In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

Why Commandments?

Do you ever get sick of being good? Keeping the commandments is too hard. All these rules and relations that prohibit me from having fun. Why do we have to follow all these commandments and why does God give them to us? Sometimes it might seem too difficult. Growing up I loved to fly kites and I have come to find out that my missionary companion Elder Meira was practically a professional kite flier. A kite in a heavy wind is kept secure by the tight string of the person holding it. The string keeps the kite from flying away and keeps it steady in the sometimes violent wind. Without the string the kite is lost and tossed around in the wind to go in ever direction it blows. In our own lives we are going to face many violent winds and the commandments are much like that sting that hold us to God when trials and temptation might blow our way. Without the string we too are lost. In 2 Nephi 1:20 it reads,"Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land." I know that as we keep the commandments of God we like a kite in a heavy wind can stay secure in difficult circumstances. Let the commandments be a blessing rather than a burden in your life.

Leaving the Nest

Life is full of goodbyes. Sending off a son to war, or off into mission service, saying goodbye at death and just for someone leaving town. On the mission it has always been hard for me personal to say goodbye to a place in which I have worked so hard and love. I cannot help but think of how hard it was to say goodbye as we left the presence of our Father in Heaven. I wonder what he said, what were his last words of advice before we came to earth? Our purpose in life is to prepare to meet him again (Alma 34:32). We are birds who have left the nest to prove we will be obedient to the Father. I love the hymn O My Father, it truly speaks to the soul as to where we came from. I am so grateful to know that I once lived in the presence of my Father in Heaven. I am also grateful to know why we are here and where we are going, thanks to the Plan of Salvation.

I'm Glad I'm Not a Tie

A neck tie is a very precious part of a missionaries life. It is one of the only ways in which Mormon missionaries can show their personality. Some missionaries trade while others just collect. Some are skinny while others look like my Grandmother's sofa. Personally I've ruined about every tie I own with spills and accidents; I'm kind of notorious for it. But I'd never tell my mom or she'd stop sending them. The other day I spilled butter down one of my favorite silk ties. Yes, it was a bit depressing but I got over it because it's just a tie. After thumbing over the experience I was reminded how I too am stained. I to am covered in sin, however I'm grateful my stains can be washed clean through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, unlike my tie. I love the verse in Isaiah that reads, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."Isaiah 1:18

Time

The world moves fast and it seems that there is a lot that we could and should do. Where do we put our priorities with the many distractions of life? Since I have started to use the computer after a long absence of time, I have come to realise how time flies while on it. With the television, sports, the computer, families, work and the gospel how do we know what to put first? I do not have an answer or good advice. But I have always been taught the slogan Good, Better, Best. Elder Scott gives a wonderful talk on the subject on where we should spend our time entitled, First Things First. I think I often need to reevaluate what really matters in life and how does the time I spend correspond to it. Sometimes as a missionary it seems there is not enough time in the day to fit in all the things that needed to be done. I can't imagine having a family a job and everything in between. How do you manage your time?

Gratitude

          As of lately my mind has been focused on the principle of gratitude. In general conference we heard great talks from our Prophet Thomas S. Monson (The Divine Gift of Gratitude) and also the apostles, such as Elder Holland, on this very subject. I too am so grateful for my many blessings; there is so much to be thankful for. I am grateful for my family, my companion, the people of Providence, the beautiful fall colors and especially my Savior Jesus Christ, to name a few.  I love the hymn Count Your Blessings - #241  and I too need thank the Lord for all I have been given. Like the Leper I hope I will return and thank the Lord for healing me.

           

Why do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

If you think you have an answer or an insight on the question please comment. I ask that people please leave comments no matter who you are.