I love the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In the 13th article of faith it says “We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous and in doing good to all men; indeed we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”
I love that the Church teaches us to to be good, honest people who serve one another in love, and encourages learning and creativity. One thing I love to do is read and study and learn. Several years ago I took an online course through UVU which was an Introduction to Natural Health and Healing. It opened my eyes to a whole new world which was fascinating to me! Some of the topics covered that I really enjoyed was the Power of the mind, Aromatherapy, Energy fields, Tai Chi, Therapeutic Touch, and the Effects of light, color and music on the body. From there, I found more books on the subjects that really interested me. I enjoyed reading books by authors such as Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra, and Bruce Lipton. I didn’t believe every word of their books, but much that they wrote gave me things to think about.
My Dad gave me a father’s blessing many years ago in which he gave me the gift of discernment. This gift has been wonderful as I have studied subjects that might be considered controversial by some. I was able to reject those concepts that didn’t feel right and ponder more on the concepts that did feel right. What I loved was when I would be reading the scriptures or a General Conference talk and a concept that I had been studying would come up only in different words. I can remember as I read those books, wondering why the church didn’t teach those concepts that seemed so good and true, but then realized that many of the concepts are in the scriptures or words of the apostles and prophets of the church, just in different words.
I love the words “If there is anything virtuous, lovely or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Sunday, December 30, 2018
Things I know
Another loved one told me a few days ago that they don't believe the church is true and don't believe in God anymore. This always makes me feel sad and reevaluate my own faith. Yesterday I had much time to meditate and I went through all the things I could think of that I know. I don't think anyone can argue about these things. They are listed in no particular order.
I know that I feel good when I'm reading the scriptures. The teachings in the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon cause me to think and ponder. I often feel light and peace and frequently I receive guidance in what to do when I have a concern.
I know that when I listen to the prophets and apostles when they speak in General Conference, I feel a renewed desire to do good, to be a better person.
I know that when I live according to the gospel of Jesus Christ as found in the scriptures, I am a better person. When I ask myself what would Jesus do, and then do it, I feel happy and make better choices in what I do.
I know that if everyone were to try to live according to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the 10 Commandments, this world would be a better place, there wouldn't be wars and bloodshed, robberies, murders, jealousy. There wouldn't be adultery and fornication that destroy families and happiness. We would be kinder, more loving, and serve one another.
I know that the covenants we make in the temple, help me to be a better person. The teachings and ordinances give my life purpose and they give me hope. I feel peace in the temple and find answers to my concerns.
I know that the callings I have received in the church through the years have given me experience in teaching and serving others and in leadership. They have taught me patience. They have also caused me to go to the Lord in prayer for guidance and inspiration.
I know that I was a better mother because of the teachings of the church. And many times I found myself on my knees praying for guidance to know how to handle situations with my children. And the peace and guidance came.
I know that gathering our family for family prayer, family scripture study and family home evening helped me feel closer to each of our family members. I believe that they were strengthened because of it as well.
I know that when my husband and I started going to the temple every week, that we became better parents, more patient and kind with our children.
I know that the church's system of home teaching and visiting teaching, now ministering, when performed as intended, was and is an inspired way to care for all of the members of the church, making sure that their needs are met and they feel cared for and loved.
I know that living the Word of Wisdom and teaching it to our children has helped our family avoid the addictions of alcohol, tobacco and drugs. It has also helped us to eat more healthfully.
I know that the belief in life after death gives me comfort when loved ones die. It gives me comfort to believe that death is part of the plan and that they are in a better place and that we will be with them again some day.
I know that I started getting answers to my prayers more often when I was willing to trust in the Lord and was willing to accept what He wanted for me rather than what I wanted for myself. I then felt His spirit more often in my life.
I know that the belief in a loving Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ helps me to have peace when bad things happen. I can feel the assurance that these things are for our experience and that all things work together for good to those who love the Lord.
I love being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!
I know that I feel good when I'm reading the scriptures. The teachings in the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon cause me to think and ponder. I often feel light and peace and frequently I receive guidance in what to do when I have a concern.
I know that when I listen to the prophets and apostles when they speak in General Conference, I feel a renewed desire to do good, to be a better person.
I know that when I live according to the gospel of Jesus Christ as found in the scriptures, I am a better person. When I ask myself what would Jesus do, and then do it, I feel happy and make better choices in what I do.
I know that if everyone were to try to live according to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the 10 Commandments, this world would be a better place, there wouldn't be wars and bloodshed, robberies, murders, jealousy. There wouldn't be adultery and fornication that destroy families and happiness. We would be kinder, more loving, and serve one another.
