The Shepherds

"On the eve of Christ’s birth in the stable at Bethlehem, shepherds watched over their flocks in fields not far distant. These were not ordinary shepherds, for it had been prophesied among the Nephites that angels would declare the glad tidings of the Messiah’s birth to “just and holy men” (Alma 13:26).

In the Americas, Samuel the Lamanite prophesied of the signs of the Savior’s coming. (See Hel. 14:3–6.) And Alma wrote that Christ’s birth would be heralded by angels to those who were “just and holy” (Alma 13:26). In the nation of Christ’s birth, the testimony of his coming went forth in ever-widening circles—especially among those who were keeping the commandments and ordinances of the Lord and were filled with the Holy Ghost."

Joseph Fielding McConkie

Who are the Shepherds? There names are not given, yet they are one of the 12 witnesses to Christ's birth. They were 'Holy men', who kept the commandments of God. They watched over their flocks dutifully. They were not distracted by worldly things. In the still of the night the angel Gabriel appeared to them and told them of the miraculous birth of the Christ child. They were ready.

Luke: 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

They ran to the Savior. Then they went to tell everyone else. They had found Him and felt a probably overwhelming desire to share this wondrous news with others. They were missionaries who, when they had become converted themselves, couldn't bare to keep the news hidden.

I am grateful that we have the story of the shepherds. I am grateful to know that the Lord calls those who are in a humble station in this life to be witnesses of Him.

I ask you to think of the shepherds this Christmas and why they were chosen and how we can become more like them, so that we too may be witnesses of Christ.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Let's Get Real

For the past few months I have been trying to figure out why I don't like writing blogs. I love reading them and trying to think of new ones, but when I get to the keyboard and I'm staring at a blank screen, my mind becomes just that...blank. I believe that I have found my answer! As I was getting ready today my epiphany came to me. I have been faking it the whole time. I have not been myself. I have tried to be the 'perfect' missionary, and they just don't exist. (Except in the District 2)

I am Not a Barbie! I am not a Stepford Missionary!

When I first set out to write a missionary blog I had an idea of what it would be: I would be real. It would be me.

But then I started looking at other blogs and tried to be like them. Not that those other blogs are bad by any means, they are just not me. And anytime I try to be like someone else, I get depressed because I move farther and farther away from the person/missionary that Heavenly Father wants 'ME' to be. I put on a facade and failed.

So this is my attempt to apologize to my readers and rectify my mistake. From now on this blog is me. My life. My mission. My story.

What has been happening in my life: I just found out that I have a Gluten Intolerance. My life has turned upside down! Just when I thought I had every thing under control...I get this thrown into the loop. I have been praying for years to be able to be healthier, I just didn't expect the answer to come this way.

I have been gluten free for about 3 weeks. It is really hard! I feel so much better when I don't eat gluten and I can feel like a human again, but see there is one tiny, little problem...This new found diagnosis takes a lot of time and effort to make the treatment work. I'm a missionary. I don't really have time for anything else. So then this wonderful test came along to make me realize that I don't have everything under control as I would like. Plus I feel like such a burden to the members that we eat dinner with every night, becuase they have to tell me exactly what they are cooking and read all the ingredients to me and if there is anything that I can't eat they either have to start from scratch or make me a seperate meal. I'M SORRY! :(

Life is interesting. And I'm greatful that Heavenly Father doesn't allow me to beome complacent in my day to day routine. I'm thankful that he throws in a few sour skittles to let me realize how sweet life can be.

To be continued...