The Pursuit of Happiness

"Discipleship is the pursuit of holiness and happiness. The older we get, the more we look back and realize that external circumstances don't really matter or determine our happiness. We do matter. We determine our happiness. You and I are ultimately in charge of our own happiness."

- President Dieter F. Uctdorf -

In this life we are on the pursuit for happiness. We all desire happiness. There are many people in this world that believe that money, cars, fame, and houses are the true generators of happiness. But those things bring short term enjoyment and we know that it can often only last a moment or two. True happiness comes from following the One who was chosen to lead us back to our Heavenly Father.

"The world changes people from the outside in, while the gospel of Jesus Christ changes people from the inside out."  

- President Ezra Taft Benson -

I consider myself to be a happy person. I don't think it's because everything in my life is perfect, because it's definitely not. I attribute my personal happiness to the decisions I make daily to follow my Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that with those decisions I make in my life come the blessings from heaven. I am so grateful and so happy to know where I came from, why I am here, and where I am going. I know that Heavenly Father wants us all to be happy. Happiness is a choice; it is our outlook on life that can change how we feel, but more importantly how we live.

It is my testimony that many of the deepest regrets of tomorrow can be prevented by following the Savior today. If we have sinned or made mistakes—if we have made choices that we now regret—there is the precious gift of Christ’s Atonement, through which we can be forgiven. We cannot go back in time and change the past, but we can repent. The Savior can wipe away our tears of regret and remove the burden of our sins. His Atonement allows us to leave the past behind and move forward with clean hands, a pure heart, and a determination to do better and especially to become better.

On my mission I have seen a lot of happy people and a lot of unhappy people. I believe one of the main reasons for unhappiness in this world is lack of knowledge about who we really are. There are so many people that are lost and don't know who they are. There was a man that we taught this last week named Nick that told us that he just felt so lost and so dark in his life. He was haunted by his past and desired to feel happy. He wanted to escape the darkness and enter into the light. He wanted to feel joy, peace, and happiness in his life. We explained to him that it was through prayer and through learning more about God and Jesus Christ that he could escape the darkness. I remember telling him that Jesus Christ liberates us from feelings of sadness, sorrow, and darkness; that we can experience happiness by keeping the commandments God has given us and through repentance.

Many are led away from God and Jesus Christ by the things of this world, but we are all children of God and He loves us. We all have been given gifts and we all have divine potential. The ultimate test is whether we will follow Jesus Christ. If we do that in this life we are promised the purest and truest happiness that will last not only in this lifetime, but in the life to come.

"We shouldn't wait to be happy until we reach some future point, only to discover that happiness was available all the time!"

We all CAN be happy! It is a choice to be happy and I know that it is so much easier to be happy when we are choosing the right. We feel that we are coming closer to our Heavenly Father through our daily actions and choices. We are ALL on the pursuit of happiness. I know that I am helping many of God's children get on that path that leads to eternal life. I know that God lives and that Jesus Christ is His Son. As we enter year 2013, I invite you all to to pursue happiness by following the example of Jesus Christ in your lives. I promise you that as you change, create meaningful goals, and fulfill those goals, you will see the blessings from heaven. I am so grateful for my mission and for my family. I am excited for year 2013! I'm on the pursuit of happiness!

Los Quiero,


Elder Spencer Vance

One Night, One Star, One Child

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Before this life we all lived in the presence of our Heavenly Father. We talked with Him and walked with Him. We did not have bodies and yet He did. He made a plan and laid it out before all of us. He needed one of us to sacrifice ourselves for all the rest of His children. He needed someone that would do His will and not their own. He needed someone that would be perfectly obedient to His commandments. I know the person that volunteered to come down to be the Savior of the world was Jesus Christ. 

"With the birth of the babe in Bethlehem, there emerged a great endowment - a power stronger than weapons, a wealth more lasting than the coins of Caesar. This child was to become the King of kings and the Lord of lords the promised Messiah- Jesus Christ, The Son of God." 

