Pray With Faith

(Source: LDS Church)

I know I touched on prayer a little in my last post (Listen to the SPIRIT); but I just want to add to what I said about prayer. Praying allows us to communicate with our wonderful Father In Heaven. It allows us to express our feelings and thoughts to Him, it allows us to personally think Him for blessings and request blessings for our self's or others. It's our chance to tell real OUR Father how our day went and express our innermost thoughts and feelings and thank Him for our many blessings. It's someone to talk to, who is the perfect listener--HE IS REALLY LISTENING, and WILL ANSWER our prayers in his timing and his way.

Elder Richard G. Scott Said: "It matters not our circumstance, be we humble or arrogant, poor or rich, free or enslaved, learned or ignorant, loved or forsaken, we can address Him. We need no appointment. Our supplication can be brief or can occupy all the time needed. It can be an extended expression of love and gratitude or an urgent plea for help. He has created numberless cosmos and populated them with worlds, yet you and I can talk with Him personally, and He will ever answer." (April 2007 General Conference) 

Each and everyone of can pray to Him each and everyday. No matter what our circumstances, what we are going though, who we are, we are all children of our Heavenly Father. He loves us, and wants us to pray and talk with Him. Whether in the best of times or the worst of times He is there ready and willing to listen to us.

(Source: LDS Church)
"When we go to worship in a temple or a church,
we put aside our working clothes and
 dress ourselves in something better"

We can talk to our Father in Heaven openly and honestly. We don't have to worry about offending him or not expressing things as well as we would like. He is compassionately listening and compleately understanding. Although we should be respectful and use the language of prayer

Elder Dallin H. Oaks said: "When we go to worship in a temple or a church, we put aside our working clothes and dress ourselves in something better. This change of clothing is a mark of respect. Similarly, when we address our Heavenly Father, we should put aside our working words and clothe our prayers in special language of reverence and respect. In offering prayers in the English language, members of our Church do not address our Heavenly Father with the same words we use in speaking to a fellow worker, to an employee or employer, or to a merchant in the marketplace. We use special words that have been sanctified by use in inspired communications, words that have been recommended to us and modeled for us by those we sustain as prophets and inspired teachers...We should address prayers to our Heavenly Father in words which speakers of that language associate with love and respect and reverence and closeness...When we address prayers to our Heavenly Father in English, our only available alternatives are the common words of speech like you and your or the dignified but uncommon words like thee, thou, and thy. In our prayers we use language that is dignified and different, even archaic." (April 1993 General Conference) 

I think it is so important to talk with Heavenly Father with a respectful language.  The language we use shows our respect and love for Him.  We can talk to him as long as needed. He has a listening ear; ready to bless and help us. In the Book of Mormon; In Alma 34:18-27, it says regarding prayer:

 18 Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save.

 19 Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him.

 20 Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks.

 21 Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening.

 22 Yea, cry unto him against the power of your enemies.

 23 Yea, cry unto him against the devil, who is an enemy to all righteousness.

 24 Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them.

 25 Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase.

 26 But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness.

 27 Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you.

See April 2007
General Conference
(Source: LDS Church)

There is NOTHING that we cannot pray and talk to Him about. We can ALWAYS pray. He wants to hear from us; and the only way we can do that is by praying to him. We can and should pray for our enemies, pray for protection, pray to feel His love, pray to know the truth of all things, pray for guidance and direction, pray for health, strength, and healing. I personally have spent lots of time on my knees praying and pleading to be healed, and to know what to do with my life. My prayer may not be answered in the timing and the way that I would prefer; but it will get answered in the Lords timing and in His own ways. His ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts.

 We also need to express gratitude to him for our blessings. Because of Him we have all things. We need to have a gratitude attitude. My fabulous mission president and his morning prayers all he does is thank our Heavenly Father for his blessings. I think that is a great thing to incorporate into our lives. Be grateful for our Heath and strength. After being sick for so long, I've learned to appreciate the little bit of energy that I do have. Thank Him for the little and big blessings.

