tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54545237087523778012024-03-18T21:43:36.569-07:00Elder Joshua AlbrightElder Joshua Albrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804677468073920335noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454523708752377801.post-84408064623587282922011-06-22T18:30:00.000-07:002011-06-22T18:32:41.433-07:00My Last Missionary Blog...<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oRaaThOgmTFjNpaU6NZHdYW8HsMIT6vGk48qNMTmKJVdnK6qwQcK7mNG7AAK1H15UVpxtZsFYRcjj43i2n5dIaJ1Xov5EXYoSABfcoWP4AznG7iKzIue6gU2LCp0oJDiCsVj1gHAVbM/s1600/100_0264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oRaaThOgmTFjNpaU6NZHdYW8HsMIT6vGk48qNMTmKJVdnK6qwQcK7mNG7AAK1H15UVpxtZsFYRcjj43i2n5dIaJ1Xov5EXYoSABfcoWP4AznG7iKzIue6gU2LCp0oJDiCsVj1gHAVbM/s320/100_0264.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">From when I first started my mission</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> As I look back on the past couple years, it seems to have flown by like it was nothing, and yet has felt like being able to be here sharing the gospel for the past lifetime. One thing that is comforting, is knowing with how much I have learned here, is that you don’t have to have the tag on to do missionary work and to share the gospel with so many of those around us each day. It has been of the greatest blessings to be here, and getting to especially do the work in a way never done before. I don’t know many missionaries who have had the blessings who have had the blessing to reach those of our Heavenly Father’s children on every continent (minus Antarctica of course haha). I understand a lot more now after these 2 years, of what</span></div><a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Alma meant when he shared his desire that “oh that I were an angel” and having the voice of a trump (haha most people know I’m not too quiet) and being able to reach all the ends of the earth in sharing the glorious message of the gospel and of our Savior Jesus Christ. When I first was called here to the Referral Center, I didn’t quite understand at all what God had in store for me, or of His plans; and not that I completely know now, but I can see so well looking back how all that He has blessed with me (the good and the trials) to bring me to serve in this capacity and vast blessing, and to where He will continue to lead me in life. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> One of the things that has also grown a lot, is my love for the scriptures, and the amount of study I have been able to put into them. Nephi knew what he was telling when he said of that we need to not endure to the end alone, but to feast upon the word of God, in the very literal blessing we are given with scriptures. My own testimony for the love that God has for us has deepened exponentially through all that He has not only taught throughout history but also through the revelation and teachings He has given in our day. He always is there to lift and encourage, and is ever vigilant, even in those times where we may in ways feels solitary and alone. That He never gives up on us, yet continually desires for us to find the joy that He wishes so much for us, and the blessings that He has in store for here in life and after this life. And The Book of Mormon is one of the most powerful tools that God has given for us to be able to use in the days in which we live, and most importantly to be able to learn for ourselves of truth from God. My mission President’s wife, Sister Allen, tells often of after the first vision, Joseph Smith went home and as he was there by the fire talking to his mother, he told of 5 words that are of the most powerful in this dispensation, that is as well available to each of us; that “I now know for myself”. The Book of Mormon is a literal fruit that God has brought forth, through His infinite understanding, will, and perfect plan, to help us to know for ourselves, just as Joseph, that Christ’s church has been truly restored to the earth, through a living prophet. That this is Christ’s gospel fully restored, and His Kingdom firmly standing, led by His loving hand, by His chosen and called prophets apostles and leaders. As I have been here I have read the Book of Mormon time and time again, and I can tell you with absolute resolution, that I know, by every piece of my being, that the Book of Mormon is of God; given through revelation by His love and helping not only His children anciently, but destined ever greatly for our day, of how we can now know for ourselves.</span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoTq7nkkH7AwOhoUaGc6an9Mv_u-t1F8yzPX3dicYDaF8Mabd2MIsJXKonG6lADCqDy2ko8W5lJnono45LOYgpMQ90UAcG1A0DEXjbvFinlB135qttB3MsXmvMQoBxDoMcC0twhcOD4g/s1600/Meeee.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoTq7nkkH7AwOhoUaGc6an9Mv_u-t1F8yzPX3dicYDaF8Mabd2MIsJXKonG6lADCqDy2ko8W5lJnono45LOYgpMQ90UAcG1A0DEXjbvFinlB135qttB3MsXmvMQoBxDoMcC0twhcOD4g/s320/Meeee.png" width="204" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Near the end of my mission</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> What a great comfort and power it is for us to know and feel for ourselves that God is not some unknowable force, somewhere in space, clouds, or what have you, but that He is a literal being Whom divinely led the creation of this world, and not simply because He could, was bored, or wanted to try something out which He expected to fail or anything of the sort, but for us to come to and live. That our Heavenly Father wants the most for us and has created a perfect plan in which to bring those desires to fruition and for us, His children, to come to. There is a person who has recently received the desire to learn more about Him, and of how He has restored the fullness of the gospel. As we shared with her the very fundamental fact that God is our Heavenly Father, and loves and knows each of us individually, she was confused of that and how to know that. The way we can know that is through prayer, in seeking and asking Him, what better source could be given. And as she did, she felt so fully that comfort and peace of the Spirit, and then the indescribable comfort of love that comes from our very Father in Heaven. It is never enough for a person to go by the hearsay, or to take only the word of another, in a sense, to ride along the conviction of others (which is often a great way to start and plant that seed of faith for oneself); but the only way you can come to know for yourself, is to pray, and ask God. That is what it always will come down to.</span></div>Elder Joshua Albrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804677468073920335noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454523708752377801.post-12800255707305834072011-04-22T09:32:00.000-07:002011-05-13T11:04:49.380-07:00***Testimony Thursday!!!***<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0s5hR6KOwOItPNZ8DXkJRDH6gHuc0l81uSvppEVGAoHQVZI-BuPsEFw-MbkTwxre4Ra05PcQRfrTWeDerx60qoP9S8IyZwJiuqiTvXze83HD15sB3nT27OY_X9nBuC9-voPz-tWVLt40/s1600/Jacky%2527s+Baptism.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0s5hR6KOwOItPNZ8DXkJRDH6gHuc0l81uSvppEVGAoHQVZI-BuPsEFw-MbkTwxre4Ra05PcQRfrTWeDerx60qoP9S8IyZwJiuqiTvXze83HD15sB3nT27OY_X9nBuC9-voPz-tWVLt40/s320/Jacky%2527s+Baptism.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>This is from a way sweet girl, Jacky, that was baptized last year! She is stellar!!</i><br />
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<div class="p1"><span class="s1">You know that feeling when you've been staring at a math problem for hours on end? Completely stuck on one step? Not moving forward towards the answer, but not wanting to give up quite yet despite the feeling that you want to slam the book shut and toss it out the window? That's been my relationship with Heavenly Father for as long as I can remember. I know its there. I can almost grasp the concept, but I'm missing one tiny piece of the puzzle. Despite the size of the last missing piece, it's the most important and integral part to the answer. Without that, you're not quite complete. You're not quite finished. I've spent my entire life starting blankly at a page that has all of the work done until the very last part. I wanted so badly to give up but something kept gnawing at my soul. I knew that I wasn't complete without that last teeny tiny piece of myself.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="p1"><span class="apple-tab-span"> </span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Then, I found it. Well, really, the piece found me. That piece was the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. A small part in the beginning but once it was put snuggly into place, it grew outwards and attached itself to the rest of my soul. I received the Book of Mormon from a Missionary and read it. And after that, I started having some of the most important discussions of my life with some of the most amazing men and women that I had ever come across. I felt myself growing. Flourishing really. Flourishing in my faith.</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="apple-tab-span"> </span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">One of the leaders of the Church says that your Testimony is a growing thing. You have to nurture it daily with love, respect, and plenty of food in order for it to grow. These last months have been dedicated to nourishing my Testimony. In one of the most turbulent, challenging and uncertain times of my entire life, I've found refuge in the words of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, the Prophets and the other leaders. I've found comfort in the words of Joseph Smith and his revelations. I've found refuge in the words given to us by Christ and Heavenly Father in the form of the Bible and Book of Mormon. Even in my angriest moments, I've felt the tug towards my Scriptures and prayer to keep strong. Despite my confusion at the loss of an innocent boy's life to suicide, I found solace in the words that Heavenly Father has given us. Despite the fear of not finding my partner for eternity, I have found answers in the words of the Prophets and teachers. Even in the words of the doubters and criticizing people I have found strength because I know how special my Testimony is to me.</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="apple-tab-span"> </span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Without a doubt, I know this Church is true. The Book of Mormon was directly given to us from Heavenly Father. Joseph Smith was the Prophet on this Earth that was entrusted to restore the Gospel and that Gospel has truly been restored. We have a Prophet here on this earth this very moment and his name is Thomas S. Monson. There is a plan of salvation for you and for me. Jesus Christ died in order for that plan to come true. He knows me by name. He knows you by name. He knows the person who hates him the most by his name and he loves them just as much as he loves me. I can do anything and everything with Heavenly Father's help and I finally have that missing puzzle piece that has completed my entire soul. I am so very thankful for the Atonement and Heavenly Father's infinite love for all of his children.</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="apple-tab-span"> </span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">I say each and every single word in the name of the everlasting and holy name of Jesus Christ, the one who gave his life for me.</span></div><div class="p2"><br />
</div><div class="p1"><span class="apple-tab-span"> </span><span class="s1">Amen </span></div>Elder Joshua Albrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804677468073920335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454523708752377801.post-85936193070355330442011-04-15T09:22:00.000-07:002011-05-13T11:05:28.089-07:00Testimony Thursday!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8FL7FGP0_UKUhUfpoPVCGYZShO_XeYQKzTNzXA7MQJL3xqQCd_beCUmfm649FG-rz0yzYyLZgdgHcX7bFA3FHdfbuwYUYHKjUBWCS6HlpF6H9QMbIsE4gKF5sxF1cegKDfslyNMDcflc/s1600/mormon-John-Baptizing-Jesus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8FL7FGP0_UKUhUfpoPVCGYZShO_XeYQKzTNzXA7MQJL3xqQCd_beCUmfm649FG-rz0yzYyLZgdgHcX7bFA3FHdfbuwYUYHKjUBWCS6HlpF6H9QMbIsE4gKF5sxF1cegKDfslyNMDcflc/s320/mormon-John-Baptizing-Jesus.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><i>This is from Shanon, an awesome convert from England!</i>:<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It was Monday 9th November 2009 and my sister Charlotte dared me to call the Leeds 3 missionaries and talk about irrelevant things, so i did and Elder Thorpe invited me to go along to a family home evening, so I quickly got ready to go, had to rush round. I really didn't want to go but I thought I would give it ago when the lesson started it was amazing I really enjoyed it. I prayed that I would get an answer that the book of Mormon was true and that Joseph smith was a prophet who restored the book of Mormon. After nearly no time of thinking it was stupid I started to believe it. Then I find myself wanting to know and learn more. I went to two more family home evenings, one on Tuesday and one on Friday, then the missionaries came to our house on Saturday. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">I went to church on Sunday 15th November 2009 for the first time, I really didn’t like it but I thought I would give it another go because it was only my first time and I didn’t know anyone. So the following week I went back, I enjoyed the sacrament meeting and the gospel and principles lesson but didn’t like relief society. The week after we went to steak conference and I thought it was really boring I didn’t like it, after weeks of meetings and going to the fireside we decided to make a baptism plan, I think that the first dates we set was too early so we changed the dates. I really enjoy going to church and learning new things. I don’t like it when I am in young women’s they don’t talk to me and they play games and things, I don’t like playing games I just like to learn. I spoke with many missionaries on mormon.org who helped me to understand many things and who answered alot of my questions, they were more help than my actual missionaries in my area.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">On Saturday 19th December we went to Preston England temple it was lovely, while I was there I really felt something special an urge to come back and I was really excited even though I couldn’t go inside the temple, the time I spent there was incredible. I am so looking forward to been able to go back and getting baptized for the dead, giving someone the chance of accepting god and knowing you was a part of it is something really special to know you have helped them. Whilst at the temple we went for a walk round the grounds, We noticed the symbols on the side of the temple the sun, the moon, a star ect, symbols like for the different kingdoms. </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">The 24th December was the big day of the baptism. it was such a good day, we had Elder Thorup, Elder Combs, Skot (my best friend) and Rachel </span><span style="color: black;">round for dinner and gave them Christmas presents, we had a lovely time. </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">6pm came and we was at church ready in the white suits ready to be baptized, scared at the time and I didn’t want to go through with it because I didn’t want many people to be there, but I thought I had to do what is right so I’m going to do it and just forget about the people outside the baptism font and focus on why I am doing it. So I got baptized, the first time I didn’t go under properly so I had to go under again and went under properly this time, then the following Sunday (27th) we got confirmed in the church and I quite enjoyed church then later on we met with our missionaries who taught us about spiritual marriage and about missionary work. </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Going through the church from when we first investigated to now I have learnt many new things. I have seen changes in my life, and I can see the ups and downs in my life, from the times where I was fully obedient to the times when I may have gone a few days without reading or praying. I am grateful that I have been able to go to the temple and participate in baptisms for the dead, I am grateful for my patriarchal blessing which has helped me in my life and will help me in years to come. finishing young women's personal progress has helped me in lots of different ways. </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">I know this church is true, I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet who restored the book of Mormon, I know that Thomas S Monson is the living prophet of today. I have been through many trials and prayed many times and many things have come true. It's not easy in my family to stay faithful as they are all against it, but I do my best to stay true and faithful, my patriarchal blessing has helped me out. when leaving for the circus I received a blessing for comfort, I have seen things come true in that blessing since I have left to go to the circus. I know truly with all my heart that these things are true, and I say these things in the name of thy son, Jesus Christ, amen</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">. </span></div>Elder Joshua Albrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804677468073920335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454523708752377801.post-52324850762648721692011-04-07T11:12:00.000-07:002011-05-13T11:48:45.830-07:00Testimony Thursday? =)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iEGd4i6quf9Y8MnQcUtIfufKciannjbPKw6ZA0N7ieYeF_nQXACukj1KVSXKDCroD1A4unBikBBbYO9MJ3GsZ5V5zPvJKTbY5iC_8XQoxQOHG_dlQ4NKVyAzq1RrCYDIc1bU9lvHtk4/s1600/power.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iEGd4i6quf9Y8MnQcUtIfufKciannjbPKw6ZA0N7ieYeF_nQXACukj1KVSXKDCroD1A4unBikBBbYO9MJ3GsZ5V5zPvJKTbY5iC_8XQoxQOHG_dlQ4NKVyAzq1RrCYDIc1bU9lvHtk4/s320/power.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember, often how God speaks to us, is through what<br />
