Rainbows & the Supreme Court

In light of recent events in our country this week I thought it ironic that my granddaughter came home from church with this Rainbows wristband (she got from the Reverent Grab Bag). 

I'm so thankful my grandchildren are at church learning truths about God's wonderful  Plan of Salvation, His commandments, and that no matter what any Supreme Court says-marriage is divinely instituted between man & woman. (click here to learn more about God’s Plan: https://www.lds.org/topics/plan-of-salvation?lang=eng)

In The Family Proclamation our prophet and apostles “solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of his children.”

I'm thankful that my little granddaughter learned what Rainbows REALLY represent: God's love and that Noah & his wife and family were saved because of their obedience. 

Elder Dallin H. Oaks said “those who understand God’s plan for His children know that God’s laws are invariable, which is another great evidence of His love for His children. Mercy cannot rob justice, and those who obtain mercy are ‘they who have kept the covenant and observed the commandment’ (D&C 54:6) … If a person understands the teachings of Jesus, he or she cannot reasonably conclude that our loving Heavenly Father or His divine Son believes that Their love supersedes Their commandments.” (General Conference, October 2009)

In addition, Elder Oaks stated, “The effect of God’s commandments and laws is not changed to accommodate popular behavior or desires. If anyone thinks that godly or parental love for an individual grants the loved one license to disobey the law, he or she does not understand either love or law. The Lord declared: “That which breaketh a law, and abideth not by law, but seeketh to become a law unto itself, and willeth to abide in sin, and altogether abideth in sin, cannot be sanctified by law, neither by mercy, justice, nor judgment. Therefore, they must remain filthy still.”(D&C 88:35)

Sadly, when people try to rationalize wickedness they don’t want to hear the truth and they certainly don’t want to admit it. Declaring the truth cost the Book of Mormon prophet Abinadi his life. 

He said to the wicked & rationalizing King Noah “Because I have told you the truth ye are angry with me… Because I have spoken the word of God ye have judged me that I am mad.” (Mosiah 13:4) Today, we hear things like “bigoted, narrow-minded, and old fashioned.” Society today is just like the Politically-correct-God-denying people of Isaiah’s day. “[They] say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things… Get you out of the way.” (Isaiah 30:9-11) They would rather reject God and His prophets than face the truth.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland wisely observed, “it is a characteristic of our age that if people want any gods at all, they want them to be gods who do not demand much, comfortable gods, smooth gods who not only don’t rock the boat but don’t even row it, gods who pat us on the head, make us giggle, then tell us to run along and pick marigolds. Talk about man creating God in his own image!” (General Conference, April 2014)

The Savior said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments”

Elder Holland, speaking of love and obedience, went on to say, “So if love is to be our watchword, as it must be, then by the word of Him who is love personified, we must forsake transgression and any hint of advocacy for it in others. Jesus clearly understood what many in our modern culture seem to forget: that there is a crucial difference between the commandment to forgive sin (which He had an infinite capacity to do) and the warning against condoning it (which He never ever did even once).” (General Conference, April 2014 – Click here for the full talk: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/the-cost-and-blessings-of-discipleship?lang=eng&query=#9-10985_000_12holland)

And so as Rainbows cover TV adds, Facebook pages, and even the White House I stand for truth and righteousness. I share my witness that marriage is divinely ordained by God for man & woman. And, I am thankful for beautiful rainbows that remind us of God’s love and the need for obedience.

Deborah & Jael     (Judges 4-5)

I love these two women!  These women lived in a time of spiritual & national disunity and decay in Israel.  Sound familiar?? I think so. At this time in the Old Testament God would call up heroic spiritual leaders, called Judges, to save the people.

We also live in a troubled world today and I believe we have been called up to be heroic spiritual leaders. I believe we are here NOW purposefully and specifically because the Lord NEEDS strong Spiritual Leaders – who are WOMEN! Let’s look at these two remarkable women.

Deborah is given 3 titles:

1. Judge:  These judges were selected because for their wisdom, their Leadership abilities, and because of their trust in God.

LESSON: As mothers, wives and women today do we need these same “Judge”-like qualities.

