Reflecting Back

My mission has taught me many things. I learned how to become a better person, and a better disciple of Jesus Christ. I think I have grown physically, mentally, and spiritually. I have overcome obstacles that I would never have if I hadn't served a mission. My mission has meant everything to me. It truly has been a gift from God.

One major lesson I had learned was that our lives really are dictated by the choices we make. Before coming out on my mission I was faced with a choice. The choice I had was to either stay and perform in the last musical that the college I went to would ever put on, and finish my degree, or go on a mission as soon as I turned nineteen. It was something that had really weighed on my mind. I wanted to go on a mission and fulfill my duty to God, but I also did not want to miss out on the opportunity to participate in this musical. I prayed about it, and my answer came while I was sitting at church. We sang a hymn called, "I Need Thee Every Hour." It was then that the Spirit opened my mind, and then I knew that the Lord needed me ASAP! It was not too long after that I put in my mission papers, and I was called to serve in the Montana Billings Mission.

I have been serving in the states of Montana and Wyoming for almost two years now. My experiences have been many and varied, but I know that there are more ahead for me after my mission. I have seen many come unto Christ, and I have been delighted to help them. My own personal relationship with Christ has increased! After much prayer and fasting I have come to know Jesus Christ for myself! I believe in Jesus Christ. I would not trade my mission for anything else in the world.

Of course while I have been serving many things have happened at home as well. My sister, for instance, got her first boyfriend and her first kiss! My little sister! I was not there for that time to pull the "big brother" card or anything like that! My younger brother unleashed this new artistic talent that has blown many people away, and yet I had no idea that was going on! My baby brother got baptized and I missed that! Then my older sister has gone through a lot of grief, and I was not there to support her or help her out. My family has grown up with out me there. I guess that isn't a very comforting thought, but it is true. However, I know that the Lord has blessed them in their struggles because of my decision to serve a mission.

The lives of my family, my life, the lives of those I have taught have all been blessed because of my choice. The mission was not only about me, but about all of God's other children. I probably wont ever know what impact serving a mission has caused, but I do know that this service has been well worth it. I encourage all everywhere, who is  able, to serve a mission. Even if you are not able, I know the Lord still needs you.

I have loved my mission, and I know that in many times in my life I will reflect back on the experiences I have had here. I will become a great asset for the Kingdom, as are every other young man or woman who chooses to serve a mission.

"Woman, why weepest thou?"

Mary Magdalene weeped as she saw that the tomb that once held in resting the body of the Son of God was empty. The body, she assumed, had been taken. Then a voice of a man spoke from behind her. "Woman, why weepest thou?" Supposing the man to be the gardener she replied, "Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away." Oh what joy she must have felt! What hymns of thanksgiving and praise must have been sung in her heart! She heard her name escape the lips of the man behind her. It was a voice that she indeed did recognize. "Mary," said the Man. She then turned her head and with her heart swollen within her, the word "Rabboni" escaped her lips. "Master." She knew that all was not lost, but that all was about to be fulfilled.

We too will be filled with joy when Jesus Christ comes again. We will be shouting, "Hosanna! The Lord has come!" I believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Missionaries all over the world, including myself, are proclaiming this truth to all people, kindred, and tongue! We are anxiously awaiting, and are constantly preparing for the Second Coming of the Master. It is then when we hope that when the Risen Lord calls us individually by name, that we too may recognize Him as Mary Magdalene did. That we too may be joyous for the day we have awaited for has come, and that we too may stand before Him and say,"Rabboni, which is to say Master." That He may reply, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." This is our greatest desire.

May we always remember the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. His triumph over death. He broke the bands of death so that we too may become resurrected beings. May we not weep this Easter season over the loss of loved ones, or suffer because of the separation caused by death. However, let us rejoice in the goodness of God and all exclaim "Hosanna! For the Lord has overcome death for us!" If you would like to learn more about this glorious event, or how you and your family could be together forever, PLEASE chat with any LDS online missionary, or visit mormon.org.

Where Does True Happiness Come From?

"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; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it." (Mosiah 2:41)

We live in a world of instant gratification and pleasure. The law of moral ethics that once were prominent in our society have begun a steep process of decay. The line that distinguished what is right and what is wrong has become hidden with gray. We can see the disturbing effects of it as good has become bad, and bad has become good. As predicted by Book of Mormon prophets, we have many voices that are competing for our attention. "Yea, and there shall be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us. And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God." (2 Nephi 28:7-8) We are being deceived by these lies that we can be happy by just breaking the commandments a little. However, no matter what the world says, "wickedness never was happiness." (Alma 41:10)

"But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God." (Jacob 2:18)

It is sometimes very easy to give into the temptations and become part of the enticings of the world. However, we can find great hope in a scripture found in 1 Corinthians 10:13, "God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able [to bear.]" He will provide a way for all of us to escape the temptations and the false happiness of the world. He has given us the ability to choose for our selves which path we will take in this life.

