Marks of a Man

 Shortly after becoming a missionary, a friend of mine game this story to me.  

Marks Of A Man As I jumped on board my flight from Miami to Salt Lake City, I paused for a moment to catch my breath. Seated near the front of the plane was an excited young man, probably 19, sitting with his parents. His hair was short and his clothes new and sharp. His suit was fitted perfectly and his black shoes still retained that store bought shine. His body was in good shape, his face clear, and his hands clean. In his eyes I could see a nervous look, and his movements were that of an actor on opening night.
He was obviously flying to Utah to become a missionary for the Mormon Church. I smiled as I walked by and took pride in belonging to this same Church where these young men and women voluntarily serve the Savior for two years. With this special feeling, I continued to the back where my seat was located.
As I sat in my seat, I looked to the right and to my surprise, saw another missionary sleeping in the window seat. His hair was also short, but that was the only similarity between the two. This one was obviously returning home, and I could tell at a glance what type of missionary he had been.
The fact that he was already asleep told me a lot. His entire body seemed to let out a big sigh. It looked as if this was the first time in two years he had even slept, and I wouldn't be surprised if it was. As I looked at his face, I could see the heavy bags under his eyes, the chapped lips, and the scarred and sunburned face caused by the fierce Florida sun.
His suit was tattered and worn. A few of the seams were coming apart, and I noticed that there were a couple of tears that had been hand-sewn with a very sloppy stitch.
I saw the nametag, crooked, scratched and bearing the name of the Church he represented, the engraving of which was almost all worn away. I saw the knee of his pants, worn and white, the result of many hours of humble prayer.
A tear came to my eye as I saw the things that really told me what kind of missionary he had been. I saw the marks that made this boy, a man. His feet - the two that had carried him from house to house, now lay there swollen and tired. They were covered by a pair of worn-out shoes. Many of the large scrapes and gouges had been filled in by the countless number of polishings.
His books - laying across his lap were his scriptures, the word of God. Once new, these books which testify of Jesus Christ and His mission, were now torn, bent, and ragged from use.
His hands - those big, strong hands, which had been used to bless and teach, were now scarred and cut from knocking at doors.
Those were indeed the marks of that man. And as I looked at him, I saw the marks of another man, the Savior, as he was hanging on the cross for the sins of the world.
His feet - those that had once carried him throughout the land during his ministry, were now nailed to the cross.
His side - now pierced with a spear. Sealing his gospel, his testimony with his life.
His hands - the hands that had been used to ordain his servants and bless the sick were also scarred with the nails that were pounded to hang him on the cross.
Those were the marks of that great man.
As my mind returned to the missionary, my whole body seemed to swell with pride and joy, because I knew, by looking at him, that he had served his Master well.
My joy was so great, I felt like running to the front of the plane, grabbing that new, young missionary, and bringing him back to see what he can become, what he can do.
But would he see the things that I saw, could anyone see the things I saw? Or would he just see the outward appearance of that mighty elder, tired and worn out, almost dead.
As we landed, I reached over and tapped him to wake him up. As he awoke, it seemed like new life was entering his body. His whole frame just seemed to fill as he stood up, tall and proud. As he turned his face towards mine, I saw a light about his face that I had never seen before. I looked into his eyes. Those eyes, I will never forget those eyes. They were the eyes of a prophet, a leader, a follower, and a servant. They were the eyes of the Savior. No words were spoken. No words were needed.
As we unloaded, I stepped aside to let him go first. I watched as he walked, slow but steady, tired but strong. I followed him and found myself walking the way that he did. When I came through the doors, I saw this young man in the arms of his parents, and I couldn't hold it any longer.
With tears streaming down my face, I watched these loving parents greet their son who had been away for a short time. And I wondered if our parents in Heaven would greet us the same way. Will they wrap their arms around us and welcome us home from our journey on earth? I believe they will. I just hope that I can be worthy enough to receive such praise, as I'm sure this missionary will.
I said a silent prayer, thanking the Lord for missionaries like this young man. I don't think I will ever forget the joy and happiness he brought me that day.
David Bryan Wiser?

