You know? I think many people consider this question over and over. I remember someone once said in a talk long ago that we would react when we see Christ the way we are living right now. Are we living in a way to be more like Him? In 1 Nephi 8 it talks about Lehi's dream. If you remember reading it correctly it talks about several different types of groups. The first group loses their way in the darkness because they did not hold onto the iron rod tight enough. The second group become ashamed of the fruit they have partaken. They notice the people in the Great and Spacious Building and leave. And the third group come and they "fall down" and partake of the fruit. Why do they fall down? Does anybody ever ask this question? I love this part. It's my absolute favorite part in the whole story. Well, obviously the first group does not continue to learn of Christ. They stop reading the scriptures and going to church and eventually just lose their way. They forget what Christ was like, and don't know how to apply their lives to become more like Christ. The second group knows what it feels like to try and become like Christ. This group scares me the most, because why would I try something so sweet and then give it up just because people in a building are laughing at me?
Back up to the people who fell down at the Tree of Life. Why did they fall down? Well I have a couple of cross references to this scripture, and I LOVE IT! 1 Nephi 11:22-24 the Tree of Life is explained further here, "Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things. And he spake unto me, saying: Yea, and the most joyous to the soul. And after he had said these words, he said unto me; Look! And I looked, and I beheld the Son of God going forth among the children of men; and I saw many fall down at his feet and worship him." Never have I not found an answer to a question I was looking for in the scriptures. God really knows what he's doing. Now if we go to John 3:16 it confirms that the Tree of Life represents Christ, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." If we are in group 3, and we see Christ we will fall at His feet and worship Him. May we all worship Him, Jesus Christ, our Savior and our Redeemer, because there is nowhere else I hope we'd rather be, but back with our Father in Heaven. And through our Savior Jesus Christ is the only way to get back to Him. I hope to put this blog together, because I read all the money gaining blogs, all the how-to's and whats-its, but what about the most important thing in our lives? What about our Spiritual well-being? May my testimony stand strong, even as it is until the end of my life.
Monday, December 11, 2017
The Mote in Your Brother's Eye
You know, in relation to the story of the woman with adultery
and the stones. I often wonder how to
apply the scriptures to my own life. And
as I ponder that story. I think of all
the times I have been to church and how often do we as teachers, as leaders
like to fix "other people's problems"? Even if they do not ask for help. And even when they do. I like to think of us as those with the
stones when we are in moments like those.
And Christ reminding us. He who is
without sin may cast the first stone. Have
we already been saved and found perfect in the glory of God? Did we already get
judged and were told that we were without sin?
As far as I know, none in this room has.
I think the most critical step to this Gospel, the difference between
those with personal testimonies of their Savior Jesus Christ and those who have
not yet receieved this witness (but to those, keep working on it!) that those
are they who go to church and look to improve themselves, not others (at least
I like to hope). Those who truly want to
be more Christlike people, more loving, reaching out to those in need, and in
sorrow, and in mourning. Comforting
those in need of comfort. Charity, like
Christ said, "removeth a multitude of sins". Peter 4:8. He also said remove the molt out
of thine own eye. I sure hope that we go
to church to perfect ourselves. I
remember someone once telling me that because I was a "perfectionist"
it's because I compare myself to others.
No, I do not. I'm constantly
trying to be the better me. I think of an example: when others also see our
own weaknesses and feel the need to say so, can make us feel like we have
failed because we are working on it. It
is like someone who is already mopping the floor and someone comes up to them
and sees them mopping it, even though they are in their own house, but still
feels they have the right to say, "You know, you should really mop up your
floor." It's a stupid example, but
it's like repetitively telling someone they need to do something that they are
already doing. Are we all like this? I
think searching out others' weaknesses can also cause them to trip at the
finish line. I would hope and pray that
I would never cause another child of God to trip. Because I'm sure we would face the very wrath
of God Himself. Oh, how He loves His children.
I pray that I will not offend others.
Sunday, August 20, 2017
Turn your lives over to God
This is a blog that I will keep in confidence. I write down my thoughts because they are all I have. It's amazing to me, because as I read the scriptures I am constantly feeling stronger and stronger to serve my fellow men. A couple of scriptures that continuously stand out to me are:
Matt 10:38-39- And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39-He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
Matt 10:28- And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matt 10:30- But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 32-Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33- But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Matt 5:14-16- Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid 15-Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16- Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.
