If you haven't read the Book of Mormon, read it! I know that it is true with all of my heart. I love this book.
Dec 30, 2011
Dec 26, 2011
Jason's Testimony.
I wanted to keep my testimony honest, truthful and detailed. I was raised in the Church by my mom and grandmother. We were always off and on Mormons. We would go for stretches and then stop. My father didn't join til I was 14, so it made it harder for my mom. I wasn't raised with the overwhelming sense that I must and should serve a mission. I met a friend in high school .... OK a girl, and she really got me very active in the Church my junior year in High school. I decided on my own to serve a mission. It wasn't an easy decision but yet my heart was always at ease and comforted in what I decided. My mission defines who I am today in so many ways. I gained the first part of my testimony of the Church on my mission. Kneeling down in someones home the first time you meet them to pray and ask if Joseph Smith was a prophet of God is powerful. One time without my companion knowing I actually was doing the prayer for myself too, with the investigator. Wow!! The spirit was amazing, I knew then my answer.
The mission was great and I gained a foundation of a testimony through it. I came home and married a nonmember and shocked a lot of people. I made some choices after that led me to feel guilty and ashamed, so I allowed myself to fall away from the church. After my kids were born and at an age where they could pray with me, we started nightly prayers together. I was away from the Church for over 12 years.
The second part of my Testimony came after I went back to Church in Southern California. I made a lot of stupid choices in those 12 years. Its funny because the first 21 years of my life I was squeaky clean and innocent, then after the mission....even having a testimony like I did, I mess up. Anyways, I got really sick about 6 months after going back to Church. The kind of sick where you wonder if you will live another day.
One Sunday I was so ill I couldn't attend Church with the kids, so my wife decided to take them. I was blown away but couldn't comprehend the magnitude of her willingness to go. Amanda came home that day and told me the Bishop talked about the importance of reading The Book of Mormon. I was like wow, she went to Church without me and she paid attention...I better open my book of Mormon.
I started reading in the most dark hours of my life, where I was so sick with anxiety, and the medications I was on didn't help either. The Book of Mormon got me through some very tough nights. My testimony grew of the absolute power that resides in the Book of Mormon. I also gained a bigger testimony that I wasn't alone and I had a friend in Christ who was there with me the whole way. I wouldn't have made it out of those times without Him.
In this season when we celebrate His birth, my heart is filled with gratitude towards Him. I would feel like Mr. Kruger in his presence where I just continue to thank him over and over for what He has done for me and my family.
I know this Church is the only true church by which men can truly come to know their Savior and Redeemer. I am truly blessed with that great honor of knowing.
I know Joseph Smith was a prophet, and brought forth The Book of Mormon in our day to be a beacon in dark times.
I know the Atonement is real and have a strong testimony and understanding of it.
I share these things and my Testimony in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Dec 22, 2011
Chase's Testimony.
This is the testimony of my best friend Chase and how he came to know the Book of Mormon was true.
"I was in my senior year in high school and I had never read the Book of Mormon. It never even occurred to me before that I didn't have my own personal testimony about the church and the scriptures. That year in seminary I had a great seminary teacher, Brother Montoya, in all honesty he is the only seminary teacher I truly connected with. One day he gave this lesson that hit me on such an emotional and spiritual level. It was one of those moments that you get chills because the spirit is so strong. In his lesson he talked about how President Hinckley was urging everyone to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it and how you yourself could obtain your own personal testimony of its truths and teachings. During this lesson it came to me that I had passed up so many opportunities to read the Book of Mormon, and I made a promise to myself that I was going to read it.
So my journey began, and I started reading the Book of Mormon. I kept thinking to myself that I just didn't feel that I was getting the full meaning and power behind what I was reading. But then I knew what I was missing- prayer! I prayed asking to feel that what I was reading was true and that the spirit would help me understand everything. When I did that a whole new view and understanding was opened to me, and it was amazing. Up to that point in my life, I had never felt the spirit hit me that strongly. As I read I learned so much and I knew, thanks to my Heavenly Father and the Holy Ghost, that what I was reading was true.
It took my about a year to finish it my first time because I really wanted to take my time, and make sure I wasn't missing anything. But still to this day, and for the rest of my life, I know that I can turn to the scriptures for answers to any questions I may have. It never ceases to amaze me that I could have a question or be struggling with something, and that day I could open my scriptures and find the answer I was looking for. The Book of Mormon is a true testament of Jesus Christ. I am eternally grateful that I have this book of answers and knowledge and teachings in my life. The Book of Mormon has helped my testimony grow so much and I know this book is true. I don't know what I would do without it in my life, but I never have to. The Book of Mormon will always have such a strong presence in my life. I love this book. I suggest to anyone who hasn't read it- Do! You do not know what you're missing. The Book of Mormon is here for us- for our benefit and it will and can help you the way it has helped me."
"I was in my senior year in high school and I had never read the Book of Mormon. It never even occurred to me before that I didn't have my own personal testimony about the church and the scriptures. That year in seminary I had a great seminary teacher, Brother Montoya, in all honesty he is the only seminary teacher I truly connected with. One day he gave this lesson that hit me on such an emotional and spiritual level. It was one of those moments that you get chills because the spirit is so strong. In his lesson he talked about how President Hinckley was urging everyone to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it and how you yourself could obtain your own personal testimony of its truths and teachings. During this lesson it came to me that I had passed up so many opportunities to read the Book of Mormon, and I made a promise to myself that I was going to read it.
So my journey began, and I started reading the Book of Mormon. I kept thinking to myself that I just didn't feel that I was getting the full meaning and power behind what I was reading. But then I knew what I was missing- prayer! I prayed asking to feel that what I was reading was true and that the spirit would help me understand everything. When I did that a whole new view and understanding was opened to me, and it was amazing. Up to that point in my life, I had never felt the spirit hit me that strongly. As I read I learned so much and I knew, thanks to my Heavenly Father and the Holy Ghost, that what I was reading was true.
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| Chase and I! |
If you would like to request of free copy of the Book of Mormon to read it for yourself, click here! http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/
Dec 14, 2011
The TRUE spirit of Christmas.
Let's take a minute to slow down and remember the REAL reason for the season!!
Dec 10, 2011
Al Fox.
I just wanted to share with you all an awesome blog I found. http://www.alfoxshead.blogspot.com/ Al Fox is AWESOME! Her testimony shines!! THIS is the reason I am doing what I am doing, because I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ changes lives! It changed hers. It changed mine. Watch her videos, share them with your friends! Check out her most recent video that she made about her conversion story.
Dec 8, 2011
A Name.
Every year on December 5th my family and I celebrate Dutch Christmas. It's a very fun tradition that my sisters and I look forward to every year. On the night of December 4th, we leave our wooden shoes in our front room with a carrot in them in hopes that Sinkterklaas will come! Every year we have never been disappointed! We wake up and find all sorts of fun dutch candy. One of the must-have treats every year is a chocolate letter that represents the first letter in your first name. Since I am on my mission this year, I got a small package in the mail from Sinterklaas. I had to wait a week and a half to open it, but sure enough, it was my chocolate letter "B".
All of this got me thinking about the importance of a name. We read in the scriptures about a father, named Helaman, who teaches his sons about the importance of a name. In Helaman 5:6-7 it says,
7 Therefore, my sons, I would that ye should do that which is good, that it may be said of you, and also written, even as it has been said and written of them."
I think the greatest name we could ever take upon ourselves is the name of Jesus Christ. In a General Conference talk Elder Mervyn B. Arnold said, "Speaking of how we can take upon us the name of Christ, and thus protect our good name, Moroni taught:
"And again I would exhort you that ye would come unto Christ, and lay hold upon every good gift, and touch not the evil gift, nor the unclean thing...
"Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness."
Elder Arnold extends an invitation to all saying, "Before you act, picture the Savior standing at your side and ask yourself: Would I think it, would I say it, or would I do it knowing He is there?"
So, in 600 years, how will our names be remembered? For me personally, I hope that I can stand before my Savior and say, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." "I have honored Thy name."
At this time of year as we honor the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, may we be better examples of Him, may we help others know Him because they know us. Let us honor His name!
All of this got me thinking about the importance of a name. We read in the scriptures about a father, named Helaman, who teaches his sons about the importance of a name. In Helaman 5:6-7 it says,
"6 Behold, my sons, I desire that ye should remember to keep the commandments of God; and I would that ye should declare unto the people these words. Behold, I have given unto you the names of our first parents who came out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I have done that when you remember your names ye may remember them; and when ye remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were good.
7 Therefore, my sons, I would that ye should do that which is good, that it may be said of you, and also written, even as it has been said and written of them."
