tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38944741821935782802024-03-05T00:53:23.991-08:00Faith, Hope, and LoveElder James Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244236189261519619noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894474182193578280.post-69511140515596384612011-03-28T06:17:00.000-07:002011-03-28T06:17:36.826-07:00The Things That Matter MostToo often I get to thinking about what is next in my life; by so doing I tend to over look what is NOW in my life. So its time for another poem....<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Why do I over look</div>the things that matter most?<br />
Like being with my family,<br />
and keeping them close.<br />
<br />
Jumping on the trampoline<br />
with my Lauren May<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Is one of the most important things</div>I could do today<br />
<br />
Staying up all night<br />
and talking to my girl<br />
is very time fulfilling<br />
and cheaper than pearls (only if its nights and weekends)<br />
<br />
Reading old letters from those<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">who are close to my heart</div>Is a great way to feel<br />
not so far apart<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Enjoying nature</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">when I'm out hunting</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">gives me time to reflect</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">so I quit fronting</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://djmize.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/mama_bear_with_cub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" id="il_fi" src="http://djmize.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/mama_bear_with_cub.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Helping out the needy</div>and feeding the hungry<br />
can be as simple as attending<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">AA each and every Monday</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">My relationship with God</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">is at the top of my list</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">so everything I do</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">should always reflect this</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I need Him every hour</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">so I call on Him above</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">cuz the most important thing in life</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Is Gods love</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZE5RZ0uIzdd9pQo_9M01iY-Khm-XkFBZWur4rfEyGbjEpPf3cBAGLNKpCxX_r6Ur2k4cxAUR4BhokQgYNhzyefwYfSLL1heaffYcvgpsv0Xkd8OrvgsUt1Q3jqJfhHpfyy678eZN42ug/s1600/gods-love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZE5RZ0uIzdd9pQo_9M01iY-Khm-XkFBZWur4rfEyGbjEpPf3cBAGLNKpCxX_r6Ur2k4cxAUR4BhokQgYNhzyefwYfSLL1heaffYcvgpsv0Xkd8OrvgsUt1Q3jqJfhHpfyy678eZN42ug/s200/gods-love.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Elder James Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244236189261519619noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894474182193578280.post-89092430577807554632011-03-10T11:46:00.000-08:002011-03-10T11:46:10.773-08:00The Best Two YearsThe two years of my missionary service has come to an end. I've always heard the term when referring to a mission "the best two years". That statement could not be more precise. I really don't know how to fully express myself when summing up my mission; so, I decided to write a little poem.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;">Roses are red</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">Violets are blue</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">I love teaching the gospel</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">especially to the Jews</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">I have met a lot of people</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">Through out my mission</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">I just wish</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">I could take all of them fishing</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">I can't and I wont</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">Cuz that doesn't really matter</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">But if you'd like to...</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">I would be flattered</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">There is no doubt</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">That God lives</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">If you don't believe me</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">Well then here it is</span><br />
<br />
<img height="200" src="http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/imagerecords/0/885/modis_wonderglobe_lrg.jpg" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: nearest-neighbor;" width="200" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;">Just look up into the sky</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">And you'll see God's hand</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">He is everywhere</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">And we are living His plan</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">I've seen people change</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">I've seen people grow</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">Here's a picture</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">Of this it shows</span><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OWrj_j6pkaX5vcRKsdVUiyc6HOWOZpoH2tUpPepGQucI2f6pCfNTx4jx1Zest9eRKIzuxd5aVfEiDFQZNzKFT_ZcvyHb7Uc4XjeyMeoO9R-O8f3chJ5bnS1iWcHVV8dT3YHZQ8in4Mk/s1600/DSCN0502%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OWrj_j6pkaX5vcRKsdVUiyc6HOWOZpoH2tUpPepGQucI2f6pCfNTx4jx1Zest9eRKIzuxd5aVfEiDFQZNzKFT_ZcvyHb7Uc4XjeyMeoO9R-O8f3chJ5bnS1iWcHVV8dT3YHZQ8in4Mk/s200/DSCN0502%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: orange;">I will miss California</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: orange;">So very much</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: orange;">The extreme liberals and all</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: orange;">Yes the whole rowdy bunch</span></div><span style="color: orange;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">One thing is for certain</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">I will always hold dear</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">It's the people I've meet</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">In "the best two years"</span>Elder James Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244236189261519619noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894474182193578280.post-22750192099875005332011-03-01T11:35:00.000-08:002011-03-01T11:35:34.478-08:00Let your light shine!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/76543_114991201899645_100001662964081_109029_7026264_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" border="0" class="spotlight" height="213" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/76543_114991201899645_100001662964081_109029_7026264_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>I had the honor of serving as the assistant to President Bunker for 9 months. Part of this assignment was the duty and privilege of picking up the new incoming missionary, straight out of the Missionary Training Center in Provo Utah, at the Oakland International airport. To the left is a picture of one of these occasions.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">At this moment, there are a mixture of emotions going through these young missionaries. But the one I would like to touch on at this time is "<strong>RELUCTANCE</strong>."</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I, like these new missionaries, am naturally a reluctant person. As I have studied and prayed for this tendency of mine to be removed. The words from a beloved prophet, Spencer W. Kimball, has brought this characteristic of mine into perspective. He teaches us that there are two major causes for us holding back. I will share with you one. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(You will have to read his talk to get the other)</span></div><br />
<em>"the <span class="highlight">reluctance...</span> to stretch just a little bit more in the service, instead of being too slow to see the power of their example or too shy about letting their light shine." -<a href="http://lds.org/ensign/1979/05/let-us-move-forward-and-upward?lang=eng&query=reluctance">Let Us Move Forward and Upward</a></em><br />
<br />
Why are we reluctant? Why are we shy? Why are we slow to see the power of our examples?<br />
<strong>We can do more.</strong><br />
<br />
Let us heed the words of the Lord given to an ancient prophet;<a class="bookmark dontHighlight" href="" name="14"><em><span style="color: yellow;"> </span></em></a><em><span style="color: red;"><span class="verse">14) </span>Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.</span></em><br />
<div class="" sizcache="12" sizset="84" uri="/scriptures/nt/matt/5.15"><a class="bookmark dontHighlight" href="" name="15"><em><span style="color: red;"> </span></em></a><em><span style="color: red;"><span class="verse">15) </span>Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.</span></em></div><div class="highlight" sizcache="12" sizset="86" uri="/scriptures/nt/matt/5.16"><a class="bookmark dontHighlight" href="" name="16"><em><span style="color: red;"> </span></em></a><em><span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: red;"><span class="verse">16) </span>Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."</span> </span> </em><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/5.16?lang=eng#15"><em>Matthew 5:14-16</em></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="240" src="http://www.bornagainagain.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/ShineBright.jpg" width="320" /></em></div><div class="highlight" sizcache="12" sizset="86" uri="/scriptures/nt/matt/5.16">I know that we are indeed the "light of the world". Let us not hide. The Lord will work through us as we work for Him. I know this. I have seen this come true in my own very life. So, my advise for you and I is the same I give to the new and incoming missionaries, <strong>let your <span style="background-color: white; color: yellow; font-size: large;">light</span> shine</strong>!</div><div class="highlight" sizcache="12" sizset="86" uri="/scriptures/nt/matt/5.16"><br />
