Sunday, September 16, 2012
Article of Faith 11
This past week I helped drive home a lady from work. When we pulled up to her apartment, she asked if I would like to come in. I said sure and we sat down and had a friendly conversation. She knows I'm Mormon, so she had asked me questions for a good couple minutes about some more specifics on what we believe. I was glad to answer her questions to the best of my ability. After a while of sitting there reflecting on what each of us had to say, she then mentioned how she likes it how I was so accepting of other faiths. When she had said this, I had immediately thought to the 11th Article of Faith, which states, "11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."
As members I think we sometimes get caught up in our own clicks and circles and such, and forget that the commandment is to live in the world but not of the world. One of the aspects of living in the world is that we socialize with people who may not follow this same principle, and the reason is because how else would we fellowship and help others learn of our faith?
We're all in this together, yet we're all here for the same purpose, no matter what you believe, no matter what your faith. We're all trying to find our way and do what we feel is best, and we should always respect that. Another point is when the church was first starting out. Now, with this reference I don't mean to point any fingers or to offend anyone in any potential way, just wanting to be sure that's clear. When the church was first starting, our people were persecuted, killed even. Our religion was not accepted, and even today many disapprove of our beliefs.
Our faith knows persecution. If we treat others the same way then what better are we then the people who drove us out and killed hundreds, even thousands of us?
I love all of our brothers and sisters and wish for them to find the truthfulness of this Gospel, but everyone has their agency. All we can do a lot of times is just be an example. But let us not bring down others nor their beliefs, no matter how foreign they may seem. Everyone has the right to worship how they see fit. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Sacrifice
Today I taught Gospel Principles, and the lesson was on Sacrifice!
Some key points I like from the lesson were that sacrifice is so necessary. As we sacrifice, our faith is tried, and thus our testimonies are strengthened. In the Bible, it tells of a rich young ruler who came up to Jesus, and asked him how he can be received into His kingdom. Christ laid out the 10 commandments to him first, to which the young man replied that he had kept these commandments ever since his youth. Jesus then said to give all he has to the poor, laying up treasures in Heaven and come follow me. The young man said he couldn't do this thing and he left.
This young man was a good man; we see that from his obedience to the commandments. However, he was not yet willing to give all he had to the Lord. In today's world, we are not asked to give everything we have up to the Lord. We are, however asked to give of our time and talents, among other things when the time calls. Tithing is a big part of this, and yet, all He asks is ten percent. We must do as the disciples Peter and Andrew did when Jesus offered them the same thing as this young ruler. Once this request was made, they laid down there nets and followed Him.
Are we comparable to Peter and Andrew? Are we willing to sacrifice whatever is necessary for the Lord. He does not ask for much as of right now, but what would you do if He were to ask of you to offer twenty or even thirty percent to tithing? Personally, that would challenge my faith, and for a while I would really struggle with that. However, if we remain faithful and trust that He will provide a way, there will be a way provided. Take Nephi as a star example. When asked to go back to retrieve the plates, he did not murmur nor ask how it would be possible, he simply said I will go and do this thing, for I know that the Lord provideth a way. He exercised that faith and he went and did as was commanded of him. After the trial of his faith, then did he receive a way to accomplish the thing that was asked of him.
As we continue to sacrifice for the Lord I can promise you that blessings will be received. I have seen this work throughout my life in many ways. I have grown spiritually and I have been able to put more faith and trust in the Lord because I know He provides a way. If our intentions are good and if we show our willingness to serve and sacrifice the blessings will out weigh any difficulties or hardships that may occur. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
<<<click this>>>
Some key points I like from the lesson were that sacrifice is so necessary. As we sacrifice, our faith is tried, and thus our testimonies are strengthened. In the Bible, it tells of a rich young ruler who came up to Jesus, and asked him how he can be received into His kingdom. Christ laid out the 10 commandments to him first, to which the young man replied that he had kept these commandments ever since his youth. Jesus then said to give all he has to the poor, laying up treasures in Heaven and come follow me. The young man said he couldn't do this thing and he left.
This young man was a good man; we see that from his obedience to the commandments. However, he was not yet willing to give all he had to the Lord. In today's world, we are not asked to give everything we have up to the Lord. We are, however asked to give of our time and talents, among other things when the time calls. Tithing is a big part of this, and yet, all He asks is ten percent. We must do as the disciples Peter and Andrew did when Jesus offered them the same thing as this young ruler. Once this request was made, they laid down there nets and followed Him.
Are we comparable to Peter and Andrew? Are we willing to sacrifice whatever is necessary for the Lord. He does not ask for much as of right now, but what would you do if He were to ask of you to offer twenty or even thirty percent to tithing? Personally, that would challenge my faith, and for a while I would really struggle with that. However, if we remain faithful and trust that He will provide a way, there will be a way provided. Take Nephi as a star example. When asked to go back to retrieve the plates, he did not murmur nor ask how it would be possible, he simply said I will go and do this thing, for I know that the Lord provideth a way. He exercised that faith and he went and did as was commanded of him. After the trial of his faith, then did he receive a way to accomplish the thing that was asked of him.
As we continue to sacrifice for the Lord I can promise you that blessings will be received. I have seen this work throughout my life in many ways. I have grown spiritually and I have been able to put more faith and trust in the Lord because I know He provides a way. If our intentions are good and if we show our willingness to serve and sacrifice the blessings will out weigh any difficulties or hardships that may occur. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
<<<click this>>>
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Psych study on discrimination
This semester I've been taking a psychology class, and as of late it's gotten interesting and deep. It's amazing how much darkness is in the hearts of man and just how far we're willing to go in some circumstances. An interesting study was that of discrimination.
The following film was an extra credit opportunity and goes to show just how something as simple as eye color can effect behavior.
After watching this film it immediately reminded me of the short seminary film of how Mormon and Moroni look on to see their people destroyed.
Pride had a lot to do with this destruction and ultimate extinction of the people, but another big part of it was discrimination. As we go throughout our lives, let us remember that we are all sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. We were all created in his image, and are all eligible to receive every blessing he has bestowed upon us, black or white, red or yellow.
The following film was an extra credit opportunity and goes to show just how something as simple as eye color can effect behavior.
After watching this film it immediately reminded me of the short seminary film of how Mormon and Moroni look on to see their people destroyed.
Pride had a lot to do with this destruction and ultimate extinction of the people, but another big part of it was discrimination. As we go throughout our lives, let us remember that we are all sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. We were all created in his image, and are all eligible to receive every blessing he has bestowed upon us, black or white, red or yellow.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Water with those scriptures
Just a good median story, since I've been lacking on the posts for the past couple weeks...
It's been raining cats and dogs and little people here in Florida for the past couple weeks, and I don't watch the weather so I don't keep up with it. Well, one day, I had thought the storms were [finally] over, that and I probably just didn't think about it, but I left my windows cracked like I sometimes do so that my car can air out a bit. As you might've guessed, it rained. Hard.
Normally when it rains as hard as it did, my car (especially my seats) is soaked. However, the strangest and coolest thing happened that day. When I went out to my car, my driver's seat was soaked, but my passenger's seat (which had my scriptures sitting right there) wasn't. Now I don't mean to be sacrilegious or apostate or anything that breaks the first commandment or anything, but my scriptures were protected. They were not a drop wet (my door was though haha).
It may not seem big, but this really meant a lot to me. I love the scriptures, and I really do know they are the word of God. As we read them we can draw closer unto Him. I think Heavenly Father knew that and especially the fact that these are the special scriptures my folks gave to me when I was baptized. That really meant a lot and strengthened my testimony that He really does care for me and looks out for me, even just small stuff. It has also taught me that I should take better care of my scriptures and roll up my windows more often! ;-)
Do any of you have any cool stories like this? If so, feel free to share in the comment box!!!
It's been raining cats and dogs and little people here in Florida for the past couple weeks, and I don't watch the weather so I don't keep up with it. Well, one day, I had thought the storms were [finally] over, that and I probably just didn't think about it, but I left my windows cracked like I sometimes do so that my car can air out a bit. As you might've guessed, it rained. Hard.
Normally when it rains as hard as it did, my car (especially my seats) is soaked. However, the strangest and coolest thing happened that day. When I went out to my car, my driver's seat was soaked, but my passenger's seat (which had my scriptures sitting right there) wasn't. Now I don't mean to be sacrilegious or apostate or anything that breaks the first commandment or anything, but my scriptures were protected. They were not a drop wet (my door was though haha).
It may not seem big, but this really meant a lot to me. I love the scriptures, and I really do know they are the word of God. As we read them we can draw closer unto Him. I think Heavenly Father knew that and especially the fact that these are the special scriptures my folks gave to me when I was baptized. That really meant a lot and strengthened my testimony that He really does care for me and looks out for me, even just small stuff. It has also taught me that I should take better care of my scriptures and roll up my windows more often! ;-)
Do any of you have any cool stories like this? If so, feel free to share in the comment box!!!
Clinging to the word
One day, I was going to one of my school's campus' to pick up an old pottery project I had left to be fired in the kiln. When I was walking across the scorching parking lot, I had noticed this really awesome looking tree frog. It was still in tact (in other words it wasn't flat as a pancake from being ran over by a car or anything), but it looked as if it had gotten lost in the parking lot. Seeing as how frogs absorb water through their skin (thank you Zoology), and the temperature that it was that day, the poor little guy (or gal) was probably baked by the non-forgiving sun.
So where are we in the big parking lot of life? Are we lost and confused, being constantly hit by the sun, baking alive? Or do we have a guide that will help us through the unforgiving heat?
In 1 Nephi Chapter 8, Lehi sees a vision of the tree of life. He is shrouded in a mist of darkness and can't see anything but the tree of life and a field that it's in. He is guided to the tree. He partakes of the fruit, and he describes it in verse 12, "And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy... for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit." He then goes on to mention how this fruit was so great that he wanted to share it with his family.
He then casts his eyes round about until he sees his family, and once he does, he beckons them to come and partake of the fruit. They (with the exception of Laman and Lemuel) find him and partake of the fruit. He then continues to look around, to beckon others to partake of the fruit. He sees tons of folk, lost in the darkness; some just standing there, lost and confused, others wandering off into the darkness, but also some clinging to a rod of iron, pressing forward down a straight and narrow path to the tree. On the other side of the path is a dirty, harsh river, and on top of that, a whole entire building full of people laughing and pointing at those who were trying to make their way to the tree. But there were many who held onto the iron rod and made their way to that sweet fruit; the gospel.
So what is meant by the rod of iron? How is it that we get to that delectable fruit? Has anyone started singing the primary song yet? The iron rod is the word of God! 'twill safely guide us through. So are we clinging to that iron rod? Are we clinging to the word of God? As we read our scriptures and draw in as much light as possible, that path isn't so narrow now is it? For "surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows (Mosiah 14:4)." He knows what we're going through because he himself has suffered those same sins and trials so that we might be saved at the last day. And as we keep his commandments and do what we're supposed to, He is "..bound when [we] do what [He] say[s]." But now there's a flip side: "..but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise (D&C 82:10)."
I promise each and every one of you reading, that these blessings are available to you. As we cling to the iron rod and listen and obey, he will be our guiding light. As we struggle in our own parking lot of life, with challenges too many to number, we will not be confused. Rather than just standing in the mist of darkness or wandering off in the wrong direction, we will have a way to Him. As we go about our lives may we always look to Him for direction and help. May he be our guiding light, our way out of the darkness, the oasis in the desert. Listen to the spirit and let him guide you. I ask and pray for these things for all of us, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
So where are we in the big parking lot of life? Are we lost and confused, being constantly hit by the sun, baking alive? Or do we have a guide that will help us through the unforgiving heat?
