Foust in Fort Worth: Brought to you, Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue‏

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Brought to you, Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue‏

Isn't freedom just awesome? I mean, if it weren't for freedom, we wouldn't be able to practice this wonderful (and true) religion, and I wouldn't be able to be out here in the 100+ degree weather every day spreading that same true gospel. Freedom is a bi-product of the first law of Heaven, which is obedience. The more obedient we are, the more we are truly free.

The 4th of July was awesome here. I mean, it was on a p-day so it really wasn't any different than any other p-day. But we did go to the Silva's for a barbeque for lunch, and then to the Gonzales's for a barbeque for dinner. So I guess it really was different than most p-days.

In Alma 46:12-13 we read about Moroni rending his coat, and making the Title of Liberty. Today, we have our own title of liberty, the American Flag. and just like Hymn 5 says, "Ye nations now look up it waves to all the world".

Well, this we I really slacked on my journal writing, so I don't really have much detail to give everyone, because I don't really remember a lot of it. sorry about that. But I'll do the best I can from my planner.

On Tuesday we met this lady, Beverly, that was very apprehensive at first. She told us that everyone who goes around telling people about God is just trying to confuse people so they lose their opinions and freedom. We talked to her a little bit about the Book of Mormon, and the promise that comes with it (found in the introduction and Moroni 10:3-5) That if you read it, and pray about it with a sincere heart, real intent, and faith in Christ, you will receive an answer by the power of the Holy Ghost. After we told her that we didn't want to force anything on her, but rather invite her to learn about it and then ask God if it's true. Because God will not lie. After we explained that to her, as well as gave her some background as to what the Book of Mormon is and why it is important, she accepted a copy and told us that she would read and pray about it, and that we could come by later (this coming Saturday) when she gets back into town. That night we had this awesome dinner with the Saxton Family. Sister Saxton made this cajun dish, I don't know how to spell it but it was pronounced "Ay-too-fay". It had rice, shrimp, and crawfish in it. It was dang good.

Wednesday we had a great district meeting about teaching people by the spirit and about following up on commitments. we had a couple good lessons that night with Aaron and with the Lopezs.

Thursday we did some tracting and got a couple potential investigators out of it. and then as we were waiting for our ride to dinner to get there this older guy, vincent, walked by with a brown paper bag (with a bud light in it) and a grocery bag full of cigarettes and stuff. He walked past us, but after 2 or 3 steps he stopped and came back to us and asked if we were from a church. After we said yes he told us that his life sucks, being an alcoholic, smoker, and addicted to illegal drugs and he wants to change. He told us that he grew up in the catholic church, but based on their works he doesn't feel like they are the true church. We taught him the Restoration and gave him a Book of Mormon. We promised that if he read the book of Mormon and applied it to his life he would change for the better. He was very excited to get it and we got a return appointment with him. He has a real desire to change, but lacks the resources, so I'm excited to help provide those resources and help from the spirit.

Friday morning Elder Clement (the 3rd ward guy with no companion that has been with the ZLs) joined us because the ZLs had a meeting up north today. we tracted a bit and got 2 new investigators. After we finished that and lunch, we decided to ride our bikes to Killeen 3rd ward, because it hasn't gotten much work since one of the elders was ET'd (emergency transferred, and nobody knows the details of why he was, so that sucks. He may have gone home even, I do not know and neither do the ZLs, but it's not really any of our business) So we rode our bikes to the 3rd ward. In order to get to the third ward we had to ride through the 1st ward. And the wards here are bigger geographically than the stakes in Utah, so it took a while. plus elder Warburton got another flat on the way there. Luckily we had patches and a pump so it was alright. Anyway, we tracted in K3 for a while, then we had to haul back to K2 to get to our dinner appointment. we did roughly 27 miles, but unlike last time we did that much this was mostly in 2 really big chunks, so we were hurting. That night we did an exchange and I went with the ZLs and Warburton and Clement went to K3 to work it all of Saturday.

