Abinadi: No effort wasted!

Today I was reading in the Book of Mormon and there was something that struck me a lot. I have read over this story a couple of times but this time I really grasp the meaning and the sacrifices that Abinadi had done. This is found in the Chapters of Mosiah from 11 to 17. Basically there was a king named Noah who did not walk in righteousness. He reverses many laws and changes a lot of things from the time he became king. The people also fallow what the king does. But there was a person Abinadi commanded to go and tell the king to repent and to leave those wicked things behind. He teaches them about the ten commandments because the priests said they followed them but they were hypocrites because of the things they were doing. He also tells them of the Savior Jesus Christ who was going to come to this earth and atone for our sins. He says "For were it not for the redemption which he hath made for his people, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, I say unto you, were it not for this, all mankind must have perished." Mosiah 15:19.

He also tells them about the resurrection and other doctrines. But the king did not want to listen and also his priest. They told him if he recalls the words which he had said unto them they would let him free. Abinadi never reacalled what he had said because he had faith and knew they were true. So they decided to burn him. But we see that the power of God is greater than any other power. He was put to death by fire but even as he was being burn he testify and then He died. As Abinadi was a strong believer and did not know if he made an impact in any of the lives of others who he testify about Jesus Christ indeed he did change the life of one person, Alma. Now Alma was a priest and he believed in the words of Abinadi. The courage that Abinadi had he was able to help one soul, Alma, and then many people came into the knowledge of the Savior and about his gospel. He was a great missionary and brought many souls unto Christ.

GENERAL CONFERENCE

Every six months the leaders from the church especially the Prophet and the Apostles address us not only to the people here in the US but throughout the World!! This is something we, as members, wait patiently because we receive instruction and guidance from God through his servants. All of the talks were great and my invitation to you is to be able to listen to them again as I know and you can know also that they are truly men of God.

Here is a link:
Watch or Listen to General Conference.  

Picture above are words used in General Conference. Frequency of words determine the size.

Valuable Promises from the Book of Mormon

As I was reading about the Ensign that came out for the month of October which emphasizes on The Book of Mormon I had a thought. Something came to my mind to write a Blog for the messages that are shared there. Well a background about the magazine Ensign is that it's published every month and what's neat about it is that the General authorities shared messages that I find very interesting. Also it's divided into sections for Adults, Teenagers and children, this means that EVERYONE can read it. 

This month's issue is a special one and talks about The Book of Mormon. The first message is about the promises that are in the Book of Mormon. I recently had a friend who passed away and she was very young. I can't imagine the feelings and the sorrow that her family is going through. But there's a reassurance that we will be able to see them again and The Book of Mormon talks about that. In the 40th chapter of Alma in the Book of Mormon, it says the following:

              "Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, ...are taken home to that God who gave them life.
         "And... the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called     paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow" (Alma 40:11-12).

We find that through the Book of Mormon, many doctrines and teachings, helps us clarify some of the questions that we have. Also other promises are of peace, freedom and blessings as long as we "wil but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ" (Ether 2:12).

Also a promise of "never-ending happiness" to "those that keep the commandments of God. This is something that I think about a lot. As we are faithful in doing all we can do, we will be able to enjoy that happiness that will last forever. "For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual" (Mosiah 2:41).

Another great promise is as we pray unto the Father in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, our families and loved ones will be blessed (see 3 Nephi 18:21). This is something very important because my family means everything to me. They are central to my happiness and I always want the best for them.

And from the pages of the Book of Mormon, a great promise comes from Moroni who was the last prophet. Through prayer, real intent, and faith in Christ, we man know the truth of these promises "by the poer of the Holy Ghost" (see Moroni 10:4-5).

I know truly that the Book of Mormon is true and you can gain a testimony of it by reading, pondering it, then asking God in the name of Jesus Christ. Through the teachings we can feel and get closer to God who is our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.  

     

Forgiveness: Our burdens will be lighter

As humans we often have the tendency of have different kinds of feelings. Because this is the way God created us and we will often experience them through out our lives. We all struggle with different things in our lives. Hatred towards someone or being hurt by things people say can be like an arrow going through our chest. Since we are not perfect we sometimes hold things towards others and is difficult to let these kinds of feelings go away. In Doctrine and Covenants we read the following; "“I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men” (D&C 64:10). It's never too late to forgive others. Comfort and sweet peace will come to us as we forgive those people who have hurt us.

Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the twelve apostles says the following; "You may be carrying a heavy burden of feeling injured by another who has seriously offended you. Your response to that offense may have distorted your understanding so that you feel justified in waiting for that individual to ask forgiveness so that the pain can leave." I know that this is not easy and that we need to start soon because it will eat us alive if we don't take the time to forgive others. We can ask our Heavenly Father to help be able to forgive other. He will give us the strength we need to overcome and be able to forgive others.

I know that the Book of Mormon is True.

About two weeks ago I finish reading the Book of Mormon. I had read it before but this time I understood it more and I gained a better testimony of it. I know truly with all my heart that it's true and that it is the word of God. So what's a testimony? A testimony is what you believe to be true. For me a testimony are the things I know for myself to be true. For example I have a testimony that the prophets who wrote the Book of Mormon were inspired and were guided by the God to write the things they did. We can all gain testimonies which help us continue to strive to do good and to endure till the end.

A prophet in the book of Mormon explained more about testimonies. Alma 30:41, he says "But, behold, I have all things as a testimony that these things are true; and ye also have all things as a testimony unto you that they are true; and will ye deny them? Believest thou that these things are true?" We can strive to be able to believe and to know these things for ourselves. As I have come to know that the Book of Mormon is true, You can also know it for yourself. The last prophet of the Book of Mormon, he gives a promised to those people who read.

He says the following in Moroni 10:3-5, "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 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 ponder it in your hearts.

And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, 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."

The Book of Mormon is another Testament of Jesus Christ as the Bible is as well. They both testify that He is the Christ and our Lord and our Redeemer. He truly loves us and has given us scriptures so we can learn more about Him and his teachings. As we understand and read the Book of Mormon, I promised that we can know that He is there for us and that he still communicates with us. We will gain a greater love for him and for all that he has done for us.

Together Forever

Have you ever wonder what will happen with us after this life? If we are ever going to see our family once more? I know I have asked myself these questions in my life before. Life is hard sometimes and we do not expect the things that we have to face with. It could be many things from a friend passing away or a family member. Life isn't easy and because of that many people try to seek help and comfort. We may sometimes get angry with God for doing what He does. Only He knows what's best for us. Life is to be enjoyed and here on earth it's not a long time that we live. We are born, grow up, and then we died. After a wedding ceremony, the usual phrase that it's used is until death do you apart. If you love someone that much, don't you want to live with them far more than this life? But there is a way we can live with our family and those people that we love. Even though they leave this life too early there is a way we can be with them for ever. God has provided a way to see our family once more and to be reunited with them for all eternity. Jesus Christ was the one who made this possible. Because of Him I am grateful to be able to know that I will live with my family once more. Not just till death do us part. The Atonement of Jesus Christ makes salvation possible. In John 3:16 it says "For God so loved the worlds, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

This video explains how we can be together for ever. 

Thinking of a blog...in the Meanwhile Check this out.

Well it's kinda hard for me to be able to come up with a blog every other day. I'm not the kind of person that thoughts come really fast. I have to think about it and well I'm working on one right now. But I thought you might like the Mormon messages page that lds.org has. They are really helpful and we can learn much from it. This is something new that the Church is coming with. The messages express that Mormons are just like other regular people. Well hope you like it.

FUTBOL: The love of the game

 Let me tell you how much I love futbol or in other words soccer. I think it's in my blood already. My mom tells me that when I was a little kid the first gift I got was a soccer ball and that I learned to walk by just following a ball. Funny ha but I think it's true. Ever since then I've come to love the game and how it's play and to my perspective is way fun if you start getting into it. Through my high school years I've play soccer and also in clubs which was pretty much a year round sport back in Charleston. All my friends would get together and have fun. Also I remember going to tournaments and the effort we all put into because it's definitely not an individual sport. At times it may seem that you might make all the difference but without a pass or a cross from a teammate you basically can't score. Also in order for me to have learned the techniques and the way to play soccer, it took a while. It took lots of effort from my part and discipline in order to be able to play in competitive soccer and win tournaments.

