Guide to Walking On Water

No experience in the scriptures captures my attention like the story of Jesus and Peter walking on the water. After giving the subject much thought, and having made leaps into deep waters of my own, I've decided to dedicate an entire post to the subject. 

Often we get answers to our prayers after a trial of our faith. When we dive in by trusting the Lord with our whole hearts even without knowing all the details, we're blessed immensely. The recognition of those blessings comes even if we get the answer we didn't expect, or want, some time later when we're drowning in it. The Lord's hand is always there to pull us up out of the water before we drown.

I once worked at an "opportunity" to "walk above the water" that lasted for a few years. I wanted this righteous desire with all my heart. I prayed and told the Lord that if He would give me the "opportunity" that I would jump in and walk unless He told me otherwise. I had dreamed it could be possible, chosen it, and I loved it. My desire quickly became my reality and the time came to decide whether I would commit.

Puzzled at how quickly my prayers had been answered, I approached a dear friend who had been in my situation just months earlier, seeking clarity. Her sage advice was that "concerns and doubts are two different things. [There's] serious concerns, [and then there's] your typical 'cold feet'," and it was up to me to "follow the spirit" and determine which I was encountering. She taught me the valuable lesson that doubting means there's a lack of faith on my part, whereas concerns are legitimate reasons to choose a different path. Her words and example fortified my faith and I went to the Hill of the Lord in fervent prayer to know for certain whether it was to continue my desired pursuit. God showed me that day that He trusted me to make the best decision I could! At that time, I wasn't given a "Yes", or "No", but instead a "Keep going and you'll be fine" answer. All doubt disappeared and the enthusiasm of realizing my dreams cloaked my concerns.

Armed in affirmed faith, I took my leap! I dove in with both feet and began my own proverbial walk on water. I was blessed beyond belief in every facet of my life. I felt as Joseph in Egypt "goodly, favoured and prosperous". The blessings were so tangible and evident. I felt the Lord embrace me so tightly and felt his approval for trusting Him. I made Him proud! The Thrill of the ride outweighed all potential cruxes. When doubts arose, I didn't give up, because I knew it was a gift the Lord had given me. I learned so much from that stroll about being patient and charitable, and felt the Lord molding me in ways I never imagined. Sure there were moments when things weren't peachy, but going back to the boat was the last thing on my mind because of the absolute peace and levity I felt inside; I was living my dream and I wanted this experience to last forever!

However, those clandestine concerns began to lose their illusion and take their true shape. Storms arose. The miraculous rock platform of water decomposed from concrete into quicksand. The opportunity swiftly morphed into an obstacle. My encumbered feet began to sink until I couldn't continue; my head suddenly submerged in a realization that my castle in the sky was crumbling. Abruptly, that desperate moment when all seemed to be lost came upon me. I optimistically made every effort to swim, but towering waves were too much. With my final bouyant stroke, I caught the grip of a Hand extended to save me. His Strong Hands took hold and pulled my exhausted soul Up to safety. Finally I was given vivid answers about my "opportunity" and those concerns: "Get Thyself Out;" I was to retract my own will in favor of a greater commission without the millstone that had been thrown around my neck that was thwarting my future capacity. Admittedly, I was astonished. Why would the Lord allow me to make my way out into the water so far, yet allow me to sink after successfully cultivating that course for so long?

I've concluded there are 6 reasons He allowed Peter to walk on the water, and allows us to do the same with our own desires:

1. Desire - He gives us our heart's desire. The character and virtue of what we desire enhances our experience greatly. The character and virtue of my next endeavor will now enhance my life to an even greater level.
2. Confidence - We can develop confidence in attributes we never thought we had. In my situation, it was patience and the ability to love unconditionally.
3. Action - Peter's only desire was to follow Christ. He wanted to do what was right and he invested his whole heart into the opportunity and committed, rather than being idle, and was blessed with a remarkable experience. What is most important isn't what happens to us, its what we do with it that defines the experience.
4. Endurance - We are taught to never ever ever ever give up, because His strong arm is always extended to help if we'll keep trying, even and especially if we feel like we are doomed to a deep despair.
5. Putting His Will First - Although I sought His will previously, He taught me that knowing His will does not solve life’s problems, but it gives flavor, purpose, and strength to master them.
6. Life is a Lesson - Everything we experience in life is to mold us for a greater future. Tribulations are trampolines to propel us upward to greater heights. If we don't get what we want, it's because we're getting what the Lord wants, which is always better!