Saturday was fun with the ZLs, I learned a lot about the Atonement, and about receiving personal revelation. After dinner we switched back and WB and I headed to Aaron's. And I got a flat on the way. So we had to call and cancel with them so that We could go home and fix it, which took forever. (I never did actually get it working again, so I bought a new tube on Monday). But that ended that Night.

Sunday was great. Fasting is wonderful as a missionary because you are less thirsty and hungry while you're out working than you normally are. Except by the time you get to dinner you are about ready to pass out.

So I already told you about Monday. We didn't get to watch fireworks because they went off after our curfew. We got to see the beginning from a distance as we were riding home from our appointment with Aaron.

Anyway, that's my week. It turns out using my planner was pretty effective in remembering what went on.

Read Alma 7 to know what the atonement does for us, then 2 Nephi 31 2to know what we need to do to fully use the atonement.

"Oh Lord my God when I in

Awesome wonder about that man on the cross

And Everything that I must have put him through

And everything that I still do.

Which drop of blood Did I make him shed?

Did I put the thorns onto his head?

I try to do what the savior said,

But I slip on the path that he led.

And I'm wondering...."

"And just when I think these prayers are in vain,

I feel a power in my head that relieves my pain,

So please let these words get past your brain,

Stop wondering, Stop Wondering."

