What 2013 has Taught Me

Well its that time each year, Christmas is here, the year is almost over and most importantly, FINALS are OVER!! Wahoo!! Ya'll probably celebrate doing something like this....

if not......well, this is awkward....

Anyways, its the end of the year and I would like to reflect on everything that has happened to me this past year. 

2013 has taught me to regret nothing!

On January 26th of 2013, I opened a letter that said "Dear Sister Heninger: You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You have been assigned to labor in the Canada Winnipeg Mission...You will report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, May 1, 2013..."

(If you did not get a chance to see me open my call: here the link https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=595698950441948&set=vb.100000055447440&type=3&theater)

The night I received my mission call

As concerning my mission, I regret nothing! I met so many people who have changed my life forever and have had so many experiences that grew me closer to my Savior. I want to say that my mission affect me more than any other person but, I feel like Elder Holland might have a problem with that (sorry, Mormon humor). So, I'll say that my mission was like walking through a bed of roses. While walking through it, I was scraped. I was poked. I was hurt. I questioned if I wanted to do this but, when I look back, all I see are those roses. 

2013 has taught me to rely on the Savior during difficult times.

Unfortunately, my mission was cut short due to medical issues. You know what I hate though: the words medical issues. I came home for medical issues, yes but, on my mission I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. For those who don't know what that is, think about yourself before you take a test. Your nervous so you tap your foot or move your body or whatnot to cope. For me I have that anxiety all day everyday.... times ten! This creates something called panic attacks which "are periods of intense fear or apprehension that are of sudden onset and of variable duration from minutes to hours. Panic attacks usually begin abruptly, may reach a peak within 10 minutes, but may continue for much longer if the sufferer had the attack triggered by a situation from which they are not able to escape (thanks Wikipedia!)". 

My district in the MTC

As you can imagine, this makes it very hard for me to cope with life sometimes. Though this time in my life was difficult, I have never drawn closer to my Savior, Jesus Christ. I remember hitting a point on my mission where I felt like I didn't think I could press forward. I told my companion at the time, I needed to go and pray by myself in the next room of our apartment. I walked into our small little closet, crying. My knees hit the floor and I poured out my soul to Heavenly Father. I begged him to help me understand why my mission was hard. Why did I have to deal with this? Then a quote came to me, one that I had heard at the MTC or Missionary Training Center. "Salvation is NOT a cheap experience! In order to understand what Jesus Christ went through, we must walk through the Garden of Gethsemane." I also remembered the prophet Joseph Smith. Even if your not a member or don't agree with our beliefs, I think we can agree that Joseph Smith at times was tortured. This man was ripped away from his family and members of the church countless times to be either to be tared and feathered, beaten up by mobs, or cast into prison to be tortured there. This abuse didn't just end there, the other Saints had unbelievable physical and mental torture. There is an account of Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail where he asked "O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place? How long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people and of thy servants, and thine ear be penetrated with their cries? Yea, O Lord, how long shall they suffer these wrongs and unlawful oppressions, before thine heart shall be softened toward them, and thy bowels be moved with compassion toward them (D&C 121: 1-3)?" For any man or woman, that could have easily have been the last straw for them, but for Joseph Smith and the other Saints, that was not the case. Not once did Joseph Smith deny what he saw in that grove! He knew that he "...saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above [him] in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling [him] by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!" Back to Liberty jail, in this agony, Joseph Smith was able to feel the Holy Ghost testify this to him "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; (D&C 121:7. Other quote Jospeh Smith History 1:17)" I knew this to be true. I know we will go through trials that feel unbelievable to us and we don't know how to press forward, but if we rely on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can be delivered from our afflictions and trials.

One of my favorite young women, Megan, from Saskatoon

I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is Jesus Christ's church upon the earth today. I know some of you will look at this testimony and go "Pffffhhhh! She doesn't know what she is talking about!" That's where your wrong. I do. I would not have planned to give up 18 months to serve the Lord if I didn't. I would not still be going to BYU-I if I didn't. I would have not kept the standards that I have had through my life if I did not believe this was Jesus Christ's church upon the earth today. I wouldn't be the person that you know today if I didn't. If you don't believe me, ask any of the millions of practicing members. They'll tell you, just as I have told you.

Elder Peterson and Myself. Same home ward and same mission call.

2013 has taught me to be comfortable with myself and where I am.

