The Impact of Example

How important is an example? In most things we do, we do them because we’re following the example of someone else. Someone else taught us how to do that thing. Sometimes, we follow their example and they don’t even know it. Examples are important and they have an impact in our way of live just as much as our example impacts someone else way of life.

Being a good example to those around us, especially as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, can influence how someone feels about us and ultimately what we say we believe. By our example, we can bring people closer to Christ. Through our example, they will not see us but they will see our Savoir. In 1 Corinthians 4:16, Paul says to the people of Corinth to “be ye followers of me.” We are taught in our study manual that Paul did not say this because he wanted them to be just like himself. He was an apostle, a representative of Christ. He was asking them to follow his example of trying to be like Christ. By following the prophet and apostles, not only through their words but also by the way they live, we will be following Christ.

In 1 Corinthians 4:2, the servants are required to be faithful. As I pondered on what it meant to be faithful, I glanced at the footnote below and it directed me to the Topical Guide to trustworthiness. As I looked over the verses included there with their summaries, this is what I found:

• We must keep the way of the Lord. Christ showed us the way and it’s up to us to learn it and live it.
• Commit all we have and all that we are to the building up of the kingdom of God.
• Be diligent in our responsibilities; home, community, and church.
• Obey and observe what we are taught from the scriptures and for our living prophet and apostles.

We are taught the gospel, we read the gospel, and we listen to gospel direction from a living prophet of God. But it is not enough to know the gospel. In Alma 39:12, is says, “Command thy children to do good, lest they lead away the hearts of many people to destruction.” Our example, good or bad, can have in impact on the lives of many other people. People will watch what we do and they will do what we do whether we want them to or not. By living righteously, we can show people the way to be happy. If we live in sin, we will be showing them how to be miserable and we will be held responsible for our example.

In conclusion, I know that our actions do speak louder than our words. If we say we follow Christ, then our actions need to be accordingly. As we do good and are good examples to other, we will be seen as trustworthy, faithful people. In 3 Nephi 8, the Nephites are reading their records and watching for the signs of Christ death and resurrection. They know the time is coming for great things to happen. In 3 Nephi 8:1 it says that they know the record in which they are reading are true because of the man who wrote them was a just and true man. It goes on to say that they knew this not by the words in which he spoke to them but by his actions, by the miracles he performed, because they knew that he had the power of God with him. They also knew that no man could have the power of God unless he was a good man. The same goes for us, we are good in all that we say and do, we too can draw on the power of God. We can be the example to those around us of happiness and peace in a world of chaos and trials. We can help others know Christ just by the way we are.

Counsel for Members (1 Thessalonians 3-5; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-6, 11)

As Paul ministered to the Church during his missions, he grew to love the people and showed them how they should live the gospel. Later, he wrote letters and reminded them of the attributes to improve upon in the lives. The list below is what I was able to come up with but I am sure there are more:

• Have a love of God and learn to do His will.
• Love one another, edify one another, be patient, and do good to all men.
• Keep the commandments.
• Know and live by the example given by church leaders.
• Pray for our leaders and don’t talk bad about those called to do the work. 
• Abstain from sexual sin and avoid all evil. Separate from those things that are evil. Pray for protection from evil. 
• Be honest to all men and in all things. Even if our untruth is never found out, God knows all.
• Learn and develop talents and skills.
• Learn the value of work and develop the love of work.
• Watch and prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Be patient in the waiting.
• Share the gospel and pray for missionary work.
• Rejoice always.
• Pray always.
• Show gratitude in all things.
• Deny not the Holy Ghost.
• Build testimony of and hold fast to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

·         As I look at this list, and even though it was for the members of Paul’s time, I see things that I do well but many others that I still need some work on. These things are just as applicable to our times as they were of Paul’s time. Of the things I need to work on, the three I want develop and continue to work on are to rejoice always, pray always, and to develop talents and skills.

Many of my friends would probably tell you that I already rejoice always. To me, rejoice always is being positive and always finding good in things. For me, this is an everyday choice. Many years ago, I learned that happiness is not something that happens to you, it is something you choose. Only you can allow something to bring you down and make you miserable. Since that lesson learned, I make it a matter of prayer to always see the good and be happy regardless of what stress I feel. Some days, those prayers are much more constant than others.

