Sacrifice!!

  As I've swept over my blog, deleting any and all pictures that I don't legally have rights to use, I felt a plethora of emotions:
  A pang of regret for all of my hard work that was disappearing, one click at a time. 
  A tinge of shame at the realization that I had not been completely obedient in my picture collecting. 
  A wave of relief in knowing that, at some cost to my blog's "prettyness" factor, I was showing my love for my Savior by obeying the laws of the land.
 Still, the bitter taste of sacrifice remains.

 I find it fascinating that the Jewish diet consists of many bitter things.  Horseradish, vinegar, and other less-than-sweet fare make up much of their ceremonial meals.  This is to remind them of the bitter sacrifices they have made as a people, in memory of the history they have lived, and the things they continue to endure.

 The keynote here is Sacrifice.  I don't think there are enough fingers in Humboldt county to number how many times I've been asked why Mormons live the way we do.
  Why do we not drink or smoke or party or have fun (which of course is a misconception; Mormons can still party and have fun, providing the former two elements aren't involved)?  Why do we pay 10% of our money to a church?  Why do we spend so much time on Sundays and throughout the week at said church?  Why would we give two years of this fun time in our youth to leave home, dating, college, and video games to talk to people about Jesus? 
 Don't we know that all those things we are leaving behind make us happy??

 Now, sacrifice can be a hard principle to explain to those who have had no real acquaintance with it. How can giving up something we love be good for us?!  How confusing!!

 However, that is exactly what we teach to people.  Not that you have to give up everything that makes you happy in life to join our church.  But that through controlling ourselves and our desires, we gain mastery over our souls.  That by sacrificing things we love, or loved, we learn what is truly important and gain a greater appreciation for what we have.  And by giving up the material "things" of this world that promise happiness, we feel the true and lasting happiness that money simply cannot buy. 

 Is it easy?  Goodness no.  Are there days where we wonder if it's all worth it?  Of course.  It isn't sacrifice if it doesn't evoke at least some feelings of loss.  But when we do so, we prove ourselves to our Father in Heaven, who is waiting, lovingly, to bless us, and make up all our losses. 
When we are truly willing to give all that we have, it is then that we will find who we are.
"He that findeth his life shall lose it, and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."

He never said it would be easy, He only said it would be worth it.

(credits to Sister Emilee Cluff on her awesome pictures!)

P A T I E N C E!

Life is a funny thing.  Anyone familiar with the concept of "time" knows that it is a fickle monster.  Sometimes, it can seem to drag on mercilessly, testing your patience and resolve.  Other times, it can seem to fly by in a blink, going from then to now like a flash of lightning, and turning now to then, just as quickly.  As missionaries, we gain an intimate relationship with the quirks of time over the course of a short 18 to 24 months. 

 Life is like that too.  As we reflect on memories past, often it is startling to realize how much time has truly passed since yesteryear!  As we look with hopes and dreams to the future, it seems to always stay just out of reach, dangling in front of us, teasing us, like a carrot on a string.  And, as always, between our memories of the past and our hopes of the future, lies the present.

 The fact of the matter is, all we have is now.  We must learn from experiences of time past, and press forward patiently towards our dreams of the future.

 But (if you are like me,) waiting can be hard!  President Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave an awesome story on this subject.

 Now, this is cute and awesome and everything, but it distressed me a little.  We all have to ask ourselves: Which child was I?  Honestly, I'm not sure if I would have refrained from eating the marshmallow.  To quote one of my favorite songs, "the waiting is the hardest part."

  But we all learn at an early age (from a very determined tortoise and a rather impatient hare) that steadily enduring day to day is key to having a happy life.  Patience isn't only a virtue, it is requisite to reach the finish line, and win the prize of eternal life.  Those who live "fast" lives may be shocked to find at the end, just like the hare, that they have still lost the race.

 In the end, it is what we do that counts, not how fast we do it. Elder Quentin L. Cook quoted this poem on the subject:

O, one might reach heroic heights
By one strong burst of power.
He might endure the whitest lights
Of heaven for an hour;--
But harder is the daily drag,
To smile at trials which fret and fag,
And not to murmur--nor to lag.
The test of greatness is the way
One meets the eternal Everyday.
~Edmund Vance Cooke

 So hang in there!  It is by sticking to it in through those long, tough days that we prove ourselves worthy of the Kingdom. Greatness comes one day, one trial, one step at a time. Patience is hard.  Patience is long.  Patience is tough.
 But Patience is Power.

White Fire!