The Book of Mormon: An Introduction

Many people have heard about the Book of Mormon, but have never read it.  Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints believe it to be another Testament of Jesus Christ, just as the Old and New Testaments found in the Bible. 

If you haven't read it, I say read it.  I love its simple message of Christ and our Heavenly Father's dealings with the ancient Americas.  I love the feeling I get when reading:  peace, and joy. 

At the end of the Book of Mormon, a prophet named Moroni gives a promise found in Moroni Chapter 10, verses 3-5, "Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how ^amerciful 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 ^bponder it in your ^chearts

 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ^aask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not ^btrue; and if ye shall ask with a ^csincere heart, with ^dreal intent, having ^efaith in Christ, he will ^fmanifest the ^gtruth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may ^aknow the ^btruth of all things.

I have done this.  I know the Book of Mormon is true.  I know God has once again revealed new scripture to help us in mortality.  Please read the Book of Mormon, and pray about it.  I know if you ask with a sincere heart, asking in the name of Christ,  having an intent on acting on your answer, you will be given an answer it is true.   I can't say the answer will come immediately, but I do know it will come in a time and in a way that will be the most growth for you personally. 

Order your free copy of the Book of Mormon

When you have questions about the Book of Mormon, you can request a visit from the missionaries, who can answer questions you have:


Request a missionary visit

Elizabeth's Important Choice

When Terri, and her mother Elizabeth  moved to Pryor, Montana they had no idea of some of the wonderful things they would get to experience.  They quickly met Mary and Pete   They met the Johnsons, and the Jorden family, and many others who quickly became friends. 

Not long after their friendships began the native Pryor residents shared their strong beliefs in Jesus Christ. 

Terri was especially impressed and decided to accept an invitation to go to  church.  They are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

After about 3 months Terri chose to be baptized and confirmed into the church.  Terri's life began to change as she experienced new feelings.  Despite being different than she had felt before, her feelings were comforting, pleasent, and peaceful. 

She began to see herself changing in many positive ways.  Her feelings had influenced her so much that Elizabeth began to notice a happiness that she had not seen in her daughter before.  When she questioned Terri about it, Terri responded she felt that way since she joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

Despite being not very religious, Elizabeth began to go to church with Terri.  After church one Sunday Elizabeth was waiting in the hall while Terri participated in choir practice.

Missionaries teach messages about Christ 

Soon two young "boys" by name of "Elder Dearborn" and "Elder Lewis" came and spoke with Elizabeth.  She knew who these "boys" were.  Of course, they were the missionaries.

Later, Elizabeth shared her experience meeting the missionaries.  She felt like they were kind and respectful.  She then asked if they could share some messages of Christ with her. 
To her expectation the messages of the missionaries made sense to her and gave a feeling of peace. 

                                                                          Elizabeth agreed to baptism.  On Saturday, March 12, 2011 Elizabeth was baptized by Brother Jorden.

She now enjoyes the same peace that her daughter Terri enjoys, being a little more unified.

 If you were to ask Elizabeth about her baptism, she would say, "It was the best choice I ever made." 

Questions? Visit me on facebook or  mark.lewis@myldsmail.net

The Ripples

Every one has seen ripples.  These rings start small and grow forever, until something stops them.

What ripples will you start?

Father's Day

A Dad is a pretty special person. Dads spend time with their children, work hard to help support a family, teach,  instruct, protect, and many more things. 

I have got to say, My Dad is the greatest Dad in the world!!

My Dad has been patient with me.

My Dad took me camping in the woods to help me receive the Eagle Scout Award.

My Dad taught me how to manage money.

My Dad taught me to love my Mom.

My Dad taught me to work hard.

My Dad taught me to not procrastinate.

My Dad found time to spend with me.

My Dad helped me with my home while in school.