He inspires others to say for our benefit...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So now I am companions for teaching, with Elder LeeMaster, and there is a good thing that he has been doing that I'm going to adopt. Once a week, he posts testimonies from people that have learned about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have asked a few recent converts if they would be comfortable writing that for other people to see. I have seen how much I have been able to grow by having the testimonies of others, and see how the gospel and their Heavenly Father has blessed them in their lives. So here is one for today. This is from Gail, an awesome lady that I taught who lives in British Columbia (beautiful place!!), and she was baptized about a year ago, and wrote this up a few days ago for me to post, thanks Gail!!:<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>I guess the best way to start is at the beginning. I was, and still am, going through a stressful time in my life when I clicked on <a href="http://lds.org/">lds.org</a> and saw the missionary chat site. I was curious about the church and I also knew I was in need of some spiritual guidance. After talking with Elder Albright and another missionary I started to attend services at a nearby ward in Victoria, British Columbia. When I walked into the ward, I met another woman in dire circumstances just like me. After this lady and I agreed to learn more about the church from the local missionaries from that particular ward, she and I agreed to be baptized. It took me a little longer to be baptized since illness, a stressful job, and also the effects of a stressful separation from my husband caused me to miss a few days of church. But I was not going to let Satan win. Yes I was being tested but I was not going to give into the temptation and give up on my goal of joining this wonderful and true church of God. <br />
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After I was baptized I continued battling my illness, a cold that took me over ten months get rid off. But I stayed steadfast to the word of God and to the church. In fact Satan was not finished with me yet. For one day I met up with this other lady, that was baptized the same time I was, and she begin to tell me about some teachings she had been taught that she really wasn't ready to hear or receive because she was not a strong enough of a Saint to take in and comprehend this particular message. This particular message had made this new convert uncomfortable to the point that she decided she wanted nothing to do the lds church ever again. As for me, I was a little ticked off at first because I knew I was not ready to receive this particular teaching either; and that I should not have been given this piece of information through a second hand party who probably didn't get her facts straight to begin with. Which always happens when you get information second hand like that. But the most important thing I had realized after that was Satan was using this situation to turn me away from the church. <br />
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Later on that week I while I was having one of my post baptism lessons, I told the missionaries who were instructing me about what took place between this meeting between this former convert and myself. I also told them this was Satan's doing in trying to keep me out of the church; and to have me quit church services. But I also told these young men that I was not going to be taken in by Satan as I had been in the past. Holding steadfast to these words and that promise, here I am a year later still attending church services. In fact I also been given a calling as an assistant nursery teacher in the primary program in my ward. <br />
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As for my personal struggle,s they are still there. I am still working at my very stressful job and there seems to be no end in sight in regards to my separation. But as long as I have the word of God to comfort me and give me strength I know can get through anything.<br />
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So that is my testimony of faith. It's not a long one, and I don't know if it is a strong one but it is my personal testimony as to the way I am still with the lds church. A church that I know to be true to the word and the teaching of our Savior and our Heavenly Father</i>. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </span>Elder Joshua Albrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804677468073920335noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454523708752377801.post-34684352798059887902011-03-24T14:01:00.000-07:002011-04-07T11:14:36.791-07:00What is love...?<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrvvv1G5Rl5MLZcqx56Hv9gMR1pzA_AvRCqZE-s0y_uf9mVOChoI0E8dTV24z-Q8U05BCAxADD9gY-EMCa8sw4JkJs-znyeOaDzQkSaSR9Tw_LO2m_thJGwZ9xW1AAbtv8oZkFN_sXg8/s1600/washing_feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrvvv1G5Rl5MLZcqx56Hv9gMR1pzA_AvRCqZE-s0y_uf9mVOChoI0E8dTV24z-Q8U05BCAxADD9gY-EMCa8sw4JkJs-znyeOaDzQkSaSR9Tw_LO2m_thJGwZ9xW1AAbtv8oZkFN_sXg8/s320/washing_feet.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christ cleaning the disciples feet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>There are many things that God has taught, that can be a blessing for us, that can help us to feel of His love, and to come closer to Him. One of the biggest things that God taught all throughout history, and that Christ emphasized, was to love one another; to have charity, and to respect. When we look back on the life of Christ, there are many examples of that, through which we can learn and apply to our own lives.<br />
He often showed His love for all of the people around us, and strived to <br />
<a name='more'></a>serve them and help them to know of His love for them. Such as in John 13;<br />
"After that He poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded."<br />
I know most people are not the biggest fans of feet. Now imagine walking everyday in sandals, through deserts, with all of that sand. Not having showers, or soaking in a bath tub. And Christ kneels down, and washes the feet of His disciples, and dried them with the clothes He was wearing.<br />
I recently as well started reading back through the New Testament; and there is one thing that stands out to me that occurs a lot. That as there are many multitudes following Christ, and asking for things, it tells of how "He had compassion on them," and would then heal them, pray for them, teach them, feed them, and various other things of which to help them and bring joy in their lives. Christ had that compassion at times when the disciples sent others away, when the people were wicked or looked down upon by the general population, and loved all.<br />
Upon being asked of "Which is the great commandment in the law?" (Matt 22:36)<br />
"And Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord they God with all they heart, and with all they soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love they neighbour as thyself."<br />
Most people know and remember what is referred to as, "the golden rule", of how we need to love others. I know that as we love others, we are also showing love to our Father in Heaven. And as we seek to emulate that charity to others in all the actions of our lives, we will not only be able to feel ever stronger the love God has for us, but to receive an even great amount of joy. And to end, here is a story that I love a lot, that shows some about manners, and what they really mean.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Dej2sXhhlfZm85945NUvW6K57HBHei9U3X4pGz8fNwpYKeCSFcmEpXwS9tYbUeyUZcSsDPIEXjMuicueVXMUK-dl5sgzWKrNfvnHxbztfX9PyyvLhxbexOL3sENRrPQeOCN44v-LAOc/s1600/tipping_hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Dej2sXhhlfZm85945NUvW6K57HBHei9U3X4pGz8fNwpYKeCSFcmEpXwS9tYbUeyUZcSsDPIEXjMuicueVXMUK-dl5sgzWKrNfvnHxbztfX9PyyvLhxbexOL3sENRrPQeOCN44v-LAOc/s1600/tipping_hat.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manners can still be shown</td></tr>
</tbody></table><u><b>What message is sent by good manners</b></u><br />
"One of my white students entered an elevator that I was in already, and I removed my hat.<br />
'Dr. Proctor,' She said, 'Why did you take your hat off when I got in the elevator? You're living in the Victorian age.' She laughed congenially.<br />
'If You'll get off the elevator with me for a moment, I'll tell you.'<br />
At my stop, we both stepped off.<br />
'I'm not a Victorian,' I said, 'But some things stay in place from one generation to another, and certain manners stand for values that I hold dear. I believe that a society that ceases to respect women is on its way out. Woman bear and raise our children, they are bound to them in early infancy; they need our support and security through this process. When we forget that, the keystone of family and home is lost. When we neglect and abuse women, the family falls apart and children are less well parented, and they fill up the jails and are buried in early graves. I believe that respect for women is the linch pin of the family and the society. Therefore, when you entered the elevator, I wanted you to have automatic, immediate, unqualified assurance that if the elevator caught fire, I would help you out through the top first. If a strange man boarded and began to slap you around and tear your clothes off, he would have to kill me first. If the elevator broke down and stopped between floors, I would not leave you in there. If you fainted and slumped to the floor, I would stop everything and get you to to a hospital. Now, it would take a lot of time to say all of that, so when I removed my hat, I meant all of the above.'<br />
Tears sprang to her eyes. There are some values that abide. They have no racial or ethical label."<br />
-Samuel DeWitt ProctorElder Joshua Albrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804677468073920335noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454523708752377801.post-19560222348111736452011-03-05T16:31:00.000-08:002011-04-07T11:14:55.156-07:00The Speed of Change...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9V_DZ3SupyQd7_HhkjKvHEkYX-QSVzrSJN7TCNich0_GHIhXFrCHs0PdNEGE8zkQRbyVxvsyghtEm7xs3u78utHxsQX2lEHwlqOvp1hS3U3FNYnMqXTnYCObgl-KZU8v1m9cvO1SFU6w/s1600/100_1125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9V_DZ3SupyQd7_HhkjKvHEkYX-QSVzrSJN7TCNich0_GHIhXFrCHs0PdNEGE8zkQRbyVxvsyghtEm7xs3u78utHxsQX2lEHwlqOvp1hS3U3FNYnMqXTnYCObgl-KZU8v1m9cvO1SFU6w/s320/100_1125.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing in the 6 inches of snow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It seems that change is always an interesting thing to ponder and to view. In the midst of it, it is nearly unnoticeable, and makes a gradual impact, to an eventual realization of what happened. And other times, change can come so quickly, that we are shocked at what is found. One example, is something that I have found while being here on my mission, in Utah. It is most quite often, far below freezing here during the winter months, but I am still shocked some days at the speed of change. An example of that, was just a couple of days ago, wherein about six inches of snow fell during the night and into the morning, and come late afternoon, you would have never guessed, with there being nearly nothing left on the ground. And what surprised me the most,<br />
<a name='more'></a>was I went into a building while it was snowing like crazy, and then a couple hours later, emerging back outside, there was barely the faintest evidence of the dealings the weather brought, just hours earlier. Change, however surprising or gradual it may be, is always a factor that plays into our daily lives.<br />
Now with this change that happens, there are a couple different choices for how you allow it to effect your life and the reactions you give. Our Heavenly Father sent us here to the earth to learn and to grow, for us to be tested. Remembering that, has helped me to apply into my life the realization that being here on the earth isn't meant to be perfect. Through all that we experience, change is an inevitable thing. Now, we may not always or often be in control of those changes that come, but it is our agency, our choice, to decide what actions we do and how we choose to follow events that play into our lives. At times, we may be wrapped up in the consistency and constancy of our lives, and when change does come along, we dwell too much on that fact and cease to move forward. At times, because of change, people often decide to simply "survive" whatever life may bring, and seek not anything else to come of it beyond getting through it. But we must not do that in our lives, and whenever we may have those tough times come, and begin to question, remember the wise words of Gandalf (haha, yepp, I am a nerd);<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gAkejJCHOfLweFq4if8Ofrxm_VLKKG2fy-iFjJrG9EC9gBuJeVRvCk6RUI_mY0Y7nOQWFD94gava1Tv57lgt3VIkRlbyna22GGzemVZEIA39uoPqAkXOU-_P7zIjviJzMjuxdZfTsUs/s1600/100_1138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gAkejJCHOfLweFq4if8Ofrxm_VLKKG2fy-iFjJrG9EC9gBuJeVRvCk6RUI_mY0Y7nOQWFD94gava1Tv57lgt3VIkRlbyna22GGzemVZEIA39uoPqAkXOU-_P7zIjviJzMjuxdZfTsUs/s320/100_1138.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow gone, just wait for the sun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>"So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us."<br />
We can then add this to some advice given, through a prophet of God in our day, President Gordon B. Hinckley;<br />
"In all of living, have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured."<br />
"It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don't worry. I say that to myself every morning. It all works out in the end. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidience in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers."<br />
"God forward in life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, with great purpose in heart."<br />
