He is risen! A message of comfort.

The Resurrection of Christ became a source of both hope and comfort for me during a warm summer on March 4, 2010 when my father died unexpectedly.

Although pain and grief came from the temporal separation with my father it was immediately replaced with

comfort. How can anyone feel comfort when dealing with the lose of a loved one?

Because of Jesus Christ death has no sting!

The comfort I felt that day was because of what our Savior Jesus Christ did for me. Did for us all! Unlike all who proceeded before Him He rose from the dead. Christ broke the bands of death. He was resurrected. Christ made it possible for all the children of men to be reunited with family in the next life. Knowing that I can be reunited with my father gives me all the reason to feel comfort during a time of tragedy.

"Because Jesus Christ Broke the bands of death, all of the children of heavenly father born into the world will be resurrected in a body that will never die. So my testimony and yours of that glorious truth can take away the sting of the loss of a beloved family member or a friend and replace it with joyful anticipation and firm determination." -President Henry B. Erying

He lives! And because He lives the grave has no victory. We can start again. Guilt becomes peace. Regret becomes relief. Despair becomes hope.

This knowledge gives me strength to endure. Comfort in times of tragedy. Hope to one day see my father and loved ones again. I'm sure you know someone who has past away. You don't have to suffer. You don't need to live in darkness and fear of the unknown. Turn to your Savior, Jesus Christ. All are subject to receiving a witness from the Holy Ghost of the truthfulness of Christ's Resurrection. 

Because the Savior descended below all things He knew how to help me rise above my difficulties. When the universe itself seemed shattered and the shards of the world lie littered at my feet in pieces, the Savior's power and assurance made it possible for me to feel joy. You can feel the same joy I felt.

Christ is a real person who walked the earth and lives in the heavens today. People were influenced by his teachings while he was on the earth and are continuing to be influenced by Him now. He lives! I can walk through life without fear knowing that Jesus Christ has over come the world. If you have not experienced the joy and comfort of the Resurrection of Christ, I invite you to ponder what the Savior means to all humanity and to you personally. And then share the good news!

Because of Jesus Christ death is not an exclamation point, but merely a comma.

In loving memory of my Father, David John Vincent Guzik

Died March 4, 2010

This blog post is dedicated in remembrance of my father David John Guzik. One day we will be reunited. Video Tribute (see link)



ALSO Check this out...

Discover what is possible because of Jesus Christ in this video

To all my little brothers

To all my little brothers,

My littlest brother reading my Mission call.

I have great confidence in all of you. You are beloved sons of God and He is mindful of you, as am I. You have come to earth at a time of great opportunities and also of great challenges. I promise that as you keep the covenants you have made you will be blessed with the companionship of the Holy Ghost, your faith and testimony will grow stronger, and you will enjoy increasing happiness. Our Father in Heaven has placed great trust in you and has a great work for you to do.

I chose to serve a mission because Christ's Atonement cured my ailing soul. "Imagine you found a cure for cancer. How urgently would you spread the news of your discovery? Who would you tell? The gospel of Jesus Christ is the cure for so many of life's ills that [I ] want[ed] to share the good news of eternal life with the same urgency."*

While serving a mission for the Church I was put on the front lines of God's push to hasten His work. During the 2012 General Conference I was in the Missionary Training Center. The Prophet Thomas S. Monson announced to the world,

"I am pleased to announce that effective immediately all worthy and able young men who have graduated from high school...will have the option of being recommended for missionary service beginning at the age of 18, instead of age 19."

Thoughts ran through my mind as I was sitting in the auditorium chair. I would be training the new younger missionaries. I would be their role model. I was the 1st Infantry Division for God's army in the hastening of His work.

I went into the mission field with a positive pressure on my shoulders to be "all that I could be" as a servant enlisted in Gods army. All the hard work, every early morning study and soaking in all the words of Christ formed me like clay in the potters hands transforming my talents and abilities into a perfect shape which I could not mold on my own.

I shall never forget finally finding myself standing in the baptismal font raising my arm to the square, and saying, “Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you. …” (D&C 20:73.)

Within two short years, my service in the royal army of God will have concluded as well with all others who served in the same years. Theirs and My replacements are found in the ranks of the Aaronic Priesthood of the Church. My little brothers, are you ready to respond? Are you willing to work? Are you prepared to serve? President John Taylor summed up the requirements. “The kind of men we want as bearers of this gospel message are men who have faith in God; men who have faith in their religion; men who honor their priesthood; … men full of the Holy Ghost and the power of God … men of honor, integrity, virtue and purity.” I know each of you possess these qualities whether you see them in yourself or not. They are there and I have seen them in you.

