Build. Lift. Inspire.

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Monday September 10, 2012

"I am so grateful for this time I have to serve the Lord and if an opportunity presents itself to me and the Lord wills it, I will extend my mission. There is no greater joy in this life than to bring children back to their Father. My testimony grows daily of this work and I am so indebted to the Lord for the many blessings he has given me. I have a renewed desire to do all things that he asks of me, no matter how hard times may become or how weary I may get. My desire is to serve Him to the end. He is my strength and with Him I can do all things that He requires. I know without any doubt the truthfulness of the gospel and I love my Savior for everything He has done for me. There is a passion for this work that has been kindled inside of me. I am determined to give my very best the remainder of my mission and to pledge perfect effort in building His kingdom here."

"This is how we remember you. This is who you are."

I stood there in my mission presidents home office, humbly reliving in my mind myself as a faith filled missionary. Several years had passed since I left the Sacramento, California mission and I found myself having dinner in their home. I hadn't seen them since and it felt so good to be around them again. They were my 'parents' for the few years my faith was tested and tried the most.

At times we find ourselves lost in situations, circumstances and overwhelmed with our own individual trials life throws at us. Sometimes it takes the perspective of another to renew our view of who we are.

"Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important - and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know.”

-Thomas S. Monson

Three words that I have grown to love in reference to my purpose here on earth are Build. Lift. Inspire. I think of all the times I've withheld a compliment, neglected to share with someone how I feel and what I thought of them or failed to praise a person or show love. There is so much good needing to be said and done. Instead of hurting, help. Instead of rejecting, reach out. And instead of avoiding, accept. Don’t just make a difference. Be the difference.

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