tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17095947386416633432024-03-12T22:52:17.075-06:00Come Unto Him With Full Purpose of HeartElder Matt Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13496133869392784586noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709594738641663343.post-36959094394177774552012-06-16T14:58:00.002-06:002012-06-19T11:27:22.421-06:00My Father; My ExampleA couple-three weeks ago I wrote a post called, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1709594738641663343#editor/target=post;postID=997888890957746964">'My Mother, DeAnn'</a>. As you can guess, the said post is about my mother, DeAnn. She is a sass of a lass and is the maker of the home I grew up in. Here is a portion of that post, "My mother would not be the woman that she is today without the support and love of my father, Dave. He is the supreme example in my eyes of how to be a husband. It is obvious that my father loves my mother by the way he treats her; the way he holds her hand; the way he talks about her; when he buys her flowers; and even the way he looks at her. He is completely supportive, compassionate, and patient. Because of my father I know what kind of man and husband I need to be. My father epitomizes Elaine S. Dalton's teachings to "<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/love-her-mother?lang=eng&query=love+her+mother+(name%3a"Elaine+S.+Dalton")">love [your children's] mother</a>". What a good egg! While my mother is a wonderful woman who has blessed all of those around her throughout her life she would not be complete without my father. Neither would my father be complete without my mother. They are quite the pair." <br />
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I would like to shed some light on this unsung hero. My Dad is simply the greatest. Here is proof: <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jAqxgqE_Hbc/T9udIHQAUnI/AAAAAAAAANk/_uLzAQrwCxI/s1600/Dave.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" pca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jAqxgqE_Hbc/T9udIHQAUnI/AAAAAAAAANk/_uLzAQrwCxI/s320/Dave.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here he is at the center of attention, telling yet another hilarious joke.</td></tr>
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I could go on and on about my father and how wonderful he is. He is incredibly patient. He is the hardest working person I have ever seen. He openly and affectionately loves and cares for his wife, my mother. He is hilarious (just look at the picture above!). He is the patriarch of his home and family and he has our utmost respect. There are so many great things about my father but the one that I would like to focus on is his worthiness and respect to the priesthood authority that he holds.<br />
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As I explained in my post, "<a href="http://fullpurposeofheart.blogspot.com/2011/09/lockout.html">Lockout</a>", the authority to act and do things in God's name was lost from the earth for many years after the death of Christ and the rejection of his apostles. Without permission from God to baptize, bless the sacrament, heal people from infirmities, and receive revelation from God for the body of the church the world fell into chaos. People tried to do it by their own authority but this led to divisions within the Christian faith and resulted in man's creation of many churches. However, there is hope. Our loving God reached out to a boy, Joseph Smith, whoh was called to restore Christ's original church to the eart. After the martyrdom of Joseph Smith another worthy and righteous man was called to lead. This same pattern has been followed to the present day in the which we are led by President Thomas S. Monson. He guides and directs us to Christ and eternal joy. <br />
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Within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worthy males have the privilege of receiving this priesthood authority. Its sole purpose is to bless others. One must be worthy to practice the responsibilites contained within. I know of no one better who has lived up to his priesthood covenants than my own father. He is my example of valiance, integrity, and love. I am forever grateful for him because he has shown me how to honor the priesthood, which I have done to the best of my ability for my two years as a missionary and which I vow to continue to honor throughout the rest of my life.<br />
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Here is a video narrated by President Thomas S. Monson on how to honor the priesthood and how important it is:<br />
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I love my father and I love the priesthood. It is real. It is here today. Live worthy of it. Access it.Elder Matt Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13496133869392784586noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709594738641663343.post-45602406586771942412012-06-12T15:30:00.001-06:002012-06-12T15:30:55.917-06:00Hang On To HopeConfusion. Sadness. Despair. Anger. Uncertainty. Anxiety. Difficulty.<br />
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We all feel dejected at times but I assure you that none of the said strugglings are impossible to overcome. The scriptures teach us that hope is the anchor of our souls (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/ether/12.4?lang=eng#3">Ether 12:4</a>). The adversary, Satan, wants us to let go of hope. No amount of negativity can destroy true hope anchored in Jesus Christ. He is the bright light to guide us out of our disorientation. The only way for us to become un-anchored is to distance ourselves from the influence of Christ.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hAB-n3m5BFI/T8-oKVl8mgI/AAAAAAAAANM/Ne4gO-sIQT0/s1600/hope" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hAB-n3m5BFI/T8-oKVl8mgI/AAAAAAAAANM/Ne4gO-sIQT0/s320/hope" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is one of my favorite drawings ever. By: Jeremy Garcia</td></tr>
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I've said it before and I'll say it again. One of my favorite bands is Guster (see my post "<a href="http://fullpurposeofheart.blogspot.com/2011/09/everything-grey.html">Everything Grey</a>"). One of my favorite songs by them is called "Hang On". The message of the song is one of hope:<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Hang on</div>
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Hang on</div>
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When all is shattered</div>
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When all your hope is gone</div>
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Who knows</div>
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How long</div>
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There is a twilight</div>
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A nighttime and a dawn</div>
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We break</div>
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We bend</div>
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With hand in hand</div>
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When hope is gone</div>
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Just hang on</div>
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Hang on </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8wh8YdDDJ-g/T9e0Qk6BakI/AAAAAAAAANY/Z4n6bNeF6rU/s1600/guster-band.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8wh8YdDDJ-g/T9e0Qk6BakI/AAAAAAAAANY/Z4n6bNeF6rU/s320/guster-band.jpg" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guster.</td></tr>
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</blockquote>
This song teaches that when you feel like letting go is when you most desparately need to hang on. By persevering you prove to yourself that you still have hope in a brighter tomorrow despite your hopeless feelings. You may feel that 'all is shattered' and 'all your hope is gone' but you must remember that it is part of what you have been called and prepared to struggle through. Everything has its purpose.<br />
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'There is a twilight, a nighttime, and a dawn'. Life is full of ups and downs and even though "weeping may endure for a night...joy cometh in the morning" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/ps/30.5?lang=eng#4">Psalms 30:5</a>). You need to faithfully endure this '<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/the-race-of-life?lang=eng&query=race+life">Race of Life' </a>as 'we break [and] we bend'. We are promised that Christ will turn our "mourning into dancing...and [gird us] with gladness" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/ps/30.11?lang=eng#10">Psalms 30:11</a>). As we hang on 'hand in hand' with the Savior and those that we love we will experience eternal felicity.Elder Matt Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13496133869392784586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709594738641663343.post-9978888909577469642012-05-12T13:29:00.004-06:002012-05-15T13:07:34.692-06:00My Mother, DeAnn<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9jESR4CxNCo/T66w8lMmnVI/AAAAAAAAAMo/BmfIRX-laUQ/s1600/mom.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dba="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9jESR4CxNCo/T66w8lMmnVI/AAAAAAAAAMo/BmfIRX-laUQ/s320/mom.bmp" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely.</td></tr>
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DeAnn Kempton Lee. This classy (yet sassy) lady just so happens to be my mother. I am proud of it! She is caring, loving, tender, funny, pretty, nurturing, helpful, and maybe even a little crazy! But that's why I love her so much. She is MY mother and she is there for ME. Time and time again through the best and worst of times my mother has been there for me. While influencing me to do what is right she trusts me with making my own decisions and allowing me to suffer the consequences, whatever they may be. She builds me up but is not afraid to correct me when I am making a mistake. She buoys me up when I am feeling low and cheers me on when I am finding success. My mother is the greatest.<br />
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What I love most about my mother is her wonderful example. She is a true mentor. Not only does she 'say' what to do but she 'shows' what to do. I had the wonderful privilege to be taught every week day by my mother in seminary (an early morning religious class) for three of my four years in high school. It was there that my mother led a classroom of teenagers by expounding the scriptures and bearing fierce testimony. However, this is not something that my mother was able to do on a whim! She would feed and prepare herself spiritually as she studied and prayed. <br />
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However, these words of mine would not be complete without making mention of someone else. My mother would not be the woman that she is today without the support and love of my father, Dave. He is the supreme example in my eyes of how to be a husband. It is obvious that my father loves my mother by the way he treats her; the way he holds her hand; the way he talks about her; when he buys her flowers; and even the way he looks at her. He is completely supportive, compassionate, and patient. Because of my father I know what kind of man and husband I need to be. My father epitomizes Elaine S. Dalton's teachings to "<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/love-her-mother?lang=eng&query=love+her+mother+(name%3a"Elaine+S.+Dalton")">love [your children's] mother</a>". What a good egg!<br />
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My childhood is full of loving memories of both my mother and my father. They are quite the pair (best parents ever). Our loving Heavenly Father provided us with families to help us in this crazy world. Families are the most important social unit in society and they are to be led, together, by both the father and the mother. I have sweet recollections of hearing my father read his scriptures out loud and looking into my parents room to see them kneeling together in prayer. Together they are whole. "Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-cor/11.11?lang=eng#10">1 Corinthians 11:11</a>).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GvsxNFCbtks/T665LkN4_6I/AAAAAAAAAM0/HoKmki3o4uM/s1600/mom+and+dad.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dba="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GvsxNFCbtks/T665LkN4_6I/AAAAAAAAAM0/HoKmki3o4uM/s320/mom+and+dad.bmp" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy!</td></tr>
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I owe all that I am to my wonderful mother (and father). My love for them is eternally deep. I am forever indebted. This Mother's Day show your appreciation to your mothers. Give her a call. Write her a note. Give her a hug. Love her. She'll appreciate it!Elder Matt Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13496133869392784586noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709594738641663343.post-51335294103732412362012-05-11T16:59:00.004-06:002012-05-15T13:09:33.096-06:00An Eye of FaithThe phrase, eye of faith, comes up multiple times in the Book of Mormon (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/5.15?lang=eng#14">Alma 5:15</a>, <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/32.40?lang=eng#39">Alma 32:40</a>, and <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/ether/12.19?lang=eng#18">Ether 12:19</a>). It has become one of my favorite phrases because of its deep meaning. I had previously been very confused about the meaning of the phrase. To me, it seemed contradictory because I have always been taught that to have faith is to believe and trust without having to see. In my ignorance I believed that having an 'eye of faith' implies that we need to see in order to have faith. <br />
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I continued in my confusion until I met a man in one of my past areas that I was serving in as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This man explained this confusing phrase to me as he told me an experience of his past. He had previously been employed as an instructor at Ricks College in Rexburg, ID where many General Authorities visit and speak.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HEv7zBRxMKE/T66qnJGARSI/AAAAAAAAAMc/6I-tDRcMFqc/s1600/ricks+college.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dba="true" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HEv7zBRxMKE/T66qnJGARSI/AAAAAAAAAMc/6I-tDRcMFqc/s320/ricks+college.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ricks College (way back when)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-96fonH7lZfM/T62ZqqQaaCI/AAAAAAAAAMI/ZjbOoKueEQA/s1600/game+winner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-96fonH7lZfM/T62ZqqQaaCI/AAAAAAAAAMI/ZjbOoKueEQA/s1600/game+winner.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Game winner!</td></tr>
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A member of one of the Quorums of the Seventy was speaking at a devotional where he was recounting some events from his younger years. As a grade schooler he would play basketball every day because of his love for the game. He would practice again and again so that he would become a better player. He envisioned in his young mind that he was playing in the Final Four (one of the final phases of the NCAA basketball tournament). In this scenario his team was down by one point and he was trusted with the final shot with four seconds left in the game. He practiced shooting that final shot many times until he became comfortable and the shot became easier. He would make it with consistency. Many years later he found himself in that very scenario. This time, however, it was a reality - he was literally in the Final Four, his team was down by one point with four seconds left, and he was trusted with the last shot. He was comfortable in the situation because of his diligent practice. Taking that shot was now second nature. When he was trusted to take it and he had great confidence. He took it and made it. <br />
