Hasty luego islas

 Well, after 7 months and all the quarantine I'm finally leaving the islands. I'm gonna miss it, but I'm excited. I will be going to the northest part of the mission (Valladolid) and I'm gonna get a car! So look out. 

My new companion I've been following the whole time. He was right in Madrid when I started then came to the islands and I followed and now we're both going to be together up there in the north. 

I'm taking advantage of my last day of warm here and going way out to the other end of the island. It'll be cool. 

And how bout that Conference? It was amazing and I can't wait to go back thought and read it all. Super good. If you have no idea what I'm talking about you should go and see. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/general-conference?lang=eng. Also if you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them.

Beyond that things have really picked up here with more people to teach and projects helping people. It's been nice. And my companion right now us getting a brand new missionary! That'll be fun. But to all of you have a wonderful week. 

Elder Larchar

Four Principles

https://www.facebook.com/102806268085085/posts/157671722598539/?vh=e&d=n

Freedom!

We are finally out and about. The guys with the white shirts, ties and books. I've missed the weird looks haha. 

We are finishing the move to our new apartment today and it is quite nice. Just bright and in a beautiful place. I'm excited to be living here. We went out and about today to visit stores and had some celebratory Kebab (pic). 

We seem to be a popular crowd here already because since getting this new number we have had 3 people from La Laguna text us wanting to meet, pretty amazing. The problem is that people probably won't want to talk to us on the street very much any more for fear of the virus. But we're gonna figure it out. 

We have also been invited to come eat with a number of people this upcoming week, I'm excited for that, to have some real island food. One of these people is a person that we have been teaching for a while and she is awesome. 

I'm excited to see what fun things this week will bring. Can't wait to talk about them next week!

Until then, take care

Elder Larchar

Restoration Video compilation

Nice and Short

Well the rules are loosening up here now. It's pretty nice. I even got to run a few times this week. Went up the hill a little bit and got some pictures. This was pretty new because you were only allowed out to get food or medical help and so I've enjoyed that. Pretty soon we will start to be able to visit people. That will be fun since I've only been meeting these people on the phone or on occasion through a video call. 

It's almost like seeing everything for the first time because as soon as I got here the quarantine started and now to see people out and about and the city alive has been interesting. I will also be moving pretty soon from Santa Cruz to La Laguna (still on Tenerife) and the members have offered to help us. They're so nice and we haven't even met them yet! 

Barber shops have opened as well. However, called this morning to try to get an appointment, but the soonest they could do was tomorrow evening. 

Something we are doing this weekend as missionaries here is a Book of Mormon challenge thing. So basically we are going read the whole thing this weekend. That is a lot of reading, but I think it will be cool. I love the Book of Mormon and I've talked a bit about it already because it is so important. It teaches about Christ and by studying it, you can form and strengthen a relationship with Him. So if you would like to join me in whatever extent (even just a chapter) let me know. And if you don't have access to one, I got you covered- haha get it, a book has covers- but I can send a link to download or even a pdf of it. So I'd highly recommend it. 

I hope to have some exciting stories next week if I end up being able to get out and until then have a wonderful week. 

Elder Larchar

Just a little food for thought

Alright, well today I just wanted to share a little scripture that was brought to my attention this week in a talk. All is well here and hopefully life will be getting back to normal here in a little bit. But anyway, it is a scripture often referenced in the Book of Mormon that I would like to share. It talks of Jesus Christ and the sacrifice he would make for us. I was reading in an article from 1996 (that's what happens when you're looking for things to read in quarantine) by Neal A Maxwell and the way he referenced this scripture made me think about it. So the scripture is Alma 7:11-12 and it says:

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

Now these verses are pretty strong, but so is the message they share. I liked the distinction between the different things He overcame.

For example, the temptations, sins, wrongdoings and all those things caused by our weakness that weigh us down. If we let Him and do what is necessary, He can and will take that all from us. 

Secondly, He took upon Him death. Kind of an odd phrase, you don't hear that every day for sure. However, this part is important because we are all going to die. That's the hard truth, but we can know that because He did, we will all be resurrected as he was.

And lastly, "pains," "sicknesses," and "infirmities". Which just about covers everything hard that we will ever go though. Not only did He make the difference for what we might do wrong, but He experienced all the hardships we ever will face and because of that we can turn to him for comfort and support. I'm sure most of us have had something to go through during this time and that's the perfect thing to ask for help for. Christ put a lot into it, but the start for you is to just say a prayer.

