Palm Sunday

Today is Palm Sunday, it was a relatively normal day for me filled with church and family. But last year I walked from Bethphage to Jerusalem, walking the path of Christ.

The day started early for me as I had the opportunity to go play the bells at the YMCA but, that afternoon the whole center walked to the starting point of the Palm Sunday Walk. All along the way were young Palestinian boys selling palm leaves. Of course, I wanted the biggest one; and I got it. Some of the boys were having a harder time getting the leaves for the low price that the girls were getting them for. For some reason, the girls got the best price.

The walk started and it was the biggest sea of people I had been in. Shoulder to shoulder crowds shuffled along the path to enter the gates of Jerusalem. As I walked, my palm leaf grew heavy and I quickly realized my mistake of desiring the largest one. While it makes for great pictures, that is about all it is good for. One of my good friends, helped me strip the lower leaves to lighten my load and provide a more comfortable hand hold.

As we walked people sang, danced, played music, anything imaginable. Countless Christian faiths gathered in remembrance of the Savior's entry into Jerusalem. In that time it didn't matter what we each believed and the differences we all had. What mattered was our belief in the Savior and the message of hope and redemption that he brings. It truly was amazing to witness the unity of the faiths as I picked up on their songs and sang with them or others listened as a small band of humble Mormons sang four part harmony.

While on this walk, my friend and I were pulled aside and interviewed by Fox News. Though our interview never aired, it was truly wonderful to be able to share my thoughts and opinions on the Palm Sunday walk in Jerusalem and the unity of numberless people united by their faith in Christ. It was an opportunity for be to be and example of the believers.

Bethlehem

My field trip this week would have been to Bethlehem. The very city that Christ was born. Going to Bethlehem was one of the few times that we were allowed to pass into Palestinian territory. However, we journeyed comfortably by bus, unlike the pregnant Mary and Joseph who journeyed from Nazareth to Bethlehem as part of the census.

While in the city we went to the Church of the Nativity. This is believed to be the birth place of Christ. At the time it was under renovation inside, but it did not detract from the spirit and meaning in the church. My class waited amongst the crowd to into the Grotto where the site of Christ's birth had been preserved. Though sometimes we wish these sights could be viewed as they were when the events occurred, a true cave or field, but the best way for something to be preserved through the centuries is to put a church on top of it.

During my time in the Holy Land, I had become very accustomed to crowds at such sites. I had observed the incredible dedication of people from all over the world coming to these places just to be there for a few seconds; this was typically the case because of the mass of people. This was no different.

I entered the Grotto with a handful of other classmates. I took my picture by the star (where Christ was born), walked around, and took my picture where Mary laid Christ. The Grotto was already crowded with many other people and amidst this incredible place and the spirit within, I heard a man begin to curse and use the Lord's name in vain. in this moment, my spirit sank. I couldn't believe how someone could be so disrespectful because of the displeasure of a crowd. It truly took me aback as I began to ponder what it meant for me to come to these places. Surely it would be nice to have been able to take my time and ponder and pray; but I did not need to visit these sights to have a confirming witness of Christ's birth and his divinity. 

Though this man may have lost sight of his testimony and the reason he had come to see Christ's birthplace, he reminded me why I came. I pondered my purpose as we went to the Shepard's Field later that night. At the time, I had no desire to go home, but to remain there surrounded by the spirit. But,

I came home edified with my testimony strengthened. Some people wear the heart on their sleeve, but I wear my testimony on my sleeve. I carry with me my life for Christ and his great atoning sacrifice.

Judgement Day

At this time last year, I was not on a bus to any ancient site, I was not wandering through the old city immersed in culture and knowledge. Instead, I was comfortably studying for finals inside the good old JC. Anyone who's in college or remembers what it was like in college can recall the anxiety and anticipation of finals. Sometimes teetering between two grades, desperate to make up the difference in that final test. At least in my generation, it seems pretty standard to coast through the semester and then spend the nights before the test cramming and memorizing before that day of judgment. 

But what about the real day of judgement? How are you preparing for the day you will stand accountable before the Lord and be judged? Like the parable of the ten virgins, we are taught that we must always be prepared for the glorious day of the Lord. The trouble is, unlike finals, we do not know when Christ will come again to reign on the Earth. We do not know when we will stand before God on judgement day. 

We cannot cram the night before. We cannot coast through life being apathetic towards God and his commandments. Doing is not being prepared. We must constantly be striving to become more perfected in Christ. We must always be working to be better, stronger, purer if we expect to stand confident before God. 

Some people get discouraged at the thought of falling short. But, we are not asked to be perfect. We cannot become perfect in this life. If we could then Christ and all he suffered and did for us would be unnecessary. The key to this life is to try. Day by day, try. Try a little harder to be a little better. I would admonish you to pick something that you can do to be a little better and help prepare you for the day you will stand in the presence of God. For me, I will be a little kinder, serve a little more, and judge a little less.