- President Thomas S. Monson -

Christmas has always been a special time for me and my family. I look back and remember all the special moments I have shared with my family and friends and the laughs and love that accompany those precious memories. The Christmas season is such an exhilarating time for me. Looking back, I hardly ever remember the gifts I received. But the thing I always do remember is that Jesus Christ has been at the heart of every Christmas of my life. I attribute that to wonderful and faithful parents that always taught me to follow Jesus Christ in my life. As a young boy I remember sitting by the fireplace and my mother reading Christmas stories to me and my four younger sisters. I could feel a spirit of love and I could feel how close the young precious babe was to me. To this day, I know and believe that the true meaning of Christmas is love. 

I have felt that love throughout my life, that special love that Jesus Christ offers to all that remember and come unto him. Christmas as a missionary is something very special to me because I have the opportunity to share that love with everyone I come in contact with and see that love change the lives of many.

"To catch the real meaning of the "spirit of Christmas", we need only drop the last syllable, and it becomes "the Spirit of Christ". 

- President Thomas S. Monson -

There was one night that changed the world for eternity, one star that shone through the heavens, and one child that would save all mankind. I know that this one event changed the world forever. I know that Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem to the virgin, Mary. I know He was sent from our Heavenly Father to come to earth and save us from our sins. I know that He lives and that He loves us. I also know that any person can change and become a new person through Jesus Christ. I know that His birth, mortal ministry, and sacrifice for us was part of God's plan from the beginning. I know that one day Jesus Christ will come again, and it is up to each of us to decide whether to follow Him or not. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ and that is one of the reasons I decided to serve a mission. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to testify and bring this special message about Jesus Christ to my brothers and sisters here in California for 2 years. I love testifying and teaching people about Jesus Christ. I feel so blessed for all the many things Heavenly Father has given me. I love my mission and am so grateful to my family and friends who love and support me here. I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and share the true meaning of Christmas with your friends and family. It is because He came, that we may all live with our families forever.

"Jesus Christ is... the light of the world because his example and his teachings illuminate the path we should walk to return to the presence of our Father in Heaven". 

- Elder Dallin H. Oaks -

"There is a magic in Christmas. Hearts are opened to a new measure of kindness. Love speaks with increased power. Tensions are eased...

"Of all things of heaven and earth of which we bear testimony, none is so important as our witness that Jesus, the Christmas child, condescended to come to earth from the realms of His Eternal Father, here to work among men as healer and teacher, our Great Exemplar. And further, and most important, He suffered on Calvary's cross as an atoning sacrifice for all mankind.

"At this time of Christmas, this season when gifts are given, let us not forget that God gave His Son, and His Son gave His life, that each of us might have the gift of eternal life"
- President Gordon B. Hinckley -

Los Quiero Mucho!

Elder Spencer Guy Vance

Our Gifts

“For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.” - Doctrine & Covenants 46:11

I am filled with gratitude for the special and wonderful gifts that my Heavenly Father has given me. My eyes have been opened to all the gifts God has given me throughout my life and throughout my mission. I love the Christmas season and the time we have to think about the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

These are some blessings I have received in my life:

My family and friends that love and support me in my life … I am so blessed to have such a great family and friends. I know my parents are the perfect parents for me and I am so grateful for them and for helping me stay on the path that leads to everlasting happiness. They both are Christ-like examples to me. I am grateful for my four sisters that shine with the Light of Christ and virtue. They are my four special lights that I will always keep close to me. I love my family.
I am grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I know that, because Jesus Christ came to earth and suffered for me, I can let go of my past and look into a future filled with hope and light. I know I can repent daily and be forgiven of my sins. I can live a life full of happiness and joy. Now that I have a strong testimony of His Atonement, I have no desire to sin and to do evil. This is the greatest gift God has given to man … His only Begotten Son. How grateful I am to know that I can be free from sin through the Perfect One, Jesus Christ. 

I am grateful for my mission. These last 16 months have been the greatest months of my life. I have learned how to recognize the Spirit and how to love all those I come in contact with each day. My mission has changed me forever and I look forward to the rest of the time I have left. I know that God has a plan for me and for every one of you. I know that what I bring to everyone as a missionary is true. I know that the true church of Jesus Christ has been restored and put back on the earth. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that he did see God, the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. I know that every page of The Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ and his ministry to the people here in the Americas. I know that ANY person can know of its validity by reading it and through praying sincerely to know if it is true. I know all of these things because it has been given to me directly from my Heavenly Father. It is pure knowledge and pure intelligence, because it comes from Him. I am grateful for my testimony.