Life brings change, but that does not force us to change the view we may have on life. It may at times be hard, but remember, happiness is a choice. It is something that can enrich your life, and bring joy through anything that life may throw at you. Trust in our Father in Heaven, for He is mighty to bless, and loves beyond comprehension. Remember, when the snow melts, the sun comes out =)Elder Joshua Albrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804677468073920335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454523708752377801.post-53325969405564747142011-02-28T17:33:00.000-08:002011-04-07T11:14:11.796-07:00Lost Yourself Lately?...<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Ec_G9ZxGlF6usDbwRDoyrq-YtBNMNmv-4GrJ5-xiehFmgHrXXTAHrtMoiY_7CVScvkl3u_VuUvxf4iZr_8U47emVQtuZtMLD7cxnaqV8FQr0Sbe0V3MjjJwEGmNMIjJjFYGZd8kVk1k/s1600/100_1100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Ec_G9ZxGlF6usDbwRDoyrq-YtBNMNmv-4GrJ5-xiehFmgHrXXTAHrtMoiY_7CVScvkl3u_VuUvxf4iZr_8U47emVQtuZtMLD7cxnaqV8FQr0Sbe0V3MjjJwEGmNMIjJjFYGZd8kVk1k/s320/100_1100.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't be a hater......</td></tr>
</tbody></table>There is an author that I have enjoyed reading throughout my life, who tends to have amazing insights and ways to describe aspects of life, while looking through different religious views. This author to which I refer, is C. S. Lewis, one of the most prominent Christian writers and intellectuals of the twentieth century. One of my favorite books he has written, is entitle "The Screwtape Letters", of which many of you know. The basis of the book is the correspondence between a senior tempter (Screwtape) in work for the devil, to his young nephew (Wormwood) that is assigned to tempt an ordinary young man. In it, Screwtape is telling Wormwood of things that he needs to know about how to secure the damnation of this man, and how to use the world against the plan that the Enemy (God) has for all humans. I really enjoy some of the ways that "Screwtape", in his letters, tells of what God wants us to become, and how it is that He desires for us to "lose" ourselves. Here are two different excerpts from the book here talking on that subject;<br />
<a name='more'></a><div><br />
</div><div>"Of course I know that the Enemy also wants to detach men from themselves, but in a different way. Remember always, that He really likes the little vermin, and sets an absurd value on the distinctness of every one of them. When He talks of their losing their selves, He only means abandoning the clamour of self-will; once they have done that, He really gives them back all their personality, and boasts (I am afraid, sincerely) that when they are wholly His they will be more themselves than ever. Hence, while He is delighted to see them sacrificing even their innocent wills to His, He hates to see them drifting away from their own nature for any other reason. And we should always encourage them to do so." </div><div><br />
</div><div>"The Enemy wants to bring the man to a state of mind in which he could design the best cathedral in the world, and know it to be the best, and rejoice in that fact, without being any more (or less) or otherwise glad at having done it than he would be if it had been done by another. The Enemy wants him, in the end, to be so free from any bias in his own favour that he can rejoice in his own talents as frankly and gratefully as in his neighbour's talents-- or in a sunrise, an elephant, or a waterfall. He wants each man, in the long run, to be able to recognize all creatures (even himself) as glorious and excellent things. He wants to kill their animal self-love as soon as possible; but it is His long-term policy, I fear, to restore to them a new kind of self-love-- a charity and gratitude for all selves, including their own; when they have really learned to love their neighbours as themselves, they will be allowed to love themselves as their neighbours. For we must never forget what is the most repellent and inexplicable trait of our Enemy; He really loves the hairless bipeds He has created and always gives back to them with His right hand what He has taken away with His left."</div><div><br />
</div><div>It is amazing the love that God truly has for us. He cares for us more than we could possibly imagine, and is there to bless and guide us in our lives, so as for us to come closer to Him in our lives, and to receive the blessings that He desires for us. Life is in no way meant to be solely a trial, and we are not born into condemnation. Rather we came here, from the presence of our loving Father in Heaven, to be able to learn and to grow. When we look at different scriptures, they tell of the desire God has for us;</div><div><br />
</div><div>"...men are, that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 2:25)</div><div><br />
</div><div>"For behold, this is my work and my glory-- to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39)</div><div><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAX5elJlmDQIDkYMAKUewEHp-_nArlyE2jaIj_fBEV7nyE9PnlNONM-VjT4s7w7tN55652NtxCmSw8a2xht_4wWm8niyhAozrt4VFYwhICmaRTXibi2PHC6CqUlsinVDGFEiY1zwnZvg/s1600/100_1099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAX5elJlmDQIDkYMAKUewEHp-_nArlyE2jaIj_fBEV7nyE9PnlNONM-VjT4s7w7tN55652NtxCmSw8a2xht_4wWm8niyhAozrt4VFYwhICmaRTXibi2PHC6CqUlsinVDGFEiY1zwnZvg/s320/100_1099.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">..........be a lover =)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>God wants us to have happiness in our lives, and that as we look to Him, to find even greater peace, and also have even more in store for our eternities, to one day live with God. God does not want all to loose individuality, or in any way "who" we are, but to become one in our love of God, and in following our Savior Jesus Christ. In the intercessory prayer, Christ prays for the apostles and His disciples to become one, and upon viewing, it is not to loose who we are, but to be one in purpose. </div><div></div><div>"And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those who thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are." (John 17:3)</div><div><br />
</div><div>Now is Christ praying for all of His followers to become one person, to lose all of who they are and even so much as become the same being? No! But as we see of what our purpose, and His work and glory is, for us to have joy, and to have eternal life. He loves us so much and is there to guide us in many ways, even in every aspect of our lives. And Screwtape in those parts quoted, is close to the very things that Christ taught during His earthly ministry and told His disciples;</div><div><br />
</div><div>"He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for My sake shall find it." (Matt 10:39)</div><div><br />
</div><div>Remember that God loves you, and wants you to find joy in your life. Follow what He has taught, and test to see if truly is something that can bring an added measure of that happiness and blessings to your life, and the life of your family. I testify that I know as you follow God, and the example of Jesus Christ, you will be blessed beyond measure. This I know because I have seen it as a personal witness in my own life. Remember who you are and what you stand for.</div><div><br />
</div>Elder Joshua Albrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804677468073920335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454523708752377801.post-2662916889900053222011-02-24T13:50:00.000-08:002011-04-07T11:15:24.286-07:00Who are you reppin'?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWXc9Z5QHc6-qe3M0sUOyUZpzQZxufyxo281ybWbmBcmXX4vgb5oZR5_p5jDSxb8ZEjdVQ7Pft2svz6eh7RJUoKR8rwe8E8NEZkdwyvbQnRbOuBuBnAtb7CIV4hGQpr_-sNrMQjs5QLc/s1600/packer-fan.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWXc9Z5QHc6-qe3M0sUOyUZpzQZxufyxo281ybWbmBcmXX4vgb5oZR5_p5jDSxb8ZEjdVQ7Pft2svz6eh7RJUoKR8rwe8E8NEZkdwyvbQnRbOuBuBnAtb7CIV4hGQpr_-sNrMQjs5QLc/s320/packer-fan.jpeg" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Bay Packers fan</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Most probably remember days back in high school, and having "spirit" day. And as time goes on, for sporing events (whether collegiate or professional), supporters of each team, dress in a fashion so as for any onlooker to know what it is that they represent, who they are a "fan" of. The world has many things, that come from may angles and aspects in our lives, to try and gain the support of people, to have them thus represent whatever is desired. As the world tries to put this forth, however, there is another, Whom is constant, and that desires for us to have joy in our lives, as well as to find a sure foundation whereon we can "represent"...<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
The scriptures show some of the ways that God wants us to follow Him, as well as ways that we can not only represent Him in our lives, but as well to receive the blessings that He so desires for us. In Mosiah 18, it tells of some of the covenants that we make with our Father in Heaven, as we are baptized. A little on in the verse, it says;<br />
"...are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to <b><i>stand as witnesses of God at all times, in all thing, and in all places that ye may be in</i></b>..." (<i>Mosiah 18:9</i>)<br />
In asking of desires of our hearts, in coming to God, Alma says to be <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">stand as witnesses</span> of God, at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">all TIMES</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">all</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">THINGS</span>, and in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">all PLACES</span>; to be that witness always, in every aspect of our life. When we are baptized, we make covenants with our Heavenly Father; in that we make a two way promise with God, that as we fulfill our promise, God will also fulfill His to us. This covenant that we make, may be found in the sacrament prayers (wherein we renew the covenants we make at baptism);<br />
"Oh God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it; that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, Oh God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to <b><i>take upon them the name of thy Son</i></b>, and <b><i>always remember Him</i></b>, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may <u>always have his Spirit to be with them</u>. Amen." (Moroni 4:3)<br />
There are three promises found in these verses, that we make with our Heavenly Father, and the two I want to bring up, are to "take upon [us] the name of thy Son, and always remember Him". When I was younger, I remember that this promise didn't always make sense to me, but I have found a type of analogy to help explain and illustrate how we take upon us the name of Christ and always remember Him. As we are children, and even for our whole life, we are given the last name that our parents have, something that links us together. In the same way, as we grow, and have choices and actions in our lives; those choices are associated with who we are, with our last name, and then on to our parents and relatives. Most people strive to upkeep the name they bear, and to bring honor through that name in all they do; so as to not bring neither pain or ill thought, to others with the same name. Now as we are baptized, we promise God, to take upon us the name of Christ.<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOifB8NRSxFOf7xWtsrd9-hcyABJqicUHGw-mj98nSxVRdZmnjYBvTj0vdv_wrJr3U9u-C0amEaN4ahAEiO-V5jTXngcVZwhihQDFtClA3odfQazr2w3KLrH4quNR83z8zW6I9yBBpNo/s1600/100_0293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOifB8NRSxFOf7xWtsrd9-hcyABJqicUHGw-mj98nSxVRdZmnjYBvTj0vdv_wrJr3U9u-C0amEaN4ahAEiO-V5jTXngcVZwhihQDFtClA3odfQazr2w3KLrH4quNR83z8zW6I9yBBpNo/s320/100_0293.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take the name of Christ on you</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Just with the other way explained with our last names, we want all of our actions and choices in our lives to not only be righteous, but as well to bring that goodness back to He, Whose name we bear and take upon us. To bring honor to the name of Jesus Christ. At the same time, we want also for people to realize who it is that we are striving to emulate, and that which we have covenanted to represent. And as you do that, and keep the promise you make, you will "always have his Spirit to be with [you]". Just as this Green Bay Packers fan, without talking to him, you can see what he represents. Now, when people look at you, who do they think you represent? One of my favorite scriptures illustrates who I want to represent and have in my life (of course not being biased to the scripture haha), which is found in Joshua 24:15, which says;<br />
"..Choose you this day whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."Elder Joshua Albrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804677468073920335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454523708752377801.post-46126379456165261752011-02-04T07:41:00.000-08:002011-04-07T11:15:49.469-07:00The child of a king...<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZF6ki7RqBZ-H0m_StiKeXAaFAZjIv6uMWxNSawjE8KEgI2kOf5RALsaHXLKAt1u8H9k9-mzl19JU30fLWDlfvcEExrQM3EEeI3XmNjtheKwpbypRQUyk7T8a3i_omqpEjb-vYbwd5wo/s1600/JesusBlessingChildren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZF6ki7RqBZ-H0m_StiKeXAaFAZjIv6uMWxNSawjE8KEgI2kOf5RALsaHXLKAt1u8H9k9-mzl19JU30fLWDlfvcEExrQM3EEeI3XmNjtheKwpbypRQUyk7T8a3i_omqpEjb-vYbwd5wo/s320/JesusBlessingChildren.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Children of God</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So I have heard this story a few times throughout my life, and just the other day, Elder Sabin brought it up, and I decided to put it up here for you to see as well. It was told by Bishop Vaughn J. Featherstone in 1975.<br />
"Many years ago I heard the story of the son of King Louis XVI of France. King Louis had been taken from his throne and imprisoned. His young son, the prince, was taken by those who dethroned the king. They thought that inasmuch as the king's son was heir to the throne, if they could destroy him morally, he would never realize the great and grand destiny that life had...<br />
<a name='more'></a> bestowed upon him.<br />
They took him to a community far away, and there they exposed the lad to every filthy and vile thing that life could offer. They exposed him to foods the richness of which would quickly make him a slave to appetite. They used vile language around him constantly. They exposed him to lewd and lusting women. They exposed him to dishonor and distrust. He was surrounded 24 hours a day by everything that could drag the soul of a man as low as one could slip. For over six months he had this treatment-- but not once did the young lad buckle under pressure. Finally, after intensive temptation, they questioned him. Why had he not submitted himself to these things-- why had he not partaken? These things would provide pleasure, satisfy his lusts, and were desirable; they were all his. They boy said, 'I cannot do what you ask for I was born to be a king.'"<br />
It truly amazes me in thinking about that statement, and the power that it holds, with many not even realizing it. "I cannon do what you ask, FOR I WAS BORN TO BE A KING!" That is one of the most significant things that we can know through the gospel, is that we are all children of our Heavenly Father, children of God! We each of us hold within us a divine heritage that vastly overthrows anything else, to show who we are. We are meant for so much. A really good friend of mine says often, about when you look at yourself in the mirror; you could point out all of your short comings or the random things, or you can look at yourself and say "I am a child of God", and then think deeply to realize the divine heritage and potential that you have. Never forget that! Through anything that may come up in life, or that the world has to offer, to try and tempt you, remember what this young boy said, and take it meaning in your life, "I cannot do what you ask, for I was born to be a king [queen for girls :)]!" Remember who you are, and what you stand for.<br />