Something I like about this scripture is that it was written long before Christ actually came to Earth. But they believed in Him and know that He was the only way. They believed in Him and counted on Him because they knew that He was the way, would come, and that he would be able to do it. 

I don't know if you made it this far, but if you did, congrats and I would encourage you to think about this. About Christ and his sacrifice and what exactly that means to you. I'd love to hear your thoughts and questions. 

So thanks and best of wishes to you,

Elder Larchar

Feliz Pascua

Happy Easter everyone. I hope you enjoyed it and were able to celebrate it in some way. We were able to celebrate by making arepas and chocolate cake. We also had an amazing lesson with our friend Mariel we had two of our member friends there with us and it was super good and spiritual. We talked about what Easter meant for us and even Mariel shared her testimony it was so sweet.

So a big part of our accomplishments were with food this week and it was soooo good.

It has been a while, but not too much has changed. But we have been taking advantage of our roof this week. We have spent quite a bit of time out there. We just have this small portion of the roof to ourselves, but the weather is just so nice it feels good just being outside. So we took a day when instead of staying inside to check in on our friends, we just went out on the roof to call them instead. It was pretty hot and I even got a sun burn! But it was pretty great. 

This afternoon we decided to do it again. But not just to call people this time. We had a barbeque! It was the best. And we even had charcoal and starter in the kitchen already. The only weird thing is that the grill is an old sewing machine. Super weird looking, but it got the job done! 

Hope you all are hanging in there and enjoyed the Easter season.

Until next time,

Elder Larchar

Just keep swimming

Well, things have certainly been different for all of us this little but here. But I would venture to say that we are all a little more settled down no and have all learned something by this point. I hope you are all doing well and staying safe. 

I'm not sure if I mentioned this before, but when I first got the the Canary Islands I came to the city Santa Cruz and now or as soon as I can leave I will go to another city called La Laguna. So basically the past week has been a daily effort of getting to know all the people over there. And from all the people I've connected with so far I'm super excited to be with these people. They are so awesome and I can tell it's gonna be good. We even have been able to teach some people this week from this new area. I love them too and I really can't wait to meet these people in person. 

Something cool that our mission president and his wife have started doing is a nightly live video to all the missionaries and they share news, cool stories of what's been happening, and just a little motivation that has been really nice to see. It with all of the messages from all of you have definitely helped during this time and it's not too much of a struggle any more.

A scripture that I read this week which I quite enjoyed was in Enos (in the Book of Mormon) and in verses 15 and 17 there's a message that I wanted to share. Basically it's his first real experience with prayer and I'm going to start off with a promise he received from God. It says: "He had said unto me: Whatsoever thing ye shall ask in faith, believing that ye shall receive in the name of Christ, ye shall receive it." Now this is pretty strong and important, but with this in mind I think the following verse is just as cool it says: "And I, Enos, knew it would be according to the covenant which he had made; wherefore my soul did rest."

I really like this part because it's one thing to have a sincere prayer, but believing and having that confidence in the Lord's time is a whole other battle. However, I know that we can trust in God. He truly does answer prayers and we just have to hold on and do what we can. He will do the rest. So keep the faith going!! 

Love,

Elder Larchar

Video chat 3/23/20

We visited for a long time today. 

These pics are from the roof of his piso where the washing machine is. 

They really haven’t left for a week. 

They will need to go for groceries soon. 

The neighbors are pretty serious about remaining isolated.

Staying in can be hard, but we are all in this together! 

1 week down, possible 3 more to go.

So this has been a completely different week from the rest of my mission. Rather than the usual things we would be doing every day like going out in the streets talking to people, visiting and teaching lessons, we have been completely cut off from the outside world which leaves some room for other things. The transition has been pretty weird. However, right now the whole mission has kind of found it's groove with using facebook to share things, find people and even teach online. You'll also find some videos of me if you look hard enough. But it looks like this is going to be the way it is for a bit here.

And because of that I haven't had the opportunity to get more pictures albeit my camera is broken as well. But soon, I hope.

This time has actually given me the chance to read a lot more and it's been great. There is so much out there to learn. Something that I've been doing as well is making phone calls to members to get to know them, see how they're all doing and then inviting them to get ready to watch General Conference.

