Unit 01
Lesson 06
I had a friend in High School, who wasn't a very close friend, but he someone that I would spend time with every now and then. He was a grade older than me and when he graduated, we stopped hanging out. It wasn't until I was going to college at BYU-Idaho sitting in my dorm apartment doing homework when I received a text from this friend, "Hello, you probably don't remember me... but do you have time to talk?" surprised that he would text me after years of not speaking to each other, I quickly called him. When he answered but didn't say anything I asked, "Trevor?" not really sure what he was wanting and without even a "hello" or "how are you doing?" he asked me a question that I will never forget, "why are you so happy?" it wasn't an accusatory question, it was sincere, and it took me so off guard at first I didn't really know what to say back. "What do you mean Trevor?" there was a pause, "well, I've tried everything! ....And I am still not happy. I remember in High School that you were always happy.... and so I wanted to know why... and how?" still feeling a little confused I said, "Trevor, we haven't talked in years... so, I don't really know what you have been up to lately. What have you tried to make yourself happy?" He then explained to me how after he graduated High School he got into drugs, alcohol, going to clubs... pretty much everything that a good little mormon boy shouldn't do. Then he explained to me that his girlfriend for almost 2 years (they had been living together) had left him.... and now he just didn't know what to do! He even said, "I have been going to that surfing place in Salt lake... that makes me happy... sometimes... but it's so expensive! And so I am losing all of my money... I miss my girlfriend.... and I am just miserable!"
I wasn't really sure what I should say back or how I could help him. I didn't know if I wanted to cry because of the mess he had gotten himself into or laugh that the answer is so clear and he's not seeing it. In that moment these words came into my mind, "he knows" and with that I said, "Trevor, I think you know exactly why you're not happy." I could hear him start to cry over the phone, "I know Rebekah, I know... I just...." I could tell he was struggling to know what to say so I cut in, "you just don't know how to fix it? Or how to change what you've done and who you've been?" I could hear him cry again.
We ended up talking a long time that night. He decided to go see his bishop and change his life. We didn't speak hardly at all and I didn't ever know what happened until I was on my mission and my mom sent me a picture of him the day he received the melchezidek priesthood. He recently has gotten married and is living the life he always wanted.
I have thought about that night, almost 4 years ago, often and I have wondered why he chose me out of all the people he knew in High School? He later told me it was because of my example.
Can an example really make that big of an impact on someone's life? I believe that it can.
One of my favorite scriptures in the Book of Mormon is when Alma has just been made the chief judge over the land of the Nephites. He has done his best to keep the church strong but he had some difficulty and this is why, "Alma saw the wickedness of the church, and he saw also that the example of the church began to lead those who were unbelievers on from one piece of iniquity to another, thus bringing on the destruction of the people."(Alma 4:11)
It was because of the example of the members that the nonbelievers didn't want anything to do with the church.... which is the one thing that will truly make them happy. I think back on High School, and I didn't do anything drastic or overly dramatic to show that I followed the gospel, but Trevor noticed that I was happy because I was living the gospel. Yeah, he got caught up in some stupid things, but he remembered what would make him truly happy. I wonder what would've happened to Trevor if I hadn't lived the gospel like I should've? We need to remember that people watch us, they watch what we do, say, and how we act.
Lastly, John in the New Testament, sends a letter to Gaius and I love what he says to him at the very beginning, "I rejoice greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth." (3 James 1:3)
I don't know about you, but I want to be like Gaius, where there is good said of me. That people can tell and testify that I walk in truth... because I am happy.
Friday, December 18, 2015
Thursday, December 17, 2015
False Teacher: New Testament
Unit 02
Lesson 06
I'm ashamed to admit that I got suckered into buying a beauty product... at a booth in the mall of all places! In my defense, it was a stressful day running aimlessly around the mall trying to find the perfect birthday gift for my little sister... when I was stopped by a man in a tight fest, slicked black hair and alligator shoes. To be honest, I couldn't really understand what he was saying because he was talking so fast but before I knew it, his little assistant was rubbing something on my arm and whipping it off to show all of the dirt it was taking off. Tight vest man, "You see! This product gives you just beautiful skin." one thing led to another and I bought the product, only to find that my skin feels no different and I get no refund.
Have you ever been tricked by "false promises" or believed something that you probably should've known wasn't true. My mom would always tell me, "if it sounds too good to be true... it is!" Thinking of this experience I had in the mall, I feel as though the world we live in today, there are so many people that are promising us; happiness, joy, fulfillment, peace... in things that are false.
I have always been interested in learning more about the anti-christ's in the Book of Mormon because I believe that they have a lot of the same characteristics that these smooth talkers in our day have.
Jacob 7:1-3 speaks of a man named, Sherem, "And now it came to pass after some years had passed away, there came a man among the people of Nephi, whose name was Sherem. And it came to pass that he began to preach among the people, and to declare unto them that there should be no Christ. And he preached many things which were flattering unto the people; and this he did that he might overthrow the doctrine of Christ. And he labored diligently that he might lead away the hearts of the people..."
I find it interesting that Sherem used flattering words and that he was a hard worker.
Alma 1:2-4 speaks of Nehor, "and it came to pass that in the first year of the reign of Alma in the judgment-seat, there was a man brought before him to be judged, a man who was large, and was noted for his much strength. And he had gone about among the people, preaching to them that which he termed to be the word of God, bearing down against the church; declaring unto the people that every priest and teacher ought to become popular; and they ought not to labor with their hands, but that they ought to be supported by the people. And he also testified unto the people that all mankind should be saved at the last day, and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that they might lift up their head and rejoice; for the Lord had created all men, and had also redeemed all men; and, in the end, all men should have eternal life."
This type of teaching is known as Priestcraft Alma says later, "were priestcraft to be enforced among this people it would prove their entire destruction." Wow! The things that Nehor taught could have destroyed the Nephites completely.
Alma 30:12-16 speaks of Korihor (which is personally my favorite), "And this Anti-Christ, whose name was Korihor, (and the law could have no hold upon him) began to preach unto the people that there should be no Christ. And after this manner did he preach, saying: O ye that are bound down under foolish and a vain hope, why do ye yoke yourselves with such foolish things? why do ye look fo a Christ? For no man can know of anything which is to come. Behold, these things which ye call prophecies, which ye say are handed down by holy prophets, behold, they are foolish traditions of your fathers. How do ye know of their surety? Behold, ye cannot know of things which ye do not see; therefore ye cannot know that there shall be a Christ. Ye look forward and say that ye see a remission of your sins. But behold, it is the effect of a frenzied mind; and this derangement of you minds comes because of the traditions of your fathers, which lead you away into a belief of things which are not so."
All three of these Anti-Christ's teach different things and they present themselves differently to the people, but as my mom says, "if it walks like a duck, looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck... it's a duck."
In the New Testament, Peter describes these false teachers as well, "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that brought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction." (2 Peter 2:1)
I don't know about you, but sometimes it can be hard to discern between truth and error. Sometimes these Anti-Christ's aren't as evident as they are in the book of mormon and new testament. In those days the Anti-Christ's really emphasized "Christ won't come" and "priests should be paid" but it's not that obvious in our day what they are teaching. I came across a talk not too long ago from Sister Beck and she taught, "anything Anti-Family is Anti-Christ" (teaching the doctrine of the family, 2009) I love that thought! It makes it clearer to discern what is coming from God and what is false. In the family: a proclamation to the world, God teaches us the true meaning of a family, and their purpose on earth. When we compare the worlds teachings to this document, it becomes increasingly easier to discern between truth and error. I want to mention just three and then encourage you to read through it and find things yourself.
1. Homosexual Marriage
The world: it is their right to get married because they love each other.
Our Heavenly Father: "The family is ordained of God. Marriage between a man and a women is essential to his eternal plan."
2. Sexual Intimacy before marriage:
The world: It's okay to live with each other without being married! This way you will know if you truly are a good fit for each other.
Our Heavenly Father: "Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity."
3. Yolo: You only live once:
The world: What ever we do in this life, doesn't really matter. We need to live it up as much as we can because we won't get a second chance.
Our Heavenly Father: "In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted his plan by which his children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress towards perfection and ultimately their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life."
Lesson 06
I'm ashamed to admit that I got suckered into buying a beauty product... at a booth in the mall of all places! In my defense, it was a stressful day running aimlessly around the mall trying to find the perfect birthday gift for my little sister... when I was stopped by a man in a tight fest, slicked black hair and alligator shoes. To be honest, I couldn't really understand what he was saying because he was talking so fast but before I knew it, his little assistant was rubbing something on my arm and whipping it off to show all of the dirt it was taking off. Tight vest man, "You see! This product gives you just beautiful skin." one thing led to another and I bought the product, only to find that my skin feels no different and I get no refund.
Have you ever been tricked by "false promises" or believed something that you probably should've known wasn't true. My mom would always tell me, "if it sounds too good to be true... it is!" Thinking of this experience I had in the mall, I feel as though the world we live in today, there are so many people that are promising us; happiness, joy, fulfillment, peace... in things that are false.
I have always been interested in learning more about the anti-christ's in the Book of Mormon because I believe that they have a lot of the same characteristics that these smooth talkers in our day have.
Jacob 7:1-3 speaks of a man named, Sherem, "And now it came to pass after some years had passed away, there came a man among the people of Nephi, whose name was Sherem. And it came to pass that he began to preach among the people, and to declare unto them that there should be no Christ. And he preached many things which were flattering unto the people; and this he did that he might overthrow the doctrine of Christ. And he labored diligently that he might lead away the hearts of the people..."
I find it interesting that Sherem used flattering words and that he was a hard worker.
Alma 1:2-4 speaks of Nehor, "and it came to pass that in the first year of the reign of Alma in the judgment-seat, there was a man brought before him to be judged, a man who was large, and was noted for his much strength. And he had gone about among the people, preaching to them that which he termed to be the word of God, bearing down against the church; declaring unto the people that every priest and teacher ought to become popular; and they ought not to labor with their hands, but that they ought to be supported by the people. And he also testified unto the people that all mankind should be saved at the last day, and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that they might lift up their head and rejoice; for the Lord had created all men, and had also redeemed all men; and, in the end, all men should have eternal life."
This type of teaching is known as Priestcraft Alma says later, "were priestcraft to be enforced among this people it would prove their entire destruction." Wow! The things that Nehor taught could have destroyed the Nephites completely.
