Hunger and Thirst
I just recently got a new mini copy of Preach My Gospel in Spanish. With no markings in it at all, I can start over in what I learn from it, and hopefully have some new insights. I often think of PMG as only a full-time missionary tool. It is not. It is so much more.
Chapter 4: How Do I Recognize and Understand the Spirit?
Personal Revelation
Serving a mission was amazing, especially because of the closeness I experienced with the Holy Ghost. I remember feeling very often like I didn't want to do anything that would make it more difficult to feel and/or follow his promptings every minute of every day for two years so that I could effectively teach the people. Now I have been back from my mission in Chile for longer than I was there, and I can see how incredibly important the guidance of the Holy ghost still is.
I teach missionaries at the Missionary Training Center and I have loved every minute of it since I began about 15 months ago. As last semester began I considered returning to South America, or even Central America, to do an internship for the church where I would be teaching the LDS Employment Services workshop. I submitted my application and had an interview and felt pretty optimistic about everything. This was the plan until President Monson announced in General Conference that boys could serve missions at 18 years of age and sisters at 19 (instead of 19 and 21). Realizing that a lot would change in the world of missionary work (my job), I rethought my decision to go abroad. I felt strongly in the days that followed, that I should stay in Provo instead of pursuing the internship. I followed the promptings, and am so glad I did. I don't know entirely why I needed to stay, but one reason I can see right now is that I have the chance to be part of a historic time in missionary work, AND my sister decided to join me! She enters the MTC April 10th to go to the Texas Houston South mission, and I am so excited for her!
"[God] is anxious to support you in your practical and specific challenges. You have been promised inspiration to know what to do and have been given the power to do it." (PMG 91)
Two simple sentences packed with so much power! God cares about my decisions. If I play it right I can get His help when I need it.
- Doctrine and Covenants 43:16--And ye are to be taught from on high. Sanctify yourselves and ye shall be endowed with power..
- How to be taught from on high?
- 3 Nephi 12:6--And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost.
- Do I hunger and thirst after righteousness? What does it mean to hunger and thirst after righteousness?
- Jeremiah 29:13--And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart
That's why I decided to make this blog today. I want the sharing of my studies to be a motivation to have meaningful gospel studies. This is one way I can search for God with all my heart as I hunger and thirst for righteousness.
I love this, Preston! the Spirit has been on my mind a lot lately. I'm glad you posted about it. You are truly one of the most amazing individuals I have ever met. I love you! I'm excited to be in the MTC With you!!
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