Scripture Power!

Some questions for the day:
When is it right to share your feelings and when should you keep it to yourself?
Emotional regulation- how did Christ do it? How did he keep his cool or know what what was the best course of action to take?
Think for a second of some of the instances where he had to decide in moment how to act:

• Remaining silent during his trial with people spitting on him, name calling, and beating him
• Cleansing the temple- no walk in the park, might I add
• Rebuking Peter when he tried to tell Christ he didn't have to die or perform the atonement
• Inviting the apostles to follow him
• Comforting Mary and Martha when Lazarus died
• Taking the time to talk with the woman with the issue of blood
• Talking with the Samaritan woman at the well
• Making the last supper a calming, positive experience for his apostles even though he knew what was coming next

I could go on, but essentially, Christ is the best example ever of emotional regulation. EVER. He wasn't just "one size fits all" type guy- he recognizes that every experience is unique, and therefore, does not have one set application. He knew when to be kind and gentle, but also when to be bold (always with love of course), sometimes that meant cutting like a sword. I learned a lot about how he was able to emotionally regulate his actions in a healthy way as I read through Luke chapter 4 today.

So at this point, Christ took 40 days to spiritually stock up. Satan shows up and tries to mess with him, but Christ is able to overcome Satan's attacks.  How'd he do it?

1. Satan says, Prove you're the son of God by turning these rocks into stones. Man just thinking how hangry I would be...I would not have kept it together! How does Christ overcome the temptation to react angrily, or to embrace the temptation and stuff his face? Scripture power, that's how! "It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God."
2. Satan says, See all this stuff? All this power? It's yours if you worship me. Christ could have easily turned this situation into a sibiling rivalry thing, but instead, rebukes Satan and gives him some more scripture power. Whaaat. "For it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." 
3. Lastly, Satan again tries to tempt Christ to throwing himself off the pinacle of the temple, this time using scripture to warp his purpose. Satan quotes:  "If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone." What a tricky little bugger! Satan tries to catch Christ in a trap by using scripture to tempt him, but Christ counters with another scripture: "It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God."

Eventually, seeing that Christ will not give in to his temptations, Satan withdraws for the time being. Christ then returns to his childhood stomping grounds, good old Nazereth.
In this story, he is reading in a synagoge, and announces the scripture he is reading from Esais has been fulfilled. There a lot of angry flip outs to follow, lots of the people he knew growing up are furious at his claim and refuse to believe his words or his authority. Instead of getting annoyed or flustered, Christ continues to draw on scripture to continue teaching those that are ready to receive the truth.

As we rely on scripture and the word of God in our own lives, we will be given power and peace to effectively communicate, even when it gets hard.
It takes a lot of trust and a lot of faith in God and in His timing to let others around you learn at their own pace. Some people will be ready to receive the truth you are called to speak sooner than others. What their reaction may be is totally up to them. It's completely out of your control whether they accept or reject whatever it is you need to share.
What is in your control is how you choose to respond to each situation. You can react and let your emotions get the best of you, or like Christ, when times get tempting, tough, and trying, you can rely on the strength and the peace that comes through the scriptures to make the best of it.

I know memorizing short, simple scriptures helped me a ton on the mission- it's actually a habit I've been thinking I need to work on again. I'm glad for the reminder I got today about how important it is to rely on the word of God when things are hard.

I love you oh so much and I hope you are having a wonderful week!
Love,
Emily

If It Bear Fruit, Well: If Not....

Whilst reading in Luke, 3, John is called to prepare the hearts and minds of the covenant people for Christ's coming. A lot people missed Christ the first time around because they were not studying the signs and would not understand the scriptures for themselves. So many warnings from God. Are we paying attention? Why do we receive these warnings? There are real consequences to the decision we make. There are eternal laws that even God has to abide by. Because He loves us, and is well aware of the consequences of our actions, He takes the time to warn us time and time again what the outcome of our choices will be, whether we choose to follow Him or reject Him.

"Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire." (8 and 9)

This same warning was given to the Pharisees by Christ at the beginning of his ministry, through the parable of the fig tree. A man has planted a fig tree and decides to check up and see if it's bearing any fruit. Much to his disappointment, the tree is barren, and has shown no sign of change for three years. Which means he's been working at it, nourishing it, and giving it multiple chances to grow. He turns to his servant and says:

"Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?" (Luke 13:6-8) 

Jesus then explains that the helper of the vineyard suggests that they work a little more to preserve the tree. The Lord of the vineyard agrees, but warns,  

"And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down." (9)

It seems a little harsh, but what's the point of keeping a tree when it doesn't produce fruit? Why keep a tree that has shown no signs of change? In both instances, the Jews were being warned by God through John and through Christ, that if they did not change and align their hearts with the true gospel, they would be cut off from the Father's presence. Why did some people get the message while others totally ignored or didn't even get it? What cause some people to recognize the signs spoken of in the scriptures, while others completely rejected Christ and his teachings?
 Again, it all comes back to those basic answers: Daily scripture study and prayer. Not only did they consistently do those things, they put the answers they received into action. They repented of their sins. They listened to the words and counsel of the living prophet. They LIVED what they were studying in the scriptures. They were constantly communicating with God through prayer. CONSISTENCY. That's something I need to work on, yo.

What did the Pharisees and others do to NOT recognize what God was trying to tell them?

• Content, refused to introspect and change
• Did not want further revelation from God, satisfied with what they had already been given
• Unable to accept that God could speak through a living prophet/Messiah
• Power struggle, didn't want to give up their power
• Pride, didn't want to admit they were wrong

It's scary to see those same patterns happening over and over today. We have been given specific guidance, promised blessings, and warnings about Christ's second coming. We will all be given an equal opportunity to accept or reject His appearance. Will we be prepared? Will we be searching the scriptures, communicating with Heavenly Father, and eagerly awaiting his coming? Or will we be convinced that it doesn't apply to us. That we already have what we need, and that it'd be silly and pointless to listen to any current counsel from the prophets.

The choice is ours. It always will be. I know that we don't have to be perfect at it all. There will be days where we mess up. There will be moments where it feels like we aren't getting anywhere even though we're doing everything we're supposed to be doing, or that we feel like we keep falling short over and over. But all that God requires is a evidence that we want to change. That's why I love the analogy of the fruit.
There are so many different types of fruit in this world: berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries), apple trees, orange trees, peach trees, cherry trees, dragon fruit trees, mango trees, fig trees, olive tress, etc- I could go on alllll day! We are all our individual type of tree. We may not bear the same fruit as someone else, we may not even produce our fruit in the same season as other trees around us, but the principle of the fruit remains the same. As long as we are doing all we can to nourish ourselves, our "spiritual tree," our fruit will come in its season.

If you're a peach tree, your fruit itself and the timing will differ than that of an mango, or a cherry, or an apple. And that is a ok. As long as you are not letting your tree become stagnant, you will be ok. I love the tree studies in the scriptures, they are my all time favorite :) I love you!

Emily

Some thoughts on personal revelation

Here's a some good thoughts on developing and recognizing personal revelation. 
God has and always will provide signs for us to know we are on the right path. And that path will ALWAYS lead us back to Him. Erry time. Through personal revelation, we are given what signs to look for, so that when we encounter them, we will recognize them. That's why it's crucial to be studying and praying NOW so that when the time comes, whatever the sign may be, we will ultimately be prepared. And the purpose of every sign given to us by Heavenly Father is to point us to Christ.


I feel like a read a talk about this a while back while on the mission- don't remember who gave it- but essentially what I remember and what I learned from reading today is that revelation from our Father in Heaven is tailored to each of us individually. It may come at a faster pace at some times than others, but no matter how little or long we have to wait, we will be given the strength to endure it well. And there will be some instances when and where it is appropriate to share our revelation with others, and other times, it is best to keep it as a sacred experience for ourselves.