Alma 30:12-16 speaks of Korihor (which is personally my favorite), "And this Anti-Christ, whose name was Korihor, (and the law could have no hold upon him) began to preach unto the people that there should be no Christ. And after this manner did he preach, saying: O ye that are bound down under foolish and a vain hope, why do ye yoke yourselves with such foolish things? why do ye look fo a Christ? For no man can know of anything which is to come. Behold, these things which ye call prophecies, which ye say are handed down by holy prophets, behold, they are foolish traditions of your fathers. How do ye know of their surety? Behold, ye cannot know of things which ye do not see; therefore ye cannot know that there shall be a Christ. Ye look forward and say that ye see a remission of your sins. But behold, it is the effect of a frenzied mind; and this derangement of you minds comes because of the traditions of your fathers, which lead you away into a belief of things which are not so."
All three of these Anti-Christ's teach different things and they present themselves differently to the people, but as my mom says, "if it walks like a duck, looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck... it's a duck."
In the New Testament, Peter describes these false teachers as well, "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that brought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction." (2 Peter 2:1)
I don't know about you, but sometimes it can be hard to discern between truth and error. Sometimes these Anti-Christ's aren't as evident as they are in the book of mormon and new testament. In those days the Anti-Christ's really emphasized "Christ won't come" and "priests should be paid" but it's not that obvious in our day what they are teaching. I came across a talk not too long ago from Sister Beck and she taught, "anything Anti-Family is Anti-Christ" (teaching the doctrine of the family, 2009) I love that thought! It makes it clearer to discern what is coming from God and what is false. In the family: a proclamation to the world, God teaches us the true meaning of a family, and their purpose on earth. When we compare the worlds teachings to this document, it becomes increasingly easier to discern between truth and error. I want to mention just three and then encourage you to read through it and find things yourself.
1. Homosexual Marriage
The world: it is their right to get married because they love each other.
Our Heavenly Father: "The family is ordained of God. Marriage between a man and a women is essential to his eternal plan."
2. Sexual Intimacy before marriage:
The world: It's okay to live with each other without being married! This way you will know if you truly are a good fit for each other.
Our Heavenly Father: "Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity."
3. Yolo: You only live once:
The world: What ever we do in this life, doesn't really matter. We need to live it up as much as we can because we won't get a second chance.
Our Heavenly Father: "In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted his plan by which his children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress towards perfection and ultimately their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life."
Friday, December 11, 2015
Waiting on the Lord: New Testament
Unit 02
Lesson 05
Student Choice #2
My husband and I were driving the other day and the song, "Renegades" came on. We were both singing along and when it got to the chorus I started to belt, "Living like we're in a cage!" Craig turned down the music and asked, "what do you think they are saying??" feeling confused I replied, "living like we're in a cage...." he literally couldn't stop laughing! Finally, when he could barely talk again, he said, "Rebekah..." laughter... "they're saying 'living like renegades" more laughter... "not 'living like we're in a cage!'" and then he proceeded to laugh for the rest of the car ride home.
In my defense, I dare you to listen to that song again and you tell me, what does it sound like they are saying? (here is the link-->https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSJhrO2Ydao )
From this silly scenario, I've learned that you can't always trust what you hear. The most ironic part of my lyric mix up is Renegades are meant to be "free spirited" runaways... and I was interpreting them saying the exact opposite of what they wanted their song to mean.
When it comes to the gospel, how can we know what we are hearing is true? It's not as easy as looking up the lyrics to "renegades" to find answers to gospel questions. God expects us to act and wait.
One of my favorite missionary chapters was about Alma when he is teaching the poor of the Zoramites about Faith. There is something in that chapter that I found (only after reading it a million times...) that I had never noticed before. Alma compares faith to planting a seed in the ground and then nourishing it so it'll grow. At the very end of the chapter he says this Alma 32:43
"Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you."
I used to imagine Alma was saying that we sweat, we work, we dig, and prune, and then one day our little seed becomes a tree and wa-la! It has this wonderful fruit and you're set for the rest of your life. Not so. I don't know about you... but there have been times where I've done a whole lot of pruning... sweating... working... digging... and still have a barren tree. Have you ever experienced that? I mean, I would go months and months, without seeing as much as a blossom on my tree! But why? I think Alma answers it in the last sentence, "waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you." Faith isn't just the process of growing the tree... it's the constant waiting and constant nourishment that needs to be done until the tree brings forth fruit.
My father-in-law has his own fruit trees and, boy, are they a lot of work! He's constantly either pruning them, or watering them! But then, when you eat some of the fruit from the tree... you realize why he does it.
Just thinking about my father-in-law and his trees, makes me believe that Alma taught a great representation of how to grow our faith and receive the benefits from it. It's not automatic, it takes work, but it's worth it in the end.
I think some of us grow our tree and then expect it to just spontaneously give us fruit when we need it. I believe that this goes along with James 1:25
"But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed."
I love how James refers to those who stop nourishing their faith as "forgetful hearers" because I think a lot of us who stop nourishing our tree aren't always doing it on purpose, but because we have forgotten.
As I have thought about these scriptures this week and my own personal experiences with faith, I know that as we are doers of the word and not just hearers only... or in other words... if we continually strengthen our faith everyday and not just expect it to grow on its own, Heavenly Father will bless us. I love what King Benjamin says when he is talking to his people right before he dies Mosiah 2:41
"Consider on the blessed and happy state of those who keep the commandments of God, for they are blessed in all things. Both temperal and spiritual..."
Lesson 05
Student Choice #2
My husband and I were driving the other day and the song, "Renegades" came on. We were both singing along and when it got to the chorus I started to belt, "Living like we're in a cage!" Craig turned down the music and asked, "what do you think they are saying??" feeling confused I replied, "living like we're in a cage...." he literally couldn't stop laughing! Finally, when he could barely talk again, he said, "Rebekah..." laughter... "they're saying 'living like renegades" more laughter... "not 'living like we're in a cage!'" and then he proceeded to laugh for the rest of the car ride home.
In my defense, I dare you to listen to that song again and you tell me, what does it sound like they are saying? (here is the link-->https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSJhrO2Ydao )
From this silly scenario, I've learned that you can't always trust what you hear. The most ironic part of my lyric mix up is Renegades are meant to be "free spirited" runaways... and I was interpreting them saying the exact opposite of what they wanted their song to mean.
When it comes to the gospel, how can we know what we are hearing is true? It's not as easy as looking up the lyrics to "renegades" to find answers to gospel questions. God expects us to act and wait.
One of my favorite missionary chapters was about Alma when he is teaching the poor of the Zoramites about Faith. There is something in that chapter that I found (only after reading it a million times...) that I had never noticed before. Alma compares faith to planting a seed in the ground and then nourishing it so it'll grow. At the very end of the chapter he says this Alma 32:43
"Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you."
I used to imagine Alma was saying that we sweat, we work, we dig, and prune, and then one day our little seed becomes a tree and wa-la! It has this wonderful fruit and you're set for the rest of your life. Not so. I don't know about you... but there have been times where I've done a whole lot of pruning... sweating... working... digging... and still have a barren tree. Have you ever experienced that? I mean, I would go months and months, without seeing as much as a blossom on my tree! But why? I think Alma answers it in the last sentence, "waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you." Faith isn't just the process of growing the tree... it's the constant waiting and constant nourishment that needs to be done until the tree brings forth fruit.
My father-in-law has his own fruit trees and, boy, are they a lot of work! He's constantly either pruning them, or watering them! But then, when you eat some of the fruit from the tree... you realize why he does it.
Just thinking about my father-in-law and his trees, makes me believe that Alma taught a great representation of how to grow our faith and receive the benefits from it. It's not automatic, it takes work, but it's worth it in the end.
I think some of us grow our tree and then expect it to just spontaneously give us fruit when we need it. I believe that this goes along with James 1:25
"But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed."
I love how James refers to those who stop nourishing their faith as "forgetful hearers" because I think a lot of us who stop nourishing our tree aren't always doing it on purpose, but because we have forgotten.
As I have thought about these scriptures this week and my own personal experiences with faith, I know that as we are doers of the word and not just hearers only... or in other words... if we continually strengthen our faith everyday and not just expect it to grow on its own, Heavenly Father will bless us. I love what King Benjamin says when he is talking to his people right before he dies Mosiah 2:41
"Consider on the blessed and happy state of those who keep the commandments of God, for they are blessed in all things. Both temperal and spiritual..."
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Fiery Trials
Unit 02 (choice #4)
Lesson 05
7 months ago I had life pretty much figured out... or so I thought. I was newly married, living in the perfect apartment, with the perfect job, and with the perfect life. My husband and I would go on long bike rides, rock climb, and do pretty much whatever we wanted.
It was, in short, perfect.
I wasn't naive enough to imagine my life would stay that way forever, but "surely" I thought, "Surely, Heavenly Father will give me a small break after all the years and months of blood, sweat, and tears that I had put into my mission as well as getting married." Ha! President Uchtdorf once said something that I'd like to interject, "We make plans... and God laughs." Looking back now, I even laugh at myself for thinking such a ridiculous thought!
But why? Why is that thought so absurd and ridiculous and blinded and, and... hilarious? Why didn't Heavenly Father give me a break from my trials, sorrow, and heartache? There I was this little girl who had finally convinced her dad to buy her the toy she most desperately wanted... only to get home and realize the batteries weren't included. It was so seemingly unfair.
I was living quite literally the very words that Peter taught to the saints, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:" (1 Peter 4:12)
Don't you love how matter of fact Peter is in that verse? It's as if he is saying with amazement, "why are you so confused?? Trials are part of life! Don't you know that?"
Although, it was that very thought, trials are part of life, that made me scared and hope that I wouldn't have anymore. Does that mean that I will never have peace? Will I live my whole life worried about "what trial is coming next"? Will I ever be happy?
It seemed like not very long until things started to crumble. We were getting kicked out of our apartment because our landlord was selling his contract, we found out that Criag's mother was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, Craig lost his job, I had to work full time and do school full time to support us and graduate, people at my job were becoming increasingly more difficult to work with, and I was feeling completely alone.
It felt as if not only did my "toy" not come with batteries, but it was completely self destructing right before my eyes.
It took everything I had to keep my head above water. It was that terrifying sensation that if I stop moving, I'm going to drowned.
It was during this time that I was reminded of the popular verse in Alma, when he is talking to the people in Gideon and is teaching them about Jesus Christ and his atonement.
Alma 7:11-12
"And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bid his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to his infirmities."
