Happy New and Improved Year!

It's days like this that I revel in the expected reflection and evaluation of both the past and the future (as I have done throughout the years here and here and here) New Year's is such a wonderful combination of letting go of the old and welcoming in the new and all that comes with it. 2014 was a wonderful year, with lots of surprises of all shapes and sizes, with numerous adventures and mishaps. I took a lot of risks this year in my efforts to be brave and live whole-heartedly and looking back, I have very few regrets. This year I was more open and honest and real. I've learned to trust in the Lord a little more and to love the Atonement a little deeper. Yes, 2014 was a good year and I'll be sad to see it come to an end. But not too sad, because I have this feeling that 2015 is going to be my year.

I'm a big believer in progression and growth so the idea that 2015 is going to be "better" than 2014 is kind of a "duh" response. Of course, each year will be better as I continue to build on learning experiences and pursue my goals; in a quality life we reflect so we can progress. I'm always making plans and setting goals, reevaluating them, writing them down, breaking them down in smaller steps/goals, following up, etc. I'm a little obsessed with goals. So never fear, I have them written down and will hold off on just dumping that list here this time. However, the gist of all of them is pointing me towards becoming my best self and setting a theme for the new year of pushing myself to become who Heavenly Father wants me to be. To serve a little more, learn more, try harder, dig deeper, and love more profoundly.

And in that line of thinking, I want to share a recent excerpt of writing that I think speaks to this theme:

" Marvin J Ashton said, " The world is filled with too many of us who are inclined to indicate our love with an announcement or declaration. True love is a process. True love requires personal action. Love must be continuing to be real. Love takes time...Love demands action if it is to be continuing. Love is a process. Love is not a declaration. Love is not an announcement. Love is not a passing fancy. Love is not a convenience. Let us resolve to take the time to give of ourselves in putting love into appropriate action and performance." They shared this quote today in Relief Society and it hit me really hard. For years now I've declared my love in letters and little notes, in three simple words and in long fancy paragraphs. I guess I thought that all I had were words and that when I finally can give them to you--you will know. Not only will you know, but you'll feel how much I love you, not necessarily through the combination of letters and words, but from the sheer constancy and endurance of them. It's not forever yet, but eleven years is a good start. I thought for sure you'd see the way loving you has changed me, shaped me, and how I tried to give you some of that in return. But today, in hearing that quote, I doubted. Of course I agree that love is not a convenience or a fancy- I know it takes time and work and more than words. And today I questioned if that's all I've been offering- declarations and announcements. And if I have, shame on me. You deserve so much more. So I wondered- how can I show you how much I love you? How can I translate this incredible light and essence that is part of my very soul because of you into something more tangible? Not that words don't have power and weight- over 100 letters tucked away in my letter box for you proves that. But still, you deserve more. You deserve to be loved in every possible way, in every conceivable expression of the emotion. If you were here, I'd try to figure out how to serve you, how to spend time with you, how to give you gifts only I can, how to soothe and comfort, how to touch and kiss. But you're not here and I am going crazy trying to figure out how to express all this love for you I have bottled up inside. And then the thought came, or rather the inspiration, that one of the best gifts I could give you is my best self. The me who has conquered fears and dealt with the emotional trauma of my family so I don't drag it into our marriage. The best me who has disciplined herself and taken control of her finances. The best me who has taken my health and confidence back in place of aches, pains, and worries. The best me who has taken action to become this woman I'm meant to be and in so doing shown just how much I love you. Love, Me"

Here's to finding balance, freedom, simplicity, hope, and love in 2015!

Day 25 of the 25 Days of Christ

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

 

 

 

So if you are taking just a moment to discover how the "25 Days of Christ" ends, here you are. Between the ascension of Christ in Israel and his ministry and teaching among the Nephites, the gospel he taught and the love he offered were consistent. So as we open our gifts today may we ponder on what our gift to him will be this next year.

 

Acts 1:9-11 
"Worshipfully and with great joy the Apostles returned to Jerusalem. The Lord’s ascension was accomplished. It was truly a literal departure of a material being, as his resurrection had been an actual return of his spirit to his own physical body. Now the disciples began to comprehend more fully that he had truly overcome the world. Not that he had displaced Caesar or even Pilate who ruled over Judea. The great majority of the world’s people had still not even heard of him. Not that man’s inhumanity to man was suddenly wiped out. But now there was victory over the grave—always, until then, the final conqueror of all men.

Then the realization began to dawn on his faithful followers that his kingdom was not of this world. He had overcome the world of hate, envy, greed, and lust. He had shown the way for man to break the chains of selfishness and vengeance which had bound him, doomed him to mediocrity, a prisoner of his own misconceptions. His disciples were quickened with a realization that this was what he had been teaching them. This was what his life had spelled out to them."

-President Ezra Taft Benson, He Is Risen

 

3 Nephi 17:5-24  

"Jesus gave us a clear pattern to follow in fulfilling our responsibility to nurture and teach children. Our challenges differ from those of the Nephites because we live in a different time. But the Savior’s way is timeless. In his church, there can be no other way. As he demonstrated, our physical presence and attention is vital to the children in our families, church, and communities. We can know their needs and minister to them when we spend time with them. We can behold our children in their eternal perspective and see that they all know of the Savior and learn the significant truths of his gospel. We can help them witness marvelous spiritual events. They can hear our earnest prayers in their behalf. We are their ministering angels on earth if we follow the Lord’s example."

- Behold Your Little Ones

 

 

Day 24: Road to Emmaus/ Appearance to the Nephites

Merry Christmas Eve!