</div>Elder James Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244236189261519619noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894474182193578280.post-59689887944547131302011-02-26T11:36:00.000-08:002011-02-26T11:36:49.744-08:00The Words From The Truly Converted<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This last week was one of the best weeks of my life. A close friend of mine, Maria Sullivan, went through the temple to receive her endowment. While I was in the temple with her, great joy overcame me and I felt deep love for her. This is only possible through the Spirit of the Lord. There was no doubt that God was looking down upon her with great great happiness.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I asked Maria to write to me some of her feelings about her experience. And with her permission I would like to share some of her thoughts and feelings with you. So, from the words of Maria herself...</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/181594_1762011562986_1019987374_1973959_3573896_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" border="0" class="spotlight" height="207" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/181594_1762011562986_1019987374_1973959_3573896_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><em><span style="color: blue;">"The day before attending the Temple; I fasted for most of 24 hours. I cried endlessly because I thought, “WOW, I am attending the Temple, a Dream come true!” because I always thought “I would never be Temple worthy; the Temple was for everyone else BUT me.” Upon entering the Temple, this past Saturday; I immediately realized, “Yes, this is where I belong” because “I am a Child of God”. I never felt more Peace, Love, Tenderness, and a Spiritual presence as I did this day. During my session I thought, “I’m home, I’m safe, and I’m secure” (those are feeling I have not experienced much throughout my life) I felt so very close to Our Heavenly Father. While continuing my session everything seemed to click, and I saw everything with Clarity. I understand my role as a woman, as a mother, & as a wife. I better understand a man’s role as a man, a father, a husband, and a leader. I felt my entire body relax and I became totally emerged into my session. I didn’t want the session to end. I knew I was at the Temple at the right time in my life; and without a doubt I was in the right place, and “MY LIFE IS FOREVER CHANGED”. I briefly felt sadness because my two boys were not with me, but I too know that one day they will attend the Temple. <br />
I look forward to attending the Temple regularly. I feel calmness about me that I’ve never felt before. I feel a greater Love and Devotion of Our Savior Jesus Christ. I feel whole. I feel I have accomplished a wonderful and glorious experience, and I pray that everyone can experience this one day."</span></em></div><br />
She later goes on to say...<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><span style="color: blue;">"I still feel that since last June, right after you left, My life changed so drastically and rapidly...I mean, I honestly felt the Holy Ghost take me by the hands and walked me through EVERY step of MY life (on Fast Forward) the Holy Ghost is still walking me...and Look where I am. "I WENT TO THE TEMPLE!!!" :) I say this with ALL the passion I have... "I am so amazed at the Love Jesus offers me". I still NEVER would have imagined my life being where I am Today!!! I am sooo happy, sooo at peace, sooo in love with God and the church and the scriptures, and so much much more</span></em></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/76630_1636368301983_1019987374_1735648_7712864_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" border="0" class="spotlight" height="250" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/76630_1636368301983_1019987374_1735648_7712864_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><em><span style="color: blue;">You know what is very notable about me or my behavior?... Fear does not lay so heavily in my heart. I am not afraid of the future, I am not afraid to stand up for myself, I have a Voice (i never had that before) I feel free of FEAR, because I know the Lord has my back :) It is soooo cool to have that kind of freedom, I have never felt that before. Since attending the Temple; changes are happening, I feel it and see it & i am "experiencing" it. I welcome the change. I Love change. AHHHH....am i making sense!? lol :)"</span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Maria you are making perfect sense.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">How profound are Maria's words? How honest?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I am sharing this with y'all to impress upon your minds the reality of the blessings that can be obtained only in the House of the Lord.</div><br />
Lets all work together in this great cause "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of men" - <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/pgp/moses/1.39?lang=eng#38">Moses 1:39</a>Elder James Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244236189261519619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894474182193578280.post-45539737972558406742011-02-23T12:07:00.000-08:002011-02-23T12:09:10.446-08:00"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." Can I get an AMEN!When I go out on the streets, you will always see me caring a Book of Mormon. Why? "<em>to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that <span class="deitySmallCaps">Jesus</span> is the <span class="deitySmallCaps">Christ</span>, the <span class="deitySmallCaps">Eternal God</span>, manifesting himself unto all nations</em>" <br />
<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/bofm-title?lang=eng">Book of Mormon Title Page</a><br />
<br />
I love the Book of Mormon.<br />
I read it every day.<br />
I know that the Book of Mormon contains, just as it claims, "<em>the fulness of the everlasting gospel</em>." <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/introduction?lang=eng">Book of Mormon Introduction</a><br />
<br />
When I tell people this when I'm out and about, the studious Christian will sometimes quote Paul and one of my most beloved scriptures in the New Testament, <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/gal/1.8?lang=eng#7">Galatians 1:8</a>, which reads, <em>"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed."</em><br />
<br />
Can I get an AMEN!<br />
<br />
But what the individual is usually implying is that the very Book of Mormon is what Paul is talking about.<br />
<br />
My reply to them is usually to the affect of, "Does the Book of Mormon 'preach any other gospel'?"<br />
<br />
I would honestly say <strong>99.999%</strong> of the time they have ZERO idea because they have not actually read the Book.<br />
<br />
Well I ask than, "what gospel does the Book of Mormon teach?"<br />
I have a crazy idea... lets read it to find out!!!<br />
<br />
Jesus said;<em> 13) Behold I have given unto you my gospel, <u>and this is the gospel which I have given unto you</u>...</em> <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/27?lang=eng">3 Nephi 27</a><br />
You'll have to click on 3 Nephi 27 link to find out.<br />
<br />
I promise you that if you sincerely read the Book of Mormon, you will indeed come to know and taste of the fullness of the everlasting gospel. This is my cry to all, with love and humility, <span style="color: red;">READ THE BOOK OF MORMON!</span><br />
<br />
If you need a copy... <br />
<h2>Request a free copy of the Book of Mormon</h2><div class="widget-content"><a href="http://www.mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/"><img alt="Request a free copy of the Book of Mormon" height="128" id="Image5_img" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiWllEhg1-frmW7HaKpsJLr4hjbvCAF8ZtVdmVqd56US_dBj5H-RueDrNUOZ1RIvKOYCuFVjczKdQbH6l9TN-R3zr9Pus4-IG-EWGWrLq5RdnCTVUWQJ6bJ_vmsvNEMlrU9GVDaY85Vs/s170/book-of-mormon.jpg" width="170" /></a></div><div class="widget-content"></div><div class="widget-content">I got you ;)</div>Elder James Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244236189261519619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894474182193578280.post-4331614202436440652011-02-17T12:02:00.000-08:002011-02-17T12:02:28.678-08:00Patience<div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I have found in my short life that good things come to those that wait.</div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZU3P4jJuIpaU_iey_A_a8PAVsMLrVv3mMceaNdAg7r5_r4wfEa2108uxG_BjNpYtiECZiTTxVIVEANaPMW9J6_lB823joyB3mf1tYmjK4Fn76T_LCeDA1g1AvSNQkJi-G-XPayK7rn0/s1600/seek-patience.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZU3P4jJuIpaU_iey_A_a8PAVsMLrVv3mMceaNdAg7r5_r4wfEa2108uxG_BjNpYtiECZiTTxVIVEANaPMW9J6_lB823joyB3mf1tYmjK4Fn76T_LCeDA1g1AvSNQkJi-G-XPayK7rn0/s320/seek-patience.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">"The children of Israel waited 40 years in the wilderness before they could enter the promised land. Jacob waited 7 long years for Rachel. The Jews waited 70 years in Babylon before they could return to rebuild the temple. The Nephites waited for a sign of Christ’s birth, even knowing that if the sign did not come, they would perish." - <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/continue-in-patience?lang=eng&query=patience">Pres. Uchtdorf</a></div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Life is good :)</div>Elder James Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244236189261519619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894474182193578280.post-47739185360188521192011-02-11T14:12:00.000-08:002011-02-11T14:12:42.589-08:00Thank you!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>“Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted.”</strong></span><sup class="noteMarker" sizcache="28" sizset="37"><span style="color: lime;"> </span>(Aldous Huxley, <span class="emphasis">Themes and Variations</span> (1954), 66.)</sup></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><sup class="noteMarker" sizcache="28" sizset="37"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>I am a living example of this statistic</em>.</span></sup><br />
