Find Rest

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matt 11:28-30

Christ is the way and only way. In our society we are so fascinated and hunger for the quick and easy route. We want things done now, right at this very moment. We give no thought to other things besides our self indulgence, we when we preach and teach about Christ we all seem to shut down and close our ears. We want peace but aren't willing to do what is necessary to have that peace. There are things in this life that we need to do to ensure peace and happiness in our life. Christ is the way if we want happiness and peace it is through him. There is no easy way out of the chaos and panic of life its only through and by Christ. He is the true source of all things good. As we come to him he will bless our life, as we take upon ourselves his name we will feel lightness and easiness for he has borne all things, fulfilling the law. We can and will find the rest we need through Christ but we must do those thing necessary to obtain it.

First Noel

The first Noel the angel did say

Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay,

In fields where they lay keeping their sheep

On a cold winter's night that was so deep.

(Chorus)

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel!

Born is the King of Israel!

They looked up and saw a star

Shining in the East beyond them far,
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night.

This Holiday season I have found a new favorite song that has touched my heart and enlightened my mind with great understanding.  As I listened to this song, a version by Cherie Call, I am reminded of the light that appeared and how those men followed that light. They had faith and knew not with assurance as to knowing as with the flesh right before you, but having that hope and witness in their heart that Christ had come. They followed that star with a hope and faith in Christ believing and knowing that when they followed that light that they would indeed be lead to their Savior and Redeemer of the World.

I love this song for this reason that these men had faith to follow this star that gave great light in the East and it continued both day and night. Jesus Christ is that great light and as we follow his light we will be lead to him just as these men in the field were lead and guided and were eventually in the midst of the presence of their Redeemer. His light is always shining and we can follow it day and night it never fades or diminishes, it is constant and present if only we have faith and hope to take the necessary steps and journey to follow him.

I wonder just a little how that would of felt for these men when they made their journey to finally reach their destination. They stood in his presence a small child of a young age, something so pure and precious before the eyes of God, is it no wonder why the Lord beacons us and teaches us to become like a little child. The joy those men must have felt when they saw him and knew as it was testified within their hearts that he had come. Their long journey would have been a difficult one but the joy and peace they must of felt, I can only imagine how sweet that moment was for them. Then it makes me think how it will be for all of us when we too have that moment to stand before our Savior and Redeemer and know.

Scripture of the Day

"I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." 1 Nephi 3:7

This quote is great for us all to know and understand God and what he asks of us. There are many times in our life we are faced with difficulty and we ask why we must go through them. We even have those moments where we wonder why we are given a certain commandment to follow because in our mind it doesn't make sense.
This verse helps us to know that with every commandment God has a purpose and will help us along the way. God is by our side, he will never leave us alone. When we face difficulty we can rest assure that God is there with us and that he will never let us fail or fall. God loves us too much to let us fall and fail, he cares about who we are and about our welfare. Even if we think that there is no way out, God has a way for us and will deliver us from the thing that is set before us. God is perfect and all knowing and his ways are not ours but they are so great.

Mormonism: Fasting

Every month there is set apart each Sunday within Mormonism that allows the members to fast for various reasons. Those that are not of the faith do not know what fasting is, some may have never heard of this word. So the topic today will be presented on what fasting is pertaining to the Mormons.
Fasting is not a new movement or act that has come about in recent times. Quite the opposite. Fasting has been around ever since the beginning of the world. We can even read within the accounts of the Four Gospels (New Testaments:John, Matt, etc) that they recorded Jesus Christ fasting for forty days. We do not go to this large extent of fasting but do still perform the same principle of fasting.

Just as Christ fasted we also fast, going without food and water for an allotted time, most typically for 24 hours. These lay outs of fasting are just recommendations and not requirements. The time frame may vary from individuals and how they fast meaning what they fast from is different as well. But the majority of these members do fast going without food and water for a space of close to 24 hours. There are even some that go beyond the 24 hours, but it all depends upon the individual.

Fasting is done once a month, giving the time set aside for members to fast together but this does not mean you have to fast with everyone else. Circumstances may come about that does not allow an individual to fast with the rest of their church members. There are members that go beyond this by fasting more than once or twice or even three times a month. Personally I have fasted well beyond the one month set point just because of personal circumstances that have come about.

So what can you fast for? Basically you can fast for anything but the majority of the fast that I have personally seen in my life are fasting for those that are sick and afflicted, those that are in need, direction, comfort, hopes to get a job, and many more things.

The Principle of Fasting. As we fast we are refraining from indulging and allowing more of our spirits to take the lead position in our day. It is quite difficult to fast so in these times we look to God for strength this is the purpose of the fast is to come to God and draw closer to him. For those that fast they feel a nearness to God and find those things that they stand in most need of. It is a sacrifice of ones self to give up what they usually wouldn't for the Lord, self sacrifice. In fasting there is great power, we feel Gods love and an Spiritual strength that comes from Gods Holy Spirit. Fasting is powerful.

Quote of the Day: Faith

“All things not only are not known but must not be so convincingly clear as to eliminate the need for faith. That would nullify agency and defeat the purpose of the plan of salvation. Tests of faith are growing experiences. We all have unanswered questions. Seeking and questioning periods of doubt in an effort to find answers, are part of the process of discovery.”

Why is it that some of our questions aren’t answered? Why do I know have an overwhelming and clear understanding of the things pertaining to God and Heaven? This quote answers the core elements they ask for. We do not have the answers to all of life’s questions nor do we have an over astounding confirmation that is as clear and bright as the noon day sun. It is for a wise purpose that God has done this. If we had such a clear answer to things it would defeat the purpose of faith, if we knew we would not faith. It is for the principle of those who ask for a miracle; once they see that miracle they say they will have faith. But the truth is they won’t have faith if they see the miracle because they would already know therefore giving no need for the element of faith. We are given agency to choose, the act of faith is our choice so if we had everything given to us and all the answers we would have the choice to choose faith because it wouldn’t be an option on the test.