Our own bad choices cause us grief and places heavy burdens on our shoulders. However, as we strive to consistently keep our Heavenly Father's commandments we can be freed from the burdens of guilt and shame. We have the choice. "Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself. And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit." (2 Nephi 2:27 & 28)

"And now, verily I say unto you, and what I say unto one I say unto all, be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you; And inasmuch as you have humbled yourselves before me, the blessings of the kingdom are yours." (D&C 61:36 & 37)

Christ has prepared a way for us to follow. "Enter ye in at the strait gate; for strait is the gate, and narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there be that find it; but wide is the gate, and broad the way which leads to death, and many there be that travel therein, until the night cometh, wherein no man can work." (3 Nephi 27:33) His mission in life was to pave this course for us to follow. Instant gratification and pleasure is opposed to God's plan, and they do not compare to the real joy that comes with a peace of mind, and the feeling of being spiritually clean. Look unto Christ, follow His course, keep His commandments, and then you will find true happiness. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

For God So Loved the World

My favorite scripture in the Gospel according to John in the New Testament is, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." It is found in the third chapter and sixteenth verse. It is this verse that I have used as a motto for my mission. My testimony is in the reality of a loving Heavenly Father. He truly does love us. It is not conditional on our obedience or our diligence and humility. He loves us regardless of our flaws, weaknesses, and sins. He loves us so much in fact that He did send His Only Begotten Son in the flesh. Jesus Christ, who is the Creator and Messiah, was very loved of our God. He is chosen above all others. It is He who volunteered to suffer for all our pains, transgressions, and sins. It is to Him whom we owe our lives, our peace, and everything that we have been given. Why would God grant unto us such great mercy and possibility? It is because He loves us. We can become whole through our Savior. That is why I love this verse so much. I want to share with everyone that God loves them, and He wants them to receive a forgiveness of their sins. He desires nothing more than for us to return and live with Him again. Our God is a loving God.

Time

Nothing is as constant as time. No matter what happens in life tomorrow is a new day and a new beginning. Sometimes tomorrow feels like it will never come. I guess that is true. By the time tomorrow comes around it is today, and today is not yesterday. No two days are the same. We can choose for ourselves what we must do for the day ahead. The Lord understands that we make mistakes. He understands that we are not perfect, nor can we be in this mortal existence. However, He knows of our divine potential, and loves us for who we are.

That is the blessing of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ came to the world. He suffered in the garden of Gethsemane for us. He hung on the cross, and was resurrected three days later. He suffered for our sins, pains, afflictions, sorrows, guilt, doubt, loneliness, and torture. He did this so He could heal us. So He could bring comfort unto our souls. It is never too late to start over. It is never too late to ask God for help. It is never too late to find peace in this life. "For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." Christ's arms are still out stretched towards us. Let Him carry us through our vale of sorrows.He Can Heal Us

CHRISTMAS! Give me mas (more) Christ!

My favorite holiday is Christmas. It is the one time of year that you can see a bonding take place. A bond between all people, nations, and faiths. It is a time where love is felt and goodness is exchanged one from another. I like reading about the birth of Christ. It is a tender time in world history. Time itself revolves around this most significant event. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer of mankind, was born to take away our sins and sadness. "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5) It is my prayer this Holiday season to remember Christ in all that we do, and how we interact with all of God's children.

SUPER ELDERS Episode 0-The Preface and Episode 1- The Ball

This is a picture of the original of the first Super Elders comic strip that I drew. I drew this during one of my first weeks in Cody, WY. In it I tried to do a similar introduction that is associated with Superman. "What's in the sky? It's a bird, no it's a plane! No, it's Superman!" Likewise I did the same for Super Elder! Originally it was going to just be a story about me and my adventures as the Super Elder, but I soon realized that this strip needed to move past the solo super hero to a super missionary duo!

Thus the dynamic duo known as the Ball and the Vroomster came to life. I gained inspiration for the two characters while in our apartment. My companion at the time was solving a Rubik's cube while sitting on a chair. He was wearing a ski mask that was bright red and black.

I said, "There you have it! That is what you will look like!" He told me to draw him round like a "ball" and make him short. So I did. My character, The Vroomster, had not fully been developed as I started drawing him back then. He still continues to change more and more as the mission continues. Through the Super Elders comic strip I was now able to have more material to draw from as I expressed my mission in my drawings.

These comic strips reflect the highs and lows of missionary work. As I continue to post more comic strips on my blog I will also explain some of the stories behind them. I bear you my testimony that this work is true and that God loves each one of His children.

Super Elders!

One of the things that I have started doing while on my mission was to draw comic strips. It first started while I was in Cody, WY. My companion at the time asked me what were some of my hobbies. I told him I liked to draw and I like comic books. He asked me if I had ever drawn comics about missionary work. I thought about it and thus...SUPER ELDERS was born.

I think that missionary work be considered "super." For two years young men and women are going beyond what any normal human being would. They face opposition almost everyday of their service. They all share a common objective and a common ally, the Holy Ghost. They also face one of the most evil villains of all time, the Adversary, in a daily struggle for other's souls! It is hard at times but is very much worth it. The joy of saving "some soul" is far suburb comparatively to reaching the conclusion of any good comic book. I feel that for me, drawing has been a way of expressing my own feelings. It has helped me use the talents that the Lord has given me to serve other people. In every area I have had, i try to share with them this gift in hopes to strengthen the relationships between missionaries and everyone else, and to bring them closer to Christ, which is the ultimate goal.

The Challenge- Is it true?

An issue I often come across as a missionary is whether the Book of Mormon is true or not. I have been in arguments over it time and time again. In my mind there is no possible reason why it wouldn't be true. A statement from the Book of Mormon prophet sums it up for me, "And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good. And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye—for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness"(2 Nephi 33:10&11). The Book of Mormon is true because it testifies of Jesus Christ, our Savior, Lord, and Redeemer, on every page. Read it and pray for yourself. I challenge you to find out for yourself.