<br />
<sup class="noteMarker" sizcache="28" sizset="37"><span style="font-family: Arial;">There is so much that I have been given, blessings too numerous to number. At this time I would like to take some time out of my day and say THANK YOU!</span></sup><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><sup class="noteMarker" sizcache="28" sizset="37"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thank you <span style="color: blue;">Mom & Dad</span> for whoopen me when I needed it most. You have sacrificed everything for me and my siblings and I will eternally be indebted to you.</span></sup></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><sup><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thank you <span style="color: blue;">Uncle Greg</span> and <span style="color: blue;">Aunt Liz</span> for believing in me.</span></sup></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><sup><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thank you <span style="color: blue;">Grammy Abbott</span> for your faithful prayers.</span></sup></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><sup><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thank you <span style="color: blue;">Pres. & Sis. Bunker</span> for being living examples of disciples of Christ.</span></sup></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><sup><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thank you <span style="color: blue;">Derek</span> for being a true friend.</span></sup></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><sup><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thank you <span style="color: blue;">Lauren</span> and <span style="color: blue;">Trevor</span> for coming to this earth at the perfect time. Y'all are truly angles.</span></sup></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><sup><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thank <span style="color: blue;">you</span> for the sweet letters I have received on my mission :)</span></sup></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><sup><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thank you <span style="color: blue;">Bishop Kastner</span>, <span style="color: blue;">Pres. Bennett</span>, <span style="color: blue;">Pres. Judd</span>, <span style="color: blue;">Elder Snow</span>, <span style="color: blue;">Bro. & Sis. Henderson</span>, <span style="color: blue;">Bro. Senniff</span>, <span style="color: blue;">Bro. Hardisty</span>, <span style="color: blue;">Bro. & Sis. Satterfield</span>, <span style="color: blue;">Sis. Trejo</span>, <span style="color: blue;">Bro. Beauchamp</span>, <span style="color: blue;">Bishop Tanner</span>, and all the church leaders here in Northern California who have taught me how to become a better servant</span></sup></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><sup><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thank you <span style="color: blue;">Tara</span> for marrying <span style="color: blue;">Nigel</span>. He is the man!</span></sup></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><sup><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thank you <span style="color: blue;">Alaina </span>for just being you being you.</span></sup></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><sup><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thank you <span style="color: blue;">Coach Winterton</span> for teaching me discipline and humility.</span></sup></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><sup><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thank you <span style="color: blue;">Elder Jared Abbott</span> for spreading the Gospel down in Chile.</span></sup></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><sup><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thank you <span style="color: blue;">Grandpa</span> taking me cane fishing.</span></sup></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><sup><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thank you <span style="color: blue;">Grandma Judy</span> for talking us rowdy boys to the beach when we knew you didn't want to go.</span></sup></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><sup><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thank you <span style="color: blue;">Grandma May</span> for you pure charity.</span></sup></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><sup><span style="font-family: Arial;">And there are many more who I am thankful for who I pray that one day I will again have the privilege to thank.</span></sup></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://rosangelperez.com/html/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/gratitude3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://rosangelperez.com/html/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/gratitude3.png" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><sup><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">But there is no greater thanks needed than to my Father in Heaven for sending His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for me. </span></sup></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;">I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt!<br />
Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?<br />
No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,<br />
Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;">Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me<br />
Enough to die for me!<br />
Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://%22i%20stand%20all%20amazed%22%20hymn%20193/"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">"I Stand All Amazed" Hymn 193</span></a></div>Elder James Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244236189261519619noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894474182193578280.post-61760355668353358652011-01-16T17:35:00.000-08:002011-01-16T17:35:34.493-08:00A Simple ConverstaionAs I reflectively consider my callings and how I can more fully magnify my current assignments, this wise council from one of the Lords anointed has given me great direction and insight.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><em>"Ponder deeply and diligently in the scriptures and in the words of living prophets. Persist in prayer for the Holy Ghost to reveal to you the nature of God the Father and His Beloved Son. Plead that the Spirit will show you what the Lord wants you to do. Plan to do it. Promise Him to obey. Act with determination until you have done what He asked. And then pray to give thanks for the opportunity to serve and to know what you might do next</em>."</span> <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/act-in-all-diligence?lang=eng">Pres. Eyring</a><br />
<br />
So lets break this down...<br />
1) Ponder deeply and diligently in the scriptures and in the words of living prophets<br />
2) Persist in prayer for the Holy Ghost to reveal to you the nature of God the Father and His Beloved Son<br />
3) Plead that the Spirit will show you what the Lord wants you to do<br />
4) Plan to do it<br />
5) Promise Him to obey<br />
6) Act with determination until you have done what He asked<br />
7) And then pray to give thanks for the opportunity to serve<br />
8) [Ask] to know what you might do next<br />
<br />
As I have applied these 8 steps, I have not only found strength to accomplish what the Lord has asked of me, but I have also noticed the Lord working through me. I humbly declare that we are indeed, As <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/-you-are-my-hands-?lang=eng">Pres. Uchtdorf</a> so well put it, "[His] hands". As we converse with God through prayer, He will let us know simply what we must do. My hope is that we not only hear His voice, but FOLLOW.<br />
<br />
"<em>But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only...</em>" <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/james/1?lang=eng">James 1:22</a>Elder James Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244236189261519619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894474182193578280.post-48387289818571633612010-12-23T11:43:00.000-08:002010-12-23T11:43:27.905-08:00Mormon kids Christmas<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0EfS1RLnBH4?fs=1" frameborder="0" width="480" height="295"></iframe>Let us never forget the true meaning of Christmas.<br />Its simple enough, even a child can tell you...<br /><strong>MERRY <span style="color:#ff0000;">CHRIST</span>MAS!!</strong>Elder James Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244236189261519619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894474182193578280.post-37668902280445826792010-12-09T17:37:00.000-08:002010-12-09T17:37:17.274-08:00Mormons are "weird"...Have you ever asked yourself, "Why Mormons are so 'diffrent'?"<br />
I received a letter from my father a while back. It reads...<br />
<br />
<em>"I had an interesting experience at work on Friday. I'm serving as scoutmaster for the troop, and we had a merit badge clinic at our ward building this weekend. My troop had three boys signed up to take some merit badges for the clinic, and I had to sign the blue merit badge cards for the boys to give them permission to take the classes. So on Friday, the boys' mothers came by the office to get the cards from me. Sister Martinez, Sister Behnke and Sister Benjamin all came by during the course of the morning. <br />
<br />
After they had all come by, the lady working at our front desk (Celeste) asked me, "Are those three ladies also Mormons?"<br />
<br />
I said, "yes, why?"<br />
<br />