 

So today is a two-parter- one from the Bible and one from the Book of Mormon. I love how both focus on discerning the voice of the Spirit.

Luke 24:13-32

"Walking the road, much as we walk through life, the disciples were discussing the stunning events of Christ’s death and resurrection. Suddenly, Jesus, disguised to their eyes, drew near and walked with them and explained to them how the scriptures had been fulfilled. As the trio approached the village, Jesus turned away, but the disciples urged, as we urge daily, that he should “Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” The Lord acquiesced, accompanied them, and ate with them, and as he blessed the food their eyes were opened and “they knew him,” and he vanished. (Luke 24:13–31.) In our walks along the road called life, in our study of the words of Luke and the other Gospel writers, we too rejoice in those treasured moments with the Lord. And in seeking to live in accordance with his commandments, and in studying his word, we might say, as the two disciples said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 24:32.) Our hearts do burn and ever shall, so long as we do the will of the Lord, so long as we read Luke, and the others, with an eye and a heart single to the glory of our God and the miracle of his Son."

-The Powerful Voice of the Gospels

 

 

3 Nephi 8:3-7, 17-23, 3 Nephi 11:1-15 

 

I feel incredibly blessed to know that Christ's ministry extended to various people around the world. After his death and resurrection, and after his ministry among his disciples for 40 days, we have at least one recorded account of his visit to the Americas- to "other sheep not of this fold".

"The more righteous part of the Nephites had to focus their attention in order to hear the voice that preceded the Savior’s appearance among them. “They heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn.” 18 They heard the voice a second time and did not understand. When they heard the voice the third time, they “did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came.”19 If we are to hearken to the voice of the Spirit, we too must open our ears, turn the eye of faith to the source of the voice, and look steadfastly towards heaven." 

President James E. Faust, Voice of the Spirit, (video) 

 

I think this is a fitting message for Christmas Eve as we eagerly anticipate and prepare for the festivities of the next day. In all our preparation and busyness it might be easy to miss the quiet whisperings of the Spirit. If we fail to recognize the first or second prompting, I pray that we feel that piercing voice in our souls directing us back to the Savior. Are we listening? Are our hearts burning within us? Many of the other days focused on teachings or events from the Savior's life and I feel this one subtly shifts to us. He is teaching- are we learning? When he is speaking to us- are we listening? When he is marking the path and leading the way- are we following in his footsteps? 

Day 23: Resurrection

John 20:1-20 

"These simple words—“He is not here, but is risen”—have become the most profound in all literature. They are the declaration of the empty tomb.They are the fulfillment of all He had spoken concerning rising again.They are the triumphant response to the query facing every man, woman,and child who was ever born to earth.

The risen Lord spoke to Mary, and she replied. He was not an apparition.This was not imagination. He was real, as real as He had been in mortal life. He did not permit her to touch Him. He had not yet ascended to His Father in Heaven. That would happen shortly. What a reunion it must have been, to be embraced by the Father, who loved Him and who also must have wept for Him during His hours of agony."- President Hinckley, He Is Not Here, But Is Risen

Earlier this year, Elder Christofferson offered a few more thoughts on the resurrection that really resonated with me.
"In the words of Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “Christ’s victory over death ended the human predicament. Now there are only personal predicaments, and from these too we may be rescued by following the teachings of him who rescued us from general extinction.”

Having satisfied the demands of justice, Christ now steps into the place of justice; or we might say He is justice, just as He is love. Likewise, besides being a “perfect, just God,” He is a perfect, merciful God. Thus, the Savior makes all things right. No injustice in mortality is permanent, even death, for He restores life again. No injury, disability, betrayal, or abuse goes uncompensated in the end because of His ultimate justice and mercy.

By the same token, we are all accountable to Him for our lives, our choices, and our actions, even our thoughts. Because He redeemed us from the Fall, our lives are in reality His..."

 

Day 22:Crucifixion and Burial

Luke 23:33-46, 50-56

 

"He submitted Himself, and they took Him and in mockery crowned Him with a crown of platted thorns and placed a purple robe on His back. Without mercy and with hatred vile and intemperate, they beat Him and scourged Him and cried out for His crucifixion. He had done no evil. He had done only good, and in greater measure than any man before Him had ever done. Yet they cried for His death. He staggered under the weight of the cross on which He was to hang.They nailed His quivering flesh to the unyielding wood. They mocked Him as He hung in agony. While suffering, He forgave them. He cried out, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46). Then He died for each of us. But in dying He brought about the redemption of mankind. None can fully comprehend the extent and wonder and majesty of that sacrifice in our behalf. Suffice it to say He became our Redeemer." - President Hinckley, The Empty Tomb Bore Testimony

 

Several times before I have mentioned the profound inspiration regarding the suffering of the Savior on the cross- how he repeated the suffering from Gethsemane and therein knows the pain of the repetition of trials and of sin. In fact, to quote myself-- "I absolutely know that he suffered for me, that he bore the weight of every sin, pain, sickness, weakness, and loneliness in those hours. I don't know if He did it all in the garden (versus finishing it on the cross), but I believe He did. So to realize that He went through those same pains and suffering a second time, helps me know that my Savior knows what it is to go through a trial more than once. He knows what it is to suffer and pray through something and finally overcome it...only to have the same trial come back another time. He knows exactly what is is like to suffer heartache, loneliness, and despair again and again and again. We don't just have each trial once just so we have them all- sometimes the very hardest of our trials are repeated. Sometimes a little differently, sometimes exactly the same. But I know that Christ suffered for the pain of that repetition as well."

