What we Believe about the Savior's Atonement . . .

Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and the Son of God.  He is our Redeemer. 

(see the complete message here)

The Holy Bible teaches us that Jesus Christ's mother was Mary, His father on earth was Joseph, that He was born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth, and labored with Joseph as a carpenter. 

When he turned 30, He began a three-year ministry of teaching, blessing, and 

healing the people of the Holy Land. 

He also organized His Church and gave His apostles "power and authority"

to assist in His work. (Luke 9:1) 

 But what do we mean when we say He is the Savior of the world?

 The Redeemer?

Each of these titles point to the truth that Jesus Christ is the only way by which we can return to live with our Heavenly Father. 

Jesus suffered and was crucified for the sins of the world, giving each of God’s children the gift of repentance and forgiveness. Only by His mercy and grace can anyone be saved. 

His subsequent resurrection prepared the way for every person to overcome physical death as well.

 These events are called the Atonement. 

In short, Jesus Christ saves us from sin and death. For that, he is very literally our Savior and Redeemer. 
In the future Jesus Christ will return to reign on earth in peace for a thousand years.

 Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He will be our Lord forever.

Because of the Savior's Atonement . . .

I know that
through faith in Christ
we have the opportunity to change our lives and become better.  This is
an opportunity available to all people.

As we are baptized and commit to follow the Savior example,
we receive the gift of having the Holy Ghost as our companion
to testify to us of gospel principles, strengthen us through our challenges,
 and help us discern which decisions are correct in our lives.

When we begin to follow the Savior's example we will feel His
love for us in our life.   The closer we come to Jesus Christ
the more we realize he has a plan of happiness for us.

We can continue to develop our faith everyday through reading
His words in the scriptures and praying to our Heavenly Father.

We can overcome challenges and heartache as we remember
His words, "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and
I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28)

Our Heavenly Father's plan provides a way for each of us to return and
live with God again, with our Savior, Jesus Christ and with our family
members forever.

I know you can experience all these things for yourself in your life.

By clicking the links above . . .
You can find answers to YOUR questions in your life . . .

Meanwhile . . .

This video shares an important message about the 
meaning of the Easter holiday . . .

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Just my .02 cents worth . . .

 . . . on the controversies of the week . . .

I believe the . . .

Proclamation on the Family to be inspired revelation from God.

The Family is central to the Creator's plan

for the eternal destiny of His dhildren.

And the living prophets tell us why . . .

 I can point you in the direction of some really

profound thoughts . . .

That I am in agreement with - 

Simplify: My Thoughts on Marriage Equality

(Middle Age Mormon Man)

I Believe In Traditional Marriage Between a

Man and a Woman: But Don't Flame Me

(I want to be different, just like Everyone Else)

I'm Gay and I Oppose Same Sex Marriage

(The Witherspoon Institute: Public Discourse)

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Come Serve a Senior Mission in Honduras!

Hey! (we'll be back after this word from our sponsors :)

What can I say?

This is an outright blatant plea for your consideration . .

We're even willing to offer a bribe (or a promise) of sorts  . . .

What is it?

Hopefully I have your attention!

Wanted:  LDS Senior Missionary Couples

to serve as Senior Missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Particularly in the San Pedro Sula East Mission!

Are you the adventurous sort, just wondering where the next stage of life is taking you?  Looking for an opportunity where you can really make a difference?  

Boy . . . have we got an opportunity and challenge for you!

The San Pedro Sula mission is being divided to the East and West missions, with the one current serving Senior couple going with the West mission.  Leaving the EAST mission with no senior couples.  We are really in need of 3-4 Senior Missionary couples!  

(learn about LDS Senior Missionary Service here!)

I'm sure many of you are contemplating a Senior Couple mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Now is your time!!  :D

Watch this video for just a little taste of what's in store for LDS Senior Missionaries!

