Sept 25, 1990
Today’s reading 3 Nephi 12:18
Verse 18: I have really gained an understanding of the relationship of the law of Moses to the gospel of christ. The law of Moses was not different than the gospel, it was only part of the gospel. Without a full understanding of Christ, the law of Moses means very little. It is kind of like a car without an engine. Christ’s atonement is the engine. The engine completes the car and makes it so more guidance is necessary. Christ’s gospel therefore offers that guidance and refines the entire process of learning about and changing to be like God. An analogy with a car may seem overly simplistic, but it has helped me to understand. Christ finished the law, He did not do away with the law.
Verse 19: Christ did not teach His commandments. he taught the Father’s words to us. We must believe in Christ and repent. We must go before Christ with a broken heart and contrite spirit through the ordinance of baptism and partaking of the sacrament. How many times is this process set forth in the scriptures. Faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost which helps us endure to the end. We have the commandments, it is now up to us to act on those commandments.
Verse 20: makes it very clear that this process is the only way to enter into the Celestial Kingdom. Without going through these steps, whether in this life or in the Spirit World, we can not be saved. Christ does not say we have to keep some commandments, He says we have to keep all commandments. Without doing this, we can not return to live with God in the Celestial Kingdom.
Sept 25, 1990
Well, today was a pretty good day. We went early this morning and gave Mai Neng Vue another blessing. That makes 3 in the last four days. Anyway, this time I got to be voice. For some reason, I did it in English, but I really feel like she understood the things that I told her. Anyway, she is doing much better now. She had been really sick with some kind of a virus that made her body ache and made her really weak. The Hmong people really get sick if they catch a cold or flu virus that they don’t have in Laos. Our immunity systems can usually handle them fairly well, but the Hmong people often get extremely sick.
We also had zone meeting this morning. All that we really did was go around and tell what we had been doing. It was kind of nice to see other missionaries for a change, though.
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We spent this afternoon catching up on some things, and then we went and taught 2 discussions they went really well. I decided today that instead of just waiting for transfer, I was really going to try to learn everything that I could from Elder Jasperson. I think the reason is that I had not been progressing very far.
One more thing, I have really been trying to gain a witness of the fact the Ezra T Benson is a true and living prophet of God. I finally received that witness today. Elder Jasperson was teaching about prophets and that we have one on the earth today. When I was listening, I felt the Spirit so strong. I know that Ezra T Benson is a prophet of God. I was having a hard time fighting back the tears. I know this is true now. This will certainly help me to teach this principle more effectively in the future.
Today’s Reading: 3 Nephi 12:21-
Verse 21: The people had been taught the law of Moses. One very interesting thing is that Christ says the words of the prophets had been written for them. He did not say everyone had read them, but He does hold all of them accountable just the same. Whether we read them or not, we are accountable for the words which are there. The world will be judged our of the books that we read.
Verse 22: The people that we are angry with will judge us as to the righteousness of his anger. Whoever criticizes others in a harmful way will be I changes of hell fire because anyone who demeans others can not live with God until they repent. After looking at the footnotes for Matthew 5:22, I fell that Raca must be a threat of some degree. What Christ means is that if we threaten someone, the councils of government will hold us accountable for it. We also know that at judgment day, we will be held accountable for every word we have spoken. If we have breathed threatening words against anyone, the Lord will also hold us responsible.
Verses 23 & 24- Before we can truly come unto Christ, we must have complete peace of mind. If we have offended by anyone, or have offended anyone, we must first reconcile ourselves with them. We can not truly come unto Christ if we are holding grudges against anyone. We must come unto Christ with full purpose of heart. We must have one goal in our hearts, we must be reading for exaltation. If we have any negative or improper goals, we can in no way receive Celestial glory. We must also be striving to help other receive their Celestial glory also.
Sept 26, 1990
Today was just one of those days when about 15 million things happen to screw up your plans. This morning, Elder Watson, one of the Zone Leaders, was on splits with some of the Zao Elders. He called and said he needed a ride to the gas station to fix a flat tire on a back. We went over. None of them knew much about fixing flats, but there were three flat tires, not one. Anyway, I got them all parched up for them and on their way, but it took 3 hours. The next thing I know, it’s 12:15 p.m. Well, so much for the morning.