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</div>Elder Joshua Albrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804677468073920335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454523708752377801.post-28391046817228175342011-01-20T10:01:00.000-08:002011-04-07T11:16:37.486-07:00What difference does it make?...<div style="text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sdDfbzp4x_EIUzbnpi1t2fKGqj9cTF8vL5YtkJf3YqVgT2h6RQmwYyxHCnFxomiXxU8Pzcre0N1sRN4tzgHHyowf2PfqU0oJ6E9dUS-hlppaWvmhNNPSwKw6UjFPHuDrrsA7pziRlsM/s1600/foundation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sdDfbzp4x_EIUzbnpi1t2fKGqj9cTF8vL5YtkJf3YqVgT2h6RQmwYyxHCnFxomiXxU8Pzcre0N1sRN4tzgHHyowf2PfqU0oJ6E9dUS-hlppaWvmhNNPSwKw6UjFPHuDrrsA7pziRlsM/s1600/foundation.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laying a foundation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>When people look at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, too often, they do not see any difference. I am asked more times than I could possibly count, "what makes the Mormon church different from any other Christian denomination?" And the answers to that question can be given in relatively short descriptions, but the deeper meaning cannot fully done justice through the answer that many desire. There are things that set apart the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from any other church on earth, but to understand that, some of the points that do make the difference, must also be truly understood. I think as well, one important thing to realize, said by the prophet Joseph Smith, is that "The fundamental principles of our religious are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it." Central to all that we believe, the very church and gospel itself, the foundation of all of it, rests on "Jesus Christ, Himself being the chief cornerstone." (Ephesians 2:20). Now in our day, ...<br />
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<a name='more'></a>foundations are vastly easier to make than anciently, now you put in the forms and lay the concrete; but anciently it was put down stone by stone. Most important as the foundation was being made, was the cornerstones, which needed to be measured and set exactly, to support everything else, and the whole structure. And first and foremost, was layed the chief cornerstone, of which had to be put down first and has the necessity of being perfect, due to all else is measured and put down from it. Christ is the chief cornerstone, the foundation of this, His church. He is that perfect support that all else builds from, and as we know, the very Savior of the world. Along with that, the apostle Paul, tells that what else makes up this foundation of Christ's church, just as one stone cannot support an entire building, Christ called others to help in His work, with the call of prophets and apostles, further on the Lord tells of why He calls these people;<br />
<br />
"And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">For the perfecting of the saints</span>, for the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">work of the ministry</span>, for the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> edifying of the body of Christ </span>[<i>the church</i>]: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Till we all come in the unity of faith</span>, and of the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">knowledge of the Son </span>of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">henceforth be no more children</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">tossed to and fro</span>, and carried about with every <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">wind of doctrine</span>, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftinessness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive." (Ephesians 4:11-14)<br />
<br />
Look at why God called these people, in red are the things by which God would accomplish through those whom He has called. When Christ left the earth, these things were not yet fulfilled, and not yet are they fulfilled either, and further more, God cannot lie, and so He will persevere in these things to bring forth His goals. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and the way He teaches has been shown forth in scripture;<br />
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"Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7)<br />
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As that is how God teaches His children, that is yet how He continues to in our day. It is amazing to know that God has in our day again called prophets, through which He leads by revelation, and has given forth His priesthood to the children of men, the very power and authority to act in God's name and to bless His children; to teach and baptize. And even as God has called prophets, and as He has restored Christ's church to the earth through the prophet Joseph Smith, God knew also, that we would need a way to know for ourselves that prophets are truly from God. Christ while He was yet on the earth, knew that there would be not only false prophets to arise, but also of true prophets, and so taught how we may know if they are from God or not.<br />
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"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. <u><b>Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them</b></u>." (Matthew 7:15-20)<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORlADH6HgpqadV8qwTcYsYdE8I7kzxA2rS-DxA-6n6F4illUQNfy8LLQD5hG9Glk-sIUmNiZKF0XwWEFB_G9tqZacpNTxRD68W38_tiKJayQqR3uAWW90sdxJpLSddnfFgsg6LiwPg3I/s1600/100_0975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORlADH6HgpqadV8qwTcYsYdE8I7kzxA2rS-DxA-6n6F4illUQNfy8LLQD5hG9Glk-sIUmNiZKF0XwWEFB_G9tqZacpNTxRD68W38_tiKJayQqR3uAWW90sdxJpLSddnfFgsg6LiwPg3I/s320/100_0975.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My awesome old school copy =)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Christ told, that how we may know a prophet, is by their fruits. Just as when I look at a tree I may not know exactly what it is, but when I see an apple, well obviously it is an apple tree, and even more so, you can know if it is a good tree, by the fruit that grows from it. God knowing that He would need to restore Christ's church to the earth, knew also that with that, His children would need more to look to and fruits as to which they could know that a prophet is truly called by Him. As such, God prepared centuries before the restoration, a fruit that could be brought forth through His power, as evidence and 'fruit' to all who wish to know. That fruit of which I speak, that was given to the world through the prophet Joseph Smith, is the Book of Mormon. Just as God called prophets in ancient Israel, He also called prophets in the ancient Americas. As the people there in the Americas began to be wicked, God commanded the prophet Mormon to take the records from these prophets, and compile them together, and to hide them up for God to bring forth in His time and to fulfill His purposes. Towards the close of Mormon's life, he gave this record to his son Moroni, who took it and burried it into the earth. Knowing that the record would be brought forth in latter days, he left a promise for all those whom read its contents; he tells:<br />
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"Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall <u><i>read these things</i></u>, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and <u><i>ponder it in your hearts</i></u>. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would <u><i>ask God</i></u>, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere hearth, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." (Moroni 10:3-5)<br />
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The Book of Mormon is the fruit that God has brought forth from the prophet Joseph Smith, by which we may look to, to know if He was called by God. There are things that Moroni, a prophet of God, told we must do, to read these things, ponder it in your hearts, and to ask God to know if they are true. That is how you may know. I want to say that I know that God is our Heavenly Father, and loves us. And that He continues to show that love for His children, even today. I know that He has called prophets, that through Joseph Smith, God has restored Christ's church to the earth. I have done those things that Christ taught and followed the prophet's counsel, and looked to the fruit of Joseph Smith, to read and ponder the Book of Mormon. I have prayed and asked God to know for myself of its truth, and I know with every fiber of my being that it is true, and is from God. Here is a video that is amazing, of the testimony of a living apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, Jeffrey R. Holland, of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="youtube-player" frameborder="0" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CkKblIMfmjI" title="YouTube video player" type="text/html" width="560"></iframe>Elder Joshua Albrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804677468073920335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454523708752377801.post-56114697478904213452010-12-30T18:00:00.000-08:002010-12-30T18:16:28.247-08:00The way joy comes...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibO1ZyszAuyqKbhgqZmnN9JQvLigCfOAUDza3GcpyXbYB9hj4Gm1u2dDrXj9Vq7p-Kanh8W_9o9wahOrwqgILwPSYfY-kA37UHtZSv8uJGreJg7MjHzCOTBhzU8_5fx_IH4XoYlDyH9hs/s1600/6a00d8341c4ec253ef00e54f055a518833-800wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibO1ZyszAuyqKbhgqZmnN9JQvLigCfOAUDza3GcpyXbYB9hj4Gm1u2dDrXj9Vq7p-Kanh8W_9o9wahOrwqgILwPSYfY-kA37UHtZSv8uJGreJg7MjHzCOTBhzU8_5fx_IH4XoYlDyH9hs/s320/6a00d8341c4ec253ef00e54f055a518833-800wi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In our lives, situations arise. As we go through life, there are experiences that come into our path, that often are those of which that help us to, and times, force us to grow. We have things that bring us more joy than anything else we have ever imagined; we have trials beyond what we can bear alone; times and circumstance may bring such a profound sadness onto us, from such we may not know how to recover from. The thing about life, however, is that it is not at all about how many times, nor how hard we may fall, but rather in that we get back up. First of all, God in no way put us here on the earth to suffer, but neither did He place us here for everything to be perfect. I have grown up hearing the saying that there must be an opposition in all things; that to know the sweet, you also must experience the bitter. As a child learns, they must come to understand what hot is, and pain that comes from it. Just as Nephi taught that, while speaking of Adam and Eve, "...having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good for they knew no sin." And then a short verse shows the power of God when we look at life and these things; "But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of Him who knoweth all things." This life has struggles, all here know that, and have many that personally are obstacles that are before our path of progression. But with all of this, we are never alone. Never does God allow us to be put before hardships that we cannot overcome; yet, one needs to remember that overcoming things, can't always be done by yourself; that to stand after we fall, it often is with those who lift us...<br />
<a name='more'></a> And, God has given those to help us to surmount the hurdles we have lying in front of our path. God, first and foremost, is the one person there that loves us more than anyone else, and Whose love never leaves. He wants us to be happy, for "men are that they <em>might</em> have joy." God's plan and will is for us to have happiness in our lives. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHk4NimKYLIV-59NFwHZY2ww2ZIlbNwh173vNboYfMDcVIKvO8SSh0LvJOMeCM4qWnKXiheDGX6_WGzesOWQChOUDOHkyc3cuoCVwSkUXT7PVCtL8XfA8NVF71u6bZh9jaCmp57fLPZdI/s1600/2971608015_7d9c0ca154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHk4NimKYLIV-59NFwHZY2ww2ZIlbNwh173vNboYfMDcVIKvO8SSh0LvJOMeCM4qWnKXiheDGX6_WGzesOWQChOUDOHkyc3cuoCVwSkUXT7PVCtL8XfA8NVF71u6bZh9jaCmp57fLPZdI/s320/2971608015_7d9c0ca154.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of a family, in Tacoma, WA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In all that we go through, God has also placed others in our lives to help us, and be that support to which we can look to. Family is the central social unit of which that God has made on the earth; and I do not believe that we were put with the family members we have by mere chance or on a simple whim. Families are one place where there is a bond and closeness unlike any that is present in life, and a desire and love for them that goes deeper than words express, and far beyond care for oneself, but rather for them. And there are loved ones in life, to which that same closeness and feelings come as well. When the world may fall down around us, family and those special loved ones, are the strength when we are weak, the smile when all that is found is frowns, the hug when you feel alone, and the joy that can fill you when all that is felt is nothiness inside. <br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_u3O3fHdxwpmtbjEDBfhw_Ijx6oSsbAiAGRMgGeYbv7h8q_mNjk9AZG9IdMn5QrdSedeS-aFy8Gq07PU-JcOfsSNmyV9Js-U5d8AcKqzNLR5krj9A15eOFatROCUSw6dMe4pP2CqE4c/s1600/Jesus_knocking_at_your_door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_u3O3fHdxwpmtbjEDBfhw_Ijx6oSsbAiAGRMgGeYbv7h8q_mNjk9AZG9IdMn5QrdSedeS-aFy8Gq07PU-JcOfsSNmyV9Js-U5d8AcKqzNLR5krj9A15eOFatROCUSw6dMe4pP2CqE4c/s320/Jesus_knocking_at_your_door.jpg" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christ is always there</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And God gave His most precious gift, even His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ volunteered and came here to the earth to fulfill, as well as be the central point to, God's plan. As we are here in life, no one is perfect, we all sin. And such as with that, neither are there any who goes through life without trials. And Jesus Christ came to take upon Himself all of those things, so that we may be able to overcome, and to have one person that understands and knows perfectly all that we feel and go through. "And He shall go forth, <em>suffering pains</em> and <em>afflictions</em> and <em>temptations</em> of <em>every</em> <em>kind</em>; and this that the word might be fultilled which saith He will take upon Him the <em>pains</em> and the <em>sicknesses</em> of His people. And He will take upon Him <em>death</em>, that He may loose the bands of death which <em>bind</em> His people; and He will take upon Him their <em>infirmities</em>, that His bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know accoring to the flesh <strong>how to</strong> <u>succor [help]</u> His people according to their <em>infirmities</em>." Jesus Christ knows; when others may not understand, He knows perfectly and exactly all that you feel and are going through. He did not take upon Himself all of these things just for the fun of it, but to help us, and to be the source of comfort that we can look to. And God has placed our family and special loved ones, to help in anything we may be in or feeling.<br />
