Book of Mormon

As I have been on my mission I have truly been able to see the blessings that come from having not only the Bible but also The Book of Mormon, this volume of scripture that helps us understand further the teachings of our Savior Jesus Christ and how we can become more like Him. Not only does it testify of Christ but it helps us understand the Bible. I have come to know for myself about the truthfulness of this book through reading it and pondering of the teachings it contains. I love to know that no matter how awful of a day I am having or no matter what I am going through if I take the time to read from its pages it gives me the comfort and hope that the gospel of Jesus Christ gives. I know that I am not alone and I know that my Heavenly Father loves me and that is why He has made it available to us, all of His children to have this volume of scripture, THE BOOK OF MORMON. I invite all of you that read this blog post to take the invitation that we find in the the Book of Mormon and put it into practice. 

 3 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 ^amerciful 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 ^bponder it in your ^chearts.

 4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ^aask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not ^btrue; and if ye shall ask with a ^csincere heart, with ^dreal intent, having ^efaith in Christ, he will ^fmanifest the ^gtruthof it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

 5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may ^aknow the ^btruth of all things.

I know that as you read from this book and ponder its words you will be able to see of the truthfulness of it. I know that it can heal broken hearts and make people whole again. You may ask, "how do you know this? " I know this because I have come to know for myself it has brought me hope, love and especially a sense of belonging knowing that I am a child of my Heavenly Father and that I AM NEVER ALONE! 

" Whoso treasureth up my word shall not be deceived and in the last days neither your heart nor your faith with fail you "

Eternal Truth

The one thing that I LOVE about the gospel is the hope that it brings my family and I. As I think of my family I cant help but think that I want to be with them forever not just here on earth but once we leave this life.  I am so grateful to have the knowledge of knowing that no matter what happens in this life, if I live my life the way the Lord has taught and try my hardest to live the my life to the best of my ability, I will see them again and live with them forever!

"The Divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally" 

 http://www.lds.org/family/proclamation?lang=eng

May we never forget the hope and love that the gospel brings to us individually and to our families.

Christ our Savior and Redeemer

This song I stand all amazed expresses the way I feel about my Savior Jesus Christ!

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,
Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me.
I tremble to know that for me he was crucified,
That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died.

I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine
To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine,
That he should extend his great love unto such as I,
Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.

I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt!
Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?
No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,
Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet.

As I think of His sacrifice for me and for each and everyone of us I stand all amazed. It is amazing to think that He loves us so much that he would give His life for us.

Easter Sunday is this weekend. As we approach this day let us not forget of our Savior's Sacrifice for each and everyone of us.

"May we stand by Jesus Christ at all times, and in all things, and in all places that we may be in, even until death, for surely that is how he stood by us"

Holy Ground

Many times in our lives we feel like we do not know where to turn to. It might be becuase of mistakes we have made in our lives or others peoples decisions, or it might just be trials that life brings. I have come to learn through experience and also from others experience in their lives, that when we are going through hard times thats is when we turn to our Savior. At times we feel like we can no longer continue forward we feel like we can no longer do it on our own. We all make mistakes in our lives sometimes some are worse then others. I have come to understand in my own life that when I made these mistakes I started to loose trust in my Savior Jesus Christ I began to feel like I could do it all on my own. At that very moment I would start to feel further and further away from my Savior. I began to trust in myself instead of trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ. In the scriptures we find so many expamples of people who are afflicted who have been warn down because of their past transgressions. I am always reminded about The story in the New Testament about the woman taken in adultery.

John 8: 3-12

 3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery ; and when they had set her in the midst,

 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

 6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

 7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own consience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

 10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

 12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

As I think of the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ I think to myself  "WOW" He has so much love for each and everyone of us. No matter what we have done no matter what has happened in our lives the Atonement of Jesus Christ is here for our use. He wants us to feel of His Mercy and Love, He wants us to know that He is there for us to heal our broken hearts. He is here to make us hole again! Let us always feel like we are steppin on Holy Ground. That Holy Ground is OUR SAVIOR it is His LOVE. Let us not look back on our lives and say " I could of always felt His hand" we can always feel His hand in our lives as long as we let Him.