I know that the covenants we make in the temple, help me to be a better person. The teachings and ordinances give my life purpose and they give me hope. I feel peace in the temple and find answers to my concerns.
I know that the callings I have received in the church through the years have given me experience in teaching and serving others and in leadership. They have taught me patience. They have also caused me to go to the Lord in prayer for guidance and inspiration.
I know that I was a better mother because of the teachings of the church. And many times I found myself on my knees praying for guidance to know how to handle situations with my children. And the peace and guidance came.
I know that gathering our family for family prayer, family scripture study and family home evening helped me feel closer to each of our family members. I believe that they were strengthened because of it as well.
I know that when my husband and I started going to the temple every week, that we became better parents, more patient and kind with our children.
I know that the church's system of home teaching and visiting teaching, now ministering, when performed as intended, was and is an inspired way to care for all of the members of the church, making sure that their needs are met and they feel cared for and loved.
I know that living the Word of Wisdom and teaching it to our children has helped our family avoid the addictions of alcohol, tobacco and drugs. It has also helped us to eat more healthfully.
I know that the belief in life after death gives me comfort when loved ones die. It gives me comfort to believe that death is part of the plan and that they are in a better place and that we will be with them again some day.
I know that I started getting answers to my prayers more often when I was willing to trust in the Lord and was willing to accept what He wanted for me rather than what I wanted for myself. I then felt His spirit more often in my life.
I know that the belief in a loving Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ helps me to have peace when bad things happen. I can feel the assurance that these things are for our experience and that all things work together for good to those who love the Lord.
I love being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Doubt
It has been several years since I wrote last. I feel compelled to write now because of something that has happened with someone very dear to me whom I will call Jay. My faith is very strong right now in the Lord Jesus Christ and in His church. But I have learned through personal experience in the past few years that faith and testimony are very fragile. They can be lost if they are not fed and nourished.
A few years ago Jay lost his testimony. In trying to help him get it back, I have unwittingly pushed him away. I sincerely want to understand what happened, what had he read? What caused him to disbelieve what he had been taught all of his life? After all, I knew the church was true, so how could he say it isn't true? But in trying to understand, I read documents and blogs that were written by excommunicated or dissatisfied members who were critical of church leaders, doctrines and policies, past and present. I found my testimony fluctuating. I would read, feel the darkness, study to get to the bottom of it, to see what the truth really was and eventually come back to the light. I understand how someone can lose their faith. It's easy! As I read the Book of Mormon and how the people would be righteous for a few years, then they would become prosperous and then they would become wicked in just a few years time, I understand better how that can happen.
Jay isn't wicked though. He is an earnest seeker for truth, but something happened that caused him to not believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. If you don't believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God then you probably won't believe the Book of Mormon to be true. If you don't believe the Book of Mormon to be true, it wouldn't be a second witness for Jesus Christ to you. If you once believed the Book of Mormon to be the word of God, and lost that testimony, it would probably cause doubt as to the truthfulness of the Bible. If you stop believing in the Bible, how can you know that Jesus Christ really is the son of God and the Savior of the world? If you don't believe in Adam and Eve, and the plan of salvation, why would there be a need for a savior? I understand how someone can lose their faith.
I don't want to lose my faith. It brings me great joy. I know that I can find peace even while going through trials. This has been a trial in my life, occasionally wondering if Jay could be right, that everything I have believed all of my life could be wrong. But in between the occasional doubts, I have felt the peace and the assurance of the spirit telling me to keep believing, that it's all true. I feel that when I'm reading the Book of Mormon - keep believing, it's all true. I feel that when I read the words of modern prophets and apostles - keep believing, it's all true.
Just a couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to be in the same room with one of the present day 12 apostles and hear his council and be fed by the spirit. The spirit was so very strong that three hours passed like one hour. I felt fed and satisfied and desirous of being a better person. That is how I feel when listening to the apostles speak during General Conference. I feel joy and hope and the desire to change for the better. I feel like "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I feel the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
I love that we know where we came from and why we're here and where we're going. Apparently other churches or belief systems have the answers to these questions as well, but I haven't encountered any that feel as right and good as what we have in this church. I love that we believe that Heavenly Father is truly the father of our spirits and that Jesus Christ is our older brother as well as our savior and redeemer. I'm grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ that makes it possible for us to be forgiven of our sins. I'm grateful that through the atonement, Jesus Christ understands how we feel in every trial that we go through in this life, and because of that, he can comfort us and help us through them. I love knowing there is a plan for us, that there is a purpose for our life so that when trials come we can look at them with an eternal perspective. Loved ones die and we know we will see them again. We have relationship problems, illnesses or handicaps, some we're born with, some we get along the way and we can know it is to give us experience and we won't have to deal with them forever. With an eternal perspective we can ask God what we are to learn through this trial rather than why me? Why would God allow this to happen to me?
