day 14
today in church we talked a lot about the temple and our relationship with our Heavenly Father.
I was really moved by some of the scriptures we read in Ezekiel.
Ezekiel 47:11-12
11 But the miry places thereof and the marshes thereof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt.
12 And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.
We discussed the dead sea and why it is considered "dead". Then we talked about what it is going to be like when it is healed. The thing that I thought about the most was the fact that the dead sea had no connections with any outer water source that could help it. When it is healed, there will be channels of other water sources running in and out of the sea.
It made me think about when we are going through hard times.
Do we cut ourselves off from the very source of our healing?
Do we put barriers that prevent any help from getting to us?
The Atonement literally makes it possible for us to be able to connect with the Savior and be healed again. Every wound we may feel and emotion we experience is there for the Atonement to take hold of.
I know with every part of my soul that the Atonement can heal and make us alive again. We may feel that our souls are "dead" but they can be made perfect again.
#sharethegift #sharegoodness
Showing posts with label Atonement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Atonement. Show all posts
12.14.2014
12.09.2014
Love the Gift
day 9
I went to my cousins house last night for FHE and had a blast make Candy Trains. Because who makes gingerbread houses anymore.
(observe picture below of my "train wreck")
I went to my cousins house last night for FHE and had a blast make Candy Trains. Because who makes gingerbread houses anymore.
(observe picture below of my "train wreck")
Pretty legit, right?
And yes, the snowmen have fallen over the railroad track, awaiting their death. Somewhat morbid, I know.
Anyway, on my drive home, I turned off my music and listened to the heater blow warm air on my face and hands. I allowed my thoughts and feelings to come to the front of my mind.
I thought about how blessed I am.
I thought about how scared I am for finals.
I thought about Matt and Greta and their adorable baby boy, who will be arriving in this world SOON!
I thought about my sister and her wonderful life and how much I miss her.
I thought about my mom. I LOVE HER.
I thought about my inadequacies and my strengths.
I thought about my friends.
I thought about the difficulties and hardships I am facing.
It is so easy to go from happy and wholesome thoughts, to hard and depressing thoughts. I got trapped in an array of emotions that caused me to feel as though I was less than the dust of the Earth. I started to feel that the experiences I am going through are not FAIR.
Why am I the one stuck with hard roommates year after year? Why do I have to be the one who is verbally attacked and talked about behind my back? What have I done that has caused this to happen to me?
Look at all I've done. I've been so good lately and yet, I am still suffering.
Then today, at work, I found this glorious quote.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the precise power that we need to overcome our natural man tendencies. We may feel that the world is against us and we are the target of people's jokes. We may feel bullied and unloved. That is not fair.
The Atonement takes away all those feelings of "fair" and "unfair". The Atonement fill us with all those happy feelings that we are missing.
When I read this, I was filled with LOVE because that is what I needed. I needed to feel LOVED by someone. I was seeking the love from the people around me and I wasn't getting it. I needed to go to the one and only person who understands what I am going through and can perfectly love me in the exact way I need.
What can we fear, when filled with such love.
I know that the Lord is there is fill us with the kind of love and happiness that we need. I know that when we go to Him, we will find the strongest and most powerful love we can ever imagine.
#sharethegift #heisthegift
12.08.2014
Follow the Gift
day 8
The Savior set the perfect example for who we should be, how we should act, and what we should do. By following His example, not only will we find more joy in our lives, but we will be able to reject any evil messages that come from Satan and his followers.
We know what is expected of us on this Earth. We know the commandments that have been placed before us. We know that they are given to us for our good, so we can improve ourselves and become the people that God needs us to be. We know these things.
So why do we not obey them?
Why do we think that we know better than the one who knows all?
We have been given the beautiful gift of agency wherein we can choose for ourselves the path that we want to take. And sometimes, we choose the wrong path.
But that is why we have the Atonement.
To know and experience the Atonement of Jesus Christ does not require us to be in the Garden with Him. We do not have to "see" in order to believe. It is ALWAYS there and it is ever flowing with the love and compassion that only the Savior can give.
#sharethegift
"We need not walk by the shores of Galilee or among the Judean hills to walk where Jesus walked. All of us can walk the path He walked when, with His words ringing in our ears, His Spirit filling our hearts, and His teachings guiding our lives, we choose to follow Him as we journey through mortality. His example lights the way. Said He, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”"—Thomas S. Monson
The Savior set the perfect example for who we should be, how we should act, and what we should do. By following His example, not only will we find more joy in our lives, but we will be able to reject any evil messages that come from Satan and his followers.
