Gospel Message Day 279

Gratitude, Part 3

Why is gratitude such a favorite subject of mine? Over my few years I have had my own tailored-to-me sufferings. And there were (and still are) often times when I felt low, discouraged, and wanting to give up from frustration, tiredness, and sorrow. But such a state will not help anybody, especially me in my progression. With time, scripture study, and many talks from Church leaders, I came to learn the importance of gratitude. But it took many years to cultivate that habit/skill. It's how my Pollyanna way of life came about! Tomorrow, with (hopefully) more time, I want to explain some of the trials I've had to face, and the ways I've discovered gratitude in each case. Then you can see the Pollyanna-ing in more specific action.

Gospel Message Day 278

Gratitude, Part 2

The root of the word gratitude is grat, which comes from the Latin word gratus which means "pleasing" or "thankful." I like the connection that can be made in the knowledge that our being thankful is pleasing unto our Father in Heaven. I also think it is a perfect correlation that those who are grateful have a pleasing demeanor about them. They are pleasing to be around because grateful people generally are not selfish or full of pride. I would like to be such a pleasing person to be around.

Gospel Message Day 277

Gratitude

I haven't drawn this topic, yet? Really? I know I've blogged about it during this challenge and many times before the challenge. It has become a natural and regular topic of my life as it was one of the greatest lessons I learned while in Virginia. I suppose the positive on that is that I never run out of things to say on this topic!

So I'll begin with the Gospel portion of this by quoting scriptures that let us know gratitude is not just a good trait to have--it is a commandment.

Leviticus 22:29 - And when ye will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the Lord, offer it at your own will.

Alma 34:38 - That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.

Doctrine & Covenants 46:7 - But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally; and that which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me,considering the end of your salvation, doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men; for some are of men, and others of devils.

Doctrine & Covenants 59:21 - And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.

The last one, to me, is the most direct about gratitude and the Gospel--because it offends our Havenly Father to not acknowledge where all we have comes from.

Gospel Message Day 276

Another Random Thought

I once had a lesson about paying yourself first. It went along the lines of one is not able to lift another to higher ground unless they are on higher ground themselves. Some times you need to pay yourself first--give yourself the attention needed to take care of yourself so that you are well enough to then take care of others. And by caring, I mean mentally and emotionally as well as physically.

While I know the importance of paying myself first, I often forget to actually do so. Today I was able to remember. The problem with me is I often feel guilty when I attend to that, because I feel like I'm being lazy and not helping where I should. I frequently have to remind myself that my service to others by that point has started to lag. My energy has depleted and I am running on fumes. Service fueled by fumes is not effective, so we should never feel guilty when we have to take the time to refuel.

Today was a day of refueling. The guilt wanted to come in, but I told myself to ignore it. The refueling was necessary. And how rejuvenated and clear and at peace I felt after a few hours of my refueling--that is a testament to the importance of paying yourself first. Just don't let it get to the point of pay yourself only or pay yourself more than others. Selfishness is not recharging.

Gospel Message Day 275

Heavenly Family, Part 2

Interesting that this is the topic I drew during these days that such a decision was made in Court. I've been thinking about this topic, and the Primary song they wrote a few years ago fits perfectly with my current thoughts:



Our Heavenly Family is the perfect example and pattern of families. It's how we should have our earthly families--father, mother, brothers and sisters. Kindness. Working together. Building each other up and supporting each other. Bringing each other happiness. This is why I believe that God gave us families. And with what has occurred today, then I must state my belief that for a family to best grow so that we can become what Heavenly Father wants us to be, it requires a male father and a female mother as parents who work together to raise their children.

I believe in a wise Heavenly Father who loves each of His children, and who wants each of us to grow the best we can and return to Him. Our wise Father knows our decisions in this life have to be ours, and the consequences of our choices will be ours. But He won't leave us to figure it out on our own or to go through it alone. He has outlined the best way for us to not be on our own--a family. I believe in His way, and I will continue to uphold it, live it, and aspire to it.

Gospel Message Day 274

Heavenly Family

We believe that every one who has lived or will live on earth is a spirit child of Heavenly Father. Of course, the means we have a Heavenly Mother as well. I always loved the line in the hymn "O My Father:"

In the heav'ns are parents single?

No, the thought makes reason stare!

