Week 77 "Go to work"

Dear family and friends,

We spent the majority of this last week in Georgia with the objective in mind to build, help and strengthen missionaries. It was another great opportunity to help learn from those we serve and minister to them on a personal level as we went on exchanges with all of the elders and the sister training leaders with all the sisters. I often realize the simplicity of just going to work doing what we are suppose to do for the right reasons. It is a question of intelligence, of happiness, peace and joy. If we want to be happy and have success, we need to give our whole selves to the Lord, "no half measures will do".

 I wish we could all truly understand the magnitude of giving our whole heart, might, 

mind and strength to the Lord and the correlation it has with happiness and success. We reap what we sow. God always has something much greater for us in store as we internalize the simply stated scripture of D&C 4:2 -- "Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength. In the book of Ether the Lord's desire for us is made clear. 

" And the Lord would not suffer that they should stop beyond the sea in the wilderness, but he would that they should come forth even unto the land ofpromise, which was choice above all other lands, which the Lord God had preserved for a righteous people". 

The Lord chastises the brother of Jared for remaining in the wilderness (complacency) for 4 years, "because he remembered not to call upon the name of the Lord." I thought of this story as I was talking to one the missionaries that seemed to be just fine with where things were at. The importance of seeking the Lord's will and acting accordingly brings about the faith,confidence, blessings and every other attribute of light. Again, we reap what we sow.  For me I have noticed that means "remembering to call upon his name", and most importantly, as described in Ether 2:16 The Lord says it this simple "Go to work".  God has a land of promise, potential and opportunity waiting for all of us, prayer, faith and work are the price.

6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

"Arise from the dust, my sons, and be men, and be determined in one mind and in one heart, united in all things".

" President Carlson in his letter this week hit it right on..."It's interesting in this chapter Lehi uses the word awake, l believe four times. I have noticed during my lifetime that many people go through this life sound asleep. Asleep to all that is important. And when they finally awaken, often it is too late. Are some of us living in the very same way? Mostly asleep to understanding the importance of progression. And then one day when we awake, will it be too late?"Armor of righteousness, chains with which ye are bound". Unrighteousness truly does wrap us in chains and binds us down. Taking away our most important and essential tool, the Holy Ghost!"Come forth out of obscurity and arise from the dust". Once again he ends with wake up and arise from the dust to realize our potential." -

I love this work and my companion. I love the opportunities for growth and development and helping others realize their divine potential. I love this service and these people. My companion is amazing and my love grows for him by the week. As Alma describes when he sees the sons of Mosiah after many years, he is overcome with joy to see that and that they were still his "brothers in Christ". I know one day I will see Elder Jowers down the road and be filled with the same joy as Alma describes and remember these great times as we were able to help each other change and prepare for life as "brothers in Christ".

I hope that all of us will take the time to account to the Lord daily and notice the blessings he gives us and ask him what it is that we need to do. How we can improve in every facet of life, then get up and "Go to work". I pray that you will all have an increased portion of the Holy ghost and follow his promptings and have peace and clarity in this confused world. "For Latter day saints it is not a question of weather or not it is wrong but rather it is something Jesus would do" The trick is to remember this simple phrase before you do. I love you and appreciate your love and support.

Smile and be happy, 

Love Elder Lunt