We can receive guidance and knowledge through the spirit for how to get through this life and have peace and happiness even through great trials. We can find answers to all of our questions of the soul in the scriptures, prayer and modern day revelation. I have learned through experience that I can trust God. I feel His love and know that the trials I am given to go through are for my experience and for my eternal well being. I am so grateful for temples and the covenants and ordinances we make and receive there. I am grateful to know that my family will be with me for eternity, not for just this life. I'm grateful that through the Priesthood which my husband holds, I can receive blessings of health and comfort.
I'm grateful that every six months we get to be fed spiritually by inspired men and women in General Conference. I'm grateful to know the Lord has blessed us with a Prophet and Apostles in our day to give us council and guidance through this life. And if we are living worthily, we have the blessing of personal revelation to be able to know for ourselves if what they speak is true. All of this just feels right and good and gives me peace and joy. I love this church and this gospel with all of my heart and soul.
When I read blogs that criticize the church, its leaders and its policies, and say the church isn't true, I feel darkness. Their words don't offer me light and truth. On the other hand, when I read the scriptures and the words of our modern prophets and apostles I feel uplifted and my faith grows and the doubt is dispelled. I am still seeking for light and truth, and I continue to find it here in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
A few years ago Jay lost his testimony. In trying to help him get it back, I have unwittingly pushed him away. I sincerely want to understand what happened, what had he read? What caused him to disbelieve what he had been taught all of his life? After all, I knew the church was true, so how could he say it isn't true? But in trying to understand, I read documents and blogs that were written by excommunicated or dissatisfied members who were critical of church leaders, doctrines and policies, past and present. I found my testimony fluctuating. I would read, feel the darkness, study to get to the bottom of it, to see what the truth really was and eventually come back to the light. I understand how someone can lose their faith. It's easy! As I read the Book of Mormon and how the people would be righteous for a few years, then they would become prosperous and then they would become wicked in just a few years time, I understand better how that can happen.
Jay isn't wicked though. He is an earnest seeker for truth, but something happened that caused him to not believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. If you don't believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God then you probably won't believe the Book of Mormon to be true. If you don't believe the Book of Mormon to be true, it wouldn't be a second witness for Jesus Christ to you. If you once believed the Book of Mormon to be the word of God, and lost that testimony, it would probably cause doubt as to the truthfulness of the Bible. If you stop believing in the Bible, how can you know that Jesus Christ really is the son of God and the Savior of the world? If you don't believe in Adam and Eve, and the plan of salvation, why would there be a need for a savior? I understand how someone can lose their faith.
I don't want to lose my faith. It brings me great joy. I know that I can find peace even while going through trials. This has been a trial in my life, occasionally wondering if Jay could be right, that everything I have believed all of my life could be wrong. But in between the occasional doubts, I have felt the peace and the assurance of the spirit telling me to keep believing, that it's all true. I feel that when I'm reading the Book of Mormon - keep believing, it's all true. I feel that when I read the words of modern prophets and apostles - keep believing, it's all true.
Just a couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to be in the same room with one of the present day 12 apostles and hear his council and be fed by the spirit. The spirit was so very strong that three hours passed like one hour. I felt fed and satisfied and desirous of being a better person. That is how I feel when listening to the apostles speak during General Conference. I feel joy and hope and the desire to change for the better. I feel like "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I feel the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
I love that we know where we came from and why we're here and where we're going. Apparently other churches or belief systems have the answers to these questions as well, but I haven't encountered any that feel as right and good as what we have in this church. I love that we believe that Heavenly Father is truly the father of our spirits and that Jesus Christ is our older brother as well as our savior and redeemer. I'm grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ that makes it possible for us to be forgiven of our sins. I'm grateful that through the atonement, Jesus Christ understands how we feel in every trial that we go through in this life, and because of that, he can comfort us and help us through them. I love knowing there is a plan for us, that there is a purpose for our life so that when trials come we can look at them with an eternal perspective. Loved ones die and we know we will see them again. We have relationship problems, illnesses or handicaps, some we're born with, some we get along the way and we can know it is to give us experience and we won't have to deal with them forever. With an eternal perspective we can ask God what we are to learn through this trial rather than why me? Why would God allow this to happen to me?
