In the Topical Guide in the Bible I looked up perfection and it says to see also whole. Last summer I had an experience in sacrament meeting that consumed my thoughts, feelings, and whole being. It was one of those days where I was feeling overwhelmed with life. I wasn't feeling perfect in anything, not even close. I wasn't really even feeling like I was progressing. So there I was, sitting in another sacrament meeting.
I was feeling really down. The story of the little boy at the dike came into my mind. I thought about that. I felt like the little boy that was trying the stop the dam from breaking and I had run out of fingers. In my mind, I cried out, "I can't stop the water". At that moment, I opened my eyes and the bread tray was in front of me. These words flooded my mind, "You're right, you can't stop the water, but I can." It was right there in front of me for the taking. As I partook of the sacrament that day the bread and water seemed to go throughout my whole body-- filling any cracks--filling me up--literally making me whole. I felt truly perfected in Him. This was a pivotal experience for me and set in motion a spiritual rebirth in me that has brought about many miracles in my life.
In sacrament meeting today, the Beckstead's spoke about Easter. I loved it. We are perfected in and through Jesus because of Easter. Brother Beckstead reminded us that we are able to be perfect at any moment, any time if the Savior is our partner. We do not need to be perfect to access the atonement. We are worthy right now-- because we are unworthy. Satan would have us prolong going to the Savior and accessing The Atonement-- tricking us into thinking that we should be strong enough to do it alone. Jesus said, "They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick [do]." Matt. 9:12.
I watched the church video, "Faith in God" this past week. I could not watch without feeling overwhelming gratitude and love for the Savior. My admiration grows each day for the Lord-- I am the lost lamb. He loves me. I will follow Him always and forever. I am perfect in Him. Happy, Happy Easter!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Bad Habits
We all have them. What is the best way to get rid of a bad habit? I found a great answer in my scripture study. In 2 Nephi 30:5,6 it says, "And the gospel of Jesus Christ shall be declared among them; wherefore, they shall be restored unto a knowledge of their fathers, and also to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, which was had among their fathers. And then shall they rejoice; for they shall know that it is a blessing unto them from the hand of God; and their scales of darkness shall begin to fall from their eyes; and many generations shall not pass away among them, save they shall be a pure and a delightsome people." I love this!
"Knowledge of fathers"= knowing the scriptures, where we came from, why we are here and where we are going.
"Knowlege of Jesus Christ"= we can learn of Jesus Christ by reading His words, knowing the doctrine and then acting upon that knowledge and become what He would have us be by trusting Him and doing what he has asked.
Once we desire these things (knowledge of fathers and Christ) and we are truly seeking Him each day, each moment, we will begin to loose the desire for (bad habits). Our "scales of darkness shall begin to fall" the more we come to know, love and live like the Savior. I know this process works, for I have put it to the test. I have a long way to go, but I know the formula. It is a formula for success. The goal is to become (and I love that word-- see recent conference talk "What Manner of Men and Women Ought Ye to Be") a pure and delightsome people. Why? Because becoming what God intended is the only way to lasting happiness. The Book of Mormon tells us that "delightsome people" come to a knowledge of God and the redemption of Christ. (WofM 1:8) Knowledge must lead to action that proves our descipleship. In the D&C we are told that "delightsome people" "flourish in the wilderness and blossom as the rose". This means that regardless of our circumstances, we have the ability to succeed in the things of the Lord. No matter how "wild and savage we may be or seem"(bad habits we have accumulated), we can convert to the gospel-- living it as best we can--and become perfected in and through Him. This is one of life's purposes: to chip away at our rough spots, shed the scales of darkness, become polished-- refined. It doesn't matter how long it takes us to get there, just that we desire it and are moving in the right direction.
Traveling together makes the journey better. The Lord planned it that way. I love encouragement in my journey. I'm cheering and praying for ya'll too. Have a great day-- whatever comes your way!
"Knowledge of fathers"= knowing the scriptures, where we came from, why we are here and where we are going.
"Knowlege of Jesus Christ"= we can learn of Jesus Christ by reading His words, knowing the doctrine and then acting upon that knowledge and become what He would have us be by trusting Him and doing what he has asked.
Once we desire these things (knowledge of fathers and Christ) and we are truly seeking Him each day, each moment, we will begin to loose the desire for (bad habits). Our "scales of darkness shall begin to fall" the more we come to know, love and live like the Savior. I know this process works, for I have put it to the test. I have a long way to go, but I know the formula. It is a formula for success. The goal is to become (and I love that word-- see recent conference talk "What Manner of Men and Women Ought Ye to Be") a pure and delightsome people. Why? Because becoming what God intended is the only way to lasting happiness. The Book of Mormon tells us that "delightsome people" come to a knowledge of God and the redemption of Christ. (WofM 1:8) Knowledge must lead to action that proves our descipleship. In the D&C we are told that "delightsome people" "flourish in the wilderness and blossom as the rose". This means that regardless of our circumstances, we have the ability to succeed in the things of the Lord. No matter how "wild and savage we may be or seem"(bad habits we have accumulated), we can convert to the gospel-- living it as best we can--and become perfected in and through Him. This is one of life's purposes: to chip away at our rough spots, shed the scales of darkness, become polished-- refined. It doesn't matter how long it takes us to get there, just that we desire it and are moving in the right direction.
Traveling together makes the journey better. The Lord planned it that way. I love encouragement in my journey. I'm cheering and praying for ya'll too. Have a great day-- whatever comes your way!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Love Your Choice
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| Choose Your Love... |
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| and love your choice. |
Adam and I are coming up on our 17th Anniversary. We have been married about half of my life. We have shared many wonderful moments and many not so wonderful moments. Many times I look back at my life and think, "Wow, life hasn't really turned out like I had imagined it." then I think, "Wow, I am so glad that life didn't turn out the way I had imagined it!" The Lord knows what he is doing. I'm so grateful for my husband and that Heavenly Father led me to him. I love him more today than ever and I know that our love will continue to grow. It's like a flower garden. It takes time, effort, work, planning, and the results are overwhelmingly beautiful.
Adam and I really enjoyed General Conference last week. One of our favorite quotes was from the priesthood session. "Choose your love and love your choice." I love my choice. How could I not when I am privileged to spend my days and night with a man that adores me, forgives me, listens to me, shares things with me, honors me. The best is yet to be. In 17 short years we have added seven wonderful people to our home. In the years to come many more wonderful people will join our family circle:
in-laws, grandchildren ... I look forward to these years of rejoicing and it all started in 1994.
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| Honeymoon |
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| Not Just a Kiss |
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| Happily Everafter |
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