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All of this was possible because his visionary preparation in his younger years. Then, when given the opportunity, he made his dream come true. He had an eye of faith. He looked forward with a goal in mind and worked hard in preparation. <br />
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In the Book of Mormon we are taught that faith is like a seed. If we plant and nourish it then it will grow into a great tree. If we seek in faith and put in the necessary work, God will provide us with that which we need. Conversely, if we "will not nourish the word, looking forward with an eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye can never pluck of the fruit of the tree of life" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/32.40?lang=eng#39">Alma 32:40</a>). If we expect an answer to prayer about whether the Book of Mormon is true or not; which school we should attend; who we should marry, etc. but are not willing to put in the effort to receive then we will not be answered. <br />
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It is my prayer that we will all look to the future with an eye of faith. When we successfully apply this principle we will be blessed with answered questions, accomplished goals, and captured dreams.Elder Matt Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13496133869392784586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709594738641663343.post-19184992793106474302012-04-25T14:30:00.003-06:002012-05-01T13:54:40.330-06:00Building A PalaceLately I have been thinking a lot about the pain experienced in adversity and trials. It is such a struggle! I have often wondered (and I know that I am not the only one) <em>why</em> it has to be so difficult? <br />
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I found an incredible answer in a quote from the amazing author, CS Lewis. He said:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right, and stopping the leaks in the roof, and so on: you knew that those jobs needed doing and you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably, and does not seem to make sense. What on earth is He up to?</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of– throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were going to be made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.”</blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E2VQSJZw0Xg/T5ha4fhSGPI/AAAAAAAAAL0/hQQL4f3Ia7w/s1600/cslewis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E2VQSJZw0Xg/T5ha4fhSGPI/AAAAAAAAAL0/hQQL4f3Ia7w/s320/cslewis.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CS Lewis</td></tr>
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These words by CS Lewis blow me away. The visual that he describes is simply amazing. Christ has no intention for us to become only 'cottages'. We go through incredibly hard times in our lives and we are bound to experience great pain. We may even want to give up or cry out and suggest that our burdens are 'too much.' However, we must ponder that "The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/122.8?lang=eng#7">Doctrine and Covenants 122:8</a>). The price of our sins has already been paid for by our Savior. He bought a palace. We should never give up or complain and end up settling for a cottage.<br />
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His sacrifice and love is incredibly personal. I love to personalize the verses in <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/76.41-42?lang=eng#40">Doctrine and Covenants 76:41-42</a> that describe Christ's sacrifice. "That he came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for [me], and to bear [my] sins, and to sanctify [me] from all unrighteousness; That through him all might be saved whom the Father had put into his power and made by him." How wonderful and personal our relationship with Christ becomes when we realize that He endured so much for us on an individual level. He truly is our best friend.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dTkNjsfnkw4/T5hbky4fSBI/AAAAAAAAAL8/94CGe6zaxsg/s1600/Jesus-Christ-Lamb-Mormon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dTkNjsfnkw4/T5hbky4fSBI/AAAAAAAAAL8/94CGe6zaxsg/s320/Jesus-Christ-Lamb-Mormon1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The Lost Lamb" by Del Parsons</td></tr>
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His love is so deep that He endured pains greater than any man has ever experienced so we will never be alone in our sorrow, anger, frustration, confusion, etc. His greatest desire is for us to endure our own trials while accessing His sacrifice and ultimately becoming the 'palace' that He has intended for us to become. He wants what is best for us. He does not want us to settle for mediocrity. When we look at our adversities as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks while relying completely on Jesus Christ we will achieve greatness. Christ will build us to be palaces.</div>
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</div>Elder Matt Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13496133869392784586noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709594738641663343.post-27687790946994159902012-04-13T15:07:00.001-06:002012-04-14T11:36:16.933-06:00Spring Forward in HappinessThere is an old expression that says, "April showers bring May flowers." Other than teaching that rain brings needed nourishment to seeds thus bringing forth blossoming flowers, this phrase teaches a great life lesson: No matter what dark and difficult times we may face we can be confident that, when endured well, the said trial will result in greater personal growth.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KHP3EBeamG0/T4iRQSqyIWI/AAAAAAAAALE/ACMuj8OWe2E/s1600/rockymountainfront-200805028-0813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="153" qda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KHP3EBeamG0/T4iRQSqyIWI/AAAAAAAAALE/ACMuj8OWe2E/s320/rockymountainfront-200805028-0813.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Springtime in the great state of Montana!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>There are many people who simply look at Spring as 'the rainy three months before Summer starts'. It is true that it can get a little bit on the wet side of things but we shouldn't get down in the dumps about it. In fact, we should embrace the season and spring forward in happiness! This time of year is one of excited renewal. <br />
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Everyone faces tough times! They might stem from something trivial (like rain!) or from a much deeper and more personal issue. One thing that I know, without doubt, is that adversity comes to us for many reasons known to the Lord. Christ said to the prophet, Isaiah, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/isa/55.8?lang=eng#7">Isaiah 55:8</a>). No matter what we are struggling with we may be confident that "it shall accomplish that which [pleases the Lord]" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/isa/55.11?lang=eng#10">Isaiah 55:11</a>). <br />
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Whenever I am faced with excessive suffering I often think of a talk given by Elder Robert D. Hales. It is called, "<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/waiting-upon-the-lord-thy-will-be-done?lang=eng&query=waiting+upon+lord%3a+thy+will+done">Waiting upon the Lord: Thy Will Be Done</a>". I recommend this beautiful talk to everyone! In it he shares a scripture that has changed my life! It reads, "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/ps/30.5?lang=eng#4">Psalms 30:5</a>). No matter what garbage I might be going through I can always draw strength from these words. Sadness will enter our hearts but the Lord will make up for it a hundred fold!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GxrQjmRYPxI/T4iRlRo3KPI/AAAAAAAAALM/CIzOKZQqFJk/s1600/robert-d-hales-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GxrQjmRYPxI/T4iRlRo3KPI/AAAAAAAAALM/CIzOKZQqFJk/s320/robert-d-hales-large.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Robert D. Hales </td></tr>
</tbody></table>When adversity is handled with faith the Lord will strengthen us. When Joseph Smith was wrongfully imprisoned in Liberty Jail he went through unimaginable hardships. However, he was promised that it was all for a more glorious purpose. The Lord said, "Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/122.7?lang=eng#6">Doctrine and Covenants 122:7</a>). If we ever find ourselves in our own personal "Liberty Jail" we can remember the words of Paul: "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/2-cor/4.17?lang=eng#16">2 Corinthians 4:17</a>). Even when we feel hopeless at the end of our rope we can be confident that we will see Christ again and remember His words which said "your joy no man taketh from you" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/16.22?lang=eng#21">John 16:22</a>). <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0PigeylHoa0/T4iR1wyX5GI/AAAAAAAAALU/IveqM1WKieM/s1600/joseph-smith-liberty-jail-mormon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0PigeylHoa0/T4iR1wyX5GI/AAAAAAAAALU/IveqM1WKieM/s320/joseph-smith-liberty-jail-mormon1.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>No one can take your joy from you but yourself! So, spring forward in happiness. Trust in God that "all things will work together for your good" and that joy will come in the morning. Retain your joy by reading scriptures, being charitable, being full of gratitude, and turning to God in prayer. Be happy!Elder Matt Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13496133869392784586noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709594738641663343.post-12527183418908294592012-04-07T13:43:00.002-06:002012-04-11T13:01:00.653-06:00I. Love. Easter.The things that Christ taught on the earth are simple and everlasting. Everything that He lived for and taught is found in the scriptures and is embodied in the greatest act of service: the Atonement. Easter is meant to direct our thoughts and actions to this great sacrifice. Easter is a wonderful time of year where we have a special occasion to recognize and honor our Savior. The sacrifice that Jesus endured is the most important event ever to have occurred in the history of the world. He took upon Himself the physical, emotional, and spiritual pains, sufferings, sicknesses, confusions, etc. on behalf of you and me (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/7.11-12?lang=eng#10">Alma 7:11-12</a>). His love is infinitely deep. He then proclaimed that "it is finished" when He died on the cross (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/19.30?lang=eng#29">John 19:30</a>). His body remained in the tomb for three days before He was gloriously resurrected and the angel proclaimed "He is not here: for he is risen" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/28.6?lang=eng#5">Matthew 28:6</a>). How great is our Lord!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4YoccvFRNb0/T4SvhHt_qqI/AAAAAAAAAK4/PiqrUdHuYps/s1600/resurrection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4YoccvFRNb0/T4SvhHt_qqI/AAAAAAAAAK4/PiqrUdHuYps/s320/resurrection.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Resurrection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Christ, after His resurrection, ministered for forty days in Jerusalem where He taught and showed Himself to many of His disciples. Paul writes of these visits in his first epistle to the Corinthians.<br />
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"And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: And after that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain to this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James, then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain: but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-cor/15.4-10?lang=eng#3">1 Corinthians 15:4-10</a>).<br />
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These verses are particularly touching to me. Christ loves all of us. He will manifest that love to even those of us who have not followed Him as strictly as they ought to. I am one of those, like Paul, who proclaims that I am the least of all who deserve His divine help. Yet, I have tasted of the love and light of our Savior. I also declare that it is "by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain" and I will "[labour] more abundantly" to follow Him more closely (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-cor/15.10?lang=eng#9">1 Corinthians 15:10</a>).<br />
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I plead with all of you to labour more abundantly to follow the Messiah. No matter what we have done, "his hand is stretched out still" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/isa/9.17?lang=eng#16">Isaiah 9:17</a>). Make this Easter special and give it to the Lord. Serve others. Pray. Repent. Love. I promise that as we more abundantly follow Him, He will more abundantly bless us.<br />
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Please watch this short video depicting some important events from Christ's ministry and his glorious atonement.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rWzC4jnxGaQ?fs=1" width="480"></iframe></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">I. Love. Easter.</div>Elder Matt Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13496133869392784586noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709594738641663343.post-52306889517626295082012-03-16T16:40:00.001-06:002012-03-17T11:06:16.943-06:00Inaudible MelodiesLife can get crazy. There are so many things going on in our day to day lives. At any time of the day we can easily get carried away with school, friends, relationships, appointments, sports, work, hobbies, eating, going to Barnes and Noble, going to Dairy Queen, getting Slurpees at 711, making cardboard armor and jousting, "testing" fire extinguishers, washing dishes, making sweet mix CDs, and so much more.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xlx6eCWLA2U/T2O_N2RKKII/AAAAAAAAAKE/Hcrv2A07YaE/s1600/slurps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xlx6eCWLA2U/T2O_N2RKKII/AAAAAAAAAKE/Hcrv2A07YaE/s320/slurps.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slurpees. One of the many things we can fill our time with.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> It is so easy to get caught up in the excitement of a busy life. We must be wary and do all things "in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/4.27?lang=eng#26">Mosiah 4:27</a>). If we are not careful we will end up with having <a href="http://fullpurposeofheart.blogspot.com/2011/08/too-much-to-handle.html">Too Much To Handle</a>. We need to take care of the things that matter most first. When we prioritize our actions with what is in line with the will of Heavenly Father and the teachings of Jesus Christ we will be blessed greatly!<br />
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In life there are things that are good, things that are better, and things that are best (see talk <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/good-better-best?lang=eng&query=good+better+best">"Good, Better, Best"</a> by Elder Dallin H. Oaks). When we choose the things that are "best" we please God and He blesses us. We should never sacrifice scripture study, church, prayer, integrity, virtue, honesty, family and all things "best" for the evils in the world nor should we for even the things that are "good". The "best" things in life fill spiritual holes with everlasting joy. Once we have taken care of the most important things in life we are left with time to ourselves for our own personal enjoyment.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KaSGe6ENG_o/T2O_foea68I/AAAAAAAAAKc/N-iDtozXmZ4/s1600/oaks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KaSGe6ENG_o/T2O_foea68I/AAAAAAAAAKc/N-iDtozXmZ4/s320/oaks.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Dallin H. Oaks</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