In 1 Nephi Chapter 8, Lehi sees a vision of the tree of life. He is shrouded in a mist of darkness and can't see anything but the tree of life and a field that it's in. He is guided to the tree. He partakes of the fruit, and he describes it in verse 12, "And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy... for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit." He then goes on to mention how this fruit was so great that he wanted to share it with his family.
He then casts his eyes round about until he sees his family, and once he does, he beckons them to come and partake of the fruit. They (with the exception of Laman and Lemuel) find him and partake of the fruit. He then continues to look around, to beckon others to partake of the fruit. He sees tons of folk, lost in the darkness; some just standing there, lost and confused, others wandering off into the darkness, but also some clinging to a rod of iron, pressing forward down a straight and narrow path to the tree. On the other side of the path is a dirty, harsh river, and on top of that, a whole entire building full of people laughing and pointing at those who were trying to make their way to the tree. But there were many who held onto the iron rod and made their way to that sweet fruit; the gospel.
So what is meant by the rod of iron? How is it that we get to that delectable fruit? Has anyone started singing the primary song yet? The iron rod is the word of God! 'twill safely guide us through. So are we clinging to that iron rod? Are we clinging to the word of God? As we read our scriptures and draw in as much light as possible, that path isn't so narrow now is it? For "surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows (Mosiah 14:4)." He knows what we're going through because he himself has suffered those same sins and trials so that we might be saved at the last day. And as we keep his commandments and do what we're supposed to, He is "..bound when [we] do what [He] say[s]." But now there's a flip side: "..but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise (D&C 82:10)."
I promise each and every one of you reading, that these blessings are available to you. As we cling to the iron rod and listen and obey, he will be our guiding light. As we struggle in our own parking lot of life, with challenges too many to number, we will not be confused. Rather than just standing in the mist of darkness or wandering off in the wrong direction, we will have a way to Him. As we go about our lives may we always look to Him for direction and help. May he be our guiding light, our way out of the darkness, the oasis in the desert. Listen to the spirit and let him guide you. I ask and pray for these things for all of us, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Monday, May 21, 2012
The good Wal~maritan
Working at Wal~Mart brings many characters, and sad to say a lot of them aren't the best of characters. One lady, however did something that really stuck out to me.
While on the register, an elderly lady came up with three items. She looked to be having trouble in her life, and the lady behind her could probably tell as well. As I was ringing up these few items for this lady, she had told me that she only had 3 dollars. As I was ringing up the items, the amount crept up way too fast. After two of the three items, the price was already to her limit. I then proceeded to tell her the total of the two items, to which she pulled out one crinkled up dollar bill, which held some loose change.
As she counted out the change, she handed me the wad of money and humbly asked, "is this enough?" I humbly took the bundle and counted out the change. I told her it was enough for the two items, but the last item (a big bag of frozen green beans), was too much. That is when the lady behind her really stood out to me.
As I was pulling the bag away, the other lady said that she would pay for the bag of beans. The appreciation this elderly lady had was overwhelming. She constantly said thank you, and just had a pure sense of gratitude. I will never forget the overwhelming joy this simple act of kindness had given to this elderly lady.
As I was then reading my scriptures one morning, later on through the week, I came across a scripture that reminded me of this act of kindness. It is in Jacob, chapter 2: 18-19 (was a scripture mastery last time I checked).
"But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.
And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good-to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted."
I don't have the scripture right in front of me, but also remember the story of the good Samaritan. How he helped out his enemy (their countries were pretty much at war at the time if I'm remembering correctly), and truly gave of himself to the point where he had magnified his service.
When it all comes down to it, this lady just really stood out to me. It wasn't much, just a 2 dollar thing of frozen beans, but this meant the world to this other lady, and I will never forget the joy in her eyes. May we always remember the love of Christ, and how he helped out the sick and needy. It doesn't have to be much, we don't have to heal a leper or anything like that, just look out for opportunities like this. I promise everyone reading this that as we strive to be more Christ like in this way that our joy will overflow, that we will be more grateful for that which we do have, and more willing to help others in need. Remember always that when we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are in the service of our God (Mosiah 2:17). I testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
<<<He will ease our burdens and carry our sorrows>>>
Check out this short film, it's really great.