Above all the benefits and blessings of missionary service is the testimony which grows in you, perhaps not all at once, perhaps line upon line. That testimony I wish to bear to you now as a missionary. I know God lives. I know that Jesus is the Christ, God’s Son, the leader of all humanity, and the measure of mankind. He is the General of a royal missionary army. He is the King, our Counselor, and our Friend. He is worthy of our most pure and profound adoration. Deserving of our very best efforts. As a missionary, I long to serve him with all my heart, might, mind, and strength. (D&C 4:2.) In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.



Love your brother,

Elder Guzik

Watch the New York Rochester Mission Video (click link below)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDFUlVhPhyc

Reference: * mormon.org

Choose To Remember Christ

Christmas time is here! Well for me it was hear after thanksgiving when I broke out the Christmas music, but once December hits it's safe to say "Christmas is here!" There was a movie my mother made us watch every year called "A Christmas Carol". The short story was about a man named Scrooge who hoards wealth and spends as little money as possible. You remember this one? In the movie Scrooge learns the true meaning of Christmas when three ghostly visitors review his selfish past and foretell his future. Scrooge himself is the embodiment of winter and just as winter is followed by spring and the renewal of life, so too is Scrooges cold, pinched heart restored to the innocent goodwill he had known in his childhood. This movie is very symbolic to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. An even more powerful heart changer is contained in the Atonement our Savior Jesus Christ provides for us.

"Behold, [Jesus Christ] changed their hearts; yea, [Jesus Christ] awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God. Behold, they were in the midst of darkness; nevertheless, their souls were illuminated by the everlasting word..." Alma 5:7

The words of Christ can change hearts. Scriptures are given to us to help us remember Christ and His Atonement. As we read to remember what Christ our Savior did for us we can experience a change of heart and remember the true meaning of Christmas. We will give up our self, began to think of others and want to bring others joy and happiness. This is the true meaning of Christmas.

I wear a CTR ring, like most typical Mormon's. Wait! Before you judge I'm not going to tell you to Choose The Right, which is the abbreviation's most common exposition. I want to share with you how I've always recognized the classic Mormon abbreviation CTR. The CTR abbreviation means to me Choose To Remember Christ The Redeemer. Yea, it's more like CTRCTR but it's still cool. Helaman 5:9 In the Book of Mormon it teaches,

"O remember, remember, my sons...yea, remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who shall come; yea, remember that he cometh to redeem the world"

The word remember is used 161 times in the Book of Mormon and 148 times in the King James III version of the bible. The word remember means to be able to bring to your mind an awareness of someone or something that you have seen, known, or experienced in the past. There are tons of references in the scriptures where prophets counsel the people to "remember" Christ and the covenants made with him at baptism.

"There is much more to say about memory and remembering our sacred covenants and God's commandments... Most importantly, we speak of the need to remember our Savior Jesus Christ and not just when convenient, but always, as He asks. We witness always to remember Him as we partake of the sacrament. In return, we are promised His Spirit will always be with us. Interestingly, this is the same Spirit sent by our Heavenly Father to 'bring all things to [our] remembrance' (John 14:2) Thus, by worthily receiving the sacrament, we are blessed by the Spirit to enter into a wonderfully beneficial circle of remembering, returning again and again in our thinking and devotion to Christ and His Atonement." (Marlin K. Jensen, Remember and Perish Not)

Christmas is a time to remember the priceless gift of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His birth, which we commemorate during this season, is more than the symbol of a holiday. He is the Son of God, the Redeemer of all mankind, the King of kings, the Prince of Peace, and our joy and salvation. This Christmas season will have greater meaning as we remember to live by His example and His teachings. And I hope that the circle of remembering Christ will continue on through out the up coming year. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and we can find peace and joy as we remember Him. Choose to Remember Christ The Redeemer!

Watch A Bible Video (click below)

The Life of Jesus Christ Bible Video: The Nativity

Attitude of Gratitude

The Lord has promised, “He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious” (D&C 78:19). While expressing gratitude a feeling of appreciation and thankfulness fills my heart.. As I cultivate a grateful attitude this thanksgiving, I want to share what I'm most thankful for, my family.

Being apart of my family is a great blessing! Although we are not perfect and have our rough edges, I love 'em! We always have fun! I'm so appreciative for my younger brothers, all of them. Being the oldest brother I hope that I can be a light to them, a role model, and a friend. 







It takes effort to exercise gratitude and have an optimistic approach to life. Although, I can not be there all the time to guide and teach my brothers I have learned that the best way to be an example or role model is to straiten your own life out first. 

You can only lift another up to where you are standing. I decided to raise the ground where I stood. Improve myself. I chose to serve a two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. I knew serving a mission would improve my life and others around me. While serving the Lord Jesus Christ I knew my light would shine before my family, that they may see my good works, and glorify out Father which is in heaven. (Mathew 5:16 with emphases) The Lord truly blesses me and my family.