-Wondering by Sean McDonald

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Be of Good Cheer

Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith. My dear brothers and sisters, I express my love to you. I am humbled by the responsibility to address you, and yet I am grateful for the opportunity to do so. Since last we met together in a general conference six months ago, there have been continuing signs that circumstances in the world aren’t necessarily as we would wish. The global economy, which six months ago appeared to be sagging, seems to have taken a nosedive, and for many weeks now the financial outlook has been somewhat grim. In addition, the moral footings of society continue to slip, while those who attempt to safeguard those footings are often ridiculed and, at times, picketed and persecuted. Wars, natural disasters, and personal misfortunes continue to occur. It would be easy to become discouraged and cynical about the future—or even fearful of what might come—if we allowed ourselves to dwell only on that which is wrong in the world and in our lives. Today, however, I’d like us to turn our thoughts and our attitudes away from the troubles around us and to focus instead on our blessings as members of the Church. The Apostle Paul declared, “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 1 None of us makes it through this life without problems and challenges—and sometimes tragedies and misfortunes. After all, in large part we are here to learn and grow from such events in our lives. We know that there are times when we will suffer, when we will grieve, and when we will be saddened. However, we are told, “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.” 2 How might we have joy in our lives, despite all that we may face? Again from the scriptures: “Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you.” 3 The history of the Church in this, the dispensation of the fulness of times, is replete with the experiences of those who have struggled and yet who have remained steadfast and of good cheer as they have made the gospel of Jesus Christ the center of their lives. This attitude is what will pull us through whatever comes our way. It will not remove our troubles from us but rather will enable us to face our challenges, to meet them head on, and to emerge victorious. Too numerous to mention are the examples of all the individuals who have faced difficult circumstances and yet who have persevered and prevailed because their faith in the gospel and in the Savior has given them the strength they have needed. This morning, however, I’d like to share with you three such examples. First, from my own family, I mention a touching experience that has always been an inspiration to me. My maternal great-grandparents Gibson and Cecelia Sharp Condie lived in Clackmannan, Scotland. Their families were engaged in coal mining. They were at peace with the world, surrounded by relatives and friends, and were housed in fairly comfortable quarters in a land they loved. Then they listened to the message of the missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and, to the depths of their very souls, were converted. They heard the call to gather to Zion and knew they must answer that call. Sometime around 1848, they sold their possessions and prepared for the hazardous voyage across the mighty Atlantic Ocean. With five small children, they boarded a sailing vessel, all their worldly possessions in one tiny trunk. They traveled 3,000 miles (4,800 km) across the waters—eight long, weary weeks on a treacherous sea, watching and waiting, with poor food, poor water, and no help beyond the length and breadth of that small ship. In the midst of this soul-trying situation, one of their young sons became ill. There were no doctors, no stores at which they might purchase medicine to ease his suffering. They watched, they prayed, they waited, and they wept as day by day his condition deteriorated. When his eyes were at last closed in death, their hearts were torn asunder. To add to their grief, the laws of the sea must be obeyed. Wrapped in a canvas weighed down with iron, the little body was consigned to a watery grave. As they sailed away, only those parents knew the crushing blow dealt to wounded hearts. 4 However, with a faith born of their deep conviction of the truth and their love of the Lord, Gibson and Cecelia held on. They were comforted by the words of the Lord: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” 5 How grateful I am for ancestors who had the faith to leave hearth and home and to journey to Zion, who made sacrifices I can scarcely imagine. I thank my Heavenly Father for the example of faith, of courage, and of determination Gibson and Cecelia Sharp Condie provide for me and for all their posterity. I introduce next a gentle, faith-filled man who epitomized the peace and joy which the gospel of Jesus Christ can bring into one’s life. Late one evening on a Pacific isle, a small boat slipped silently to its berth at the crude pier. Two Polynesian women helped Meli Mulipola from the boat and guided him to the well-worn pathway leading to the village road. The women marveled at the bright stars, which twinkled in the midnight sky. The moonlight guided them along their way. However, Meli Mulipola could not appreciate these delights of nature—the moon, the stars, the sky—for he was blind. Brother Mulipola’s vision had been normal until a fateful day when, while working on a pineapple plantation, light turned suddenly to darkness and day became perpetual night. He was depressed and despondent until he learned the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His life was brought into compliance with the teachings of the Church, and he once again felt hope and joy. Brother Mulipola and his loved ones had made a long voyage, having learned that one who held the priesthood of God was visiting among the islands of the Pacific. He sought a blessing, and it was my privilege, along with another who held the Melchizedek Priesthood, to provide that blessing to him. As we finished, I noted that tears were streaming from his sightless eyes, coursing down his brown cheeks and tumbling finally upon his native dress. He dropped to his knees and prayed: “O God, Thou knowest I am blind. Thy servants have blessed me that my sight might return. Whether in Thy wisdom I see light or whether I see darkness all the days of my life, I will be eternally grateful for the truth of Thy gospel, which I now see and which provides the light of my life.” He rose to his feet and, smiling, thanked us for providing the blessing. He then disappeared into the still of the night. Silently he came; silently he departed. But his presence I shall never forget. I reflected upon the message of the Master: “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” 6 My brothers and sisters, each of us has that light in his or her life. We are not left to walk alone, no matter how dark our pathway. I love the words penned by M. Louise Haskins: And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: “Give me a light, that I may tread safely into the unknown!” And he replied: “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than [a] light and safer than a known way.” 7 The setting for my final example of one who persevered and ultimately prevailed, despite overwhelmingly difficult circumstances, begins in East Prussia following World War II. In about March 1946, less than a year after the end of the war, Ezra Taft Benson, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, accompanied by Frederick W. Babbel, was assigned a special postwar tour of Europe for the express purpose of meeting with the Saints, assessing their needs, and providing assistance to them. Elder Benson and Brother Babbel later recounted, from a testimony they heard, the experience of a Church member who found herself in an area no longer controlled by the government under which she had resided. She and her husband had lived an idyllic life in East Prussia. Then had come the second great world war within their lifetimes. Her beloved young husband was killed during the final days of the frightful battles in their homeland, leaving her alone to care for their four children. The occupying forces determined that the Germans in East Prussia must go to Western Germany to seek a new home. The woman was German, and so it was necessary for her to go. The journey was over a thousand miles (1,600 km), and she had no way to accomplish it but on foot. She was allowed to take only such bare necessities as she could load into her small wooden-wheeled wagon. Besides her children and these meager possessions, she took with her a strong faith in God and in the gospel as revealed to the latter-day prophet Joseph Smith. She and the children began the journey in late summer. Having neither food nor money among her few possessions, she was forced to gather a daily subsistence from the fields and forests along the way. She was constantly faced with dangers from panic-stricken refugees and plundering troops. As the days turned into weeks and the weeks to months, the temperatures dropped below freezing. Each day, she stumbled over the frozen ground, her smallest child—a baby—in her arms. Her three other children struggled along behind her, with the oldest—seven years old—pulling the tiny wooden wagon containing their belongings. Ragged and torn burlap was wrapped around their feet, providing the only protection for them, since their shoes had long since disintegrated. Their thin, tattered jackets covered their thin, tattered clothing, providing their only protection against the cold. Soon the snows came, and the days and nights became a nightmare. In the evenings she and the children would try to find some kind of shelter—a barn or a shed—and would huddle together for warmth, with a few thin blankets from the wagon on top of them. She constantly struggled to force from her mind overwhelming fears that they would perish before reaching their destination. And then one morning the unthinkable happened. As she awakened, she felt a chill in her heart. The tiny form of her three-year-old daughter was cold and still, and she realized that death had claimed the child. Though overwhelmed with grief, she knew that she must take the other children and travel on. First, however, she used the only implement she had—a tablespoon—to dig a grave in the frozen ground for her tiny, precious child. Death, however, was to be her companion again and again on the journey. Her seven-year-old son died, either from starvation or from freezing or both. Again her only shovel was the tablespoon, and again she dug hour after hour to lay his mortal remains gently into the earth. Next, her five-year-old son died, and again she used her tablespoon as a shovel. Her despair was all consuming. She had only her tiny baby daughter left, and the poor thing was failing. Finally, as she was reaching the end of her journey, the baby died in her arms. The spoon was gone now, so hour after hour she dug a grave in the frozen earth with her bare fingers. Her grief became unbearable. How could she possibly be kneeling in the snow at the graveside of her last child? She had lost her husband and all her children. She had given up her earthly goods, her home, and even her homeland. In this moment of overwhelming sorrow and complete bewilderment, she felt her heart would literally break. In despair she contemplated how she might end her own life, as so many of her fellow countrymen were doing. How easy it would be to jump off a nearby bridge, she thought, or to throw herself in front of an oncoming train. And then, as these thoughts assailed her, something within her said, “Get down on your knees and pray.” She ignored the prompting until she could resist it no longer. She knelt and prayed more fervently than she had in her entire life: “Dear Heavenly Father, I do not know how I can go on. I have nothing left—except my faith in Thee. I feel, Father, amidst the desolation of my soul, an overwhelming gratitude for the atoning sacrifice of Thy Son, Jesus Christ. I cannot express adequately my love for Him. I know that because He suffered and died, I shall live again with my family; that because He broke the chains of death, I shall see my children again and will have the joy of raising them. Though I do not at this moment wish to live, I will do so, that we may be reunited as a family and return—together—to Thee.” When she finally reached her destination of Karlsruhe, Germany, she was emaciated. Brother Babbel said that her face was a purple-gray, her eyes red and swollen, her joints protruding. She was literally in the advanced stages of starvation. In a Church meeting shortly thereafter, she bore a glorious testimony, stating that of all the ailing people in her saddened land, she was one of the happiest because she knew that God lived, that Jesus is the Christ, and that He died and was resurrected so that we might live again. She testified that she knew if she continued faithful and true to the end, she would be reunited with those she had lost and would be saved in the celestial kingdom of God. 8 From the holy scriptures we read, “Behold, the righteous, the saints of the Holy One of Israel, they who have believed in [Him], they who have endured the crosses of the world, … they shall inherit the kingdom of God, … and their joy shall be full forever.” 9 I testify to you that our promised blessings are beyond measure. Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments. There will be nothing in this world that can defeat us. My beloved brothers and sisters, fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith. I declare that God lives and that He hears and answers our prayers. His Son, Jesus Christ, is our Savior and our Redeemer. Heaven’s blessings await us. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Brought to you, Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue‏

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