The Power of Porter

Since my accident, being healed is obviously something I’ve longed for and prayed for. During these past few years, I have seen so many blessings and miracles, but my diagnosis remains the same. Only recently have I come to understand that I HAVE been healed. “I love this idea that there is a difference between healing and curing. Curing usually returns us to our previous state of wellness, which is what we long for, but healing is different. Healing incorporates that old wound, making us a different person. Even the Savior of the world, as a resurrected being, retained the wounds in His hands, feet, and side. This is evidence that He will never forget us and that with His stripes we are healed. Tonight, maybe you're feeling broken and aren't sure you will experience His healing, but is that true? Every Sunday during the sacrament, He is lifting you off the dusty road and placing you in the folds of His robe and cradling you in His ample arms... Christ the babe was born for you...

Covenants are often described as a two way promise. Marriage is an example of a two way promise. Can you describe everything involved in a marriage or in a covenant by simply boiling it down to a two way promise? No! This can cause covenants to be seen as a cold contract. A contract is transactional, while covenant relationships are transformational. I am so grateful for my covenants and how my relationship with Christ has  transformed me. I am so grateful for a loving Father in Heaven who forgives me every time I repent. There is a common misconception that if you’re going to sin, you are better off not making covenants. Who is better off without a closer relationship with Christ? We need His hand in ours. We need His power in our lives. If prepared and worthy, we are always better off connected to Christ through covenants. All friendships and relationships, as we know them on Earth, can be developed and are subject to change. People change, betray, lie, sin, and cheat. There is o...

When I was set apart, I was promised that I would have opportunities to preach the restored gospel and witness people’s baptisms.  Over the past couple of months, I was able to teach Sawyer the lessons to help her prepare for baptism. On Friday, I had the privilege of watching her be baptized by her father, and participated in her confirmation. I cried through the whole night. There is a very real spirit that comes when a worthy priesthood holder stands in the font with one who is prepared to make covenants with God. True power comes into their life as they enter the gate to the covenant path. What follows is always a tangible feeling of love and light as he lays his hands upon their head and gives them the gift of the Holy Ghost. Baptism and confirmation are so amazing. I love the spirit that they bring. I know baptism is necessary for exaltation. Sawyer is so sweet and I am so grateful for the Larsen family and our friendship. I am extra grateful this week for my covenants with G...

So many miracles. My friend Elder Bell transferred to the service mission a while ago due to costochondritis. Once that was resolved, he was eager to get back out teaching, but ended up staying here longer than expected. I talked with him, prayed, and even fasted for him. One day, I was thinking about him and his situation. I said a prayer for him, and a couple minutes later, he walked in the room with good news. He told me that he officially got cleared to go back to Scotland. It was an answer to my prayer, and I was so filled with joy for him. I am so grateful for Elder Bell. For the friend and person that he is. I know I was meant to be here for him. I am so thankful that I was able to spend that short time serving beside him. Go kill it in Scotland brother❤️