December 26, 2010

I read Russell M. Nelson's talk from the last Priesthood session titled Be Thou an Example of the Believers. The talk is about missionary work and how both missionaries and members have a responsibility to take part in this work. I believe that one of the best ways to be a missionary is, like the title says, to be an example of the believers. "As followers of Jesus Christ, each of [us] can live in accord with His teachings. [We] can have a 'pure heart and clean hands,' [we] can have 'the image of God engraven upon [our] countenance[s].' [Our] good works will be evident to others. The light of the Lord can beam from [our] eyes. With that radiance, [we] had better prepare for questions." These are things I try to do, and I hope the way I live my life does make a difference in the lives of others. I want to always be prepared for any questions that may come to me as a result of how I live my life. I liked a piece of advice included in this talk. It says, "reach out to those you do not know and greet them warmly. Each day of your life, strive to enlarge your own circle of friendship." I really am grateful for my friends and I'm grateful to be a friend. In this ward, I have reached out to others more than I have ever before and it really has blessed my life and I hope it has blessed the lives of those I've become friends with too. I love relationships and the opportunity I have to make a difference in someone else's life. I believe we are all children of God and all in this life together. I hope that everyone I come in contact with will be able to feel the pure love of Christ coming through me as a result of how I live my life.