For those of you who don't know, General Conference is basically a time where various church leaders talk about different gospel related topics and typically many church members are gathered to watch it as well. However during this year due to the given circumstances, it will be entirely done online. But anyway, as we were invited at the last conference we are inviting again to all out members to read Joseph Smith's story (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/pgp/js-h/1?lang=eng).

The conference is now less than two weeks away (I think) so it's perfect time to make up your homework if you haven't already. I loved re-reading it and I hope you have and will as well! 

This conference is something I'm really looking forward to.It will be focused on the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that's exactly what I talk to people about while I'm here every single day. So it should be good. I know that this message is true and I absolutely love it. If you might not be able to say the same, I'd like to invite you to read this story again and sincerely pray about it. And even if you're not there and you wonder if there is even a God, ask. That's all that's necessary. I promise you that if you do He will answer you. I have seen it in my life and in the lives of so many others here that I have helped. So wherever you are, take the next step. Learn more and never stop.

I  love you all, stay safe and cozy at home! And if you have any questions, I'd be glad to answer.

see ya,

Elder Larchar

Update 3/22/20

We did a little Come Follow Me study with Elder Larchar today. He and his companion are doing well, secluded in their apartment in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands. They will need to go to the grocery store soon. That’s basically the only thing people are allowed to leave their homes for, other than pharmacy. Officers are issuing tickets to people on the streets for other reasons. Looks like they will be able to go out April 14. Things are always changing.

Elder Larchar likes how much time he has to study- wishes he had this much time regularly- it makes him excited and ready to go out and share. The scriptures say that first we must obtain the truth, then we can teach it.

We will hopefully have an email from him tomorrow.

Everyone feel free to email or FB message him encouragement during this quarantine. Caleb.larchar@missionary.org

Pics - video chats and FB posts

We be chillin

Well, the flight was nice. Got a solid nap and as soon as I got out, it was just sunshine and palm trees and birds singing...

Not quite all that, but it is pretty nice out here in the islands. I've gotten to know the little city a bit and so far I love it. The only problem is that for the next 2 weeks I'll be stuck in the apartment. At least it's a nice view...

It was sad to leave Madrid, all the people I had met and the other missionaries, but it was pretty good timing. The apartment was a bit of a mess when I got there, but with all the time I've had there it's lookin real good now.

My new companion is Elder West. He's from Alberta Canada. It's been pretty good and the other elders on the island are two that I knew earlier in the mission. And they're coming to join us up north for these two weeks. 

Haven't done too much yet, but more news is on the way. 

Pics Real Madrid

Another transfer has come and gone

Hello everyone, it has been a good one over here in Madrid. Also pretty quick. This transfer went by pretty darn fast. And I'm now going to be leaving my first area. It's kinda sad to leave, like all the people, places, things and all. But it's also exciting. And what's even more exciting is that I'll be going to the Canary Islands!! To Santa Cruz, it's gonna be awesome! And I'll be leaving tomorrow so I'm sure I'll have plenty to write about next week.

This week, unfortunately our friend Daniel was unable to get baptized (his grandma wouldn't have been able to come) and so we had to move it back a week and now I'll sadly be gone before he does get baptized. But it was super awesome to get to know him and teach him. Just a little sad to have to go.

I was in charge of the area on I think Wednesday. And I think after my first 6 months, I'm pretty set. Still got a long way to go of course, but at least I kinda know what I'm doing now. So that was exchanges with Aranjuez and I also got to go with the Elders from B1. They're our Zone Leaders and one of them is going home in 2 transfers and so I might not be seeing him again before then. So it was nice to be able to spend the day with him. 

Today we went and picked up my Residency Card. So now I'm all set and legal and stuff. Then we went over to the Real Madrid stadium. The tour was pretty sweet. They had a cool museum highlighting the history of the team and the sport in general. It was fun and made me miss it a little bit.

Then we finished off the day with a nice little bike ride though Retiro Park. It was the park I went to on my first day in Spain. So that was a nice little memory. It's pretty crazy to think about my whole time as a missionary. It's been an adventure. And I can't wait to see what happens for the rest of it.

Love you all, have a good one,

Elder Larchar

Quick update

Alrighty, well this week was long, but it felt pretty short. We had a bunch of lessons and we ate almost every day with members. It's been super awesome. We've also seen some super random stuff as well. Like a dude walk up to a wall right infront of us and scale it, a guy just takin a leak on a dumpster, and a man with a baby carrier except with a cat in it. But I'm loving it. Chances are I only have a few more weeks here and I'll be off to somewhere else. The Corona or whatever virus is also a thing. But so far so good. 