As a missionary, I have 2 names on my missionary tag. One is my last name, Rupp. The other, is the name of Jesus Christ. I am proud to be a Rupp and I always will be. I want to always do things that will bring honor to my family name, but more importantly, I have taken upon myself the name of Jesus Christ. I was baptized when I was 8 years old in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. At that time I promised that I would take His name upon me and always remember him, that I would keep His commandments, and that I would stand as a witness of Him at all times, in all things, and in all places. In return, my Heavenly Father promised me that I could always have His spirit to be with me. What a promise!
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| My wonderful family!! The Rupp's :) |
I think the greatest name we could ever take upon ourselves is the name of Jesus Christ. In a General Conference talk Elder Mervyn B. Arnold said, "Speaking of how we can take upon us the name of Christ, and thus protect our good name, Moroni taught:
"And again I would exhort you that ye would come unto Christ, and lay hold upon every good gift, and touch not the evil gift, nor the unclean thing...
"Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness."
Elder Arnold extends an invitation to all saying, "Before you act, picture the Savior standing at your side and ask yourself: Would I think it, would I say it, or would I do it knowing He is there?"
So, in 600 years, how will our names be remembered? For me personally, I hope that I can stand before my Savior and say, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." "I have honored Thy name."
At this time of year as we honor the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, may we be better examples of Him, may we help others know Him because they know us. Let us honor His name!
Nov 24, 2011
2 Things I know!
Wow, its been a while since I have blogged. Sorry! I've been thinking a ton about what I could post next, and as I thought about the things I experience everyday, the people I meet everyday and their personal challenges and struggles, and things going on back at home- 2 reoccurring thoughts kept coming back to my head. One was that we have a Father in Heaven who loves us. Second, the gospel of Jesus Christ can help us in any situation we may find ourselves in.
1. We have a Father in Heaven who loves us.
Have you ever really thought about that? Do you realize that YOU are one of His children? Do you realize that YOU matter SO much to Him? I do. If there is anything I have learned in life it is that I am a daughter of God and He loves me. You can know that too. All you have to do is ask your Heavenly Father in prayer.
President Uchtdorf is an expert on this subject. He said,
"Think of the purest, most all-consuming love you can imagine. Now multiply that love by an infinite amount-that is the measure of God's love for you.
God does not look on the outward appearance. I believe that He doesn't care one bit if we live in a castle or a cottage, if we are handsome or homely, if we are famous or forgotten. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God's love encompasses us completely.
He loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love. We are important to God not because of our resume but because we are His children. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. God's love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked (The Love of God, October 2009)."
President Uchtdorf says in another talk,
"No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love.
Just think of it: You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious Being in the universe! You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time!
He who created and knows the stars knows you and your name. (Forget Me Not, November 2011)."
Remember "the worth of souls is great in the sight of God (D&C 18:10)."
2. The gospel of Jesus Christ can help us in any situation we may find ourselves in.
The gospel of Jesus Christ has always been a strength and support for me in my life-through the good and the bad. It is the reason I am who I am today and why I am where I am today. It makes me happy!
Here are some more wise words from our modern-day prophets and apostles.
President Uchtdorf said, "The gospel of Jesus Christ has the answers to all of our problems. The gospel is not a secret. It is not complicated or hidden. It can unlock the door to true happiness. It is not someone's theory or proposition. It does not come from man at all. It springs from the pure and everlasting waters of the Creator of the universe, who knows truths we cannot even begin to comprehend. And with that knowledge, He has given us the gospel- a divine gift, the ultimate formula for happiness and success."
He also said, "Wherever you live on this earth and whatever your life's situations may be, I testify to you that the gospel of Jesus Christ has the divine power to lift you to great heights from what appears at times to be an unbearable burden or weakness. The Lord knows your circumstances and your challenges."
President Packer said it very simply, "The gospel of Jesus Christ is the formula for success."
President Uchtdorf closes his talk by saying, "The restored gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has the power to fill any emptiness, heal any wound, and bridge any vale of sorrow. It is the way of hope, faith, and trust in the Lord (The Way of the Disciple, May 2009)."
I know the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. I know it has the power to help us overcome any trial or challenge if we apply the principles of the gospel in our lives and in our hearts. If you have strayed from the gospel, there is a way back. Jesus Christ himself said,
"Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?"
Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me (3 Nephi 9:13-14)."
If you are not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the invitation is still the same- come unto Him and let Him heal you, embrace His gospel, and come to know and feel for yourself the divine love that Heavenly Father has for you.
1. We have a Father in Heaven who loves us.
Have you ever really thought about that? Do you realize that YOU are one of His children? Do you realize that YOU matter SO much to Him? I do. If there is anything I have learned in life it is that I am a daughter of God and He loves me. You can know that too. All you have to do is ask your Heavenly Father in prayer.
President Uchtdorf is an expert on this subject. He said,
"Think of the purest, most all-consuming love you can imagine. Now multiply that love by an infinite amount-that is the measure of God's love for you.
God does not look on the outward appearance. I believe that He doesn't care one bit if we live in a castle or a cottage, if we are handsome or homely, if we are famous or forgotten. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God's love encompasses us completely.
He loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love. We are important to God not because of our resume but because we are His children. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. God's love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked (The Love of God, October 2009)."
President Uchtdorf says in another talk,
"No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love.
Just think of it: You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious Being in the universe! You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time!
He who created and knows the stars knows you and your name. (Forget Me Not, November 2011)."
Remember "the worth of souls is great in the sight of God (D&C 18:10)."
2. The gospel of Jesus Christ can help us in any situation we may find ourselves in.
The gospel of Jesus Christ has always been a strength and support for me in my life-through the good and the bad. It is the reason I am who I am today and why I am where I am today. It makes me happy!
Here are some more wise words from our modern-day prophets and apostles.
President Uchtdorf said, "The gospel of Jesus Christ has the answers to all of our problems. The gospel is not a secret. It is not complicated or hidden. It can unlock the door to true happiness. It is not someone's theory or proposition. It does not come from man at all. It springs from the pure and everlasting waters of the Creator of the universe, who knows truths we cannot even begin to comprehend. And with that knowledge, He has given us the gospel- a divine gift, the ultimate formula for happiness and success."
He also said, "Wherever you live on this earth and whatever your life's situations may be, I testify to you that the gospel of Jesus Christ has the divine power to lift you to great heights from what appears at times to be an unbearable burden or weakness. The Lord knows your circumstances and your challenges."
President Packer said it very simply, "The gospel of Jesus Christ is the formula for success."
President Uchtdorf closes his talk by saying, "The restored gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has the power to fill any emptiness, heal any wound, and bridge any vale of sorrow. It is the way of hope, faith, and trust in the Lord (The Way of the Disciple, May 2009)."
I know the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. I know it has the power to help us overcome any trial or challenge if we apply the principles of the gospel in our lives and in our hearts. If you have strayed from the gospel, there is a way back. Jesus Christ himself said,
"Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?"
Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me (3 Nephi 9:13-14)."
If you are not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the invitation is still the same- come unto Him and let Him heal you, embrace His gospel, and come to know and feel for yourself the divine love that Heavenly Father has for you.
Nov 3, 2011
This is the Christ.
They heard His voice, a voice so mild;
It pierced them through and made their souls to quake;
They saw Him come, a man in white,
The Savior who had suffered for their sake.
They felt the wounds in hands and side,
And each could testify; This is the Christ;
This is the Christ, the holy Son of God,
Our Savior, Lord, Redeemer of mankind.
This is the Christ, the healer of our souls
Who ransomed us with love divine.
I read His words, the words He prayed
While bearing sorrow in Gethsemane;
I feel His love, the price He paid.
How many drops of blood were spilled for me?
With saints of old in joyful cry
I too can testify; This is the Christ;
This is the Christ, the holy Son of God,
Our Savior, Lord, Redeemer of mankind.
Our Savior, Lord, Redeemer of mankind.
This is the Christ, the healer of our souls
Who ransomed us with purest love divine!
Oct 25, 2011
Believe in Better Things to Come....
I recently found this video, and let's be honest....No one says it better than Elder Holland!! His sweet, tender testimony always hits right at the center of my heart. This short message of his is no different. Trust in God, and believe in good things to come.
Oct 17, 2011
Until We Meet Again- My Dad's Testimony.
I have asked my Dad to share his testimony about how the knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ helped him when he lost his Dad.
My Grandpa Rupp had pancreatic cancer, and his battle with it was very short- about 6 months. It was a hard thing to watch him go through because he was very sick. It was very hard for me to lose him too. I was close to my Grandpa, but like my Dad, I know that he still lives! I know that he is not really gone! I know that I will see him again! That will be a great day!!
My Dad said,
"Losing my Dad was one of the hardest things I have ever went through. For several weeks after he died, I missed him very much. The pain was almost overwhelming at times. I think the thing that brought me the most peace was realizing that he is not really gone. I know he still lives, even though I can't see him or be with him. I feel like he is very much a part of my life, even now. I believe that is one of the tender mercies of our Heavenly Father in that He has allowed my Dad to be a part of my life even after he is gone. I know that I will see him again. I can't wait for that day so I can give him a big hug."