Here is the best (and worst) of what Honduras has to offer:

The best of Honduras:

• Homes are painted and beautiful in some areas as families strive to keep their humble circumstances clean.
• The flowers ARE beautiful!
• Honduras has the most recently dedicated LDS temple and it is beautiful!
• Full service at all the gas stations :)
• Fresh fruit such as - bananas, oranges, pineapples, watermelons and more are always available.
• You never have to shovel snow, or scrape ice.
• Missionaries have great energy and excitement and testify with great enthusiasm.
• Honduras is a beautiful green country with lots of rivers.
• The LDS chapels are some of the nicest buildings in their cities.
• The gospel of Jesus Christ changes people and enlightens their life.
• The missionaries and people are among the best in the world :)
• Senior missionaries currently are housed in a stunningly beautiful oasis compared to much of the city.
• Wintertime temperatures are approximately a balmy 85 degrees.
• Roatan, the paradise of Honduras in currently in need of a senior missionary couple.
• The people of the islands are as beautiful as their accompanying scenery.
• Time is indeterminate and no one is bothered by tardiness.
• Baleades, a tortilla of rice and beans are typical daily fare.
• The people love the missionaries.
• The children are delightful!
• Sometimes missionary work is just plain ol' fun.
• Baptisms on the beach really happen.
• It's an honor to be a missionary!
• The Lord has his eye on each tiny branch of the church in Honduras.
• Kayaking on Roatan is an amazing opportunity where one can see dazzling coral and beautiful fish.
• Ummm . . . can you believe the seafood is amazing!
• On the islands, the air is clean, it's quiet and the beaches are amazing.
• Sunsets are gorgeous.
• The blessings are endless.

The worst of Honduras:

• Most of the roads are rutted and bumpy dirt roads 
• Not all neighborhoods have garbage pick up and litter sometimes lines the roads
• Many roads are narrow and difficult to maneuver.
• Traffic is crazy and frequently causes long lines.
• Senior missionaries have VERY long days.
• In many neighborhoods children must play inside during the day as it's too dangerous to go out and play in the streets.
• Intestinal parasites are a possibility and one takes medication to prevent / overcome.
• Tens of thousands of taxi's are honking constantly.
• Noise congestion and rubble abound.
• The flies at the beaches are particularly annoying.
• Time is indeterminate and no one is bothered by tardiness.
• Baleades, a tortilla of rice and beans are typical daily fare.
• During the rainy season it rains, and rains . . . . and rains and rains . . .
• You might have to learn to cook lobster.
• The days are long and the work is hard.

In return for  missionary service we have much to promise . . .

The best experience of your life.  

The opportunity to serve alongside the best missionaries in the world.

Service to the most humble and teachable of our Father's children.  

We will be the best missionary President for you to work with - we promise! :D

You can contact Norm or Kristin at
alpinekleins at aol(dot)com

For the REAL scoop on missionary service in Honduras -
We invite you to check out the following missionary service blogs reporting from Honduras.

Our Honduras Mission 

Hola Honduras - Hermana Bayles

Elder Spencer Olsen

Elder Mitchell Cizmas

Hermana Mariah Flake

Honduran Adventura!

Elder Ward - Honduras San Pedro Sula

Photo Gallery

(as seen on the Johns Missionary Blog - Our Honduras Mission)

And much much more to see if you click the link above!

This is NOT an official Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints website.  But you can click the link to take you to the official site.

Click here to start the recommendation process! 
Instructions for the online recommendation.

Just a reminder - 

As of September 1, 2011, couples may serve for 6, 12, 18, or 23 months. In addition, a cap of $1,400 (US) per month will be established for housing costs.

In the past, the policy has been that couples serving outside their country of residence were called for at least 18 months. Those wishing to serve outside their country of residence for less than 18 months may now do so if they pay for their own transportation to and from the field.

A change in housing costs for senior missionaries will also take place in September. Missions, temples, or area administration offices now will locate and secure appropriate housing and pay all housing costs (including rent, utilities, and furnishings). Missionary couples will then reimburse some or all of those housing costs up to the cap.

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The Driggs Sisters Roll Recipe

It doesn't take long to discover once you become a member of the Driggs family in any way shape or form, that the women in the family make the most yummy rolls in the world.  I may be a bit partial at this point, but truly, although I have met many amazing bread and roll makers . . .

when you experience the Driggs sisters gatherings with the family rolls . . . just one bite and you are hooked for life.