I know, from personal experience, that there must be a balance in life! When I get overwhelmed with church, school, or work I need some time to relax! I need some time for running around with friends on a weekend night, listening to sweet jams while getting delicious Slurpees. Even though this will not fill my spiritual hole in need of everlasting joy it is most definitely harmless fun. But if we get careless we will endanger ourselves to laziness, pleasure-seeking, and transgression. Remember, all things must be done "in wisdom and order" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/4.17?lang=eng#16">Mosiah 4:17</a>).<br />
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One of my favorite songs is by Jack Johnson and it is all about slowing down and realizing the beauty in the things that surround us. It is called "Inaudible Melodies" from his "Brushfire Fairytales" album and here are some of the lyrics! Enjoy!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">But in the long run we have found<br />
Silent Films are full of sound<br />
Inaudibly free<br />
<br />
Slow down everyone<br />
You're moving to fast<br />
Frames can't catch you when<br />
You're moving like that<br />
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Inaudible melodies<br />
<div>Serve narrational strategies</div><div>Unobtrusive tones</div><div>Help to notice nothing but the zone</div><div>Of visual relevancy</div><div>Frame-lines tell me what to see</div><div>Chopping like an axe</div><div><br />
</div><div>Or maybe Einstein should just relax</div></blockquote><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-__AssLIC-tM/T2O-y5AoMSI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/-MQhH8PThjs/s1600/jack+johnson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-__AssLIC-tM/T2O-y5AoMSI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/-MQhH8PThjs/s320/jack+johnson.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack Johnson</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Pure joy can only be found through the source of pure joy: Jesus Christ. BUT we don't need to be robots in order to achieve this. Slow down! You're moving too fast! Recognize that even the "silent films" are "full of sound" and beauty. We all need to "just relax" and not get caught up in over scheduled lives. President Gordon B. Hinckley said, "Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured." So, have a balance of both the joy that comes from church, scriptures and prayer and the joy that comes through sports, music, or school. I assure you that all goodness is from Christ (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/ether/4.12?lang=eng#11">Ether 4:12</a>). Soak it up while keeping a balance of things that are good, better, and best. <br />
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One scripture that gives me hope is found in the <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng">Book of Mormon</a>. It says, "Ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/2.41?lang=eng#40">Mosiah 2:17</a>).<br />
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Hold onto those inaudible melodies. Follow the teachings of Christ. Have fun. You will be blessed in all aspects of your lives and you will be happy.Elder Matt Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13496133869392784586noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709594738641663343.post-34966710123536449562012-02-25T12:15:00.000-07:002012-02-25T12:15:50.206-07:00Linsane Adaptation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Life is full of problems. Some trivial and some much more serious. There are always things in our way to potentially slow us down and hinder our progress. These trials are things that we need in order to become who God has planned for us to be. Many times we are faced with trials not because of things that we are necessarily doing wrong but simply because they are essential to lift us to new heights of progression. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have a simple choice when we are faced with these trials. 1) Trust in the world and give up. 2) Trust in Jesus Christ and adapt to our situations. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To trust in the world would be to give into temptation. To trust in the world would be to put things of the world above the things of God. It would be passiveness in a time where we must stand for what we believe in. It would be to give up when we feel that we've 'had enough trials'.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We must choose to trust in Christ. To do so is to keep going. To keep standing up and being assertive in the ways of righteousness. We must "push forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/31.20?lang=eng#19">2 Nephi 31:20</a>). We cannot give up. This principle of not giving up is universal and can be applied in all that we do. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am a huge fan of basketball. Sue me. Because of my service as a missionary I am unable to watch or follow the NCAA or the NBA like I did at home. However, I have heard a thing or two through letters from home about a certain player named Jeremy Lin. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z47LkxfU5KM/T0klT73J_oI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/9EkDazvqT8k/s1600/Jeremy-Lin-Dunk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z47LkxfU5KM/T0klT73J_oI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/9EkDazvqT8k/s320/Jeremy-Lin-Dunk.jpg" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeremy Lin</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kuBUi0cv2ZY/T0avyuksquI/AAAAAAAAAJs/aoX0KMLUh0o/s1600/linsummerleague.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kuBUi0cv2ZY/T0avyuksquI/AAAAAAAAAJs/aoX0KMLUh0o/s320/linsummerleague.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lin in the NBA Summer League of 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first time that I heard about Jeremy Lin was during the 2010-2011 Summer League of the NBA. I received a letter from my friend telling me about an amazing point guard from Harvard that was tearing it up for the Dallas Mavericks summer ball team. I asked my friend some follow-up questions in a letter and then in my friend's response he said that Lin made it through the Summer League and then was signed by the Golden State Warriors and got to play in a couple of regular season games. Sadly his spark died out a bit and then the team wasn't able to keep him because of salary and roster problems. He was cut shortly thereafter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Over a year later I receive word that he is back and is doing amazing things for the New York Knicks. After being cut by the Warriors last year he kept trying and was signed by the Houston Rockets at the start of this year. Because of roster issues (again) he was cut from the team. The New York Knicks picked him up and he got limited playing time until some injuries and roster changes happened. Lin was given a chance in a losing game against the Celtics where he proved himself to get some more playing time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8w9YGEC1j2s/Tzv09is7y8I/AAAAAAAAAJc/x4-mXY_mY5w/s1600/linsanity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8w9YGEC1j2s/Tzv09is7y8I/AAAAAAAAAJc/x4-mXY_mY5w/s400/linsanity.jpg" width="400" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Linsane</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Soon after that he started playing even better and he was putting up amazing numbers. It was noticed by all-star teammate, Carmelo Anthony, who asked Coach Mike D'Antoni to give Lin even more minutes and opportunities to play and prove himself. He did and he earned himself a starting spot. Ever since Lin has been playing a significant amount of minutes the Knicks have had a 9-3 record. He also has averaged over 20 points and over 8 assists in his first 10 games as a starter (the first player to do that since the ABA). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He has only been able to accomplish this because of his hard work, perseverance, determination, and hope for a brighter future. It would have been so easy for him to accept defeat or work only half as hard because of previous failures but because of his diligence and his ability to adapt to difficult circumstances he has pulled off some amazing things. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we are struggling with work, school, family, friends, and life in general it can get tiring. Satan wants us to throw our hands up and say, 'I don't care anymore. I give up.' The Lord wants us to put our hands to work, harder than ever before, and recognize what we can do differently or what we can improve. He wants us to say, 'What more can I do to get where I need to be?' The Lord provides us with challenges to see how we handle ourselves. Will we choose to rely on Him and succeed or will we choose to be passive and be defeated?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jeremy Lin kept trying even when it seemed he could go no further. He was then given another small opportunity with the Knicks and he made the most of it to the point that Carmelo Anthony recognized his talents and talked to the coach and it resulted in being given an even bigger opportunity. Now he is a starting point guard for a high-caliber team in the NBA and they are playing at a level above that they were playing before.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I promise that as we strive in our own lives to adapt to our individual struggles and simply keep working forward we will see miracles. The Lord's hand is in <b>all </b>things and He wants to reward us with blessings. These miracles may be small and they may be big. Sometimes it takes a very long time to see the rewards of our faith and work but the Lord promises us that we will be rewarded. As we strive in Linsane adaptation and push forward "rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/rom/12.12?lang=eng#11">Romans 12:12</a>) we will see the rewards of our faith.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Elder Matt Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13496133869392784586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709594738641663343.post-46023860608244544852012-01-19T14:32:00.005-07:002012-01-20T16:22:54.202-07:00It's All RelativeI often wonder why people do the things they do. Why did he say that? Why did she act that way? Why does he live like that? Why does she always find herself in the same bad situation? Why is he continually allowing himself to be treated like that? Etc. Before I came on my mission, whenever I would get into this ponderous mood I would often get on my computer or pull out my iPod/CDs and listen to music. I like most types of music but what I really love is something that will help me calm down and think.<br />
<div><br />
</div>I really enjoy to listen, sit back, and contemplate to music. One of my favorite musicians to help me do this is Jack Johnson. In his lyrics to the song, "It's All Understood" he teaches us that in today's society morals have become a thing of the past. The world used to revolve around what was right and what was wrong. Good and bad. Now, everything is in the grey area. It's all relative.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_GqabIiBvhI/TxiIZ3XmPMI/AAAAAAAAAJE/C6wylcVaa-M/s1600/jack-johnson-picture-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_GqabIiBvhI/TxiIZ3XmPMI/AAAAAAAAAJE/C6wylcVaa-M/s320/jack-johnson-picture-2.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack Johnson</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Here is a portion of "It's All Understood":<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">And fact is only what you believe <br />
And fact and fiction work as a team <br />
It's almost always fiction in the end <br />
That content begins to bend <br />
When context is never the same<br />
<br />
I was reading a book<br />
Or maybe it was a magazine <br />
Suggestions on where to place faith <br />
Suggestions on what to believe <br />
But I read somewhere <br />
That you've got to beware <br />
You can't believe anything you read <br />
But the good Book is good <br />
And that's well understood <br />
So don't even question <br />
If you know what I mean <br />
<br />
(Chorus)<br />
But it's all relative<br />
Even if you don't understand <br />
Well it's all understood <br />
Especially when you don't understand <br />
And it's all just because <br />
Even if we don't understand <br />
Then lets all just believe </div><br />
Jack is talking about a very serious and real issue in this song. He is addressing the reality of the struggle between personality and complacency. We are created as equal individuals and the trial of this life is to align our will with God's. Heavenly Father has given us one precious thing that is truly ours: Choice. But just because we own our choices does not mean that we should do anything and everything that we want.<br />
<br />
This is what Satan wants us to think and it has become one of the his biggest tools against us. He has much of the the world convinced that the right and wrong of morality is up to the individual. This is false. God's laws and morals have been established "since the foundations of this world" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/130.20?lang=eng#19">Doctrine and Covenants 130:20</a>). When someone or something goes against those laws they are at fault. We as a society will never outgrow these morals. To believe such is to think that we can outgrow God. His laws will never change. He is the same yesterday, today and forever (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/29.9?lang=eng#8">2 Nephi 29:9</a>).<br />
<br />
In a talk called, "Cleansing the Inner Vessel" given by President Boyd K. Packer a story is told of a grade school class where one of the students brought a kitten for 'show and tell'. One of the students raised his hand and asked if it was a boy kitty or a girl kitty. After some confusion and chaos (and I'm sure nervousness for the teacher) one boy raised his hand and said, "I know how you can tell....you can vote on it!" Funny story, I know, but it holds a lot of truth to the way that our society has become! President Packer then said,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">"If we are not alert, there are those today who not only tolerate but advocate voting to change laws that would legalize immorality, as if a vote would somehow alter the designs of God's laws and nature. A law against nature would be impossible to enforce. For instance, what good would a vote against the law of gravity do?</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">"There are both moral and physical laws...History demonstrates over and over again that moral standards cannot be changed by battle and connot be changed by ballot. To legalize that which is basically wrong or evil will not prevent the pain and penalties that will follow as surely as night follows day."</blockquote>We cannot change the laws or designs of God. Anything but His will is counterfeit. Don't get me wrong, we all have our own personalities, likes and dislikes. I am not saying that we must conform to the will of a friend or a corporation. But we must try our best to bring our lives into alignment with the teachings of Christ.<br />
<br />
There are certain things that are relative to the individual but I assure you that the way that we follow God and His servants is not one of them. Times, styles, and fashions may change but God will not. Just like Jack Johnson said, "The good Book is good and that's well understood. So don't even question, if you know what I mean." Even in the chaos of our lives we can be certain of one thing. God is with you. He is constant and He loves you more than you know. Follow Him, no matter what the world is saying or doing, and you will be blessed evermore.Elder Matt Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13496133869392784586noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709594738641663343.post-67774928322832503092011-12-21T12:13:00.000-07:002011-12-21T12:13:25.928-07:00Truth of ChristmasI love this special time of year. I love this season because I am able to walk around munchin' on candy canes and NOT look like a weirdo, hot chocolate is in high demand, Christmas tunes are being sung, Christmas lights are up, good times are being had! But there is something much more. The Grinch went through a big change when he saw that Christmas came even after he tried to steal it. He said, "It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes, or bags! Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas...means a little bit more". Wise words Mr. Grinch!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KpHHrMpcN7A/TvIuRuPsbiI/AAAAAAAAAIs/vtVsbvHrw4c/s1600/grinch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KpHHrMpcN7A/TvIuRuPsbiI/AAAAAAAAAIs/vtVsbvHrw4c/s1600/grinch.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grinch!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