Coming home from my mission was very hard for me. I did not want to be home. I did not want to have an anxiety disorder. I just did not want to be me at that moment. I wanted to be back out on my mission doing what every other missionary was doing. Looking back now, I see that the best choice was for me to come home and get better. It has been hard. I've had people who have judged me for coming home early when they do not know the whole story. I wanted to go home and just curl up in a ball of blankets and never come out. Then I realized, I'm letting my anxiety win. I'm letting my peers get the best of me. I'm letting Satan get a hold of me. As soon as I realized that I said, enough! It took me many months but, now, I can say I'm comfortable with where I am. Through this, I've had amazing family and friends who have loved me and supported me though everything. I am blessed to have this amazing support group!

Some of my best friends. Thanks for being my unbiological sisters!

My Fantastically Amazing Parents 

One of My Other Unbiological Sisters! Love her!

My amazing grandmother who is letting me stay with her

So what I'm saying through all this is love yourself and live your life! Enjoy the little moments! Most importantly, rely on Christ. Thanks 2013, for all these and many other lessons. Lets hope 2014 will be just as amazing!

Choice 1: Matthew 19:16–30; 20:1–16. Earthly and Heavenly Rewards

1. Review Matthew 19:16–30 and write responses to the following questions and tasks:
• What indications can you find that suggest why the young man decided not to follow the Savior? How does Matthew 6:19–24 help explain his choice?

I think we can see how sorrowful because the young man knew he couldn’t give up his worldly possessions. We know this because in Matthew 19:22 it says “But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” This young man also struggled with serving two masters. He knew he loved his possessions more than the Savior and therefore, couldn’t give up his riches.

• What blessings did the Savior promise to those who make sacrifices to follow Him?

In Matthew 6:20, 22, it says “(20) But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,….(22) The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.”

• Based on the Savior’s response to Peter, write a paragraph that could help you put the Lord first in your life (see also the additional details in Mark 10:17–31).

When looking at Peter’s response, verse thirty stood out to me the most. It says “But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.” When looking at this, I take it as the Savior saying that if we put him first on earth, he will but him first in the Kingdom of Heaven. Then in Matthew 19:29 it says “And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” Everyone who focuses Christ and does anything for him, your riches shall be large in heaven.

2. Review the parable in Matthew 20:1–16 and consider what rewards come to those who serve in the Lord’s kingdom. Complete the chart below, filling in the blanks with information you find in Matthew 20:

The hour the laborers were hired	How much the man agreed to pay	Hours worked	How much they were actually paid
1	1 penny	12	1 penny
3	1 penny	9	1 penny
6	1 penny	6	1 penny
9	1 penny	3	1 penny
11	1 penny	1	1 penny

3. Respond in writing to each of the following questions:

• What do we learn from this parable about serving in the Lord’s kingdom?

It doesn’t matter how long you labor, as long as you do it with all your might, mind, and spirit. We will receive the same reward in the end.

• What message of comfort can this parable have for converts to the Church?

That not matter how long you labor, the Savior will still come and forgive your sins, like he has with mine.

• What would you tell someone who feels it is unfair for each of the laborers to be paid equally?

How unfair would it be for someone who had not had the opportunity to grow up in the church or who didn’t realize the value of the Church and comes in or back and labors just as hard as us? Then in the end the payment is only half of their sins forgiven. They did the same amount of work as they could and they deserve that full payment.

The Savior Taught the Apostles about Leadership Through Service

Jesus Truly loved his disciples and the people of the world so much that he would always look for ways to serve them. Even if it seemed like the lowest job you could do. In John 13:16, Jesus said “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.” While typing this, I had the song “Have I done any Good in the World Today?” playing. A certain part of the lyrics stood out to me which was “’Tis noble of man to work and to give; Love’s labor has merit alone. Only he who does something helps others to live. To God each good work will be known.” We know we must serve to be like Christ and we know if we do, we will receive our reward in heaven. In Luke 22 it says “(26) But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.(27) For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.” Lastly in Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Elder Dallion H. Oaks told a of story about President Thomas S. Monson. “ [Thomas S. Monson] taught Brigham Young University students that their student days should include “the matter of spiritual preparation,” including service to others. “An attitude of love characterized the mission of the Master,” President Monson said. “[Jesus Christ] gave sight to the blind, legs to the lame, and life to the dead. Perhaps when we [face] our Maker, we will not be asked, ‘How many positions did you hold?’ but rather, ‘How many people did you help?’ In reality,” President Monson concluded, “you can never love the Lord until you serve Him by serving His people.”

