The last week has had its ups and downs. I think there are always little trials we deal with in life but the amazing thing is that we can grow so much from them if we see them in the right light. A highlight of this past week was General Conference! It was an amazing experience to have the opportunity to listen to our prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, and to apostles of the Lord. So many of my concerns and questions were answered. I know that these men have been called of God to lead and guide the church of Jesus Christ here on the earth. After all the talks were given, I felt a new energy and desire to continue on the path that Jesus Christ has paved for us.
Elder Lenon and I are doing great here in Santa Rosa. It's getting a little chilly as we head deeper into winter. I love the area in which we serve. We already have had so many memories and experiences that I will never forget. On Saturday, we met a man named Moises (Spanish for Moses). He told us we could come by again some other day. He is from Guatemala and was so nice the first time we met him. Last night we stopped by his apartment and talked to him outside. It was a chilly night but it was an amazing experience. We began talking to him about his life. He is probably in his early 40's, and he explained to us that he had 4 children in Guatemala, but his wife left him and he was alone. He came to United States and works here so that he can send money to Guatemala. I could see in his eyes the weight of his past draining him spiritually. He told us that he regretted doing some of the things he used to do and he wanted to change. I asked him, "How would you feel if all of your sins were washed away and you were given a new life." He replied, "That would be amazing." We explained to him that it is through baptism that all of his sins could be washed away; that he could be reborn spiritually and follow Jesus Christ and that baptism was the first fruit of repentance. He told us, "I want that, I want to come closer to God, and I want to do it." We invited him to be baptized on the 10th of November. He accepted and we explained to him that it was up to him to commit to this and that it was a promise he would make with God ... a promise to keep His commandments and follow Jesus Christ. He told us with all his heart he wanted to do it and that he would come to church, read, and pray. Moises has a humble heart. He wanted to change his life. The definition of change is repentance. When we repent we form a fresh view of our lives and humble ourselves before God. Today I would like to talk about the importance of making that change and how each and every one of us can do so.
I pulled a lot from General Conference last weekend and I want to apply the things I learned to three categories of people ... those that are active members of our church, those that are members but may be less active, and those that have interest or are investigating the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
To all the active members
"We all have the responsibility to keep our lamps of testimony aflame".- Elder David A. Bednar
I love this quote because it is our OWN responsibility to keep ourselves not only afloat but to progress on the seas of life. I know that it is through prayer, scripture study, and attending church that we can continue to keep our lights bright.
"Your future is as bright as your faith."- President Thomas S. Monson
Faith is a hope of things that we cannot see. As our faith increases so will our hope for the future and for our lives. I know that as we go through trials and are tested that we will be strengthened and stretched. Faith is an anchor for all of us and it is important that we continue to grow our faith.
"Take inventory and see the blessings you have received."- President Thomas S. Monson
Let us look around us and see the miracles and blessings we have received. We are here on this beautiful earth, we have our families, and we have the gospel of Jesus Christ. We know where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going. We are a blessed people and all we must do is count our many blessings that the Lord has given us. Let us all live in a state of thanksgiving!
"Do you love me?"- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Do we love our Savior, Jesus Christ? Will we give anything or everything to follow Him? Our little sacrifices we make will never amount to that which He has already paid for us. I know that He lives and that He is there for us in our darkest hours. Let us partake of the sacrament in remembrance of Him and His sacrifice so we may become more fully converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and become His disciples.
"How do we make this change? It is through one daily practice. In your morning prayer ask God to guide you to serve one of His children. You will be prompted by the spirit to pollinate the world with the love of Christ."- Elder M. Russell Ballard
I know that is through service that we come closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ. I have seen this very thing on my mission. We all can CHANGE the world for the better. We can change it one person at a time. Let us pray for service opportunities so that we may be lights to all those around us. I know people notice and that they will want that same light within their lives.
"We are to go to the lost, the last, and the least."- Elder Robert C. Gay
I know it is through this principle that we can help all those around us come into the fold of God. We are all missionaries forever. We have taken upon us the name of Jesus Christ and we represent Him. This life is for us to prove ourselves to our Heavenly Father that outside of his presence we may still be worthy to enter into His presence.
To those that are less active/or struggling
"We can avoid our biggest regrets of tomorrow by following the Savior TODAY." - Elder Dieter F. Uctdorf
I know that is by following our Savior TODAY that we can help ourselves get back on the path that leads to eternal life. It is through repentance and through a pure change of heart that we can have true happiness every day and at the end of our lives look back and see that happiness.
"With self justification, Satan triumphs." -Elder Robert C. Gay
Satan will always tempt us but we can overcome him by listening to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. It is through sincere prayer that we can overcome Satan.