 

And today, re-reading that quote by President Hinckley I was touched by the sentence-
"While suffering, He forgave them." What a miraculous show of character! It doesn't say that he forgave them before, knowing what would happen and granting forgiveness. Nor does it say that he forgave them after his resurrection when all the mortal pain and suffering had ceased. No. He forgave them while suffering. Is it not most difficult to show forth mercy and forgiveness while still suffering from the effects of others actions and from the pain they have inflicted? But in so doing, our forgiveness comes from Christlike charity and draws us even closer to Him.

 

President Eyring remarked in October of 2012, that, " Many of you, as I have, have felt fear in approaching someone you have offended or who has hurt you. And yet I have seen the Lord melt hearts time after time, including my own. And so I challenge you to go for the Lord to someone, despite any fear you may have, to extend love and forgiveness. I promise you that as you do, you will feel the love of the Savior for that person and His love for you, and it will not seem to come from a great distance. For you, that challenge may be in a family, it may be in a community, or it may be across a nation.

 

But if you go for the Lord to bless others, He will see and reward it. If you do this often enough and long enough, you will feel a change in your very nature through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Not only will you feel closer to Him, but you will also feel more and more that you are becoming like Him."

Day 21: Betrayal and Denial

Matthew 26:47-75

"This was also a telling time among those who knew Jesus more personally. The most difficult to understand in this group is Judas Iscariot. We know the divine plan required Jesus to be crucified, but it is wrenching to think that one of His special witnesses who sat at His feet, heard Him pray, watched Him heal, and felt His touch could betray Him and all that He was for 30 pieces of silver. Never in the history of this world has so little money purchased so much infamy. We are not the ones
to judge Judas’s fate, but Jesus said of His betrayer, “Good [were it] for that man if he had not been born.” 7

Later, after Jesus’s arrest and appearance at trial, Peter, accused of knowing Jesus and being one of His confidants, denies that accusation not once but three times. We don’t know all that was going on here, nor do we know of protective counsel which the Savior may have given to His Apostles privately, 12 but we do know Jesus was aware that even these precious ones would not stand with Him in the end, and He had warned Peter accordingly. 13 Then, with the crowing of the cock, “the Lord turned,and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord. …And [he] went out, and wept bitterly."

- Elder Holland, None Were With Him

 

These men were his disciples, his friends, his companions. With few exceptions they had been traveling together for nearly three years during Christ's ministry. I know that just having a mission companion with me constantly for three months created a unique and profound bond and I can hardly fathom the depth of love and devotion between Christ and his disciples. So it is instructive for me to think about these two episodes in the life of Christ with myself in the role of disciple. Previously, I have always considered these instances as more examples of Christ's complete understanding and suffering for our betrayals and rejections in this life- which is still true and very meaningful to me. However, in viewing myself as the disciple I have to ask myself, "are there ways I betray or deny my Savior?". Though I would never sell my testimony for 30 pieces of silver, do I in small ways betray Him? When I fail to live up to my covenants, when I am less than kind and loving to another, when I do less than my best in magnifying my calling. Do I in part deny Him when I miss opportunities to share the gospel or fail to acknowledge his blessings and guidance in my life? This Christmas season is a good time for me to reflect on how I can, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, more fully love and worship Him.

 

 

Day 20: Gethsemane

Matthew 26:36-45, D&C 19:16-19

 

 

 

Of all the days so far this perhaps is the most challenging. How can I just say a few things about the most incredible, wonderful, miraculous event in all of history? How can I express in a simple blog post the significance of the Atonement of Jesus Christ when I have spent years now studying and pondering on it's significance and application in my life? The simple answer is that I cannot. I can share some quotes and my testimony, but beyond that my continued study and application of the Atonement will say far more than words can.

 

Elder Holland in his beautiful talk, None Were With Him, (video), poignantly said this:

"Brothers and sisters, one of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path—the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel. Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are. Truly the Redeemer of us all said: “I will not leave you comfortless: [My Father and] I will come to you [and abide with you].” 20

 

If there is one single thing I have learned in my study and pondering and application of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, is that very fact- we are never alone. His sacrifice did not erase suffering in this life for we all have our agency to sin and to feel the effects of sin--but it does mean that there is nothing we will ever have to pass through alone. Not the physical or mental pains of mortality, not the anguish of heartbreaks and rejection, not the crushing shame and guilt of sin, not the burden of self-doubt and loneliness or the fear of failure. I know this is true. I have felt it countless times when I knew during a specific trial that I was not alone. Because of that night in a garden over 2000 years ago, I need never doubt that I am loved and watched over through each step of this journey.

 

 

Day 19: The Last Supper

Luke 22:12-20, John 13:4-15

 

"First, consider the Savior’s introduction of the sacrament. The Savior knew what was about to befall Him. His sacred, atoning mission, beginning with the War in Heaven in the premortal existence, was about to unfold that evening and the next day. Yet with the trials by His adversaries imminently before Him, there is not the slightest evidence He was preparing a defense against the untrue accusations. The Savior instead introduced the sacred ordinance of the sacrament to His disciples. As I contemplate that solemn occasion, my feelings are deeply touched. Sacrament meeting is the most sacred and holy of all the meetings in the Church. After His Resurrection, the Savior instituted the sacrament among the Nephites. 10 If we are to be His disciples and to be committed members of His Church, we must remember and reverence the sacrament. It allows each of us to express with broken hearts and contrite spirits our willingness to follow the Savior, to repent, and to become a Saint through the Atonement of Christ. 11 The sacrament allows us to witness to God that we will remember His Son and keep His commandments as we renew our baptismal covenant. 12 This increases our love and appreciation for both the Father and the Son."

