The Lord's Thoughts and Ways

The Lord's Thoughts and Ways

(Art by Liz-Lemon Swindle, Photographs by me!)

 

 

Rexburg, Idaho Temple

 

Another Picture of the Rexburg, Idaho Temple

(Personally it's one of my favorites :))

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am going to do this a little differently. Oh and this is Josie if you haven't been able to tell. I am going to give you the exact criteria of what I am studying which is below and then I am going to tell you my thoughts, and you can join in if you want.

 

What I am studying:

Read Isaiah 55:8–11 (Old Testament, King James version of the Bible) ; Jacob 4:8 (The Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ); 1 Corinthians 2:14–16 (New Testament, King James version of the Bible), and then answer the following questions:

• How is the message of these verses one of comfort? 

These verses are talking about the miracles of God, and how we need to trust in Him. In the first verses of scripture Isaiah 55:8-11 it is talking about the Lord's ways are the ways that we need to follow. His ways are not our ways, and sometimes His ways are hard, but that does not mean we should not follow them. The second verse of scripture in the book of Jacob 4:8 it is talking about how great and marvelous are the works of the Lord. His miracles are truly something to notice. His ways are also some kind of mystery to us as we are man. He is God. When He tells us something He does not want us to get upset or in the verse it says "despise not the revelations of God." This means if you are seeking out an answer from God than you should accept the answer that He gives. And then in the next verses of scripture in Corinthians it is talking about how as long as we work hard we will be blessed. Then in the last verse it says that we are a temple of God! I mean how cool is that? We are able to have the Spirit, the Holy Ghost with us if we live worthy of him.

• How can we come to better understand God’s thoughts and ways?

So in these verses of scripture I have kept on thinking about something that has happened to me recently. In church we have wards, or branches which is basically a congregation. My family has gone to this home ward for like ever now, and I am home right now because I am going to serve a mission like Sharlee is doing right not. Anyway so I have been going to the home ward, my family's ward. However, a couple of weeks ago one of the leaders of my stake, or larger area of the church, asked me to go to the singles branch. The singles branch is a group of young single adults that go to church together. I of course accepted, but now I am wondering what the Lord wants me to do in this branch... I haven't gotten an outright answer yet, and maybe I never will, but I know that the Lord has a plan for me. He is the one that created me, and gave me my personality, and brain. I know that me going to the branch will bless my life, and maybe I will bless other's lives because I was obedient to the Lord. Sometimes what He asks of us may be hard, but I know that it is the right way. I admit I have been struggling with going to the singles branch but I know that in the long run I will be blessed.

• Give an example of when you have observed a clear example of God’s ways being higher than man’s ways.

Back when Joseph Smith was a prophet the Lord told him that there was a law of health that needed to be abided to. During that time the people were addicted to coffee so it was  not a commandment. However, as the years passed soon that law of health became the Word of Wisdom. This Word of Wisdom as it is called is a law which as members of the church we try to follow. It says that we are not allowed to drink alcohol, do drugs, drink caffeine and stuff like that. For further knowledge about it is in Doctrine and Covenants 89. The Doctrine and Covenants is another book of scripture that we as members of the church believe in. Anyways so as studies have come out they have shown that those things that I listed above are actually bad for you. This law of health came to pass in the time of Joseph Smith, the Lord definitely knew what He was doing.

A Study of Isaiah

Hey, this is Josie! Here is another look into what I have been studying! Bare with me, and I hope you learn something from what I have studied, and my interpretations! I sure learned a lot!

As I have begun my study for this week I read Isaiah 29:11-14 which is talking about which was a prophecy given by Isaiah about a man called Martin Harris. The prophecy was about how Martin Harris will take a part of the golden plates that Joseph Smith translated to two professors and ask them if they would translate it and then they would say that they could not. The next part of my study was reading Joseph Smith –History 1:18-19, 63-65. (For those of you who do not know what this book is, it is a book that has exracted parts from The History of Joseph Smith, The Prophet.) This part was confirming the prophecy given by Isaiah.

In Isaiah it is talking about a “marvelous work and a wonder.” As Latter-Day Saints we believe that this is talking about The Book of Mormon. We believe that this book will help bring to pass, as Isaiah said, a marvelous work and a wonder. We also believe that it would not have been able to come to pass if it had not been for Joseph Smith, the prophet, restoring it to what it is today. We believe that Heavenly Father had Joseph Smith translate The Book of Mormon so that we could have this other testament of Jesus Christ, today.