This brings me to my next attribute that is a constant thing for me, to pray always. I know that speaking to my Heavenly Father is a good thing and I do take many opportunities throughout the day to say quick little ones here and there but I have always found it hard to get on my knees and pour our my heart in prayer every morning and evening. To seek His strength and guidance through the day and then to return and report in the evening, expressing gratitude for all that He has done for during that day. I commit to making this a habit because I know the strength that comes from daily communication with my Heavenly Father. As I make this a goal for my life, it can only give me more strength to endure the weight of the day.

My last attribute is one that I have already started to do and that is to develop talents and skills. Heavenly Father has asked us to increase our knowledge and never stop learning. As I have tried to pursue this in my adult life, I have felt guided and prepared for many things in my life. When I connected with the BYU Idaho Pathways program over a year ago, I knew this was an answer to my prayers about finishing a degree. I don’t know what the future holds for me but I do know that I will do everything I can to never stop learning and to always seek opportunities to share the knowledge Heavenly Father has blessed me with.

I know that I am not perfect nor will I ever be, but I can always strive to improve. In Paul’s teachings to the Thessalonians, are many things in which for me to work on. I know that as I continually work on myself, that it can only bring blessings and bring me closer to my Heavenly Father.

Acts 13 - 14 Paul's First Mission

This week I learned about Paul's first mission. We can learn a lot from this apostles experiences and we can draw strength from what he taught as he made his way trying to convert others to Christ's teachings. As you see from the map above, he started in Seleucia moving on to Salamis on the island of Cyprus. After Salamis, they went into Paphos where they met with a sorcerer and another man. This other man, Sergius Paulus, desired to be taught the word of God but the sorcerer tried to prevent him form hearing what Paul and his companion, Barnabus, were teaching. Paul, being filled with the Holy Ghost, cause the sorcerer to be blind because he was preventing the gospel from being taught to Sergious Paulus.

Up to this point, they had another apostle traveling with them who was John. After leaving Paphos, the when into Perga when John left them to return to Jerusalem. They moved on into Antioch and set to work teaching in the synagogue. As they taught, they testified of Christ and all that He had done on their behalf. Once they finished teaching in the synagogues, the Gentiles asked to be taught as well on the next week. When the Jew saw that the apostles were teaching the Gentiles as well as the Jews, the Jews become upset but Paul let them know that the gospel is for all who will listen and believe. The Jews were not happy and kicked Paul and Barnabus out of their city. 

In Iconium, things seemed to be getting worse. The Jews begin to stir up trouble wherever Paul and Barnabus went. The good thing here was that they were aware of the plans the Jews had for them and were able to leave, moving on into Lystra and Derbe, where they were able to teach and perform miracles. 

One such miracle was that of a man who was born crippled and unable to walk. Because Paul could feel the faith of this man, commanded the man to arise and walk. Upon hearing Paul, the man not only got up and walked but he leaped.

 

I can only imagine the joy and gratitude this man had but his action of "leaping" when the apostle told him he was healed shows me that I must always show my gratitude for the blessings Heavenly Father has given to me, especially through my faith.

Upon seeing this miracle, the people starting calling Paul and Barnabus gods, praising them, and trying to make sacrifices unto them. Both Paul and Barnabas were not happy with this praise and they stopped the people in their praises, telling them that they were men just like them. All their works, like the healing of this man, were done through the power in which they were given but that all glory and praise were to go to Heavenly Father. Without all that God has given us, we are nothing and is there for us in all things, in all places, and at all times.

By this point, another group of Jews caught up with Paul and Barnabus and began to persecute them once again but their work was not done. They were able to escape and preceed to teach many people as they returned back through the city in which they came and returned to Anitoch. As they made their way back, they went "Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." (Acts 14:22)

The tribulation that Paul and Barnabus faced was great (Paul being stoned and thought to be dead but stood up and walked away) but they did continue in faith, doing the work Heavenly Father wanted of them. We can do no less in what we are called to do. Our work may be hard and, at some points, we may feel like rocks are falling down around our heads but it is through our faith in Heavenly Father that we will receive the strength we need to carry on with the work He would have us do. If we feel discouraged or lost, we are taught that through prayer and fasting, we can find our way again. We can also get a blessing from a priesthood leader who will give us direct words from our Heavenly Father for our help in knowing how to reconnect ourselves. This life is not easy and the work we are called to do is not easy but we are not alone. Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to turn to Him in all that we do. Paul and Barnabus are great examples of heeding the call to work in His kingdom and to bring others to the gospel. Through their example, I know that I can do the work. Through my faith, I can receive the strength I need to do what He would have me do and if, for some reason, I forget what I'm suppose to be doing, by praying, fasting, and if needed, a blessing can help me reconnect myself to the Spirit and continue in the work.

