tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17552073383504029802024-03-05T01:09:17.063-08:00Finding True HappinessElder Austin Huntsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692503253911757806noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755207338350402980.post-28145964827277057422012-04-13T13:19:00.000-07:002012-04-13T13:19:06.491-07:00Things That Matter Most<br />
<div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;">
I made this blog a little over a year ago and I thought it would be a good time for a re-post. If you've already read it, enjoy it again!<br />
With another General Conference quickly approaching I have reflected on the lessons that I learned during the previous conference 6 months ago. My favorite talk was called "Of Things That Matter Most" given by Dieter F. Uchtdorf. He related a story about airplanes and turbulence:</div>
<div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;">
"Have you ever been in an airplane and experienced turbulence? The most common cause of turbulence is a sudden change in air movement causing the aircraft to pitch, yaw, and roll. While planes are built to withstand far greater turbulence than anything you would encounter on a regular flight, it still may be disconcerting to passengers.</div>
<div class="" uri="/general-conference/2010/10/of-things-that-matter-most.p4">
<div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tm0AQ9sZYzw/TkboNVBuicI/AAAAAAAAACQ/WoC14Azp8DQ/s1600/airplane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160px" naa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tm0AQ9sZYzw/TkboNVBuicI/AAAAAAAAACQ/WoC14Azp8DQ/s200/airplane.jpg" width="200px" /></a>What do you suppose pilots do when they encounter turbulence? A student pilot may think that increasing speed is a good strategy because it will get them through the turbulence faster. But that may be the wrong thing to do. Professional pilots understand that there is an optimum turbulence penetration speed that will minimize the negative effects of turbulence. And most of the time that would mean to reduce your speed. The same principle applies also to speed bumps on a road. Therefore, it is good advice to slow down a little, steady the course, and focus on the essentials when experiencing adverse conditions."</div>
</div>
<div class="" uri="/general-conference/2010/10/of-things-that-matter-most.p5">
I love this comparison! It's so easy for us to speed up and try to do more than we can, and this often results in skipping out on the things that matter most. So what is it that we should focus on? What is it that really matters most? President Uchtdorf talked about four key relationships we should focus on, but I'd like to talk about two of them.</div>
<div class="" uri="/general-conference/2010/10/of-things-that-matter-most.p5">
The first is our relationship with God. God is our loving Heavenly Father and we should seek to build our relationship with him just as we would with our earthly father. To do this we can read his advice and his words given to us by prophets and in the scriptures. We can also talk with him directly through prayer and receive answers back.</div>
<div class="" uri="/general-conference/2010/10/of-things-that-matter-most.p5">
The second is our relationship with family. We know that our families can be together forever and that is a great blessing. President Uchtdorf gave a few suggestions about how we can strengthen our family relationships: "We build deep and loving family relationships by doing simple things together, like family dinner and family home evening and by just having fun together. In family relationships <i>love</i> is really spelled <i>t-i-m-e,</i> time. Taking time for each other is the key for harmony at home. We talk with, rather than about, each other. We learn from each other, and we appreciate our differences as well as our commonalities. We establish a divine bond with each other as we approach God together through family prayer, gospel study, and Sunday worship."</div>
<div class="" uri="/general-conference/2010/10/of-things-that-matter-most.p5">
I know this is true! Now see how you can apply it in your life.</div>Elder Austin Huntsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692503253911757806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755207338350402980.post-78138496926872828242012-03-07T12:52:00.001-08:002012-03-07T13:00:24.601-08:00Are Mormons Christians??? I try not to put long posts on my blog, but this is an exception. "The Living Christ" is the testimony of the modern prophet and Apostles on the earth today regarding their belief in the Savior. I wanted to post this to clear up any doubt as to whether members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (including myself) believe in Jesus Christ. It is a little longer, but I promise it will be well worth the read. <br />
<br />
<div uri="/study/living-christ.p1"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.</div></div><div uri="/study/living-christ.p2"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (<a class="scriptureRef" href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/1.3?lang=eng#2"><span style="color: #486fae;">John 1:3</span></a>). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (<a class="scriptureRef" href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/acts/10.38?lang=eng#37"><span style="color: #486fae;">Acts 10:38</span></a>), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.</div></div><div uri="/study/living-christ.p3"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://media.ldscdn.org/images/media-library/gospel-art/new-testament/jesus-christ-39623-gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" id="featuredImage" jquery17106756396626628722="14" src="http://media.ldscdn.org/images/media-library/gospel-art/new-testament/jesus-christ-39623-gallery.jpg" style="display: inline; zoom: 1;" width="221" /></a>He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.</div></div><div uri="/study/living-christ.p4">We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.</div><div uri="/study/living-christ.p5">He rose from the grave to “become the firstfruits of them that slept” (<a class="scriptureRef" href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-cor/15.20?lang=eng#19"><span style="color: #486fae;">1 Corinthians 15:20</span></a>). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His “other sheep” (<a class="scriptureRef" href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/10.16?lang=eng#15"><span style="color: #486fae;">John 10:16</span></a>) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised “dispensation of the fulness of times” (<a class="scriptureRef" href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/eph/1.10?lang=eng#9"><span style="color: #486fae;">Ephesians 1:10</span></a>).