I am grateful for all the talents and gifts that God has bestowed upon me in this life. I know that when God gives us spiritual or temporal gifts he expects us to share them with everyone. I know that it is up to me to decide how I use my gifts in this life. I want to use my talents to serve God until the end. I know that through my talents and gifts I can inspire others and help others come unto Christ. I know that it is through our own talents and gifts that we can help others see and develop their gifts and talents.  

"God knows our gifts. My challenge to you and to me is to pray to know the gifts we have been given, to know how to develop them, and to recognize the opportunities to serve others that God provides us. But most of all, I pray that you will be inspired to help others discover their special gifts from God to serve. I promise you that if you ask, you will be blessed to help and lift others to their full potential in the service of those they lead and love. I testify to you that God lives, Jesus is the Christ, this is the priesthood of God, which we hold, and God has prepared us with special gifts to serve Him beyond our fondest hopes. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen." -President Henry B. Eyring 

I know we all can change the world one step at a time. One small act of kindness through this Christmas season can change someone's life for eternity. I invite you all to be a light in someone's life this holiday season, and to always remember the true meaning of Christmas. Remember the greatest gift that was ever given to us was Him.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not meant to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unceasingly give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." 

Los Amo,

Elder Spencer Guy Vance

This Day of Thanks

Well, I found out this past week that I am being transferred to Napa and will be working in an English ward! Something new! My new companion will be Elder Cosman, and I am excited to serve there with him. I am so dearly grateful for these past few weeks in Santa Rosa. The people here truly have changed my life forever and I know I will always carry them in my hearts. I hope one day (hopefully during my mission). I can return and see their progression in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

With Thanksgiving and all the experiences I have had here recently, I want to give thanks to my Heavenly Father. I know that I am a son of God because I have been so richly blessed in my life. There is no substitute for the happiness I feel as I live the gospel of Jesus Christ and keep the commandments God has given me. That is what leads to true and lasting happiness ... keeping the commandments of God. I know that God is real and that He lives. I know that He lives because when I pray I feel His presence and receive personal guidance through the Holy Ghost. I am grateful for the guidance my Father above has given me, because He knows what is best for me and for ALL of His precious children.

I look forward to the challenges ahead of me here on my mission. I know that my faith will continue to grow as I climb the mountains the Lord puts in front of me. I know that Jesus Christ walks by us, step by step. I know that when no one else understands what we go through or feel, He does, because He has suffered for all of it. How grateful I am to know that Jesus Christ died for me and for all mankind. I know that He lives and that soon He will come again in His glory. I love my mission because it brings me closer to Him.

The toughest times of my mission have been when I have had to leave my areas. These people are my family. They are my brothers and sisters and I know God placed me here for them. I know that there are many more that need me here on my mission. I want to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ and serve him until the end. I am so grateful for all of my family, for they have anchored me in my life and helped me focus my life on Jesus Christ. I know I was born into the family I was born into because I needed them. My parents are my heroes because they helped me see who I am; a son of God. I know that we all need to be grateful at this time when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I pray for all of you and I pray for my friends that are currently serving missions around the world. I know that their lives are being changed for the eternities and that they are bringing more of our brothers and sisters into the fold of God through Jesus Christ. I will keep you all posted about my adventures in the land of the vineyards. This day I give thanks for all the many miracles and blessings I have seen here in beautiful Santa Rosa.


Los Amo,

Elder Vance

Spiritual Soldiers

Things are going well here in Santa Rosa. We had a great week and enjoyed our Thanksgiving with so many of the wonderful members here. Transfers are coming up this Friday, and I hope I have the opportunity to stay here for another transfer. I love my companion, Elder Eaton. He has helped me so much and we work so well together. We look forward to many more of the miracles and blessings that Heavenly Father has in store for us this week.
For everything that is good in this life, we know that there is an opposite. To know good we must all know evil. To know happiness we must know sadness. I know that Heavenly Father has created a plan for us and for our families. We chose before this life to come to earth and to be tested. We all have trials and difficulties, but we know that what we choose to do through the trials that come is what truly defines us.

