What Shall We Give?

Mom?-------Check!

Dad?-------Check!

Grandma?-------Check!

Grandpa?-------Check!

Charlie?-------Check!

Hannah?-------Check!

 

Do you have all the Christmas presents that you need this year? Hopefully you did not miss anyone! Christmas is a wonderful time to give gifts to our family and friends. It's fun to see what we can give them that is going to make them happy.

 

Did you remember Christ on your Christmas list this year? What are you going to give him? It's a little hard to give someone something who already has everything. What do you give the King of Kings? I have come to the conclusion that we give of ourselves. We serve. We make goals to become better. That is what we give to our Savior. That is what makes him happy.

This year I am going to give the gift of scripture study. For 2015 I am going to give my time to study the scriptures every day so I can learn and grow from the principles, doctrine, and stories. It's God's word. It's reading what he wants to tell me. It's a gift I'm giving Him but I know that I'm getting so much more in return.

 

 

I love my Savior so much and He is the reason for this beautiful Christmas celebration! He has given us so much! What are you going to give Him this Christmas?

 

What Shall We Give?

(It's a beautiful song. One of my favorites.)

 

He is the Gift

What does Christmas mean to you?

Santa? Gifts? Parties? Trees? Lights?

The list goes on and on.

That may what Christmas seems to be like on the outside but what is it really about?

[Christ]mas is about the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

It's about remembering why he came to earth. The life he lived. What he gave.

 

What does [Christ]mas mean to you?

To me, it means selflessness.

The scriptures are filled with Jesus Christ and his selfless service. He always reached outward. Always. I think that is what [Christ]mas is all about. What can I do for others? What can I give to someone that is going to make them happy? What can I do to help someone feel the love and joy of Christmas? It's selfless. It's giving of ourselves. It's following Christ's example. This is how we feel the joy, love, and spirit of [Christ]mas!

 

I love this video clip. It helps us to remember Jesus Christ is the reason for this celebration! Santa, gifts, parties, trees, lights, hot cider, baking cookies are fun traditions. They bring my family closer together and Christmas has that magical touch of doing so. But in all that hustle and bustle, let us all remember the true meaning of [Christ]mas!

What does [Christ]mas mean to you?

 

 

"Come Follow Me" -Jesus Christ

This past weekend the Wick family was baptized!

I have loved seeing the Wick family change and become more like our Savior as they embraced the gospel and followed the teachings from our Savior. As you talk with them you feel their spirit and love. You can see how happy they are. You have been able to see them grow in faith, hope, charity, virtue, patience, obedience, diligence (the list goes on). 

 

Often at baptisms I reflect on my baptism day when I was eight years old. That was a few years ago... and I may not be able to remember much of the events but what I do remember is the spirit. I felt peace, I felt happy, I felt love. Those feelings can only come from God. I feel that same spirit every time I see someone make promises with God through baptism. No words can describe the happiness that I have felt.

 

"...And now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you? And now when the people had heard these words, they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts."- Mosiah 18:8-11

 

I love this scripture! I love this gospel. It's about love, kindness, service, following Jesus Christ, and trying to become better than we were yesterday. I'm grateful for the gospel and I'm grateful that the Wick's are part of my life and to have their testimony and example lift and strengthen me. And I am personally grateful for the words of our Savior as He tells each of us,

"Come Follow Me."

 

#BibleCelebration

 
Today is Bible celebration day! I love the Bible so much and it has brought me closer to my Savior. One of my favorite scriptures from the Bible comes from Hebrews,

 "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." -Hebrews 11:13

 

The scripture then continues to talk about examples of faith and I love Moses' example of faith, the scripture says, "Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season."-Hebrews 11:25

 

Sometimes it's hard to have faith but I love the eternal perspective. It's better to choose God than the ways of the world! We will be blessed if we follow Jesus Christ.

 What is your favorite Bible scripture?