 I love Fire.  To me, fire is a mystery and a wonder.  It is clear, yet ephemerally solid.  It brings light and warmth to any environment.  Fire can save lives, if controlled.  Just as easily, it can destroy pretty much everything if left to its own device.  It can cleanse and purify, as well as burn to ashes.  It is little wonder to me, having found comfort in the cold of winter before a warm crackling fire, that the Spirit of God too burns "like a fire."  The Spirit often speaks through a "burning" feeling.  When we receive the Holy Ghost, it is known as the "Baptism of Fire". Throughout scripture, whenever God shows His power from Heaven, He shows it by bringing the fire.

  I have had the wonderful opportunity to recently begin training a brand new missionary.  To anyone who has trained, or even been in close proximity with, a new missionary, they've more than likely experienced the phenomenon known as "Greenie Fire".

 Greenie Fire is powerful.  It can overcome any contact's resistance by sheer will and desire to share our message!  It can face any and all opposition with inerrant optimism!  It can tract all day in 100+ degree summer days, and still want to skip dinner!  It can't be deterred by dogs, flat tires, no mail, angry yells, and slammed doors. It is a flame that is bright and hot, and it is contagious, especially to other missionaries.  It is a wonderful spiritual "new car smell" reserved only for those fresh to the mission field.


My boy, Elder Longstaff.


 What makes Greenie Fire so wonderful, and new missionaries so powerful, is that they are completely uncomfortable and new at missionary work.  They don't know how to tract. They've never taught a 25 year old single mother about the Law of Chastity.  They've never even invited someone on the street to be baptized!  They are completely new.  Therefore, they rely completely on the Lord.  They aren't afraid to do any of the aforementioned missionary activities, because they know the Lord will help them.

  Yet, as with any flame, the Greenie Fire begins to fade.  As the missionary gains experience, learns the lessons, and can contact just about anyone on the street, the work becomes easier.  Familiar.  Comfortable.  Faith in what the Lord can accomplish through you is replaced by confidence in things you have accomplished.
  And so, who is the better missionary: the inexperienced "Greenie" overflowing with enthusiasm, or the seasoned veteran who is capable and experienced?

 In my opinion, one is not better than the other.  But a missionary that is both would be truly powerful.

  Imagine if a missionary were to keep that Fire in their heart their whole mission!  Even with all the experience and lessons and contacts and baptisms that come over time, they relied solely on the Lord with reckless, desperate abondon!  The Greenie Fire would give way to something that burns much hotter.  A more refined Fire that is controlled, powerful, and Divine.

 This is White Fire.

 White Fire isn't just for missionaries, either.  It comes from an insatiable desire to do good.  It is that power, that light, that certain people seem to carry with them.  They bring warmth to all those around them, and they attract weatherworn souls as a moth is drawn to a flame.  We all see these people.  If you are like me, you want to be like those people.  This light isn't some magic trick, it isn't solely personality either (although I know that certainly helps, sometimes).  It is because these people follow the Master.

 I testify that we can all have this power!  We can all have this light!  The Spirit of God is for everyone; everyone can feel the warmth of it's flame.  All we have to do is follow the Savior, trust in the Father, and seek the Spirit.
 Then all will be able to feel your White Fire.

The Parable of the Light(house)!

Here is part 2 of the parable experiment.  In Matthew 12, the Savior gives the parable of the Sower.  Afterwards, the apostles ask Him for the interpretation of the parable.  He does so, explaining what each of the examples in the parable mean.  So that's what I'll do too!  Remember, this is open for anyone to interpret, just because this is what I got out of it doesn't mean that it's the only answer. So, without further ado, I give you my interpretation of the Parable of the Light(house):

The Stormy Night:

 Is this life on Earth.  It isn't always stormy, night, cold and wet, or threatening.  In fact, there are times, when it's bright, calm, and clear, that things like lighthouses seem entirely unnecessary.  That, however, is not addressed in this parable, and could merit one of its very own.  This is about the storm; when life is dark, when we feel lost and lonely, and when the waves of tribulation just seem relentless. 
 "...when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you..."

The Other People on Deck:

 We are surrounded by people.  Everywhere you go, there are men and women, brothers and sisters, who are each living their own lives.  Many of them are weathering storms of their own, and are struggling to find peace and solace in their trials.  They don't know where to look for help, but they are strong and are doing everything they can to survive and weather the storm as best they can.