These scriptures stand out to me so much. They make me want to be more! I want to serve my fellow men so much more, and I know that's why we're here on this earth. The confusion, the business of life and everything around it can turn into so much turmoil and strife. But as we put our focus on others, our focus is to become like Christ and we serve Him and forget our own lives.
"Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace" Ezra Taft Benson (teachings of ETB, p 361)
Matt 10:38-39- And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39-He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
Matt 10:28- And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matt 10:30- But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 32-Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33- But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Matt 5:14-16- Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid 15-Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16- Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.
These scriptures stand out to me so much. They make me want to be more! I want to serve my fellow men so much more, and I know that's why we're here on this earth. The confusion, the business of life and everything around it can turn into so much turmoil and strife. But as we put our focus on others, our focus is to become like Christ and we serve Him and forget our own lives.
"Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace" Ezra Taft Benson (teachings of ETB, p 361)
Visiting Teaching and Misconceptions!
This article was written by the Relief Society Presidency. It says:
"Contact your sisters frequently through visits, phone calls, letters, e-mail, text messages, and simple acts of kindness."
So amazing to me that they leave the option for many ways to contact our sisters. This talk gives a lot of amazing ideas of how to serve your sisters.
https://www.lds.org/…/visiting-teaching-understanding-the-p…
love this!!! Sometimes I think people forget that when you visit or home teach it's about taking care of others. It's not just about preaching the gospel, (although that is important too) it's about looking for the lost sheep. Leaders of the church can't visit everyone. This is why it is distributed among ward members. This article explains we can do this in many ways!
One of my favorite experiences is through being a missionary and seeing one of the members of the church deciding to serve a mission through visiting teaching. She baptized hundreds, and ended up meeting with President Packer to help strengthen other missionaries through her service. VISITING AND HOME TEACHING ARE SO IMPORTANT!
love this!!! Sometimes I think people forget that when you visit or home teach it's about taking care of others. It's not just about preaching the gospel, (although that is important too) it's about looking for the lost sheep. Leaders of the church can't visit everyone. This is why it is distributed among ward members. This article explains we can do this in many ways!
One of my favorite experiences is through being a missionary and seeing one of the members of the church deciding to serve a mission through visiting teaching. She baptized hundreds, and ended up meeting with President Packer to help strengthen other missionaries through her service. VISITING AND HOME TEACHING ARE SO IMPORTANT!
Monday, August 14, 2017
How I Gained My Testimony
At the age of 8 years old my parent's tradition was to give me a full set of scriptures. This is my parent's baptismal gift. I loved them from the very beginning. I remember taking them to church with me and the person next to me having their scriptures "colored" or marked in. I told my dad I wanted to do that. He said I could only do that if I read through the entire Book of Mormon. So, I set off, at the age of 8. I started reading the scriptures that young! I don't know if you remember the first time you read through the scriptures, but do you remember how hard they were to understand? I do. I remember how hard and that I basically didn't understand a thing. But I kept on reading. It took me 4 years to read through the entire Book of Mormon. Can you believe that?! It was so hard for someone so young as me to understand it, so I took my time.
But I remember, very distinctly. My parents always had us turn off the lights at a certain time at night and go to bed. And at this time, it was nearly midnight, I was under the covers (with a flashlight!) reading The Book of Mormon. I had entered the book of Alma, which is an easier book to understand. And I remember reading that book and feeling the Spirit so strong, so overpowering. I stopped, I said a prayer, and I thanked God because I knew at that moment without a doubt that this book was true. It was something remarkable actually. That someone so young as I was, could understand even without completely understanding the book itself that it was true. That what this book contained was something that made me feel good, made me want to be a better person. And I will love it with all of my heart.