Elder Cook, We Follow Jesus Christ

 

This time of year we set up a hundred little reminders of the Savior, from the nativity sets to the star or angel on top of the tree. Taking out most of the commercial side, I think it is still safe to say that at this season we especially focus on remembering Christ. There is a beautiful spirit of giving this time of year and it is a time of miracles and love. A friend recently remarked that she hated that the Christmas season goes by so fast, because afterwards people get grouchy again! I was reminded that though the celebration may be more widespread during the holidays, all year long we have reminders of the Savior not the least of which is the sacrament as we partake weekly. As Elder Cook mentioned, not only is it a reminder of Him, but an opportunity for each of us to recommit and renew our covenants. I am so grateful for this miraculous "Christmas" every Sunday.

Day 18: Cleansing the Temple

Matthew 21:1-13

"The Lord drew boundary lines to define acceptable limits of tolerance. Danger rises when those divine limits are disobeyed. Just as parents teach little children not to run and play in the street, the Savior taught us that we need not tolerate evil. “Jesus went into the temple of God, and … and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers.” 16 Though He loved the sinner, the Lord said that He “cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance.”

Our commitment to the Savior causes us to scorn sin yet heed His commandment to love our neighbors. Together we live on this earth, which is to be tended, subdued, and shared with gratitude. 24 Each of us can help to make life in this world a more pleasant experience.

Unitedly we may respond. Together we may stand, intolerant of transgression but tolerant of neighbors with differences they hold sacred. Our beloved brothers and sisters throughout the world are all children of God."

-Elder Nelson, Teach Us Tolerance and Love

 

In recent years, a focus has emerged on greater understanding of truth and tolerance within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. No one enjoys being misunderstood, least of all about something as vital as faith and truth. We believe in absolute truths, not in moral relativism that is rampant in our times. ( see Elder Oaks talk Truth and Tolerance) I found this quote the other day particularly true- "Our culture has accepted two huge lies. The first is that if you disagree with someone's lifestyle, you must fear or hate them. Second is that to love someone means that you must agree with everything they believe or do. Both are nonsense ..."

 

President Uchtdorf recently added this thought in his address to young single adults: "This truth is different from belief. It is different from hope. Absolute truth is not dependent upon public opinion or popularity. Polls cannot sway it. Not even the inexhaustible authority of celebrity endorsement can change it."

 

 And most recently in this past October General Conference, Elder Oaks once again spoke on this very topic saying, "The gospel has many teachings about keeping the commandments while living among people with different beliefs and practices. The teachings about contention are central. When the resurrected Christ found the Nephites disputing over the manner of baptism, He gave clear directions on how this ordinance should be performed. Then He taught this great principle:

“There shall be no disputations among you, as there have hitherto been; neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there have hitherto been.

“For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.

“Behold, this is … my doctrine, that such things should be done away” (3 Nephi 11:28–30;)

Even as we seek to be meek and to avoid contention, we must not compromise or dilute our commitment to the truths we understand. We must not surrender our positions or our values. The gospel of Jesus Christ and the covenants we have made inevitably cast us as combatants in the eternal contest between truth and error. There is no middle ground in that contest.
The Savior showed the way when His adversaries confronted Him with the woman who had been “taken in adultery, in the very act” (John 8:4). When shamed with their own hypocrisy, the accusers withdrew and left Jesus alone with the woman. He treated her with kindness by declining to condemn her at that time. But He also firmly directed her to “sin no more” (John 8:11). Loving-kindness is required, but a follower of Christ—just like the Master—will be firm in the truth."

 

 

Day 17: Mary and Martha

Luke 10:38-42

I have always loved the story of Mary and Martha, two sisters who served and loved the Lord. Sometimes it reminds me of my sisters and how we each serve and worship in diverse ways. And more often than not, it reminds me of me- how I strive to find balance and prioritize in my life. I have Martha days- where I'm trying to get everything done and I'm listening to a general conference talk on my phone while I scrub the bathroom. And I have Mary days when I set aside a day to spend in the temple despite any other demands on my time. I remind myself that I serve and worship in numerous ways and that we must heed the whisperings of the Spirit to know how we might best serve the Lord each day. Our Heavenly Father, who knows and loves each one of us, knows that whether our service is in preparing the food or listening to the fireside, when our hearts are dedicated to Him we are choosing the good part.

"My dear brothers and sisters, we would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most. Let us be mindful of the foundational precepts our Heavenly Father has given to His children that will establish the basis of a rich and fruitful mortal life with promises of eternal happiness. They will teach us to do “all these things … in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that [we] should run faster than [we have] strength. [But] it is expedient that [we] should be diligent, [and] thereby … win the prize.” 7

Brothers and sisters, diligently doing the things that matter most will lead us to the Savior of the world. That is why “we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, … that [we] may know to what source [we] may look for a remission of [our] sins.” 8 In the complexity, confusion, and rush of modern living, this is the “more excellent way.” 9

 -President Uchtdorf,  Of Things That Matter Most



Day 16: The Widow's Mite

Mark 12:41-44

 

"Would any of us intentionally reject an outpouring of blessings from the Lord? Sadly, this is what we do when we fail to pay our tithing. We say no to the very blessings we are seeking and praying to receive. If you are one who has doubted the blessings of tithing, I encourage you to accept the Lord’s invitation to “prove [Him] now herewith.” Pay your tithing. Unlock the windows of heaven. You will be abundantly blessed for your obedience and faithfulness to the Lord’s laws and commandments.

