Entry Twenty Three: A Quick One

June 23, 2025

Entry Twenty Three: A Quick One

6/23/25

Hello everyone! So, this week pulled a Speedy Gonzalez on me and flew by before I even realized what had happened. But, it was a lot of good work, and each day I’m very grateful to be a member and missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

There wasn’t too much that happened that was of note, but I did go on two exchanges this week! The first one was with my district leader, Elder Youngberg, and the second with my zone leader, Elder Carroll. I had a great time with both of these wonderful Elders, and they both were adamant on the fact that I could very well be pulled into leadership next transfer hahaha. Not sure if I feel ready, but I know that the Lord will call me to exactly where I need to be, whether I’m ready or not.

Now for a quick spiritual thought: I was listening to a devotional by Hank Smith (the goat) and he mentioned a verse in the book of Abraham I had no clue existed. For context, this is right before Abraham is going to be sacrificed. He mentions how the priest who was going to sacrifice him had previously sacrificed three young women unjustly, but they weren’t afraid. As he writes:

Abraham 1:11 - Now, this priest had offered upon this altar three virgins at one time, who were the daughters of Onitah, one of the royal descent directly from the loins of Ham. These virgins were offered up because of their virtue; they would not bow down to worship gods of wood or of stone, therefore they were killed upon this altar, and it was done after the manner of the Egyptians.

What I really like about this story is how these women “would not bow down” to anything that was contrary to their standards. I think in my life I can hold true to my standards, but occasionally I’ll let something slip because it’s not as important to me as something else. We should all follow after the example of these three, who chose death over giving up their standards. Ok, well let’s not actually get ourselves martyred, I don’t mean that. I mean hold true to your standards and don’t give them up for anything. The adversary’s prime tactic is to get us to lower our standards little by little until we’ve fallen far from our starting point and right into degeneracy.

It may seem daunting to constantly hold to a consistent standard, but it is easier in the end. Faith in Christ can help us to do all things. He will guide you, help you repent, and even help you raise your standards so that you can live a higher and holier way. When we align with his will, we gain access to the unconquerable will that carried Him through Gethsemane, the cross, and ultimately led to His resurrection. I want to invite you all to give it a shot. Begin by learning about higher standards by reading your scriptures, and then choose to act on them by exercising faith. Prayer is a fantastic way to receive spiritual strength to be able to resist temptations. I promise to anyone that does this will have more joy in their life. Life will be more fulfilling and you will grow so much. I leave you all with my testimony of Christ’s atoning power, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

That’s it from me for this week! I love you all and am praying for you! Hope you’re having a great summer!

‘Tis sweet to sing the matchless love of Him who left His home above and came to earth- oh, wondrous plan- to suffer, bleed, and die for man! For Jesus died on Calvary, that all thru Him might ransomed be. Then sing hosannas to His name; Let heav’n and earth His love proclaim.

Go vols!

-Elder Clayton

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