BUT what is it that makes this season so special? People tend to get caught up in the commercialism and hype of the season and they soon lose sight of the "reason for the season". Sure, we give and receive gifts around Christmastime. We also listen to inspiring music, watch good family-oriented movies, and have good food! But the special spirit that is felt is not a product of these things! The Grinch is right when he said that it must mean a little bit more.<br />
<br />
It is the Spirit of Christ. Jesus Christ was born into the world so that He could live perfectly while setting up His Church, suffer our individual pains, sins, and infirmities to save us from spiritual death, and then die and be resurrected to save us from physical death. This is called the Atonement and it is the ultimate sign of His love.<br />
<br />
At Christmastime we recognize His birth to commemorate all that He did for us. Without the Atonement His birth would have been just another baby coming into the world. But he fulfilled prophecies in the way that He lived and He made it possible for us to return to Him. This year, let us celebrate the birth and life of our only true King, Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ElnsdvjbAYc/TvIuZ2UzRhI/AAAAAAAAAI0/QcVALL4cj3Y/s1600/christbloch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ElnsdvjbAYc/TvIuZ2UzRhI/AAAAAAAAAI0/QcVALL4cj3Y/s320/christbloch.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birth of Christ by Carl Heinrich Bloch</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the church that I represent as a full-time missionary, has produced and released <a href="http://lds.org/bible-videos/?lang=eng">Bible Videos</a> that depict scenes directly from the bible. These videos are simply beautiful and they are completely true to the truth of the bible. Below I have posted a few of these videos because they teach about the birth of Christ in a way that that has touched me. As a full-time missionary I am away from my family and am unable to participate in some of the traditions that I would normally take part in if I was at home (like watching The Grinch!). At times, it is hard to even realize that it's almost Christmas. I am so grateful for these videos because they have helped me to recognize and capture the true spirit of Christmas. I know that they will do the same for you.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/i99ZVpsHjVY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/M5t0X0pRbM0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/wLGo9HnPsyU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/moetAoq6sM0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Don't you feel the Spirit of Christmas? These videos bring the scriptures to life. Let us let them live in us. Share the Spirit of Christmas with your friends, neighbors, families, and strangers. You will be happier and you will be helping someone else too. That is the spirit of Christmas. I know that my Savior lives and I know that He loves you and me. Merry Christmas!</div>Elder Matt Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13496133869392784586noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709594738641663343.post-82941056120979958422011-12-08T12:58:00.002-07:002011-12-09T13:50:13.838-07:00Sunset in July...in DecemberA little while back I wrote a blog called, "<a href="http://fullpurposeofheart.blogspot.com/2011/07/christmas-in-july.html">Christmas in July</a>" where I tried to help everyone to always remember Christ. No matter what time of year it is!<br />
<br />
NOW...it is that special time of year. Christmas spirit is in the air and happiness is all around! I love it.<br />
<br />
Christmas is meant to bring our minds to the birth of Christ and help us be happy. Satan doesn't want this at all! He will do all he can to bring us down and he often twists things that are great to tear us apart. There are so many people who are away from home, don't have friends and family around, or don't have family at all. It can be a big burden financially, spiritually, and emotionally. If we go about the season with the wrong attitude then we can get caught up in sadness and depression. Also, the cold winter weather can be a bit draining as well. This can be the best or the worst time of year.<br />
<br />
I feel that sometimes, we just need to be reminded of the happiness and contentment of summer. One of my favorite bands is 311 and they have a song that helps me remember just that! It's called "Sunset in July" and it says:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">January, February, March into May. Here's June with a tune just to brighten my day. Sunsetting in July I'm gonna fade 'em away 'cause time is sliding, time is sliding on hear what I say. If you believe that, believe that. Back-up, back-up you need that, need that. Space and time and time and space is my way. I'm forever in existence I'm forever okay.</blockquote>When we recognize that we are "forever in existence" and that "time is sliding on" we can "slide" into contentment and just smile our problems away.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-152DTqqEW2o/TuENnBCSNlI/AAAAAAAAAIk/Ku7t4lAXlmc/s1600/102_1566%255B1%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-152DTqqEW2o/TuENnBCSNlI/AAAAAAAAAIk/Ku7t4lAXlmc/s320/102_1566%255B1%255D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Montana sunset...in July!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Christmas is a wonderful time of year. Recognize the happiness in the air and hold onto it. Always remember that we are never alone. Ever. We just need to reach to the Lord who said, "I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/14.18?lang=eng#17">John 14:18</a>). Christmas is a great time to come closer tot he Lord. 'Tis the season!Elder Matt Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13496133869392784586noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709594738641663343.post-1918191020410426522011-11-16T12:44:00.000-07:002011-11-16T12:44:51.895-07:00Faith in PerfectionFaith is everything. When sharing one's beliefs something that is often said is, "I have faith in..." or "I believe..." or "I know..." and then they add whatever they feel strongly about at that time. I know that I have faith in family, friends, the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, modern-day prophets, priesthood blessings, the Holy Ghost, and a ton of other things! But the one thing that has been pressing on my mind lately is the unparalleled importance of faith in Jesus Christ. He is the center of everything. Without Him I wouldn't have a family that is full of love. Without Him there would be no Bible or Book of Mormon. Without Him there would be no priesthood or the need to restore it to the earth. Without Christ there would be nothing of importance for the Holy Ghost to bear witness of. Christ is all that I hold dear. There is nothing or no one that even comes close to the love and reverence that I have in Him.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-frzlgYKzqAc/TsQR7C4L6_I/AAAAAAAAAIE/QGscdj_IFuk/s1600/jesus-christ-0107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-frzlgYKzqAc/TsQR7C4L6_I/AAAAAAAAAIE/QGscdj_IFuk/s320/jesus-christ-0107.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesus Christ</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I have been taught these things since I was a little boy. I have always believed in Christ and I have always known that He is important. Recently, I was looking something up in the Bible Dictionary (found in the back of the LDS Edition of the King James Version of the Bible) and I came across the definition of Faith. I have always been told that faith is to believe in something even though you can't see it but what I found in the definition shows that there is more to it than that. This definition explains faith in a way that has made me think and think and think. Here is a portion of that definition of faith:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">Faith is to hope for things which are not seen, but which are true (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/heb/11.1?lang=eng#primary">Hebrews 11:1</a>; <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/32.21?lang=eng#20">Alma 32:21</a>), and must be centered in Jesus Christ in order to produce salvation. To have faith is to have confidence in something or someone. The Lord has revealed himself and his perfect character, possessing in their fulness all the attributes of love, knowledge, justice, mercy, unchangeableness, power, and every other needful thing, so as to enable the mind of man to place confidence in him without reservation. Faith is kindled by hearing the testimony of those who have faith (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/rom/10.14-17?lang=eng#13">Romans 10:14-17</a>) . Miracles do not produce faith but strong faith is developed by obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ; in other words, faith comes by righteousness, although miracles often confirm one's faith. (See my blog: <a href="http://fullpurposeofheart.blogspot.com/2011/10/god-lives.html">God Lives.</a>)</blockquote><br />
<br />
Many people will say that they have faith in Christ because He suffered and died for all men and performed many miracles. While this is definitely true it is important to note that He was only able to do these things because He is perfect. He is perfect in every single way. I'll try to explain the importance of Christ being perfect by using an analogy.<br />
<br />
Say that there is an up and coming basketball star that every professional team wants on their team. This guy is better than Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Karl Malone, and Shaquille O'Neal all put together. He is a <b>perfect </b>player. He is the perfect passer, rebounder, scorer, screener, defender, team player, etc. There are a lot of great basketball players in the world. There is not a single perfect one out there. No not one. What does it mean to be perfect? Well, to be perfect (from a basketball perspective) you can't have a single turn-over, miss a single block-out, miss a single shot, screen, or defensive assignment. You also need to be perfectly humble. (Man...I want this guy on my team!) He would teach and encourage his teammates to give it all that they have and then when they fell short due to their own imperfections he would step in and give the team the push that they need and they would win every game. In a sense, he would help each individual be more exact and as a whole the team would be perfect.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5N3fuzqEXvE/TsQSCMBw6XI/AAAAAAAAAIM/sC4Mc_LUsvI/s1600/lebron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5N3fuzqEXvE/TsQSCMBw6XI/AAAAAAAAAIM/sC4Mc_LUsvI/s320/lebron.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LeBron James</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P4kkMkkt_9k/TsQSDMhIzNI/AAAAAAAAAIU/8wrspsHriNA/s1600/karl_malone142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P4kkMkkt_9k/TsQSDMhIzNI/AAAAAAAAAIU/8wrspsHriNA/s320/karl_malone142.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karl Malone: The Mailman</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <i> </i><br />
Do we <b>really</b> believe<i> </i>Christ when He said, "If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever things that is expedient in me" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/7.33?lang=eng#32">Moroni 7:33</a>). The promise that He gives in this verse is extremely powerful. He is saying that <b>anything</b> is possible through Him (because of His perfections). <br />
<br />
When we are suffering heartache Christ's perfect empathy will soothe us. When we are down-trodden Christ will lift us. When we are confused Christ will speak peace to us. When we want to know the truth Christ will let us know. However, He only will do these things if we show faith. We must pray for, strive for, and hope for His influence in our lives. With Him nothing is out of reach. It is written that "his hand is stretched out still" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/ot/isa/10.4?lang=eng#3">Isaiah 10:4</a>). All we need to do is grab it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDkKgm38_Ho/TsQSY_jQFiI/AAAAAAAAAIc/QrRqx9TCtGw/s1600/close-up-christus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDkKgm38_Ho/TsQSY_jQFiI/AAAAAAAAAIc/QrRqx9TCtGw/s320/close-up-christus.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cristus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Elder Matt Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13496133869392784586noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709594738641663343.post-54984995652633825822011-10-29T12:02:00.001-06:002011-11-02T11:45:54.278-06:00God LivesThere are many people who wonder...<i>Does God really exist? Does He really have a hand in my life?</i> I know for myself that He does. I know this because of heartfelt prayer, study, and searching and He has manifested the truth and validity of Himself to me time and time again.<br />
<br />
The only way to truly know if He is there is to read of Him and pray to Him. I have done this and each time that I do my faith in Him grows. This is the ONLY way that we can build a strong enough foundation to have a lasting testimony of our God. Once we have showed and proved our faith in Him through following His commandments, He allows us to witness or experience something miraculous.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nN9N_An8ISU/Tqw_SQNDKoI/AAAAAAAAAHc/DPp2Rtd6G7o/s1600/Prayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nN9N_An8ISU/Tqw_SQNDKoI/AAAAAAAAAHc/DPp2Rtd6G7o/s320/Prayer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
In my life, these miracles have been blessings from God reminding me that He IS there and He is all powerful. These experiences were and are designed to strengthen faith in Him. These experiences do not define faith, rather, they REfine it, making it stronger and more steadfast. <br />
<br />
Such an experience occurred the other day to some of the great people that my companion and I go see. Let's say that their names are Zak and Sara. They were watching a comedian on Zak's Smartphone and some of the comedian's jokes began to be a little sacrilegious. They then got much worse. Zak and Sara got more and more uncomfortable the worse the jokes got. At the start of another terrible joke the comedian said, "Ya know what? I don't think that God exists." Just before he could deliver the punchline the phone shut off! It had been completely charged and there was nothing "wrong" with the phone at all. God doesn't exist? I beg to differ. He knows all things and His hand is in all things.<br />
<br />
Zak and Sara already had faith in God and what He can do but through this experience He let them know of His limitless reach. "I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/ether/12.6?lang=eng#5">Ether 12:6</a>). Faith precedes the miracle. But when that miracle comes, you better pay attention!Elder Matt Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13496133869392784586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709594738641663343.post-33191364495348649352011-10-22T12:23:00.001-06:002011-11-02T11:47:59.556-06:00I Will Try to Fix YouI know that I can't solve everyone's problems. Throughout my life I have been the type of person who does all he can to help someone who is feeling down, in a fight, confused, depressed, lost, etc. Helping others helps me! BUT I have not always been successful. It is not up to me to "save everyone". <br />
