Nov 6, 1990
Today’s reading: Helaman 14;26- , Moroni 7:42
Moroni 7:42- Faith in Jesus Christ lends hope for the life to come. Without Jesus Christ, we have not hope. If we do not believe in christ, we have no more hope than if christ never existed. We must have faith in order to have hope. I need to have more faith in Kristin.
Helaman 14:26- Why was it Samuel who had seen the angel? He was the on that god had chosen to do his work on the earth at that point in time. Again the thunderings and lightnings occurred all over the world. They were probably given as a sign of God’s wrath.
Verse 27: The reason that Samuel is repeating all of these things is that he had prophesied of all of these things, and he now wants us to know how he know. He knows because an angel of God told him about them. Since Samuel had not been sustained by the people as a prophet, he needed to testify of his specific source so that the people would know he was a prophet.
Verse 28: These signs and more were given. The reason for the signs was to give the people no excuse whatsoever for unbelief. much like missionary work. The people who turn as away will be held accountable in the next life for not living according to the gospel.
Today has really been a great day. We taught four discussions today. Not to bad for one day. I feel absolutely dead tired. Something about missionary work just wears about missionary work just wears me out something fierce. I”m not to sure why I get so tired, but it seems like every day I get more tired than I did the day before. I didn’t even play racquetball this morning. I think having this cough has something to do with why I have been so dead tired lately. I really wish it would just go away.
I got two packages today! I got one from Kristin and one from Mom! Kristin’s package had a bunch of candy, three pairs of garments, and some bracelets, beads, and necklaces to give to little Hmong kids. She also sent me a nice pen.
mom’s package had three sweaters and two sweatshirts in it. It also had a gallon bucket full of cookies in it.
Nov 7, 1990
Moroni 10:4- This is one that we read to investigators every day. I’m sure it will always have something in it for me to learn. This scripture is so important because it contains instruction on how to gain a spiritual witness- the basis of any testimony of the gospel. We must first of all receive information or “these things.’ Information always precedes inspiration. After we receive them and truly think about them (verse 3), we must ask God, in the name of Jesus Christ, if the information we have recieved is true. When we ask, we must ask with a sincere heart- we must truly want to know. We must have faith in Christ! Without that faith, no witness will be received. If we do all of these things, we will receive a personal witness of the truth.
Today was a pretty good day. We went and played racquetball this morning. My ability to play racquetball is really weak. We have been playing racquetball every morning from 5:00- 6:30 every morning for about 2 weeks. The thing is when I play Elder Davis, I win by about 10 point every time. when I play Elder Brown and Elder Watson, I lose every time by about 10 points. It would be a lot more fun if there was someone who played about the same level that I play at. With my knees, I don’t have exactly lightning quick speed.
Today, President Bott gave a talk at zone conference that helped me so much. He talked about the gifts of the Spirit, the lusts of the flesh, and how to tell when we feel the Spirit. He talked about why sometimes when other people fell the Spirit a lot, sometimes we don’t feel it at all. It made me feel a lot better about all of the times that that has happened to me.
We walked right into the middle of a Hmong Council meeting today. One old guy was sitting there smoking opium. That stiff stinks in a serious way. It was really sad to see him. His hands were all black from pressing it into him pipe. He was just in a daze. Drugs are such an awful tool of Satan’s!
Nov 8, 1990
Today’s Reading: D&C 4:5, Helaman 14:29-
D&C 4:5- As a missionary, son father, and/or member of the church, I must have faith, it I have faith, I will have hope. One ca not have faith without having hope. It (faith) necessarily leads to hope. Charity is something that I have really been trying to gain. In Moroni 7:48, it is made clear that if we want charity, we must simply ask for it. All that we do must be for the glory of God (Moses 1:39 help us understand). If we do works for out own glory, we can in not way retune to believe with God. I want to be part of God’s work all of my life.