ASK

"And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask‍ God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith‍ in Christ, he will manifest‍ the truth‍ of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know‍ the truth‍ of all things."

-Moroni 10:4&5

 

If you have questions- ask God!

One thing that I asked God was if He loved me. I received my answer that He does. I have asked Him if the Book of Mormon is true. I have received my answer that it is. I have asked Him if Thomas S. Monson was a prophet on earth today. I received my answer that he is.

"Spiritual questions deserve spiritual answers from God."

-Elder Neil L. Andersen (quorum of the 12 apostles)

Discover the Book!

When I was little my parents would read to me from the Book of Mormon every night. We had the picture version back then. They would point to different characters and I would tell my parents if they were righteous and followed God or if they were wicked and followed Satan. My parents would always teach me how important it is to follow after righteousness. When we do, we are blessed.

My family has taught me these things and I am grateful for the many, many hours teaching me the gospel of Jesus Christ through the Bible and the Book of Mormon. 

I love the Book of Mormon with all of my heart and I am very grateful for the many sacrifices that have been made to bring this book to this earth. It's message is powerful and inspired because it comes from God. The Book of Mormon has given me many answers in my life. I have prayed and prayed to my Heavenly Father for guidance and I often have found my answers by reading the Book of Mormon. I know that this book is true. How? I read it then I asked God and He gave me an answer through the feelings and thoughts in my heart and mind that the Book of Mormon is true. I, and many others have discovered the book. Now it's your turn. Or if you have already discovered the book- do it again. My testimony grows and grows each time I read it. I love to discover it again adn again! If you would like to have a FREE copy of the Book of Mormon there is a link on the right hand side that says "Free Copy of the Book of Mormon." This book has changed my life and it will change yours too. That's a promise!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to my Mom!

I love her so much and she is my best friend.

She has taught me that it's ok to cry and it's ok to doubt.

But in all things turn to the Savior.

Pray.

Read sciptures.

Find peace.

Come to church.

Let doubt be turned into faith.

Thanks Mom for everything. But most important,

your testimony.

I love you!

Strength from a Scripture

A few days ago I was in quite a bit of pain for no apparent reason. My back hurt- a lot. This was really unusual because I've never had back problems before. 

I was struggling to find out the reason behind the pain. What did physically do for this? Too much lifting? Sleeping on my back? I'm still not sure quite what I did but I know that I learned something.

I am nothing without God. I knew this but this experience gave me a new meaning to me. He is truly the one that gives me strength. He is the one that helps me get out of the bed in the morning. The one that helps me walk. Too often I think I take it all for granted. 

That day I could not do too much. But I did spend time in thought and prayer. And I thanked my Heavenly Father for all the strength He has given me in the past. For all the love that He has willingly given to me. I became much more grateful for everything that He has blessed me with. 

Book of Mormon

I know that this scipture is true. I feel better, still sore, but much better. I could never have done it without my Savior and I will never be able to do anything without Him. 

I love my Savior and I am SO grateful for His love for me and when He sends me gentle reminders that He is the one that is gives me everything. In his strength I can do all things. 

Prophets and Apostasy

Throughout time God has spoken to His servants the prophets. Each prophet has the power of God to act in His name and that power is called the priesthood. The priesthood is power given from God to man. 

In Amos 3:7 it says, "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." 

God is the same "yesterday, and today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8) meaning that His ways do not change. God will always work through His prophets.

God has called prophets such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jeremiah, and Isaiah. Each one of these prophets has testified of our Savior and has given people guidance through the priesthood power that he has.

When Jesus Christ came to the earth He talked about His church and how it should be established. Paul records what the Church of Christ must have and he says, "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone." -Ephesians 2:20

I love this scripture because it testifies that in the church of Christ prophets and apostles are needed. But they recieve all their words from Jesus Christ.

Moses- An Example of an Old Testament Prophet

The prophets role is to testify of our Savior Jesus Christ. They also to warn of us danger, and give us guidance on how to live with the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives.  Jesus Christ is not here on earth now to lead us, so we need a leader who will guide us in the way that Christ would. 

