Continue on in Praising!

In the Book of Either, in the Book of Mormon,  I have always loved the story of the Brother of Jared! The Brother of Jared and his family were instructed to build a barge (A ship that is shaped kinda like a pecan nut shell) and travel across the waters to the promised land! Can you imagine living in a barge with all your loved ones, your animals and all the food you would be eating for the next year? It would probably get pretty crowded!

Just like the Brother of Jared we all have places that we go and things that we have been asked to do that might seem like a trial of our faith.Their travel over the ocean was indeed no picnic! There were times when the barge would be completely submerged in water. Talk about a frightening experience! What would you have done in this situation? Well in the Book of Ether, the Brother of Jared and his family continued to praise God.

It says in Ether Chapter 6:

vs. 5 And it came to pass that the Lord God caused that there should be a furious wind blown upon the face of the waters, towards the promised land; and thus they were tossed upon the waves of the sea before the wind. 

vs. 6 And it came to pass that they were many times buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and also the great and terrible tempests which were caused by the fierceness of the wind.

vs. 7 And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters.

We too can continue to praise God through our trials and receive our own "promise land." When we continue on in Faith, we can reach the goal that our Father in Heaven has in mind for us!Those trials truly shape us into who we need to be, and build our own personal testimony that we truly are children of our very loving Father in Heaven.

Continue on in Praising!

When the barge in slowly slipping

and sinking in the deep,

Continue on in praising

Our God-Our vigil keep!

When your pack is heavy

and the path is kind of steep,

Remember to continue singing

the song that gathers His sheep.

When the road seems foggy

and you can no longer see the way,

Kneel down and thank the Father

that you've gotten this far today.

Remember when you travel on

past a caravan or two,

To stop and share the message

that God has shared with you.

~ Janel A. Lewis

Reflection

Reflection

Sitting here in silence,

I hear the crickets croon

and I ponder on the beauty,

of the peaceful vibrant moon!

I think of all the studies

the researchers have pursued,

that throughout live we've wondered,

at the beauty of the moon.

I find comfort in the beauty

of the calming bright light,

That guides my heavy footsteps

as I wonder through the night.

And to think, it's just a reflection

of the gloriously blinding sun,

Think of how the light is borrowed,

but in purpose they are one.

How can I share the light,

from others I have learned?

How can I reflect Christ?

From darkness I have turned.

I will be the calm

reflection on the water.

I will be the light,

that others can borrow.

~Sister Janel Lewis

 Photo Source: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Sints

One Seed

One Seed

One simple breeze

flutters through the trees,

whispering of hope and excitement!

One simple seed,

perhaps will sprout into green,

but for now is nurtured and watered.

One simple day

a sprout pops up to say "Hey!"

and decides to weather the forecast.

 
Source: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

One simple sprout 

grows up through clumsiness and doubt,

and learns by trial and error.

And one little sprout

had faith through the doubt,

and came up through the shadows to sunlight.

And one simple flower

shines brightly with power,

and kindness to share by the hour.

One Loving Father

in Heaven loves flowers,

but starts out with a seed.

Through nurture and love,

and help from above,

sprouts bloom into blossoming beauty.

And so it is with us,

when we are lost or distressed,

have faith through the doubt and succeed!

For one little seed

had thoughts of despair,

but with God's love,

Grew into a blossoming beauty! 

~Sister Janel A. Lewis 

It's Simple and Unique

It's Simple and Unique

I'm gonna share my message,

It's simple and unique.

I'm gonna share it in the synagogue

and with the people on the street!

And when we get the chance,

to say a prayer or two,

we'll gladly thank the Father

for all we've been asked to do!

So we'll happily go with a smile,

spread from ear to ear.

To share about the gospel,

together we'll raise a cheer!

Two by two we'll wonder

with faith in God so true.

For God so loved the world,

He gave this message here to you.

~Sister Janel A. Lewis

As missionnaires for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we have the opportunity to meet SO many people! We learn about different traditions and cultures! It's exciting to live in a new place and see new things, but that's not even the reason we serve missions! 

The reason I am serving a mission is because I love my Savior, Jesus Christ! Like everyone else on earth, I've had my own personal challenges and trials. They've been difficult and hard. I've even felt like giving up a time or two. The one thing that truly brings me the most peace, is my realationship with my Father in Heaven, and my knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

That is why I'm serving a mission. I know that the message we missionaries share is true. It is for everyone. It truly brings the most comfort and joy! The next time you see missionaries, I encourage you to stop and wave a friendly hello! Our purpose is to serve our Savior. We would love to serve you too!