We know what is expected of us on this Earth. We know the commandments that have been placed before us. We know that they are given to us for our good, so we can improve ourselves and become the people that God needs us to be. We know these things.
So why do we not obey them?
Why do we think that we know better than the one who knows all?
We have been given the beautiful gift of agency wherein we can choose for ourselves the path that we want to take. And sometimes, we choose the wrong path.
But that is why we have the Atonement.
To know and experience the Atonement of Jesus Christ does not require us to be in the Garden with Him. We do not have to "see" in order to believe. It is ALWAYS there and it is ever flowing with the love and compassion that only the Savior can give.
4.11.2014
Thoughts from this past General Conference/ Women's Conference
He is our Father in Heaven. He wants us to depend on Him as we do our own mortal fathers. As we seek advice from the men who raised us, we should also be seeking His advice. And to those who have grown up with an absent father, I testify to you right now that HE is there. HE is ready for you to come to HIM. HE loves you more than you could ever imagine.
I have.
I am feeling it right now.
But it is comforting for me to realize and understand that He knows everything. Unlimited knowledge. And He asks of me to be obedient and He will guide me along.
Why would I ever doubt that He would direct my paths if He knows EVERYTHING?
I don't know, but I know that when we are obedient, we are BLESSED beyond compare.
No Matter What.
Those are the words that keep me saying "Thank You" for everything that I have.
When you hurt, it is so easy to hurt others.
Why?
You don't want to be the only one hurting.
But here is a secret: Everyone is hurting in their own way. Never hurt someone more than they already hurt just because you are feeling wounded.
Forgive and Forget.
When we have a strong and personal testimony of the Atonement, we are less inclined to do wrong.
Why?
I believe that when we are true to the Savior and knowledgeable about what He has done for us, how much he suffered, we are more aware of the decisions we make. Every time we sin, He hurts. The thing is, is that He already suffered for us, but it doesn't mean we can sin all the time and get forgiveness tomorrow. We have the gift of agency. We choose our destiny. When we can understand that the Savior loves us so much that He suffered for us, our desire to do wrong decreases. I truly believe that to be true.
Be worthy.
Be willing.
Be desirous.
And He will take care of you.
I have.
Sometimes I have been accused of being that person.
But do you remember that happiness is a choice?
Even when it feels like your world is falling apart in front of your eyes, there is light. It is the Savior. He brings hope and love. When you can accept Him and his love and hope, it doesn't matter how disastrous the situation may be, He takes care of you and you can't help but feel HAPPY.
I know with every fiber of my being that He cares. And He can make you more happy than you ever though imaginable.
Be you in every situation. Don't let Satan tear you away from who you truly are.
Even when you are the happiest person in the world, depend on the Lord as if you are in the darkest of times. He can keep your spirits high and happy.
#ldsconf
4.04.2014
time flies
So I realized that it has almost been a month since I decided to do this Personal Progress Challenge and I have just barely finished my first experience.
These past few weeks have been CRAZY!
So my experience was Virtue #3.
I read Alma chapter 5 while I was in the temple one day and thought about some of the things that Alma asks.
13 And behold, he preached the word unto your fathers, and a mighty change was also wrought in their hearts, and they humbled themselves and put their trust in the true and living God. And behold, they were faithful until the end; therefore they were saved.
14 And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?
15 Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you? Do you look forward with an eye of faith, and view this mortal body raised in immortality, and this corruption braised in incorruption, to stand before God to be judged according to the deeds which have been done in the mortal body?
I'll be honest, I don't think I am perfect at these things. I'm human and I lose myself in the world. My struggle is to find myself once again and return to the Savior who set the perfect example for me.
I went into my Joseph Smith and the Restoration class one day and my professor commented on how happy I always look and how that really lifted his spirits before class. WOW! I have been told that I am an optimistic person, but to be told that your happiness is lifting another, that is the light of Christ. THAT is having His image in your countenances.
16 I say unto you, can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear the voice of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day: Come unto me ye blessed, for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth?
17 Or do ye imagine to yourselves that ye can lie unto the Lord in that day, and say—Lord, our works have been righteous works upon the face of the earth—and that he will save you?