I think I was first introduced at the "family shower".  

Is that a term you are all familiar with?

At least here in Utah, amongst the LDS culture, it's a frequent event to gather all the women of the family together to welcome a new engaged bride to be.

Well the sisters gathered at one of the homes . . . and yes, the beloved rolls are always served.  I knew then, that though I wasn't a bread or roll maker . . . someday I would be a roll maker at least.

I probably should illuminate which Driggs sisters I am referring too . . .

My mother in law is Glenna Mae Driggs, and her sisters are Betty, Maxine, Rose and Bonnie.  All children of Leonard and Angeline Driggs.  They did have one brother, Leonard, also.  I never experienced his roll making skills, though they may have rivaled his sisters :)

Well THAT is only half of the story . . .

Collecting the recipe is the REST of the story.  

Because each sister makes these yummy rolls exceptionally amazing, but not quite all exactly the same way . . . it was VERY difficult to pin down the recipe.

If you asked them how to make the rolls . . . it usually went something like this . . .

You start with a little yeast in a pan with some warm water.  Then you'll want to add some melted butter, a little milk, another cupful of warm water, some salt and sugar.  Then just keep mixing the flour in until it gets to the consistency that you like for fresh rolls. Not too much flour is usually best. 

I don't know how many TIMES I received those instructions . . . but could never master the art of roll making!

Until one day . . . a daughter . . . thought to carefully observe her mother's roll making skills, and stop along the way to make a note of every ingredient.  Measuring out every bit of sugar, every dab of salt, each addition of warm water, yeast and flour.

Until finally the RECIPE was truly made available.

And now . . . I can say that I am a roll maker.  And they are amazing.  And I hope someday that my girls (I'm not leaving out you boys if you wanna give it a try!) can be amazing Driggs family roll makers as well.  It's a family tradition that is worth repeating!

(AND - if any of you family members have photos of the sisters you want to send me to include - that would be amazing!)

Grandma Glenna's Bread / Roll Recipe

1/4 C. warm water
2 T. yeast

1 1/2 C hot water
1/2 C sugar
1 cube margarine or butter
1 T. salt

1 can milk or (1 1/4 C water + 2/3 C powdered milk)
4 eggs
4 C flour

Add 4-6 C additional flour


Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, add the first two ingredients without stirring.  Let sit.

In a medium microwave safe mixing bowl add the next 4 ingredients. Heat in microwave until margarine or butter is almost melted. No mixing necessary.

To the medium mixing bowl with the margarine mixture - add the canned milk (or substitute).  Then add the 4 eggs. No mixing necessary.

Finally turn the mixing bowl contents into the first mixing bowl that contains the resting yeast and water. Add the first four cups of flour and begin mixing flour into other ingredients.

Continue adding additional flour until mixture remains sticky but begins to pull away from sides of the mixing bowl.  Keep dough very soft.

You can either let dough rise at this point.  Or form dough into rolls, cinnamon rolls, loaves of bread etc.

Let product rise until approximately doubled in size.

Bake at 350 degrees until done through and lightly browned.

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On Learning . . .

Amongst the massive wealth of Facebook info out there everyday . . .

I found this . . .

And I wanted to remember it.

From the life and every day experiences of an LDS Bishop, unpaid, a volunteer, lay person minister . .
.

Remarkable insight into

Life

Happiness

Spirituality

he shares . . . I have learned that we believe it is a strength to conceal weakness.

I have learned that it is easy to want others to overlook our flaws as we expect perfection in them.

I have learned that it is hardest to show compassion and grant forgiveness to those closest to us.

I have learned that while curiosity is a strength it can also be a curse.

I have learned that we are creatures of habit.

I have learned that faith is a muscle.

I have learned that it is far easier to deny deity than to deny desire.

I have learned the mystery surrounding death forces a consideration of spiritual matters.

I have learned that observance of the Sabbath recalibrates perspective and improves judgment.

I have learned that most of us bare scars from the failure, disappointment, and fear in our lives.  And, we prefer to wear long sleeves.

I have learned that to deal with life’s pain we all choose one of the following: alcohol, drugs, pornography, or spirituality.

