Why is a Prophet So Important To Me?

Sorry it has been so long since I have wrote. I have been writing my story lately and have not attended to my blog. I have been thinking alot about the message we have to share. How it has influenced my life and why it matters to me. I have been thinking alot about prophets and the importance of them.


As we read in the Old Testament and in the New Testament there are certain individuals that Christ ordained to be His servant's. They are prophets and apostles. Is there a prophet now? Doesn't God love us like He loved them? The answer to both of these questions are YES! There is a living modern day prophet like Moses and Noah here upon the earth. God loves us today. As we know He gave His Only Begotten Son to come show us the way. He suffered for our pains, afflictions, sicknesses and infirmities. He died upon the cross for us. He was resurrected on the third day! His Son Jesus Christ did all of this for us so we can return to live with our Heavenly Father. That is evidence that God loves us today! Another piece of evidence is His prophet and apostles. Who are they may you ask? Well as President Dieter F. Ucthdorf says, "Let me tell you!"

The First Presidency

The prophet is President of THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS. Today his name is Thomas S. Monson. I testify that he is called of God and is a living modern day prophet. His counselors are Henry B. Eyring (1st Counselor), Dieter F. Uchtdorf (2nd Counselor). In the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles we have the following:
President Boyd K. Packer (Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)
Elder L. Tom Perry
Elder Russell M. Nelson
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Elder M. Russell Ballard
Elder Richard G. Scott
Elder Robert D. Hales
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Elder David A. Bednar
Elder Quentin L. Cook
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Elder Neil L. Anderson

Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Biographies of the Prophets and Apostles
What is a prophet or apostle? Each of the previous men we sustain as prophets, seers and revelators. They hold Special Keys to guide and direct THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS under the direction of Jesus Christ Himself.
Elder Holland states,
" I wish to say something this morning of the apostleship and the importance of its perpetuation in the true Church of Jesus Christ. In so doing I speak not of the men who hold that office but rather of the office itself, a calling in the holy Melchizedek Priesthood which the Savior Himself has designated for the watchcare of His people and the witnessing of His name."


Prophets and Apostles Testimonies of the Savior

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are blessed to be led by living prophets—inspired men called to speak for the Lord, as did Moses, Isaiah, Peter, Paul, Nephi, Mormon, and other prophets of the scriptures. We sustain the President of the Church as prophet, seer, and revelator—the only person on the earth who receives revelation to guide the entire Church. We also sustain the counselors in the First Presidency and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators.

Like the prophets of old, prophets today testify of Jesus Christ and teach His gospel. They make known God's will and true character. They speak boldly and clearly, denouncing sin and warning of its consequences. At times, they may be inspired to prophesy of future events for our benefit.

We can always trust the living prophets. Their teachings reflect the will of the Lord, who declared: “What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (D&C 1:38).

Our greatest safety lies in strictly following the word of the Lord given through His prophets, particularly the current President of the Church. The Lord warns that those who ignore the words of the living prophets will fall (see D&C 1:14-16). He promises great blessings to those who follow the President of the Church:

“Thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me."

How can we know?

The Savior taught us, "Ye shall know them by their fruits." Meaning do they do good or evil. If they do good it is of God. If they do evil it is of the Devil. We should pray to gain a testimony to know if they are God's chosen servants.

The Gospel Principles book says the following about prophets:

"Prophets Are God’s Representatives on the Earth

“Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7).

Many people live in darkness, unsure of God’s will. They believe that the heavens are closed and that people must face the world’s perils alone. How fortunate are the Latter-day Saints! We know that God communicates to the Church through His prophet. With grateful hearts, Saints all over the world over sing the hymn, “We thank thee, O God, for a prophet to guide us in these latter days” (Hymns, no. 19).

A prophet is a man called by God to be His representative on earth. When a prophet speaks for God, it is as if God were speaking (see D&C 1:38). A prophet is also a special witness for Christ, testifying of His divinity and teaching His gospel. A prophet teaches truth and interprets the word of God. He calls the unrighteous to repentance. He receives revelations and directions from the Lord for our benefit. He may see into the future and foretell coming events so that the world may be warned.

A prophet may come from various stations in life. He may be young or old, highly educated or unschooled. He may be a farmer, a lawyer, or a teacher. Ancient prophets wore tunics and carried staffs. Modern prophets wear suits and carry briefcases. What, then, identifies a true prophet? A true prophet is always chosen by God and called through proper priesthood authority (see Articles of Faith 1:5).

Latter-day Saints sustain the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles as prophets. However, when we speak of “the prophet of the Church,” we mean the President of the Church, who is President of the high priesthood."

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Today I had the opportunity to be taught by Elder D. Todd Christofferson. An Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was such an incredible opportunity to listen directly to one of the Lord's servant's. To be taught and instructed on what we can do to further the work of God. He stood where he has been appointed and bore powerful testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ and His reality. He testified with power of God the Father. He testified that they truly know and care for each one of us. It was just so amazing. The Spirit that was brought was incredible. The Spirit testified to us in the meeting about the things that were spoken.