I think of this as the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In order for us to be able to be as good as a soccer player we need to put effort on our parts. We need to study the principles so we can learn more. As we do this we are becoming better and better as a soccer player becomes. But how can we do this? Well one of the first things we can do is to pray to our Heavenly Father if he really is there for us. We can all receive different impressions. For me it's been having a peaceful feeling that makes me happy and makes me wanna do something. We can all feel this and what makes us feel this is the Holy Ghost. When Jesus Christ was with his disciples and he knew that he was about to be crucified, he left them with something that will help the apostles. In John 14:26 it says "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." Because of the Holy Ghost we are able to have more understanding and he will teach us more as we study the scriptures. Another way to know more about Jesus Christ and his teachings are found in the scriptures. This is something I have come to love to do in my personal life. I have found that in the times when I need the most help or just something to guide me in my life it has worked for me. In Nephi, a prophet it the Book of Mormon, he tells us more about why we need to study the scriptures. This scripture helps me more to understand why we read and try to learn the teachings of the prophets. In 1 Nephi 19:23 "And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning." As we do the council that Nephi tells us we will be able to find guidance and be able to learn.

I know that in my life in order to accomplish a goal I have set it takes practice and time. The reward that comes after can be sweet and rejoicing. As a win from a soccer game scoring on the last minute and giving your team the win they deserve can be sweet and rejoicing so is being able to recognize the hard work you have put into it. As we shape up or testimonies or gain one that's the sweet and rejoicing reward that we receive. Because of Jesus Christ we are able to see this in our life and how great is the joy that comes from it. Especially to know that His Gospel can bless us. We can all feel this way and have that sweet rejoice just as you score a goal in the last minute and give the win to your team. In Luke 1:47 "And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." As we strive to reach our goal and be able to feel that rejoice and also being able to say what Luke says that our spirit will rejoice in our God, it will be the best feeling in the world.

                                  

God is our Heavenly Father

We are all children of a Heavenly Father who is in Heaven. We lived with him before we came to this earth and we also grew up there and mature until we were ready to come to live on earth. In Romans 8:16 it says "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our Spirit, that we are children of God." Indeed we are and we are creted in His own image. He has a body of flesh and bones like we do but the only thing we lack is that He is immortal with a perfect body and we are not.

We are here on earth to progress, learn and to be able to have knowledge. He has a love for us and has given us a way to communicate with Him. That way of communication is prayer. Through prayer we can have a contact with our Heavenly Father. He wouldn't place us here on earth without any help becaus He is a loving Father. Also He provide a way for us to return to him one day. Because we are not perfect, He knew we were gonna make mistakes he provied a Savior for us. He sent Jesus Christ to atone for us which means to pay our sins so we can be clean again. In John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave His only Begotten son, that whose believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." I am very grateful to know that my Heavenly Father loves me and that I can show his love for Him by obeying and keeping his commandments. We can all feel the love He has for us as we strive to follow Jesus Christ's paths.

New Beginnings

Hi! My name is Elder Cabera and as you can tell on the background of my Blog I have pictures of the Ruins in Tikal, Guatemala. I'm actually from there but about 3 hours from Tikal. I grew up in San Juan which is about 30 mins from the Capital, Guatemala City. I love Guatemala and its places and people. My family decided to move to the United States when I was about 13 because my dad had found a job. We moved to the Windy City, Chicago. At first It was really hard because of the languagre barrier I had. I did not speak any English and It was really tough at the beginning. Well we lived there for about 3 years and we decided to move down to Charleston, SC.  I like it there because It's warm and I basically finish high school there. I have a brother and a sister and I am the eldest of my family.

About 4 months ago I found out I was coming to Montana to be a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. I was surprise at the beginning to come to this state because the farthest west I have been to is Chicago. So I'm here and I love Montana, especially the people. They are really nice and outgoing. I am currently in Bozeman, MT and I am excited to teach people about the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.

So why did I decided to go on a mission? Ever since I was a little kid I wanted to serve a mission. I grew up in the Church and whenever I saw missionaries I would picture myself one day being just like them. I love the Church and especially the Gospel and what it can do to families and individuals. In my life It has blessed me and my family. We are all children of our Hevenly Father and I know He wants the best for us. He has the love for us and has given us the Gospel of Jesus Christ so we can follow him and one day be able to return to Him.

I know this Church is true and the teachings and principles It teaches are true as well. We have a prophet today, President Monson who guides us and directs us. I also know with all my heart that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and another Testament of Jesus Christ. I know I can live with my family once more and not just in this life but the next to come. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.