Elder Eaton and I have seen the blessings of heaven here. We walk and knock on doors, teach lessons, and serve the people in our area. We have been called to be representatives of Jesus Christ and with that comes a power of righteousness. We are doing all we can to be the soldiers God needs in His army. There is so much darkness out there in the world today and I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to bring light into the lives of those who dwell in spiritual darkness. In this life we have the freedom to choose between following Jesus Christ or following Satan. As missionaries, we have had the opportunity to see the difference in those that follow Jesus Christ and those that do not. I love these verses from the Book of Mormon:

Moroni 7:16-17

16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.

 17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.

We are all born with the Light of Christ, or in other words, a conscience. It is a gift to all sons and daughters of God, but depending on what we choose to do, that light we will either shine for Christ or flicker in unlit corners with the Adversary. As it says in the verses from Moroni above, whatsoever persuades a man to do good is sent from God, but whatsoever persuades a man to do evil is sent from the Devil. I know that God and His Son, Jesus Christ live. They are as real to me as my friends and family. I know that they live because I feel their presence in my life. Prayers are answered and I am inspired to do good. I also know that the Adversary also is real, but I know that we can overcome him and the temptations he sends our way through prayer.

We are all sons and daughters of God. We all have a light within us that can shine in this world. We can make a difference.We can be spiritual soldiers for righteousness ... and by serving, reading, praying, and going to church we grow the light of Christ within us. I know that I am on the Lord's side. I know that Jesus Christ is going to return soon and I invite you all to prepare for His Second Coming. If you are not on the Lord's side, make adjustments in your life so that you can be on His team. We know in the end that God will win. There is so much happiness that comes from living His commandments and following His son, Jesus Christ. Be spiritual soldiers who march boldly onward.

Los Amo,


Elder Vance

P.S. I invite you all to watch and share the video below. It explains a little bit about the Book of Mormon and why it is so important. It is through reading in the Bible and in the Book of Mormon that we can come closer to our Heavenly Father above.

http://www.lds.org/pages/book-of-mormon-an-introduction?lang=eng

Like A Fire

What an amazing week it was for me here in Santa Rosa, California. I have been spiritually uplifted and have seen the blessings of heaven. Miracles are happening here in the Santa Rosa mission! A hymn comes to mind as I ponder the events of this last week. The hymn starts, "The spirit of God like a fire is burning..."

I have felt the presence of my Heavenly Father through His Spirit. It is through the Spirit that we all can experience true happiness in this life and feel His presence ever so close to us. In The Bible dictionary it talks about our personal spirits. We are all spiritual beings. We are not mere mortals put on this earth to live and die, but we all have a divine purpose.

It says, "Every person is literally a son or a daughter of God, having been born as a spirit to Heavenly Parents previous to being born to mortal parents on the earth. Thus each one of us is a dual being: an immortal spirit body, clothed with a body of flesh and bone. As defined in scripture, the spirit and the body constitute the mortal soul. A spirit can live independent of a body, but the body cannot live without the spirit. In the resurrection, the immortal spirit is reunited with the same body of flesh and bone it possessed as a mortal, with two major differences: The union will be permanent, and the body will not be subject to aging and death."

I know we are all sons and daughters of God. We all have been sent here for a reason. Even though we are currently living outside the presence of our Eternal Father we can still feel His presence through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit only can work with us if we are pure in heart and have a desire to choose the right.

As defined, the Holy Spirit is the third Person in the Godhead, being a personage of spirit, whereas the Father and the Son each are personages of spirit tabernacled with a tangible body of flesh and bones.

In Doctrine and Covenants 130:22 it says...

22) The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us.

I know that the Holy Ghost is real, because I cannot duplicate those feelings by myself. I know that the Holy Ghost testifies of truth. He testifies that God is our Heavenly Father and that Jesus Christ is the Savior of this world.  It is through the Holy Ghost that we receive answers from God. God is the source of all truth. If we ask in faith, He can and will send His Spirit down to bring feelings of happiness and peace into our hearts. Those feelings cause "the burning" within us. When we feel The Spirit, our spirits feel like they are at home. We feel a bridge built between our spirits and our Heavenly Father.

