Nov 21, 1990
Today’s Reading: Moses &:13, 3 Nephi 13:28-
Moses 7:13- Works of this magnitude have not yet been performed in this dispensation, but they will be before the Millenium. What must happen before they can be performed?
1. It must be the will of the Lord- They will occur in the Lord’s time, not man’s time.
- WE MUST DEVELOP THE NECESSARY FAITH. Faith always proceeds the miracles.
3 Nephi 13:28- Why do we worry so much about what we wear and being “in style?” It is important to try to look our best, but it is not right in God’s sight to spend a large portion of our resources, i.e. time, money, and effort, in finding the in thing to war. We should never spend an inordinate amount of resources on clothes. we should also always keep in mind that we are never to judge others. Each person must decide for themselves what an inordinate amount of resources is.
Verse 29: No matter what worldly possessions we can obtain, they will never even compare to the glory and fullfillment obtained from the spiritual blessings we receive from the Lord.
Verse 30: If we will but have faith, the Lord will give us not only everything we need in worldly possessions, but also everything we need in spiritual blessings. Faith- the first principal of the unchanging Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Today we were on splits with Watson and Davis. It went really well. When we were at Ser Vangs house, he asked me for a picture of me so that when I finish my work here and go home, they can have a picture of me so that when they “miss and love” me, they can look at it.
Tonight, President Darden said some things to me that really made me think. He wouldn’t tell me much, but he just told me that I should be careful not to contend with others. He told me that he was just trying to help me keep that in mind. I would really like to know what he was talking about. The best that I can figure our is that some of the leaders of the Hmong Church have been feeling some pressure and have made it known that they don’t appreciate me. They don’t seem to mind any of the other missionaries. He also told me a lot of his perceptions about me, and that made me feel really good. He told me that it worried him that I was the missionary here for only one reason. That reason is that he thinks that I am probably capable of “decapitating” most men his age with only tow or three words. I need to remember humility.
Nov 22, 1990
Today’s reading: Moses 7:47, 3 Nephi 13:31-
Moses 7:47- In the times before Christ, faith was necessary to believe that Christ would come. Now faith is required to believe that he did come. Either way, if we desire to be lifted up into the bosom of the Father at the last day, we must have faith in christ. There is no other way (John 14:6)
3 Nephi 13:31- Because our God will bless His servants with all things whatsoever they stand in need of, WE, as his His servants, need not and should not worry about the material things that we need. This does not mean that we can stop working because the Lord will provide. It does mean that how prosperous we become in life just doesn’t matter.
Verse 32: Heavenly Father knows all things that we need. I know this. I have I feel that I need to record an experience that I had yesterday. during choir practice, we were singing “I know that My Redeemer Lives.” During the song, I looked over my shoulder and saw a little girl sitting on about the third row in the chapel with a song book. She was singing too- ever so humbly- ever so sure- she knew. Tears filled my eyes. I have rarely felt the Spirit so strongly ever in my life. I was so struck. That was one of the most Spiritual experiences of my entire life.
Today was a pretty good day, but it did not seem at all like Thanksgiving. None of the Hmong people know much about it except that they are supposed to feed us turkey. This Morning at 11:00, we ate dinner at Yia Vang’s. She fixed rice and turkey for all of us. At one o’clock, we had dinner at the McMurray’s. Then at 3;00, we ate dinner at the Martin’s. At 6:00, we are dinner at Kia Vang’s. All in all, I ate 4 pieces of pie and i don’t know how much turkey. I are so much that I thought I would absolutely die! I couldn’t tell any of them that we had already eaten, so I had to fill my plate at least twice at every single house.
november 23, 1990
today’s Reading: Articles of Faith:4, 3 Nephi 13:32-
Article of Faith :4 Well, having read all of the scriptures in the topical guide on faith, it is obvious why Joseph Smith was inspired to write that faith was the first principle of the gospel of Jesus christ. Without faith, no works will be done, no witness will be received. Faith is the first step to being exalted and returning to live with out Father in Heaven and in having Eternal families. We must have faith.
***3 Nephi 13:32- I know from personal experience that this verse is true. Many times in my life, my prayers have been answered while I am in the process of asking. My Father in Heaven knows all of my needs. He knows my needs far better than I. I am so grateful that He doesn’t always just give me what I think I need. He gives me what He know I need.
****Verse 33- When I do the Lord’s work first, all things truly are added unto me. All of my desires are either fulfilled or I realize how ridiculous they are. The Lord truly cares for me if I will nut care for His work.