GOD WILL LIFT US UP

I think we as human beings always need to be reminded that GOD WILL LIFT US UP in time of need, and everyday of our lives. I have come to learn on my mission that we need the Lord every minute of our lives. And he is there for us every minute of our lives. At times I have dwelt in my tribulations and afflictions and I have forgotten that He is there for me. I remember a few years ago I was going through a difficult time. I turned to my mom of course and she shared a scripture with me that I have never forgotten ever since. It has given me hope in many times of need. I have learned to trust in MY Savior Jesus Christ. He is my salvation he walks with me and sends his angels to bear me up. 

Doctrine and Covenants 84:88

 88 And whoso recieveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.

Elder Robert D. Hales taught:

Tests and trials are given to all of us. These mortal challenges allow us and our Heavenly Father to see 

whether we will exercise our agency to follow His Son.

 

 Yes, “weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.Then, in the dawn of our increased faith and understanding, we arise and choose to wait upon the Lord, saying, “Thy will be done.” 

 

"The Gospel provides great comfort, knowing that everything has a purpose"

Let us not give up on the Lord, His blessings are eternal. I invite you all to not give up, and if you feel like you cant go any further I promise you that HE IS THERE!

Peace

Many people think of peace as the absence of war. But we can feel peace even in times of war, and we can lack peace even when no war is raging. The mere absence of conflict is not enough to bring peace to our hearts. Peace comes through the gospel- through the Atonement of Jesus Chirst, the ministration of the Holy Ghost, and our own righteousness, sincere repentance, and diligent service. Even when the world is in turmoil all around you, you can recieve the blessings of inner peace.

The following words of the Savior teach us how we can experience the peace that the gospel brings:

"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 rememberance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:26-27)

  In the midst of that tribulation His followers would have peace in Him. In other words, even if all the world is crumbling around us, the promised Comforter will provide His peace as a result of true discipleship. Ultimate total peace will come, of course, because He overcame the world. But we can have His peace with us irrespective of the troubles of the world. His peace is that peace, that serenity, that comfort spoken to our hearts and minds by the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, as we strive to follow Him and keep His commandments.

“Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me” Doctorine and Covenants 19:23

When all else fails and you feel like your world is falling apart never forget to turn to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I invite you all to remember them, in your times of need may they give you a sense of peace. I know that they will comfort you in times when you need them the most.

Patience

Patience is something that I have always had trouble with and I have been working HARD at it while on my mission. I know that I have made some improvements here and there, but I know I still have so much to learn. I came across a talk by the second counselor in the First Presidency Dieter F. Utchdorf  and it hit me hard!! He mentioned a few things that we can learn, from being patient and how it can truly bless our lives. Here they are (These where my favorites)...

1. Waiting can be Hard

Heck yeah it is!! I have learned that waiting patiently is hard because we make it hard.

Patience the ability we give ourselves to put our desires on pause for a time and maybe even years. I remember wanting things and thinking to myself  I want it and I want it know!!.  As I  look back the idea of patience was very very hard and yes at times not pleasant at all.

But without patience, as Elder Utchfdorf taught we cannot please God; we cannot become perfect. Yes, patience is a purifying process that refines understanding, deepens happiness, focuses action, and offers hope for peace.

So let us all remember that yes waiting is hard, but it helps us become who our Father in Heaven wants us to become, like his Son our Savior Jesus Christ.

2. Patience isn't just waiting

When I read this I thought to myself what? Yes it is and then I read this quote.

"There is an important concept here: patience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act because of our fears. Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can—working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well!"

3. Patience requires FAITH

Yes it does!!

4. The Lord BLESSES us for our Patience 

"If we wait patiently for the Lord, He will incline unto us. He will hear our cries. He will bring us out of a horrible pit and set our feet upon a solid rock. He will put a new song in our mouths, and we will praise our God. Many around us will see it, and they will trust in the Lord."