</div><div uri="/study/living-christ.p6">Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:</div><div uri="/study/living-christ.p7">“I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (<a class="scriptureRef" href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/110.3-4?lang=eng#2"><span style="color: #486fae;">D&C 110:3–4</span></a>).</div><div uri="/study/living-christ.p8">Of Him the Prophet also declared: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!</div><div uri="/study/living-christ.p9">“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—</div><div uri="/study/living-christ.p10">“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (<a class="scriptureRef" href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/76.22-24?lang=eng#21"><span style="color: #486fae;">D&C 76:22–24</span></a>).</div><div uri="/study/living-christ.p11">We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—“built upon the foundation of … apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (<a class="scriptureRef" href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/eph/2.20?lang=eng#19"><span style="color: #486fae;">Ephesians 2:20</span></a>).</div><div uri="/study/living-christ.p12">We testify that He will someday return to earth. “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (<a class="scriptureRef" href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/isa/40.5?lang=eng#4"><span style="color: #486fae;">Isaiah 40:5</span></a>). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.</div><div uri="/study/living-christ.p13">We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.</div><div class="figure"><h1>The First Presidency</h1>Gordon B. Hinckley<br />
Thomas S. Monson<br />
James E. Faust<br />
<br />
<div uri="/study/living-christ.p15">January 1, 2000</div></div><div class="figure"><h1>The Quorum Of The Twelve</h1>Boyd K. Packer<br />
L. Tom Perry<br />
David B. Haight<br />
Neal A. Maxwell<br />
Russell M. Nelson<br />
Dallin H. Oaks<br />
M. Russell Ballard<br />
Joseph B. Wirthlin<br />
Richard G. Scott<br />
Robert D. Hales<br />
Jefferey R. Holland<br />
Henry B. Eyering</div>Elder Austin Huntsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692503253911757806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755207338350402980.post-16052943490612188982012-01-21T11:32:00.000-08:002012-06-24T14:14:22.544-07:00Don't Give Up! Have you ever had a time when you wanted to make a good choice and it seemed that everything was working to keep you from it? From the scriptures we learn about a couple of different stories where others faced a similar situation and how they made it through. I'll share the first and the second is in video form at the end.<br />
<a href="http://media.ldscdn.org/images/media-library/gospel-art/church-history/the-first-vision-82823-gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://media.ldscdn.org/images/media-library/gospel-art/church-history/the-first-vision-82823-gallery.jpg" width="152" /></a> The first involves the young boy, Joseph Smith. As he was seeking answers from God about what was true he faced intense opposition from Satan. He related, "After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go... I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power which overcame me... Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction. But exerting all my power to call upon God to deliver me.., and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair... I saw a pillar of light." (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/pgp/js-h/1.15-16?lang=eng#14">JSH 1:15-16</a>)<br />
Just prior to having one of the greatest spiritual experiences of his life, we see that Joseph Smith faced some of the greatest opposition. It may be this way for you too. When you want to be baptized, come back to church or go to the temple, you may face intense opposition to keep you from doing so. Clearly that opposition comes from Satan who wants everyone to "be miserable like unto himself," and if he can keep you from doing such things, he will win.<br />
<b> </b>If you aren't perfect the first time you try, that's okay. Keep on trying. <b>Don't give up.</b> Continue to "<b>call upon God</b>" just as Joseph did. Don't let Satan bring you down. Know that you have a far more powerful being on your side, your Heavenly Father, who will help you overcome the opposition you face. He will help you to make it through as you turn to him. I personally know this is true and I say this in the name of Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
For another example of this watch the following video relating Moses' experience with opposition from Satan.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Uqjwr7KXI30?fs=1" width="480"></iframe></div>Elder Austin Huntsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692503253911757806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755207338350402980.post-63359457446298524022012-01-06T14:02:00.000-08:002012-01-06T15:55:01.363-08:00Back to the Basics- The Gift of the Holy Ghost In my recent post about <a href="http://elderahuntsman.blogspot.com/2011/12/back-to-basics-baptism.html">baptism</a>, I talked about the need to be "born of water and of the spirit". This post will focus on being being "of the spirit". In the book of Acts in the New Testament we learn from Peter that we need to "repent, and be baptized... and <strong>ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.</strong>" Being 'born of the spirit' is receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.<br />
The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead and a personage of spirit. He can only be in one place at a time, but his influence can be everywhere at the same time. The Holy Ghost is our Heavenly Father's messenger and is a special gift to us. He can guide and direct us and teach us what is true. We read in the Book of Mormon that "by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/10.5?lang=eng#4">Moroni 10:5</a>) That makes the Holy Ghost extremely important in our lives. With so many ideas and different teachings floating around we are promised a way that we can know what is right.<br />
<a href="http://media.ldscdn.org/images/media-library/beliefs-practices/priesthood-blessing-37771-gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://media.ldscdn.org/images/media-library/beliefs-practices/priesthood-blessing-37771-gallery.jpg" width="200" /></a> So what must you do to have such a gift?? Prior to receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost you must be baptized by someone who holds the <a href="http://lds.org/study/topics/priesthood?lang=eng&query=priesthood">priesthood authority of God</a>. Following baptism someone who holds the priesthood lays their hands on your head and will give you the gift of the Holy Ghost just as Paul did in the New Testament. (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/acts/19.6?lang=eng#5">Acts 19:6</a>) At that time you will have the Holy Ghost to be with you at all times, so long as you remain worthy.<br />