****Verse 34: We should take no thought for the things that will distract us tomorrow. There is enough evil to battle today. It is important to realize that christ is not saying don’t plan ahead. He is just saying that we should not be overly concerned or worried. we need only to do the Lord’s work and trust in Him.
Well, today was another P-day. I can’t wait to get out and preach the gospel. I am tired of not teaching.
We went over to President’s Darden’s house to watch the Nebraska/Oklahoma game. It certainly wasn’t too much of a game. Oklahoma just kicked Nebraska’s butts all over the field. I couldn’t believe it. I think Nebraska got beat in positively every area of play.
This evening we went over to one of the Cambodian members’ houses. It was not too exciting because I didn’t understand too much of what was said. The little boy was watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It was kind of fun to watch but it made me miss Brett really, really bad. I sure hope that he is doing okay. I miss him.
I also wrote some letters today. Tomorrow I need to go teach the gospel. I can’t wait!
Nov 24, 1990
Today’s Reading : Genesis 6:6 (Moses 8:25), Mormon 8:1-
Genesis 6:6 (Moses 8:25)- the Old Testament was first recorded in Hebrew. The Hebrew root of the word repentance is a word that means to be sorry. The Lord knows all things, and consequently does not do things that he knows he will regret. Therefore, the translation in Moses 8:25 is far more accurate. It is fitting that repent in Hebrew means to be sorry. If we want to repent, one of the very first steps is to feel sorrow.
Mormon 8:1- Moroni had been commanded to write these thing by his father, Mormon. Moroni did not need to receive the revelations that his father had received. Moroni only needed to receive the confirmation of the Holy Ghost. Mormon was the prophet on the earth at the time. It is much the same for us today. we do not need to see the same visions that are recorded in the scriptures to know they are true, although it is very possible that we will receive those revelations. All we need is for the Holy Ghost to bear witness of the things in the scriptures of the words of the prophet.
Verse 2: After the battle, the Nephites that had escaped were hunted down and killed. Those who think they can escape the judgements of God ( Everyone fits into this group at one point in their lives or another.) Need to remember that in the same way the Nephites could not escape the Lamanites neither can we escape the judgements of God.
Verse 3: Moroni knew the great value of the words he wrote. He spent the last days of his life recording the words of his father. This book is priceless, and Moroni knew that. We all need to use it more.
Today was a pretty good day. I am so tired that I can hardly move. I got up at 5:00 this morning, said my prayers, and went back to bed until 5:45.
We got dressed up in Hmong clothes and went to the dress rehearsal for the road show. There are supposed to be two Hmong boys reading parts before the dance, but if they are not there, elder Brown and I will have to do it.
This morning we went up to President Bott’s office and talked to him about our recommendations as far as how to divide the city of Fresno when we get two more Hmong Elders here. I’m still not sure who he is going to bring into Fresno. It will really be interesting to find out. One thing that I hate about transfers is that they come our on almost no advance notice. I just wish we knew ahead of time. I guess we’ll find out on wednesday.
Nov 25, 1990
Today’s reading D&C 19, Exodus 13:17, Mormon 8:4
Exodus 13:17- This verse adds a new insight into the meaning of the word repent. Not only is it possible to repent of wrongful things through the atonement of Christ, but it is also possible to repent of righteous deed through wrong doing. We must always take heed never to repent of our testimonies through wrongful acts.
Mormon 8:4- This verse show the absolute importance of the Book of Mormon. Moroni knew that the safety of the record was far more important than his own life. I am so very grateful to all of the prophets of God who gave up so much to bring this record forth. All of the Book of Mormon prophets as well as Joseph Smith.
Verse 5: Moroni was much as we are today- this might be difficult to explain so bear with me. Moroni was alone, he didn’t know exactly what to do, and he didn’t know how long the Lord would allow him to live. we are often alone in our efforts to do right, we must always seek the inspiration of the Spirit in our actions, and now of us know how long we will live. we must all strive to follow Moroni’s example in putting the Lord’s work first in all ways.
Verse 6- This verse is given simply as a time reference. One of the keys to understanding the scriptures i understanding when things happened.
Nov 25, 1990
Church today was absolutely awful! I realized that we had lost all control when I saw a 3 or 4 year old boy gargling the sacrament water in the aisle! I had to laugh because there was nothing else to do. When they dismissed the kids for primary, I realized how innocent all of them truly are. To see all of them walking out to primary really brought the spirit. I guess I just realized that they are really trying. All that the Lord requires is that we try.