Anyhows, in Luke chapter two, some shepherds are told that a savior has been given to them by God. They are promised by an angel of God that they "shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. (12)" The shepherds act in faith and are able to immediately witness the sign they had just received. 
 They find Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, just like the angel promised. They are so excited at finding the sign that they share their experience with Joseph and Mary, telling them all about the angels and the promises of peace on earth and the Christ child being their savior.
Like I said earlier, when we receive personal revelation, rely on the spirit when it is appropriate or not to share sacred experiences. Sometimes it is important that we share to increase our own testimony, as well as the lives of others around us, but like Mary, there may be times we feel that it is best to be still and ponder. "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.(19)" For her, it was a special experience that she felt was best to think on, but for the shepherds, it was a testimony builder to them and to her that this child truly is the Messiah.
 Sometimes are promised signs don't come so quickly though.

When the family is ready, Mary and Joseph take Christ to the temple, to be dedicated to the Lord. A fellow by the name of Simeon is already there, patiently waiting on the promise that he had been given of God many many years ago. He was promised that before he left mortality, he would have the privilege of meeting the Messiah. "And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ." (26)
 Trusting in this promise, Simeon continues to faithfully attend the temple and continue his life until that day finally comes. And what a day it is! Because he has trusted in the promise of God and worked to live a life filled with the companionship of the spirit, Simeon is granted the ability to recognize Jesus as the Christ when he blesses said baby. 

Sometimes our answers will come immediately. Other times, we will have to wait, perhaps even a life time before we are able to see the fulfillment of a promise. Either way, it is up to us to trust in the Lord and his timing and do all we can to live a life worthy of the spirit so that we are prepared when the time is right for the miracle we have been promised.

Love you!

Emily

Let Your Light So Shine

Oh my gaaash- I just read the most amazing talk today! I will do my best to convey what I learned from these inspired words. If you want to check out the full talk, here's a link:
http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=2224

So the main question I had before reading this talk was, as a disciple of Christ, how much of the lifting should I be doing, and how much should I turn over to God? Immediately my mind turned to the scripture you shared from Moses's father in law, and the good old Mosiah "don't run faster than you can walk" scriptures. But what I wanted to better understand my role as a disciple of Christ and what I can do differently in my own life to become more like him and less like my human tendencies (withdraw because of too much time spent helping others, exhaustion, frustration at never knowing whether it's enough or too much, etc.)  And bam- "Holy Places" by Kevin J. Worthen, addresses the importance of constantly striving to transform our experiences on earth into opportunities to draw nearer to God, and through doing so, become a source of light and direction to those around us.
When we are better aligned with our Father in Heaven, we naturally want to help others come to the light we have found. In this talk, Worthen compares our Heavenly Father to a lighthouse, an us to the lower lights along the shore to prevent sailors from crashing into reefs and what not. Much like how a light house works together with the lower lights on the shore to create a safe path for the boats to reach the harbor safely, we too can work hand in hand with Heavenly Father to share his light with those around us. The goal isn't to draw others to ourselves, but to point them in the right direction so that they are able to make it to the Father themselves. We are just assisting the Father in his work.

Here's a few ideas that stuck out to me

•  Strive to make our "haunted places" (dark moments) holy places
• Create holy places/moments through daily scripture study and prayer
•  Align with God through commandments 
• Bind with God through making and keeping covenants
• Once aligned and bound to God, we are able assist others to come into His light
• Others see the lighthouse, but don't know how to get there safely- that's where we come in as the lower lights. Once the light house and lower lights are aligned, the boat knows it is safe to proceed in the storm. People may know where the church is, or that they want to draw closer to God, but they may need extra help understanding what they need to do to get there.

The line that I loved most in this talk was by a minister, Dwight L. Moody. He said:

"The Master will take care of the great lighthouse; let us keep the lower lights burning." 

This line soon after inspired one of my favorite hymns, "Brightly Beams our Father's Mercy."

