Promises of the Lord

"What do you want to accomplish in your life? What are your goals and aspirations? If your long-term goal is to enter the celestial kingdom to live with our Heavenly Parents and with loved family members forever, that singular focus will take you farther than you now think is possible. We are promised, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man [or woman], the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9)."

Have you really ever thought of that?

No one, literally NO ONE, has seen or heard or really been able to comprehend all the things that God has prepared for those that truly love Him.

The beautiful thing is that the promise that the Lord makes with us is the same for everyone because He loves everyone. And honestly, that makes the promise all the more amazing because it reminds us that this life isn't just about us. We are not here alone and we are not trying to do it all alone. If we are then we are choosing that life and we won't grow nearly as much as we could with others around us. We all the same ability to grow closer to Him and become more like Him. We all have this ability to influence others for good.

I recently read a blog where the author described her feelings as such:

"It matters not where we live, the makeup of our family, the size of our bank account, whether we are a world-class expert in some field, or how long we have been a member of the Church—we can each be a powerful influence for good. Living with integrity at home and in the community, using a gentle voice and kind words with a challenging child or difficult coworker, demonstrating your standards by your modest way of dressing, reaching out of your comfort zone to become acquainted with those who live around you—there are many simple actions we can do that will influence others to also rise to a higher plane."

 ....influence others to also rise to a higher plane...

We are good people. But we can be great and we can help others be great as well.

I once tutored a little boy with his reading. He would come over to my house for 30-60 mins every Tuesday. We read books together and tried to improve his WPM and annunciation. He struggled quite a bit, but would steadily improve. At the end of the school year, he was assessed and received high scores for his reading.  I remember him coming over to my house and picking up his book and reading with such confidence. He knew that he had become great and that feeling changed him. Who knows who else he has helped because of his confidence and talent? #payitforward

I sat in the MARB at BYU for sacrament meeting listening to the testimonies of my fellow ward members. There was a young woman (I so wish I could remember who...) that bore her testimony of discipleship. Her experiences and faithfulness was a personal witness to me of truth and the blessings that come from being a true disciple of Christ. The act of her testifying influenced me and my understanding and made me want to be better.....made me rise to a higher plane.

God has so much planned for us and will reveal his purposes along our journey through other people. I believe that to be true. Select good friends who will help you maintain the standards which you hold dear. I love my Savior so very much and try every day to be better. He keeps His promises to me as long as I honor my covenants and try to be better than yesterday. He rewards those that help His children along the way. We are responsible for our own choices and will be held accountable, but why not help others be better? If we really understood that we are all brothers and sisters, that we are all children of God, that He loves us all, then maybe we would do more for others. In return, the Lord will do more for us.

Love God. Love others. Love yourself.