I am grateful for the ways that the Holy Ghost has blessed my life. I know that there have been many times when it has guided me to avoid a bad situation or to go and do something that my Heavenly Father would want me to do. I know that the Holy Ghost plays a significant impact in my life and I know it can do the same for you.<br />
This video will show how others have felt the Holy Ghost, aka the Holy Spirit, in their lives and how it has helped them. Enjoy!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xc6TQ0Ej-BY?fs=1" width="480"></iframe></div><br />
Want to learn more about the Holy Ghost??<br />
<a href="http://lds.org/manual/gospel-fundamentals/chapter-16-the-gift-of-the-holy-ghost?lang=eng&query=gift+holy+ghost">Click here.</a><br />
<a href="http://lds.org/search?lang=eng&query=gift+of+the+holy+ghost">Additional info.</a>Elder Austin Huntsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692503253911757806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755207338350402980.post-76956541158496197422011-12-21T12:00:00.000-08:002011-12-21T12:00:41.142-08:00Wise Men Still Seek Him<a href="http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/LetYourWallsDoTheTalking/SeasonalGallery/il_fullxfull190484691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="#1015 - Wise Men Still Seek Him" border="0" height="200" src="http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/LetYourWallsDoTheTalking/SeasonalGallery/il_fullxfull190484691.jpg" width="200" /></a> I've seen this sign up in many homes and I've always enjoyed it. Now there is even a video to go along with it. You hear this all the time during the holidays, but this video truly makes you think about the reason for the season. Enjoy it and<b> then go and do something for someone else</b> during this wonderful time of year! Have a very Merry Christmas!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9OcQXpZwRKY?fs=1" width="480"></iframe></div>Elder Austin Huntsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692503253911757806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755207338350402980.post-13501658289043995672011-12-17T14:05:00.000-08:002011-12-17T14:10:29.326-08:00My Christmas Gift to Everyone- The Book of Mormon! You see me post things about The Book of Mormon all the time, right? Why do you think I would do that? Well here is the reason... Watch the video and see how it changed this man's life. Then request a free copy and see how it can change your life for the better! Think of it as a free Christmas gift to everyone. <br />
I promise it will bring you more happiness as it helps you to come even closer to Jesus Christ. Now that's a good gift!<br />
<div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3dNYpXZIN_c?fs=1" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/">Now get your free copy. Just click here!</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Elder Austin Huntsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692503253911757806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755207338350402980.post-86486300041646923402011-12-07T14:48:00.000-08:002011-12-07T14:48:28.990-08:00Back to the Basics- Baptism<a href="http://media.ldscdn.org/images/media-library/gospel-art/new-testament/john-baptizes-christ-39544-gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" id="featuredImage" src="http://media.ldscdn.org/images/media-library/gospel-art/new-testament/john-baptizes-christ-39544-gallery.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="242" /></a> Jesus Christ taught us in the New Testament, "Except a man be <strong><em>born of water</em></strong> and<em> <strong><span class="clarityWord">of</span> the Spirit</strong></em>, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:3-5) In this post I am going to focus on being "born of water." To be '<em>born of water' </em>is to be baptized. Baptism is a ceremony in which you are "buried in the water" (only for a quick second) and then you come out of the water. Baptism serves as a symbol of your old life passing away and being "born again" as a follower of Jesus Christ. An important aspect of baptism is that it must be performed by the <a href="http://lds.org/study/topics/priesthood?lang=eng&query=priesthood+authority">proper priesthood authority</a> (3 Nephi 11:21). In a sense, the authority is like having God's permission to do something in his name. Baptism is also the first covenant, or promise, that you make to your Heavenly Father. In this covenant, you promise to do three things:<br />
1. Be willing to take Christ's name upon you.<br />
2. Always remember Jesus Christ.<br />
3. Keep his commandments.<br />
The cool thing about making a promise to God is that when we keep our end of it, he will ALWAYS keep his. When we are baptized we promise to do our part (the 3 things listed above), and in return our Heavenly Father promises us certain things as well:<br />
1. We are washed clean of our sins! It's literally like having a clean slate.<br />
2. We can have the Holy Ghost (aka Holy Spirit) to be with us always. (I'll talk more about this in the next post.)<br />
So baptism is the first step you make in following Christ. It shows your willingness to be obedient and follow God's commandments and in return it brings great blessings into your life. Imagine being forgiven for all of your sins and anything bad you have done. That is the power of following Jesus Christ. Take that step of faith and follow him by being baptized by someone holding the proper priesthood authority authority. I promise it will be the first step you take to finding true happiness in this life.<br />
Want to learn more about this?? <a href="http://mormon.org/missionaries/">Click here</a> to chat with missionaries online or request to have them come to your home. I know it will be a good experience for you!Elder Austin Huntsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692503253911757806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755207338350402980.post-90327526426450606372011-11-23T14:49:00.000-08:002011-11-23T14:50:25.621-08:00In the Spirit of Thanksgiving I have been writing a lot about the basics of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and there is more to come shortly, but in the spirit of Thanksgiving and the holidays I think it is so important to remember what we have and what we are grateful for. We take too many things for granted nowadays and it's important to reflect on ALL that you have been blessed with and give thanks to God. Enjoy the video. It's one of my favorites.