One Voice

I apologize for not posting in the last week. I have really been pondering on what I should really share with each of you and time and time again I have been reminded and inspired to share a little bit about how I personally feel about missionary work.

We have all heard the phrase " Every member a missionary." What a beautiful phrase but also may I point out that there is a responsibility within this very phrase. As members of this church we know that through baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost we make a promise with God that we will take upon ourselves the name of Christ. This promise is so important and yet taken so lightly, often. As we promise to take upon ourselves the name of Christ we are telling Heavenly Father that we will represent His son as best as we can and know how as imperfect human beings. We promise Him that we will walk in His path the best we can and be an example to the rest of the world of who we are. We promise Him that we will stand up for what's right and be disciples of Jesus Christ. What a powerful promise we have made with God and as we do the very best we can God will bless us. We do have a promise from Him as we do as He says. So as members we represent Jesus Christ and as His disciple we have the responsibility to teach, serve, love, and devote our lives in building God's Kingdom. That's why we are all here right? That is our test right? We are here to build His kingdom. So when you hear every member a missionary remember that you do have a responsibility to act and not solely be acted upon.

One Voice by Tyler Castleton
I am just one voice, but one voice can still be heard.
I have made the choice to seal my witness with my word.
Changed by holy fire that has burned into my soul,
Filled with new desire that calls me now to go

I am just one voice, but one voice can carry far.
Rising through the noise, of a world so deaf and dark.
Shining bright and clear to those with eyes to see,
Honest hearts will hear the truth that lives in me.

One but not alone, a thousand voices sing,
Praises at the throne of our Master and our King.

I am just one voice, but a voice of light and hope.
Grateful I rejoice and I share the gifts I hold.
I will sear with all my strength for the humble and the meek,
Praying they'll receive the simple truths I speak.

One but not alone, a thousand voices sing,
Praises at the throne of our Master and our King.

He was just one voice, but one voice that changed the earth,
Teaching love and peace to a lost and weary world.
I am just one voice, but one voice can still be heard.
I have made the choice to seal my witness with my word.

To finish up I would like to just share my testimony with each of you that I know that God has a great work and we are each part of that. We are all missionaries. We are all just one voice, but that one voice CAN be heard. Let us all seal our witness with our word. As I listened to conference, attended seminary last week, and a morning side today I saw a common theme. That is of missionary work. Step it up and be the missionary that you are. Don't let a moment pass you by in selfishness. Forget yourself and go to work. Let your testimony be heard and take every opportunity that comes your way to share it. We not only have a responsibly in this life but also an amazing opportunity. I know that God lives. Jesus is the Christ. He is our Savior. He is our Redeemer. I want to represent Him. I leave that with you in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Have a great day! :)
Love, Shantell

New Life

Some of you may have already watched this video but I wanted to add it to my blog because of the power and message that it holds. I watch it over and over again and I learn something new and internalize something new each and every time. This woman inspires me to be better. She reminds me of how grateful I really should be for what I have. She has taught me that the inside doesn't change no matter how dramatic the outside may be. In this case she was burned really badly and may not look the same physically but all the clothes still fit. She is the same and even better on the inside. As a woman I know that its very difficult to look on the inside. We are so focused on the outside appearance and what the world thinks of each of us but not what really matters. It has never mattered how thin, tall, short, big, or even what color our eyes are. God created each of us. In his eyes each one of us are beautiful! Let us remember where we come from and who created us. Let us remember our divine identity on the inside and let us learn from this woman. I am grateful for her example and for the heart that she has! she is an incredible woman with a beautiful testimony and great amount of optimism. I love Elder Holland's remarks at the end as well. There is so much to learn and I hope you enjoy this AMAZING video and take something from it as well! Have a wonderful week!