I'll Go Where YOU Want ME to Go!

 Being home the hymn number 270, I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go, Has become much more meaning to me. It says:

1. It may not be on the mountain height
Or over the stormy sea,
It may not be at the battle's front
My Lord will have need of me.
But if, by a still, small voice he calls
To paths that I do not know,
I'll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in thine:
I'll go where you want me to go.
(Chorus)
I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord,
Over mountain or plain or sea;
I'll say what you want me to say, dear Lord;
I'll be what you want me to be.
2. Perhaps today there are loving words
Which Jesus would have me speak;
There may be now in the paths of sin
Some wand'rer whom I should seek.
O Savior, if thou wilt be my guide,
Tho dark and rugged the way,
My voice shall echo the message sweet:
I'll say what you want me to say.
3. There's surely somewhere a lowly place
In earth's harvest fields so wide
Where I may labor through life's short day
For Jesus, the Crucified.
So trusting my all to thy tender care,
And knowing thou lovest me,
I'll do thy will with a heart sincere:
I'll be what you want me to be.

Where does the Lord need you at?

Coming home is all part of the Lords plan. He may be testing us to see if we will go where He wants It may not be on the mountain height or over the stormy sea, It may not be at the battle's front my Lord will have need of me." We don't always know where the Lord needs us at. But, we can feel comforted knowing that we have put our whole heart, might, mind, and strength into the battle! 

us to go. Will we do what He wants us to do? As the song says, "

Now that you are home do you still have the attitude of: "But if, by a still, small voice he calls To paths that I do not know, I'll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in thine: I'll go where you want me to go."? If the still, small voice prompts you to return to the field will you? If the still, small voice prompts you to serve a church service mission will you?  Will you still go where the Lord wants you to go? Or, "Perhaps today there are loving words which Jesus would have me speak". Will you still speak what the Lord would have you say? Where is your heart at? Have you checked out of being a missionary, or do you have missionary badge pinned to your heart, as Elder Neil L. Anderson counselled? 

Where can you still serve? As the third verse says: "There's surely somewhere a lowly place in earth's harvest fields so wide where I may labor through life's short day For Jesus, the Crucified." There really are many different places where you can still serve! 

I'm sure most of you are aware of this post I made on Facebook: 

I have been fasting, praying, and attending the temple about this decision. This decision was between me and the Lord, with council from my Bishop, Stake President, and Mission President. It'ts not where you serve, it's that YOU SERVED or continue to serve. My Mission President said the Lord looks upon church service just as he would a proselytizing mission. You have been Honorable excused from Full-Time Service, now, find out what the Lord would have you do. 

I'm not saying you have to serve a Church Service Mission, or Return, however, I am saying council with the lord, Find out what he would have you do. As it says in Isaiah 55:8:

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord

The Lord may have other plans for you. Do what HE wants you to do! Go where He wants you to go! Be what He wants you to be!

A Little About Church Service Missions: 

There are many ways and opportunities for an individual to serve! The church is very flexible with you and your schedule. The Brethren would like you to do something else with the church service mission, like attending school, or working part time. They even allow you to date (you just cannot go on a date with your missionary tag still on).

There are a few requirements you must meet in order to serve: (these are also found on https://www.lds.org/callings/missionary/church-service-missionary/ycsm/am-i-eligible?lang=eng)

•  Be worthy to hold a temple recommend.
• Meet the standard mission age requirements (18-25 for young men, 19-25 for young women).
• Be honorably excused from a full-time proselyting mission (applies to young men only).
• Be physically, mentally, and emotionally able to fulfill the specific call and its related duties.
• Provide their own transportation.
• Be responsible for their own financial support, including living expenses and insurance.
• Be responsible for their own medical and dental needs, including eye care and prescription drug expenses.
• Be endorsed by bishop and stake president.
• A worthy young man or woman returning home early from a full-time proselyting mission for reasons other than worthiness may also serve as a YCSM.

There are many areas in which you may serve. Here are a sample also found here: https://www.lds.org/callings/missionary/church-service-missionary/ycsm/where-can-i-serve?lang=eng

Young Church-service missionaries are able to serve in many areas. Here is a list of some of them:

Serving in the Bishops Storehouse, Baltimore, MD

• Family History: research, image processing, indexing, FamilySearch support, assisting at the Family History Library
• Information and Communication Services (ICS): information technology–related opportunities
• Publishing Services: media support
• Mission Offices: referral management, materials management, office support, administrative assistance
• Meetinghouse Facilities: building maintenance, inspection, and repair
• Seminaries and Institutes: office work, computer Support, student recruitment and enrollment, special needs assistance, event support
• Welfare Operations: assignments in bishops' storehouses, Deseret Industries stores, employment resource centers, canneries, and so forth

For much more information please visit: https://www.lds.org/callings/missionary/church-service-missionary?lang=eng

Where Can I Turn For Peace?