There are many ways He may answer our prayers. He may do it though a feeling or though, an individual, or even though the blessings of the scriptures both ancient and modern.  Elder Richard G. Scott also said:

"Often when we pray for help with a significant matter, Heavenly Father will give us gentle promptings that require us to think, exercise faith, work, at times struggle, then act. It is a step-by-step process that enables us to discern inspired answers.

I have discovered that what sometimes seems an impenetrable barrier to communication is a giant step to be taken in trust. Seldom will you receive a complete response all at once. It will come a piece at a time, in packets, so that you will grow in capacity. As each piece is followed in faith, you will be led to other portions until you have the whole answer. That pattern requires you to exercise faith in our Father’s capacity to respond. While sometimes it’s very hard, it results in significant personal growth.

He will always hear your prayers and will invariably answer them. However, His answers will seldom come while you are on your knees praying, even when you may plead for an immediate response. Rather, He will prompt you in quiet moments when the Spirit can most effectively touch your mind and heart. Hence, you should find periods of quiet time to recognize when you are being instructed and strengthened. His pattern causes you to grow." (April 2007 General Conference) 

I absolutely LOVE how he said "He will always hear your prayers and will invariably answer them"  That is so true; In fact I feel like that is answer to my own prayer. We need to exercise faith and fast with real intent. In the Doctrine and Covenants section 9 verse 8 it says:

  But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.

Sometimes we have to make our decision and then ask God if it is right. Rarely will our prayers be answered like Joseph Smith's did. He prayed to know which church to join. What happened next changed the world. In Joseph Smiths own words he said:

Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father Answered
Joseph Smith's Prayer.
(Source: LDS Church)

"I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—'This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!'"

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ visited him and told him not to join any of the churches. In Their own words, They said:

"for they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof." (See "The testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith")

 Heavenly Father heard and answered Joesph Smith's questions. They knew his name! How comforting that is knowing they hear and answer our prayers and know us EACH INDIVIDUALLY?!?   They LIVE! They have a body of Flesh and Bone, just like us! They love and know each and everyone of us! We CAN communicate to with Them though the wonderful gift of prayer!

Sources 

• "Alma Chapter 34." The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Salt Lake City: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2013. 294-295. Print.
• Oaks, Dallin H. "The Language of Prayer." The Language of Prayer - Dallin H. Oaks. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1 Apr. 1993. Web. 
• https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1993/04/the-language-of-prayer?lang=eng
• Scott, Richard G. "Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer." Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer - Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1 Apr. 2007. 
• https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/04/using-the-supernal-gift-of-prayer?lang=eng
• Smith, Joseph. "The Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith." The Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1 Jan. 1999. Web. 
• https://www.lds.org/topics/joseph-smith/testimony?lang=eng

Helpful Links

• https://www.lds.org/topics/prayer?lang=eng
• http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/book-of-mormon
• http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/joseph-smith

The Blog will be updated most Tuesday and Saturday Mornings at 12:00 A.M. MST 

The Next blog post will be Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at 12:00 A.M. MST. 

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Listen to the SPIRIT

After baptism we receive the gift
of the Holy Ghost.
(Source LDS Church)

The gift of the Holy Ghost is one of the best blessings our Heavenly Father has blessed us each with
after baptism. The Holy Ghost gives us guidance and direction in our life, helps us feel of Gods love and Spirit, and testifies of truth. What a blessing it is always have it with us. It really is such a blessing to always have it with us. We just have to be worthy of Its companionship.

Having the Holy Ghost helps me to know that coming home is all part of gods plan, and he is very aware of me. I have spent a lot of time on my knees praying to know what I'm suppose to do. The Holy Ghost always comforts me, and lets me know to be patient and wait on the lord. One night I was praying asking God what I'm suppose to do with my life and I plead with him to answer my prayers. After I got done praying I decide I need to open Preach My Gospel, so, I did as directed, and went to Chapter 4: How Do I Recognize and Understand the Spirit? As I did so I found something that I had read over and over again, but it really stuck me this time. It says:

"Believe that God will answer your prayers. Recognize that God’s thoughts are not your thoughts (see Isaiah 55:8–9), and trust God to answer your prayers in His own way and in His own time."