2. Prophetess:  Women can receive personal revelation and inspiration for their families.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie “Where spiritual things are concerned, as pertaining to all the gifts of the Spirit, with reference to the receipt of revelation, the gaining of testimonies, and the seeing of visions, in all matters that pertain to godliness and holiness and which are brought to pass as a result of personal righteousness in all these things men and women stand in a position of absolute equality before the LORD. He is no respecter of persons, nor of sexes, and he blesses those men and those women who seek him and serve him and keep his commandments.” (Ensign, Jan 1979- he so declared in Nauvoo at the dedication of the Monument to Women)

Deborah prophesied and testified that God had not forgotten His people and He would bring them victory over the Canaanites. (Judges 4:14) As modern day “prophetesses” for our own families, we can do the same.

3. Mother in Israel:  (5:7) It is Interesting to note that nowhere does it say Deborah had children. So how can she claim to be a “Mother in Israel” if she has no children?  She selected this name-title for herself in response to her efforts in saving her people from their enemies.

Deborah: nurtured, protected, taught and inspired her people. Our duties and possibilities as mothers, as WOMEN is more than cleaning, cooking & laundry!

Our duties and possibilities as mothers, as WOMEN is to lead one’s charges to the source of salvation! Whoever our charges might be: our own children, siblings, sisters at church, nieces & nephews etc…

Sheri Dew said “Motherhood is more than bearing children… It is the essence of who we are as women. It defines our very identity, our divine stature and nature, and the unique traits our Father gave us. We are all Mothers in Israel, and our calling is to love and help lead the rising generation through the dangerous streets of mortality… If we really want to make a difference, it will happen as we mother those we have borne and those we are willing to bear with us.” (General Conference, Oct 2001)

One of those whom Deborah inspired and led was Barak. Remember, at this time the Israelites were being attacked by Canaanites. She REMINDED Barak, the military leader, of the command he already had from the Lord. (4:6-9) She REMINDED him that the LORD would deliver and make it all possible.

What was Barak’s response? He would go but he wanted Deborah to go with him. (Some Jewish tradition holds that perhaps Barak was actually Deborah’s husband)

We learn a sweet & valuable Lesson from this small part of the story: As Spiritual women of God we can and should have a good influence on our husbands, brothers, fathers… priesthood leaders in helping them fulfill their assignments and reach their potential.

Now comes…  Jael

While Deborah & Barak were defeating the Canaanite army the ruthless leader Sisera, who had terrorized Israel for 20 some years, escaped. He ran and arrived at Jael’s tent exhausted and beaten from the battle and from taking flight. He demanded Jael feed him & hide him. She proceeded to give him fermented goats milk. (I drank fermented horses milk in Mongolia. It is NOT good! But it was common among ancients and it does act as a sedative) Sisera was soon sound asleep. Jael grabbed the tent nail and drove it through Sisera’s skull! Ouch!

Now, we will likely never be called upon to do something as EXTREME as Jael.

But anyone who aspires to be a heroic Spiritual Woman can learn from her example.

1. Jael recognized an opportunity when she saw it.  The Lord equips and prepares us to serve him. She recognized that God put her in the right place at the right time & she went to action. Are we so living that we recognize those opportunities to serve and protect our families?

2. Jael acted courageously in the face of danger. Sisera was a desperate, dangerous man – killing was his job! Truly most people, and surely a woman, would have been absolutely terrified by Sisera’s intrusion. Imagine a dirty, sweaty, bloody, ruthless military leader in YOUR TENT! Yet, nowhere in the text does it suggest the Jael was frightened. Where does such courage come from?  God alone.

Nephi’s promise to the faithful is that the lord will “make them MIGHTY even unto the POWER of deliverance.” (1 Nephi 1:20)

Do we, as women in 2014, need that mighty power?? Do you hope for it? Do you live for it?

 

 3. Jael acted decisively.  She didn’t ask for help. She didn’t leave the job to someone more experienced or better suited. SHE TOOK ACTION! She truly is the David & Goliath for women! Jael grabbed the only weapons she could find and took down a monstrously intimidating foe! She didn’t say “Oh, well, I’ll be right back. I’m going to run to Walmart and get some better weapons.”  OR  “I’m going to go get Sister Jones. She’s much braver than I am!” And she certainly did not say “Well, I don’t want to offend him so I’ll let him stay”!!!  No! She took action and did what she needed to do with the best she had: IF that doesn’t describe the life of a mother – a woman – I don’t know what does!

Jael is a powerful example for us when the “enemy” invades our homes and/or families.

*Don’t allow it to linger  *Don’t mess around!  *Get rid of it immediately *Act decisively!!

Lesson: The Lord qualifies those he calls. Whatever he calls/asks us to do.

