. We are showing him that we love him in the only way we can, by doing what He asks us.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
88
For this weeks reading assignment, we were asked to read pages 293-310 of the Joseph Smith Papers. The Joseph Smith Papers is a series of books that have copies of the original manuscripts of the revelations the revelations that Jospeh Smith received as well as journals and letters that he wrote. The first book in the series contains Revelation books 1 and 2, which contain many of the revelations that are now included in the Doctrine and Covenants. These specific pages correspond with section 88 in the Doctrine and Covenants. We were asked to write about what we learned while reading through and examining this material. Due to the length of the reading, I'm simply going to focus on what stuck out to me most, which is basically the first page and a half.
First- a little background on the section. The Doctrine and Covenants section header states that this section is titled "The Olive Leaf" revelation. Joseph states that it was "The Lord's message of peace to us." I certainly agree with this statement. Upon reading it, I felt and immediate sense of peace and hope despite the horrible semester I've been having. I was reminded, just in the first page and a half, that my God, my Heavenly Father, loves me.
There are two main ideas that the first page and a half focus on. The first is that the Saints who are faithful and obey his commandments will be given the Comforter. The section then explains that in this context, the Comforter refers to the promise that the Lord gives us of eternal life and celestial glory. What stuck out to me most right now was the use of the word Comforter. He doesn't just say that he sends a promise, He says that He will send us something to comfort us. The section then focuses on the light of Christ and how it governs everything. This portion is absolutely beautiful. It mentions the light of the moon and the sun and the stars and the power that created all of them as well as the earth. The revelation then goes on to say that this light is from Christ and that it is from the same source as the light that enlightens people and helps them to understand. This is the light that governs everything. My favorite sentence, the last sentence reads "The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of everything."
First- a little background on the section. The Doctrine and Covenants section header states that this section is titled "The Olive Leaf" revelation. Joseph states that it was "The Lord's message of peace to us." I certainly agree with this statement. Upon reading it, I felt and immediate sense of peace and hope despite the horrible semester I've been having. I was reminded, just in the first page and a half, that my God, my Heavenly Father, loves me.
There are two main ideas that the first page and a half focus on. The first is that the Saints who are faithful and obey his commandments will be given the Comforter. The section then explains that in this context, the Comforter refers to the promise that the Lord gives us of eternal life and celestial glory. What stuck out to me most right now was the use of the word Comforter. He doesn't just say that he sends a promise, He says that He will send us something to comfort us. The section then focuses on the light of Christ and how it governs everything. This portion is absolutely beautiful. It mentions the light of the moon and the sun and the stars and the power that created all of them as well as the earth. The revelation then goes on to say that this light is from Christ and that it is from the same source as the light that enlightens people and helps them to understand. This is the light that governs everything. My favorite sentence, the last sentence reads "The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of everything."
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Section 137
This week's prompt asked us to write about our feelings on section 137 of the Doctrine and Covenants. I'll be totally honest, my immediate superficial feelings on this section is that of love, because the section is only a page long. That set aside, this section really is an amazing section for something so short.
This section is a vision that Joseph Smith receives in the same year of the completion of the Kirtland temple. In the vision, Joseph sees the Celestial Kingdom, which we believe to be the highest of three Degrees of Glory in heaven. Joseph also sees the thrown room with both God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ, in it. He also saw Adam and Abraham in heaven, along with his parents and his older brother who passed away while Joseph was a teenager. The fact that his parents are in this vision proves that it is a vision of the future, because Joseph's parents are both still alive. Joseph was confused by the presence of Alvin, his older brother, because Joseph had learned that only those who had been baptized would go to heaven. The Lord informs Joseph that those who die without having received the Gospel, who would have if they had been given the opportunity to receive it, (which includes those who died before the restoration of the Gospel) will still have the opportunity to go to the Celestial Kingdom. The Lord states that the He will judge us on our works and on the intent of our hearts, it is not dependent on being born after the Gospel was restored. He also states that children who die before the age of accountability, which we believe to be 8 years of age, will go to the Celestial Kingdom.
I absolutely love this section, I really do, because in less than a page worth of text we are reminded of the beauty of Heaven and we are given comfort and knowledge about those who have passed away. I think that the fact that young children are saved provides some comfort to parents who have lost a child at a young age. I understand, though I have never experienced the pain myself, that losing a child is a great trial to go through and that nothing can take away the pain. However (and again, this is speculation, I've never experienced it myself), I think that this little bit of knowledge, can provide some comfort and help a grieving parent.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Special Collections
Class this week was a little different than normal. Instead of having the regular lecture, we attended a presentation in the Special Collections section of the library. This is probably my favorite section of the library. As much as I love the smell of books, I love the smell of old books even more. I find old books amazing. They had to survive hundreds of years of use to make it to today and they hold some of the most amazing information. Needless to say, I really enjoyed the presentation in Special Collections.
Before even getting to the books, the presenter talked about the history of recording materials and documentation. The first materials used for writing on were minerals. We saw a clay tablet that had cuneiform writing on it, or wedge-shaped writing. The small tablet was the records of a merchant from thousands of years ago. After looking at the tablet, we we shown some metal plates that had the citizenship records of a Greek soldier on them. Eventually, two new types writing material came about, depending on geography. Papyrus was invented in Egypt and is made out of a type of reed that grows in the Nile, because of the brittleness of papyrus, it could not be folded several times, so was instead rolled into scrolls. In other areas of the world, people used animal skins to write on. The animal skins were durable enough that they could be stitched together. Monks would stitch several pages of animal skin together and then bind them with wooden boards to make books.
