Learning to Fly

You're driving to this small town airport with your family. You're nervous, yet excited at the same time. When you get there, you watch a short video instructing you on what you are supposed to do. Then you have to sign a waiver, promising that you won't sue anyone if you get hurt. It makes you even more nervous. They strap you into a harness. You board the plane. The instructor hooks his harness and yours together. When the plane reaches about 12,000 feet, the door opens. With your instructor right behind you, you ease your toes over the edge. You rock back and forth two times, and on the third time you flip out of the plane. You free fall for one minute, following the instructions that were given in the video earlier, on how to fall. Your tandem instructor pulls the parachute, and you slow down to where you can breathe normally and admire the earth beneath you, as the instructor steers the chute. You slowly descend to the ground and land smoothly. Piece of cake right?

If you've ever been skydiving for the first time, you know that there is more to it then just "jumping out of a plane." Before you can feel comfortable exiting an airplane in the middle of the sky, you have to make certain preparations to be ready. You have to receive instruction on what you are supposed to do so you can remain safe. Your parachute needs to be packed correctly. You have to fill out paperwork, and fasten your harness in the right manner. You have to listen and follow what your tandem instructor tells you to do. 

Having faith in Jesus Christ is the same way.

artwork by Liz Lemon Swindle

You can't just say you believe in Him and expect to fly. You have to put forth the effort to show your faith. You have to make certain preparations, keep commandments, live His gospel. We learn from James in the New Testament that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). As you strive to follow the example of Jesus Christ, and work your hardest to live His commandments, you are showing your love for Him (John 14:15). You are showing your faith. And as you show your faith and live your faith through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, He will help you fly. He will give you the greatest skydiving experience that you can imagine, because you helped. You did your part to prepare for the jump. And oh how great is the spiritual leap of faith. Just like skydiving gives you a fantastic adrenaline rush, living your faith and keeping the commandments can bring you even more happiness, that is everlasting.

Thanks for reading. Until next time...

Kick a Pine Cone

A fellow missionary reminded me yesterday of an experience that happened a couple-three months ago. It happened on a Monday, the mission's preparation day. My companion and I had given a ride to a couple elders to the library so we could all email home. As we were about to cross this small bridge on our walk back to the car, one of the elders was kicking a pine cone across the pavement. So to bug him, after one of his kicks, I ran and picked up the pine cone and threw it over the bridge and into the canal underneath. Now it's not as bad as it seems. There was no water in the canal at this time of year.

I share this experience because, first of all I was just reminded of it and now feel a tad bit bad about it. And secondly, I realized that even something as simple as "kicking a pine cone" can bring joy.

It reminds me of President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's conference talk entitled, "Of Things that Matter Most." He talks about how life these days is full of busy schedules and things to do. People live in a fast pace life. All these things that we think we "have" to do, create stress and frustration. They leave us with a feeling of diminished joy and a loss sense of meaning and purpose. President Uchtdorf gives us solutions to finding simplicity and the things that matter most. It starts with the principles of the Gospel. He says that "these simple beautiful truths...these core doctrines and principles, though simple enough for a child to understand, provide the answers to the most complex questions of life."

There's a reason we learn all throughout the scriptures to humble ourselves and to become as a little child. We can find joy in the simple things, and these simple things start with the Gospel. It can bring more joy than you can even imagine. And the cool thing about it?! It can last FOREVER!! It's time we put the complexities of life off to the side, and to remember the things that matter most. It's time we kick a pine cone.

The last thing President Uchtdorf mentions is, "Let us simplify our lives a little. Let us make the changes necessary to refocus our lives on the sublime beauty of the simple, humble path of Christian discipleship—the path that leads always toward a life of meaning, gladness, and peace." I know we can find joy as we follow Jesus Christ. If you don't believe me, try it and find out for yourself.

Thanks for reading. Until next time...

When in Doubt, Pray it out

Once upon a time, there was a young teenage boy. He lived with his family in New York. They lived in a town where there were many different religions. Many that claimed to have the true church, yet this boy saw that their teachings conflicted. These different preachers had counseled him that he needed to be baptized, he, however, didn't know which church to be baptized in. How could they all claim to be true when they weren't all the same? He was confused. You would be too. Maybe you are. What would you do if this was you?

Well, this boy decided to research and study and find out for himself what to do. He came across a scripture in the book of James in the New Testament that said, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God..." (James 1:5) There you have it. He now knew what he needed to do. He followed what the scriptures had told him and he prayed to Heavenly Father to ask what he should do, what church he should join. Who better to ask anyway? This young man received an answer, and he describes the experience in his own words:

"I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me...When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!" (JSH 1:16-17)

The Prophet Joseph Smith

I will tell you that this is no story. This happened in real life. The young boy was Joseph Smith. And he did see God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. One prayer answered changed the world. Joseph Smith was called to be a prophet in the latter days, and to restore the priesthood authority and to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ back to the earth, just as it was in the days of Christ. God will answer your prayers too. If you ask Him, He will let you know of the truth. I know this because I have prayed and received an answer for myself. Heavenly Father loves me and He loves you too.

Thanks for reading. Until next time...