Hey there!!
So I know its been forever since I've posted!!
Today I just wanted to share a few quick thoughts about this Easter season!!
I count myself so incredibly blessed everyday. For one simple reason.
I KNOW THAT CHRIST LIVES! I know it! And I cannot deny it! I have felt His love, guidance, protection, healing, and help in so many ways.
My favourite part about Easter has long been Easter sunday as we celebrate Christ's resurrection.
I remember when I was little my dad attempted to make new cookies for Easter. They were called resurrection cookies. Basically you turn the oven on, heat it, put the coookies in, and turn off the oven.
I remember my dad duct-taping the oven closed so we couldn't open it to early. It also represented Christ's tomb. As the cookies finished, we read the scriptures, about Christ rising from the dead.
We then pulled the cookies out.
To be totally honest they were disgusting.
But the representation has stuck with me my whole life!
Because Christ lives we can live!!
And this is why I love Easter! It is so much more than bunnies and chocolate.
It is about Christ and His atonement.
#Hallelujah
Friday, March 18, 2016
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
I Testify!
Hey there!!
So today I wanted to share my thoughts on something that I think most people do not enjoy, at all. And that is bearing testimony!
What is a testimony?
A testimony is a spiritual witness from the Holy Ghost (for more insights on the Holy Ghost check out my other posts!). It is so simple!! A simple statement about what you believe!
Why should I share my testimony?
I think all to often we think our testimonies are special, and that we can't share them. Or may be we get embarrassed to share it. I know I had hated bearing my testimony. For years and years I struggled with it. And then my dear father shared a scripture with me. This scripture is found in the Doctrine and Covenants 62:3 which says, " Nevertheless, ye are blessed, for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you."
I was absolutely blown away when I heard that scripture! How incredible is that? The angels look upon the testimonies that we share, they rejoice, and you receive forgiveness for your sins.
I mean come on!! Who doesn't want that? Forgiveness of our sins, relief of guilt, everything; it can come as we bear testimony of the truths that have changed us. The truths that the Holy Ghost has borne witness to us.
What if I don't have much to say?
Don't you even sweat it!! I was taught a few years ago by my dear bishop's wife that the simplest of testimonies begin with I Know... I Believe.. and I Testify... After that, it comes from the Spirit. The Holy Ghost will bear witness to you and to others around the truthfulness of the things that you say.
But wait! There is more!!
The BEST thing about bearing testimony is that it grows every time it is shared! It doesn't matter where we are, or how simple it is. It will grow!
My Testimony
I know that Jesus Christ lives! It is so simple, and so true! I know that through Him we can be forgiven of our sins. We really be relieved of feelings of guilt, sorrow, remorse, and pain. He knows us perfectly! Christ's hand is stretched out waiting for us to grasp it. We are able to take His hand and walk with Him as we exercise faith, repent, make covenants (baptism!), feel the Holy Ghost work in our lives, and endure to the end! Keep moving forward! Christ is there and will help us through it all. With the Easter Season coming, let us all remember Him and His sacrifice!
So today I wanted to share my thoughts on something that I think most people do not enjoy, at all. And that is bearing testimony!
What is a testimony?
A testimony is a spiritual witness from the Holy Ghost (for more insights on the Holy Ghost check out my other posts!). It is so simple!! A simple statement about what you believe!
Why should I share my testimony?
I think all to often we think our testimonies are special, and that we can't share them. Or may be we get embarrassed to share it. I know I had hated bearing my testimony. For years and years I struggled with it. And then my dear father shared a scripture with me. This scripture is found in the Doctrine and Covenants 62:3 which says, " Nevertheless, ye are blessed, for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you."
I was absolutely blown away when I heard that scripture! How incredible is that? The angels look upon the testimonies that we share, they rejoice, and you receive forgiveness for your sins.
I mean come on!! Who doesn't want that? Forgiveness of our sins, relief of guilt, everything; it can come as we bear testimony of the truths that have changed us. The truths that the Holy Ghost has borne witness to us.