President David O. McKay testified, “It is true that the answers to our prayers may not always come as direct and at the time, nor in the manner, we anticipate; but they do come, and at a time and in a manner best for the interests of him who offers the supplication.”

So now what? That experience has passed by and I'm safely back in the boat! Like Peter surely didn't regret jumping into the water, I have zero regrets for trusting in what Elder Richard G. Scott describes as the "keep going" answer. I was able to exercise my mind, spirit, body, and heart in ways I never imagined. I grew at a pace more rapid than ever. I'll never regret taking that faithful leap into deep waters to follow that opportunity. If someone had to go through that, I'm glad it was me, so that I could learn and grow from it. I developed grandiose courage to take on life's challenges, and gained momentum in my journey back to His presence. I am much better off than had I stayed aboard the ship and not been willing to act upon that righteous desire of my heart. Now it's time to move on to a better challenge, a greater opportunity facing the direction of my destiny. I've been trained by trial and experience in the crucible of the unashamed. I'm confident that next time I jump, I'll again walk; unsinkable, effervescent, blessed, and forever:

"I won't look back. let up, slow down. or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need pre-eminence, positions, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded . I now live by Faith, lean on HIS presence, walk with patience. I am uplifted by prayer, and labor with power . My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven. My road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, divided, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the advesary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, and paid up for the cause of Christ. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He returns for His Own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My Banner will be clear." - Henry B. Eyring

RISE UP!

Citygro, a dreamed Utopia where entrepreneurs are given ways to connect with their consumers, and the economy grows.  I'm blessed, happy to see that all that hard work in the winter trying to make a company is starting to pay off, and excited to see where the next year takes us. Anyway, enough journal ish, lets get to the meat! Supports, crutches, and props... spiritually speaking.

At Jimmer's Shooting Camp, Dan Clark (author of Chicken Soup series) spoke to the camp about Rising to the occasion like Jimmer always would. He's an incredible speaker. The whole 45 minutes he talked my head was spinning! I wish I had recorded it, but all I had was my phone, so I noted as much as I could. The quote that struck me hardest was:

"Before we can expect Support from 'someone else', we must first give it to 'someone else'. Support is the magic that allows us to make the most of any occasion."

The rest of the week I looked at the word "support" from every possible angle, trying to better understand its MAGIC. Early Sunday morning (after an incredible weekend with my mom, dad, sister and friends), pondering my lesson, "support" continued to weigh on my mind. I came up with the following:

"A Crutch can strengthen in time of need but will weaken if misused. Yet a Support rectifies growth, accelerates arrival and produces power"

The Spirit is our everlasting Support for progression in all things. Bad habits and weaknesses are Crutches we return to when we lose our ability to stand on our own. There certainly are times we might need a crutch, but then again, isn't a crutch only necessary AFTER an "injury"? Most, if not all such, "injuries" come from lack of caution, or preparation. In Thor (great movie...) King Odin says "A wise king never makes war, but he must always be prepared for it." If one takes a corner too fast or comes too close to the edge, inevidibly there will be a fall. Falls are when injuries are incurred.

