We all have trials, some are more visible than others. I heard it said that if suffering brought wisdom we would all be wise. Well, we all suffer, but we are not all wise. As I have pondered this while dealing with my own "hell", I was taught something really simple. I would love to share it with you.
Nephi says: "I glory in plainness; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell" (2 Nephi 33:6). We all have our own trials that seem to be like hell sometimes. And unfortunately, even when we are in "the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you" (1 Peter 4:12) we want to make it more complicated than it needs to be by forgetting the "easiness of the way" (Alma 37:46).
Nephi said he gloried in plainness. Plainness is defined as "conveying the meaning clearly and simply or without special pretensions, superiority, or elegance, etc". I believe that we think it is better to be complex, complicated, or hidden, perhaps even vague at times, especially when things are difficult. But really, it is plain, and it is easy. I have to repent that in times past, I have made fun of or disregarded the "easiness of the way". When we want solutions to our difficulties it is sometimes thought of as too simple and what we might think of as trite, but rather it is God's way. The way of finding solutions is plain and we all know it. It is to pray, search the scriptures, and be obedient. We have perhaps heard this easy solution so many times that we forget to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving [our] own selves" (James 1:22)
Knowing this answer doesn't mean we have it in our hearts, because when we get it into our hearts of how really plain and easy the way of finding a solution to all our problems, we then act on the easiness of the way. "O my [brothers and sisters], do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever" (Alma 37:46). If we will "look" by reading the scriptures, and sincerely praying and then be obedient to the whisperings of the Spirit that we will surely receive, answers and solutions will come and we shall be delivered and redeemed from hell (see D&C 17:8; D&C 21:6; Matt 16:18) both figuratively and literally.
Just as Nephi, I too "glory in plainness. I glory in truth; and I glory in my Jesus who hath redeemed my soul from hell". I know that the way is plain. God loves us, He comforts us, guides us, and leads us along as we "seek this Jesus" (Ether 12:41) through scripture study, prayer and obedience.
Monday, February 03, 2014
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13)
My 14 year old son gave me a puzzle for Christmas. To be totally honest, when I first unwrapped the gift I thought, "I hate puzzles. I am so not a puzzle person". The puzzle is over 750 pieces and is a picture of Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, The Last Supper. He was very excited about his gift. Because my son gave it to me, I decided I would pursue doing this puzzle of The Last Supper. It has been a real eye opener for me as I have found where pieces fit, slowly having the entire thing put together. The things I have learned as I found the placement of each piece are beautiful.
One of the things I learned is that a puzzle is similar to the gospel. One must desire to put the whole thing together. As we do so with diligence and patience each piece eventually fits in it's proper place. Even when I thought I had lost a piece, or perhaps may have put one in the wrong place, or it didn't seem that it would actually fit in the place it is suppose to go, slowly all the pieces fit in their "proper order" (Alma 41:2,4). Everything comes together in the Lord’s timing.
Another thing I learned is the promise from the Lord is also like the puzzle. It is repeated often in the scriptures. "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). When I first started working on the puzzle my attitude was doubtful that I would be able to complete it or find all the pieces on my own. But as I found more and more pieces, I would make time, and eventually spend all my extra time seeking for the proper order and placement of the pieces. The Lord says, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (Matthew 7:7; see also Luke 11:9; 3 Nephi 14:7). How true this is with each principle of the gospel and in coming to know the Savior. When we ask, and seek, He guides us and helps us put the pieces together into one great whole. It becomes this beautiful Masterpiece.
Ironically enough, Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the First Presidency said this: “The truth is, those who diligently seek to learn of Christ eventually will come to know Him. They will personally receive a divine portrait of the Master, although it most often comes in the form of a puzzle- one piece at a time. Each individual piece may not be easily recognizable by itself; it may not be clear how it relates to the whole. Each piece helps us to see the big picture a little more clearly. Eventually, after enough pieces have been put together, we recognize the grand beauty of it all. Then, looking back on our experience, we see that the Savior had indeed come to be with us-not all at once but quietly, gently, almost unnoticed” (Waiting on the Road to Damascas).
I love the Lord. I love how He works, one piece at a time, to help us learn all that we need to in order to draw closer to Him and eventually see Him as He is and become like Him (see Moroni 7:48 1 John 3:1-3).