Helaman 14:29- The Lord is fair in all that He does. Everyone will be given an equal shot at Eternal Life. If we will don as we have been commanded, we will have Eternal Life. If we will not, we will receive just reward for our works. I want with all of my heart to do what Christ said. My just reward for my works would be outer darkness. My works in no way could ever merit Eternal Life.
Verse 30: God have given all of us the light of Christ. As a result, we all know right from wrong. Anyone who does evil, does that evil unto themselves and will earn their just reward. I feel like I should not write any more at this time.
Today has nee a pretty good day. We taught 3 discussions, but for some reason, it just seemed to go really slow. I just wish that we could teach, teach, teach all day long.
I think part of the reason that it seemed slow was that Elder Brown had to go to the store to get some stuff. We ended up going to two different stores. We also stopped at the post office. Even though those trips didn’t take very long. I think that when we do things like that on pros days, it makes it far harder to be led by the Spirit when we are not exactly obedient.
Tonight, I had the opportunity to go teach Thao Xiong and his family with ga Neng Lee, our first counselor in the Branch Presidency. That man’s Spirit is one like I have very rarely felt. It made me realized that someone with a spirit like that does not have to have a high position in the church. Anyway, I know that the family was truly touched by the words that he spoke. I hope that I can somehow, someday, develop my spirit to that point so that others can feel it the way they can his. He is truly a great man.
She is the greatest! I really feel dumb for over- reacting about her date the way I did. She is the best!
Nov 9, 1990
I can’t believe I’ll only be a teenager for one more mouth! Being a missionary doesn’t give much chance to be a teenager. I guess it’s time to be a man- scary! I only hope I can be the kind of man I want to be.
Today’s Reading: D&C 8:10, Helaman 14:31
D&C 8:10- Without faith, we have no hope, without hope, why should we even try to do good works. If we have not faith, out works will be for not. I feel impressed with the simplicity of acquiring faith. I feel that there are three things we must do to increase our faith.
- Want to increase out faith
- ASK! Pray for faith
- Act according to the laws of God.
The Spirit bears witness to my soul that this is the way to increase faith. The 3 steps should be followed everyday of one’s life- until his faith becomes a perfect knowledge when his calling and election is made sure. Faith is the first principle of the gospel because without it, we are lost. Without faith, none of the rest of the gospel will mean anything. We can not be saved with out faith, but faith alone can not save us either.
Helaman 14:31- The choice is ours. It is that simple. If we want to have Eternal life and live with our Heavenly Father, we absolutely must do good works. We must participate in all of the ordinances, make and keep all of the covenants that our Heavenly Father has set forth for us. If we do not these things, we choose not to live with our Heavenly Father. It is a simple plan. We must choose this day whom we will serve- and then Serve Him. We must decide and stick with it. Those who do not stick with it, Choose to go with Satan. They also will be rewarded evil for their evil.
Today was really a tiring day. We taught 3 investigators discussions and one new member lesson. It was extremely tiring. When I taught discussions with Elder Jasperson, it was easy because he never let me speak much, so it wasn’t very tiring. I got stressed out a whole lot more, but it wasn’t nearly as tiring. With Elder Brown, I often have to answer the questions. **** It really requires a great deal of effort to listen to the Spirit. Nobody ever talks about that part. They always say how the Spirit has guided them, but to listen to the Spirit in situations where it is crucial to be guided, is very tiring.**** ( MOM: This is totally true by my experience. It is actually physically exhasting if you are receiving and writing or saying continuous spiritual communication)
During a discussion, I must be in tune 100% of the time. If I ever get frustrated, bored, upset or tired, the Spirit simply will not guide me. I have really learned that any feelings that are not in accordance with the will of God prevent me from feeling the Spirit. It is so important to keep from having any negative emotions. This is definitely one of the keys to parenting I‘ve been searching for. Anytime WE have negative feelings towards each other or our children, we can not be lead by the Spirit. ( WOW! This is exactly what I have been thinking lately. I’m really surprised that a 19 year old boy figured this out, and that we never talked specifically about this. This is crucial for you when you are deciding who to marry. Make sure your relationship is in check so that NOTHING takes the spirit away.)