She answered, "I thought so. Mormons look different."<br />
<br />
"How so?", I asked.<br />
<br />
"You always have this smile and this look on your face," she said. "You must know something we don't know."<br />
<br />
Yes, we surely know something they don't know. I've known it since my conversion in April 1978....."</em><br />
<br />
So the question arises, "What do you know that is different that makes you so happy?"<br />
<br />
Elder Russell N. Neslson, a living Apostle addressed this very topic this last October General Conference...<br />
<br />
<em>Many years ago two colleagues of mine—a nurse and her doctor husband—asked me why I lived the way I did. I answered, <strong>“Because I know the Book of Mormon is true.”</strong> </em><span style="color: #486fae;"><a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/be-thou-an-example-of-the-believers?lang=eng">( Be thou an example of the believers )</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">I too like my father and Elder Nelson know something that will make you and any human being happy, its the fullness of the everlasting Gospel found in the Book of Mormon. If you haven't read the book, take heed to my words, because I have. I am a living witness that the Book of Mormon is a true book. My very life has been changed because of the words of that book that I have applied which have ultimately turned me to the one and only Prince of Peace, Christ the Lord Jesus.</span><br />
<br />
<div align="center">Request a free copy of the Book of Mormon</div><div class="widget-content" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/"><img alt="Request a free copy of the Book of Mormon" height="128" id="Image5_img" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiWllEhg1-frmW7HaKpsJLr4hjbvCAF8ZtVdmVqd56US_dBj5H-RueDrNUOZ1RIvKOYCuFVjczKdQbH6l9TN-R3zr9Pus4-IG-EWGWrLq5RdnCTVUWQJ6bJ_vmsvNEMlrU9GVDaY85Vs/s170/book-of-mormon.jpg" width="170" /></a></div>Elder James Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244236189261519619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894474182193578280.post-89042542251637906822010-11-30T20:58:00.000-08:002010-11-30T20:58:56.597-08:00"Its free, just like Salvation!"...<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Just the other day, the Salvation Army was having their annual red kettle kickoff for this coming Christmas season. There was great music sung by local members of the Salvation Army. The spirit of Christmas was indeed in the air. To top of the warm and friendly welcome of the volunteers, they served some good ole hot chocolate! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rotary-usc-bp.org/images/thumbs/Salvation%20Army%20Red%20Kettle%2020091212%20web.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" id="il_fi" src="http://www.rotary-usc-bp.org/images/thumbs/Salvation%20Army%20Red%20Kettle%2020091212%20web.JPG" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="232" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">So one of the lady's at the hot chocolate both yells out to me, "Would you like to have some hot chocolate?"</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I reply, "How much is it?"</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">She answers, "It's free!"</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I quickly walk up to her with no hesitation.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">After she pours me a cup, she hands it to me and says "It's free, just like salvation."</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Now that got me thinking.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Is salvation free?</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">How does it work?</div><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>"For ye are <span style="color: red;">bought</span> with a <span style="color: red;">price</span>..."</em> reads <a class="titleNumber" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-cor/6?lang=eng" name="6">1 Corinthians 6:20</a> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">So the question arises,</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">How were we bought? And how much was the price?</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">We read in <a class="titleNumber" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-pet/1?lang=eng" name="1">1 Peter 1:18-19</a> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold... <u><span style="color: red;">But with the precious blood of Christ</span></u>, as a lamb without blemish and without spot:"</em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img class="rg_i" data-src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ4z-rC7-v7zzKHoX0TTzGSufVZBHrAibfgBcRK5QBkgPMYT6jeR5lJlvJ85A" height="116" id="S3PCYLwtnVGpbM:b" onload="this.style.display='inline';" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ4z-rC7-v7zzKHoX0TTzGSufVZBHrAibfgBcRK5QBkgPMYT6jeR5lJlvJ85A" style="display: inline; height: 116px; width: 95px;" width="95" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a class="titleNumber" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/ot/isa/49?lang=eng" name="49">Isaiah 49:15-16</a> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Christ indeed PAYED for our sins.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to <span style="color: red;">pay the debt</span>!<br />
Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?<br />
No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,<br />
Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet.</em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Curriculum/music.htm/hymns.htm/sacrament.htm/193%20i%20stand%20all%20amazed.htm#JD_Hymns.193"><span style="color: #486fae;">Hymn 193: I Stand All Amazed</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I am so very grateful that Christ "<em>descend from his throne divine<br />
to rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine</em>,"</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">May we all openly share this good news.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Scripture" field="Scripture"><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/john/15/13#13">John 15:13</a></span></div><br />
<span class="Scripture" field="Scripture">Christ offer to us all...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>"Come my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money. come but and eat; yea come buy wine and milk without money and without price."</em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a class="titleNumber" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/9?lang=eng" name="9">2 Nephi 9:50</a> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">So is Salvation FREE?</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a class="scriptureRef" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/19.13-20?lang=eng#12" onclick="newWindow(this.href); return false;"><span style="font-size: small;">Doctrine & Covenants 19:15–19</span></a></span></div>Elder James Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244236189261519619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894474182193578280.post-41810796402594507142010-11-25T19:49:00.000-08:002010-11-25T19:49:32.973-08:00A letter from my uncle GregHowdy, All, <br />
Thought I'd drop you a line to give you an update on our family's latest conversion story. Michael has had a non-member friend with whom he has hung out for several years now. His name is Paris Demille. Paris has always been a "good kid" who has done very well in school and who is quite popular with his peers. Ever since James started the practice of sharing a scripture each evening, Michael has carried on the tradition and began to include Paris a year or so ago. Michael, by the beginning of this their senior year, finally persuaded Paris to take seminary during the school day. By September Paris consented to taking the missionary discussions, but we had to get permission from his grandparents, with whom he and his little sister, London, were living at the time. I made a visit to Gail and Nancy Demille and procured their permission, so that the discussions with the full-time Elders could begin. They even granted permission for 11 year-old London to sit in on the lessons.<br />
By mid-October a baptismal date had been set for either the first or second Saturday in November, but by the end of the month concerns had arisen as to whether or not Paris' mother, Camille, would consent to the baptism(s). She had been living out of town, and began to express some reservations. The baptismal date was finally set for November 13th, but when Camille moved back to Monroe on Nov. 4th and met with the missionaries, she decided that she would not allow either Paris or London to be baptized due to her unwillingness to have them affiliate with a church that seemed to discriminate against gays and those who had participated in abortions. Her concerns arose when the missionaries informed her of the questions that Paris and London would be asked during their baptismal interviews. On Sunday the 7th I met with her and we spoke together for some time. I was able to help alleviate her misunderstandings, and she consented to allow Paris' baptism to go forward on the 13th, but London would have to wait until she was a little older and "mature enough to make her own decisions." <br />
Camille's consent to allow Paris' baptism obviously elated us, so the missionaries began to prepare for an early-morning service in a baptismal room that might not contain all the people that were planning to attend. Things had to happen early that day due to the fact that many of the high school students (including Michael) were scheduled to participate in the school play, "My Fair Lady," during the 1 PM matinee. <br />
When we showed up at 9 AM on Sat., the 13th, there was London, all dressed in white alongside Elder Jared Harlan, also dressed in white. When I asked Elder Harlan what happened, he told me that London's mom had thought about it some more and felt good about consenting to London's baptism as well. She literally gave the O.K. the day before! <br />
