Hope you had a great week!
We had an interesting week. The weather has been normal! Raining, blue skies, over 70 degrees and snow all in the same day!
Most of the week Elder Dalling was sick! In the wee hours of Tuesday morning he awoke with a flu/dehydration/food poisoning sickness. We still don't know what caused it, poor guy! Not fun being sick. He was stuck in bed for 3 days. He started to feel better on Friday, so we went out for a little.We Had some cool experiences over the next 3 days!
Friday we meet with the Murchs. This family is great. Their Dad told us he doesn't believe in God and doesn't want to, so over the past three months as we stop over there and share the message of Jesus Christ, he has changed! The proof: Following our visit the kids told us they went to a different Christian church last week and the person who decided to take everyone was THEIR DAD!!! SO COOL! So I testify that by small and simple means are great things brought to pass. Don't give up on people you are trying to help because you are truly helping them!
Saturday we had a very humbling experience. We had a lesson with Randi but we had this one at her friend Lance's house. Now Lance is in a tough situation. He is paraplegic and cannot talk but communicates by typing on his computer with one hand. As we discussed what we had planned with Randi, Lance wanted to share something. So for 45 minutes Lance taught us things he knows. Since he cannot leave his bed, he studies and researches a lot! I learned many new things from him about the history of the scriptures and the scriptures themselves . He also taught me that I cannot say awesome as much as I do. HAHA
Randi told us the next day that the week before Lance felt worthless and wanted to pass away, but since he was able to teach us he felt worth in his life again. Another testimony that by small means we are able to help people!!!
So I have a story that goes along the lines of service and selflessness. First I wanted to share a story about sacrifice.
Since Elder Dalling was sick this week I had the opportunity to study a lot. What stuck out to me the most is sacrifice.
Since our Heavenly Father wants us to have all that HE has, to reach our greatest potential, He helps us along the way just as He helped the Brother of Jared, his family and friends to a land choice above all others.
Here is a little Background/chapter summary in Ether chapter 1 and 2.
Chapter 1
The language of the Jaredites is not confounded at the Tower of Babel—The Lord promises to lead them to a choice land and make them a great nation.
The Jaredites prepare for their journey to a promised land—It is a choice land whereon men must serve Christ or be swept off—The Lord talks to the brother of Jared for three hours
As the Brother of Jared lead these people, he relied upon the Lord for guidance. They went through trials and tribulation to reach a nice place.
13 And now I proceed with my record; for behold, it came to pass that the Lord did bring Jared and his brethren forth even to that great sea which divideth the lands. And as they came to the sea they pitched their tents; and they called the name of the place Moriancumer; and they dwelt in tents, and dwelt in tents upon the seashore for the space of four years.
God lead them to beach front property, no other people dwelt in this land and they had gathered all seed and animal of every kind. Sounds like a great deal to me. I won't want to leave. They probably thought this was the choice land that God was leading them to. They were in a really nice place. Nothing bad about it but God had so much more in store for them. He also has so much more in store for us. We can have what we want or we can have something better. We need to sacrifice in order to reach the potential God has for us! I know there is so much more to life when we come closer to our Heavenly Father by following the example of Jesus Christ!
I will just conclude with a little story about selflessness called THE KING’S HIGHWAY:
Once a king had a great highway built for the members of his kingdom. After it was completed, but before it was opened to the public, the king decided to hold a contest. He invited as many as desired to participate. Their challenge was to see who could travel the highway best.
On the day of the contest, the people came. Some of them had fine chariots, some had fine clothing, fine hairdos, or great food. Some young men came in their sports togas and ran along the highway. People traveled the highway all day, but each one, when they arrived at the end, complained to the king that there was a large pile of rocks and debris on the road at one spot, and this had hindered their travel.
At the end of the day, a lone traveler crossed the finish line and wearily walked over to the king. He was tired and dirty-but he addressed the king with great respect, and handed him a bag of gold. He explained, “I stopped along the way to clear away a pile of rocks and debris that was blocking the road. This bag of gold was under it, and I would like you to help me return it to its rightful owner.”
The king replied, “You are the rightful owner.”
The traveler replied, “Oh no, this is not mine. I’ve never known so much money.”
“Oh yes,” said the king, “You’ve earned this gold, for you have won my contest. He who travels the road best is he who makes the road smoother for those who will follow.”
-Author Unknown
When we render service to others and seek to improve the life of others we find the true happiness that God has in store for us!
Hope you have a great week!
Love,
Elder Rush
Me being board during the sick days
A note to Mitchell's Sister Kristalyne and family. They are pretty amazing!
Holy Cow!I miss you guys a lot!I love your family so very much!And I am so thankful for the inspirational messages you always share! I love your focus and commitment to the Savior, That is what makes your family so awesome!!!I hope you have a great weekLove,Elder Rush
Part of Kristalyne's letter to Elder Rush. His oldest sister.
I love this scripture, and have been thinking about it a lot this week:2 Nephi 3120 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.***Steadfastness meaning: commitment, dedication,perseverance, steadfastness, walking with God***I love what perseverance means in this verse! Am I choosing daily to walk with Christ? Am I inviting Him to walk with me and help me, lead me and guide me? Am I dedicated and commited to Him daily?I also love how it says having a love of God and of all men. The Savior spent His life loving others, and He says so many times to love one another! I have this quote in our home, "Christ like love is the greatest need we have on this planet." -Jeffrey R. Holland. Just imagine how the world would be if everyone loved their neighbor as themself! It is so important to love others and be kind...in fact it is a sure sign of a disciple of Christ. And of course choosing to love God daily is so important! I find when I choose to read my scriptures and say my prayers I'm showing my love for Him, and in return I am so much happier, and I feel His presence near!We love you Elder Rush! I am so proud of you! You are doing such an amazing service! Thank you for you service to your Idahoan brothers and sisters! :) You are amazing! Have a great week!Love, Kris and family!!!! Xoxo :)
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