Harrison Hill

So I gotta tell this story because I know we've all been in a similar situation before. Maybe not so much similar, but enough to relate to the principle. The other day we were ridding our bikes in the rain as usual. We got to a hill in between SE 20th and 30th Ave. I'm likely exaggerating when I say it was a 45 degree slope but it sure felt like it! I was so consumed with what I thought was a trial that when another bicyclist flew past me down the hill, I wasn't thinking very highly of him. "He doesn't even understand how hard it is to go up this hill and he just goes flying right past me like he doesn't even care!" Were the thoughts in my head. It was then that the spirit hit me over the head with a baseball bat. Well, not literally. He brought to my "remembrance" (John 14:26) the fact that just over an hour ago, I went down this very same hill. I had past judgment on an individual that I didn't even know for without the least amount of reasoning. It hadn't even crossed my mind that he would be going up this hill later if he hadn't already that day.

I know, this may be kinda a lame story, especially on my part, but I learned something very important that I hope will stick with me. We all have our ups and downs in this life. Just because we are having our down while another is having their up, does not give us license to judge them. Rather, we should be excited for them!

 

The principle in this video is a little different then the one I just described, however they go hand in hand. They both go along with the commandment: "Judge not, that ye be not judged" (Matt 7) We should always be kind in our words in our deeds, we don't know what others have gone or are going through. I hope each of you will join me in trying a little harder to be patient, trying a little harder to be loving, and trying a little harder to be more like Christ.

"More Worthy of Thy Love"

Lately the lyric, "Make me more worthy of thy love, And fit me for the life above," has been running almost constantly through my head. It comes from the song: Savior, Redeemer of My Soul, penned by Orson F. Whitney. The Spirit has not allowed it to leave me as of yet. There is something very beautifully inspired and poetic about asking God to make us, or me, more worthy of His unconditional love. It is already there, it is always available. Even better, He wants us to have it and to share it. Asking for the help to be worthy of such tender mercy and care is at the root of true repentance. This expression of need is a plea to have singleness of heart. It is asking for the Atoning Grace of Christ to fill in the cracks and cleanse us of our weaknesses.

"It is a fundamental truth that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can be cleansed." —Richard G. Scott,

Now, how I've been able to apply this principle to myself. Personally, I've often struggled with the difference between being worthy and being deserving. Deserving means to do what is required to achieve something, as where worthy means to be suitable or fit for a specified thing. Because I am mortal and have made mistakes, I will never deserve the things the God has and will give me. However, I have had a very strong witness that Christ can make me worthy through His atoning sacrifice. Atone means "at-one-with." I owe everything to my Savior for making me more worthy of His love and making me at one with Him. Regardless of how personally tailored this experience is for me, it is here for everyone. It is personal for everyone. I know that is true and I cannot deny it. I pray that I will continue to become more worth for the Lord's love as He fits me for the Kingdom above.

Away in... Portland!

Hey everyone, guess what! I'm in Portland! So far Portland has lived up to it's reputation of being different from any other place. It's a whole new place for me. Thankfully, the Lord hasn't sent me out on this adventure alone. My new companion is Elder Rankin and he is on fire! I know that God doesn't do random so this transfer is inspired. There are people here that we need to meet because the Lord has been preparing them for the message that we share. It is a message of peace and of hope. I declare that the Heavens have opened again. We live in a world were it has never been more important to have the guidance that comes through a Prophet of God. Miracles haven't ceased. Revelation hasn't ceased. Hope hasn't ceased. God is a god of love and He is reaching out for us His children. Best be getting excited!

Perspective

Perspective. How cold was it in Vancouver last night? Too cold. I honestly thought that I was done for when we left the library and it was probably in the 20s or 30s. That sure can make 3.5 miles a long bike ride! Yup, I was pretty sure I was going to die. It was then that I realized my companion from Florida had forgotten his gloves. I've lived in Colorado, Idaho, and Missouri so I had experienced the cold before. Elder Hagler had not. So, I decided to suck it up because what ever I was going through couldn't have been worse then what he was going through. The ride, after that wasn't that bad. In fact, I enjoyed driving through the freezing fog. I had adjusted my perspective, which improved my attitude, and ultimately my whole experience. The key to joy in this life isn't what we're given, it is what we do with what we're given. Smile, it's a choice. That's the choice I plan to make today. Whatch out for the missionary named Elder Barnes! He might just smile at you! ;)

Patience

I just watched this video on my friends Facebook page and I thought it was worthy of sharing. Patience is something that I am well aquanted with. Or at least opportunities to be patient. I definitely have need of the actual patience. Regardless, it is a principle of power. Christ thought us this in D&C 101:38. When we have patience, we are in control of ourselves and can progress towards eternal life. There is a person that we are teaching who is struggling with giving up some addictions. It can be very frustrating to watch them relapse but if I don't exercise patience, then I will not be capable to give them the support that they need. That is why I'm patient, why are you?

Receiving Inspiration

Something incredible happened the other day. There has been a question that has been weighing heavily on my mind for the past few weeks. It is in regard to a friend of mine that has been struggling with their testimony. I had gotten to the point that I felt cornered in as to what I should do to help. It was clear that I needed guidance like many other times in my life when I felt lost. I prayed more earnestly to my Father in Heaven then I have recently. After I inquired of the Lord what I should do I felt impressed to read Jacob 5 from the Book of Mormon. Starting in verse 49 the lord of the vineyard asks "What could I have done more for my vineyard?" Then the servant responded, "Spare it a little longer." The lord of the vineyard knew what needed to be done, he posed the question for the benefit of the servant. I had received my answer by likening the scripture to my situation (1 Nephi 19:23). In essence I need to hold in there a little longer, until I receive further direction. It wasn't the answer that I was looking for but I found peace in it knowing that He is aware of my struggles. This may seam like a simple thing, but the principles I've learned from this can be applied to larger difficulties. My testimony of both praying and reading the scriptures have been reinforced from this experience. I know that God hears and answers our prayers.

Temple Visit

Yesterday I had the wonderful opportunity to go to the Portland Oregon Temple. In the temple we make covenants or promises with God to live our lives according to His laws. The process of making these covenants are called ordinances. Baptism for example is an ordinance. It hast to be done in a certain way (immersion) Romans 6:3-5, in a certain place (Water), and by someone holding the Priesthood Authority of God. That's why Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, because he had the authority to do so. Same thing with temple covenants. It is only done in the temple by people who have been commissioned of Jesus Christ to do so. The Temple is a Holy place where we can feel the spirit stronger then anywhere else. It is the House of the Lord. Members and non-members alike can all feel the spirit of the temple by going to the visitor centers. There is one in Portland and many others throughout the world. I encourage everyone, young and old to visit the temple grounds and experience for yourself the peace found there.