As I have grown older, every single Family Home Evening that I conducted as a child I would talk about the importance of praying and reading the scriptures. That is because I believe it is so important to my very core! If you think about it, Lehi and his family as they were leaving the city Jerusalem God asked them to turn around and get the book of their ancestors of the prophets (or the scriptures!). Why would God think it was so important for them to turn around and go back? I could go into details of the physical, but I feel the spiritual is much more important! Because God wanted them to learn His gospel, and to apply it into their lives. Remember in this blog: http://religioussideofme.blogspot.com/2017/08/when-we-have-knowledge-of-christ-are-we.html
how I shared the importance of knowing what our Savior's life was like so we too could learn to become like Him? The scriptures are a very important aspect in becoming such. And so is prayer. These two things are SO important!!
But I remember, very distinctly. My parents always had us turn off the lights at a certain time at night and go to bed. And at this time, it was nearly midnight, I was under the covers (with a flashlight!) reading The Book of Mormon. I had entered the book of Alma, which is an easier book to understand. And I remember reading that book and feeling the Spirit so strong, so overpowering. I stopped, I said a prayer, and I thanked God because I knew at that moment without a doubt that this book was true. It was something remarkable actually. That someone so young as I was, could understand even without completely understanding the book itself that it was true. That what this book contained was something that made me feel good, made me want to be a better person. And I will love it with all of my heart.
As I have grown older, every single Family Home Evening that I conducted as a child I would talk about the importance of praying and reading the scriptures. That is because I believe it is so important to my very core! If you think about it, Lehi and his family as they were leaving the city Jerusalem God asked them to turn around and get the book of their ancestors of the prophets (or the scriptures!). Why would God think it was so important for them to turn around and go back? I could go into details of the physical, but I feel the spiritual is much more important! Because God wanted them to learn His gospel, and to apply it into their lives. Remember in this blog: http://religioussideofme.blogspot.com/2017/08/when-we-have-knowledge-of-christ-are-we.html
how I shared the importance of knowing what our Savior's life was like so we too could learn to become like Him? The scriptures are a very important aspect in becoming such. And so is prayer. These two things are SO important!!
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Missionary Work
If there is anybody out there who questions whether or not they want to serve a mission, they need to read my experience beforehand! Growing up, my dad would tell me of his experience. How he was the first in his family to serve a mission. His father did not serve a mission. His older brother (at the time) did not serve a mission, but my dad wanted to know if it was something God wanted him to do. So, what did my dad do? He asked God himself. He prayed. My dad said he expected lightning, but then after a week or so he realized lightning wasn't going to come. God wanted to see if my dad was reeeeally willing to serve if He told him to serve a mission AND to know if what he would be teaching would be true. My dad realized this. So to get an answer my dad started praying everyday for months. My dad felt the need to serve a mission. The answer to if what he was teaching was true came later. After a year's worth of praying. God wanted to make absolutely certain that my dad would be willing to put in the effort before and after His answer.
With this story, I knew immediately I wanted to serve a mission. There wasn't a doubt in my mind. I knew that what I would be teaching was correct, and I knew with all of my heart that I would love the people I would serve. As I was serving miracles started happening. So frequently, and so quickly that I was amazed. I knew with a direct certainty, that God wanted us to spread His word to everyone around the world, and quickly at that. One of my favorite scriptures that I always tell the missionaries about is, Alma 26:22, "Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing-unto such it is given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given to reveal things which never have been revealed; yea, and it shall be given unto such to bring thousands of souls to repentance, even has it has been given unto us to bring these our brethren to repentance. " This is Ammon and he is speaking about his experience and the sons of Mosiah's experience. It is amazing to me, they baptized thousands of souls! THOUSANDS! And they were serving their missions as far as we know 14 years. Let's do the math, shall we? Even if they only baptized one thousand souls (not thousand'S'!) 1000 divided by 14 equals 71 souls per year. Can you just imagine? Serving your mission for 2 years and baptizing 140 souls. Well, here Ammon says it is possible. Here's the missionary recipe for success!:
Repent
Exercise Faith
Bring Forth Good Works
Pray without Ceasing
Now, I'm not saying that the number of souls you bring to repentance is necessarily important. But what I'm saying is you can be a successful missionary if you do the following 4 things. Abinadi, another favorite missionary example of mine. He died! He died before he even knew that he had converted somebody! He taught and taught, got thrown out, and nobody showed even the least bit of interest. But God had a plan, and it was that Alma would be converted, and after that bring hundreds of souls to repentance. So even though you may not SEE what these 4 things can do for your missionary experience, you are literally saving hundreds of souls.