So I have put that to work, I really believe that god will answer my prayers in his time. But in the mean time I have the Holy Ghost with me to guide and direct me and also comfort me.

 President Boyd K. Packer taught: “The voice of the Spirit is described in the scripture as being neither ‘loud’ nor ‘harsh.’ It is ‘not a voice of thunder, neither … voice of a great tumultuous noise.’ But rather, ‘a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper,’ and it can ‘pierce even to the very soul’ and ‘cause [the heart] to burn.’ (3 Ne. 11:3; Hel. 5:30; D&C 85:6–7.) Remember, Elijah found the voice of the Lord was not in the wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but was a ‘still small voice.’ (1 Kgs. 19:12.)“The Spirit does not get our attention by shouting or shaking us with a heavy hand. Rather it whispers. It caresses so gently that if we are preoccupied we may not feel it at all. (No wonder that the Word of Wisdom was revealed to us, for how could the drunkard or the addict feel such a voice?)“Occasionally it will press just firmly enough for us to pay heed. But most of the time, if we do not heed the gentle feeling, the Spirit will withdraw and wait until we come seeking and listening and say in our manner and expression, like Samuel of ancient times, ‘Speak [Lord], for thy servant heareth.’ (1 Sam. 3:10.)” (“The Candle of the Lord,” Ensign, Jan. 1983, 53).

That is why it is so important for us to be worthy of the Holy Ghost. We never know when it will try to speak to us. We need to be ready for the minute it speaks to us we CAN and WILL be ready to courageously follow it council. If we need the comfort or counsel it gives us, we need to do our part by being worthy of its companionship.

The Holy Ghost speaks in many ways. It may be a feeling, thought, something someone says, something in scriptures or the words of the prophets. Or, Just as I told early, the answer may come from studding Preach My Gospel. Our answers usually will not come as Joseph Smith's did, but no matter what way the lord answers our prayers they are just as sacred and special to each and everyone of us.

(Source: LDS Church)

I absolutely LOVE these two scriptures about the Holy Ghost, They are John: 14:26-27. They Say:

   26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

(Source LDS Church)

The Holy Ghost really does bring peace into our lives. It guides and directs us, in all that we do. What a blessing it is to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.

God does hear and answer our prayers, He loves each one of us, and HE LIVES. These things I know more than ever. He many not answer our prayers in the way or timing we want, BUT HE DOES! He loves us so much, much more than we can comprehend. It is so comforting, knowing, that He LIVES. It gives a since of direction in life and purpose.

Please take a few minutes this week and study out of "Preach My Gospel Chapter 4:  How Do I Recognize and Understand the Spirit?" I can promise, that you will better be able to hear and recognize the spirit in your life, as you study and seek to be worthy of the Holy Ghost.

The Blog will be updated most Tuesday and Saturday Mornings at 12:00 A.M. MST 

The Next blog post will be Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 12:00 A.M. MST. 

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Faith in Jesus Christ

"When you have faith in Christ, you believe in Him as the Son of God, the Only Begotten of the Father in the Flesh. You accept Him as your Savior and Redeemer and follow His teachings. You believe that your sins can be forgiven through His Atonement. Faith in Him means that you trust Him and are confident that He loves you...You accomplish what the Lord wants you to accomplish. You help bring about good in your own life and the lives of others. You are able to do miracles according to the Lord’s will. Your faith will be manifest through diligence and work." Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service, Chapter 6. 

(Source: LDS Church)
See: Thomas S. Monson,
“We Never Walk Alone,” October 2013

Faith is a HUGE part of life and coming home early. You have to have faith that this is His will for you to come home early. Having faith means you are willing to do as He asks. It means loving Him, no matter how hard things get. It means knowing that all things are for your benefit. Having faith you know that He loves you, and you are willing to keep the commandments. You do His will. You live you life in accordance with His plan.