We also got a reference from Uruguay over Facebook. Turned out though that she had a fake name and Facebook, kinda interesting but she is so down to learn and has a whole family here. It has been pretty good with our friends, we are just trying to get them to progress. They're all pretty new. 

For a little message here we go...

There was a story I read in a talk by Elder Hinkley from a while ago. It was entitled 'Don't Drop the Ball'. It was pretty good. But I really liked an analogy he shared. He actually quoted it from someone else, it seems like that happens a lot but it was good. So it was a comparison between an eagle and a pig. How they both work equally hard all day to provide for their little families and care for their children and all that, but the difference is after all their day's work is over. And what they do with that time they have remaining. The eagle goes and soars high in the clear air far above the ground. When the pig on the other hand has a free moment, where do we find it going? We find that it goes to the muddiest part of the field it can find and it rolls around getting covered in all the dirt and filth. The difference between the two is not apparent in the way they work, how effective they are or even their effort. Their individual characters are seen in what they do in their time of recreation. The times where 'it doesn't really count' are the times most definitive.

Now this is kind of extreme. But there is definitely something to be learned. We can always improve our efforts to be better people and better followers of Christ. There is so much more joy in living in the way that Christ would. So take a look at where you are and see what things you could change to soar a little higher. 

Love you all,

Elder Larchar

Another good one

Well we started the week off real good this week. Right after pday ended we went over to our American members' home and had some good ol Cafe Rio that they made. It was super good and they gave us all the leftovers which included a ton of pulled pork so we've been just making all the meals we could think of with that stuff. The schedule has also been full of district leader things like calls, the leader meetings and baptismal interviews. 

On Thursday we went on intercambios and spent the day in Aranjuez. The me and the elder I was with went to out to a town called San Martin de la Vega. It was kinda out there and we had to take a train and then a bus to get there. But we hopped off the train and waited for 30 minutes to get on the bus. Then we were just riding and the bus stops. The man driving the bus comes back and asks us where we're going and then he says ok, but you need to get off. It turned out that we had gotten on the bus going the wrong direction. So we had to backtrack and then start going the right way to get there. But it was worth it. We got to knock on some doors which was unusual for this mission, but I liked it. We even found some people that they can go back later to teach. But then on the way home, we had the bus pass us as we were standing at the bus stop (this was the last bus of the night). So we had to take another one way out to hop on another train. But once we got to that town we had to walk to the other side where the station was. Easy enough right? Well we didn't have maps or data so we had to just get over there asking people and we eventually made it. But by the time we got back it was 10:30 and then we had a 15 min. walk to the apartment. So we took at the end 5 hours traveling and only about 4 in that town. So quite a crazy day. 

We had a pretty funny English class as well on Saturday. Our ward all went to the temple so we had no one there really. Except someone we met on the street a few weeks ago which surprised us and our friend Sandra. She is from Brazil and is trying to learn English for working at an airline. So it started out with just Adrian (street dude) and he was actually interested in the church and so we showed him around then he wanted to learn more about the Book of Mormon. So we started teaching him the Restoration and it was super cool. But then mid-lesson Sandra showed up so we had to kinda awkwardly end and start English. But then during the lesson they started getting a little heated. Not sure why, but it was pretty funny because they were still speaking in English and trying to roast each other, but overall it was alright and I think there friends... maybe/hopefully. But it was good for us because now we have another person to teach. 

That's probably all worth mentioning right now, but it was fun. And it's crazy how long I've been here. It doesn't feel like it's been much, but I might be leaving soon... It would still be cool, but this place sure is awesome. Hope all of you have a wonderful week!

It was a quick one

This week has gone by pretty fast, we had intercambios (I had another missionary with me for a day), we had Zone Conference, interviews with President Bussy, and just with all the work we had to do time flew by. 

We actually had 3 people show up to the church who want to learn more about the church. Doesn't happen very often, but it's like a dream come true rather than having to find people to tell about the church having them come to us. We also have been receiving a ton of references from other missionaries. Needless to say we have had plenty people to meet with. 