I know at some point you have probably heard the definition of the word succor which means "to run to the aid of" but there is a part of the definition that is often left out and that is, "to run to the aid of... as if you were drowning"
Christ didn't just come skippering over to me as I was wallowing in self pity. I feel like that is sometimes how people see that scripture, "I didn't want to do it for myself so Christ had to come help me...." as if we put up a tent of wallow and gloom and camp out in our pitiful situations, not moving until he comes and rescues us.
No, when Alma says succor it means that we are physically, emotionally, and mentally drowning. That's how it felt, metaphorically "do or die". We are doing everything possible to stay a float but it's not enough, we need help.
I love the verse in 1 Peter 4:13, it's the one right after Peter talks about fiery trials, he says, "But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."
Going back to what I said earlier about trials being part of life... and wondering if that means we will never have peace or happiness. To answer; yes, of course we will! Trials are meant to make us stronger, and to be difficult, but we are not left alone because Christ does succor us. We become partakers of Christ's sufferings and that is when his glory is revealed.
Even though all of these trials were difficult, Christ strengthened both my husband and I through it. Not only that, but a lot of them ended up being not as bad as we had anticipated. We ended up not getting kicked out of our apartment, Craig's mother has her last chemo treatment this week and has been incredibly strong, Craig received a great job offer at Ford in Michigan starting in June, and I have been able to work and do school without much difficulty.
Yes, trials come, but Christ won't allow us to drown.
Lesson 05
7 months ago I had life pretty much figured out... or so I thought. I was newly married, living in the perfect apartment, with the perfect job, and with the perfect life. My husband and I would go on long bike rides, rock climb, and do pretty much whatever we wanted.
It was, in short, perfect.
I wasn't naive enough to imagine my life would stay that way forever, but "surely" I thought, "Surely, Heavenly Father will give me a small break after all the years and months of blood, sweat, and tears that I had put into my mission as well as getting married." Ha! President Uchtdorf once said something that I'd like to interject, "We make plans... and God laughs." Looking back now, I even laugh at myself for thinking such a ridiculous thought!
But why? Why is that thought so absurd and ridiculous and blinded and, and... hilarious? Why didn't Heavenly Father give me a break from my trials, sorrow, and heartache? There I was this little girl who had finally convinced her dad to buy her the toy she most desperately wanted... only to get home and realize the batteries weren't included. It was so seemingly unfair.
I was living quite literally the very words that Peter taught to the saints, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:" (1 Peter 4:12)
Don't you love how matter of fact Peter is in that verse? It's as if he is saying with amazement, "why are you so confused?? Trials are part of life! Don't you know that?"
Although, it was that very thought, trials are part of life, that made me scared and hope that I wouldn't have anymore. Does that mean that I will never have peace? Will I live my whole life worried about "what trial is coming next"? Will I ever be happy?
It seemed like not very long until things started to crumble. We were getting kicked out of our apartment because our landlord was selling his contract, we found out that Criag's mother was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, Craig lost his job, I had to work full time and do school full time to support us and graduate, people at my job were becoming increasingly more difficult to work with, and I was feeling completely alone.
It felt as if not only did my "toy" not come with batteries, but it was completely self destructing right before my eyes.
It took everything I had to keep my head above water. It was that terrifying sensation that if I stop moving, I'm going to drowned.
It was during this time that I was reminded of the popular verse in Alma, when he is talking to the people in Gideon and is teaching them about Jesus Christ and his atonement.
Alma 7:11-12
"And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bid his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to his infirmities."
I know at some point you have probably heard the definition of the word succor which means "to run to the aid of" but there is a part of the definition that is often left out and that is, "to run to the aid of... as if you were drowning"
Christ didn't just come skippering over to me as I was wallowing in self pity. I feel like that is sometimes how people see that scripture, "I didn't want to do it for myself so Christ had to come help me...." as if we put up a tent of wallow and gloom and camp out in our pitiful situations, not moving until he comes and rescues us.
No, when Alma says succor it means that we are physically, emotionally, and mentally drowning. That's how it felt, metaphorically "do or die". We are doing everything possible to stay a float but it's not enough, we need help.
I love the verse in 1 Peter 4:13, it's the one right after Peter talks about fiery trials, he says, "But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."
Going back to what I said earlier about trials being part of life... and wondering if that means we will never have peace or happiness. To answer; yes, of course we will! Trials are meant to make us stronger, and to be difficult, but we are not left alone because Christ does succor us. We become partakers of Christ's sufferings and that is when his glory is revealed.
Even though all of these trials were difficult, Christ strengthened both my husband and I through it. Not only that, but a lot of them ended up being not as bad as we had anticipated. We ended up not getting kicked out of our apartment, Craig's mother has her last chemo treatment this week and has been incredibly strong, Craig received a great job offer at Ford in Michigan starting in June, and I have been able to work and do school without much difficulty.
Yes, trials come, but Christ won't allow us to drown.
Friday, December 4, 2015
Rest of the Lord: New Testament Class
Unit 02
Lesson 04
I had been out on my mission about 4 months when we started teaching a woman in Philomath, Oregon. She was a bright women who knew the scriptures well, I remember teaching her the Plan of Salvation lesson and as we taught her about the Celestial kingdom I asked her what she thought heaven would be like and she replied, "we sit and glorify God for the rest of eternity!" I looked over at my trainer expecting her to answer... but she didn't, not yet... she was a poised, seasoned missionary, she would really think before she said something... I on the other hand seemed to blurt everything out that came to my mind! Before I knew it, I had said back, "Jenny, you can't even go to three hours of church without getting antsy and bored... how on earth do you expect to praise God for all eternity??"
...Yep, neither Jenny nor my trainer knew what to say back. In my defense though, my comment wasn't meant to be a direct attack against Jenny's "spirituality" because she can't sit through church, that wasn't the point. It was really a question for all of us... do we really expect God to make us praise him for hours and hours on end when we finally make it to heaven? Is that the ultimate goal? Is that what it means to enter into the rest of the Lord...or is there more than that?
In Hebrews 12:9 we learn that God is our Heavenly Father, "Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?" For a moment, think about your own parents. What were some of the hopes and dreams that your parents had for you as you grew up? Or if you have kids, what do you hope for your own children? I know that my parents wanted me to become like them, in the sense that they wanted me to be happy, have a family, and be successful. Ultimately, they wanted the best for me.
Now think about this, if someone were to ask your parents 10-20 years ago "when your children are grown, would you want them to follow you around everywhere and praise you for eternity?" what do you think your parents would've said? I can tell you this much, that would be my mom's worst nightmare, haha! We know that our Heavenly Father has desired the same things for us (his children) as our earthly parents, I would even to go as far as to say that I believe the root of why our parents desire the best for us is because it's ingrained in them from a Heavenly Parent. We learn this in D&C 132:14, "and shall (speaking of the righteous) inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths" God wants to give us everything that he has because he loves us.
But just like any good parent knows, there are certain consequences, good and bad, that come as we strive to become like them. God has given us the gift of agency and so we choose who we become and what we do, or parents can't choose for us. When I child chooses to drink alcohol, use drugs, get pregnant out of wedlock... etc. the parent never stops loving them, not ever. But they know that these things have made it hard for their child to ever become like them. It's the same with God, there is a warning (well, actually, there are many but I just want to mention one) that God has given us concerning whether or not we can enter into his rest (or in other words, become like him) and this warning is found in Hebrews 3:12-15 "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you in evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end; while it is said, today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation."
In order to become like our Heavenly Father, we must give heed to his words, keep his commandments, exhort one another daily, be partakers of Christ's sacrifice, be steadfast to the end, and not give into sin.
I have a testimony that Heavenly Father loves us, we are his children, he wants us to become like him, but in order to do this we must obey him.
Lesson 04
I had been out on my mission about 4 months when we started teaching a woman in Philomath, Oregon. She was a bright women who knew the scriptures well, I remember teaching her the Plan of Salvation lesson and as we taught her about the Celestial kingdom I asked her what she thought heaven would be like and she replied, "we sit and glorify God for the rest of eternity!" I looked over at my trainer expecting her to answer... but she didn't, not yet... she was a poised, seasoned missionary, she would really think before she said something... I on the other hand seemed to blurt everything out that came to my mind! Before I knew it, I had said back, "Jenny, you can't even go to three hours of church without getting antsy and bored... how on earth do you expect to praise God for all eternity??"
...Yep, neither Jenny nor my trainer knew what to say back. In my defense though, my comment wasn't meant to be a direct attack against Jenny's "spirituality" because she can't sit through church, that wasn't the point. It was really a question for all of us... do we really expect God to make us praise him for hours and hours on end when we finally make it to heaven? Is that the ultimate goal? Is that what it means to enter into the rest of the Lord...or is there more than that?
In Hebrews 12:9 we learn that God is our Heavenly Father, "Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?" For a moment, think about your own parents. What were some of the hopes and dreams that your parents had for you as you grew up? Or if you have kids, what do you hope for your own children? I know that my parents wanted me to become like them, in the sense that they wanted me to be happy, have a family, and be successful. Ultimately, they wanted the best for me.
Now think about this, if someone were to ask your parents 10-20 years ago "when your children are grown, would you want them to follow you around everywhere and praise you for eternity?" what do you think your parents would've said? I can tell you this much, that would be my mom's worst nightmare, haha! We know that our Heavenly Father has desired the same things for us (his children) as our earthly parents, I would even to go as far as to say that I believe the root of why our parents desire the best for us is because it's ingrained in them from a Heavenly Parent. We learn this in D&C 132:14, "and shall (speaking of the righteous) inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths" God wants to give us everything that he has because he loves us.
But just like any good parent knows, there are certain consequences, good and bad, that come as we strive to become like them. God has given us the gift of agency and so we choose who we become and what we do, or parents can't choose for us. When I child chooses to drink alcohol, use drugs, get pregnant out of wedlock... etc. the parent never stops loving them, not ever. But they know that these things have made it hard for their child to ever become like them. It's the same with God, there is a warning (well, actually, there are many but I just want to mention one) that God has given us concerning whether or not we can enter into his rest (or in other words, become like him) and this warning is found in Hebrews 3:12-15 "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you in evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end; while it is said, today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation."
In order to become like our Heavenly Father, we must give heed to his words, keep his commandments, exhort one another daily, be partakers of Christ's sacrifice, be steadfast to the end, and not give into sin.
I have a testimony that Heavenly Father loves us, we are his children, he wants us to become like him, but in order to do this we must obey him.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Deep Beauty: New Testament Class
Student Choice 02
Lesson 04
Have you ever seen a rebellious high school student that dyes their hair, pierces their nose, or wear's crazy clothes because they claim "I'm just trying to be different!". What's so ironic about this is, everyone else is "trying to be different" in the same exact way! Years ago I had a Book of Mormon teacher one time tell our class, "If you want to be different and stand out... keep the standards of the church." that rang true to me.
