The Power of Porter

1 YEAR AGO I WAS SET APART AS A MISSIONARY I can’t believe it’s already been a year. I literally never want to be released. I tell everyone who asks about my mission that I absolutely love it and just want to be a missionary forever. I have had more spiritual experiences in the past year than my entire life before my mission combined (x100). There is no greater joy than missionary work. No greater joy than having the Spirit as a constant companion. Being a set apart representative of Jesus Christ is life changing, I believe for eternity. If you’re on the fence about serving, considering being released, or think there’s anything that can be even remotely as beneficial for you as service, get your butt off the fence. Satan owns the fence. This seriously has been the best 12 months of my life. I know I will miss it.  I have learned and grown so so much in every way. Hopefully I have adequately shared with you some of my growth already. Here are some questions to consider: What is my t...

I have heard this all my life, but how is knowledge power?  Joseph Smith taught these truths: “Knowledge does away with darkness, suspense and doubt; for these cannot exist where knowledge is. … In knowledge there is power. God has more power than all other beings, because He has greater knowledge; and hence He knows how to subject all other beings to Him. He has power over all.” There are many other teachings on knowledge. It can help us resist temptation, provide us with an advantage in the next life, and help us bring others to Christ. I just want to share a couple of ways my knowledge has given me power.  My knowledge allows me to live with faith, knowing my “adversity and afflictions shall be but a small moment.” No fear, doubt, or darkness can prevail. I am comforted by the knowledge of my King, Savior, Redeemer, and Advocate who loves me. I know He suffered and died for me. I know that through the atonement, I can be forgiven if I repent. I know He lives. I know He know...

A man shared with me an experience he had in the temple. Someone in his session mentioned that they could feel a strong presence of those who had already passed. This man prayed and prayed to feel their presence but felt nothing. Thoughts then flooded in of comparison. I’m not good enough. I’m not worthy. God must not love me. I wasn’t sure what to share with this man but here are some of the thoughts I shared with him and will now share with you.  First and foremost, due to our human foibles, at times we mistakenly think that He (God) is not, He does not, or He will not. I testify that God IS there, He SEES and KNOWS us, and He ANSWERS our prayers.  I shared with this man a very similar experience I had. I was alone in the celestial room just praying to hear His voice or feel His presence or love or anything. Ultimately, praying for a sign I knew I didn’t need. I felt, heard, and saw nothing.  I then shared with this man an experience I had while doing sealings a couple ...