Dear Family and Friends,
This
week has been great in many ways, and a tremendous struggle in many
others. I want to start by saying thanks to all of you who have taken
time to write me and update me on your adventures and lives. I hope you
continue to have success and the blessings of joy and happiness.
My
message today is sort of impromptu, so I hope that the spirit will make
up for my weakness in writing. There is a big difference between a
testimony and conversion. You all know that very well I'm sure. The
thing that has stood out to me this week is that there is only a void of
nothingness and pain when we do not follow the path that has been
prescribed by our father. It is a vicious cycle to fill a whirlpool, no
matter what you throw in it the depth thereof will swallow it up and the
storm will continue on. I was told once by a seminary teacher that
light feels good when it moves. It feels good when it enters into us and
it also feels good when it leaves. The feeling we have after is the
main difference. It's like a two lane highway, and there is no safe
middle ground. True conversion comes when we know our purpose. We become
one with God when we become one with his purpose, and is not his
purpose "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man?"
I
am left to Glory, after a week like this last one, that God has a
perfect plan. This plan is not to throw things into a whirlpool until it
is filled up. His plan has been, and is, and will be until the end of
this world, to send his Son to calm the whirlpools of life. His presence
fills all voids of pain and suffering. For me the feeling of despair is
no stranger. I have had it many times. Sometimes we don't even realize
it if we are focused on the wrong things. That is the way that many
people live their lives, focused on the wrong things never realizing
that the are sinking deeper and deeper into the darkness. Because of the
gradual decent it is not discernible right away. Often it is too late
by the time we do recognize it. These moments of recognition are times
for decision. We can choose to try and fill the gap with our own
resources, our own strength or our own knowledge. Or we can turn to
Christ and seek his help. HE only can calm the storms that we face. HE
only can fill the void of pain and regret. And his way, if we are truly
converted, is so much easier! The pains that some along the way are to
remind us of where we have been, so that we can then recognize where we
are. Just as the light darkens gradually so it is when it lightens. The
trial is avoiding those enticing and inviting temptations of
the things we use to enjoy.
Our
biggest struggle as a branch and as a church is conversion. People do
not recognize the true meaning of what it is to be converted. It does
not mean that we just know something is true in our heart. It means that
we know it is true to the point that we DO something about it. Serving
and taking Christ's name upon us is not just a one time thing.
Developing Christ-like attributes is a daily and moment to moment
pursuit. Our faith is shown by our actions. Christ told Peter, "when
thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." I hope that I can be a
better example of that. I know that the atonement is real and that the
Lord has made up the difference from our weaknesses and mistakes. The
work is moving along, and we all get to be part of it! Keep up the good
work and always turn to Christ, let the light fill you up and then you
can't help but share it :)
Ayoo' Aniinishni
Elder McGarry
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| Elder McUne and I by a Boxcar Museum in Magdalena NM |
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| Rainbows are a regular occurrence lately :) |
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