President Thomas S. Monson said in the October 2013 General Conference:

"Whether it is the best of times or the worst of times, He is with us. He has promised that this will never change."

That is one of the best truths of the Gospel we have, knowing how much our Heavenly Father, and Savior, Jesus Christ, love each and everyone of us. That love is unconditional. That love never changes. It is Simply always there.  How much comfort that gives each and everyone of us. It helps us have and exercise Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Having this faith helps us endure the trials that each and everyone of us go through. It gives us comfort when we ask "Why Me?" If we exercise faith in the Lord Jesus Christ we do not have to worry.  We need to endure to the end. The Savior endued to the end during his life. While He was on the Cross He could have ended the suffering, but He didn't. He endured all. So can we. We can have faith in Him and Endure to the End.

As Preach My Gospel said: "Your faith will be manifest though diligence and work." We can exercise faith in Him by working diligently to still be an instrument in the Lords hands. There are many ways to continue to be an instrument in His hands. First and Foremost continue to pray for missionary opportunities (EVERYONE SHOULD DO THIS!) I, personally, have gained a testimony of this, I have prayed for it and I have had little missionary opportunities. One particular experience I posted a quote on Facebook from a General Authority, Latter that day, I got an email back saying that it was an answer to a prayer. That is being a Missionary! Find little ways to share bits of truth. Preach My Gospel continues to share ways to increase faith, it says,

"Your faith will increase through diligent study, prayer, dedicated service, and obedience to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and the commandments."

It is so true, we can have an increase in faith though doing those SIMPLE things! As I was leaving my mission, I got a letter from a dear friend, In the letter this person said:

"Never stop reading your scriptures, studying Preach My Gospel, and praying like you do now. They bring SO MUCH power into your life." 

Reading the Book of Mormon each and every day
Brings a unique spirit into your life.

That is also really true, so much power comes into your life from studying, praying, serving and listing to the spirit.  I have continued to study each and every day. Specifically reading from the book of Mormon. My wonderful mission president gave the whole mission a challenge in October to read about nine page from "The Book of Mormon" each day and to finish it by Christmas. Although I was home I was still able to participate. It is amazing how much more you learn each time you read. It was a blessing to be able to read and finish it before Christmas. It testifies of the divinity of the Savior. No matter how many times you have read The Book of Mormon take time to read it each day, and then take the challenge at the End of the book, where Moroni invites us all to read, ponder and pray about the truthfulness of the book. I KNOW with all my heart It is TRUE! It truly testifies of the Savior. It Helps us all better cope with the trials of life. It really does help to bring the spirit more into your life. As you have the spirit in your life you will be able to work miracles at home! You need to be wise enough to follow the promptings you receive.

Not only pray for missionary opportunities, but pray to be aware of opportunities to serve. In the Book of Mormon, in Mosiah 2:17 it reads:

 "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."

A detail from Jesus Christ Visits the
Americas, by John Scott.
(Source: LDS Church)

When you are serving others you ARE serving God. There are many honorable ways to serve, find your own way to serve. (Family History is a great way to serve!)

Do all you can to keep your faith in the Savior strong and active. Remember his Love is there for you no

matter what! I would like to end with one last quote to wrap things up from our beloved Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson:

"Your Heavenly Father loves you—each of you. That love never changes. It is not influenced by your appearance, by your possessions, or by the amount of money you have in your bank account. It is not changed by your talents and abilities. It is simply there. It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve love. It is simply always there. (Thomas S. Monson,“We Never Walk Alone,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 123, 124.)