My Grandpa Rupp had pancreatic cancer, and his battle with it was very short- about 6 months. It was a hard thing to watch him go through because he was very sick. It was very hard for me to lose him too. I was close to my Grandpa, but like my Dad, I know that he still lives! I know that he is not really gone! I know that I will see him again! That will be a great day!!
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| Grandpa and Grandma Rupp |
My Dad said,
"Losing my Dad was one of the hardest things I have ever went through. For several weeks after he died, I missed him very much. The pain was almost overwhelming at times. I think the thing that brought me the most peace was realizing that he is not really gone. I know he still lives, even though I can't see him or be with him. I feel like he is very much a part of my life, even now. I believe that is one of the tender mercies of our Heavenly Father in that He has allowed my Dad to be a part of my life even after he is gone. I know that I will see him again. I can't wait for that day so I can give him a big hug."
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| Grandpa loved his ice cream! |
Oct 10, 2011
Until We Meet Again...Part 2.
All of us experience the death of a loved one at one point or another in our lives, but the miracle of the gospel and the Atonement of Jesus Christ is that we know that death is not the end! There is more after this life! That is the great news of the Gospel! Families can be together forever!! I have asked 2 of my very best friends to share their testimonies and experiences of how the gospel of Jesus Christ helped them through losing a loved one.
Christa said,
"My brother, Blake, passed away when I was 15 years old. He was 2 years older than me, and we were very close. Not only was it hard for him to be gone, it was especially difficult because he chose to leave me. Blake took his own life due to depression and addictions. It was all too much to bare. I thought I had a strong testimony before he died, but I did not rely on it when I needed it the most. I struggled for about a year with his sudden death-- I stopped going to church, and my choices were not up to my standards as a member of the church. I was suffering from situational depression, and life seemed hopeless. I had found myself with tunnel vision- and the end was not very bright. After finding myself as lost as I could possibly be, I got down on my knees and poured out my whole soul. I finally knew what the scriptures meant to give the Lord a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Never before have I felt so broken. The Holy Ghost truly did his role as a comforter that night. I never felt more peace in my life. After that, it wasn't automatically a happy, and perfect situation. I still had a lot of sincere praying to do, and repenting for going astray. It also takes a lot of time to heal. But through it all, from that time forth, I completely let the Savior carry me through. It isn't until we fully give ourselves to the Lord, that he can heal us. It is a difficult thing admitting that you cannot do it alone- that you don't have the strength to do it alone. But it is once you humble yourself, that the Savior can lift you up. It's a long process, but it is a beautiful gift of the atonement. Jesus Christ suffered not just for our sins, but for any pains, afflictions, and sicknesses. I am so grateful for our Savior. He has done more for me than I could ever repay Him for. I still miss my brother, but the pain, sadness, and heartache have completely left, and I have found true happiness again through our Savior's help and love. And I know that my brother can finally receive the help that he needs as well. I am so grateful for the gospel, and the blessings we receive from following the commandments and keeping our covenants. I am so grateful that my parents were sealed in the temple so that we can all be together again if we do our part. I'm just overly grateful for the perfection of the gospel, and that there is always hope. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."
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| Blake (Christa's brother) |
Stephanie said,
"Losing my mom is by far the hardest, most trying experience I have had in my life. She passed away 3 1/2 years ago from melanoma skin cancer. At the time, I felt like my world was ending and I would never be happy again. My mom was truly a best friend to me and someone who I relied on and looked up to very much. To lose her when I was only 17 seemed incredibly unfair and I couldn't imagine how I would live the many years of life I had ahead of me without her. I have been raised in the Gospel all my life and had excellent examples and teachings from my parents. About 2 years prior to this trial in my life is when I really gained my own testimony. Through lots of scripture study and personal prayer I came to know undoubtedly that I had a Father in Heaven and I was His daughter. I knew with a surety that the Gospel was true and was filled to capacity with the Spirit and joy of my testimony. I was incredibly happy and optimistic about life and wanted to share the wonderful knowledge I had gained with the whole world! I strongly believe that if I had not had this experience and gained my own testimony at this point in my life, I would have given up hope and ended up in a much different place than I am now upon losing my mom. Her battle with cancer was very brief - less than 6 months from her diagnosis to her death. However, those 6 months were the beginning of this long, enduring trial for me and I was truly tested during that time. Knowing my mom had terminal cancer with a poor prognosis filled my thoughts with fear, pain, and doubt. When faced with the serious possibility of losing a loved one, you suddenly look at life quite differently and the questions of "Who are we? Why are we here? And especially, Where are we going?" become more real than ever before. I had been taught the Plan of Salvation and answers to these questions since I was in Primary, but I was now contemplating it all much more and differently than ever before. And I found myself filled with doubt. Suddenly that strong, burning testimony I had gained 2 years before was not so strong and sure. It seemed that Satan was well aware this was a moment of weakness and vulnerability for me, and jumped at the opportunity. I was bombarded with fear and questioning everything I had ever been taught. There was one night in particular that I was struggling with this as I was laying in bed. I felt completely hopeless and grieved with the thought of never seeing my sweet mom again. I was wondering how I used to be so sure and know without a doubt the truth of the Gospel, and I longed to have that faith again. I decided to pray. I prayed to my Heavenly Father and simply told Him, "I know I have a testimony. Please help me remember it." And immediately my prayer was answered! I was filled with the Spirit of my testimony and felt more hope and peace than I had in a long time. That was such a blessing for me then and I am very grateful for the power of prayer. The months following her death I was overcome with grief and pain, and frankly hurt too much to care about anything. I was still struggling with my faith and testimony and felt I was getting nothing from the Gospel. I didn't believe like I used to. But I knew I couldn't give up and even if I didn't feel any immediate benefits, I needed to keep "going through the motions" until I did. With time, things got better. It was a long, hard process but eventually I realized I needed to take action and actively build up my testimony again. I knew that turning to the Lord was the only way I could deal with my loss and handle all of my grief. I knew that feeling the joy and surety of the Gospel again would help me heal. I am grateful I was able to continue going to church, reading the scriptures, and praying even when I didn't know if I still believed, because eventually it paid off and I did reap the benefits of the Gospel. The Spirit came back into my life and on countless occasions I had little promptings and confirmations that what I was hearing was true. More than anything else, the Holy Ghost testified to me the reality of the Atonement. I prayed to know that it was real and received answers many times in many ways. I developed such a deep gratitude for Jesus Christ and His sacrifice that makes it possible for me to see my mom again and have the chance to live with her forever. It brought more peace and hope into my life than I could have imagined. The grief has still not gone away, and I miss her all the time, but I have faith and know without a doubt that she lives on. I have felt her spirit and know that she is watching over me. I am so grateful I was able to strengthen my testimony again and receive a witness that the Plan of Salvation is real. The Gospel of Jesus Christ healed my hurting heart and brought happiness into my life again. Losing a loved one can be an extremely difficult thing, but the power of the Gospel does have the power to heal you. I testify of that. No matter how lost or hopeless you may feel, do not give up. Heavenly Father loves you and will answer your prayers."
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| Vickie (Stephanie's Mom) |
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| Vickie (top), Stephanie (middle), Melanie (bottom) |
Oct 3, 2011
Until We Meet Again!
“What Happens When I Die?”
All of us ask this question at one point in our lives, but what is the answer?
A testimony of our living prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, about what happens after we die.
Picture your hand inside a glove. The glove moves only when your hand does. Take your hand out and the glove sits lifeless on the table. This is an easy way to visualize what happens when you die. Imagine your body is the glove being operated by who you really are—your spirit. When you die your body gets left behind, lifeless like a glove, but your spirit lives forever.
Countless scriptures and personal accounts by prophets throughout time have told us this is true.
When you’re the one left behind—the one losing a friend or loved one—the pain of that loss is very real. But there’s a lot of comfort in knowing you’ll see him or her again. And because of Christ’s death, at some point our spirit and body will be reunited (resurrected) and made perfect never to be separated again.
In a couple of days I am going to post some powerful testimonies of people I know who have lost a loved one, and how the Gospel of Jesus Christ and their knowledge of God's plan of happiness has helped them. Make sure to check back in a few days!!
Countless scriptures and personal accounts by prophets throughout time have told us this is true.
Our physical death isn’t the end, but rather is a step forward in Heavenly Father’s plan and a time of indescribable joy for the person making the transition.
When you’re the one left behind—the one losing a friend or loved one—the pain of that loss is very real. But there’s a lot of comfort in knowing you’ll see him or her again. And because of Christ’s death, at some point our spirit and body will be reunited (resurrected) and made perfect never to be separated again.
