June 24, 2012
So, in my meetings today, God truly guided their words to my soul. The messages were based on a talk from Neal A. Maxwell, who truly is inspired and called of God.
First, was the repeated lesson that our trials are never going to be pleasant, no matter how hard you try to convince yourself. This is a lesson I've been learning, because of my honest effort to endure well. It is hard for me to balance everything sometimes and it often feels like we're supposed to be happy all the time because of our testimony that it will be for the best in eternity. I am so grateful for the understanding that it is not supposed to be that way. Trials are always going to be hard and awful. A great attitude helps, but it is always going to hurt. Now, the trick is getting the balance just right--Luckily I've got my whole life, so as long as I keep striving, I will be ok.
Another lesson that truly helped me is that one speaker helped give me a concrete example of the difference between enduring and enduring well. See, all of us will endure. That's not the challenge. So, how do I endure well? She gave the example of Nephi and Laman and Lemuel (see this link). The three brothers were given a task from the Lord, each of them followed obediently. However, only one endured well: Nephi turned to the Lord repeatedly, and kept a good attitude as he was being stretched. I know that if we are meek, we will be stretched, and we will grow as our relationship with God develops. Press forward, Saints! I love that song.
Look around you, and find things to be grateful for, see the hand of the Lord in your every-day life. Remember that life is going to be awful at times, things are going to be so hard, but as they are, turn to the Lord for help. People have agency, and sometimes we bring to pass our own trials and hardships, or others inflict their will upon us. We can still have faith as we struggle, as we cry out for help, for that truly is an act of faith.
Sometimes we need to get a new 'prescription' for our spiritual eyes. When life doesn't go as planned, and your relationships are strained, get a new perspective, work hard to listen to the Spirit.
God helps people change internally, who then change their circumstances.
We know enough, our characters are strong enough to move forward in faith. Just keep asking for help and direction, and somehow, you will find the faith you need in your heart.
Remember the joy and peace the gospel brings. Remember to live it every day and share it with those around you. Everyone needs a little help somehow, and you were put into the place you are so that you can help.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
Just What I Needed
June 17 - Father's Day
Wonderful day, definitely felt love for and love from my Father in Heaven and my Dad. :) I again have lots of notes, that I always am intimidated by. See, I take them on a small piece of paper, and write so small, when I get around to writing later, it seems like a lot of work to have to go through and dissect/interpret everything.
Lazy? Yes.
Let's see:
Power of the Atonement helps keep our lives in balance
Seek to have a more personal relationship with the Father
Oh, there was an amazing talk on "Sweet is the Peace the Gospel Brings" and the central nature of the family. Brother Child, a high councilman and institute teacher gave it.
Have the Spirit, have the wisdom of God with you. It gives you the strength, direction, and hope to move forward.
Let not your heart be troubled, Cristina. Be of good cheer. Return speedily and remember that it is ok to do hard things. :)
Wonderful day, definitely felt love for and love from my Father in Heaven and my Dad. :) I again have lots of notes, that I always am intimidated by. See, I take them on a small piece of paper, and write so small, when I get around to writing later, it seems like a lot of work to have to go through and dissect/interpret everything.
Lazy? Yes.
Let's see:
Power of the Atonement helps keep our lives in balance
Seek to have a more personal relationship with the Father
Oh, there was an amazing talk on "Sweet is the Peace the Gospel Brings" and the central nature of the family. Brother Child, a high councilman and institute teacher gave it.
Have the Spirit, have the wisdom of God with you. It gives you the strength, direction, and hope to move forward.
Let not your heart be troubled, Cristina. Be of good cheer. Return speedily and remember that it is ok to do hard things. :)
Sunday, June 10, 2012
The Lord Hears YOU
I just wanted to post that I know the Lord hears and loves you. This day was truly amazing and it has helped me grow so very much. The Lord hears and answers me. I know He is there for you too.
I was a slacker about writing today, but that was because I was out living, which was much needed.
For instance, for an activity I am planning for RS, we are making a video where the guys in the ward answered three questions, it was amazing to hear their wisdom and perspective. Sometimes I think our society discounts men way too much.
That's slightly off topic, and I will remember to scan in my notes so you can see I did pay attention, I just don't have time right now to write them all.
Also, the Lord helped me find something today because He knew it was important to me, right in the middle of the closing prayer in Sacrament Meeting. He also helped me make a lot of new friends, which has also been needed and quite a blessing. And, He has helped me keep my testimony firm and my heart open, it was an amazing day.
Miracles happen all over the place, we just have to remember to see them. I hope and trust that as you experience the challenges before you this week that you will be able to go forward with a brightness of hope, that you confront each day with a love in your heart for others. I know that you will witness miracles, and that to do so, you must first have faith; for faith truly precedes the miracle.
We all need more faith, we all need more love and trust in our Savior. And we can find it by turning to Him a little more fully.
I was a slacker about writing today, but that was because I was out living, which was much needed.
For instance, for an activity I am planning for RS, we are making a video where the guys in the ward answered three questions, it was amazing to hear their wisdom and perspective. Sometimes I think our society discounts men way too much.
That's slightly off topic, and I will remember to scan in my notes so you can see I did pay attention, I just don't have time right now to write them all.
Also, the Lord helped me find something today because He knew it was important to me, right in the middle of the closing prayer in Sacrament Meeting. He also helped me make a lot of new friends, which has also been needed and quite a blessing. And, He has helped me keep my testimony firm and my heart open, it was an amazing day.
Miracles happen all over the place, we just have to remember to see them. I hope and trust that as you experience the challenges before you this week that you will be able to go forward with a brightness of hope, that you confront each day with a love in your heart for others. I know that you will witness miracles, and that to do so, you must first have faith; for faith truly precedes the miracle.