<br />
I have had many experiences where I try my best to help my own situation or to better the situation of someone else and then fall short. It's frustrating and disappointing and at times it has brought me down. Don't be like me and allow it to damage you. <br />
<br />
"Fix You" by Coldplay is one of my favorite songs and it talks about trying to help those in need.<br />
<br />
<blockquote><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mc4z4X715n8/TqHJJDrH3CI/AAAAAAAAAHU/QGfOqk9jShg/s1600/xy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200px" rda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mc4z4X715n8/TqHJJDrH3CI/AAAAAAAAAHU/QGfOqk9jShg/s200/xy.gif" width="200px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">x&y album cover (which features "Fix You")</td></tr>
</tbody></table>When you try your best, but you don't succeed</div>When you get what you want, but not what you need<br />
When you feel so tired, but you can't sleep<br />
Stuck in reverse</div></blockquote><blockquote><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Lights will guide you home</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And ignite your bones</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And I will try to fix you</div></div></div></blockquote><br />
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<blockquote><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hNdFHKuVnFc/TqHIaxgGxRI/AAAAAAAAAHM/nlhaFebzeIM/s1600/Coldplay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" rda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hNdFHKuVnFc/TqHIaxgGxRI/AAAAAAAAAHM/nlhaFebzeIM/s320/Coldplay.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coldplay</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div></blockquote>We must do all that we can to try to help others. But that does not mean that we are expected to save everyone around us. Ronald Reagan said, "We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone." What a true statement. I know, from experience, that it can get depressing trying to save everyone. We cannot do it alone.<br />
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However, with the help of Jesus Christ all things are possible. "And Christ truly said unto our fathers: If ye have faith ye can do all things which are expedient unto me" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/10.23?lang=eng#22">Moroni 10:23</a>). Do you think that it is <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/expedient">expedient</a> in Christ to help others get out of depression? Of course it is! But we must recognize that we need His help in order to help and save those in need (including ourselves!).<br />
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I know that as we do our absolute best to "try to fix" the problems of a friend, loved one, or even ourselves Jesus Christ will step in and take care of the rest. Once we have given it our all, He will fill in the gaps. The power of His grace covers all pain, suffering, and despair. He desperately wants to help. In order to access His strength all we need to do is do our part and "try". When we do we, and those who we share it with, are "encircled about eternally in the arms of his love" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/1.15?lang=eng#14">2 Nephi 1:15</a>). Here in this perfect and infinite gospel of Christ we become and stay happy. Here, Christ will "fix" us and those we love. Let Him.<br />
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<img height="72px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hNdFHKuVnFc/TqHIaxgGxRI/AAAAAAAAAHM/nlhaFebzeIM/s320/Coldplay.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 99px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 223px; visibility: hidden;" width="96px" />Elder Matt Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13496133869392784586noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709594738641663343.post-6342338059934974472011-10-15T12:04:00.001-06:002011-11-02T11:51:02.791-06:00In RepairI am a changed person because of my Savior, Jesus Christ. He has helped me so many times in my life that I cannot even comprehend it. His love for me blows my mind. He is infinitely patient, caring, merciful, and powerful. Yet...He cares about you and me. This life meant to be hard. It is through Christ that we can overcome any of it. He wants us to endure our trials, grab His outstretched hand, and follow Him. <br />
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When we are striving to do what is right we are never going to be able to stop growing and becoming more. This life is meant for us to suffer challenges while accessing the help of Christ to learn. Then the process begins again. In the words of John Mayer, we are always going to be 'in repair'.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1uVfDRuwaUk/TpnJhl6bguI/AAAAAAAAAHE/hQyR6kS1E7o/s1600/johnmayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1uVfDRuwaUk/TpnJhl6bguI/AAAAAAAAAHE/hQyR6kS1E7o/s320/johnmayer.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
However, Satan wants us to feel like we aren't making any progress, like we are wasting our time, and that we are failures. Satan exerts his greatest efforts to tear us down when we are working our hardest to do what is right. He is afraid that we will succeed, become stronger, and join Jesus Christ in the fight for right. <br />
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When we are going through the process of repentance on the road to Forgiveness we experience change and growth. Christ is shaping us to be better. In many cases these changes for good might feel awkward, out-of-place, strange, and foreign. We feel these feelings because we are becoming more and are getting stronger! Satan will step in at this pivotal point in our process of "putting off the natural man" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/3.19?lang=eng#18">Mosiah 3:19</a>) and will try to twist things. He will do all that he can to make us believe that these good (though foreign at first) feelings of growth are feelings of guilt and shame thus leading us to believe that we are inadequate or unworthy of blessings. Do not let him do that! He is the father of all lies and will do all that he can to trick, and "lull [us] away into carnal security" in attempts to "leadeth [us] away carefully down to hell" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/28.21?lang=eng#20">2 Nephi 28:21</a>).<br />
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As we trust in Christ and lean on Him we will receive the help that we need. Not all of our problems will be solved in an instant. We will grow little by little and will be strengthened each day as we hearken to the teachings of Christ. Do not fall prey to Satan's lies to give us feelings of inadequacy. Christ's love for you and me is endless. We may not be perfect but when we look to He who is perfect, we will receive strength.<br />
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We cannot allow ourselves to be like John Mayer in his amazing song, "In Repair". He says,<br />
<blockquote>Stood on the corner for a while<br />
To wait for the wind to blow down on me<br />
Hoping it takes with it my old ways<br />
And brings some brand new luck upon me<br />
Oh it's taking so long I could be wrong, I could be ready<br />
Oh but if I take my heart's advice<br />
I should assume it's still unsteady<br />
I am in repair, I am in repair</blockquote><br />
Satan would love to have this kind of hold on all of us. Don't let it happen! Trust in God instead of feeling that we "could be ready" but are "still unsteady". We are <b>always</b> going to be "in repair" but don't make it an excuse and take a backseat to change and repentance. Embrace the love of Jesus Christ.<br />
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I absolutely love my Savior, Jesus Christ and I know that anything is possible with His divine help. Let Him repair you.Elder Matt Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13496133869392784586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709594738641663343.post-31243002411739563742011-10-11T12:46:00.001-06:002011-11-02T11:56:15.050-06:00A Living ProphetA prophet is a man chosen by God to as voice for God to tell the people what God's will is. Throughout the Old Testament there is a cycle, beginning with Adam, of God calling a prophet, the people prospering as they follow that prophet (such a period of time is referred to as a dispensation), and then the people rejecting the prophet and falling away from God (such a period of time is referred to as an apostasy). There are many dispensations throughout throughout the Old Testament led by prophets such as: Adam, Noah, Moses, Isaiah, Abraham, and Ezekiel. They all held what is called the Priesthood; which God has given to worthy men to act in His name. They all held a sacred responsibility to lead God's children to Him and to prepare the way for Christ to come to the earth.<br />
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After Christ's Crucifixion His Apostles continued the work of the ministry. However, they too were rejected and killed. The world then entered another cycle of apostasy and we were in this state until God called Joseph Smith Jr. to be His prophet in the early 1800s. (For more on this please look at my post <a href="http://fullpurposeofheart.blogspot.com/2011/09/lockout.html">Lockout</a>.)<br />
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After Joseph Smith was killed, Brigham Young was called to be the president and prophet of the Lord's Church. After Brigham Young passed away, John Taylor succeeded him. I know that we have a <a href="http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8555-1-4779-8,00.html">living prophet</a> on the earth today. The following is a picture of the modern-day prophets that God has chosen:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9eqerNfJ-A4/TpCr9VkOynI/AAAAAAAAAGo/Us0f0z-MyAE/s1600/2988034_Latter-day_Prophets_product.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9eqerNfJ-A4/TpCr9VkOynI/AAAAAAAAAGo/Us0f0z-MyAE/s320/2988034_Latter-day_Prophets_product.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Latter-day Prophets</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span id="goog_869361296">Every first weekend in the months of April and October we have the great opportunity to hear the words of a living prophet. His name is <a href="http://lds.org/churchhistory/presidents/controllers/potcController.jsp?leader=16&topic=facts">President Thomas S. Monson</a>. It is amazing that we have a prophet on the earth today. He is God's servant called to guide and direct us in the craziness of today's society. Here are some of his words from this past General Conference in early October of 2011:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><blockquote><div uri="/general-conference/2011/10/stand-in-holy-places.p24">We must be vigilant in a world which has moved so far from that which is spiritual. It is essential that we reject anything that does not conform to our standards, refusing in the process to surrender that which we desire most: eternal life in the kingdom of God. The storms will still beat at our doors from time to time, for they are an inescapable part of our existence in mortality. We, however, will be far better equipped to deal with them, to learn from them, and to overcome them if we have the gospel at our core and the love of the Savior in our hearts. The prophet Isaiah declared, “The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever” (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/ot/isa/32.17?lang=eng#16">Isaiah 32:17</a>).</div></blockquote>What great words! Isn't it amazing to have a prophet alive on the earth today? <a href="http://lds.org/search?lang=eng&query=Thomas+S.+Monson&id=20100618144654815-0751042&collection=general-conference&name=Thomas+S.+Monson">HERE</a> are many more of his words. I assure you that they are the words of God.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XXprHItf74o/TpSIVBETBOI/AAAAAAAAAGs/Rw38QRy2aTY/s1600/presidentmonson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XXprHItf74o/TpSIVBETBOI/AAAAAAAAAGs/Rw38QRy2aTY/s320/presidentmonson.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">President Thomas S. Monson<br />
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</tbody></table>I know that God loves us so much. He lives. He sends living prophets to lead living people in His living church. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is comprised of apostles and prophets just like the church in Christ's time. <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2011/10?lang=eng">HERE</a> are their words from this past conference.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K8f9vNFy1ho/TpSLk3DJnXI/AAAAAAAAAG0/BpNfXMjLuCs/s1600/firstpresidency.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K8f9vNFy1ho/TpSLk3DJnXI/AAAAAAAAAG0/BpNfXMjLuCs/s320/firstpresidency.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The First Presidency</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur6q3U8erIU/TpSLmNt3XGI/AAAAAAAAAG8/Ea-LCGvdj4o/s1600/quorum+of+the+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur6q3U8erIU/TpSLmNt3XGI/AAAAAAAAAG8/Ea-LCGvdj4o/s320/quorum+of+the+12.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It is a blessing beyond imagination that we have these prophets on the earth today. We are truly in the dispensation of the "fullness of times" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/eph/1.10?lang=eng#9">Ephesians 1:10</a>).Elder Matt Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13496133869392784586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709594738641663343.post-74036428185100269702011-09-29T14:47:00.000-06:002011-09-29T14:47:52.661-06:00Time and EternityPeople who know me know that I absolutely love my <a href="http://fullpurposeofheart.blogspot.com/2011/04/family.html">Family</a>. People who know my family know that they are the bomb (seriously...best family ever). I've got two top-notch parents and two amazing brothers and three fantastic sisters (plus all of their stellar spouses). There's about a four year gap between the first four and my brother and me. I'm the youngest of the family. My brother, Brett, and I are only two years apart and we are super close. Best friends. We've played basketball together, had life-changing experiences together (see my post: <a href="http://fullpurposeofheart.blogspot.com/2011/05/refining-experience.html">A Refining Experience</a>), gotten Slurpees together, listened to tunes together, played pool together, and everything in between. What can I say...he's a good egg. I'm way close with every single one of my siblings but Brett and I have simply been through a lot together.<br />
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This past Saturday my brother, Brett, was married to a gem of a lady, Robyn, in the Spokane Washington Temple. My whole family was gathered together to celebrate the great event...except for me. I was here, in Dillon, Montana as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And I am as happy as can be! Why am I so happy if I missed out on the wedding of a life-time? Because I know that I am where I need to be.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nXdOjSUItQo/ToTUl4RS0yI/AAAAAAAAAGc/MJb8UJsPajs/s1600/robynbig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nXdOjSUItQo/ToTUl4RS0yI/AAAAAAAAAGc/MJb8UJsPajs/s320/robynbig.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RobynBig. Happy. Huzzah!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RumVlZR2Ckw/ToTUtZoOEiI/AAAAAAAAAGg/eeS0hUXRdCY/s1600/spokanetemple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213px" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RumVlZR2Ckw/ToTUtZoOEiI/AAAAAAAAAGg/eeS0hUXRdCY/s320/spokanetemple.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spokane Washington Temple</td></tr>
