Here is a little thought I learned from The Infinite Atonement today:
When Adam fell, him and Eve were cast out of the garden which is the first spiritual death. They were cast out of the presence of God. Because Christ atoned for our sins, we all have the opportunity to go back to the presence of God. That means ALL of us. Every single person, whether they obeyed or didn't in this life, will go back to the presence of God AFTER the resurrection. For at least a time. We need our physical bodies and spirits to be reunited again in resurrection in order to be able to be in the presence of God again. Those who obey will get to stay. Those who didn't obey will go through a second spiritual death and be cast out of the presence of God yet again. We can be in the presence of God even though we aren't fully clean (because we'll need to be judged), but we can't DWELL with God. The Atonement enables EVERYONE to have the chance to be in the presence of God again, no matter what. Whether or not we dwell there is up to us.
This knowledge makes the experience of Alma the Younger even more powerful. If you think about it, just like we will remember all our sins and guilt as we are judged before God, Alma was faced with all his sins. He wanted to hide or die or something to get away from the awfulness that tormented his soul in that moment. But then he remembered what his father had said about Christ and the atonement. Even just the thought of Christ was a balm to his soul and he had a change from wanting to escape from the judgement of God to longing to dwell with Him. His soul wanted eternal life.
I love Jesus Christ. He enables healing. No matter what we have done or who we have been, we can change through Him. He died for everyone. We all will have the opportunity to be in front of God. I want to know that I can face Him and know that throughout my life, even though I've been imperfect, I've talked to Him about it in prayer. I haven't hidden my weaknesses and sins. Instead, I've consulted with Him about how to overcome them and tried to listen to what He has told me to do. I feel like that is the way to stand before God at the end of this life. No one will be perfect, but our relationship we have developed with God through prayer and actions will make a difference in how we feel before Him. I want to make sure that I'm open with Him and so when I stand before Him, I know that I've already worked through things with Him throughout my life. I've tried with faith. Tried to listen with Him. And none of it will have been perfect, but knowing how loving Heavenly Father is, imperfect action paired with a lot of faith is enough.
Just remember to not be too hard on yourself my friend. We all struggle with weaknesses, sometimes for many many years. I know I am right now. Things I've tried to overcome for many years. But I know I can do it in Christ, and that I also have to accept the process of it all. I sure do love you!
Rachel
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Can I get some Karma?
Today I read the parable of Lazarus and the rich man, found in Luke, chapter 16. In this story, Lazarus spends his life covered in sores, miserable, no food, water, or any possessions to call his own. He waits outside a building everyday just for the rich man to drop crumbs for him to eat. After this life though, Lazarus is found with Abraham while the rich man is tormented with the pains of hell.
What did I get out of this parable?
- Don't go off appearances- those who are content with what they have, who are unwilling to share and grow, and are "rich in the things of the world" may have it all taken away after this life (depending on the condition of their heart).
- Would I rather be "rich" according to the world's standards or "rich" according to the Lord?
- Do I want momentary, tangible happiness right now or do I want eternal joy?
- I don't know about you, but I'll take the joy any day.
- Don't be distracted by what it seems like other people might have that I don't have
- Take time to visit with others, contribute to their well being, and share what I've been given while I am here
Sounds kinda harsh- but that is the law of restoration right there, otherwise known as karma. Reading this story reminded me of when Alma was talking with his son, Corianton about every person's need to remain accountable and repent:
"Therefore, my son, see that you are merciful unto your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if ye do all these things then shall ye receive your reward; yea, ye shall have mercy restored unto you again; ye shall have justice restored unto you again; ye shall have a righteous judgment restored unto you again; and ye shall have good rewarded unto you again."
"For that which ye do send
out shall return unto you again, and be restored..." (Alma 41:14&15)
This is incredible. Because God is a just God, every single person will be held accountable for their actions here on this earth. Any pain, suffering, they may have intentionally or unintentionally afflicted will be addressed. Those who were affected by the selfish and cruel actions of others will be recompensed for any misdeeds or trespasses done to them. And because God is also merciful, through the conditions of repentance, thanks to the atonement of Christ, we have the opportunity to change our natures, circumstances, and eternal destination.
There are so many circumstances that are out of our control while we are here on this earth. I know that no matter what happens, as we trust in God and in Christ, and do everything we can to live up to our covenants, no matter how many times we fail, no matter how imperfect we are while here on earth, we will be judged according to our hearts.
And the only person's heart I am accountable for is my own. What a relief, I must say. I am so grateful that Christ chose to sacrifice his life so that I can be free to act for myself. I am so grateful that because of him, I can trust that both justice and mercy will be satisfied after this life. I know that although things may not always go the way we want them to, but as we chose to learn from each experience and become like Christ during the process, we will be prepared to be "received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where [we] shall rest from all [our] troubles and from all care, and sorrow." (alma 40:12)
It matters what we do with our time here on earth. It matters how we treat each other. It matters that we choose to reach out, to love, to lift, to inspire. It helps us become more like our Father in Heaven, like our savior Jesus Christ, and allows us to be prepared to live with them again. Now is the time we have to change. Isn't that awesome? And it doesn't all have to be at once. Just baby steps, one day at a time.