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There are those in my life that I would do anything for, to place off any comfort or anything of my own, to be there to protect them, to never let a tear fall from their face, and to do all in my power to fill their lives with joy. We have opposition in all things, but I would take all of the bitter, all of the misery, all of the sadness and all of the hard things, so that their life was only encircled with that which makes life worth it, the sweet, the happy, and moments of amazement and wonder, and have that joy fill them. And I know and testify that God, our loving Father in Heaven, and Jesus Christ are there for us, through anything; no matter how high, or how low.Elder Joshua Albrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804677468073920335noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454523708752377801.post-66654835689616318302010-12-13T09:53:00.000-08:002010-12-17T08:53:15.846-08:00Sometimes, you have to wait and work...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg430Bf8O98PxRpGFvmzG4THEXgqHznWndM2Dtw8u9bCsPrfwFZMIDyCgJuC3B36vApw8ozBZEJfonEbx_tIeDoQTv8bs6ZXICk9ErnjWZe4Dn9GuWQXitDWmXnKWM4m4V95J_Vq95X0IA/s1600/100_0869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg430Bf8O98PxRpGFvmzG4THEXgqHznWndM2Dtw8u9bCsPrfwFZMIDyCgJuC3B36vApw8ozBZEJfonEbx_tIeDoQTv8bs6ZXICk9ErnjWZe4Dn9GuWQXitDWmXnKWM4m4V95J_Vq95X0IA/s320/100_0869.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm 20, and yes, I'm still excited for Christmas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Our Heavenly Father cares for us, and wants us to have joy, to have things in our lives that bring us happiness but sometimes, to receive that, you have to wait, and work for it. One of the biggest parts of God's plan for us to come here to the earth, is to learn and grow, and to gain experiences and learn to persevere. <br />
At times, the greatest of blessings that we can receive and things that we want more than anything else in life, are not simply handed to us; but requires us to work for them, and to wait.<br />
Now let me give you a few examples, to help illustrate that fact. Imagine again being a small child, and seeing the Christmas Season unwrap around you, starting from about after Thanksgiving, building up for a month. Seeing the lights go up, the tree decorated, the music and very essence of life shift; and as a small child, most importantly, the presents multiply underneath the tree. Parents tell their children, if you want good gifts, you have to be good, or else Santa will only bring you coal (incentive to be good and charitable, in thought of reward in the end). And to know simply that they cannot be....<br />
<a name='more'></a>opened until that long awaited Christmas morning. Now for those who are a little bit older, lets look at some examples that are found in scripture.<br />
Remember when Christ restored the church in the early 1800's, Joseph Smith was instructed multiple times through the angelic visitations of the angel Moroni. And yet for 4 years, he had to return to the hill Cumorah to receive further light and knowledge, before he receive the gold plates to translate. Going back to the Old Testament, with the children of Israel. After being in the land of Egypt for generations, and being put into heavy bondage and slavery there, they waited and called upon the Lord to deliver them. With Moses, the Lord worked miracles after much wait, to bring them forth out of the rule of Egypt, to their promised land of inheritance.<br />
<table align="center" 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OdtYQpqUvpi5ajlOKSh5Ep_jrOl4d1LdwBDOkBstZl4yVc0GquQF1mWaIvfOtR-Dg3eH44dgpKIFjiOY8vYfP6BM0tZG5rAvy4L7IONXUCY6y8z9QXtOJSriQsNThHPbyyzJGmiufrI/s1600/crossing-the-red-sea.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OdtYQpqUvpi5ajlOKSh5Ep_jrOl4d1LdwBDOkBstZl4yVc0GquQF1mWaIvfOtR-Dg3eH44dgpKIFjiOY8vYfP6BM0tZG5rAvy4L7IONXUCY6y8z9QXtOJSriQsNThHPbyyzJGmiufrI/s320/crossing-the-red-sea.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving, yet to wander for 40 years</td></tr>
</tbody></table> After generations, deliverance came, and yet upon crossing the Red Sea on dry ground, and having seen many miracles by the hand of God; they further were prolonged to enter the promised land, and wandered in the wilderness of 40 years, until they arrived to that which had been prayed for, for hundreds of years. And even further back in the history of the Bible, while Jacob was in the land of Canaan, he too found how he had to work and wait for the person that he loved beyond anything else in life, even with all of his heart. "Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter." (Gen. 29:18). And he labored and served for those seven years, and then even seven more years on top of the first "and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her." (29:20). Jacob served and waited for 14 years, to be with the woman that he loved, whom had his heart. <br />
We have times in our lives, when the Lord will require us to wait. And often that which we desire, we will have the necessity to work for. But in all of this, that which we love beyond all else, and that God desires for us to have, will come and be blessed into our lives; sometimes, you have to wait and work.Elder Joshua Albrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804677468073920335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454523708752377801.post-92083213049720458552010-12-07T18:28:00.000-08:002010-12-07T18:29:11.971-08:00Only in our day...<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32leyc8-S9QTnfeQMqmi1NKR4GRpsWuymwrp7CjuIcWqsz-9i5SxpV0UpwFutqLLgrMpeYplcgz17LYYNyTjf9d24luvCjKKDAu4F_WRygqxS9ud2P247MIlvPJ55YDcu9Oq4qfxtjV0/s1600/100_0862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32leyc8-S9QTnfeQMqmi1NKR4GRpsWuymwrp7CjuIcWqsz-9i5SxpV0UpwFutqLLgrMpeYplcgz17LYYNyTjf9d24luvCjKKDAu4F_WRygqxS9ud2P247MIlvPJ55YDcu9Oq4qfxtjV0/s320/100_0862.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing with some Christmas lights</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Have you ever taken a step back, and looked to the many blessings that we have been given in the world around us, with the technology and abilities that we have and are able to use. Like right now at this moment, you are (I'm guessing), not sitting right next to me or anything, and yet are able to read and look at this and read it at an instant with a click of your finger. Imagine living thousands of years ago, lets say, in the day of Moses. If you didn't live right there with him, maybe if you lived only 100 miles away, think of the difficulty in getting to hear the prophet of God speak. Or being able to listen when he teaches. Now what is you lived on another continent during the days of Moses. If you lived in the americas, you would most likely not even know the name of Moses, nor that he was a prophet of God or to hear what he was teaching from God. Now look at...<br />
<a name='more'></a>the day in which we live. We have open communication through technology to all over the world, we can call and talk to people in England, Tanzania, China, with something as simple as putting in their phone numbers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ldschurchnews.com/media/photos/4266059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ldschurchnews.com/media/photos/4266059.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">President Thomas S. Monson</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Now God has prophets and apostles on the earth at this very time, to lead and guide all of His children. He didn't stop loving us, He still does. And look at how much God has given us in our day to spread His word, and to hear from His chosen representatives on the earth. It was so awesome just 2 days ago, to be able to watch the prophet, and his counselors from the TV, to see the Christmas Devotional. If you haven't had a chance to watch that, please watch it, it was so great and the Spirit was truly strong as I watched and listened to the prophet of God on the earth. <a href="http://lds.org/broadcasts/watch/christmas-devotional/2010/12?pid=692245596001&pkey=AQ~~,AAAAjP0hvGE~,N-ZbNsw4qBrw7kwhMdnhxO2ZFGj6dA4f&lang=eng">Click here to watch =)</a> One of the messages that was presented, is striving to remember the true meaning of Christmas, and what it is really about. To remember the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ; of the Messiah coming here to the earth. It was really great, with some of the things that President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (2nd counselor in the first presidency) shared of Christ, and of the Christmas Season. Part of what he used in his talk to emphasize a point, came from one of my best loved Christmas stories, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". President Uchtdorf spoke about this memorable character from Dr. Seuss' classic children's story that had a heart 'two sizes too small' and hated everything about Christmas. "Through the course of the story, however," said President Uchtdorf, he undergoes a dramatic transformation when he learns that there is more to Christmas than decorations and gifts. Perhaps the Grinch's story is so memorable because, if we are honest, we may be able to relate to him." He then told of what the Christmas season ought to be; "We know it should be a time of reflection on the birth of the Savior, a time of celebration and of generosity." But, he added, sometimes the focus at Christmas time is on things that annoy and overwhelm -- much like the Grinch who vowed to stop Christmas from coming at all.<br />
<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://www.cinema.com/image_lib/3844_heading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cinema.com/image_lib/3844_heading.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite Christmas stories and movies</td></tr>
</tbody></table> "While its true we can find materialism and anxiety in Christmas, it is also true that if we have eyes to see, we can experience the powerful message of the birth of the Son of God, and feel the hope and peace He brings to the world. We, like the Grinch, can see Christmas through new eyes." It was awesome hearing him speak of these things and be able to relate it in such a way. May we continue to remember the true gift we have been given, an eternal gift that brings joy beyond measure, the gift of our Lord, our Savior, and our Redeemer, even Jesus Christ. I testify that I know that He lives. He watches over us and is aware of all that we go through. The pains, trials, hardships, tribulations, and all the suffering we go through; so that He may lift us up when we are low and give us strength we cannot have solely on our own. Merry Christmas!!!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span>Elder Joshua Albrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804677468073920335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454523708752377801.post-40894181478579171722010-11-16T16:42:00.000-08:002010-11-16T16:43:33.523-08:00When the going gets rough...When Jesus was on the earth, He did many things, in striving to help us to learn of our Father in Heaven, and the plan of which He has that can bring us happiness in our lives. Christ was always showing people how we can gain more joy in our lives, through coming unto Him, and in following our Father in Heaven. These are some of the most comforting words that He has given;<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52n0hUAfwxcJl59UBKBZWZsm84Wd7SCzlVJv8gXzNal72s-bFY2JiQChGYDMIJeE1lD8skXLXHTQN1qCpUzT1vZuDpzqYtwYjjt33mSRbKkjyUVI4cxre9l_F_Vgu_8diVvgCJDg7IeI/s1600/100_0440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52n0hUAfwxcJl59UBKBZWZsm84Wd7SCzlVJv8gXzNal72s-bFY2JiQChGYDMIJeE1lD8skXLXHTQN1qCpUzT1vZuDpzqYtwYjjt33mSRbKkjyUVI4cxre9l_F_Vgu_8diVvgCJDg7IeI/s320/100_0440.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At times, the odds may seem tough</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Matthew 11:28-30<br />
28-Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.<br />
29-Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.<br />
30-For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.<br />
Now lets look at this....<br />
<a name='more'></a>Christ tells us "for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.". When Elder Bednar was here, he brought up some things that stood out a lot to me, and showed more of what this really means. All of us have trials in our lives that we go through, hardships, temptations, trials, things that make part of our life harder, and in which we begin to wonder how we can go through these things by ourselves. What sunk in for me, is what it means for the burden to be light and easy. We can see time and time again of examples of people whom had trials, and at times where they felt alone and without hope. One example from scripture of that, is in Mosiah chapter 24, where Alma and the people were being persecuted because of their beliefs, and this is what the Lord told them;<br />
<br />
Mosiah 24:13-15<br />
13-And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.<br />
14-And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.<br />
15-And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QQJEzJV8o0EYtErdJMJHQpVOua6HvruCzQq30zLJVgIJdUVvTzqO92JIYGgs96ZJ6TLHY01vQaMsPIL7Idh5D3FWSOm-fSqwZSmZVkr4XKbADDkb6phzF2wnO8oQN2EZX40D1Ekdey0/s1600/Jesus_knocking_at_your_door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QQJEzJV8o0EYtErdJMJHQpVOua6HvruCzQq30zLJVgIJdUVvTzqO92JIYGgs96ZJ6TLHY01vQaMsPIL7Idh5D3FWSOm-fSqwZSmZVkr4XKbADDkb6phzF2wnO8oQN2EZX40D1Ekdey0/s320/Jesus_knocking_at_your_door.jpg" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He is waiting to help, but you open the door</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
In this, the Lord did not say that your burdens are gone, but told them that the burdens on their shoulders would be eased, "that even you cannot feel them upon your backs". So they still had those burdens, but "yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease". They still had those burdens on their shoulders, but they were given strength. The load 'weighed' the same, but they were made easy, because they were made stronger. It is by having weight that you must carry that strength comes. We gain strength through Christ and carrying the pack, those burdens that we do have to go through. We all go through trials, and have hardships in our lives, and the thing we need to remember, is that we cannot go through it alone. Now who is there to help you at all times? The one person that never leaves, and understand perfectly what you may be feeling or going through, it is our Savior, Jesus Christ. I have seen that so much throughout my life, and realizing it even more as I look back, to see how much strength I have, not of myself, but from our Savior. In being able to accomplish or do things that I would never otherwise be able to do. Remember that you are never alone, because He is there, and finding Him is as far as a prayer away.<br />
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<div class="verse" style="color: #333333; padding-bottom: 5px;"><div id="matt/11/28"><br />
</div></div>Elder Joshua Albrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804677468073920335noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454523708752377801.post-58717184574173793822010-11-12T13:18:00.000-08:002010-11-12T13:18:49.311-08:00What do you think the answer is?....<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwf5lHgtOTRLy6Ubbh6dhOnCiCi18dvvA_idM8HazpyAQGh36LlTKuDzNgb5YG1eR8ZE0iIMhDtoEQqIuxJ1i_qZfuKb67sN9PtkUqLT2E7yclv0Z0qvP9ekopZk0A3oRFQ6RAv6HeiY/s1600/100_0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwf5lHgtOTRLy6Ubbh6dhOnCiCi18dvvA_idM8HazpyAQGh36LlTKuDzNgb5YG1eR8ZE0iIMhDtoEQqIuxJ1i_qZfuKb67sN9PtkUqLT2E7yclv0Z0qvP9ekopZk0A3oRFQ6RAv6HeiY/s320/100_0298.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From my first week on the mish, only here in Provo haha</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"The answer is in the doctrine, the answer is always in the doctrine." This was one of the things that Elder David A. Bednar repeated over and over Tuesday evening as he was here speaking to missionaries. One of the greatest things that has been restored to the earth, within Christ's church, is revelation through His chosen prophets seers and revelators; the foundation of His church "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being himself the chief corner stone." (Ephesians 2:20). We have a prophet on the earth, and 12 apostles, whom are called by God and guide and lead His church. In being here on my mission, I have been able to see 11 of the 12 apostles, and many of them numerous times. What was a bummer Tuesday, arm in a sling, and I couldn't take notes =( But its okay, I got some notes from other elders and remembered a lot. One of the things that he touched on while speaking, is the...<a name='more'></a> very concept of repentance. In that repenting, is far more than just saying sorry or asking for forgiveness, but that it is far more than that. One way that I have always looked at it, is that repentance is just a fancy word for change; because it is when we change the things that we may be doing wrong and rather follow our Heavenly Father. Elder Bednar said something like that which gave the same idea, in that repentance means for us to return. When we sin, we are turning away from Christ, and it is through repentance that we can turn away from that sin, and return to our Savior. <span style="line-height: 115%;">Elder Bednar also emphasized, that the answer is always in the doctrine; meaning that all that we need to understand and know how to better do and follow, is by first understanding the doctrine, that truth revealed through prophets, that has to deal with our exaltation. By understanding the answer to the questions we have of <i>why </i>(such as the atonement of Jesus Christ), we can then understand the principles (the answer of <i>what</i> we then need to do because of the doctrine), and then application (of <i>how</i> to apply and do what we need to do through the principle). We have a Father in Heaven whom loves us so much and strives to guide and teach us, to show us how we can come closer to Him in our lives.</span></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKC9U7K6Iv-BYFbR7IZAFJNSP9nr7WtA-i2D7D8VwDHyy_P3RT9jQqCM6kVjuwHNQzNB0hbxvgONQPhE1F7m-HQbNOghCEg5vVGWaklTziBciyQ_sZaWbwAoVw-kHPepajhuxjd0Z7BQ/s1600/the+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKC9U7K6Iv-BYFbR7IZAFJNSP9nr7WtA-i2D7D8VwDHyy_P3RT9jQqCM6kVjuwHNQzNB0hbxvgONQPhE1F7m-HQbNOghCEg5vVGWaklTziBciyQ_sZaWbwAoVw-kHPepajhuxjd0Z7BQ/s320/the+12.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 12 Apostles of Christ, on the earth today</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">And I think I had told you, but I am learning ASL (American Sign Language), and it is going great. I am now serving in 2 deaf wards, and that is going so amazing. One of them is a multi-lingual single’s ward. They have Spanish, English, Tongan, and ASL there. Last Sunday, testimony was so powerful. I can understand the English and most of the ASL, but then the Spanish only a little bit, and pretty much no Tongan. And yet with that, I don’t think I have been in a testimony where the Spirit was more powerful. It shows so much of how the blessings of the gospel, the language of the Spirit, and the love of our Heavenly Father overcomes any and all barriers that may be up, even of the basic of communication. </span></div><div><br />
</div>Elder Joshua Albrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804677468073920335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454523708752377801.post-88255535925440835532010-11-04T15:24:00.000-07:002010-11-04T15:24:58.649-07:00You don't realize until its gone...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAF1olwYiO3Fror30JZtijdsnbRG4aUE1dPxhGsZR2FAS1085vvWQazQ4pCno_O2twcDSyFRwxB6GoFFwwiDoYRmv9L0hkUvFf6-JkUBb5BCfyECrJNoPaggeGx-GtNpuHZZo7F8DMaV4/s1600/100_0758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAF1olwYiO3Fror30JZtijdsnbRG4aUE1dPxhGsZR2FAS1085vvWQazQ4pCno_O2twcDSyFRwxB6GoFFwwiDoYRmv9L0hkUvFf6-JkUBb5BCfyECrJNoPaggeGx-GtNpuHZZo7F8DMaV4/s320/100_0758.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before the surgery =)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
A few days ago now, I had to get a surgery on my shoulder. If you are wondering, yes it hurt haha, but pain meds are a great thing God has blessed us with for the first couple of days, and now not hurting too much at all. I'll explain a little of why I needed it and what all was fiddled with and fixed. My shoulder has always been really loose, and by simply moving my arm, my shoulder would sublux (meaning it would pop out the back of my shoulder). It didn't hurt all the time, but was something I was just used to. When I swam and played water polo a few years back during high school, it was sore often and I had to ice it after a lot of use. And since I have been here on my mission, I have been playing quite a bit of volleyball (ya, I'm getting pretty good at it haha). About 2 weeks ago now, while playing, I swung my arm super hard on a spike (yes, it was a great hit lol) and it made my arm way sore. So I went and saw a general card doc about it, and asked what he thought. Upon seeing how loose and crazy my shoulder was, he referred me to an orthopedic surgeon. I went and saw the doctor and he was saying it was pretty bad and I needed to get surgery, and asked how soon I could do it; my mission president told me that if I needed to, get the surgery, so I told the doc as soon as possible works with me. The doctor stepped out and came back about 5 minutes later and asked "how about tomorrow?".....<br />
<a name='more'></a> So I saw the doctor a week and a half ago on Monday and had the surgery on Tuesday. They has to scope my shoulder first, which is only 2 small incisions, on the front and back of my shoulder, through which they cleaned up the torn cartilage that I had.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0lFPCCVgsq70Q7QZMcn1LRQ_dr-B6cGqMv_YwYMZPHa70QB8tQBkWhecK4Ni4e2Uz6IurwtxSNRWy8_BbUGSZ_nqU9ldiohUuES9ajrIm8F0z-dZONweNfZBvFezgYf7UT798Tickf4o/s1600/100_0773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0lFPCCVgsq70Q7QZMcn1LRQ_dr-B6cGqMv_YwYMZPHa70QB8tQBkWhecK4Ni4e2Uz6IurwtxSNRWy8_BbUGSZ_nqU9ldiohUuES9ajrIm8F0z-dZONweNfZBvFezgYf7UT798Tickf4o/s320/100_0773.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 days after, when the bandages were removed</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Then to make it so I won't have future injuries of hurting it by use, they cut open the front of my shoulder and went in and tightened my capsule, so pretty much to hold my shoulder in tighter. Its been kind of weird; the first couple of days I could not use my right arm whatsoever, and I have a sling that I have been wearing. Now I am able to use my arm a little bit, but not supposed to really move my shoulder and such. In the next couple weeks it will be back to full movement, and then just a month or two until I can have strenuous use of it (like lifting weights, and hardcore volleyball).<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKX-6Alsx4dVaxjoJ4li5KL8OkiHzRoZgpiwQHBXOjpjbqy-hhfCwe4MEl4lTmUFxfAE9aLLYhDShJu5nrdBGoemdXbZDbIk50CA3zt2IbEVUZMnTNdAQRcBlUIgqHVBI3TLGxxwAOBO0/s1600/100_0766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKX-6Alsx4dVaxjoJ4li5KL8OkiHzRoZgpiwQHBXOjpjbqy-hhfCwe4MEl4lTmUFxfAE9aLLYhDShJu5nrdBGoemdXbZDbIk50CA3zt2IbEVUZMnTNdAQRcBlUIgqHVBI3TLGxxwAOBO0/s320/100_0766.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was basically my attire for a couple days haha</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It was crazy the first couple days to simply have no use of my right arm, and realizing how much I really use it. Having that has made me to look at the same concept that I have noticed in my life and of those around me; when you don't realize what you have until its gone. Such as friends or family and having them taken away, even as simply as them moving and no longer having them there. When you no longer have someone important to you close in your life, and seeing the difference they made. And I have seen many people that have had the gospel in their lives, and they in choosing to straying from that, and the blessings of the gospel being taken from their lives. And more so of a blessing being here as a missionary, is getting to see those and help teach people who have not had a knowledge of their Heavenly Father and His love for them, and no realizing the difference that not having the gospel made in their lives, until they had it. I know that following our Heavenly Father, that being in Christ's church that has been restored to the earth being led by Him through His chosen prophets, has been an amazing blessing in my life.Elder Joshua Albrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804677468073920335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454523708752377801.post-28234742608135974102010-10-25T15:57:00.000-07:002010-10-25T15:57:55.672-07:00Who's with me?!?...<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQg6GrBRjb7BrdQ0UZ3IJ8dNLMQOrqrpsRUVlXhTyQFJk_bkammgsd91o5Eea26YrcgUQ7j_9W2Q1MkbiRiSLRXF0PGAU4ZpZWiJi7ENNeAWKa3AHqsszGZO6YGidPjy1Z16VYi6K2b4/s1600/Two+thumbs+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQg6GrBRjb7BrdQ0UZ3IJ8dNLMQOrqrpsRUVlXhTyQFJk_bkammgsd91o5Eea26YrcgUQ7j_9W2Q1MkbiRiSLRXF0PGAU4ZpZWiJi7ENNeAWKa3AHqsszGZO6YGidPjy1Z16VYi6K2b4/s320/Two+thumbs+up.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two thumbs WAY up!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sundays have got to be pretty much the best day of the week, I'm going to say hands down for that one, and two thumbs WAY up! It's funny, because whenever I think of that saying, "two thumbs WAY up," it reminds me of when I was younger and watched Disney's Hercules and Hades says that and his thumbs have flames (thus why I have a picture of that on this post haha). Sundays are so great, because there are so many blessings that God has set aside for us on that day. Look back to the Creation, God made the earth, then on the 7th day He rested; how great is it that we too get to have that rest on the Sabbath (although as a Missionary, I still get to teach the gospel and everything on Sunday, hooray!!)...<br />
<a name='more'></a> Then we get to go to church on Sunday, which is always amazing!! Last Sunday was especially sweet, Elder Edmons and I got to start going to the ASL ward, which was super great, and there are a lot of awesome members there. Church literally is that boost at the beginning of the week, wherein we get to recharge our "spiritual battery". I know, thats another thing that is an old <span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">cliché</span>, but it is so true. I have seen times when for various reasons I was unable to attend church, and compared it to the many times that I have gone, and I can see and feel a difference in my whole week, and being able to be more in tune with the Spirit. Getting to go to church and be around others who believe the same things as I do, and to fellowship and feel of the support, love, and faith of all those who are striving to follow our Father in Heaven. Being able to see that just as each of us has trials and hardships that we go through, others do as well; and together we have support and can work together in doing all we can to follow God. One thing I learned from a companion I had, Elder Spencer, is that the church isn't a showcase for saints, its a hospital for sinners. And one of the greatest covanants we can make with God, we are able to renew at church in partaking of the sacrament. When we are baptized, we covenants with our Heavenly Father, to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ, to always remember Him and keep His commandments; and we are washed clean of sin along with God promising us that we can have the Holy Ghost as a constant companion. None of us are perfect, but rather that is goal that we are working towards, and we are in need of constant change in our lives to align them with the plan God has for us; and in partaking of the sacrament, we can again renew those promises and be made clean of sin. That is one of the greatest blessings that we weekly can have, and in helping us to trust in and rely on our Father in Heaven. I am so grateful to get to go to church, feel the Spirit there, and come closer to our Heavenly Father. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7dlnryOIXkY1dswGM_M-P1kLJjj7DcwxH0iIEN19UCTFqeZzT0UoWyW9CaG_LH7DRI__-3qIdMSxiPNtRkv3kiSe1h_7aAKD2yk2EK0x47xXfCadnEZ9dYfoRUDumWwarZ5fuW5D21I/s1600/Hades.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7dlnryOIXkY1dswGM_M-P1kLJjj7DcwxH0iIEN19UCTFqeZzT0UoWyW9CaG_LH7DRI__-3qIdMSxiPNtRkv3kiSe1h_7aAKD2yk2EK0x47xXfCadnEZ9dYfoRUDumWwarZ5fuW5D21I/s320/Hades.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See I told you; flames, thumbs, 2, straight up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>If you have been thinking about it and haven't gone before, think about going to church, I know you will love it. Here is a <a href="http://www.mormon.org/worship/">way to locate</a> the closest church to you, and <a href="http://www.mormonsmadesimple.com/watch/attendingchurch.php">this is a lin</a>k to a short cartoon video that explains a little of what church services are like in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. <br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1456082754"></span><span id="goog_1456082755"></span>Elder Joshua Albrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804677468073920335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454523708752377801.post-44281181148793724322010-10-17T16:27:00.000-07:002010-10-17T16:27:11.296-07:00Learning anything new lately?....<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsWubygXc2VT8gF97De5xqcWzIWgPPi1BBln3wai3emIwtrIsMXkLscjmea3oEJpzBCfxrQdBzl7bE3Q0w2jH_-haz6fQLmz06oI2xn3tM-We-Sungpel-DmaUM7ewwjFoDXM8l1-r20/s1600/me+superman.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsWubygXc2VT8gF97De5xqcWzIWgPPi1BBln3wai3emIwtrIsMXkLscjmea3oEJpzBCfxrQdBzl7bE3Q0w2jH_-haz6fQLmz06oI2xn3tM-We-Sungpel-DmaUM7ewwjFoDXM8l1-r20/s320/me+superman.png" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you have a voice of thunder, <br />
why not be Superman as well =)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>By golly, I have been actually haha. Since I have been here on my mission, I have had the chance to pick up some ASL (American Sign Language). It is way awesome; my missionary companion and I, Elder Edmons, are continuing to learn more, and starting on Sunday, are going to serve in a couple of deaf wards to get to work with a lot more members that way. Being here in this mission brings so many opportunities that otherwise would never be possible, and this is just another great blessing of being called to serve here. If I could, I would learn every language I could, to be able to teach even more people about the gospel. But seeing my English grades from school, I figured I should keep working on it, but with ASL, it's a whole new way of communicating, and uses the language I already know. "Oh that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people! Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth." (Alma 29:1-2). <br />
<a name='more'></a>I think this is the only mission that comes close to that desire that Alma had to preach to all, because here I am able to reach and talk to people over all the expanses of the world, and how blessed it is to be called here to preach of Christ. So this will be pretty exciting to do for the remainder of my mission (along with teaching in English still too), and something that can help out later in life as well. I know that this is Christ's church, and that He is our Savior and Redeemer. Without Christ, nothing would be possible and all would be for not. He is central to all that we have here in the world, and all that we can have from our Father in Heaven. He is the base of my life, and the foundation of all that I believe in. I know that He lives, and that He loves all of us, that He loves you. <br />
<br />
And here is a funny ASL joke I found too =)<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana;"><i>A female missionary who worked with Deaf returned home. She gave her "missionary report" to the congregation. In the audience were some of the male missionaries she knew from her mission. The guy missionaries were called Elders. These Elders were deaf.</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana;"><i> </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana;"><i><br />
</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana;"><i>Because she worked somewhat with the deaf elders and learned some sign language on her mission she decided to sign part of her talk.</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana;"><i> </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana;"><i><br />