Thomas S. Monson said, "My brothers and sisters, to express gratitude is gracious and honorable, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven." 

I thank my Heavenly Father for His goodness to my family by acknowledging His hand in my life, thanking Him for all that He gives me, keeping His commandments, and serving others. I especially thank Him for His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, for the Savior's great example, for His teachings, for His outreaching hand to lift and help, for His infinite Atonement. I live with gratitude in my heart because, of God's wonderful blessing, my family!

So grateful for my little brother Gabe. He is reading my mission call maybe one day I'll read his. 

Hump Day! 1 year of Blessings.

I am currently serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was called to the Rochester, New York mission (the cradle of the restoration) and reported to the Missionary Training Center on September 26th, 2012. I have been serving the Lord for one year or in "missionary language" the year mark is called hump day. (Don't ask. I didn't make it up) I want to dedicate this blog to all those who are preparing to serve a mission or still deciding to serve.



Serving a mission wasn't always in my "life plan". It was as if I was sitting on the fence with my decision. Should I stay and go to school or should I serve a two year mission for my church? I always knew deep down in my heart that serving a mission is the "right thing to do" and "serving would be a blessing." How can I know for a surety what direction to take? What did God want me to do? With unanswered questions and weighing out the possibilities I counseled with God in prayer. It wasn't just one prayer. I prayed many times. I wanted to know. I needed to know. My answer never came in a direct way. You may receive your answer in a direct way, but Elder Bednar describes the most common way we receive revelation from God. Elder Bednar teaches, 

"The light comes gradually, much like the rising of the sun you can discern the increase of light on the horizon, but never all at once."

As I continued to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and worked toward putting my mission papers in I got my answer. A series of events just fell into place and I knew. My understanding of Gods will became illuminated with clarity. I experienced a sense of "knowing". I knew what I was supposed to do. I needed to dedicate two years of my life and serve the Lord. I finished the application process and submitted my mission papers. 

Watch me open my mission call below

There are walls of faith you'll need to hurdle as you search for an answer from God. The biggest step was making the decision to go. Now I knew I was going. With full purpose of heart I could prepare to serve the Lord.

I'm currently a year into serving. I have received blessings I never thought I would. Perhaps

I would have made a decision sooner if I understood more fully the blessings associated with missionary service. I can’t list every blessing, there are so many blessings that I cannot number them, but I will share those that I have recognized and value most.

                                                                          Abiding friendships

Memorable experiences

Developing love and understanding of people

Growth in testimony, faith, knowledge of the gospel

Constant companionship of the Holy Ghost

 Leadership training

                                                                          Forgiveness of sins

                                                                          Peace of conscience

                                                                        Joy

These blessing have not came easy. It has been hard, but it has been worth every drop of sweat. The best way to describe how serving a mission has felt is in the Prophet Joseph Smith's words. Joseph Smith said,

"I am like a huge, rough stone rolling down from a high mountain; and the only polishing I get is when some corner gets rubbed off by coming in contact with something else, striking with accelerated force against religious bigotry, priest-craft, lawyer-craft, doctor-craft, lying editors, suborned judges and jurors, and the authority of perjured executives, backed by mobs, blasphemers, licentious and corrupt men and women—all hell knocking off a corner here and a corner there. Thus I will become a smooth and polished shaft in the quiver of the Almighty."

 All the challenges, although hard at times, I have encountered while serving a mission in Rochester, New York have all been for my profit and learning. I'VE BEEN GIVEN SO MUCH!









President Spencer W. Kimball once said that “missionary work, like the tithing, will pour out blessings, as Malachi said, so many blessings that there will hardly be room enough to receive them







I know that missionary service requires sacrifice, but I also know that “sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven” (“Praise to the Man,” Hymns, no. 27). I know the Lord will guide you as you seek His will, as I did. As you faithfully serve a full time mission, the blessings of the Lord will be poured out upon you. I don't know what the Lord has in store for you , but if you decide to serve blessings of both temporal and spiritual nature will grant you and your family joy in this life and in the eternities.

Missionaries in the New York Rochester Mission who answered the call. (see link below)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDFUlVhPhyc

Check out this web site if your thinking about serving (link below)
http://futuremissionary.com/

Your most important preparation will be spiritual!
 (learn more about what missionaries do CLICK HERE)

 

Testimony: viable, living confidence in God

On the right is a picture I took of nearly the biggest tree in the Sacred Grove in Palmyra, New York (What is the Sacred Grove? see link). This great big tree fell because it's roots were built on a weak foundation. The winds and storms of the world knocked it over.