I sure do love you and I hope you have a wonderful week!
Love,
Emily
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
A little review of the Good News
And What is that good news you might ask? Why the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
We need (all of us) to depend on God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Why? It is because of the Father we exist. It is because of the Father that we are even here on earth. And because he provided a way for us to return to Him, we honestly owe Him everything. Looking at Christ's role in my life and the lives of every person on this earth:
In Luke, chapter 9, Christ asks the disciples who the people think he is. Some are convinced he is John the baptist risen from the dead. Others think he is old of the prophets of old, returned to teach the people. After Christ listens to their answers, he asks, "But whom say ye that I am?"
Peter responds, "The Christ of God." (9)
Do we take the time to individually know Christ's role in our lives individually? Do we take the time to understand his role as our personal savior and the savior of the world? Do we obtain our answers through the spirit or do we let the world influence our knowledge?
Sometimes it feels like it'll take forever while we are waiting for ourselves or someone else to change. But as we remember the simplicity of the gospel, just doing our best as we believe in Christ and his atonement, show our willingness to repent by living the commandments more fully, more fully keeping our covenants, and doing all we can to welcome and listen to the spirit as we strive to endure mortality well, we will be given the peace and patience we need to continue forward in our progress. Change can be hard. It can be painful. But no matter what, as we focus on why we are striving to improve, and the goodness and mercy of God through it all, we will be filled with joy, patience, and the capacity to help others along the way.
I know that the gospel of Christ is so wonderfully simple, that sometimes, I forget to apply the basic principles as I work on new areas of my life. As I proceed forward with faith in christ and his atonement, I know I will have ability to repent of my mistakes along the way, learn from those experiences, and be even more resolved to continue making and keeping promises with God as I seek to progress while here on earth.
I love you oh so much!
Emily
Love you!
Emily
We need (all of us) to depend on God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Why? It is because of the Father we exist. It is because of the Father that we are even here on earth. And because he provided a way for us to return to Him, we honestly owe Him everything. Looking at Christ's role in my life and the lives of every person on this earth:
In Luke, chapter 9, Christ asks the disciples who the people think he is. Some are convinced he is John the baptist risen from the dead. Others think he is old of the prophets of old, returned to teach the people. After Christ listens to their answers, he asks, "But whom say ye that I am?"
Peter responds, "The Christ of God." (9)
Do we take the time to individually know Christ's role in our lives individually? Do we take the time to understand his role as our personal savior and the savior of the world? Do we obtain our answers through the spirit or do we let the world influence our knowledge?
In the Bible Dictionary, the title of Christ says: The anointed (Greek) or Messiah (Hebrew).
His full title is Jesus, the Christ. Not just Jesus Christ, but Jesus THE Christ. He was the only one called and set apart to fulfill the role as savior of the world. Only he has the ability to cleanse us of our sins, heal us from our suffering, and enable us to overcome our weaknesses and trials while we are here in mortality, and grant us each the ability to overcome physical death. Only through his sacrifice are we able to both return to the presence of the Father, and if we live according to his gospel, live in their presence for eternity.
What are the conditions by which we may live with both Christ and the Father and not just stand in their presence on judgement day?
- Believe that Christ is the savior of the world and ACT according to that belief
- (FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD)
- Exercise faith in Christ unto repentance
- A change of heart, mind, and behavior
- Making covenants (baptism, temple covenants, etc)
- Shows our willingness to change, strengthens our faith, etc.
- Receive the cleansing power of the Holy Ghost
- Endure to the end WELL!
- Continue exercising our faith, repenting, making and keeping covenants
The phrase keeps coming to my mind, "Bring forth fruit unto repentance"
What does that mean to me?
Fruit= evidence of my willingness to change
-can be a resolve to more fully live the commandments
-can be willingness to make and keep covenants (special promises with God)
-outward evidence (actions, behavior) of inward change/commitment
ex: "The first fruits of repentance is baptism"
-outward evidence (actions, behavior) of inward change/commitment
ex: "The first fruits of repentance is baptism"
"Yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time and the day of your salvation, and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you.
For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea behold, the day of this life is the say for men to perform their labors." (Alma 34:31-32)
The Father is the one that sets the conditions for us to receive full forgiveness for what we've done. Christ upholds the will of the Father and enforces the standards that He has set in order for us to fully receive Christ's sacrifice in our lives.
"And now my beloved brethren, I would exhort you to have patience, and that ye bear with all manner of afflictions; that ye do not revile against those [who do you wrong] lest ye become sinners like unto them;
But that ye have patience, and bear with those afflictions, with a firm hope that ye shall one day rest from all your afflictions." (40-41)
Sometimes it feels like it'll take forever while we are waiting for ourselves or someone else to change. But as we remember the simplicity of the gospel, just doing our best as we believe in Christ and his atonement, show our willingness to repent by living the commandments more fully, more fully keeping our covenants, and doing all we can to welcome and listen to the spirit as we strive to endure mortality well, we will be given the peace and patience we need to continue forward in our progress. Change can be hard. It can be painful. But no matter what, as we focus on why we are striving to improve, and the goodness and mercy of God through it all, we will be filled with joy, patience, and the capacity to help others along the way.