I remember going to a testimony meeting, and how interesting it was that a young youth got up and talked about September 11th. I was a youth in those days, when it happened. And this youth got up and bore his testimony about how amazing it was to him that firefighters, policemen, and people off of the street risked their lives to rescue many others. Well, this youth proceeded to say how amazing it was to him that even more so, missionaries risk their lives; but, missionaries risk their lives to save SOULS. How amazing is that!?
If there is one thing this blog can do, I hope that it will help you to see that there is no fear in the choice of serving a mission. "With God NOTHING is impossible!" God is there with your decision to serve a mission (if physically possible, and if not physically possible there are still many other ways you can serve in your own hometown!) every. single. step. of. the. way! Just make sure to apply repentance, faith, good works, and praying without ceasing! There is nothing that God cannot do, as long as you allow Him to be a part of your life. He is your Father after all, he wants to be a part of your life. Serve your mission, and if you're not of age yet, practice and strive to live these four principles. You will succeed!
With this story, I knew immediately I wanted to serve a mission. There wasn't a doubt in my mind. I knew that what I would be teaching was correct, and I knew with all of my heart that I would love the people I would serve. As I was serving miracles started happening. So frequently, and so quickly that I was amazed. I knew with a direct certainty, that God wanted us to spread His word to everyone around the world, and quickly at that. One of my favorite scriptures that I always tell the missionaries about is, Alma 26:22, "Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing-unto such it is given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given to reveal things which never have been revealed; yea, and it shall be given unto such to bring thousands of souls to repentance, even has it has been given unto us to bring these our brethren to repentance. " This is Ammon and he is speaking about his experience and the sons of Mosiah's experience. It is amazing to me, they baptized thousands of souls! THOUSANDS! And they were serving their missions as far as we know 14 years. Let's do the math, shall we? Even if they only baptized one thousand souls (not thousand'S'!) 1000 divided by 14 equals 71 souls per year. Can you just imagine? Serving your mission for 2 years and baptizing 140 souls. Well, here Ammon says it is possible. Here's the missionary recipe for success!:
Repent
Exercise Faith
Bring Forth Good Works
Pray without Ceasing
Now, I'm not saying that the number of souls you bring to repentance is necessarily important. But what I'm saying is you can be a successful missionary if you do the following 4 things. Abinadi, another favorite missionary example of mine. He died! He died before he even knew that he had converted somebody! He taught and taught, got thrown out, and nobody showed even the least bit of interest. But God had a plan, and it was that Alma would be converted, and after that bring hundreds of souls to repentance. So even though you may not SEE what these 4 things can do for your missionary experience, you are literally saving hundreds of souls.
I remember going to a testimony meeting, and how interesting it was that a young youth got up and talked about September 11th. I was a youth in those days, when it happened. And this youth got up and bore his testimony about how amazing it was to him that firefighters, policemen, and people off of the street risked their lives to rescue many others. Well, this youth proceeded to say how amazing it was to him that even more so, missionaries risk their lives; but, missionaries risk their lives to save SOULS. How amazing is that!?
If there is one thing this blog can do, I hope that it will help you to see that there is no fear in the choice of serving a mission. "With God NOTHING is impossible!" God is there with your decision to serve a mission (if physically possible, and if not physically possible there are still many other ways you can serve in your own hometown!) every. single. step. of. the. way! Just make sure to apply repentance, faith, good works, and praying without ceasing! There is nothing that God cannot do, as long as you allow Him to be a part of your life. He is your Father after all, he wants to be a part of your life. Serve your mission, and if you're not of age yet, practice and strive to live these four principles. You will succeed!
Remember Who the Real Enemy Is
Last night, as my husband and I get our kids settled down for bed and they finally dose off into la-la land (not the movie! -Gosh!). We finally get some time to ourselves! Yes, like 20 minutes, wahoo! (haha, thumbs up if this happens to you at home too!) So, lately, our winding down activity has been watching The Hunger Games movies series. We both LOVE the books, and the movies aren't too shabby themselves ;) We like the movies too!