The Power of the Sacrament

It is absolutely amazing how powerful the sacrament. It is such a privilege to partake of the sacrament each and every week. There is such a power and a renewal that comes into your daily lives from partaking of the sacrament each and every week. I notice a difference if I miss partaking of the sacrament. Elder Holland talked about how crucial it is to partake of the sacrament each week if you are sick. Elder James J. Hamula of the Seventy said in the October 2014 General Conference:  

"The ordinance of the sacrament has been called “one of the most holy and sacred ordinances in the Church.” It needs to become more holy and sacred to each of us. Jesus Christ Himself instituted the ordinance to remind us what He did to redeem us and to teach us how we may avail ourselves of His Redemption and thereby live with God again.With torn and broken bread, we signify that we remember the physical body of Jesus Christ—a body that was buffeted with pains, afflictions, and temptations of every kind, a body that bore a burden of anguish sufficient to bleed at every pore, a body whose flesh was torn and whose heart was broken in crucifixion. We signify our belief that while that same body was laid to rest in death, it was raised again to life from the grave, never again to know disease, decay, or death. And in taking the bread to ourselves, we acknowledge that, like Christ’s mortal body, our bodies will be released from the bonds of death, rise triumphantly from the grave, and be restored to our eternal spirits.With a small cup of water, we signify that we remember the blood Jesus spilled and the spiritual suffering He endured for all mankind. We remember the agony that caused great drops of blood to fall in Gethsemane. We remember the bruising and scourging He endured at the hands of His captors.We remember the blood He spilled from His hands, feet, and side while at Calvary. And we remember His personal reflection on His suffering: “How sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not.” In taking the water to ourselves, we acknowledge that His blood and suffering atoned for our sins and that He will remit our sins as we embrace and accept the principles and ordinances of His gospel." -Elder James J. Hamula 

The Sacrament really is the most Holy and Sacred ordinances in the church. Its a renewal. It's an opportunity for us to reflect on all that the Savior has and will do for us. 

As he said, when we partake of the bread we signify we will always remember his physical body. He suffered all physical pains and sickness. Most important we signify that he died and was was resurrected on the third day.  Because he was raised from the dead on the third day, all of us will be raised from the dead. In Alma chapter 11 it talks about the resurrection and it says:  

43 The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are at this time; and we shall be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt.
 44 Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body, and shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil.

It is so comforting knowing that ALL men and women will be resurrected because of what the Savior, Jesus Christ did for each and everyone of us!  When we partake of the bread we should we remember that we will all be resurrected and we want to live with the God again. Partaking of the sacrament not only heals the soul, but heals the physical body. 

"With the small cup of water, we signify that we remember the blood Jesus Spilled and spiritual suffering."  He has suffered all pains, trials, afflictions, sicknesses, etc. So the least we can do is always remember Him. Remember the pains he endured for each and everyone of us. Remember the blood He spilled from his hands, feet and sides. He did this out of love for each and everyone one of us. He did it for you and for me. For the born and unborn.

Elder Hamula also said, 

"Through the sacramental prayers, we express our acceptance of this doctrine of Christ and our commitment to live according to it. In our petition to God, our Eternal Father, we declare that we will “always remember” His precious Son. First, we witness our “willingness” to remember. Then we witness that we “do” remember. In so doing, we are making solemn commitments to exercise faith in Jesus Christ and in His Redemption of us from death and sin."

So, my question is, how will you always remember Him, not just on Sundays when you partake of the bread and water, but ALWAYS? This included looking towards Him for all things. We made a covenant to ALWAYS REMEMBER Him and keep His commandments when we were baptized and we renew it every Sunday.  By consistently remembering Him it helps reduce the burden of being home. Somethings I personally have done to ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM include: reading a significant amount out of the Book of Mormon, Attending the Temple, Praying at least twice a day. I want to hear what YOU will do to ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM. Please Comment Below with what you will do to ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM. Here is another GREAT video about always remembering Him. 