Its important for us to understand, we all have weaknesses. I used to arrogantly say I didn't need ankle support. Then I learned the hard way by spraining both ankles. Now I'm conscious of what kind of ankle support is necessary to prevent injury. In the book "Weakness is not Sin" by Wendy Ulrich it defines Weakness as a port to Strength if used faithfully in correct perspective; and also as a slide into Sin if feared, ashamed or ignored. It's all based on our choices. "This mortal form grows weak. I require sustenance!" - Thor (who overlooked his source of power and had to depend on others to regain it)

Once healthy (speaking physically or spiritually), we can move forward into building strength on that weakness. Why not take it further and be excellent in whatever endeavor you might be involved in? How do we get there? Support! We start with our set of weaknesses. If we make the wrong choice, a crutch is necessary to nurse us back to health. "Support is THAT magic that allows us to make the most of any occasion. Knowing that we need "supports" to make the most of any occasion requires humility. Humility (something I hope to gain someday) requires 7 P's according to the book: ponder, prioritize, pace, Prop Up, patience, and prayer. Propping up requires a realization that Support is necessary to achieve our goals. We can't do it alone. No shame in that, its part of life! Click here to read the whole schpill from the book.

To begin the summer, I had no idea where to take my company GIVE. I started to realize that with school, ect, I needed to piggy back on the support of a bigger company. I found Bluecache and a great friend in Jeff Sorenson! We have the exact same vision, but they were a couple years ahead of me. I joined up with them and together we're driving a potent new force: CityGro. The Power of Support!

+

To hit the point home, here's a line from one of my new favorite flicks Captain America:

Steven Rogers, in his measly yet courageous frame inquires "Why me?" to Dr Erskine before his operation to become Captain America. His wise reply says it all:

"Because a weak man knows the value of strength; knows the value of power."

He also says,"Whatever happens, stay who you are. Not just a soldier, but a good man."

Strength comes from conquering weakness, and only grace attained in humility can maintain that force!

Paul understood this well:

“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." (2 Cor 12:9-10)

I know that Christ's support is always there for us if we will humble ourselves. He is my Prop.

That is what grace is. Grace is that "magic" support that allows us to "Rise Up" and make the most of every occasion in life. For that Support as well as the wonderful props I have in my family and friendship circle, I'm grateful!

"Find the 'Why' in life and the 'How' becomes pretty easy" - Dan Clark

Spiders or Tortuga

MAHALO JJ AND RACHEL!!! Had a great "Vacation" to Maui and their wedding!

Well, I finally have an older brother! While I was in Hawaii for the wedding, I noticed some pretty amazing things, however simple. Of course I love deriving lessons from this stuff so here we go: Two animals that got me thinking: Spiders and Turtles. The contrast between the two is obvious, but on a spiritual sense, we should strive to be more like turtles.

Spiders: Creepy, crawly, recluse, camouflaged by its surroundings, using deceit to retrieve success, poisonous, despised, over-reactive, cold-blooded, scary, infesting, villainous just to name a few of the ideas that come to mind about the spider. Their success if everyone else's failure. They feast on the weak, and hide from the strong. They are carried in the wind to a residence,

then set up their traps, and sit idly waiting for their next victim.

Turtles: Majestic, dedicated, shielded, intelligent, intuitive, navigated, tested, unchanging, patient, friendly. Turtles can support nearly 200 times their own body weight in pressure. From birth, they are targets of predative creatures, but with maturity, they find safety in being close to their family, using their shell, and navigating with a magnetic detection system. They use all their senses to their advantage, and help transport other animals along the way. Among the sharpest of their senses is that of vision, with which they communicate through visual signals and actions. They have a structured daily routine. They are sensitive to subtle vibrations, bright lights, and noise. Turtles are confident when alone, but thrive in a group setting.

Hopefully you see where I'm going with this. We, as children of God, have great "majestic" potential. We are to let our light shine for others to be strengthened along the way. There is no glory in putting others down, or hiding ourselves completely in darkness. Look at the above mentioned traits of a spider. They sound criminal. Hiding in dark alleyways awaiting their next underdog to prey on.

Or there's the turtle, who uses all of its strengths to offset its weaknesses. It withstands pressure, uses imagination, has structure, and is a vehicle to others in its surrounding.

"Together, there is nothing your minds cannot accomplish. Help each other, draw upon one another, and always remember the power that binds you." - Master Splinter (Ninja Turtles)

LOVE

February, one of two months in the year that makes single people cringe at the thought of being single. To be honest, I'm chill about it, but while this term "LOVE" gets thrown around over the next couple weeks, I thought I'd make my best effort in describing what it means to me.