My husband and I went to Italy in the summer for our honeymoon. We had a wonderful time, it's absolutely beautiful there! But do you want to know something that I noticed? EVERY single girl was wearing a tank top and shorty-shorts... and there I was with my T-shirt and pants... talk about feeling like a fly in milk! I stood out more than anyone! At first, I felt uncomfortable and less beautiful than all of the other girls but I learned something important, beauty doesn't depend on what you wear, it's how you live your life that's important. And I want to add, if you're living your life close to the spirit, you're not going to feel comfortable wearing revealing clothes.
The Isaiah verses in 2 Nephi 13:16-26 have always bothered me... and I realized not to long ago why it's because ALL of this time I have been reading them wrong! Go figure, reading Isaiah wrong isn't that hard to do with all of the symbolism... it's amazing anyone can understand, haha! But once I finally realized what Isaiah was saying, it has become one of my favorite chapters. Before I had this epiphany, I always thought that Isaiah was saying, "If you ever try to look good, smell good, or wear jewelry, then you are a sinner!" I thought that I needed to walk around looking like a pioneer to please God, but this isn't true. In-fact I believe that when we do get ready for the day and feel good about ourselves it's easier to have the spirit with us. The key to the verses is (2 Nephi 13:16) "Moreover, the Lord saith: because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched-forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go..." then they are cursed. It's not so much what they wear, but how they are wearing it. The word haughty means; arrogance, supriority, pridefulness. Stretched-forth necks; cant you just picture girls sticking up their noses at others? Wanton eyes; meaning trying to get men's attention in a bad way.
And then after this verse, that is when Isaiah describes the things that these girls are wearing, but it's not the actual things that are "bad" it's why they are wearing them that is wrong.
I had the same thought in 1 Timothy 2:9-10. When Paul says, "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array." Again, doesn't it feel like he is saying that we need to walk around in our bonnets and cloth dresses feeling shameful and hideous? But when I read verse 10 it became clear "but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works." It's not about what we wear, but how we wear it. In-fact, it's not about what we wear at all! It's about doing good works and having God's spirit with us.
Lastly, I want to share something that really changed the way that I viewed myself in High School. I don't know about you but High School was a war between the beauties, meaning, you were only popular and cool if you were beautiful. I watched so many girls hurt themselves and hate themselves because they weren't "beautiful enough" and to make matters worse, boys on the football team would come up with rude nicknames for girls... even the ones that I thought were beautiful.
It was during this time when I was trying to figure out what beauty even was and how I could obtain it that Sister Elaine Dalton (I love her!) gave her conference talk called, "remember who you are!" back in 2010. She said, "I learned about what I now call “deep beauty”—the kind of beauty that shines from the inside
out. It is the kind of beauty that cannot be painted on, surgically
created, or purchased. It is the kind of beauty that doesn’t wash off.
It is spiritual attractiveness. Deep beauty springs from virtue.
It is the beauty of being chaste and morally clean. It is the kind of
beauty that you see in the eyes of virtuous women like your mother and
grandmother. It is a beauty that is earned through faith, repentance,
and honoring covenants." Months after this address, she visited my High School to do a morning side (a fire side in the morning) when she walked in, all I could focus on was how beautiful she was and how she just glowed. I was actually asked to give the closing prayer and so I got to talk with her briefly afterwards. Her example and the things that she has taught me about "deep beauty" have changed my life because it's the type of beauty that I have searched for since.
Friday, November 27, 2015
Salvation
Unit 02
Lesson 03
In Romans 12-13 Paul gave much counsel that leads to salvation. Read each of the following verses and list what Paul taught would help lead to salvation:
Romans 12:1- Present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable unto God.
Romans 12:2- Don't be of the world, have clean thoughts and mind, following the will of God and do good.
Romans 12:9- Cleave to the good, stay completely away from all evil, and love without restraint.
Romans 12:13- have charity, be hospitable, be kind to others.
Romans 12:16- don't depend on your own wisdom or the wisdom of men. But be of the same mind with those in the church.
Romans 12:21- don't let evil overcome you, but be good and you'll be able to overcome evil.
Romans 13:1- the priesthood power (power from God) will help us, especially as we subject ourselves to that power.
Romans 13:3- The power of the world can be hard to overcome, especially because they receive so much praise for what they do... but if we do good works and help others and serve God, we will receive the glory of God.
Romans 13:8- Love everyone. It's possible to hate the sin, but to love the sinner.
Romans 13:9- Don't commit adultery, don't kill, don't steal, don't bear false witness, and don't covet.
Lesson 03
In Romans 12-13 Paul gave much counsel that leads to salvation. Read each of the following verses and list what Paul taught would help lead to salvation:
Romans 12:1- Present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable unto God.
Romans 12:2- Don't be of the world, have clean thoughts and mind, following the will of God and do good.
Romans 12:9- Cleave to the good, stay completely away from all evil, and love without restraint.
Romans 12:13- have charity, be hospitable, be kind to others.
Romans 12:16- don't depend on your own wisdom or the wisdom of men. But be of the same mind with those in the church.
Romans 12:21- don't let evil overcome you, but be good and you'll be able to overcome evil.
Romans 13:1- the priesthood power (power from God) will help us, especially as we subject ourselves to that power.
Romans 13:3- The power of the world can be hard to overcome, especially because they receive so much praise for what they do... but if we do good works and help others and serve God, we will receive the glory of God.
Romans 13:8- Love everyone. It's possible to hate the sin, but to love the sinner.
Romans 13:9- Don't commit adultery, don't kill, don't steal, don't bear false witness, and don't covet.
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Beware of false prophets
Unit:1
Lesson: 02
Have you ever thought about the people you trust and why you trust them? For instance, why is it that when my mom told me to never do drugs or have sexual intimacy before I was married, I was so willing to listen and be obedient? Some may argue, "there have been studies done which have shown that young children are more susceptible to the teachings of their parents because for the first few years of their lives they see their parents as being perfect." If that is the case, and I believe it is, then why do I still trust and listen to my mom even now that I am perfectly aware of her mistakes and short comings? I believe it's because I know she loves me and wants the best for me. I learned this through experience, when I was young I followed her and learned that what she taught would make me safe... so much so that even now, I trust her words.
Today I want to share my thoughts and feelings concerning someone else that I have come to trust, someone that I listen to and follow. Not because I believe they are perfect but because I have followed them in the past and it has only brought me happiness and peace. This person is the Prophet, Thomas S. Monson.
Early this week I was reading in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 which says, "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel: for satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."
I find it interesting in this verse how often Paul said the word "transform" there is something interesting that I have learned about transformers, they can't stay the same thing forever. They have to constantly be changing. Some may read this scripture and think, "well, how then, can I know who truly are messengers from God?" my grandma use to say, "what and learn!" I believe it's the same in this case, you can know if they are true messengers of God if they transform, meaning, they are constantly changing.
After reading this verse, I was reminded of one of my favorite verses in the Book of Mormon. Samuel the Lamanite comes to warn the Nephites of their wickedness and to prophecy of the coming of Christ. After the people try to kill Samuel, Mormon (the person who is abridging the book) says this to us, the reader,
"...if a prophet come among you and declareth into you the word of the Lord, which testifieth of your sins and iniquities, you are angry with him, and cast him out and seek all manner of ways to destroy him; yea, you will say that he is a false prophet and that he is a sinner, and of the devil, because he testifieth that your deeds are evil. But behold, if a man shall come among you and shall say; do this and there is no iniquity; do that and ye shall not suffer; yea, he will say: walk after the pride of your own hearts; yea, walk after the pride of your own eyes, and do whatsoever your heart desireth--and if a man shall come among you and say this, ye will receive him, and say he is a prophet. Yea, ye will lift him up, and ye will give unto him of your substance; ye will give unto him of your gold, and of your silver, and ye will clothe him with costly apparel; and because he speaketh flattering words unto you, and he saith that all is well, then ye will not find fault with him." (Helaman 13:26-28)
If you think of this verse as if it was talking about a parent teaching their children, I bet you could see what an awful parent they would be if they told their children, "do whatever you want, whenever you want! There is no harm in this!" They would be completely forsaking their role as a parent to guide, teach, and protect their children. It's the same for a prophet, if they only told us what we wanted to hear, things that were pleasing to the world, things that were easy to follow.... would they really be that great of a prophet? But what if they admonished us to follow God, keep his commandments, be obedient? What if at times they even asked us to do things that were uncomfortable because that would be you'd have to go against popular teachings of the world? Just something to consider.
My hope in this life, as I'm sure is all of yours, is to be the kind of parent that teaches my children how to be truly happy... even if that means to do hard, unpopular, or scary things at times. I know that as we follow a living prophet, we can become that kind of parent.
Lesson: 02
Have you ever thought about the people you trust and why you trust them? For instance, why is it that when my mom told me to never do drugs or have sexual intimacy before I was married, I was so willing to listen and be obedient? Some may argue, "there have been studies done which have shown that young children are more susceptible to the teachings of their parents because for the first few years of their lives they see their parents as being perfect." If that is the case, and I believe it is, then why do I still trust and listen to my mom even now that I am perfectly aware of her mistakes and short comings? I believe it's because I know she loves me and wants the best for me. I learned this through experience, when I was young I followed her and learned that what she taught would make me safe... so much so that even now, I trust her words.
Today I want to share my thoughts and feelings concerning someone else that I have come to trust, someone that I listen to and follow. Not because I believe they are perfect but because I have followed them in the past and it has only brought me happiness and peace. This person is the Prophet, Thomas S. Monson.
Early this week I was reading in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 which says, "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel: for satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."
I find it interesting in this verse how often Paul said the word "transform" there is something interesting that I have learned about transformers, they can't stay the same thing forever. They have to constantly be changing. Some may read this scripture and think, "well, how then, can I know who truly are messengers from God?" my grandma use to say, "what and learn!" I believe it's the same in this case, you can know if they are true messengers of God if they transform, meaning, they are constantly changing.