In a couple of days I am going to post some powerful testimonies of people I know who have lost a loved one, and how the Gospel of Jesus Christ and their knowledge of God's plan of happiness has helped them. Make sure to check back in a few days!!
Sep 24, 2011
The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ
The Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Christ. It was written by the by the prophets in the ancient America's and contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
"The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after His resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come (Introduction to Book of Mormon)."
Over and over again the Book of Mormon has invitations to get to know our Savior Jesus Christ and to "come unto Him." Some of my favorites of these invitations are recorded in 3 Nephi.
The first one is in 3 Nephi 9:13-14.
13 O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?
14 Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.
I love this scripture because our Savior Jesus Christ is inviting us, beckoning us, to come unto Him and feel of the healing power of His Atonement. His arms are opened and He is waiting for us to come. We just have to take the first step.
The second one is in 3 Nephi 11:14-15.
14 Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.
15 And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.
This is one of my all time favorite scriptures because the Savior is personally inviting all people to come unto Him, one by one, and feel the prints of the nails in his hands and feet. I know that we cannot physically do this right now, but the invitation still stands. We can truly come to know our Savior Jesus Christ and gain a personal testimony of Him as we read the Book of Mormon. We can come to know that He really is our Savior and Redeemer, and that He is the Son of God. It is through the Book of Mormon that we learn of His teachings and His gospel. We learn the things that He would have us do. I like to think that every week when we partake of the sacrament we get to have our 5 minutes with the Savior. As we partake of the bread and water, one by one, we get the chance to remember that sacrifice that He made for each one of us. We get to remember the marks in his hands, feet, and side. He may not be here physically, but we can still know Him personally.
The third is in 3 Nephi 17:7.
7 Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy.
I love this because again our Savior is inviting us to come unto Him and be healed. We may not all be physically sick, but we all need the hope and comfort that can only come through His healing power. I testify that His Atonement is real. It covers all pain.
As we can see, the Book of Mormon testifies of Christ. He is the center of this gospel, the head of this church. I know that we can come to know the Savior better as we read the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon comes with a promise for all people. It says:
"We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Jesus Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 10:3-5)
Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is his revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the Lord's kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the second coming of the Messiah. (Introduction to the Book of Mormon)"
I know that this promise is real. I have come to know for myself that the Book of Mormon is true, because I have prayed about it. There is no other way to find out. I know that Jesus is the Christ. He is my Savior, and my best friend. I have come to know my Savior more personally as I have read the pages of the Book of Mormon. You can too. I would invite all of you, member or not, to read the Book of Mormon, and take the challenge to pray about it and find out if it is true. You will receive an answer. God loves you. You are His child, and He will answer.
A very powerful slideshow that depicts when the Savior visited the America's. Pay special attention to the emotion of the Savior and the people as they come unto Him, one by one.
The photography is done by Mark Mabry. (This event takes place in 3 Nephi, in the Book of Mormon)
The progressive blog is now in the hands of the wonderful Sister Simnitt! Check it out! http://sistersarasimnitt.blogspot.com/
Sep 21, 2011
Forgiveness: My Burden Was Made Light
This is a video of a man who truly allowed the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the power of forgiveness to work in his life. His story is incredible. It amazes me that not only did the power of forgiveness heal him, but it also healed the other people involved. We can all find this freedom and feel our burdens be lifted if we allow the Atonement to work in our lives.
Sep 18, 2011
Forgive or not to Forgive?
We've all been hurt or offended by the actions or words of another person right? We've all been in the situation where we have had a hard time letting go of those feelings of hurt and pain caused by other people and sometimes even ourselves right? We are completely justified in harboring feelings of pain, hurt, hatred, self-loathing, and sometimes even grudges that come as a result of being wronged by another person right? Wrong!
The Savior teaches us in Doctrine and Covenants 64:10, "I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men." That scripture is pretty clear- there really is no room for argument. The Savior commands us to forgive everyone, no exceptions. That doesn't mean that we should forgive everyone except for your neighbor Bob who said something to you 5 years ago that offended you, your family, your dog, and your ancestors all the way back to Adam. He makes it very clear that we must forgive all men. This also includes forgiving ourselves. I know this is much easier said than done. I would like to discuss two things in this blog. 1. The need to forgive others, and 2. The need to forgive ourselves.
1. The need to forgive others:
I know it is not easy to forgive those who have hurt us. I know that because I have been there before. We all have. I would like to share some thoughts from a talk called "Remember Lot's Wife" by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland that literally changed my perspective on forgiveness and the part that forgiveness plays in the Atonement. This talk really helped me realize that I was guilty of the greater sin when I didn't forgive and forget those who wronged me.
Elder Holland began by relating the story of Lot and his wife. They were asked to flee from Sodom and Gomorrah because it was going to be destroyed. The Lord told them to, "Escape for thy life...look not behind thee..." We all know how the story ends. Lot and his wife make it out of the city in the nick of time, but then Lot's wife "looked back" and was turned into a pillar of salt. In Luke 17:32 we are cautioned to "Remember Lot's wife."
What does all this have to do with forgiving others? Let me tell you. All too often we "look back" and dwell on the mistakes of others. We don't want to move on or forget something that someone has done to us. Elder Holland says, "There is something in us, at least in too many of us, that particularly fails to forgive and forget earlier mistakes in life-either mistakes we ourselves have made or the mistakes of others. That is not good. It is not Christian. It stands in terrible opposition to the grandeur and majesty of the Atonement of Christ. To be tied to earlier mistakes-our own or other people’s-is the worst kind of wallowing in the past from which we are called to cease and desist."
He later goes on to say, "When something is over and done with, when it has been repented of as fully as it can be repented of, when life has moved on as it should and a lot of other wonderfully good things have happened since then, it is not right to go back and open up some ancient wound that the Son of God Himself died trying to heal.
Forgive, and do that which is harder than to forgive: Forget. And when it comes to mind again, forget it again."
"Forgetting is part of forgiving. But forgiving oneself involves a special kind of forgetting. We don't forget the sin and its effects; rather, the memory ceases to be part of how we see ourselves. We must keep sin in its proper perspective. Satan would convince us that we are defined by our sins. The Savior, in contrast, would have us understand that we have sins that need to be cleansed, but we are much more than those stains ( "Forgiving Oneself" by Elder D. Chad Richardson, March 2007 Ensign)."
"You can remember just enough to avoid repeating the mistake, but then put the rest of it all on the dung heap Paul spoke of to those Philippians. Dismiss the destructive and keep dismissing it until the beauty of the Atonement of Christ has revealed to you your bright future and the bright future of your family and your friends and your neighbors. God doesn’t care nearly as much about where you have been as He does about where you are and, with His help, where you are willing to go. That is the thing Lot’s wife didn’t get—and neither did Laman and Lemuel and a host of others in the scriptures ("Remember Lot's Wife" by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland)."
Like I said before, this is all easier said than done, but is it possible? YES! President Packer taught: "Save for the exception of the very few who defect perdition, there is no habit, no addiction, no rebellion, no transgression, no apostasy, no crime exempted from the promise of complete forgiveness. That is the promise of the Atonement of Christ."
I know that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is real. It is powerful. It covers all things. Nothing is outside of the healing power of the Atonement. "The Atonement not only benefits the sinner but also benefits those sinned against-that is, the victims. By forgiving those who trespass against us."
The Savior teaches us in Doctrine and Covenants 64:10, "I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men." That scripture is pretty clear- there really is no room for argument. The Savior commands us to forgive everyone, no exceptions. That doesn't mean that we should forgive everyone except for your neighbor Bob who said something to you 5 years ago that offended you, your family, your dog, and your ancestors all the way back to Adam. He makes it very clear that we must forgive all men. This also includes forgiving ourselves. I know this is much easier said than done. I would like to discuss two things in this blog. 1. The need to forgive others, and 2. The need to forgive ourselves.
1. The need to forgive others:
I know it is not easy to forgive those who have hurt us. I know that because I have been there before. We all have. I would like to share some thoughts from a talk called "Remember Lot's Wife" by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland that literally changed my perspective on forgiveness and the part that forgiveness plays in the Atonement. This talk really helped me realize that I was guilty of the greater sin when I didn't forgive and forget those who wronged me.
Elder Holland began by relating the story of Lot and his wife. They were asked to flee from Sodom and Gomorrah because it was going to be destroyed. The Lord told them to, "Escape for thy life...look not behind thee..." We all know how the story ends. Lot and his wife make it out of the city in the nick of time, but then Lot's wife "looked back" and was turned into a pillar of salt. In Luke 17:32 we are cautioned to "Remember Lot's wife."