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It has always been a desire of mine to attend Brett's wedding and when I first came on my mission a fear of mine was...<em>what if Brett gets married while I am away?</em> I really wanted to be there! But as I have served the Lord I have come closer to Him. I have been able to develop more faith and understanding in the way that He does things. We need to remember when the Lord said, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/ot/isa/55.8-9?lang=eng#7">Isaiah 55:8-9</a>). Christ knows that timing is everything and let me tell ya...he's got it down to a "T". But sometimes...we think that we know more than He does. No good! True faith in God is to trust in Him AND His timing. When we allow our will to align with His, miracles happen.<br />
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It is God's will that Brett and Robyn are sealed for time and eternity and on September 24th, 2011 that happened. I know that he and his wife are now married forever. Not just until death. Their marriage is eternal. In a holy house of the Lord (the Spokane Washington Temple), they made an eternal convenant (or promise) with God. That is so happy and good! Eternal marriage means everything to the Lord. "Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-cor/10.11?lang=eng#10">1 Corinthians 10:11</a>). <br />
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Here is a great video about eternal marriage and the blessings from it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://2.gvt0.com/vi/hkOnH36S_pY/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hkOnH36S_pY&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hkOnH36S_pY&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><br />
This is why I am as happy as can be even though I just missed out on my brother's wedding. I know that the wedding happened in the time that it needed to happen. I also know that I have my own obligations to attend to here in Dillon. I am needed here. My family is needed there. But the beauty of it all is that God is everywhere and He is looking out for each and every one of us. He takes care of everything in His own way and in His own time. I would have loved to be at the wedding...but I don't want to be anywhere but right here, right now.<br />
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God is eternal and He has it all figured out. I know that I am where He needs me to be and I know that Brett and Robyn Lee are where they need to be. And we are happy.Elder Matt Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13496133869392784586noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709594738641663343.post-83846993682919792722011-09-24T14:25:00.000-06:002011-09-24T14:25:10.600-06:00Lockout<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LyvuEOUj_Hw/TnuXvyAzMwI/AAAAAAAAAGU/iDNp3Ceg_Q8/s1600/lockout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LyvuEOUj_Hw/TnuXvyAzMwI/AAAAAAAAAGU/iDNp3Ceg_Q8/s1600/lockout.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The National Basketball Association is currently in lockout mode. Millionaires are fighting with billionaires. Lame! This means that the league is at odds and all things are at a hault for...who knows how long! Things need to be settled before any moves can be made and before any games can be played. Those who are fans of the NBA will have to wait for the conflicts to be resolved before there is any action. The offseason is always an exciting time for teams to pick up new players, hire new coaches, etc. Now that things are at a stand-still there are many questions that arise. Some questions that I have are: Will the Mavericks compete like they did last year? Will Jimmer Fredette play like he did at BYU? Will Greg Oden hurt his knees so badly that he'll be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life (THAT is unlikely but chances are that he'll get hurt to some degree)? Will LeBron and the Heat put it together and play to the caliber that their roster shows? Will the Jazz trade one of their big men to get a more reliable guard? Yikes! The questions are endless.<br />
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If this continued confusion would be rampant and things would get hostile. Some people would try their best to keep the NBA going but they wouldn't quite understand everything and things would be changed. Some people would try to reform the league or start their own. Before ya know it, there would be a ton of different leagues all claiming to be the original one or the best one but they all would be a little bit off. Something (a miracle or, dare I say, a restoration) would have to happen to bring it back! Then we all could enjoy the pleasures of the real NBA that Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, John Stockton, and Julius Erving enjoyed!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OCzC_adsT1E/TnuYNNjaEBI/AAAAAAAAAGY/dSHuaJGOMrI/s1600/stock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="315px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OCzC_adsT1E/TnuYNNjaEBI/AAAAAAAAAGY/dSHuaJGOMrI/s320/stock.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Stockton: Short shorts and laser passes. Now THAT'S a basketball player. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
This situation of the NBA lockout is strikingly similar to a huge event known as the great apostasy. Jesus Christ ministered on the earth at Jerusalem for 3 years. During this time many heeded His famous call, "Follow me" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/4.19?lang=eng#18">Matthew 4:19</a>)and became disciples (followers). He chose twelve to be Apostles (special witnesses), and He gave them (Peter, James, John, etc.) what is called the Priesthood authority. The Priesthood is God's power given to men to perform things in His name like baptism (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/3.11,%2013-17?lang=eng#10">Matthew 3:11, 13-17</a>), giving blessings to the sick and afflicted (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/acts/3.2-9?lang=eng#1">Acts 3:2-9</a>), preparing, blessing, and passing the sacrament (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/26.26-29?lang=eng#25">Matthew 26:26-29</a>), etc. Christ's earthly ministry ended at His Crucifixion but His work continued through His Apostles and disciples. <br />
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The Apostles spread out and did missionary work (what much of the New Testament is about) but they were rejected, kicked out of cities, and killed. This solidified the "falling away" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/2-thes/2.3?lang=eng#2">2 Thessalonians 2:3</a>) from the truth of the Gospel. The prophet Amos of the Old Testament prophesies of this great apostasy as well. "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/ot/amos/8.11-12?lang=eng#10">Amos 8:11-12</a>). There was a famine of truth! <br />
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For a very long time, the world was in "lockout" of the fulness of the Gospel of Christ. His Church was changed, distorted, and divided. That is why there are now SO many churches that scatter the earth. People have been wandering the land, looking for truth but have only been able to find a portion of it. <br />
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As a representative of Jesus Christ, I am called to proclaim the truth of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His church has been restored to the earth through a prophet named Joseph Smith Jr. At the age of 14 in the year of 1820 Joseph Smith was confused. He knew that the churches that he was attending were not the same church that Christ established with prophets and apostles. He knew that there should be "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/eph/4.5?lang=eng#4">Ephesians 4:5</a>). As he was studying in the Bible he came across a scripture in the book of James that states, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/james/1.5?lang=eng#4">James 1:5</a>). Joseph lacked wisdom and he knew that if he asked of God, he would receive an answer. Joseph took these words to heart and he heeded the counsel that he received. <br />
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Joseph went out into a grove of trees outside his home in Palmyra, New York and he knelt in prayer to offer up his heart to God. He received an answer. He has recorded his experience as such:<br />
<blockquote>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 - <em>This is My Beloved Son, Hear Him!</em></blockquote>The following is a video about the Restoration of the Gospel. It has clips from a film called, "The Restoration" and it contatins words of one of our living apostles (yep, just like Peter, James and John) named L. Tom Perry. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ySyv1I2e9RE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<br />
I know that the world was once like the NBA currently is...in "lockout". But through the love of God a prophet was called to the earth once again to restore the truth in its fullness. God has provided us with the Book of Mormon so we can know that Christ loves us and called Joseph Smith to be the prophet of the restoration. He also has appointed a prophet for us in our day named <a href="http://lds.org/churchhistory/presidents/controllers/potcController.jsp?leader=16&topic=facts">Thomas S. Monson</a>. I plead with you to heed <a href="http://lds.org/search?lang=eng&query=Thomas+S.+Monson&id=20100618144654815-0751042&collection=general-conference&name=Thomas+S.+Monson">his words</a> for they are the words of God. We will never go astray if we follow the word of God. We will never have a "lockout" again.Elder Matt Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13496133869392784586noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709594738641663343.post-48479966961457007772011-09-10T12:40:00.001-06:002011-09-13T14:44:46.582-06:00Everything Grey?Guster is one of my favorite bands. They are a bit of an unknown band and I like them a ton (if you are a fan of them then I am a fan of you). They were formed in 1991 (the year of my birth...odd) in Boston, Massachusetts. Lately, I have been thinking about one of their songs called, "What You Wish For". The following is the very beginning of the song:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Woke up today to everything grey<br />
And all that I saw just kept goin' on and on<br />
Sweep all the pieces under the bed<br />
Close all the curtains and cover my head<br />
And what you wish for won't come true</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9fASJqLw-V0/TmkfoqHOwJI/AAAAAAAAAGI/ZXpHpmrDT_4/s1600/guster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9fASJqLw-V0/TmkfoqHOwJI/AAAAAAAAAGI/ZXpHpmrDT_4/s320/guster.jpg" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guster.<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I love this song for a lot of reasons. Guster is just good all the way around. But one thing that I feel from this song is how badly I want to help this guy out! The singer of this song JUST woke up and he hasn't even given the day a chance yet. He is feeling so down in the dumps for some reason and he needs someone or something to get him out of his depression. He feels the urge to close the curtains, crawl into bed, and escape from the dull, grey world. <br />
<br />
All of us have felt a little blue at times. I know, from experience, that the best way to fight these depressing feelings is to think positively. Many people think that they have nothing to be positive about. We must do our absolute best to help those who are low. It is our responsibility to help others. A wise man once said, "If you have nothing left, fool everyone with a smile." Smiling goes a loooooong way. If I am ever feeling low and someone gives me smile or helps me smile I feel instant happiness. It is so great! <br />
<br />
But unless this happy moment is nourished it will flee away. A short smile lasts only a short while. What is to be done? <br />
<br />
There are so many amazing groups and causes out in the world that give aid to those who suffer from famine, genocide, and poverty. They provide food, water, and protection to those in need. Some of these problems that I have just mentioned are far away from us and through donations we can assist these groups and causes. But there are so many people in our communities, towns, and homes who suffer from lack of hope and happiness. It is in the hands of friends AND strangers to help these souls in need. We, as brothers and sisters and fellow children of God must do our part to strengthen and nourish those around us. Especially those of us who are filled with hope. <br />
<br />
In the 1994 <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference?lang=eng">General Conference</a> address entitled, "<a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/1994/10/brightness-of-hope?lang=eng&query=brightness+hope+maxwell">Brightness of Hope</a>", Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said,<br />
<blockquote>Being blessed with hope, let us, as disciples, reach out to all who, for whatever reason, have “moved away from the hope of the gospel” (<a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/col/1/23#23" target="contentWindow">Col. 1:23</a>). Let us reach to lift hands which hang hopelessly down.</blockquote><br />
We can do this. We can help those in need. As I said earlier, a simple smile goes a long way. But that is only one of the many things that we can do. As I have served the Lord as a missionary I have been able to see the great effects of smiling and waving. It is pleasant, kind, and extremely easy to do. The effects of a simple smile only last a short while (that rhymed...unintentional). One other thing that I have seen produce true miracles is simple conversation. First, ask someone how he or she is doing. Then (this part is extremely important) listen to what they have to say! Truly listen to how they feel. As you do this you will see a brighter light in their eyes and you will realize how much they mean to you and how much you mean to them. Because of this simple (yet deeply meaningful) experience a friendship has begun to grow. And from this lasting friendship comes lasting happiness. More smiling and waving, too. The cycle will then repeat itself. One soul will save another, and another, and another...<br />
<br />
Miraculous.<br />
<br />
As I have seen and experienced this my heart has grown immensely. I have a greater appreciation for those individuals in my life who have been there for me. I also have grown closer to my Savior than I ever would have in any other way. I owe my life to my friends and family have have influenced me to serve a mission because with the experience that I have had as a representative of Christ I have come to know Him more intimately and personally. This is priceless!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfVk709icuU/TmumWiSJ6RI/AAAAAAAAAGM/j6WurB9xHew/s1600/jesus-christ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfVk709icuU/TmumWiSJ6RI/AAAAAAAAAGM/j6WurB9xHew/s320/jesus-christ.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christ's Image, by Heinrich Hoffman</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Such experience is priceless because it is something that is timeless and limitless. I can apply the simply beautiful lessons of smiling, waving, and conversing as often as I can throughout my entire existence. I plan on it and I hope that you do too.<br />
<br />
Now I would like to go back to "What You Wish For" by Guster. The singer must have hope in order to survive his depression. Without hope even all of these smiles, waves, and conversations aren't going to get anywhere. What must we instill in these individuals? Hope. "And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/7.41?lang=eng#40">Moroni 7:41</a>). The surest thing to have hope for is Jesus Christ. He is our Savior, Redeemer, and Friend. Whatever trial we have faced He has been there and He has overcome because of the miracle of the Atonement. He is our King. His love for us is infinite. When we trust in Him all things are enjoyable and we will be confident that all things will work together for our good. "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward feasting upon the word of Christ and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life" (behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/31.20?lang=eng#19">2 Nephi 31:20</a>). The Lord promises us that when we do our best and help others we will live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ again.<br />