Nov 10, 1990
Today’s Reading: D&C 10:47, 3 Nephi 13:1-
D&C 10:47- As long as our desires are righteous, we have been promised over and over again that the desires of our heart will but ask in faith. We must be willing to work toward having those desires be fulfilled, but they will eventually be fulfilled.
3 Nephi 13:1- When we do good works in order to be seen of men, the recognition that we get from men will be our only reward. If we do not let men see our good works, our Father in Heaven will reward us openly. It is essential to me that we are able to be in a financial situation someday that will enable us to truly be helpful to others without them ever knowing about it. What a great way to five service and to teach children about service. We must teach our children the absolute value of silent service.
Verse 2: It is not only important to be silent about one’s good works while doing them, but also after they are done. As missionaries, it is very difficult to do silent service because we are so visible. I really wish that that was not the case. I really wish that that was not the case. I really wish we could do more silent service.
Verse 3: At times, it will be good to do silent service without anyone knowing but myself. I was just impressed with the absolute necessity of doing secret service toward Kristin and other family members, especially members of her family. That can really help other feel of Heavenly Fathers love.
Today some really neat things happened. We had the opportunity to go and give a little boy a blessing at the hospital. It was really sad. He had been standing on the side walk when two cars hit each other. One of the cars bounced over the curb and hit him. He had his leg in a cast below the knee, and his leg was in traction. He had broken both his tibia and his femur. When we blessed him, I told him that him leg would be better in 3 weeks. I’m not sure exactly what that meant, but I’m sure it will happen.
This afternoon, I met a man at a party who told me about the ancient Hmong writing. He showed me a few of the characters. I asked him to teach me all of them. He went and got a book that will help me learn them all.
He also told me that in the year 2000, the Hmong would get Laso back. I asked him why the year 2000. He said that is what it said in the Hmong book. I asked him who wrote the book. He told me that it was men from long ago who talked with God. I asked if I could see the book. He said no. He said it wasn’t time yet. He said when it was time, God would tell the man who had the book that it was time to give it to someone else. I don’t know if there is anything to it, but it sure sounds to me like it could be ancient scripture. He also said about the year 2000 someone would come from Heaven and help them get back their lands.
Nov 11, 1990
Today’s Reading: D&C 19,
D&C 19:31- In this section, the Lord makes very clear what things are to be taught to the people who have not been baptized. Faith, repentance, baptism, and reception of the Holy Ghost. That is what nonmembers need to be told. I must always remember to keep the gospel simple- it is simple. It is important to keep this in mind when teaching our children (see vs 22)
This morning I woke up at 4:31 to the sound of something scratching the wall. I tried to ignore it for about an hour, but I couldn’t go back to sleep. At 5:30 I turned on the light and looked behind the dresser. I couldn’t see anything, so I shut out the light and went back to bed. The scratching soon started again, but did not last too long. I soon heard a flop on top of my nightstand. I went and turned on the light again. There was a toad sitting on top of my dresser. Apparently it had climbed his way up between the wall and my dresser. Anyway, I caught it and threw it out of the window. It turns out that Elder Watson had caught it, brought it inside, and it got lost!
We went and taught Thao Xiong’s family how to make pizza. Surprisingly enough, it was edible. The kids all thought it was great.
Tonight I had Elder Brown give me a blessing. He blessed me in Hmong. I have had a cough now for about 3 weeks. He blessed me that I would be healed- I haven’t had to cough yet. The priesthood is so real and so powerful.
Novemeber 12, 1990
Today’s Reading D&C 20:29, 3 Nephi 13:4-
D&C 20:29- This verse includes on step that is essential for salvation that many people forget. It is not enough to simply be baptized. It is not even enough to receive a temple endowment. We must always strive to increase in righteousness and faith. When we stop increasing we fall backwards. enduring to the end means enduring in increase.