Be Jael: don’t be afraid and God WILL make you MIGHTY! 

I LOVE these two women! Separated by thousands of years and thousands of miles we can learn from them how to be strong, faithful & courageous. They are amazing...

Mighty Even Unto the Power of Deliverance

Mighty Even Unto the Power of Deliverance

It’s that time of year again: Back to school – which means back to Institute. I love teaching Institute. I love reading, studying and really digging into the scriptures. And I believe that’s what we need to do – DIG – if we are to gain a true appreciation and understanding of the truths taught therein.

On Thursdays I get to teach Book of Mormon so this post will be taken from the beginning of the Book of Mormon.

One of my favorite scholars, Hugh Nibley, said: “The Book of Mormon in an inexhaustible encyclopedia of knowledge.” 

And Joseph Smith, of course, said: “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.”   

If those aren’t good enough reasons to study the Book of Mormon one might ask “Well, what are the main purposes of the Book of Mormon?” Why does it even exist? (Hint: it does NOT exist because Joseph Smith wrote it! A young, uneducated farm boy in the early 1800’s simply did not write this over 500 page book that spans 1000 years, 4 different civilizations lavish with cultural and technical details--manners and customs, arts and industries, political and religious institutions, and rites & traditions, a book that manages to correctly reference the Old World(Ancient Near East), the New World (MesoAmerica) and the Modern World we live in today! But that is an entirely different post)

The entire purpose of the Book of Mormon is simple yet powerful. It exists to show the House of Israel the great things the Lord has done for them(and their fathers)so that they might know of the covenants of the Lord. And to convince the Jew and the Gentile (that basically means everyone!) that Jesus is the Christ. That is WHY it exists. Hence the subtitle: “Another Testament of Christ”

Nephi introduces to us, at the very beginning, one of the main themes that beautifully and powerfully flows through the pages and stories of this sacred book. 1 Nephi 1:20 “ Behold, I Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.”

This is one of my absolute favorite scriptures!

What are the “tender mercies” of the Lord? They are blessings, strength, protection, and guidance that we so desperately need as we journey through this life. I NEED those tender mercies. So how does one receive those blessings? According to the verse the blessings are “over all those whom he hath chosen”. That doesn’t sound very fair. Keep reading closely…

Who is chosen? Or WHY are they chosen? “because of their faith”.

I want to be one of the Chosen! Remember being in grade school and  getting “chosen” or “picked” for teams? Were you ever one who was last to be chosen? Or near the last? Isn’t that a horrible feeling of anxiety? Your heart is pounding, your mind racing “Please, please choose me!!” Right?  I hate that feeling. I do NOT want that feeling in heaven! I don’t want my heart pounding as we are lined up and the Lord goes along to “choose” who gets to enter with Him. “I pick you… and you… and, hmmm let’s see, no not you…. But you and then you…” I don’t want my heart to be pounding “Oh, Lord, please… please… pick me!” Wouldn’t that be horrible!?

Elder David A. Bednar put it this way: “I believe the implication of these verses is quite straightforward. God does not have a list of favorites to which we must hope our names will someday be added. He does not limit “the chosen” to a restricted few. Rather, it is our hearts and our aspirations and our obedience which definitively determines whether we are counted as one of God’s chosen.”(Conference 4/2005)

Isn’t that wonderful!?  I want to be one of the Chosen! And it’s totally up to us whether or not we are chosen. It’s not a roll of the dice. It’s not random. It’s up to us!

Here is the second wonderful and amazing part of this Book of Mormon Theme. When we are righteous and obedient, and therefore “chosen”, the promised blessing is that we will be made “mighty even unto the power of deliverance.”

Nephi and his brothers were sent back to Jerusalem to retrieve the Brass Plates(scriptures). It was a long & dangerous mission! They were gone much longer than expected and their mother Sariah feared they were dead. Finally, after much sadness, worry and grief they returned. After their safe return Sariah rejoiced “I know the Lord hath protected my sons, and delivered them… and given them power whereby they could accomplish the things which the Lord hath commanded them.”

The promise in 1:20 is beautifully fulfilled in this story. Nephi and his brothers were indeed made “mighty even unto the power of deliverance.”

The Lord gives us the POWER we need to accomplish our missions as well. Whatever that mission is for us. He gives us the power we need to face challenges and overcome trials. How often do we pray “please Lord take this trial away”? Or “Change this situation for me.”