After reading this verse, I was reminded of one of my favorite verses in the Book of Mormon. Samuel the Lamanite comes to warn the Nephites of their wickedness and to prophecy of the coming of Christ. After the people try to kill Samuel, Mormon (the person who is abridging the book) says this to us, the reader,
"...if a prophet come among you and declareth into you the word of the Lord, which testifieth of your sins and iniquities, you are angry with him, and cast him out and seek all manner of ways to destroy him; yea, you will say that he is a false prophet and that he is a sinner, and of the devil, because he testifieth that your deeds are evil. But behold, if a man shall come among you and shall say; do this and there is no iniquity; do that and ye shall not suffer; yea, he will say: walk after the pride of your own hearts; yea, walk after the pride of your own eyes, and do whatsoever your heart desireth--and if a man shall come among you and say this, ye will receive him, and say he is a prophet. Yea, ye will lift him up, and ye will give unto him of your substance; ye will give unto him of your gold, and of your silver, and ye will clothe him with costly apparel; and because he speaketh flattering words unto you, and he saith that all is well, then ye will not find fault with him." (Helaman 13:26-28)
If you think of this verse as if it was talking about a parent teaching their children, I bet you could see what an awful parent they would be if they told their children, "do whatever you want, whenever you want! There is no harm in this!" They would be completely forsaking their role as a parent to guide, teach, and protect their children. It's the same for a prophet, if they only told us what we wanted to hear, things that were pleasing to the world, things that were easy to follow.... would they really be that great of a prophet? But what if they admonished us to follow God, keep his commandments, be obedient? What if at times they even asked us to do things that were uncomfortable because that would be you'd have to go against popular teachings of the world? Just something to consider.
My hope in this life, as I'm sure is all of yours, is to be the kind of parent that teaches my children how to be truly happy... even if that means to do hard, unpopular, or scary things at times. I know that as we follow a living prophet, we can become that kind of parent.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Things of a Better
I love going out to eat but with one exception; I don't particularly
enjoy going to fancy restaurants- you know the kind where you have to
dress up and act proper? I grew up eating hamburgers and fries and
I'd happily die eating them too- but on special occasions my family
will eat out somewhere fancy to celebrate. The day that had been long
awaited for had finally come- my older sister Cassi was now graduating
from collage. After the ceremony, as occasion would have it, we went
out to eat but this time we went to an EXTRA fancy restaurant.
As my whole family flooded into the restaurant- which was 12 of us
counting my two brother in laws (Brett wasn't with us yet) and my
niece and nephew- it felt as though we had filled up half the place!
Fact, fancy restaurants don't have much room... Or a lot of food-
clearly, by the portion size they give you- but regardless we were
there, the awkward elephant in the room.
I chose my seat on the booth side of the table. Two words, the squishy
seats. I was sitting across from my sister Jessica and her little
family; her husband Tucker and their two kids Ava and Mason.
Jessica looked tired and ready to go home- which I couldn't argue- she
had just sat through a three hour graduation with two little
hooligans... Well, three counting Tucker ;). Looking back, I can
imagine the long line of newly graduates ready to accept their
diplomas must have felt like an eternity to her- actually I think it's
safe to say it felt that way to all of us- but I knew Jessica was
happy to be with us to support Cassi.
After we had ordered our food I noticed two couples walk into the
small room. The women (whom I'm assuming were the wives) were dressed
like Maddie and I would when we were young and we'd pretend to be
princesses- except they had the real stuff on opposed to Walmart
plastic- they had long dresses, huge jewel necklaces and their hair
was puffed to perfection- their husbands had on black suits and ties.
I'm not the best at guessing age but I'd bet they were in their 50's.
I quickly observed that they were not happy to be squished in the same
room with my family. Royalty among peasants they clearly thought
themselves to be. As I observed them longer (I'm a people watcher) I
noticed that their distaste was more toward my niece and nephew than
it was to my family as a whole.
As usual, Ava and Mason were being their adorable, maniac selves.
Jumping from seat to seat, flinging food in the air, crying, laughing
-personally, I enjoy watching them it makes me excited for the day I
have children- but it was obvious the two couples were highly
aggravated. I actually heard one of the women say- as the others
nodded in agreement-"children are so disgusting!" Along with multiple
other comments they made- conveniently loud enough for us to hear.
I'll never forget this moment. There I was sitting across from
Jessica- food on her clothes, hair a mess from Ava playing with it,
tired, her children running amuck around her, Holding Tucker's hand-
and I thought, "that's what a real queen looks like."
Although I am young and I don't know fully what my future holds, I
look forward to the day when I am a wife and mother. Regardless, of
what I will accomplish or responsibilities I will be given in my life-
motherhood will forever be the greatest honor given to me from our
Heavenly Father.
I love the advice that is given to Emma Smith from God, "And verily I
say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and
seek for the things of a better."(D&C 25:10)
I truly believe that motherhood is part of "the things of a better."
enjoy going to fancy restaurants- you know the kind where you have to
dress up and act proper? I grew up eating hamburgers and fries and
I'd happily die eating them too- but on special occasions my family
will eat out somewhere fancy to celebrate. The day that had been long
awaited for had finally come- my older sister Cassi was now graduating
from collage. After the ceremony, as occasion would have it, we went
out to eat but this time we went to an EXTRA fancy restaurant.
As my whole family flooded into the restaurant- which was 12 of us
counting my two brother in laws (Brett wasn't with us yet) and my
niece and nephew- it felt as though we had filled up half the place!
Fact, fancy restaurants don't have much room... Or a lot of food-
clearly, by the portion size they give you- but regardless we were
there, the awkward elephant in the room.
I chose my seat on the booth side of the table. Two words, the squishy
seats. I was sitting across from my sister Jessica and her little
family; her husband Tucker and their two kids Ava and Mason.
Jessica looked tired and ready to go home- which I couldn't argue- she
had just sat through a three hour graduation with two little
hooligans... Well, three counting Tucker ;). Looking back, I can
imagine the long line of newly graduates ready to accept their
diplomas must have felt like an eternity to her- actually I think it's
safe to say it felt that way to all of us- but I knew Jessica was
happy to be with us to support Cassi.
After we had ordered our food I noticed two couples walk into the
small room. The women (whom I'm assuming were the wives) were dressed
like Maddie and I would when we were young and we'd pretend to be
princesses- except they had the real stuff on opposed to Walmart
plastic- they had long dresses, huge jewel necklaces and their hair
was puffed to perfection- their husbands had on black suits and ties.
I'm not the best at guessing age but I'd bet they were in their 50's.
I quickly observed that they were not happy to be squished in the same
room with my family. Royalty among peasants they clearly thought
themselves to be. As I observed them longer (I'm a people watcher) I
noticed that their distaste was more toward my niece and nephew than
it was to my family as a whole.
As usual, Ava and Mason were being their adorable, maniac selves.
Jumping from seat to seat, flinging food in the air, crying, laughing
-personally, I enjoy watching them it makes me excited for the day I
have children- but it was obvious the two couples were highly
aggravated. I actually heard one of the women say- as the others
nodded in agreement-"children are so disgusting!" Along with multiple
other comments they made- conveniently loud enough for us to hear.
I'll never forget this moment. There I was sitting across from
Jessica- food on her clothes, hair a mess from Ava playing with it,
tired, her children running amuck around her, Holding Tucker's hand-
and I thought, "that's what a real queen looks like."
Although I am young and I don't know fully what my future holds, I
look forward to the day when I am a wife and mother. Regardless, of
what I will accomplish or responsibilities I will be given in my life-
motherhood will forever be the greatest honor given to me from our
Heavenly Father.
I love the advice that is given to Emma Smith from God, "And verily I
say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and
seek for the things of a better."(D&C 25:10)
I truly believe that motherhood is part of "the things of a better."
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Flowers Or Not, They're Still My Favorite
I'm a simple person that likes simple things. So it shouldn't be a
surprise to find out that my favorite flower is a daisy. The first
time Bonnie Brunken (the exceptional gardener from a past area)
found out they're my favorite she told me- as we stood in her
immaculate garden with roses and Lillie's- "Sister Savage.... daisies
are not flowers. They are weeds!" Haha, her response- and I must add
her seriousness on the matter- still makes me smile to this day.
Flowers or not, they are still my favorite and that love has grown
since being out on my mission.
It just so happens that there are these little daisies that grow
EVERYWHERE in Eugene during the spring and summer time. At the
beginning of my mission, every time I saw one it brought a smile to my
face and I thought, "Heavenly Father wants me to know He is aware of
me."
Yesterday Sister Haugen and I were driving to an appointment when I
looked over and lo and behold there was a whole grass field of these
little daisies! Clearly, I had to pull over and take a picture! I'm
sure others driving by who saw me were probably wondering, "why is
that girl taking pictures of weeds...?" But for me it was a wonderful
moment. I knew Heavenly Father was watching over me.
The world tries to manifest itself in big ways; Glamor, honor, glory,
big flashing lights, shiny cars and money. It's as if you can almost hear it's
constant, tireless, cry, "look at me! Pay attention to me!" But God...
He likes to manifest Himself in small ways such as; little daisies, or
a much needed note from a friend, someone offering to help when you're
in desperate need, or your favorite song that comes on the radio at
the perfect moment. Every single one of us has had experiences like
that. I had a past bishop that would say, "there is no such thing as a
coincidence." And I strongly believe that. So-called "coincidences"
are blessing from Heavenly Father or as my sister would say, "love
notes from God".
The sad thing about the way the world tries to do things is it
doesn't bring lasting happiness or inner peace... It's just temporary
unlike God's way. When I saw that field of daisies it was better than
if I had won the lottery! I was so full of joy I thought I'd burst...
All because a bunch of "weeds".
I want to invite those reading this, to look for those "daisy moments"
today. :) Look for those little "love notes" from Heavenly Father and
I promise you will find them.
surprise to find out that my favorite flower is a daisy. The first
time Bonnie Brunken (the exceptional gardener from a past area)
found out they're my favorite she told me- as we stood in her
immaculate garden with roses and Lillie's- "Sister Savage.... daisies
are not flowers. They are weeds!" Haha, her response- and I must add
her seriousness on the matter- still makes me smile to this day.
Flowers or not, they are still my favorite and that love has grown
since being out on my mission.
It just so happens that there are these little daisies that grow
EVERYWHERE in Eugene during the spring and summer time. At the
beginning of my mission, every time I saw one it brought a smile to my
face and I thought, "Heavenly Father wants me to know He is aware of
me."
Yesterday Sister Haugen and I were driving to an appointment when I
looked over and lo and behold there was a whole grass field of these
little daisies! Clearly, I had to pull over and take a picture! I'm
sure others driving by who saw me were probably wondering, "why is
that girl taking pictures of weeds...?" But for me it was a wonderful
moment. I knew Heavenly Father was watching over me.
