Showing posts with label understanding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label understanding. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Joy & Blessings Through Living the Gospel

From Elder Paul Freeman, dated April 23, 2008

Dear Family,

This will be the 4th transfer and 6th month serving here in the Samoan wards. I hope to hold out until the end of my mission, another 7 months and 5 transfers, give or take. It all depends on which transfer I choose to go home. At least I think it's my choice. My call says I am anticipated to serve 25 October 06 to 25 October 08. I should be able to choose from the transfer that ends in early October or the transfer that ends in mid November. I'm leaning to November, but am not convinced yet, which is fine because they haven't asked me yet. The only reason I ask is because I want to be ready for when they do ask me. So, if there is any advice or events being planned, please let me know.

But as far as everything else goes, the work still goes on. We are in an exciting time in the history of the world. I can't think of any other time in the world when the gospel has been so wide-spread and so many people are enjoying the blessings it brings. Lately I've been studying the scattering and gathering of Israel and the promises the Lord made to them. Those promises are echoed in everything we do as missionaries, as members of the Church, and as children of our Heavenly Father. The Lord keeps those promises as a standard to live up to, and if we don't he can't follow through and we are no better than when we started.

So many people feel trapped in the lives they lead and can't seem to find their way out. Only the Gospel and its standards can give people the fresh start they need to improve lives. When we are obedient to its laws and ordinances, we have such a tremendous advantage. We can become new people every day, until the day we are called up to answer for they way we spent our time here on earth.

It may feel complicated and impossible, but if the Savior taught anything it was how simple it is. All we have to do is follow Him, and take his yoke upon us because his burden is light. The more people understand that and remember it the more happiness there is to be found in our daily life [and] more understanding for the things we have to suffer through, and a deeper appreciation for what he had to suffer through.

The gospel is great and Heavenly Fathers love is infinite. Thank all of you for your continued love and support.

love,

Elder
Freeman

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Eye Opening Experience

Elder Andrushka sent December 24, 2007

I will be calling so I just wrote an eye opening experience. Happy Christmas I will be calling I am so grateful for all of you.

I had and eye opening moment. I realized this life is a fight but many people don’t know that. They move through life like there is no purpose. Yes many have faith in Jesus Christ but not understanding (that) with this faith they need to grab the sword and stand ready to fight (against) the world of evil. Every day I walk outside. I see the devil fighting with his might but the people not knowing that he is fighting. Not understanding there is the biggest war of their lives going on.

Then there are the valiant ones. The missionaries (and others) on the front battle field. The weak and the simple with our giant swords of faith, standing on the front battle field. Each day we wake up, gain more experience and go out to fight the evil. As we share the gospel, some join the ranks to fight the evil. Some just don’t understand. They are so blinded to all that is going on.

In these last days the evil is at its worst. If you’re not moving you are just swept away. The best part of it is the Savior, our brother leading this fight with his example. Completing the greatest part of this fight, the death and sin.

I love this gospel I am truly thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ. I truly don’t understand all that he fulfilled, all that he has sacrificed, all that he prepared in pre- mortal life. I can’t comprehend this. But I have faith in him. I know that because of him I will return to my Father in Heaven. With all the experience in life, I thank him for being with me every step of the way. I am honored to be a soldier in his army.

Elder Pearce