But not everyone listens to the prophets, so an apostasy happens (a turning away from the word of God). When this happens the people no longer have a prophet because they don't listen to him. This means that the power of God is no longer on the earth. Truth is lost and guidance is taken away.

But one thing I always love- God will give us a new prophet. He has always done that when His children are ready to listen again. It's a huge way that God shows His love for us. 

Happy Easter!

I love this time of year! It is so special because this is the time that we pay special attention to the atonement (or sacrifice) of Jesus Christ.  

Jesus Christ is the center of my faith and I would be absolutely nothing without Him and the sacrifice that He made for me so many years ago. Even though it was so long ago, it still applies to me. I still feel of the love and the influence that it has for me. 

One of my favorite scriptures about the atonement is found in The Book of Mormon (Another Testament of Jesus Christ).

It was written by a prophet named Alma and he says,

"And [Jesus Christ] shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

 And he will take upon him death, that he may bloose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." (Alma 7:11-12)

I know that this scripture is true. One time I was having a rough moment on my life. I was given this scripture by a friend and I read it and did not pay too much attention to it at first. Later, at night I was praying and I was thinking of that scripture and I started to pour out my heart to God. I felt so much comfort at that moment. 

My Savior was with me. He always has been. Through my different struggles he's been there every step of the way. He leads me and He guides me. 

I love my Savior with all of my heart! And if you had not had the chance go to this awesome Easter website and watch a video called Because of Him. 

Because of Him I Can Love More Fully

Because of my Savior, Jesus Christ I can love more fully and deeply. Since I have been on my mission I have been able to love others much more than I ever thought possible. My mission has allowed me to love more people and in a deeper way.

I have been able to look past things that would irritate me- big or small because I can see how much patience my Heavenly Father has with me. 

I have loved all of my companions (meaning the person I share the gospel with). They each have taught me so much about the gospel and how to love by their example. 

I love the people that I teach. Each one of them are so special and so important to the plan that our Heavenly Father has! They have each taught me so much and I know that without them I would not be the person or missionary that I am today. 

I love the members of the ward (or congregation) that I serve in! They give so much of their time and talents! They have strong testimonies of the gospel and I grow from their example.

Being on a mission is not always easy, in fact it's one of the hardest but most rewarding thing I have ever done. Sometimes during those really rough moments I wonder how I can keep going day after day. I have learned that it's possible because of my Savior. Without Him giving me His love that He has for others and for His work, I would just quit. I have been able to look through His eyes and through His heart. 

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." -John 3:16 

Jesus Christ loved each one of us so much that He was willing to die for us! What a huge blessing this is for me in my life! I have felt the love that He has for me and it's a powerful feeling. Because He loves me, it's so much easier to love those around me. 

Because of Him I can love more fully! 

Have a wonderful Easter week! 

I love my companion Sister Dono. She's so sweet and I am very grateful she's my companion! 

Happy Easter! (the bunnies represent my companion and I- see the C and the D?) 

Trust in God

Sometimes trusting in God is the hardest. I don't know why, but I guess it's because we can't see with his eyes. The scripture that immediately came to my mind was Proverbs 3:5-6 which says, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." We can't lean on our understanding, it's not going to work. I know personally when I have trusted in the Lord, my life turns out better. One of the biggest examples that I can think of is when I decided to go on a mission. It was a hard decision for me to make but it's been the best decision of my life. Is it also one of the hardest? Yes. I left behind my friends (and one of my best friends was getting married), my family who I love more than anything, my schooling, earning money for school and later life; but I have learned so much and my mission is preparing me for so much. It's the perfect place to learn. I do not regret it one bit. I would do it again! I wonder why I was so stubborn about not going in the first place. The Lord totally knows better than I do!