I absolutely love the lyrics to that song. Mercy is such a light in the darkness that comes in the storms of this light. I feel that when I'm being too hard on myself, or on other people, everything starts feeling really dark, hopeless, and impossible to change. I know where I want to go, or what I want to become, but it seems impossible to get there. But when I catch a glimmer of God's mercy, it gives me the hope and light I need to continue forward. Sometimes it's through the actions of others that the light of God is amplified and I am able to better understand how I can draw nearer to Him and navigate my own personal storm.

And I love that once we are able to make it to the light house, or make it to God, He allows us to help Him in rescuing others from their storm. 

So back to my question earlier: How much lifting should I be doing as a disciple of Christ and how much should I give to God?

I just have to remember: It is never about drawing people closer to me. My role is to draw nearer to God. And once I have done that in my own life, through scripture study, prayer, and living a covenant keeping life, He will help me shine in a way that will draw others to Him. I don't have to do the lifting on my own. I just have to be willing to let myself shine and He will provide the rest. Definitely easier said that done, but I feeling like this talk is bringing me one step closer to giving it all to God and allowing Him to work through me.

"Let your light so shine, 

that ye may glorify your Father, which is in Heaven"

I know I tend to feel easily overwhelmed by all the people I want to help in my life- school, work, calling, etc. on top of everything else, but I know that with God, nothing is impossible. I know that He cares for each of us individually. I know that He knows our strengths. Our weaknesses, our imperfections, and our desires. I know that we each have the potential to become like him and shine so that others can be rescued from the storm. I know that I tend to be afraid to shine. But that's something I want to change. I know that you've already helped me tons- thank you so much for all you do! Keep up the great work!

I love you!

Emily

Adam and Eve's Boo Boo: How do we honor them?

Something that has confused me about the fall is if Adam and Eve had a little knowledge about what happened. Because in the church, we always talk about how we shouldn't condemn them for what they did.  But I haven't always understood why.  Even if they were beguiled, a transgression is a transgression. Yes, good came out of it, but isn't it still a transgression?  I understand a lot better after my studies today.

God gave Adam and Eve the choice.  He laid out the consequences, and they had to choose.  This was important because mortality was an important step in man's progress towards godhood, but he needed to choose it for himself.  And not only from the pre-mortal viewpoint, knowing the plan, but not experiencing bodies yet, but also choosing it with bodies in a terrestrial viewpoint.

When Eve made her choice, she was at least partially deceived.  Plus both Adam and Eve were in a state of innocence.  They didn't know of the higher law!  So yes, they were deceived.  They did transgress God's law.  So why do we honor them?  Why don't we just say, "Yes, Adam and Eve messed up, but good thing God is there to make good out of the bad decision?"  Why must we honor them for their choice?

I love what Callister says, "If they consciously partook of the fruit, sufficiently understanding the consequences, we honor them.  If they partook in innocence or were partially deceived, and they thereafter learned the plan of salvation because of their obedience and faithfulness, which plan they thereafter taught with love and diligence to their posterity, then, again, we honor them."

I don't know how much Adam and Eve knew when they partook of the fruit.  But their transgression isn't what defines them.  It is what they did with their transgression.  They learned.  They taught.  They believed. They obeyed.  They are such noble souls.  Imagine being the first ones ever on the earth, trying to figure everything out for the first time.  Trying to figure out how to communicate with God in a way that's not face to face like you've always done.  Trying to figure out parenting without all the knowledge we have now. Trying to figure out how to live the gospel without the scriptures.  Holy cow, YES WE SHOULD HONOR THEM.  But not because of their choice, but because of what they did with their choice.

I think we do the same thing to ourselves.  We mess up and try to label ourselves with our mistake.  Just like people have tried to devalue Eve for her choice or put the blame on her.  That's not what matters.  What matters is what we choose to do with our mistakes.  Because we are spiritual CHILDREN.  We will make mistakes, and even when we know of the consequences just like Adam and Eve did by God warning them, we don't really understand yet.  Sometimes we fall.  But we can follow our first parents' great examples by picking ourselves up, drawing closer to God, and learning the higher law line upon line, precept upon precept.

