Following the Peter

Just some questions before my study this fine day:
How do I improve on increasing my love and understanding for others?
How do I improve my ability to complete tasks?
How can I increase my own integrity?

After reading for a bit in John 18, I feel like I was drawn to Peter and thought more about the broader picture of his entire experience as a disciple and apostle of Christ. At this point in chapter 18, Christ is being tried as Peter watches on from the shadows. When asked if he was one of Christ's disciples, he immediately denied it and tried to hide. Twice more, a few people pointed out that they'd even seen him with Chris in the garden that night. Still determined not to reveal his association with Christ, he fulfills the prophecy made earlier that night that he would deny Christ 3 times before the sun came up.

Why would Peter have acted this way when he and Christ had been through so much together? He was probably traumatized from his act of violence in the garden, just witnessed his close friend be taken away, probably felt helpless and hopeless and upset at himself for not doing more to save him, terrified at what was going to happen to Christ, as well as what was going to happen to him and the others disciples, furious at Judas for betraying Christ, and probably many other emotions going on. He was panicking, and probably just went into survival mode at this point. He was just trying to make it through the night.

So why would Christ forgive Peter after denying him like that? Christ understood where he was coming from. He knew why Peter was acting that way, and he understood that Peter was acting out of fear, among some other choice emotions.

• What does Christ see in Peter?
• Sees his full potential to become one of the greatest apostles one day
• A willing learner
• Humble
• Was the journey to becoming the Peter of Acts perfect? Heck to the no!
• Was rebuked multiple times by Christ
• Went back to his old life/habits after Christ was crucified
• Sank when walking on the water
• Denied knowing Christ 3 different times
• Didn't believe the women when Christ was resurrected
• Do any of these experiences make him any less valuable? No!
• These experiences shaped Peter into the apostle Christ needed
• He is still loved despite his weaknesses and his love for Christ is all the stronger

That's how Christ is able to love, forgive, and exercise compassion on each one of us. He can see who we can become without getting angry or upset at our journey there. He understands that we will fall over and over. He knows that we will act out of fear and misunderstanding a lot of the time. He does not expect perfection. He expects us to learn from our mistakes and become the best version of ourselves through his atoning sacrifice.
Sometimes we are Peter and we are just getting by. We are terrified and feel hopeless and distraught about our circumstances, which causes us to act out of fear and basically throws us into survival mode. We make mistakes that sometimes hurt others along the way. But as we come to more fully understand Christ's role in our lives, we are able to change our behavior and reach our highest potential. We develop the ability to follow through on our commitments, reach our goals, and increase our individual integrity as we more fully welcome the redeeming and enabling power of the atonement of Christ daily in our lives.
Don't loose sight of where you've been. You have done amazing things and overcome incredible obstacles. Much like Peter, there will be times where we will all fall again and again. But as long as we choose to get back up, Christ will help us gradually become the best we can be.

I love you and hope you have a great day!
Emily

Put Up Thy Sword

How do I increase my capacity to exercise patience, love, and understanding with others?
How can I consciously ACT and not REACT (act and not be acted upon)?
When I increase my own sense of self worth and understand my own identity as a daughter of God, all else will follow:

• Acknowledge that I make mistakes, both intentionally and unintentionally
• Acknowledge that other people make mistakes as well. Do not condemn them
• Recognize what I need to change in my own life
• Practice forgiveness and compassion on myself = will do the same for others

How does Christ treat those around him?
In John 18, Christ is in the Garden with his disciples and they are confronted by a mob of not so happy men. When Christ asks who they are looking for, they reply Jesus of Nazareth. Christ tells them who he is and is ready to be taken, but before anything is done, Peter draws his sword and cuts of the ear of the nearest mob man:

"Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the nigh priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. Then Jesus said to Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?" John 18:10&11

Hold up. Christ just spent the last few hours suffering for the sins of the world. He had been through hell and back, and now one of his disciples is handing him over to a mob. He knows what is about to happen. He knows he is about to give up his own life to fulfill his purpose as the savior of the world. He has every right in this moment to be frustrated, angry, terrified, and honestly, past feeling about how everyone else is feeling and reacting. There are so many reasons he could just start yelling or fighting physically- but instead, he chooses to focus on what is happening with Peter and this Malchus guy. He chooses to teach them both the power of forgiveness, mercy, and compassion. He teaches them to reach outward and to ACT instead of react.

How often do we act like Peter and get caught up in the heat of the moment with our limited perspective? From Peter's point of view, he was doing the right thing. He was taking action to make sure that Christ would not be captured or harmed. He did not see anything wrong with his behavior, and I'm sure  he was shocked to hear Christ tell him to put his weapon away and watch him heal the same man that was there to capture him.

There are plenty of instances where we intentionally or unintentionally cause harm to someone else through our own "swords", whether it's words, actions, or any other negative behavior. We wound those around us with the thought that we are making things right, when in reality, we don't understand the greater picture. Peter thought he was saving Christ by attacking Malchus, but he didn't understand that Christ had to submit to these men to fulfill his purpose. Peter's reaction caused Malchus extreme physical harm. It seems like Malchus was just a guy in the wrong place, at the wrong time, and suffered because of Peter's choice. Although he was negatively affected by Peter's actions, through Christ, he was able to experience the healing that he needed in way a that changed his life. We too can experience Christ's love and mercy. We can be forgiven when we harm others, and also experience the healing power of his atonement when others do us wrong as well.

It's important for each of us to acknowledge that we do not have the whole picture on anything AT ALL. We only have a limited perspective, and when we recognize that, we are able to step back and change our behavior. We will develop the capacity to reach outward, like Christ does, and put up our sword(s) into [our] sheath. That doesn't mean that we will not be required to stand up for ourselves on occasion- but it means that we will develop the ability to understand when to speak, and when not to speak. We will develop the ability to know when we need to defend ourselves and when we need to let things be. We will understand that we don't know everything about the people around us or what God may have in store. We will understand our own capability to act and not be acted upon.

I really really enjoyed this study today and hope you have a fantastic week!
Much love,
Emily

God's Gifts

After hearing about the passing of Elder Scott, I decided I wanted to read some wise words from one of my favorite general authorities. I sure do love the insights and love he shares whenever he speaks! I was scrolling through a number of his talks and the title that stuck out most to me was "Making the Right Choices." From what I gathered, this talk was aimed specifically at young men, mostly hitting on the importance of the Law of Chastity. Even thought I am definitely not the intended audience, I feel like I learned a ton- not just about the Law of Chastity specifically, but about how a lot of the principles he emphasized can apply to so many other areas of life as well. Love how that gospel connects erry where. Yes indeed. After reading this talk, I realized that it all connects because God loves us. He gave us each a body, this earth, commandments, and a savior- all because He loves us individually and wants us to become the best version of ourselves.

So real quick review, why is it important we live the Law of Chastity?

• Allows us to be part of bringing God's children to earth
• We help bring another human being to this planet. That is so much power and responsibility!! Seriously, I am amazed at how incredible it is that we have the capacity to create another human being. Wowzas
• Connects husband and wife emotionally, physically, spiritually
• Strengthens relationship with each other on each level
• Ties family together as a whole when practiced in a safe, respectful, and loving environment

What happens when we don't live this law or when someone else's disregard for it affects us?

• Emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual scarring can occur
• Fear can damage ability to have a healthy, proper relationship further down the road
• Our ability to feel the spirit diminishes as we embrace only feeding those emotions
• Sexual emotions and feelings are not bad. It is only negative when we allow them to dictate our behavior and our hearts with no control or regard to how it affects us and others in our lives
• Seek to individually understand your own personal boundaries and the boundaries God has set

Some of the PRINCIPLES (which apply to ANY area of life) that stuck out most to me were:

• Our relationship with God should always be first
• Improve relationship with God= improve relationship with everyone else
• "The more obedient you are...the more the Lord can help you overcome temptation"
• Temptation to turn away from God
• Temptation to give up when things are hard
• Temptation to look the other way when something is wrong
• Temptation to be passive
• Temptation to ignore other's pain/discomfort
• Temptation to willingly disobey
• Temptation to remain silent
• Temptation to give into fear
• He can help over come any, all , or even more of these temptations. What a guy
• Avoid compromising my beliefs to be accepted by others
• When your heart, head, and actions are not aligned, misery follows (based off personal experience, yo)
• When it comes to self destructive behavior, replacement is necessary
• Replace negative for a positive
• For example: Negative thoughts (I'm a bad person, I'm an idiot, I'll never get this right, so and so is so much smarter than me, I'm not good enough, smart enough, good looking enough, not witty enough, not cultured enough, I'm too loud, too spazzy, too stupid, I'm too slow at this, etc)
• Replace with Positive Thoughts (I made a mistake, but I will do better next time: That wasn't my best, but with more practice I'll get the hang of it: I don't understand it now, but with more time, it'll come: I am enough, etc)
• Keeping the commandments individually (like the law of chastity or any other commandment that involves controlling our mortal cravings and appetites) allows us to become
• More self compassionate, more self confident, more self reliant, more patient, understanding, etc.
• Allows us to practice those attributes to others (more forgiving, loving, respectful of others when we respect ourselves

"Consistent, willing obedience increases confidence and ability. It produces character and allows you to face difficult challenges and overcome them. It qualifies you to receive inspiration and power from the Lord."

I am so grateful for my study today. I feel like it really helped me connect the importance of keeping all of the commandments to the best of our ability- not just the ones we like or the ones we're already "good" at- but really seeking to understand the why behind the ones we may feel don't make as much sense to us. It all comes down to God's love for us as His children. We've each received a body from Him, with an unlimited capacity to impact the world around us. So many of the commandments help us care for our physical body, as well as for the spiritual aspect of ourselves.

I feel like I've taken these gifts for granted- 1. That I have a body and 2. That embracing the commandments more fully in my life will help me better care for my body. I've been a little grumpy (ok a lot grumpy) lately with a lot of different medical issues going on- from a continually worsening frozen shoulder (which creates a lot of pain in both shoulders and my neck), to migraines, constant fatigue, scoliosis, painful knees and neck, TMJ, and other issues- but when it all comes down to it, I am amazed by the wonderful body God has given me.

I am grateful for the chance I have to walk, run, dance, sing, laugh, cry, feel pain, feel joy, connect with others, paint, see, hear, touch, and truly enjoy my experience here on earth. I am grateful for my two legs that get me where I need to be, my feet that support me on all of my adventures, my hands that create, care, love, inspire, build, and feel the world around me. I am grateful that I can see with both my eyes, that I can hear with both my hears, that I can taste all the wonderful (and disgusting) foods there are to taste, that I can smell all the skunks, lawns, pine trees, pools, peppermint, apples, lavender, rosemary, rainstorms and plantains that I fancy. I am grateful for my ability to process my emotions, to empathize with others, to reflect on my own life, and express my inner workings through writing and painting. I am grateful for this body, my body.

I know that God made it for me and loves me, despite my weaknesses and imperfections, physically and emotionally. I know that I am so fortunate to have the body that I do. I don't want to take this gift for granted, and I want to be better at expressing my gratitude for it through the way I live on a day to daily basis. I know He shows us love for us in everything He does- giving us our bodies, sharing commandments with us to allow us to progress and be the best version of ourselves, and providing us with a savior for when we make mistakes and to enable us to become the best we can be. I want to SHOW God I am grateful for these gifts- not just tell Him. I want to show Him that I am grateful for His love and that I love Him through how I live. I know that I can do it as I try my best day by day with His help. 

I love you so so much and I am so glad for this study!

Much love,

Emmaline

Inner Ramblings

I feel kind of scattered today- but I hope something in what I share makes a beet of sense. I feel like this last year was an important way for me to learn the value of my own voice. I learned how to say no, how to say yes, how to bring up if I am uncomfortable, how to discuss my feelings as a whole and value my opinion, as well as the opinion of others. I feel like now that I've come to understand that more, it's time for me to learn the importance of not just telling, but showing how and what I feel. I feel it's important to not just tell God that I am willing to improve myself, but to show Him I really mean it. So here's a few questions:
How can I better align my actions with my words? How can I make lasting changes that will draw me closer to Him? And how can I treat others with this same respect and love? Telling AND showing. Show and tell, if you will.

"Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men." (Isaiah 29:13)

So where does it all start?

• Recognizing our love should always be directed at God first, then we will naturally love our fellow man
• Saying you want to change and actually putting those words into action are two different things
• Fear of man separates our heart from God
• Work on our relationship individually with Heavenly Father and Christ=all else follows
• Being grateful for our own circumstances allows us to have joy in the success of others

How do I SHOW God my love for Heavenly Father?
-TALKING with Him through prayer
-Taking time to read the scriptures
-Recording my day (drawing a picture or writing)
-Asking for help/receiving it
-Asking who I can help
-Gratitude- saying thank you to Him and everyone else around me
-Turning outward and looking for opportunities to serve - GIVING BACK

I think that is one that I want to work on-giving back. Or paying it forward. Whatever you want to call it. I get so wrapped up in school, work, and other areas of life that I forget to pay attention to my family, friends, and strangers around me that may need a little something extra, like a smile, someone to listen to them, or what not. I know more often than not, no matter how perfect or happy someone may appear, there is usually something else going on underneath the surface. I have learned that through my own trials, as well as observing friends and loved ones through out my life.

So what am I going to do with what God has taught me?
How am I going to show Him I love Him for all He has done for me and all He has helped me with? I feel focusing more on gratitude for what I have, for who is in my life, and paying it all forward is a great place to start.

Have I done any good in the world today?

Have I done any good in the world today? 
Have I helped anyone in need? 
Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad? 
If not I have failed indeed. 
Has anyone's burden been lighter today 
Because I was willing to share?
Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?
When they needed my help was I there?

Then wake up and do something more
Than dream of your mansions above

That just popped into my head- I feel like it adequately sums up what I'm feeling right now. If we humbly let God know that we are willing to serve, He will guide us to those who need our light and also guide us to those we need. I know that He is mindful of everything we are feeling and experiencing. I know that we all have the capacity to feel His love because each of us matters to Him. I know that as we show our love for God through our words and actions, we will be allowed to help others around us through their journeys. It's not just about us as individuals- it's about us all as individuals of the human family. We are here to help each other out and make this journey all the better for it.
I don't know if you've seen Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl at all (it is a beautiful movie, I highly recommend it!!) but I watched it again recently and loved so many of the messages it shared. One of my favorites was the transformation that takes place through service. I don't want to give too much of the movie away- so I'll just say that I was deeply moved by the role service played in the protagonist's life as the movie unfolds. I also loved that it stressed the importance of human connection. We can try all we want to numb ourselves through various methods in order to avoid pain and heartache- whether it's hiding behind humor, pretending like we don't care, keeping up appearances, or whatever our shield may be- but we are meant to be connected. And when we take the time to do so, yes, there will be times where it is so painful all we can do is run away, or react irrationally, but the changes that come from making deep, lasting, and loving connections is all worth it. Even if it only lasts for a short time.
I am so grateful for all that Heavenly Father has done for me in my life. I'm grateful for the people I've met, the experiences I've had, for the lessons He has taught me. I love you and hope you have a terrific Tuesday!

Much love,
Emily

Spirit Study

How do I deepen my own testimony of the gospel? Where am I right now? Am I comfortable? What can I do differently to draw closer to the spirit? How can I improve my relationship with God/Christ/others around me?

John 16 "For if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you." (7)

Christ was taught by the spirit. He in turn, understands that he is not the one to convert us to his gospel- the spirit is the one and only converter. Christ recognizes that even he, the greatest teacher (in human form) doesn't have the capacity to reach everyone. We have to be willing to receive the spirit and what it wants to share with us. We must be willing to let the spirit into our hearts in order for it to communicate with us fully and effectively.

How does the spirit teach?
Let's take a look at one example in 1 Nephi 11:
Interactive learning- the spirit tells Nephi to look and observe serveral times (verses 8,12, etc)
Asks questions "Nephi, what beholdest thou?" (verses 2,4,10,14,16, etc)
Enables the learner to teach (as part of the question technique)
Allows us to act rather than be acted upon. Pretty great guy if you ask me

Christ recognizes this is the best way to invite people to learn of his gospel. That's why he teaches in parables and has us read, pray, attend church, the temple, etc. It is all about helping each of us learn on our own level.

"Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name, he will give it unto you." (John 16:23)
"Ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full."

These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

So if I want to know how I can better my relationship with God and Christ, I need to:

• Take time to think about what it is I want to learn
• Write down any questions or thoughts I have (writing helps me remember)
• Ask specific questions through prayer
• STUDY the scriptures
• Take notes
• Write down ideas and impressions as I get them
• Stop and think instead of just plowing through
• Think about my questions throughout the day
• Ask other people their insights on the matter
• Pay attention in church and at the temple

There are so many different ways that we are taught by the spirit- find what works for you! What might prevent someone from receiving answers through the spirit/block someone from developing a closer relationship with God and Christ?

• Shame from mistakes
• Embarrassment for not knowing already
• Not believing an answer will come
• Being afraid of the answer
• Being afraid you already know the answer, but it's not the one you want
• Laziness
• Don't know what to do
• Not feeling worthy enough/inadequate  

Improving my relationship with God and Christ through the spirit will help my own personal life, as well as those around me. Lift where I stand and allow the spirit to become an even larger part of my life. A brief, but powerful study today. I am excited to apply what I am learning and hope you have a wonderful week!

Emily

All Enlisted

     The sun is setting over the Nephite city of Judea, bringing to a close another long, exhausting, and discouraging day for the soldiers of Antipus. I can imagine them wilting at their stations along the city walls, their strength giving out but their eyes holding steady, determinedly, to the horizon where at any moment another attack may advance. Their numbers are dwindling day by the day because of the loss of so many of their brethren at the hands of the Lamanite army, and despite their determination, they know that they will not be able to hold out much longer. Most likely, they are all going to die. They know this. For the past several months they have been watching their friends, brothers, fathers, cousins and uncles fall before their eyes and now the groans of the injured being cared for in the city, as well as the cries of widows, join the crickets to make the mournful lullaby of night. Perhaps the thought enters their minds: Was it all for nothing?

"Yea, and they were depressed in body as well as in spirit, for they had fought valiantly by day and toiled by night to maintain their cities... And now they were determined to conquer in this place or die." - Alma 56:16,17

    Why would they stay in that place when all hope seemed to have gone? When it must have appeared as though God Himself had abandoned them? Why didn't the natural instinct of self preservation kick in and send them running for the hills, or at least to another Nephite stronghold where their meager forces might stand a chance alongside a stronger army? What was so important to them that it would keep them "determined to conquer in this place or die"? When I imagine how terrifying it must be to be beyond exhaustion, depressed in body and spirit, having witnessed the death of so many I loved, knowing that I am very likely to meet the same horrifying fate within the next few days, I can't help but wonder: is there anything I would be willing to fight so valiantly and die for?

"Nevertheless, the Nephites were inspired by a better cause, for they were not fighting for monarchy nor power but they were fighting for their homes and their liberties, their wives and their children, and their all, yea, for their rites of worship and their church. And they were doing that which they felt was the duty which they owed to their God; for the Lord had said unto them, and also unto their fathers, that: Inasmuch as ye are not guilty of the first offense, neither the second, ye shall not suffer yourselves to be slain by the hands of your enemies. And again, the Lord has said that: Ye shall defend your families even unto bloodshed. Therefore for this cause were the Nephites contending with the Lamanites, to defend themselves, and their families, and their lands, their country, and their rights, and their religion." - Alma 43:45-47

     It was for these same reasons that Captain Moroni, in chapter 46, rent his coat, wrote on it, fastened it to a pole like a flag, and then rode through the city on his horse, waving it through the air as he called for everyone to join him, "In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children."

     In fact, the Nephites fought so valiantly to protect these things-- their families, their religion, their lands and their freedom-- that even their enemies came to call it the "Cause of the Christians". The army of Antipus held this cause so deeply in their hearts that they were ready to die for it, if need be. I wonder if they questioned why the Lord did not deliver them, or send chariots of fire to assist them in defending so noble a cause. Perhaps they recognized that some are called to be martyrs, such as Abinadi, or so many of their fallen comrades. Though they were depressed in spirit, I wonder if they still held out any hope for victory. Let's get back to them and see how they fare.

     Just at the moment when the end seems to be drawing near, the soldiers of Antipus spy movement in the distance. Their muscles tense in anticipation of another attack. They shout out to one another to prepare. They brace themselves for whatever may come, trying to find within themselves the will to fight. They can feel that what little energy they have left won't be enough. They pray for strength, though so many prayers seem to have gone unheard. And then, like the herald of an angel comes the cry, "It is Helaman! Help has come!"
     Over the hills march a glorious, shining army of 2,000 stripling warriors led by the son of Alma. It is a small band, to be sure, but they appear to be mighty angels in the eyes of Antipus and his men. They are young-- many of them hardly old enough to use a sword-- and they are inexperienced in the ways of battle, but their faith is fresh and bright. They are like warm sunlight and water on the depressed souls they have come to help. Helaman would later write to Moroni, "this little force which I brought with me, yea, those sons of mine, gave [the army of Antipus] great hopes and much joy."- verse 17

   I don't know if it was really sunset when Helaman's army arrived, or even if any of Antipus' men would have recognized him or known who he was. I just like to imagine these things as dramatically as possible, to fully immerse myself in the story. These trifling details aside, the story is still the same. Sometimes in life we get to be the stripling warriors, coming to the aid of others. Sometimes, though, we're like the men of Antipus who struggle to maintain a hopeful, faithful attitude while everything seems to be going wrong and our prayers seem to be going unheard. For me, it can be hard during those times  to remember what is really important or why I'm holding on at all. There are so many things vying for our attention these days, each claiming to be important. As I read through this chapter in the Book of Mormon and asked myself, "What would I be willing to die for?" it came down to two things: my family, and my faith.

     The Cause of the Christians is under attack today every bit as much as it was back then, though it isn't as obvious as a half-naked, face-painted-in-blood, obsidian-sword-wielding Lamanite army marching on our cities. It comes in the subtle form of political correctness, of spirit-numbing entertainment, of "philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men" (Col. 2:8), and "the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive." (Eph. 4:5) It comes under the guise of liberating women from the supposed slave-like labor of rearing children and the glorification of worldly success. It comes in accepting the lusts of the natural man as "normal" and even "healthy".

     If ever there was a cause worth defending to your last breath, it is the one cause that brings true, lasting, eternal joy: the cause of eternal families and the freedom to raise them right.

    Whatever fight we are waging now, be it familial or personal, we can take courage from the faithful attitude of the 2,000 stripling warriors:

     "...Behold, our God is with us, and He will not suffer that we should fall; then let us go forth." - Alma 56:46

Commandments and the Feels

Why do we keep the commandments?

Law of tithing, law of chastity, word of wisdom, prayer, reading scriptures, keeping the sabbath day holy, etc.

"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." John 15: 10,11

Christ tells us what the commandments are and that if we live by them, as intended, not just as a to do list, the joy of the gospel, the light of Christ will more fully be present within us. What does that mean to me?

I feel like joy is far greater and far deeper than just happiness. Happiness to me is simply being satisfied with the moment, but allowing other emotions to take over at a moment's notice. Happiness to me is a surface emotion. But joy on the other hand, is something far greater. It doesn't mean that you are smiling all the time, like I picture when I hear the word happy. Joy indicates gratitude, serenity, peace, and overall acceptance of your life regardless of your surrounding circumstances. Despite all the crazy things that happen to us all, when we are joyful, we are grateful for what we have and who we have in our lives, no matter how much or how little that may be. We have the capacity to express that gratitude to others around us even if we are struggling. Christ's joy enables him to feel with others. It allows him to connect with the people around him, whether it's lifting them up when they are struggling, crying with them, teaching them, correcting them, or just being with them in a positive way.
The joy of the gospel enables us to live whole heartedly (if you haven't noticed, I am quite obsessed with Brene Brown, so if you want to look more into whole hearted living, check out her book, "Daring Greatly"!!). We are able to experience all life has to offer us. We will still feel sorrow, pain, anger, disappointment, fear- the whole spectrum of emotions- but that doesn't mean we are doing anything wrong. We are living. Our joy is full when we embrace all aspects of the gospel, like living the commandments with an honest heart. Does that mean we'll be perfect? Heck no! We're going to make mistakes over and over and over and over and over! But with Christ's help, we have the power to gradually change over time (or even instantly, depending on the situation). Honestly, anything is possible. Some habits will be easier to change than others, but that doesn't mean we should give up when it's taking a little longer.

I know there are a lot of changes I need to make and some readjusting in my own life in order to get to where I want to be, but I know I am making progress one day at a time. I love my mistakes. I love where I am, where I've been, and where I'm going. I love that Christ will continue to help me as I live whole heartedly, no matter how many times I stumble.And I love that with Christ's help, I can be grateful for any circumstance. I can dance in the rain, as well as in the sunshine. I can appreciate the best as well as the hardest of times. I hope all is well with you and that you have a lovely week!

Lessons from the Law of Tithing

A lot of crazy stuff has been happening as of late. And holy canolis, I am learning a ton. Yes indeed. For one thing, I am learning just how important it is to be grateful in any circumstance. Gratitude has the power to transform our mindset from "why me" or "everything is awful and hard" to helping us see the wonderful people, skills, opportunities and surroundings that we already have. Another thing that I am learning again and again is the important of living within my means- not just financially, but it many other areas of life as well. I feel like if we start with gratitude for the things we have (while still maintaining a vision of where we'd like to get to), we will be more able to appreciate what we've already got, and in turn use what we have to its fullest. If we don't take care of what (or who) we already have in our lives, how are we going to manage more if and when it comes?

Choose to be grateful now. Choose to appreciate now and not get stuck in waiting for something else to make us satisfied with our lives.

I'll just jot down some thoughts and notes from Elder Bednar's, "Windows of Heaven" talk from October of 2013.

Principles of the law of tithing:
*Living within your means
*Living and maintaining life on a budget (prioritizing people, time, activities, etc)
*Gratitude
*Allowing others to serve as well as serving
*Bringing it all back to God

Significant but subtle blessings (may not initially notice)
Malachi: prove the Lord, live the law, the windows of heaven will be opened so there won't even be any room to receive them blessings

1 Corinthians 2:14 "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

Dictionary: Discern: perceive or recognize, distinguish, detect, notice, observe, see

Windows allow natural light into a building (patterns of light) gradual, sudden, etc

(Ether 12:19) "Saw with their eyes the things which they had beheld with an eye of faith..."
Eyes of faith= faith is not a perfect knowledge, so eyes of faith indicate ability to move forward with hope, vision, and diligence even without knowing the outcome (believing the outcome is attainable)
 ACT and change our circumstances rather than be acted upon

Do more with less
Prioritize and simplify
Take care of what I have already acquired

What have I already acquired?
-Great family- mom and dad want the best for me
-supportive family and friends
-Really great ward
-two hands, all ten fingers, two eyes to see all the people, mountains, rain, trees, leaves, clouds, grass, reds, blues, yellows, greens, ears to listen to music, laughter, voices, hair, a beautiful face, lovely voice to sing with- so much for to be grateful for!

"The blessing that comes to us through the Heavenly windows may be greater capacity to change our own circumstances rather than expecting our circumstances to be changed by someone or something else."

Armies of Helaman- granted power to defeat enemy despite small numbers
-ask for success--> granted physical and mental stamina

Record daily
Write down God's hand in my life. Acknowledge His mercy, His blessings, and all He does through prayer, openly communicate with Him. Write down thoughts and impressions. ACT on them.

Those are just some thoughts that came into my mind as I read this talk. I'm really grateful for the chance I have to start fresh each day. I'm grateful that I have so many wonderful people in my life that are willing to help me out when I need it. I'm grateful for the capacity I'm developing to reach out to others as I work through my own struggles and issues one day at a time. I know that Heavenly Father and Christ are there with us as we learn on our individual journeys every day. I want to be better at taking time to notice all the wonderful things in my life. I am grateful to be here. I hope you have a great day!

Emily

Geraniums, Vines, and the Gospel of Christ

I had time to jot down some thoughts and impressions from my reading today in John 15, so my writing may not be super connected this day. Hope you still enjoy :)

Christ is the vine, Heavenly Father is the husbandman (gardener) (John 15:1)
-Christ connects us to the Father, we are branches off of Him, he is the source of life, nourishment, survival.
-The Father is the master gardener. Christ acts through direction from our Father

Every branch that beareth not fruit, he taketh away (2)
If we are not living up to our purpose and out full potential, our talents are taken away, we are unable to live up to our divine potential. There is no use for a branch that doesn't fulfill it's purpose. There is no use for a branch when it is barren- it might corrupt the rest of the tree.

And every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. (2)

Even when we do bear fruit, that is not enough. God wants us to produce GOOD fruit. Would you eat rotten fruit straight from the source? No. You want it to be ripe, to be healthy, otherwise it'll make you sick. So even the best of us, producing fruit, no matter what kind, needs to be purified, pruned, and adjusted so we can bring for better fruit, and more of it as well. It's just like gardening- there is a process called dead heading with geraniums. When the flowers on a geranium bloom, it only takes a couple of days for the flower to reach its full cycle, and soon it will start wilting. In order for the geranium to continue producing more buds and remain alive, these wilted pieces need to be cut off as soon as possible. If left unattended, the geranium will expend precious time and energy in trying to maintain those parts of itself that are already dead. This energy, which should be focused on new aspects of itself ends up slowing draining the geranium, and eventually leading to it premature extinction.

"Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing...
...If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you." (John 15: 4,5, 7)

We all have weaknesses, imperfections, and different aspects of ourselves we need to work on. Even we are doing our best at living the gospel- and giving it our all in other areas of life- there will always be something we need to improve on. There will always be room for progress. And that's not a bad thing at all. There are times I feel daunted, overwhelmed, scared, and downright discouraged- but I feel overall it is a beautiful thing that we are not stagnant creatures- but dynamic, ever shifting agents. We are the protagonists of our own story. Does a gardener become angry with a flower, a tree, a vegetable, or any of their other plants when it is growing? No. The gardener understands what needs to be done for each individual plant. Each plant has it's own requirements for what it needs to grow- but the principles remain the same for each one- consistency in watering, fertile soil, enough sunlight appropriate for said plant, and making sure that any dead weight or wilting aspects of the plant are removed so that it does not inhibit future growth.

God knows what type of plant we are- be it a geranium, a shrub, an apple tree, a succulent, or a rosebush. He knows what type of pruning and deadheading we need in order for us to fully bloom and reach our divine potential. Do we recognize the aspects that need "deadheading" in our own lives? Do we recognize the areas that are keeping us from progressing and producing more fruit (or flowers, whatever you may be)? When we do, it will allow us to come closer to Christ and to our Heavenly Father, and by coming closer to them, we are able to become our best selves. When we rely on Christ to cast away our burdens, weaknesses, imperfections, and wilted pieces of ourselves, he promises we will receive new life and strength from him, and the ability to overcome absolutely anything.

What areas in your life can you think of that need deadheading? Think on it. And have a lovely week! Thanks for all you do!

Emily