In Galatians 5:22-23, we are reminded ...

22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

The family we have been teaching was baptized on Saturday. They got baptized because they received their answers directly from God. The Holy Spirit bore witness to them that what we had been teaching them was true. They acted on the answer they received and followed the example of Jesus Christ. What a blessing it was for me to be able to baptize little Francisco and see the rest of their family enter the waters of baptism as well. There was such a strong spirit in the room and I was impressed that we as missionaries have merely been guides along the path for this wonderful family. Now that they have been baptized and been confirmed, they have received the gift of the Holy Ghost. To be able to know if our church is the true church of Jesus Christ once again established on the earth, one must pray and ask God for an answer. Below are a few verses of scripture that describe how anyone can TRULY know if what we bring to the homes of thousands around the world is true.

1 Corinthians 2:12-14

12) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

13) Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

14) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.


I know that this gospel is true. I know it is true because I have personally received an answer from my Heavenly Father through the Holy Ghost. I am grateful for the relationship I have with my Heavenly Father. That connection has been strengthened so much here on my mission through fervent prayer and a desire to feel of His presence in my life. I know that faith is not what we see, but what we feel. I know that true conversion comes through the Holy Ghost. It is through God, the source of ALL truth that we can know which path is the right one. He is willing to answer us, only if we believe. This gospel has changed my life. I know where I came from, why I am here, and where I am going. I know that because we are all sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father and we can receive answers "spirit to spirit" from the Holy Ghost that will stay with us forever. The Holy Ghost is like a fire that is burning and I want to live my life so that it is never put out. I would like to invite you all to read The Book of Mormon and ask God if it is true. Those that do, I promise, you will receive an answer through the Holy Ghost. You will feel a burning deep in your soul, with peace and happiness. That is your answer. This is a promise to all. All are invited to partake of these feelings of pure happiness and joy that will last for the eternities. I know that Jesus Christ lives and one day soon He will come again. The Spirit of God is burning in me; let it burn in you.


Los Quiero Mucho,


Elder Vance

Tall, Straight, and True

Last week we had the opportunity to have a mission conference in the Upper Redwoods here in Santa Rosa. We stayed at a camp owned by the church, named Camp Liahona. It was a marvelous experience to be with my fellow brothers and sisters. Being in the Redwoods was an amazing experience ... my eyes were opened to how much time and effort and beauty our Creator put into forming this world. The camp was so successful, as the focus was on how we can grow our faith and see the miracles happening around us. We all had a moment to find a spot for ourselves in the forest and pray. I had an incredible experience. I felt peace and comfort. I received strength from communicating with my Heavenly Father above. After I finished my prayer I was thinking that we are all results of miracles. We are all here and fulfilling our purpose here on this earth by following Jesus Christ. Sometimes because we are human we fall into routines or ruts or begin to lean or fall. One of the senior missionaries that was running the camp told us something that impacted me so much. We were all in one part of the forest and we were surrounded by giant Redwood trees. He said, "The Redwoods draw our eyes upward. They draw our eyes to heaven."

I looked at the Redwoods around me and it was true. They drew my eyes skyward. I grew so much at Camp Liahona. My faith was strengthened and my desire to share what is so precious to me grew. Elder Eaton and I are doing so well. He is a great elder and has already helped me so much. There are many miracles in store for us here in our area. I know that we must be as the Redwoods; standing tall and standing true for what we believe ... at all times, in all things, and in all places. I know that we are doing the Lord's work and am so happy and so grateful for all the blessings I am receiving. I received word that my sister, Madeline, will be leaving for her mission at the end of February. She will be serving in the Paris, France mission! I was so excited to hear that and I know that she will be an angel to her people over in Europe. I love being a missionary. There is no greater joy I have experienced than sharing this gospel with my brothers and sisters. The family we have been teaching are going to be baptized on November 10th! We are so excited for them and they are so strong in the gospel. I know that we all must stand tall, be true to the covenants we have made with God, and be that person that helps others draw their hearts and eyes to our Heavenly Father above.

Los Quiero Mucho,

Elder Vance