Isn't this a cool thought?  I learned a lot today.

Love ya!
Rachel

I'm Running a Bit Faster Than My Strength Can Muster

Well God gave me a good reminder as I came home exhausted.

Wisdom and Order by Neal A Maxwell, that's what.

Well God gave me a good reminder as I came home exhausted tonight.
"Wisdom and Order" by Neal A. Maxwell, that's what.

This may be long because I don't have the energy to tighten it up, but I have a feeling you'll need to hear it to.  So here ya go,

Elder Maxwell has on his wall a quote from Anne Morrow Lindbergh: “My life cannot implement in action the demands of all the people to whom my heart responds.”  Yeah, perfect for a people pleaser like me.   

He talks about how after a really long day, he went out and gave three blessings to different cancer patients.  But that it would have been better to spread it out over a couple of days so that he could have the empathy necessary to do so.  I definitely needed to read this tonight.

He encourages us to find little bit retreats in between busy moments where we rejuvenate ourselves.  Amen, right?

Unhurried time is worth more than the time spent hectically.  Wow, I spend a lot of time hectically.  In fact, tonight at the Relief Society activity, I couldn't even enjoy myself because I was so exhausted from the day and week and overwhelmed and run down.  I was just a cranky pants, impatient with all the setbacks and confusions.  That isn't fun! 

A great scriptural reminder of this principle:

“And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.

“Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone” (Ex. 18:17–18).

The problem is, I find myself wearing away but can't find the balance.  It is so hard!  But when I try to take it all on myself, both me AND the people I serve or who serve with me are wearied.  

We have to keep our priorities and make sure that the smaller things aren't interfering with the more important things.  Callings and jobs come and go, but those should never interfere with our constant need to become like Christ.  Last month I found myself overwhelmed by everything so much that my relationship with God and Christ and myself was not nurtured enough.  In fact, I'm still doing that.  I just don't know how to stop sometimes!

I love this principle that Elder Maxwell explains:

Husbands and wives should have one gospel conversation at least once a week—just between themselves. They should “sit a spell,” even though it may last only ten or fifteen minutes.  

How much time to we take to sit and have a conversation like that?  Not so much.

That is why I am grateful for you!  We talk like that all the time.  That is why we feel rejuvenated. 

One of the reasons I don't feel renewed is because my scripture study has been under par this last week.  That is a priority.  Its like the mission.  If I don't fill myself, I can't spread the light.  I'm definitely experiencing that right now.  It is hard to keep the balance.  

I also love this quote:

Elder LeGrand Richards once said of worry: “It’s the Lord’s Church[so I] let Him worry about it."

I've got to just let things be as they are and trust that all will be well. 

His grace is sufficient for us for each of life’s seasons, if we are humble.

I know that my particular life season right now is busy and it is supposed to be.  I don't know why, but God has been giving me a whole lot of responsibility and opportunities all at once.  Especially in regards to working in groups and being the leader and having to figure out the best way to delegate and inspire.  I'm still working on it.  But I'm exhausted.  However, I know that God's grace is sufficient for me to get me through.  

I love this quote too!  John Taylor indicated that in life we cannot be shielded from certain things:

“It is necessary that we should have a knowledge of ourselves … and comprehend our strength, our weakness, our ignorance and intelligence, our wisdom and our folly, that we may know how to appreciate true principles. … It is necessary that we should know our own weaknesses, and the weaknesses of our fellow-men; our own strength, as well as the strength of others … and not to overvalue our own wisdom or strength, nor depreciate it, nor that of others, but put our trust in the living God, and follow after him."

Isn't that so true?  I bet that's one of the reasons I'm in this season.  To learn about myself, other people, and learning how to accept that and just put it all in God's hands.  It is too heavy of a load to carry on your shoulders when you worry about everyone and yourself and you beat yourself up.  