For starters, my sister Rachel sent this to me today, and I liked it

“Opposition turns up almost anyplace something good has happened. It can happen when you are trying to get an education. It can hit you after your first month in your new mission field. It certainly happens in matters of love and marriage. … There are cautions and considerations to make, but once there has been genuine illumination, beware the temptation to retreat from a good thing. If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted it and lived for it, it is right now. Don’t give up when the pressure mounts. … Face your doubts. Master your fears. ‘Cast not away therefore your confidence.’ Stay the course and see the beauty of life unfold for you." -- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Sometimes we let our mind cripple something that could be potentially wonderful. If we overthink, we're going to overdo. I guess the same goes for underthinking. Either way, LOVE is made by learning to make it through those doldrums, as long as both people are living correctly!

In my portuguese class, we have to compare a couple of love ballads. One is by Camões titled "Love is a fire that burns unseen". The other is Paul's epistle to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians, chapter 13. I'll make my best effort at interpreting:

Amor é um fogo que arde sem se ver

Love is a fire that burns unseen

It is a wound that hurts, yet goes unfelt

It is a discontent contentment

It is pain that rages without hurting

It is not wanting what is much wanted

It is walking alone among many

It is never happy with just being happy

It is an idea that wins in losing itself

It is wanting to be held captive with your will

It is serving who wins, the winner

It is being with them who kill, in loyalty

But how its causes can hold favor

In the hearts of mankind's friendship

If exactly the opposite is the same LOVE

In comparison my interpretation of Paul's words are as follows:

No matter how strong my words might be, if I don't have a perfect LOVE, my words

have lost their power

And having the gift of prophecy, understanding all mystery and having all knowledge, and even having enough faith to move mountains, without a perfect LOVE, I am nothing

Even though I give to the poor and would sacrifice my own body to be burned, without perfect LOVE, it doesn't help me at all

A perfect LOVE suffers an infinite amount of patience, it is ever kind; perfect LOVE doesn't envy; perfect LOVE doesn't brace or lift itself up, and is not self absorbed

It doesn't violate its good standards, doesn't look out for itself, is calm in the face of anger, and has wiped its mind of all evil

It cannot rejoice in iniquity, instead rejoices in truth

It is ever-bearing, trusting, hopeful, and enduring in all things

Perfect LOVE never ends: in contrast there are prophecies that are fulfilled, tongues that finish, and memories fade.

Because we know partially, and we prophesy partially

But when perfection arrives, the individual pieces are insignificant

When I was a child, I spoke, understood, and thought as a child; as a man I put away childish things

Right now peering through a mysterious mirror; face to face; now I know in part, but then I know even as I am known.

Now remain faith, hope, and perfect LOVE, these three; the greatest of these being that perfect LOVE!

Paul's rendition is obviously a bit more inspiring, but Camões isn't too far off of my feelings at times. Many have tried to define LOVE in so many ways.

How do you show LOVE? Physically? In action? In word? In service? In example? In consent?

When it all comes down to it, there's two perfect descriptions shown by Our Savior:

John 14:15 - If ye LOVE me, keep my commandments

-and-

John 15:13 - Greater LOVE hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

He really is the example of perfect LOVE, and if we follow him, no matter how cliché it might sound, we'll be on track to developing and enjoying this LOVE.

And you really thought I was going to blog about dating? Pshhh, that's a LOVE I just don't comprehend, but hopefully will soon! All I know is that for some reason when you want it, she runs. When you don't want it, she finds you. When you're ready, she's not. When she's ready, you're scared. That's the gist on my experience with LOVE, ha!

But there's a deep sense in me that there's something beautiful ahead...

I love the temple, and I love the hope it gives me. The temple is all about LOVE: God's Love for us, Our LOVE to our family, and our everlasting LOVE to an eternal companion. That is the LOVE that transcends all romantics! It'll come in due time, I'll be ready so she can recognize me and I can recognize her!

