Spotted Van

   Have you ever been held back from doing something because you felt like you had too many "spots"? A lot of people feel like they shouldn't come to church or shouldn't pray because they don't feel worthy. That's kind of like this van, this van would probably love to be out on the streets, cruising around with the other vehicles, but because of all those spots, it may feel out of place.

   A lot of times Satan makes us doubt and fear. He says to us, "You don't know that the church is true." Or, "You're too far gone, you should probably just not even try." Satan's lies go on and on!

   Something that I have learned is that even when we aren't doing anything terribly wrong, our testimony can get more unstable if we aren't keeping the commandments 100%.

   Good news! Whatever the problem is, there is a way back, and that way is through the Savior. Just like that van can be re-painted and bust through that fence, we can bust through the fence of sin and be washed clean. It won't happen by just sitting there though, you've got to do all those good things you learned in Sunday School! It can happen, but it is up to us to make the choice!

Turtles!

   These two turtles are from two different areas I was in. The one here on the left is just a little guy. The one here on the right, who we named Franklin, was a bit shy at first, but he warmed up to us a bit later.

   I am sure grateful for this mission because before, I was kind of like the turtle here on the left, shy and timid. After being out here for 19 months, I feel like I have been able to come out of my shell more to tell people what I know to be true.

   Because I have come out of my shell, I ask everyone of you to read the Book of Mormon with an open heart, and then pray. Also, watch General Conference this weekend, even if its just one session. It doesn't matter who you are, if you are big or small, shy or outgoing, smart or dumb, Mormon or not Mormon, just read and pray, and listen to the words of Prophets and Apostles at General Conference. But don't do it for anyone but yourself and God because this is why God has sent us here.
   You can visit mormon.org to learn about what the Book of Mormon is and also get a free copy!

Daily Miracle

   Just a tad bit ago, we were here in the church, working on our blogs and facebook stuff, when the Spanish missionaries called and said they were with a member of the church from a different stake who needs some help. They wanted us to go to the church to meet her, but luckily we were already here!
   So this girl named Kelly came by. Kelly just joined the church about 1 year ago. She told us she had been driving after school and prayed to find some missionaries she could talk to. She felt prompted to take a certain turn, but was uncertain about it because it was a rougher looking street. She took it anyway, and found the Spanish Missionaries, who were able to help her, and then they directed her to us. This girl had enough faith to be directed and guided, and because of her faith, she was led exactly to where the missionaries were at. 
   Once we got to talk to her a bit, she told us she is trying to share the gospel with one of her friends at school, but is having a hard time knowing how to answer her friend's question. Luckily, we were able to print out some talks to help her out.
   I thought it was so great that even among kids at school who might think she is a bit weird or strange, she is still setting that example to them. I am sure those kids at school will remember her example, even if its years down the rode, and perhaps decide to learn more.
   I wish we would all share what we know to be true with those around us. Satan is the one that tries to get us to have fear. As we have faith and trust in God, He will guide and direct us to those who are prepared, but we need to act.

General Conference is this Weekend!

   So there I was, Farmington, Utah, in seminary class in 9th Grade. We were talking about General Conference, which was coming up soon, and my teacher told us that if we pray before General Conference about a certain question we have, it will be answered in General Conference. I was a bit skeptical, but I thought I would give it a try, so I did. General Conference time rolled around and what do you know, one of the General Authorities of the church spoke on a certain gospel principle that answered my question.
   Ever since then, I have tried to come up with something that I want more guidance on or an answer to a question I have. Each time, those answers to my questions came. Because of this, I know that the Prophet and Apostles are inspired men of God. God knows and loves us, and he speaks to us through them. So with General Conference coming up this weekend, take the time to think about something you need help with, maybe a problem or a concern you have. Then pray, and ask God to give you answers as you watch General Conference. I know that God does answer our prayers, and that he has called a Prophet and Apostles on the Earth today to show us the right path and lead us back to our Heavenly Father.
Click here for General Conference Info.

Oldest LDS Chapel in the South

This church building in middle Tennessee is the oldest standing chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I love the South. It is beautiful here and I especially love the people. I am so glad to be here in the Tennessee Nashville Mission and share the restored gospel with our brothers and sisters here.  I have been able to see how this gospel has changed lives for the better. If you want to know if something is good, you look at the fruits of it. I know that this is the true church of Jesus Christ because I have seen the fruits of the gospel. Feel free to ask questions and make comments!

Finding Joy in the Work (Even when its cold)

   Missionary work is the best. Sometimes you get cold and tired though, like after walking around all day and nothing happens. But its not so bad when you stay happy and have fun. I love having fun, so sometimes doing something random is just what I need to make my day a good one. 















(Attempting a heel click in Kentucky)

My Favorite Scripture

  He Teaches Us to Put off the Natural Man   Watch this talk, its great!
One of my favorite scriptures of all time is found in the Book of Mormon. It is Mosiah 3:19.
   For the ^anatural ^bman is an ^cenemy to God, and has been from the ^dfall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he ^eyields to the enticings of the Holy ^fSpirit, and ^gputteth off the ^hnatural man and becometh a ⁱsaint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a ^jchild, ^ksubmissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.
   I love this scripture because I think this is the way we should all strive to become. As we become as this scripture describes, we will be cleansed from sin. We will be spiritually in-tune so we can receive specific direction from the Holy Ghost.
   The world these days is drifting further and further from the Spirit because their "natural man" is ruling their lives. Since it is a struggle pretty much everyone is having feel free to make comments about your ideas of how to put off the natural man.