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Tuwid8_O8dk?fs=1" width="480"></iframe></div>Elder Austin Huntsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692503253911757806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755207338350402980.post-49713407224412048732011-11-10T10:34:00.000-08:002011-11-10T10:34:16.050-08:00Back to the Basics- Repentance<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Hopefully you read the last post I wrote about Faith. If not, I would recommend that you read that one first because the gospel of Jesus Christ builds "line upon line," (2 Nephi 28:30) and I'll reference it in this blog post. By now, hopefully, you have followed <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/32?lang=eng">Alma's counsel</a> found in The Book of Mormon and put it to the test. You have "experimented on the word" to see if it was good and<span style="color: black;"> </span>have cared for your faith "as a seed" by giving it the spiritual food it needs. (If this sounds confusing read the last blog post) </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AUTBrInkfTE/TrwXEHMyoWI/AAAAAAAAAC8/4xJRhGDhOJs/s1600/uturn-sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AUTBrInkfTE/TrwXEHMyoWI/AAAAAAAAAC8/4xJRhGDhOJs/s200/uturn-sign.jpg" width="200px" /></a> You have felt your faith in Christ begin to grow as you have learned more about him. As your faith continues to grow you want to be more like Jesus Christ and follow him. The first step you can take in following him is to <strong><em>repent</em></strong>. Let's first define what this means... "Repentance is <strong>a change of mind and heart</strong> that gives us a fresh view about God, about ourselves, and about the world. It includes <strong>turning away from sin</strong> <strong>AND</strong> <strong>turning to God for forgiveness</strong>." </div> I love that definition, but I have an easier time applying something if there are steps for me to follow. The following are six basic steps required for true repentance. As you read these remember that it is not a checklist of items to be crossed off after you have done them once. Rather it is a lifelong process in which each of the steps are repeated many times througout your life.<br />
<br />
1. <strong>Recognize </strong>that you have sinned and feel true sorrow.<br />
2. <strong>Stop </strong>doing the sin and try your best to never do it again.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">3. <strong>Confess </strong>your sins to God and ask for forgiveness. Also ask others you may have hurt for forgiveness.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">4. <strong>Make restitution. </strong>Do all you can to correct any problems you may have caused.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">5. <strong>Keep the Commandments. </strong>In addition to stopping bad things you must also do good things.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">6. <strong>Remember the Savior.</strong> The most important part is to remember that forgiveness comes because of Jesus Christ. Without him, we cannot be forgiven. That's a big part of why it is so important to have faith in him. He makes repentance possible for us all because he suffered and died for us.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> As you try your best to follow Christ you may still fall short. Don't get discouraged, but remember that through sincere repentance you can be forgiven. </div><br />
<a href="http://lds.org/study/topics/repentance?lang=eng&query=repentance">Want to learn more? Click Here!</a>Elder Austin Huntsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692503253911757806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755207338350402980.post-70927386404223837372011-10-29T10:45:00.000-07:002011-11-04T12:47:33.268-07:00Back to the Basics- Faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement First things first. What is faith?? <strong>Faith is a hope or a belief in that which you can't see</strong>. For example, I have never seen Jesus Christ, but I firmly believe he was a real person that lived and died for me and you and everyone. It was important that he died for us because without his sacrifice we couldn't be forgiven of our sins and make it back to our Heavenly Father. <strong>Jesus Christ's suffering and death for us is called</strong> <strong>the Atonement</strong>.<br />
Now it's time to learn how you can build your faith. A prophet in The Book of Mormon compared faith to a seed. Think about what you would have to do in order to make a seed grow:<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1.</span> Plant the seed. -----> It must have a place to grow.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2.</span> Give it water and plant food. -----> It must be fed.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3.</span> Place it in the sun. -----> It has to be in a place where it can receive light.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4.</span> Continue to care for it. -----> Without more water, food and light it will die.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq103/cspute/project%20704%20biology/1.jpg" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167px" src="http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq103/cspute/project%20704%20biology/1.jpg" width="200px" /></a><span style="background-color: silver;"></span><br />
Those are things you must do in order for a seed to grow. So what about faith?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1.</span> Plant the seed. -----> You have to make a place in your heart for faith to grow. <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2.</span> Give it water and plant food. ----> Just as a plant needs food to grow, faith requires spiritual food (The Bible and Book of Mormon, prayer, etc.).<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3.</span> Place it in the sun. -----> You need to be in a place where you can receive 'spiritual light' or learn more about Jesus Christ. After all, you must learn about him before you can have faith in him.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4.</span> Continue to care for it. -----> You must continue to 'feed' your faith in order for it to live.<br />
<br />
As you learn more about Jesus Christ you will see your belief in him grow. Just like a seed it will require time, work and patience on your part, but in time you will find your small 'seed of faith' can grow from a small acorn into a giant oak tree! I know that to be true. If you already have faith in Christ, strengthen it. If not, begin today by learning more about him. I know as you do this your faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement will grow. I know Jesus Christ lives and loves us. I know he died for us so we can be forgiven. Now it's up to you to learn the same thing for yourself.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> If you have any particular questions you can message me on Facebook or click on any or all of the following links to learn more.<br />
<a href="http://lds.org/study/topics/faith?lang=eng&query=faith"><strong><span style="color: blue;">What is Faith?</span></strong></a><br />