It's such a blessing to partake of the sacrament each week. The Sacrament really needs to be more holy to each one of us. We need to ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM and KEEP HIS COMMANDMENT! I want to end with one last quote from Elder Hamula 

 "Regular and earnest participation in this sacred ordinance helps us continue to embrace and live the doctrine of Christ after baptism and thereby pursue and complete the process of sanctification. Indeed, the ordinance of the sacrament helps us faithfully endure to the end and receive the fulness of the Father in the same way Jesus did, grace for grace"

Sources and Links:

• The Sacrament—a Renewal for the Soul By Cheryl A. Esplin
• The Sacrament and the Atonement By Elder James J. Hamula
• Always Remember Him Video 

The Blog will be updated most Tuesday and Saturday Mornings at 12:00 A.M. MST 

The Next blog post will be Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at 12:00 A.M. MST. 

Please enter your email address on the Right of your screen to receive updates directly into your inbox  when I update the blog

Emotional or Physical, Its All The Same

Today's article and the next few I'm going to focus on something a little different. My thoughts come from from both Elder Jeffery R. Holland and Jason F. Wright. To start out I wish to share a quote from Elder Holland in the October 2013 General Conference. 

"I wish to speak to those who suffer from some form of mental illness or emotional disorder, whether those afflictions be slight or severe, of brief duration or persistent over a lifetime. We sense the complexity of such matters when we hear professionals speak of neuroses and psychoses, of genetic predispositions and chromosome defects, of bipolarity, paranoia, and schizophrenia. However bewildering this all may be, these afflictions are some of the realities of mortal life, and there should be no more shame in acknowledging them than in acknowledging a battle with high blood pressure or the sudden appearance of a malignant tumor."

Just as Elder Holland Said: "There is no shame in acknowledging mental illnesses". This is what I wish to address today.  People who come home early from their missions due to a mental illness need much more support than those of us who come for a physical reason. My heart goes out to those missionaries who battle this illness. Several of my companions dealt with this illness. One companion once said "I just cannot get happy, whatever I do." When that wonderful Elder told me that I wanted to cry for him. My heart goes out to these missionaries; they have to endure this illness daily. It effects how they work, eat and sleep. These emotional illnesses need to be recognized more in society than they now are. 

"All that seems unfair In life and be made right,
Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ."
-The Plan of Salvation Pamphlet 

Now, I didn't come home for an emotional disorder, but emotional and physical illness both need to be recognized.  I've felt to a small degree what these dear missionaries felt. I cannot imagine what it would be like to have to go deal with it daily. I'm going to share somethings I've noticed, read, and have been told. But, I do recognize I do not completely and totally understand or even know what they are going through, so please bear with me.

Please give more attention to Missionaries with a mental illness than someone with a physical illness. They need pure Christ-Like love. Please avoid judging these missionaries, most people have no clue what these missionaries are going though. Please keep them in your prayers. 

No matter how hard life gets or whatever seems unfair it will all be made right though the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Please never loose faith and hope in the Savior.

 Now with that being said I would like everyone to watch this little clip from Elder Hollands talk. This is going to set the stage for the next few posts

If the video does not play copy and paste this link into your browser:

https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/like-a-broken-vessel?lang=eng

I love how he said to NEVER loose faith your Heavenly Father. He Loves each and everyone of us more than we can comprehend. The Savior Knows what we are going though. We need to trust him and pray to him. Please Always look towards the Savior he is the source of true peace and comfort. He is the Light of the world!  

Elder Holland mentioned a number of Different things that can help deal with Emotional Disorders. My next few posts I will talk about some of the different points he mentioned. For instance he talked about the power of the Sacrament. On Saturday, February 14th I will be sharing some of my thoughts and insights about the wonderful blessing the Sacrament is to each and everyone of us. 

I apologize, this article has been really jumbled. But the bottom line is if you come home for an emotional disorder or a physical illness, it's still hard coming home. Sometimes emotional issues are a lot harder to deal with. So Love these dear missionaries. Please avoid judging and ridiculing them. They some of the strongest and best missionaries around! 