We can receive guidance and knowledge through the spirit for how to get through this life and have peace and happiness even through great trials. We can find answers to all of our questions of the soul in the scriptures, prayer and modern day revelation. I have learned through experience that I can trust God. I feel His love and know that the trials I am given to go through are for my experience and for my eternal well being. I am so grateful for temples and the covenants and ordinances we make and receive there. I am grateful to know that my family will be with me for eternity, not for just this life. I'm grateful that through the Priesthood which my husband holds, I can receive blessings of health and comfort.
I'm grateful that every six months we get to be fed spiritually by inspired men and women in General Conference. I'm grateful to know the Lord has blessed us with a Prophet and Apostles in our day to give us council and guidance through this life. And if we are living worthily, we have the blessing of personal revelation to be able to know for ourselves if what they speak is true. All of this just feels right and good and gives me peace and joy. I love this church and this gospel with all of my heart and soul.
When I read blogs that criticize the church, its leaders and its policies, and say the church isn't true, I feel darkness. Their words don't offer me light and truth. On the other hand, when I read the scriptures and the words of our modern prophets and apostles I feel uplifted and my faith grows and the doubt is dispelled. I am still seeking for light and truth, and I continue to find it here in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Darkness
.
So what is the glory of God? The bible dictionary says the Glory of the Lord "...sometimes denotes the fullness of the majesty of God...; in other places it denotes some outward and visible manifestation of the Divine presence." Literally this may mean that if you actually saw Him you would see His glory. But since most of us haven't had that privilege, we can see his glory in this beautiful world that He created for us and this wonderful plan of happiness he has given us. We can live so we can feel His Spirit with us every day by communicating with Him in prayer every day and keeping a prayer in our hearts constantly and obeying His commandments.
Another scripture D&C 93:36 says "The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth." Also Moses 1:39 "For behold, this is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." These scriptures give me a lot to think about. I believe God wants us to continue to learn and seek light and truth. We are His children and he loves us. He wants every one of us to have eternal life, which is the kind of life He enjoys. And he has given us the Holy Ghost so that "we can know the truth of all things." (Moroni 10:5) We need not be led astray by the philosophies of man.
It's interesting to me that the first and greatest commandment we have been given is to "love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." (See Matthew 22:36-38) If we love the Lord in this way, then we will want to have a deep, abiding relationship with Him. We will want to keep His commandments. We won't want to do anything that would hurt that relationship or cause a separation from Him (darkness). And then in return, He blesses us with peace and joy and complete happiness, in other words "light." And with that light comes intelligence (light and truth) and the ability to comprehend all things.
A couple of months ago I found a scripture which has quickly become one of my favorites. D&C 88:67 "And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things." I have pondered on this scripture almost every day since I found it.
Several days ago I asked myself what darkness was. The bible dictionary says it's symbolical of spiritual blindness or ignorance and of separation from God. I came up with lots of things that I would consider lead us to that spiritual blindness and that keep us from feeling the spirit, thus separating us from God: hate, fear, envy, jealousy, anger, distrust, lack of faith, discouragement, uncertainty, embarrassment, pride, insecurity, lust, lack of control, prejudice, self-consciousness, sin, etc. I know that whenever I have these kinds of emotions, I'm not in tune with the spirit and it's hard to feel God's presence in my life.
I don't ever want to have these feelings of darkness again. I don't imagine anyone enjoys feeling such negative emotions but according to this scripture if our eye is single to the glory of God, our whole body shall be filled with light and there won't be any darkness in us.
So what is the glory of God? The bible dictionary says the Glory of the Lord "...sometimes denotes the fullness of the majesty of God...; in other places it denotes some outward and visible manifestation of the Divine presence." Literally this may mean that if you actually saw Him you would see His glory. But since most of us haven't had that privilege, we can see his glory in this beautiful world that He created for us and this wonderful plan of happiness he has given us. We can live so we can feel His Spirit with us every day by communicating with Him in prayer every day and keeping a prayer in our hearts constantly and obeying His commandments.
Another scripture D&C 93:36 says "The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth." Also Moses 1:39 "For behold, this is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." These scriptures give me a lot to think about. I believe God wants us to continue to learn and seek light and truth. We are His children and he loves us. He wants every one of us to have eternal life, which is the kind of life He enjoys. And he has given us the Holy Ghost so that "we can know the truth of all things." (Moroni 10:5) We need not be led astray by the philosophies of man.
It's interesting to me that the first and greatest commandment we have been given is to "love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." (See Matthew 22:36-38) If we love the Lord in this way, then we will want to have a deep, abiding relationship with Him. We will want to keep His commandments. We won't want to do anything that would hurt that relationship or cause a separation from Him (darkness). And then in return, He blesses us with peace and joy and complete happiness, in other words "light." And with that light comes intelligence (light and truth) and the ability to comprehend all things.
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