The Flashlight:

 Is the Gift of the Holy Ghost. It is a light that we can rely on to direct us personally in all things.  However, it is a gift we must receive.  That doesn't just mean it needs to be given to us, but we also must choose to seek it.  A flashlight is useless if you don't press the button.  The Holy Ghost is dormant if we don't ask for it's guidance.  Also, although the beam is brilliant and clear, it only works for us.  Others cannot see the light it brings us, or receive it's witness secondhand.  Although it can guide us here and now to find shelter in the storm, it cannot guide the ship as a whole to shore.  It can only direct you. 
However, you can use it to help others.
 "For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do."

The People Locked Below Deck:

 Are those who have received a witness, but do not use this knowledge to help others.  They feel safe knowing they have secured their salvation, but they do not offer this hope and light to others. 
"Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor."

The Wheel:

 Is the call to lead and serve others.  We all must be a leader at some point in our lives.  It may be in the mission field.  It may be in the home with your children.  It may be as a captain on a sports team.  It may be as an older brother or sister, a concerned friend (or stranger), giving a talk or accepting a church calling.  We are all called upon to take the wheel at some point in our lives, for the betterment of others.  When that time comes, we must all make the decision: Will I grab the wheel?
 "And he led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies."

(and finally)

The Lighthouse:

 Is the Prophet of God.  We all receive our own portion of the light by the Holy Ghost, but only one is called to direct the children of God through the storms that we face today.  His voice pierces through the wind and the rain, calling us to safety and guiding us through the rocky shallows. 
 I know that God speaks to us through His prophets, not to command us, but to bring us safely home.  If we choose to follow the light.  We can brave the storm alone, if we choose.  But we have a lighthouse because a Loving Father wants us all to make a safe voyage home.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Make Your Own Parable!

 Ok, I had an idea I want to try out.  Here is the Parable of the Light(house).  But before I give My interpretation, I want to hear Yours! What is the storm?  What are the lights?  What is significant in this parable to You, and how does it relate to the gospel? :) Leave a comment, and let's hear what you think!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You wipe the cold sea spray from your squinting eyes, as the strong taste of salt fills your mouth and nose, making you cough into your sleeve. As you wipe the freezing water off your face, you pitch forward, falling on your knees and hands.  What's going on?  Where are you?
 As you get back on your feet, your eyes adjust to the blackness all around you, although the howling wind and bitter spray still causes you to squint.  You realize that you are on a ship at sea, that it must be nighttime, and that you are caught in the middle of a dark, tremendous, violent storm.

 You can hear the voices of others somewhere on the ship, but the wind makes them seem distant, and you can't tell if they are feet, or miles, away.  It's so dark, you can only make out the dark silhouette of the ship around you, and an occasional streak of lightning that illuminates the surrounding sea in a flash.
 You're scared.

 As another enormous bolt of lightning dances across the sky, a huge crack of thunder follows, rumbling the slick floorboards beneath you.  You drop to your knees, half to keep your balance, but more out of desperation. On your knees, you unconsciously begin to pray to be delivered from this storm. The howling wind is mute the words as they leave your mouth, but you refuse to yield until "Amen".  With that, you feel something in your hand, as if it had been there all along.  You hold it a few inches away from your face, and investigate it beneath your fingers.

 It's a flashlight!
 You find the button, and press it.  It illuminates instantly, brilliantly, insomuch that you are now squinting to protect your eyes from the radiant beam.  They adjust, and you can finally see your surroundings.
 The planks beneath your feet are weatherworn and moldy, and you are surprised that they are holding your weight.  As you look around, you see other people seeking shelter from the storm, crouched wherever they can stay the driest amidst the raging typhoon.  None of them have flashlights, you notice.  You also notice a door in front of you leading below deck.  As you approach the door, one of the people shivering behind a barrel on the deck stops you.
 "All the people who have flashlights are down there.  They locked it and won't let us in."

 Perturbed, you turn around, determined to find a safe haven. As you lift your light's beam, you see that the mast has been torn to shreds in the storm, and the wheel of the ship on the upper deck is unmanned. 
 Although your experience with commandeering ships is limited to what you have seen in pirate movies, you know that an unmanned boat, especially in a hurricane, is not a good place to be.  You look up, wipe the biting rain off your face, and press towards the wheel.

