My dear Ward Missionaries. Happy Memorial Day Weekend. It’s my hope and prayers that this past week was was filled, with peace and love and happiness for you and your family. I hope that you have felt the love of Jesus Christ increase in your heart and homes.

I hope that you enjoy these next quotes concerning the many who have sacrificed their all, their very lives for us, to enjoy the freedoms and Liberties that we still have in this country. The Book of Mormon teaches us how to keep these God given liberties. Are we listening?

When we ponder that vast throng who have died honorably defending home and hearth, we contemplate those immortal words, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” The feelings of heartfelt gratitude for the supreme sacrifice made by so many cannot be confined to a Memorial Day, a military parade, or a decorated grave. – Thomas S. Monson

As I have stood before the cross that marks his grave, I have thanked God for the cause for which he died, for the great and eternal concepts” of human dignity, liberty and freedom to worship, speak and assemble. – Gordon B. Hinckley, speaking of an American military graveyard in France, where his brother is buried.

If I lose my life in a good cause I am willing to be sacrificed on the altar of virtue, righteousness and truth, in maintaining the laws and Constitution of the United States, if need be, for the general good of mankind. – Joseph Smith

The largest cemeteries, and in many respects those which evoke the most tender emotions, are honored as the resting places of men who died in the caldron of conflict known as war while wearing the uniform of their country. One reflects on shattered dreams, unfulfilled hopes, grief-filled hearts, and lives cut short by the sharp scythe of war. – Thomas S. Monson

1 NE 4:6. And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.

Please enjoy this quote from Pres. Nelson

Help to hold fast to the iron rod

My dear brothers and sisters, here is my promise. Nothing will help you more to hold fast to the iron rod than worshipping in the temple as regularly as your circumstances permit. Nothing will protect you more as you encounter the world’s mists of darkness. Nothing will bolster your testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement or help you understand God’s magnificent plan more. Nothing will soothe your spirit more during times of pain. Nothing will open the heavens more. Nothing!Rejoice in the Gift of Priesthood Keys

As I always include in these Huddle Meesages. Below is a picture of a tree that over a period of most likely years overcame the strength and hardness of a rock to eventually break through and flourish. It has such a wonderful message for each of us. That is what this life is all about. 

Planting seeds, it is our decision if we are planting good or bad, What seeds are we planting with our own personal family? What seeds are we planting with our assigned families? Are we trying to over time develop a genuine friendship? Are we allowing our Heavenly Father to plant seed in our hearts? Is our heart soft for easy planting, or is it a hard heart like the stone below? Either way, let your Heavenly Father plant those seeds and over time HE as the gardener will cause them to grow and flourish like seeds or evil seeds throughout our lives.

1 NE 4:6. And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.

I love each of you. I witness to each of you that your Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you. They will assist you in your efforts to simply plant seeds. They will bless you with the gift of Charity, even the Pure Love of Christ.

May the good Lord bless each of you in your personal lives. May he bring peace, charity, health, revelations and the righteous desires of your hearts. In Jesus name Amen.

Steve Larsen

801-380-8307