While on the register, an elderly lady came up with three items. She looked to be having trouble in her life, and the lady behind her could probably tell as well. As I was ringing up these few items for this lady, she had told me that she only had 3 dollars. As I was ringing up the items, the amount crept up way too fast. After two of the three items, the price was already to her limit. I then proceeded to tell her the total of the two items, to which she pulled out one crinkled up dollar bill, which held some loose change.
As she counted out the change, she handed me the wad of money and humbly asked, "is this enough?" I humbly took the bundle and counted out the change. I told her it was enough for the two items, but the last item (a big bag of frozen green beans), was too much. That is when the lady behind her really stood out to me.
As I was pulling the bag away, the other lady said that she would pay for the bag of beans. The appreciation this elderly lady had was overwhelming. She constantly said thank you, and just had a pure sense of gratitude. I will never forget the overwhelming joy this simple act of kindness had given to this elderly lady.
As I was then reading my scriptures one morning, later on through the week, I came across a scripture that reminded me of this act of kindness. It is in Jacob, chapter 2: 18-19 (was a scripture mastery last time I checked).
"But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.
And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good-to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted."
I don't have the scripture right in front of me, but also remember the story of the good Samaritan. How he helped out his enemy (their countries were pretty much at war at the time if I'm remembering correctly), and truly gave of himself to the point where he had magnified his service.
When it all comes down to it, this lady just really stood out to me. It wasn't much, just a 2 dollar thing of frozen beans, but this meant the world to this other lady, and I will never forget the joy in her eyes. May we always remember the love of Christ, and how he helped out the sick and needy. It doesn't have to be much, we don't have to heal a leper or anything like that, just look out for opportunities like this. I promise everyone reading this that as we strive to be more Christ like in this way that our joy will overflow, that we will be more grateful for that which we do have, and more willing to help others in need. Remember always that when we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are in the service of our God (Mosiah 2:17). I testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
<<<He will ease our burdens and carry our sorrows>>>
Check out this short film, it's really great.
Friday, May 18, 2012
One last Mormon time!
One of the missionaries who was in this area a few months back was visiting with another missionary for a meeting just the other night (the 16th). They had recruited me to go out teaching with them, and I gladly accepted. It was good to see this Elder again and the joy that it brought for him to see some of the people he had taught. After visiting the last Sister, we were on our way out back to the car.
Upon exiting, however, I had heard someone coming down the stairs. A college student who had recently graduated came down, and I simply felt inspired to say hello. I asked him if he had internet, to which he replied no, but he could look up a website later on, at which point we gave him a Mormon.org card. We then went on to talking to him a little bit about the church, and telling him what we believe, why we serve the Lord for two years, and how he can attain a greater knowledge of Christ.
He ended up being a really great guy. He was in a band, Lutheran, and just graduated from UNF. He was heading down to Orlando, so we didn't have much time to talk to him, but like I said, gave him a great place to go.
This simple experience taught me several things that night. For one, it taught me that this church adds onto the knowledge of Christ. As missionaries, we offer people the chance to learn more of Christ (and who wouldn't want that?). Through learning more of Christ, and coming closer to Him, we can feel of the peace and love that He has for us.
Another thing this experience taught me was the importance of opening our mouths and obeying the promptings of the spirit. Had I simply said "hey man," and let him go, we wouldn't have had an opportunity to impart our message on this young sir. Had I chosen not to say anything at all, not even a positive image would have taken place. The fact that I felt the need to ask this gentleman if he had the internet ended up planting a seed of faith. As we were talking, he wanted to hear our message, and if I would've ignored that feeling I had, he wouldn't have had the opportunity to hear our words.
Lastly, the importance of being an example. Seeing these two missionaries had an impact on this young man. He had great respect for us that we would put off two years of our life to serve the Lord. By being an example, missionary or not, others can see the effects the gospel brings. This will in turn give us missionary opportunities, and chances to explain why we live the way we do.