Just like with Aladdin asking Jasmine if she trusted him to go on that magic carpet ride, we need to trust our Savior with our lives. Jasmine did not fully understand about how the carpet was safe and how it actually could fly. In the end that did not matter. She trusted Aladdin and she had a wonderful time. It does not matter if we understand what the Lord wants us to do, we just need to trust in Him and do what He asks. I promise we will understand later.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." -Isaiah 55:8-9

Our Savior sees everything- He sees the whole field, while we only see what's in front of us. Trust in Him and I know that your life will be enriched and very blessed!

More scriptures on trusting in the Lord:

• Psalms 28:7 (Bible- Old Testament) "The Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him." 
• Psalms 62: 7-8(Bible- Old Testament) "In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah."
• Mosiah 29:20 (Book of Mormon) "But behold, he did deliver them because they did humble themselves before himl and because they cried mightily into him he did deliver them out of bondage; and thus doth the Lord work with his power in all cases anib the children of men, extending the arm of mercy towards them that put their trust in him." 
• Alma 36: 3 (Book of Mormon) "For  do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day."

Many Are Called But Few Are Obedient

Hello Amigas! 

One time back in October my companion at the time showed be this scripture. 

It's in Doctrine and Covenants  121:34&35. It says, "Many are called but few are chosen? And why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of the world, and aspire to the honors of men that they do not learn this one lesson."

We replaced the world chosen with the word obedient, so it now reads like this, "Many are called but few are obedient. And why are they not obedient? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of the world, and aspire to the honors of men that they do not learn this one lesson." 

It's so true. The reason why missionaries are not obedient (or anyone for that matter) is because they love the world more than God. From a missionaries view- Why would we watch TV? -it's something from the world. Why would we go swimming? -it's something of the world. This is the Lord's time. This is the Lord's work. We need to be obedient. So true. 

And from a non-missionary point of view. Why would we not study our scriptures, pray to our Heavenly Father, go to church, etc... If we don't do these things it's because we love the things of the world more than God. 

In John 15:19 it says, "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you."

I know that sometimes it's hard to be obedient. My companion, Sister Killian and I were talking this morning about obedience and we were saying how we know it's hard sometimes. God knows that but we came to the conclusion that if it was easy it would not be worth it. 

We need to continually be obedient to the Lord and the commandments that He has set for us. I know that as we do this we will be blessed because I know that when I have followed the way of the Lord my life has been enriched so much! Going on a mission was a really hard decision for me to make. And while it's not necessary for girls to go, my Heavenly Father was telling me that this would be the best thing for my life. It took me a long time to listen but I am so glad that I finally did and because I listened I have literally been able to see and feel the blessings that the Lord has given me that I would have missed if I stayed home. 

I am so blessed to serve a mission. I have literally felt my testimony of this gospel, and the Book of Mormon. It is a huge blessing in my life and the more I learn and the more my understanding deepens the more I want to share the news of the restoration with others. There are so many hard days out here but honestly there is no place that I would rather be. Seeing the changes that the gospel makes in people's lives is amazing!

I know that as we strive to be obedient to the commandments our lives will be so blessed! In ways that we can't even imagine. The Lord has SOOOO many blessings for us but we need to be obedient to receive them. Be obedient! It will bless you!

When I got my mission call. Huge blessing! 

Love,

Sister Clifton 

Our Mission Can Now Blog!

The Lord is truly moving His work forward! Now our mission has the opportunity to blog. Before these blog posts were part of the letters home to my family for those who wanted to keep updated on my mission. This blog will no longer be used for that purpose, I personally will be posting (not my dad) on different subjects, events, etc... I'm excited to see these new changes and how the will change missionary work by helping people become closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ!

If you have anything that you would like to share, please comment! One of my favorite parts of a mission is hearing (or in this case reading) others people's thoughts and how their faith and testimony in the Gospel of Jesus Christ is growing and changing!

If you have any suggestions let me know as well. Blogging for missionary work is fairly new to me so let me know what you are thinking!

Thanks for all the support that you all have given me so far!!! Love you all!