What does all this have to do with forgiving others? Let me tell you. All too often we "look back" and dwell on the mistakes of others. We don't want to move on or forget something that someone has done to us. Elder Holland says, "There is something in us, at least in too many of us, that particularly fails to forgive and forget earlier mistakes in life-either mistakes we ourselves have made or the mistakes of others. That is not good. It is not Christian. It stands in terrible opposition to the grandeur and majesty of the Atonement of Christ. To be tied to earlier mistakes-our own or other people’s-is the worst kind of wallowing in the past from which we are called to cease and desist."
He later goes on to say, "When something is over and done with, when it has been repented of as fully as it can be repented of, when life has moved on as it should and a lot of other wonderfully good things have happened since then, it is not right to go back and open up some ancient wound that the Son of God Himself died trying to heal.
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| My best friend and I at Bear Lake after a serious mud fight! It was a mess! |
Let people repent. Let people grow. Believe that people can change and improve. Is that faith? Yes! Is that hope? Yes! Is it charity? Yes! Above all, it is charity, the pure love of Christ. If something is buried in the past, leave it buried. Don’t keep going back with your little sand pail and beach shovel to dig it up, wave it around, and then throw it at someone, saying, “Hey! Do you remember this?” Splat!
Well, guess what? That is probably going to result in some ugly morsel being dug up out of your landfill with the reply, “Yeah, I remember it. Do you remember this?” Splat.
And soon enough everyone comes out of that exchange dirty and muddy and unhappy and hurt, when what God, our Father in Heaven, pleads for is cleanliness and kindness and happiness and healing."
2. The need to forgive ourselves:
I think all of us are guilty of this one. It is difficult to forgive ourselves. All too often, it is way easier to look past and forgive the shortcomings of other people than our own. President Howard W. Hunter said, "It has always struck me as being sad that those among us who would not think of reprimanding our neighbor, much less a total stranger, for mistakes that have been made or weaknesses that might be evident, will nevertheless be cruel and unforgiving to themselves. When the scriptures say to judge righteously, that means with fairness and compassion and charity. That's how we must judge ourselves. We need to be patient and forgiving of ourselves, just as we must be patient and forgiving of others."
Why are we so hard on ourselves? Why can we forgive others so easily, but we cannot look past our own faults and shortcomings. No body is perfect. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is just as much for me, as it is for you, and everyone else. All we need to do it repent and move on. We need to allow the Atonement to work in our own lives.
Elder Holland continues in his talk by saying, "The proviso, of course, is that repentance has to be sincere, but when it is and when honest effort is being made to progress, we are guilty of the greater sin if we keep remembering and recalling and rebashing someone with their earlier mistakes—and that “someone” might be ourselves. We can be so hard on ourselves, often much more so than with others!
Forgive, and do that which is harder than to forgive: Forget. And when it comes to mind again, forget it again."
"Forgetting is part of forgiving. But forgiving oneself involves a special kind of forgetting. We don't forget the sin and its effects; rather, the memory ceases to be part of how we see ourselves. We must keep sin in its proper perspective. Satan would convince us that we are defined by our sins. The Savior, in contrast, would have us understand that we have sins that need to be cleansed, but we are much more than those stains ( "Forgiving Oneself" by Elder D. Chad Richardson, March 2007 Ensign)."
"You can remember just enough to avoid repeating the mistake, but then put the rest of it all on the dung heap Paul spoke of to those Philippians. Dismiss the destructive and keep dismissing it until the beauty of the Atonement of Christ has revealed to you your bright future and the bright future of your family and your friends and your neighbors. God doesn’t care nearly as much about where you have been as He does about where you are and, with His help, where you are willing to go. That is the thing Lot’s wife didn’t get—and neither did Laman and Lemuel and a host of others in the scriptures ("Remember Lot's Wife" by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland)."
Like I said before, this is all easier said than done, but is it possible? YES! President Packer taught: "Save for the exception of the very few who defect perdition, there is no habit, no addiction, no rebellion, no transgression, no apostasy, no crime exempted from the promise of complete forgiveness. That is the promise of the Atonement of Christ."
I know that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is real. It is powerful. It covers all things. Nothing is outside of the healing power of the Atonement. "The Atonement not only benefits the sinner but also benefits those sinned against-that is, the victims. By forgiving those who trespass against us."
I challenge all of us to be like the Anti-Nephi-Lehies of the Book of Mormon, bury your weapons of war, and leave them buried. Use the Atonement. Forgive yourself, and forgive others. President James E. Faust said, "Forgiveness is freeing up and putting to better use the energy once consumed by holding grudges, harboring resentments, and nursing unhealed wounds. It is rediscovering the strengths we always had and relocating our limitless capacity to understand and accept other people and ourselves." I just want to add my testimony, that I know that we are freed from a terrible burden when we allow forgiveness into our lives and when we apply the Atonement to our lives. We are happier. We are stronger. We are better people.
Sep 11, 2011
Two Mormon Missionaries
This is an inspiring video of two Elders serving with me in the Santa Rosa California Mission.
Sep 10, 2011
Don't Quit!
"Don't Quit"
When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
when the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
when the funds are low and the debts are high,
and you want to smil, bu tyou have to sigh.
When care is pressing you down a bit,
rest if you must but don't you quit!
Life is strange with its twists and turns,
as everyone of us sometimes learns,
and many a person turns about
when they might have won had they stuck it out.
Don't give up though the pace seems slow.
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the struggler has given up,
when he might have captured the victors cup;
and he learned to late
when the night came down,
how close he was to the golden crown.
Success if failure turned inside out-
so stick to the fight when you're hardest hit.
It's when things seem worst that you
MUST NOT QUIT!
Remember you are never alone in life! Don't quit. Keep going! The best is yet to come.
Sep 8, 2011
Basketball vs. the Currant Bush
I love basketball. There is no question about it. It is my favorite sport. I have been playing since I was in Elementary school, but I didn't really know what I was doing then. I would never ever admit to anyone that I am a pro at playing basketball, I am far from it, but I have a passion for the sport and I really enjoy playing it. I attribute the few skills I have to a coach that really helped me see my potential.
As I was thinking about how much Coach Warnick believed in me, and how much he helped me see my own potential, I began thinking how much more our Heavenly Father sees our potential as His children. All this thinking reminded me of an awesome story told in the January 1973 New Era called "The Currant Bush" by Elder Hugh B. Brown. He related a story that helped him come to know how Heavenly Father really does know best. He said,
"You sometimes wonder whether the Lord really knows what he ought to do with you. You sometimes wonder if you know better than he does about what you ought to do and ought to become. I am wondering if I may tell you a story that I have told quite often in the Church. It is a story that is older than you are. It’s a piece out of my own life, and I’ve told it in many stakes and missions. It has to do with an incident in my life when God showed me that He knew best.
I was living up in Canada. I had purchased a farm. It was run-down. I went out one morning and saw a currant bush. It had grown up over six feet high. It was going all to wood. There were no blossoms and no currants. I was raised on a fruit farm in Salt Lake before we went to Canada, and I knew what ought to happen to that currant bush. So I got some pruning shears and went after it, and I cut it down, and pruned it, and clipped it back until there was nothing left but a little clump of stumps. It was just coming daylight, and I thought I saw on top of each of these little stumps what appeared to be a tear, and I thought the currant bush was crying. I was kind of simpleminded (and I haven’t entirely gotten over it), and I looked at it, and smiled, and said, “What are you crying about?” You know, I thought I heard that currant bush talk. And I thought I heard it say this: “How could you do this to me? I was making such wonderful growth. I was almost as big as the shade tree and the fruit tree that are inside the fence, and now you have cut me down. Every plant in the garden will look down on me, because I didn’t make what I should have made. How could you do this to me? I thought you were the gardener here.” That’s what I thought I heard the currant bush say, and I thought it so much that I answered. I said, “Look, little currant bush, I am the gardener here, and I know what I want you to be. I didn’t intend you to be a fruit tree or a shade tree. I want you to be a currant bush, and some day, little currant bush, when you are laden with fruit, you are going to say, ‘Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for loving me enough to cut me down, for caring enough about me to hurt me. Thank you, Mr. Gardener.’”
Time passed. Years passed, and I found myself in England. I was in command of a cavalry unit in the Canadian Army. I had made rather rapid progress as far as promotions are concerned, and I held the rank of field officer in the British Canadian Army. And I was proud of my position. And there was an opportunity for me to become a general. I had taken all the examinations. I had the seniority. There was just one man between me and that which for ten years I had hoped to get, the office of general in the British Army. I swelled up with pride. And this one man became a casualty, and I received a telegram from London. It said: “Be in my office tomorrow morning at 10:00,” signed by General Turner in charge of all Canadian forces. I called in my valet, my personal servant. I told him to polish my buttons, to brush my hat and my boots, and to make me look like a general because that is what I was going to be. He did the best he could with what he had to work on, and I went up to London. I walked smartly into the office of the General, and I saluted him smartly, and he gave me the same kind of a salute a senior officer usually gives—a sort of “Get out of the way, worm!” He said, “Sit down, Brown.” Then he said, “I’m sorry I cannot make the appointment. You are entitled to it. You have passed all the examinations. You have the seniority. You’ve been a good officer, but I can’t make the appointment. You are to return to Canada and become a training officer and a transport officer. Someone else will be made a general.” That for which I had been hoping and praying for ten years suddenly slipped out of my fingers.