This evening we honor of all of the missionaries in the city of Fresno. It was pretty good food, and it was fun to meet with some of the other missionaries.
We met 5 Hmong men, ages 18-24, who are ministers at another church here in town. We spent about 1 1/2 hour talking to them. They asked us to come back Sunday at 8:00. They were very, very nice. I think that we can teach them the discussions. That would be great.
I got a letter from Kristin today. she sent me pages from her journal that really helped me to understand the way she has been feeling. I guess I’ve finally realized that I’m too far away to help her with her problems. I feel really bad. No matter how many times I tell myself I’ll be there for her, I just can’t do everything I want to do fro her now. Waiting for a missionary must be extremely hard, but I know it will be worth it to her if she can just hand on. hopefully I’ll get another letter tomorrow and she’ll be doing a little better. I lover her so much. It really hurts inside to know she hurts inside too. I wish I could fix it for her.
-----Today’s Reading: 3 Nephi 12:25-
Verse 25: We need to avoid conflicts. Christ says agree while you are in the way with him. This does not mean to argue and then apologize the next day. This means come to an agreement right away. We must also deal with Satan, our greatest adversary, immediately. The only agreement should be that we want nothing to do with him. If we ‘walk on the edge‘ Satan can at some time grab a hold of us and cast us into prison- the prison of sin and guilt.
Verse 26: We can not pay a debt if we are in prison. If we are no worthy to go to the Celestial kingdom on judgement day, we can not pay the price and then enter. god’s judgement is eternal (D&C 19) It is so much easier and better if we will just repent and live good lives. In our dealing with others, it is so much simpler if we can compromise with them and get on our way. Otherwise, it is possible to create a bigger problem than we can work our on our own.
Verse 27 & 28: The law of Moses was a carnal law, but the gospel of Christ is a spiritual law. When we desire to commit sins in our hearts, we will be condemned for that. If we allow evil thoughts to dwell in our minds we, we eventually will have to overcome our thought, or we will fall into temptation. In the next life, the intentions of our hearts will be known. It is so important for us to keep commandments because we want to be good instead of other reasons. We must have pure motivations for the things that we do, We must love our wives and only our wives. If we don’t make a compete and total commitment to our marriage, it won’t last. The only way to make it work is to give 110% all of the time. Looking at someone else shows a lack of commitment, and a definite problem in a marriage.
Sept 27, 1990
Today ha probably been the very least productive day of my mission. We did not get out of the apartment until 3:00! AHHHHHH!
All we did was sit here! I can only stand to study so many hours. Then at 3:00, we went up to the mission office to get some books for Elder Jasperson. Then we went to the bike shop and picked up his bike. After that we went back to the apartment to go on splits with the ZL’s
We had a dinner appointment, and then we came back home. since Elder Le is leaving next week, he is just kind of packing stuff up right now. WOW! didn’t I accomplish a lot today! AAAAAAH
Sept 28, 1990
Today’s reading 3 Nephi 12:29-
Verse 29: We are strictly commanded to not let contention, lust , or any other sinful desires enter into our heart. This is when we truly sin. The actions of sin are simply the result of allowing the desires to swell in our hearts too long. The way we avoid sin is by not allowing the thoughts or desires to swell in our hearts. the sooner we cast then our, the less chance we have of committing the actual transgression.
Verse 30: Taking up our cross means fighting for Christ. It means removing some of His burden. IF we deny ourselves of all of these sins, then Christ did not have to stone for the things we won’t do. But if we know the truth and don’t change our actions, we will be cast into hell. We will not be able to live in the presence of our Father in Heaven. It is far better that we are able to avoid sin and do avoid it than we are cast into hell.
Verse 31 & 32: These two verse make it very clear that there is only on acceptable reason for divorce. IF someone divorces his or her spouse for ANY reason other than adultry, this is an abomination before God. When two people get married, they must make a very firm committment to that marriage. The marriage should become more important than either individual. IF one of the people involced commits adultry, then a divorce is acceptable in the sight of the Lord if that is what the other spouse desires. ----However, divorce on the grounds that, “we dont get along,” “ the magic just isn’t there,” or so on, is just not acceptable. The reason for all of these types of problems can be traced to a lack of committment. There are going to be hard times in all marriages, but if we always remain committed to one another, we will have no problems in making our marriage work.