I have learned alcohol and drugs are the easiest path.  As long as you’re willing to never stop drinking, smoking, or swallowing.

I have learned pornography is highly addictive and has nothing to do with sexual appetites and everything to do with escape.  And that the habit is never overcome in isolation.

I have learned that we feel like a failure when we make mistakes even when we profess a belief that the purpose of this existence is to make and learn from them.

I have learned that forgiveness is the greatest gift we can offer someone.  And ourselves.

I have learned that many know about Jesus Christ but more of us could make an effort to know Him.

I have learned that the strongest among us are those with the cleanest mirrors.

I have learned that the sins of parents profoundly affect children.  And are often repeated by them.

I have learned that affection from parents profoundly affects children.

I have learned that most communication between parents and children is what psychologists call “superficial.”  Strong relationships are built on the “validating” variety.

I have learned that children desperately desire parents who listen.

I have learned that churches are not museums or catwalks for perfected saints but rather labs for sinners.

I have learned that “tolerate” and “love” are two very different verbs despite what popular culture professes.

I have learned that there’s more sadness in this world than I had realized.

I have learned there is more goodness in this world than I had realized.

I have learned that to be happy is a choice.

I have learned those preoccupied with serving others have less time to count their problems.

I have learned that a habit of one brief moment of spirituality a day can alter one’s entire direction.

I have learned that we want God to grant us space to make decisions but step in to stop others, nature, mortality, or illness from hurting us or those we love.

I have learned those who have made more mistakes have a great gift.  Empathy.  Now to the matter of searching out someone who hungers for it.

Indeed, I have learned I have much to learn.

The names of those I meet with will never be known.  Confidentiality demands I never disclose their stories.

But, late last night as I sat in my car on the driveway I decided I should compile a list of what the people I meet with are teaching me.

And, I wanted to share it.

And I . . .

Want to share it and remember it. I hope that I can learn from others' 

experience and better reach out to those who surround me.

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How to Write A Missionary . . .

Well . . .

While we're on the subject of missionary work . . .

You wouldn't think it would be that complicated!  But ask any young man receiving mail as a missionary . . . and any young woman trying to figure out what to write to her missionary . . .

Writing a letter to a missionary can be tricky!

((OOOPS!  Strike that and reverse it - as many young men will probably be now writing to the sisters who are far away from home serving a mission :)

After having sons and daughter either go on missions or write to missionaries . . . I do know that . . .

It is that complicated!

You want to be positive, say something incredibly inspiring, not come off sounding too needy back here at home without the missionary (or really NOT needy at all!), you don't want to cause the missionary any undo worry about situations at home that are out of his/her control . . . you want to entertain (at least a little bit!).

Sooo . . .

What does that leave you?? What to say??

To start with . . . if you have the time, and the envelope and stamp . . . nothing is better than a hand written letter.  You can express so much more, and who doesn't love to get the WHOLE business.  Finding a letter in the mail box, examining the return address for possibilities, opening it up and sitting down wherever you are for a good update from home.

If you are especially talented, you can include hand drawings, funny (appropriate comics), funny stories or all of the above!

President Gordon B. Hinckley shared some specific information about writing letters to missionaries -

 In the first place there should be mail from home. Some families have difficulty writing letters, and my heart goes out to a missionary who does not receive regular mail from home. Generally a letter once a week is a good rule. But on the other hand, too much mail can be damaging to a missionary’s morale.

To be effective a missionary has to move away from home; so the kind of mail he receives will make a vast difference in what he does and how he feels. Letters that set forth the problems at home, that dwell on the difficulties, hurt the morale of the missionary.

Wise letter writers will be sure to state their positive feelings—how proud they are to have a missionary in the field, how the Lord is blessing them because of his work in the ministry. Such letters bless the life of a missionary. 

Some good topics to start with . . . write about their mission, you can google much more easily than they can . . . focus on the positive!  Be sure to share any missionary experiences you are having back at home, or mission prep stories, or great testimony building experiences . . . (hopefully you ARE having those back at home also!)  Write about your scripture insight from this morning, tender mercies you experienced, fun family gatherings.

It's OK to write about home, just don't dwell on it endlesssssssly!