It is so very important for me to know that we have a prophet leading and guiding the Church. He holds the Priesthood Keys or the authority to act in God's name. I testify of this. I know Thomas S. Monson and all the apostles have been called of God. I am so happy to be able to follow their counsel into freedom. I know that if you pray to know you will come to know of these men and their calling. You will know that they have been called of God. They can direct us in these tough times and this is so comforting. It is also proof to me that God loves us. This is why Prophets are so important to me. This I testify of in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen! 

Setting Goals in Life! How Will it Help You?

So today at lunch with Sister Valentine, Sister McCall, Elder Adams, Elder Mauigoa, we were talking about goals. Mostly goals for the future. We talked about setting goals now than later so we are more prepared. This is such a good thing to do.


Some people think why would you plan for the future now? What will that benefit you? I like to think of it as well at least you have a goal to work towards. Someday you might have to make a decision that will take away from your goal. Maybe it could be good or bad. But when you come to a time of making a decision on something you may not need, you can look and say this is what my goal is, is this gonna help me? For some decisions it will for some it will not but you have to make that judgement call.


Here is an example of one that we talked about. At the previous two General Conferences for THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS the prophets and apostles have been talking about senior missionary couples. They are encouraging those seniors who can to go on missions. We were talking amongst ourselves about this. A senior missionary from our mission currently had said, "Make the decision now to go on a senior mission. It is much easier than having to make that decision down the road. Stick to that goal! Prepare for it and plan for it." Such great words of advice. If we say now that we are well then what is going to hold us back from such a worthy goal. Of course there will be things that come up but we already have our minds set upon it. For me, I am definitely going on a senior mission. A mission where I get to pick my companion. HAHA! For real though these missions are so beneficial for all of us. They not only benefit us but others who have not yet heard the great message of "The Coming of Our Lord." They teach us things we would never learn anywhere else. This is such a sacred opportunity and blessing to fulfill.

I heard this wise guy once say, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."

That is one example of a goal. Others would be education, marriage, career, family, vacation, etc.. What kind of an education are you going to or would you like to get? Are you going to get married? Do you want a job that you thouroughly enjoy or one that you just go to work and go home? Are you going to start planning and saving now for your future or your kids future? I know in these times finances are tough but when we prayerfully plan and follow those plans, after all we need to do God will help us to complete this goal. As long as it is directed by the Spirit. I am not saying that you plan and do nothing else but just keep goals in your mind of things you would like to accomplish. How do you think doing this would benefit you? Think about that and how this guidance could change generations.


We are here 19, 20, 21, etc.. years old but we are preparing for the future. We want to be ready when we have to make difficult decisions. These decisions may possibly affect future generations. Are you going to let them suffer because of your negligance to planning? I sure hope not. In Preach My Gospel it states about goal setting,


What do we want to accomplish in life? What are we going to do to accomplish these goals? There are many other things which you can do to help you prepare for the future. Always remember your goals in mind though of what you would like and plan to achieve. This will benefit you soo much in your journey and will help you to give direction to your life. I have tried it both ways by not setting goals and setting goals. It is way easier to plan ahead than to have to make a difficult decision in short amounts of time when the time comes. I would like to invite all to try this activity and see if it helps out. I know it has for me and will for you.

"A goal is a standard, a skill, an ideal, or a destination that is to be achieved. We set a goal when we decide to accomplish a particular thing. Some goals, such as cleaning a room or reading a book, may take a short time to accomplish. Other goals, such as saving money to buy a new home or doing things to improve the love and peace within the family, may take months or years. Goals that will help us become worthy to dwell eternally with our Heavenly Father may take an entire lifetime. Some goals may not even be attained during a lifetime on earth, but may require additional effort in the hereafter.

It has been said that “if you don’t know where you are going, it doesn’t matter which road you take”

Some people often waste days, months, and even years of their lives going down paths that lead them to no worthwhile achievements. Other people set goals and progress steadily along paths that lead them to achieve much.

Every successful vacation is largely the result of goals. For example, after we decide where we are going on a trip, we select goals to help us know where we are now, where we are going, and how we are going to get there from where we are to where we want to be. Goals give purpose and direction to our actions. They help us improve our lives and achieve heights we did not think possible. President Spencer W. Kimball made the following statement about missionary goals:

“Our goal is to achieve eternal life. That is the greatest goal in the world. We are not opposed to goals. We do not want stake and full-time mission presidents to establish quotas for the missionaries. Rather, we expect them to inspire missionaries to set their own goals, and make them high enough to challenge their very best efforts, and work to achieve them. We expect you brethren to convey this message to them. We look to you to teach these principles and follow up. …

“Stimulate and encourage them to make and reach goals for themselves. … Success should not necessarily be gauged by always reaching the goal set, but by progress and attainment."