The next thing that I have studied is chapter 29 in Isaiah verses 9 and 10. These verses are talking about what we as member call the apostasy. Some of you who view this blog are probably more familiar with the term “dark ages.” This is the apostasy. (If you have more questions about this I would suggest you talk to a Latter-Day Saint missionary.)

I then have studied verse 15 in chapter 29. This verse kind of is a little confusing to me. I think that this could both be talking about the apostasy, and the Restoration of the gospel. The Restoration of the gospel was brought to pass by the Prophet Joseph Smith. I say that this verse could be both because it is talking about “hiding their counsel from the Lord.” I am sure that there are people who hide themselves from God today, as in the dark ages, or apostasy.

I have decided to now study verses 18-21 in chapter 29. These verses are talking about what is happening now in our time. These verses are referring to “The Last Days” as we call them in the church. The Last Days are the days before Christ comes again. We believe that He will come again.

Now to conclude my Isaiah study for the week I studied verse 2 in chapter 29. I think that this is referring to the apostasy, or for those who are not familiar with that term the dark ages. It is talking about sorrow. Yup, that concludes my study!

However, before I close the blog, I just would like to bare testimony that this church is the true church. I am so happy that I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I now that Christ atoned for my sins. He loves me, and everyone on this earth. He loves each of you who read this blog. I know that The Book of Mormon is another Testament of Jesus Christ. I know that Joseph Smith restored the church. He is a true prophet. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the prophet of today. These days are happy days. They are full of adventure and blessings. I am thankful for that. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

A Week of Sniffles

Just as Colorado was getting a little warmer I had to go and get sick. Well correction. Freeman had to get sick first then give it to me. So its been an adventure because I can't breath and the house is full of a choir of sniffles. And yesterday Trujillo just caught the tune. Hahaha but we have had fun none the least(:

 

The best story though I believe happened at a dinner. All 8 missionaries had dinner at a members home. As we were all sitting and eating I look over on the wall and see what I believe was a cockroach. But I just shrug it off. Then I notice that Espinosa hasn't eaten any of her food. When we were all leaving I was talking to her and she pulls me close. She explained the reason she didn't eat was because she saw a cockroach in HER FOOD! Oh man I was so sick after that!... Probably the worst dinner experience so far... -shivers-

 

A little update on the family that we are teaching. They didn't come to church this sunday but they promised they would be there the next. The dad is probably the most interested which is good because he's the patriarch of the family. 

 

Just today since it was nice out and the library hadn't opened yet we went out to do some street contacting. Hna Freeman was so nervous. Uh... is so nervous. Trujillo and I did a few examples and then gave her a mormon.org card to pass out. She was so scared she couldn't do it. So I told her I'll give her 2 hours of e-mailing time to build up her courage and then after she will pass out that mormon.org. I remember when I was like that. Man, I'm learning so much from her. 

 

Well, not much more to report. 

 

Love you guys so much! 

 

Stay Sweet and Don't Do Drugs.

 

Hermana Durfee

 

PS. I have the best family ever! THANK YOU FOR THE VALENTINES!! :D

 

Here is Shar and her companions Trujillo is on the far left, and Freeman is in the middle
The last one Freeman is on the left, Trujillo is in the middle

 

 

Confessions of a Trainer

The first confession is... I am tired. haha Training is tiring. Don't get me wrong its not because she is difficult to train. She is quite the opposite. Its just the weight of trying to be the best example for her but knowing you aren't perfect and you still make mistakes. The first day that we started training I realized how little I knew. As I help her grow I am growing myself. One thing that I am extremely grateful for is Trujillo! I couldn't train a spanish speaker when I am a beginner as well. Truji has become her language instructor and me her mission instructor. She calls me, "Mama" and Truji, "Mommy". I LOVE TRUJILLO! haha and learning to love Hermana Freeman.(:

The second confession, I have come to have a huge testimony of, "After the trial of your faith do you receive blessings." Trujillo and I worked so hard in this area and it wasn't until the end of the transfer did we find that family. Which by the way continue to be amazing. Let me tell you!

After I e-mailed on Tuesday we saw them that night. We ask the mom if she had prayed and she said she did but that she didn't feel anything... but she had a dream. In the dream she saw all of her kids in the water. The dad then asked, "Does that mean we need to be baptized?" We were all amazed... haha well Hermana Freeman was amazed after she knew what they were saying. We've seen them three times since then. One on Thursday where we watched The Restoration DVD which was amazing. Twice on Sunday, when the cousin (who lives them) brought two of the kids to church. They loved it and the dad promised to come next Sunday. Then we ate dinner with them. I can't even stop saying they are amazing... fantastic? awesome? the best? a miracle? They are all of those words!