As we go about our daily lives, may we live in remembrance of who we are. Let us be more friendly, and look for ways to serve others. As we strive to live by Gods commandments I know that he will direct us to opportunities to help others find the peace and knowledge this gospel brings. Always remember the scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 18:15-16:
"And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!
And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!"
I promise that as we do this, great shall be our joy. I have a testimony of this because I have applied it to my life, and my joy overflows every time I help out the missionaries. As we serve Him we will receive the blessings found within this scripture. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
<<<Click this.>>>
Upon exiting, however, I had heard someone coming down the stairs. A college student who had recently graduated came down, and I simply felt inspired to say hello. I asked him if he had internet, to which he replied no, but he could look up a website later on, at which point we gave him a Mormon.org card. We then went on to talking to him a little bit about the church, and telling him what we believe, why we serve the Lord for two years, and how he can attain a greater knowledge of Christ.
He ended up being a really great guy. He was in a band, Lutheran, and just graduated from UNF. He was heading down to Orlando, so we didn't have much time to talk to him, but like I said, gave him a great place to go.
This simple experience taught me several things that night. For one, it taught me that this church adds onto the knowledge of Christ. As missionaries, we offer people the chance to learn more of Christ (and who wouldn't want that?). Through learning more of Christ, and coming closer to Him, we can feel of the peace and love that He has for us.
Another thing this experience taught me was the importance of opening our mouths and obeying the promptings of the spirit. Had I simply said "hey man," and let him go, we wouldn't have had an opportunity to impart our message on this young sir. Had I chosen not to say anything at all, not even a positive image would have taken place. The fact that I felt the need to ask this gentleman if he had the internet ended up planting a seed of faith. As we were talking, he wanted to hear our message, and if I would've ignored that feeling I had, he wouldn't have had the opportunity to hear our words.
Lastly, the importance of being an example. Seeing these two missionaries had an impact on this young man. He had great respect for us that we would put off two years of our life to serve the Lord. By being an example, missionary or not, others can see the effects the gospel brings. This will in turn give us missionary opportunities, and chances to explain why we live the way we do.
As we go about our daily lives, may we live in remembrance of who we are. Let us be more friendly, and look for ways to serve others. As we strive to live by Gods commandments I know that he will direct us to opportunities to help others find the peace and knowledge this gospel brings. Always remember the scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 18:15-16:
"And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!
And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!"
I promise that as we do this, great shall be our joy. I have a testimony of this because I have applied it to my life, and my joy overflows every time I help out the missionaries. As we serve Him we will receive the blessings found within this scripture. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
<<<Click this.>>>
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Lessons in my youth
I've been encouraged, by one form or another, to remember the lessons of my youth. I don't remember a whole lot, but one certain event has been recovered from my broken memory.
In the year of maybe 2005 or 2006 or so, we (the young men of the ward) had a brother become sick with something. I can't entirely remember what it was, it could have been just some surgery of some sort, but it hospitalized him either way. As service, we decided to write him get well cards for priesthood. As I sat there, I wondered how you tell someone that you 'hope they get better' without saying just that. In about a minute, one of our others leaders had already finished his card and it stood to as an example to me. His card read on the front cover, "I hear the hospital is full of a bunch of sick people..." then on the inside, "so don't die." (or something to that effect).
This simple crack of sarcasm and hilarity got the crowd of under-15-year-old boys laughing up a storm, and with renewed enjoyment of our task at hand, we got back to work. I had thought of this leader's lightheartedness and desire to help our brother's infirmities through the power of laughter, bringing him a little bit of joy and reaffirmation that we were thinking of him. With this in mind I looked to my leader's example and thought of something I could use. Remembering that this brother of ours had been playing World of Warcraft with me at the time (yes, I was once a wow nerd for a time haha), I had the idea to make a gaming reference.
I went through the game, from armor to weapons; anything I could use even as a lame pun. I then thought of an item that everyone knew, even outside of wow users. Being in the hospital, I thought of how useful health potions would be (I think I had even thought of the [sensu?] beans in DBZ haha).