Christ was the best example of this balance!!

He never was working hectically.  He trusted in the timing of everything.  He left when He needed to. He tarried when he needed to.  He empathized with people even in HIs hardest moment in Gethsemane.  And He individualized teaching the same principles.  He is so wonderful.  For Him, His duty was delight!  He made it unique and full of love each time.  

Elder Maxwell tells us: "We must keep ourselves spiritually and otherwise intact. "

Keeping spiritually intact results in our keeping precious perspective by seeing “things as they really are” (Jacob 4:13).

Wisdom and order help us cope with “people fatigue” and commitments beyond our strength and means. Wisdom and order prompt us to “sit a spell” with loved ones and colleagues, allowing us time for life’s extra chores, and remind us that we cannot bear all things now. Wisdom and order help us to separate preferences from principles.

The demands and challenges of our day are great, but wisdom and order help us maintain our perspective. That perspective, in turn, allows us to do all things in “wisdom and order,” that thereby we might “win the prize” (Mosiah 4:27), even exaltation and eternal life with those we have loved and with those we have served.

Thanks Elder Maxwell for the great reminder.  I sure needed it.  

Love,

Rachel

You Can't Become like God in Your Garden of Eden

I've compiled some cool things I've learned through the book The Infinite Atonement:

In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were immortal, walked and talked in the presence of God, lived in a state of innocence, and couldn't have children.

Of course it was great to be immortal, free from pain, disease, or death.  But without those things, they were stuck in "spiritual sterility."  They couldn't experience a fulness of joy which was an obstacle to their individual development and progression.  AND without knowledge of both good and evil, they couldn't fully exercise their agency, which is a necessary thing to exercise in order to become like God (That's the goal for goodness sake!).  There was no way to build character.  

Of course it was great to walk and talk with God.  While they were spiritually alive in His presence, they were also spiritually stagnant.  Their dependence on Him in their state of innocence did not enable them to grow spiritually and become like God.

Plus they needed to have children in order to multiply and replenish the earth.  

Basically what I learned is that Eden is a temporary spot in the journey of life, a way station, not a destination.  You can't become like God in the Garden of Eden.

Now I think a lot about patterns (as you know), and I absolutely love to find patterns in the way God works.  He is a pretty organized Man, so when you look for them, you always find.

I've noticed in my life that I am living in a state of a good thing.   Maybe its a feeling, a state of being, a situation.  But I am in that state and for a moment, it become like my Eden.  Living in Eden is a wonderful thing.  However, it must be temporary or I won't reach my potential.  I need to leave Eden.

God follows this pattern all of the time.  He guides us to do hard things.  Sometimes He sends us difficult situations.  But He always begins with giving us a taste of true goodness.  Adam and Eve lived in the presence of God.  Can you imagine how good that felt?  Yet that was taken away for a time, a period of probation.  BUT God promises us that we can return to Him.  This time it won't be permanent.  This time it will be forever.  And we will have become like Him.

I see these patterns in my life on smaller scales all the time.  Sometimes I feel a connection or a good feeling or I reach a new state of freedom and it feels so good.  Then trial hits and I feel like I lose it.  Yet because God is God and He always keeps His promises, I know that if I do my best, I will receive those feelings or states of being again except this time they will be more permanent.  Ultimately they will last eternally.  We are constantly working towards that.  Isn't this pattern beautiful?

Anyways, thought this was a cool concept and I had never noticed the pattern within the story of the Fall, but it is there.

Love ya,

Rachel

Whatsoever is Right, I Will Give Unto Thee

Holy cow- it is a great day for learning indeed!