3 Nephi 13:4- when we truly do our alms in secret, the Lord will reward us. I know this to be true. we must not ever think we have done enough good works. IT is also important that no matter how many works we do with out children, WE must always remember to do alms with each other and completely on our own. It is also important to do alms for both friends and enemies. One of the best ways to heal ones own hurt feelings is to do some thing nice for the person that who hurt you.
Verse 5: No matter how many times we say family and couple prayer, we must always remember to say earnest and sincere individual prayers. I believe very stongely that THE ONLY secret two married people should ever have is the content of their individual prayers. If we truly pray for the right reason, we shall be rewarded by God. Our prayers will be answered.
Verse 6: I don’t think Christ means a literal closet. He means that we should shut out the world and pray to out Father in Heaven the honest and true desires of our heart. When praying with others, care should be taken to pray to Heavenly Father and not to try to communicate with the others. Prayer is for communing with God, speech is for communicating with men.
Today was a really good day, but it was really a short P-day. We had appointments from 1:00 on. That definitely made it kind of tough to get everything done. we had to go to the doctor with Wire Vue today. He had some kind of a problem with his skin becoming numb and then returning to normal.. The doctor had no idea what was wrong. I suggested that there may be some type of poison in his blood from chemicals used during the war. They are going to tyr to check that out. It is really a weird problem.
We got up this morning and played racquetball for about 2 hours. That was really fun.
Being a missionary had got to be the greatest thing I could possibly do right now. Now only does it bless my life, but I can see all of the things that I am learning that will help me later. My wife and children will be greatly blessed because of the things that I am learning here. The most important thing I am learning is how to be close to the Spirit. I still have a lot to learn, but I’ getting there, I hare when I mess up! I wish so bad that I could be perfect! I keep telling myself- “ A little bit at a time.”
November 13, 1990
Today’s Reading: D&C 29:6, 3 Nephi 13:7-
D&C 29:6- If we will pray for things that are in accordance with the will of God, and we pray with faith, the Lord will grant unto us according to our desires. We must be united in our prayers. We have been commanded to be one. That means as friends, pairs, families, wards, stakes, and a church. If we are not one, we are not God’s. We must pray as one.
3 Nephi 13:7- I think that in the church there are many people who use vain repetitions. All weened to do is listen to the prayers said during sacrament meeting. It is far easier to use the same phrases over and over again than to speak from the heart, but is that really praying? No, we must always take care to pray from the heart.
Verse 8: I have a very strong testimony of this verse. I know that my prayers are answered any times while I am yet in the process of asking. The Lord only wants us to ask. We must ask for the blessings from the heart.
Verse 9: We are to begin our prayers by addressing our Father in Heaven. He is our Father. We must pray to Him and only to Him.
Today has been one of those days that just wears me out, but I don’t feel like I accomplished much. We had District Meeting this morning. District meetings are kind of nice, but I feel like they are kind of a waste of time. All we really do is each stand up and tell what we have done that week.
We didn’t teach any discussions today, but we did visit some of the people that we needed to. I talked today to Choug Nhia Thao. He is a man
who was a soldier for 16 year during the war. His oldest son was 16 when they arrived in Thailand. He got out all of his old papers and stuff. One of the papers told about the service he had rendered during the war, it was written by an American General. Another one told what happened to his 16 year old son. One day in the refugee camp, the director of the camp walked up to him, pointed a gun at him, told him he wanted to kill him, and shot him in the chest with his family watching. What a world-
We had family home evening with Ser Vand and his family. After we sang “I Know the My Reedemer Lives” ( my FAVORITE song) I asked him what he thought. He said he had the same feeling inside as when he finally understood the truth. It is so neat to see the changes that the gospel has brought into that families lives. I LOVE TO BE A MISSIONARY!
No comments:
Post a Comment