The previous quote has been taken from the following website:

(http://lds.org/manual/the-latter-day-saint-woman-basic-manual-for-women-part-b/lesson-32-setting-personal-and-family-goals?lang=eng&query=goals)

There is a quote from Preach My Gospel which says,

"Goals reflect the desires of our hearts and our vision of what we can accomplish. Through goals and plans, our hopes are transformed into action. Goal setting and planning are acts of faith. Prayerfully set goals that are in harmony with the Savior’s command...Do everything within your power to achieve your goals."

I like this quote,

“I am so thoroughly convinced

that if we don’t set goals in our

life and learn how to master the

techniques of living to reach our

goals, we can reach a ripe old age

and look back on our life only to

see that we reached but a small

part of our full potential. When

one learns to master the

principles of setting a goal, he

will then be able to make a great

difference in the results he

attains in this life.”

– ELDER M. RUSSELL BALLARD
I invite all to try this activity as I know it works. I have tried it myself and it is much easier to make decisions when you have plans and goals in mind. I know it will help you in your life also. Think about the future generations who are going to rely upon your decisions now. They are going to lean on you for help. They are going to face the consequences if you make poor decisions. So always plan ahead as it will help not only yourself but many more and your decision can also inspire others to become better and learn and grow from you. Always remember you are making decisions for yourself not others.

Where is your Focus?

Sorry I haven't written lately. Things have been really hectic and I don't have the computer as long. I have been pondering lately about where is the focus my focus? What do I want to accomplish in this life? What do I want in the eternities?  These are all just basic questions but the truth behind it is these questions may change how we view things, and what we focus upon.


I am forever thinking about what I want to do for a career. I have my mind on my dream but is there something else I should do? I am always pondering and dreaming about this. Last night in fact I had a dream that a police officer asked me for some id and I pulled out an Active Duty Marine Corps. ID. When I decided to come on a mission I was actually filling out the paperwork for the Marine Corps. I thought that was pretty cool. I would still absolutely love to go and serve in the military. God is showing me the path of where I need to be though which is even greater!


I have a question for you, "Where is your focus?" This is a pretty general question but lets think of it deeper. Do you focus more on what happened in the past than you do on the present? Do you set your family aside to get the pleasures that you so please? Do you focus on work more than you focus on being the father of your children? There are times that we do need to focus on work. Because of the economy many fathers and mother are having to work more than one job which really cuts down time at home. They are trying to provided for their children's needs.I am not a parent yet so I don't understand exactly what it is like to take care of my own kids. I have helped with nieces and nephews though. I have rented my own house and paid my own bills. So I am not completely knowledgeable in this subject, but I do know that there is a lot that has to be done.


Does it seem like to you that there is no fun and play because of all the things that you have to do? Do you feel the list of things to do keeps getting longer and longer? Welcome to the reality of life where in order to slow down the pace you have to do it. You have to take control of the situation and decide what is the most important. You are in control of your life ALWAYS REMEMBER that! Nobody else can be. You can let others influence your life but they can't make you do anything. Many times people say the Devil makes them do it but that is NOT SO! They say they can't do anything to change their life and that is false. Does God make you do anything? He ALWAYS INVITES you to do something. Lets think about this for a second.


Is your life focus on doing the will of our Heavenly Father? That is the number one step in our life. How do we figure out His will? That is something you have to do personally. You will need to humble yourself and admit you need help and then get on your knees and pray to your ever so loving Father in Heaven. Talk to Him and ask what you should do. Figure out what His will is for you and not what you want to do. This will be completely personal for you. Maybe some things will be for your family or something but you can not receive revelation for someone you do not have stewardship over. Write the answer you receive down as this is so important. We as humans can hardly remember things sometimes and when you write it down you got paper that will remember it for you.


There are many things we need to focus on in our lives but there are many things we surely do not need to have any participation in even though you think you may to be cool or popular or liked. If that is why you are doing it then surely it is the wrong reason. Some of the things we need to focus on are things the latter-day prophets are speaking about. Examples are GOD, Education, FAMILY, etc..


We as individuals know what we need to focus on. We can pray to see if it is right to focus on. We can seek help and guidance from parents, spouse, etc.. ALWAYS REMEMBER God is right there waiting to help, but He is waiting for us to ask. I know that if we focus on the things of God that we will not have to worry about the rest.

In 3 Nephi 13:19-21 Christ counsels us,
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and thieves break through and steal;

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

 Christ says in 3 Nephi 11:31-34,
"Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.
Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.
Sufficient is the day unto the evil thereof."

As we listen to this counsel we have been promised by the Savior Himself the things that we need will be given to us as we seek first the kingdom of God.

As I have been taking my own advice and finding out what God wants me to do I am learning so much and changing so much in my life. I am changing career choices along with going to a different school and where I should live after my mission. He is guiding me in this process as I listen to His counsel. My dreams are not what He wants me to do. It is hard to accept at times but I know it is for me that He is directing me this way. I am so thankful for having such a Loving Father in Heaven. I know that as we listen to His counsel whether we understand it or not we will be directed to success. Try this because it really works and helps out in decisions whether difficult or easy He will help.