Faith is produced by our willingness to experiment and ability to choose that direction. It is by faith that we see miracles not by miracles that produce faith. Miracles affirm our faith in the very thing that we believe in, allowing it to grow stronger.

Mormonism: Wentworth Letter

The Wentworth Letter was written by Joseph Smith, the so called ‘founder’ of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joseph Smith was approached by a man named John Wentworth who was an editor and proprietor of the Chicago Democrat. John Wentworth asked Joseph Smith, the President and Prophet at the time, for information about Mormonism in behalf of a friend, Mr. Barstow, who was writing the history of New Hampshire.

Joseph Smith wrote about their own beliefs and how they differed from other religions of their time. Joseph asked that the content and material that was stated and submitted to them would be published in its full and altered state. Within the letters Joseph gave an account of his life beginning from his birth all the way until the present time. Smith recounted as well the organization of the Church including the dealings and persecution in which they had been inflicted to as the work progressed and their lives continued on, along with two of the most influential items contained within. These two matters within the letter are known today as the Standard of Truth (missionary’s mission statement) and the 13 Articles of Faith.
An Elder B. H. Roberts stated this about the Wentworth Letter:
“The letter is one of the choicest documents in our church literature; as also it is the earliest published document by the Prophet personally, making any pretension to consecutive narrative of those events in which the great Latter-day work had its origin. … For combining conciseness of statement with comprehensiveness of treatment of the subject with which it deals, it has few equals among historical documents, and certainly none that excel it in our church literature.” 

The Articles of Faith:

1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on [of] hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

Remember Who You Are

One of my favorite videos created by Disney is the Lion King. I have a great passion and en-rooted fascination with Africa. Over the years of growing up and learning about Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father I have seen the deep message that lies within the Lion King. This clip is by far the most empowering message that comes from the film.
Remember who you are! This is not just for Simba to learn that he has forgotten himself but also has overlooked the fact that his father lives within him. The reason behind this is that he was born of his father, therefore his father lives in him. Simba has the ability and capacity to become like his father a great king and ruler.
I love this message because it is the same with us and our Heavenly Father. We were born of him as spirit children who were given the opportunity to come to earth and gain a body of flesh and bones. He lives within us just like we are our earthly parents, we have the divine and innate potential to become like our Father in Heaven. But for most of us we have forgotten him therefore we have forgotten who we are. I have never truly understood who I am until I have come to understand who my Father in Heaven is.
So who are you? Where did you come from and where are you going? We don't know where we are going until we understand where we came from. We don't know who we are until we know from whom we are born. We have potential and unlimited ability to do great and marvelous things. God is our Father who lives in Heaven. The time that we have away from him is just a short moment, but behind this earthly journey is a divine purpose to become like him. For we are his and a part of him lives in us, we have the ability and capacity to become just like him. We learn who we are as we learn of Him. We can love as he loves, serve and do as he has done.

Quote of the Day

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.” 

I love this quote. Sometimes we forget how much power we hold within our grasps and the acts that which we can do can affect a life more than we know. There are many things we can do and the limit we have is without measure. We can help a life that is in desperate need without knowing they are and save them from the despair that they are in. 

The smallest of acts that we can give can go the longest way. The act of just a simple smile can be a blessing to someone. A touch or a kind word can do unprecedented things to anyone. I remember walking to class when I was in college and someone that I never met smiled at me, that act made my day so much better. Before then I wasn’t feeling the best, there was much weighing upon me and as they smiled at me those things no longer mattered. It made me feel, as though I didn’t know that person, that they cared enough to smile and acknowledge who I am. 

Whether it is smiling at someone, listening to another, complimenting them, or just caring in whatever way it may be there is potential in it all and will affect them more than we could ever imagine. I recall having someone give me a hug or touching my side that it helped me to feel the love of my God and know that he is there with me. We have divine potential and we can help the lives around us if we just do those small acts. So when you walk down the street try to look someone in the eyes and smile at them or tell that person that you like their outfit. You will bless their life as well as make you feel good inside as well.

LDS Truths: Trials and Tribulation

LDS Truths: Trials and Tribulation: Yesterday I went to Institute .  For those that do not know, Institute is a school of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I...

Living in Thanksgiving

The act of Gratitude doesn’t come easy to any of us because being grateful is a heavenly gift given to us by our Heavenly Father. In order to be thankful or grateful we must seek God and ask him his guidance. 

Within the scriptures we are taught to always live in thanksgiving. This kind of life produces happiness and faith sure in the foundation of Christ. This comes little by little, constant effort must be exerted. It is a process not just something that comes at one shot. Gratitude is like faith in the sense that faith is not developed all at once but comes as we progress through life looking to the Author of it all. 

When I see good I also feel good. Seeking to do good leads to seeing the good.

Being thankful for our blessings help us to see the true and meaningful things in it, it allows us to let go of things that matter least and cherish those things that matter most. Being grateful blesses our lives and gives us a positive perspective of good things to come.

Be Grateful 

God blesses us through our adversity and through the adversity of others  as well.

Be thankful for what we are and for the adversity that is given to us, for it has helped us to become what we are today. Without it we would not have been able to become the person we are now.

"Of all people under heaven we ought to be the most grateful to our God." Wilford Woodruff

*Consider the Blessings-President Monson Oct 2012 General Conference*

What are you Grateful for??