The Book of Mormon

On Sunday I had the opportunity to listen to an archeologist who travels all over the middle east. He focused on the journey of Lehi and his family from Jerusalem to the land of milk and honey. As I listened and looked at his slides, I could hardly contain my enthusiasm as I recognized a circular altars in some pictures from a place I had visited. I was distraught that I couldn't remember that the pictures were from Har Megiddo also pronounced Armageddon.

Megiddo

It was amazing for me to be reminded of the truth that the gospel has that doesn't belong to another church. Sometimes I get caught up in the Bible and the places I went and the knowledge I have about it all. And it is important, the gospels contain the life and ministry of Christ which is the good news. But, the Book of Mormon is a continuation of that story containing his ministry after he was resurrected. 

In third Nephi we read about Christ's birth, death, and resurrection from the perspective of those who left Jerusalem and journeyed to the Americas. We read of Christ coming to the America's and visiting his "other sheep".

"Jesus Christ did show himself unto the people of Nephi, as the multitude were gathered together in the land Bountiful, and did minister unto them; and on this wise did he show himself unto them."

          Comprising chapters 11-26.  

Though my experience traveling through the Bible is one of the most valuable things I have, it is not as valuable as my testimony of the Book of Mormon. I know the words are true, that they continue the journey of Christ's ministry. It is a book of divine knowledge brought about in our day to restore the fulness of the gospel in the world. It goes hand in hand with the Bible as another testament of Jesus Christ.

The Alter of the Lord

This last week in Jerusalem, I would have returned from my field trip to the Valley of Elah. This field trip was particularly hard for me. Just as David faced Goliath here, I faced my own Goliath. The story is there for you to recount or read if you haven't before. Needless to say, it was probably the second most trying day during my study abroad, but the hardest decision I have ever had to make.

Just weeks before I left for Jerusalem, this choice weighed on my mind. While in Jordan, I sunk to my knees in desperate prayer to my Father in Heaven. I placed my decision

on the alter of the Lord and I pleaded to know what to do, confused about the situation at hand. While on my knees I realized what I wanted and that was my agency. Hard as it was, I came to my decision there. The following week, the night before my field trip, I put this choice into action. 

Using a sling and stones like David

Sometimes God asks us to sacrifice what is most important to us. Sometimes, it is a matter of faith and putting our trust in him. As it turned out, this devastating choice of mine didn't pan out how I imagined it would. It truly seemed to be a matter of trust and obedience, as it was confirmed to me in a blessing that I had made the right choice.

God asks hard things of us. But he only asks those things that he knows we can do. And really, if you think about it, with God we can do anything. With that in mind, God only asks of us those things which he is willing to help us achieve. These tests of faith help us increase our relationship with God as we learn and grow in knowledge and spirit; we must simply act.

As we take our most precious things  to the alter of the Lord, and sacrifice them, in His name, the blessings come. It isn't until we turn our whole being over God that we are able to serve in his name. After submitting our will to his, it is then that he can truly trust us.

By Example

Looking back at my year in the Holy Land, one of my favorite times was  leaving there to go to Jordan. I've told you about Petra by Night and my experience riding a camel but more than my trivial adventures, I found Jordan to be a place of opportunity.

I got to spend the four days there with a new roommate. She was half the reason Jordan was so great.  She is one of the nicest, sweetest girls I know. More than that, I learned so much from her. As we embarked on this journey together, she was always by my side, making sure I wasn't left behind. We ate meals together and talked in our room. We our class went out, she would like her arm in mine, I admired her happiness, grateful for her new friendship. I learned a lot from her. As we arrived at the hotel the first night, she asked if I wanted to have roommate prayer. From there we proceeded to alternate morning and night and pray together. She was such a strength and example to me.

We should constantly be striving to be examples and lift and strengthen others. I told you how I felt bound and chained, unable to speak of my religion, but often found opportunity through song. This was no exception. The second half of my trip to Jordan was spent in Amman. The last night there some friends and I went out to rainbow street. On the way back we ran into more people from our class who were listening to some locals singing and playing guitar, something my teacher had raved about. It was fun to join in as we all sang with them. I didn't know most of the songs, but it's not something you get to do every night.

The best part though, is to say thanks, we all turned around and sang Nearer my God to Thee. I found it interesting that some of the locals in the crowd filmed US! I'd never been on that end before. It was neat to be able to share this small message; a common Christian hymn. But it was a step. A small moment to share the truth that we had. An opportunity.

Living in the Bible

Just two days ago, last year, I returned from a field trip to Jericho. Jericho is mentioned several times in the Bible. According to Deuteronomy, it is "the city of palm trees". It is indeed a city of palm trees. 

