All things end, yeah?

Dear World,

Summer is here! It finally looks like it won't snow anymore here in Utah. With summer comes a very busy Temple Square. I am so blessed to serve in a mission where all nations flow unto it, where there are so many people to talk to about the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.

So.... that's what I'm going to do. I'm going to teach people up on Temple Square.

Jesus is the Christ. The anointed one. The Savior of the world. He loves us.

He has a prophet on the earth today, just as He always has. This Gospel contains the full truth of Christ's Gospel. In order to know this all you have to do is read the Book of Mormon and pray... that's what I did and the joy it has brought me surpasses anything else I have ever felt in my life. You can know this as well, if you want to. So, check out mormon.org. It explains simply the beliefs of this faith.

Goodbye!

Sister Harris

The Family

I saw one of my dearest friends a week ago. You may be thinking, you're on a mission, you aren't supposed to run into friends... it's kind of a different thing when your mission is a historical site for the Church. Kaylie happened to be here for a wedding. She was here with her sister, her husband LJ and her baby Gabriel. Look at Gabriel! Isn't he the cutest thing you've ever seen? Honestly... it's a little ridiculous how adorable this baby is..

All the fuss over Gabriel's cuteness aside, it really made me think about the family. The family. I mean, my friend Kaylie has a family, she is a mother. The opportunity to have a family is such a blessing to many in this life. But, why?

The family is the most important social unit in time and in eternity. We believe that through temple marriages, or sealings, the family can be together forever. Christ gave to Peter the power to do this explaining to him in Matthew 18, "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Through the restoration of that sealing power from Peter to a prophet in our time that wonderful power to be sealed together as a family is on the earth once more.

Another dear friend of mine, Becky had twins recently. She told me in an email how grateful she was that she and her husband had been sealed in the temple. When their boys were born she knew that had any of them lost their lives they would be together forever after this life. How reassuring! What an amazing knowledge to have! Tragedies may happen but through the temple we can be together with our families forever.

Although I haven't been sealed to my parents yet, I know one day we will be... I know the temple brings so many blessings that we can't even comprehend them all fully. I'm so blessed to be serving right next to a temple, something that I often forget. It's easy to take it for granted, but the temple really makes all the difference not only in this life, but in life after death as well.

If you'd like to read a little bit more about LDS Temples you can look here.

Fruit of a Prophet

Jesus Christ said when speaking about prophets to come, "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." How important this instruction is from the Savior. He knew that in these days more prophets would be called, but there would also be "false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." He told us a way to distinguish false prophets from true prophets.

The Book of Mormon is the fruit of the prophet Joseph Smith. If Joseph Smith truly was a prophet of God, the Book of Mormon is truly ancient scripture that testifies that Jesus is the Christ.

An apostle today, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland explained in a recent General Conference the importance and the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.

I know the Book of Mormon is true because I have read it and prayed about it. I also know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. As missionaries we are here to invite all to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it. If you have not, you can get a free copy here and ask me any questions you may have.

“Through all of these years critics have tried to explain it. They have spoken against it. They have ridiculed it. But it has outlived them all, and its influence today is greater than at any time in its history.” — President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008), 15th President of the Church

What a Day!

Today has been an interesting day. The day began as every Sunday does, 7:30am sacrament meeting. After that Sister Farmer and I had the chance to do some missionary work here at Temple Square before a couple of us headed to speak at a local branch. The branch is called the Orange Street branch and those that attend it are women from the Orange Street Halfway House in Salt Lake.

Wow. These women have been through a lot in their lives, many out of prison for only a few months, but they are trying to do better, to become closer to their Savior, to live greater lives. To these women that have been through things in life that I pray I never have to experience I had the chance of sharing the thing that can make it better, the Atonement. I shared with them what the Savior did for them, how He felt every temptation, every hurt, every addiction that they have ever felt so that He can truly comfort them in their time of need.

Being at the Orange Street branch was a humbling experience. I was so better able to look past their appearance, past their history, to look at who they truly are to the Savior-daughters that are trying to know Him better, to feel His presence in their lives. I hope to always be able to look at others for who they really are, children of a loving Father in Heaven, precious beyond anything in this world, worth more than all the gold and silver combined.

