Out of pure anxiety, I have compiled the guesses people have made for my mission call so far and created pictorial representations. I hope my statistics teacher is proud of my glorious barcharts:) Enjoy! And feel free to continue to guess!
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Ah. Asking questions and scripture study is the best combination in the whole entire world...I have my cousin, Aaron (Elder Clark on a mission in San Diego California), to thank for this renewal of gratitude for these concepts! Rather than retyping everything I sent to him, I just copied the email I sent to him below. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Hey Aaron! You will have to tell Malcolm thank you for me:) His questions allowed me to have some great scripture study this past week! Something I found particularly interesting was in regard to temples. You has mentioned something along the lines of: he didn't understand why temples where so "grandiose" and that he thoguht they should be simple. And I read that and thought "hmmm...that's a completely valid point! Why are temples built so fancy? Our church buildings are plain, so why are the temples not? Or if our temples are so grand, then why not our church buildings as well? It definitely brought some doubt to my mind and I was curious and desirous to really know why temples are the way they are. So I did some investigating that best way you can! Scriptures! This could make for some good personal study material, pay attention!!:) Check out:
But it made me think: If God gave these people specific instructions on how to build the temples back then, why would it be any different now? After all, as it says in 1 Nephi 10:18 "He is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Of course, I am not 100% positive that this is the case, but I am very confident in my findings! I love this quote from Elder Hales: "For when we want to speak to God, we pray. And when we want Him to speak to us, we search the scriptures. . .He will then teach us as we listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit." Isn't that awesome? With any question we have, we can ask and it will be answered through the scriptures. I wanted to know why temples were built that way they are. And I found out why! The interesting part is: simply finding these instances where the Lord commanded his people to build a temple in a specific way didn't convince me that it was justifiable to build temples the way they are now. What convinced me that temples are truly built based on God's will was the Spirit. I love the Spirit! It is so awesome! We have scripture and modern day revelation (among so many other things) and although it is delivered as a message to a general audience, it can truly be individual! And that is because of the Spirit. Heavenly Father knows what you need and what you desire to know and He will manifest the truth and facts to you through the Spirit. Things that seem very general and non-applicable can become completely and wholly relevant-an answer to our questions/requests. That's how it happened for me! I searched the scriptures to find an answer, found the instances that would support why temples are the way they are then and now, and then the Spirit confirmed to me that what I read was indeed the truth. AH SO AWESOME. If Heavenly Father just gave everyone the answers for everything, then there would be no room for growth. But the second you desire to KNOW and to GROW, He is going to make that possible for you. Super, super, super awesome. We are super incredibly lucky to have such a great, loving Heavenly Father who is always mindful of us:) WOWZAHS. Can't wait to be a missionary just like you! Keeping you in my prayers always:) Have a great week! Love, Kallie So a challenge I extend unto you this day: CHALLENGE: Take questions as you go into your scripture study. They WILL be answered! I promise that as you honestly desire for your questions to be answered, no matter how big or small, important or not-they can and will be answered through the scriptures. Pay attention to the Spirit. That's they key. The Spirit is what will manifest truth to you! It's pretty awesome, I have to say:) Have an awesome week everyone!!:)
With Taken fresh on our minds, we thought to make this meme after watching Elder Ballard's talk from General Conference. We sure got a kick out of it!
Wow! What a week it has been! Trying to cram 5 midterms into 4 days was nuts! But now that it's over it's time to RELAX! Started off my weekend right and did a late night hike to the Y with Emily and Hayley! So fun! Did I mention how out of shape I am? But still, SO FUN:) I'm so glad I have my best friend and cousin at college with me:) Oh, and shout out to Emily for driving us to the trail-head...walking would have been miserable... Flashes are the worst....the struggle.... Had to end the night with a bang, right? Creamery ice cream to compensate for all the calories we burned on our hike;) So grateful for great friends and family:)
Had to pass the time between conference somehow...here's hayley (told you she would show up again)! Little sneak peek into our series of cute sister missionary outfits that is to come! Enjoy!
Come Listen to a Prophets Voice!:) Invite friends to watch conference online! Share this link! Heavenly Father's words are meant for ALL his children! https://www.lds.org/general-conference/?lang=eng Alright! So this was initially going to be a post for prospective and preparing missionaries, but, as I thought it over, it applies to everyone-not just missionaries! So I hope that anyone who reads this can benefit-it's super short, simple and sweet!! I thought this a good a time as ever to give a little pre-mish tip regarding prophets since we are right in the heart of conference season. As a missionary you will be teaching people about prophets often. After all, as you will explain, having a true and living prophet on the earth today is a distinguishing feature of our church. The first time you will probably mention prophets to investigators is when you teach lesson one, the Restoration (if you don't already have a PMG [Preach my Gospel] pamphlet-GET ONE!!!]. As you are teaching, you will likely say something along the lines of "our prophet is the mouth-piece of God and he teaches us the things that God would have us know." What happens when an investigator asks: "So what has your prophet taught recently?" Would you be caught off guard? Or would you have an answer ready? I will admit-if I was asked that question a couple weeks ago, I could have considered myself in the "caught off guard category." We know what the prophets and leaders of the church teach. The messages are so very similar every time. But why is it then, that it is so hard to come up with what has been recently taught? Shouldn't it be easier? I don't know about you, but after doing some reflecting I think I know why. General Conference is probably the best example of prophets offering us the words that our Father in Heaven would have us know. If I was to answer that question [what has your prophet taught recently], I would refer to the messages shared in General Conference. But what happens if I can't remember what was said in conference? I remember watching it! I took notes and was edified and it was great! But why then is it so hard to come up with an answer to this question? Because merely watching General Conference is not enough. It is crucial to stay up to date on revelation and messages given to us by our leaders. Not only to be able to accurately and adequately answer that question, but also to remind ourselves of those things which we should be doing. Like I said, watching conference is not enough. We must search and study the words of modern day prophets and leaders just like we do the Book of Mormon or Bible. If someone asked you "what is faith?" I can guess your first instinct would be to reference Alma 32 and spout off: And now as I said concerning faith--faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true. You've studied this principle many times, you know the reference by heart. I'm sure because you have studied this principle so diligently, you could come up with 50 scriptures that support and explain the concept of faith!;) We should be able to do the same when asked what we have been taught recently by living prophets. We must study the words of our latter-day prophets and leaders as diligently as we do the words of the prophets old. After all, modern day revelation is given for the here and now! It is tailored specifically to what we need NOW. So, as I am preparing to serve my mission, I have made the commitment to study the words of the living prophets more diligently. I was so excited when conference came because I have been dying to study the new messages that have been given, so that when someone asks me "what have your prophets taught you recently?" I can be ready to boldly reply and testify of the truth of their words. So, a CHALLENGE I give unto you this General Conference Season:
CHALLENGE: Pay close attention during conference; take notes. Between now and next conference, diligently study the messages and words that were given this weekend. Try to recognize trends in theme and topic. I promise that as you do so, you can answer that question will boldness and conviction. Your testimony will be strengthened and you will be endowed with power and strength beyond your own. Our Heavenly Father is mindful of us and knows exactly what we need to hear. All you have to do is listen. Also, this conference may be broadcasted to 15 million or more people, but that does not take out the individuality aspect. Conference is for YOU as an individual. The Spirit will help you to know what you need. He will fill in between the lines. He will reveal to you specifically within a message what your Father in Heaven intended for you to hear and know. What a blessing, huh?! Utilize it! I implore you!! It will make all the difference in your life, just as it has in mine. You will feel important and you will know that you are never alone and are always being watched over and cared for. Never forget how much your Heavenly Father loves you. Come Listen to a Prophets Voice!:) Invite friends to watch conference online! Share this link! Heavenly Father's words are meant for ALL his children! https://www.lds.org/general-conference/?lang=eng I just finished watching the first session of General Conference and I am loving it!! I realized something after watching just the first session: I listen to the speakers and take notes on what impresses me. I then summarize my thoughts and create a title that I feel suits the talk. It is super interesting to compare the title I formulate with the real title of the talk that is released just after the session. It is truly a testament to me that General Conference is for us each individually. What impresses me is the basis for the title I give a talk. But, interestingly, what impresses me from the talk may not even be what the talk was about in general (my title did not match or even in some cases relate to the title given by the speaker). It may just be a simple and seemingly insignificant phrase that means the most to me. The Spirit will provide you with the insight that you as an individual need to get from the talk. I promise. And THAT is why conference is so important. It really does help you grow and be edified as an individual. They are speaking to you. Your Heavenly Father in speaking to you. So I extend to you this challenge:
CHALLENGE: As you take note of your impressions during conference, formulate a title you feel fits a talk. When the session is over and the titles and text are released, compare your title and the title that is given. Re-read the words in text and further study the words so that you can recognize why your title was the same/different than the one given. I promise that as you do so, you will come to realize that the words are spoken directly to you and for you. They are purely for your edification and growth in your individual life. Your Heavenly Father loves you and knows what you need. He will send the Spirit to manifest to you spiritual insights just for you in the time and place you need them. I testify that He will do this for you because He did it for me. Happy Conference watching everyone!:) I am a Child of God
I am a child of God, And he has sent me here, Has given me an earthly home With parents kind and dear. I am a child of God, And so my needs are great; Help me to understand his words Before it grows too late. I am a child of God. Rich blessings are in store; If I but learn to do his will I'll live with him once more. Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, Help me find the way. Teach me all that I must do To live with him someday The words are simple, but the message profound. I have noticed that many times I sing songs nearly out of habit or routine. I don't take near enough time to pay attention to the words. I am so grateful for the simple gospel truths that are present in this song. We have a loving Heavenly Father and we are literally sons and daughter of an almighty being. He loves us and cares for us no matter how insignificant we feel. He didn't send us here to fail; we never have to go it alone. He gave us families! Families who love us and support us. Our Heavenly Father knows that our lives are difficult. But again, He didn't set us up to fail! He set us up to attain our divine potential. Not only did He give us families, but He has also given us prophets and modern day revelation tailored to fit our everyday needs. Our Heavenly Father wants to help us! He yearns to bless us. We have so much potential and if we work towards attaining that potential by aligning our will and desires with His, we will be able to return to live with Him one day. He is ever mindful of us. He leads us, guides us, and walks beside us. As President Kimball said: God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Our families lead, guide, and walk beside us. Our leaders lead, guide, and walk beside us. And most importantly, our brother, Jesus Christ, leads, guides, and walks beside us. We are never alone. We have so many tools and support systems that will help us along the path of righteousness. As we do so, we will be able to return to live with our Father in Heaven, Jesus Christ, and our families for time and all eternity. What an amazing blessing!:) I'm grateful for the simple gospel truths that often get overlooked. I hope I can do a better job of taking a step back and noticing the simple things. So, I extend this challenge to myself as well as to you: CHALLENGE: Take a step back today and take time to recognize the simple things that make you happy. As you do so, I promise your appreciation will grow for all the things that our Father in Heaven has blessed us with. Your gratitude will undoubtedly increase:) Have a wonderful day!:) |
AuthorHi! My name is Kallie Clark and I am a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, called to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in Spanish for 18 months to the residents of Everett, Washington. Archives
August 2015
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