Now this is a little short but I sent a really long one last time so it balances out.(:

And I have pictures! Yeah!

I love you guys so much! Thanks for the prayers and the support! Remember to Stay Sweet and Don't Do Drugs. ;)

Hermana Durfee

An Ensign to The Nations

Hey y'all! This is Josie. Bear with me as I share an insight into my study, and interpretations.

This whole week I have been reading about the prophecies of Christ in Isaiah and in The Book of Mormon. I really am fascinated by the prophecies about the gospel of Jesus Christ will be an Ensign to the nations. For those of you who don't know what the word ensign means, don't stress, fear, or worry I looked it up. Ensign means a flag or standard. This is very interesting to me. I think that the gospel of Jesus Christ is truly a flag to those who believe in His word. He wants us to come to Him so He provides a way with His gospel. (For those of you who keep up with my study I study out of the King James version of the Bible, and out of the Book of Mormon.)

The first scripture I read was Isaiah 5:26. This verse of scripture is talking about how Christ is preparing His people for when He will come again. The verse of scripture reads "And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth : and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly:" This is kind of hard to understand but I am going to break it down. He lifts up an ensign which we discovered before was a flag or a standard. This ensign is Christ's teachings, His gospel. He is able to lift it up because of the technology that we have today. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is able to be brought to all nations and kindreds through missionary work which is also describing the second part. I hope this is making sense!

The next scripture that I read was Isaiah 11:12. This verse is describing the mission of the Latter-Day Saints (Mormons). It is also describing the last dispensation of time, how the Lord will gather Israel. I also really like this verse because it is talking about the Kingdom of God. All these references that I have listed are referencing to the ensign, the standard or flag. Us as members of the Church are trying to gather Israel through missionary work, and trying to get everyone to come unto the Kingdom of God.

Isaiah 18: 1-7 is the next scriptures that I read. I will be honest with you, this one was a little confusing to me. The verse that had the word 'ensign' in it said this though, "3. All ye inhabitants of the world , and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains; and when he bloweth a trumpet hear ye." So, the first part is pretty self explanatory. The second part has dual meaning. This could mean the missionary work that is being brought forth today, it could also mean the House of the Lord, which we as members of the church believe is the temple. I think it could also mean how we are able to broadcast our teachings and sermons on television, and internet. Then as the verses go on I am not sure what they mean... maybe someday I will study them a little bit more and tell you viewers what my interpretation of them is.

This next part is a commentary of one of the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints about Isaiah 5: 26-30. It came from a manual that we as members use to study the Old Testament. Here is the quote:

 Elder LeGrand Richards provided this modern-day application of the prophet’s words: “Since there were neither trains nor airplanes in that day, Isaiah could hardly have mentioned them by name. However, he seems to have described them in unmistakable words. How better could ‘their horses’ hoofs be counted like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind’ than in the modern train? How better could ‘their roaring … be like a lion’ than in the roar of the airplane? Trains and airplanes do not stop for night. Therefore, was not Isaiah justified in saying: ‘none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken’? With this manner of transportation the Lord can really ‘hiss unto them from the end of the earth,’ that ‘they shall come with speed swiftly.’” (Israel! Do You Know?, p. 182.)

I really like the quote because it makes reading those verses so much more simpler. Elder LeGrand Richards is able to explain what those verses mean in words that I could not even voice. Elder LeGrand Richards is explaining how great and vast the missionary work has become. He has interpreted the words of Isaiah. Isaiah is explaining something that he has never seen before. Elder LeGrand Richards is able to take the things that Isaiah has said and interpret it into modern language.

I am going to switch gears a little bit. I would like to share a hymn's lyrics called "High on a Mountain Top" Here are the lyrics:

High On A Mountain Top Lyrics High on the mountain top A banner is unfurled. Ye nations, now look up; It waves to all the world. In Deseret's sweet, peaceful land, On Zion's mount behold it stand! For God remembers still His promise made of old That he on Zion's hill Truth's standard would unfold! Her light should there attract the gaze Of all the world in latter days. His house shall there be reared, His glory to display, And people shall be heard In distant lands to say: We'll now go up and serve the Lord, Obey his truth, and learn his word. For there we shall be taught The law that will go forth, With truth and wisdom fraught, To govern all the earth. Forever there his ways we'll tread, And save ourselves with all our dead. Text: Joel H. Johnson So, now I would like to point out two themes that are very apparent in the verses of scripture and in this song. First, in the verses of scripture they were talking about an ensign, or standard. This standard is the gospel of Jesus Christ. This standard is His teachings. In the song it is talking about "Truth's standard would unfold." What is truth's standard? It is the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is what we as people, as children of God should look up to. A second theme that I found in the verses of scripture and this song is the call to missionary work. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints we have been called to bring all people unto the Lord. As Isaiah saw in his vision (Isaiah 5:26-30) the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are able to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ a lot more swiftly than was possible. In the hymn it is saying how in the latter days more and more people will be looking for the standard of the nation which is the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lord extends His merciful hand to the nations through missionary work, through Christ, and His gospel. He is hastening the work because He wants us to be able to return to Him. As members of the Church we have been called to help in His work.

Seeing LIfe Clearly

So I hope you are not totally bored out of your mind reading my studies... but it sure does help me with preparation for my mission!

Ecclesiastes. Seeing Life Clearly

Have you ever wondered what the purpose of life is? Ecclesiastes helps each of us understand it a little better.

I began my study by reading the Bible Dictionary for “Ecclesiastes,” (pg. 659), and completing the following statements:

·    The book of Ecclesiastes consists of reflections on some of the deepest problems of life, as they present themselves to the thoughtful observer.

·    The author describes himself as “son of David, kind of Jerusalem.”

·    Ecclesiastes is written from the point of view of the world.

·    Ecclesiastes should not be construed as theological pronouncements on the condition of the soul after death; rather they are observations by the Preacher about how things appear to men on the earth “under the sun.”

After reading in the Bible Dictionary I read Ecclesiastes 1–2 and listed five ways the author sought happiness but couldn’t find it. After each item on my list, I wrote the reference of the verse where I found it.

How the Author of Ecclesiastes Sought for Happiness

1.      He thinks that if he seeks wisdom he will obtain a great “estate” (1:16).

2.      He gave his all to obtain knowledge (1:17).

3.      He wanted to laugh, but found that this was a lot like having vanity (2:1).

4.      He gave himself a great house, great vineyards, orchards, gardens, springs of water, servants and maidens (2:4-7).

5.      He gave unto himself money (2:8).

 

Then to become more enlightened I read Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 and compared it with the principles that are taught in Mosiah 4:27; Doctrine and Covenants 10:4; 111:11; Luke 10:38–42. I then wrote a paragraph describing why the timing and order of our activities are so important. I then noted some examples of how major events of life when done at the wrong time or out of order could seriously hurt an individual’s eternal progress. At the end I wrote about some things that I need to do with the Lord’s guidance in my “time and season.”

Here are my thoughts:

                Timing and order are very essential to God’s plan. I have come to realize this in my life because what I have been experiencing at my age now, I would not have been able to handle at the age of fifteen. I have come to realize that doing things in the right order and at the right time is the right thing to do. I know that certain things like going on a mission are very essential to time and order. I also know that when someone is on mission and he decides to focus on things other than preaching the gospel will affect his eternal progression. As a mother the focus should be on having children, and nurturing children, and she decides to focus on family history instead. A senior couple is asked to serve a mission, but all the want to do is play with their grandchildren. These are just a few examples. What the Lord wants me to do at this time in my life is to focus on my education, and mission papers. He also wants me to develop a better relationship with my family before I go out to serve the Lord. Overall, I think that as long as I do the best I can to fulfill my “time and season” I will be blessed, and be able to reap the benefits and rewards.

I read Ecclesiastes 4–5, and chose two principles to incorporate into my life. Here are my thoughts:

Principle 1: It is better to be wise and poor than foolish and rich (4:13). This means that having knowledge is a very critical thing in life. It should not be taken for granted. Knowledge and wisdom are aspects of life that can help with discovery, and happiness.

Principle 2: It is better to keep your word than to lie and not keep it (5:5). We are taught that we should be honest in our doings with our fellowmen. We should do the best we can to be honest, and to keep our words. We should strive to obey this commandment because then we become more trustworthy, and reliable.

In the conclusion of my study I read Ecclesiastes 12:7, 13–14 and answered the following questions:

·         What happens to us when we die?

We become dust and our spirits return to God, the person who gave us our bodies.

·         What is “the whole duty of man”?

We are to fear God, and to keep his commandments.

·         Why is this a good description of man’s purpose?