What if I don't have much to say?
Don't you even sweat it!! I was taught a few years ago by my dear bishop's wife that the simplest of testimonies begin with I Know... I Believe.. and I Testify... After that, it comes from the Spirit. The Holy Ghost will bear witness to you and to others around the truthfulness of the things that you say.
But wait! There is more!!
The BEST thing about bearing testimony is that it grows every time it is shared! It doesn't matter where we are, or how simple it is. It will grow!
My Testimony
I know that Jesus Christ lives! It is so simple, and so true! I know that through Him we can be forgiven of our sins. We really be relieved of feelings of guilt, sorrow, remorse, and pain. He knows us perfectly! Christ's hand is stretched out waiting for us to grasp it. We are able to take His hand and walk with Him as we exercise faith, repent, make covenants (baptism!), feel the Holy Ghost work in our lives, and endure to the end! Keep moving forward! Christ is there and will help us through it all. With the Easter Season coming, let us all remember Him and His sacrifice!
Friday, March 4, 2016
Fear Not I am With Thee
Hey-o!!
Sorry I haven't posted in forever!!! Life has been busy!
I was reading an article the other day and it said something interesting about fear that caught my eye. I think the first thing that pops into my head when I hear the word fear is the quote from Harry Potter by Hermione Granger, "Fear of a name only increases fear of the thing itself."
Fear does so much for us. It can booth help us and deter us.
The Bible Dictionary, found in the LDS version of the King James Bible says this on fear,
"Care should be taken to distinguish between two different uses of this word. The “fear of the Lord” is frequently spoken of as part of man’s duty (Ps. 111:10; Eccl. 12:13; Isa. 11:2–3; Luke 1:50); it is also described as “godly fear” (Heb. 12:28). In such passages fear is equivalent to reverence, awe, worship, and is therefore an essential part of the attitude of mind in which we ought to stand toward the All-holy God. On the other hand fear is spoken of as something unworthy of a child of God, something that “perfect love casteth out” (1 Jn. 4:18). The first effect of Adam’s sin was that he was afraid (Gen. 3:10). Sin destroys that feeling of confidence God’s child should feel in a loving Father and produces instead a feeling of shame and guilt. Ever since the Fall God has been teaching men not to fear, but with penitence to ask forgiveness in full confidence of receiving it."
Fear is not of God. While it can be a powerful motivator, it must be in the correct sense and with direction.
FEAR OF GOD vs FEAR OF MAN
As we show fear of God we show how much we love Him and want to follow His commandments. The fear of man shows that we care more about ourselves than of Him.
We cannot let fear keep us from doing what is right. We must be firm in our faith in Christ. Steadfast and sure, He will lead and guide us home.
I know personally how debilitating fear can be. BUT as we trust in God, He will help us break through the molds that hold us captive. He will set us free.
Sorry I haven't posted in forever!!! Life has been busy!
I was reading an article the other day and it said something interesting about fear that caught my eye. I think the first thing that pops into my head when I hear the word fear is the quote from Harry Potter by Hermione Granger, "Fear of a name only increases fear of the thing itself."
Fear does so much for us. It can booth help us and deter us.
The Bible Dictionary, found in the LDS version of the King James Bible says this on fear,
"Care should be taken to distinguish between two different uses of this word. The “fear of the Lord” is frequently spoken of as part of man’s duty (Ps. 111:10; Eccl. 12:13; Isa. 11:2–3; Luke 1:50); it is also described as “godly fear” (Heb. 12:28). In such passages fear is equivalent to reverence, awe, worship, and is therefore an essential part of the attitude of mind in which we ought to stand toward the All-holy God. On the other hand fear is spoken of as something unworthy of a child of God, something that “perfect love casteth out” (1 Jn. 4:18). The first effect of Adam’s sin was that he was afraid (Gen. 3:10). Sin destroys that feeling of confidence God’s child should feel in a loving Father and produces instead a feeling of shame and guilt. Ever since the Fall God has been teaching men not to fear, but with penitence to ask forgiveness in full confidence of receiving it."
