I watched this video of this man who was faced with what I would call the worst situation imaginable. He was weighed down, and torn up. He was not only in need of healing, but he chose to forgive another who wronged him and it changed everything.
The message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is that we can and must expect to become better as long as we live. But it's a great comfort to know in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we have all the tools to do that.
Watch this video and put yourself in the situation and feel how importance the Atonement is for all of us.
When we are dragged down, tormented by guilt, or burdened with grief Jesus Christ can heal us. Sometimes we might even feel sick because of the intense feelings within us. I testify that God has and will always shed His light on His children and give them comfort and warmth. A person that I have begun to know says this about behavior, "Most people misbehave not because they are bad, but because they are wounded in some way." This has profoundly touched me. I have a friend who has and is struggling with being an alcoholic. He has lost his job, wife, and any possessions that might give him value or worth. He is not only wounded, but the dagger is still inside.
UTILIZING THE ATONEMENT
This friend has done all he can do to help himself. With all the will power in the world it is still not enough. I have seen the tears, and the pain caused by such effects. I have thought so many times to myself, "there has to be a better way." As I have searched the word of God in the Book of Mormon I have found a scripture that has helped me access my Savior and His power and love. "And they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth..and cried...O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ" (Mosiah 4:2). This humble prayer of love and realizing that no one else has the power to save you but Him who is all powerful. Whatever the circumstance is we must be firmly attached to Christ always!
THE SCRIPTURES HEAL OUR WOUNDS
As I have been wounded in ways at times, and as I've needed divine comfort and direction in my life I have turned to the scriptures for help. I love the Book of Mormon because it was written for me and all those who live at this time now. One of my favorite passages is this, "the pleasing word of God, yea, the word which healeth the wounded soul" (Jacob 2:8). As I have drenched my self, the same way I would drench myself if I was taking a shower, in the scriptures I have been enlightened, comforted, and my soul has received the medicine it needed. I know that God loves you and me with an infinite love! He wants us to be happy and receive peace in life by keeping His commandments and "coming unto Him" I invite you to pick up your scripture or if you don't have them order from Mormon.org and ""receive the pleasing word of God that healeth the wounded soul." (Jacob 2:8) I INVITE YOU TO LEARN MORE AND TALK TO YOUR LOCAL MISSIONARIES!
I'm sure all of us at some point have looked into a mirror and wondered "who am I?", or "how much am I worth?' The truth has been restored to the earth today by a loving Creator concerning the worth and value of any human being. God has declared through a living prophet, "Remember the worth ofsouls is great in thesight of God; for, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent an come unto him" (D&C 18: 10-11).
In today's world there are so many disguised evil influences to trick, confuse, and to deceive you and me. We must understand who we are! We must know that we are the SONS and DAUGHTERS of the most glorious Being in the universe. (D&C 76:24).
TO BE OR NOT TO BE
There are days that most of us ask, "why go living?" We feel inadequate or unsure of who we are and what lies ahead. The question "why go on living? was once said long ago by a famous poet and author William Shakespeare, but in different words; "To be, or not to be?" President Uchtdorf has said that the real question is, "Knowing that I am a child of God, what need I do and beto live up to this potential?"
Heavenly Father has an infinite love for each of us. He has provided the commandments, which are the royal road to a life of purpose, peace, and joy. All we need to do is follow it. Knowing and living God’s commandments really do lead to fulfillment and to joy. HE ONLY ONE (A STORY)
There has been many times in my own life where I have been in need of feeling loved and of worth. I remember years ago I had a accident that left me with an unusual scar on my neck on which has never fully healed. I remember days after the accident feeling ugly, or of little worth to people because I had been damaged in some way. I thought that people don't want people that are damaged. This terrible feeling left me with such an absent feeling of love. I knew and turned to the only place I could for help. I prayed to my Heavenly Father who could "heal me" and comfort me in a loving way. From time and time again of prayer on this issue, I have been made stronger and more confident because of the knowledge of who I am from those prayers. I might have not been physically healed fully yet, but I feel spiritually healed and of worth now. Watch this video and reflect and you will feel of worth as I have
It's called the Hill Cumorah Pageant! It's America's largest outdoor theatrical production(play). It takes place where the sacred Book of Mormon was uncovered by Joseph Smith. It's an 800 person cast. It features song and dance. Even the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is it's soundtrack. People come from all over the world regardless of religion to "feel the excitement."
I have had the opportunity to watch the pageant and I can tell you from my personal experience that it is something amazing you've got to come see for yourself. I have felt the spirit of God as I watched the stories from the Book of Mormon come to life on stage. I felt love and gratitude as I watched the Savior descend from His throne and appear to "other sheep" and teach them the gospel in the America's. I have read the Book of Mormon and I have prayed to know if it is true. I have received a spiritual witness that is true and holy scripture from God. Everyone can know it! I INVITE YOU TO LEARN MORE AND TALK TO YOUR LOCAL MISSIONARIES!