We all need more faith, we all need more love and trust in our Savior. And we can find it by turning to Him a little more fully.
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| Here are my handwritten notes, sorry if you can't read them :) |
Sunday, June 3, 2012
June 3, 2012
Church today was lovely. It is amazing how the Spirit can direct a meeting. Our ward is actually incredibly unified and it makes living there a true joy. We all mourn together, but most of all we rejoice together, which is a better comfort for times of trouble, for we know we have people surrounding us who care and are our friends.
Sacrament meeting, our beloved 2nd counselor was released. In the student wards, the bishop and first counselor are from surrounding stakes (ours are from a stake in Lehi), and then the 2nd counselor is from one of the married student wards. Anyway, it was a joy to watch our ward's reaction to both the leaving member and the new counselor.
We discussed over and over again that we are right where we need to be, to keep going, to endure in faith, and my prayer in my heart for fast Sunday was truly answered. Lately, I've been making a ton of changes by degrees. I haven't had major break-throughs, per se, just little reminders, little helps, little insights, but I have loved every minute.
Sunday School we talked about the differences between God's way, and the devil's counterfeits, that look similar but are so fundamentally different.
Relief Society we discussed unity and individual worth. They were great lessons and I remembered and gained a lot.
Be bold and steadfast. We're not sliding around by chance. There is a divine meaning and purpose behind the direction and context of our lives. Treasure the Priesthood and hold on to your roles, to truly be unified, and to progress, we accept the different "positions" that men and women, leadership, the functions of society, and the different perspectives we each share, to gain the truth and stability to move forward.
He knows what you need and helps you find it. Reach out in faith for a miracle. It may not come as you expect, maybe it will, but open your minds and your heart enough to move forward.
Release the hurt and pain, become something better through the divine power of the Atonement.
Focus on goals, it is the differences that make life work, different roles give meaning and depth, and help us find joy. We each have a different part to play, we each need to feel valued and appreciated, and keep ithe worth and eternal perspective in balance. (**remember, that though we have a eternal perspective, we don't need to stress about the future, it will work out as we move forward in faith today, in dealing with each moment as it comes**)
You are in His hands and are being molded into who you truly are, the true, best version of you, that is already inside you, just surrounded in distractions or imperfections. You're on track.
Keep the commandments. Don't think of them as forcing/taking away who you are, remember that they are the markers, the 'items on the checklist' to find true happiness. A thought I just had: it's a recipe, no, you don't have to use those ingredients, but it won't come out the way you want if you use onion instead of honey.
Pain is definitely real. It hurts, and is a part of life. Don't negate its teachings, but know that if you keep moving forward in faith, no matter what problem you are facing, you'll come out stronger and closer to Christ. See, the reason you need faith is because it is going to seem impossible. It is going to seem like its never been done, and there is no way that you can find happiness. This is why you need faith in that Infinitely Powerful, Wise, and most of all Loving God, who is your Father and your Friend. Don't lose hope, you are on track. Your prayers are heard, and your answers are on their way. You are so loved.
Sacrament meeting, our beloved 2nd counselor was released. In the student wards, the bishop and first counselor are from surrounding stakes (ours are from a stake in Lehi), and then the 2nd counselor is from one of the married student wards. Anyway, it was a joy to watch our ward's reaction to both the leaving member and the new counselor.
We discussed over and over again that we are right where we need to be, to keep going, to endure in faith, and my prayer in my heart for fast Sunday was truly answered. Lately, I've been making a ton of changes by degrees. I haven't had major break-throughs, per se, just little reminders, little helps, little insights, but I have loved every minute.
Sunday School we talked about the differences between God's way, and the devil's counterfeits, that look similar but are so fundamentally different.
Relief Society we discussed unity and individual worth. They were great lessons and I remembered and gained a lot.
Be bold and steadfast. We're not sliding around by chance. There is a divine meaning and purpose behind the direction and context of our lives. Treasure the Priesthood and hold on to your roles, to truly be unified, and to progress, we accept the different "positions" that men and women, leadership, the functions of society, and the different perspectives we each share, to gain the truth and stability to move forward.
He knows what you need and helps you find it. Reach out in faith for a miracle. It may not come as you expect, maybe it will, but open your minds and your heart enough to move forward.
Release the hurt and pain, become something better through the divine power of the Atonement.
Focus on goals, it is the differences that make life work, different roles give meaning and depth, and help us find joy. We each have a different part to play, we each need to feel valued and appreciated, and keep ithe worth and eternal perspective in balance. (**remember, that though we have a eternal perspective, we don't need to stress about the future, it will work out as we move forward in faith today, in dealing with each moment as it comes**)
You are in His hands and are being molded into who you truly are, the true, best version of you, that is already inside you, just surrounded in distractions or imperfections. You're on track.
Keep the commandments. Don't think of them as forcing/taking away who you are, remember that they are the markers, the 'items on the checklist' to find true happiness. A thought I just had: it's a recipe, no, you don't have to use those ingredients, but it won't come out the way you want if you use onion instead of honey.
Pain is definitely real. It hurts, and is a part of life. Don't negate its teachings, but know that if you keep moving forward in faith, no matter what problem you are facing, you'll come out stronger and closer to Christ. See, the reason you need faith is because it is going to seem impossible. It is going to seem like its never been done, and there is no way that you can find happiness. This is why you need faith in that Infinitely Powerful, Wise, and most of all Loving God, who is your Father and your Friend. Don't lose hope, you are on track. Your prayers are heard, and your answers are on their way. You are so loved.
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