I Invite all of you to take a step back and look at what we have in front of us. Let us look at our blessings and if we do have things in our lives that we feel are weighing us down let us endure them joyfully with patience. For patience is what our Heavenly Father wants us to have let us wait patiently upon the Lord and exercise our faith in Him. As the Scriptures teach us....

"For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith. " Ether 12:12

Let us learn from life and endure it with patience.

The lessons we learn from patience will cultivate our character, lift our lives, and heighten our happiness.

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf 

He IS....always there!!

At times many of us feel like Christ has forgotten us. I must admit there has been times in my past where I thought Christ have you forgotten me? And as I look back I think man was I wrong!! Our Savior Jesus Christ is ALWAYS there. At times it is us who forgets about him. I remember someone telling me my life began to fall apart when I started focusing on myself more then I focused on Jesus Christ. These past few months here on my mission I have truly seen how much our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us. They are sooo aware of us and they know exactly what we need at the right time. We just have to remember them. I have come to realize that God our Heavenly Father is just waiting to hear from us and help us in time of need. Let us not forget that He is there to help us and we are never alone.

"Christ....He really is there, He is in reality there for us, everyday all day long"



I am a Mormon

Brandon Flowers lead singer of The Killers

Brandon Flowers, lead singer of The Killers, knows that it's not common for a rock star to have a wife and kids. But his parents' example led Brandon to choose early on that pursuing music wouldn't be about sex and money.

 

Charity... Service

The life of the Savior reflects His pure love for all people. He even gave His life for us.The scriptures tell us that charity comes from a pure heart. We have pure love when, from the heart, we show genuine concern and compassion for all our brothers and sisters.

It was King Benjamin who said to his people, “Learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are … in the service of your God.”² And it was Mormon who taught in his words in the Book of Mormon, “Charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.”³

Mosiah 4:18-21 & 23, 24

16 And also, ye yourselves will ^asuccor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the ^bbeggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish.

 17 Perhaps thou shalt ^asay: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just—

 18 But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath done he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God.

 19 For behold, are we not all ^abeggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?

 20 And behold, even at this time, ye have been calling on his name, and begging for a ^aremission of your sins. And has he suffered that ye have begged in vain? Nay; he has poured out his ^bSpirit upon you, and has caused that your hearts should be filled with ^cjoy, and has caused that your mouths should be stopped that ye could not find utterance, so exceedingly great was your joy.

 21 And now, if God, who has created you, on whom you are dependent for your lives and for all that ye have and are, doth grant unto you whatsoever ye ask that is right, in faith, believing that ye shall receive, O then, how ye ought to ^aimpart of the substance that ye have one to another.

  23 I say unto you, wo be unto that man, for his substance shall perish with him; and now, I say these things unto those who are ^arich as pertaining to the things of this world.

 24 And again, I say unto the poor, ye who have not and yet have sufficient, that ye remain from day to day; I mean all you who deny the beggar, because ye have not; I would that ye say in your hearts that: I ^agive not because I ^bhave not, but if I had I would ^cgive.

The Lord is keeping His promise to you as you keep yours to Him. As you serve others for Him, He lets you feel His love. The mission has definitley showed me this. And in time, the feelings of charity becomes(became) part of your (my) very nature. I can promise you that you will receive the assurance regarding charity while you read the Book of Mormon.  Your hearts will soften as you persist in serving others in  your life .

 LET US REMEMBER WHEN WE ARE IN THE SERVICE OF OUR FELLOW BEING WE ARE IN THE SERVICE OF GOD.

The Book of Mormon is the best guide to learn how well we are doing and how to do better.

<3 Hermana Garcia

The power of miracles...

I must start off with today was a GREAT day! The things I have seen happen, in the little time I have been out on my mission! I mean WOW... Heavenly Father really looks out for everyone and especially those in search of His love and guidance. So today we had an appointment with a potential investigator which we had come across a couple days ago. We had our first visit with her today and can I say it went Great!! She is a young lady with a son who is 4 years old. We got to talking and asked her what her beliefs where and she said I believe in God, but I really want to raise my son a Mormon! She said that she had been wanting to go to church with her husband and son because she knows that, this will be a blessing in her life. So we got into the lesson and can I say the spirit was way strong! My companion Sister T started talking about promises we make with God and how when we make these promises we come closer to God. So she said if you know these things where true would you get baptized?...Drum roll please..... she said YES!! Can someone say MIRACLE... The reason I call it a miracle the week we found her we had been fasting as a companionship to find investigators to teach. Those ready to receive the message and of course have them come unto Christ. We where driving down the street about to visit a member in our ward and my companion said "Hey I know her" so we parked the car and went over to say hi we asked her if we could come to visit her the next week she said yes.