New Testament Class (Part 2)

I am back in a New Testament class and am again being asked to do a Student Choice Assignment. As you probably have guess, I'm going to use the blog again. So here's my first post.

The Martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 6:6-8, 7:51-60)

Stephen was a man chosen with six other men by the people to help assistant the Twelve Apostles in the work of sharing the gospel after Christ returned back to our Heavenly Father. Stephen was a man of great faith and filled with the power of the Holy Ghost. Because of his faith and the power of the Holy Ghost he was able to do many "great wonders and miracles among the people." (See Acts 6:6-8)

Just as they angry about the popularity Christ received through His miracles and teachings, the Jewish leaders were angry with Stephen and brought him to trial with many false witnesses against him. Even in the face of persecution, Stephen held firm to his faith and bore testimony of the divinity and mission of Christ. As he bore testimony, the heavens were opened and he was allowed to see the glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God (see Acts 7:55). He then testified of what he saw. This made the Jewish leaders even madder and they cast him out of the city and stoned him to death. 

Stephen's experience is very much like that of Abinadi whose story is found in The Book of Mormon in Mosiah chapters 10-12. Abanidi was asked to teach the people of King Noah about Christ and to preach repentance because the people had grown very wicked under the role of King Noah who was not a good person himself. Because King Noah and many of his people didn't like being told to repent and change their ways, they brought Abinadi to trail. They told him that if he would take back his testimony of Christ, they would let him live. No matter what he might face, Abinadi refused and continued to teach and testify of Christ, even to his last breath. 

Through both of the stories, I have learned that I must not be afraid to share my testimony with whomever Heavenly Father asks me to share it with. No matter what can be done to me, my testimony is what will allow me to see Heavenly Father again and to be in His presence along with my Savior. He is my strength in all that I face. Also, any amount of persecution we face is worth it if we are able to touch the heart of at least one person and help them to know of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Though I may never be asked to give my life for my testimony, my dedication to it should be the same.

The Holy Ghost

As an eight year old girl getting baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I don't think I had any idea what it meant to have the Holy Ghost with me and why it was important. I could tell you what I had learned from being raised in the gospel and attending Primary classes but I don't think I truly knew what it meant until I was older and I learned to listen and recognize the Spirit's promptings in my life.

Over the years, I have come to know that as I keep the commandments and strive to always do what is right, I will remain worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost and he will always abide with me. He will help me know right from wrong and even help me know what I should do. When I was a teenager and employed, I began to feel like I could have anything in the world with the money I was earning. On one such day, I was looking at a magazine and found an ad for a product in which I wanted to buy and I was excited. I set the ad aside to look at again later and picked up my scriptures for that days reading for my seminary class. As I read in The Book of Mormon, I came across a scripture in 2 Nephi 9 that talked about not spending money something that was of no worth. At that very moment, I felt instantly that my Heavenly Father was telling my through a prompting of the Holy Ghost not to waste my money on something in which did not matter or would not bring me any satisfaction.

The Holy Ghost will teach us in all things and bring those things back to our remembrance when they are most needed. In the last few months or years, I have come to know this applies to our spiritual learning as well as our worldly pursuits.  Being in college later in life, I have come to rely on the Holy Ghost in my studies and then to help me recall the information I have learned. It seems like a miracle every time this happens but I know that Heavenly Father truly knows me and as I learn to trust Him, He helps me found the answer through the Holy Ghost.

The greatest of all testifier of Christ and Heavenly Father is the Holy Ghost. Through his power and touch, we will come to know Christ and Heavenly Father. We will know of the truth of their words and of their love for us. The Holy Ghost will help us see the will of the Lord. He will also help us live to our full potential if we let him and live the teachings of Christ. Through our trust, faith, and obedience, the Holy Ghost will be a constant companion as well as protect and shield us from the attacks of Satan and all his workers.

