A Lesson for Maleah
"Of Hobbits"
... {He talks about how Bilbo, the Hobbit, starts his journey}
"Your Adventure"
"Perhaps one of the reasons this story resonates with so many is because it is our story too.
"Long, long ago, even before we were born, in an age dimmed by time and clouded from memory, we too were invited to embark on an adventure. It was proposed by God, our Heavenly Father. Accepting this adventure would mean leaving the comfort and security of His immediate presence. It would mean coming to earth for a journey filled with unknown danger and trail.
"We knew it would not be easy."
"... we knew we would make many mistakes along the way. But we also had a promise: that because of the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we could be cleansed ..."
...
"The Call to Adventure"
"And yet, mortal life has a way of distracting us, doesn't it? We tend to lose sight of our great quest, preferring comfort and ease over growth and progress.
"... The Savior invites us, each day, to set aside our comforts and securities and join Him on the journey of discipleship."
"There are many bends in this road. There are hills, valleys, and detours. There may even be metaphorical spiders, trolls, and even a dragon or two. But if you stay on the path and trust in God, you will eventually find the way to your glorious destiny and back to your heavenly home.
"So how do you begin?
"It's quite simple.
"Incline Your Heart to God"
"First, you need to choose to incline your heart to God. Strive each day to find Him. Learn to love Him. And then let that love inspire you to learn, understand, and follow His teachings and learn to keep God's commandments. ...
"If you hesitate in the adventure because you doubt your ability, remember that discipleship is not about doing things perfectly; it's about doing things intentionally. It is your choices that show what you truly are, far more than your abilities.
...
"... All God ask is that you consciously keep striving.
"Reach Out in Love to Others"
"... the only way for you to progress in your gospel adventure is to help others progress as well.
"To help others is the path of discipleship. Faith, hope, love, compassion, and service refine us as disciples.
...
"True disciples of Jesus Christ love God and His children without expectation of something in return. ...
"Share Your Story"
"The third thing we strive to master in this journey is to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ and not be ashamed of being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ.
...
"We love and respect all of God's children, regardless of their position in life, regardless of their race or religion, regardless of their life's decisions.
...
"... We are not perfect. We trust God and seek to keep His Commandments.
"When Should I Start?"
...
"... today is the day to follow God's Son and our Savior on His path of service and discipleship.
...
"To those of us already walking that path, take courage, exercise compassion, have confidence, and continue!
"To those who have left the path, please come back, join again with us, make us stronger."
"Come, Join with Us!"
...
"Come and see what this marvelous, wondrous, and adventurous journey is all about.
"Along the way you will discover yourself.
"You will discover meaning.
"You will discover God.
"You will discover the most adventurous and glorious journey of your life.
"Of this I testify in the name of our Redeemer and Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.