But other than that, we had some water problems in the church. We were just having one of our meetings on Sunday and all of a sudden we heard a clang. One of the vents in the ceiling had fallen and then came some ceiling tiles and yeah... good time. 

But we had a pretty cool family history workshop where we taught the importance of it and a little spiritual message and then there was a little tutorial given by our family history person. Then at the end there was a person who was really interested and we're going to start teaching them!

Something President talked to me about in our interview was the invitation of President Nelson at the last General Conference. He invited me to take some more time to study that specifically and it has been pretty good. It's such an amazing story and there are so many new resources from the church to help us learn more. Plus there are so many miracles that occurred to help the Restoration take place. I was actually studying some things on Sunday and we had a visit to some members that night and I just thought hey let's share some things about this with her. Then when we got there it was exactly what she was looking for basically.  She had this person she wanted to talk to about some of the truths that have been restored and we were able to help her realize that and set up a plan to make it happen. That wasn't a super good description, but it was super cool. 

And yeah, y'all should definitely take that invitation and do it! The Restoration is something amazing and something that so many people need to know about. There are so many cool stories as well. 

But that's about it, hope you all have a good week and I hope I'll have some pictures to share. 

Feb 3

Well my camera is still out of commission, so now I have to actually right something...🤣. But hope everything's going well for y'all. It is here in Madrid. I just (well almost a week ago), but I just got a new companion. His name is Elder Williams and it's been awesome. He has been here for a while and he's been tea hing me a lot. We have been getting to know people mostly for Elder Williams, but it also helps me for all of the people who I just don't remember their names :). But we also got a few new members in our district. Plus my new companion is the district leader which means lots of phone calls, but we also get to go on exchanges!

Well, something I was thinking about this week was from a General Conference talk I listened to. It is from two conferences ago by Elder D Todd Christopherson. He quoted someone else saying: 

“The facts about Jesus of Nazareth, and especially about his resurrection from the dead, are the foundation of the assurance that the world is not random. It is not ultimately a chaos; that when we do justice in the present we are not whistling in the dark, trying to shore up a building that will ultimately collapse, or to fix a car which is actually bound for the scrap-heap. When God raised Jesus from the dead, that was the microcosmic event in which the ultimate macrocosmic act of judgment was contained in a nutshell, [the] seed … of the ultimate hope. God declared, in the most powerful way imaginable, that Jesus of Nazareth really was the Messiah. … In the greatest irony of history, [Jesus] himself underwent cruel and unjust judgment, coming to the place which symbolized and drew together all the myriad cruelties and injustices of history, to bear that chaos, that darkness, that cruelty, that injustice, in himself, and to exhaust its power.”

We are not just here by chance. There is more purpose to this life. And this because Christ lives. Witnesses are abundant, scriptures, testimonies, feelings, and most of all the help we can get from the Savior. While that is his primary role, He is here to help us as well. He is willing to bear our struggles and help us develop into who we are meant to be. We can lean on Him and He will support us. Another quote is something along the lines of "the Savior sees the worst, darkest parts of our life and rather than recoiling in horror he says 'I can clean that if you want'". He has experienced it all, He has overcome the world and is more than willing to aid us in our effort.

Love you all, have a good one. 😊

Jan 13

We went to see some old stuff today, here it is...

This big ol castle we walked around in and out on the balconies and stuff. It was really neat. And some crazy intricate decorations. Plus the view. 

Also this aqueduct and the elders we were hanging out with today. 

And lastly, this family that we have been visiting a bunch. We go over and have a little family lesson and they're awesome. 

That's most of it, hope it sends right.

😁👍

Photos 1/27/20

Hello all!

Well, this week was pretty normal, but tomorrow, I get a new companion! Oh wait a second, that's not what I mean. I'm super excited, but also sad to lose Elder Hess.

This week was refreshingly normal after last with the exchanges and temple pday and just having another set of elders in our apartment. So it was nice. We got to visit some members for Elder Hess to say good bye to and ate with a bunch of them. It's super nice to have members from all over the place cuz you get to try so much good food. Our bishop on sunday got up and said a little thing about how missionaries have a time to come to our ward and serve with them and then it comes their time to leave... then he had Elder Hess go up and say some things, but it was so sad. And the members here love us it's gonna be super sad when I have to leave too. But I'm just living it up while I can. We had some major cleaning to do at home and Elder Hess has been packing so now we are ready to go. It'll be fun to work with another missionary and see what happens. 