In the second movie, do you remember what Katniss discovers? As Johanna throws Katniss on the ground, to make her look like she died? Katniss discovers the tree tied up in a wire and Beetee on the ground next to a staff and arrowhead wrapped in wire. Katniss is trying to figure out what Beetee was up to. But my absolute favorite part, and I'm sure you'd agree with me is when Katniss hears Finnick, and is unsure of whether or not her and Finnick are still "allies" anymore since the 75th Quarter Quell is about to end. So she draws her bow ready to strike. When Finnick realizes what Katniss is about to do he shouts, "Katniss, remember who the real enemy is!" Meaning The Capitol.
I watch this and I think, wow! How many times we are here on this earth. We are ready to strike at our fellow brothers and sisters, and the Spirit (Holy Ghost) of God says this same thing. "Remember who the real enemy is." True, sometimes the enemy can come as a wolf dressed in sheep's clothing like Jesus taught. But sometimes that's the more obvious enemy. The one we see in sight. But when we're trapped in an Arena called earth, do we forget sometimes who the real enemy is? Do we realize who our real allies are? Honestly, I think the first thing is realizing who we are and where we come from. Katniss is from District 12. She knew exactly who she was. And what she was fighting for. Do we realize we are each children, sons and daughters of a beloved Father in Heaven who loves us very much? That he expects great things from us? Sometimes others don't realize who the real enemy is (some do... :( but fail to take action!) and they forget that they are in an Arena, and unlike Katniss let the arrow fly where may with zest. My hope in writing this is in reminding us that hopefully, and I do believe this, most of the people in the Arena are our allies. As such, we need to treat them with respect, love, and have that same hope that Katniss has. That we can fight the real enemy, Satan.
Only when we truly realize who we are (sons and daughters of God) will we know who the "real" enemy is! Otherwise we would be so very confused. We would be placed in that Arena unknowingly shooting arrows everywhere. Heck, we might even shoot at the Arena itself we would have no clue why we were placed there. So, to me the most important thing of all is to gain a testimony that you truly are a Son or Daughter of God. I remember speaking to someone who did not believe there was a God. Do you know what I told him to do? I told him to ask God if God was really there. If you call up your friend and if they're home and want you to know that they're home they're going to pick up the phone right? Well, so it is with God. If you want to know if he's really there, and after that if he really cares about you and if you are His son or daughter you should pray to Him asking. But if you pick up the phone, you won't dial the numbers unless you actually believe you are trying to call someone. So it is with God. You must pick up the phone and dial. Same with God, if you are to ask if he is really there, you have to believe that he will pick up and answer if He is there, if you try to pray. Otherwise what's the point of praying?
The more we gain testimonies of ourselves, who we are, and that we are Sons and Daughters of God the more that we will KNOW with a certainty who the enemy is. And the less we will hold up our arrows against those on our same team. We would treat others with more kindness, with love, we would serve others and put others above ourselves (assuming that we are in a position to do so, physically, mentally, emotionally). This is why God put us in this Arena, not to fight each other, but to fight as a team against Satan so that we can one day look back and say, "I can't believe I did that, but I did! I accomplished the most amazing things ever!"
In the second movie, do you remember what Katniss discovers? As Johanna throws Katniss on the ground, to make her look like she died? Katniss discovers the tree tied up in a wire and Beetee on the ground next to a staff and arrowhead wrapped in wire. Katniss is trying to figure out what Beetee was up to. But my absolute favorite part, and I'm sure you'd agree with me is when Katniss hears Finnick, and is unsure of whether or not her and Finnick are still "allies" anymore since the 75th Quarter Quell is about to end. So she draws her bow ready to strike. When Finnick realizes what Katniss is about to do he shouts, "Katniss, remember who the real enemy is!" Meaning The Capitol.
I watch this and I think, wow! How many times we are here on this earth. We are ready to strike at our fellow brothers and sisters, and the Spirit (Holy Ghost) of God says this same thing. "Remember who the real enemy is." True, sometimes the enemy can come as a wolf dressed in sheep's clothing like Jesus taught. But sometimes that's the more obvious enemy. The one we see in sight. But when we're trapped in an Arena called earth, do we forget sometimes who the real enemy is? Do we realize who our real allies are? Honestly, I think the first thing is realizing who we are and where we come from. Katniss is from District 12. She knew exactly who she was. And what she was fighting for. Do we realize we are each children, sons and daughters of a beloved Father in Heaven who loves us very much? That he expects great things from us? Sometimes others don't realize who the real enemy is (some do... :( but fail to take action!) and they forget that they are in an Arena, and unlike Katniss let the arrow fly where may with zest. My hope in writing this is in reminding us that hopefully, and I do believe this, most of the people in the Arena are our allies. As such, we need to treat them with respect, love, and have that same hope that Katniss has. That we can fight the real enemy, Satan.
