If the Savior . . . .

If the Savior Stood Beside Me

If the Savior stood beside me, would I do the things I do?
Would I think of His commandments and try harder to be true?
Would I follow His example? Would I live more righteously,
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would I say the things I say?
Would my words be true and kind if He were never far away?
Would I try to share the gospel? Would I speak more reverently
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would my thoughts be clean and pure?
Would His presence give me strength and hope, and courage to endure?
Would His counsel guide my actions? Would I choose more worthily
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would I often kneel to pray?
Would I listen to the Spirit’s voice, and hasten to obey?
Would I count my many blessings? Would I praise Him gratefully
If I could see the Savior standing nigh watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would I comfort those in need?
Would I try to show the Savior’s love in every word and deed?
Would I give to those who hunger? Would I serve more willingly
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

He is always near me, though I do not see Him there
And because He loves me dearly, I am in His watchful care
So I’ll be the kind of person that I know I’d like to be
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me.

*  *  *  *  * 

As missionaries, we are representatives of Jesus Christ.  Our every word and action reflects on Him.  The Holy Ghost is our constant companion to lead us and guide us and inspire us.  Whenever we say or do anything, we need to ask ourselves if the Savior would approve.  At the end of our missions we don't want to have to apologize for our bad example.  We want to hear the words "Well done thou good and faithful servant."

Obedience and Jenga

I've been thinking a lot about obedience.  We have some missionaries who are so obedient they come close to being perfetto (perfect).  Other missionaries really struggle with making right choices.  They don't seem to understand that obedience brings blessings and they can't understand why things aren't going the way they think they should.

It reminds me of a game called jenga that we played with our children and often used as object lessons for various things.  The object is to pull a wooden block out of the stack until the entire stack collapses and falls.  You can usually pull a block or two out and nothing happens, but eventually if enough blocks are pulled out, the entire stack will come tumbling down.

That's the way it is with obedience.  You might be able to get away with doing one or two things wrong, but eventually your whole world falls apart and you tumble.  It's difficult to pull yourself together and start over at that point.  Hopefully, nothing else is injured from the collapse and doesn't topple, too.

A block with no missing parts is solid.   When missionaries are obedient, they are solid just like a jenga block.  Our goal is to help each of our missionaries become solid, faithful, obedient servants ready to do the Lord's work in Italy and "bring other's unto Christ."

Sparrow

"What is the best that lies within us? of how much we are capable?  None of us yet knows.  An old Arabic legend tells of  a rider finding a spindly sparrow lying on its back in the middle of the road.  He dismounted and asked the sparrow why his feet were in the air.  Replied the sparrow, 'I heard the heavens were going to fall today.'  'And I suppose you think your puny bird legs can hold up the whole universe?' laughed the horseman.  'Perhaps not', said the sparrow with conviction, 'but one does whatever one can."  --Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Sometimes trying to juggle the demands of a mission is like trying to hold the universe up on "puny bird legs".  We do the best we can but have a strong conviction that someone stronger and wiser than we are is in charge and carries the bulk of the burden.  

A mission is like an operating table where a doctor tries to save someone's life.  Lots of people surround the operating table doing their assigned task that hopefully will lead to the survival of the person being operated on.  Each operation requires specific instruments that need to be used at the right time.  The term "being an instrument in thy hand" has taken on much greater significance during the past three months.

Dear John/Jane

It isn't a topic that gets discussed very often, but I know some of our missionaries have received Dear John or Jane letters.  Some of them have even written them.  Some of the letters were expected and some of them came out of the blue and really surprised them.  Either way, the reality of it stung and they felt really bad.

I think that's the way Heavenly Father feels when one of his children turns away from him.  He sees us making wrong choices and feels bad about it, but it must really hurt him when we actually sever our relationship with him.

Watchmen on the Tower

The Puglia Stake Conference was held in Bari.  Elder Axel H. Leimer, Area Authority from Germany, was the visiting authority.  At the end of his talk he encouraged everyone to listen to the upcoming General Conference and likened those who would be speaking to the watchmen on the tower.  He said we should listen carefully to their messages because those giving the messages have a higher view and can see further than we can.  They can warn us of potential danger.  We need to listen carefully to the words of the prophet and those who will speak to us this conference.  Listening to the conference talks can bless the lives of our families.

It is important to listen to the counsel given to us, but even more important is acting on the things we are instructed to do--even if we don't understand why.

In the Doctrine and Covenants it talks about this very same thing and how the people were instructed to prepare and put watchmen in the tower to watch for impending danger.  The people resisted and didn't do as they were instructed and the result was that the Lord's vineyards were destroyed.  Hopefully we will be wise and not allow evil to destroy our families.  Sometimes we start out with good intentions and when nothing happens immediately, we let down our guard.  We must be diligent in protecting our homes and families.

