WEEK 102: The Power Of Hope

Hey Friends!

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is amazing, isn't it? The more fully we engage ourselves in it, the more joy we will obtain. That's a promise. It brings me sorrow whenever it's rejected by anyone. But I know that because the Lord is completely just and merciful, and all things will be made right through His Atonement. Sufficient chances will be given. It brings me joy to testify of the Truth. The Spirit testifies and teaches. You can just feel it.

The Martyrdom of The Prophet Joseph Smith

This last Saturday, June 27th, marked the 171st anniversary of the martyrdom of Joseph & Hyrum Smith. "They were shot in Carthage jail [Illinois], on the 27th of June, 1844, about five o’clock p.m., by an armed mob--painted black--of from 150 to 200 persons." (D&C 135:1) Before Joseph was killed, he stated:

“I am going like a lamb to the slaughter; but I am calm as a summer’s morning; I have a conscience void of offense towards God, and towards all men. I shall die innocent, and it shall yet be said of me--he was murdered in cold blood.”

I stand as his witness that Joseph was murdered in cold blood. Innocent blood. Joseph Smith, by Divine choice, was the first Prophet of God to be called in our Dispensation. The First Prophet of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our time. I know it. Every single fruit of the Prophet Joseph, including the Book of Mormon, modern revelations, Christ's original church organization restored, restoration of Temple ordinances and covenants, restored Priesthood power and authority.. testifies him to have been called of God. "By their fruits ye shall know them". (Matt. 7:20)

This Saturday night, June 27th (and actually around 5pm), we were able to take an investigator named Tim, down to Temple Square, to watch "Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration" movie. It depicts the life, ministry, and death of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Tim had a great experience and is now thinking of being baptized. The Spirit was strong and has once again confirmed my testimony of the realness and truth of Christ's Church. This is His.

The Power Of Hope

One of the great benefits the Lord has given us as a result of studying and living His Gospel is the power of hope. Recently, over the past 7 months or so, serving here in downtown Salt Lake, we have run across many individuals who are at a loss of hope in their lives, for many various reasons. Some are facing family hardships, or deaths. Some struggle with same-sex attraction. Some with depression. Some are victims of thefts and crimes. Life throws these challenges at them, and they don't feel as if there is any hope. Unfortunately they then lunge into what the word has to offer to numb the pain. These temporary sources of "help" range anywhere from drugs, sex, alcohol, music, etc. Nothing the world has to offer will ever satisfy.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not a band-aid, but a cure. There is nothing the Atonement of Jesus Christ can't handle. President Hansen once said:

"There is Hope. There's a reason He did what He did in the Garden."

The ultimate source of hope is gained in and through the atonement of Jesus Christ.

"And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise."(Moroni 7:41)

No matter what we are going through, we can find hope in Him. No matter what we have done in the past, we can find peace, joy and forgiveness through Him. I testify of this. Sometimes mistakes take time to heal, but again, everything will be made right and fair through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Through Him, we can access that enabling and redemptive power. I've experienced it for myself over and over again.

"The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken
away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own
way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will
know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold
with tears of rejoicing and gratitude." - Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

A Price To Be Paid

The Lord "hath purchased [us] with his own blood." (Acts 20:28) Nothing we can do as mere mortals would ever suffice in trying to save ourselves. It's not possible. (Alma 34:8-17) The Lord has paid the ultimate price and invites us to obey him in order to receive that undeserved gift. (D&C 19:16-19)

"Salvation cannot be bought with the currency of obedience.. Grace is a gift of God, and our desire to be obedient to each of God’s commandments is the reaching out of our mortal hand to receive this sacred gift from our Heavenly Father." -President Uchtdorf

With His Stripes We Are Healed

The Lord Jesus Christ endured the ultimate amount of pain our of love for us and His Father. It is because of Him that we can be healed.

"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)

If we will but rely on and obey Him, we will find lasting power and peace. It works. Try it. The only way to obtain righteous and lasting contentment in life is through His Gospel.

The Atonement is the doctrine of all doctrines. All other teachings are but appendages to this amazing Act. The more we learn of it, the more we are capable of using it. The Atonement is real. He has the divine ability to heal us, if we would obey. I promise that as we apply it to our lives, we will be endowed with power from on High, and will be connected to the ultimate source of all hope available. It's the truth.

Stay close to Him. Search Him.
~Elder Carroll

"And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul?" (2 Nephi 4:27)

My friend Bro. Page, a Ward Mission Leader from my first area!

My Trainer Elder Allen!

My Friend Patrick! He's a recent convert of almost 2 years!

WEEK 101: Behold, Are Ye Stripped of Pride?

June 22, 2015

Hey!!!

This week have been great! Downtown Salt Lake has been exciting, to say the least! Lots of people to find and teach. We are working with a few individuals that hopefully will enter into baptism within the next few weeks! We were able to speak in 2 wards yesterday. Here are some of my notes from one of them!

In the beginning of the Book of Mormon, Nephi states:

"Nevertheless, I do not write anything upon plates save it be that I think it be sacred." (1 Nephi 19:6)

The first thing he then proceeds write, speaking of the Savior, is:

"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." (1 Nephi 19:9)

Multiple Christlike attributes may be shown through this verse, but I wish to highlight only 1. The attribute of Humility. Humility is the ability to seek correction. It's the power to suffer through trials, relying on the Lord for support. It's realizing that we alone cannot conquer the trials and tribulations of this mortal life. Although we should keep in  mind that we are all sons and daughters of God, and have His divine potential within us, we still acknowledge that we are "lower than the dust of the earth".

Alma asks us to ponder:

"Behold, are ye stripped of pride? I say unto you, if ye are not ye are not prepared to meet God. Behold ye must prepare quickly; for the kingdom of heaven is soon at hand, and such an one hath not eternal life." (Alma 5:28)

Eternal life is the greatest of all of Gods gifts for his children. There are many characteristics we must gain and obtain in order to live as our Divine Father does. We must strive day by day to achieve them. Ultimately, they are blessings from God, but we must put in our required effort.

Pride is the opposition to humility. The danger of pride is one of the major messages of the Book of Mormon. The Ancient Nephites proved their destruction through their pride.

President Ezra Taft Benson helps us to focus in on the central roots of all pride. He tells us that:

"The central feature of pride is enmity--enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen. Enmity means “hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition.” It is the power by which Satan wishes to reign over us.

Disobedience is essentially a prideful power struggle against someone in authority over us. It can be a parent, a priesthood leader, a teacher, or ultimately God. A proud person hates the fact that someone is above him. He thinks this lowers his position.

Selfishness is [also] one of the more common faces of pride. “How everything affects me” is the center of all that matters--self-conceit, self-pity, worldly self-fulfillment, self-gratification, and self-seeking."

The sin of Pride can be found all across the history of the earth, both in our time, and in all times past.

The author of proverbs informs that “Pride goeth before destruction.” (Prov. 16:18.)

C. S. Lewis stated: “Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man. … It is the comparison that makes you proud: the pleasure of being above the rest. Once the element of competition has gone, pride has gone.” (Mere Christianity, New York: Macmillan, 1952, pp. 109–10.)

The proud fear mortal man's judgement more than their Divine Creator's judgment. The proud love “the praise of men more than the praise of God.” (John 12:42–43.)

President Benson warns us that:

"Pride is a sin that can readily be seen in others but is rarely admitted in ourselves. Most of us consider pride to be a sin of those on the top, such as the rich and the learned, looking down at the rest of us. (See 2 Ne. 9:42.) There is, however, a far more common ailment among us--and that is pride from the bottom looking up. It is manifest in so many ways, such as faultfinding, gossiping, backbiting, murmuring, living beyond our means, envying, coveting, withholding gratitude and praise that might lift another, and being unforgiving and jealous."

President Uchtdorf once shared:

The Parable of the Dandelions

"Once there was a man who enjoyed taking evening walks around his neighborhood. He particularly looked forward to walking past his neighbor’s house. This neighbor kept his lawn perfectly manicured, flowers always in bloom, the trees healthy and shady. It was obvious that the neighbor made every effort to have a beautiful lawn.

But one day as the man was walking past his neighbor’s house, he noticed in the middle of this beautiful lawn a single, enormous, yellow dandelion weed.

It looked so out of place that it surprised him. Why didn’t his neighbor pull it out? Couldn’t he see it? Didn’t he know that the dandelion could cast seeds that could give root to dozens of additional weeds?

This solitary dandelion bothered him beyond description, and he wanted to do something about it. Should he just pluck it out? Or spray it with weed killer? Perhaps if he went under cover of night, he could remove it secretly.

