You Win Some, You Lose Some
November 5, 2012
I will have to write my whole thoughts on this subject later today because, well, it’s a great idiom to explain just what and how I have learned on my mission.
I will have to write my whole thoughts on this subject later today because, well, it’s a great idiom to explain just what and how I have learned on my mission.
Fact: There are rules that you will have to decide to obey even if no one else obeys them. God often gives us personal commandments—called revelation—that will help you with your personal weaknesses. Someone said that to me the other day, and I loved it. It reminds us that personal revelation is just that: personal. So, although this guidance you were given by God was for you, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s for everyone. HOWEVER, there are commandments that are given to all men through special servants called prophets. They give commandments for our benefit and to help us see more easily the straight and narrow path back to our loving Heavenly Father. If we think we are an exception to the rules, we will find that we will not be accepted into His House. “My house, my rules” still applies even for God. [The family understands that was a shout-out to Grumpy.]
One thing I noticed about commandments in my personal study is that there are THOU SHALT NOT commandments that are very clear and that everyone accepts as commandments, but the THOU SHALT commandments seem to be accepted more as suggestions. For example, and this is my scripture for the day, Exodus 20 has the 10 commandments. How many say “Thou Shalt Not”? I’ll tell you the answer. It’s 8. The two that are less remembered are “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” and continues very specifically how we should keep the Sabbath day holy; and “Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land.” It doesn’t say “Honor your father and mother only when you agree with them or when they have good advice.” Throughout the New Testament, too, Jesus taught other THOU SHALT commandments. Since I don’t have time to write them, I give you homework to write some down and send me a letter about it. :) BIG smiley face. |
On the pier of
Praia da Armação in Buzios |
My favorite win some and lose some is… win blessings, lose sins. That’s what I’m focusing on. Sometimes, too, you lose battles with Satan. Sometimes you choose the wrong even with your CTR ring on you. BUT I’m so glad for the fact that we can always win when we humble ourselves and ask for forgiveness and access the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It’s not a loss if you do something about it. I love my Savior and know He is the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father but by Him. Never forget His sacrifice for us and His perfect example. |
Life won’t be hard if we remember to always make a decision and ask counsel from our Father in Heaven and ponder the profound and world-renowned question, “What would Jesus do?” But really! What WOULD Jesus do? We are all waiting for His Second Coming, and can you imagine Him descending from the sky in a wife-beater undershirt or drinking a beer? The thought had quite an impact on me and reminded me there is a stark difference between sin and righteousness.
I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints IS, in fact, the church of Jesus Christ. He is guiding His people. He and the Father are one in purpose: to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life and joy.
O be wise; what more can I say?
Shout-out:
Raven Lukeheart was on my list for shout-outs because she was in my dream the other day; and THEN, Momsy, you told me she’s engaged! Coincidence?? :)
Tell Hailey I received her letter. Thanks, what a sweetie! She is the most loyal fan of God, hahaha. I can’t
wait to see what she will accomplish. She is already such a good example to her family, especially her hooligan brothers... brother? I don’t remember how many are in her family.
Tell Didi thanks for the notebook. It’s so cute I don’t wanna use it! THANK YOU, BEEHIVES, for the box of wonders! The scripture candies were just darling. Rachel, Camille, Kaila, Talise, and 2 no-name testimonies were exactly what I was wanting. In fact, I was going to write my mom and ask for Christmas a tiny book of testimonies about the points of the gospel taught in Preach My Gospel. (Noted, anyone? It’s a good idea for the siblings. I don’t really need anything... and, YES, I do carry everything in two malas [suitcases] for every transfer... shoot! I forgot my wishlist.) |