Life Lessons

Reflect back on your life. I know, right? There's a lot to it. Now focus in on school; let's say 3rd Grade. That's when you were more likely than not learning multiplication and division. Remember those questions Mrs. Jones would ask you? "What is 12 multiplied by 6?" Oh snap. Your heart would beat a little faster, your palms would sweat, and the cogs of your mind would struggle to function a little faster. Your face would screw up in concentration, and suddenly your mind tried to compute the hardest question of your life. "18, no wait, 72." Got it. Mrs. Jones nodded, and moved on to the next victim. Phew. You sigh a deep sigh of relief, lean back in your seat, and feel pretty darn good that you got the answer right.

The Atonement 2

Jesus Christ was not forced to perform the Atonement and offer his life as a ransom for many. Rather, through exact obedience, charity, love and humility, he perfectly aligned His will with the Fathers, thereby securing our salvation as well as our hope for the future. In order to qualify for the most precious gift, we too must follow in the footsteps of our sinless older brother and align our will with that of our Father in Heaven. Each child of God has the potential to take advantage of the Atonement and therefore partake in all that the Father has- but we will use our agency to get there.

Testimony

This is not going to be profound. If you are looking for something life changing, or earth shattering, I can direct you to somewhere else. But once again like Nephi, here I write the things of my soul.


Recently, I have been thinking a lot about a testimony. By definition, a testimony is a witness that we gain through the power of the Holy Ghost of spiritual truths. It can come in many ways. I've been thinking of the different ways that my own testimony has been strengthened.

 And he [took] upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he [took] upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." (Alma 7:11-12)

It really happened. Jesus Christ atoned for the sins of the world. Because of this, he perfectly knows how to comfort, and succor each of us, because he experienced it first. I testify that through Jesus Christ we can be cleansed from sin. He has the power and the capacity to heal whatever ails us. I have felt the reality of that power in my life time and time again. Christ lives.

Each and every child of God can know this as well. It comes through the power of the Holy Ghost. I invite all to study the Book of Mormon, and with real intent, as God the Eternal Father in the name of Christ whether it is not true. By the power of the Holy Ghost, I testify and promise that you will receive a witness. It may not come all at once; it may come in a variety of different ways. But it will come, and you will come to know that Jesus is the Christ, and that his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is on the earth today. It was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and God still speaks to us today. I add my witness and testimony that these things are true. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Lifting Burdens

This is my favorite Mormon message. It is so powerful, and I testify to the truthfulness of it. No matter what our burden is, I add my witness that He can and does heal us. There is nothing that we cannot overcome; no burden to heavy to bear. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is real. I will shout it from the housetops. He lives, and because this an eternal truth, we can live forever in peace and happiness because of His sacrifice. Jesus is the Christ. He is the son of God. He did come the the world in the Meridian of time to redeem His people from their lost and fallen state. He gave is life, and bore all of our sins, pains, and infirmities. I testify to His merciful power. I have felt it abundantly in my life. I know He lives. I know He loves us. Let Him heal you. In the sacred name, of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Never too Busy

Have you ever had something really important to say? Something that consumed your very being it seemed, yet there was no one there to listen? Or perhaps there were many people that could have listened, but you couldn't get their attention. Life is hectic. Life is busy. Too often we are asked to take a proverbial "number" in order to be heard. Many times we fight to be heard; clamor for the attention of another. Suddenly, in the battle of being heard, this becomes our anthem: "Listen to me!! I have something worthwhile and important to say!"

As children of the most high God, our very beings are filled with great worth. We are precious in the sight of God. He is are maker, we are his creation. As such, should that not suggest that our very thoughts, concerns, fears, questions, joys, sorrows, successes and triumphs ought to have the utmost importance to Him who created us?