Well, today was one of those days that just makes it all seem worthwhile. We spent some time going and visiting people today, but we didn’t teach any discussions, and I guess I didn’t feel like we got a whole lot done.
However, we had a baptism tonight! We had a baptism for the Moua family and for Sheng Vang. It was truly a great experience to be able to see the people that I helped find and teach accept the covenants of baptism and to know the truth. Seeing a husband and wife be baptized, and then their children, is a far more beautiful thing than seeing just one person baptized. The gospel is for families, not for just individuals. The spirit at the baptism was sooooo strong! IT was just a great event!
Elder Le, one of the zone leaders, told me last night that he had recommended to President Bott that I train a new missionary next month. I really hope that President Bott doesn’t do that. I am so unprepared to teach another missionary. Especially since this one wouldn’t even know where to start. Scary!
This morning I decided not to worry about not getting out of the apartment right away. Instead, while I waited for Elder Jasperson, I memorized 50 scripture references and the basic meaning contained in each reference. Not too bad for a mornings work. I would really like to memorize a lot of scriptures that way.
Sept 29, 1990
Today’s Reading: 3 Nephi 12:33-
Verses 33-36: Christ is again taking the law of Moses and showing how the people need to do more than that. Christ is also showing us in these verse how insignificant and weak we are. We cannot control in the least bit any of the things listed here. We should not swear by things that we have no control over.
Verses 37: Out communications should only be positive or negative responses to things. There is no need to swear by anything if our word is good. If our word is not good, then it doesn’t matter what we swear by, we may or may not do what we said. If we swear when communicating, that definitely comes of Satan. john the Baptist was beheaded because the King swore to give the woman anything that she requested. When we swear or make oaths to men, we often get ourselves in trouble because we don’t have control over many unexpected events. i really need to work on only making promises that I know I can keep.
Verse 38 & 39: The cross reference to D&C 98:23-27 is very worthwhile to read. basically Christ is telling us here to not seek vengence. Vengences is the Lord’s not ours. We will be rewarded far more for our righteousness if we so not fight back. The person who does us harm will be punished by God for his wrongdoings, and we will be rewarded by God for our righteousness. Also, I have often found that by not striking back it gives the person doing wrong the chance to realize his mistake and repent for it.
Yesterday was another one of those days that we didn’t get much done, but I did learn quite a bit. We spent the morning translating some stuff from hmong to English for one of the ladies in the ward who is getting a divorce. Her husband kicked her out because they have been married 6 years and had not had any children. She had been to a doctor who told her there was no reason that she could not conceive, but he wouldn’t got to the doctor. Anyway, it’s a bad deal and I feel sorry for her.
We then went to some Hmong parties Saturdays are definitely the days for parties. The Hmong people really appreciate the fact that we come to their parties. It makes them feel like we are just part of their group. IT also gives me a chance to practice my Hmong.
Tonight we taught a discussion to Da Her’s sister and family. IT was the fifth discussion and I think it went really well. They will be baptized on Tuesday, so that will be really exciting. Elder Jasperson is trying hard to get all of these people baptized before he leaves. I wish that we would have asked some to be baptized last month.
I didn’t get any mail again today. That means my parents haven’t written all week! Ouch! Maybe I’ll hear Monday.
Sept 30, 1990
Today’s reading: 3 Nephi 12:40, Patriarchal Blessings, D&C 19, mission call
Verse 40: If we have a disagreement with someone, and he takes the matter to court and wins, we should give him more than the law requires. whether or not we agree with the law, the other person was in the right with respect to the law, As a result, we owe him for his trouble and our inconveniencing him.