When I was a laurel in Young Womens (a program for girls 12-18 years old to learn more about Christ and more about themselves as daughters of God), I was very concerned about my grades; especially when midterms and finals came around. I would spend days just studying, trying to get ready for my finals. I remember feeling very frustrated with school and I was planning not to go to seminary so I could study even more. I heard a knock at the door so I went downstairs and answered it. My young women leaders had made all the high school girls a study break bag full of goodies, extra school supplies, and some quotes from the prophets. That small act of kindness helped me realize no matter how hard life gets, I need the gospel in my life. I went to bed early and went to seminary the next morning. My leaders will never know how grateful I am for that act of service. It was the perfect thing I needed at that certain point of time.

Christ’s life was full of service. We know that if we want to be anything like him, we must serve our brothers and sisters on earth. Which are our family, friends, neighbors, acquaintances and yes, even our enemies. I testify that if we do this, we will become closer to the Lord. We will feel the spirit more in our life and we will be a tool in the Lord’s hands. I’m so grateful for Jesus Christ and I know that He atoned for my sins as well as yours. I testify that you will be able to find so many examples of this in the Bible and in the Book of Mormon. I promise you, that if you really want to that what I say is true, pull out the Bible and the Book of Mormon. I promise you that you will be able to find they teach the same thing. Which is: Jesus is the Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the World, and He has come to earth. He ministered unto those who needed it most which was all of our ancestors, their friends, and enemies. Through the Prophets the Lord has called upon the earth today, we still can be ministered unto. I know that Christ lives and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is Jesus Christ’s church upon the earth today. To find out more about the truthfulness of which I speak look up: http://mormon.org/beliefs/jesus-christ  . You can also look at my testimony, just click my testimony in the top right hand corner. If you have a specific questions for me, please comment. I will answer your questions. This is my testimony. Wouldn't you want to know for yourself of which I speak?

Choice 2: Matthew 21–22. Jesus Was Rejected by the Jewish Leaders

 Review Matthew 21–22. Make a written comparison of how the Jewish leaders of Jesus’s day were like each of the following:

• The fig tree in Matthew 21:17–20

The Jewish leaders were like a fig tree because they wouldn't except Christ as the living Savior so in the end the Jewish leaders and traditions will wither away.

• The second son in Matthew 21:28–32

The Jewish leaders were like the second son because the preach of how the Savior shall come but when He came they would accept him nor do the work.

• The husbandmen in Matthew 21:33–41

The Jewish leaders were like the husbandmen because the know that Christ was the savior but just like verse 38  they would “But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.”

• The wedding guests and the man without the wedding garment in Matthew 22:1–14

The Jewish leaders were like the wedding guests and the man without the wedding garments because they prepared others for the Savior but, when he came they weren't prepared themselves. 

Choice 1: Matthew 19:16–30; 20:1–16. Earthly and Heavenly Rewards

1. Review Matthew 19:16–30 and write responses to the following questions and tasks:
• What indications can you find that suggest why the young man decided not to follow the Savior? How does Matthew 6:19–24 help explain his choice?

I think we can see how sorrowful because the young man knew he couldn’t give up his worldly possessions. We know this because in Matthew 19:22 it says “But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” This young man also struggled with serving two masters. He knew he loved his possessions more than the Savior and therefore, couldn’t give up his riches.

• What blessings did the Savior promise to those who make sacrifices to follow Him?

In Matthew 6:20, 22, it says “(20) But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,….(22) The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.”

• Based on the Savior’s response to Peter, write a paragraph that could help you put the Lord first in your life (see also the additional details in Mark 10:17–31).

When looking at Peter’s response, verse thirty stood out to me the most. It says “But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.” When looking at this, I take it as the Savior saying that if we put him first on earth, he will but him first in the Kingdom of Heaven. Then in Matthew 19:29 it says “And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” Everyone who focuses Christ and does anything for him, your riches shall be large in heaven.

2. Review the parable in Matthew 20:1–16 and consider what rewards come to those who serve in the Lord’s kingdom. Complete the chart below, filling in the blanks with information you find in Matthew 20:

The hour the laborers were hired	How much the man agreed to pay	Hours worked	How much they were actually paid
1	1 penny	12	1 penny
3	1 penny	9	1 penny
6	1 penny	6	1 penny
9	1 penny	3	1 penny
11	1 penny	1	1 penny

3. Respond in writing to each of the following questions:

• What do we learn from this parable about serving in the Lord’s kingdom?

