Hello Family!
Emails are kind of messed up today... I'm using a different set of computers at the library that don't let me copy and paste, so I don't feel like typing in all of your email addresses. So, hopefully you guys can forward them to whoever would like them. And I will probably only type this one, and not personal ones today... but we will see. I'm on a 20 minute timer and we have to see if people are waiting... please forgive me if I don't! You are not loved less :)
Well... I hope all is well with all of you. I've been thinking a lot lately about doubts that people have. People think they don't need God, and people dismiss the idea of God altogether. They even seem to think "Who is God to tell me what to do?" Well, the truth is, God has always been there. And He is our Father in Heaven, and we accepted His plan to come to Earth, be tried and tested, and learn and grow to become more like Him. YOU accepted that plan. Even after hearing this, sometimes we still wonder why. Why is it like this? Why are we here? What is the point of all of this anyways? I've come to the conclusion, and I have a testimony from the Holy Ghost, that the framework for this Earthly existence and the plan to achieve happiness and fulfillment, is found in this Gospel. The full restored Gospel of Jesus Christ makes life make sense. It is either this Gospel and this plan, or nothing. I know that sounds a little weird to say. But hopefully you can think about that a little bit and come to your own conclusion.
One of my favorite conference talks is by Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge, from October 2008, called "The Way." Here are some of my favorite snippets that help strengthen my faith:
"Only God can bless us. Only He can sustain us. Only He can cause our hearts to beat and give us breath."
"The Lord's way is not hard. Life is hard, not the gospel. 'There is an opposition in all things,' every where, for everyone. Life is hard for all of us, but life is also simple. We have only two choices. We can either follow the Lord and be endowed with His power and have peace, light, strength, knowledge, confidence, love, and joy, or we can go some other way, any other way, whatever other way, and go it alone- without His support, without His power, without guidance, in darkness, turmoil, doubt, grief, and despair. And I ask, which way is easier?"
"Life is hard, but life is simple. Get on the path, and never ever give up. You never give up. You just keep on going. You don't quit, and you will make it."
"There is only one way to happiness and fulfillment. Jesus Christ is the Way. Every other way, any other way, whatever other way is foolishness."
Again... it is my firm testimony that this Gospel makes life make sense. To come here for a very short period of time when compared to our eternal lifespan, is like going to school for a little while. Its our most important test. We are to walk by faith, not by sight. We can waste it away, or we can use it as the time "to prepare to meet God" and prepare to live in His presence, with our families... for eternity.
I would add one thing... I know life is hard. It seems impossible at times to overcome our weaknesses, our past mistakes, or feelings of doubt or grief- whatever your struggle is. You need to change the idea of "I can't do that. I can't become strong, clean, and pure." The TRUTH is... You CAN! You must change those thoughts to "Yes, I can do these things! I can become strong, clean, and pure. I can learn and know for myself if the Gospel is true! Because, through the power of Jesus Christ, I CAN DO ALL THINGS." We are all completely dependent on our Savior. For our life, happiness, and salvation. "Get on the path, and never ever give up."
I love you all so much. I am truly grateful for each of you. You are constantly in my prayers.
I hope you will make it a great week!
Laus Deo.
-Elder Brett Simper-
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