CAPTAIN MORONI

Moroni was the captain of the army at the age of 25.  He was very strong and admired by his army. Moroni was feared by his enemies.  He fortified cities with ideas that are still being used today.  He only went to war to defend his family and faith.  In Alma it talks about the rules of war.  We can apply these rules to the war that Moroni was fighting or perhaps to the wars that we fight in our own lives.

Rule #1:  Have a Plan.  (Alma 43:7-9) Whether in the business world, school, home...it is always a great idea to have a plan.

Rule #2:  Be active and supportive, not inactive and critical. (Alma 43:13:36).  This can apply to our home life, business life, or school life.  You can be critical without being overbearing and rude. Constructive criticism is key to camaraderie.

CAPTAIN MORONI

Rule #3:  Become a leader.  (Alma 43:16-17) There are many followers out in the world.  We need more righteous, good leaders.  Be bold not overbearing.

Rule #4:  Be prepared with armor, weaponry, and fortifications.  (Alma 43:19-21; 48:7-10). Many of you may be thinking of actual weapons or armor.  This symbolism can also refer to knowledge.  The more we know spiritually and educationally, the better we can make great decisions.  Knowledge is power.

Rule #5:  Believe in your cause and understand your duty.  (Alma 43:43-54) Why get involved in something if you don't believe in it?  Gain your own testimony.

Rule #6: Fight to defend and preserve, never to terrorize.  (Alma 43:54, 48:14) Be bold in your beliefs but not a bully.  Study so that you can defend your beliefs.  Listen to the promptings that you receive.

Rule #7:  Command enemies to depart and never return.  (Alma 44:6)  If someone does not respect you or continues to degrade you, then move on.  If this is happening in your own home, protect your home and those within your walls.

Rule #8:  Never compromise your standards.  (Alma 44:6-11).  Temptations will always be around you.  Know your responses to different situations before it happens.  Never lower yourself but lift others up.

Rule #9:  Make and keep covenants; inspire others to do the same. (Alma 46:12-13, 20-21)  Make your joy spread to others.  Be excited about your life and what you stand for and your happiness will spread and your light will shine so much that others will want the same happiness.

If you want to read more about Moroni, order this free book.  https://www.mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon.  Moroni had so many great ideas.  He was a valiant warrior.

SAME PLACE, SAME BAT STATION

Working on my skills.

 We had an activity today where all of the missionaries in the mission met at the mission offices to play soccer and eat hot dogs.  It was a lot of fun but we did have to wake up at 5:30 today so that part not so much.  We are also going to be doing a lot more activities with the ward to try and get the members animated to work and to help the youth start coming to more activities.  The majority of the ward are over 50 so they sometimes forget that the activities have to be fun for the younger members as well.

E***a is fine but a little hard to get a hold of these last two weeks with the holidays.  She should be baptized this month so that will be nice.  We are helping her understand right now how the gospel helps increase the unity in the family.

I am fine, a little tired but fine. I am going to start exercising again.  I have put on weight since October in my last area and I want to get rid of it.  I also may or may not feel really sluggish all day and want to get rid of that also, maybe...

Ice cream.  Great treat!

Banana Popcorn

My good friend.

Refried bean sandwich

Well, the Christmas dinner was really good.  A lot of missionaries came over.  For Christmas we had the ham, which I glazed with butter, syrup, and honey. yum!  We also had scalloped potatoes, stuffing balls, tuna pasta, rice krispies, and a triple chocolate cheesecake.  So it was delicious and very unhealthy, perfect for the Navidad. 

Many are so stuck in their ways that it is an uphill battle at times to help them see why they aren't happy.  It is odd when you can see how much their own disobedience is hurting them but they cannot seem to see it.    We have received a few references and we will be going back to see some of them tomorrow.  Pray for opportunities to help others and also pray so that I can find people to help.  Thanks for all of your prayers.