</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana;"><i>She thought she had signed "I really loved 'working' with the Deaf Elders."</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana;"><i> </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana;"><i><br />
</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana;"><i>The former Elders in the audience burst out laughing</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana;"><i> </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana;"><i><br />
</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana;"><i>She was embarrassed a bit but finished her talk--then went down to the elders to confront them as to why they laughed.</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana;"><i> </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana;"><i><br />
</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana;"><i>They explained the sign she used was similar to work but actually meant "make out" (as in necking).</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana;"><br />
</span>Elder Joshua Albrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804677468073920335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454523708752377801.post-85164484676376720942010-10-15T13:12:00.000-07:002010-10-15T13:12:30.853-07:00This is how I know...<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpl5lJn-QFEY67aYBvc5VjBdsYFRcYC8hF0VkNLtYLMVKIjnC_drus6YlewIjujcyI2gpDwzCfWmlfZoE19sevckP3bnqJj5dSNJbGmvQMXTtJUfLzY5jEHLIyF9yyXRIxvnH3pU_OYSw/s1600/100_0750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpl5lJn-QFEY67aYBvc5VjBdsYFRcYC8hF0VkNLtYLMVKIjnC_drus6YlewIjujcyI2gpDwzCfWmlfZoE19sevckP3bnqJj5dSNJbGmvQMXTtJUfLzY5jEHLIyF9yyXRIxvnH3pU_OYSw/s320/100_0750.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Read the scriptures, and pray; that is how you can know</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So as you probably already know, my whole mission is different than any others. The prominent way that I find people to teach about the gospel, is through the chats coming from Mormon.org. Now not every person that I talk to asks when the can get baptized and all the questions that would be that "golden" investigator; rather I get hundreds even thousands of those who also want to argue and bash, or try to prove something to me. And then there are the questions along the lines of "prove to me that God exists....."; I know beyond any shadow of a doubt (no matter how cliché that may sound, it is true!)... <br />
<a name='more'></a>There is so much that I have had in my life that has stood as evidence for me that God is there, and in showing His limitless love for us. From my family and close loved ones, to the joy that man things bring. Yet there are a couple things that have stood out predominant in how I know that God is there. First being the way that the Holy Ghost has testified to me that God is there, and how innate and deeply it helps me it simply KNOW. Often, people ask if I or others simply misjudge the Spirit, convincing oneself that it is our mind forcing to feel what we want, but the feelings that the Spirit brings, are stronger than anything else, and beyond comparison or express description. When we have the Spirit with us, there are fruits of the Spirit, just as a tree produces fruit so as to then see and know what it comes from, so too does the Spirit bring those to us as we feel the Spirit's presence. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance..." (Galatians 5:22-23). This is an apostle of God, Paul, explaining some of how we can recognize the Spirit. And yet these words do not fully describe what you can feel from the Spirit. As I have prayed and asked God, as I have studied scriptures, and sincerely searched to know, I have felt so powerfully the Spirit, and undeniable conviction that comes with it to the things that I seek to know if they are true. And even before I came to the age and time where I wanted to know for myself, beyond what my parents and others said they knew to be true, there were insatiable feelings and knowledge deep within me. One thing that I have always just felt and know to be true, is that families are meant to be forever and that there has to be and is more than just this life, that we will have the chance to live with our families and loved ones. I knew that God was there, just deeply knew, and never really had the question to doubt, because I already knew. Knowing that God is our Heavenly Father, that He is there to lead and guide us and shows forth miracles, and that He truly does have a plan for us, isn't something that can adequately give faith simply by another's testimony, but rather something that each and everyone of us must come to know for ourselves. <object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZAJYMK0dy8M?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZAJYMK0dy8M?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Elder Joshua Albrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804677468073920335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454523708752377801.post-29687012338315123302010-10-10T16:02:00.000-07:002010-10-10T16:02:52.254-07:00Do you realize who you are?..."<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Jalike our own spirit tell us inside, God's Spirit tell us we God's kids. Cuz us guys God's kids, dat mean, we goin, get all da good kine stuff God going give his kids, cus he our Fadda. Jalike da Fadda give everything he get to Christ, his Boy, an dass how he goin make to us guys, same time we give um to Christ. Ony one ting: Us guys gotta suffa jalike Christ wen suffa, so den bumbye, God make us come awesome jalike he wen make Christ come awesome.</span>" (Romans 8:16-17, *Da Jesus Book). "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." (verse 16, KJV) I want you to really grasp that, and think of right now, that you are a child of God! There is a divine heritage within each and every one of us regardless of anything in our lives, we each are a son or daughter of our loving Father in Heaven. Growing up in the church, that thought was something that was taught and instilled in me from a very young age, as before I could read or many other things, I knew the words to one of my favorite primary (children's group at church) songs entitled, 'I am a Child of God'..... <object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eItdOgn5cdE?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/eItdOgn5cdE?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Really, there is so much within that song that teaches simply the divine relationship that we all share with God. God is more than the "ultimate power of the universe" (you can say it with kind of a power voice, like it would in a Disney movie), but that He is our Father, and loves each and everyone of us. There is not a single person on the earth whom God does not love, not a single one. Through anything we may do, God still loves us, and is there to help us to come closer to Him, and to receive the blessings He desires for us through the gospel. He is there through thick and thin, to lift us up when we fall, and to give us that strength in the hardest of times. Note that God is there when we have those trials, and that is because, life isn't perfect, and all of us will have difficult times; but in the worst of times, God is there, and has His arm stretched forth to us waiting for us to reach out to Him. I know that God is my Heavenly Father, and I am a child of God. Read these words to "I am a Child of God";<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"></span></span></i></span><br />
<i><center style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;"><b>I Am a Child of God</b></center><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span><br />
<dl style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em; text-align: center;">I am a child of God,</dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em; text-align: center;">And he has sent me here,</dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em; text-align: center;">Has given me an earthly home</dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em; text-align: center;">With parents kind and dear.</dd></dl><div style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><dl style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em; text-align: center;"><i>Chorus</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em; text-align: center;">Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,</dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em; text-align: center;">Help me find the way.</dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em; text-align: center;">Teach me all that I must do</dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em; text-align: center;">To live with him someday.</dd></dl><div style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><dl style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em; text-align: center;">I am a child of God,</dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em; text-align: center;">And so my needs are great;</dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em; text-align: center;">Help me to understand his words</dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em; text-align: center;">Before it grows too late.</dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em; text-align: center;"><i>Chorus</i></dd></dl><div style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><dl style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em; text-align: center;">I am a child of God.</dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em; text-align: center;">Rich blessings are in store;</dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em; text-align: center;">If I but learn to do his will</dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em; text-align: center;">I'll live with him once more.</dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em; text-align: center;"><i>Chorus</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 2em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><i>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0tcr_YAgFNRHXfua-i96nAZ-itFicjTwANfIZXa7vd5xS4IN71yNMLQJsd7YHpxOyNbExDZ6UemjXpnUZX4x4VLK9TyM87x5IZMnFwKauE0spJawN9HEBpo1elq__zQrrZji3KScIVA/s1600/jeremyjoshmar2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0tcr_YAgFNRHXfua-i96nAZ-itFicjTwANfIZXa7vd5xS4IN71yNMLQJsd7YHpxOyNbExDZ6UemjXpnUZX4x4VLK9TyM87x5IZMnFwKauE0spJawN9HEBpo1elq__zQrrZji3KScIVA/s320/jeremyjoshmar2.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeremy, Märia, me; Seattle Temple '94</td></tr>
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</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">Now when times get tough, or you feel that there is no hope and are alone, I want you to remember those few words that contain more power than most in the words of man, "I am a child of God". He loves us, of this I truly testify and is one of the greatest reasons as to why I am here on a mission, to help others to learn firstly of Him and His love, and of how we can come closer to Him through following the commandments He has given. haha, I said of how that song was one of my favorites growing up, I found a picture from when I was close to that young age when I learned the song. In it are 2 of my older siblings my brother Jeremy (who is 4 years older than I am), and my sister M</span></span></i></span>äria (who is 7 years older than me), and in case you were wondering, I am the one with the glasses haha.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"> I want you to remember who you are; that you are a child of God! Do not let anyone ever convince you otherwise or make you think less of who you are, because you have a divine heritage within you.</span></span></i></span><br />
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</b></span></span></span></span></center>Elder Joshua Albrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804677468073920335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454523708752377801.post-13779283149228342792010-10-09T10:02:00.000-07:002010-10-10T16:19:51.553-07:00Of all the gifts of God.....<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8Sa39ZnbzBpETFGKg_k2_7LRwo3FaINqYDL55lidUdqf2rrDted81Cumesaso1-MfNsdGRgNVtBtqL7WKcbzrp_LN-CehzJXzvYaw8EaM9mFc_t2zsKpKfYiVys9swdIbWl1kj0wgXs/s1600/Eagle+court+feb1807+040+revised.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8Sa39ZnbzBpETFGKg_k2_7LRwo3FaINqYDL55lidUdqf2rrDted81Cumesaso1-MfNsdGRgNVtBtqL7WKcbzrp_LN-CehzJXzvYaw8EaM9mFc_t2zsKpKfYiVys9swdIbWl1kj0wgXs/s320/Eagle+court+feb1807+040+revised.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My family, about 4 years back. Me, Jerm and Russ are eagles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Next to the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, there is a blessing that God has given us that is central to bringing us happiness in this life, and in the life to come; that is of family. Families are the most central structure that God has given and placed us in here in life. Families are a place where love can be found, where I have come to see a closeness no matter what we may be in, and a bond that extends further than words could scribe or tell. I am so grateful for my family; and I have come to see more and more, as I have grown, how much of a blessing they truly are to me. "The family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children.".....<br />
<a name='more'></a>God did not simply put us here on a whim, or place families and the creation of life accidentally between a man and a woman. President Packer at conference just last weekend, spoke very powerfully on the family and the blessings that it is from God. He tells of how "15 years ago, with the world in turmoil, the First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve Apostles, issued '<a href="http://lds.org/languages/proclamations/Proclamation_35602_000.pdf">the Family: A Proclamation to the World</a>'... it qualifies as, according to definition, as revelation...". Check out this, and read it, for it truly is revelation from God through His called prophets, seers and revelators. [then] "Are those life giving powers released to the full expression of love. It is to be shared only and solely between man and woman, husband and wife, with that one who is our companion forever." "To be entrusted with the power to create life carries with it the greatest of joys and dangerous temptations." We are all children of God, each and everyone of us, and absolutely none of us are to judge others, but rather we must follow the commandments given by our Savior when He was asked what are the two greatest commandments; to love the Lord our God with all our heart, and to love our fellow man. He did not tell to just love some, or those who keep some commandments or put any qualifications on the love that we must give, but rather the love to cover all of our Heavenly Father's children whom are upon the earth. I believe that we must love all, yet that does not mean that we agree with ALL that they do. We have been given our agency, and all too often many choose to go against what God has taught and commanded. It is at that point that we must remember 2 things, the commandment from Christ, to love ALL of our fellow man, and the timeless advice to "hate the sin, not the sinner". Growing up and even now, there have been and are people who I know or are around me who go against what I know to be the things that God's plan and what we need to do, but I still will love that person. Loving someone does not mean that you need to change your own personal testimony, or what you know God wants you to do. We yet need to be in support of our beliefs and follow those, but to love others regardless of their choices all the same. "It is intended that we may be happy, for men are they that they might have joy'." I have found that joy in my life by follow my Heavenly Father and His eternal plan for me, and I will continue to do so throughout my life. In a changing and chaotic world, we must remember, that change does not alter the plans of God; "History demonstrates over and over again, that moral standards cannot be changed by battle, and cannot be changed by ballot." God has not left us without guidance or without help and support from Him, for "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><i>is</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><i>it." </i>(1 Corinthians 10:13). </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQmIQDSh56oitzL-aYiBVCyMnRpKu9NbvMLqrU87RWXQ3WrEU94ebIr9MzOQmbD8tno2luv2NK0lrBqpJH0sdxoPWcdGFnWilOc3RoSg1le9ZAYG7nvuTJGJh0sXudPfok-IrjxbM2js/s1600/seattle-mormon-temple2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQmIQDSh56oitzL-aYiBVCyMnRpKu9NbvMLqrU87RWXQ3WrEU94ebIr9MzOQmbD8tno2luv2NK0lrBqpJH0sdxoPWcdGFnWilOc3RoSg1le9ZAYG7nvuTJGJh0sXudPfok-IrjxbM2js/s320/seattle-mormon-temple2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Seattle Temple, where we can be married for eternity</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> I am so grateful to have my family, and the blessings they bring to my life. And I am so excited, beyond expression, to be able to have my own family, and to be with the love of my life for all of eternity, through the sealing power of the priesthood and being married in the temple, the house of the Lord. Family is a gift from God, and one that can help the gospel and Spirit to emanate from the places in which we reside, and to come ever closer to our Father in Heaven; to share His love with those whom He has given us.