The world tries to manifest itself in big ways; Glamor, honor, glory,
big flashing lights, shiny cars and money. It's as if you can almost hear it's
constant, tireless, cry, "look at me! Pay attention to me!" But God...
He likes to manifest Himself in small ways such as; little daisies, or
a much needed note from a friend, someone offering to help when you're
in desperate need, or your favorite song that comes on the radio at
the perfect moment. Every single one of us has had experiences like
that. I had a past bishop that would say, "there is no such thing as a
coincidence." And I strongly believe that. So-called "coincidences"
are blessing from Heavenly Father or as my sister would say, "love
notes from God".
The sad thing about the way the world tries to do things is it
doesn't bring lasting happiness or inner peace... It's just temporary
unlike God's way. When I saw that field of daisies it was better than
if I had won the lottery! I was so full of joy I thought I'd burst...
All because a bunch of "weeds".
I want to invite those reading this, to look for those "daisy moments"
today. :) Look for those little "love notes" from Heavenly Father and
I promise you will find them.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Spectator Of Faith
I'm always amazed by people that have unique talents. That can
do things that seem impossible. My mom sent me an email recently about
a man who can do something pretty extraordinary.
His name was, Charles Blondin, he was famous for his tight
walking ability. He was only five foot five inches and weighed about
one hundred and forty pounds. He had blonde hair and bright blue
eyes. At a very early age, he knew he had a talent for tight rope
walking. He was born in France and his real name was Jean Francois
Gravelet. He was born in 1824 and died in 1897. His most famous
tight rope walks were done over the Niagra Falls. He stretched a rope
1,100 feet across the gore that was about 2 inches thick and 160 feet
in the air above the water. The first time he walked across the gorge
was on June 30, 1859. After he had done this- he kept his audiences
coming to watch him because he would try new stunts while he walked
across the falls. He did it blindfolded, in a sack, on stilts and
even pushing a wheel barrow of bricks. At one time he walked half way
across and then stopped to cook an omelette on a little stove- eat it
and then proceeded to the other side.
Charles Blondin, afraid his fans would start to lose interest,
was looking for another great stunt to his act of crossing the Niagara
falls on a tight rope. He told his manager, Henry Colcord, that he was
going to try carrying a man on his back. His manager agreed that it
would be a magnificent show but had some reservations on the danger to
another person.
The day of the show- when the large crowd had gathered to see his
stunt- he asked the crowd "Do you believe I can carry a man on my back
across the Niagara Falls?" the crowd cheered and even began to chant
loudly "We believe! We believe! We believe!" (now remember, many of
these spectators had seen Charles do a number of stunts while crossing
the tight rope and they had seen him do it again and again.) Charles
called out again to the crowd "Do you believe I can carry a man on my
back across this tight rope safely to the other side" again the crowd
chanted "We believe! We believe! We believe!"
Then Charles raised his arms in the air and shouted to the crowd
"Who will come jump on my back?" The crowd went silent but Charles
insisted "Who will come- who will jump on my back?" When no one in
the crowd would volunteer- finally Charles' manager Harry Colcord
jumped on his back and the two of them walked safely across the tight
rope and back again.
The crowds went wild....but did they really believe before they
saw it happen?
There are so many times in our life when we are figuratively
asked to climb on the back of the Savior- but we are too afraid.
Isn't that what the atonement really is- allowing the Savior to carry
us and have his atonement heal us? It is one thing to see it work for
someone else and yet it is another thing to see it work in our own
lives.
There are many of us that shout, "I believe! I believe! I
believe!" When the Savior has declared that He can carry our burdens,
heal us from the pain of sin, or strengthen us in times of trial, but
when it comes to actually allowing Him to figuratively carry us across
the "tight rope of trial" we've been asked to walk, we suddenly are
not willing to hop on His back and trust Him. "It may work for other
people, but not for me" some of us may say. Making us only spectators
of faith, having lost the wonderful opportunity we could have enjoyed
of facing our fears and allowing the Savior to carry us.
Today I want to speak on the atonement. I want to address three
things that have strengthened my trust and faith in Jesus Christ while
on my mission;
Press forward in hard times, enjoy the journey, and come to know
Christ through trial.
First, pressing forward during hard times. Through out my mission I
have come to realize that when things get really hard, and I'm about
to give up, that's when the Savior blesses me- IF I put my trust in
him and continue to move forward.
In the beginning of my mission, childishly, I thought that if I
prayed and wasn't immediately saved from my problem, "well then,
prayer must not really work!" But, thankfully, God doesn't work that
way. During one particularly discouraging day, I was deeply touched by
the prayer that Alma gave during a time when he could have easily
given up,
"O Lord, my heart is exceedingly sorrowful; wilt thou comfort my
soul in Christ. O Lord, wilt thou grant unto me that I may have
strength, that I may suffer with patience these afflictions which
shall come upon me, because of the iniquity of this people." Alma
31:31
Alma does not ask for his afflictions to be lifted, neither did
he ask that he wouldn't suffer. Instead he asked if he could be given
the strength and patience to endure and to be COMFORTED IN CHRIST.
Alma and his brothers pressed forward- acting on their faith- They
continued to work and then the blessings came.
There have been many times where I have been on the verge of
giving up and have told Heavenly Father, "I have had it! I'm done! I
did the best I possibly could. Why aren't you helping me?" And then
I'm gently reminded of Alma's account. I experienced this just the
other day.
All of our appointments fell through, the woman that was
supposed to be baptized dropped us, and to make matters worse.. It was
pouring rain and the only thing we had left on the agenda was
tracting. I felt so hurt and lonely. Regardless of how I felt, I knew
that I must press forward. I put my rain coat on then my companion and
I started our long treck down the gloomy street. The first three doors
didn't answer and as we moved toward the fourth door I found my
emotions were catching up to me.
Holding back my tears, cold, wet, and defeated, I knocked on the
door. The woman who answered was elderly, her smile gave me confidence
that maybe she'd listen. "Hello," I said- the spirit then touched my
heart- I paused as I started to become emotional, "We want to tell you
that God hears your prayers. He is aware of you and He loves you.
Although He doesn't always answer in the way or timing that you
desire, He always will." I felt the truth of what I had said and felt
as though I was talking more to myself, but with tears in her eyes she
said, "My husband recently passed away and I'm terribly lonely. In the
past I never prayed, but I have been praying more often. Does God
really listen to my prayers?" I felt a twig of shame, my problems were
nothing compared to hers! "Yes, yes He does! Can we come in and tell
you more?" I was surprised by her response, "I would enjoy that!" As
we sat in her house and taught her about the joy that comes from the
gospel, I felt the spirit say to me, "God does love you."
This experience I had is just one of countless others. I know
that as we press forward during hard times, Christ blesses us with the
strength to continue, because He suffered even as we suffer.
Alma informs us that Christ took upon Him our, "infirmities,
that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that
he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according
to their infirmities." (Alma 7:12)
While addressing this scripture President Henry B. Eyring
taught: "It will comfort us when we must wait in distress for the
Savior's promised relief that He knows, from experience, how to heal
and help us. ... And faith in that power will give us patience as we
pray and work and wait for help. He could have known how to succor us
simply by revelation, but He chose to learn by His own personal
experience." (The Atonement Covers All Pain)
Second, enjoy the journey. There is a quote by President
Hinckley that my mom has placed on our kitchen counter, it says, "life
isn't just to be endured, it's to be enjoyed." I have found myself
being reminded of that quote while in a difficult trial and wanting to
mutter, "Yeah, that's real nice President Hinckley... But sometimes it
feels like all I have been doing is enduring..." I'm sure all of us
feel this way at times; You feel the weight of un-answered prayers,
your husband loses his job, a sickness evades your family. Often the
true test of endurance comes when you have to give up something you
want in the moment for something better in the future.
Elder Wirthlin spoke on this subject giving the wise council of
his mother, "come what May and love it" in his talk he said, "How can
we love days that are filled with sorrow? We can't--at least not in
the moment. I don't think my mother was suggesting that we suppress
discouragement or deny the reality of pain. I don't think she was
suggesting that we smother unpleasant truths beneath a cloak of
pretended happiness. But I do believe that the way we react to
adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be
in life. If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be
times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of
greatest happiness." (Come What May, and Love It)
My companion and I were in a woman's home teaching a lesson
while her two year old son was playing with his toys on the floor.
Half way through the lesson the son noticed a toy car that was high up
on a shelf that was still in the box. The little boy dropped the toys
in his hands and jumped up then proceeded to tug at his mom's arm
pointing and begging her to get it for him. His mom told him no,
because the toy wasn't for him, the boy then went into hysterics.
Crying and screaming. In an attempted to calm him, his mother pointed
out all of his toys, "look at all the toys you have to play with!" She
said as she picked a couple of them up and tried handing them to him,
but the boy just screamed louder.
Watching this I wondered if that is how Heavenly Father sees
us sometimes. We are so focused on receiving one thing, that we don't
care what else God gives us, we refuse to be satisfied until we get
what we want. I couldn't help but think how this little boy would be
so much happier if he just enjoyed the toys he did have. After all,
that toy car wasn't really any better than the toys he already had.
Watching this boy reminded me of an experience I had.
Before I left on my mission I had no idea how much I was really
giving up. As the months have passed; my oldest sister has gotten
married, my youngest sister will be graduating, I've received multiple
post cards from family members as they have traveled to Greece,
England, Spain, Paris, a Disney cruise, all places I could have gone
if I was home. I could only experience my family's Christmas party
through pictures.
Every time I was reminded of something going on at home, I'd
just brush it off, knowing I'm doing what The Lord wants. Until a
couple of months ago when my sister, Cassi, had her first baby. This
was a huge advent for our family- particularly- because Cassi had
tried for three years to have a baby. Our family had fasted many times
for this blessing and finally it came. When the mission office called
to announce the news, I was very excited and happy, but as the day
went on I started to think more about how much I wanted to be there.
During lunch I excused myself to pray alone in our room. I knelt down
by my bed and just cried. "Heavenly Father," I said, "I know that I am
supposed to be here. But right now I just want to go home..." In that
moment I felt a great sense of love come from our Heavenly Father. I
knew that He was grateful for the sacrifice that I was making. I also
knew that He just wanted me to be happy.
Two choices came to my mind; complain that I couldn't be home at
this time or choose to enjoy the short time I had as a missionary. I
decided life was going to be much easier if I chose to enjoy it.
Though it was difficult at first, I put a smile on my face and went
back to work. I found that as I did, it brought the spirit into my
heart which helped me over come my sadness. I started to enjoy what
was going on in the present. Looking back now, I realize that- yes, a
lot has happened at home while I've been gone- but I would never take
back any of the experiences I've had, people I've met, and
opportunities I've been given.
