briannaraldridgeI was recently called to be the ward communications specialist. My duties are to send out emails to the members of the ward and post the announcements to Facebook.
When I was being set apart by one of the members of the bishopric to receive the calling I was given a priesthood blessing. In the blessing I felt very comforted that I would be able to use my talents with this calling.
He also shared how when I follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ I am able to spread more of my testimony and these talents I have been blessed with.
I loved that he expressed that in the blessing.
When he was done I said, “with this calling I hope to do the will of the Lord, be an example of him, and strive to be His disciple in my calling and all the efforts I do.”
I pray for this comfort daily. I hope that I am giving my best effort to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
According to the Guide to the Scriptures, it says a Disciple is: a follower of Jesus Christ who lives according to Christ’s teachings.
This is something that I try to cultivate daily. It takes a lot of practice and often repentance to strive to follow all of Christ’s teachings and follow (more like do) what He is teaching.
Living His Teachings
I had a small moment this morning where I felt a growing desire to share my love for Christ’s gospel and be an example of His teachings.
We were able to meet a nice family at my daughters gymnastics class. I invited them over to have our two little girls play together.
The mother and daughter were so kind and loving. We all got along so well.
I could tell that they are such great people. They want to do what is right and live the best they can.
The mom really strives to be a great, attentive mother. The daughter played so nicely with mine.
As the mom and I were talking about our lives and getting to know each other, I realized that I mentioned many times going to church and that’s where we normally meet people. That being through our faith and going to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
I didn’t mention to her the name of my faith but I did mention us going to church and being active.
I’m not sure what her faith or beliefs are and that’s ok.
It was nice that I felt open enough to bring it up.
While we were getting to know one another and talking about our kids we started to talk about what toys our kids liked.
I told her my son loves to play with avenger action figures. He loves reading and watching the movies as well.
An Example of Discipleship
I proceeded to tell her that I don’t allow him to watch the movies without a filter on them because of the violence and some inappropriate scenes.
She then started to ask about the filter and what it is.
I told her that we use a filter on almost everything we watch called, “Clearplay.” It filters out swear words, immorality, and anything inappropriate.
I shared how it’s nice that we can all watch a movie without having to worry about seeing or hear things that are not comfortable for us.
I then explained that I don’t like to feel bad when I watch things. I try to avoid a lot of TV all together but when I do watch something, I want to feel good.
She then replied by saying how that’s probably a good idea that they created something like that for kids.
I then went on to say that my husband and I prefer to watch most things with that filter as well. We want to be able to make sure we are consuming what is good for our brains just as much as the kids.
It was in that moment, I could feel the comfort of the Holy Ghost.
I was sharing with her how we like to invite the good into our home and protect ourselves from what can be harmful to our thoughts and spirits.
This experience was enlightening. I was grateful to be able to talk about that with her.
Missionary Work
For some time now I have lived near many people with similar beliefs.
Many of my friends are doing their best to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. I was able to converse with them freely on Jesus Christ and the gospel. It was a huge blessing and I’m grateful that I was blessed with those opportunities.
With the experience today, I felt a whole new wave of emotions. I’m not sure what faith or beliefs this new friend has but it was nice to share my thoughts openly with her.
I truly want to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I was a little cautious when sharing my thoughts on inviting mostly good thoughts and content into my home because I didn’t know where she stood on the topic.
When I felt that comfort of the Holy Ghost and was impressed to share my testimony on what I believe to be right it was a way to share my love for Jesus Christ.
This was a great experience for me and I pray for experiences like this often because I not only want to be a disciple of Jesus Christ around only members of my faith but around ALL of God’s children.
Sharing The Love of Christ
I want to share His love and wonderful light to others.
I think the best way for me to share His teachings and light is befriending everyone.
One really close friend of mine shared with me a long time ago how I befriend all and that I should keep this talent of mine.
I want to continually strive to be a great friend and an even better disciple of Jesus Christ.
He is the most wonderful and amazing example of understanding, love, acceptance, and friendship.
I thank Him for giving me that same grace on a daily basis.
He truly desires all of us to come unto Him.
I felt a little closer to Him today through that comfort I received during the conversation with our new friends.
That closeness I felt is love. Love for all of God’s children and myself. We are all striving to be a little better, kinder, happier, and more thoughtful.
Because of His great example and teachings, I hope to fulfill that more with more experiences like today.