We only set up one row of chairs in front of the baptismal font for the family. The rest of the room was packed, standing room only, with Paris' high school friends. The feeling I got was hard to describe as I watched my 17 year old son baptize and then hug his friend in front of all that support. The service was spirit-filled as was the sacrament meeting the following day when London and then Paris were confirmed members of the Church. As they say, "It just doesn't get any better than this!" <br />
Love,<br />
Greg<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNa4tCC8b3E_mA9whsx6d0sAx5YSKyX95RuMi9J-QVx9T5Mwus3f4hQKeW6hOqzop-Rq8PF04afA85k4oFEN5POLg43pdXJ9e0iGPQyrpUaSNNwAzYMO437M7EuS9n4RznxdonjNBKFbA/s1600/JeremySpurlin_JaredHarlan_London_Bud_Paris_%2528S%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNa4tCC8b3E_mA9whsx6d0sAx5YSKyX95RuMi9J-QVx9T5Mwus3f4hQKeW6hOqzop-Rq8PF04afA85k4oFEN5POLg43pdXJ9e0iGPQyrpUaSNNwAzYMO437M7EuS9n4RznxdonjNBKFbA/s320/JeremySpurlin_JaredHarlan_London_Bud_Paris_%2528S%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Elder James Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244236189261519619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894474182193578280.post-67354177391135326732010-11-22T15:57:00.000-08:002010-11-22T15:57:25.951-08:00Put on the whole armor of God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Everyday is a battle. We are constantly bombarded with the forces of the evil one; perverse entertainment, pornography, drugs, alcohol, anger, depression, fear, doubt, I can go on...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Scriptures call this "<u><em>the fiery <span style="color: black;">darts</span> of the wicked</em>.</u>"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How can we protect ourselves </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> and our families from these fiery darts?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/eph/eph/6"><span style="color: #40639d;">Ephesians 6:11-18</span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. </em></div><div class="verse"><a href="" name="12"></a><div id="eph/6/12" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em> 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritu</em> <em>al wickedness in high places. </em></div></div><div class="verse"><a href="" name="13"></a><div id="eph/6/13" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em> 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. </em></div></div><div class="verse"><a href="" name="14"></a><div id="eph/6/14" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)"><em> 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of <span style="color: black;">righteousness</span>; </em> <em> </em></div></div><div class="verse"><a href="" name="15"></a><div id="eph/6/15" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)"><em> 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of <span style="color: black;">peace</span>; </em></div></div><div class="verse"><a href="" name="16"></a><div id="eph/6/16" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em> 16 Above all, taking the shield of <span style="color: black;">faith</span>, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery <span style="color: black;">darts</span> of the wicked. </em></div></div><div class="verse"><a href="" name="17"></a><div id="eph/6/17" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em> 17 And take the helmet of <span style="color: black;">salvation</span>, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: </em></div></div><div class="verse"><a href="" name="18"></a><div id="eph/6/18" onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em> 18 <span style="color: black;">Praying</span> always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all <span style="color: black;">perseverance</span> and supplication fo</em> <em>r all saints; </em></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" id="il_fi" src="http://www.confettiantiques.com/ebay/32947.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="241" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Lets never forget to put on the <strong>whole armor of God.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">There is a battle that is raging on this earth</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">"<em>For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."</em>.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't be a casualty.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Put on the whole armor of God.</div>Elder James Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244236189261519619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894474182193578280.post-56628243767958807012010-11-20T17:17:00.000-08:002010-11-20T17:17:58.743-08:00Redwoods are HUGE!!!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Sometimes, we feel real small in the world. My latest trip up north to Eureka California was one of those times.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Northern California is know for its beauty but in particular the worlds tallest trees, Redwood trees. After a great 24 hours teaching and preaching Gods truth, Elder Hinton and I took a moment to tour the notorious "Avenue of the Giants".</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">There in the silent redwood forest, I once again was struck with awe at the love that my God has for me. There are plenty of bigger and better things out there, other than myself (the giant redwoods towering above tend to make one feel real small). But, this I do know, that little ole James Abbott is watched and cared for by a loving God, my Heavenly Father. He not only sees me for who I am, but who I can become. I have learned these truths by learning His Gospel.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">You too can feel big, even in a world where you seem so small.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">visit <a href="http://www.mormon.org/">mormon.org</a> to learn more about the plan that God, our Father in Heaven, has for us, His children.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1178.snc4/155090_113736348691897_100001665974526_107198_4050886_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" id="myphoto" seq="5" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1178.snc4/155090_113736348691897_100001665974526_107198_4050886_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Elder James Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244236189261519619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894474182193578280.post-56995224900874730252010-11-16T21:11:00.000-08:002010-11-16T21:11:07.687-08:00The Lord will prepare his peopleEvery six weeks, we as missionaries have a possibility of being transferred into a different city or town. Part of my assignment as assistant to the president of the mission is to be part of this transfer meeting. Its a neat experience and I always walk away from those meetings with a better understanding of the love that God has for each of his missionaries.<br />
For the last 6 months, I have served in Bennett Valley, Santa Rosa area. That is typically a long time to serve in one area so I knew I was soon due for a move. When President Bunker told me that he has prayerfully selected Shiloh Park, Santa Rosa to be my new area, I was immediately excited. I love Santa Rosa so I knew it would be nice to stay in the city. But that's not what its about...<br />
I recognize my purpose as a missionary of the Lord which is to bring others unto Christ through baptism. So the call to go to Shiloh park means nothing to me if I am not fulfilling my assignment. That night I prayed earnestly to God that he would prepare souls for me to find, teach, and baptize. For the next week, that same cry was made to my Lord. I believe in the promise given in <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/matt/matt/7"><span style="color: #40639d;">Matthew 7:7</span></a> "<em>Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:".</em><br />
Sure enough, it was given to me...<br />
Our very first dinner/appointment in Shiloh Park was with the Ritter family. Sis. Ritter joined the church in 1976. Her husband, Bob Ritter, grew up with no religion. As we sat across the dinner table there was no doubt that this family had been prepared by the Lord to be taught by us. Later on that evening, we invited Bro. Ritter to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized. Bro. Ritter will be baptized December 5th.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN34EulbeF4lVOLRcG4_7-RgUhaCF5dT1KyKqGY1rgkgI7SKdDhyphenhyphenPZ_JC6LGnE83gsca1qPxrMP-v9vbuyQfrpTT0m1K7ozMinitZuv6Paam_4Vul4vu2kpl7JkCJ3YL2180OC_IDHB04/s1600/662E1252%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN34EulbeF4lVOLRcG4_7-RgUhaCF5dT1KyKqGY1rgkgI7SKdDhyphenhyphenPZ_JC6LGnE83gsca1qPxrMP-v9vbuyQfrpTT0m1K7ozMinitZuv6Paam_4Vul4vu2kpl7JkCJ3YL2180OC_IDHB04/s320/662E1252%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">"<em>And whoso reciveth you, there I will be also, <strong>for I will go before your face</strong>. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."</em> (<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/dc/84"><span style="color: #40639d;">Doctrine and Covenants 84:88</span></a>)</div>Elder James Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244236189261519619noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894474182193578280.post-36113980497015603492010-11-11T11:17:00.000-08:002010-11-11T11:17:21.068-08:00Henderson's- an example family<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I'm sad to report that I am will be leaving the Bennett Valley ward. For the past 6 months I have come to love these wonderful people. My life will ever be changed from my service with this great ward.</div>One of the blessings of being a full time missionary is the privilege of meeting and getting to know individuals and families. One family in particular that has touched me in this positive way is the Henderson family.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The Henderson's, with their 4 great children, have been there for us local missionaries on many occasions. I could make a fat list stating all that they have done for us, but by me so doing it would seem redundant.