It doesn’t matter how long you labor, as long as you do it with all your might, mind, and spirit. We will receive the same reward in the end.

• What message of comfort can this parable have for converts to the Church?

That not matter how long you labor, the Savior will still come and forgive your sins, like he has with mine.

• What would you tell someone who feels it is unfair for each of the laborers to be paid equally?

How unfair would it be for someone who had not had the opportunity to grow up in the church or who didn’t realize the value of the Church and comes in or back and labors just as hard as us? Then in the end the payment is only half of their sins forgiven. They did the same amount of work as they could and they deserve that full payment.

 

(Luke 10:1–24) “The Lord Appointed Other Seventy Also”

1.           Review Luke 10:1–24. Based on these verses, write a summary of the Lord’s counsel and instructions He gave the seventy.

The counsel and instructions that the Lord gave the seventy was to go and preach the gospel. Ask the for the Lord’s help in all your labors so he can lead them. Don’t carry around any positions, for the Lord will provide. Go unto house to house to teach, heal the sick, and perform miracles. Those who will accept you in, will obtain the kingdom of heaven and those who don’t will get there punishment later.

                                             

2.           Articles of Faith 1:6 states, “We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church.” Using the principles taught from Luke 10:1–2, 8–9, 17–20, write a paragraph that supports this Article of Faith.

The Savior sent in his Seventy to go two by two to go preach the Gospel to all of those who are ready. He said unto them “The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.” Today we have the missionaries, who give up any amount of time the can offer to preach the Gospel. In Doctrine and Covenants 33:7, we are given instructions as Latter-Day Saint and they say “Yea, verily, verily, I say unto you, that the field is white already to harvest; wherefore, thrust in your sickles, and reap with all your might, mind, and strength.” The Seventy who were called from Christ were told to go and heal the sick and afflicted. They would listen and accept the gospel. As missionaries and members, we have the priesthood so we can give blessings of healing and/or of comfort and counsel. I know many friends who have received priesthood blessings who were not LDS and have felt the spirit. That helped some of them come to learn about the gospel. They seem to be more willing to accept the truth if they are ministered unto. Even though we have Satan who can harm us, we have the power to rejoice in our Savior.

3.           Go to the Church’s scripture website and read the topic of “Seventy” in the Guide to the Scriptures. Describe in one or two sentences how the scriptures show the existence of this office in the priesthood.

If we have those who are willing to give up their time and talents to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, God will give them the priesthood.

(Matthew 18:1–14) “Become as Little Children”

1. Review Matthew 18:3–4 and Doctrine and Covenants 78:17–18. Explain in writing the ways we are like little children. In these verses, how does the Lord say He will help us?

We are like little children because we don’t understand all the blessings or some of the reasons to all of Gods laws. If we humble ourselves and let God lead us along we will be happy.

2. Read Mosiah 3:19 and list the ways in which we are to become as little children.

According to Mosiah 3:19, to become as a little child we must be:

·         Submissive

·         Meek

·         Humble

·         Patient

·         Full of Love

·         Willing to submit to the Father’s will

Walking on the Sea (Matthew 14:22–33)

1.   Review Matthew 14:22–33. Identify in writing what the reaction of the Apostles was when they first saw the Savior walking on the water toward them.

I believe that the Apostles reaction was at first fear for the unreal miracle of the Savior walking on the sea, and then just amazement.

2.   What did Peter’s response indicate about him?

I think it shows Peter wanting to go and be like the Savior. It shows that he also had a lot of faith in Christ.

3.   According to Matthew 14:30, why did Peter begin to sink?

I think Peter had become afraid and lost faith in Christ.

4.   What did Peter do when he began to sink? What word in the verses describes the expediency or the timing when Jesus responded to Peter’s request?

Peter called for the Lord to save him when he began to sink. The word in the verses describes the expediency or the timing when Jesus responded to Peter’s request would be immediately. Jesus doesn't wait a moment after Peter asks for the Lord’s help. This shows how fast the Lord will respond to our cries for help.

5.   Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:67. Write a paragraph describing what principle from this verse relates to what Peter did to successfully walk on the water. How can this same principle be applied to your life to assist you in walking over the storms of life?