Think of a positive and uplifting topic that has to do with their location in the world.  Is anyone famous from their assigned location?  Did they have anything interesting to say?

Questions are good . . . show an interest in what they are really doing everyday!

Short letters are okay also!  Just as much fun to receive.  Just nice to know somebody is out there thinking of you and you're not entirely forgotten after all :)  Cards to celebrate the different holidays are fun to receive, and don't take my time away from the work.


Avoid any topics that might possibly detract from the spirit of the work.  Those missionaries work really hard to have the spirit with them EVERY day . . . they don't need a little set back by way of a letter from friends or home with inappropriate topics.  If you think it might be inappropriate . . . it probably is.

There . . . now get out a piece of paper and a pen today . . . and make some missionary somewhere's day!

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The Life of an LDS Missionary . . .

Found this letter that offers a lot of insight into the life of a missionary -

(photos added by me for effect) 

Last Words from Honduras

Hey Fam,

Its here! The day has come and I've been thinking all week about what it was that I wanted to say you all today being my last time to write from here in Honduras. Ive slowly been writing this all week for you guys for my last email... I got the idea from a poem I have read in the mission.

I think I found out what the mission is.....

Its impossible to describe a mission, but rather its the moments, Its sending in your papers. Its opening the call that is signed by a prophet of the lord. Its the 3 months of time before the MTC that seems like its never gonna end. Its the hug from parents and brothers and sisters and walking away in the greatest adventure of a life time. The MTC, the rules, the packages, the classroom, the firesides and devotionals (actually being disappointed when its a Seventy speaking). Its flight plans, tons of food, testimonies, and cabin fever. Its the airport, a phone call sharing your first wanna be testimony in Spanish to your family as tears run down your face. Then out of the little swimming pool and into the ocean of uncertainty.

Its the mission presidents, trainers, realizing your didn't learn hardly any Spanish in those 9 weeks but loving it all at the same time. Its new food, new people, new culture, new language, new currency, new form of transportation, new routine, new everything under the sun (which is really hot). its a lot of first that change: first district meeting first contact, first lesson, first letter from home, first email, first Latin companion, first cold shower with water your not so sure you can touch and survive, first morning of trunkyness, first Sunday in church, first time a kid speaks and if and you turn to your comp to ask if that was Spanish and he only laughs, first First vision, first baptism... unforgettable, no matter how disorganized it is.

First changes come and its all a blurr after that. Its being anxious for your companion to leave then to your surprise you miss him when he is gone. Its 99 contacts.. and nothing. Its shaking fingers, lying children (my mom says shes not here), and barking biting dogs. But its the hope that contact number 100 will be the one. The one that wants to change. The one who has been crying for help to a God that he or she wants to follow, but doesn't know where to find him. The one that seems perfect: perfect questions, perfect work schedule, married, perfect kids that don't scream during a lesson and most importantly, a desire to make it work even if everything isn't perfect. its the hope of finding the one that gets you up every morning, gets you out of members house in 100 degree plus weather and when everyone is sleeping, and gets you to open your mouth and speak even though you don't speak well and don't like leaving your comfort zone.

Its finding the one, one convert, future priesthood holder, or better yet, one golden family. Its making plans, working with members, a lots and lots of prayers to help find that family. Many are found, but few choose to be chosen. Its thousands of disappointments as the family´s commitment falls to doubts, gossip, weather, or anything else clever that Satan comes up with on Saturday night. Its getting the family to church for the fist time and helping them feel at home. Its showing them the Church, presenting them to the bishop and other leaders, as well as the cute, outgoing teenage girl so that the young man in the investigator family will enjoy the experience as well. Its praying that the bishops 2 year old wont make too big of a fuss, that the speakers wont teach too much false doctrine, and that they will feel and recognize the spirit in spite of all that.

Its when that family gets baptized that the reality of what you are giving them hits you. Its the hope of having and eternal family. Its the hope of a better life, without pain and suffering. Its giving that Hope which brings you the greatest satisfaction and joy that you have ever experienced.

Its like going back in time and appreciating what you had back home. Its the firm declaration that you will never complain about vacuuming again when actually have carper, or mowing the lawn when you actually have grass.