These thoughts totally occupied his mind as he walked toward his own home. He entered his house without even glancing at his own front yard--which was blanketed with hundreds of yellow dandelions."

Too often, we are so concerned with the mote in our neighbors eye, that we allow our own beam of enmity to overrule our thoughts, words, and actions. (Matt. 7:1-5)

Christ warns:

"Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward." (Matt. 6:2)

If our motivation of doing righteous actions is to be seen of men, we will then have the reward of men, while forfeiting our eternal reward. We would be seeking glory to be given to us.

Pride is what caused Lucifer, even a son of the morning, to fall. His unrighteous desire was to obtain all honor (Moses 4:1) and to dethrone the Father. He wished to "rebel against God, and sought to take the kingdom of our God and his Christ". (D&C 76:28) He felt threatened that someone was higher in authority than he was.

Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the 70 recounts:

"Pilate was merciful till it became risky. King Herod was sorrowful at the request to behead John the Baptist but wanted to please “them which sat with him at meat” (Matthew 14:9). King Noah was ready to free Abinadi until peer pressure from his wicked priests caused him to waver (see Mosiah 17:11–12). King Saul disobeyed the word of the Lord by keeping the spoils of war because he “feared the people, and obeyed their voice” (1 Samuel 15:24). Many of the New Testament chief rulers “believed on [the Lord]; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:42–43). The scriptures are full of such examples."

The now the question is: how do we and how can we avoid the root of all sin? The answer: Humility. We must either humble ourselves, or be compelled to be humble.

President Hansen once told me, "It's a great blessing to be humbled." 

"Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you whom I love, and whom I love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven, for with the chastisement I prepare a way for their deliverance in all things out of temptation, and I have loved you--

Wherefore, ye must needs be chastened and stand rebuked before my face;" (D&C 95:1-2)

Chapter 6 of Preach My Gospel is entitled, "How Do I Develop Christlike Attributes?". Under the section of humility, we learn:

"Humility is willingness to submit to the will of the Lord and to give the Lord the honor for what is accomplished. It includes gratitude for His blessings and acknowledgment of your constant need for His divine help. Humility is not a sign of weakness; it is [actually] a sign of spiritual strength. You are also willing to trust His chosen servants and follow their counsel. Humility will help you as you strive to be obedient, to work hard, and serve selflessly." (PMG pg. 120)

Christlike attributes are gifts from God. They come as we use your agency righteously. We must ask our Heavenly Father to bless us with these attributes; we cannot develop them without His help. With a desire to please God, we must recognize our weaknesses and be willing and anxious to improve. We must study the life of Christ, and apply what we learn. The power of the scriptures is incredible.

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is real. The graceful power that enables us to improve is real, and stems from that Atonement. As we seek His divine help, we will be able to repent and humble ourselves. We can be stripped of our pride. We must assess ourselves, reevaluate, admit our faults, and be willing to put in the effort to improve.

"For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." (Mosiah 3:19)

As we are stripped of pride, we will be able to obtain the same Glory of the Father. We'll be happy. As we use The Atonement, we will eventually be perfected in Christ.

The Gospel is the truth.

Stay close to him.

~Elder Carroll

"When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: My God, how great Thou art!" -How Great Thou Art, Hymn #83, V.4

Elder Boyles stole my camera and Danny stole my jacket and tag!

Downtown SLC

WEEK 100: The Simplicity of the Gospel

June 15, 2015

Hey all,

I would briefly like to testify of the simplicity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Sometimes we just make it a little too complicated for ourselves, which is unnecessary. With the Restoration of the Lord's Church in our time, modern-day prophets, the miracle of revelation, and the convincing evidence of the Book of Mormon, the Gospel is laid out plainly for us.

"Behold, my brethren, he that prophesieth, let him prophesy to the understanding of men; for the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls. But behold, we are not witnesses alone in these things; for God also spake them unto prophets of old." (Jacob 4:13)

God wants us to understand. If we are willing to put in the effort required to ask, seek, and knock, He has promised to reveal His light unto us. If we are willing to live His divine laws and principles, He is able to help us understand and comprehend.

"Behold, mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion." (D&C 132:8)

God has established His Plan of Happiness, Mercy, and Salvation, that His children may return to live with Him. Although all of our lives differ in experiences and circumstances, there is only one way by which we can make it back to Him. He has shown us the way, and it has been the same since the beginning of time. There is one answer.