</span>Elder Joshua Albrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804677468073920335noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454523708752377801.post-9848025516575015802010-09-28T12:01:00.000-07:002010-09-28T17:20:43.755-07:00My Daily Choice...<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUdS-fI05GypcrNahL-4BShzhwA9qljHkakxazacy3wEP6S7Du-HCv8oz4ZygaljoKV3ConEroV_uONX5qPyDpHwygAhebfILe1ZP0eq2l8tdSBz1zm0cTPul4_eoDj22aRozXGeR2qQ/s1600/Authoritie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUdS-fI05GypcrNahL-4BShzhwA9qljHkakxazacy3wEP6S7Du-HCv8oz4ZygaljoKV3ConEroV_uONX5qPyDpHwygAhebfILe1ZP0eq2l8tdSBz1zm0cTPul4_eoDj22aRozXGeR2qQ/s320/Authoritie.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Sorensen and me, with "authorities"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>There are choices that always arise in our lives, and so often, there are the choices that fall daily to our picking. Being here as a missionary, gives unique options that I am able to have. As missionaries, you will usually think of the epitome of Mormon missionaries, being in a suit, white shirt, and tie; and that is what consists of my basic daily wardrobe. Although there is one part of the apparel that is how missionaries can choose more so in what they wear, in what tie you put on in the morning! It is funny, because for missionaries, ties are one of the pride and joys that you have, and in having your own style for it. Before my mission I didn't realize how many options there were, or so many different types of ties to choose from. Its crazy, you have silk or polyester, thick or thin, bright or dark, length and knots used, and the good 'ol paisley ties. And what else, I have never owned more ties than I have here. I think the most I have been up to in owning is around 60, ya, I have a few haha. Some of the old school polyesters are really thick, and you can tell how much "authority" the tie has by holding it out (see the picture)...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBGK2ckmZbjvZxSNfv5EPtPvF7jCILgYEVwVXUZGqk2bHpdFMnXEEbVgOJQimEgvsaZUM7nM4Ltqku1X2nnXpsm5EDXPU42-HE0fX5HYeJwStPNnBJXiO9BIVU9NhHxz_qcFyz75wZgk/s1600/Me,+Elder+Pearson,+Elder+Baird.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBGK2ckmZbjvZxSNfv5EPtPvF7jCILgYEVwVXUZGqk2bHpdFMnXEEbVgOJQimEgvsaZUM7nM4Ltqku1X2nnXpsm5EDXPU42-HE0fX5HYeJwStPNnBJXiO9BIVU9NhHxz_qcFyz75wZgk/s320/Me,+Elder+Pearson,+Elder+Baird.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Elder Pearson, and Elder Baird, sporting some paisleys </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QQA8bDrUkaShmnlxmaFn1GTG_d0uT9GOVWHGMeXb6ypGrP8GY2yw7BuVDEs_H6rMdSBFYIOWom3DWj3MgVIbObu4anjMWSWlZV7Jq-BEqE71e3m7k2YAFmHloqkO8VkJkVsKCBsd474/s1600/100_0301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QQA8bDrUkaShmnlxmaFn1GTG_d0uT9GOVWHGMeXb6ypGrP8GY2yw7BuVDEs_H6rMdSBFYIOWom3DWj3MgVIbObu4anjMWSWlZV7Jq-BEqE71e3m7k2YAFmHloqkO8VkJkVsKCBsd474/s320/100_0301.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old School Style =)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ties are one of the choices that come up daily for me as a missionary, and a thing that surprisingly takes a bit of decision making. And what is pretty funny, is that here in the RC we got pretty much the coolest ties that I think LDS missionaries could ever have, Joe Smith Homie ties!!! (haha well its actually <i>homme </i>which means man in French, but hey, homie is awesome too!)!! Ties are the choices that all missionaries get to make each and every day while here serving the Lord.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUXsjygpujYz8EqQ8JN2rkFJxjEPWHs4CzhCIIfMS_7TiciJipcJOUoWUqo4OB7pamynIVlk2fI2g50Ya57MkZzu_h7dVyhVc-2xMDKu2CHMWRy1Xxk2J4tNIsqsInqiGwBXq76GV_Q4/s1600/joe+smith.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUXsjygpujYz8EqQ8JN2rkFJxjEPWHs4CzhCIIfMS_7TiciJipcJOUoWUqo4OB7pamynIVlk2fI2g50Ya57MkZzu_h7dVyhVc-2xMDKu2CHMWRy1Xxk2J4tNIsqsInqiGwBXq76GV_Q4/s320/joe+smith.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tag on a Joe Smith tie, the perfect missionary tie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Elder Joshua Albrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804677468073920335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454523708752377801.post-45621265759385828002010-09-23T10:53:00.000-07:002010-09-23T10:53:12.641-07:00The Mountain of the Lord...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP87lNItBDoH7tecpBZ1sMnWp4oQmQZFCYuZzaruaU_FhvYFne9WQ_7L-pwT6FX2e8VJzEGYCD_EKd0MB5iShDX7KmMfvvmOFl0rv77vN12h7ajVZyZ1faSyEr99MmEQwwGili1BJWh5Y/s1600/100_0234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP87lNItBDoH7tecpBZ1sMnWp4oQmQZFCYuZzaruaU_FhvYFne9WQ_7L-pwT6FX2e8VJzEGYCD_EKd0MB5iShDX7KmMfvvmOFl0rv77vN12h7ajVZyZ1faSyEr99MmEQwwGili1BJWh5Y/s320/100_0234.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A year ago in front of Provo Temple, way sunny out =)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Looking through scriptures, you can see the many places where the prophets of God and disciples went up to the mountains, to commune with the Lord. And as such in our day now, we can go to "the mountain of the Lord" to come closer to Him and feel the Holy Spirit. I could see how getting up to a mountain could be hard to do in some places in the world, such as the great plains, but the great thing is that we have the opportunity without having a long hike to higher elevation; God has given us temples, the very mountain of the Lord, even the house of the Lord. I know that Christ's church has been restored to the earth. With the restoration of the gospel, God has called prophets to help lead His children on the earth today, to give guidance through revelation. The priesthood, which is the power and authority to act in God's name to bless His children, is again on the world to help all of His children to come closer to Him. And the blessings of the gospel are here for us to receive as we follow Him, and through following His eternal plan...<br />
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The temple is one of the biggest ways that God has given to receive much of the eternal blessings that are in store for us. In the temple we are able to do work for those who have passed away without being able to learn of or receive the gospel in their lives, to give the opportunity for those who have passed away to be able to choose to accept the gospel. God loves all of His children, and is there to give all the chance to learn of and follow Him. Through Jesus Christ, all is made possible, we are able to be made clean of sin, and have the chance to live with God again. Christ's atonement is meant for all, every person on the earth. But there are also many that have lived on the earth without even being able to to hear the name of Jesus Christ, or learn of God. Do you think that God would condemn those people? I know that He wouldn't, and that He has provided a way for all to return to live with Him. Even those who have died without getting to follow the gospel in life, and Christ has made the way that those who have passed on, to be able to learn after this life of the gospel; "For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit." (1 Peter 4:6).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTv_9-hJ79AWmBN4KL2mr393SBvU0e3Vlw-xV6PfGzI6PcM9lGE9pgYPeADu6n4N6ZGMxwncvty8k7GRDlYds_MouQZZjZLSpYCx0r6ZlZzD7zXQMmCrg96IL8juI9Nt-OhlM8iovQSQ/s1600/100_0227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTv_9-hJ79AWmBN4KL2mr393SBvU0e3Vlw-xV6PfGzI6PcM9lGE9pgYPeADu6n4N6ZGMxwncvty8k7GRDlYds_MouQZZjZLSpYCx0r6ZlZzD7zXQMmCrg96IL8juI9Nt-OhlM8iovQSQ/s320/100_0227.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Angel Moroni in front of the mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table> To go to the temple brings such a great blessing, to have the chance to be married and sealed to our families. Families are an eternal thing, and can be together forever through the gospel. I am so excited to go to the temple with the love of my life, and to be with her, and my family forever. I know that families are eternal, and that through the gospel of Jesus Christ, we can be with all of those whom we love. Let me know if you would at all like to learn more about the restored gospel.Elder Joshua Albrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804677468073920335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454523708752377801.post-56076328142661281592010-09-20T10:37:00.000-07:002010-09-20T11:13:11.467-07:00The love for all...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblMWXIC77uhlweJQiwm4zbZLL46VBN7qtVXHLtctNq2spmYpKGJNEi7zT0ST4PBH2digxorntrGeJgpTCjJMZi3l95zHdyVDVwosuax9zpubkyUhzRUOzDUxjBL6ndaAwanZ4r1u-vRg/s1600/100_0743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblMWXIC77uhlweJQiwm4zbZLL46VBN7qtVXHLtctNq2spmYpKGJNEi7zT0ST4PBH2digxorntrGeJgpTCjJMZi3l95zHdyVDVwosuax9zpubkyUhzRUOzDUxjBL6ndaAwanZ4r1u-vRg/s320/100_0743.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and "Da Jesus Book" =)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> One of my favorite verses of scripture translated to Pidgin English haha;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> "God wen get so plenny love an aloha fo da peopo inside da world, dat he wen send me, his one an ony Boy, so dat everybody dat trus me no get cut off from God, but get da real kine life dat stay to da max foeva."</span> (John 3:16). Let me know if there are any verses you want me to look up from the New Testament =) Fundamental to all that I know, and the foundation of all that I do and believe, is of God, and knowing who He is. I know that God really is our Creator. But more than that is the personal relationship that we all share with Him. God is more than simply some power up in the sky, and didn't just put us here on the earth for a whim to see what would happen. He is there, and He wants to bless and to help us, He cares. God is our Heavenly Father...<br />
<a name='more'></a>, we are all His children; He loves us. I love getting to help people to feel and know of the love that our Heavenly Father has for us, and to know that He is here to guide us and show the way to have more joy and happiness in our lives. God did not stop loving His children, nor did He give up on us, but He continues to give revelation in our day. God has called prophets! What an amazing thing that is to know, that they windows of Heaven are again open, and revelation comes from our Father in Heaven to be able to follow Him. And not only do we having a living prophet on the earth, but we also have records from prophets who have been on the earth throughout the history of the world, through the Bible (record of the prophets in ancient Israel), the Book of Mormon (record of the prophets and God's dealings with His children in the ancient Americas), the Doctrine and Covenants (modern day revelation through prophets of God), and the Pearl of Great Price (inspired and translated scripture from the ancient Israelites). God loves us so much, and is there to lead us, and to show the path of happiness, and the eternal blessings that He has in store for us. And while I have been here, I have come into possession of the Hawaiin Pidgin Bible, called "Da Jesus Book". </div>Elder Joshua Albrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804677468073920335noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5454523708752377801.post-83556672784105290712010-09-18T13:23:00.000-07:002010-09-18T13:24:13.470-07:00When it will happen...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About a year ago, up in the RC</td></tr>
</tbody></table> One thing that has been taught through all of the history of the world, is of a time when every nation, kindred, tongue and people will know of Christ, and of the love of our Heavenly Father. In the words of our Savior captures this universal gospel when He told "every nation", "every land", "uttermost bounds of the world", "every tongue", "every people", "every soul", "all the world", and "many lands"; being just a few examples of what He taught in scripture and told to the apostles and disciples. I know that Christ's church has been restored to the earth. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, through which we can be made clean and have joy. That God is our Heavenly Father, and never has He ceased to love all of His children. Just as anciently, God continues to lead and guide His children today, and has called prophets to the earth. And what is amazing is...<br />
<a name='more'></a>getting to be here as a missionary to get to teach others of these things. <br />
I have often thought of when the time will come that all will be able to know of Christ and His gospel, and over 30 years ago, the Prophet Spencer W. Kimball prophetically spoke of the time "when the world will be converted". In the address that he gave, he said, "With the Lord providing these miracles of communication, and with the increased efforts and devotion of our missionaries and all of us, and all others who are 'sent', surely the divine injunction will come to pass: 'For, verily, the sound must go forth from this place unto all the world, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth-- the gospel must be preached unto every creature...'." And in conclusion to his remarks, President Kimball said, "I think we must change our sights and raise our goals.....when we have used our qualified men to help the apostles to open these new fields of labor; when we have used the satellite and related discoveries to their greatest potential and all of the media-- the papers, magazines, television, radio [computers, internet]-- all in their greatest power.... then, and not until then, shall we approach the insistence of our Lord and Master to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My computer and books and all =)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> It is of the greatest blessings to not only get to be here called of God to proclaim the message of the gospel, of Jesus Christ, God's plan of happiness, and the restoration, but to also be in the forefront of such a work, getting to use these technologies and resources that God has given to us here on the earth. It is way awesome getting to teach people over the means of the internet and the phones, and how with the use of Facebook and Blog, to get to reach more people, to help them receive the blessings that our Father in Heaven is there to give.Elder Joshua Albrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01804677468073920335noreply@blogger.com0