18 Or otherwise, can ye imagine yourselves brought before the tribunal of God with your souls filled with guilt and remorse, having a remembrance of all your guilt, yea, a perfect remembrance of all your wickedness, yea, a remembrance that ye have set at defiance the commandments of God?
19 I say unto you, can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands? I say unto you, can you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your countenances?
This is intense. I would never think that I could get away with "tricking" my Father in Heaven. I know that He knows all things. When I go to the temple, I especially take note of the fact that I am an imperfect person seeking the blessings of the Atonement and how I can learn to be better.
Perfect in Greek means to be complete or whole and although I can't say that I am perfect according to the world's standards, I can be complete and whole again.
26 And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?
27 Have ye walked, keeping yourselves blameless before God? Could ye say, if ye were called to die at this time, within yourselves, that ye have been sufficiently humble? That your garments have been cleansed and made white through the blood of Christ, who will come to redeem his people from their sins?
28 Behold, are ye stripped of pride? I say unto you, if ye are not ye are not prepared to meet God. Behold ye must prepare quickly; for the kingdom of heaven is soon at hand, and such an one hath not eternal life.
I love what it says about "sing the song of redeeming love". For me, I rejoice and praise my Lord and Savior through music and song. I love to read hymns during the Sacrament and I will always think back to my mission where I praised the Lord EVERY DAY by playing music that helped people be happy and think of the Savior.
33 Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you.
I will receive you.
What a beautiful promise. In the temple, He receives us. We learn and grow and draw closer to Him, remembering all of the promises in store for us when we are obedient and worthy.
Whenever I go to the temple, I want to be able to ask myself:
Is your attitude positive and uplifting?
Have you been humble and meek with all your dealings with your fellow man?
Have you made right the wrongs that you have done?
Have you prayed with a sincere heart, seeking forgiveness for the mistakes you have made?
These are deep questions, but if you think about it, it is the Lord's house. Wouldn't you want to be clean and whole and prepared to enter into the temple?
I do.
These past few weeks have been CRAZY!
So my experience was Virtue #3.
I read Alma chapter 5 while I was in the temple one day and thought about some of the things that Alma asks.
13 And behold, he preached the word unto your fathers, and a mighty change was also wrought in their hearts, and they humbled themselves and put their trust in the true and living God. And behold, they were faithful until the end; therefore they were saved.
14 And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?
15 Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you? Do you look forward with an eye of faith, and view this mortal body raised in immortality, and this corruption braised in incorruption, to stand before God to be judged according to the deeds which have been done in the mortal body?
I'll be honest, I don't think I am perfect at these things. I'm human and I lose myself in the world. My struggle is to find myself once again and return to the Savior who set the perfect example for me.
I went into my Joseph Smith and the Restoration class one day and my professor commented on how happy I always look and how that really lifted his spirits before class. WOW! I have been told that I am an optimistic person, but to be told that your happiness is lifting another, that is the light of Christ. THAT is having His image in your countenances.
16 I say unto you, can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear the voice of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day: Come unto me ye blessed, for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth?
17 Or do ye imagine to yourselves that ye can lie unto the Lord in that day, and say—Lord, our works have been righteous works upon the face of the earth—and that he will save you?
18 Or otherwise, can ye imagine yourselves brought before the tribunal of God with your souls filled with guilt and remorse, having a remembrance of all your guilt, yea, a perfect remembrance of all your wickedness, yea, a remembrance that ye have set at defiance the commandments of God?
19 I say unto you, can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands? I say unto you, can you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your countenances?
This is intense. I would never think that I could get away with "tricking" my Father in Heaven. I know that He knows all things. When I go to the temple, I especially take note of the fact that I am an imperfect person seeking the blessings of the Atonement and how I can learn to be better.
Perfect in Greek means to be complete or whole and although I can't say that I am perfect according to the world's standards, I can be complete and whole again.
26 And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?
27 Have ye walked, keeping yourselves blameless before God? Could ye say, if ye were called to die at this time, within yourselves, that ye have been sufficiently humble? That your garments have been cleansed and made white through the blood of Christ, who will come to redeem his people from their sins?
28 Behold, are ye stripped of pride? I say unto you, if ye are not ye are not prepared to meet God. Behold ye must prepare quickly; for the kingdom of heaven is soon at hand, and such an one hath not eternal life.