* * * * *

D&C 101:44-54

A certain nobleman had a spot of land, very choice; and he said unto his 
servants:  Go ye unto my vineyard,even upon this very choice piece of land, 
and plant twelve olive trees;

And set watchmen round about them, and build a tower, that one may
 overlook the land round about, to be a watchman upon the tower, that mine 
olive trees may not be broken down when the enemy shall come to 
spoil and take upon themselves the fruit of my vineyard.

Now, the servants of the nobleman went and did as their lord commanded them, 
and planted the olive trees, and built a hedge round about, and set watchmen, 
and began to build a tower. 

And while they were yet laying the foundation thereof, they began to say among 
themselves:  And what need hath my lord of this tower.

And consulted for a long time, saying among themselves:  What need hath my 
lord of this tower, seeing this is a time of peace?

Might not this money be given to the exchangers:  For there is no need of these things. 

And while they were at variance one with another they became very slothful, and they hearkened not unto the commandments of their lord.

And the enemy came by night, and broke down the hedge; and the servants 
of the nobleman arose and were affrighted, and fled; and the enemy 
destroyed their works, and broke down the olive trees.

Now, behold, the nobleman, the lord of the vineyard, called upon his servants, 
and said unto them, Why! what is the cause of this great evil?

Ought ye not to have done even as I commanded you, and--after ye had planted
 the vineyard, and built the hedge round about, and set watchmen upon 
the tower, and watched for my vineyard, and not have fallen asleep, lest 
the enemy should come upon you? 

And behold, the watchman upon the tower would have seen the enemy while 
he was yet afar off; and then ye could have made ready and kept the enemy 
from breaking down the hedge thereof, and saved my vineyard from 
the hands of the destroyer.

Lost

September 8, 2013


Two of our sister missionaries got lost in Rome one night and couldn't find their way home.  One of the sisters is a very experienced, capable missionary but had just been transferred to Rome that day and wasn't familiar with the area.  Her companion was a brand new missionary who had only been in Italy one day.  They were at the bus station, but no buses came and they didn't know how to get back to their apartment.  They did exactly as they should have done and called the assistants to see if they knew what they should do.  Within minutes, the assistants were on their way to pick the sisters up and delivered them safely to their apartment--and then reported to us that all was well.

I found it ironic that it's the same with missionary work.  There are people in Italy who are searching for the gospel.  They are calling for help to find their way home.  The missionaries come and guide them until they are safe and sound.

Many individuals have lost their way and don't know what to do.  They are in a position where they don't know where to turn or who to ask for help.  They need guidance in their lives.  That's where the missionaries come in.  They can show those who are lost a path that will lead them safely home.  They can instruct them in the ways of the gospel and show them the way to the light.  For those who have gone astray and become inactive, the missionaries can help guide them back to the church where they are safe and have direction in their lives.  For those who have never been baptized and are looking for a better way, they can lead them to a way of life that will bring joy and happiness.  The gospel of Jesus Christ is so plain ad simple.  It's easy to follow the path to eternal life.  There are no twists nor turns in the path.  The path is straight and narrow.  As long as you hold to the iron rod, you are assured of returning to a Father in Heaven who loves and will show you the way back home and will be beside you every step of the way.  That's so much better than being lost and not knowing what to do.

Every day I am amazed at the tender mercies a loving Father in Heaven has provided for us and how much he must love us to constantly reach out and show us the way back to Him.

There Is a Green Hill Far Away

There is a green hill far away,
Without a city wall,
Where the dear Lord was crucified,
Who died to save us all.

There was no other good enough
To pay the price of sin.
He only could unlock the gate
of heav'n and let us in.

We may not know, we cannot tell,
What pains he had to bear,
But we believe it was for us
He hung and suffered there.

Oh, dearly, dearly has he loved!
And we must love him too,
And trust in his redeeming blood,
And try his works to do.

Text:  Cecil Frances Alexander, 1818-1895
Music:  John H. Gower, 1855-1922

Scriptures:  John 19:16-20, Hebrws 13:12

* * * * *

John 19:16-20

Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified.  And they took Jesus, and led him away.

And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.

And Pilate wrote a title, and put in on the cross.  And the writing was, Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews.

This title then read many of the Jews:  for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city:  and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.

Hebrews 13:12

Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

* * * * *

We were driving from Ascoli to Pescara on a Sunday afternoon.  It had rained really hard that morning, but the storm had moved on and the sun was shining.  The elevation is higher and the air is clearer in that part of Italy.  There are more hills and lots of grapes and other agricultural fields along the wayside.

We looked up at a hill as we were driving along.  The sun was shining on it and it was green and beautiful.  Michael and I both started singing "There is a green hill far away without a city wall."

As I contemplated the significance of green hills and city walls, I thought about the huge wall that surrounded ancient Rome and also about the city wall that surrounded Jerusalem at the time of Christ.