Verse 41: IF someone asks us to do them a favor, we should do more than we are asked. Kristin has truly been a great example of this to me in my life. Whenever I ask her to do something, she always makes every possible effort to get it done. I have often seen her sacrifice things very important to her for me and for others. I really need to work on my ability to do more for others. The Savior was a perfect example of this. He did not have to do anything for us to secure His own salvation, but he made an atonement, suffering ultimate pain on my behalf for no reason other than to help me. Next time someone asks me a favor, I need to remember what Christ did for me.
Verse42: heavenly Father has given me absolutely everything. He has given me everything that I have ever asked for from friendships to family to experience to material foods to spiritual promptings and insights. How can I ever turn someone away who asks for something as meaningless as material goods? I can’t. The Lard even gave me a friend who really understands me, wants to be with me, and likes me. For her I would five up all of my material possessions. Sometimes I get caught up in material things, but when it comes right down to it, I wouldn’t trade the gospel or Kristin for all of the things on the Earth. Some things matter- the Lord, friendship and love. Some things don’t like material possessions and the respect of men.
Sept 30, 1990
I forgot to write yesterday that Kiab Vaj, one of the women in the ward, gave me a Hmong hat and a box that was wrapped up. She told me it was for my birthday. I guess you can never be too early.
Today we went to see Tou Lou Thao. We went to his parents house and his little brother was outside working on a 1967 Ford Mustang with two of his friends. They were having problems with the engine and the body. I helped them with it for a while. It was really fun. I got the engine running right again and got the body part back together. we had been working with Tou Lou and his wife, but maybe now we can work with his parents and their family too.
Today at church I got to help name a new little baby. The spirit was so strong. The Lord testified to me of the fact that one day I would be able to name our sons and daughters too. I can’t wait!
Tonight we went and taught five Hmong men who are ministers of another church. The last time missionaries tried to teach on of their members, the church prayed for them to die. These guys seemed sincerely interested though. I really hope they will pray about it. The Spirit was so strong. I hope the don’t pull anything weird either. I mean, I know the Lord will protect me, I just want them to truly investigate the church. Of course, the missionaries they tried to pray to death finished their missions and went home safe and sound. I’m not afraid, I just really want these men to find the truth.
---- Oct 1, 1990
Today’s reading 3 Nephi 12:43-
Verse 43& 44: It is certainly easy to tell how the gospel of Christ is a higher law than the law of Moses in these verses. It is easy to love our friends and those who are close to us. By loving and praying for those who are our enemies, we provide the opportunity for the Lord to soften their hearts. It is also much easier to forgive them if we love them than if we hare them. by loving our enemies, we keep ourselves under control and prevent ourselves from bringing ourselves under condemnation by our actions. If we do good to our enemies, we might be able to get them to realize we love the and want to be friends.
Verse 45: Many of the blessings on the earth are given to all men equally ie. sun, rain, air, etc.... This is because God loves all of us. However, if we love our enemies, everyone will notice that we are different. We have to let our light shine before men. We must show love to all. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love, one to another.” john 13:35. Verse 46-48: Christ fulfilled the law of Moses and atoned for all of our sins. Because the law was fulfilled, we were given a higher law, and the Law of Moses was refined to the gospel of Christ. where much is given, much is expected. We have been given a perfect law, the gospel of Christ. We are expected to become perfect through constant striving and repentance.
Okay, I’ll admit it. I’ve had it. Once again, we didn’t do one flipping thing today! AAAAAA! It was p-day, so I had a chance to do a bunch of stuff. I spent some time with Elder Le today. We went shopping for a while, basically to waste time. We also went to the home of a Cambodian family whose 15 year old boy just got out of Juvenile Detention. I really felt sorry for the boy and his family. the parents and the child are just in completely different worlds. I suppose that is what happens to a lot of kids and parents. I don’t want our kids to ever feel like we don’t understand ‘their’ world. I’m not exactly sure how to avoid it, but I will avoid it. My parents were always really good at understanding me and the things I was going through. i think that communication is one of the biggest keys.
Anyway, tonight we had a dinner appointment with some members. The only problem was that after dinner, Elders Watson and Jasperson decided that the thing to do would be to stick around and watch a Monday Night football game. AAAAA! I wrote some more letters, but I can’t stand this any longer. Transfer calls come on Wednesday morning and I’m looking forward to it.
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