12 Days & Counting

Hello family and friends. Well last Sunday March 31 2013 I had my farewell and it was so awesome to see my friends and family come and support me with the next chapter of my life. For those who couldn't make it here was the talk that I gave :)

Good morning brothers and sisters- Happy Easter Sunday. When I was little Easter was all about finding my Easter basket that the Easter bunny secretly hid from me and every year I could find my siblings baskets but not mine. It took a little effort and a whole lot of help more times then not I would have to enlist my dad's help to find where the sneaky bunny hid it.

As I grew up and got older I learned that Easter means so much more. It isn't about what is hidden in the beautifully wrapped baskets but it's more about the stone being rolled away and the Savior living among us again. When we were little we were taught that when we die our spirits will go up to heaven and be with our Heavenly Father, if we do all that is asked of us and endure to the end. So that's why we are here to receive our bodies and to prove or better yet improve ourselves. The gospel plan was made in heaven and our loving brother Jesus stepped forward and said he would do his part, giving all the glory to our Heavenly Father.

We all know the sweetest story ever told- the Savior was born on this Earth as a babe in Bethlehem. He grew from a child to a man that lived among many and preformed many mighty miracles everyday. He gave sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf and motion to the lame, maimed and withered. He healed the leapers, and even brought life back to the dead. His life was a miracle. He lived a perfect life teaching everyone the pattern of a righteous life. The Savior found delight in living and told his disciple that we should be as thrilled with the gospel as one who found a great treasure.

The universal resurrection became a reality with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. On the third day after His death and burial, Jesus came forth out of the tomb. He appeared to several men and women, and then to his apostles. Luke describes it this way: “Jesus saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? And why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have... Then opened their understanding. Later, when Thomas, one of the twelve, had not been with them when Jesus came, he insisted that he would not believe unless he could see and feel for himself. Jesus came to him and said, “Peace be unto you. “Then saith he to Thomas, reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands, and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.” That is also what the Savior asks of each of us, be not faithless but believe in Christ, and believe Christ and His promise to each of us if we repent and live lives patterned after His.

President Monson.said the following-

“Our Savior lived again. The most glorious, comforting, and reassuring of all events of human history had taken place—the victory over death. The pain and agony of Gethsemane and Calvary had been wiped away. The salvation of mankind had been secured. The Fall of Adam had been reclaimed. The empty tomb that first Easter morning was the answer to Job’s question, 'If a man die, shall he live again?' To all within the sound of my voice, I declare, If a man die, he shall live again. We know, for we have the light of revealed truth."

The hope we are given by the resurrection is our understanding that death is not the end but merely a necessary step from mortality to immortality. This hope changes the whole perspective of mortal life. The assurance of resurrection gives us the strength and perspective to endure mortal challenges. Because of the resurrection we know that all these experiences are only temporary. The assurance of the resurrection also gives us powerful incentive to keep the commandments of God during our mortal lives.

Joseph Smith said “The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, Concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; And all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.”

d thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.” That is also what the Savior ask of each of us, be not faithless but believe in Christ, and believe Christ and His promise to each of us if we repent

The resurrection is important to each one of us. Why is the resurrection important to you? I know why it's important to me first of all I have a loving family that is here today and I know I would be lost with out their love and their influence. They are truly my dearest and best friends. It's so comforting to me that when one of us passes away we will be together forever. Some of you may know that I have an older brother who passed away before I was born when he was only 11 weeks old. It's such a blessing to know that we will be together again someday because of the resurrection. He is part of our motivation to improve ourselves I guess you could say he's waiting and saving our spots. The assurance of the resurrection helps us bear mortal separations involved in the death of our loved ones. We are given hope and strength to carry on until the day we can all be united.

This weekend my mom and dad and I went to St. George. While we were there, we visited the St. George Temple and the visitors center. We also wanted to take an extra 5 minute detour to see a statue that was made by a local artist, called “Come Unto Me.” This statue depicts an aged woman passing through the veil only to be greeted by the Savior with open arms. This woman was no longer a frail looking woman, but now she was in perfect condition and stature, running towards the Savior. It's a comfort and a blessing to know that when we lose loved ones we will see them again in perfect condition.

In Alma chapters 40, and 41 talks about the resurrection of all man. We learn that after man dies there will be a period of time before the resurrection. During this time we either teach the gospel or learn of the gospel. We also learn that all things will be returned to their proper frame. All bodies will be reunited with spirits never to be separated again. Just as we do missionary work here, missionary work is happening right now on the other side of the veil. My brother TJ has been teaching the gospel for awhile now and I am excited to do my part here on earth. One day my family and I will gather with TJ never to separated again.

The greatest miracle that we will ever be part of is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He did it for you and me and even those who don't know anything about him yet.

President Monson said- "I believe that none of us can conceive the full import of what Christ did for us in Gethsemane, but I am grateful every day of my life for His atoning sacrifice in our behalf. At the last moment, He could have turned back. But He did not. He passed beneath all things that He might save all things. In doing so, He gave us life beyond this mortal existence. He reclaimed us from the Fall of Adam. To the depths of my very soul, I am grateful to [the Savior]. He taught us how to live. He taught us how to die. He secured our salvation."

And that's why I'm going to Birmingham, Alabama. There are people there looking for the truth. They need what we have. They need the joy of the gospel. They need to know that God knows who they are and what they can become. They need to know they are loved and are important and children of God. They need to learn of the atonement and the resurrection of Christ. I Am grateful for the opportunity to stand for the Savior as a missionary in all places, all things and in all times. I know it wont be easy but I know without a doubt it will be worth every moment. I know that the Savior lives. I know this church is true. I know when Joseph Smith was a true prophet and I know that Thomas S Monson is a true prophet today and gets revelation from our Heavenly father.

President Monson said- "I declare my personal witness that death has been conquered, victory over the tomb has been won. May the words made sacred by Him who fulfilled them become actual knowledge to all. ... He is risen."

It's crazy to think that I only have 12 days left here until I will be entering the MTC. Thank you for all the love and support that everyone has given me I love you all.