Christ knew that men would need someone in teach us when He was no longer on the earth to help teach and be a comforter after he was crucified. Through the Holy Ghost, who is the great testifier. Through his power, we can know and feel the truth of all things. Through his promptings we can feel the stir of a testimony or the spark to share what we know to be true. One thing I have also come to learn about the Holy Ghost is that he speaks to each of us differently and that is because we all listen differently. Some can listen to the spoken work and through the reading of some scripture passage and feel the promptings of the spirit. Others are drawn to visual truths. And yet others respond to musical notes played or sang. Music has always been that way for me. I have many a song I have listened to over the years that have moved me in one way or another.

I know the Holy Ghost is real. I know he works in harmony with Heavenly Father and Christ in such a way that will call us back from the deepest, darkest hole we could every bury ourselves into. We have to ready and willing to accept whatever Heavenly Father has ready for us. Through the power of the Holy Ghost, we can move mountains and I know it is true.

The Savior Anointed

In reading over our choice options on the assignment, I chose the subject found in Matthew 14:3-9 where woman comes to Christ and anoints Him with very expense oil. It was not a straight forward assignment like the others would have been and I chose this one because it forced me to study it out to find the answers. I am gratitude for opportunities like these that encourage me to stretch beyond the knowledge I already have and to obtain more through Spiritual guidance and words from our modern day prophets and apostles.

In this scriptural account, we learn that the woman anointed Christ with oil that was very expensive. Christ disciples recognize the cost of this oil and thought it was unwise for anointing and would have rather seen the woman sell it and give to the poor. They missed the significance of what this woman was doing in the worship and respect for Jesus. It was through this act, that she showed us that we must give our best efforts as we worship and respect Christ. If we are to give of our substance to those around us, we should give as if we were giving them to Christ Himself because in Matthew 25:40 we are reminded when we give to those around us, we are giving unto God. He knows our hearts and out intentions. If we give of ourselves and of our things, it must be with a pure intent.

In this account, we can also look to Christ for an example as the receiver of the gift this woman gave. In a talk given by President Dieter F. Ucthdorf at the Christmas Devotional for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in December 2012, he reminded us that the Savior knew of the love and devotion that this woman was giving that was symbolized by the anointing of the oil on His head. He accepted her gift, rebuked his disciples for getting after her for what they thought was wasteful, and recognized the gift as love. A gift given to us in love needs to be received as such. Not to be dismissed or set aside. Just as we must give our best to show love and respect to those we give, we must also accept in the same spirit knowing that the giver is giving with love and respect to you.

At Christmas, gifts are being received and given. President Ucthdorf reminds us to be the receiver Christ has shown us to be; and from the scriptures, the woman has shown us the giver Christ wants us to be. As I think about the list of gifts I will be giving this holiday season, I know that none is more important than giving of my love and respect to my Savior to those around me. This is the Spirit of Christ that can be felt not only in the holiday season but every day of the year.

I hope that your Thanksgiving is a blessed day.

Preparing for the Savior's Second Coming

As a little girl, I can remember sitting around, listening to the adults in my family discussing the Savior's Second Coming and all the earth would experience leading up to those final days. I remember being anxious about their conversations and being a little scared. I also remember saying a little prayer, asking Heavenly Father to at least let me get married before all the commotion was to start, thinking I can do anything with my future husband by my side. Now, many years later, with a husband and four children, my prayer is that we, my husband and I, are doing all we can to prepare ourselves and our children so as not be deceived by the many voices trying to call us down a different paths.

In Mark 13, there are several versus that give us at least three things that believers should watch for in order to be prepared for to meet the Lord. On this list, I felt like we were being asked to listen and pay attention to what our living prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, and our other church leaders are saying because they are the Lord's mouthpiece for us. I know that what they have to tell us are words of encourage and/or warning to help us in our journey back to Him. As we are committed to listening to our Church leaders, we will be know what Heavenly Father wants of us and we will receive inspiration for ourselves, our families and our needs.

