How are you a fisher of man?

Reviewing 'Come, follow me' for CTR 5, I am impressed by its example of relating scriptures to one's life. The first impression was the application of Luke 3:5:

"Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;"

I always thought this partially quoted prophecy of Isaiah was a description of the Millennium, the final thousand years of time on Earth, where "Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory." (the tenth article of faith) The example of relating scriptures to one's life by 'Come, follow me' shows a different interpretation.

The following is the quotation: 

"This is a message for all of us, including those who think they cannot change or do not need to change. If something as permanent as a mountain can be flattened, then surely the Lord can help us straighten our own crooked paths (see Luke 3:4–5). As we accept John the Baptist’s invitation to repent and change, we prepare our minds and hearts to receive Jesus Christ so that we too can “see the salvation of God” (Luke 3:6)."

I read another gem in the manual yesterday. "The Savior’s call, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19), applies to everyone, including children." When I read this, I thought about the principles of fishing that I know. I am thinking about fishing with a rod rather than a net. Fishing with a net seems to be overbearing. Fishing with a rod requires patience and a constant effort of inviting the fish to bite the lure. 

Thinking of my effort, I patiently have my line in the water by sharing the content of 'Single Adults' Blogs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Facebook and Twitter pages. They have over 1500 followers. I don't know the depths of the fruits thereof, but I know that I helped a young woman in rural Washington find a young single adult congregation, finding a boyfriend. The pages are designed to serve the world. Years ago I helped a couple young women out of a troubling situation. One lives in the Philippines and the other in Africa. This fruit came because these people were open and sought after the gospel lure of my blogs and pages' invitations.

There are many ways to serve man. People will seek after the gospel lure of your invitations. Keep on inviting. Let your example shine. This is the purpose of 'Single Adults' Blogs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Facebook and Twitter pages to share the good content of other church members, letting them shine brighter.

Man is not designed to think of themselves first.

After Jesus Christ was tempted by Satan, the first thing that he did is summon angels to minister to John the Baptist in jail. This is according to Joseph Smith Translation. "And now Jesus knew that John was cast into prison, and he sent angels, and, behold, they came and ministered unto him." (JST Matthew 4:11) In the King James Version of the bible, Matthew 4:11 says “Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.” One may have mixed feelings about Christ resisting Satan’s temptation to “If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone;” then moments later, angels come and ministered unto him. Those mixed feelings are valid, and they can rest assured that angels did not minister to him. Jesus sent angels to minister to John the Baptist instead of our mis-translated verse of Matthew 4:11. This act is a great example of thinking of others before oneself. I have come to a realization when Jessica and I pondered this precept this morning.

Although children & youth need to grow out of ecocentrism, the “everything revolves around an individual” thought patterns, I believe that man is not designed to think of themselves first. When people see an ecocentric person rant, they may find it amusing. My father-in-law always describes comedy as “an ordinary guy or gal struggling against insurmountable odds without many of the required skills and tools with which to win; yet never giving up hope.” An ecocentric person may be amusing to witness because they are illogical. I don’t know whether the quote helps, but this is what I understand about the quote. One may find an ecocentric scene funny because it is not realistic. A mature person does not think that everything revolves around them.  People are not designed to think about themselves constantly.

I have observed that people, who think about themselves too much, tend to have anxiety and depression. Thinking that I will step on people’s toes, I don’t know what to say more; however, I will say that man is not designed to be anxious and depressed.

When one thinks about others first, they will be more happy. They will be led more by God to bless others. They are more productive. The conclusion of this post does not seem satisfying. The conclusion that I believe that man is not designed to think of themselves first, but they should put others as their motivation, inspiration, and purpose. Let us live for others as we are designed to.

How to Resist Temptation: Learning from Christ's Example

In the account of Jesus Christ, telling his disciples how his forty day fast concluded, we learn of his example to resist temptations. Satan tempted him with hunger, pride, and kingdoms. 

I gathered the following ways to resist temptation:

Keep an eternal perspective. 

Ponder the doctrine of Christ

Remember the commandments & word of God.

An eternal perspective is an ever developing point of view, considering the long term affects of one's actions.

The doctrine of Christ is the plan of Salvation, Godhead, and atonement of Jesus Christ. Eternal perspectives are more fruitful, when it is based on the doctrine of Christ and truth.

It is hard to even recognize temptation, if an individual does not remember the commandments. "The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 11:26) The Spirit will help you remember the commandments in time of temptation; however, verbalizing it like Christ can be a strength. 

Man's Temptations & Weaknesses are not Sin

Man's temptations and weaknesses are not sin; however, when men chose to follow the temptation, that is sin. People tend to unnecessarily feel guilty and define themselves by their weaknesses and temptation. Jesus Christ experienced every temptation, yet he lived a perfect life. He can be a great source of strength as described in the following scripture verses:

"And he 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 loose 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)

Counting up to 9,999,999

One thing that I have been writing about is my practice of counting in Thai. I reached up to 999 in my last update. I can count up to 9999999 now. Thai is interesting because there is a word for ten thousand & one hundred thousand. I developed a way for me to remember the order and name of each number. 