We went to see Thao Xiong’s house tonight. We taught them a fourth discussion. It really went well, and the spirit was very strong. After we taught, I asked if they really wanted to learn or not. They of course said that they did. We told them that if they didn’t want to do the things we asked them, that we couldn’t come back. They said that they wanted to learn, but their church was good enough. We said a prayer with them that was the hardest prayer I have ever had to say. After I stepped our of the house, tears started streaming our of my eyes and down my cheeks. that hurt so bad, I can’t believe it. Maybe some other time, I love that family so much. I just wish they would listen. Ouch.
Nov 26, 1990
Today’s Reading : Exodus 32:14, Mormon 8:7-
Exodus 32:14- The JS translation clarifies some doctrinal problems with this verse. First of all, the Lord perfect and does not need to repent-ever. God and the Lord do not sin. He does not thing evil thoughts. It is only we who need to repent. We all have a need to repent every day of our lives.
Mormon 8:7- The Nephites had thoughts themselves to be unbeatable. They were lifted up in the pride of their hearts and decided they did not need God. This was their tragic flaw. From that point on, they declined until they were hunted, even as animals.
Verse 8- The Lord was no longer the leader of these people, nor was He the leader of the Lamanites. Without the Savior, we cannot be a t peace internally, with out own people, or with other people. The Lord must be with US in ALL the WE do . Without Him, WE are destined for failure in all things.
Verse 9: The land was left to those who followed Satan. We are all free to choose our actions, but we can not choose the consequences of those actions. These people were left to face the consequences of their actions.
I am so tired that I can hardly move! Today has really been a great day. We committed Sue Vue (the man who just got here from Thailand who had the dream about prayer and coming to America) to quit smoking. He said he would quit, but he wouldn’t give us his cigarettes. He says he smokes 3 cigarettes a day, and he told his kids to help him, so I think he’ll quit.
We also went to see one of our new families. The father’s name is Chong Nhia Thao. He asked us if we brought anything to talk about. (HE is the one whose sone was shot in the chest by the camp director in Thailand.) Anyway, we said no, we had just come to see how they were. Then he turned to his wife and told her that we would teach them the truth about God, teach them why there are so many churches, and teah them about how to live a good life. Needless to say, we took the opportunity to teach a first discussion. They were SO sharp. His kids all sat and listened, they all asked and answered questions, and they were very smart. I can’t wait to go back and teach them. I absolutely love being a missionary of the Lord.
Nov 27, 1990
Today’s Reading: Leviticus 6:4, Mormon 8:10-
Leviticus 6:4- We must be willing to make full restitution for our sins if we desire to be able to gain repentance. This applies to all sins, not only to stealing. One of the reasons that sexual sins are so serious is that once a sexual sin had be committed, there is no way to restore to the other person involved what was taken away from him or her. Once virtue is lost, it can only be regained through deep repentance and good works. Of course, it is far better for all parties involved, including future spouses, if virtue is never lost. However, if it is, it can be regained through the atonement of Jesus Christ.
Mormon 8:10- In this verse, Moroni is referring to the 3 Nephites who asked Christ to allow them to tarry here and do His work until the second coming. However, I believe very strongly that the only people on earth today who know God are those who are truly disciples of Christ. If we truly desire to know God, we must do as we are commanded.
Verse 11: The three Nephites had ministered to Moroni and Mormon. If we are righteous, we have the keys to the ministering of angels in the Aaronic Priesthood. We also have the power in the Melchizedek Priesthood to minister to others. If we are righteous, God will bless us in the same way he blessed Mormon and Moroni.
Today, we were supposed to meet with Yia about a translation at about 4:00. Well, at 4:15 we got to her apartment. She said we had to go to Mai Yia Vang’s to pray for her because her daughter was lost. elder Brown had seen her about 2 miles from her home at about 2:30 that afternoon. She had been with a friend, so we didn’t think anything of it. We went to Mai Yia’s and she was completely hysterical. We got her calmed down and told her we had seen her. We said a prayer with her. She said, “Okay, now you guys can go find her, right?” Well, we went to go find her. we were bother really fighting to have the guidance of the Spirit. I realized after a while that we were looking for a seven-year old HMONG girl in southern FRESNO!
To make a long story short, we were driving down King’s Canyon about 40 mph and I happened to look into the Domino’s Pizza shop at the same time that Mai Kia looked out the window. We went and got her and her friend. They were both scared to death. We took them home and gave them to their parents. Mai Yia was so thankful. If anyone ever tells me miracles don’t happen, I’ll go crazy. I have had the wonderful opportunity of seeing numerous miracles take place in the time before my mission, but especially during my mission.
No comments:
Post a Comment