The principle that relates to Peter successfully walking on water in Doctrine and Covenants 88:67 would be having his mindset only on the Lord and bringing to pass His glory. Now I’m nothing like Peter. I haven’t walked on water, or preached with Jesus Christ, or brought so many unto Christ. I know that I do want to serve Jesus Christ and “… be single to (His) (glory Doctrine and Covenants 88:67).”  Through the struggling times of life I forget about that important principle. I tend to think of myself and no one else. This week I will try to serve others when I am going through tough times. I know if I do “(my) whole body shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things (Doctrine and Covenants 88:67).”

The Lord Often Taught with Parables (Matthew 13: 24-48)

1.  In the Bible Dictionary read the first three paragraphs under the entry “Parables” (pp. 740-41). In your own words, write a definition of a parable.

A parable is a story with a hidden meaning to teach a principle of God’s commandments.

2.    Read the following parables: parable of the tares (Matthew 13:24-30); parables of the mustard seed and the leaven (Matthew 13:47-50); parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44-46); parable of the gospel net (Matthew 13:47-50). Next to each of the following questions write the name of the parable that best answers that question.

o       What describes the future growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

Parable of the treasure and the pearl of great price

o       Why does the Church send out so many missionaries?

Parable of the gospel net

o       How do you explain the remarkable growth of the Church, considering that it is fairly new compared to most world religions and started small in the American frontier?

The parables of the mustard seed

o       Why are some members of the Church willing to sacrifice so much worldly wealth and recognition in order to maintain membership in the Church?

Parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price

o       Why do some Church members choose to leave the Church?

Parable of the tares

3.    Write answers to the following questions:

o       Considering the parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (see Matthew 13:44-46), what sacrifices would you be willing to make to obtain the treasure of the gospel? What sacrifices have you or those you know already made for the gospel?

I would like to think I make a lot of sacrifices for the gospel but, by living the gospel, I feel like I’m not sacrificing anything. I have a temple recommend so I obey the word of wisdom, law of chastity, the law of tithing, the law of concentration and do anything else that would keep me worthy of that recommend. As a 19 year old of today, that’s hard! For me honestly, it’s not a sacrifice. I love the Lord and I know that the Lord has good reasons for his laws. I’ve seen many friends, members and nonmembers, who have broken the Lords commandments and just have this cloud of guilt. I know that it’s not worth it to go through that, so I don’t see it as a sacrifice. I see it as protection.

o       What does the net represent in the parable of the net cast into the sea? (See Matthew 13:47). What does it mean to be gathered into the net? What is represented by the action of gathering the good into vessels and casting the bad away? (See Matthew 13:48-50).

The net represents the kingdom of heaven. To be gathered in the net means to be “…righteous and shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father (Mark 13:43).” When it talks about gathering the good into vessels and casting out the bad, it talks about our judgments for our doings. We have the freedom to choose for ourselves but, not the freedom choose our consequences. For that, Heavenly Father cannot let in no clean thing. He must find the ones who have been true, faithful, and have planted His word into his heart. We must learn on earth to follow him, repent, and endure to the end. If we can’t, what makes you think we will do that in Heavenly Father’s kingdom?

Miracles Are Evidence of Faith and God's Power (Matthew 8-9; Mark 2)

Reference	Miracles of the Lord	Who Demonstrated Faith
Matthew 8:1-4	A leper was healed from his leprosy by Jesus Christ	The Leper and Christ
Matthew 8:5-13	A servant who had paralysis was healed by Christ	The Servant and Christ
Matthew 8:14-15	Peter’s Mother-in-Law was sick with a high fever and Jesus Christ made the fever leave her	Peter’s Mother-in-Law and Christ
Matthew 8:16	Many who were possessed with devils were healed by having Jesus Christ cast out the devils	The people who had the devils and their families and anyone watching the miracles being performed and Christ.
Matthew 8:23-27	There was a huge storm on the sea with Jesus Christ and his apostles in the middle of it. Christ was able to calm the great storm and save himself and his apostles.	Christ  and his apostles
Matthew 8:28-34	Cast out devils from people and had them go and attack the swine. The swine died in the sea.	Christ, his apostles, and others affected.
Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34	A woman who had a disease of the Blood knew if she touched Jesus Christ’s coat, she would be healed. She did and she was.	The Woman
Matthew 9:27-31	Two blind men came after Christ and begged him to heal him. They were healed by their faith in Christ.	The two blind men and Christ
Mark 2:1-12	A man who lays sick with  paralysis so severe that he has for others carries him to Christ. Christ heals him of his paralysis and forgives him of his sins,	The man with paralysis and Christ.