In my parables of Christ class, we read in Matthew 20, about the parable of the laborers in the vineyard. At the start of the story, Christ tells us of a man who hires a couple of workers to labor with him in his vineyard. He tells this first group that their labor will be worth a penny. So they accept the terms and get at it. 3 hours later, the man goes into the streets and does another round of hiring, this time telling them they will receive "whatsoever is right, I will give unto you...Again he went out about the sixth hour, and the ninth hour, and did likewise." (Matthew 20: 4,5)

Finally, the 11th hour comes around and he notices there are people in the streets, still looking for a way to make a living for the day. He tells them, "Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive." (7) By the end of the shift, the man calls all his laborers to receive their pay, starting from the last group all the way to the first. To the horror of the first group, and the utter amazement of the last group, each individual in each group receives the same reward.

The first group complains that they had been working all day, that they'd had the burden of the job, and because of their diligence and their longer hours, they deserve to be paid more than those who came at the 11th hour and so on. The man replies, "Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful to for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?"

As we read this part of the story, I was reminded of the parable of the prodigal son. In that story, a man has two sons, one who is faithful, diligent, and willing to do all that his father asks throughout his life. The other son selfishly takes his inheritance, wastes it, and eventually, through his poor choices, ends up hitting rock bottom. Ashamed, he stays away from home for a long while, until he finally decides he will become his father's servant to make a living. Much to his astonishment, his father eagerly welcomes him back despite the mistakes he's made.

Not everyone his as happy to forgive and receive him back though. The son that stayed with the family and worked hard all these years hears of his brother's return, and sees the celebration and the good fortune he is receiving and this son now becomes angry at their father. The father confronts him and asks him why he is upset and doesn't want to join the celebrations. The son bitterly replies that he has been working all his life to do what his father asked of him. Where was his big feast? Where were the new clothes for him? Why was his brother getting all these amazing things when he'd been wasting his living away?

The father then tells his son something to the effect of, "Hey, chill out. He's had it really hard. He knows what it's like to go without all of these things. You, on the other hand, have been amazingly faithful. You've worked so hard with me. But all of these things are already yours. There's not a need to celebrate your return because you were never lost. You've had all these blessings all along."

I learned today that it is so important to be happy for the success of others. To remember that everyone has had an individual journey with Christ- some come to him later, while others have been loyal their whole lives. But that doesn't mean either party is worth any more or any less. We all receive the same love, the same encouragement, and are promised to inherit eternal life if we promise to follow Christ and become laborers in his vineyard. Sometimes it is easy to compare our lives and our blessings with others, thinking, why is that person doing so much better than me? or why do I deserve these blessings when this person had struggled and worked for so long?

Just remember that Christ has paid the price. Therefore, he is the one that sets the reward. And oh how beautiful it is. I am grateful for his patience and willingness to teach me how to become more like him. I love you and I hope you have a great day!

Love,

Emily

Fighting for Peace

I'll be honest.  This week is just plain stressful. I almost cried the other day as I felt this desperation and lack of time, a feeling that I was going to fail at everything, that I didn't even know where to start because I have so much to do all at once.  It is stressful with school and work.  I have a LOT to do.  Plus I've had some calling and club meetings as well.  But the hardest part is that I've also been dealing with some stuff on the emotional side of things.  I haven't been able to define exactly what is going on (which is probably the most frustrating part), and all of these things together are combining this week to affect my muscle tension, sleep patterns, and all around well being.  

Despite all of this, there is one thing I know: We can have peace no matter the circumstances. 

Sometimes we have to fight for it.  Experiences like mine are opportunities for us to practice creating or finding peace even in stressful or difficult circumstances.  

I love this quote from lds.org: 

"The mere absence of conflict is not enough to bring peace to our hearts. Peace comes through the gospel—through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the ministration of the Holy Ghost, and our own righteousness, sincere repentance, and diligent service."

I know that as I put the gospel first in my life (for example, by fighting the urge to just say, "Forget the scriptures today!  I don't have enough time.  I've got to get going on my homework," and reading at least a little bit of scriptures or talks), I will be blessed.  And I can have the confidence that everything will work out for my good.  

