Maybe that's because it is a lovely morning right now! Or
maybe it's because of the conference talk. Regardless. Good morning
y'all!!
Speaking of conference, WOOHOO!! How good was conference?
Let me remind you. SOOO GOOD!!!
I wish conference were a few days longer. I would just love
to sit and absorb the good word for a few more days. But a few thoughts from
conference.
What an awesome and inspiring conference! It was an
impressive line up to say the least. Trying to connect my thoughts, it would
probably be best to start with Richard G. Scott. First, I liked that he talked
about obedience. Obedience is key. But not the focus this week. Beware, I will
probably get back to it next week. He also said something to the effect that
Satan will try to ruin our goodness by exploiting our weakness. David A. Bednar
(incredible talk! Read it again!) said that light decreases with impulsive
indulgence. In D&C 93:39 we find that Satan takes away our light and truth
through disobedience. In all things, satan wants us to feel hopeless and
discouraged. He wants us to feel down. A few weeks ago, I mentioned that he
wants us to feel as though we are drowning in our sins. In a world so full of
temptation, darkness and filth, it is such a miracle to have such a great
source of peace and light; our Savior and the Atonement. 2 Nephi 2:6-7
Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of
grace and truth. Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the
ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit;
and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered. The only way to find
peace and healing in this life is through the Atonement. Can't go wrong with 2
Nephi 25:26 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 know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins. Everything
we do is centered on Jesus Christ and his Atonement for us. It is through the Atonement
that we have hope. We have the hope that we can change. The hope that we can
overcome the natural man. The hope that every day can be better than the day
before. Dieter F. Uchtdorf said that we are all sons and daughters of God. We
are like young children trying to learn how to walk. With each step, we make
progress. Our Heavenly Father applauds our progress. He does not want us to be
discouraged or lose hope. Would we ever scold a child that stumbles and falls?
No. And in the same way, our Father in Heaven does not wish to scold us for our
mistakes. He is happy as we get up and keep trying. But, in accepting that we
are not perfect, does that mean we can delay repentance or give in to sin? No,
we still need to do our best and repent quickly. Craig A. Cardon said that
Heavenly Father cannot look upon our sins with the least degree of allowance.
But he does forgive us as we repent. We are sanctified as we overcome the
natural man. D&C 76:69 says that the heirs to the celestial kingdom are
just men made perfect through the atonement of Christ. It is a process. We
cannot expect to be perfect all at once. We must be able to forgive ourselves
and all others for imperfection. The point is that men can change through the
Atonement. 2 Nephi 9:21-22 For behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea
the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children...and he
suffereth this that resurrection migh pass upon all men, that all might stand
before him at the great and judgement day. And if you are in need of the good
word, Alma 7:11-13 and Helamen 5:9 are always good too. Elder Bednar
talked about sin as a wound to our spirit. He talked about how we need the
Atonement to heal. He said, "The results of sincere repentance are peace
of conscience, comfort, and spiritual healing and renewal." My
testimony to you all is that through the wonderful gift of the Atonement, we
can change. We have hope. We find peace and healing. I pray that we will all
take advantage of that spiritual healing in our lives.
Ok. I wrote this earlier and now have more to add. But don't
be excited, cuz it's only a little. Here it is. Get this, for the first time in
my mission, we played soccer for p-day!!! Write this one down ladies and
gentlemen, cuz it for sure goes in the books!! I was in heaven!
Well, that's all for now folks. You had best believe I'll
get you some more conference thoughts next week. All of you take advantage of
your lds.org and read the talks
again!! I'm sorry I have no info at all from the week. Just know, the work here
is going very well. The area is progressing. I love being a missionary! We are
all so blessed to have prophets and apostles! Take advantage! I hope you all
have a wonderful week! Love you loads!
Much love,
Elder Christensen
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