<br />
The Savior has entrusted us to help and strengthen others through our faith and our kindness. I trust that with these blessings at our fingertips no day has to be a grey day. What we wish for (a perfect hope for eternal life) WILL come true.Elder Matt Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13496133869392784586noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709594738641663343.post-43664892156610306562011-09-02T16:19:00.001-06:002011-09-03T11:51:18.025-06:00A Fresh Start<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N_tAJIf9jx8/Tl612Xon_rI/AAAAAAAAAF4/58fcWpxQ1L0/s1600/freshprince.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N_tAJIf9jx8/Tl612Xon_rI/AAAAAAAAAF4/58fcWpxQ1L0/s320/freshprince.jpg" width="320px" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So Fresh...Prince.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Many of you have probably seen the TV show, "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air". I love it! It is Will Smith at his finest (I don't care if he won an Oscar for "Ali"...this is his finest work!). It is all about a respectable and well-established family from California who take in a somewhat troubled young man named Will (Will Smith) to teach him how to be accountable and such. He gets into all sorts of crazy antics with Carlton, Jazzy Jeff, G (the family's butler, Geoffery), Uncle Phil, and many others. Good morals are taught and laughs are had by all. The show is all about a "fresh" guy getting a "fresh" start. Doesn't that sound nice?<br />
<br />
We all need a "fresh" start like Will at times! God knows this and that is why he sent His Son to take care of us. Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer and one of His divine purposes is to give us a clean start. He does this through forgiving and cleansing us of our sins, giving us peace, comforting us when we are down, etc. He has made this possible through the Atonement. His Atonement is broken down into three distinct parts/events and it is beautifully described in the <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng">Book of Mormon</a> in Alma chapter 7. 1) He "[went] forth suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind...he [took] upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/7.11?lang=eng#10">Alma 7:11</a>) while in the Garden of Gethsemane. 2) "And [took] upon him death" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/7.12?lang=eng#11">Alma 7:12</a>) as He died for us on the cross. 3) He "[loosed] the bands of death which bind his people" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/7.12?lang=eng#11">Alma 7:12</a>) and rose again on the third day thus, making it possible for all of us to be resurrected as well. <br />
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The Atonement is infinite, beautiful, perfect, and sometimes overwhelming. I often ask questions like these: How was Christ able to do so much for everyone? Why did Christ go through all of that pain and suffering for someone as insignificant as myself? Even though I do not know everything, I know enough. I know that our Heavenly Father loves us more than we can imagine. His love for you and me is indescribable and incomprehensible. It is through this love that we are able to have lasting joy, relief, and peace. I know that He sent His Only Begotten Son to show this divine love to us. "Beloved, let us love one another for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-jn/4.7-9?lang=eng#6">1 John 4:7-9</a>). Through the love of Christ we can receive a fresh start. <br />
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I promise you that as you honor God and His commandments and you repent you will be able to obtain <a href="http://fullpurposeofheart.blogspot.com/2011/03/forgiveness.html">Forgiveness</a>. You will feel this love. No matter what we have done in our lives we are able to make it right and return to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ's loving arms which is a feeling of undeniable warmth, comfort, peace, and truth (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/gal/5.22-23?lang=eng#21">Galatians 5:22-23</a>). Just like the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, we all can get a "fresh" start.Elder Matt Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13496133869392784586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709594738641663343.post-91097683659465358492011-08-25T14:27:00.000-06:002011-08-25T14:27:59.115-06:00Too Much To HandleI'd like to tell you a little story. The way I'd like to tell this is to start with the end and then go back and tell it from the beginning. Here I go.<br />
<br />
So there I was...chasing down my planner, <a href="http://mormon.org/">mormon.org</a> cards, my water bottle, and my extra clothes. It's safe to say that I looked like a genuine goon. <br />
<br />
Now, back to the beginning...a couple-three weeks ago my companion, Elder Landbeck, and I had just finished doing some service and we needed to get back into our missionary clothes before going out and doing some more teaching. (I have always been in a bad habit of trying to carry too many things - I HATE taking two or three trips.) I was gathering my things from the car and grabbed a little bit too much for me to handle in one trip. Uh-oh! No good! Can you guess what happened? Well, let me tell you:<br />
<ol><li>I dropped my water bottle.</li>
<li>I bent down to pick up my water bottle and about 20 <a href="http://mormon.org/">mormon.org</a> cards spewed out of my shirt pocket.</li>
<li>I frantically tried to pick up the cards and in the process I dropped my planner.</li>
<li>I managed to pick up some of the cards but in my crazy state I dropped some clothes I was holding and then I kicked my planner further along the pavement (At this point I was still trying to hold onto all of my things).</li>
<li>I FINALLY put the stuff down that I was carrying and then chased down the things that I had dropped and then...success. Everything was picked up.</li>
</ol><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Jn1333fHGk/TlawLfxgyoI/AAAAAAAAAF0/gN4hnBW1SW0/s1600/Luggage_to_much_to_carry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Jn1333fHGk/TlawLfxgyoI/AAAAAAAAAF0/gN4hnBW1SW0/s1600/Luggage_to_much_to_carry.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Put something down!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
What can we all learn from this? (Other than the fact that I really need to stop trying to carry so many things in from the car, up and down stairs, etc.) Have you ever caught yourself being so overwhelmed that you are on the verge of a meltdown? Do you ever find that you have too much to handle? In today's society we are all encouraged (and sometimes even expected) to take part in every club, team, group, and activity that is offered as well as taking part in school, going to work, studying scriptures, being active at church, etc. After all is said and done...well that's just it. Your day is done! There is no time to relax! No good. God does not want us to over work ourselves to the point of craziness. A king in the Book of Mormon said, "And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/4.27?lang=eng#26">Mosiah 4:27</a>). We need to slow down, take a breather, and do all things in wisdom and order. Why? So that we can find success in what is most important.<br />
<br />
But that brings up another question that is extremely significant. What is most important? As I said earlier, it is very easy to get caught up in all of the clubs, teams, movies, etc. that are all around us. These things are often "good things" but we always need to prioritize our actions. We need to put what's best first. <a href="http://lds.org/church/leader/dallin-h-oaks?lang=eng&query=dallin+h+oaks">Elder Dallin H. Oaks</a> of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles gave an amazing talk about such a topic simply titled, "<a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/good-better-best?lang=eng&query=good+better+best">Good, Better, Best</a>". In it he says: <br />
<blockquote><div class="" uri="/general-conference/2007/10/good-better-best.p2">We should begin by recognizing the reality that just because something is <i>good</i> is not a sufficient reason for doing it. The number of good things we can do far exceeds the time available to accomplish them. Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives.</div></blockquote><blockquote>As we consider various choices, we should remember that it is not enough that something is good. Other choices are better, and still others are best. Even though a particular choice is more costly, its far greater value may make it the best choice of all.</blockquote><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M3REH4_vTd0/TlarkQhF9eI/AAAAAAAAAFw/zUBUccm99Tk/s1600/dallin-h-oaks-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M3REH4_vTd0/TlarkQhF9eI/AAAAAAAAAFw/zUBUccm99Tk/s320/dallin-h-oaks-large.jpg" width="255px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lds.org/church/leader/dallin-h-oaks?lang=eng&query=dallin+h+oaks">Dallin H. Oaks</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
I truthfully could not have said it better myself. With this mentality and attitude we can be assured that our decisions will bring us closer to Christ. In turn, we will not find ourselves aligned with the world's expectations rather than the Lord's.<br />
<br />
If we find that we have fallen prey to over scheduling and over working we need to drop what we're doing, re-evaluate, prioritize, and then go and do what's best. If we try to do too much then we will slip up, make more mistakes, and find ourselves in a hole that is very difficult to get out of. If I had put down some of the things that I was trying to carry from the car instead of trying to do everything at once then I probably wouldn't have ended up looking like such a goon! One thing that I can promise you is that if I had only taken what I could handle from the beginning then I NEVER would have had to scramble for my things and I definitely would not have looked like such a goon.<br />
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So, we need to ask ourselves if what we are about to do qualifies as good, better, or best. Never settle for less than the best. You will find yourself with too much to handle. And you'll look like a goon (and no one wants that).Elder Matt Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13496133869392784586noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709594738641663343.post-45704015947819347282011-08-18T14:32:00.001-06:002011-08-20T14:11:40.384-06:00Who is That?McRob. McBob. These are the nicknames that I have given to one of my favorite basketball players. Josh McRoberts. He is a stud and a half. One thing that I love about him is that not too many people know about him or follow him. But does this mean that he isn't talented or doesn't have promise? Of course not! Now, I will tell you a little bit more about him.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fzTUw_F7LIA/TkxIHU6HW3I/AAAAAAAAAFs/vmEKi7a-FKg/s1600/josh-mcroberts-2009-10-2-22-10-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fzTUw_F7LIA/TkxIHU6HW3I/AAAAAAAAAFs/vmEKi7a-FKg/s320/josh-mcroberts-2009-10-2-22-10-0.jpg" width="201px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ferocious.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>He played high school ball in Indiana and then went on to start at power forward for Duke University for two seasons. He declared himself eligible for the 2007 NBA Draft and fell to the Portland Trail Blazers with the 37th pick. He was up and down during the first years of his NBA career as he fought for playing time. He was traded back to his home state to play for the Indiana Pacers in 2008. Since the trade he seems to have found his niche on the Pacers. He still struggles with consistency but he has flashes of brilliance. Here's some evidence of his "awesomeness".<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
Now that you have seen a little bit of his talent and excitement...do you want to learn more about him? Go to or watch one of his games? "Like" him (like I have!) on facebook? See what I mean? Just because something (in this case - a basketball player) isn't well-known does not mean that it isn't valuable.<br />
<br />
I will now tell you a story that explains how this same principle applies to something much more serious and much more valuable. The story is told in its fullness in the movie, <a href="http://deseretbook.com/How-Rare-Possession-LDS-Distribution-Center/i/5040446">"The Book of Mormon: How Rare a Possession!"</a> and is also summarized in the book, <a href="http://deseretbook.com/Our-Search-Happiness-Invitation-Understand-Church-Jesus-Christ-Latter-day-Saints-M-Russell-Ballard/i/2569922">"Our Search For Happiness"</a>. I will quote from the latter: <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">"Vincenzo di Francesca, an Italian minister of religion, was walking down a New York City street toward his church when he saw a book without a cover in a barrel full of ashes. He picked up the book, turned the pages, and saw for the first time the names of Nephi, Mosiah, Alma, and Moroni. He felt impressed to read the book even though he did not know its name or origin, and to pray about its truthfulness. As he did, he said that 'a feeling of gladness, as of finding something precious and extraordinary, bore consolation to my soul and left me with a joy that human language cannot find words to describe.' He began teaching the principles in the book to the members of his church. His church leaders disciplined him for doing so and even directed him to burn the book, something he refused to do. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"He later returned to Italy, where in 1930 he learned that the book was published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He wrote a letter to the Church in Utah that was forwarded to President [Heber J.] Grant. President Grant sent him a copy of the Book of Mormon in Italian and gave his name to the president of the European mission. The diffuculties of wartime prevented Vincenzo from being baptized for many years, but he was finally able to become a member of the Church on 18 January 1951, the first person baptized on the island of Sicily. Five years later he was endowed in the Swiss Temple."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left">Francesca did not know what the book was but he felt prompted to read it. When he did his eyes and heart was opened to the truthfulness of the book and to the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He saw the light that comes from its truth-filled pages. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">There are many people who do not want to read the Book of Mormon for a variety of reasons. Some believe it is unneccesary. Some believe that it "replaces" the Bible. Some believe that the Bible contains all of God's word. All of these are false perceptions. The Lord Jesus said, "Thou fool, that shall say: A Bible, we have got a Bible, and we need no more Bible...Know ye not that there are more nations that one?...murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/29.6-8?lang=eng#5">2 Nephi 29:6-8</a>). </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">The Lord loves all of His children. Therefore, He speaks to more than one nation. That's what the Book of Mormon is! A record of God's children and their relations with Him. <span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">When speaking about the Book of Mormon, President Gordon B. Hinckley said (in an article entitled "<a href="http://lds.org/ensign/1988/06/the-power-of-the-book-of-mormon?lang=eng&query=Power+Book+Mormon+gordon+b+hinckley">The Power of the Book of Mormon</a>"), "It is a record of ancient America. It is the scripture of the New World, as certainly as the Bible is the scripture of the Old. Each speaks of the other. Each carries with it the spirit of inspiration, the power to convince and to convert. Together they become two witnesses, hand in hand, that Jesus is the Christ, the resurrected and living Son of the living God."</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">I know that the Book of Mormon is true because I have read it and I have tested it. I have prayed to God to know if it is true and I was filled with warming assurance. I feel the love of God each time that I read its pages and it brings me nearer to Him. Because of the Book of Mormon I have a stronger relationship with my friends, family, and the Lord. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">I love the Book of Mormon. I know that it is true because I have read and prayed about it. It has brought me great happiness and I know that it will do the same to you. I invite everyone to read the <a href="http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/">Book of Mormon</a>. Give it a chance. Just like I gave Josh McRoberts a chance and was not disappointed (he is so fun to watch!) if you read the Book of Mormon you will be enlightened and you will definitely not be disappointed. </div>Elder Matt Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13496133869392784586noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709594738641663343.post-60742593855096902342011-08-10T12:51:00.002-06:002011-08-11T11:35:22.348-06:00Sick and Tired<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6e3kZlbxZok/TkLSMoMHaoI/AAAAAAAAAFc/7XhQmzzDZ74/s1600/102_1781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" naa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6e3kZlbxZok/TkLSMoMHaoI/AAAAAAAAAFc/7XhQmzzDZ74/s320/102_1781.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.....so sleeeeepy.....</td></tr>