Also in that same chapter, we are taught of some things to watch for, which are as followed:

1. Being deceived - This could be as little or as big as we allow it in our lives. At first, it may not feel like we're doing anything wrong. If we remember from the Book of Mormon, the devil sometimes works in degrees. He knows that if he can get us a little at a time, we might eventually come around where he can snag us completely into his trap.  To keep us from being trapped in his web of deception, we need to stay close to what the Savior and His teachings. We also need to stay worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost who will be there to guide and protect us from the things that will deceive us.

2. Prophesy being fulfilled - Many prophets have given us signs to watch for as the Second Coming gets closer. I will not list them all here for many reasons but there are numerous resources if you'd like to learn more. We are asked to know what those signs are and watch for them. They will strengthen our testimony and our hope as things seem out of control. 

I recently saw a movie clip about pioneers crossing the plains. As the weather turned cold, a group a pioneers became stranded from cold, illnesses, and lack of food. Many died. Even in the bleakness of their situation, I couldn't help but wonder what keep them even trying to move forward, even in the mist of their extreme lack of sufficient supplies. As I thought about how hard it was to go through what they went through, a thought came into my mind that it was the hope of being together with other people who believed and worshiped as they do. To be in an area where they would not be persecuted for what they believed anymore. It was their hope and faith in Jesus Christ that got them through that hard time. It will be our hope and faith in Christ that will get us through our hard times of today. As we watched for and recognize prophesy being fulfilled, are testimony will be strengthen.

3. Christ coming. I don't think this needs any explanation. I know that Christ will come to the Earth again. We have been told in the scriptures and by many living prophets. It is our responsibility to prepare ourselves for when He does come. We will not know when He will come so we must spend time every day preparing. We are told by our church leaders to "treasure" the word of God. As we make this a priority in our lives, we will be prepared for His coming.

As frightening as the last days were to me as a little girl,  I now look to them with anticipation. I know it will be hard to see and go through what we must face but I also know that with each passing day, we are one day closer to Christ coming and peace being felt everywhere. I am committed to learning, preparing, and watching for those days. I am adding one drop of oil in my lamp everyday. With every drop I add, the greater my faith and testimony to get me through the hard times and and the greater my strength to keep one foot in front of the other when the world would tell me to stop.

“The Widow’s Mite” Mark 12:41-44

Christ said of the widow as she gave all that she had, “…this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury…” In His remarks, he was not talking about the amount of money she put in compared to the rich contributors but about the sincerity of her heart. She truly gave of her heart, mind, and strength with her two mites and Christ knew of desire to serve God in all that she did. In giving of all that she had, she truly showed God that she loved Him more than anything money could buy.

In 2 Nephi 25:23 we are told that “…it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” When we give all that we have to Heavenly Father and Christ, they will make up the rest. They will help us meet our need as we give our own “two mites” in serving those around us and in our own tithes and offering. When we dedicate all our heart, mind, and strength to building up the Kingdom of God, Heavenly Father will help us meet the needs of our families and open the windows of Heaven on our behalf.

I recently read a modern day account of the widow’s mite on LDS.org in an article entitled, “The Muchacho’s Mite” by Natalie Ross. In the story, Sister Ross talks about teaching a family while on her mission. While teaching them, she and her companion became keenly aware of how financially desperate this family was but their desire to learn that gospel was strong. They hesitated to teach them about the law of tithing and fast offerings, wanting the family to have a firm foundation of faith in Christ before they taught this family who so desperately needed any amount of money they had. As the family progressed and continued to read the Book of Mormon, they children began asking questions.

One day, one of the sons asked about fasting. As the sisters taught this family about the importance of fasting and all that it entails, they prayed the family would accept this principal and its commandment. Later, the son shared with them of his own testimony of fasting and paying an offering. His mother had given him a small amount to buy candy. As he walked to the store, he remembered the lessons and decided he wanted to try. His mother tried to discourage him from paying because it was such a small amount. Despite her attempts, the son fasted and paid the money he was given for candy as his offering. A few weeks later, this young man and two of his siblings were baptized. His parent joined the church a year later.