Only when we truly realize who we are (sons and daughters of God) will we know who the "real" enemy is! Otherwise we would be so very confused. We would be placed in that Arena unknowingly shooting arrows everywhere. Heck, we might even shoot at the Arena itself we would have no clue why we were placed there. So, to me the most important thing of all is to gain a testimony that you truly are a Son or Daughter of God. I remember speaking to someone who did not believe there was a God. Do you know what I told him to do? I told him to ask God if God was really there. If you call up your friend and if they're home and want you to know that they're home they're going to pick up the phone right? Well, so it is with God. If you want to know if he's really there, and after that if he really cares about you and if you are His son or daughter you should pray to Him asking. But if you pick up the phone, you won't dial the numbers unless you actually believe you are trying to call someone. So it is with God. You must pick up the phone and dial. Same with God, if you are to ask if he is really there, you have to believe that he will pick up and answer if He is there, if you try to pray. Otherwise what's the point of praying?
The more we gain testimonies of ourselves, who we are, and that we are Sons and Daughters of God the more that we will KNOW with a certainty who the enemy is. And the less we will hold up our arrows against those on our same team. We would treat others with more kindness, with love, we would serve others and put others above ourselves (assuming that we are in a position to do so, physically, mentally, emotionally). This is why God put us in this Arena, not to fight each other, but to fight as a team against Satan so that we can one day look back and say, "I can't believe I did that, but I did! I accomplished the most amazing things ever!"
Saturday, August 12, 2017
When we have Knowledge of Christ are we truly Following His Ways?
This question poses a really interesting thought in my mind. When we have Knowledge of Christ are we truly Following His Ways? There is an interesting parable. It is of two young men in line at heaven's gate, The first one goes in to the interviewer. The interviewer asks this young man, "What do you know of Christ?"
The young man then states, "Well, I know that he was crucified for us, that he loves us, and that we will one day return with him."
"Yes...." urged the interviewer, "what else do you know about him?"
"Well, that he suffered for our sins in Gethsemane, he was born in Bethlehem, and he taught the teachings of God."
"Interesting," the interviewer replied, "anything else?"
"Yes, he cured the lame and the sick, and raised the dead."
"Okay," said the interviewer, "You may go on." The second man entered the gate, and again the interviewer started to ask, "What do you......"
The second man fell to the ground and said, "My Lord, My God." The interviewer was Jesus Christ. So who knew their Savior? The man who had a lot of knowledge of Christ the first man? Or did the second man who could feel it the minute he walked through the gate? There are some interesting scriptures to back me up. I love, love, love, love, love the scriptures! But before I address those thoughts with scripture I would like to back them up with my own thoughts. If we do not have a knowledge of our Savior how can we try to live like him? If we did not know that he was kind, loving, forgiving, rescued us from our sins so we could repent, could we still try to be like him? Well, in my own personal thoughts we have to know Him. And by knowing Him, we learn to become like Him. This is done by studying how He lived His life.
I remember someone in church saying one time, "Just because you have knowledge of Jesus Christ does not mean you have a testimony." Not saying that I disagree with her, but I do not completely agree. Here's why, I'm a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and in the Book of Mormon it says Alma 12: 10 (I actually had this very page open the day this woman in church said that comment). "And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same recieveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full." I believe that as you study Christ AND strive to live a life the best you can like His, God gives you more and more knowledge so that you can strive to become more and more like Him. I don't believe that God put us on the earth to do one thing, and all be accomplished. I believe that God wants us to constantly strive to be like our Savior Jesus Christ, and this obviously will take a lot of time, and is impossible in this life since we are all imperfect ;) (it's not such a bad thing!)
