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.

My Purpose

This is my first blog post ever so if I'm doing this wrong please feel free to correct me. Before I start sharing all of the adventures of Elder Barnes, I want to post an answers to a question that I get asked almost daily. That is "why are you on a mission?" This question strikes deep because nobody just picks up and leaves their happy lives unless they're deranged or inspired. Hopefully I'm not deranged because I'd much rather inspired! Now seriously, the reason that I came out here is because I love my Lord. He has extended a call for me to serve Him and the people in the Washington Vancouver Mission. The painting "Jesus at the Door" by Del Parson helps express my thoughts. The door in this painting has no door knob on the outside, illustrating that we need to let Christ into our lives, He cannot force Himself in. The Gospel of Jesus Christ helps me to open that door in my life. It would be difficult to open that door if I didn't have the help of the Bible, Book of Mormon, and modern day Prophets and Apostles. My purpose as a missionary is to help others open that door in their lives. That is why I'm out here on my mission. I'm trying to open doors.
Jesus at the Door (Gospel Art Book [2009], no. 65)