Elder Henry B. Eyring
I would like to talk one on one together, and after I have asked you personal questions so that you know that I am personally interested in you and after I have your confidence, our conversation would go something like this:
Do you know that you are called of God, Himself? He chose you now in this last dispensation. In previous times, His work failed, but it won't fail now. God does not speak lightly when he said:
D&C 38:33 - And from thence, whosoever I will shall go forth among all nations, and it shall be told them what they shall do: for I have a great work laid up in store, for Israel shall be saved, and I will lead them whithersoever I will, and no power shall stay my hand.
We did not call Him. He called us to go forth to do:
D&C 39:13 - Thou art called to labor in my vineyard, and to build up my church, and to bring forth Zion, that it may rejoice upon the hills and flourish.
By covenant we have agreed to labor in the vineyard and its twin assignment, to build up His church. How do we labor and build? It is done one on one, one heart at a time, person by person; conversion is a personal intimate one-individual-at-a-time process. [Alma 26: 29]
3 Nephi 11:14-15 - Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world. And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.
3 Nephi 17:21 - "and He took their little children, one by one, and blessed them."
Success is not in statistics: the Lord himself will accept your work. But it is more than must "just hard work, give it all you've got."
D&C 18:14 - "Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance unto this people."
Don't be comfortable with the number of baptisms common to your mission; those who go to missions where you may baptize great numbers, and those who go to missions who baptize few (or none) - your labor is worthy of his hire. Just desire in your heart to baptize individuals.
Jacob 5:71-72 - And the Lord of the vineyard said unto them: Go to, and labor in the vineyard, with your might. For behold, this is the last time that I shall nourish my vineyard; for the end is nigh at hand, and the season speedily cometh; and if ye labor with your might with me ye shall have joy in the fruit which I shall lay up unto myself against the time which will soon come. And it came to pass that the servants did go and labor with their mights; and the Lord of the vineyard labored also with them; and they did obey the commandments of the Lord of the vineyard in all things.
Labor with your heart, might mind and strength (D&C 4)
D&C 95:4 - For the preparation wherewith I design to prepare mine apostles to prune my vineyard for the last time, that I may bring to pass my strange act, that I may pour out my Spirit upon all flesh -
His Spirit is pouring out on all people at His own time. You will never meet a person whose sins haven't been paid for by Jesus Christ. We cannot, never shall, meet anyone nor judge anyone who we feel won't accept, or can't accept this message. Christ didn't choose among sinners those whose sins He would pay for; rather He paid for all people's sins. The Lord bought them with a price [1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23]. The Savior dared to atone for all mankind. Don't we cease to labor when it's hard.
See the potential calling from the Lord to everyone you are permitted to see. Be positive, uplifting in your comments and views about life. See the good. Nurture the Good Word and the truth will be confirmed by the Holy Ghost. That is how He will build His Church.
Here are three promises I give in the Name of the Lord, Jesus Christ whose Representative I am and authorized to give to you:
If you labor with your whole heart, if you show Him you will pass any test (or if you need to change , change something in your habits or your person with all your heart), if you give all you have and take any instruction to improve in any way, then:
(1) your power to serve Him will increase and you will know it. You will know your sacrifice is accepted by the Lord, even if you don't bring anyone to baptism. And
(2) you will know in various ways He was with you. He didn't just simply send you, but He labored with you. And
(3) You can leave every Church unit you serve in and you will know you made a difference in the area. Others were affected by your goodness your testimony, by the truth you bore witness of and it was confirmed by the Spirit, and you were a friend.
Respond with faith in every situation and others will e built up and others will be strengthened. You can confirm their faith and commitment. I bear witness of this because Jesus is the Christ. I know Him. he called you to this work and He gave you His power. Give all you have to his work, and They will give all They have to you. To walk away is to quit the greatest call in the world.
Many people have asked for Chris's book of thoughts. So, instead of lending it out and worrying about it's safe return, I have compiled them all here (it's a work in progress still...obviously).
Showing posts with label Missionaries. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Missionaries. Show all posts
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Playing On Higher Standards
By - Chris Crowe
(Adapted from an article in the November 1995 New Era)
From the back patio of my home, I could see the outdoor basketball court in the corner of a playground. Lengthwise, the rough asphalt court was regulation size with standard ten-foot baskets on each end. Two shorter courts, each with lower eight-foot baskets, ran across its width.