Its having to shower with flip flops and washing your own clothes on those cement trays that you though they only used in the pioneer days.... and you learn to love it.

Its stepping into a baptismal font with freezing cold water, flipping a bug out, and doing your best to put your happy face on so that the little girl getting baptized doesn't get cold feet.

Its getting home soaked 75-80% of the time, whether from the rain or sweat, Its sitting in front of a fan wondering if you can do this another day in the oven your living in.

Its Elderes 14, Cockroaches 1 in a matter of just 2 weeks. Its letters and packages from home. Its wedding announcements, Dear Johns( luckily just to your buddies), pictures, and the realization that life does indeed move on without you!!

Its going through 3 pairs of shoes, ripped pants, missing buttons, shredded collars, and socks closer to heaven (holy).

Its ants, frogs, scorpions, cockroaches, rats, and the little bugs that give you killer diarrhea.

Its a rainstorm that soaks you and your comp cuz them so called umbrellas don't even work with true buckets are coming down on ya. Its walking through water up to your calves and not having anything else to do but laugh as people look at you like your crazy(which ISN'T a complete misconception). Its going out in the rain because an Elder once convinced you that for every rainstorm you work through, the hotter your future wife will be!

Its shortly after your year mark that you get a mini-calendar from your mom and sister and wondering if they are trying to kill you or if they think its gonna make time go by faster. From then on Its change day, Mothers day, Christmas Day, Hump Day, Birthday, P-day, Friendship Day, and Election Day (which always makes for an interesting Sunday). Its good days, bad days, killer journal entry days, and days that you just don't want to end. Those are the good ole days.

The days that cant be enjoyed without a price... hard work, sweat, discouragement, frustration, and faith.

Its discovering that God does hear and answer prayers. Sometimes He takes away from everyone else so that we can really get to know Him. Its coming to learn in a tiny degree, the power of the Atonement applies not only to vile sinners, but also to each individual, including you. Its feeling that power and knowing you'll never be the same.

Its knowing that you have a testimony and nobody can take that from you. Its building it one piece at a time. Joseph Smith was a prophet. The Book of Mormon is true. the priesthood keys have been restored. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. its sharing that testimony dozens of times a day that roots it deeply in your soul.

Its watching missionary after missionary give their final testimonies, while you are certain that day will never arrive for you... and then it does. Its learning the live in the moment and not for the moment because all too soon, its gone. Its the sunsets, the music, the dirt dusty streets, dirty kids. the tiny houses, and the love of the people. its soaking it all in, catching every detail, because you'll never get it back.

Its arriving at the last couple days in your mission, knowing your family is waiting NOT so patiently. Its those last couple contacts that you know you will never see get baptized but you still just wanna leave your soul with them.

Its wondering about the effect of one mission. Does one mission really have eternal consequences? Does planting one seed, teaching one lesson, finding one person really matter at all?

Did the mission of ONE make a difference?

Did His ministry, His teachings, His seed planting have an effect on the eternities?

Did His one infinite atonement pay the price of justice and give mercy her claim???

As you get ready to go back to the former life that you're convinced was just a dream, its realizing that while you were in the service of your fellow being, your have only been in the service of God. Its feeling your hear and soul overflow with gratitude for the chance you had to show your worth, give your all, and return with honor. its BECOMING like the ONE, the Only Begotten, the Son of Man, the Prince of Peace, the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind, even Jesus Christ. Its those two years for which you will eternally praise the Lord, as the life that was converted more than any other was only one--YOU

Its the tears that roll down your cheek as you write your last email. Its knowing that this poem could go on forever but you don't know, when, how, or where to stop. Its wanting to tell your family how much you love them and hoping they will accept this as a final testimony from Honduras knowing now... without a doubt... that this is the true church.

Its being able to say SEE Y'ALL IN 3 DAYS knowing that these 2 years may come to an end... but the mission never will, just new people, clothes, cell phones, and your family and old friends back!

Its not having to say... UNTIL NEXT WEEK, rather... see you soon enough!

Im over excited to see all of you... you have no idea.

Love you all!!

Love your missionary

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