Elder Meanea's Challenges to Us

• August 24, 2016 - Participate in Family History Work & take Family Names to the Temple.

Before I came on my mission, I would always look at challenges that missionaries sent home with appreciation, but think to myself that I had stuff to do, and them being on a mission and all their spiritualness forgot that I have a lot of other stuff to do at home. But now I know why they challenged me. It's because they began to feel the love of the Gospel in a way they never had before. And they knew that, if I was willing, I could begin to feel the same love that they did. I don't want to be anywhere else right now. And I challenge you to find these families, that are separated by death, and unite them through the temples God has given us.

•  August 17, 2016 - Thrive, don't just survive!

I had an eye opener today. We had a devotional with Sister Oscarson...It was great, but what jarred me was when I crawled into bed that night and thought to myself I survived! A few moments of pondering later, I became a bit ashamed of myself. Hadn't I just had a spiritually glowing experience of the Lord changing my heart? And here I was, at the end of a Day consecrated to the Lord, and all I could say was I survived? That may sound a little harsh on myself, but it made me realize that I don't want any more days...where all I have to report to the Lord is I'm okay, I made it back to bed. I've been called to do so much more than that. And He has promised me power beyond all I've ever had, if I'll dedicate my life and time to Him. It may still sound harsh, but this was supposed to be HIS DAY. A day in which I thought of others, did my best to uplift, and my thoughts had simply been of my own comfort, getting back to bed at night. I don't want another day where I sheepishly come before the Lord in prayer and say, "Yeah, sorry about that. It was kind of an off day." It is my belief that every day the Lord puts before us opportunities to brighten the lives of others. I like the hymn, "Have I Done Any Good?" It reminds me a lot of missionary work, and the things the Lord promises me and expects from me every moment I've dedicated to Him.

• August 10, 2016 - Study the Topical Guide entry about Charity.

During study time I went through the entire Topical Guide entry about Charity. Because that's the basis of our Work. Is to love our fellow man, enough to leave our homes and families, sacrifice our native language, and live to have the spirit so they can know Christ, for that is life eternal. My favorite scripture was Mark 12:30-31
30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

• August 3, 2016 - Look up Repentance in the Bible Dictionary.

Look up "Repentance" in the Bible Dictionary. The definition wasn't what I expected at all! 

• July 27, 2016 - Begin your studies with a question.

Every time we sit down to study, I pray that God will guide my mind to a question that I need answered from the scriptures. And when I pick one out and write it down, suddenly every scripture in the Book of Mormon was written to answer that question. I would encourage you guys to begin your studies and write down a question. It really helps me focus and feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit.