Missonaries

Missionaries

If you aren't Mormon, you've probably heard a few interesting things about our church. Some true and some...not-so-true things. Yes we do not drink or smoke. We do not, despite popular belief, have multiple wives. Yes we are Christians. We believe God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings. No we do not all drive mini vans and live in Utah. In fact, there are over 15,082,028 members of the church all over the world today! There are also about 88,00 missionaries serving in various countries. 

Why do Mormons serve missions? Robert, currently serving in Montana, said,"We go on missions to share the Gospel with everyone. We are to Invite others to come unto Christ. This message is sacred and of the utmost importance. We should be shouting it from the rooftops and telling all of our friends how this gospel can change their lives just as it has mine. I've seen more spiritual things happen on my mission than any other time so far. It is so amazing to watch someone you've been teaching enter the waters of baptism!"

My family has had the privilege of three missionaries in our very own family so far. My brother Drew, sister Sarah, and sister Jessica. I would like to focus on my sister Jessica in particular. 

Before Jessica left, her and I did everything together. We both are avid sports lovers, especially basketball, Lord of the Rings fanatics, and possess an easy-going, friendly personality, we always have fun no matter what we were doing. Jessica is currently serving a mission for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Little Rock, Arkansas. She has been gone for 13 months. Reading her letters has helped strengthen my testimony and faith. She is one of my greatest examples. 

Something I really admire about Jessica is her ability to love. She is very charitable to all God's children. She forgets herself and her own trials and instead asks, "Who needs me? Who can I serve today?". With every companion she has had, she learns how to succor to their needs and learns how to love them individually, like God would.

I am thankful for the example Jessica has set as a true disciple of Christ. It is hard to comprehend exactly how much she sacrifices every single day as a missionary sharing the gospel. Although I do miss her A TON, I know she is where the Lord needs her and will come back a little more refined and have a stronger testimony on Christ and of this glorious gospel. 

Thank you Jess for choosing to serve a mission. I love you. 

Joshua 24:15

Alma 30:8

Oh Jerusalem

Oh Jerusalem

This is one of my absolute favorite pictures of the Savior. It looks as if he is pondering about all his brothers and sisters. He is calm and reflective. I can't help but wonder if he is thinking about me and what I am going through. Jesus Christ lived a perfect example of charity. Every moment on earth he was 'amidst the afflicted'. He never spoke down to those who were in need or turned away the sick. It is easy to judge others who are suffering and even, at times, say that they brought it upon them self. But are we all not beggars? To have as great of charity as the Savior possessed, we must first learn how to love. Not only love those who are easy to love and kind, but more importantly, love those who need it the most, even if they don't deserve it. "Charity is the pure love of Christ."

'There Is A Green Hill Far Away' comes to my mind every time I see this delicate painting. I feel a spirit of reverence and gratitude for my Savior when I ponder on his suffering on the cross. 

1. 
   
   1. There is a green hill far away,
   Without a city wall,
   Where the dear Lord was crucified,
   Who died to save us all.
2. 2. We may not know, we cannot tell,
   What pains he had to bear,
   But we believe it was for us
   He hung and suffered there.
3. 3. There was no other good enough
   To pay the price of sin.
   He only could unlock the gate
   Of heav'n and let us in.

4. Oh, dearly, dearly has he loved!

And we must love him too,

And trust in his redeeming blood,

And try his works to do.

Christ lives and loves you. If you have not come to personally know your Savior yet, ponder. Find a quiet place away from the distractions of our busy world, and study his teachings. Through the Spirit, you will feel his love and have a deeper appreciation for his infinite atonement. 

Mark 8:35

2 Nephi 26: 30

Addy

Adam Kristopher Benson.

Although I am an optimistic person, life can really stink at times. You may wake up one morning and say, "Hello self! Today is going to be a great day. I will smile and enjoy whatever may come my way". But when things don't go the way you planned, or people aren't so kind, it's more difficult to maintain your initial optimism you possessed at the beginning of the day. The only thing that can always make me smile is my brother Adam.

Adam is 26 years old. He was born september 21, 1988. Even if you tried to forget that very anticipated day, he wouldn't let you due to frequent, joyful reminders starting as early as three months in advance. Adam's birthday is considered a national holiday in the Benson home.

With welcoming bear hugs, contagious smiles, and jubilant laughter, Adam is always a crowd pleaser and often times considered everyone's best friend. But we all know Addy and I are the real best friends. You can always count on him greeting you first with a warm hug and then asking about how your family is doing. He loves you no matter who you are, where you come from, or what you have or haven't done. Adam loves everyone. He expresses his love by spreading joy. I believe a motto Adam lives by is, "Leave people better than when you found them", for that is exactly what he does. He is the perfect example of loving unconditionally.

But don't let the flashy smile fool you, Adam has many hidden talents that not a lot of people are privileged to experience. Adam looooves to dance. He is king of Benson family dance parties. It isn't a party until Adam has busted out his famous chicken dance out on the dance floor. Whether while watching movies, listening to music, or jammin' in the kitchen, Adam is always hopping around the house. He also enjoys singing a lot. The Muppets, in particular, bring out his inner Whitney Housten. Adam has the mentality of a seven year old, so Barney and Sesame Street are also a frequently listen to CD. I have grown to love childish movies because it is another way I get to spend time with Addy. We shared a room this summer, and Hook was one that we watched over and over again in my room. In a sass battle, Adam and I would go back and forth while saying, "Adam is a codfish", and he saying triumphantly, "Oh no! Rachel is a codfish". 

I feel very blessed to have Adam as an older brother. He is a good listener, comforter, and buddy to have around. He brings joy to all he meets and truly does make you feel loved. Through Adam, I have come to know my Savior, Jesus Christ, better and have come to realize that God sends us angels to guide us. They do not have to be on the other side of the veil to be considered an angel. Adam is an angel among us.