Truth is reason; truth eternal

Tells me I've a mother there.

So, if we are their children, then we are all each others' brothers and sisters. Now, I've had some of my biggest fights and arguments and disagreements and misunderstandings with my earthly siblings. Some may wonder why any one would want to preserve and cherish a relationship full of that. What they don't understand is that there is so much more to those relationships. My earthly siblings helped me create my identity while also getting to know who I am. They gave me some of the best memories of my life. They taught me that life is full of joy no matter what occurs around me because they helped me find that joy. 

I cherish all that I have gained with my siblings. Should we not use that as a pattern with our heavenly siblings? I believe we should try to get past the misunderstandings, disagreements, and so on, and work together on those other things, especially teaching each other to find joy in life. Because that's what a family is for.

Gospel Message Day 273

More Random Gospel Thoughts

Another good Institute lesson. So glad my training ended early tonight so that I could make it. We only have one left, and I don't know if Sister A. will be teaching us again. I love her lessons so much. I always feel the spirit. She has a natural way of getting class members to readily participate, which I rarely see in any other religious classes I attend. Over the years I have learned to apply what I read and study, and this class has taught me to do it even more. But what I will miss the most is that she would bring up applications that she understands we're going through because she is going through them, too. And brings them up in ways that aren't whiny, complaining, sob-storying, etc. She simply tells it like it is, while helping us feel and know that we're not alone in what we're going through. I don't get that with any other teachers in my other religious classes.

Our Church is one of change, as far as what some of our callings and responsibilities are. 18 months ago, I was playing the piano in Primary (the children's organization). Now I pick the music, lead it, and lead the choir. Four years ago I helped supervise visiting teachers and their respective routes. Ten years ago, I was a Young Women leader. Twenty years ago I was a Beehive secretary. We receive different callings to help us grow in various capacities. I learned very different things from being a leader to teenage girls than from leading a volunteer choir of all skill levels. As much as we love (or might not love) the callings we have, they are not meant to last forever. Others need their chance to learn what they can in those callings, and serve the people in them.

And that's the part that we sometimes forget when we are in our own callings. The people we serve are obviously affected by who is holding and fulfilling that calling that involves them. Our Institute class has been greatly, greatly blessed to have Sister A. For me, she has been just what I need right now. And as members, we often hate to see those people move on to other callings that keep them from working so directly with us. I don't want to see her go, but maybe the Lord has someone else in mind who can touch my life now in a way that Sister A. cannot. And I'm sure He has other tasks in mind for Sister A. So though we want to hold on to the people in the callings they have, we need to get used to "letting them go" so they can continue to grow in new and varied ways that the Lord wants for them.

Gospel Message Day 272

Perspective

This is not a topic I drew. It's one that I felt appropriate in my life right now, and which I certainly believe to be part of the Gospel. It is a very human thing for us to compare. That person has better hair. Their complexion is clearer. They're taller. If it was just a comparison, it would probably be fine. But often those comparisons are made with some amount of jealousy or even coveting. And this should not be. I have learned over the years--and over and over again in those years!--that what we can gain from them is perspective.

For (an odd) example, I don't have to be jealous of those who are tall when I couldn't even get up to 5'2". And I don't need to lord it over a tall person with the woes they may experience. I have my joys and my woes for being short, just as I'm sure a tall person has that for them. There is no reason for either of us to be upset or overly happy. No one is better or worse because of their situations. We are what we are, we have what we have, we experience what we experience. Each of our lives is tailored exactly for us--to gain the best and reach the highest that we can.

So I've been getting glimpses of that here and there for the past few days. Being reminded what others face, and of what I face. NOT comparing them to me. But letting me see that each of us has our trials, our successes, our ups, our downs. And that each of us, all of us, can find the strength and joy we need and can enjoy through the Savior's Atonement.

Gospel Message Day 271

Temples, Part 4

I shared this song on my most recent temple anniversary. I felt it should be shared again, as it has been on my mind as I've contemplated this topic.

Ever since I first heard it my 3rd year in Seminary, it perfectly summed up how I felt about the temple. I immediately loved this song and ached for the Seminary soundtrack so I could listen to it over and over again. Over the years, as I've received my own saving ordinances in the temple and been able to serve more people and in more ways, the song has brought more meaning and application with time.
 

Lyrics:

Heaven’s light flows through the windows,

warming even walls of stone.

