Teaching the First step: How do we get from Here to There

. . . or . . . Moving from stinky socks and unwashed pots to a place where the Spirit can dwell

Apartment checks: blessing young people who have been called to serve.

We spent two days last week and we will spend two days this week checking missionary apartments.  It was enjoyable visiting with Elders and Sisters in their homes.  They were all uniformed appropriately as representatives of Jesus Christ.  All waited for us at the door.  I think we made them a little nervous.

In one apartment we were greeted with a bowl of candy on the entry table.  In another, everything was cleaned up and put away except a set of scriptures open on the arm of the sofa.  Some had worked really hard to bring challenging physical environments up to standard.  Walls displayed Joseph Smith or Captain Moroni, area maps with pins marking investigator locations, pictures from home. . . .

These were planned-for visits.  We told them that in the future there will also be surprise checks because this standard should be lived every day for a lifetime.

Dad has the stewardship to assist our missionaries in becoming better stewards themselves.
Notes for instructing Zone Leaders at Zone Leaders' Council:
--Four principles to learn, internalize, exemplify and teach:

• We are sons and daughters of God: Gods in embryo, engaged in "on the job training" to become.  How does God live?  Does our environment mirror His?
• Our greatest desire should be to have the Spirit. What environment generates confidence to ask for this gift?
• Are we wise stewards over our few things?  Then shall you be made ruler over many things.
• We have a path to follow with checkpoints along the way giving us an opportunity to be accountable.    

"Then shall they be above all because all THINGS are subject unto them.  Then shall they be Gods . . ."

            D&C 132:20