There are many things I admire about you Dad, So Have a happy Father's Day!!

Navigating a steady course.

As you might be able to tell I am an airplane fanatic!!  I love everything about them.  I have found that there are many life lessons that can be found by observing these incredible machines!!

Many times our lives are rather frantic.  There simply isn't always time, or the resources to get everything in all at once.  Check out this talk which, I feel is a good analogy about airplanes, and our lives.

Nails in a Fence

I don't know who wrote this, but I like it because of its message.


There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.

Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.

The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, "You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound is still there.

I feel that if control ourselves we will find more happiness in our lives.  God has given us the ability to choose for ourselves.  President Monson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints said that there are three "R"s of Choice.

1st.  The Right of Choice
2nd The Responsibility of Choice                                                               
3rd   The Results of Choice
See President Monson's talk on the "Three Rs of Choice."
http://lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/the-three-rs-of-choice?lang=eng
We all have the right to choose, as Heavenly Father's children.  With this right we must be willing to accept the consequences, whether they be for good, or for bad.  The results will come, and much like this youngster we may not be able to fully change the results of our choices.

What is taking so long?

I love the feeling of a job well done after a hard days work.  I recently felt this when I helped dig out a tree stump about a week ago.

The stump must have been two and a half feet in diameter.  The roots were deep, and the more we dug, the more could see more root.  I seemed like that stump was never going to come out.

After a while we noticed that one reason the once strong foundation was so immovable was because the ground was frozen.  I thought that after ten or fifteen hits with a 8 pound hammer, the frozen earth might break loose.  This gave us some relief, but the job was still incomplete.

Soon talk of leaving the project came into play while one of us took turns whacking away any soil that we could.  Every attempt yielded only little dirt removal.  After all, we had worked on the task for more than 3 hours, and we were loosing daylight.  What could been done?

In the last minutes available the stump broke away from the ground's grip and our goal was fulfilled!!

I remember the sense of accomplishment as we drove home that night, knowing we had done all we could to get that stubborn stump out of the ground.

From that lesson, I learned to never give up on your goals.  It took patience, hard work, and diligence.  The blessing of having the stump out of the ground didn't come immediately.  It took effort.  It took time we didn't want to give. 

When I think of that experience, I see how the Gospel of Jesus Christ is much like this stump removal.  Many times in my life, I wanted to give in, feeling somewhat embarressed for my unseen accomplishment.   In the agony, there were moments that it seemed my situation would never get better.  After a while I discovered something; that is our Heavenly Father ALWAYS reaches out to us when we reach out to Him.  Our desired blessings don't come immediately or not at all when it isn't His will.  He will however, help us in a time when we will learn the most from our experience, and at a time it will bless us the most.  I have waited for years for some things, and seconds for others.  Reguardless of time, Heavenly Father's help always comes. 

This movie is similar to my own experience  I feel it is appropriate.

Can you see God's hand in your life?

A Mother Indeed

Mothers are incredible.  They carry us for 9 months, bring us into the world, and nurture us throughout our early development.  The more I watch my Mom, the more I appreciate her.  The older I get the wiser she is. 

I have always known my Mom was special.  Every day she would be there when I got home, and prepare my brother and I our after school snack of choice, a bowl of  Albertson's Peanut Butter Cup ice-cream. 

Shortly there after, she made sure I got started on my homework early.  I may not have fully recognized it then, but her persistence was helped me develop a habit of work that I have carried throughout my life. 

Her work didn't stop there.  She was always there.  Always.  I can't quite explain it.  She always knew when I needed help and was there to help me with what I needed, even if she was doing something for herself.  I'm sure she would have loved to give her feet a rest, but my Mom took the higher route. 

She gave, and continues to give her life to me, my Dad, and my four brothers and one sister.  When we leave the house, that doesn't stop my Mother's reach.  She is always telling me how the rest of the family is doing, while I am here in Montana serving a Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  I know she is giving her time, and attention to my family in Nevada.  Many times even before I left she would baby sit for my married siblings, so they and their spouse could enjoy a date night together. 