Here's Angels and Airwaves' latest attempt

Some Origins of Fire (ending)

So heres my heart

It's only the cycle

It's deafening though

This age old recital is king of all sounds

There is no release, free, we are silently numb

A sole, lonely wave with the weight that's yet to come

The Orange

Recently I viewed the latest installment of Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Strangely enough, the scene that hit me hardest was when (in concise summary) a punk kid who didn't want to be aboard the ship stole an orange, and was caught. That very orange was given to a daughter of a man who was in search of his wife who had disappeared. The girl sneaked onto the ship in concern and love for her father, and upon being discovered was given the orange. The crew accepted her along for the journey, and the orange symbolized the warm reception.

The orange...

• Blood oranges are used as a symbol of the death of Jesus.
• In some European countries, a "Christingle" is a Christmas decoration using an orange and a candle to symbolize Christ's love for the world.
• In cold countries, an orange represents a warm tropical treat during the coldest winter months.
• Known for its vitamin C and blood-protecting antioxidants, it is healthier to eat a whole orange than to take a vitamin supplement by far.
• 
  

So for Christmas, all I really want, is an orange! I want to be healthier. I want to be thoughtful of Christ. I want to be grateful for all that I already have. I want others to be better off for knowing the whole me, and not just part of me. I want all of my ingredients to be helpful to others.

I love the following story:

Sometimes it is easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas. The busy traditions of the season and the appealing advertisements for material goods can leave the pure and simple truths far, far behind.

Jake was nine years old with tousled brown hair with blue eyes as bright as a heavenly angel. For as long as Jake could remember he had lived within the walls of a poor orphanage. He was just one of ten children supported by what meager contributions the orphan home could obtain in a continuous struggle seeking donations from townsfolk.

There was very little to eat, but at Christmas time there always seemed to be a little more than usual to eat, the orphanage seemed a little warmer, and it was time for a little holiday enjoyment. But more than this, there was the Christmas orange!

Christmas was the only time of year that such a rare treat was provided and it was treasured by each child like no other food admiring it, feeling it, prizing it and slowly enjoying each juicy section. Truly, it was the light of each orphan's Christmas and their best gift of the season. How joyful would be the moment when Jake received his orange!

Unknown to him, Jake had somehow managed to track a small amount of mud on his shoes through the front door of the orphanage, muddying the new carpet. He hadn't even noticed. Now it was too late and there was nothing he could do to avoid punishment. The punishment was swift and unrelenting. Jake would not be allowed his Christmas orange! It was the only gift he would receive from the harsh world he lived in, yet after a year of waiting for his Christmas orange, is was to be denied him.

Tearfully, Jake pleaded that he be forgiven and promised never to track mud into the orphanage again, but to no avail. He felt hopeless and totally rejected. Jake cried into his pillow all that night and spent Christmas Day feeling empty and alone. He felt that the other children didn't want to be with a boy who had been punished with such a cruel punishment. Perhaps they feared he would ruin their only day of happiness. Maybe, he reasoned, the gulf between him and his friends existed because they feared he would ask for a little of their oranges. Jake spent the day upstairs, alone, in the unheated dormitory. Huddled under his only blanket, he read about a family marooned on an island. Jake wouldn't mind spending the rest of his life on an isolated island, if he could only have a real family that cared about him.

Bedtime came, and worst of all, Jake couldn't sleep. How could he say his prayers? How could there be a God in Heaven that would allow a little soul such as his, to suffer so much all by himself? Silently, he sobbed for the future of mankind that God might end the suffering in the world, both for himself and all others like him.

As he climbed back into bed from the cold, hard floor, a soft hand touched Jake's shoulder, startling him momentarily and an object was silently placed in his hands. The giver disappeared into the darkness, leaving Jake with what, he did not immediately know!