The learning aid is inspired or chosen because PMS exists. I don't know want it is. All I know is that it is a girl thing, and it messes with their emotions. I also add an R to the left, and a L on the right of PMS; RPMSL. Some things are backwards in the Thai language, so R, standing for 'right' hand, and L for 'left' hand is backward. L is not on the left, and R is not on the right of the acronym PMS. 

R stands for 100, which is pronounced Roy. The 'R' is rolled, but it is a very quick one. P stands for the word phan, which is 1000. The H is less emphasized. The ph does not make a F sound, or you will bring your significant other into your high digit numbers. 10,000 is pronounced 'muen'. The U is wierd in this word. I don't know an English word to illustrate the sound. 'San' is the word for 100,000 dollars. That word is simple, and 1,000,000 is simple too as it is pronounced 'Lan'. 

I like to practice the number 1,234,567 or ๑,๒๓๔,๕๖๗. It is pronounced Neng Lan Song San Sam Muen Si Phan Ha Roy Hok Sip Jet. 

๑ = 1 (Neng)

๑,๐๐๐,๐๐๐ = one million (Lan)

๒ = 2 (Song)

๑๐๐,๐๐๐ = one hundred thousand (San)

๓ = 3 (Sam)

๑๐,๐๐๐ = ten thousand (Muen)

๔ = 4 (Si)

๑,๐๐๐ = one thousand (Phan)

๕ = 5 (Ha)

๑๐๐ = one hundred (Roy)

๖ = 6 (Hok)

๑๐ = ten (Sib)

๗ = 7 (jet)

R(100)

P(1,000)

M(10,000)

S(100,000)

L(1,000,000)

I actually think counting in Thai is more simple than English. Many things are more simple in Thai.

Questioning Cycling Gear

Cycling home in the rain, I bike mostly up hill. Shoe covers & waterproof bicycle pants work great at keeping what they protect dry; however, I question waterproof cycling jackets. What is the use? I get home soaked anyways; instead of water, my shirt is drenched in sweat. It only makes sense if your bike ride is chill.

A Reflection on a Most Uplifting Missionary Work Institute Lesson

Jessica & I went to institute in the evening. The lesson was a most inspiring one about missionary work. I learned that people are more receptive when you are 100% a missionary. My casual attempts have felt overbearing or not authentic. People tend get defensive when I approach people about the church, having "two" sides or an awkward attempt. A missionary perhaps "fake" side, which rarely comes out, and my personal example. I tend to be a listening type of person with an accepting & comforting humor. I try to be interested in people being a true uplifting friend.

The teacher shared an example from his mission. Brother Diaz was known as the missionary machine. The following is his backstory to how he became 100% a missionary: Brother Diaz was deathly ill, &  he covenanted that he will consecrate himself to missionary work. When he recovered, he got sick again.  He definitely thought that he would die. He covenanted again; health for missionary service. Since he did not keep his promise, his promised health was withdrawn. His second covenant & health was paralyzing, but he had to dedicate himself or he will die. He became known as a missionary machine, sharing the gospel with everyone tactfully. The fruits of his efforts are hundreds converted. Every relationship for Brother Diaz was Christ oriented, seeking to bring each other to him, and people recognized that.

I was 100% a missionary at one time. My foremost experience was when I flew home alone from my mission in Jamaica. I taught every person around me about Christ, and they recognized my devotion. I had at least ten people. I even missed a flight because I was eating Iunch with a returning missionary like me, but for the Jehovah Witness religion. One person asked for my contact information, but I was a fool, declining his request. 

I have dreams occasionally to be back in the mission field. I love helping people to learn about the true plan for man's salvation & nature of God, but I don't understand how to be a Brother Diaz. 

Missionary Work: The Life Blood of the Church

Life blood of the Church is missionary work.   

Missionary work is like exercising without it the church would decay.   

Muscle atrophy.   

Push your limits.   

Missionary stories   

did not many baptized? The one convert baptized his whole street & his whole family.   

A mission president only baptized one person on his mission years ago. He asked the teacher's mother about her family because she was his only convert. Elder Booth is beloved in their family.  

"Failed" on mission causes people to go less active.   

Work for the one.   

What am I to do to contribute to the Church, Joseph?   

2 ... Iift up your voices as with the sound of a trump, to declare my gospel unto a crooked and perverse generation.   

D&C 33:8 Open your mouths and they shall be filled   

9   Open your mouths and they shall be filled   

10   Open your mouths and they shall be filled  

You never know who is ready, and share will prepare other,   

Gather the elect.   

Kirkland is where Syndey Rigdon & his congregation joined the church, preparing for the gathering of the saints there; a fruit of Oliver Cowdery, Peter Witmer Jr., Parley P. Pratt, and Ziba Peterson.

