Brightly Beams

There were many people on my mission who would tell us that we don't believe in grace, that our works will save us. They would say that no matter what God or Christ did for us, we would still have to get 100% on the test of life so that we could make it into Heaven. It always made me laugh to see what others thought that we believe in. Yesterday in church we sung the Hymn "I Believe in Christ." The words of this amazing hymn express our beliefs is such a powerful way. It was written by Bruce R. McConkie, and here are the words: I believe in Christ; he is my King! With all my heart to him I'll sing; I'll raise my voice in praise and joy, In grand amens my tongue employ. I believe in Christ; he is God's Son. On earth to dwell his soul did come. He healed the sick; the dead he raised. Good works were his; his name be praised. 2. I believe in Christ; oh blessed name! As Mary's Son he came to reign 'Mid mortal men, his earthly kin, To save them fro

Today in institute the topic was Adam and Eve. It reminded me of a story on my mission. There was about 4 of us missionaries sitting at a Wendy's, enjoying our food, when one of the workers there came over to us, and started telling us how we are wrong about Eve, saying her church taught that Eve is one of the most evil people ever. She listened to the devil, she followed his words, and then in turn tempted Adam, and made him partake of the fruit as well. And Adam did no wrong in this incident. There are many different points of view on this topic, and the Bible doesn't have every single detail. I am grateful that we have been blessed with additional scripture to help us better understand God's ways, and the lives of those who lived before us. Once Adam and Eve were created by God, God gave them 2 main commandments, multiply and replenish the earth, and do not partake of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. We don't know how long they were in the garden of E

We live in a world where we are told that we need to take advantage of others, use the government for as much as we can squeeze out of it. It is all about me, and not about others. Lie, steal, cheat, and take advantage of our neighbors. Why is it like this? Why do we follow the "natural man?" Yesterday at church we sang my favorite hymn, "Have I done any Good in the World Today?" This hymn teaches us not to be self centered. It also teaches us that there is much that we can and must to help ourselves, and also help others. Here are the lyrics for them: Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need? Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad? If not, I have failed indeed. Has anyone's burden been lighter today Because I was willing to share? Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way? When they needed my help was I there? Then wake up and do something more Than dream of your mansion above. Do

Tis the time of year that everyone is making those New Year's Resolutions to change. Many people seeing how much they over ate these past few weeks, wanting to lose some weight. Others wanting to make their lives better. Others seeking for the Mr./Mrs. Right. And some just like the way they are. Looking at how the world is going, we all need change, a better life not just for ourselves, but everyone! Everyone is in need of joy, laughter and thanksgiving. But where do we find this, is it something we buy at the store, is it something we earn by running on the treadmill? No, but we can learn about it, and seek what our forefathers wanted for everyone, "the pursuit of happiness." The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has taught us how we can be a family, and it is in the family where we find true joy and happiness. "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" teaches us our role in the family, and how being a family brings us this joy. Many political lea

This story comes from a really great friend of mine, I had no idea what he was going through until he told me this. "My family grew up in the church. I loved going to church and hearing the many different Bible stories and Book of Mormon stories. But after so many years it seemed like I had heard all these stories before, so what is the point of me going to church if I have already learned it all? So I would pretend to be sick, and stay home. I didn't want to displease my parents. So I would pretend to  be sick every once and awhile. "A few years before this started happening I was going through my spam email, and came upon this email with some pornographic material in it. I hurried and closed out of it. But this started a curiosity in me, I knew that it was bad, but my brain wanted to see more. So I started looking at it, more and more, thinking that I could stop anytime that I wanted to. But I was so wrong. The urges grew stronger and stronger, and wanting to lo

The other day I got the idea to start collecting people's conversion stories, and share them with others. Some of us feel that we don't have one because we were born into the church, but we all have to come to the knowledge to either follow in the footsteps of others, or find it out for ourselves. This first story is from a great friend of mine, who has always brought light into my life! "It starts back in Jr. Year of high school. I have done stuff that I am not proud of and I regret them everyday. I had to confess some stuff to the bishop. It was very severe stuff. I was so scared to tell him. I felt like God hated me and was so disappointed in me. But the worst part was that I felt God didn’t love me anymore and that He wouldn’t love me again. But I just felt like I needed to go talk to the bishop anyways. So in March I went and told my bishop everything the love in his eyes was so strong!! Even though I had made some stupid mistakes, he still loved me!! "

I recently finished this book, "Train To Potevka." The reason I decided to watch it was because the author had come to my high school a few years ago, did a wonderful presentation, and was selling the book for only $5. So I bought one, got it autographed, and went home and put it on my bookshelf, with all the other books I have. These last few weeks I have been trying to organize my room, and once again came across this book. So I decided I should read it. And boy am I glad that I did! This is one of those books that you can't put down. I had to keep reading it. There is a lot of action, a love story, and it talks about missionary work too! It is about this American Spy in Russia. He assignment was to bring an evil man to justice. But unfortunately his cover is blown, and the Russian Mafia is after him. So he is on the run, going all across Russia, seeking safety. I give this book 5 stars. And I recommend it to all!