If we follow the principle taught beautifully here in the Book of Mormon perhaps our prayers should sound more like “Please, Lord, give me the strength to overcome" OR "the strength to resist this temptation.” Or “Please give me the power to bear this burden.” Whatever it is we need: IF we are righteous and faithful THEN the Lord will give us the POWER to accomplish that thing. It doesn’t mean life will be easy! Just ask Nephi, who is one of the greatest recipients of being made “mighty even unto the power of deliverance” because his life was NEVER easy. And yet he remained faithful and therefore received those tender mercies of the Lord.

Our story can be like Nephi’s. We too can receive those tender mercies. We too can be chosen. We CAN be made “mighty even unto the power of deliverance”!! I love that promise. I love the Book of Mormon for teaching us that promise.

I've Got a Home on the Other Side

My daughter sang with the BYU University Chorale last semester. At their Christmas Performance they sang “Hold Me, Rock Me” by Brian Tate. It is a beautiful song. As I listened to the words I was deeply touched for two reasons. One, my thoughts went to the Israelites as they camped on the Plains of Moab preparing to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. 

They have been wandering, homeless, for forty years and now their Promised Land, their Promised Home, is on the other side of the river. Imagine how they must have felt as they prepared to finally enter that longed for, hoped for, dreamed of, anticipated Promised Land! Surely they were counting on their God, the God of Israel, to deliver them once again. Secondly, I was moved as I considered my own life and the journey that we are on here in mortality. We too have a “home on the other side”.

“Hold Me, Rock Me”

Hold me, rock me, calm and easy

Hold me, rock me, deep and wide,

Hold me, rock me, in your arms

Oh, I got a home – on the other side

Hold me, rock me, calm and easy

Hold me, rock me, deep and wide

Hold me, rock me, in your arms

Oh, I got a home

Oh, I got a home on the other side

Someday, gonna cross that river

Someday, gonna set out on my own

Don’t know where my journey leads

But I’ll keep on walkin’ till I get me home

My life is a runnin’ river

Flowin’ from the mountains to the distant sea

I’ve walked many hills and valleys

But when I cross the river – I’ll be free

Hold me, rock me, calm and easy

Hold me, rock me, deep and wide  - Lord, hear my cry

Hold me, rock me, calm and easy - Lord, Lord, sooner or later I got a home on…

Oh, I got a home

Oh, I got a home… on the other side

Click here to listen: http://byuchoirs.com/university-chorale-fall-2013-concert-recordings/

The command to Joshua and the Children of Israel as they prepared to enter Canaan was “be strong and of good courage.” As I have studied the Book of Joshua I have found 4 KEYS that help us go forth with strength and courage as we seek our “home on the other side.”

1.  “I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Joshua 1:5) The Lord is there to guide and protect us. He will never break His promises to do so. Remember, if we have lost power in the Lord it is because we have moved away from Him - hence the powerful story of Achan. (Chapter 7)

2.      “do according to the law” (1:7) Obey with exactness. The Children of Israel needed to be warriors like the Stripling Warriors in the Book of Mormon(Alma 53:20-21) as they journeyed to their Promised Land. And so must we if we are to find our “home on the other side."

3.      “go and do” (1:16) Be like Nephi! J President Gordon B. Hinckley said “I don’t know how to get anything done except getting on my knees and pleading for help and then getting on my feet and going to work.”(Conference, Oct 1997) What a marvelous formula!

4.      “Sanctify yourselves” (3:5) We must be worthy to have the POWER of God with us. Go to this link for a touching Mormon Message from Elder Holland about the importance of being sanctified. It is absolutely worth watching! https://www.lds.org/youth/video/sanctify-yourselves?lang=eng

We must remember as we go forward that, often, we must “get wet” first! As the Priests carried the ark and the covenant across the river they had to step into the water before the miracle came. (Joshua 3:15) Because they were faithful and obedient it came! "...and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground." 

We too must demonstrate the faith to go forward trusting that the Lord will provide the way. With these KEYS we can progress on our journey with strength and courage and find our “home on the other side.” 

Jesus Christ: The Mighty God

I love this time of year as our hearts and minds turn to our savior, Jesus Christ.

The Psalmist sang “Know ye that the Lord he is God… Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” (Psalms 100:3-4)

As I contemplate giving thanks and praise to the Savior I pondered Who He is and What He has done for me.