In the refuge of the temple

I find strength beyond my own.

Chorus

I can feel the pow’r of Heaven as I stand on holy ground,

And the spirit whispers what I long to learn.

Eyes are touched with understanding

I can see beyond this world.

It’s the place I reach for Heaven and it reaches in return.

Filled with purpose, filled with power,

Granted gifts to lift the world.

In God’s house and in his presence I am filled with strength to serve. 

Text:  Steven Kapp Perry

Music:  Steven Kapp Perry

Arranged By:  Greg Hansen

Artist:  Tammy Simister Robinson

When I see a picture of a temple, I am reminded of light, refuge, strength, power, holiness, understanding, purpose, gifts, service, and returning home to Heavenly Father. When I see a temple in person, I can feel those things. When I enter into a temple, I know and experience them.

To me, there is no wonderment to why I love temples so much. Yet I feel like I will never be able to describe or explain enough the love and joy I have for temples and all they hold, offer, and represent. 

Gospel Message Day 270

Temples, Part 3

I have loved temples since I was very young. I think this love began because my parents had a love for them and placed an importance on them. I knew I would not enter one until I was 12, so it became a place that I looked forward to. A place that helped me set a goal, because I wanted the higher learning I could obtain there, as well as be able to perform the service done within. Though for almost 3/4 of my life I lived 2, 4, or even 8 hours away from the nearest temple, I looked forward to the time I would get to enter. The weeks or months in between made temple that much more special and sacred.

When I did finally enter the temple at age 12, I immediately felt of the power and peace my family taught me, and which we sing about in our Primary songs. My love for the temple grew even more as I was able to gain my own testimony of all that could be gained from service done inside. Somewhere in the later teens, I remember telling myself that where ever I lived, I wanted to be sure that a picture of the Savior and a picture of the temple were in every room. In apartments, I only did so in certain rooms that I felt I had some "claim" over or that roommates wouldn't mind or care (kitchen, living room). Now in my own home, I have tried to make that every room, except for the two that will be occupied by someone else at some point. But one day when I don't need to rent out those rooms, those pictures will go up in those walls.

Many can understand why I would have pictures of the Savior? But why the temple? I don't worship a building the way I worship my Redeemer. And I don't worship the pictures either. The pictures are a reminder of who I want to be like, how I want to be, and where I long to be. The Savior pictures remind me that I am loved, I am not alone, that I have commandments to keep which will bring great happiness. The temple pictures are symbols which represent all that I know awaits me within--instruction, hope, peace, and salvation. And I know that in them I can continue to gain those for myself, and that I can help those who have gone before to gain as well.

Gospel Message Day 269

Temples, Part 2

We are each given our own trials, which are tailored for/to us to help us grow the best and most we can. One would certainly look at what is trying to me and think it ridiculous, or not so difficult. Or I might see someone else's trials and wonder how I would fare in such situations and pretty sure I wouldn't do as well as them.

But no matter what the trials or when or whose, temples are a great place to help one get through them. Because temples bring us closer to our Redeemer and to our Heavenly Father, and thus bring us perspective, hope, healing, rejuvenation, and peace. And today I needed (and gained!) those as I continue to face my trials but have a new trial-by-association.

I haven't had a good cry in the temple in a long time. It helped a bit with the perspective and healing.

Gospel Message Day 268

Temples

I didn't think this topic would still be in there, considering I've already blogged about family history, eternal families, and temple ordinances. But I can still blog about it--because I can always say something about the temple. :-)

If you haven't been able to tell with this blog, I really love the temple. I always gain something at the temple when I go with the right spirit, preparation, and attitude. Whether I'm on their calm, rejuvenating grounds or inside where it is peaceful and inspiring. Always something to help guide me and to help me become more like Christ and get closer to my heavenly home.

Gospel Message Day 267

Jesus - Leader, Part 2

In the Primary song "I am a Child of God," we often think of the chorus as what we ask of our parents:

Lead me, guide me,
Walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with Him some day.

But I think the plea to be led back to our Heavenly Father is also to our Savior. Because He has been there, and experienced all, he is just The One to guide me, and to walk by me, and to help me find my way.