To say the least I was a tad bit spiritually exhausted after our trip to Orange Street- but the reward in a change of perspective made everything worth it.

After we had the chance to call home to our families. My family made sure to fill me in with details of their lives and the exciting things they are experiencing... including the new Harry Potter movie. My mother threatened to send me a copy and I begged her not to-don't want to break mission rules. I love my family, it made me feel even more blessed, even more grateful. Indeed it made me want to work extra hard in the short time I have left to serve the Lord in this capacity.

So, what a day! What a wonderful, exhausting, spiritually uplifting Sabbath Day.
Wow, I'm so happy to be where I am right now. The Gospel is true and only through our Savior Jesus Christ can we find everlasting peace and happiness. I promise you that it is available.


Matthew 11:28-30

Forgiveness

Wow. This story of the power one man had because he relied on the Savior is incredible. Honestly, I can't imagine responding the way this man, Chris, did. But, it truly shows that in this life we are able to give it all to the Savior, to let Him work through us. Please, watch this. Let it change your perspective. Let me know what you think.
Forgiveness: My Burden Was Made Light

Who do we serve?

This week in my studies I came across a scripture in Mark that really struck me.
Mark 15:15- "And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified."

I couldn't stop thinking about it for the longest time. Knowing the innocence of Christ yet wanting to please the people Pilate released Barabbas, a murderer, and sent Christ to be crucified. Think about that for 10 more seconds. Really, think about that. Wanting to please the world Pilate killed the Son of God, our Savior, even Jesus the Christ.

Judas Iscariot.
"Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,
And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him."
(Matthew 26:14-16)

For thirty pieces of silver Judas betrayed the Savior. Thirty pieces of silver.

Betraying Christ to the chief priests, releasing a murderer and condemning Jesus to death. Being in the exact same situation as Pilate or Judas isn't likely to occur to us. Yet, everyday in life we make decisions regarding who we serve. Do we serve Christ, do we follow Him and do as He would do? Or, do we serve man? Do we strive to please man ignoring the promptings of the Spirit, ignoring our better judgement?

Of course, in the scriptures we see examples of those that chose to follow the Savior, that chose to suffer great afflictions rather than forsake what they knew to be right and true.

Abinadi.
Noah.
Joseph.


When making a decision I challenge you to reflect, who am I serving? Is this wrong? Is this right? Is this straddling a line I shouldn't be straddling.


While you are contemplating this remember the counsel from a wise prophet in the Book of Mormon, King Benjamin.
"And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it." (Mosiah 2:41)

True happiness comes through our Savior, through following the teachings of Jesus Christ.
So, who are you serving?

His Sacred Name

This Easter let us truly remember what Easter means... and it is all because of our Savior and what He did for us. This is one of my new favorite videos about the Savior, concluded by the testimony of a prophet of God. Please, look at tell me what you think, how it made you feel.

His Sacred Name

What does this week mean?

Guest post from Sister Kelsey Farmer: Easter is in one week, and as we go back in time this is the last week of our Savior's mortal ministry. Today begins one of the most important weeks in the history of the world. If it wasn't for this week then God's plan for all of us would cease to exist. But since that is not true, we have every reason to be grateful because one, God is our Father in Heaven who loves us; two, He has a plan for all of us because He wants us to be happy and live with Him again; and three, Jesus Christ is at the very center of that plan as our Savior and Redeemer. The last week of our Savior's mortal ministry includes many significant events which include, Jesus instituting the Sacrament at the Last Supper, Jesus suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, the arrest, the trial, suffering again on the Cross at Calvary, and ending triumphantly with the empty tomb. Because of the restoration of the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we can better understand this Easter week. Here is a talk given that expounds on these moments in the scriptures. But as we go throughout this week, let us reflect upon these momentous experiences and how we can better bring the Savior, His life and His Atonement into our own.