We see parts of the partially destroyed Rome wall all over the city.  When we were in Jerusalem a couple of years ago, we saw the wall that surrounds Jerusalem.  We left the confines of the city wall and went to Golgotha, which is outside the city walls, where Christ was crucified.

Ancient people felt safe inside the city walls.  Whenever they were in danger, they sought the protection of the city walls.  Inside the city walls was the heart of civilization.  That's where merchants came to sell their wares and people went to buy them.  There was life and activity inside the walls.

Outside the city walls, bandits and thieves had more power over the people and they weren't nearly as safe.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ provides the same kind of protection.  When we live by it's teachings, we are protected.  When we venture outside and make poor choices, we are in danger.  We need to be vigilant and always strive to be worthy of the blessings that come from living the gospel.  When we go to church on Sunday or to the temple we are protected because we are in safe, sacred places.  We should strive to make our homes a place where we and our children can feel safe.

* * * * *

* * * * *

Pictures of Rome City Wall

Porta Maggiore - Major door to Rome

Promise based on Obedience

D&C 100:2-8, 15

Therefore, follow me, and listen to the counsel which I shall give unto you.

Behold, and lo, I have much people in this place, in the regions round about; and an effectual door shall be opened in the regions round about [Italy] in this eastern land.

Therefore, I, the Lord, have suffered you to come unto this place; for thus it was expedient in me for the salvation of souls.

Therefore, verily I say unto you, lift up your voices unto this people; speak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts, and you shall not be confounded before men;

For it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment, what ye shall say.

But a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall declare whatsoever thing ye declare in my name, in solemnity of heart, in the spirit of meekness, in all things.

And I give unto you this promise, that inasmuch as ye do this the Holy Ghost shall be shed forth in bearing record unto all things whatsoever ye shall say.

Therefore, let your hearts be comforted; for all things shall work together for good to them that walk uprightly, and to the sanctification of the church.

* * * * *

I have mentioned on my blog before how obedience seems to be a constant stumbling block in our mission.  (It's probably the same in all missions.  We are just more in tune with it in our mission.)   Someone sent me this scripture reference and I think it's perfect.

Here in Italy, we are very sensitive to Satan's attempt to keep the missionaries from being productive.  Rome is getting a temple.  Wow!  Nobody ever really thought that would happen, but it is a reality and daily we see the progress being made on the construction.  On September 15, the Rome Stake is being split into two stakes.  The Lord is preparing for growth in his church.  Undoubtedly, Satan isn't very happy about what is transpiring.  Consequently, he is trying to undermine the work of the missionaries.  In the nearly two months we have been here, we have certainly had our share of medical problems.  None of them have been life threatening; they are just things that keep missionaries from being able to teach about the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Ingrown toenails are a constant concern, mainly among the elders.  They tell me they are very painful and they look gross.  We've had foot fungus, pink eye, urinary tract infections, viruses, sprained ankles, arthritis, and a bunch of other things going on.  When missionaries can't go out and teach, it puts two missionaries out of commission because you can't leave your companion.  When you're not busy doing the Lord's work, depression sets in and then that creates a whole new set of problems.  Discouragement is not a good thing.  

It's a constant battle, but one we are willing to wage because in the end victory will be ours.  If we can keep our missionaries healthy and obedient, we will have a powerful mission.  We have a young mission and missionaries are forced to step up and be leaders very early in their missions.  The learning curve is very short.  Many of our new, younger missionaries are leaving home for the first time and going to a strange country with a language most of them thought they knew when they left the MTC but find it's much more difficult when everybody uses words they aren't used to and speak so fast.  Not surprisingly, as the Hastening has begun, missionaries are stepping up and they are wonderful.  Given a little time to make the adjustment, they will be a force to reckon with.

After the Trial comes the Blessing

And so he arose and went to Zarephath.  And when he came to the gate of the city, behold the widow woman was there gathering of sticks; and he called to her, and said, Fetch me I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.

And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand.

And she said, As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse; and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.

And Elijah said unto her, Feat not; go and do as thou has said:  but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.  For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, the barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth.

And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah:  and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days.

And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fall, according to the word of the Lord which he spake by Elijah.

1 Kings 17:10-16

* * * * *

The assistants have taught a segment about this story at every zone conference.  I knew the story and knew the missionaries represented the woman in the story.  I had listened to their adestramento (training) at three different conferences before I picked up on the sentence that said  "and as she was going to fetch it"  

That sentence changed the entire concept of the story for me.  The first sacrifice the woman was asked to do was so simple and didn't really require much of a sacrifice at all.  A cup of water isn't really a big sacrifice.   The sacrifice was the willingness to perform the act of kindness and giving a little time.

