God be with you till we meet again

I have really enjoyed being able to write this blog while I have been serving a full time mission for our Savior, Jesus Christ. I won't be able to continue writing on this for the time being, but I just want to leave my testimony with the world that I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer. I know that He was sent by the Father to fulfill all righteousness. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is literally Christ's Church. He is at the head.
I would invite everybody who reads this to find that out for themselves. By reading from the Book of Mormon, and praying to ask God if it is true, I know that you can know for yourself by listening to the Holy Spirit. It takes courage; it will change your life. But you will be able to draw closer to God then you could any other way. I know these things to be true, the Holy Spirit of God has manifested that to me.
I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!

With Love,

Elder Meldrum

Learning from the Wise

Today was an awesome day. I got to do some of the usual Saturday activities and join in with the hustle and bustle of society. But the moment that probably stands out to me the most was when I was able to visit with a woman who has lived many more years than I have and now is struggling with cancer.
At first I couldn't even tell that she was dealing with cancer, her attitude and good humor seemed to be at its best. As our conversation continued I then found out what she was going through with treatments and so forth. But it all seemed not to phase her much. She had a glow about her.
Our discussion turned towards the scriptures and Jesus Christ. We discussed the sacrifice that He made for all of us, and the blessings that come because of that. When asked what that meant to her she went silent for a moment and then said that she better not answer that question because it would make her cry to talk about it. With thinking back on that experience, I firmly believe that that was the key to her behavior. She can struggle in health with a laugh, and face aging with a smile because she knows that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world.
The Book of Mormon witness' that Jesus is the Christ. In the Book of Mosiah it says,

"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." (Mosiah 14: 3-5)

I also testify that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. I know that if it weren't for Him, I would be able to do nothing. I love Him, and He loves us all.

With Love,

Elder Meldrum

Studying Gods Word

Today I had a really awesome day. I believe one of the main factors in why that is, is due to the scripture study that I had this morning.
I love the scriptures. When I read from them, I feel edified, and I feel like I grow closer to Heavenly Father. God has commanded us to make a study of the scriptures, and after having read from the Bible and Book of Mormon regularly, I can see why. We are blessed with knowledge. We can learn things spiritually, but also things that will help us in our personal lives. We get answers to questions we might have, or find direction that we might be looking for.
I know that the Bible and Book of Mormon are scripture. The scriptures are just one more thing that God has blessed us with for our benefit, and I know that to be true. I hope that you can also find the blessings and happiness that come from studying God's word.

With Love,

Elder Meldrum

Going Onward

Recently I have left a place that I really have enjoyed; Grand Rapids, Michigan. I am headed to Traverse City now. I am way excited to go to a new places, with new adventures, and new friends to make. But it is hard to leave a place that you have grown so fond of. I know that God watches over us always. He loves us, and always wants us to be happy. Sometimes the things that we experience in life are difficult or undesirable. But if taken with an optimistic attitude, those experiences can be for our growth and benefit.
Recently I heard someone say that the word "problem" should be eliminated from our vocabulary. We should only use the word "opportunity". That really stuck with me. We all have times in our lives that we might feel like problems are bearing us down. But if we strive to remember those as opportunities, they become a chance for us to grow closer to God.
Ether 12:27 says,

"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

I know that this is true. God loves us, and He wants us to be happy. If you do not know this for yourself, you can find it out through prayer and scripture study. Trust in Him and He will not lead you astray, especially when times get difficult.

With love,

Elder Meldrum