Living away from home while attending graduate school can get pretty busy. As parents of four we are faced with daily challenges and constant concerns regarding the well-being of our young family. The answer is not always clear when dealing with questions about how best to raise our kids or which education or career path to follow. Thankfully, we know that we have a loving Heavenly Father watching over us. He knows us individually and wants the very best for each of us. By praying to him as a family and as a couple we have received answers to many of these questions. As we kneel in prayer each night we have felt his love and guiding hand in our life.
We have also seen how consistent, nightly prayer as a family has directly blessed the lives of our children. Even at very young ages they have learned that they too can pray to our Father in Heaven to receive answers and feel comforted. Whether it has been before a long road trip, waking up scared in the night, or having lost something special to them, they now remind us that we can pray to our Heavenly Father for help. There is nothing more rewarding as a parent than hearing the sincere prayers of our children. We are comforted in knowing that this great blessing is something that can guide and protect them for the rest of their lives.
In a world filled with confusion and negative influences family prayer has brought more peace and love into our home. It has strengthened our relationships with one another and with our Savior Jesus Christ. He hears and answers our prayers. He loves us unconditionally and wants more than anything to help us, should we but ask. The invitation and promise is offered to all, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Matthew 7:7).
Learn from a humble woman's example of how the power of prayer can work.
This post is to all those who feel alone, misused, the broken hearted, or maybe even worse feel abandoned. My first thought is to tell you GOD IS WITH YOU! I know that's like feeding a starving child tomorrow, but it is the TRUTH!
"NONE WERE WITH HIM" The Savior, Jesus Christ, walked the loneliest road anyone will ever walk. The miracle behind that truth is it brings endless blessings to all the human family. The Savior was alone as he agonized over the burdens of carrying out our salvation. "I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me. … I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold [me]" ( Isiah 63: 3,5). On that lonely night, when his apostles were sleeping, he went off alone to endure every infirmity, sickness, trial, even every heartache, and above all every sin of all mankind. (Alma 7: 11-13). I speak softly, even reverently, but even God "bled from every pore" as he experienced how the rest of us feel and would feel when such atrocities would occur. It was required! That only a perfect sinless man who is the Divine Son of God, only He would be able to perform such an act. He did please the Father in every aspect of His life until the last moment.
THE RELIEF FROM BURDEN
Because Christ was triumphant we can be relieved of the heavy burdens that are placed upon us at times. "And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions" (Mosiah 24:14).
There was a specific instance in my life where I might have felt the most alone, broken, and lost. This period of my life I do not talk about often, but I feel it necessary to share the effects I have seen from giving my all to God, and trusting Him. I was dating a girl for nearly 4 years, and it ended badly. The situation, the girl, and more changed very quickly for the worse. It's fair to say it was as if someone died! I was sick, and heavy laden, and I did the only thing I knew how to do to get help. I turned to God! I am reminded of the scripture "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). That scripture doesn't say "come unto me, and I will make it easier" it says "I will give you rest!" I know that is true! I have seen the freedom, and the breath of fresh air that has sunk deep into my soul. I know that God loves me and you! I pray that all of us when we feel alone, will turn to the all powerful God who loves us and who will give us rest.
Watch this video of an apostle testifying of the Saviors journey alone. He relates it to you and me.
On this 4th of July I am truly thankful to be free! All of us no matter of where we come from or who we are, can agree that we need freedom & peace! I would like to share some thoughts on a couple aspects of that eternal quest.
FREEDOM IN OUR COUNTRY I've inherited a feeling of gratitude for the freedom in our country. "Despite some encroachments on freedom, and the unwise relinquishment of some rights, still blessed beyond belief, still precious beyond price is the freedom our forebears paid for—the freedom which is God-given, but which yet has to be earned, over and over again" (The Spoken Word). God continues to watch over this "land of promise". "This nation, founded on principles laid down by men whom God raised up, will never fail…. I have faith in America. You and I must have faith in America if we understand the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ" (Harold B. Lee)
THE AUTHOR OF ETERNAL FREEDOM
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, The Prince of Peace, The Holy One, is the author of eternal freedom for our souls. Through the Atonement performed by Jesus Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane and continuing on with His death on the cross, and even until His resurrection, we can be free and relieved from burdens, suffering, shame, and sin. He gives us peace, happiness, and protection as the teachings of Him become lived by us. Only through Him can we receive eternal life, which is true freedom, as we follow Him and His teachings that are taught anciently and today by prophets and apostles.