The 3rd and 4th Articles of Faith, as written by the Prophet Joseph, state:

"3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost."

How much simpler could it get? We are informed by a Prophet of God that we must be obedient to laws of the Gospel, and partake in all saving ordinances available. We must cultivate faith and repent of our sins. We must participate in making convents, or promises with God. As we are covenant keepers, the power of the Atonement may make its way into our lives.

One may say these things are easier said than done. Well, I believe that's true. But hey, at least we have the entire roadmap to eternal success. What more could you ask for? The challenge is overcoming the natural man. I believe one of the main purposes of life is to achieve mastery over the flesh. Mastery over self. What's that hymn? The Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. It's true. But through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can achieve perfection, eventually.

I testify that as we give our will to Him, we are able to start to become something. We must forget about ourselves. Realize why you're here. This life is not about this life. We should learn to live for something higher than ourselves. We should live to please and glorify Him. We should serve Him out of a motivation of love. As we strive to progress in our striving for obtaining a more Christlike character, He will support us. We will be happy as we live his laws. As we build our foundation upon Him, we will be strengthened in our mortal trials and tribulations. It's all true. One of the hardest things here in the field is encountering individuals who just aren't willing to put in the effort to test or try the doctrine. I know that if they would just do so, they would be transformed. They would experience joy. The carnal kind has them bound in chains, sometimes even to the point of being "past feeling". People destroy their own lives as they search the world for happiness, contentment, and satisfaction. I often leave conversations with individuals, praying that they may have another chance to accept the truth and change. Hoping that they won't be accountable for denying truth.

This is the truth. If you wish to live a joyful, whole, successful life, follow Him. It's a simple invitation. Give everything to Him. Don't hold back. Repent everyday. Study His life, His doctrine, and the words of his living Prophets. I promise it's all true. Through my experiences and personal witnesses, I can't doubt it. The mission experience is something I never could have anticipated.

As Nephi, I delight in the plainness of the Gospel. The promise is Eternal Life. Obey Him, and you won't be disappointed.

Stay close to Him.

~Elder Carroll

“When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power.” -Ezra Taft Benson

"I believe in Christ--my Lord, my God!
My feet he plants on gospel sod.
I'll worship him with all my might;
He is the source of truth and light.
I believe in Christ; he ransoms me.
From Satan's grasp he sets me free,
And I shall live with joy and love
In his eternal courts above. " I Believe in Christ v. 3 , Hymn #134

My first MTC companion, Elder Westlund! 

Last transfer!

One of our chapels. 

One of the oldest working buildings in the church.

WEEK 99: The Divine Principle of Repentance

June 8, 2015

Hellooooo!!

Man, has this week been a blast. I'm in the downtown/suburbs of Salt Lake. It's the most unique area I've served in. I love it. We cover 3 out of 6 wards in our stake and on average the activity rate of each ward is maybe 25%. There is a ton of work to do. Ton of non-members (compared to my past areas) as well. We're on foot and bikes too! It's been so great to be on the streets again, especially after being in car areas for so long. We've found 3 new investigators this past week, and that's just the beginning. This area has a load of potential. Ready to work hard and effective, to finish strong.

Over the past months, the Lord has been merciful in revealing His light. One principle of the Gospel I have come to learn of and love, is the principle of Repentance. With the miracle of the Atonement, comes the miracle of Forgiveness and Redemptive power. With the Atonement comes the miracle of Grace, or the enabling power of Christ that pushes and carries us along. Repentance is one of the main channels by which we can access these Divine helps.

"Therefore, according to justice, the plan of redemption could not be brought about, only on conditions of repentance of men in this probationary state, yea, this preparatory state; for except it were for these conditions, mercy could not take effect except it should destroy the work of justice. Now the work of justice could not be destroyed; if so, God would cease to be God." (Alma 42:13)

Just on a side note.. Alma 42 is one of my favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon. If you wish to learn of the Atonement and Gospel of Jesus Christ, and how it can apply  to and benefit you, read the Book of Mormon. There is so much knowledge and light to be gained in the these divinely inspired words.

Mercy can only take effect in our lives on conditions of repentance. God must allow justice to be satisfied and exercised, or He would not be a just God, and would actually "cease to be God". He lives by divine laws that require Him to be just. But, Christ suffered the demands of justice so, if we would repent, we would not have to.

"For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;

But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;

Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—

Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men." (D&C 19:16-19)

Because the Lord knew His children would be a very imperfect population, a Plan of Mercy was provided for His children. If we would humble ourselves, admit our faults, and plead for His help, He will help us. He will forgive and forget.

"Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more." (D&C 58:42)

Mercy will satisfy justice, because of Christ's suffering. Because Christ has taken our punishment upon Himself, "the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son" (John 5:22). Christ, in turn, only requires a "broken heart and contrite spirit". Not only will we dodge the eternal punishments of justice, but we will be happy in this mortal state as we repent daily and strive to try a little harder to be a little better each day.

"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)

I can confidently testify that the happiness people that have walked and do walk the earth, are those who live the divine laws and principles, provided by a loving Heavenly Father through revelation. We must be willing to live a Higher Law if we wish to gain eternal life and joy. We must pay the small price of obedience.

"It is not enough to simply try to resist evil or empty your life of sin. You must fill your life with righteousness and engage in activities that bring spiritual power.. Full obedience brings the complete power of the gospel into your life, including increased strength to overcome your weaknesses. This obedience includes actions you might not initially consider part of repentance, such as attending meetings, paying tithing, giving service, and forgiving others." (True to the Faith, pg. 135)

We must give strict head to the counsel of Christ, and his chosen Prophets. That's why General Conference is so important. Every 6 months, we have the opportunity to hear from the Lord's anointed. They are able to help and counsel us on how live happy, wholesome, successful lives. We must obey Him. I can't stress enough the important of obedience. Elder Holland once said, "Since obedience is the first law of everything! It's eternal as anything I can ever say to you!" We must do the "little" things. Personal/family/couple prayer and scripture study. Attendance of all church meetings and partaking of the sacrament. Fulfilling our callings the best of our ability. Family home evening. Regular temple attendance, etc. When we can learn to trust the Lord and give Him our will, then we will start to understand the "why" of His laws and principles.

The simple "Elements of Repentance", as outlined in True to the Faith, are:

·  Faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ

·  Sorrow for Sin

·  Confession

·  Abandonment of Sin

·  Restitution

·  Righteous Living 

The Atonement is real, and as we learn to rely on it, we are able to be strengthen. We must learn to lean on it daily. We must acknowledge that repentance and change is only possible because of our loving Savior. Repentance us a painful process, but is the only way we can obtain lasting peace. Although there are steps to be taken, repentance is more than just checking off a list of to do's and calling it good. True repentance requires a change of heart and mind. It requires a change of nature. If we return back to our old ways, it does us no good.

"And now, verily I say unto you, I, the Lord, will not lay any sin to your charge; go your ways and sin no more; but unto that soul who sinneth shall the former sins return, saith the Lord your God." (D&C 82:7)

In order to retain a remission of our sins, we must become better and more devoted disciples of Christ after repenting. We must strive to become more Christlike. We must learn to live as He does. He will help us. Although we will mess up everyday, we must not get discouraged, and realize that the Lord is pleased with our efforts and is supporting us in our trials all things that we struggle with. He wants us to succeed and does everything he can to bless us with strength and willpower to carry on.

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matt. 6:14-15) 

We must be merciful if we wish to obtain mercy. We must realize that we're all on this journey of learning, growing, and progressing. And that we're all on different levels and in different stages of life. We must humble ourselves. Being angry, or holding a grudge, is like drinking poison and hoping it'll kill our enemy. It does us no good. We must forgive and forget if we wish to be happy. We can't and shouldn't let others determine our happiness.

I know that repentance and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only mean by which we can obtain eternal joy in this life, and in the life to come. The Lord teaches us true principles and guides us to this joy, as we are willing to obey.

Stay close to Him.

~Elder Carroll

"Only the Gospel will save the world from the calamity of its own self-destruction." -Ezra Taft Benson

"Repent often! It feels so good." -Mike, Bountiful 45th Ward

Alex went to the Temple!  That's what it's all about!

Our friend Bruce!

Back on the Bike!

WEEK 98: The Boy Joseph

May 31, 2015 

Hey!

We're in the mission home tonight with the 20 departing missionaries. We just had dinner, and President and Sister Spendlove are chatting with them all now. We'll wake up tomorrow at 5am and take them to the airport. Then at 4pmtomorrow, we'll pick up the new arriving missionaries fresh from the MTC! We'll be running all over the place, and won't have time to email, so I'll send a note now.