Also, Doctrine & Coveneants 131:6 says, "It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance." Knowledge is an important way to return back to our Savior, but again it must be APPLIED knowledge.
I have never felt more conviction in my life than when I'm reading my scriptures and I realize that I understand them better than before and I know that God has given me furthermore enticings of the Spirit. So that I will continuously apply them into my life. The importance of reading the scriptures and praying and going to church continuously will always be an important part of my life. And I hope to love my Savior so much, so that I can be the second person at the gate who recognizes immediately that I am face to face with my Savior, Jesus Christ.
The young man then states, "Well, I know that he was crucified for us, that he loves us, and that we will one day return with him."
"Yes...." urged the interviewer, "what else do you know about him?"
"Well, that he suffered for our sins in Gethsemane, he was born in Bethlehem, and he taught the teachings of God."
"Interesting," the interviewer replied, "anything else?"
"Yes, he cured the lame and the sick, and raised the dead."
"Okay," said the interviewer, "You may go on." The second man entered the gate, and again the interviewer started to ask, "What do you......"
The second man fell to the ground and said, "My Lord, My God." The interviewer was Jesus Christ. So who knew their Savior? The man who had a lot of knowledge of Christ the first man? Or did the second man who could feel it the minute he walked through the gate? There are some interesting scriptures to back me up. I love, love, love, love, love the scriptures! But before I address those thoughts with scripture I would like to back them up with my own thoughts. If we do not have a knowledge of our Savior how can we try to live like him? If we did not know that he was kind, loving, forgiving, rescued us from our sins so we could repent, could we still try to be like him? Well, in my own personal thoughts we have to know Him. And by knowing Him, we learn to become like Him. This is done by studying how He lived His life.
I remember someone in church saying one time, "Just because you have knowledge of Jesus Christ does not mean you have a testimony." Not saying that I disagree with her, but I do not completely agree. Here's why, I'm a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and in the Book of Mormon it says Alma 12: 10 (I actually had this very page open the day this woman in church said that comment). "And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same recieveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full." I believe that as you study Christ AND strive to live a life the best you can like His, God gives you more and more knowledge so that you can strive to become more and more like Him. I don't believe that God put us on the earth to do one thing, and all be accomplished. I believe that God wants us to constantly strive to be like our Savior Jesus Christ, and this obviously will take a lot of time, and is impossible in this life since we are all imperfect ;) (it's not such a bad thing!)
Also, Doctrine & Coveneants 131:6 says, "It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance." Knowledge is an important way to return back to our Savior, but again it must be APPLIED knowledge.
I have never felt more conviction in my life than when I'm reading my scriptures and I realize that I understand them better than before and I know that God has given me furthermore enticings of the Spirit. So that I will continuously apply them into my life. The importance of reading the scriptures and praying and going to church continuously will always be an important part of my life. And I hope to love my Savior so much, so that I can be the second person at the gate who recognizes immediately that I am face to face with my Savior, Jesus Christ.
Thursday, August 10, 2017
Letter to my husband's Nephew
Josh,
Oh boy! I love, love, love talking about my mission! ;) So you may want to bookmark this or something so that you don't lose your spot when you realize this will take longer to read than you thought! J/K, but no, really. I loved my mission. First off, the best piece of advice I can give you is a scripture. It helped me a ton. I remember serving in an area where there were only 7 branch members actively going to church. We were transferred to an area that was opening and they were behind in getting us an apartment. So they placed us in the closed area for two weeks while they were searching for our apartment in our "called area". We went there and during those two weeks I was surprised at how much the families would talk bad about each other all the time. I remember turning to my companion and saying this is why this area is closed. They are pulling each other down. The closed area went from 300+ active members to 7 if that tells you how bad gossip/pride can be. I remember praying, telling Heavenly Father I was going to give that area my all even though we only had two weeks. (according to the mission president they would find an apartment in 2 weeks). I came across this scripture. Alma 26:22:
22 Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing—unto such it is given to know themysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given to revealthings which never have been revealed; yea, and it shall be given unto such to bring thousands of souls to repentance, even as it has been given unto us to bring these our brethren to repentance.