​ 

I know my faith in Jesus Christ is a power. On my mission, is one of the biggest tools you use daily. From trying to know what your investigator needs spiritually to where you should be spending an extra 30 minutes in between appointments, you rely on your faith every day.  The great thing about faith is after you demonstrate your faith in Christ once; it becomes just a little easier the next time. You know that the Lord will provide if you’re doing all that you can.

Matthew 5:1-12. The Beatitudes

1.                 Read the footnote for Matthew 5:3a and the institute student manual Points to Ponder section: "The Sermon on the Mount Is Our Constitution for Perfection" (p. 61). Write a definition for the word blessed or blessedness.

Blessed: finding happiness, beauty, and joy in one’s life through Christ or Heavenly Father

2.          Read Matthew 5:12. Mark all of the "blessed" attributes in these verses. Also, read the definitions President Harold B. Lee (1899-1973) gave for each of these attributes found in the institute student manual Points to Ponder section (pp.61-62). From these verses select three beatitudes and write a paragraph for each describing how living this beatitude has in the past or can in the future increase your happiness.

Matthew 5 Blessed Attributes:

·         poor in spirit

·         mourn

·         meek

·         those who hunger and thirst after righteousness -> Obedience

·         merciful

·         pure in heart

·         peacemakers

·         they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake -> concentration

·         “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” ->  Be an example in all your works

·         Love -> love everyone like Christ would

Three Beatitudes

Living the beatitudes has helped and will continue to help me to be happy. The first beatitude I would like to address can be found in Matthew 5:9, which says “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Franklin D. Richards in the October 1983 General Conference said “Certainly in our homes, as well as elsewhere, we can all be peacemakers by exhibiting love and goodwill, thus offsetting the evil of contention, envy, and jealousy. Where misunderstandings exist between children and parents we can encourage adjustments on the part of both. We can pray together for the spirit of peace.” In my home, we strive to be peacemakers. This can be very difficult, especially when there are three teenagers under one roof. I remember my bishop gave the youth a challenge. It turns out; it was the same challenge Franklin D. Richards gave in his talk. He said: “I would like you to help me in an experiment. I would like to prove the impact and influence of one member on the spirit of the family. For one month, I would like each of you to be the peacemaker in your home. Don’t say anything about this to your family, but be thoughtful, kind, and considerate. Be an example. Where there is quarreling or bickering among members of your family, do whatever you can to overcome these faults by creating an atmosphere of love, harmony, and helpfulness. When you are irritated—and irritations arise in almost every family—control yourself and help the others to control themselves. I would like to see every home in our ward be ‘a bit of heaven on earth.’ At the end of the month, I would like you to meet with me again and report.” After a week of this, I saw a tremendous difference in the home. It was a miracle. We had a lighter feeling in the home, everyone spoke nicely to one another, and we actually got along.

In Matthew 5:5 it says “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Elder Ulisses Soares in the October 2013 General Conference said “Meekness is the quality of those who are [Godfearing, righteous, humble, teachable, and patient under suffering.] Those who possess this attribute are willing to follow Jesus Christ, and their temperament is calm, docile, tolerant, and submissive. The Apostle Paul taught that meekness is a fruit of the Spirit. Therefore, it can most easily be attained if we [live in the Spirit.] And to live in the Spirit, our lifestyle must reflect righteousness before the Lord. ” I know that this is something that I am really trying to work on. I know that sometimes being meek is hard to do, but necessary to be a disciple of Christ. Something that has helped me to develop this is to always act on a prompting by the spirit. When I came home, I thought that a lot of my missionary experiences would stop since I wasn’t wearing my tag anymore. That’s just the opposite. As long as I am willing to listen to the spirit, I have had amazing missionary experiences everywhere I have gone. I know that this will continue as long as I listen to the spirit.

The beatitude that stood out to me was being merciful. In Matthew 5:7 it says “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Neal A. Maxwell said in April 2004 “Brethren, there are clusters of memories embedded in each of your lives. And these can help us to [remember how merciful the Lord hath been] (Moro. 10:3). He certainly has been to me...Brethren, as you submit your wills to God, you are giving Him the only thing you can actually give Him that is really yours to give. Don’t wait too long to find the altar or to begin to place the gift of your wills upon it! No need to wait for a receipt; the Lord has His own special ways of acknowledging.” Looking back on my life, like Neal A. Maxwell, I see the Lord’s hand in everything. I think one of the best ways to show mercy is to remember all that the Lord had done for you. Even when you mess up, he’s still there.