I just wanted to share that even though things can get stressful, I know we can find peace and have the hope that eventually, things won't be or feel so crazy.  God will help us along the way and we can count on that.  Plus we can remember to think of these moments as opportunities to grow which helps us to enjoy the ride a little more.  I'm so grateful for the gospel which gives me this perspective.  It has changed and is changing my life!

Love ya!

Rachel

Boundaries

Here is a short and sweet and cool thought for you today

Luke 10:6
And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

I looked up the word peace today, because I need it (it is a stressful week with school...my professors all chose the same week to do stuff).  And I found this scripture.  At first I passed by it like, eh, not what I'm looking for.  But then my brain started working through it.  Emily, this is talking about boundaries!

God wants us to give those around us opportunities.  For example, you have heard me complain a million times about feeling burdened by the fact that I am the one who sees things sometimes and so I feel this intense responsbility to bring things up.  Well what this scripture tells me is that yes, I have the responsbiliity to bring it up in love.  HOWEVER, if I offer something like love and peace, if the son of peace be there (or if they are open and ready for Christ or things from God), then they will receive it.  But if not, it will come back to me.  That could seem like a rejection if you think about it.  But our success does NOT depend on our fruits.  Our success is giving people a chance no matter how they react, no matter how much it hurts us.  That we again and again give the hardhearted people a chance in those times that God directs us to.  Because one day, they may accept it.  And that day will be worth all of those rejections and all of that pain.  We just can't let ourselves take responsibility for the person's choice to accept the peace or give it back.  That is up to them.

Thought that was a cool way to think of boundaries (and I know that is a hot topic for you right now too).

Love ya,

Rachel

Begin to Hope

Today I read about the wonderful resurrection of Christ in Mark 16. The chapter opens with Mary and Mary visiting Christ's tomb, only to find the entrance unblocked and angel in the place of the body they came to see. Seeing their shock and fear, the angel tells them both,

"Be not affrighted [DO NOT GIVE IN TO FEAR!]: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here" 

This experience is incredible. Of course those women were afraid. They had been through the most traumatic experience of their lives. Three days earlier, one of their dearest loved ones, Jesus Christ, had been brutally and unjustly tried and murdered. They had every right to be afraid at the sight of his missing body, afraid that someone had taken it, with no idea what to expect next.  They had no way of knowing the beautiful miracle they were about to witness: the resurrection of Christ. The angel lets them know that he is alive and that they are to see him again. And even though they are afraid, they willingly believe the words of the angel and run to tell Christ's disciples the amazing news of his life.
But even though the disciples are told of Christ's return by Mary, an eyewitness, as well as the two others who spoke with Christ, they would not believe he was back:

"And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of [Mary], believed not. After that he appeared in another form unto two of them...And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them. Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen."

Why did they refuse to believe he was back? Why was it easier for some of the people he came in contact with to believe in his return, while others refused to accept he lived again? I think a lot of it goes back to fear. Imagine the intense pain, loss, grief, and anger they must have felt at having just watching Christ be murdered. Think of how painful it was for them to see one of his own disciples betray him to the pharisees, while another denied him, and the rest were helpless to prevent his death. 
They may have felt that if they chose to believe Christ was back, only to find out they were wrong, they would never recover. They were afraid to hope.

There will be times where we too experience the worst of the worst. The men and women closest to Christ must have felt the most painful of heartache, anger, confusion, and loss when he died. But what enabled those few to believe that Christ was risen? Why did they choose to have hope?
From what I saw, they didn't let the pain of the past overshadow the joy of today. The women who saw the angel were promised that "he is risen; he is not here." They allowed themselves to believe that this promise was true. That although they had seen Christ die, it was possible through God that he was alive. How did they come to that belief? They'd seen him raise Lazarus from the dead, not to mention countless other miracles during the course of his ministry. 

Remember to allow past miracles room in your heart when things seem hopeless and dark. Remember the importance of choosing faith and hope over fear (check out Moroni 7:40-41, one of my favorites). 

I love you so much!
Emily