 
 Illuminated under the dazzling beam of your new flashlight, you see that the wheel is green and slimy with scum. It's spinning wildly as the ship is tossed to and fro, and at first you flinch as you reach for it.  But as another crack of lightning strikes dangerously near, you throw caution to the winds and grab the wheel.  You cry out as your flashlight is thrown across the deck and into the sea, but now that you have hold on the wheel, you don't dare let go. Darkness surrounds you, and you realize that you have no place to steer the ship to for safety.  Any way could be the way to land, and any way could steer you further out to sea, amidst the storm.
 You close your eyes, and wish you at least still had your flashlight.

 Suddenly, a deep, penetrating noise pierces through the howling wind and crashing waves. A foghorn.  You open your eyes, and search the darkness for the source of the sound.  After a few seconds, a brilliant beam of light sweeps across the horizon to port.  A rush of relief sweeps over you.  You turn the ship towards the lighthouse, and you can see it is still several miles to land.
 Although you know there is still a lot of storm ahead of you, you know that as you follow the light, you will reach the safety of the harbor.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Let's hear YOUR parable! :D

Nerd's Eye View: Episode VI

Elder Williams has asked me, Elder Sharples, fellow nerd in the cause of righteousness, to finish out the “Nerd’s Eye View” saga with this, the sixth installment.  The task is, of course, a daunting one.  But how could I turn down the opportunity to write about one of my favorite things in the world, namely, Satan Star Wars?  I couldn’t resist.  So, I’ve decided to (hopefully) rise to the occasion, and bring you this post, a comparison of Darth Sidious, Emperor Palpatine, the Emperor of the Force, whatever you want to call him, and Satan.  I hope you enjoy.

 Of Sidious and Satan:


      Anyone who has seen the piece of cinematic history that is the Star Wars saga knows that of all the villains in history, none surpass the pure evil of Darth Sidious.  Yes, Emperor Palpatine is the embodiment of everything sinister, scheming, and slimy.  Is it any wonder, then, why the comparison between the Emperor of the Force and the prince of darkness is one so apparent?  In many ways, their existences and tactics parallel one another.
      While many of us recognize the Emperor as being a pale-faced, dark-robed, mysterious, yet powerful figure, such was not always the case.  He was once the unassuming Senator Palpatine, high in the echelons of society, and even trusted by the Jedi Council.  However, he wanted more.  He sought to gratify his pride by becoming the Emperor, an act that eventually proved to be his downfall. 
      Likewise, Satan was not always the adversary.  The scriptures tell us he was once Lucifer, the Son of the Morning, obviously high in Heavenly Father’s view (see Isaiah 14:12).  Unfortunately, he too had a problem with pride.  He sought to be more than he was, even placing himself above God.  As a result of this act of rebellion, he was thrust down from Heaven.
      The similarities do not end there.  The means of manipulation of the unseen adversary and “the Phantom Menace” are eerily nearly identical.  For example, let’s look at the life of young Anakin Skywalker, our favorite Jedi-turned-Sith.

      At an early age, Anakin adhered closely to the teachings of the Jedi Council, walking in the ways of his master, Obi-Wan.  However, this quickly changed when he began having visions of his wife, Padmé Amidala, dying in childbirth.  Now, this would make anyone distraught, and gave Anakin a weakness that Sidious was quick to exploit.  Sidious began to tell Anakin of a famous Sith Lord who had the power to restore life to those who had died.  Anakin began to trust less and less in the counsel of the Jedi, and more in the advice of his newfound “friend”.  Sidious seemed to offer Anakin everything he desired.  And so, without realizing it, Anakin had slipped into the grip of the evil Emperor.

      In similar fashion, Satan tempts us with things that we think will bring us happiness.  He knows our weaknesses and seeks to use them against us.  He offers us the temporary promise of satisfaction, with little regard to what this satisfaction will or will not bring us in the long run.  When we give in to these temptations, we fall into the grasp of our Adversary.  The scriptures illustrate this point very well:   
      22 And there are also secret ^acombinations, even as in times of old, according to the combinations of the ^bdevil, for he is the founder of all these things; yea, the founder of murder, and ^cworks of darkness; yea, and he leadeth them by the neck with a flaxen cord, until he bindeth them with his strong cords forever. (2 Nephi 26:22)
      The devil and Darth Sidious both lead using flaxen cords.  To lead us, the devil gets us to do little things, like cheat on a math test, illegally download a song, or entertain impure thoughts.  Anakin allowed himself to be led by the small acts at first.  He told Palpatine the plans of the Jedi Council, spent a little more time with Palpatine than he should have, and ever so subtly, his allegiances changed. 