At this point in the presentation, we had an opportunity to see several of the old books that were hand written and bound by monks hundreds and hundreds of years ago. The presenter showed us pages that had ornate lettering and other ornamentation on the page. He also showed us pages that had unusual holes in them that were caused by the person who turned the animal skins into parchment. Some of the pages had been stitched together after being ripped. The material was so a valuable that the pages were used despite their flaws. Something I found pretty amazing was that the stitch holding together the ripped page had served as a mend in that page for hundreds of years.
After seeing these really old books, the presenter talked a bit about how the printing press was made and how the printing press changed how books were used by the world. Books were no longer a commodity of the rich and the monasteries, it became possible for all people to have books. We were then shown a few old books that had been printed using printing presses. Some of them were really valuable because they were old, but others I considered valuable because of their story. We got to see some of the books that were made in the earliest printings of the Book of Mormon and of the Doctrine and Covenants. I just found it so amazing how the time period of the Restoration made it possible for thousands of people to receive published copies of these important books, instead of having to wait years and spend lots of money for handmade copies.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Suffering
Most people associate the word suffering with pain, sadness, and negativity. In general, suffer is not a word that is thought of in a positive light. For this week's assignment, we were asked to write about our feelings on suffering. When looking at current events, some as large and impactful as the economic crisis and the earthquake in Haiti and others as small and personal as the stress of the current semester, I find it initially difficult to find anything positive to mention at all. I find it obvious that myself and anyone else in my situation would primarily feel like the wanted it all to stop, to be solved, to have never happened in the first place.
Yet amidst the suffering I find a purpose and I find hope. There is a reason behind why I suffer, and through that suffering I grow into a better and stronger person. Trust me, this fact does not make me enjoy feeling lonely, worthless, or pathetic anymore than the next person., what it does instead is remind me that I am not suffering without purpose. If there is a purpose behind why I am suffering, I don't only find the pain easier to deal with, but I realize that I am not alone in my trials. Not only are other people going through the same things that I am going through, but Christ went through the same thing that I am going through. He suffered through every trial and hardship I have or will have to go through and he can help me through my pain.
Some ask, if God really is all loving, how can he let us suffer. This happens to relate to another definition of the word suffer. Most are familiar with the definition of going through pain and hardship, but the other definition of suffer has a similar meaning as allow. In the scriptures, there are several passages that read "I will suffer my people to..." or "I will suffer them..." and these passages use suffer in a way that means allow. Yet still, why does good allow his children to suffer, or to make each other suffer, if he is all loving. This is one concept that took me a long time to understand.
I think about it by thinking about my own parents. I know that my parents love me more than I can currently comprehend. I also know, however, that my parents will let me make mistakes. Sometimes, these mistakes can cause pain to myself or my siblings, who my parents also love, but this does not prevent them from letting me make the mistake. The let me mess up because the love me and they know that if they stop me from making mistakes then I will never learn. I'm sure it is difficult for them to watch me make choices that they know will lead to harsh consequences. Their love for me is what gives them the strength to give me my free agency.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Blessings in the Scriptures
The revelations given throughout the Doctrine and Covenants are similar to today's patriarchal blessings. A patriarchal blessing is revelation from God given to a man called to be a patriarch that is intended for just one person. Many describe it as personal scriptures with individualized blessings and warnings. The warnings are not specific, you will not find a statement such as "avoid this party, if you go you will get in trouble." The blessings are not time bound and because Saints believe in eternal life after death, the blessings can extend to this time.
Revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants is similar to a patriarchal blessing in many ways. The first is that there are several revelations that are given to specific people. Although these revelations are very specific to the individuals who received them, they are published as general scripture because many of the principles, blessings, and warnings can help teach today's Saints.
Another similarity is the pattern of blessings and warnings. Throughout the Doctrine and Covenants, both blessings and warnings are given to the Saints at the time. The warnings given then are the same warnings that each individual can apply to their lives today. The warnings included avoiding pride, not being deceived by hypocrites, and to avoid slothfulness. The blessings found in most patriarchal blessings and found throughout the Doctrine and Covenants are what I refer to as "If/Then" blessings. This type of blessing states that the person it is intended for must remain faithful, keep the covenants of the church, live according to the commandments, or one of many other things. If the recipient of the blessing does what is specified, then they will be guaranteed to receive the blessing that is promised them.
There are two big differences between the Doctrine and Covenants revelations and patriarchal blessings. One is that patriarchal blessings give the lineage of the person who is receiving it. This lineage is a statement of which one of the twelve tribes of Israel the recipient is a descendant. The Doctrine and Covenants do not give this because most of the revelations are not specific to one person and because, even if the revelation is specific to one person, it is not helpful for today's saints to know the recipients lineage so it would not have been published. The other big difference is that most of the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants are intended for the church as a whole, or for a large number of people. This means that anyone can read them, learn from them, and study them extensively. Patriarchal blessings, because of their personal nature, are meant to be read only by the recipient and those who are close to them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)