I know that the gospel of Christ is so wonderfully simple, that sometimes, I forget to apply the basic principles as I work on new areas of my life. As I proceed forward with faith in christ and his atonement, I know I will have ability to repent of my mistakes along the way, learn from those experiences, and be even more resolved to continue making and keeping promises with God as I seek to progress while here on earth.
I love you oh so much!
Emily
Love you!
Emily
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Where is Your Faith?
What can I learn about faith from these stories?
What prevents us from having faith in Christ?
FEAR. That is a big one. Yup yup.
Luke chapter 8 starts off with Christ and his disciples sailing on a lake somewhere. A big old storm comes there way, causing their boat to fill with water, and before they know it, appearing as though they will most definitely be sinking. All the while, Christ is asleep. The disciples call out to him and call to his attention that they are about to be toasted by the storm. Christ calmly stands up, rebukes the winds and the waves, until everything is as still as glass. He then turns to his disciples and asks, "Where is your faith?" (25)
This question can lead to so many different answers, and to even more questions. Was he asking his disciples this question to make them feel bad? Was he asking them to be mean? I don't think so. I feel when Christ asks a question, it is a chance for the receiver to learn. To introspect, and to repent (drawing closer to God). Christ's questions aren't meant to belittle, baffle, or throw the honest in heart into despair. When he asks someone a questions who is willing to receive him and follow him, it will be a question that will cause them to turn inward and continue to find ways they can draw closer to Christ.
Some other questions that I thought of as I read his words were: Where is my faith? Is it in Christ? Does it only serve me when I'm in trouble? Do I only turn to him when I'm having a hard time? Or do I only acknowledge his help when things are good? And then as soon as it gets bad, am I angry at him?
Or do I turn to him at all times and in all things and in all places? Do I believe he will help me in his timing? Do I believe he will help others in his timing as well? Do I believe that he has the power to transform anyone's heart, as long as they willingly give it to him? And do I trust that as I let go of what I can't control, he will be the one to calm the storms of life?
Good questions to ponder for sure.
Further in the chapter, Christ encounters a man filled with spirits. The verses mention that this guy had been chained up time and time again, but had always found a way to free himself, and just decided to become wild out in the middle of nowhere. So why was he chained up? From what I gather, people were afraid of the physical harm he could cause, maybe they were even afraid if they tried to help him the spirits would attack them too. Fear kept people from helping him, and created an isolated world for him.
Why wasn't Christ afraid of this man? He understood it was not this man, but the spirits that were causing him to act this way. Christ knew this man's heart, knew his circumstance, and was still able to love him despite how different he was.
After casting out the spirits into the herd of swine, the people in the village were now afraid of Christ. They didn't understand that it was through the power of God he was able to cast out the devils. Instead of taking time to deepen their understanding, they rejected Christ, like they had rejected the main with the spirits, and were unable to further benefit from Christ's miracles, presence, and teachings.
Pause: What eliminates fear?
The last example I'll include occurs at the end of the chapter, with good old Jairus. After learning that his daughter is dead before Christ has had an opportunity to heal her, Jairus begins to despair. Christ replies with: "Fear not, believe only, and she will be made whole."(50)
Christ then proceeds to accompany Jairus to his home, where he performs the wonderful miracle of raising Jairus's daughter from the dead.
So how is each individual's faith linked to the miracles performed in each story? And how did faith/fear impact what happened after the miracle?
I observed that Christ really can't perform any miracles when we are angry or willingly choose to close off from him in any other way. Giving into fearful feelings prevents us from gaining guidance, strength, and comfort from the Holy Ghost, which is supposed to draw us closer to Christ. When we do choose to put our faith in Christ, we are more capable of understanding where others are coming from, more able to reach our full potential and less apt to be controlled by fear.
I sure do love me some Bible stories. Yes indeed :) I hope you have a lovely week!
Love,
Emily
What prevents us from having faith in Christ?
FEAR. That is a big one. Yup yup.
Luke chapter 8 starts off with Christ and his disciples sailing on a lake somewhere. A big old storm comes there way, causing their boat to fill with water, and before they know it, appearing as though they will most definitely be sinking. All the while, Christ is asleep. The disciples call out to him and call to his attention that they are about to be toasted by the storm. Christ calmly stands up, rebukes the winds and the waves, until everything is as still as glass. He then turns to his disciples and asks, "Where is your faith?" (25)
This question can lead to so many different answers, and to even more questions. Was he asking his disciples this question to make them feel bad? Was he asking them to be mean? I don't think so. I feel when Christ asks a question, it is a chance for the receiver to learn. To introspect, and to repent (drawing closer to God). Christ's questions aren't meant to belittle, baffle, or throw the honest in heart into despair. When he asks someone a questions who is willing to receive him and follow him, it will be a question that will cause them to turn inward and continue to find ways they can draw closer to Christ.
Some other questions that I thought of as I read his words were: Where is my faith? Is it in Christ? Does it only serve me when I'm in trouble? Do I only turn to him when I'm having a hard time? Or do I only acknowledge his help when things are good? And then as soon as it gets bad, am I angry at him?
