Mother's Day

Many times on my mission my companion and I have been invited over to families homes for dinner. I love the opportunity we have to meet with all of these people. Not too long ago, we had the opportunity to go over to yet another families home.

We all sat together and talked as usual and enjoyed the evening. As missionaries, at the end of the dinner we usually share a brief spiritual message to show our gratitude to those who were kind enough to let us in. When we were sharing a message about prayer the mother just broke down in tears. Choking on her tears, she told us how her son (who was gone that night) hadn't talked to her all weekend and wouldn't eat. She was so worried about her son. You could see the distress and love in her eyes. We promised her that all would be well.

Fast forward to that night I did a lot of contemplating. I had never really come to see a mother's love in that light until that evening. What makes the bond between a mother and her child so deep? The divine love that mothers have is no doubt inspired.

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. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed. -The Family a Proclamation to the World

It made me look back on my life and realize how much my mother has always loved me. My heart breaks to know that at one time or another, just like the mother we talked to, my mom probably shed a tear or two worrying about me. My mom has always been patient with my siblings for all my life. I am thankful that God has given me such a great family and the example that my parents have set for me!

Happy Mothers Day!
(AKA Missionaries get to talk to their family day)

Missionary Life in a Nutshell

Obedience is the price

Faith is the power

Love is the motive

The Spirit is the key

Christ is the reason

Mountains of Life

 As I look back at the all the amazing experiences I have been blessed with the past 6 months on my mission, one in particular comes to mind. It all came from one night after a dinner with a family from the local ward (a ward is a congregation in the church). As we finished up dinner we were asked by the family's father if we wouldn't mind stopping by a man who was going through a sudden illness that was taking over his life. Of course, we told him we didn't mind so we were on our way! After knocking on the door we heard a voice tell us to come in. We pushed open the door and walked in. The man told us to sit down. His eyes were weary and his body would shake occasionally. The man was visibly ill. Though he struggled to even stand, when we talked to him he would crack a few jokes and we would all laugh together. Although we were there to offer our service and make sure he was okay, I felt like we came out of the visit more edified and strengthened then he (it's funny how often that happens as a missionary). He told us how going through a hard time is like climbing a big mountain. Your vision might not allow you to see very far and you might be very tired from the length you have already traveled. Here are a few of the profound words he said regarding trials:

"It may be steep... and it is!
It may be long... and it is!
But there is a top to the mountain!"

There is always a top to the mountain. We all struggle with our own set of trials no matter how big or small. Let's get real for a second, the things that might not matter for others around us might be the biggest mountain we have. Whatever it may be, though, keep going and keep climbing. There is a top to the mountain.

 I hope that those words retain at least a fraction of the power that they carried the first time they were told to my companion and I.