Be assured that these blessings are poured out equally upon rich and poor alike. As the hymn says, it is “sacrifice [that] brings forth the blessings of heaven,” not the sum of our contributions. 13 Members who freely give a full 10 percent of their annual income receive all of the promised blessings of tithing, whether the amount is a widow’s mite or a king’s ransom."

- Elder Hales, Tithing: A Test of Faith with Eternal Blessings

I have personally felt the blessings of tithing time and time again in my life. Not always monetary blessings, but without fail a divine peace in knowing I am living the commandments. And when I seem to wonder if my small "mite" makes a difference, I am reminded that it is our heart not our money that the Lord is truly asking for. Some blessing come soon, and some come late, and some will come after this life, but when we obey any commandment we are immediately blessed as we draw closer to our Heavenly Father.

Day 15: Woman at the Well

John 4:5-30

 

 

So I love this entire talk by Elder Wirthlin ( Living Water to Quench Spiritual Thirst), but here are just a few tidbits that I loved.

"Early in his mortal ministry, the Savior and his disciples passed through Samaria while traveling from Judea to Galilee. Weary, hungry, and thirsty from their journey, they stopped at Jacob’s well in the city of Sychar. While the disciples went in search of food, the Savior remained at the well. He requested a drink from a Samaritan woman who had come to draw water. Because the Jews and Samaritans were divided by rancor and did not often speak to one another, the woman responded to the Savior’s request with a question: “How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria?” 1

In the New Testament the Savior used this simple encounter at the well to teach powerful, eternal truths. Though weary and thirsty, the Master Teacher took this opportunity to testify of his divine role as the Redeemer of the world and to proclaim authoritatively his true identity as the long-promised Messiah....

 

“Throughout history men have always been looking for the easy way. [Some] have devoted their lives to finding the ‘fountain of youth,’ a miracle water which would bring everlasting life. Today [many] are still seeking some magic ‘fountain’ that [will] bring forth success, fulfillment, and happiness. But most of this searching is in vain. It is only this ‘living water,’ the gospel of Jesus Christ, that can and will bring a happy, a successful, and an everlasting life to the children of men.”. 6

Indeed, “there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it.” 14 Let us work with all our heart, might, mind, and strength to show our thirsty brothers and sisters where they may find the living water of the gospel, that they may come to drink of the water that springs “up unto everlasting life.”

The Lord provides the living water that can quench the burning thirst of those whose lives are parched by a drought of truth. He expects us to supply to them the fulness of the gospel by giving them the scriptures and the words of the prophets and to bear personal testimony as to the truth of the restored gospel to alleviate their thirst. When they drink from the cup of gospel knowledge, their thirst is satisfied as they come to understand our Heavenly Father’s great plan of happiness."



 

 

 



Day 14:The Man in the Stretcher

Mark 2:1-12

 

"Jesus of Nazareth healed the sick among whom He moved. His regenerating power is with us today to be invoked through His holy priesthood. His divine teachings, His incomparable example, His matchless life, His all-encompassing sacrifice will bring healing to broken hearts, reconciliation to those who argue and shout, even peace to warring nations if sought with humility and forgiveness and love.

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ, ours is a ministry of healing, with a duty to bind the wounds and ease the pain of those who suffer. Upon a world afflicted with greed and contention, upon families distressed by argument and selfishness, upon individuals burdened with sin and troubles and sorrows, I invoke the healing power of Christ, giving my witness of its efficacy and wonder. I testify of Him who is the great source of healing. He is the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world, “The Sun of Righteousness,” who came “with healing in his wings.”

-President Hinckley, The Healing Power of Christ

Day 13: Parable of the Lost Sheep

Luke 15:3-10

 

"Now, if for any reason you individually or as a family have lost your way, then you need only apply the Savior’s teachings from Luke, chapter 15, to correct your course. Here the Savior tells of the effort of a shepherd searching for his lost sheep, of a woman searching for a lost coin, and of the welcome received by the prodigal son returning home. Why did Jesus teach these parables? He wanted us to know that none of us will ever be so lost that we cannot find our way again through His Atonement and His teachings.As you seek to live the gospel and doctrine of Christ, the Holy Ghost will guide you and your family. You will have a spiritual GPS to tell you always where you are and where you are going." M. Russell Ballard That The Lost May Be Found

 

I love the verse found in Ezekiel 34:16- "I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick:" and then the simple but profound verse in Matthew 18:11--"For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost."

 

My Savior loves me in my brokenness, in my lost wanderings, in my stumbling steps, all the while urging me forward, to come unto Him, to repent and forgive, and to become who He knows I can become. I am never lost to the Lord.

 

 



Day 12: The 10 Lepers

** Before beginning, I must apologize for the delay of the next couple posts. I had some unavoidable technical errors on Friday and on Saturday I choose spending my day in the temple over going to the library to finish these. But it's a good way to start the week- with lots of scriptures and inspirational quotes so I can't complain too much. Also, whoever you are, my dear Christmas angel, you may never know how incredibly grateful I am.

 

Day 12: (Luke 17:11-19)

"Through divine intervention, those who were lepers were spared from a cruel, lingering death and given a new lease on life. The expressed gratitude by one merited the Master’s blessing, the ingratitude shown by the nine, His disappointment.

Like the leprosy of yesteryear are the plagues of today. They linger; they debilitate; they destroy. They are to be found everywhere. Their pervasiveness knows no boundaries. We know them as selfishness, greed, indulgence, cruelty, and crime, to identify but a few. Surfeited with their poison, we tend to criticize, to complain, to blame, and, slowly but surely,to abandon the positives and adopt the negatives of life.