Gospel Message Day 266

Pollyanna Intervention

I've been tired AND stressed which is never a good combo for my behavior. I have much less patience, which means I may not be as kind or polite as I could be. I am in my work, but then my co-workers hear me whine, complain, vent--and none of those are kind or polite. Overall, I'm just not very cheerful. And the Conference talk we studied today was Elder Bednar's in which he mentioned:
Even as we encounter difficulties and face the uncertainties of the future, we can cheerfully persevere and live a “peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Timothy 2:2).
In spite of all I have learned over the years in regards to cheerfulness, and one of my favorite scriptures being Doctrine & Covenants 123:17 (Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed), I still need to be reminded that I need to be cheerful.

So I decided a little bit of Pollyanna-ing is in order.
*I may not have been able to walk today from extreme leg soreness, but at least it wasn't my abs--I've sneezed so much today that I would have been in severe pain from that.
*I look ridiculous walking right now, and my legs randomly give out on occasion, but I always love the feeling that I've worked my muscles well. A reminder that they do work, and a joy that I am getting stronger and changing their shape.
*Kool-Aid playdough in storytime. Such a mess, but such fun and the kids liked if
*Not planning but conveniently doing the 2 messiest activities of the summer on consecutive days. With the messes overlapping, it made it a little less time/effort in cleaning up the mess.
*Getting the things done that I need to with YSRT, ILEAD, etc. One day at a time. It's not the most effective way for me to work at my best, but it helps me get all I need done. And right now, that's all that is needed.
*Two great co-workers who have been so patient during all my venting frustrations without judging me. I already knew I needed to behave better. And they were just supportive by being there and knowing I'll be better soon.
*Though not all the time I'd like to read, I'm in the middle of 3 very interesting books.
*Got to go to Institute tonight. Always a plus.
*I have a trimmer and I've been using it. In stages, because the battery keeps running out. (Lots of weeds to get through on this first round.)
*The fans in my home. They help so much when one keeps the A/C at 84 degrees.
*I randomly woke up just before 5 this morning. Not my typical drowsy, but an all-out wide-awake. While I would much more have preferred to be sleeping, I had a moment to look outside and see how beautiful and peaceful it was. Hearing the birds chirping before the construction vehicles across the street started up. The calm peace I long for in longer doses. It was nice to glimpse it.
*Realizing that my national band & choir had graduated in social media--and was on Facebook AND YouTube. (Hilarious and memory-inducing to see portions of our Bus Videos.)
*Food. I like having it. I am grateful I have some, too.
*Seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. It's a really long tunnel, but the light is there.

Gospel Message Day 265

Jesus - Leader, Part 2

This topic puts a Hilary Weeks song in my head. Unfortunately, I cannot find a YouTube video with it. A shame, because it is a beautiful song. Of course. I love all of her songs. I can at least share the lyrics:

Lead me home
Guide my path today
Fill my mind with thoughts of Thee
Help me live
The way Thy Son would live
Light my way
Lead me home.

As I walk today
May each step I take
Bring me closer to You
Help me find the good
As I know You would
And help me to see through Your eyes

And give me strength to be my best today
Help me become who You want me to be

But if I should fall
Will You lift me up
So I can see my potential in life
Will You hold my hand
Until I behold Your face

Lead me home
Guide my path today
Fill my mind with thought of Thee
Help me live
The way Thy Son would live
Light my way
Lead me home.

These lyrics are a pleading prayer to Heavenly Father, but in them we can also see that the prayer's answer is for us to let Christ be the one who leads us home. He can guide us. He can help fill our minds with spiritual thoughts, especially of our Father. He, of course, can help us live the way He would love. Our Savior is the best one to lead us in the right way for He is the one who has not only walked this Earth as we must, but has experienced, felt, and endured each of our sins, sorrows, and failings. Someone who knows all of that is the best to lead us through the rough terrain of this road.

Gospel Message Day 264

Jesus - Leader

Our Savior is so many things, but one I think we sometimes forget to talk about is how He is a leader.  Or at least mix up with Him being an Exemplar. But a leader is one who guides, directs, and commands a group of people, not just sets an example for them.

So, in one case, Christ is the Head and thus highest Leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

But He is also a leader for all the world--for all who have lived and will yet live on the Earth. Christ is a leader for all of God's children. Heavenly Father wants all of His children to return to Him, so He appointed His Only Begotten Son to be the one to lead us back home. As with any leader, there will be some who choose not to follow, who will disobey, who will falter, who will fail, who will grumble. But many who make these mistakes in following their leader will repent and return to following Him. And in his great mercy and kindness, every one of us has innumerable chances to repent and return to following Him.

