Dear family and friends,
Greetings on a beautiful Sabbath morning. I hope and pray that this ministering message finds each of you healthy and happy. I often hear that the Tongan people are the happiest people on the earth. Yet, I can’t help but think each of us should be that way also. Why? We have our families, we have the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We know of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and we know how this earthly experience will end. Not death, but the eternal outcome for all mankind.
This past weekend I had the great opportunity to visit a dear friend in an ICU unit in a nearby hospital. I don't know if he knew I was there. I was able to go into his room with his Dear Wife who has spent countless hours with him over the last several weeks. I talked to him as if he was coherent and could respond. I was humbled to give him a blessing. The spirit was very strong.
Later in the day, I was able to visit my last remaining Uncle and Aunt. He is struggling with the effect of age. He or they are my last remaining Uncle and Aunt. He was always such a great example throughout my life. Again, I had the humbling opportunity to administer to him. I could feel the Savior's love for him as the Lord spoke through me. I was only an instrument, the blessing for both of these good men came from the Lord, through the spirit into me. How blessed we are.
No matter what is going on in our lives. If we can stay focused on Jesus Christ, and the gathering of Zion the Lord will be with us.
Back in 1965 there was a radio personality named Paul Harvey who put out one of his clips.
“If I were the Devil”
I find it interesting how much more this applies to the things happening in our country and throughout the world now, compared to then.
My thoughts seem to be turned to our Savior Jesus Christ more and more. I feel that I do not include him enough in my life, even on Sundays. The world seems to sneak in way too much. Especially during the week.
Perhaps a couple of songs will help to set the spiritual tone for us.
I Invite and encourage you to find some time during the next week to listen to the following two talks. With a beautiful hymn “Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me” sandwiched in between. I promise they will help you to feel closer to your Savior.
In the Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 25:26 we read:
"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins"
And then when you can find just a little more quiet time I invite you to listen to the words of our Prophet.
“My brothers and sisters, I plead with you to make time for the Lord! Make your own spiritual foundation firm and able to stand the test of time by doing those things that allow the Holy Ghost to be with you always.” Nothing invites the Spirit more than fixing one's focus on Jesus Christ.Oct 3, 2021
I testify that He does live. It was His Atonement. This is His Church. He did create this Earth. He is our Savior and our Redeemer. He loves each one of you. No matter who you are, what you believe, whether you are a perfect person or a sinner like I. He loves you and wants nothing more than for you to hear Him calling you to let Him into your life.
I these things I do testify in his Holy name.
Even, Jesus the Christ.
We love each of you and pray for you continually.
Steve and Debbie Larsen