 

We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues."

- President Monson, Attitude of Gratitude

 

My mother taught me to be grateful growing up. I am never without a pack of thank you cards and I'm uncomfortable until I feel I can adequately express gratitude for help or kindness. Gratitude is important, for both the giver and the receiver. Recently, I had one of those moments of gratitude that was such a tender mercy for me. In giving out Christmas cards and little tokens this year, I have been desperately trying to give in order to feel the Christmas spirit. It's been a rough couple months. Though I haven't yet given gifts to my closest friends and family members, I started last week with friends and acquaintances. I should preface this with clarifying that I believe love is a gift and since every token of love is a gift I firmly believe that I should give without expecting anything in return. But as I continued to pass out cards, I was a little depressed to see that not only were the token cards not reciprocated, but a simple thank you was overlooked. So this last week when I gave a friend I really care about his Christmas card, I was content that he said thank you quietly and slipped the card into his bag. But early the next morning, I received a text from him expressing gratitude for the card and small gift. It was completely unexpected and it made my day. Not to mention it came on the heels of several incredibly difficult days. That thank you not only turned that day around, but reminded me just how important gratitude really is.

 

 



Day 11: The Good Samaritan

 

 

Luke 10: 25-37

"Good Samaritanism is contagious. Providing in the Lord’s way humbles the rich, it exalts the poor, and sanctifies both (see D&C 104:15–18). The giver helps those in need by sharing what he has received. The receiver accepts the offering with gratitude. As the receiver rises to his full potential, he then is able to reach out to help others.

Good Samaritanism starts in the home as parents teach children by example and precept. Acts of assistance, kindness, and concern among family members reinforce the desire to “go, and do thou likewise.”

To help relieve suffering is to cultivate a Christlike character. We are charged, as were those who listened at the feet of the Savior 2,000 years ago, to “go, and do thou likewise.” The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that it is our responsibility “to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to provide for the widow, to dry up the tear of the orphan, to comfort the afflicted, whether in this church or in any other, or in no church at all, wherever he finds them” (Times and Seasons, 15 Mar. 1842, 732).

May we be generous with our time and liberal in our contributions for the care of those who suffer. May we commit to the principles of Good Samaritanism and be ever mindful of the need to “go, and do thou likewise,”- Bishop H. David Burton "Go and Do Thou Likewise"

P.S. Sorry yesterday's was late- I have some technical issues.

Day 10:Walking on Water

 

 

Matthew 14:22-33

"Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. This is his true and living Church. He wishes us to come unto him, to follow him, to be comforted by him. Then he wishes us to give comfort to others. However halting our steps are toward him—though they shouldn’t be halting at all—his steps are never halting toward us. May we have enough faith to accept the goodness of God and the mercy of his Only Begotten Son. May we come unto him and his gospel and be healed. And may we do more to heal others in the process. When the storms of life make this difficult, may we still follow his bidding to “come,” keeping our eye fixed on him forever and single to his glory. In doing so we too will walk triumphantly over the swelling waves of life’s difficulties and remain unterrified amid any rising winds of despair." -Elder Holland, Come Unto Me

 

Sometimes it is easy to feel as though we are walking on water- in the sense that our footing is unsure on an ever-changing surface. Yet when we remember to look up and focus on the Savior, our worries about sinking will fade as we strive to reach him. And then we will realize that every step was a miracle made possible by Him.

 

 

 

 



Day 9: Feeding the 5000

 

Matthew 14:14-21

"Today, some may think the miracle of the loaves and fishes is only an ancient story and is not relevant in our day. In so doing, they miss the point of this miraculous story and do not understand the significance of the “bread of life.”

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “In our contemporary success and sophistication we too may walk away from the vitally crucial bread of eternal life; we may actually choose to be spiritually malnourished, willfully indulging in a kind of spiritual anorexia.” 2

The Bible Dictionary explains that miracles are “an important element in the work of Jesus Christ, being not only divine acts, but forming also a part of the divine teaching” (732; see also Guide to the Scriptures, “Miracle,” 165). The miracle of the loaves and fishes is a good example of this definition. Jesus fed more than 5,000 people with only five loaves and two fishes—a divine act. He declared Himself the “bread of life”—a divine teaching.

Knowing that Jesus Christ is the Bread of Life—the way by which all can receive eternal life—we have an important responsibility. We should seek to help people come to Him and partake of His word, like the people who were filled with the loaves and fishes. Our friends may not know they are hungry in spirit. They may try to consume many things to satisfy their spiritual hunger, and as a result, they may feel frustrated and lost. Let us help them know how they can be spiritually filled—by coming unto Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life." - Elder Wong Yong Ko 



Day 8: Stilling the Storm

 

Day 8: (Matthew 8:23-27)

 

 

Out on the sea one night with his disciples, an incredible tempest arose. While they battled against the storm, the Master slept. Finally in desperation they woke him and begged for assistance. I love what President Hunter said:

"All of us have seen some sudden storms in our lives. A few of them,though temporary like these on the Sea of Galilee, can be violent and frightening and potentially destructive. As individuals, as families, as communities, as nations, even as a church, we have had sudden squalls arise which have made us ask one way or another, “Master, carest thou not that we perish?” And one way or another we always hear in the stillness after the storm, “Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?”

