Monday, September 26, 2011

"You just need to believe"



This Gospel is true but there's only one way for you to find out. We read in the bible that you can know someone's works by their fruits. I challenge everyone to read the Book of Mormon and to ponder the message it contains. The gospel is like a seed. Plant it into your heart and if it invites to do good, it is of God. And  I can promise the message we share is of God because I've tested it. Just like in this video, you need to nourish the tree to find out if it is good or not. So I challenge you to do so. Study our gospel and then put it to the test.



Friday, September 16, 2011

The Reality of Music

Music to me the one of the greatest things that God has given to us. Every time I hear a song, I feel a closer connection with Him. Whenever I have had a rough day and nothing seems to help, music does. There is a reason God gave us this wonderful gift; because he thinks it's just that-wonderful. Emma Smith was instructed to make songs to show our love for God and it was pleasing to His ear. So whether you just love to listen or play music, play it so others can be blessed. One of the strongest bonds that could bring two people together is the love for music.
 

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Feelings vs. Logic



I’ve now heard both sides to this subject. There are many people who I’ve met on my mission who have said that logic is everything. Things need to be reasonable; don’t need to rely on feelings. On the other hand, I have seen more instances where people from every faith, including ours, think that feelings are everything. Particularly with our faith I have heard non-members have questions and the answer they received was always to just read and pray about the Book of Mormon and you would receive the feeling and that’s all that matters.  I want to share that these are both wrong. These two topics should never clash against each other but should intertwine. They run hand in hand with what God wants from us. We can only get so far with just feelings, and we can only get so far with just logic. But together they can become so powerful. In many instances in the Bible as well as the Book of Mormon we are told to reason with what we have. Paul “reasons” with the people out of the scriptures. The Lord tells us to “reason” with what we receive. First thing that comes to my mind is in the Book of Mormon when Alma tells us to take the seed and test and nurture it to see if it’s true. Now with feelings, the greatest Commandment is to love God with all your heart, might, mind, and strength. Well what is love? A feeling. So as missionaries we do not just ask people to logically find an answer, or just pray for a feeling in the heart. We want both. Take the doctrines of the Book of Mormon and implement them into your life. Test the words and if they invite to do good  and give a feeling in the heart then they are of God. We want you to receive a feeling, but also to reason with what you have and the feeling you receive; so do it.