Gospel Message Day 263

More Random Gospel Thoughts

Even though I know the Lord is ever mindful of me and loves me, He continues every day to remind me of this. Yesterday I spoke of how the Spirit led me to words of comfort. He keeps the comfort coming, as well as the counsel.

Today I got to attend two missionary homecomings--one of my cousin, and one in my ward for a young man I knew in our ward for a year before he left, and know his mother as well. In both of their talks I was reminded that my desire and my path are the same--to serve my God by serving His children. Listening to their stories, especially the returned elder, I was reminded again that my trials are rather trivial. They are difficult for me, as each of our trials are "attuned" to our own personal weaknesses and where we need to grow or can most/best learn patience, faith, strength, trust, etc. We are not to compare, but we can still gain perspective. And in spite of this awful time, it's not as bad as I have experienced before. And my life is so richly and greatly blessed. Perspective of what the elder saw and served on his mission is a reminder that I have more than I deserve. I can handle this one upsetting, discouraging part of life, coupled with the intense stress that life is adding to it, which will most certainly pass. I've dealt with if all these year already. I can deal with it until the Lord sees fit that I've learned what I need to, gained what I need to.

Gospel Message Day 262

Random Gospel Thoughts

I'm not really sure what else to write about with the Second Coming. Everything I know I got from the scriptures. And I listed at least some of the Bible references and later referred to a couple in the other works of scripture. But there is not much else that I can put into my own words. I only know what I have read and been taught from the scriptures, and that the Spirit testifies to me it will occur. Beyond that, I don't think I could say it any better. So I felt it was all right to move on. But I'm just not up for a new topic.

I thought I was over things. Yesterday I made a proclamation that I was done and moving on, but it was more of a motivational speech for myself. Which didn't really work. I was in such a bad/angry mood all the day before I realized I was just kidding myself. Because I'm still frustrated. And a bit annoyed. And really, really hurt. And disappointed. All of it coming together in one great summary: I am discouraged. So, it helped that just now, I was scrolling through my Facebook feed and saw an acquaintance post this:

I love President Hinckley. He was in prominent Church leadership positions all of my life until he passed away. I connected with him. Nothing he has ever said has steered me wrong. And his words have always brought comfort. Especially in the last couple of days. Yesterday I was reading his book "Stand a Little Taller," and these quotes especially right now hit home for me:

"Of course there will be some problems along the way. There will be difficulties to overcome. But they will not last forever. He will not forsake you."

"Look above your trials. Try to forget your own pains as you work to alleviate the pain of others. Mingle together with your brothers and sisters in the Gospel. We need others to talk with and to share our feelings and faith. Cultivate friends. Begin by being a good friend to others. Share your burdens with the Lord."

I love all the words of our prophets. But I can guarantee that whenever I need an uplifting message on any topic, I will find it from our dear President Hinckley. quotes

Gospel Message Day 261

Second Coming of Jesus Christ, Part 3

So, the scriptures are filled with the signs that will come showing that Christ's coming is near. But they are also filled with joy and excitement because of the love, healing, hope, and peace He will bring. The reasons we have to celebrate Christ coming to Earth the first time will be the same yet in fuller, greater, stronger force because it is during the winding up years of the Earth in its current state. Of us being in such a difficult, trying world and finally seeing that phase coming to an end. There is great cause and purpose for us to look forward to His coming, and there will be wonderful reason to rejoice.

Gospel Message Day 260

Second Coming of Jesus Christ, Part 2 

"Signs of the times." This is a saying I have heard and used all my life. The phrase comes from Doctrine & Covenants 68:10-11:

And he that believeth shall be blest with signs following, even as it is written.

And unto you it shall be given to know the signs of the times, and the signs of the coming of the Son of Man.

The Savior gave signs of His Second Coming. They were not signs that would happen a few days before He came. They would be come over weeks and months and years--ever increasing as time drew closer to His Coming. So, my life has been filled with these signs, and they have certainly increased as my life goes on. 

Some of the signs are positive, some are negative. Some may bring fear and yet if we are living righteously these signs can give us hope from the knowledge that our Savior's Coming is very soon. So, what are some of these signs?