A wonderful member of the church brought this scripture to my attention recently:

(Source: LDS Church)

D&C 124:49 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to any of the sons of men to do a work unto my name, and those sons of men go with all their might and with all they have to perform that work, and cease not their diligence, and their enemies come upon them and hinder them from performing that work, behold, it behooveth me to require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept of their offerings.  (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/124?lang=eng)

I think that this scripture is perfect for missionaries who return home early. The Lord will accept our best effort. He understands we are not perfect, so he provided us with the amazing atonement! 

The Atonement makes up for our weakness, our Heath issues; both emotional and physical, it makes up for our burned heart. It helps us feel at peace. 

I love the hymn "Where can I turn for Peace" it says:

Where can I turn for peace?

Where is my solace

When other sources cease to make me whole?

When with a wounded heart, anger, or malice,

I draw myself apart,

Searching my soul?

2.Where, when my aching grows,

Where, when I languish,

Where, in my need to know, where can I run?

Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish?

Who, who can understand?

He, only One.

3.He answers privately,

Reaches my reaching

In my Gethsemane, Savior and Friend.

Gentle the peace he finds for my beseeching.

Constant he is and kind,

Love without end.

(Source: LDS Church)

That song is just so comforting. Our Savior is there waiting for each of us. He loves and understands us. He WILL answer us. He is our Savor and our friend. He loves us with out end. Wow, I love that so much! 

We don't need to feel guilty for returning home. We need to remember the Lord will accept our best. We then can turn towards the Savior for peace. 

We have done as he has commanded. Feel good about that!!! You have served!!! Our Savior, Jesus Christ is the only one who can heal our aching soul. Put your trust in Him. He will answer your prayers. I know personally it is easy to start to feel guilty for not being out. But we seriously need to not feel guilty. We need to remember the Lord will accept our offering, Then the Savior will heal! 

Invite ALL to COME UNTO CHRIST!

(Source: LDS Church)

In Preach My Gospel it says:

"Your Purpose: Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end." (Preach My Gospel, Page 1) 

Just because you are home, doesn't mean you are not still a missionary. Elder Neil L. Anderson said this:

If you’re not a full-time missionary with a missionary badge pinned on your coat, now is the time to paint one on your heart—painted, as Paul said, “not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God.”(1 Peter 3:15.) And returned missionaries, find your old missionary tag. Don’t wear it, but put it where you can see it. The Lord needs you now more than ever to be an instrument in His hands. All of us have a contribution to make to this miracle." (Elder Neil L. Anderson, "Its a Miracle" April 2013 General Conference)

I have my badges sitting beside my bed, so I can see them whenever I get up and go to bed and multiple times throughout the day.  You can and should still pray for missionary opportunities, then look for opportunities to share the gospel throughout the day. You may not be able to get out much, but we all have such an amazing tool, Social Media. These sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. are wonderful tools! You are able to reach so many different people! Elder David A. Bednar said this about Social Media:

"The Lord is hastening His work, and it is no coincidence that these powerful communication innovations and inventions are occurring in the dispensation of the fulness of times. Social media channels are global tools that can personally and positively impact large numbers of individuals and families. And I believe the time has come for us as disciples of Christ to use these inspired tools appropriately and more effectively to testify of God the Eternal Father, His plan of happiness for His children, and His Son, Jesus Christ, as the Savior of the world; to proclaim the reality of the Restoration of the gospel in the latter days; and to accomplish the Lord’s work." (Elder David A. Bednar, "To Sweep the World as with a Flood" 19 August 2014)

The Lord is hastening the work, you know this, you were in the field and saw it first hand! There are so many tools for us to use to share the plan of happiness with others! We need to be in tune with the Spirit to know what to say and post. Elder Bednar gave four bassic guidelines for sharing the Gospel online:

1. Be Authentic and Consistent 
   "First, we are disciples and our messages should be authentic. A person or product that is not authentic is false, fake, and fraudulent. Our messages should be truthful, honest, and accurate.  We should not exaggerate, embellish, or pretend to be someone or something we are not. Our content should be trustworthy and constructive. And anonymity on the Internet is not a license to be inauthentic."
2. Edify and Uplift
   "Second, we and our messages should seek to edify and uplift rather than to argue, debate, condemn, or belittle...Brothers and sisters, share the gospel with genuine love and concern for others. Be courageous and bold but not overbearing in sustaining and defending our beliefs, and avoid contention"
3. Respect Intellectual Property 
   "Third, we and our messages should respect the property of other people and organizations. This simply means that you should not create your own content using someone else’s art, name, photos, music, video, or other content without permission. To assist you in creating uplifting gospel messages, we are pleased to announce that the content in the Media Library on LDS.org, unless otherwise indicated, has been cleared for use by members without seeking permission from the Church. Additional information about the use of Church media can be found at social.lds.org."
4. Be Wise and Vigilant
   "Fourth, be wise and vigilant in protecting yourself and those you love. We should remember that the Internet never forgets. Anything you communicate through a social media channel indeed will live forever—even if the app or program may promise otherwise. Only say it or post it if you want the entire world to have access to your message or picture for all time."
    (Elder David A. Bednar, "To Sweep the World as with a Flood" 19 August 2014)

There are many different ways we can share the gospel online. Personally, I have posted many things online, though social media; here are some of my examples: Click Here to go to Storify (https://storify.com/spencerjensen16/my-social-media-posts)

These are just some of my examples of sharing the gospel online. You may have noticed I used the hashtag Sharegoodness. The reason why I always use the #sharegoodness is because Elder Bednar encouraged us all to use the Hashtag(#) Sharegoodness (#Sharegoodness) when we make a gospel related post. 

(Source: LDS Church)

I, personally, have had many wonderful experiences share the gospel online. Even if I'm not out in the field, I'm still finding ways to share the gospel.."To Invite all to come unto Christ". It helps me feel like I'm still doing something good. I'm still being a Missionary. I'm still sharing my testimony. Find creative ways you personally can share the gospel! It will bless your life and the life of those you serve. The Lord is aware of all his children and knows what they are going though. Pray and ask Him how He wants you to share the wonderful gospel of Jesus Christ!

**For More Information on #Sharegoodness please visit these links:** 

• https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2014-10-001-sharegoodness?category=social-media-sharable-videos&lang=eng
• https://www.lds.org/church/share/goodness?cid=c:rd:ocs:shareGoodnessBednar

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

The Next blog post will be Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at 12:00 A.M. MST. 

PLEASE NOTE: Beginning in April, the blog will only be updated once a week.

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Follow the Prophet!

With General Conference coming up soon, I want to express some thoughts about General Conference and Prophets!

President Thomas S. Monson,
 Prophet, Seer, and Revelator
(Source: LDS Church)

While I was out in the field, I had the opportunity to teach and testify that we have a prophet here on the earth, as we did in ancient times, such as Adam, Abraham, Moses, etc. In Preach My Gospel it says:

  "One important way that God shows His love for us is by calling prophets.” It continues on to say... “Prophets learn the gospel of Jesus Christ by revelation. They in turn teach the gospel to others and testify of Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer. "

Giving us a prophet is really an act of love. He is able guide and directs each one of us. As preach my gospel said they teach the gospel and Testify of Jesus Christ. Because we have a prophet, we know how we must live our lives to return to live with God again.

Sister Carol F. McConkie, of the young women general presidency said this:  

“We heed prophetic word even when it may seem unreasonable, inconvenient, and uncomfortable. According to the world’s standards, following the prophet may be unpopular, politically incorrect, or socially unacceptable. But following the prophet is always right.”

I love that she said “Following the prophet is always right” It may be hard at times, it may not be what Is easiest but when we follow the prophet we sustain the prophet.

As I was getting ready for my mission, me, my mom, and aunt when to do a session at the salt lake temple; as we were walking through one of the halls we were all in our own little world, not paying attention to what is going on around as. When all the sudden we heard a distinct voice say to us: “Hi, How are you doing today?” neither one of us replied, as soon as we realized what had happened we turned around to see Elder L. Tom Perry going into a closed door.

As I reflected on that experience I keep thinking are we really listing to what the Prophets are saying to us? Are we sustaining them? Are we heeding their council? Or, are we listening but not acting, or not paying attention.  Are our actions, words, and thoughts in harmony with the teachings of the prophets, both ancient and modern?   

While I was on my mission I had many opportunities to testify that God has called a Prophet again on the earth.  One particular time, we were teaching the Message of the Restoration, we finished the first vision, and told him that God has called a Prophet again. He was so excited. He kept saying things such as: so you mean we have a guy that talks with God? You mean we have a Prophet like olden times?  He later asked why not everyone knows about this. We then told him that is what we are for. We are here to share this wonderful message with YOU!