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Tuesday, January 14, 2014
"...seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom" (D&C 88:118)
I must confess something. I am having an affair...with the scriptures. I love the scriptures! Honestly, these are my favorite books. I have derived more inspiration, guidance, understanding and love of others, and so much more as I have feasted on these fat books of knowledge, and divine inspiration (see 2 Nephi 31:20; 2 Timothy 3:16). Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley describes exactly how I feel about the scriptures and my personal scripture study. He said: "I do not claim distinction as a scholar of the scriptures. For me, the reading of the scriptures is not the pursuit of scholarship. Rather, it is a love affair with the word of the Lord and that of his prophets. They contain so much for each of us" (Feasting upon the Scriptures). This love affair is awesome for my marriage, for my family, for our children, for my relationship with God. This love affair has stirred a desire in me to be a better wife, a better mother, a better daughter of God. The power of the scriptures can't be stated enough.
When the Lord said, "And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith" (D&C 88:118; D&C 109:7,14), for me, He wasn't talking about reading a beautiful quote book, a college text book, or even a book from the New York Times best seller list. He was referring to the books that are the words from His mouth (see D&C 1:38), the scriptures. He says, "Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled" (D&C 1:37). "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand" (Revelations 1:3). "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. And all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man [and woman] of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Timothy 3:15-17).
I could go on and on about all the wonderful qualities of the scriptures and try and convince you to have your own love affair with them that will bless your life eternally. But, I won't. Rather, I would encourage you to "...seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom, yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith" (D&C 88:118; D&C 109:7,14)
When the Lord said, "And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith" (D&C 88:118; D&C 109:7,14), for me, He wasn't talking about reading a beautiful quote book, a college text book, or even a book from the New York Times best seller list. He was referring to the books that are the words from His mouth (see D&C 1:38), the scriptures. He says, "Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled" (D&C 1:37). "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand" (Revelations 1:3). "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. And all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man [and woman] of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Timothy 3:15-17).
I could go on and on about all the wonderful qualities of the scriptures and try and convince you to have your own love affair with them that will bless your life eternally. But, I won't. Rather, I would encourage you to "...seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom, yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith" (D&C 88:118; D&C 109:7,14)
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
"And the [mothers] were not to depend upon the people for their support; but for their labor they were to receive the grace of God, that they might wax strong in the Spirit, having the knowledge of God, that they might teach with power and authority from God" (Mosiah 18:26)
I have often wondered if I do enough, enough service, enough help for others, enough good...because a lot of what a stay-at-home mother does really isn't all that exciting in terms of what the world would have us believe. I often do the same mundane tasks over and over, and often with little thanks and no recognition. I don't have anyone paying me money to make a nutritious dinner, or wash clothes, or drive them to and from school- no "high five" or "fist bumps" for doing the daily tasks to keep our home in order, let alone for the spiritual environment I work on continually to help protect and strengthen our children.
I am coming to realize that it isn't about doing enough, or even being enough. In terms of worldly rewards, I will never get, do, or be enough, no matter what I do or what I am to accomplish. But in the Lord's way, I am getting rewarded way more and in better "payment" than I could ever desire or want, and it just keeps coming! Alma teaches this principle in simply stating how the church is set up and run. I will replace "mother" for the word "priest" in this passage. I take this liberty because I "liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for out profit and learning" (1 Nephi 19:23). "And the [mothers] were not to depend upon the people for their support; but for their labor they were to receive the grace of God, that they might wax strong in the Spirit, having the knowledge of God, that they might teach with power and authority from God" (Mosiah 18:26).
As a mother trying to do my best to teach our children the gospel, not only through word but deed, I testify that one does "wax strong in the Spirit, having the knowledge of God, that [one] might teach [her loved ones] with power and authority from God". This is an incredible gift to give to our children and future families. It isn't easy to care for little children, give our time and talents in nurturing and caring for loved one, neighbors, and friends and most definitely goes unnoticed by society at large. At times, we may even wonder if we are doing "enough". In our every day lives, of doing the "mundane", let us "fear not to do good" (D&C 6:33), for good is often done in the small and simple things of every day living, such as giving kindness when others are not, patience when anger seems warranted, compassion to those who have hurt or injured us. "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great" (D&C 64:33). That great work is us and our families! We are God's work and glory (see Moses 1:39). As mothers and fathers in Zion we are "not to depend upon the people for their support", but rely upon God's plan, His purposes, and His reward to "receive the grace of God, that [we] might wax strong in the Spirit, having the knowledge of God, that [we] might teach with power and authority from God" (Mosiah 18:26). As we "do good" and lay this foundation, we are enough and most definitely are doing enough. This I testify.
I am coming to realize that it isn't about doing enough, or even being enough. In terms of worldly rewards, I will never get, do, or be enough, no matter what I do or what I am to accomplish. But in the Lord's way, I am getting rewarded way more and in better "payment" than I could ever desire or want, and it just keeps coming! Alma teaches this principle in simply stating how the church is set up and run. I will replace "mother" for the word "priest" in this passage. I take this liberty because I "liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for out profit and learning" (1 Nephi 19:23). "And the [mothers] were not to depend upon the people for their support; but for their labor they were to receive the grace of God, that they might wax strong in the Spirit, having the knowledge of God, that they might teach with power and authority from God" (Mosiah 18:26).