Most afternoons, player of all ages, sizes, and colors jammed the court. But they didn't play on the regulations baskets. they played on the eight-footers. With the shorter court and the lower standards, their fast breaks often ended in twisting two-handed slam dunks. I wondered why so many kids would choose the lower hoops over the regulations ones. I have to admit that I've played on that same court a few times myself, and for a fleeting moment playing above the rim made me feel a little like Shaquille O'Neal or Air Jordan. It was a good feeling.
But then we'd move to the ten-foot hoops, and I became a grounded bird; the rim seemed limes over my head, far, far, out of range. All my shots would be off, ricocheting from the rim in weird angles. I'd have to play on the regular baskets for quite a while to get my shooting eye back.
Even though it was a blast skying over the eight-foot baskets to stuff in shots or snatch rebounds right off the rim, playing on the lower standards always hurt my ability to play on the standard baskets. Eventually, I wised up. Whenever I would go to shoot around at that court, I ignored the lower baskets, knowing that even though they might be fun, in the long run, they wouldn't do my meager basketball skills a bit of good.
The funny thing is, I've known that since junior high school. I can still remember our coach warning us against playing on eight-foot baskets. "The game you guys are preparing for uses ten-foot standards. The lower baskets will only foul you up. So don't you mess with them" And if he ever caught any of us playing a lunchtime game on the low baskets, we'd get extra running at practice as a reminder of what was good for us.
So here's a couple questions. Why, if I really had learned that lesson as a junior high kid, did I ignore it as an adult? And why didn't I have the will or the good sense to resist the temptation to pretend, just for a game or two, that I had enough spring in my legs to slam dunk?
Basketball isn't the only chance we have to play by lower standards. I teach for a living, and I often see some students who skim with less effort than it takes breath. They're happy to simply pass the class. "Just tell me what I've gotta do so I can get outta this place," is an attitude I've seen more than once.
All of us are sometimes tempted by lower standards - what we watch or listen to, how we act or think, how we live the gospel. We're tempted to give in to lower standards because they're easier to seem like more fun. Lower standards in basketball ruin your shot. Lower standards in school mean you learn less - or nothing. Lower standards on your mission mean you go home with regrets.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ reminded us that to enter the kingdom of heaven, we have to live higher standards than those around us. "For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 5:20)
As Church members, and especially as missionaries, we know what standards we'll be judged by and what standards we ought to live by, regardless of what everyone around us is doing or saying.
The bottom line is this: If you want to get ahead - spiritually, physically, intellectually, professionally, and on your mission - you've got to set high standards for yourself and stick to them. It's not easy, it's not always fun, and sometimes you may feel like the only person in the world (or in your zone, or in your district, or in your companionship) who's sticking to a higher standard. But it's worth it now and forever, to stick to your standards, to resist those eight-foot baskets no matter how tempting they may be. And believe me, the payoff for living higher standards is infinitely more satisfying than a 360-degree, behind-the-head slam dunk.
(Adapted from an article in the November 1995 New Era)
From the back patio of my home, I could see the outdoor basketball court in the corner of a playground. Lengthwise, the rough asphalt court was regulation size with standard ten-foot baskets on each end. Two shorter courts, each with lower eight-foot baskets, ran across its width.
Most afternoons, player of all ages, sizes, and colors jammed the court. But they didn't play on the regulations baskets. they played on the eight-footers. With the shorter court and the lower standards, their fast breaks often ended in twisting two-handed slam dunks. I wondered why so many kids would choose the lower hoops over the regulations ones. I have to admit that I've played on that same court a few times myself, and for a fleeting moment playing above the rim made me feel a little like Shaquille O'Neal or Air Jordan. It was a good feeling.
But then we'd move to the ten-foot hoops, and I became a grounded bird; the rim seemed limes over my head, far, far, out of range. All my shots would be off, ricocheting from the rim in weird angles. I'd have to play on the regular baskets for quite a while to get my shooting eye back.
Even though it was a blast skying over the eight-foot baskets to stuff in shots or snatch rebounds right off the rim, playing on the lower standards always hurt my ability to play on the standard baskets. Eventually, I wised up. Whenever I would go to shoot around at that court, I ignored the lower baskets, knowing that even though they might be fun, in the long run, they wouldn't do my meager basketball skills a bit of good.
The funny thing is, I've known that since junior high school. I can still remember our coach warning us against playing on eight-foot baskets. "The game you guys are preparing for uses ten-foot standards. The lower baskets will only foul you up. So don't you mess with them" And if he ever caught any of us playing a lunchtime game on the low baskets, we'd get extra running at practice as a reminder of what was good for us.