Matthew 24: 5-6, 24, 29-30: 

For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows....

 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect....

29 ¶Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Other "scary" signs can be read in Mormon 8:27-41: 

27 And it shall come in a day when the blood of saints shall cry unto the Lord, because of secret combinations and the works of darkness.

 28 Yea, it shall come in a day when the power of God shall be denied, and churches become defiled and be lifted up in the pride of their hearts; yea, even in a day when leaders of churches and teachers shall rise in the pride of their hearts, even to the envying of them who belong to their churches.

 29 Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be heard of fires, and tempests, and vapors of smoke in foreign lands;

 30 And there shall also be heard of wars, rumors of wars, and earthquakes in divers places.

 31 Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be great pollutions upon the face of the earth; there shall be murders, and robbing, and lying, and deceivings, and whoredoms, and all manner of abominations; when there shall be many who will say, Do this, or do that, and it mattereth not, for the Lord will uphold such at the last day. But wo unto such, for they are in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity.

 32 Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be churches built up that shall say: Come unto me, and for your money you shall be forgiven of your sins.

 33 O ye wicked and perverse and stiffnecked people, why have ye built up churches unto yourselves to get gain? Why have ye transfigured the holy word of God, that ye might bring damnation upon your souls? Behold, look ye unto the revelations of God; for behold, the time cometh at that day when all these things must be fulfilled.

 34 Behold, the Lord hath shown unto me great and marvelous things concerning that which must shortly come, at that day when these things shall come forth among you.

 35 Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing.

 36 And I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts; and there are none save a few only who do not lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of very fine apparel, unto envying, and strifes, and malice, and persecutions, and all manner of iniquities; and your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of the pride of your hearts.

 37 For behold, ye do love money, and your substance, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted.

 38 O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God? Why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ? Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery which never dies—because of the praise of the world?

 39 Why do ye adorn yourselves with that which hath no life, and yet suffer the hungry, and the needy, and the naked, and the sick and the afflicted to pass by you, and notice them not?

 40 Yea, why do ye build up your secret abominations to get gain, and cause that widows should mourn before the Lord, and also orphans to mourn before the Lord, and also the blood of their fathers and their husbands to cry unto the Lord from the ground, for vengeance upon your heads?

 41 Behold, the sword of vengeance hangeth over you; and the time soon cometh that he avengeth the blood of the saints upon you, for he will not suffer their cries any longer.

Yet there are some positive ones, some of which can be found in Joel 2:28-32: 

28 ¶And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

 30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

 31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come.

 32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call. 

Gospel Message Day 259

Pause for Institute Reflections

I needed to pause from the current topic because tonight's Institute was brilliantly amazing. Every one of Sister A.'s lessons is brilliant. Today just had a squeak more amazingness to it because application was everywhere for me.

We covered Elder Holland's recent Conference talk--the one with the fabulous story that I got to hear in-person, and was immediately affected by.



Tonight, we broke down that story and discussed the parallels of it to our relationship with the Savior.

These are the ways Sister A. broke down the story:
*there was no way to lift himself
*his muscles began to cramp
*Panic started to sweep over him, and he began to fear 
*he might, by his considerable arm strength, pull himself to safety
*I said my last prayer...then I leapt.
*I felt nothing but loose sand on flat stone
*there with nothing to hold on to...my fingers begin to recede slowly
*then suddenly...two hands shot out
*My faithful little brother had not gone...he had never moved an inch.
*He had simply waited—silently
*knowing full well I would be foolish
*he grabbed me, held me, and refused to let me fall.

As we began, I decided to go through the lesson with my recent trial in mind to see how I have been and could apply what we discussed. Now, my trial is not just one specific area of my life. It's rather a conglomeration of things right now, each one affecting another. I would love to go into detail, but as I link these posts to my Facebook page and several people who are involved in this personal trial of mine are my friends on Facebook, I don't want to give specifics for fear of "incriminating" them or hurting them. All that needs to be said is that it has slowly been building on to itself, it has brought tears in private and in public (which really says something in my case), it has left me frustrated and feeling hopeless.

As we discussed the parts of the story, I could agree with every thing as it pertained to this current trial. I especially have felt the emotional muscles cramping; I've had panic steadily rising over the last few years; I have prayed much and finally leapt (more than once, actually); and I feel that right now, I'm slowly receding on loose sand. I have not moved beyond that part in this trial, and yet I know that the rest will assuredly come about in the Lord's due time.