My mind first went to the beautiful prophecies of  Isaiah:

            “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulders: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

And then to Alma in the Book of Mormon

            “And he shall go forth, suffering the pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.” (Alma 7:11)

These two great prophets give us a wonderful description of Who the Savior is and What He does for us.

Using these two scriptures may we consider How the Savior truly fulfills these roles in our lives.

“A child is born, a son is given”

John 3:16  “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son…”

 How thankful I am that my elder brother, Jesus Christ, the creator of the world, descended from His throne on high.

He came willingly and lovingly into this world. A newborn babe in a manger – the most humble of circumstances for a King, the promised Redeemer, Savior of mankind, Son of God!  And yet, to these humble circumstances He came.

He walked the dusty roads of Palestine, healed the sick, raised the dead, and taught the Gospel.

This newborn babe… this child was born to change the world.

For this I sing praises unto Him.

“Wonderful”

But He was rejected, mocked, and beaten. And He gave His life that we might live!

On the third day after His crucifixion He was resurrected – to break the bands of death that all might live again. Wonderful indeed!

No words in Christendom are more meaningful and significant than the words which the angel spoke that sacred morning in the garden “He is not here, but is risen.”

President Thomas S. Monson said “Our Savior lives again. The most glorious, comforting and reassuring of all events of human history had taken place- victory over death. The pain and agony of Gethsemane and Calvary had been wiped away. The salvation of mankind had been secured.” (General Conference, April 2010)

Perhaps one of my most favorite testimonies of the living Christ is from the Prophet Joseph Smith who declared:

“And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father.” (D&C 76:22-23)

If for no other reason I would sing praises to my Savior for that Wonderful news.

“Counselor”

As a Counselor He pleads our case for mercy thus becoming our advocate with the Father. He is the champion of our cause like no other can be.

On more than one occasion, a devoted mother pleaded with Abraham Lincoln for the life of a son who had committed a serious offense while serving in the Union forces. Often, touched by the mother’s own sacrifice and pleading, Lincoln granted the pardon. Perhaps he thought “Not for your son’s sake, but for your sake I will pardon him.” Likewise, our Heavenly Father must be deeply moved by the incomparable sacrifice and pleading by our Savior on our behalf.

Because I – like those boys in the Union Army - make mistakes and I desperately need His pleading as my Counselor.

Because He is my Counselor on Judgment Day, when my eternal fate hangs in the balance I will be ever grateful that, as Abinadi taught, the Savior stands “betwixt me and justice.”(Mosiah 15:9)  I will beg for mercy as He “makes an intercession for the children of men” (Mosiah 15:9)

He is my Counselor!

“The Mighty God”

He truly is the Mighty God.

Everything in this world bears testimony of Him. Like Alma testified to Korihor “All things denote there is a God, yea even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it… motion & planets…” (Alma 30:44)

We have had the opportunity to visit church historical sites a couple of times as a family. One of my favorite spots is Palmyra.

I had a very moving experience one time while at Palmyra. In the visitor’s center in Palmyra there is a large Christus – like the one at the Salt Lake Temple visitor’s center.

In Salt Lake the Christus is surrounded by the universe – planets and stars swirling around Christ. Which is very appropriate as He is the Mighty God – creator of heaven and earth – the planets and stars and all things in them!

But in Palmyra the Christus is surrounded by a mural of a grove of trees.

It is a beautiful reminder that it was in a grove of trees that He appeared to the young Joseph Smith. As I sat in that Visitor’s Center and looked at the statue and the trees I was overcome with the most amazing Spirit and was reminded that He is not only the Mighty God who created the heavens and earth and all things in them - which He did. Or, He Who has all power and all wisdom - which He does!

But He is a very tender and personal God who appeared in a grove of trees.

And if He can appear in a Grove of Trees in Upstate New York to a young farm boy to answer his prayer… then He also knows me and can answer the prayers of a mother in *@*.

He is the Mighty God! He is also a very tender and personal God.

“Everlasting Father”

King Benjamin teaches us HOW he becomes our Everlasting Father.

King Benjamin said: “Because of the covenant ye shall be called the children of Christ.” (Mosiah 5:7)

As we make and keep sacred covenants, at baptism and in the temple, we take His name upon us. We become His covenant Children.

This is one of my favorite doctrines of the Gospel. We are His chosen children. If we are true and faithful all the promises and blessings of the Fathers: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob can and will be ours as we keep and honor those covenants.