I mean the way our Heavenly Father works is so mysterious as long as we have faith and truly sincerely ask with real intent for the things that we want. He is ready to grant our desires as long as we are willing to come to Him and just ask. I have come to learn this on my mission and can I say it works every time.

“A miracle is an extraordinary event caused by the power of God. Miracles are an important element in the work of Jesus Christ. They include healings, restoring the dead to life, and resurrection. Miracles are a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Faith is necessary in order for miracles to be manifested”

Mormon 9:10-11;20

 10 And now, if ye have imagined up unto yourselves a god who doth vary, and in whom there is shadow of changing, then have ye imagined up unto yourselves a god who is not a God of miracles.

 11 But behold, I will show unto you a God of ^amiracles, even the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and it is that same ^bGod who created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are.

20 And the reason why he ceaseth to do ^amiracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should ^btrust.

I would like to invite all of you to pray to our Heavenly Father for those things you are seeking for,iIf you do it with a sincere heart and sincerely ask I or plead to Him to help I know without a doubt your prayers will be answered and your needs will be met.

I can truly say I believe in a God of miracles

Within Bounds

Staying in bounds—on the ski slopes and in life—leads to joy and safety.



Kevin

"He's given us everything that we love, every crazy color, feelings, emotions, rushes adrenaline, everything that inspires you gets you pumped and excited, is directly from Him"

Life as a missionary

I just wanted to take some time and share some pictures that I have taken the little time I have been here in Rochester, New York!!

At the Hill Cumorah all the new sisters and site trainers(ap's for the vistior center sisters) July 06,2011 

Hill Cumorah Visitor Center One of the many sites in Palmayra!

Peter Whitmer Farm, Where the Church was organized on April 6, 1830

A tour I gave to an EFY group at the Peter Whitmer Farm!

My companion and I at the Wayne County Fair at the Missonary Booth

August 10, 2011

I hope you all enjoy these are just a few! I will upload more on my facebook! I love you all!

<3 Hermana Garcia

What matters most...

We would do well to slow down a little, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most.

"Diligently doing the things that matter most will lead us to the Savior"

-Dieter F. Utchdorf

Strength comes not from frantic activity but from being settled on a firm foundation of truth and light,; it comes from paying attention to the divine things that matter most

Go Forth...

Week 5 of my first transfer! Man oh man how it has flown by, right before my eyes! I remember when I got my mission call how excited I was to become a missionary and to start the work! I entered the MTC same excitement filled my soul. My first and second week man they where hectic but a great experience to came straight into pageant, the first two weeks flew by! Then came adjusting to regular missionary life 4 days of historic sites 1-2 days of area days. And I must admit it has been tough. I was called to teach in Spanish and there is not many Spanish speaking people here in Rochester. About a week ago I asked myself " Why was I called here?" As I thought of the situation I was in I must admit I began to feel a bit confused and sad. A few minutes into my pity party as one would call it, I came to a realization. YOU are called here to serve the PEOPLE of Rochester! No one said being a missionary would be easy and I must say it is not. Stop thinking of yourself and get to work. I remembered the words of the Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley when he told the story of him being on a mission a reciving a letter from his father with those exact words. During personal study I came across in the book of Alma a scripture that truly helped me!

Alma 26:27

Now when our hearts were depressed and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said; Go amongst thy brethren the Lamanites and bear with patience thine afflictions and I will give unto you success.

I can say that this week has been a though one but, I know without a doubt I am here becuase I am needed! I love the gospel and thats why I am here to share it with all those I come in contact with, all those who need comfort and love! 