When we give all that we have, we truly are blessed. Sometimes giving all isn't about money; it may be our time and talents. Sometimes it’s in a calling or an assignment we have been asked to fulfill that we think may be beyond our abilities. As we dedicate our might, mind, and strength to the assignment, we will find Heavenly Father giving us what we feel we lack. I felt this very strength as I served many years ago as a young woman’s president. I never saw myself in that type of leadership position. I could name numerous other women who, to me, we much more spiritually grounded for such a role in this group of young women’s lives. I could not see myself for what Heavenly Father needed me to be when I was first called. As the months turned into years and I learned to rely on His strength as I did all that I could do, I saw blessings that will forever touch my heart in the ways Heavenly Father made my best efforts even better.

I know that Heavenly Father sees our heart and knows our intent. As we give all that we have, it is not about the amount we give but about sincerity of our offering. When we give as the widow, we too will feel of God’s love for us. 

Earthly and Heavenly Rewards

Our blessings, everything we receive is a gift from our Heavenly Father. Nothing we have is just a coincidence. This is one lesson that has rung true through all my life. I am reminded of it every day and I know that moment I forget to acknowledge Heavenly Father's hand in all that I am and have, is the moment I start down a dangerous path.

In the scriptures, we learn the story of a rich man who came to the Savior and asked him, after observing all the commandments all his life, could he do to earn his way into the Kingdom of God. Christ's response to the young man was to sell all his possessions and follow Him. The young man was sadden by the response and walked away.

 

Are our possessions greater than anything our Heavenly Father can give us? For me, no. I made a covenant with my Heavenly Father in the temple, promising everything I am and have to the building of the Kingdom of God. I have not always felt like this, nor I am not perfect now. I know as I continue to see the things around me as gifts from God, I see them as gifts my Heavenly Father has given to not only bless me and my family but can also bless the lives of others.

In the scriptures, Christ also teaches the parable of the Lord and his vineyard. He goes out multiple times during the day, seeking anyone who will work in his vineyard. As the day comes to the end, all the workers are called together and given their wages. No matter the time of day they were called, each are given the same wage. Some of the workers that had been there all day long were angry because they had sweated and worker hard in the heat of the day. They asked why they weren't paid more because they had been there longer and thought they deserved more than the ones that had been there less time.

 

In thinking about this, we were asked to apply that to life today. The Lord has called everyone to work in the vineyard, to share the gospel and it's blessings to those around us. Some of us are life long members while others joined later in life. Regardless of when we become part of the gospel, we are receive the same blessings regardless of how long we have participated in the Church. I think to my friends how are converts and I see how hard they work at their testimony and then turn around and share it with those they love. They have taken the gift they have been given and continue to share it. I think of my own life long membership. Do I share the gift of the gospel with the same enthusiasm that my convert friends do? Brent and I talked about this and I feel like I fall completely short of my convert friends when it comes to sharing. They work with all their strength and might in the short amount of time they have been members. As a life long member, I don't know what it's like not to have the gospel in my life. I have been sheltered a little bit and in my own mind, feel that I have gotten a little lazy in my efforts. My convert friends may actually be more deserving of that full days wage than I.

My saving grace is that Heavenly Father sees us all with equality. He is no respecter of persons. I work hard at my own testimony and teaching those within my stewardship but I know I need to work harder at reaching out to those around me. As I commit to this righteous desire and pray for those opportunities, I know Heavenly Father will put them in my path and I can feel more deserving of all that He has and will bless me with.

To Be a Disciple of Christ

Do you know what it means to be a disciple of Christ? When you think of a disciple, do you think of people who dress like people from the bible and dedicate their every second to talking and teaching about Christ? I may not dress like a bible person or spend every second talking and teaching of Christ, but I would like to think of myself as a disciple of Christ. Someone who believes in Christ, follows His ways and try's to be like Him in all I do and say. Though I am not perfect and am a work in progress, my hope is that as someone sees me, they will see Christ through me.

In the scriptures, we read what it is to be a disciple. It is someone who is choosing the "better" part. There are so many good things in this world but there are many more great things. By following Christ and His teachings, we know that we have chosen the better path in which where we will find peace and happiness in this life and be able to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father in the next life.

A disciple of Christ knows how to pray and to acknowledge, with gratitude, all that Heavenly Father has done for them. Coming to Him in prayer, we can express our sorrow and seek forgiveness for our mistakes. We also can get protection against whatever temptation we face and the strength we need to change ourselves. As we come to know Heavenly Father, through our prayers and He us, we will have our righteous desires.