<a href="http://lds.org/topic/faith-jesus-christ/?lang=eng"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Faith in Jesus Christ</span></strong></a><br />
<a href="http://mormon.org/jesus-christ/"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Jesus Christ and His Atonement</span></strong></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div>Elder Austin Huntsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692503253911757806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755207338350402980.post-57589382566508668872011-10-22T10:19:00.000-07:002011-10-22T10:19:38.493-07:00Back to the Basics<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XM6KYClPU-4/TqL6kX0M-dI/AAAAAAAAAC0/bzZMCkzLqAE/s1600/basketball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; height: 246px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 321px;"><img border="0" height="240" rda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XM6KYClPU-4/TqL6kX0M-dI/AAAAAAAAAC0/bzZMCkzLqAE/s320/basketball.jpg" width="320" /></a> I remember playing basketball from a young age and I learned so many different things about the game. Even after learning many new things though we always got <strong>back to the basics </strong>and I think it's about that time for my blog. I have written a lot about the gospel of Jesus Christ and after talking about so many different things I thought it would be good to get back to the basics and reinforce the fundamentals. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Over the next month or so, I'll be posting blogs about topics such as Faith in Jesus Christ, Repentance, Baptism, and the Holy Ghost. If there are any other things you would like to learn about feel free to shoot me a message on Facebook and then be ready to learn!</div>Elder Austin Huntsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692503253911757806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755207338350402980.post-13038090064535818212011-10-13T10:48:00.000-07:002011-10-13T10:49:15.882-07:00A Second Witness Clears Things Up<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;" uri="/general-conference/2011/10/the-book-of-mormon-a-book-from-god.p10"> Every six months we get to hear from the prophet, apostles and leaders of the church in General Conference. The most recent was at the beginning of this month and I really enjoyed it. The following excerpt came from a talk that I loved (<a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/the-book-of-mormon-a-book-from-god?lang=eng&query=tad+(name%3a"Tad+R.+Callister")"><span style="color: blue;">Click here for full talk</span>.</a>). Shortly after hearing it we were talking to a man who couldn't understand why we would need The Book of Mormon. It showed me just how much we DO need a living prophet on the earth.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;" uri="/general-conference/2011/10/the-book-of-mormon-a-book-from-god.p10"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;" uri="/general-conference/2011/10/the-book-of-mormon-a-book-from-god.p10"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-akSKUr8mmVg/To3dLqA4wKI/AAAAAAAAACw/X0yQO4Osee8/s1600/untitled2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-akSKUr8mmVg/To3dLqA4wKI/AAAAAAAAACw/X0yQO4Osee8/s1600/untitled2.bmp" /></a> "Why is the Book of Mormon so essential if we already have the Bible to teach us about Jesus Christ? Have you ever wondered why there are so many Christian churches in the world today when they obtain their doctrines from essentially the same Bible? It is because they interpret the Bible differently. If they interpreted it the same, they would be the same church. This is not a condition the Lord desires, for the Apostle Paul declared that there is “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5). To help bring this oneness about, the Lord established a divine law of witnesses. Paul taught, “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established” (2 Corinthians 13:1).</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;" uri="/general-conference/2011/10/the-book-of-mormon-a-book-from-god.p11">The Bible is one witness of Jesus Christ; the Book of Mormon is another. Why is this second witness so crucial? The following illustration may help: How many straight lines can you draw through a single point on a piece of paper? The answer is infinite. For a moment, suppose that single point represents the Bible and that hundreds of those straight lines drawn through that point represent different interpretations of the Bible and that each of those interpretations represents a different church.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;" uri="/general-conference/2011/10/the-book-of-mormon-a-book-from-god.p12"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YgzQRzbm4yM/To3b5dlKszI/AAAAAAAAACs/6_1rwBo03ho/s1600/untitled.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YgzQRzbm4yM/To3b5dlKszI/AAAAAAAAACs/6_1rwBo03ho/s1600/untitled.bmp" /></a>What happens, however, if on that piece of paper there is a second point representing the Book of Mormon? How many straight lines could you draw between these two reference points: the Bible and the Book of Mormon? Only one. Only one interpretation of Christ’s doctrines survives the testimony of these two witnesses.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;" uri="/general-conference/2011/10/the-book-of-mormon-a-book-from-god.p13">Again and again the Book of Mormon acts as a confirming, clarifying, unifying witness of the doctrines taught in the Bible so that there is only “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.”</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;" uri="/general-conference/2011/10/the-book-of-mormon-a-book-from-god.p13"> My guess is that you may now be more curious about The Book of Mormon. To learn more you can talk to me on Facebook (see my blog's homepage) or you can get a free copy for yourself by clicking <a href="http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a>. When you get your copy take the time to read and pray about it. Ask God if it is true and you will come to know that it is a Book from God.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue;"></span></div>Elder Austin Huntsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692503253911757806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755207338350402980.post-90057396759629376462011-09-22T09:59:00.000-07:002011-09-22T10:01:14.607-07:00The More You Feed It, The More It Will Grow<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQ_X9K9qDNf9zAh0MXB8KNIfetL60d6UOHhn1tq7xXsA6qTe79n6cT6ZKk6H7OhYFqgrBXfOCfzFiBLYaweq5E1__4YoA5XHlcMh77cJ2euPwvR0bBlM119J5haIR2kzE7tRzPub58Eip/s1600/P9180364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQ_X9K9qDNf9zAh0MXB8KNIfetL60d6UOHhn1tq7xXsA6qTe79n6cT6ZKk6H7OhYFqgrBXfOCfzFiBLYaweq5E1__4YoA5XHlcMh77cJ2euPwvR0bBlM119J5haIR2kzE7tRzPub58Eip/s320/P9180364.JPG" width="320" /></a> The other day we were walking around when we saw a guy that was carrying an albino burmese python, basically a big snake for those that aren't familiar with reptiles. I was way excited to see it seeing as my brothers and I had many pet snakes at home. Well I got talking to Elder Bond a bit about the snakes we had and how we took care of them, etc. One thing that came up was how much to feed them and how it related to their growth. With snakes, as with most anything living I would guess, the more you feed it, the more it will grow. If you were to feed a snake less than it really needed, hoping it could get by on that amount, its growth would come along very slowly, if at all. It would be foolish to believe that a snake, or anything else, would grow if you didn't give it the proper nurtrition that it required. Later it clicked in my head what this meant in relationship to all of us spiritually.