Fear is not of God. While it can be a powerful motivator, it must be in the correct sense and with direction.
FEAR OF GOD vs FEAR OF MAN
We cannot let fear keep us from doing what is right. We must be firm in our faith in Christ. Steadfast and sure, He will lead and guide us home.
I know personally how debilitating fear can be. BUT as we trust in God, He will help us break through the molds that hold us captive. He will set us free.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
The Holy Ghost
Hello there!
It always feels good to be writing a blog post! :)
Today I wanted to post about another thing that I have certainly struggled with. And that is recognizing the Holy Ghost. This is like a part two to my post about Revelation, found here.
The first step in recognizing the Holy Ghost is knowing what His job is.
There are many scriptures that teach us about the duties of the Holy Ghost:
John 14:26 -- Comfort and remembrance
John 15:26 -- Comfort and to testify of Christ
John 16:23 -- Guides to truth
Galatians 5:22-23 -- Fruits of the Spirit
Mosiah 5:2 -- Change of heart
Doctrine and Covenants(D&C) 6:14-15 -- Enlightenment (answers to questions)
D&C 6:22-23 -- Peace, witness of truth
D&C 8:2-3 -- Spirit of Revelation, tells you in your heart and in your mind
D7C 9:8-9 -- Burning of the bosom(heart) or stupor of thought
D&C 11:12-13 -- Fill you with JOY!
D&C 50:17-23 -- Learning by the Spirit
WOW! There are sooo many! And these are only a few of them!!
I am always amazed at how many different ways the Spirit can speak to us individually. Yet, they are all very similar.
One of my favourite scriptures in the Book of Mormon regarding the Holy Ghost is found in Moroni 10:5 where it says, "And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."
The Holy Ghost will teach us all truth. He will never lead us astray because He CAN'T. So we know that we can trust that any prompting that comes through the Holy Ghost is from God.
It takes time, effort, and practice in being able to recognize the Holy Ghost. Have patience with yourself. It will all work out in the end. Trust in yourself, and trust in God's timing. I promise you that as you do this you WILL be able to recognize the Holy Ghost and how He speaks to you.
It always feels good to be writing a blog post! :)
Today I wanted to post about another thing that I have certainly struggled with. And that is recognizing the Holy Ghost. This is like a part two to my post about Revelation, found here.
The first step in recognizing the Holy Ghost is knowing what His job is.
There are many scriptures that teach us about the duties of the Holy Ghost:
John 14:26 -- Comfort and remembrance
John 15:26 -- Comfort and to testify of Christ
John 16:23 -- Guides to truth
Galatians 5:22-23 -- Fruits of the Spirit
Mosiah 5:2 -- Change of heartDoctrine and Covenants(D&C) 6:14-15 -- Enlightenment (answers to questions)
D&C 6:22-23 -- Peace, witness of truth
D&C 8:2-3 -- Spirit of Revelation, tells you in your heart and in your mind
D7C 9:8-9 -- Burning of the bosom(heart) or stupor of thought
D&C 11:12-13 -- Fill you with JOY!
D&C 50:17-23 -- Learning by the Spirit
WOW! There are sooo many! And these are only a few of them!!
I am always amazed at how many different ways the Spirit can speak to us individually. Yet, they are all very similar.
One of my favourite scriptures in the Book of Mormon regarding the Holy Ghost is found in Moroni 10:5 where it says, "And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."
The Holy Ghost will teach us all truth. He will never lead us astray because He CAN'T. So we know that we can trust that any prompting that comes through the Holy Ghost is from God.
It takes time, effort, and practice in being able to recognize the Holy Ghost. Have patience with yourself. It will all work out in the end. Trust in yourself, and trust in God's timing. I promise you that as you do this you WILL be able to recognize the Holy Ghost and how He speaks to you.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Revelation: Help??