This was the first trip where the Bible really started to come to life for me. It is where we wandered around the Judean Wilderness, across the desert land. The hills, the dirt. I could see the people, Israel, lost for 40 years. I watched Christ make the 8 hour walk from Jerusalem. I saw him meet Zacchaeus there (Luke 19:1-10). I lived there, with the tribe of Benjamin. Being there, it just felt... real. I became apart of the stories of old.

Not only that, but that is what marked the true beginning of my journey. I often wonder when Jesus realized he was the literal son of God. And then, when did he realize all that it entailed? We know that Christ learned grace by grace, just as we do. The weeks prior to this trip, I was being introduced to my call. As I allowed myself to be filled with the spirit of the stories of Jericho, I began to write my own story. 

Returning from the Holy Land, I came back with my own history, my own mission, recorded for my posterity, and recorded on here, for all those that might benefit. It is a small thing for me, to testify of Christ in a place that few people but those who know me visit. But, it is grace by grace, that I do so. Here first, and then other avenues will open up, and they will continue for the rest of my life.

For some people, it is hard to make the Bible real to them. It is dense, especially in the Old Testament, and can be hard to get through. As I visited the sights of the Bible in my four months abroad, I wasn't just there, seeing them. I was absorbed in them, their history, their stories. I was living in the Bible.

Peace, Be Still

I speak often of my experiences in Galilee, as that is where I grew close to Christ. Though I did not need to travel the thousands of miles to increase spiritually, there are some things that you just don't know unless you're there. You can't understand a New York ice storm unless you've experienced it. Likewise, you don't understand the sea of Galilee unless you've been there.

Most often the sea of Galilee is depicted as very placid and calm. And during the day it is a true depiction. It is serene and undisturbed. That is, unless there is wind. After class on the fourth day in Galilee, my class had a free afternoon. Most of us ran outside to swim after lunch, however, it was a rather windy day. The waves came up in great swells. A few friends and I were brave enough to wade into this threatening water. There were ropes that prevented us from going too far out, the water didn't even go above my head. But, as we swam to the edge, attempting to body surf, the waves would scoop us up, tossing us about until we reached the shoreline. So close to the shore, but so powerful were the waves.

In Mark 4 we read about Christ calming the sea.

 37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

 38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

 39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

 40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

The apostles are often chastised for their lack of faith. But the reality of the storm was daunting. For the sea, so calm under the protection of day, begins to change as the sun sinks below the horizon. 

As I sat on the beach late at night, the waves were far greater than during the windy day I swam. Each night, great whitecaps would crash across the water; a sound that could be heard all through the night. And that is a calm night in Galilee. How terrifying must it have been?

But so, as Christ calmed the water, does he not calm our lives as he whispers to us in the midst of despair "peace, be still". When we lack faith, does he not remind us that he is ever near us, guiding us as we walk through the trials of life? Just as he did with the apostles, he calms the storms in our life.

Fiery Furnace

It’s strange to think that a year today I boarded a plane to  Israel. I knew I wouldn’t come back the same. But I never anticipated how much I would change. Going to Israel turned into one of the greatest blessings of my life. But, it was one of the most trying times I have experienced. Everyone has trials in their life, for me, they started the day I got there. Starting out simple at first, but ever increasing. 

As I studied in Jerusalem, I increased in knowledge and strength. The more I learned the more I tried to act upon that knowledge. I created goals. I sought to align my will with God’s. I spent many hours on my knees counseling with the Lord as to how I should proceed each day. The blessings that came were great. I grew closer to my Father in Heaven and Savior than I ever had before. I was guided and directed each day. My eyes were opened to the hand of God in my life and I was spiritually strengthened. But, there is opposition in all things.

While I continued to become stronger in God I began to feel the power of the adversary trying to shake my faith. With each blessing came a trial. And, with each lesson from God came greater accountability and expectation to continue growing in my faith. I had entered the Lord’s fiery furnace as he began to shape me and perfect me. 

In my study of the scriptures I have learned that God is constantly stretching us. As we stretch to our limit we grow. We never stay stretched out, but the next time, we can stretch a little more. That was my experience. I was stretched until the hand of God was the only thing that kept me going. I learned what it felt like to be carried by the savior until I could stand on my own again. When that time came, I was not left at the spiritual peak that broke me, but I was left far better than where I started from.  And then I came home.

It is a constant uphill battle for me as I try to regain the spiritual high that I came to know. I long for something better than what I have; knowing the possibilities.

But I can feel the gentle hand of the Lord telling me I am not ready yet, that I am still recovering. Still, I know, that when we face the fiery furnace of the Lord we are strengthened in all things. We may not always understand the trials of our faith, but they are for our benefit and what great blessings they truly are!