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Often times we try to make our faith grow while only feeding it when it is convenient, which in my experience, is hardly ever. This occasional nourishment will not do the job. If you truly want your faith to grow you must feed it more. You must "<strong>feast</strong> upon the word" (2 Nephi 32:3) and "pray <strong>always</strong>" (2 Nephi 32:8). If you do these things I can promise that you will see your faith grow. And just as with the snake, the more you feed it, the more it will grow!</div>Elder Austin Huntsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692503253911757806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755207338350402980.post-13501540138608801582011-09-14T10:14:00.000-07:002011-09-14T10:14:57.572-07:00There Is So Much More to See<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPn_tvB_d8UwUh_paTJ5wvCg3Xl-C2d3RCTZjy-12UgJsjyVy7MFyaZkA3RjdqTAGntQbMI57t2xG68mVCp70U183acK6wZKUr32BB0lytgDPKE9juBfTYduIfq96L378j4tA5iwSh8Akx/s1600/P8290295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPn_tvB_d8UwUh_paTJ5wvCg3Xl-C2d3RCTZjy-12UgJsjyVy7MFyaZkA3RjdqTAGntQbMI57t2xG68mVCp70U183acK6wZKUr32BB0lytgDPKE9juBfTYduIfq96L378j4tA5iwSh8Akx/s400/P8290295.JPG" width="400" xaa="true" /></a></div> Recently we went hiking on the Big Horn Mountains here in Lovell and it was a blast! We had hiked down a trail and come to Porcupine Falls (the picture on the right), which I loved! After walking around for a while though we saw that we could climb up another trail that would give us a different perspective. After we climbed up to this point we saw that there was so much more to be seen (the picture below is taken from that point). It was cool to see the same place from two different perspectives, both of which were gorgeous. I wouldn't say one view was better than the other or that one took away from the other. Instead it allowed me to see things that I may have otherwise missed out on. That's exactly how I feel about the Bible and The Book of Mormon.<br />
During our hike we had seen one beautiful perspective but that didn't mean it was the only one to be seen. In 2 Nephi 29:7-8 we read, "Know ye not that there are more nations than one?...Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another."<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbDTklGJMBPnfsInetoAbMs9E371J62cnUZ3ZXTGf7YoXeVCdHaf7pByHgBUdesA8wcrByvcmaS4fFjHIwJ15NiH1EoDwqTvbPHvP5MP9sTFqMP9YGVa8Q4xkXviwh0RtmM4atwIv9s7Y/s1600/P8290316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbDTklGJMBPnfsInetoAbMs9E371J62cnUZ3ZXTGf7YoXeVCdHaf7pByHgBUdesA8wcrByvcmaS4fFjHIwJ15NiH1EoDwqTvbPHvP5MP9sTFqMP9YGVa8Q4xkXviwh0RtmM4atwIv9s7Y/s400/P8290316.JPG" width="400" xaa="true" /></a> The Bible is great and I love reading its words. I also love to read more of God's word in The Book of Mormon. I love to compare and see how both offer a new insight or perspective. One doesn't take away from the other but they work together hand in hand. So give The Book of Mormon a try and see how it can build your faith in Christ just as the Bible has. As you read from its pages you will find that there is so much more to see!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Elder Austin Huntsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692503253911757806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755207338350402980.post-47458849260476045532011-09-07T13:01:00.000-07:002011-09-07T13:01:28.821-07:00Grandfather's Journal- Learning From Your Ancestors<div style="text-align: center;">Genealogy is one of the fastest growing hobbies in America and people are becoming very interested in learning about their families. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints I believe that this work is very important to help us in this life and for the life to come. See how this man learned from his ancestors and think of you can do the same thing for yourself. Learn more about your ancestors for free at <a href="https://familysearch.org/">familysearch.org</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_eFutDa2Amk?fs=1" width="480"></iframe></div>Elder Austin Huntsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692503253911757806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755207338350402980.post-52139435306376491072011-08-24T13:44:00.000-07:002011-08-24T13:44:27.380-07:00Below Zero Growing up in Texas I didn't experience very cold temperatures and it definitely never got below 0! In fact I didn't really know that it got below 0 anywhere. It just hadn't occurred to me. Well during the last year I got pretty familiar with temperatures that had a negative sign in front of them. I really didn't want to experience the cold; I enjoyed the heat and wanted it to stay warm because that is where I felt comfortable. I felt like I had never been so cold in my life when the winter arrived. I didn't think my body would ever be able to handle temperatures below 0, but somehow I survived it and I'm still alive and kickin'. Plus I learned an important life lesson.<br />
Often times we want to stay where we are at because it is familiar and we are comfortable. We don't want to go through the "refiner's fire", or in this case the refiner's freezer, because it won't be easy. But that's not what our Heavenly Father wants for us. He knows that we all have imperfections and it often requires us doing hard things in order to become better. That's what this life is about. We face opposition and things that we may not be comfortable with but they give us experience and end up working for our good. So if you feel like you are having to do things that you don't want to or like life is just too hard, remember that I, Elder Huntsman, was able to survive an Eastern Montana winter. If I can do that then you can face any hard things you may face, especially when Jesus Christ is on your side.Elder Austin Huntsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692503253911757806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755207338350402980.post-85802150052517143682011-08-11T10:33:00.000-07:002011-08-11T10:33:00.372-07:00Heard of Joseph Smith Before??