Most of the world has no idea that there IS A TRUE AND LIVING PROPHET here on the earth! We have 15 men, who are prophets, seers, and revalators! That is so comforting knowing that we have 15 men to guide and direct us.

We have the opportunity to listen to these men in 3 weeks! In the mission field it was such an exciting time. It was so fun to go around and tell everyone we could that we have the best opportunity soon to listen to a prophet speak to each and every one of us. We would try to get less actives or our investigators to let us in their home for at least one session to listen.  It was interesting to watch and see how they would respond as they listened.

One family, we invited them into a member’s home to watch. When they showed up they brought a lot of chaos with them. They told us how they didn't want to be here, and every excuse why they had to leave. We got them to say! As conference got started, and continued on their mood and countenance changed. The spirit of conference began to soften their hearts. When President Monson came on and started talking they started crying. At the end they realized that that is where they needed to be. They each then bore a powerful testimony saying that they know that he is a prophet of God.

 How will respond when the prophet talk to us? Will allow the spirit into our hearts to teach and testify of the reality of a prophet here on the earth?

We also have a sacred opportunity to sustain our prophet. What does it mean to sustain a prophet?

Sustaining prophets
(Source: LDS Church)

Elder Russell M. Nelson said this about suntanning a prophet:

 “Our sustaining of prophets is a personal commitment that we will do our utmost to uphold their prophetic priorities. Our sustaining is an oath-like indication that we recognize their calling as a prophet to be legitimate and binding upon us.”

We raise our hands towards heaven saying we will support and heed these men’s council.  But sustain is more than just raising our hands. It is doing as they say. It means defending their name; it means living according to their words and teachings. 

Let's all listen with real intent. Let's need there council and direction. Let's all really sustain our prophet, and other leaders. They are called by God to direct this work. If we're listen with an open heart and mind something that is said will touch your heart. It may be the answer you want, or comfort about being home. Something they say will always bless us. 

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

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

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Look Not Behind Thee, Only Look Forward and Believe

Seeing Vegas in the rear view mirror 

In a recent Facebook post I talked about how I went with my Dad on his last semi trip for the season. We got a load to Los Angeles, California to deliver Idaho potatoes. On our way home, as we were going though Las Vegas, Nevada my dad made the comment in reference to returning home "I only like to see Vegas in my rearview minor." I got thinking about that, as I was thinking I had the thought come to mind: "Look not behind thee, only look forward and believe."

Having that thought come to mind really brings a lot of peace from returning home early. Look back at the good memories and experiences you had. Don't look back wishing things are different. Coming home is completely out of our control. Our health is out of our control.  Look forward and believe. Look forward to the feature. Elder Edward Dube, of the 70, gave a great talk about this in the October 2013 General Conference. His talk was titled "Look Ahead and Believe". There are some pretty incredible things he said. Here are something's, which I really enjoyed and brought a lot of peace.  First he said talking about bishops or stake presidents, but I think it applies PERFECTLY for missionaries:

"When a stake president or a bishop is released, he joyfully accepts his release, and when a calling is extended to serve in any way which the Lord, through His servants, 'seeth fit' (Mosiah 3:19), he is not overshadowed by his previous experience, nor does he look back and think that he has served enough. He is 'not weary in well-doing,' because he knows that he is 'laying the foundation of a great work' with a clear vision that such efforts bless lives for eternity. Thus “out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33)."

Me and My companion walking on the streets in Virginia
(Credit: Jason F. Wright) 

I love how he said he does not look back and think has he served enough. Missionaries need to
remember that. Don't look back and wonder if you did enough. If Heavenly Father sent you home you did all that was required of you.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, also, said this:

“The past is to be learned from but not lived in. We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes. And when we have learned what we need to learn and have brought with us the best that we have experienced, then we look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed toward the future” (“The Best Is Yet to Be,” Ensign, Jan. 2010, 24; or Liahona, Jan. 2010, 18).

It's not about where we have been, Its about where we are
willing to go.

Look ahead! Don't look back! Have faith that the future is for our best! His ways are not our ways. He can see all both in the past, current, and future! We need to trust Him! My grandpa once told me that all of his hard times have ended up being really useful latter on in life. THE BEST IT YET TO BE!!

I want to end this post with one last quote from Elder Dube, He said:

"In the sight of the Lord, it is not so much what we have done or where we have been but much more where we are willing to go."

It really is all about where we will go. The Lord may be testing us to see what we will do. Will we go where the Lord wants us to go? Will we say what He wants us to say? Will we be what He wants us to be?

Don't look back. Look forward to the future. Look ahead and believe. Look not behind thee, only look forward and believe.