 One last thing. My Friend, Jason F. Wright wrote an amazing article a few weeks ago about returning home for a mental illness. Much better than this little post. I would love it if you would talk time to read it (and share it on Social Media). It is titled  "Returned LDS missionary talks about mental illness and early release" By Jason F. Wright. I Think he hits everything right on the spot! Please take some time to read it. It is defiantly worth your time! 

How can Family and Friends help RM'S?

I know the majority of the people reading this blog may not come home early from a mission, but they will probably know someone who came home early.  You many be wondering how can I help a missionary who comes home early? The answer is LOVE, LOVE and more LOVE! We are going though a lot both emotional and physically, so the biggest and best thing you can do is LOVE us! Support us! Let us know we are wanted at home! Don't make comments like, "We don't want you here", Even when Joking! We want to feel your continuous and full support with us being home.We don't need to know you are stressed about us coming home, we just want to feel loved and needed at home!

(Source: LDS Church)
See President Thomas S. Monson April 2014
"Love—the Essence of the Gospel"

President Thomas S. Monson said in the April 2014 General Conference: "I would hope that we would strive always to be considerate and to be sensitive to the thoughts and feelings and circumstances of those around us. Let us not demean or belittle. Rather, let us be compassionate and encouraging. We must be careful that we do not destroy another person’s confidence through careless words or actions." He continued on to say: "Love is expressed in many recognizable ways: a smile, a wave, a kind comment, a compliment. Other expressions may be more subtle, such as showing interest in another’s activities, teaching a principle with kindness and patience, visiting one who is ill or homebound. These words and actions and many others can communicate love."

Along with love we need support. Christina Jenkins, a sister who came home early; due to medial issues said:

 "Support the missionary. The Missionary isn't coming home because of something they did. Medical things aren't controllable and shouldn't be held against them." 

Sister Jenkins hit the jackpot! We didn't come home because of something we did. Getting sick is totally and completely out of our control.  We need to know you are content and happy to have us home. When you stress out about us being home, it stresses us about being home. You stressing about when/if, we return stresses us out. These things our out of our control. Don't pressure us about returning right away, most of the time we don't have any idea when we will be returning. As I was leaving the field I thought I would defiantly be back in the field in a Month or less, but the Lord had other things in mind.  Don't hold it against the missionary if they choose not to return. They will do what the Lord wants. The decision is between them and the Lord when they return and if they return. Now, don't get me wrong, if they can physically and mentally return, then RETURN! I'm not saying to not talk to them about returning, just use caution and don't over step your bounds.

As President Monson counseled us to show interest in peoples lives, you can do this by talking to them about their mission. Sister Jenkins also said:

 "Don't be afraid to talk about their missions with them. I loved being asked questions and being able to tell about my experiences. It was hard and sometimes sad, but I still loved to do it!"

 Great advice, get them talking about experiences they had. Ask specific questions about their missions. Ask them what they did to find people to teach, ask them about specific investigators or areas. (Asking them questions shows them you cared and payed attention to their emails) Ask them about companions. Be creative on your questions. If you served a mission talk about your mission as well. My Mom and Dad both served missions, it has been a positive experience comparing mission experiences. One night we shared pictures and memories, we talked about companions, we talked about struggles and happy moments. These little bonding moments we will all remember for the rest of our lives. Asking them specific questions about specific people and areas shows you cared while they were gone. This too, help us feel more at ease and know you truly care about us and our situations.

Missionaries spend a lot of time
serving and working. 