As a mother trying to do my best to teach our children the gospel, not only through word but deed, I testify that one does "wax strong in the Spirit, having the knowledge of God, that [one] might teach [her loved ones] with power and authority from God". This is an incredible gift to give to our children and future families. It isn't easy to care for little children, give our time and talents in nurturing and caring for loved one, neighbors, and friends and most definitely goes unnoticed by society at large. At times, we may even wonder if we are doing "enough". In our every day lives, of doing the "mundane", let us "fear not to do good" (D&C 6:33), for good is often done in the small and simple things of every day living, such as giving kindness when others are not, patience when anger seems warranted, compassion to those who have hurt or injured us. "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great" (D&C 64:33). That great work is us and our families! We are God's work and glory (see Moses 1:39). As mothers and fathers in Zion we are "not to depend upon the people for their support", but rely upon God's plan, His purposes, and His reward to "receive the grace of God, that [we] might wax strong in the Spirit, having the knowledge of God, that [we] might teach with power and authority from God" (Mosiah 18:26). As we "do good" and lay this foundation, we are enough and most definitely are doing enough. This I testify.
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| I just love my family!!! |
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| This is a funny picture, but we sure had fun laughing and running together. I love being with our family! |
Saturday, December 28, 2013
"For with God, nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37)
A few years ago I had a horrible experience that changed my life in many ways. After that experience I went through some very dark times. I struggled to know if anything I had done was good, or right. I felt I had been betrayed on many levels and my trust for people was pretty much in the toilet. Since then I often struggle with fear- fear of failure, fear of people, fear of doing what is right; and this has led to a lot of self doubt. And the combination of fear and self doubt have often led to inaction. Needless to say, it hasn't been very fun.
And so, I have decided that I want to change, I want to repent of this fear and doubt. I choose the word repent specifically, not because it is a sin to doubt or have fear, but repentance is truly what I desire. In The guide to the Scriptures it states that repentance is "a change of mind and heart that brings a fresh attitude toward God, oneself, and life in general. Repentance implies that a person turns away from evil and turns his heart and will to God, submitting to God's commandments and desires and forsaking sin" (Repentance). I desire this change of heart and mind and life. I don't want to be in a state of worry and fear. I want to repent of these attitudes, for they are essentially attitudes that have been learned and I want to change them. I have decided to focus on increasing my faith God rather than focus on fear or doubt.
Increasing ones faith in God begins with loving God. Christ said: "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). I desire to love God, and to do this I must keep His commandments- all of them. I know I will make mistakes, and need to repent often. But that's okay. It's part of life, repenting, trying, growing, falling, and getting back up. Repenting is really getting back up- back up to God's ways rather than man's ways (see Isaiah 55:8-9). As I have written various posts for this blog, I have often doubted if they have done any good. I have many posts that are written, but I haven't published them for fear they won't be good enough or help anyone, so I don't act. Fear and self doubt have often made me not act on many small impressions since "that experience". I can't change what happened, and I most definitely can't change people. But I have the power to change myself. And the beautiful part is, none of us have to change on our own- "For with God, nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37).
And so, I have decided that I want to change, I want to repent of this fear and doubt. I choose the word repent specifically, not because it is a sin to doubt or have fear, but repentance is truly what I desire. In The guide to the Scriptures it states that repentance is "a change of mind and heart that brings a fresh attitude toward God, oneself, and life in general. Repentance implies that a person turns away from evil and turns his heart and will to God, submitting to God's commandments and desires and forsaking sin" (Repentance). I desire this change of heart and mind and life. I don't want to be in a state of worry and fear. I want to repent of these attitudes, for they are essentially attitudes that have been learned and I want to change them. I have decided to focus on increasing my faith God rather than focus on fear or doubt.
Increasing ones faith in God begins with loving God. Christ said: "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). I desire to love God, and to do this I must keep His commandments- all of them. I know I will make mistakes, and need to repent often. But that's okay. It's part of life, repenting, trying, growing, falling, and getting back up. Repenting is really getting back up- back up to God's ways rather than man's ways (see Isaiah 55:8-9). As I have written various posts for this blog, I have often doubted if they have done any good. I have many posts that are written, but I haven't published them for fear they won't be good enough or help anyone, so I don't act. Fear and self doubt have often made me not act on many small impressions since "that experience". I can't change what happened, and I most definitely can't change people. But I have the power to change myself. And the beautiful part is, none of us have to change on our own- "For with God, nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37).
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