Hi-ya!
So this post doesn't really fit with the theme of faith that I've been doing for this month, but bear with me! :)
So a major question I've had or been asked is how do I tell if it is revelation or just my own thoughts. This question is so hard! We are told many times in the scriptures and through modern-day revelation that we need to pray about our questions and act upon the answers we receive.
But how do we know what those answers are?!?
We learn in Doctrine and Covenants 9:8-9
"8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.
So this post doesn't really fit with the theme of faith that I've been doing for this month, but bear with me! :)
So a major question I've had or been asked is how do I tell if it is revelation or just my own thoughts. This question is so hard! We are told many times in the scriptures and through modern-day revelation that we need to pray about our questions and act upon the answers we receive.
But how do we know what those answers are?!?
We learn in Doctrine and Covenants 9:8-9
"8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.
9 But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me."
So if we break this scripture down there are a couple of steps that we have to do.
1.)
"Study it out in your mind" We have to search out the answers we are seeking for. We have to study the question out thoroughly and weigh the different options and consequences for the choices we make. We have to really search out for the answers we are seeking for.
2.)
Next we have to choose!! This step is so important. All to often we search, ponder, and pray without ever making a decision. Verse 8 tells us that we have to ask if it is right, to be able to ask if it is right, we have to make a decision.
3.)
Now we pray! This is were we kneel in humble prayer and ask for help and guidance. We ask to receive a confirmation of the Spirit that the choice that we made is right.
4.)
This last step is so important. We now have to ACT on the decision that we have made. We've studied, pondered, and prayed. Now get to work! Do the best that you are able to do! We can't sit around singing "I'll go where you want me to go". We have to talk that first step and get to work. God will guide our footsteps if we allow Him too.
I know how much work it is to be able to receive answers to prayers. And to be able to recognize them. But I can promise that through practice it becomes easier. Slowly you will be able to recognize the answers you receive faster. God answers prayers!! This I know! I know without a shadow of doubt, that He has heard and answered my prayers and He will answer yours.
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Love Part 2
Hey-o!
So Valentines Day is upon us tomorrow! There are two major times of the year when love is spoken of more than other times: Christmas and Valentines Day.
I've posted about Love once before and you can see that post here.
As we read in Matthew 22:36-39
" 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
Love is the greatest commandment. If we truly love those around us then we will always see them the way that our Saviour and our Father in Heaven sees them.
So Valentines Day is upon us tomorrow! There are two major times of the year when love is spoken of more than other times: Christmas and Valentines Day.
I've posted about Love once before and you can see that post here.
As we read in Matthew 22:36-39
" 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."Love is the greatest commandment. If we truly love those around us then we will always see them the way that our Saviour and our Father in Heaven sees them.
I think it was put best by President Thomas S. Monson in his talk in the April 2014 General Conference. His talk is titled: Love -- the Essence of the Gospel.
I know that as I have shown greater love for those around me I have in turn felt greater love. The love of Christ is something so incredibly powerful. It has changed my life and I know it can change yours.
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Desire to Believe: The Beginning
Hello There!!
So I just wanted to talk a little about how Faith begins, and how we can develop that faith.
As we learn in Alma 32:21 " And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true." Faith is not about knowing everything there is to know about something.
Later on in that same chapter of Alma we read, " 27 But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words." To start out in finding faith we simply have to desire to believe. If we are earnestly seeking for truth and have a desire to follow Christ then we will receive answers to our questions.
So let us 'experiment' upon the words of the prophets. Let us choose faith, and let us push onward.
If you would like to learn more about faith check out Mormon.org where you can chat with missionaries like me!
So I just wanted to talk a little about how Faith begins, and how we can develop that faith.
As we learn in Alma 32:21 " And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true." Faith is not about knowing everything there is to know about something.
So let us 'experiment' upon the words of the prophets. Let us choose faith, and let us push onward.
If you would like to learn more about faith check out Mormon.org where you can chat with missionaries like me!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)