With transfers on Tuesday, my time has run short here in the Downtown Pioneer YSA Stake. It's been an incredible 6 months. It's an area of miracles. Here, I have seen that the Lord truly does lead people to Zion to learn of the Gospel. Most of these people don't know at first, why they decided to come to Salt Lake. But, they quickly come to find out that the Lord has much bigger and much better plans for them than they could ever imagine. Almost everyone I have taught here has been from out of state or out of country. They come from all over the globe. I've been able to learn and grow exponentially here. It's been an honor to work so closely with some of the greatest men this world has to offer, President Hansen and President Spendlove. They have both made an everlasting impact on my life, and I know we'll be friends for a long time. The Lord has blessed me with companions and friendships that have taught me a ton. Especially about myself.

I'll be transferred to and spend my last go in a family stake here in Downtown SLC. My new companion is Elder Palhegy (it's like apology, without the A!), from California! He's great! We lived together for a transfer awhile back. He's been out almost a year.

We were able to attend the Salt Lake Temple on Friday, with all the departing missionaries. The Temple is the House of the Lord. There's something about being inside that words just can't describe. Go to the a Temple often. The blessings are great (Alma 26:6).

The Area

Danny (from my previous area, but still in the stake I'm in now) was baptized on Thursday!!! He's evidence that the Lord leads his children to Truth. He's from California, and he was curious enough to wander on Temple Square 6 months ago, when they invited him to come to our YSA ward. He showed up, and now he's an official member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He's able to now partake in all of the blessings the Lord has in store for him.

Alex was also baptized this week! He's a student at the Westminster College that we cover. He also ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood today! He told his friend (who's also a recent convert) that he likes the Mormon church and wanted to come to Institute with her. We started meeting with him and in the first lesson, he wanted to know what it took to be baptized. Alex is awesome, and has worked hard to get where he is today. He is evidence that we all can be changed by the Atonement.

How spectacular it is that, even today, in our time, the Lord is merciful enough to establish His Church and Gospel on the earth for us to partake in. With the Priesthood Authority, covenants, ordinances, Temples, continuous revelation, official missionary work, Prophets, and everything else that is included in the Fullness of the Gospel. This is the Church of Jesus Christ. There is "one faith", which is God's, and this is it. I would like to testify of the reality and divinity of the calling of Joseph Smith.

Joseph Smith

The boy Joseph, at age 14, was curious and humble enough to seek out God. He believed that He was there, through valiant scripture study and pondering. He attended church services as occasion would permit, and tried to learn all you could to make an educated decision. He came to realize that a boy, as young as he was, would not be able to figure this out on his own. He heeded to the prompting of James, and prayerfully asked of God.

What we have now, because of this crowning event, has changed the history of the world, forever. Joseph translated the ancient of the Book of Mormon. It is physical evidence today that he was a Prophet called by The Divine. He was persecuted for claiming to be so, and eventually martyred.

"For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator." (Hebrews 9:16)

The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ is true. I can and do testify confidently that it, coming from its divine origin, can more so impact anyones life, in coming closer to their Creator, than any other book. It contains the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It contains the recipe for peace and joy in this life. It explains more in depth than any other book, the Atonement of Jesus Christ. If we can come to more understand the Atonement, we can more so use it in our lives everyday.

Read the Book of Mormon, and ask God if it's true. Do it with real intent of following the answer received, with a sincere heart, and with faith in Christ. It's that simple. Be persistent. Show Him that you really do want to know. It can and will change your life.

This is Christ's only church. I know it. Study, pondering, and prayer can take you a long way. Search Him out, and He'll show himself to you.

Stay close to him.

~Elder Carroll

Danny's Baptism

Alex's Baptsim

Temple Day with Pres. & Sister Spendlove

WEEK 97: Connecting with Christ

May 25, 2015

Hey all!

If there's one thing the Lord has been able to teach me, it's what matter most. It's Him and His Son. It's His Atonement. His Plan of Salvation. His Gospel. If we can learn and adapt our lives around these central doctrines, we will find true joy.

Since I've been in the field, I've noticed that a lot of (if not, all) people are searching out true happiness in life. When we go to the world for this contentment, we will never be satisfied. Nothing the world has to offer will ever be enough. The only way to find righteous contentment is through Him. Unfortunately, most people in the world never reach Him only because "they know not where to find [Him]". We must learn to connect with Christ. How can we do this?