President uchtdorf gave a wonderful talk last conference in the
Young Women's session. He said, "There will always be things to
complain about--things that don't seem to go quite right. You can
spend your days feeling sad, alone, misunderstood, or unwanted. But
that isn't the journey you had hoped for, and it's not the journey
Heavenly Father sent you to take. Remember, you are truly a daughter
of God!" ("Your Wonderful Journey Home")
I know that as we put our trust in God He will help us enjoy the
journey, regardless of how difficult.
Last, truly coming to know Christ through trial. Before I left
on my mission I received a priesthood blessing from my father, I was
told, "Rebekah, you will come to know the Savior in a more personal
way. You will feel His love in a more profound way." Out of all the
things that were said that night, those words stuck with me. As the
months have passed coming to know Christ better has been something I
have earnestly prayed and longed for.
I learned in the middle of my mission- and am still learning-
that coming to know Christ is much more than scripture study every
day- although that helps- and much more than a half hearted prayer. It
comes through the refining experiences we have that help us become
more like Him. Elder Kent F. Richards said while suffering through a
trial, "I came to understand that during His mortal life Christ chose
to experience pains and afflictions in order to understand us. Perhaps
we also need to experience the depths of mortality in order to
understand Him and our eternal purposes." (The Atonement Covers All
Pain)
At the beginning of my mission I was blessed with much success.
I was exactly obedient and in return there were always people to be
taught, lives to bless, and those who'd listen. I started to wonder if
all the things I was told before about it being "difficult" were all
exaggerations. When I hit my ninth month mark, Heavenly Father,
transfer me to open up a new area for sisters, one that hadn't had
sisters for many years. Having done it before, I wasn't too worried
about it, "All I have to do is be exactly obedient and God will bless
me." I told myself.
My new companion and I hit the ground running in our new area.
We must have talked to every person those first couple of days. I even
jumped in front of a guy who was riding a bike! By the end of our
first week we had many people scheduled to meet with us. Sadly, we
quickly discovered, as my companion would say, "they are all flakes!"
Every single person dropped us before our first appointment. As the
days went on, we continued to talk to many people, but everyone was
"flakey." In result I became very discouraged. "What could I have
possibly done wrong?" For six weeks we had no one to teach. We'd visit
less actives and the ward members were so wonderful, but I couldn't
help but feel rejected and hurt. Almost every night I waited until my
companion was asleep so I could sit in the bathroom and cry. I often
said as The Lord did in Jacob, "what could I have done more in my
vineyard?" (Jacob 5:41)
One preparation day during our second transfer in that area I
had just E-mailed my parents and printed off the E-mails they had
written me. When we got home I sat at my desk to re-read my letters. I
was surprised to find that I had accidentally grabbed something that I
assume one of the other missionaries had printed off. It was parts of
a talk by Elder Holland titled, "Why is it so hard?" Addressed to new
mission presidents. I felt the spirit tell me to read it.
The first line said, "You will have occasion to ask and your
missionaries will have occasion to ask and wonder almost every day,
'why is it so hard?' Why doesn't it go better, why can't it be more
rapid, why aren't there more people? Isn't it the truth? We believe in
angels. We have miracles." He then said, "We are the church that says
we are disciples of Christ that this is the truth and He is our great
Eternal Head. How could it be- and how could we want it to be- easy
for us, when it was never easy for Him?"
As I read that paragraph it took me back to when my dad gave me
my blessing, his words came to my mind, "Rebekah, you will come to
know the Savior in a more personal way..."
I then read, "The atonement will carry your missionaries,
perhaps even more importantly than it will carry the investigators.
You let them know that they are standing with the best blood that ever
lived! The only pure and perfect life that ever stood; when they
struggle, when they are rejected, when they are spit upon, and cast
out and made a hiss and a by word. They have reason to stand tall and
be proud! That the living son of the living God knows all about that
and that the only way to salvation is through Him and the only way to
eternity is in Him; the way, the truth, and the life."
With tears in my eyes, I walked into my room, knelt and thanked
Heavenly Father for the trial I was going through. I realized that I
came to know Christ because I got a taste of what He went through. I
also learned the valuable lesson that even good, obedient, hard
working people are not protected from trials and heart ache.
The great biblical poet, Isaiah, said of Christ, "He is despised
and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and
we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed
him not.
"Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we
did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for
our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with
his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:3-4)
I believe that because of this experience, I came to know "the
man of sorrows" who was "acquainted with grief" and I have felt the
great relief of being "healed with His stripes."
Last conference President Monson, our prophet said,
"We know that there are times when we will experience
heartbreaking sorrow, when we will grieve, and when we may be tested
to our limits. However, such difficulties allow us to change for the
better, to rebuild our lives in the way our Heavenly Father teaches
us, and to become something different from what we were--better than
we were, more understanding than we were, more empathetic than we
were, with stronger testimonies than we had before." ("I Will Not Fail
Thee, nor Forsake Thee")
In conclusion, President Uchtdorf said in a recent talk, "Rise
up and follow in the footsteps of our Redeemer and Savior, and one day
you will look back and be filled with eternal gratitude that you chose
to trust the Atonement and it's power to lift you up and give you
strength." ("You Can Do It Now")
I want to affirm what he said; I truly believe that regardless
of what "tight rope" we are asked to walk in our lives; as we continue
to press forward in hard times, enjoy the journey, and come to better
know Christ, we will stand before the Savior in some future day and He
will thank us for allowing Him to carry us. In that moment we will
know that we became more than merely "spectators of faith" for we will
have been "doers of the word, and not hearers only." (James 1:22)
I love this gospel. I know that it is true. I know that Jesus
Christ lives. His atonement is the only way to true peace in this
life. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
do things that seem impossible. My mom sent me an email recently about
a man who can do something pretty extraordinary.
His name was, Charles Blondin, he was famous for his tight
walking ability. He was only five foot five inches and weighed about
one hundred and forty pounds. He had blonde hair and bright blue
eyes. At a very early age, he knew he had a talent for tight rope
walking. He was born in France and his real name was Jean Francois
Gravelet. He was born in 1824 and died in 1897. His most famous
tight rope walks were done over the Niagra Falls. He stretched a rope
1,100 feet across the gore that was about 2 inches thick and 160 feet
in the air above the water. The first time he walked across the gorge
was on June 30, 1859. After he had done this- he kept his audiences
coming to watch him because he would try new stunts while he walked
across the falls. He did it blindfolded, in a sack, on stilts and
even pushing a wheel barrow of bricks. At one time he walked half way
across and then stopped to cook an omelette on a little stove- eat it
and then proceeded to the other side.
Charles Blondin, afraid his fans would start to lose interest,
was looking for another great stunt to his act of crossing the Niagara
falls on a tight rope. He told his manager, Henry Colcord, that he was
going to try carrying a man on his back. His manager agreed that it
would be a magnificent show but had some reservations on the danger to
another person.
The day of the show- when the large crowd had gathered to see his
stunt- he asked the crowd "Do you believe I can carry a man on my back
across the Niagara Falls?" the crowd cheered and even began to chant
loudly "We believe! We believe! We believe!" (now remember, many of
these spectators had seen Charles do a number of stunts while crossing
the tight rope and they had seen him do it again and again.) Charles
called out again to the crowd "Do you believe I can carry a man on my
back across this tight rope safely to the other side" again the crowd
chanted "We believe! We believe! We believe!"
Then Charles raised his arms in the air and shouted to the crowd
"Who will come jump on my back?" The crowd went silent but Charles
insisted "Who will come- who will jump on my back?" When no one in
the crowd would volunteer- finally Charles' manager Harry Colcord
jumped on his back and the two of them walked safely across the tight
rope and back again.
The crowds went wild....but did they really believe before they
saw it happen?
There are so many times in our life when we are figuratively
asked to climb on the back of the Savior- but we are too afraid.
Isn't that what the atonement really is- allowing the Savior to carry
us and have his atonement heal us? It is one thing to see it work for
someone else and yet it is another thing to see it work in our own
lives.
There are many of us that shout, "I believe! I believe! I
believe!" When the Savior has declared that He can carry our burdens,
heal us from the pain of sin, or strengthen us in times of trial, but
when it comes to actually allowing Him to figuratively carry us across
the "tight rope of trial" we've been asked to walk, we suddenly are
not willing to hop on His back and trust Him. "It may work for other
people, but not for me" some of us may say. Making us only spectators
of faith, having lost the wonderful opportunity we could have enjoyed
of facing our fears and allowing the Savior to carry us.
Today I want to speak on the atonement. I want to address three
things that have strengthened my trust and faith in Jesus Christ while
on my mission;
Press forward in hard times, enjoy the journey, and come to know
Christ through trial.
First, pressing forward during hard times. Through out my mission I
have come to realize that when things get really hard, and I'm about
to give up, that's when the Savior blesses me- IF I put my trust in
him and continue to move forward.
In the beginning of my mission, childishly, I thought that if I
prayed and wasn't immediately saved from my problem, "well then,
prayer must not really work!" But, thankfully, God doesn't work that
way. During one particularly discouraging day, I was deeply touched by
the prayer that Alma gave during a time when he could have easily
given up,
"O Lord, my heart is exceedingly sorrowful; wilt thou comfort my
soul in Christ. O Lord, wilt thou grant unto me that I may have
strength, that I may suffer with patience these afflictions which
shall come upon me, because of the iniquity of this people." Alma
31:31
Alma does not ask for his afflictions to be lifted, neither did
he ask that he wouldn't suffer. Instead he asked if he could be given
the strength and patience to endure and to be COMFORTED IN CHRIST.
Alma and his brothers pressed forward- acting on their faith- They
continued to work and then the blessings came.
There have been many times where I have been on the verge of
giving up and have told Heavenly Father, "I have had it! I'm done! I
did the best I possibly could. Why aren't you helping me?" And then
I'm gently reminded of Alma's account. I experienced this just the
other day.
All of our appointments fell through, the woman that was
supposed to be baptized dropped us, and to make matters worse.. It was
pouring rain and the only thing we had left on the agenda was
tracting. I felt so hurt and lonely. Regardless of how I felt, I knew
that I must press forward. I put my rain coat on then my companion and
I started our long treck down the gloomy street. The first three doors
didn't answer and as we moved toward the fourth door I found my
emotions were catching up to me.