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It is simple, the reason why this family is so amazing is because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This family is living Christ gospel. No they are not perfect, but they are striving to be. By living His gospel we too can enjoy the sweetness that this everlasting gospel offers; which will in turn give us peace and joy in this life, and everlasting blessings in the world to come. The Henderson's are a righteous example of what is possible by living this, Christ gospel. My hope is that I too can have a family that is centered on Christ, just like the Henderson's.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Thank you Bennett Valley and thank you Henderson family</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="240" id="myphoto" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs924.snc4/73737_110657138999718_100001662964081_85627_4476878_n.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">To find out more on how your family can be like the Henderson's, visit <a href="http://www.mormon.org/">www.mormon.org</a></div>Elder James Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244236189261519619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894474182193578280.post-57434088127558771332010-11-06T13:13:00.000-07:002010-11-06T13:13:30.972-07:00white as snow<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In my scripture studies this morning I came across a verse that struck me in a way that it never has; it reads...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>"And the angel said unto me: Look! And I looked, and beheld three generations pass away in righteousness; and their garments were white <u>even</u> like unto the Lamb of God. And the angel said unto me: These are made white in the blood of the Lamb, <strong>because</strong> of their faith in him." -</em>(<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/1_ne/12"><span style="color: #40639d;">1 Nephi 12:11</span></a>)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;">"..white even like unto the Lamb of God.."</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So than I asked myself, how white was the Lamb of God?</div><ul><li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/brain-religion-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/brain-religion-1.jpg" width="200" /></a>In Acts we read of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus when the resurrected Lord appears to him:</div></li>
</ul><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>"And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="color: #444444;">great</span> light</span> round about me." </em>-(<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/acts/acts/22"><span style="color: #40639d;">Acts 22:6</span></a>)</div><ul style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/photos/midres/1072472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.deseretnews.com/photos/midres/1072472.jpg" width="137" /></a>We read in Matthews account of the risen Lord appearing to many:</li>
</ul><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>"His <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">countenance</span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> </span>was like lightning</span>, and his raiment <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">white as snow</span>:" </em>-(<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/matt/matt/3"><span style="color: #40639d;">Matthew 28:3</span></a>)</div><ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.delange.org/Teotitlan2/ChristAppears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.delange.org/Teotitlan2/ChristAppears.jpg" width="153" /></a>When Christ shows himself to his fold in the ancient Americas:</li>
</ul><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>"...and his countenance did smile upon them, and the <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">light of his countenance</span> did shine upon them, and behold they were as white as the countenance and also the garments of Jesus; and behold <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">the whiteness thereof did exceed all the whiteness, yea, even there could be nothing upon earth so white as the whiteness thereof</span>." </em>-(<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/3_ne/19"><span style="color: #40639d;">3 Nephi 19:25</span></a>)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Joseph Smith tells of his visitation of the Father and the Son:</li>
</ul><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://downloads.sugardoodle.net/sdclipart/2007/08/1vision.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://downloads.sugardoodle.net/sdclipart/2007/08/1vision.jpg" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: nearest-neighbor;" width="193" /></a><em>"I saw a <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">pillar of light</span> exactly over my head, <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">above the brightness of the sun</span>, which descended gradually until it fell upon me... When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages,</span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> whose brightness and glory defy all description</span>, standing above me in the air." </em>-(<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/js_h/js_h/1"><span style="color: #40639d;">Joseph Smith History 1:17</span></a>)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">What does this all mean?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>"and their garments were white <u>even</u> like unto the Lamb of God."</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>"and behold they were <u>as white</u> as the countenance and also the garments of Jesus"</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">A scripture in Isaiah comes to mind:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>"<span style="font-size: large;">Come now, and let us reason together, saith the <span class="smallcaps">Lord</span>: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">white as snow</span>; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.</span>"</em> -(<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/isa/isa/1"><span style="color: #40639d;">Isaiah 1:18</span></a>)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">How is that possible? A sinful, cruel, selfish human can become "white" as the sinless, loving, perfect in every way, the Lamb of God, even Jesus Christ. The key is... <em>"These are made white <strong>in</strong> the blood of the Lamb, <strong>because</strong> of their faith in him"</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">All things can be done by Christ. We must exercise our faith in Him in order to apply His cleansing blood in order to become "<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">white as snow</span>".</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We must have faith in Jesus Christ and repent.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Jerrold, Joseph and Emilio did. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=56017&id=100001662964081" id="myphotolink" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="150" id="myphoto" seq="14" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs897.snc4/73056_110134815718617_100001662964081_82423_6080326_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Will you?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div>Elder James Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244236189261519619noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894474182193578280.post-90604321261680735242010-11-02T20:54:00.000-07:002010-11-02T20:54:00.276-07:00O Remember, Remember<object height="295" style="background-image: url(http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/DF01BQAcj8E/hqdefault.jpg);" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DF01BQAcj8E?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DF01BQAcj8E?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="480" height="295" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object><br />
<u>Have you seen Gods hand in your life today?</u><br />
<br />
Let us remember Him in all things.<br />
We must never forget that we are indeed placed on this earth for a distinct purpose; and by remembering Him each day, we will <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">receive</span> the comfort and guidance that will help us overcome the trials of life in mortality.Elder James Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244236189261519619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894474182193578280.post-65101566426483660932010-10-30T11:19:00.000-07:002010-10-30T11:19:32.626-07:00The Fam<em>Front row</em> <em>(LF to RT)</em> : Trevor "Bookie" Abbott (nephew); Lauren May Abbott (little sister)<br />
<em>Behind the babies</em> <em>(LF to RT) </em>: Jared Abbott (younger brother); Terri Abbott (mother) ; Hal Abbott (father); Tara Abbott (older sister); Nigel Cockroft (brother-in-law); Me; Derek Abbott (older brother)<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=43570&id=100000213607148" id="myphotolink" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="214" id="myphoto" seq="2" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs248.snc1/9532_102395996444187_100000213607148_68234_2931820_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>This picture was taken at my beautiful sisters wedding on April 19, 2008. Nigel Cockroft was the new addition to our little family. He is the MAN! We love him and are very grateful to have such a honorable man take care of Tara and her energetic son Trevor. Tara and Nigel are expecting a baby boy this next month.</div><br />
<strong>Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (</strong><a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/ps/127/3#3" onclick="newWindow('http://scriptures.lds.org/ps/127//3#3')" target="contentWindow"><strong>Psalm 127:3</strong></a><strong>)... The family is ordained of God.</strong> -( <a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=1aba862384d20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=e1fa5f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">The Family: A Proclamation to the World</a> )<br />