D&C 4:2...he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;   

solemn obligation   

solemn responsibility  

Brother Diaz was dealthly ill, &  he covenanted that he will consecrate himself to missionary work. When he recovered, he got sick again. He definitely thought that he would die. He covenanted again; health for missionary service. His new covenant & health was paralyzing, but he had to dedicate himself or he will die. He became known as a missionary machine, sharing the gospel with everyone tactfully. The fruits of his efforts are hundreds converted.   

Be a missionary 100% or people will not believe you.   

You can have peace in the middle of a storm with Jesus Christ; an amenable comment.   

All commandments will bring safety & peace to your life.   

Law of chastity   

Word of Wisdom

Cycling Story: That's a first.

January 16, 2019

Cycling home from work today, I was socially pleased to enjoy my first experience, where I recognized a fellow cyclist. A guy passed me, and he greeted me as he pressed forward. "Oh. Hey Alex". 

The man's name is Steve, and I know him from church. He sings in the ward choir with me. It took me a long time to remember his name. I would call him by wrong names. He says that his bike ride to work is 7 miles.

The Promises and Covenant of Baptism

Baptism is a covenant. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines covenant as "a written agreement or promise usually under seal between two or more parties especially for the performance of some action."

I plan to teach my CTR 5 class the promises of both side of the baptismal covenant. This covenant is between God and his child, living in mortal life. This covenant is the first of many in the Gospel path to obtain mortal and immortal joy.

First I will list the promises God gives as the following:

Eternal life, the greatest gift of God, is an eternal family with your spouse. Your children in time can be sealed to you too, if you obtain all the covenants of the Gospel and remain faithful to the end. The blessed and joyous life of eternal life is the life of Heavenly Father, and it is unimaginable. Faithful members of the Church will live in the presence of Heavenly Father.

Arising during the first resurrection is obtaining your body again; however, it is in a perfect and immortal state. Imagine yourself flawless and perfect multiplied by infinity. This is celestial glory.

God will bless you temporally. The blessing are not only for after this life. He will provide the means for you to be temporally successful. He does not want you to be poor. The life of people who follow the Gospel have lightened burdens.

The gift of the Holy Ghost is another great gift that God gives man in mortality. It includes the right to the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, who is the member of the Godhead. The fruits of spirit are the following: "love, joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, (&) temperance" (Galatians 5:22).

The remission of your sins is a gift that I think might be overlooked. I dislike having trespassed against God or man, seeking to resolve the issue quickly. Imagine that one never felt forgiven for all their sins and trespasses. This is most of the world's state. I should be a greater missionary sharing what I have, but I have not figured out how to share it well. You can forgive and be forgiven.

The privilege of being spiritually reborn was listed in the 'True to the Faith' book. It is a privilege to be baptized by one, holding the priesthood authority of God; however, you emerge from being buried in the water and arise to a Godly life, following his path.

A greater power to change comes of the atonement of Jesus Christ. I believe that all change to goodness is a manifestation of the Holy Ghost in an individual's life to change their heart. There is great power in the atonement and power of God, for "With God, nothing is impossible."

Access to blessings of the priesthood are abundant for members of the Kingdom of God. The priesthood is a patriarchal order. Patriarchal blessings are basically a personal letter from Heavenly Father to an individual. Fathers can bless their children with comfort and counsel with blessings of God, and bless their children in times of sickness and affliction according to God's will. The homes of people are blessed by the priesthood to be sanctuaries from the world. There are many more blessings.

Guidance from God comes from the Holy Ghost as a constant companion and revelation is more a normal occurrence, since individuals are blessed with deeper relationships with God.

People promise God the following things:

To take upon yourself the name of Jesus Christ

Follow Savior's example

Remember & keep his commandments

Serve him to the end

Separate yourself from the world

Stand as a witness of God at all times, and in all things and in all places"

Keep your thoughts, language, and actions pure

Seek wholesome entertainment

Dress modestly

Stay away from pornography, gambling, drugs, tobacco, and alcohol.

Serve man

Bear one another burdens

"Willing to mourn with those that mourn … and comfort those that stand in need of comfort"

Humble yourself before God

Daily prayer

I don't have time to expound on God's requirements of us, but I thought to add that the requirements of man before baptism is the following:

Faith in Jesus Christ and his restored church on earth through his prophets.

Give up the world

Give up the natural man

Repent

"And the first fruits of repentance is baptism; and baptism cometh by faith unto the fulfilling the commandments; and the fulfilling the commandments bringeth remission of sins;

And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the end shall come, when all the saints shall dwell with God." (Moroni 8:25-26)

Cycling Story: Finding a Phone in an Intersection

Last night was crazy because I found a random phone in the middle of the road, cycling home. The screen was damaged, but it was not cracked. The phone was oddly recieving many calls from a gym, which was not answered by a person when I returned the call. Another phone number called when I arrived home, and I answered the call. It was the husband of the phone's owner. I sensed fear and precausion in their voices. I arranged for them to meet me at my apartments. When the lady arrived, she was grateful to have her phone returned, but she told her story to a neighbor. The phone was stolen from the gym locker. The thief cut her lock. I suspect that they could not access full functionality of the phone, and they threw it out the window.