If there is a job to be done, my Mom doesn't hesitate.  She is involved in all the lives of those around her. 
She volunteers to help with anyone's needs.  I can remember her preparing meals for families in our area who were going through a hard time.  I remember her volunteering time in my elementary school classes.  I remember, countless ways to bless not my life, but everyone she sees.

I suppose what I am trying to say is, I love you Mom.  You are so special.  Nothing with ever replace you in my heart.  I know you will always be my Mom.  Enjoy Mother's Day, and remember you have a son in Montana who things the world of you!!! 

mark.lewis@myldsmail.net

Hope you know we had a hard time

I like this video.  I believe it helps us understand that life will not always be easy.  Challenges are part of mortality.

If you are having a hard time, I invite you to do the same this man did in the video, to help someone else in need.  You may feel your challenges are great enough to take your concern, but I feel that by helping someone else who is also having a hard time, your challenges will not seem as significant. 

mark.lewis@myldsmail.net

The Family

On September 23, 1995, President Gordon B. Hinckley, the 15th President of the Church, read the following proclamation in a general Relief Society meeting. This inspired proclamation, titled “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” has become the Church’s definitive statement on the family:

“We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

“All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

“In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

“The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.
“We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.

“Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. ‘Children are an heritage of the Lord’ (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

“The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

“We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

“We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society” (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).

Gambling? Here's the answer

Some people wonder why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is opposed to Gambling.  I think this explanation is the best:

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is opposed to gambling, including lotteries sponsored by governments. 

Gambling is motivated by a desire to get something for nothing.  This desire is spiritually destructive.  It leads participants away from the Savior's teachings of love and service toward the selfishness of the adversary.  It undermines the virtues of work and thrift and the desire to give honest effort in all we do. 

Those who participate in gambling soon discover the deception in the idea that they can give little or nothing and receive something of value in return.  They find that they give up large amounts of money, their own honor, and the respect of family members and friends.  Deceived and addicted, they often gamble with funds they should use for other purposes, such as meeting basic needs of their families.  Gamblers sometimes become so enslaved and so desperate to pay gambling debts that they turn to stealing, giving up their own good name.
The First Presidency has encouraged us to join with others in opposing the legalization and government sponsorship of any form of gambling in our communities."

In my missionary life I see people every day.  I can tell you this is true.  I have seen people try to find happiness is getting more and more things, while sacrificing their character in the process.  Many times gambling is viewed to be fun.  Just after a person gambles is rarely shown.  Why?  The chances are far greater you will loose than win.  Part of my work is to help people overcome this addiction.  If you need help, I would be more than willing to help you. 

Find me on facebook at "Elder Lewis"  or email me at mark.lewis@myldsmail.net

What can I expect from a missionary visit?

Many people see Latter-Day Saint missionaries, but may hesitate to talk to them.  After all not everyone walks around in suits these days. 

Some people see us walking around talking to people.  Do you know why that is?

From the beginning, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has been a missionary church. Missionaries have one main purpose, which is:

To invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the Restored Gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end.

Missionaries teach 4 lessons on Jesus Christ.  They invite, and love to teach a sincere seeker of truth.  The messages, if applied, will improve the quality of your life, answer deep questions, make you want to live a better life, and will help you understand who Jesus Christ is.  In other words, missionaries will be guides for you to enjoy these blessings. 

Joseph seeing God and Christ



A missionary's initial message is about what we call The Restoration.   In this lesson missionaries teach who God is, why He is important in our lives, and how He has always reached out to us as His children through prophets.  The person being taught learns of a prophet who had an extremely significant role.  In a sense, this prophet was called of God to restore many truths that had been misunderstood for centuries.  Missionaries will invite all who are present to discover for themselves the message they teach is true. 