In today's world of having everything in an instant, it's hard to see something and not want it now, especially when credit cards make it so easy. We are told, as a disciple of Christ, we should avoid covetousness. Everything we have is a gift from God. They are blessings in which to enrich our lives. We can use these blessings, and should, seek opportunities to share with others. This is a form of showing gratitude for all He has giving us and being a disciple by following His example.

As a disciple of Christ, one must always be watchful. We must avoid things the distract us on our path to eternal joy and happiness. We must be ever watchful for the traps that would snare us and impede our progress. We must also be watchful for the day when Christ will rule on the earth again. Though it may not happen in our day but we should watch for and prepare as if it might happen any minute.

As I try to become more of a disciple, there are things I need to work on. I can't honestly say right now if someone asked me to give up everything I have, I would. I would like to think I would for the greater gift of eternal life but it's always easy to say without the requirement of action. I know as I take each step in my progression to become a better disciple, I know that one day, I will be willing to leave all that I have behind to follow Christ. Right now, it's line upon line, precept upon precept. By learning, pondering, and applying the gospel principles, I become closer to being a better disciple of Christ.

"Become as Little Children"

In all that goes on around us, there are many questions. How can God let something happen? Where is God in times of need? In this sense, we are like little children in that we do not understand all that God has for us. We miss the fact that God does not allow bad things to happen; most are the result of human choice. Our task is to because like the child, humble ourselves and allow His hand to lead us through our obstacles. He is waiting and prepared to lead us to the blessings He already has waiting for us. It is then our choice to choose to take His hand, as a child takes the hand of the parent, and allow Him to get us there.

As we become like a little child; submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things, we leave the world behind and we become more like Christ. We become better able to handle situations with thoughts and faith in Christ. I cannot share a better example than that shared by Sister Jean A. Stevens, 1st Counselor in the General Primary Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in her conference address shared in April 2011 about a little boy named Liam:

"...This past year he has battled aggressive brain cancer. After two difficult surgeries, it was decided that radiation would also be necessary. During these radiation treatments, he was required to be all alone and lie absolutely still. Liam did not want to be sedated because he disliked the way it made him feel. He was determined that if he could just hear his dad’s voice over the intercom, he could lie still without the sedative.

During these anxious times, his dad spoke to him with words of encouragement and love. “Liam, although you can’t see me, I am right here. I know you can do it. I love you.” Liam successfully accomplished the 33 required radiation treatments while holding perfectly still, a feat his doctors thought would be impossible without sedation for one so young. Through months of pain and difficulty, Liam’s contagious optimism has been a powerful example of meeting adversity with hope and even happiness. His doctors, nurses, and countless others have been inspired by his courage."

Sister Stevens said, "children are the key to helping us become more like Him." I can't get over how this little boy was able to endure 33 treatments with only the voice of his father for comfort. We can learn a lot from this one example of a child. He shined to those around him of his faith, not only in his earthly father but in his Heavenly Father who is the source of happiness and hope in our loneliest moments.

I know through the heart of a child, we will be led to all that our Father has for us. We will know happiness and hope as we face our lonely times. To choose to be like a child, it to be more like Christ and choose the way of my Father in Heaven. The beauty is that it is completely our choice. We only need to reach up and take His hand.

Walking on the Sea

     In the New Testament, we read of the account of Christ coming to the boat where His apostles were crossing the sea during the night. In the third watch, in the middle of a “boisterous” storm, Christ knows His apostles need Him and walks on water out to where they are. As He approaches, they see Him and are afraid, thinking He was some kind of spirit because human eyes tell that walking on water is not possible. Upon knowing their fears, Christ calls out to them telling them that everything is OK and that He has come to help them. As Peter hears Christ’s voice, he calls out to Christ to help him walk out to Him. When Christ calls to Peter, he immediately leaves the boat to walk on water to Christ. Leaving the safety and security of the boat to do something that is not possible took a large amount of faith on Peter’s part, but as he walks out to Christ, he becomes distracted by the storm around him, his faith turns to fear, and he begins to sink. Sensing he danger he has put himself into, he calls out to Christ to help him. Upon hearing Peter’s cry, Christ “immediately…stretched forth his hand, and caught him.” Upon pulling him out of the water, Christ says to Peter, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst though doubt?”