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Oh man. I am tired all the time. I am tired as I write these words! I can;t oahsdlkghj kdj le lskdj...oh whoops. I fell asleep. Now, back to what I was saying...I can't even begin to describe my perpetual sleepiness. Missionary work is the hardest and most strenuous thing that I have ever done. But it also has been the most rewarding. If I was not truly on the Lord's errand then I would not be able to do what I do. Speaking of which...this is what I do:<br />
<ul><li>6:30 AM - 7:00 AM: Work out (and sometimes nearly die from running).</li>
<li>7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Eat breakfast and get ready for the day.</li>
<li>8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Personal study (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures?lang=eng">Scriptures</a>, <a href="http://lds.org/liahona/2010/09/more-than-a-missionary-guide?lang=eng&query=preach+my+gospel">Preach My Gospel</a>, the <a href="http://lds.org/ensign?lang=eng">Ensign</a>, etc.).</li>
<li>9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Companionship study (Scriptures, practice teaching, etc.).</li>
<li>10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: (Usually) Online work.</li>
<li>11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Proselyte (knock on doors, scheduled lessons with people, etc.).</li>
<li>12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch.</li>
<li>1:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Proselyte.</li>
<li>6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner.</li>
<li>7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Proselyte.</li>
<li>9:00 PM - 9:30 PM: Plan for the following day.</li>
<li>9:30 PM - 10:30 PM: Do paper work, write in my journal, prepare for bed.</li>
<li>10:30 PM: Crash in my bed and sleep.</li>
</ul>This is a regular missionaries' schedule (except for when I was in Poplar - I did a little bit of taking care of rez dogz). We try to do all sorts of service for people whenever we get the chance and the times may be a little bit different for meals and such but...this really is what I do. Every day. It is physically and mentally draining. But it is worth it. I wouldn't have it any other way. I love what I do.<br />
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Every single missionary has experienced this feeling of exhaustion. Not one of us can avoid it. But as long as we are doing our best and are magnifying our callings then God will take care of us. He won't take away our pains or tiredness but He will strengthen us through it all. I have a firm belief that as long as I am obedient and do my best to live up to the expectations of being a missionary then God will provide the way and means for me to be successful. BUT just because I am a missionary does not mean that I am perfect. I make mistakes every single day of my life. It is through this that I become the most drained. When I fall short of what I know I can be I feel guilt. Guilt leads to stress which leads to frustration and anger. When I feel any of these negative things then the Holy Ghost - which God has sent to protect, support, comfort, and strengthen His children - departs from me. "And they saw that they had become weak...and that the Spirit of the Lord did no more preserve them; yea, it had withdrawn from them because the Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples-" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/hel/4.24?lang=eng#23">Helaman 4:24</a>). When I remove myself from God He then is unable to provide me with the Holy Ghost for help. This is the same for all of us! We need to do our best to qualify for His divine support.<br />
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A man named Nephi in the Book of Mormon was really struggling one day. His brothers were mocking him and were speaking ill of their father who had just passed away. Nephi was beginning to feel down in the dumps, so to speak. He then was reminded of the sins that he has committed in his life and he was beginning to beat himself up. This is something that Satan tries to do to all of us. He will remind us of our past and try to make us feel guilty for the sins which we have already been forgiven. He tries to give us terrible feelings to make us feel sick. Nephi recognized this and then he exclaimed, "Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/4.28?lang=eng#27">2 Nephi 4:28</a>). What powerful words! We need to wake up and get out of the misery that accompanies sin. We need not let our thoughts linger on past transgressions. We need not droop in transgression that we are currently in. Wake up! We can proclaim with the band, Taking Back Sunday, in their song, "You Know How I Do" and say:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">So sick, so sick of being tired.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And oh so tired of being sick.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1cOBOKGGpbM/TkLQDVS5MzI/AAAAAAAAAFY/VcCUm2znCnQ/s1600/taking_back_sunday-tell_all_your_friends_2002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" naa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1cOBOKGGpbM/TkLQDVS5MzI/AAAAAAAAAFY/VcCUm2znCnQ/s1600/taking_back_sunday-tell_all_your_friends_2002.jpg" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Why do we allow ourselves to stay in the mud of doubt, depression, and danger? Take the advice of Nephi: "Awake, my soul!" Proclaim with Taking Back Sunday that you are sick of being tired and tired of being sick. Repent. Change. Correct. Be happy. Be free. </div><br />
Some people may describe missionary work as a great sacrifice but in all honesty it is an amazing (and sometimes overwhelming) privilege. I know that as I do my duty as a representative of Jesus Christ with all of my heart, God will provide me with the ability, strength, and health that I need. But I need to do my part. I need to qualify for His holy help by providing His work with all of the drive, zeal, and obedience that He needs. <br />
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Are you sick and tired? Wake up and allow Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost to direct you in all that you do. I promise that you will have joy. My greatest happiness has come when I have worked my hardest on the Lord's behalf. Elder Matt Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13496133869392784586noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1709594738641663343.post-29063156676016485302011-08-06T12:45:00.000-06:002011-08-06T12:45:32.125-06:00Be HappyNo one wants to be sad, depressed, or distraught. I have a strong belief that everyone has a desire to be happy. It is in our nature to do things that make us smile, laugh, and simply feel good.<br />
<br />
The scriptures tell us time and time again that the purpose of life is to be happy. "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/2.25?lang=eng#24">2 Nephi 2:25</a>). God sent us to this earth to take part of this great Plan of Salvation to savor the good things in life, make the most of it, and have joy. I know many people that do a very good job of this. I have friends that are always smiling and always have a good aura and countenance. They are the kinds of people that I want to be around because their goodness is contagious! One person that I do not know personally sticks out in my head for being especially good at this. In fact...he is a character in a movie by Tim Burton. I am talking about Pee-Wee Herman. Now that dude is happy. Here's a picture of him from the movie, <em>Pee Wee's Big Adventure</em>. He's as happy as can be!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit on the happy side? Yes!</td></tr>
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Sometimes we allow ourselves to get down in the dumps. We don't want that. Contrast the first picture of Pee Wee being happy to this distraught clip of him after he loses his bike. Scary!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://2.gvt0.com/vi/DhMz_ER-9h4/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DhMz_ER-9h4&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DhMz_ER-9h4&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><br />
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Yikes. Do we ever get like this? I know that I sure have (maybe not to this scale...but let's just roll with it). But I have learned a very simple way to combat fear, depression, sadness, and anger. SMILE.<br />
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I promise that a day like this...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Rc2N6-ZZ88/Tj1-OqLiavI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/Xjl3OxAx86U/s1600/sad+face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Rc2N6-ZZ88/Tj1-OqLiavI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/Xjl3OxAx86U/s320/sad+face.jpg" t$="true" width="213px" /></a></div><br />
...can/will turn into a day like this...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S-G0OFvAAd8/Tj1_Zucb12I/AAAAAAAAAFU/9osIw5sXeNE/s1600/happy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S-G0OFvAAd8/Tj1_Zucb12I/AAAAAAAAAFU/9osIw5sXeNE/s320/happy.jpg" t$="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
...if we only smile. <br />
<br />
Being happy is something that we all strive for in one way or another. It is something that is a bit of a struggle to achieve for some people out there. It also is something that can slip away from us if we allow ourselves to (like Pee-Wee Herman when he lost his bike!). We may obtain and retain our happiness through multiple ways. Notice that the ways that I mention do not include being a successful money-maker, being popular, getting lots of attention, etc. Those are things that "the world" would like us to believe. But it is through simple kindness and smiles that will help us be happy. Also, being happy often results in being liked, wanted, and successful! By smiling we are able to physically show those around us the light and fire that is within us. What if you don't feel like you have a light or a fire within you? Answer: Smile anyway. By simply smiling you will open the doorway to happiness. Your mood will change and you will be amazed with how your day (and the day of those around you) will go.<br />
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Being kind is extremely important. Sister Mary N. Cook of the Young Women General Presidency gave a talk not very long ago to the young women of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her talk is titled, "<a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/remember-this-kindness-begins-with-me?lang=eng">Remember This: Kindness Begins With Me</a>". It is a great talk about finding happiness through obedience, kindness, and smiles. She says: <br />
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<div class="" sizcache="7" sizset="140" style="text-align: center;" uri="/general-conference/2011/04/remember-this-kindness-begins-with-me.p21">"We can follow the example of the good Samaritan and 'change the world' of just one person by being benevolent. I would like to invite each of you to do at least one Samaritan-like act this coming week. It may require that you reach beyond your usual friends or overcome your shyness. You may courageously choose to serve someone who doesn’t treat you well. I promise that if you will extend yourself beyond what is easy to do, you will feel so good inside that kindness will start to become a part of your everyday life. You’ll see that benevolence can bring joy and unity to your home, your class, your ward, and your school. 'Remember this: kindness begins with me.'"</div><div class="" sizcache="7" sizset="140" style="text-align: center;" uri="/general-conference/2011/04/remember-this-kindness-begins-with-me.p21"><br />
</div><div class="" sizcache="7" sizset="140" style="text-align: left;" uri="/general-conference/2011/04/remember-this-kindness-begins-with-me.p21">What a profound statement and challege. I extend the same challenge to all of you! Go outside of your comfort-zone and show kindness to someone else. This is charity. This pure love of Christ never faileth (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-cor/13.8?lang=eng#7">1 Corinthians 13:8</a>). I promise that as you become more selfless you will see a great abundance of blessings in your life and you will be happy.</div><div class="" sizcache="7" sizset="140" style="text-align: left;" uri="/general-conference/2011/04/remember-this-kindness-begins-with-me.p21"><br />
</div><div class="" sizcache="7" sizset="140" style="text-align: left;" uri="/general-conference/2011/04/remember-this-kindness-begins-with-me.p21">The greatest thing that brings me true and lasting happiness is obedience to God's commandments. His commandments are not unneccesary rules that tie us down. Rather, they are blessings that set us free from the bonds of Satan. King Benjamin, a prophet in the Book of Mormon, said this, "And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/2.41?lang=eng#40">Mosiah 2:41</a>). Those that are obedient to God are happy because they are blessed in all things! </div><div class="" sizcache="7" sizset="140" style="text-align: left;" uri="/general-conference/2011/04/remember-this-kindness-begins-with-me.p21"><br />
</div><div class="" sizcache="7" sizset="140" style="text-align: left;" uri="/general-conference/2011/04/remember-this-kindness-begins-with-me.p21">It is pretty simple, really! If we want to be happy then we must smile, be kind, and be obedient. Don't let something silly (like getting your bike stolen...Pee-Wee!) get you down. Smile in the face of adversity, be kind to everyone, and be obedient to the commandments of God. </div><div class="" sizcache="7" sizset="140" style="text-align: left;" uri="/general-conference/2011/04/remember-this-kindness-begins-with-me.p21"><br />
</div><div class="" sizcache="7" sizset="140" style="text-align: left;" uri="/general-conference/2011/04/remember-this-kindness-begins-with-me.p21">Be happy!</div><div class="" sizcache="7" sizset="140" style="text-align: left;" uri="/general-conference/2011/04/remember-this-kindness-begins-with-me.p21"><br />
</div><div class="" sizcache="7" sizset="140" style="text-align: left;" uri="/general-conference/2011/04/remember-this-kindness-begins-with-me.p21"><br />
</div>Elder Matt Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13496133869392784586noreply@blogger.com1