The transition from constantly working and being on a tight schedule to home life-and not doing anything is hard.  People tend to think that if you are home sick you need to be sick in bed and not leave the house at all.  That is UNTRUE! We need to get out of the house! Being cooped in the house constantly can get a little depressing and we WILL go stir crazy. Work to involve us in actives; but, be careful the missionary doesn't over do it if he or she is seriously ill. He or she will know what they can do. Talk to them. Plan fun family activities. We have typically been gone for awhile, we want to do something with the family, and not get left out! Let us have fun! It takes the stress out of coming home early! We are going though a lot emotionally and physically we need to do things to get our minds off what is going on. Plan fun creative activities to do TOGETHER! It can be as simple as a little road trip.  For instance, we went on a trip to Vernal, Utah for a Baptism. I drove to the baptism with my grandparents; but drove home with my parents and brothers. It was fun to spend time with both my grandparents and family. It wasn't too hard on me and I got to spend cherished time with my family. Another good activities is, I was also able host a "Game Night" part at my home with some friends from my mission. It was a opportunity to spend time with friends. Its a great way to get out without going out. Sometimes going out is too strenuous, but it's easy and fun to stay home and play games.

"Getting out without going out"
Game night with dear friends

The last thing you can do to help these missionaries out is to continue to pray for them. You've been praying

for them continuously for the last few months keep them coming!  They need these prayers more than ever! They need help that only Heaven can bless them with! Just because they are home doesn't mean you can stop praying for them!

Remember these dear missionaries! Keep them happy! I'm going to end this post with the quote which I started with from President Thomas S. Monson, because I think it is so important for people to remember to help these wonderful missionaries!

"I would hope that we would strive always to be considerate and to be sensitive to the thoughts and feelings and circumstances of those around us. Let us not demean or belittle. Rather, let us be compassionate and encouraging. We must be careful that we do not destroy another person’s confidence through careless words or actions...May we begin now, this very day, to express love to all of God’s children, whether they be our family members, our friends, mere acquaintances, or total strangers. As we arise each morning, let us determine to respond with love and kindness to whatever might come our way." -President Thomas S. Monson April 2014 General Conference  "Love—the Essence of the Gospel"

Special thanks to Christina Jenkins for the input and thoughts about returning home early. 

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An Honorable Release

Coming home early from your mission automatically has a negative connotation. People tend to think because you came home early you are not worthy, you decided it was too hard, or you did something terribly wrong. But what most people don't realize is a medical release is a legitimate  and a viable cause to come home early. It is an automatic Honorable Release. An Honorable Release is an Honorable Release no matter what!  A doctor once told me it like being in war. If you go to war and get shot you will get a purple heart no matter how long you served, and you'll get sent home and probably be released. You did what you needed to do. Getting shot was not your fault. It just happened.  Its the fact you decided to serve, and you lasted as long as you did. I keep having to reminding myself that this is the Lords will. He wants me to be home. This is where I'm meant to be. One of my leaders once told me not to feel guilty for being home. The Lord is proud and very aware of you.

(Source: LDS Church)
See Elder Quentin L. Cook,
  Personal Peace, The Reward of Righteousness.
April 2013 Conference  

It's hard to come home. You just have to remember that you have come and done what you needed to do. Don't feel bad for not serving a full 18-24 Month mission. It's the Lords work. He is in charge of what goes on. He will bless you for your efforts. He will help you find peace after returning home. I love this quote from Elder Quentin L. Cook:
 "Peace comes from knowing that the Savior knows who we are and knows that we have faith in Him, love Him, and keep His commandments, even and especially amid life’s devastating trials and tragedies" He continued on to say: "The Savior’s Atonement would overcome and compensate for all of the unfairness of mortal life and bring us peace."  He then said: "Temples are where many sacred ordinances occur and are also a source of peaceful refuge from the world. Those who visit temple grounds or participate in temple open houses also feel this peace."  He ended by saying: "The Savior is the source of true peace. Even with the trials of life, because of the Savior’s Atonement and His grace, righteous living will be rewarded with personal peace." (See Elder Quentin L. Cook. Personal Peace, The Reward of Righteousness. April 2013 Conference)

There are many ways to find peace but these things which Elder Cook has just beautifully described will bring the most peace. The Savior will help us in our trials as we exercise faith in Him and repent. Keep on Keeping on and you will be blessed with peace. You will feel the love of God. Pray for His peace. The adversary wants you to feel guilty and unhappy. But the Lord wants you to feel peaceful and happy. Pray for that happiness you desire.