This is a good description of man’s purpose because we are to become like Him. This life is the time for us to prepare to meet Him. We need to remember that we are no more than the dust of the earth, and to fear Him, and keep His commandments.

That's all folks!

 

Josie!

I'M A MAMA

People, things have just gotten crazy here in Denver Colorado! There is a ton of snow, and its flipping cold! But I think the biggest news of the week is that Trujillo and I had a baby! If you're confused, let me explain... well its a long story so bear with me. 

The only thing we knew about transfers is that there was a new Spanish sister coming in and that there would be a trio. When Trujillo and I found out we turned to each-other and said, "We could have a baby together!." (Its missionary lingo. When you are a new missionary the person who trains you is called your "mom". So when Trainers are waiting for a new missionary we call it "expecting" and the greenie a "baby".) Anyways, we were pretty serious about it and we even thought about calling President and requesting it but as time went on we finally were brought to our senses. We really didn't want it haha. So the week went on.

The last week of the transfer the blessings just started over flowing. We went contacting on Thursday for a little bit. There was a potential that we went to visit. The daughters were the only one home but as we were leaving the dad drove up. We started talking to him and he excitedly said, "When can you come see us?!" 

We were so surprised, "When ever you can have us over." 

"Can you come tomorrow?"

Again, surprised. "Of course! What time?"

"Come at 7." We scheduled it, said goodbye and left.

Friday comes along and we get a voicemail from the AP's (Assistants to the President). They said it was a "no drive" day because of all the snow. I was so frustrated because we had the promising appointment that night. but a few hours later we got another voicemail saying we could drive. During the whole day we forgot that it was the day that they would be calling the trainers to tell them they were... well, training. haha

We go to the appointment.... AND THEY ARE AMAZING! Its a family! We found a family of 6!!! AAAHHHH! They are so prepared! Words can't even describe how wonderful that family is. They are so easy to talk to. They encourage me to speak Spanish and help them with English. During the lesson, we got a call from AP Elder Hoyt. When we saw who was calling we looked at each other with wide eyes. Like this: O.O. We knew what it was for. Of course we didn't answer it, but we explained to the family what it was about. They were totally excited. And they don't even know us! 

When we got out of that amazing lesson having just got 6 new investigators. We nervously called Elder Hoyt back. It was the call to train. At first he was talking to Trujillo then he asked for me. I was so scared! He asked me if I would accepted the call to train. I was even more scared. I couldn't train in Spanish without Trujillo. Of course I accepted. Then I asked if we would be in a trio. He was first hesitant to say but then said yes, that Trujillo would be helping me to train. PHEW! It was so funny because we first wanted to train, then we didn't, then we got the call. AND its my THIRD trio of the mission! I can't escape them! haha.

Man we were... are so nervous to be mommies. Sunday comes along and we visit the amazing family, who's named the Castorena. Again it was amazing. We're seeing them today and on Thursday for a church tour and on Sunday because they want to feed us!! And this after only meeting us after two days! 

We did have to say goodbye to elders in our amazing district. Elder Jijon and Iverson left. Jijon to go to another spanish ward to be District leader (totally called that bytheway). And Iverson to go to an english ward. Hes a little upset about that but he'll do great. We are going to miss them so much. This District has been the best so far. I really love them. but the new missionaries are hopefully cool and fit in, which includes our new baby (aka missionary). 

Then Monday comes along. Man, it was crazy. But to cut it shorter (because there is a lot of unneeded information) we picked up our new missionary. Her name is Hermana Freeman, she came from the Mexico MTC and is white. We were actually worried about that because that would mean that Trujillo would have to deal with two white people who cant speak Spanish. But hey, the Lord and President knows what they are doing. It has actually helped me with my Spanish to have her. I want to look like I kind of know what I am doing (though I have no idea what so ever.) haha.

After we picked her up we went straight to dinner at the Garcia family. She was pretty much plunged into Spanish. I think she was a little overwhelmed, nervous, and tired. It comes with the first day I think. She is really good at speaking but not so much understanding. and I am really good at understanding but not so much speaking. Its going to be great to have her here. She is so much fun too. Which is good because Trujillo and I are really silly. Hopefully she can handle it. 

That's pretty much all the exciting news! We'll be seeing that amazing family again today and Hermana Freeman will ask them to be baptized so I'll let you know how it goes. 

Love you so much! Stay Sweet and Don't Do Drugs!

Hermana Durfee

P.s. ( this is Alex)
Sharlee didn't mean to send that picture in the box but I thought I would post it anyway. :)