This is Ammon talking to his brethren, and my favorite thing, is reading the future of his converts. ALL stayed true, even during the time of batttle. He not only baptized, but he created firm-in-the faith converts. Who even his converts baptized thousands. What an amazing missionary!!! While we were in this area of 7 actives, Josh, miracles happened. The closed area was no longer closed and the mission president had us stay there for 4 1/2 months. I know that this church is true, and I know that God loves all of his children. Even the ones who hate us or persecute us. Every day I thank God for that area, because he reminds me how amazing the power of the Atonement is. Many of those converts went through the temple. And are still true. Also, remember that Ammon served among a "blood-thirsty people" A truly wicked people, at this time. And yet, he wasn't scared. Even though the flocks were scattered and he knew the King would slay the servants and him in charge of the sheep. Ammon did not fear, it says, "Ammon was filled with Joy" Because Ammon knew this was the perfect opportunity to share the gospel. I think in that area of 7 people I remember the Elder's saying, "Oh, just fiddle around during your two weeks." I remember going in determined that we were going to do everything in our power to make a difference in this area. I'm so grateful that I went in with that attitude. Elder Holland's talk to the missionaries, if you haven't heard it is amazing! He talks about how the way you live your mission, reflects on how you will live your life, your LIFE! I took that very seriously, how I lived in the mission field (truly repenting, praying, reading everyday) I realized that is how I would live the rest of my life. And Elder Holland said you can only convert your investigators as far as you have been converted. The stronger your testimony and obedience to the gospel, the stronger your converts will be. Ammon talks about how even in the act of missionary service they were depressed and ready to turn back. Alma 26:27
27 Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine affliction
This can happen to any missionary at any time, but realize you are on God's side. Just like with Elijah and Elisha going out to battle, with very few people on their side. 2 Kings 6:16-17,
16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
17 And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
Realize that with God on your side you will have angels, and many others "round about you" like it says in D&C that are helping the work of God progress. "With God Nothing is impossible"!!! As long as you never forget that, and are always humble and see other's with God's eye (love them!) you will have more success than you could have ever imagined. I promise you. Josh, I would like to bear you my testimony. I know that God loves each and every one of us, and like Elder Holland also said He expects each of us to make it back to the Celestial Kingdom. He doesn't expect us to fail, because He knows each of us personally and he knows that we are each capable of making it back to Him. He expects a lot out of us, and this because He loves us. I know that He not only placed prophets in Israel, but God also loved the people in the America's and he also placed prophets in the American continents, which is where we get the Book of Mormon. I know that we can know that it is true for ourselves, and not only ask God until we gain a testimony of it. But to continuously ask God so our testimony can be strengthened (PMG Book of Mormon is a great section to read, it talks about continuously praying to have a stronger testimony even in things that we already may have testimonies of). I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and that it was translated by God through the prophet Joseph Smith. That God also loves us even NOW, in this day and age, which is why we have such a loving, living prophet, President Monson. I am so grateful to know that God has given us scriptures, prayer, prophet, leaders of the church, a member of the Godhead! -the Holy Ghost, to help guide us back to Him, and most of all His Son. There is no reason we can't make it back to him! And I'm so grateful for that. Elder Broodbank said the ultimate reason/way we make it back to God is through repentance. That is why the gate is straight and narrow, few are that actually repent daily. And not only are you choosing to serve a mission, but you are allowing others to repent. To come to the knowledge of their Savior and to be able to learn how to use the Atonement. Which is why you carry Christ's name on your badge. Josh, you will be an amazing missionary. I think you're an amazing person, and it has been awesome for me to see how you reach out to everyone around you no matter what other's opinions are of that person. I know that with that gift alone you will touch many that others cannot reach, because you have that open kindness. I wish you the best. Turn to God when things get tough, because He really changes you. Jeff and I have been finding out things that are said by people we trust and care about, but in response to that Jeff and I have been praying. Just like Elder Holland said, things that you witness and learn from in your mission can be applicable in your everyday life!!! :D It's SO neat to be able to apply this to our lives, and see the differences and changes it makes in us being able to forgive and love others the way Christ does.
When life gets too tough to stand, get down on two knees. God loves us. He only cares what we think.. And wants our success all the way!!! And you will most definitely go far!!!!!
God has a way of transforming us, if we let Him !!!
:) Best of luck!
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