"God forsakes no one." - Elder Robert C. Gay
It is never too late for anyone. You can change and come back. The Savior calls to all who are lost. I really know that God never forsakes us. He is will never turn away from us, but we have the ability to turn away from Him. That is why I am here on a mission. To help all turn unto God and come unto the Savior, Jesus Christ. I know if that those voids of darkness can be filled and those heavy burdens of guilt can be lifted. Come back.
"Distancing yourself from the church during a trial of your faith is like leaving a storm cellar right when the tornado is about to hit. During a trial of your faith, stay within the household of God."
- Elder Neil L. Anderson
Trials are "mini tests" that God gives us so that we may grow and come closer to Him. God gives us weaknesses to make us humble, but He promises us that if we turn to Him, He will make us stronger and bless us if we endure our trials well. Don't let trials in your life destroy you. We should all thank our Father in Heaven for the tough times and see them as blessings. In that light, we will come ever closer to our celestial Father above.
"Your Father in Heaven expects your love and loyalty in every stage of your life." - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
The Lord expects us to show our love to Him all the days of our life. As members or this church we know that we worship one God and it is through being obedient to the commandments which He has given us that we show our love to Him.
"Take any necessary action to feel the spirit NOW." -Elder Quinton L. Cook
If you have sinned or if you have fallen away, I invite you to pray and to ask God for forgiveness. If the Spirit cannot dwell with you, do all that you need to do so that you can be worthy of it's presence once again. Repentance is something beautiful. We humble ourselves and allow the Atonement to clean us. God rejoices when we repent. He wants us to repent so we all can be clean and return to Him. I know that when we were confirmed as members of this church that we received the gift of the Holy Ghost. That gift has been given to us to help us on the path to eternal life.
"Relight your lamps and deepen your testimonies."- Elder David A. Bednar
Talk with your bishops and call the missionaries. These men can help you to get back on track and help you feel the same feelings you felt before. I know that it is through the gospel of Jesus Christ that all mankind may be saved. We are your brothers and sisters. We welcome you with open arms to return back to the fold of God. I know that you can relight your lamps. There is hope that comes through repenting and changing through this gospel. I love this gospel and I have seen so many less active members come back. There is hope for you. Act now and make things right with God so you can participate in the fullness of joy that comes from living the commandments and the gospel that was originally taught by our Savior, Jesus Christ.
To those that are not members but may be interested in the church or are investigating it
"A mission is a voluntary act of service to God and mankind. Missionaries preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. They can be heavenly help to you. ASK THE MISSIONARIES, THEY CAN HELP YOU."- Russell M. Nelson
I know as a missionary that we are sent and guided by our Heavenly Father to help you; to help you understand more about what we believe and how you can find out for yourself if what we believe is true. I am grateful to be a literal representative of Jesus Christ. I have seen how God has used us to answer the prayers of many. I have witnessed miracles as a missionary and I know that ANYONE can change. The message that we bring is true. I have left my life behind because I know that Jesus Christ lives. I know that what I am doing now is more important than anything else I could be doing. I know I am helping God's children return back to his presence. I know the message we bring about the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ through the prophet Joseph Smith is true. I also know that The Book of Mormon is true because I personally have read it and prayed to my Heavenly Father to ask and to receive an answer about it. I know that all of these things are true. I have received a testimony for myself and I know anyone that has a desire to know can receive answers directly from God. I know what we bring as missionaries can and will change your life forever. Your life will be filled with real joy and happiness that will last beyond this life.
I am grateful for my sister, Madeline. She has decided to serve a mission for our church in the coming months. I am so proud of her. She has such a strong testimony of The Book of Mormon and this gospel. I know wherever the Lord sends her, she will be an angel to them. I reeeally hope she goes to a Spanish-speaking mission! Fingers crossed! Santa Rosa?! She will change the lives of many, and I know that because she has changed my life. I know that she will be an amazing missionary and she will enjoy her mission just as much as I have. She will fall in love with the people because I know she will serve with all of her heart, might, mind, and strength. Even though I may not see her for a few years, I am so happy she has decided to put her faith in God and serve. She will be such a blessing to the missionary force in the world. I LOVE YOU MADZ!!!! She will be putting everything on pause for 18 months to serve our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This is the Lord's work here on earth and I know that He is building His kingdom. My prayers go out to all of you and I thank you for your love and continual support. I invite you to refer EVERYONE you know that would benefit from the message we bring as missionaries on the right column of this blog under "MEET WITH THE MISSIONARIES"! I am a Mormon Missionary ... I am a Mormon for now, for life, forever.
Los Amo,
Elder Spencer Guy Vance
