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January 2, 2015 – Elder Kenneth Wm. Burton
Bunch
of Burtons
Well
the snow just keeps coming. It melted off at one point because of some rain we
received, but we're back to a good layer of snow. Last Monday I bought a new
pair of shoes, more like black leather hiking boots that pass very well as
church shoes. They've been great, very comfortable and completely dry.
This
last week we used some time to move out of our apartment and in with the other
Elders. So right now we have four living together. Kind of crazy, Elder Amos
and I are still living out of our suit cases because we don't know exactly who
will be leaving next Monday. Normally we would find out today who's
transferring but last night the assistance texted the mission saying calls wont
come until Friday, meaning missionaries will only have Saturday and Sunday to
pack.
We
have a baptismal date with Lona for the 21st of March! She now has a good goal
to work for to be ready for baptism. We're going by tomorrow to give her a
blessing, the doctors have recently found a tumor in one of her breasts. She
isn't doing to great health wise right now, maybe two weeks ago they also found
a tumor or something in her back.
Church
yesterday was great, I love fast and testimony meeting. Erik, a recent convert,
who the other Elders worked with, received the priesthood last week and blessed
the sacrament for his first time yesterday. He also gave his testimony, which
we were happy to see was under 15 minutes, when Erik starts talking its hard to
get him to stop. In an appointment my companion once timed an hour and a half before
we were able to squeeze a word into the conversation. He's great though, the
gospel is changing him so much and you can see how happy he is. He's a great
strength to the branch.
I've
been continuing to study grace and mercy. I've always thought of them as the
same thing, but have come to understand the difference. I don't know if any of
you have read the talk His Grace is Sufficient by Brad Wilcox, if you haven't I
would recommend it.
In
2 Nephi 25:23 the scripture sates, "...it is by grace that we are saved,
after all we can do." I have always recognized this scripture to mean that
we need to do all that we possibly can and then Gods grace lifts us up. I did't
understand it correctly.
There
are two parts to this scripture, first, "it is by grace that we are
saved". We read in the Bible Dictionary that "grace is the enabling
power from God that allows men and women to obtain blessings in this life and
to gain eternal life and exaltation... Such divine help of strength is given
through the mercy and love of God." Now with the "after all we can
do". Us humans are weak and we make mistakes. Without grace we would be
alone and never obtain eternal life. But because of Gods mercy we can access
grace, or Gods power. It is the power that allows us to overcome and conquer.
We still need to act, but grace is the fuel that drives us. When you ride and
electric bicycle you still need to peddle, but grace is that battery that
allows you the strength to get over the steepest hills. Brad Wilcox describes
the atonement as a mother paying for a child's piano lessons. The child will
never be able to pay his mother back, but his mom can ask for one thing,
practice. I picture mercy as the opportunity given to practice the piano, and
grace is our teacher and guide. We can't learn the piano on our own if we don't
know which keys match the notes on our sheet music. Grace is the strength,
power, desire, patience, and joy that allows us the blessings of heaven and
helps us as we strive to improve our piano skills. Thus "it is by grace
that we are saved, after all we can do." We still need to act, but not to
reach up to grab a hold of grace. We act so that grace is activated and it will
raise us up. Remember the law of physics that an object cant be moved if the
same force is pulling on it from both sides. Grace is whats pulling us to the
right, we are whats pulling us to the left. If we instead act in faith and try
to live for God rather than trying to live for our own happiness, we will find
ourselves supported by Gods amazing grace.
The
city of Ammoniha in the Book of Mormon was destroyed, but not as a punishment
for the peoples sins. The Lamanites were going to attack whether the Nephites
had repented or not. But if they had repented they would have had the Lords
protection and help. God offered mercy by sending Alma to preach His gospel.
God was offering grace, which would have given an enabling power of protection
and blessings from their enemies. The mercy of Christ gives us grace which is
the enabling power that allows us to overcome our weaknesses and become
perfected in Christ.
I
know I sent this song a few weeks ago, but I feel its easier to understand in
this perspective...
Amazing
Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved
a wretch like me.
I once was
lost but now am found,
Was blind,
but now I see.
T’was Grace
that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace,
my fears relieved.
How
precious did that Grace appear
The hour I
first believed.
Through
many dangers, toils and snares
I have
already come;
‘Tis Grace
that brought me safe thus far
and Grace
will lead me home.
The Lord
has promised good to me.
His word my
hope secures.
He will my
shield and portion be,
As long as
life endures.
Yea, when
this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal
life shall cease,
I shall
possess within the veil,
A life of
joy and peace.
When we’ve
been there ten thousand years
Bright
shining as the sun.
We’ve no
less days to sing God’s praise
Than when
we’ve first begun.
Its good to hear everyone back home is doing
well. I'm praying for you all. Have a great week!
Meget
Kærliged!
Ældste
Burton
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