I love what it says about "sing the song of redeeming love". For me, I rejoice and praise my Lord and Savior through music and song. I love to read hymns during the Sacrament and I will always think back to my mission where I praised the Lord EVERY DAY by playing music that helped people be happy and think of the Savior.
33 Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you.
I will receive you.
What a beautiful promise. In the temple, He receives us. We learn and grow and draw closer to Him, remembering all of the promises in store for us when we are obedient and worthy.
Whenever I go to the temple, I want to be able to ask myself:
Is your attitude positive and uplifting?
Have you been humble and meek with all your dealings with your fellow man?
Have you made right the wrongs that you have done?
Have you prayed with a sincere heart, seeking forgiveness for the mistakes you have made?
These are deep questions, but if you think about it, it is the Lord's house. Wouldn't you want to be clean and whole and prepared to enter into the temple?
I do.
2.25.2014
Heal
Bishop Merrill J. Bateman gave a talk entitled "The Power to Heal from Within"
The talk refers to an experience involving death and how it is a distinct and important part of our mortal life. He shares a story of a family friend who passed away in a car accident and how the family was able to cope with the loss of their son because of the Savior.
“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: … And with his stripes we are healed”
Now, my circumstance is not as severe as death. But it is still important. Because my wounds can be healed because of the Savior, no matter how small they may seem to be.
A while ago, I hurt someone I loved. Almost immediately, I began feel all the hurt that I caused this person. I prayed for the Savior to heal the wounds that I inflicted on them. The pain so much that I couldn't bear it on my own. I gave it all over to the Savior.
These past few days, I have had more interaction with this person. This person showed me love that I didn't think I deserved. And I still don't believe I deserve it.
I'm healing too.
I don't know if I can fully appreciate all the love this person has given me until I have forgiven myself and heal with the help of my Savior.
"Whatever the source of pain, Jesus understands and can heal the spirit..."
"The Savior, as a member of the Godhead, knows each of us personally. Isaiah and the prophet Abinadi said that when Christ would “make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed”. Abinadi explains that “his seed” are the righteous, those who follow the prophets. In the garden and on the cross, Jesus saw each of us and not only bore our sins, but also experienced our deepest feelings so that he would know how to comfort and strengthen us."
"The Savior’s atonement in the garden and on the cross is intimate as well as infinite. Infinite in that it spans the eternities. Intimate in that the Savior felt each person’s pains, sufferings, and sicknesses. Consequently, he knows how to carry our sorrows and relieve our burdens that we might be healed from within, made whole persons, and receive everlasting joy in his kingdom. May our faith in the Father and the Son help each of us to become whole."
The talk refers to an experience involving death and how it is a distinct and important part of our mortal life. He shares a story of a family friend who passed away in a car accident and how the family was able to cope with the loss of their son because of the Savior.
“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: … And with his stripes we are healed”
Now, my circumstance is not as severe as death. But it is still important. Because my wounds can be healed because of the Savior, no matter how small they may seem to be.
A while ago, I hurt someone I loved. Almost immediately, I began feel all the hurt that I caused this person. I prayed for the Savior to heal the wounds that I inflicted on them. The pain so much that I couldn't bear it on my own. I gave it all over to the Savior.
These past few days, I have had more interaction with this person. This person showed me love that I didn't think I deserved. And I still don't believe I deserve it.
I'm healing too.
I don't know if I can fully appreciate all the love this person has given me until I have forgiven myself and heal with the help of my Savior.
"Whatever the source of pain, Jesus understands and can heal the spirit..."
"The Savior, as a member of the Godhead, knows each of us personally. Isaiah and the prophet Abinadi said that when Christ would “make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed”. Abinadi explains that “his seed” are the righteous, those who follow the prophets. In the garden and on the cross, Jesus saw each of us and not only bore our sins, but also experienced our deepest feelings so that he would know how to comfort and strengthen us."
"The Savior’s atonement in the garden and on the cross is intimate as well as infinite. Infinite in that it spans the eternities. Intimate in that the Savior felt each person’s pains, sufferings, and sicknesses. Consequently, he knows how to carry our sorrows and relieve our burdens that we might be healed from within, made whole persons, and receive everlasting joy in his kingdom. May our faith in the Father and the Son help each of us to become whole."
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