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.

The Role of a Righteous Father

From an official statement given by the general authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, called "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," we learn of the divine role of a father. "By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families." There are many great examples of righteous fathers found in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. However, I would like to write about one of those fathers from out of the Book of Mormon, his name was Lehi.
Lehi is the first prophet of the Book of Mormon. He, in the beginning had a great family. He had four sons who names were Laman, Lemuel, Nephi, and Sam. By revelation and divine guidance, he was able to guide his family out of Jerusalem and into the promised land. Though he had rebellious children, he spared no effort in teaching them the ways of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He had a vision one night about a tree that bore the most desirous of fruits, even eternal life. Upon walking up to the tree he plucked off the fruit of it and bit into it. "And I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruits" (1 Nephi 8:12). What a righteous father! He partook of something great, and his immediate desire following this realization of this sweet treat was to share it with his family. The account given in the Book of Mormon talks more about the tree and the fruit thereof, but I choose not to focus on that until a later time. Right now I just wish to focus on the miracle that took place. Lehi continued to lead his family in the ways of the Lord. When times were tough, he remained a beacon of light to his family who struggled in darkness. Very seldom did he shirk his responsibility as a father, and in times when he was less than the example to his wife and children he repented and searched for forgiveness from his family and the Lord.
As fathers and husbands, we can not shirk on our responsibilities as parents. We can not partake of something so sweet and desirable and then tuck it away and hide it and keep it for ourselves. It is our responsibility to lead our family to the thing that will bring them true happiness, joy, and peace. The closer we come to our families, the closer we come to the Lord, and true happiness. Pray with your families and spouse, studying the word of the Lord through reading and listening to the scriptures, and go to church often with your family bear testimony to them of the truthfulness of the things they will learn.
As a special witness to Jesus Christ, I know that His gospel, in all its simplicity and glory, we greatly bless our families. For more information on how you can build a more happier home please check out mormon.org/family/