Then he went into the other room to answer the telephone, and I took a soldier’s privilege of looking on his desk. I saw my personal history sheet. Right across the bottom of it in bold, block-type letters was written, “THIS MAN IS A MORMON.” We were not very well liked in those days. When I saw that, I knew why I had not been appointed. I already held the highest rank of any Mormon in the British Army. He came back and said, “That’s all, Brown.” I saluted him again, but not quite as smartly. I saluted out of duty and went out. I got on the train and started back to my town, 120 miles away, with a broken heart, with bitterness in my soul. And every click of the wheels on the rails seemed to say, “You are a failure. You will be called a coward when you get home. You raised all those Mormon boys to join the army, then you sneak off home.” I knew what I was going to get, and when I got to my tent, I was so bitter that I threw my cap and my saddle brown belt on the cot. I clinched my fists and I shook them at heaven. I said, “How could you do this to me, God? I have done everything I could do to measure up. There is nothing that I could have done—that I should have done—that I haven’t done. How could you do this to me?” I was as bitter as gall.
And then I heard a voice, and I recognized the tone of this voice. It was my own voice, and the voice said, “I am the gardener here. I know what I want you to do.” The bitterness went out of my soul, and I fell on my knees by the cot to ask forgiveness for my ungratefulness and my bitterness.
I arose from my knees a humble man. And now, almost fifty years later, I look up to him and say, “Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for cutting me down, for loving me enough to hurt me.” I see now that it was wise that I should not become a general at that time, because if I had I would have been senior officer of all western Canada, with a lifelong, handsome salary, a place to live, and a pension when I’m no good any longer, but I would have raised my six daughters and two sons in army barracks. They would no doubt have married out of the Church, and I think I would not have amounted to anything. I haven’t amounted to very much as it is, but I have done better than I would have done if the Lord had let me go the way I wanted to go.
I wanted to tell you that oft-repeated story because there are many of you who are going to have some very difficult experiences: disappointment, heartbreak, bereavement, defeat. You are going to be tested and tried to prove what you are made of. I just want you to know that if you don’t get what you think you ought to get, remember, “God is the gardener here. He knows what he wants you to be.” Submit yourselves to his will. Be worthy of his blessings, and you will get his blessings."
I love that story because truly our Heavenly Father is the "gardener" in each and every one of our lives. He sees what we can become, and He helps us reach that potential if we let Him. Often times it takes a little practice, a little training, just like Coach Warnick had to push me to be a better basketball player, Heavenly Father sometimes has to push us a little bit, hurt us a little bit, cut us down a little bit, to help us become the person He knows we can be.
There is quote from Elder Richard G. Scott of the quorum of the 12 apostles, and he said, "Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more. He therefore give you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion, which polish you for your everlasting benefit. To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain."
Let us remember that our Heavenly Father loves us. He is in charge, and He sees the bigger picture. If you are having a hard time, if you are hurting, if you are not exactly where you thought you would be, if you are seeing more of your weaknesses, just know that your Heavenly Father is helping you come closer to Him. He is helping you grow. He is helping you reach your potential.
"As we draw close to God, He will show us our weaknesses and through them make us wiser, stronger. If you're seeing more of your weaknesses, that just might mean you're moving nearer to God, not farther away."
("The Atonement: All for All", Bruce C. Hafen.)
I want to bear my testimony that I know that Heavenly Father loves each one of us individually and personally. He has a plan for you and for me. He gives us trials and struggles to help us grow. He gives us opportunities to reach our potential and sometimes that puts us out of our comfort zone, or hurts/stretches us a little. He does that for our benefit, and we may not always see the immediate results of this trial, we may not understand exactly why we had to go through that experience, but we will see it...one day. We will look back and see how much we've grown, and see what we have become with His help. He can and will help us become something more than we could ever imagine!
When I was in the 9th grade all of my friends and I tried out for the 9th grade basketball team. We had been playing for a few years together and we thought it would be so fun if we all got to play for our school team. We went to the try-outs and almost all of us made it. My close friends that didn't make it were much better than me, and should have made it. Height has always been to my advantage in basketball, I am 5'11". So, I made the team. In all honesty, it was probably because of my height, but none the less, I played on the Oquirrh Hills Middle School 9th grade basketball team! It was a fun year, and we played really well. Throughout the season I learned a ton of new basketball skills. I had two coaches, but the assistant coach, Coach Warnick, really helped me learn what it means to play the "post" or "center" position. He worked me for hours on my boxing out, pivoting, blocking....you name it...we did it! Coach Warnick saw my potential in basketball, and he made me work on the things he knew I could do with some practice. By the end of the year, I had improved immensely, I was not the M.V.P by any of stretch of the imagination, but I was better than I was when I first started the season.
As I was thinking about how much Coach Warnick believed in me, and how much he helped me see my own potential, I began thinking how much more our Heavenly Father sees our potential as His children. All this thinking reminded me of an awesome story told in the January 1973 New Era called "The Currant Bush" by Elder Hugh B. Brown. He related a story that helped him come to know how Heavenly Father really does know best. He said,
"You sometimes wonder whether the Lord really knows what he ought to do with you. You sometimes wonder if you know better than he does about what you ought to do and ought to become. I am wondering if I may tell you a story that I have told quite often in the Church. It is a story that is older than you are. It’s a piece out of my own life, and I’ve told it in many stakes and missions. It has to do with an incident in my life when God showed me that He knew best.
I was living up in Canada. I had purchased a farm. It was run-down. I went out one morning and saw a currant bush. It had grown up over six feet high. It was going all to wood. There were no blossoms and no currants. I was raised on a fruit farm in Salt Lake before we went to Canada, and I knew what ought to happen to that currant bush. So I got some pruning shears and went after it, and I cut it down, and pruned it, and clipped it back until there was nothing left but a little clump of stumps. It was just coming daylight, and I thought I saw on top of each of these little stumps what appeared to be a tear, and I thought the currant bush was crying. I was kind of simpleminded (and I haven’t entirely gotten over it), and I looked at it, and smiled, and said, “What are you crying about?” You know, I thought I heard that currant bush talk. And I thought I heard it say this: “How could you do this to me? I was making such wonderful growth. I was almost as big as the shade tree and the fruit tree that are inside the fence, and now you have cut me down. Every plant in the garden will look down on me, because I didn’t make what I should have made. How could you do this to me? I thought you were the gardener here.” That’s what I thought I heard the currant bush say, and I thought it so much that I answered. I said, “Look, little currant bush, I am the gardener here, and I know what I want you to be. I didn’t intend you to be a fruit tree or a shade tree. I want you to be a currant bush, and some day, little currant bush, when you are laden with fruit, you are going to say, ‘Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for loving me enough to cut me down, for caring enough about me to hurt me. Thank you, Mr. Gardener.’”
Time passed. Years passed, and I found myself in England. I was in command of a cavalry unit in the Canadian Army. I had made rather rapid progress as far as promotions are concerned, and I held the rank of field officer in the British Canadian Army. And I was proud of my position. And there was an opportunity for me to become a general. I had taken all the examinations. I had the seniority. There was just one man between me and that which for ten years I had hoped to get, the office of general in the British Army. I swelled up with pride. And this one man became a casualty, and I received a telegram from London. It said: “Be in my office tomorrow morning at 10:00,” signed by General Turner in charge of all Canadian forces. I called in my valet, my personal servant. I told him to polish my buttons, to brush my hat and my boots, and to make me look like a general because that is what I was going to be. He did the best he could with what he had to work on, and I went up to London. I walked smartly into the office of the General, and I saluted him smartly, and he gave me the same kind of a salute a senior officer usually gives—a sort of “Get out of the way, worm!” He said, “Sit down, Brown.” Then he said, “I’m sorry I cannot make the appointment. You are entitled to it. You have passed all the examinations. You have the seniority. You’ve been a good officer, but I can’t make the appointment. You are to return to Canada and become a training officer and a transport officer. Someone else will be made a general.” That for which I had been hoping and praying for ten years suddenly slipped out of my fingers.
