15 November 2013

Today, I've learned a little bit about love.

Sometimes it's really hard to see God's love for us. Maybe we're burdened by sin, or maybe we're burdened through repentance. We often may feel, for several reasons that we're not good enough... or just simply that we're not enough. Or maybe that we'll never be enough. 

I wonder if we truly know the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ? Did you know that no matter how dark your past, your future can be clear as noon day? Did you know that your sins, if followed by repentance, will never impede you from having a great relationship with your Savior? Did you know that you will never be left alone? Did you know that if you are struggling physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually, you can be healed? I think often of someone that I met while on an exchange in High River. His eyes were kind of glazed over, and he wasn't very happy... He was hurting, and his demeanor suggested that for some reason, he was broken. I found out later in the lesson that he had some kind of mental struggle. 

As we taught him, an incredible thing happened. The greater the Spirit became in the room, the better he was able to communicate with us. Then we shared a song with him, and it's like his heart unlocked, his eyes cleared and he began to express how much he loved his Father in Heaven. He could speak with us, and express Himself, still not entirely perfectly, but the spirit we could feel in that room was incredible.. and the love that we could feel... was nearly unbelievable, and I wouldn't have been able to comprehend it if I hadn't felt it. 

Well, I know that this is what God does for each of us when we seek after the Spirit, His love eminates into us and enables us to truly live our potential. It is love that changes us. Love that shapes us. Love that gives us reasons to live. It is love that gives us the courage to conquer sin, opposition, temptation, fear, distress, and darkness. I know that if you will express love to everyone you meet you will see a change in your life.

I know God loves you. Just as He loves me. I know it. 

Peace. Love. And Temple Marriage. In that order.

Elder Hill

Called of God -- 4 November 2013

I don't know that I've ever mentioned how great of a blessing it is to be a Servant of the Lord, have I? :D I probably have, but in case you are wondering, it's the best calling any man could have. 

We had MLC last week. Well, the night before, we (me, my companion, and our mission president) counseled on what we wanted to cover in MLC, we decided we were going to change it up. It was going to be a full on council. The whole time. Meaning we were going to spend the whole time just counciling. I hope that makes sense.

Well, after going over the business, we began the first council, and it covered everything we planned to bring up. MLC ended up going 2 hours longer than intended, but it was well worth it. It's amazing how God just worked through us to help it happen. 

I don't have much time, and I struggled to know what to say today, and I still don't know... and I've run out of time. But I love you. I love you all so much. 

I know this Gospel is true. I know you hear that from missionaries all the time, especially this one. But really... really. If you don't know that for yourself you are missing out on the greatest measure of joy you can obtain in this life. I know that's bold, strong language, but I love you. I want you to know that God does exist. He loves you! He wants you to come unto Him and to really live. To truly feel and experience this life and the next to its fullest measure, and I promise you that the work and pain of repentance is well worth it. You all know me. You know I've made mistakes... but there has never been a happier me. Ever. And there's more, waiting for me. I know there is, I can feel it. See it. Taste it. It tastes like Home. and it feels like Him. 

I love you all so much. Please find something today that you can do to invite the Spirit into someone's life. I promise you that you will see God's hand today if you will.

Rock on. Peace, love, and temple marriage. In that order.

Elder Taylor J. Hill