Our Fathers Love

As my companion and I rode back home from the grocery store I looked up and saw the sun breaking through the clouds. Once some time ago someone told me that when I saw the sun rays breaking through the clouds; that it was God smiling down on us. I began to think about this and noticed that our Heavenly Father is always giving us (human beings) signs of his existence and love for us. Many of times we wrap ourselves in our busy lives and forget the small and simple things that our Heavenly Father does and gives us on a daily basis. As I looked up at the sky it reminded me that God watches over us always every second every minute of our lives. At times things my get rough and boy do they get rough but if we know who to turn to our Father our burdens will made be lite. As I have been on my mission I have seen the role that my Heavenly Father has in my life, and because of Him we are able to enjoy our lives here on earth. Lets remember that we are all children of our Heavenly Father and lets give thanks every day, every minute and every second of our lives for all that He does for us. Be thankful for all the joys life brings and all the hardships life brings. And last but not least lets remember that God wants us to approach Him in prayer daily. May God bless all of you and remember His love for us.

<3 Hermana Garcia

Strength!!!

Strength! I'm talking about mental, spiritual, and physical all types of strength!  So today we had a full area day which we don't have much during the week especially during the summer, since we have sites to be at. Sites meaning Joseph Smith Farm, Grandin Building, Peter Whitmer Farm etc. Anyways so we had a full area today so we decide to go TRACTING! yes we dont do much of it here in Rochester tracting isn't much of a success. Just a quick recap here in Rochester biggest religions Jewish, Roman Catholic all these like super legit hardcore religions right? Yes! So we pick to go trackinting on this nice road called Whilshire Rd. super nice neighborhood super cute houses. So we get to our first house on that road ring the door bell and NADA I mean car in the driveway windows open and nothing! So on to the next house my turn to ring the door bell, drum roll please.......Nothing so same pattern for about 25 min. By this time I mean I'm pretty discouraged my spiritual strength a bit low. We keep going down the street and we find a real nice lady, and....shes not interested about an hour later we get to about the third to last house on that street ring the door bell nice man answers the door is not at all interested and says "All you will find here is new testament, old testament, and the bible"

Yes so it was a hard hour and a half of tracting definitley hard. We walked back home I was drained! My physical strength, spiritual strength, mental I mean all of them had bee affected. So you can say I had my first day of rejection and it sure did not feel good at all! As I got home and thought of our little experience I started to think Rachel this is only the begining. It was sad to see how many just plainly rejected our message without even knowing what we had to say.

What I am trying to get at is we as humans are affected my many things and of course get discouraged. But I know that altough we didnt have much success today there are still people waiting out there for us to hear our message. I am much better now after thinking and pondering on our little experience, but I can truly say it helped me spiritually, mentally and yes physically (walking those miles). I am grateful for the good days and the bad for it will only build us as people and as children of our Heavnly Father. <3

Just a quick lil' pic of my companion and I last friday :D

My Trainer!! Sister Teuscher

Only forgiveness heals...

"I'm grateful that God allows trategies and trials to occur in our lives not because they are easy or because they are desired but because they help us love and that too is a wonderful blessing becuase I saw my brother" -Chris Williams

Forgiveness is hard for most of us for we are only human. As I watched this video the only thing that I could think was "WOW". Many times in our lives many things may happen that cause pain and agony but I have learned that only through forgiveness are burdens are made light. Our greatest example of forgivness, is Christ. For at times forgiveness will be hard to accomplish but let it be part of our lives for we are human and we can learn that christlike attribute. Remember through forgiveness our burdens are made light! 

Rochester New York!

A week and a half has past since I arrived in Rochester, New York. Man oh man!! has it been a crazy week and a half. The Hill Cumorah pageant is on and going and it brings people from all over the world. What a blessing it is to be serving at this time, and place. The cradle of the Restoration is where I am and it sure is the cradle. The Church history sites have such a unique spirit and it is definitely felt wherever you are. What a blessing to be part of this amazing work to preach the gospel to those who are ready to receive it into their lives and it bring them happiness that is only brought through following the teachings of Christ.