Better late than never -1/6/2014

Thanks mom for your wonderful example and always reading the words of the modern prophets! Isn't it so amazing that we have such gifts as modern day prophets and apostles! Every day we have the opportunity to just go out and do it. Some times we are super hesitant on doing what the Lord would ask us because like Naaman, we feel that we would do the big stuff, but the little stuff we can't bring our selves to do. I've always found it humourous - our human nature that is - that we will claim that if the chance came we would die for Christ and the Church like Peter or Paul, Abinidai  or Joseph Smith...but doesn't it take more courage to live for Christ and the Church? Like Naaman, are we so willing to do the big things - to take the special calling of Bishop or Relief Society President, to preach to the mass - but not do the little things. From small and simple things comes the great moments of life. I love the fact that we as members of the Church understand that to some degree. As missionaries, we have the opportunity every day to do the small things, follow the little promptings, and see the results. Some times, I don't always follow them...probably more often than i would wish this is the case, and even when I do, not much happens at times. But it is in the seemingly mundane deeds of the 'average' disciple, that the miraculous work and glory of our Heavenly Father is brought about. So as a missionary, it gives me comfort to know that, yes, every thing that I do will not have an immediate result, but that I can be diligent in doing much good  and "not be weary in well doing" (Galatians 6:9). I love what the Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith in section 123 of the Doctrine and Covenants in regards to our duties to God:

It is an imperative duty that we owe to God, to angels, with whom we shall be brought to stand, and also to ourselves, to our wives and children...to the widows and fatherless...to all the rising generation, and to all the pure in heart—

For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it—

Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven—These should then be attended to with great earnestness.

And then the words for every faithful member doing their duty with seemingly little to show:

 ...Let no man count them as small things; for there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things. You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves. Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed

And by His marvelous and merciful grace, all we can do will be strengthened, enhanced, and made sufficient

I love you Mom!

Elder Claypool