Now for that little spiritual thought thing I promised...

It comes from 2 Corinthians chapter three, the first three verses:

"1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?

2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:

3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart."

In these verses I love the allusion to the 10 commandments and how it displays them. I like the 3rd especially this verse talks about living above the law. Or at least that's how I see it. We shouldn't have to be tied down by do's and don'ts, we should get to the point where we are so committed to living the gospel of Jesus Christ and trying to live as he did that it is part of who we are. A talk I read this week entitled 'Today Is the Time' by Walter F. González. It talked about the idea of making righteous principles part of who we are. He said:

"Today is the time to prepare for when that type of quake comes. Today is the time to prepare—not during the crisis. What are we doing today to engraven in our souls the gospel principles that will uphold us in times of adversity? For example, what did Joseph who was sold into Egypt plant in his soul to reply, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”

In response to these questions he posed he answered: 

"Eternal principles will take root in us as we take time not only to read the teachings of the prophets and the scriptures but also to ponder them in the spirit of prayer. Take the time to do what the Lord has directed us to do: “Treasure these things up in your hearts, and let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds” (D&C 43:34). In a world that increasingly demands more of our time, it is essential that we take time to ponder in our homes, so that we may understand divine doctrine and its principles. As the Savior said, “Go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon these things … that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow” (3 Nephi 17:3)."

I love how he uses the Savior's admonitions, to go and and not just think about it, but ponder it and treasure it up. And not just to treasure up what you have, but to expect more. It is a continuous progression which if we follow will bless us with the internal desire for good and the ability to do it. The Savior's teachings have the ability to change us if we let them. The way is simple, but very real. I'm so glad I have the opportunity to focus two years of my life on it. I love the Savior and I love his Gospel.

Have a good one. 😊

Elder Larchar

PUSH

This week was so cool! We did another mission wide call with a mand named Dan Peterson. He is a BYU professor and scholar of the Book of Mormon, needless to say it was amazing!!! We've been working with a member and soon he'll have the Melchizedek Priesthood so that's super exciting!! 

I dont have much time to write but my MTC teacher sent this story to all of us in the MTC. Life was never supposed to be easy, and of course it's not. Missionaries will tell you the mish is hard, but si is back home, we've got planned out days, consistent schedules and a lot of help from the lord. Back home I know life can be hectic. I also know God knows each of us and exactly how to help, so make sure ya push.

A man was sleeping at night in his cabin when suddenly his room

filled with light and God appeared. The Lord told the man He

had work for him to do and showed him a large rock in front of

his cabin.

The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock

with all his might. So, this the man did, day after day.

For many years he toiled from sun up to sun down, his shoulders

set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving

rock, pushing with all of his might.

Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out,

feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain.

Since the man was showing discouragement, the Adversary (Satan),

decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the weary

mind:

"You have been pushing against that rock for a long time, and it

hasn't moved."

Thus, he gave the man the impression that the task was

impossible and that he was a failure. These thoughts

discouraged and disheartened the man.

Satan said, "Why kill yourself over this? Just put in your

time, giving just the minimum effort, and that will be good

enough. That's what the weary man planned to do, but decided to

make it a matter of prayer and to take his troubled thoughts to

the Lord.

“Lord,” he said, "I have labored long and hard in your service,

putting all my strength to do that which you have asked.

Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by

half a millimeter.

What is wrong?

Why am I failing?”

The Lord responded compassionately, "My friend, when I asked you

to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to

push against the rock with all of your strength, which you have

done.

Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it.

Your task was to push.

And now you come to Me with your strength spent,

thinking that you have failed.

Is that really so?

Look at yourself.

Your arms are strong and muscled,

your back sinewy and brown;

your hands are callused from constant pressure,

your legs have become massive and hard.

Through opposition you have grown much,

and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have.

True, you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be

obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My

wisdom. That you have done.

Now I, my friend, will move the rock."

At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own

intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God

wants is just a simple obedience and faith in Him.

By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains,

but know that it is still God who moves mountains.

When everything seems to go wrong...just

P.U.S.H.!

When the job gets you down... just P.U.S.H.!

When people don't react the way you think

they should... just P.U.S.H.

When your money is "gone" and the bills are due... just P.U.S.H!

When people just don't understand you... just P.U.S.H.

P= Pray

U= Until

S= Something

H= Happens