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Thank you Mom & Dad for your righteous example.Elder James Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244236189261519619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894474182193578280.post-31832147471225046202010-10-28T20:54:00.000-07:002010-10-28T20:54:03.157-07:00Pink Tie Tuesday!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDUQdWT3e3s830rleaMbLaU4p8icpWTmU6a_ypYQoDu5iv0k3kGATZUVRQ_GMI19-bK9yV_cjRwdCqfGRiyx7OexQP7BiSDXqf37vrzpxfMo5by6CbynEtN22No_ulPIAWEVIriPvVB8/s1600/DSC_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDUQdWT3e3s830rleaMbLaU4p8icpWTmU6a_ypYQoDu5iv0k3kGATZUVRQ_GMI19-bK9yV_cjRwdCqfGRiyx7OexQP7BiSDXqf37vrzpxfMo5by6CbynEtN22No_ulPIAWEVIriPvVB8/s320/DSC_0094.JPG" width="320" /></a>Every Tuesday, us missionaries in the California Santa Rosa mission wear <span style="color: #ea9999;">pink</span> ties to support the breast cancer victims across the globe. And specifically to support the one nearest to our hearts, Sis. Susan Bunker, our mission mom. She is currently going though chemotherapy to fight off this evil.</div>I'm not even sure if she has been, or wants me to be, real public about it. I'm not going to write a whole blog entry on her and how amazing she is (even though that would be real easy to do..). But I do want to close out this October with a blog supporting "<span style="color: #ea9999;">our girls</span>".<br />
1 out of 4 woman are victim to this disease. WOW! That is a<em> very</em> a high percentage. Most likely there is someone who is dear to you that has been diagnosed. So what can we do about it?<br />
Making it known is the 1st step. I'm not saying everyone needs to run and get pick ties that they can wear on Tuesday, (even though that would be sick!). Make donations, join groups, visit this website <a href="http://www.facebook.com/gillettevenus?ref=ts&gclid=CJLfu9SP96QCFQgEbAodeWokhA">http://www.facebook.com/gillettevenus?ref=ts&gclid=CJLfu9SP96QCFQgEbAodeWokhA</a>, you can figure it out... Lets just not "do nothing".<br />
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But most of all, remember these brave woman in our thoughts and in our prayers. "<strong>Yea, cry unto him against the power of you enemies</strong>." (<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/alma/alma/34"><span style="color: #40639d;">Alma 34:22</span></a>). Lets fight this enemy called <u>Breast Cancer</u>!<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">And wear pink next Tuesday</span>!<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://thepinkpelican.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/breast-cancer-ribbonjpg.jpg&imgrefurl=http://thepinkpelican.com/blog/%3Fp%3D460&usg=__MwmwkPi2oKmzbQBMGgMfpgKqSoY=&h=472&w=315&sz=10&hl=en&start=2&zoom=1&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=s8OyUOX0cbiU3M:&tbnh=129&tbnw=86&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbreast%2Bcancer%2Bawareness%2Bmonth%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rlz%3D1R2ADBS_enUS386%26tbs%3Disch:1" id="apf1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="131" id="ipfs8OyUOX0cbiU3M:" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:s8OyUOX0cbiU3M:http://thepinkpelican.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/breast-cancer-ribbonjpg.jpg" style="border-bottom: #ccc 1px solid; border-left: #ccc 1px solid; border-right: #ccc 1px solid; border-top: #ccc 1px solid; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; vertical-align: bottom;" width="88" /></a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=19549&id=100001711621737" id="myphotolink" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="200" id="myphoto" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs394.ash2/67197_103826576351063_100001711621737_24178_8326523_n.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>Elder James Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244236189261519619noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894474182193578280.post-60369948984825316402010-10-26T21:14:00.000-07:002010-10-26T21:14:17.941-07:00Are Mormons Christians?I have been asked this question many times in my life, "Are Mormons Christians?". <br />
Today I want to address that question. So I thought it best to hear from Elder Gary J. Coleman who is a great leader in our church.<br />
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Watch the video.<br />
<object height="295" style="background-image: url(http://i3.ytimg.com/vi/f5x0wjT9Uq8/hqdefault.jpg);" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/f5x0wjT9Uq8?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/f5x0wjT9Uq8?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="480" height="295" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object><br />
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I want to bear my humble testimony that Jesus Christ is who He proclaims to be, "the light and the life of the world" ( <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/3_ne/11"><span style="color: #40639d;">3 Nephi 11:11</span></a> ). He truly did suffer and die for the sins of all mankind and is our perfect example in every way. Learn of Him. If you have not read the Bible <strong>and</strong> the Book of Mormon, you are cheating yourself and missing out on gospel truth that has been restored by God Himself. To obtain a free copy of the Bible and the Book of Mormon, visit <a href="http://www.mormon.org/">http://www.mormon.org/</a> and request a visit from a missionary like myself.Elder James Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244236189261519619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894474182193578280.post-33541427499937309212010-10-24T19:50:00.000-07:002010-10-24T19:50:24.480-07:00Half empty of half full?<div style="text-align: left;">There is a famous saying that Pres. Bunker has become well known for, which is, "Ever grateful, Never satisfied".</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I feel that I have the "never satisfied" part down pat.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Every night, after a long day of striving to find, teach, and baptize, we review what we did for the day before planning for the next. Some days seem more accomplished than others.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For example; Wednesday while reviewing our day/week, I realized that we had only taught one lesson the whole week. One lousy lesson! I thought to myself, "What the heck is going on!? What have we been doing all week!?"</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Like I said before, I think I have the "never satisfied" part down pat.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.mediahunter.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/glass-half-full1.jpg" onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/downloads/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/glass-half-full1.jpg');" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mediahunter: Is the television industry's glass half empty or half full?" class="size-medium wp-image-3552" height="300" src="http://www.mediahunter.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/glass-half-full1-247x300.jpg" title="200458043-001" width="247" /></a>The problem is, because of my pride and lack of humility, I often over look the "ever grateful" part.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So I decided to look at the picture differently. Instead of thinking "What have we been doing all week?" I now think "Who have I taught.".</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">That one "lousy" lesson all week was taught to Sally Howard, a daughter of God. I was reminded "...the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;"( <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/dc/18"><span style="color: #40639d;">D&C 18:10</span></a> ); Sally Howard is worth every second. The Lord Jesus Christ would have came down to this earth and die just for her. I was then reminded of the love that God has for her. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Indeed Pres. Uchtdorf words are true; "We cannot gauge the worth of another soul any more than we can measure the span of the universe. Every person we meet is a VIP to our Heavenly Father.". ( <a href="http://new.lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/you-are-my-hands?lang=eng">“You Are My Hands”</a> )</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In the new testament story of the Savior preforming a miracle, once again, we read of the disciples reactions to Christ's desires to feed the 4,000 in the wilderness with 7 loaves of bread;</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">"33) And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude? 34) And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes." - ( <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/matt/matt/15"><span style="color: #40639d;">Matthew 15:33-34</span></a> )</div><div class="verse"><div onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)" s_oid="functionanonymous(){returntoggleMarked(event,this)}" s_oidt="2"><u>Like many of us, the disciples saw only what was lacking.</u></div><div onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)" s_oid="functionanonymous(){returntoggleMarked(event,this)}" s_oidt="2"> </div><div onclick="return toggleMarked(event, this)" s_oid="functionanonymous(){returntoggleMarked(event,this)}" s_oidt="2">Look at this picture of Sally Howard and I, and tell me, is my cup half empty or half full?</div></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6lPZdAFpFsIF5oEhyluD_9AZm7GSyIpJE-D73_RwyeLO0MxZtLz1nLZaJrcGQJJlK7Yd_FPf6U4Dfw_JkOQwb4UuosCBFFEpn4Aw40zmya7cfDgDClJBAOp8N7UX2MB__mLjkGXnxUk/s1600/IMG_0620%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6lPZdAFpFsIF5oEhyluD_9AZm7GSyIpJE-D73_RwyeLO0MxZtLz1nLZaJrcGQJJlK7Yd_FPf6U4Dfw_JkOQwb4UuosCBFFEpn4Aw40zmya7cfDgDClJBAOp8N7UX2MB__mLjkGXnxUk/s320/IMG_0620%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">"We have all experienced times when our focus is on what we lack rather than on our blessings. Said the Greek philosopher Epictetus, “He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”" -Pres. Monson (<a href="http://new.