Looking closely at it in the dim light, he saw that it looked like an orange! Not a regular orange, smooth and shiny, but a special orange, very special. Inside a patched together peal were the segments of nine other oranges, making one whole orange for Jake! The nine other children in the orphanage had each donated one segment of their own precious oranges to make a whole orange as a gift for Jake.

Sharing what we truly value is the true spirit of Christmas. Our Heavenly Father gave us His beloved Son. May we, like the children in the orphanage, find ways to share His love with others less blessed.

An orange is a symbol of discipleship. I recently stumbled onto this quote, and its suitable to be my motto as I move forward!

I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The dye has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I won't look back, let up, slow down, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure.
I'm finished and done with low living, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving,and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need pro-eminence, positions, promotions, plaudits,or popularity.
I don't have to be right, first, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded.
I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk with patience, am uplifted by prayer, and labor with power. My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven.
My road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear.
I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, divided, or delayed.
I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, and paid up for the cause of Christ.
I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me.
And when He returns for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me.


My banner will be clear.

Have a Merry Orange Christmas!!!

How Great Will Be Your Joy

Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;

Genibau Ward Baptismal Font until 2011

No other pool has had the effect the one pictured above did on my life! This is the baptismal font from the first area of my LDS mission to Fortaleza, Brazil. 

Here's my words of advice to any men or women who are considering serving an LDS mission.

I can only speak from my own experiences of missionary work, but I did give it my all and for that reason I loved it and was successful. Its clear that as the world continues to turn more and more sour towards the good, the Lord needs more and more qualified representatives (young and old, male and female) to preach the plan of peace. I hope all who consider going will make a serious effort to go; you'll NEVER regret it!

Whether a potential Elder or potential Sister missionary, or just someone who loves the Lord, seriously consider it. For me, it was the greatest two years I could have ever had. I miss it: the people, the smiles, the tears, the country, the food, the heat, all of it, EVERY DAY.

Its important to note that we are all missionaries in a way, by example and action; but the best way to serve is to be a called servant of the Lord.

Through dedication and following the spirit, I witnessed miracle after miracle that I still find myself dwelling on now, years later. I was fortunate enough to pick up a second language, which has opened doors for me since. Looking back, its impossible to find a single reason why it would have made sense to stay behind. I think for those who actually make it through the whole 18 to 24 months, they never live regretting having gone; yet those who don't go will always question, "What if?" So my first advice is to JUST GO! Nothing in life is more important than teaching people about Jesus Christ.

The great thing is that ANYONE (yes, YOU) can do that, if you'll live the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and develop a desire to serve through prayer. I challenge anyone who has the bleakest consideration to go on a mission to SERIOUSLY consider it. Yes, you women, not just 19-21 year olds, but all of you! I have various female friends who served as Sisters and they're so grateful they did go on a mission, after questioning previously. GO!!!

To those who are close to making it there, the following is my advice to you:

Dear Elder/Sister!

The moment you've dreamed of is right around the corner! From my experience I've come up with three important principles to getting the most production out of you mission:

Focus, innovation and productivity! All are attributes of a great fisherman, a metaphor that should be applied daily in your work!

Focus: Keeping your line in the water refers to Jesus’ admonition to Peter and the disciples that he would make them “fishers of men.” You have been called to do the same. The most successful fisherman does three things: He has his line in the water ALL the time; He finds new ways to catch those fish; and then he finds other productive "lines" to catch fish at a faster rate.

Refer to D&C 4. Keeping your line in the water all the time means staying focused on the task of “catching fish”. You must use every Nano-second of time, The Lord’s Time, in finding His Elect. Your Heart must always reflect your desire to catch fish. Your Might is your Willingness to do what the Lord wants you to do, this requires full humility. Your Mind, in my opinion is the most important concept of missionary service.

The sooner you stop thinking about song lyrics, home, friends, relationships, what you’ll do on Preparation-day and other distractions, and start putting prayer, scriptures, strategy about investigators, and other God-like thoughts into your mind, the more successful and able you’ll be as a missionary to the people all who surround you.

Your Strength is your physical ability given to you by the Lord to do his work. He will stretch that ability further than you can ever imagine!