So I had my idea. On the front, I put something to the effects of: "Your health is low..." then inside: "so drink plenty of health potions!" and I drew a bubbling red potion. It wasn't much, but it was a fun reference I thought.
A few weeks later, he was better and came back to church. He thanked everyone for the cards, and laughed at our leader's "don't die" card. I then talked to him later on in the day after church and he told me that the nurse was in the room when he was reading my card. He mentioned how she played W.o.W and had got a good laugh out of my card.
This then got me to thinking, especially as of late, now that it's been years since then. I thought of how here was this nurse, and even though it was indirectly (as far as U know), she was exposed to the gospel. I'm sure everyone in the hospital gets cards and stuff, but the fact that my card made at least some kind of impression on her.
The more I think about it, the more it strengthens my testimony on service. It might not have been such a big thing, and for all I know it might not even turn out to be anything at all. However, maybe they did have an opportunity to talk about the church to some degree, and if so, something as simple as a get well card has planted that seed of faith, and has made an impression on this nurse.
I know that as we serve others and represent Christ to the fullest of our extent, they will want to know why we are so willing to serve. This will open up opportunity for telling others of why we are happy to help and what we believe. As we go about our day, may we look for more ways to serve and be Christlike, that we may bring others unto the fold.
"He who gives money gives some, he who gives time gives more, and he who gives of himself gives all." -Thomas S. Monson
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In the year of maybe 2005 or 2006 or so, we (the young men of the ward) had a brother become sick with something. I can't entirely remember what it was, it could have been just some surgery of some sort, but it hospitalized him either way. As service, we decided to write him get well cards for priesthood. As I sat there, I wondered how you tell someone that you 'hope they get better' without saying just that. In about a minute, one of our others leaders had already finished his card and it stood to as an example to me. His card read on the front cover, "I hear the hospital is full of a bunch of sick people..." then on the inside, "so don't die." (or something to that effect).
This simple crack of sarcasm and hilarity got the crowd of under-15-year-old boys laughing up a storm, and with renewed enjoyment of our task at hand, we got back to work. I had thought of this leader's lightheartedness and desire to help our brother's infirmities through the power of laughter, bringing him a little bit of joy and reaffirmation that we were thinking of him. With this in mind I looked to my leader's example and thought of something I could use. Remembering that this brother of ours had been playing World of Warcraft with me at the time (yes, I was once a wow nerd for a time haha), I had the idea to make a gaming reference.
I went through the game, from armor to weapons; anything I could use even as a lame pun. I then thought of an item that everyone knew, even outside of wow users. Being in the hospital, I thought of how useful health potions would be (I think I had even thought of the [sensu?] beans in DBZ haha).
So I had my idea. On the front, I put something to the effects of: "Your health is low..." then inside: "so drink plenty of health potions!" and I drew a bubbling red potion. It wasn't much, but it was a fun reference I thought.
A few weeks later, he was better and came back to church. He thanked everyone for the cards, and laughed at our leader's "don't die" card. I then talked to him later on in the day after church and he told me that the nurse was in the room when he was reading my card. He mentioned how she played W.o.W and had got a good laugh out of my card.
This then got me to thinking, especially as of late, now that it's been years since then. I thought of how here was this nurse, and even though it was indirectly (as far as U know), she was exposed to the gospel. I'm sure everyone in the hospital gets cards and stuff, but the fact that my card made at least some kind of impression on her.
The more I think about it, the more it strengthens my testimony on service. It might not have been such a big thing, and for all I know it might not even turn out to be anything at all. However, maybe they did have an opportunity to talk about the church to some degree, and if so, something as simple as a get well card has planted that seed of faith, and has made an impression on this nurse.
I know that as we serve others and represent Christ to the fullest of our extent, they will want to know why we are so willing to serve. This will open up opportunity for telling others of why we are happy to help and what we believe. As we go about our day, may we look for more ways to serve and be Christlike, that we may bring others unto the fold.
"He who gives money gives some, he who gives time gives more, and he who gives of himself gives all." -Thomas S. Monson
<<<More on service.>>>
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