Charity and Love

"A man once asked Jesus, 'What is the great commandment in the law?' Jesus replied: 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself' (Matthew 22:36-39)." Preach My Gospel pg. 118

As missionaries we work weekly on developing "Christlike Attributes". This has been one of the most fulfilling things about being a missionary, actively working everyday on at least one thing to become more like my Savior. This week I am working on charity and love- developing true love for others as our Savior loves them.

So, how has Jesus Christ showed his love for us?

1Nephi 19:9: And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men.

Our Savior has endured all things for us because He loves us. He has commanded us to be like Him. To show this love to others, to be charitable, to sincerely desire good for those around us. So what more can we do than to get outside ourselves and love others?

I guess that this is the challenge. Do something kind for someone this week that you normally wouldn't. When you are about to say a cutting remark about someone, just hold it back that one time. Think of someone as who they really are, as a child of God. Divine. Loved by the Savior of the world.

Baptism

I remember the day I was baptized like it was yesterday. My parents had finally given me permission. After over a year of wanting and waiting to be baptized, they called me into their room and said I could do it. They'd support me. I broke down crying I was so happy.

The day finally came. September 30, 2006. As I walked into the font I burst into tears. Honestly, I couldn't stop sobbing the whole time-I couldn't believe that it was finally happening. Being baptized by immersion under the proper priesthood authority is the most amazing thing. You go down under the water and come out a new person in Christ; bury your old self and you are new in your Savior.

The Book of Mormon illustrates how important this doctrine is. In 3Nephi 11 when Christ came to visit His people on the ancient American continent He quickly began to teach them about baptism.

"And again the Lord called others, and said unto them likewise; and he gave unto them power to baptize. And he said unto them: On this wise shall ye baptize; and there shall be no disputations among you."

The Savior knows how important it is for us to be baptized. He was baptized by John the Baptist to fulfill all righteousness. He knows that when we do so under the proper authority as He did we become literal members of His Church. In 3Nephi He said "there shall be no disputations among you" and in Ephesians we learn that there is "One Lord, one faith, one baptism".

What a privilege it was for me to be baptized a member of Jesus Christ's Church. When we are baptized we promise to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ. Let us exemplify our Savior in all our words and deeds. Let us represent Him well. Let us bring others to this truth and happiness.

General Conference at Temple Square

General Conference is one exciting event for missionaries at Temple Square. We had trainings, we had goals, we prepared ourselves physically and spiritually... even with all that it was hard to feel truly prepared.

Over two days more than 100,000 people sat in the conference center to listen to the prophet and apostles. Those that couldn't fit in the Conference Center were scattered across the square... some literally scattered across the lawn and others in the theaters.

We had the opportunity to talk to hundreds of members. We discussed why they traveled so far to get here, why they enjoyed conference, who they looked forward to hear speak and whose talk struck them the most. Their answers regarding their favorite speakers differed greatly, but the reason they traveled to Salt Lake City, the reason they stood in the rain and snow waiting for tickets, the reason they were excited to be there, was generally the same.

"To hear the prophet speak".

Image Source

I know that God has called a prophet to the earth. I know Jesus Christ is our Savior, that He lives. I know His Gospel is on the earth and I have the great blessing of teaching it to all I meet.

If you haven't had the opportunity yet of watching General Conference, do not dismay, it is available online! Watch it here and answer me this, what was your favorite talk?

This weekend was tiring. Long days, not much sleep, many people to talk to. Conference at Temple Square was hard work, but the most amazing work, the Lord's work.

Our People

Have you ever been to mormon.org before? If not... you need to check it out. Mormon.org has an amazing part of the website called "Our People". There are videos that profile various members of the Church. Every person in the world goes through different struggles, different trials and afflictions, mormons not excluded. I really think the description on mormon.org says it best: "While our backgrounds and experiences are diverse, we share a deep commitment to Jesus Christ, to each other, and our neighbors. Watch these stories of faith in the everyday lives of Mormons."

I'd like to include three of my favorite videos of people that have trials, big and small, and how they have overcome them.

Reine Rob Allan

Watch these videos and let me know what you thought about them! Do you have a favorite video of your own? Is there someone you have found on mormon.org that you have been able to relate to?