Then he went into the other room to answer the telephone, and I took a soldier’s privilege of looking on his desk. I saw my personal history sheet. Right across the bottom of it in bold, block-type letters was written, “THIS MAN IS A MORMON.” We were not very well liked in those days. When I saw that, I knew why I had not been appointed. I already held the highest rank of any Mormon in the British Army. He came back and said, “That’s all, Brown.” I saluted him again, but not quite as smartly. I saluted out of duty and went out. I got on the train and started back to my town, 120 miles away, with a broken heart, with bitterness in my soul. And every click of the wheels on the rails seemed to say, “You are a failure. You will be called a coward when you get home. You raised all those Mormon boys to join the army, then you sneak off home.” I knew what I was going to get, and when I got to my tent, I was so bitter that I threw my cap and my saddle brown belt on the cot. I clinched my fists and I shook them at heaven. I said, “How could you do this to me, God? I have done everything I could do to measure up. There is nothing that I could have done—that I should have done—that I haven’t done. How could you do this to me?” I was as bitter as gall.
And then I heard a voice, and I recognized the tone of this voice. It was my own voice, and the voice said, “I am the gardener here. I know what I want you to do.” The bitterness went out of my soul, and I fell on my knees by the cot to ask forgiveness for my ungratefulness and my bitterness.
I arose from my knees a humble man. And now, almost fifty years later, I look up to him and say, “Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for cutting me down, for loving me enough to hurt me.” I see now that it was wise that I should not become a general at that time, because if I had I would have been senior officer of all western Canada, with a lifelong, handsome salary, a place to live, and a pension when I’m no good any longer, but I would have raised my six daughters and two sons in army barracks. They would no doubt have married out of the Church, and I think I would not have amounted to anything. I haven’t amounted to very much as it is, but I have done better than I would have done if the Lord had let me go the way I wanted to go.
I wanted to tell you that oft-repeated story because there are many of you who are going to have some very difficult experiences: disappointment, heartbreak, bereavement, defeat. You are going to be tested and tried to prove what you are made of. I just want you to know that if you don’t get what you think you ought to get, remember, “God is the gardener here. He knows what he wants you to be.” Submit yourselves to his will. Be worthy of his blessings, and you will get his blessings."
I love that story because truly our Heavenly Father is the "gardener" in each and every one of our lives. He sees what we can become, and He helps us reach that potential if we let Him. Often times it takes a little practice, a little training, just like Coach Warnick had to push me to be a better basketball player, Heavenly Father sometimes has to push us a little bit, hurt us a little bit, cut us down a little bit, to help us become the person He knows we can be.
There is quote from Elder Richard G. Scott of the quorum of the 12 apostles, and he said, "Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more. He therefore give you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion, which polish you for your everlasting benefit. To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain."
Let us remember that our Heavenly Father loves us. He is in charge, and He sees the bigger picture. If you are having a hard time, if you are hurting, if you are not exactly where you thought you would be, if you are seeing more of your weaknesses, just know that your Heavenly Father is helping you come closer to Him. He is helping you grow. He is helping you reach your potential.
"As we draw close to God, He will show us our weaknesses and through them make us wiser, stronger. If you're seeing more of your weaknesses, that just might mean you're moving nearer to God, not farther away."
("The Atonement: All for All", Bruce C. Hafen.)
I want to bear my testimony that I know that Heavenly Father loves each one of us individually and personally. He has a plan for you and for me. He gives us trials and struggles to help us grow. He gives us opportunities to reach our potential and sometimes that puts us out of our comfort zone, or hurts/stretches us a little. He does that for our benefit, and we may not always see the immediate results of this trial, we may not understand exactly why we had to go through that experience, but we will see it...one day. We will look back and see how much we've grown, and see what we have become with His help. He can and will help us become something more than we could ever imagine!
Sep 4, 2011
A Mormon Message about Prayer.
Sep 1, 2011
The Power of Prayer.
During this past week I have had a lot of new changes happen. I have a new companion. I am in a new area. My companion and I are both new to the area, which means we don't exactly know our way around or what's going on for that matter. We are serving in a new branch and working with new leadership. We are driving around trying to meet all our investigators, potentials, formers, and referrals without getting lost. All we have is our trusty map. This is a very new and exciting experience for me, but along with all of this excitement there has been an added amount of stress on my shoulders. This is a big responsibility! Last night, I was discussing all of my excitement, fears, and concerns with my Heavenly Father about this new assignment, and I was hit with an overwhelming feeling of gratitude and love for the power of prayer. It amazed me that even though I am in a new area and among new people, I didn't feel alone, even though it would be so easy to feel that way. It gives me great comfort and peace to know that I always have a great friend, my Heavenly Father, to talk to- anytime, anywhere, any hour. He is always available.
Prayer is one of the greatest blessings and most powerful tools we have while we are here on earth. Prayer is literally a direct line of communication between our Heavenly Father and us, His children. There is never a busy signal with Him. We can seek His counsel, guidance, and direction daily, and He will listen. That is His promise to us.
In the April 2011 General Conference, Elder Russell M. Nelson, of the quorum of the 12 apostles, said this regarding prayer:
"Your heartfelt pleadings are important to Him.... If we pray with an eternal perspective, we need not wonder if our most tearful and heartfelt pleadings are heard. This promise from the Lord is recorded in section 98 of the Doctrine and Covenants:
2-"Your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord...and are recorded with this seal and testament-the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted.
3-"Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name's glory, saith the Lord."
Elder Nelson continues by saying, "The Lord chose His strongest words to reassure us! Seal! Testament! Sworn! Decreed! Immutable covenant! Brothers and sisters, believe Him! God will heed your sincere and heartfelt prayers, and your faith will be strengthened (Face the Future with Faith, April 2011)."
We must remember that "prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings (Bible Dictionary pg. 753)." Our loving Heavenly Father is always anxious and willing to bless us with the things we ask, but we must do our part. "Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them (Bible Dictionary pg. 753)."
This reminds me of a scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 58:26-28:
26-"For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward."
27-"Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass must righteousness;"
28-"For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves."
We shouldn't be "commanded in all things." God expects us to do our part. We should get on our knees and pray like everything depends on Him, and then get up and work like everything depends on us. We need to be "anxiously engaged in a good cause." "Often God gives us the power to help answer our own prayers. As we pray for help, we should do all we can to bring about the things we desire (Gospel Principles Manual pg. 38)."
"Our sincere prayers are always answered. Sometimes the answer may be no, because what we have asked for would not be best for us. Sometimes the answer is yes, and we have a warm, comfortable feeling about what we should do (see D&C 9:8-9). Sometimes the answer is "wait a while." Our prayers are always answered at a time and in a way that the Lord knows will help us the most."
"Sometimes the Lord answers our prayers through other people. A good friend, a husband or wife, a parent or other family member, a Church leader, a missionary- any of these individuals may be inspired to perform acts that will answer our prayers (Gospel Principles Manual pg. 37)."
I know that prayer is real and very powerful. I know that God is our loving Heavenly Father and that He wants us to talk to Him often. He wants to hear about every aspect of our lives because He loves us and wants to bless us, but He can't if we don't let Him into our lives. I would like to close with one last quote from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, of the quorum of the 12 apostles. He said,
"God is anxiously waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as He always has. But He can't if you don't pray, and He can't if you don't dream. In short, He can't if you don't believe (Terror, Triumph, and a Wedding Feast, September 12, 2004)."
Brothers and sisters, pray with faith, believe in His promises, and go to work! He will listen and He will answer you. Prayer works! I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ. I know They live, and love each one of us perfectly and personally. This church is true.
Prayer is one of the greatest blessings and most powerful tools we have while we are here on earth. Prayer is literally a direct line of communication between our Heavenly Father and us, His children. There is never a busy signal with Him. We can seek His counsel, guidance, and direction daily, and He will listen. That is His promise to us.
In the April 2011 General Conference, Elder Russell M. Nelson, of the quorum of the 12 apostles, said this regarding prayer:
"Your heartfelt pleadings are important to Him.... If we pray with an eternal perspective, we need not wonder if our most tearful and heartfelt pleadings are heard. This promise from the Lord is recorded in section 98 of the Doctrine and Covenants:
2-"Your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord...and are recorded with this seal and testament-the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted.
3-"Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name's glory, saith the Lord."
Elder Nelson continues by saying, "The Lord chose His strongest words to reassure us! Seal! Testament! Sworn! Decreed! Immutable covenant! Brothers and sisters, believe Him! God will heed your sincere and heartfelt prayers, and your faith will be strengthened (Face the Future with Faith, April 2011)."
We must remember that "prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings (Bible Dictionary pg. 753)." Our loving Heavenly Father is always anxious and willing to bless us with the things we ask, but we must do our part. "Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them (Bible Dictionary pg. 753)."
This reminds me of a scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 58:26-28:
26-"For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward."
27-"Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass must righteousness;"
28-"For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves."
We shouldn't be "commanded in all things." God expects us to do our part. We should get on our knees and pray like everything depends on Him, and then get up and work like everything depends on us. We need to be "anxiously engaged in a good cause." "Often God gives us the power to help answer our own prayers. As we pray for help, we should do all we can to bring about the things we desire (Gospel Principles Manual pg. 38)."