It wasn't until after the woman agreed to perform the simple sacrifice and was on her way to fulfill the request that she was asked to perform an even greater sacrifice and given even greater blessings. 

Just like the woman in the scriptures who thought she and her son would die if she gave the loaf of bread to the stranger, and gave it to him anyway, we, too, will be blessed when we sacrifice willingly.  We too will have flour in our barrel and oil in our cruse.

. . . for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.  

Ether 12:6

City on a Hill

Ye are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.

Matthew 5:14

* * * * * 

Every time we drive by one of the little cities in Italy that sits on a hill, I think of this scripture.  Italy should really be full of light because almost all the cities had their origin on the top of a hill.  Quite often a castle was built on the top of a hill so enemies couldn't come and attack as easily because the soldiers who were in the watch tower would see the enemies and could stop them before they attacked the village.  Usually a church is located nearby.  Once a village was established, other buildings and homes were built to surround the original structure.  Villages were built from the top down which meant they were built on the side of the hill as close to the top as possible.  It was easier to protect the villagers if they were close by.

Perhaps we should pattern our lives the same way.  We should always look towards the Kingdom of God which is at the top.  Churches are our sanctuary here on earth.  We should always look to God for help and guidance.  If we stay close to God and to the church, we are protected and watched over.

Another way to liken the scripture to our lives is that people are always watching us.  Here in the mission field our anziani (elders) and sorelle (sisters) stand out with their white shirts and modest attire.  People are drawn to them because of the spiritual light that emanates from them.  They carry a message that will save people and help bring them unto the light of Christ.

The villa is located in an area of Rome known as Monte Sacro (Sacred Mountain).  A couple of days ago, one of the sisters called to tell us she had met a woman who lives near the villa and walks by it all the time.  She wanted to know why the villa was different because it always has a good feel about it.  She is scheduled to receive her first lesson.  We have asked that the next lesson be taught in the villa.  We hope our missionaries and the villa provide a light to the world that cannot be hid.

Gypsies

August 11, 2013

Gypsies live in tents along the side of the road.  We are cautioned to avoid gypsies if we don't want to lose our wallets or purses from pickpocketing.

Gypsies have been around for a long time.  They live in little colonies just like they have for years and years.  They move from area to area and have no permanent location they call home.  The children don't attend school.  Instead they are taught from the time they are just tiny how to steal.  Little tiny hands slip easily into purses and bags.  Nobody expects a small child to be a thief.  Older children are trained in the art of pickpocketing.  They are taught how to bump against someone and while that person is concentrating on catching their balance, they either pick their pocket or snatch their purse.

In the early mornings, you can see gypsies going from garbage can to garbage can collecting anything they can find.  They carry a hook with them that looks much like the hook we use to lift the lid off a dutch oven.  They use the hook to rip open bags and then lift whatever looks interesting out of the garbage.  They put the items in grocery bags with wheels (I have one I take to the market to put my fruit in) or else in baby carriages.

It's a cultural thing.  It's all they have ever known.  They've never been taught there is a different way of life.

In many ways they remind me of the Lamanites in the Book of Mormon.  The Lamanites followed in the tradition of their fathers.  Over and over they told the Nephites they didn't believe what they had to say because their fathers never taught them any differently.  They believed what they had been told.  After all, why would their fathers lie to them?

Not only was it just the Lamanites, but the Nephites also turned against the traditions of their fathers and did many wicked things and taught their children to be wicked.  They were counseled that they would be responsible for the sins of their children.

In Jacob 3:10 it says:

Wherefore, ye shall remember your children, how that ye have grieved their hearts because of the example you have set before them; and also, remember that ye may, because of your filthiness, bring your children unto destruction, and their sins be heaped upon your heads at the last day.

In Italy, we struggle to teach the people because they say "We were born a Catholic and we will die a Catholic" not because of any great conviction, but just because that's the way it's always been.  We have to teach about a new way of life and a knowledge that there is a God who cares and watches over us everyday--a God who hears and answers prayers and is aware of everything we do.  It's a big stumbling block for us; one we work everyday to overcome.

Grapes & Converts

August 6, 2013

Vineyards dot the Italian landscape.  It's a beautiful sight to see.  The rows are perfectly aligned.  It really is picturesque.  The grapes will be harvested in about three months.  Right now they are just starting to turn dark.

The grapes remind me of new converts.  They are just now becoming what they are destined to become.  Someone planted a seed, nourished the grape vines, and provided support for them to grow on.  Now that they are reaching maturity, they would fall to the ground and be ruined if they weren't held up by strong stakes firmly planted in the ground.

New converts are much the same.  Someone planted a seed, someone nourished that seed until a testimony was formed.  That testimony lead to conversion.  After conversion they began to grow stronger testimonies.  Now the missionaries, the wards, branches and stakes are supporting them and helping them to reach their full potential.

I love the gospel of Jesus Christ.