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,

"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!

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!

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.

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.

This is the Christ, the healer of our souls

Who ransomed us with purest love divine!

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.

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!!

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."

Grandpa loved his ice cream!

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."

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."

Vickie (Stephanie's Mom)

Vickie (top), Stephanie (middle), Melanie (bottom)

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.

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!!