<div style="text-align: center;">Many of you may have heard of Joseph Smith in your history class or from a friend that is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but you may not know much about what he did or who he really was. This movie goes through much of the life of Joseph Smith and will give you an idea of who he was, what he did and why we refer to him as "The Prophet of the Restoration." Enjoy it, I know I did.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1xVw6PsSinI?fs=1" width="480"></iframe></div>Elder Austin Huntsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692503253911757806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755207338350402980.post-73491342099752692352011-08-02T13:51:00.000-07:002012-07-04T14:14:25.737-07:00Take Advantage of the Blessings Available to You<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://i.acdn.us/image/A1355/1355178/300_1355178.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i.acdn.us/image/A1355/1355178/300_1355178.gif" width="235" /></a> During this time of year in Wyoming we get a fair amount of mosquitos and they drive me nuts. I have never really liked them and I don't think I ever will. As we got home the other night I was thinking about those nasty bugs and on my desk was a bottle of permethrin, an insect repellent that we had been given to protect ourselves from the mosquitos and other bugs. I thought to myself, "You have what you need to avoid the mosquitos, you just have to use it!!" And then it hit me...</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
To be able to avoid the mosquitos would be considered a blessing to me and if I would use the tools, like permethrin, that I had been given then I could have experienced the blessings of no mosquito bites. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
As followers of Christ, our Heavenly Father has given us many good tools to help us experience the full blessings of this life. Some of these tools include the scriptures and prayer just to name a few, but how often do we leave those tools unused and then miss out on those blessings available to us.<br />
Would you want to get bit by mosquitos if you could avoid it so easily? I wouldn't! So why not use the spiritual tools we have and see the blessings that come from taking advantage of them.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Use those spiritual tools you have been given, such as prayer, and experience the happiness that comes through following Christ. </div>Elder Austin Huntsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692503253911757806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755207338350402980.post-56127303592259199552011-07-20T12:28:00.000-07:002011-07-20T12:28:37.313-07:00Wanna Meet a Mormon?? There are so many misconceptions out there about "the mormons." People will make claims sometimes that we have horns, we don't use TVs or we can only ride bikes, just to name a few. But those claims simply are not true! Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, commonly called "Mormons", are everyday people who have families, jobs and they probably face a lot of the same problems that you do. That may not be what you have heard, but watch this video and you may find that you are very similar!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0" height="270" id="flashObj" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="flashVars" value="videoId=746489802001&linkBaseURL=http%3A%2F%2Fmormon.org%2Fme%2F1N0F&playerID=624969307001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAkVf45-E~,pmvsVwZF3OxbkM0RYkqyMQXbVW5FlKA7&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" /><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com" /><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashVars="videoId=746489802001&linkBaseURL=http%3A%2F%2Fmormon.org%2Fme%2F1N0F&playerID=624969307001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAkVf45-E~,pmvsVwZF3OxbkM0RYkqyMQXbVW5FlKA7&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="480" height="270" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" swLiveConnect="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mormon.org/people/">Wanna Meet More Mormons?? Click Here.</a></div>Elder Austin Huntsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692503253911757806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755207338350402980.post-69640034763132362011-07-12T14:47:00.000-07:002011-07-12T14:47:53.384-07:00Batman and The Book of James<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.comics101.com/comics101//news/Comics%20101/192/two_face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://www.comics101.com/comics101//news/Comics%20101/192/two_face.jpg" width="320px" /></a> <span style="color: black;"> So what in the heck do Batman and some scriptures in the Bible have to do with each other?? Well if you're familiar with Batman then you probably know about the villain Two-Face, and if not, then maybe you've at least heard of being "two faced." I was reading the other day in the Book of James in the New Testament of the Bible and this thought of being two faced came to my mind. In James 3:10-12 we read,</span></div><span style="color: black;"> "Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet <span class="clarityWord">water</span> and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so <span class="clarityWord">can</span> no fountain both yield salt water and fresh."</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black;"> How easy is it to be like this? I think really easy. When you are around your parents maybe you "yield fresh water", but when you're with you friends you "yield salt water." James tells us, "these things ought not to be." We shouldn't put on one face for church and then another for work and a different one when you are among friends. Rather we should be true followers of Christ at all times.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: black;"> You may be able to deceive some people by being two faced, but remember that God knows who we truly are and he sees us at all times. So do those things that would be pleasing to your Father in Heaven at all times and don't be a Two-Face!</span></div>Elder Austin Huntsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692503253911757806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755207338350402980.post-7661780369752215552011-07-08T13:26:00.000-07:002011-07-08T13:29:10.181-07:00God's Words Never Cease!!<div style="text-align: left;"> God, your Heavenly Father, loves you so much! He wants you to be happy and have success in this life. That doesn't mean that everything will go just as you want it to, but he will do all things for your good. One way that your Father in Heaven shows his love for you is by giving you his word. This includes the Old Testament, New Testament, and The Book of Mormon. But his word doesn't stop there; your Heavenly Father has again called a prophet on the earth that speaks God's words to us today and you can know that that is true! Pray about it and you will receive an answer. As the Bible says, "Ask and ye shall receive!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/K_xl_AR0IRs?fs=1" width="480"></iframe></div>Elder Austin Huntsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692503253911757806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755207338350402980.post-36036746228523462882011-07-05T13:19:00.000-07:002011-07-05T13:19:53.602-07:00What's missing??<div style="text-align: left;"> It's so easy to get caught up in money and possessions nowadays, but there is never enough to satisfy that hunger. We always want more, more, more. We search for those possessions or promotions that will quench our deepest thirst, but it's never enough. So if money or possessions won't fill that desire then there must be another piece that's missing. What is it?? Jesus Christ!<br />