None of us would like to think we have no faith, but I suppose the Lord’s gentle rebuke here is largely deserved. This great Jehovah, in whom we say we trust and whose name we have taken upon us, is he who said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” (Gen. 1:6.) And he is also the one who said, “Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear.” (Gen. 1:9.) Furthermore, it was he who parted the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to pass through on dry ground. (See Ex. 14:21–22.) Certainly it should be no surprise that he could command a few elements acting up on the Sea of Galilee. And our faith should remind us that he can calm the troubled waters of our lives." - President Howard W Hunter

 

This story always remind me of something John H. Groberg once said-- "Sometimes God calms the storm and sometimes God calms the sailor....and sometimes God just lets us swim!"

What do we do when the storm in not just a temporary squall, but a continuous hurricane? What do we do when we feel like we've been swimming until we can barely keep our heads above water? Why sometimes does he let the storm continue to rage over the heads of the righteous and worthy?
 



Day 7: Sermon on the Mount/ The Candle

(Matthew 5:1-16, Luke 6:17-49)

It must be an Elder Wirthlin weekend--Let Your Light So Shine- "If we live the principles of the gospel, we are the fulfillment of the Savior’s pronouncement: “Ye are the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14). And possessing this light, we can shine among our fellowmen through our lives and deeds, influencing them to glorify our Father in Heaven.

Jesus wants every one of us to know him because of the transforming power of that knowledge and because of the indescribable joy it brings into our lives. But the influence of the gospel is to extend beyond each individual. It is to be as a light that dispels the darkness from the lives of those around us. No one of us is saved solely and simply for himself alone, just as no lamp is lighted merely for its own benefit."

On this day we remember the fateful attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 and are reminded how precious life is. It is not enough just to have the light of the gospel in our lives--we must share the flame and warmth with those around us.

Happy Sabbath!

Day 6: Fishers of Men

(Luke 5:1-11, Luke 6:12-16) 

Video: I Will Make You Fishers of Men

Elder Wirthlin reminded us of the Savior's invitation in his address from April 2002 Conference entitled, Follow Me.

"Have you ever wondered what it must have been like to have lived in the days of the Savior? If you had been there, would you have heeded His call “Follow me”? Perhaps a more realistic question might be, “If the Savior were to call you today, would you be just as willing to leave your nets and follow Him?” I am confident that many would.

But for some, it may not be such an easy decision. Some have discovered that nets, by their very nature, are sometimes not so easy to leave...Nets are generally defined as devices for capturing something. In a more narrow but more important sense, we might define a net as anything that entices or prevents us from following the call of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.

Nets in this context can be our work, our hobbies, our pleasures, and, above all else, our temptations and sins. In short, a net can be anything that pulls us away from our relationship with our Heavenly Father or from His restored Church....

As Jesus the Christ stood on the shores of the Sea of Galilee 2,000 years ago, so stands He today, issuing the same call He gave to those faithful fishermen and now to all who will hear His voice: “Follow me!” We have nets that must be tended and nets that must be mended. But when the Master of ocean, earth, and sky calls to us, “Follow me,” we should leave the entangling, worldly nets behind and follow His footsteps."

And so we untangle ourselves from the nets that capture our attention and time, it is not merely enough to do it just once- the process must be continuous as Elder Holland reminded us as he recounted the exchange between Peter and Christ after the resurrection.

"Peter said for the third time, “Lord, … thou knowest that I love thee.” To which Jesus responded (and here again I acknowledge my non scriptural elaboration), perhaps saying something like: “Then Peter, why are you here? Why are we back on this same shore, by these same nets, having this same conversation? Wasn’t it obvious then and isn’t it obvious now that if I want fish, I can get fish? What I need, Peter, are disciples—and I need them forever. I need someone to feed my sheep and save my lambs. I need someone to preach my gospel and defend my faith. I need someone who loves me, truly, truly loves me, and loves what our Father in Heaven has commissioned me to do. Ours is not a feeble message. It is not a fleeting task. It is not hapless; it is not hopeless; it is not to be consigned to the ash heap of history. It is the work of Almighty God, and it is to change the world. So, Peter, for the second and presumably the last time, I am asking you to leave all this and to go teach and testify, labor and serve loyally until the day in which they will do to you exactly what they did to me.”

Day 5: The Dove

Day 5: Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17)

 

Elder Robert D. Hales, The Covenant of Baptism, "Born of a mortal mother, Jesus was baptized to fulfill His Father’s commandment that sons and daughters of God should be baptized. He set the example for all of us to humble ourselves before our Heavenly Father. We are all welcome to come into the waters of baptism. He was baptized to witness to His Father that He would be obedient in keeping His commandments. He was baptized to show us that we should receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (see 2 Ne. 31:4–9).

As we follow the example of Jesus, we, too, demonstrate that we will repent and be obedient in keeping the commandments of our Father in Heaven. We humble ourselves with a broken heart and a contrite spirit as we recognize our sins and seek forgiveness of our trespasses (see 3 Ne. 9:20). We covenant that we are willing to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ and always remember Him.

Day 4: Boy Jesus in the Temple

Day 4 (Luke 2:40-52)

We are not given much detail about the childhood of the boy Jesus, except phrases such as "he waxed strong in Spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him," and "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." The first instance we see of the character and mind of the Lord occurred at the temple when he was twelve. I love his example of knowledge and love of the scriptures even at a young age. I strive to emulate his desire to stand in holy places. I take heart when noticing that he understood his purpose at 12, yet had to wait 18 years to begin his ministry. But possibly what I love most is his understanding of who He was and whose He was.

“How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49).