Jesus Christ created the Earth



The second message is called The Plan of Happiness.  This lesson helps us to understand where we came from, why we are here, and where we will be going.  It outlines a plan that God has created, and of which, we are all a part of.  Our divine potential for who we are, and what we can look forward to after we die.  This lesson explains the ultimate purpose for life, and how we can be even happier in this life and the life to come.



Jesus Christ



The third message outlines a pattern of living Jesus Christ wants for us.  It is called The Gospel of Jesus Christ. Apart of this message is how we can be free of feelings of unhappiness, guilt, and shame.  How Jesus Christ can "lift us up" to be more than we can be on our own.  We learn how to be more like our Savior Jesus Christ.  We learn how to develop attributes He taught.

The final lesson explains a few things we can do to receive blessings from God.  These blessings always come after we keep The Commandments.  Commandments are things God asks us to do, which if obeyed will make us happy.  I have found these commandments help me see, feel, and know God's hand in my life.

After meeting with missionaries, I have heard people say something like, "They filled a hole in my heart I didn't know was there."  Other's have said, "I found answers to questions I didn't even know I had."

 
As a missionary I have witnessed the power these messages bring.  I have seen mountains of doubt, unhappiness, and ultimate despair become happiness.  I live these messages for myself and I can tell you they work.  I know Jesus Christ is the ultimate healer of our souls.  I know who I am and it has made all the difference.

If you would like more information please email me at mark.lewis@myldsmail.net or follow me on facebook.

Jesus the Christ

Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer.  Our older Brother, and friend.  He is the Creator of the Earth and the one who has permitted us to return to the Father.  He works under the instruction of God, our Heavenly Father for our salvation and exaltation.  He willingly chose to suffer in our behalf for the many sins we each have made and still make. 

I love this scripture I feel that it helps others understand why I love Jesus Christ. "And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may look for a remission of their sins." 2 Nephi 25:26

I like this statue of Christ in the Temple Square North Visitors Center in Salt Lake City, Utah

I feel His open arms helps us understand His undeviating love for each of us to become more like Him.  His way is a way of peace and happiness. 

The more I live as Christ would the more I feel complete.  I find my life gets easier, despite my work load being the same.  I find myself as being kinder, more understanding of others, smiling more, and being able to focus on what is really important in life. 

Baptism and the Holy Ghost

As part of His mortal ministry Jesus Christ went to His cousin John to be baptized.  When I thought about this act by the Master I was curious why the Savior of the world chose to be baptized.  After all, isn't baptism to wash away our sins?  If the Savior was the only perfect person, why did He choose to be baptized? 

I love these words from 2 Nephi 31: 5-11

And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!

 And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water?

 Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments.

 Wherefore, after he was baptized with water the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove.

 And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them.

 And he said unto the children of men: follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?

And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son.

On the 15th of May, 1829 John the baptist, the same person who baptized Jesus laid his hands upon a man named Joseph Smith, and gave him the proper authority to baptize after centurys of being lost.

 Later the authority to confer the Holy Ghost was also given to Joseph Smith through Peter, James, and John. 

The Holy Ghost is a spirit of comfort, of who's influence we can feel.  He comes to testify of truth, give comfort, give instruction, and do all that our Heavenly Father would have him do. “We are given the gift of the Holy Ghost after our baptism, but often we leave this gift on the shelf, forgetting that He will help us in the most important judgments of our lives. The Lord gave us this gift, knowing we would face difficult decisions in life. Listening to this voice is vital in developing good judgment. A relationship of listening often requires a quiet environment in which we can take time to ponder and hear the still, small voice. This peaceful environment is both external and internal.”

Gregory A. Schwitzer, Developing Good Judgment and Not Judging Others," May 2010, 105

I am so greatful that I have received the gift of the Holy Ghost.  I use His influence on a daily basis with all circumstances I find myself in.  It is a wonderful and most precious gift that I know will always be with me as long as I am faithful in keeping God's commandments.

If you have not received these blessings, I hope you will talk to the missionaries.  If you have any questions you can email me at mark.lewis@myldsmail.net

Commandments and Blessings

What are commandments?  Why are commandments important? 

