Become Like God or Die Trying

It's crazy to think I've been a missionary for a year already. I didn't believe people when they said it goes by so fast but it really does! I'm so grateful for all I learned and excited for the last part of my service in Minnesota! This week was fast Sunday and I had the opportunity to bear my testimony. It was -30 that day so not many people came to church so it was a pretty easy decision to make! I'm amazed at how much my testimony has grown and how comfortable I've become speaking from the pulpit. It's easier when everyone in the audience is your friend I think. One of our friends we visit every week passed away on Friday. It was kind of sad, but ultimately I'm so happy that he is free from his mortal body. There is no sadness in death because of Jesus Christ! The grave has no victory! As I've been pondering mortality, I've come up with something I want to hang up in my house or put on a t-shirt or something. The purpose of this life is to "Become like God, or die trying!" -Elder Dahl. For most of us, the latter. This simple phrase helps me focus with an eternal perspective. Every decision should be weighed on the scale of whether or not it changes us to be more like God. One of the most interesting things about the gospel is that any way you write it out, it makes complete sense to be the perfect disciple. There is no downside! Obedience brings temporal joy and blessings as well as eternal ones! The battle has already been won but the sides have not yet been chosen. Let's exercise our puny brains and recognize that it's probably a good idea to be on the winning team. In studying the Old Testament, I love Abraham's words, 

Therefore, eternity was our covering and our rock and our salvation, as we journeyed from Haran by the way of Jershon, to come to the land of Canaan (Abraham 2:16.)

Sometimes I think I forget how miserable life has been for the majority of the existence of humanity. There is no TV or internet or video games on the camel ride to Canaan. There's no car or plane, just desert skies and tumbleweed. But Abraham says that eternity was his covering. That all of the pain and misery of mortality didn't matter because he could view with an eternal perspective. I wish I was perfect at this, but such is the road of life. I'm so grateful to be born in this wonderful day and age, but intimidated by the staggering number of distractions from our goal. Clinging to the iron rod has never been so difficult, I think. Sweet is the peace the gospel brings! I love you guys! Shoot me an email if you want to chat! Happy new year! 

-Elder Dahl

1. Apparently a very off putting picture because as we were working to find people they would ask who we were and I would send them the picture and introduce us. They didn't respond after that. 

2. Zonked in the car

3. Trivia night! The ZLs banned it shortly thereafter

4. Ap Oilar before he heads home

5. My dear friend Elder Mitchell, he is such a good example to me! And so fashionable

6. ZL Kemp

7. Aps