     In Doctrine and Covenants 88:67, we are taught “if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light,…with light that comprehendeth all things.” As we center our lives on Jesus Christ, we will be able to know Christ and feel Him lift us as we seek His help. That knowledge will sustain us through all things and help us to understand or find meaning in our trials. As Peter walked on water, finding himself surrounded by the raging storm and beginning to sink, he immediately recognized his predicament and who he could call upon for help. He knew that when he asked, Christ would not hesitate for a second to catch him. When we center our lives around Christ, as we come upon our storms, Christ will be there to lift us out of the waters of our fears as we put our faith in Him. The trials each of us face are different but I know that through faith, Christ will be there for us the moment we take one step as long as we stay focused on Him and ask for His help.

Parables

     When Christ was on the earth, He often taught in parables; a parable being a story of comparison to teach some spiritually divine truth. It is a story that teaches us gospel truths. However, understanding the meaning has more to do with where we are spiritually than intellectually. This means that it doesn't matter how much education one has; if we are not humble and pray for personal inspiration, having faith that Heavenly Father will answer our questions, we will never understand the meaning of what is being taught or how it applies to our own life. This is very much like the Pharisees of Christ's time. They knew a lot about the religious law but would not humble themselves to truly know who Christ was and learn from the Master. Christ's disciples understood who He was and were humble enough to ask Christ what He meant when they did not understand (See Matthew 13:10).

     While Christ was on the earth, He talked about our day and the growth the Church is experiencing today. He knew that in the last days, the Church would very much be like a little mustard seed, a smallest of seeds that grows is to a great tree. (See Matthew 13: 33-34)
     He also compared the growth of the Church to leaven, or yeast, used in baking bread. Just as yeast helps bread to rise, the gospel helps us to become better people. (See Matthew 13:47-50) To become more like Christ and be able to return home to our Heavenly Father. As we allow the gospel in enrich and uplift our lives, we can in turn share that with others so they can experience the blessings of the gospel in their own lives.

     Because of the remarkable growth we have seen in the numbers of new members, our Church leaders have requested missionaries to help teach those that are ready to hear the gospel. Many young men, women, and couples have answered and will answer the call to serve at a cost and a sacrifice that many in the world don't understand until they feel the happiness the gospel brings to their lives. It is that happiness we have and feel that so many leave behind their worldly wealth, recognition and other things deemed of worth in the world to obtain and maintain membership in the Church.

     On the other hand, it is the little things that often drive away people from the Church as well. This week in our group, we talked about these little things. It could be someone was offended, on purpose or not. It could be illness that kept them away for a time and they just got out of the habit of coming. It could be sin. In General Conference this past weekend, a general authority shared a story from his family where they left Church after one of their meetings and decided to go on a Sunday drive rather than return for their latter meeting. They did not return to regular attendance for some time after that one drive. Sometimes, it's the little things we neglect to do that keep us from feeling the Spirit and drive us away from the Church. 

     On the flip side of that, it is the "little" things that also keep us active in the gospel. You can probably name them in your sleep but just to name of few, personal prayer and scripture study can give us a solid anchor so that when the winds begin to blow and the storms around us howl, we have our testimony and faith in Christ that can carry us through whatever the world has for us.

     As I think about the sacrifices we make as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I scarcely think of them as sacrifices. My testimony of the truth of the gospel and my faith in Christ and His Atonement mean more to me than any amount of money or successful career could ever bring. We have been taught that as we look for the opportunities to share our time, talents and resources in helping those in need around us, we will be blessed beyond imagination. I know this to be true. Heavenly Father has sent  us what we have needed when we have needed it. I have personally witnessed His hand meet our needs when I didn't know how it was going to be meet and I know it is because our family has chosen to put Him first.

     The gospel is the net that is being cast out into the world. It is gathering in all those that want to hear and feel the happiness it brings into their lives. (See Matthew 13:47) The missionaries and members of the Church are working together to gather in those that are ready and helping to prepare those that need a little more time. If you would like to learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, go to mormon.org and take the opportunity to talk to someone who is a member of the Church or a missionary. We are wanting and ready to share what we know about Christ.