It was Red and Yellow and Purple and Brown and Blue!

I love the story of Joseph of Egypt. Perhaps it is because I was raised on Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. (I'm able to name all of the colors on his coat, try me.) But, above that, Joseph's story is rich with indications of the Lord's love for us.

Image Source

We know the story. Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt by his brothers. They hated him because he was his father's favorite. They hated him because he was a prophet of the Lord. Even though Joseph was a slave, the Lord still blessed him, he became ruler of Potiphar's house. Potiphar's wife then falsely accused Joseph and he was imprisoned. "But the Lord was with Joseph" (Genesis 39:21). Joseph was still in prison, he was still enduring hardships, God didn't take away his afflictions, but the Lord was with him.

Later, after Joseph is made ruler of all Egypt, he talks to his brothers about his experiences. Even though his brothers technically sold him to be a slave, he explains to them, "So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God" (Genesis 45:8). What a man Joseph was. He continually knew the Lord was aware of him, the Lord was with him. He trusted God and his divine plan.

Sometimes life just doesn't work out how we want it. We may come to the point in our life where we say, "O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?"(D&C 121:1). We must remember, we must always remember that God promises, "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;"(D&C 121:7). He promises "if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?" (D&C 122:7-8)

God has a divine plan for each of us. He knows each of us individually. He is our father and he loves us more than we can imagine. He is there for us. Turn to him.

More can be learned about God's plan for us here.

Prophet of the Restoration

This morning our mission had the amazing opportunity of seeing the new movie, Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration. It was really powerful, and honestly, made me reflect on this man, Joseph Smith.

Joseph Smith was about 14 years old when he became concerned about the welfare of his soul. Pretty deep for a 14 year old, right? At that age all I was thinking about was running and cute boys. Joseph's faith was great and deep. He read in the Bible, James1:5 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." He knew that he must do as the Bible directs and ask of God. The sacred experience Joseph had because of that prayer has changed the world. He was called as a prophet of God, just as God has called prophets throughout time.

I'm so grateful that Joseph had that faith to pray. That through his life he never denied what he saw, he never took it back. Later in life Joseph said regarding his experience, "I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it".

Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. Through him God was able to restore the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth. He endured many hardships in life and ultimately died for this truth. I know this because I have done as James directs and asked God. If we are willing to learn these things, God will tell us, all of us.

"Shall we not go on in so great a cause?"

Another introduction of sorts...

Missionary work is the most amazing kind of work out there. I promise you this. You may be the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, or a chef at the local Mickey Ds, or a begger on the corner of Temple Square, or a professor at a university… but I promise you, missionary work is the best work out there, and as a full time missionary we don’t even get paid. “Wait… what? You are doing this for 1 ½ years straight and you don’t get paid?” Indeed… no paycheck received here. All volunteer.
Why? Why would someone dedicate 1 ½ years of prime dating time to do this work? Well, the truth is God lives. He loves us. He has restored His Gospel and Church to the earth by once again calling a living prophet to the. This knowledge makes me happy and I want this pure joy to be spread to everyone, everywhere. I echo Nephi when he said “And I pray the Father in the name of Christ that many of us, if not all, may be saved in his kingdom at that great and last day.” So, I am working for that.
If you have any questions about these teachings, please, please ask. Please. As a full time missionary I have plenty of time to look up answers. Also, the helpful links on the side to both mormon.org and lds.org allows you to search out answers.

Reading for the next couple of days: 2 Nephi 33

To Begin

Hello! I'm a missionary. My name is Sister Harris. Hm, I have written blogs before, but never something as important as this. And, why, you may ask, is this important? Because, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is important! It's real and it's true. I have this amazing task of being able to write a blog. Of being able to share my experiences as a missionary... to share answers I have found to questions about the Gospel, to share how the Holy Ghost has influenced people I interact with...
Hm, this is going to be great. This is great. To begin, I am Sister Harris, I am a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I am blessed to have been called to the Utah Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission, I get to teach people from all over the world about Jesus Christ.

Dear world... welcome to my blog.