Innovation and Productivity: They're in Alma 26:21-22 and 1 Ne 18:2-4. Let the Lord teach you, and don’t live by logic of Man, but by His logic! The Lord will open your mind to these innovations. His thoughts are not our thoughts, unless we yield to His will.

Learn to put more than one line in the water. Replicate! Using other lines like referrals, and doubling your work through splits and exchanges with members, whose trust you must gain and maintain. I cannot overemphasize the power of prayer and fasting.

Pray always and you will never faint in your preparedness to know exactly what you must say in that very moment that you need it. I promise you that!

Prayer will give you confidence even in the gloomiest moments. It will help you combat the adversary’s tool of discouragement. Prayer is the alignment of your will with His Will, and a declaration of your Righteous Desires to His. As He sees that your desires are His desires, He will open new flood-gates of knowledge and blessings to you and lift clouds of spiritual fog from areas you serve in. 

Fast often! This shows the Lord your willingness to sacrifice your desires for His. Don’t forget how important it is to Live what you Pray!

BE SPECIFIC! Pray for each investigator, their house, their work, their difficulties, be mindful of their potential tripping-stones, and view with an eye of faith their potential and ask God to help them achieve it. Pray for members, wards, areas and their progression. Pray for those you lead, and pray for your leaders, all by name. Your specification shows the Lord your dedication to those desires. 

Overall, the Lord loves you. He will find favor in you, as He did in Joseph in Egypt, one of my greatest heroes. Pray for the gift of discernment early, that you might have the ability to look people in the eyes and know of their potential, their desires, and their difficulties. Pray for all the gifts of the Spirit and equally important, pray for the attributes of Christ that they might recognize you as His servant.

The first step might seem scary, but don't worry at all. You’ll do a great work. You’ll be an advocate of your mission president and mission rules and obedience will and already are second nature to you. Waking up at 6:30 is a small sacrifice to see even one extra soul come unto Christ.

My mission made me into a dreamer, a Visionary, which has blessed me a million times over since. I began my mission in the area of the ward that had to split, so the stake could split, so the mission could split, so there could be justification for a new temple to be built. At the time, I had no idea what the Lord had in store for the people of Fortaleza. Now, with the benefit of hindsight, I was able to see how the hard work of our mission will bless millions of people. The Fortaleza Brazil mission has split twice since I've been back and the Fortaleza Brazil Temple was announced after I came home. That murky pool pictured above has been replaced with a beautiful chapel. I was fortunate to see both the ward and stake divided while I was still in the mission. A handful of those I taught have served missions since, some have been sealed in the temple, many have been called to leadership, including a Bishop (pictured below with his family). Surely, the Lord would have accomplished His work through someone else, but I feel fortunate to have been prepared, willing and worthy to be His servant to fulfill His work. 

Those ripple effects are what will form your unshakeable foundation for the rest of your life. The mission is a unique crucible the mold the best you that the Lord can mold. It is the nearest you'll ever feel to Jesus Christ in your life to this point.

Rendering of the Fortaleza Brazil Temple (Under Construction)

Isn't it going to be GORGEOUS?!!!

GO!

"Bishop" Ediva Freitas, his wife Lena and Clarinha (daughter)

I love The Work. My eyes tear up as I declare my love for missionary service. It is the best life there is. It will stretch you. I know that Christ is the Head of the work you are enlisted in. He is your Boss, and He has prepared your way. He IS Your Way. Continue to grow in Christ and you’ll be the best missionary in the world. Live that gospel you teach, study it deeply and love it. I’ll continue to pray for all the success for the Lord's missionaries. Pray for those at home last, as there are more important things for you to exert your prayers about, but do pray for those you love back home, lastly. Carry your family’s names with honor! Do your best, work hard, and DO IT FOR CHRIST!

Faithfully step onto this ocean of blessings just waiting to shower over you. You'll truly learn to walk above the ways of the world, and walk along His side as His representative!

"And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the Kingdom of my Father!

And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!"