      Unfortunately, these small acts grew, as they often do, into horrific deeds that Anakin probably never thought himself capable of doing.  He betrayed the Jedi by cutting off Mace Windu’s hand, leading to his death, rather than finishing off Darth Sidious. He then killed everyone in the Jedi temple, a despicable act. He even eventually kills his own master, Obi-Wan.  All of this could have been avoided, had Anakin nipped his relationship with the Dark Side in the bud.  While our actions may not be as drastic as those of Anakin, surely the principle applies.  When we grow too dependent on our little sins, we will do more and more to cover them up, or we will justify ourselves in taking the sin to the next level.  We can find ourselves doing things that we once never even considered.  In this manner, Satan binds us with his strong cords.

      Now, while it is always easier to cut off sin in its infancy, or better yet, never give in to the buffetings of Satan, there is a way out.  After Anakin became “Lord Vader”, he told his son, Luke, that it was too late for him.  There was no escape from his past.  I think we can all feel that way sometimes, that there is no hope for us.  However, that was not the case for Anakin, nor is it the case for us.  In one of the most touching scenes of the Star Wars saga, Darth Vader is redeemed.  He abandons his past and sacrifices his life for his son.  Now, whereas Vader was redeemed by his son, we are redeemed by the Son. 
      Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven of our past transgression.  We can turn from our ways, and abandon and forsake Satan.  With the aid of Christ’s Grace, we can become new men and women.  This is the most hopeful aspect of the Gospel.  Through Christ we can be cleansed from sin.  However, it does take work, it takes sacrifice, but the sacrifice is always, always, worth it.  The Son of God feels the same way about us as Luke did about his father, that within us is the potential to give up the natural man and become something better.  And, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can echo the statement of Anakin to his son as we stand at the judgment bar and say, “You were right.”  So, let’s prove that Christ is right and take hold of His Sacrifice for us, and not give in to the subtle temptation of our adversary.  God speed, and may the Force be with you.

The Cowboy Code

 My stomach lurched nervously as the landing gear met terra firma once more with a jolt.  I was subdued; unusually so to anyone who knew me.  As it was, the only people who really even knew my name on this plane had only known it for the last three weeks.  I was away from my family.  I was away from my friends.  I was away from the beautiful ridge-lined mountains of Utah. I was away from everything familiar and safe.
 As the plane coasted into the Oakland Airport, I knew it was official.  I was in California.  I was on my own.
 I was now, officially, a missionary.

This is us! Note: I'm the only one crouching.

  Although this was several, several months ago, I can still remember quite vividly my first day in the field.  The next week would be a blur, with moments including being whisked away on my first night twenty miles over the speed limit by pizza-craved missionaries, sleeping on said missionaries' couch under my (still damp) towel, being assigned to Napa, buying my (trusty) bike MJ, and getting locked inside of a gated community at nine o' clock at night with my trainer.

 Still, the weeks passed.  Then, coming up on the calendar, we had a wonderful occurance known as "Zone Conference"!  I had never attended one before, but I admit I had never been that excited to attend a meeting before in my life.  The morning finally came, and, after a 40 minute drive, we arrived in Vacaville for the long-awaited meeting.

 We learned much that day, but one thing in particular stuck out to me.  President and Sister Bunker told us of their experience as ranchers in Star Valley.  We learned of a code of the old west, mostly unspoken among cowboys.  They lived tough, dusty, unforgiving lives in the wilds of the old west, but cowboys always knew to treat a woman with the utmost courtesy.  They knew that talk was cheap, and your honor was upheld by your actions.  They were loyal to their brand, and were respectful and honest with cattle bearing another's seal. Though sometimes stealing was necessary for survival, they would never dream of stealing another man's horse, for his life was dependent upon it.

 What was remarkable was that the Cowboy Code paralleled and applied with missionary work. 

 The Cowboy Code:

1: Live Each Day with Courage

2: Take Pride in your Work

3: Always Finish what you Start

4: Do what Has to be Done

5: Be Tough, but Fair

6: When you make a Promise, Keep It

7: Ride for the Brand

8: Talk Less, and Say More

9: Remember that some things Aren't for Sale

10: Know where to draw the Line

 As missionaries, we strive to live lives of diligence, obedience, and service.  Although these men (and women) of the wild west were far from perfect, they stood up for their values and their beliefs.  They were unflinching in their duties, and loyal to those they served.  They didn't have the luxuries and society that we know today, but they knew what was important. We all need to remember our many blessings, what it is that we stand for, and be loyal to the Master for whom we ride.
 In the wise words of President Bunker, may we all "Cowboy Up!"