Or do I turn to him at all times and in all things and in all places? Do I believe he will help me in his timing? Do I believe he will help others in his timing as well? Do I believe that he has the power to transform anyone's heart, as long as they willingly give it to him? And do I trust that as I let go of what I can't control, he will be the one to calm the storms of life?
Good questions to ponder for sure.
Further in the chapter, Christ encounters a man filled with spirits. The verses mention that this guy had been chained up time and time again, but had always found a way to free himself, and just decided to become wild out in the middle of nowhere. So why was he chained up? From what I gather, people were afraid of the physical harm he could cause, maybe they were even afraid if they tried to help him the spirits would attack them too. Fear kept people from helping him, and created an isolated world for him.
Why wasn't Christ afraid of this man? He understood it was not this man, but the spirits that were causing him to act this way. Christ knew this man's heart, knew his circumstance, and was still able to love him despite how different he was.
After casting out the spirits into the herd of swine, the people in the village were now afraid of Christ. They didn't understand that it was through the power of God he was able to cast out the devils. Instead of taking time to deepen their understanding, they rejected Christ, like they had rejected the main with the spirits, and were unable to further benefit from Christ's miracles, presence, and teachings.
Pause: What eliminates fear?
- LOVE
- Understanding
- Ignorance
- Hate
The last example I'll include occurs at the end of the chapter, with good old Jairus. After learning that his daughter is dead before Christ has had an opportunity to heal her, Jairus begins to despair. Christ replies with: "Fear not, believe only, and she will be made whole."(50)
Christ then proceeds to accompany Jairus to his home, where he performs the wonderful miracle of raising Jairus's daughter from the dead.
So how is each individual's faith linked to the miracles performed in each story? And how did faith/fear impact what happened after the miracle?
I observed that Christ really can't perform any miracles when we are angry or willingly choose to close off from him in any other way. Giving into fearful feelings prevents us from gaining guidance, strength, and comfort from the Holy Ghost, which is supposed to draw us closer to Christ. When we do choose to put our faith in Christ, we are more capable of understanding where others are coming from, more able to reach our full potential and less apt to be controlled by fear.
I sure do love me some Bible stories. Yes indeed :) I hope you have a lovely week!
Love,
Emily
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Be It According to Your Faith
I get to choose who I will become every day. That's pretty dang awesome, huh?
In Luke chapter 7, there is a man with a servant, who is really sick, to the point where this servant might even die. The man recognizes recognizes Christ has the power to prevent his servant's death and make him whole again. This guy also recognizes he may not be able to be in Christ's presence because of how he is living, but did all he could to provide the miracle for his friend. Admitting owned his faults, he told Christ he was not worthy for Christ to enter his home, but also told Christ that he knew Christ had the power to heal his servant without setting foot in his house. Showed his faith through fetching christ and christ marveled at his faith.
Am I at a point right now where Christ can marvel at my faith? Not really. But maybe I need to give myself more credit? I don't know. But what more can I do to cause Christ to marvel?
The woman who washed Christ's feet didn't care what the pharisees thought. She knew what was happening in that moment was between her and Christ. She was doing everything she could with all she had to thank him for his role in her life as the savior. Not just the savior of the world, but the savior of her soul individually. Instead of worrying about what the Pharisees might think of her from past experiences, she knew once Christ had pardoned her, all would be well.
What other instances of faith can I think of where Christ has specifically said, "Thy faith hath made thee whole" in the scriptures?
"Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace." (Luke 8:48)
"It is because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen...wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee whole" (enos 1:8)
Why is it so important that we start with faith, wherever we are?
-if you don't believe something will work, odds are, you're not going to act
-true faith in christ leads to action, repentance, making and keeping of covenants, etc.
-without faith, no action will be taken to return to Heavenly Father
-faith brings hope, light, and peace in times of struggle, trial, doubt, etc.
Part of having faith in Christ is also SHOWING him gratitude for what he's done for you. Gratitude ratifies faith. When we believe in Christ, put our faith into action through repentance, and are able to access his atonement. When we come to Christ and thank him for helping us, our knowledge of his goodness and love expands, and we open new pathways for us to increase our faith as we move forward in life. Faith is a constant, growing, living, breathing attribute. Feed it, and absolutely anything is possible. Neglect it, and you will become stuck, stagnant, and at some points, regress. All of us will experience challenges, setbacks, and frustrating moments with our own faith. But instead of looking at it as a bad thing, we can look at those instances as opportunities to strengthen our faith.
As my main man Alma point out in Alma 32,
"faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true." (21)
We aren't going to know everything at once. We aren't going to get all the answers we want in the timing we want. But if we continue to put our trust in God and allow our belief to motivate us to act, we will be acting in FAITH. We will obtain the answers and results we seek in the time of the Lord. Much easier said than done.
But we can trust that the promises of God remain true in the this day, and that according to our faith, we can be made whole.
Also, I love that faith and hope are linked together in this scripture. Sometimes we have faith, but lose hope. And being without hope is a very dark place indeed. Yup Yup.
I love you oh so much and I am so excited for what you're learning!
Love, Emily
In Luke chapter 7, there is a man with a servant, who is really sick, to the point where this servant might even die. The man recognizes recognizes Christ has the power to prevent his servant's death and make him whole again. This guy also recognizes he may not be able to be in Christ's presence because of how he is living, but did all he could to provide the miracle for his friend. Admitting owned his faults, he told Christ he was not worthy for Christ to enter his home, but also told Christ that he knew Christ had the power to heal his servant without setting foot in his house. Showed his faith through fetching christ and christ marveled at his faith.
Am I at a point right now where Christ can marvel at my faith? Not really. But maybe I need to give myself more credit? I don't know. But what more can I do to cause Christ to marvel?
- ACT of my own accord
- Obey with a willing heart- BUT DON'T JUST WAIT TO BE TOLD- BE PROACTIVE!
The woman who washed Christ's feet didn't care what the pharisees thought. She knew what was happening in that moment was between her and Christ. She was doing everything she could with all she had to thank him for his role in her life as the savior. Not just the savior of the world, but the savior of her soul individually. Instead of worrying about what the Pharisees might think of her from past experiences, she knew once Christ had pardoned her, all would be well.
What other instances of faith can I think of where Christ has specifically said, "Thy faith hath made thee whole" in the scriptures?
"Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace." (Luke 8:48)
"It is because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen...wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee whole" (enos 1:8)
Why is it so important that we start with faith, wherever we are?
-if you don't believe something will work, odds are, you're not going to act
-true faith in christ leads to action, repentance, making and keeping of covenants, etc.
-without faith, no action will be taken to return to Heavenly Father
-faith brings hope, light, and peace in times of struggle, trial, doubt, etc.
Part of having faith in Christ is also SHOWING him gratitude for what he's done for you. Gratitude ratifies faith. When we believe in Christ, put our faith into action through repentance, and are able to access his atonement. When we come to Christ and thank him for helping us, our knowledge of his goodness and love expands, and we open new pathways for us to increase our faith as we move forward in life. Faith is a constant, growing, living, breathing attribute. Feed it, and absolutely anything is possible. Neglect it, and you will become stuck, stagnant, and at some points, regress. All of us will experience challenges, setbacks, and frustrating moments with our own faith. But instead of looking at it as a bad thing, we can look at those instances as opportunities to strengthen our faith.
As my main man Alma point out in Alma 32,
"faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true." (21)
We aren't going to know everything at once. We aren't going to get all the answers we want in the timing we want. But if we continue to put our trust in God and allow our belief to motivate us to act, we will be acting in FAITH. We will obtain the answers and results we seek in the time of the Lord. Much easier said than done.
But we can trust that the promises of God remain true in the this day, and that according to our faith, we can be made whole.
Also, I love that faith and hope are linked together in this scripture. Sometimes we have faith, but lose hope. And being without hope is a very dark place indeed. Yup Yup.
I love you oh so much and I am so excited for what you're learning!
Love, Emily
Monday, March 2, 2015
Walking Without Complete Understanding
In The Infinite Atonement, I'm still reading about Adam and Eve and learning lots from their examples and experiences.
Right after being kicked out of the Garden, Adam and Eve had no idea what would happen. They didn't know anything about the plan of God. They didn't even know that there was a possibility to return to Him yet. Can you imagine that feeling?
Callister explains, "The time would come when Adam and Eve would rejoice in their decision, but at the moment of expulsion they knew only thorns, thistles, and sweat. Day after day Adam offered sacrifices without knowing why, without fully understanding the plan of salvation."
Then many days (generations of children in fact) of working without knowing, an angel came and shared happy tidings--"As thou hast fallen thou mayest be redeemed, and all mankind, even as many as will."
Can you imagine the happiness that Adam and Eve felt after working so long and wondering why?
Obviously Adam and Eve had an immense amount of faith which is probably why they were the first people on earth. I don't know if I could have done that. Work without understanding to that extreme extent. They did not know redemption was possible, yet they continued onward, trusting in the little they had received. Here am I with all my tools of scriptures, knowledge of the plan, generations of knowledge, and I'm still impatient for things. I'm still sometimes ungrateful or I forget that the wonderful news I have, that I can be forgiven and return to God is ENOUGH. What great examples Adam and Eve are!
After Adam received the news, he declared, "in this life I shall have joy."
I am so grateful for the knowledge and understanding I have of the gospel. It truly brings me joy, and I can count on the fact that as I increase both my knowledge and understanding of the gospel, I will become happier and happier. It is an eternal law.
Adam shared his knowledge with Eve which led her to an incredibly brilliant epiphany (I mean, think of the limited knowledge they had at the time): "Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption" (Moses 5:9-11). Wow, right?
What I get from this is that even though I may be working towards something I don't fully understand, and even though sometimes I get impatient and think, "Can't I have the blessings already? Haven't I worked through these issues enough? Can't I just be healed already? Can't You just tell me what to do now?" I can follow the example of Adam and Eve and continue to use what I DO know, move forward, and trust that I will receive the promised blessings of both understanding and joy.
We just gotta keep walking!
Love,
Rachel
Right after being kicked out of the Garden, Adam and Eve had no idea what would happen. They didn't know anything about the plan of God. They didn't even know that there was a possibility to return to Him yet. Can you imagine that feeling?
Callister explains, "The time would come when Adam and Eve would rejoice in their decision, but at the moment of expulsion they knew only thorns, thistles, and sweat. Day after day Adam offered sacrifices without knowing why, without fully understanding the plan of salvation."
Then many days (generations of children in fact) of working without knowing, an angel came and shared happy tidings--"As thou hast fallen thou mayest be redeemed, and all mankind, even as many as will."
Can you imagine the happiness that Adam and Eve felt after working so long and wondering why?
Obviously Adam and Eve had an immense amount of faith which is probably why they were the first people on earth. I don't know if I could have done that. Work without understanding to that extreme extent. They did not know redemption was possible, yet they continued onward, trusting in the little they had received. Here am I with all my tools of scriptures, knowledge of the plan, generations of knowledge, and I'm still impatient for things. I'm still sometimes ungrateful or I forget that the wonderful news I have, that I can be forgiven and return to God is ENOUGH. What great examples Adam and Eve are!
After Adam received the news, he declared, "in this life I shall have joy."
I am so grateful for the knowledge and understanding I have of the gospel. It truly brings me joy, and I can count on the fact that as I increase both my knowledge and understanding of the gospel, I will become happier and happier. It is an eternal law.
Adam shared his knowledge with Eve which led her to an incredibly brilliant epiphany (I mean, think of the limited knowledge they had at the time): "Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption" (Moses 5:9-11). Wow, right?
What I get from this is that even though I may be working towards something I don't fully understand, and even though sometimes I get impatient and think, "Can't I have the blessings already? Haven't I worked through these issues enough? Can't I just be healed already? Can't You just tell me what to do now?" I can follow the example of Adam and Eve and continue to use what I DO know, move forward, and trust that I will receive the promised blessings of both understanding and joy.
We just gotta keep walking!
Love,
Rachel
That Sermon on the Mount
Both yesterday in Sunday school, and today in my personal study, I was able to read about the Sermon on the mount. Yesterday was Matthew 5 & 6, today, I was reading in Luke 6 (if you want to cross examine or what have you).
Questions to ponder: Are you living the law? More importantly, are you living the gospel?
How do I improve my personal relationship with Christ? How do I help others develop their own relationship with him? I feel like I have very little patience for those who blatantly disregard the things that will help them most. But hey, I do that too. And I know it frustrates the people that love me most. How do I accept and honor other people's agency? How can I be more patient when they are struggling or refusing to live a gospel principle?
Well, let's take a look at how Christ does it. He takes every opportunity to be a teaching moment. He doesn't care if it offends or pushes people away, because he knows the most important thing is to help those around him come closer to the Father.
Knowing that there were plenty in the synagogue in this experience that are looking for excuses to trip him up, Christ asks a question before healing someone on the sabbath:
"Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?" (9)
This infuriates the Pharisees and shakes a lot of other people up. They are unable to hear or understand the gospel because that are too wrapped up in the daily rules. They do not understand the why.
Focusing on the do's and don'ts really puts a damper on the mind and truly understanding the purpose behind the gospel. I think that when I get so wrapped up in the commandment itself, and forget the purpose behind, I tend to be way more judgmental of how other people are living, I tend to be less happy and I don't progress as well as I want to.
Christ, however, was compassionate on his disciples. He spoke the truth, unashamed, not flinching, and trusted they would be emotionally stable enough to handle and eventually understand what he needed to tell them. He knows that everyone has different growing rates, that each person will come when they are ready to receive what he has to offer.
Later in the chapter, he goes to a mountain to draw closer with God, spiritually recharge, and while there, is followed by a multitude of people. And here you have the wonderfully amazing Sermon on the Mount:
"Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now. for ye shall laugh."
Poor in spirit= humble, teachable, ready to serve, allow other to serve
At the temple this week, I got a distinct impression that we are supposed to fulfill God's work together. The image of the honeybees that Elder Ballard spoke of a couple conferences ago flashed across my mind. Yes, we work as individuals, but we need to also have the capacity to work together to assist in the Lord's work.
Remember the story of Nephi? He had every right to go off on his own in the wilderness when Laman, Lemuel, and even his dad were complaining and not wanting to proactively do anything to change their circumstance. They were done. And honestly, if I had been Nephi, I probably would have been done at that point too, not just due to lack of food, but because of the intense negativity and stubborness of the family. But because of Nephi's faith in Christ, he was able to change his circumstance, and in the process, involve his family in progressing together as well.
Back to Christ, "Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you. Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you...
...For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend hoping for nothing again; and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive and ye shall be forgiven...For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured you again.
Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam, that is in thine own eye?
Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.
For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit." (Luke 6:27-34)
I really needed this message today. I am realizing that I definitely have so much to improve on, in areas that I considered strengths, and also in areas that I am already fully aware are weaknesses of mine. I know that I have a tendency to focus on other's weaknesses and faults, to a point where I am focusing so much on helping other people try to overcome their weaknesses, that I forget about taking care of the many beams in my own two eyes. I know that as I individually strive to adjust my own shortcomings and imperfections with Christ's help, my perspective will be broadened, my capacity to love and forgive will expand, and I will be able to come closer to Christ myself, as well as help others along the way. I know that Christ loves each and every one of us. I know he understands our desires, our hearts, and our capacities. And I know that his love for us is focused on all of us. Our strengths, weaknesses, and who we can become. There is no limit to what we can do or how we can become through his help.
I love you so much!
Emily
Questions to ponder: Are you living the law? More importantly, are you living the gospel?
How do I improve my personal relationship with Christ? How do I help others develop their own relationship with him? I feel like I have very little patience for those who blatantly disregard the things that will help them most. But hey, I do that too. And I know it frustrates the people that love me most. How do I accept and honor other people's agency? How can I be more patient when they are struggling or refusing to live a gospel principle?
Well, let's take a look at how Christ does it. He takes every opportunity to be a teaching moment. He doesn't care if it offends or pushes people away, because he knows the most important thing is to help those around him come closer to the Father.
Knowing that there were plenty in the synagogue in this experience that are looking for excuses to trip him up, Christ asks a question before healing someone on the sabbath:
"Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?" (9)
This infuriates the Pharisees and shakes a lot of other people up. They are unable to hear or understand the gospel because that are too wrapped up in the daily rules. They do not understand the why.
Focusing on the do's and don'ts really puts a damper on the mind and truly understanding the purpose behind the gospel. I think that when I get so wrapped up in the commandment itself, and forget the purpose behind, I tend to be way more judgmental of how other people are living, I tend to be less happy and I don't progress as well as I want to.
Christ, however, was compassionate on his disciples. He spoke the truth, unashamed, not flinching, and trusted they would be emotionally stable enough to handle and eventually understand what he needed to tell them. He knows that everyone has different growing rates, that each person will come when they are ready to receive what he has to offer.
Later in the chapter, he goes to a mountain to draw closer with God, spiritually recharge, and while there, is followed by a multitude of people. And here you have the wonderfully amazing Sermon on the Mount:
"Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now. for ye shall laugh."
Poor in spirit= humble, teachable, ready to serve, allow other to serve
At the temple this week, I got a distinct impression that we are supposed to fulfill God's work together. The image of the honeybees that Elder Ballard spoke of a couple conferences ago flashed across my mind. Yes, we work as individuals, but we need to also have the capacity to work together to assist in the Lord's work.
Remember the story of Nephi? He had every right to go off on his own in the wilderness when Laman, Lemuel, and even his dad were complaining and not wanting to proactively do anything to change their circumstance. They were done. And honestly, if I had been Nephi, I probably would have been done at that point too, not just due to lack of food, but because of the intense negativity and stubborness of the family. But because of Nephi's faith in Christ, he was able to change his circumstance, and in the process, involve his family in progressing together as well.
Back to Christ, "Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you. Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you...
...For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend hoping for nothing again; and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive and ye shall be forgiven...For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured you again.
Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam, that is in thine own eye?
Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.
For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit." (Luke 6:27-34)
I really needed this message today. I am realizing that I definitely have so much to improve on, in areas that I considered strengths, and also in areas that I am already fully aware are weaknesses of mine. I know that I have a tendency to focus on other's weaknesses and faults, to a point where I am focusing so much on helping other people try to overcome their weaknesses, that I forget about taking care of the many beams in my own two eyes. I know that as I individually strive to adjust my own shortcomings and imperfections with Christ's help, my perspective will be broadened, my capacity to love and forgive will expand, and I will be able to come closer to Christ myself, as well as help others along the way. I know that Christ loves each and every one of us. I know he understands our desires, our hearts, and our capacities. And I know that his love for us is focused on all of us. Our strengths, weaknesses, and who we can become. There is no limit to what we can do or how we can become through his help.
I love you so much!
Emily
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Simon Called Peter
Just some questions as of late:
How do I take care of everyone in my stewardship without burning myself out?
How can I show them I care for them, make them feel special?
How do I live in the moment, while trying to balance so many things at once (school, calling, etc)?
I want to do well at school, visiting teaching, checking in with the girls I oversee, and with my friends and family. There isn't time for everything. Learn how to prioritize. Learn how to say no. How does Christ prioritize? How does he help each individual feel special?
In Luke chapter 5, I was reading about when Christ first encounters Peter and some of the other disciples. He boards on of the ships, telling them to launch out a little further and lower their nets. They reply that they have been fishing all night with no luck, but are willing to give it one more try. Once following Christ's directions, they are astonished at the results! They are able to catch so much that their nets break! Peter is scared that he wouldn't be enough, or that the Christ wouldn't want to be around him once he realizes his weaknesses and mistakes, he tells Christ to leave, for he is a sinful man. Christ tells him:
"Fear not, from henceforth thou shalt catch men."
Peter doesn't understand his own potential. He has no idea the source of light, hope and truth he will become when he meets Christ this first time. But Christ does. Oh! And this reminds me of what you were saying about getting a taste of the cake from God- Christ was giving them a piece of that cake, letting them know how amazing they could be with his help. Showing them that miracle was just a taste of what was in store for each of them! Back to the story-
Did Peter's weaknesses stop Christ from loving him No. Did they stop Christ from inviting him to change and grow? Nope
And just thinking of all the times Peter messes up:
But holy cow. Wouldn't that be frustrating, both for Christ and for Peter to have to endure so many imperfections? Why would Peter want to keep trying when he kept messing up? And why would Christ continue to invite him closer? The more I thought about it, the more I realized that it was Peter's mistakes and imperfections that allowed the amazing loving bond to grow between him and Christ.
Christ recognized that he had those weaknesses. And he also recognized the incredible potential that could result in those weaknesses being tested over and over.
I cannot imagine how frustrating and disheartening it would've been to be Peter in those moments of weakness. What kept him going? Why didn't he give up on himself? Because Christ focused on who he was to become, and how he decided to react to his weaknesses and trials.
And I feel that Christ's love for Peter is all the deeper because he knew that he was trying so hard, despite all those imperfections and weaknesses. He knew what Peter was to become because Peter would choose to rely on Christ's atonement to turn those weaknesses into strengths. And in turn, Peter's love for the savior continued to deepen as he realized that Christ accepted him despite his imperfections.
Christ's love for each of us is so perfect that he knows exactly how to help us overcome our weaknesses. He loves us so much that he will allow us to struggle. He loves us so much that he will be stern when needed, and gentle and compassionate when appropriate. He wants us to learn to govern ourselves, binding ourselves to him through love and willing obedience. Only through whole heartedly relying on His grace and mercy, can we become the amazing, incredible beings he knows we are destined to become. It is our imperfections and weaknesses that have the ability to draw us nearer to him like nothing else.
I know that He is so proud of you, and each of us for giving it our best, despite how weighed down we may feel from our inadequacies. I know that I can be like Peter and choose to believe in myself, because of my faith in Christ. I know I will continue to make mistakes over and over, but like Peter, I can choose to learn from them and become the best version of myself through Christ.
I love you so much!!
Emily
How do I take care of everyone in my stewardship without burning myself out?
How can I show them I care for them, make them feel special?
How do I live in the moment, while trying to balance so many things at once (school, calling, etc)?
I want to do well at school, visiting teaching, checking in with the girls I oversee, and with my friends and family. There isn't time for everything. Learn how to prioritize. Learn how to say no. How does Christ prioritize? How does he help each individual feel special?
In Luke chapter 5, I was reading about when Christ first encounters Peter and some of the other disciples. He boards on of the ships, telling them to launch out a little further and lower their nets. They reply that they have been fishing all night with no luck, but are willing to give it one more try. Once following Christ's directions, they are astonished at the results! They are able to catch so much that their nets break! Peter is scared that he wouldn't be enough, or that the Christ wouldn't want to be around him once he realizes his weaknesses and mistakes, he tells Christ to leave, for he is a sinful man. Christ tells him:
"Fear not, from henceforth thou shalt catch men."
Peter doesn't understand his own potential. He has no idea the source of light, hope and truth he will become when he meets Christ this first time. But Christ does. Oh! And this reminds me of what you were saying about getting a taste of the cake from God- Christ was giving them a piece of that cake, letting them know how amazing they could be with his help. Showing them that miracle was just a taste of what was in store for each of them! Back to the story-
Did Peter's weaknesses stop Christ from loving him No. Did they stop Christ from inviting him to change and grow? Nope
And just thinking of all the times Peter messes up:
- Denying Christ three times after Jesus gives him the heads up
- Cuts off the ear of one of the guards (going against Christ's teachings)
- Chooses fear over faith when walking on the water
- Gets rebuked by Christ when he states Christ doesn't have to die for us
- Falling asleep in the Garden of Gethsemane when asked him and other disciples to stay awake and pray with him
- Reverting back to his old life when he thought Christ was gone forever
But holy cow. Wouldn't that be frustrating, both for Christ and for Peter to have to endure so many imperfections? Why would Peter want to keep trying when he kept messing up? And why would Christ continue to invite him closer? The more I thought about it, the more I realized that it was Peter's mistakes and imperfections that allowed the amazing loving bond to grow between him and Christ.
Christ recognized that he had those weaknesses. And he also recognized the incredible potential that could result in those weaknesses being tested over and over.
I cannot imagine how frustrating and disheartening it would've been to be Peter in those moments of weakness. What kept him going? Why didn't he give up on himself? Because Christ focused on who he was to become, and how he decided to react to his weaknesses and trials.
And I feel that Christ's love for Peter is all the deeper because he knew that he was trying so hard, despite all those imperfections and weaknesses. He knew what Peter was to become because Peter would choose to rely on Christ's atonement to turn those weaknesses into strengths. And in turn, Peter's love for the savior continued to deepen as he realized that Christ accepted him despite his imperfections.
Christ's love for each of us is so perfect that he knows exactly how to help us overcome our weaknesses. He loves us so much that he will allow us to struggle. He loves us so much that he will be stern when needed, and gentle and compassionate when appropriate. He wants us to learn to govern ourselves, binding ourselves to him through love and willing obedience. Only through whole heartedly relying on His grace and mercy, can we become the amazing, incredible beings he knows we are destined to become. It is our imperfections and weaknesses that have the ability to draw us nearer to him like nothing else.
I know that He is so proud of you, and each of us for giving it our best, despite how weighed down we may feel from our inadequacies. I know that I can be like Peter and choose to believe in myself, because of my faith in Christ. I know I will continue to make mistakes over and over, but like Peter, I can choose to learn from them and become the best version of myself through Christ.
I love you so much!!
Emily
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