Connecting With The Father

Our ultimate goal is to connect with the Father. All glory is to the Father. In order to do this, we must first understand the nature of God. D&C 130:22 states:

"The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us."

God and Christ are men, just as we are. We were "created [us] in His own image"! We must not be fooled by the false doctrine of the adversary. God is not a Spirit. He's not unknowable as the world teaches. He's our Father and wishes to shed the light and understanding of His nature to us.

In the Epistle of John we learn:

 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)

Therefor, in order to connect with the Father, we must connect through Christ.

Connecting With Christ

Elder Nelson wrote an Ensign article back in 2003 entitled "Divine Love", of which the header says:

"While divine love can be called perfect, infinite, enduring, and universal, it cannot correctly be characterized as unconditional." - (https://www.lds.org/ensign/2003/02/divine-love?lang=eng)

There are numeral instances in the scriptures that enlighten us to the fact that connecting with God and Christ, and feeling God's love, is conditional upon our obedience, love for God, and our "seeking of him", etc.

• “If ye keep my commandments, [then] ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” (John 15:10)

• “If you keep not my commandments, [then] the love of the Father shall not continue with you.” (D&C 95:12)

• “If a man love me, [then] he will keep my words: and my Father will love him.” (John 14:23)

• “I love them that love me; and those that seek me … shall find me.” (Prov. 8:17)

• “God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” (Acts 10:34–35)

• The Lord “loveth those who will have him to be their God.” (1 Ne. 17:40)

• “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” (John 14:21)

If we wish to connect with Christ, we must obey His laws. Christ stated to his Apostles:

"If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." (john 7:17)

In order to connect with God, through Christ, we must live the doctrine taught. We can gain testimonies and knowledge by living the principles provided by a Divine Creator.

So, what commandments must we be obedient to in order to fully come to connect with Him? Let's see what the Lord says:

"There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—

 And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated." (D&C 130:20-21)

If we wish to obtain all blessings, love, light, knowledge, and joy, we must live every law that has been made known unto us. That's why learning of His Gospel is so important. The more laws we know of, the more laws we can keep, and the more blessings we can obtain. That's why the Temple is so important. It's God's university. If we want selective blessings, then we should be selectively obedient. But unfortunately, we don't get to choose which blessings we receive. 

To connect with Christ, and ultimately connect with the Father, we must love them. Love is the great motivator. Charity must drive us, "for all [other] things must fail". We must love them enough to keep their commandments. How much do you love them? And how do you show your love? Shakespeare rightfully said:

"They do not love that do not show their love"

An Invitation

If we wish to "abide in His love", we must be willing to sacrifice our will. Total surrender. The only real thing of our possession we have to put on the sacrificial altar, is our will. This includes daily scripture study, meaningful prayer, family home evenings, attending all church meetings and partaking of the sacrament, regularly attending the Temple, magnifying our calling, serving others, paying tithing and a generous fast offering, etc. etc. 

"Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.

He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand. Even so. Amen." (D&C 107:99-100)

“A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary [to lead] unto life and salvation.” (Joseph Smith, Lectures on Faith, p. 58.)

Don't feel overwhelmed by this. "[We] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [us]." The Lord would never require something of us that He would not provide for us the means of obtaining it. 

"The Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." (1 Nephi 3:7)

The Atonement is real. Use it. Rely on it. Repent everyday, and know that God is pleased with your efforts. Eventually, God wants every part of us. He wants and requires a willing mind and heart, to do whatever it is that He asks of us. He needs total submission. That is when He can truly make something out of us. It's up to us when and if that is to happen.

My suggestion, start now. "Lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you". Choose to follow Him completely, today.  Choose to love Him. Choose to feel His love. Choose to learn exponentially. Choose to obtain Eternal Life. Choose to discover everlasting and eternal joy in His rest.

Although it's not always easy, I know the Lord will be our support, as we give Him our all. And when we slack, I know that if we will just repent, He will forgive and forget. God is no respecter of persons, and doesn't care about your past, if you would repent.

I know God lives, and that by obeying him, we can find joy. I know Jesus walked the earth and is the literal Son of God. He is the Christ. Through connecting with Him, we can connect with the Father. Through connecting with the Father, we can become as He is.

Stay close to Him.

~Elder Carroll