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/the-divine-gift-of-gratitude?lang=eng">The Divine Gift of Gratitude</a>)</div></div>Elder James Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244236189261519619noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894474182193578280.post-60388952251257045532010-10-22T18:36:00.000-07:002010-10-22T18:36:02.973-07:00The Forgotten Man<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jesus taught, "Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done <i>it</i> unto one of the least of these my brethern, ye have done <i>it</i> unto me." -<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/matt/matt/25"><span style="color: #40639d;">Matthew 25:40</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What does the Savior mean by this?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Who are "the least of these"?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What should we be doing?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I find this counsel from Pres. Monson very helpful while reflecting this scripture: </div><div id="/general-conference/2010/10/charity-never-faileth.p35" jquery1287683104265="81" uri="/general-conference/2010/10/charity-never-faileth.p35"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="color: magenta;">"There is a serious need for the charity that gives attention to those who are <strong>unnoticed</strong>, hope to those who are <strong>discouraged</strong>, aid to those who are <strong>afflicted</strong>. True charity is love in action. The need for charity is everywhere.".</span> <span style="color: black;">( <a href="http://new.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/charity-never-faileth?lang=eng"><span style="color: #0b5394;">charity-never-faileth</span></a></span> <span style="color: black;">)</span></span></div><div jquery1287683104265="81" uri="/general-conference/2010/10/charity-never-faileth.p35"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIRPHScCTo7Fu0Hi45gj2RgPJ-XS-9M6ac5uXDo8-x4ibQaK7Vlvlgg8RAKVm4ULDgfaKeyQcOLzUZWkRcvtZzC_AXg41Qiybe1R3S84sfOvPnGyiQ9deSbOAUJ2WmQ8qLdOYJzZCoHg/s1600/The+forgotten+man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIRPHScCTo7Fu0Hi45gj2RgPJ-XS-9M6ac5uXDo8-x4ibQaK7Vlvlgg8RAKVm4ULDgfaKeyQcOLzUZWkRcvtZzC_AXg41Qiybe1R3S84sfOvPnGyiQ9deSbOAUJ2WmQ8qLdOYJzZCoHg/s1600/The+forgotten+man.jpg" /></a></div>This photo is a sad picture of reality. We too often walk by the unnoticed, discouraged, and afflicted with out a second thought.<br />
Lets reach out to those who need it the most: The "unpopular kid" who sits by himself at school, the person who is around but is never noticed or talked to, the "weird dude", that "funny looken person", the guy who goes outside to smoke a cigarette by himself, the lonely alcoholic, the single parent, the single adult, the guy who comes into church smelling like smoke and booze, the annoying kid, the poor family, the new guy, the foreigner, the forgotten man... the list goes on. <br />
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<u>Lets serve <span style="color: magenta;">The One</span> (God), by serving <span style="color: magenta;">the one</span> unnoticed</u><br />
"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." - <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/mosiah/mosiah/2"><span style="color: #40639d;">Mosiah 2:17</span></a>Elder James Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244236189261519619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894474182193578280.post-61820153728440326732010-10-20T14:05:00.000-07:002010-10-20T14:07:54.349-07:00True UnityYou'll come to realize that I love my family dearly. So from time to time I will be writing about them.<br />
A common question that I hear from people is "do you have any siblings?" I tell them I have two brothers and two sisters and I am right in the middle. Than I proudly inform them that I have little brother serving a church mission with me right now and he is in Chile. That's exciting stuff!!<br />
My little brother Jared and I started filling out our mission papers at the same time volunteering to serve the Lord. We helped push each other to live righteously and increase our faith. I was living in Utah at the time, so we would talk on the phone every now and again. Every night we would text each other a scripture that touched us that day from our studies. I would read his and he would read mine. It was neat. We later recruited others to join us in our little activity, Derek (my older brother), Micheal and Aubrey (my cousins). We did this for about 5 months.<br />
Than the day came when I received my mission call to serve in the California Santa Rosa Mission. So in March, I headed west. While in California, Jared received his call to the Chile Rancagua Mission. He departed in October. So for the past year we have both been doing the same exact thing just on different sides of the equator. It is such a boost to me to know that I have a true friend that I look up to, praying for me and fighting the same fight that I am fighting everyday. We are called to baptize.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?op=1&view=global&subj=100000213607148&pid=83615&id=333500721" id="myphotolink" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="300" id="myphoto" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs526.ash1/30903_119427681420094_100000585873611_186995_7508313_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Jared in Chile (Ill give you a hint... he is the one with the blond hair)<br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500578137386923138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxoqnDNOW7QpouvE6ZP6jkXZEor_1Adm42BqLkePc0EGGQAiNe2lleewZHYMGIMPWLd7U6Rd__b1D2COg5n-QQZsiQgEK8ng__ACJYuUPykCvsDIdRJy_dkFac3Dttc_5Dd3FVjiP4dE/s400/DSC_0090.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><br />
The lovely Rochell family<br />
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If your in Chile or northern California the gospel of Jesus Christ is the same. We teach the <u>same exact thing</u>! <br />
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That always amazes me. But it is also so very simple. I have talked to many people of many other faiths and they all seem to disagree with each other; even if they claim to be from the same church, faith, or religion. There are Christan's arguing against Christians.<br />
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<strong>"One Lord, one faith, one baptism"</strong> - <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/eph/eph/4"><span style="color: #40639d;">Ephesians 4:5</span></a>.<br />
He doesn't say, One Lord, 2 faiths, 2 baptisms<br />
He doesn't say, One Lord, 45 faiths, 44 baptisms<br />
He doesn't say, One Lord, 1098 faiths, 987 baptisms<br />
I think you get my point...<br />
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God is a god of order; just look up at the sky or into a flower. So it is with His church and gospel.<br />
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Elder Jared Abbott and I are striving to spread the good news "Till we all come in the <u>unity</u> of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:" -<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/eph/eph/4"><span style="color: #40639d;">Ephesians 4:13</span></a>. That is was Paul's mission, that's Jared's mission, that's my mission, and most of all, that's Christ mission.<br />
To learn more on how God has once again called a prophet to the earth to unify His people, visit <a href="http://mormon.org/">http://mormon.org/</a>Elder James Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244236189261519619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894474182193578280.post-64468673988892570062010-10-18T20:56:00.000-07:002010-10-18T20:56:58.742-07:00Lifting Burdens: The Atonement of Jesus Christ<p><object style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/coef8G5ax6E/hqdefault.jpg)" height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/coef8G5ax6E?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/coef8G5ax6E?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="480" height="295" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></p><p>I love this little message. Is it not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">true</span>?</p><p>We all have burdens that need to be lifted. So lets always look to the source of the ultimate <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">relief</span>, the Lord Jesus Christ.</p><p>I recently have felt one of my burdens lifted from the Savior. Because of His atoning <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">sacrifice</span>, a wrong that I did, suddenly was made right through repentance. I know I have harmed many people in my past; and because of the natural man that I am, I will harm people in my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">future</span>. Because of these experiences that I have gone through, I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">realize</span> that I can do nothing on my own. I need help and assistance. No matter how much I try to "fix things" or "make things right", I fall short. I just can not do certian things on my own. There is some "fixing" that can only be done by him. Elder James Abbott needs mercy! I know now more than ever that "it is by <strong>grace</strong> that we are saved, <em>after all we can do</em>."(<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/25">http://scriptures.lds.org/en/2_ne/25</a>) . We can not fully be forgiven or have fully burdens lifted on our own accout or efforts. We must turn to Him! We must do our part so He can do His. I thank God everyday for my sending His Son to save me and lift my burdens when I can't. He is the ultimate "fixer upper". Learn of Him and than turn to Him, so He can fix the mistakes that we all make. Remember, it is only beacuse of Him that my sins and your sins will be blotted out. I love Him. </p>Elder James Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244236189261519619noreply@blogger.com1