"Does any other work offer a greater feeling of warmth and personal satisfaction than knowing that we are truly about our Father’s business?...The message and the gift of Christmas are one and the same thing—it is no less than the gift of eternal life and the message that we can have the opportunity of living with our families in the presence of God throughout all time and all eternity. To be worthy of this valuable gift, we must be willing to give the gift of self. We must be willing to consecrate all that we possess in life to the building up of the kingdom of God. We must dedicate ourselves to the Lord, our families, and our communities in which we live....It is our prayer that each of you may understand and appreciate the meaning of Christmas. We want you to know that God lives and that he loves each of you for the willingness in which you serve him. We want you to know that you are about your Father’s business and that is the greatest gift that could be shared with him." -President N. Eldon Tanner

Day 3: The Wise Men

Day 3: The Wise Men (Matthew 2:1-12)

My cute little wise men ornament

I referenced Elder Kearon's address yesterday with the shepherds and I love what he added in regard to the wise men: "There is much we can learn from the Wise Men. Like them, we should study the scriptures and know the signs to watch for as we all prepare the earth for the Savior’s Second Coming. Then, as we search and ponder the scriptures, we will more fully desire to seek the Lord every day of our lives and, as a gift to Him, give up our selfishness, pride, and rebelliousness. When personal revelation comes to alter the plans we have made, we can obey, having faith and trust that God knows what is best for us. And ultimately, through lives of true discipleship, we must fall down and worship the Savior in humility and love.

This discipleship doesn’t necessarily require us to leave our sheep in the fields or to cross deserts. Our journey to Him isn’t physical; it is spiritual and behavioral. It involves accepting and embracing the fact that His Atonement is infinite and covers every aspect of our lives—our sin, weakness, pain, sickness, and infirmity."

I think of the gifts they gave to the Savior in reverence, in love, and foreshadowing his purpose and mission in this life. Gold stood as a symbol of his kingship. Frankincense was a token of his divinity, and as the most powerful essential oil, a reminder of his healing power. Also, it was often used in priesthood ordinances, burnt offereings and annointings and stands as a symbol of his priesthood power. Myrrh, used to prepare the dead, symbolized his suffering and death. And as wonderful as these gifts were, both practically to the young Joseph and Mary as well as symbolically, they pale in comparison to the gifts the Savior offers us. And as I approach the Christmas season and think about what gifts to give those I love, I strive to make them a reflection of the kind of gifts Christ gives.
 May our gifts this year be of love not out of money and direct both the giver and the receiver towards the Prince of Peace, the Lord of Lords, the Savior of the world.

Here is a wonderful video about this: Wise men still seek him.

Day 2: The Shepherd

Day #2 The Shepherd ( Luke 2:8-18)

Elder Kearon shared the following thought about the shepherds on the night of the Savior's birth:

"When the heavenly host had concluded their joyful proclamation, the shepherds responded immediately, saying, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass”. They came “with haste” and found the Christ child just as the angel had said, and then they “returned, glorifying and praising God”. Wanting to share the glorious news of the Savior’s birth, “they made [it] known abroad” .

Like the shepherds, we must respond immediately, with haste, whenever the Spirit speaks to us. In the words of President Thomas S. Monson, we must “never, never, never postpone following a prompting.” Sometimes after heeding a prompting, we cannot clearly see why we have been guided by the Spirit to act in a certain way. But often, like the shepherds, we see miracles occur, and our faithful response to a prompting is confirmed. We can then take opportunities to share our joy and our witness with others. Doing so can strengthen others’ faith and hope, further confirming our own testimonies and bringing us closer to the Savior and His ways."

In following that counsel we become more like the Good Shepherd whom we emulate. The shepherds in Bethlehem lived their lives raising sheep to be sold and sacrificed during Passover each year. But this year they witnessed the birth of the Lamb of God who would be perfect and without blemish and who would sacrifice his life to redeem his people. So when I think of the shepherds, I think of humble followers who know how to respond immediately, and I think of the one true Shepherd who leads and guides us every day of our lives. 

 

25 Days of Christ

Last month a good friend of mine ( a very artsy and crafty friend) spotted a neat project called 25 Days of Christ. The little kit comes with 25 little wooden ornaments, directions for assembling them, and a little booklet containing a daily devotional coordinated with each ornament. Starting with the birth of the Savior and going through his resurrection and visitation to the Nephites, each day has scriptures, quotes, and a talk from the Ensign to help us focus on Christ during this Christmas season. When I was learning Spanish and discovered that "mas" means "more", I couldn't help but smile at the extra meaning it gives to the season of Christmas-- more Christ.

In thinking about anything and everything I would share during this beautiful season, I decided to share the 25 days with you. They may not be very long and any pictures of my newly fashioned , but they will be a reminder of the reason for the season.

Day 1 is The Star. ( Luke 2:1-7)

"We remember with gratitude that night of nights which marked the fulfillment of prophecy when a lowly manger cradled a newborn child. With the birth of the babe in Bethlehem, there emerged a great endowment, a power stronger than weapons, a wealth more lasting than the coins of Caesar. This child, born in such primitive circumstances, was to be the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, the promised Messiah—even Jesus Christ, the Son of God."- President Monson October 1993

The star has been one of my favorite symbols of the season for quite awhile. I have this wonderful love affair with all analogies to and studies of light. In fact, this morning in my studies I was re-reading Sister Marriott's address from this last General Women's Meeting entitled "Sharing Your Light". She makes reference to the light of the temples and the light within each of us saying. " 'Truth shineth' and temples contain truth and eternal purpose; so do you... We also have a spiritual light within us, like temples. The spiritual light is a reflection of the Savior's light." And not just spiritual light; physical light  also comes from the Savior as well (D&C 88:11)

He is the Light of the world. What a beautiful way to start off the month, remembering the sign that stands as a witness of the divine light that came to earth and of the continuous light He brings us to this day.