In this parable the root of a tree represents a testimony . If you can sink the roots of your testimony deep in your heart  the "false doctrine, teachings and speech craft of wickedness will not be able to up root your testimony." (Ephesians 4:14) 

A testimony is a viable, living confidence in God. A testimony like a tree needs to be nourished. (Alma 32:37) A tree can't be left out in the sun for a long period of time without water and without cultivation and be expected to remain alive. The scriptures provide fresh water and sunshine for our testimony, they cultivate the seeds of faith and encourage them to grow and become strong. The Savior gave wise counsel when he said, "Search the scriptures;...they are they which testify of me." (John 5:39)

 

How can I build upon the rock of Christ and sink the roots of my faith deep in my heart?

Share your testimony! Personally, my testimony has increased as I've shared it. So will yours. Elder Thomas S. Monson gave insight "regarding one's testimony, remember, that which one willingly shares he keeps, while that which he selfishly keeps he loses."

Do not wait for your testimony to be fully developed before you share it. As Elder Holland encourages, "Hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes." Be patient. Your faith will grow. Additional knowledge will come. It will come and grow as you share what faith God has already entrusted you with. Part of a testimony's development comes when it is shared. In fact, you will find that when you give what you have of your testimony, it will be returned to you with increase.

Do not let your faith end up like the tree in the grove. I know if you continue everyday to read the scriptures and pray you'll gain a confidence in God and you'll see growth in your faith. Strive to give the Lord equal time. I know Jesus is the Savior and Redeemer of the world! Continue strong in the faith.



WATCH A Mormon Message:
Sharing Your Beliefs (click link)



Additional Scriptures & Quotes:

"...remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." (Helaman 5:12)

"Jesus teaches in a parable about "a sower who went out to sow his seed." (Luke 8:5) As the sower was sprinkling the seeds on the soil "some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture." (Luke 8:6)

"Faith is a gift from God, but you must nurture your faith to keep it strong. Faith is like the muscle of your arm. If you exercise it, it grows strong. If you put it in a sling and leave it there, it becomes weak." -Gordon B. Hinckley

Feeling Forgiven

As a Mormon missionary quite frequently I come a crossed individuals who are struggling to forgive or be forgiven. In our day the Lord has admonished us, "Ye ought to forgive one another," and then adds "I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men. (D&C 64:9,10)

"forgiveness is freeing up and putting to better use the energy once consumed by holding grudges, harboring resentments, and nursing unhealed wounds. It is rediscovering the strengths we always had and relocating our limitless capacity to understand and accept other people and ourselves." (see reference 1 below)

The recurring problem I see is not forgiving yourself for the wrongs you've committed.



Move past the past!

What one has done in the past may effect their spirituality in the present. People are so caught up on past sin's, transgressions or wrong doings. This hinders all chance of prepossessing spirituality. Fix your mistakes! Repent! If necessary talk to your bishop. Move past the past. It's over. It's done with. Look to the future. Ask, what can I do now?  Elder Crieg A. Cardon, Of the Seventy, in a talk titled "The Savior Wants to Forgive" explains,

"The Lord looks upon the light we have received, the desires of our hearts, and our actions, and when we repent we repent and seek forgiveness. He forgives. As we consider our own lives and the lives of our loved ones and acquaintances, we should be equally willing to forgive ourselves and others"

What needs to be healed is the sorrow and hurt. Some people say "forget the past." You can never whip your memory of the past. However, we can "forget" sorrow. Sorrow can be removed. Sorrow can be washed away, but only through the Atonement of our Savior who is Jesus Christ.

Through baptism you are made clean of all sins. Maintain that purity from baptism by always keeping the commandments of God. And when you fall short rely on your Savior. He is always willing to take us back. And after we have fully repented depression which comes from dwelling on wrong doings can be conquered. Self-worth will increase. Self-esteem will grow. You can be forgiven! These blessings come, but only with full purpose of heart and a real intent to change. As Nephi teaches in 2 Nephi 31:13.



But why don't I feel forgiven?

Be patient. Forgive your self by doing good continual. After you have done something wrong what makes you fell better? Serving others and doing good. When you do good to others your no longer focused on yourself. It brings comfort, self-worth and an increase in self-esteem. God will lift you up, but only if you act. Get up and do something about it.

"Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap...
"Fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail...
"Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not"
(D&C 6:33,34,36)

 Doing good is part of the healing process. Repent always. You can feel forgiven! Be patient. Give God equal time. Do good continually. It takes time and effort. God is a forgiving God. You can know for yourself with a certainty beyond doubt that Jesus is the resurrected, living Son of the living God. I know these things to be true because I have learned for myself. Press onward!





Mormon Message's

Forgiveness: My Burden Was Made Light:
Forgiveness and the power of Jesus Christ enable a man to survive losing his wife and several childeren in a car accident-and allow the offending driver to began rebuilding his own life.


Unselfish Service:
The Savior taught us to follow his example and serve others.


References:

1.  Suzanne Simon, Forgiveness: How to make Peace with Your Past and Get On with Your Life (1990)