Holding back my tears, cold, wet, and defeated, I knocked on the
door. The woman who answered was elderly, her smile gave me confidence
that maybe she'd listen. "Hello," I said- the spirit then touched my
heart- I paused as I started to become emotional, "We want to tell you
that God hears your prayers. He is aware of you and He loves you.
Although He doesn't always answer in the way or timing that you
desire, He always will." I felt the truth of what I had said and felt
as though I was talking more to myself, but with tears in her eyes she
said, "My husband recently passed away and I'm terribly lonely. In the
past I never prayed, but I have been praying more often. Does God
really listen to my prayers?" I felt a twig of shame, my problems were
nothing compared to hers! "Yes, yes He does! Can we come in and tell
you more?" I was surprised by her response, "I would enjoy that!" As
we sat in her house and taught her about the joy that comes from the
gospel, I felt the spirit say to me, "God does love you."
This experience I had is just one of countless others. I know
that as we press forward during hard times, Christ blesses us with the
strength to continue, because He suffered even as we suffer.
Alma informs us that Christ took upon Him our, "infirmities,
that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that
he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according
to their infirmities." (Alma 7:12)
While addressing this scripture President Henry B. Eyring
taught: "It will comfort us when we must wait in distress for the
Savior's promised relief that He knows, from experience, how to heal
and help us. ... And faith in that power will give us patience as we
pray and work and wait for help. He could have known how to succor us
simply by revelation, but He chose to learn by His own personal
experience." (The Atonement Covers All Pain)
Second, enjoy the journey. There is a quote by President
Hinckley that my mom has placed on our kitchen counter, it says, "life
isn't just to be endured, it's to be enjoyed." I have found myself
being reminded of that quote while in a difficult trial and wanting to
mutter, "Yeah, that's real nice President Hinckley... But sometimes it
feels like all I have been doing is enduring..." I'm sure all of us
feel this way at times; You feel the weight of un-answered prayers,
your husband loses his job, a sickness evades your family. Often the
true test of endurance comes when you have to give up something you
want in the moment for something better in the future.
Elder Wirthlin spoke on this subject giving the wise council of
his mother, "come what May and love it" in his talk he said, "How can
we love days that are filled with sorrow? We can't--at least not in
the moment. I don't think my mother was suggesting that we suppress
discouragement or deny the reality of pain. I don't think she was
suggesting that we smother unpleasant truths beneath a cloak of
pretended happiness. But I do believe that the way we react to
adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be
in life. If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be
times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of
greatest happiness." (Come What May, and Love It)
My companion and I were in a woman's home teaching a lesson
while her two year old son was playing with his toys on the floor.
Half way through the lesson the son noticed a toy car that was high up
on a shelf that was still in the box. The little boy dropped the toys
in his hands and jumped up then proceeded to tug at his mom's arm
pointing and begging her to get it for him. His mom told him no,
because the toy wasn't for him, the boy then went into hysterics.
Crying and screaming. In an attempted to calm him, his mother pointed
out all of his toys, "look at all the toys you have to play with!" She
said as she picked a couple of them up and tried handing them to him,
but the boy just screamed louder.
Watching this I wondered if that is how Heavenly Father sees
us sometimes. We are so focused on receiving one thing, that we don't
care what else God gives us, we refuse to be satisfied until we get
what we want. I couldn't help but think how this little boy would be
so much happier if he just enjoyed the toys he did have. After all,
that toy car wasn't really any better than the toys he already had.
Watching this boy reminded me of an experience I had.
Before I left on my mission I had no idea how much I was really
giving up. As the months have passed; my oldest sister has gotten
married, my youngest sister will be graduating, I've received multiple
post cards from family members as they have traveled to Greece,
England, Spain, Paris, a Disney cruise, all places I could have gone
if I was home. I could only experience my family's Christmas party
through pictures.
Every time I was reminded of something going on at home, I'd
just brush it off, knowing I'm doing what The Lord wants. Until a
couple of months ago when my sister, Cassi, had her first baby. This
was a huge advent for our family- particularly- because Cassi had
tried for three years to have a baby. Our family had fasted many times
for this blessing and finally it came. When the mission office called
to announce the news, I was very excited and happy, but as the day
went on I started to think more about how much I wanted to be there.
During lunch I excused myself to pray alone in our room. I knelt down
by my bed and just cried. "Heavenly Father," I said, "I know that I am
supposed to be here. But right now I just want to go home..." In that
moment I felt a great sense of love come from our Heavenly Father. I
knew that He was grateful for the sacrifice that I was making. I also
knew that He just wanted me to be happy.
Two choices came to my mind; complain that I couldn't be home at
this time or choose to enjoy the short time I had as a missionary. I
decided life was going to be much easier if I chose to enjoy it.
Though it was difficult at first, I put a smile on my face and went
back to work. I found that as I did, it brought the spirit into my
heart which helped me over come my sadness. I started to enjoy what
was going on in the present. Looking back now, I realize that- yes, a
lot has happened at home while I've been gone- but I would never take
back any of the experiences I've had, people I've met, and
opportunities I've been given.
President uchtdorf gave a wonderful talk last conference in the
Young Women's session. He said, "There will always be things to
complain about--things that don't seem to go quite right. You can
spend your days feeling sad, alone, misunderstood, or unwanted. But
that isn't the journey you had hoped for, and it's not the journey
Heavenly Father sent you to take. Remember, you are truly a daughter
of God!" ("Your Wonderful Journey Home")
I know that as we put our trust in God He will help us enjoy the
journey, regardless of how difficult.
Last, truly coming to know Christ through trial. Before I left
on my mission I received a priesthood blessing from my father, I was
told, "Rebekah, you will come to know the Savior in a more personal
way. You will feel His love in a more profound way." Out of all the
things that were said that night, those words stuck with me. As the
months have passed coming to know Christ better has been something I
have earnestly prayed and longed for.
I learned in the middle of my mission- and am still learning-
that coming to know Christ is much more than scripture study every
day- although that helps- and much more than a half hearted prayer. It
comes through the refining experiences we have that help us become
more like Him. Elder Kent F. Richards said while suffering through a
trial, "I came to understand that during His mortal life Christ chose
to experience pains and afflictions in order to understand us. Perhaps
we also need to experience the depths of mortality in order to
understand Him and our eternal purposes." (The Atonement Covers All
Pain)
At the beginning of my mission I was blessed with much success.
I was exactly obedient and in return there were always people to be
taught, lives to bless, and those who'd listen. I started to wonder if
all the things I was told before about it being "difficult" were all
exaggerations. When I hit my ninth month mark, Heavenly Father,
transfer me to open up a new area for sisters, one that hadn't had
sisters for many years. Having done it before, I wasn't too worried
about it, "All I have to do is be exactly obedient and God will bless
me." I told myself.
My new companion and I hit the ground running in our new area.
We must have talked to every person those first couple of days. I even
jumped in front of a guy who was riding a bike! By the end of our
first week we had many people scheduled to meet with us. Sadly, we
quickly discovered, as my companion would say, "they are all flakes!"
Every single person dropped us before our first appointment. As the
days went on, we continued to talk to many people, but everyone was
"flakey." In result I became very discouraged. "What could I have
possibly done wrong?" For six weeks we had no one to teach. We'd visit
less actives and the ward members were so wonderful, but I couldn't
help but feel rejected and hurt. Almost every night I waited until my
companion was asleep so I could sit in the bathroom and cry. I often
said as The Lord did in Jacob, "what could I have done more in my
vineyard?" (Jacob 5:41)
One preparation day during our second transfer in that area I
had just E-mailed my parents and printed off the E-mails they had
written me. When we got home I sat at my desk to re-read my letters. I
was surprised to find that I had accidentally grabbed something that I
assume one of the other missionaries had printed off. It was parts of
a talk by Elder Holland titled, "Why is it so hard?" Addressed to new
mission presidents. I felt the spirit tell me to read it.
The first line said, "You will have occasion to ask and your
missionaries will have occasion to ask and wonder almost every day,
'why is it so hard?' Why doesn't it go better, why can't it be more
rapid, why aren't there more people? Isn't it the truth? We believe in
angels. We have miracles." He then said, "We are the church that says
we are disciples of Christ that this is the truth and He is our great
Eternal Head. How could it be- and how could we want it to be- easy
for us, when it was never easy for Him?"
As I read that paragraph it took me back to when my dad gave me
my blessing, his words came to my mind, "Rebekah, you will come to
know the Savior in a more personal way..."
I then read, "The atonement will carry your missionaries,
perhaps even more importantly than it will carry the investigators.
You let them know that they are standing with the best blood that ever
lived! The only pure and perfect life that ever stood; when they
struggle, when they are rejected, when they are spit upon, and cast
out and made a hiss and a by word. They have reason to stand tall and
be proud! That the living son of the living God knows all about that
and that the only way to salvation is through Him and the only way to
eternity is in Him; the way, the truth, and the life."
With tears in my eyes, I walked into my room, knelt and thanked
Heavenly Father for the trial I was going through. I realized that I
came to know Christ because I got a taste of what He went through. I
also learned the valuable lesson that even good, obedient, hard
working people are not protected from trials and heart ache.
The great biblical poet, Isaiah, said of Christ, "He is despised
and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and
we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed
him not.
"Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we
did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for
our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with
his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:3-4)
I believe that because of this experience, I came to know "the
man of sorrows" who was "acquainted with grief" and I have felt the
great relief of being "healed with His stripes."
Last conference President Monson, our prophet said,
"We know that there are times when we will experience
heartbreaking sorrow, when we will grieve, and when we may be tested
to our limits. However, such difficulties allow us to change for the
better, to rebuild our lives in the way our Heavenly Father teaches
us, and to become something different from what we were--better than
we were, more understanding than we were, more empathetic than we
were, with stronger testimonies than we had before." ("I Will Not Fail
Thee, nor Forsake Thee")
In conclusion, President Uchtdorf said in a recent talk, "Rise
up and follow in the footsteps of our Redeemer and Savior, and one day
you will look back and be filled with eternal gratitude that you chose
to trust the Atonement and it's power to lift you up and give you
strength." ("You Can Do It Now")
I want to affirm what he said; I truly believe that regardless
of what "tight rope" we are asked to walk in our lives; as we continue
to press forward in hard times, enjoy the journey, and come to better
know Christ, we will stand before the Savior in some future day and He
will thank us for allowing Him to carry us. In that moment we will
know that we became more than merely "spectators of faith" for we will
have been "doers of the word, and not hearers only." (James 1:22)
I love this gospel. I know that it is true. I know that Jesus
Christ lives. His atonement is the only way to true peace in this
life. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)