How? Because I've seen it happen over and over in my life already: When I was the Zombie (as mentioned recently in a post on the Atonement). When I was in My Darkest Days while in VA (entries abound in this blog during that time). When I was spiritually battered in the first few months of DE Part 2 and felt so alone with no friends in that new place. When I was part of The Fight in 5th grade that left me losing the best friend I had and leaving me for a time with no friends whatsoever. When I endured a very emotional college sophomore semester that left me feeling drained and hopeless. When I suffered nervous breakdowns in my Freshman and Senior years of college. When my best friend--the man I wanted to marry--didn't want to marry me. I have made it through these and so much more, exactly as the story parallels.

I know my Savior has not gone. He's there, waiting silently. Waiting for me to continue making the decisions I need to and even do some more leaping. And at some point, after I've given my absolute very all and cannot hang there anymore, he will grab my hands, hold on with all His strength, and pull me to safety. I am not dangling helplessly and alone. I know I will make it through this.

Gospel Message Day 258

Second Coming of Jesus Christ

This is not a doctrine singular to the LDS faith. It is spoken of in the Bible, so anyone who is a reader and believe of that book of scripture should know that Jesus Christ will come to Earth again.

Using the topical guide, here is the list of Bible scriptures related to Christ's Second Coming:

• he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: Job 19:25 .
• King of glory shall come: Ps. 24:7 .
• Lord shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory: Ps. 102:16 .
• make straight in the desert a highway for our God: Isa. 40:3 .
• glory of the Lord shall be revealed: Isa. 40:5 .
• every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear: Isa. 45:23 . ( D&C 88:104 . )
• my highways shall be exalted: Isa. 49:11 . ( 1 Ne. 21:11 . )
• all … earth shall see the salvation of our God: Isa. 52:10 .
• Lord shall arise upon thee: Isa. 60:2 .
• Who is this that cometh … with dyed garments: Isa. 63:1 . ( D&C 133:46 . )
• until he come whose right it is: Ezek. 21:27 .
• Son of man came with the clouds of heaven: Dan. 7:13 . ( Matt. 26:64 ; Luke 21:25–28 . )
• Lord also shall roar out of Zion: Joel 3:16 .
• Lord … will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth: Micah 1:3 .
• desire of all nations shall come: Hag. 2:7 .
• shall look upon me whom they have pierced: Zech. 12:10 .
• say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands: Zech. 13:6 . ( D&C 45:51 . )
• his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount: Zech. 14:4 . ( D&C 133:20 . )
• who may abide the day of his coming: Mal. 3:2 . ( 3 Ne. 24:2 ; D&C 128:24 . )

• Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father: Matt. 16:27 . ( Matt. 25:31 . )
• what shall be the sign of thy coming: Matt. 24:3 . ( JS—M 1:4 . )
• then shall appear the sign of the Son of man: Matt. 24:30 . ( JS—M 1:36 . )
• of that day and hour knoweth no man: Matt. 24:36 . ( D&C 49:7 . )
• come in like manner as ye have seen him go: Acts 1:11 .
• he shall send Jesus Christ: Acts 3:20 .
• they that are Christ’s at his coming: 1 Cor. 15:23 .
• Lord himself shall descend from heaven: 1 Thes. 4:16 .
• Jesus shall be revealed from heaven: 2 Thes. 1:7 .
• that Wicked … whom the Lord … shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 2 Thes. 2:8 .
• Lord will come as a thief in the night: 2 Pet. 3:10 .
• Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints: Jude 1:14 .
• every eye shall see him: Rev. 1:7 .
• I come quickly: Rev. 3:11 . ( Rev. 2:5 ; Rev. 2:16 ; Rev. 22:7, 12, 20 ; D&C 33:18 ;D&C 41:4 ; D&C 54:10 . )
• great day of his wrath is come: Rev. 6:17 .
• when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence: Rev. 8:1 .
• These are just brief snippets of the scriptures, some whose entire chapter may deal with the Second Coming. But as you see from Matthew 24:36 and 2 Peter 3:10 and Revelation 3:11--we do not know when Christ shall come again, but we know that He will.