In St. John 14:15 Christ spoke of commandments. He simply said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

As far as I understand, commandments are specific actions Jesus Christ asks us to do.  Many commandments are spoken directly from Him.  The New Testament in the Bible is the text to His words.  Other commandments come through the voices of prophets; holy men of God with a purpose to act, and speak in His name.  The Bible, and Book of Mormon are two such books that contain the words of prophets who have spoken for Christ to tell us of His will and Gospel. 

Commandments are much more than words, they are guides, that if followed, have promises connected with them.  When we keep commandments we are blessed, when we fail to keep a commandment we do not qualify for the special blessing.

John 7: 17 says, "If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."  I take this to mean that if we shall do His (Christ's) will, we shall know He gave it to us.  We will know the doctrine of Christ.

The Doctrines and Covenants of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints supports John with this passage in section 82:10, "I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say, but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise."

I love this!  I know that keeping/following commandments brings blessings of happiness.  I am a witness to that.  Throughout my entire life I have found that when I do keep commandments, I am happier than when I don't.  My life gets easier.  I found that the tasks that normally bother me are reduced.  I feel more peaceful. 

In 3 Nephi 14:21 Christ said, " Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven."

I believe that commandments brings blessings... even to the point of entering into the kingdom of heaven as Christ taught.   I know that keeping commandments leads us to be happy.  I feel this is because when keep commandments we are showing our love for Christ and our Heavenly Father. 

I invite everyone to be aware of commandments and to watch for their blessings.  The blessings, may not be  immediate, or in our timing, but I promise they will come as we keep Christ's commandments.

Family: The most important social unit.

As I look back through the years, I can reflect on many memories I have had, which have led to who I am today.  Like everyone, I have had some sweet memories.  Each one is precious to me.  They have let me learn and grow.  Through out the years I remember the happiness I found because of my family.

I remember when I was young I had a blue toy tractor that had an attachable trailor.  I loved to pedal around our yard.  One of my favorite things to do was to pull my father's tools as he worked around the yard. I treasure this memory above many others because it was in those moments Dad and I woved the loving relationship we continue to strengthen today.

I remember many times when my mother took my little brother and I to a place that had a gigantic play pin.  The pin had many pipes that we could crawl through.  Often our friends would be able to join us in the fun. 

I remember many occasions when my parents helped me with homework.  Mom, helped me with the english, while Dad helped me with the math. 

I remember many occasions when my brothers and sister played together.  We found time to have pillow fights, and making forts with the blankets, tables, and chairs. 

In these times we learned many life lessons we practice today. 

Today I enjoy having 10 nieces and nephews!  All of which are near my home.  The happy moments with my family continue today.  The only change is time.

Life is no picnic.  As we know, it isn't always easy.  We have to continually work for our sweet moments. 

I don't believe being able to find happiness in a family is a coincidence.  I believe families are a gift from God; that they are an important role in our early mortal development.  Romans 8:16 states,"The Spirit itself beareth witness to our spirit, that we are the children of God."  If we are the children of God then He is our Father!!!  A Father in Heaven who loves us for who we are, His children!!!

A Moment in Time

This poem was given by inspiration to Vickie Schwartzenberger. 

Feel free to look closely at the light and dark contrast.  Vickie knows that God loves all His children.  This poem helps us understand how He has again blessed us by restoring basic truths.  These truths bring happiness and peace to millions around the world. 

In the 1800`s God called a prophet named Joseph Smith to organize the Church of Jesus Christ of  Latter Day Saints.  Like in the picture some light comes out faster like the truths it represents.  Other portions of light are seen after closer observation. 

I know that God loves us for who we are - His children.  I know as Vickie does, that truths of Jesus Christ's Gospel continue to be revealed through the pattern of prophets.  Like the light, our understanding of Jesus Christ's Gospel illuminates in ourselves who we are, why we are here, what plan God has for us, and so much more.