So here's a couple questions. Why, if I really had learned that lesson as a junior high kid, did I ignore it as an adult? And why didn't I have the will or the good sense to resist the temptation to pretend, just for a game or two, that I had enough spring in my legs to slam dunk?
Basketball isn't the only chance we have to play by lower standards. I teach for a living, and I often see some students who skim with less effort than it takes breath. They're happy to simply pass the class. "Just tell me what I've gotta do so I can get outta this place," is an attitude I've seen more than once.
All of us are sometimes tempted by lower standards - what we watch or listen to, how we act or think, how we live the gospel. We're tempted to give in to lower standards because they're easier to seem like more fun. Lower standards in basketball ruin your shot. Lower standards in school mean you learn less - or nothing. Lower standards on your mission mean you go home with regrets.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ reminded us that to enter the kingdom of heaven, we have to live higher standards than those around us. "For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 5:20)
As Church members, and especially as missionaries, we know what standards we'll be judged by and what standards we ought to live by, regardless of what everyone around us is doing or saying.
The bottom line is this: If you want to get ahead - spiritually, physically, intellectually, professionally, and on your mission - you've got to set high standards for yourself and stick to them. It's not easy, it's not always fun, and sometimes you may feel like the only person in the world (or in your zone, or in your district, or in your companionship) who's sticking to a higher standard. But it's worth it now and forever, to stick to your standards, to resist those eight-foot baskets no matter how tempting they may be. And believe me, the payoff for living higher standards is infinitely more satisfying than a 360-degree, behind-the-head slam dunk.
Positive Thinking & Missionary Work
Every man's inspiration is breathed from his own spirit.
When a missionary is goal-directed and self-motivated, he can cope with ANY situation.
Procrastination exits when there is lack of something - a goal - a want - self confidence which results in indecision and fear.
Self-confidence is gained through know how and experience gleaned only through the willingness to submit yourself to obstacles and situations that men ordinarily fear.
Failure to develop self-confidence by experience - by doing - is a one-way street to mediocrity.
Unless one is a self-starter, he will not really succeed because he will not put in the time and effort required to gain the know how - gain the experience and gain the self-confidence.
One who is not a self-starter is not lazy or afraid of work. he really reflects an undisciplined background which will become deepened with undisciplined passing of years.
When one criticizes, he immediately matches his reputation against the reputation of whom or what he criticizes, leaving to the person to whom he criticizes to a basic decision to make - whom does he believe?
Perseverance is traced directly to low achievement drives, apexed by lack of goal or purpose when strength of perseverance is lacking.
Perseverance's secret lies in the ability to harness one's total energy and become irreversibly engaged in reaching of a goal which has become of extreme worth.
Success only comes with attitude - an attitude that success is merely a self-developed habit of confidence and self-assurance that success is a predictable result, rather than an occasional accident.
Specific goals, clearly understood, are powerful and dynamic forces that change mediocrity to permanent success.
Without a goal, the average person's performance is erratic, shows short periods of advancement, but is easily redirected and discouraged.
People (missionaries) who say life is worthwhile are really saying that they, themselves, have personal goals which are worthwhile.
The unhappiest of mortals is the man who insists upon reliving the past over and over in his imagination, continually criticizing himself for past failures or mistakes.
The minute we change our mind and stop giving power to the past, the past with its mistakes loses its power over us.
Be willing to make a few mistakes, to suffer a little pain to get what you want.
Positive thinking is thinking in terms of others.
Negative thinking is thinking in terms of yourself.
When a missionary is goal-directed and self-motivated, he can cope with ANY situation.
Procrastination exits when there is lack of something - a goal - a want - self confidence which results in indecision and fear.
Self-confidence is gained through know how and experience gleaned only through the willingness to submit yourself to obstacles and situations that men ordinarily fear.
Failure to develop self-confidence by experience - by doing - is a one-way street to mediocrity.
Unless one is a self-starter, he will not really succeed because he will not put in the time and effort required to gain the know how - gain the experience and gain the self-confidence.
One who is not a self-starter is not lazy or afraid of work. he really reflects an undisciplined background which will become deepened with undisciplined passing of years.
When one criticizes, he immediately matches his reputation against the reputation of whom or what he criticizes, leaving to the person to whom he criticizes to a basic decision to make - whom does he believe?