Christ taught the women at the well that, "whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him <span style="color: black;">shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14) If you will 'drink of the water' that Christ has to offer, you will find your deepest desires fulfilled. <strong>You can find true happiness </strong>just like the people in this video. Hear their story! It's awesome!!</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/epNjOrfmdlA?fs=1" width="480"></iframe></div>Elder Austin Huntsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692503253911757806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755207338350402980.post-8277963993926375032011-06-29T12:32:00.000-07:002011-06-29T12:59:37.650-07:00Wanna See What I Do??<div style="text-align: left;"> A lot of y'all know that I'm on a mission, but my guess is that you probably don't really know what I do out here in Montana and Wyoming. In this video you can get a little preview of what I do and why I do it. Then if you want to you can even meet the missionaries like me that live near you. <a href="http://mormon.org/missionaries">Just click here.</a> I can promise you that the message they share can and will change your life. Give them a try, there's nothing to lose.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><object style="height: 390px; width: 640px;"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YGnpHLS81lY?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YGnpHLS81lY?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></object></div>Elder Austin Huntsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692503253911757806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755207338350402980.post-34507847422977453512011-06-23T10:06:00.000-07:002011-06-23T10:06:18.440-07:00Life Isn't Easy<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.hopeisonthehorizon.org/Jesus_I_never_said_it_would_be_easy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158px" src="http://www.hopeisonthehorizon.org/Jesus_I_never_said_it_would_be_easy.jpg" width="200px" /></a> It's probably been 6 years ago that I went to a church camp in San Antonio, TX. My counselor there was a tennis player for Texas A&M University and he had a big impact one me, probably more than he knows. He told us how he had decided that he was going to serve a mission. He said that he had not particularly wanted to serve a mission in the past, especially since he was playing tennis at Texas A&M. He had a bright future there and didn't want to stop that by leaving for two years. Then he told us that he saw a picture of Christ in someone's house that had a big impact on him. Next to the picture were the words, "I never said it would be easy. I said it would be worth it."</div> It hit him pretty hard and got him thinking and it did the same for me as he related his experience. Life wasn't meant to be a cake walk. The Book of Mormon tells us that , "There must needs be an opposition in all things." We have to experience good and bad. It will be hard a lot of times, but just as the picture said, it will be worth it. So when you are facing a tough time and you feel like you can't go on, remember that it will all be worth it! You will grow through your trials and challenges. Christ will help you and strengthen you.Elder Austin Huntsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692503253911757806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1755207338350402980.post-74534345853616951762011-06-21T14:08:00.000-07:002011-06-21T14:08:14.187-07:00Stuck In a Rut??<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.eg.bucknell.edu/~hyde/jackson/ruts5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://www.eg.bucknell.edu/~hyde/jackson/ruts5.jpg" width="320px" /></a> I've had a few experiences with being stuck in ruts during my life. Some were physical ruts on the road and others have been of a more spiritual nature, but they all had something in common. All of them have seemed so easy to fall into but they aren't so easy to get out of. I still haven't had to drive in too many ruts here so I have no advice as for the ones on the road, but I think I have an answer for how to get out of the spiritual ruts.</div> I feel like I usually got into these ruts because I didn't put much effort into my spiritual growth; I would simply "go through the motions". It can be so easy to do that, at least for me. I was going to church and I would listen but I didn't seem to be moving much of anywhere and for a long time I didn't understand why. Then one day I was reading the Bible and I came across a scripture that made a world of difference. It was James 1:22-<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> "But be ye <strong>doers</strong> of the word, and <strong>not hearers only</strong>, deceiving your own selves."</div> For so long I had been <em>hearing the word </em>but I usually wasn't being a "doer of the word". I wanted the spiritual growth without putting in the work. It was like I wanted to get strong without exercising. How often do you go to church, sit and hear, but then you don't do anything to make changes?? Personally I think this is how it was for me most of my life. I was stuck in a rut where I went through the motions... until I learned this lesson.<br />
Since learning this I have tried a lot harder to <strong>do</strong> the things that I hear and it has made a world of difference to me. I can see myself growing spiritually as I apply the things that I learn. So if you feel stuck in a rut and you need a way out, do some work. Still be a hearer, but then go and DO! If you will follow the things Christ taught and apply the lessons you learn, you will see yourself moving out of those ruts and onto a greater path that will lead you closer to the Jesus Christ. <br />
Elder Austin Huntsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692503253911757806noreply@blogger.com0