"Our sincere prayers are always answered. Sometimes the answer may be no, because what we have asked for would not be best for us. Sometimes the answer is yes, and we have a warm, comfortable feeling about what we should do (see D&C 9:8-9). Sometimes the answer is "wait a while." Our prayers are always answered at a time and in a way that the Lord knows will help us the most."
"Sometimes the Lord answers our prayers through other people. A good friend, a husband or wife, a parent or other family member, a Church leader, a missionary- any of these individuals may be inspired to perform acts that will answer our prayers (Gospel Principles Manual pg. 37)."
I know that prayer is real and very powerful. I know that God is our loving Heavenly Father and that He wants us to talk to Him often. He wants to hear about every aspect of our lives because He loves us and wants to bless us, but He can't if we don't let Him into our lives. I would like to close with one last quote from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, of the quorum of the 12 apostles. He said,
"God is anxiously waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as He always has. But He can't if you don't pray, and He can't if you don't dream. In short, He can't if you don't believe (Terror, Triumph, and a Wedding Feast, September 12, 2004)."
Brothers and sisters, pray with faith, believe in His promises, and go to work! He will listen and He will answer you. Prayer works! I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ. I know They live, and love each one of us perfectly and personally. This church is true.
Aug 22, 2011
Parable of the School Boys.
There is a story that someone shared with while I was in college that has had an effect on me ever since. It is a story that President Gordon B. Hinckley shared during Christmas time:
“Years ago there was a little one-room schoolhouse in the mountains of Virginia where the boys were so rough that no teacher had been able to handle them.
“A young, inexperienced teacher applied, and the old director scanned him and asked: ‘Young fellow, do you know that you are asking for an awful beating? Every teacher that we have had here for years has had to take one.’
“‘I will risk it,’ he replied.
“The first day of school came, and the teacher appeared for duty. One big fellow named Tom whispered: ‘I won’t need any help with this one. I can lick him myself.’
“The teacher said, ‘Good morning, boys, we have come to conduct school.’ They yelled and made fun at the top of their voices. ‘Now, I want a good school, but I confess that I do not know how unless you help me. Suppose we have a few rules. You tell me, and I will write them on the blackboard.’
“One fellow yelled, ‘No stealing!’ Another yelled, ‘On time.’ Finally, ten rules appeared on the blackboard.
“‘Now,’ said the teacher, ‘a law is not good unless there is a penalty attached. What shall we do with one who breaks the rules?’
“‘Beat him across the back ten times without his coat on,’ came the response from the class.
“‘That is pretty severe, boys. Are you sure that you are ready to stand by it?’ Another yelled, ‘I second the motion,’ and the teacher said, ‘All right, we will live by them! Class, come to order!’
“In a day or so, ‘Big Tom’ found that his lunch had been stolen. The thief was located—a little hungry fellow, about ten years old. ‘We have found the thief and he must be punished according to your rule—ten stripes across the back. Jim, come up here!’ the teacher said.
“The little fellow, trembling, came up slowly with a big coat fastened up to his neck and pleaded, ‘Teacher, you can lick me as hard as you like, but please, don’t take my coat off!’
“‘Take your coat off,’ the teacher said. ‘You helped make the rules!’
“‘Oh, teacher, don’t make me!’ He began to unbutton, and what did the teacher see? The boy had no shirt on, and revealed a bony little crippled body.
“‘How can I whip this child?’ he thought. ‘But I must, I must do something if I am to keep this school.’ Everything was quiet as death.
“‘How come you aren’t wearing a shirt, Jim?’
“He replied, ‘My father died and my mother is very poor. I have only one shirt and she is washing it today, and I wore my brother’s big coat to keep me warm.’
“The teacher, with rod in hand, hesitated. Just then ‘Big Tom’ jumped to his feet and said, ‘Teacher, if you don’t object, I will take Jim’s licking for him.’
“‘Very well, there is a certain law that one can become a substitute for another. Are you all agreed?’
“Off came Tom’s coat, and after five strokes the rod broke! The teacher bowed his head in his hands and thought, ‘How can I finish this awful task?’ Then he heard the class sobbing, and what did he see? Little Jim had reached up and caught Tom with both arms around his neck. ‘Tom, I’m sorry that I stole your lunch, but I was awful hungry. Tom, I will love you till I die for taking my licking for me! Yes, I will love you forever!’”
To lift a phrase from this simple story, Jesus, my Redeemer, has taken “my licking for me” and yours for you. (President Gordon B. Hinckley- "The Wondrous and True Story of Christmas" December 2000)
This simple story reminds me of the scripture in Mosiah 14:3-5.
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
The Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ is real. It is powerful and personal. Jesus Christ truly does know every heartache, pain, sickness, struggle, sin, or sadness that we have gone through. Nothing we have ever done or could do is outside of the healing power of the Atonement. When I think about the things Jesus Christ went through I cannot help but realize that it was such an act of love. Christ would NOT have "carried our griefs and sorrows", He would NOT have been "wounded for our transgressions", or "bruised for our iniquities" if He did not love us. I testify that our Savior, Jesus Christ is standing with open arms and pleading for us to, "Come unto him." In the scriptures He says, "Will you not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?"
“Years ago there was a little one-room schoolhouse in the mountains of Virginia where the boys were so rough that no teacher had been able to handle them.
“A young, inexperienced teacher applied, and the old director scanned him and asked: ‘Young fellow, do you know that you are asking for an awful beating? Every teacher that we have had here for years has had to take one.’
“‘I will risk it,’ he replied.
“The first day of school came, and the teacher appeared for duty. One big fellow named Tom whispered: ‘I won’t need any help with this one. I can lick him myself.’
“The teacher said, ‘Good morning, boys, we have come to conduct school.’ They yelled and made fun at the top of their voices. ‘Now, I want a good school, but I confess that I do not know how unless you help me. Suppose we have a few rules. You tell me, and I will write them on the blackboard.’
“One fellow yelled, ‘No stealing!’ Another yelled, ‘On time.’ Finally, ten rules appeared on the blackboard.
“‘Now,’ said the teacher, ‘a law is not good unless there is a penalty attached. What shall we do with one who breaks the rules?’
“‘Beat him across the back ten times without his coat on,’ came the response from the class.
“‘That is pretty severe, boys. Are you sure that you are ready to stand by it?’ Another yelled, ‘I second the motion,’ and the teacher said, ‘All right, we will live by them! Class, come to order!’
“In a day or so, ‘Big Tom’ found that his lunch had been stolen. The thief was located—a little hungry fellow, about ten years old. ‘We have found the thief and he must be punished according to your rule—ten stripes across the back. Jim, come up here!’ the teacher said.
“The little fellow, trembling, came up slowly with a big coat fastened up to his neck and pleaded, ‘Teacher, you can lick me as hard as you like, but please, don’t take my coat off!’
“‘Take your coat off,’ the teacher said. ‘You helped make the rules!’
“‘Oh, teacher, don’t make me!’ He began to unbutton, and what did the teacher see? The boy had no shirt on, and revealed a bony little crippled body.
“‘How can I whip this child?’ he thought. ‘But I must, I must do something if I am to keep this school.’ Everything was quiet as death.
“‘How come you aren’t wearing a shirt, Jim?’
“He replied, ‘My father died and my mother is very poor. I have only one shirt and she is washing it today, and I wore my brother’s big coat to keep me warm.’
“The teacher, with rod in hand, hesitated. Just then ‘Big Tom’ jumped to his feet and said, ‘Teacher, if you don’t object, I will take Jim’s licking for him.’
“‘Very well, there is a certain law that one can become a substitute for another. Are you all agreed?’
“Off came Tom’s coat, and after five strokes the rod broke! The teacher bowed his head in his hands and thought, ‘How can I finish this awful task?’ Then he heard the class sobbing, and what did he see? Little Jim had reached up and caught Tom with both arms around his neck. ‘Tom, I’m sorry that I stole your lunch, but I was awful hungry. Tom, I will love you till I die for taking my licking for me! Yes, I will love you forever!’”
To lift a phrase from this simple story, Jesus, my Redeemer, has taken “my licking for me” and yours for you. (President Gordon B. Hinckley- "The Wondrous and True Story of Christmas" December 2000)
This simple story reminds me of the scripture in Mosiah 14:3-5.
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
The Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ is real. It is powerful and personal. Jesus Christ truly does know every heartache, pain, sickness, struggle, sin, or sadness that we have gone through. Nothing we have ever done or could do is outside of the healing power of the Atonement. When I think about the things Jesus Christ went through I cannot help but realize that it was such an act of love. Christ would NOT have "carried our griefs and sorrows", He would NOT have been "wounded for our transgressions", or "bruised for our iniquities" if He did not love us. I testify that our Savior, Jesus Christ is standing with open arms and pleading for us to, "Come unto him." In the scriptures He says, "Will you not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?"
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