“Prince of Peace”

In a world filled with wars, sadness, natural disasters, and turmoil I am so thankful for the Prince of Peace.

I realize everyone has at one time or another, for some reason or another, faced difficult challenges. Be they financial pressures, health issues, troubles with a marriage or child.

We have all had feelings of sorrow and discouragement. But the Lord offers peace!

In yet another powerful and moving message from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland in Conference this past October he addressed this very topic of sorrow and discouragement.  He said “In striving for some peace and understanding in these difficult matters it is crucial to remember that we are living in a fallen world. Of greatest assurance in God’s plan is that a Savior was promised, a Redeemer, [I would add Prince of Peace] who through our faith in Him would lift us triumphantly over those tests and trials.” (Conference, Oct 2013)

One of my favorite scriptures comes from the story of Moses and the Children of Israel. When they arrived at the Red Sea they were faced with a seemingly impossible situation. They had a great sea in front of them, hot dry dessert on each side and Pharaoh’s army approaching behind them!  They began to murmur. I probably would have done the same. But, the great prophet Moses said:

 “Fear not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.”  

I LOVE that!

Fear not, be still and watch how I will save you!

When faced with difficulties & trials we need not panic but be still and have peace. He truly is the Prince of Peace.

Then we go to the verse from Alma. Alma tells us He will suffer pains and afflictions.

“Pains and Afflictions” 

I love this verse in Alma because as he describes the Savior and lists these wonderful things the Savior will do he never even mentions sins.

Now, I (and we all) will definitely NEED our Savior’s mercy to be forgiven of our sins. But this verse reminds us that He does even more!

The Savior also eases our pains & afflictions.

In our most recent conference President Monson sweetly reminded us

            “From the bed of pain, from the pillow wet with tears, we are lifted heavenward by that divine assurance and precious promise: ‘I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.’   President Monson adds “Such comfort is priceless.” (October 2013)

Several years ago I was going through a very difficult time. Without going into personal detail it was a time that I truly felt pain, discouragement and often wet my pillow with tears. One particular day I needed extra help and so I went to the temple.  Now, please know that every time I attend the temple I feel peace and my Savior’s love. But this time, when I needed Him so desperately, as I stood for a particular part of the ceremony I literally felt His Arms enfold me. It was as if He was right there in person. I felt as if I had opened my eyes I would have seen Him. I have never quite felt those arms the same way since. But on that day, when I needed Him, He eased my pains.

“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I shall give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt 11:28-30)

How thankful I am for a loving Savior Who eases my pains and afflictions

“Temptations”

Next, the Atonement not only gives us the opportunity to be forgiven for our sins… But it gives us the POWER to overcome those temptations that so easily beset us.

Elder David A. Bednar said: “The enabling and strengthening aspect of the Atonement helps us see and do and to become good in ways that we could never recognize or accomplish with our limited mortal capacity. I testify and witness that the enabling power of the Savior’s Atonement is real.” (General Conference, Oct 2004)

That is absolutely a reason to not only sing but shout praises unto the Lord. Is it enough to just sing or shout praises to the Lord?  No!

The Lord said “There are many who draw near unto me with their lips… but their hearts are far from me.” (2 Nephi 27:25)

This being the Christmas season, if you could give a Gift to the Savior what would you give?

The Savior gives us the best answer. He has actually given us His Christmas Wish List. He said “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15)

Also, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these y brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matt 25:40)

One day the people came to the Savior and asked what the way to Eternal Life was. The Lord told them to love God with all their heart, soul, strength, and mind. He then added AND… “Love thy neighbor.” The people asked “Who is our neighbor?” And Lord gave the beautiful parable of the Good Samaritan. As the man lay at the side of the road robbed, beaten and left for dead many passed him by. But the Samaritan stopped. He bound his wounds and cared for the man. Then the Savior said “Go and do likewise.”   (Luke 10:25, 30-36)

As we faithfully keep the commandments. As we lift each other’s burdens. As we comfort those who stand in need of comfort… and mourn w/those who mourn. As we stand as a witness at all time and in all things and in all places. As we share our testimonies with others… These are the greatest gifs we could give the Savior. This is His Christmas Wish List.

May we, not only during this Holiday Season, but always in our lives recognize and be thankful for His Atoning sacrifice and for the eternal and divine works He does on our behalf. And give a Gift to the Savior through our actions of love and service to others.

I praise Him. Like the angels on that first sacred Christmas night who sang praises: “Glory to God in the highest”