Perseverance is traced directly to low achievement drives, apexed by lack of goal or purpose when strength of perseverance is lacking.
Perseverance's secret lies in the ability to harness one's total energy and become irreversibly engaged in reaching of a goal which has become of extreme worth.
Success only comes with attitude - an attitude that success is merely a self-developed habit of confidence and self-assurance that success is a predictable result, rather than an occasional accident.
Specific goals, clearly understood, are powerful and dynamic forces that change mediocrity to permanent success.
Without a goal, the average person's performance is erratic, shows short periods of advancement, but is easily redirected and discouraged.
People (missionaries) who say life is worthwhile are really saying that they, themselves, have personal goals which are worthwhile.
The unhappiest of mortals is the man who insists upon reliving the past over and over in his imagination, continually criticizing himself for past failures or mistakes.
The minute we change our mind and stop giving power to the past, the past with its mistakes loses its power over us.
Be willing to make a few mistakes, to suffer a little pain to get what you want.
Positive thinking is thinking in terms of others.
Negative thinking is thinking in terms of yourself.
Missionary Life - Football Game
Missionary life is like a football game and you play it everyday.
It isn't the breaks you get, but mainly how you play.
Stop and look the whole team over - you've got some pretty rugged men;
If you all work together, there's no goal you can't defeat.
Your fullback's name is COURAGE. You need him in this game.
With TRUTH and FAITH, your halfbacks, there'll be many yards to gain.
Your quarterback is very fast, though small and hard to see,
So watch son, when he gets the ball, he's OPPORTUNITY.
At right end there's RELIGION, he's stood the tes tof time.
At left end there's BROTHERHOOD, he's always in there trying.
Your right tackle is AMBITION - don't ever let him shirk.
Left tackle is a husky man - you'll find his name is WORK.
Your left guard's name is HUMOR, he's important to the team.
While HUMOR is playing, your game is always clean.
If LOVE plays the center spot and does his very best,
Then you have a winning team and really know success.
The other team is strong, son, GREED, ENVY, HATE, and DEFEAT
Are four strong backs - you'll have to make your game complete.
DISCOURAGEMENT and FALSEHOOD are the big boys on the end.
You'll have to tackle hard my boy when you meet up with these men.
SELFISHNESS and JEALOUSY - you'll find them playing guards.
While CARELESSNESS and a man called WASTE are tackles your can't disregard.
There's one more you'll have to watch all through the game, my dear,
He's playing center for the other team. I'm told his name is FEAR.
The game will not be easy. There'll be struggle, there'll be strife
To make the winning touchdown for it's played in the Bowl Of Life.
On our side, in the stands, are angels and they give out with a roar,
As they see us push back our opponent and score and score and score!
So stand behind your team, my son.
There'll be many who'll applaud.
Just remember, you're the captain,
And the referee is GOD.
It isn't the breaks you get, but mainly how you play.
Stop and look the whole team over - you've got some pretty rugged men;
If you all work together, there's no goal you can't defeat.
Your fullback's name is COURAGE. You need him in this game.
With TRUTH and FAITH, your halfbacks, there'll be many yards to gain.
Your quarterback is very fast, though small and hard to see,
So watch son, when he gets the ball, he's OPPORTUNITY.
At right end there's RELIGION, he's stood the tes tof time.
At left end there's BROTHERHOOD, he's always in there trying.
Your right tackle is AMBITION - don't ever let him shirk.
Left tackle is a husky man - you'll find his name is WORK.
Your left guard's name is HUMOR, he's important to the team.
While HUMOR is playing, your game is always clean.
If LOVE plays the center spot and does his very best,
Then you have a winning team and really know success.
The other team is strong, son, GREED, ENVY, HATE, and DEFEAT
Are four strong backs - you'll have to make your game complete.
DISCOURAGEMENT and FALSEHOOD are the big boys on the end.
You'll have to tackle hard my boy when you meet up with these men.
SELFISHNESS and JEALOUSY - you'll find them playing guards.
While CARELESSNESS and a man called WASTE are tackles your can't disregard.
There's one more you'll have to watch all through the game, my dear,
He's playing center for the other team. I'm told his name is FEAR.
The game will not be easy. There'll be struggle, there'll be strife
To make the winning touchdown for it's played in the Bowl Of Life.
On our side, in the stands, are angels and they give out with a roar,
As they see us push back our opponent and score and score and score!
So stand behind your team, my son.
There'll be many who'll applaud.
Just remember, you're the captain,
And the referee is GOD.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)