Weekly Article

For this week, I've chosen to highlight an article from April's Ensign rather than a Conference talk. When I read it, I felt the Spirit and knew that the words I was reading were true. The Holy Ghost truly is remarkable and the very fact that the Lord can communicate directly to us through Him is a tremendous gift. I know that if we ever have a question or desire to learn, we have only to ask and search and the Lord will make the truth known to us. We can always trust that He will answer our prayers and that the Spirit will make things known to us.

The article for this week is titled, "What does the Atonement Mean to You?" by Cecil O. Samuelson Jr.

One of the quotes that really meant a lot to me from this article was:
"His Atonement does indeed cover the world and all people from the beginning to the end. Let us not forget, however, that in its comprehensiveness and completeness it is also intensely personal and uniquely crafted to fit perfectly and address perfectly each of our own individual circumstances. The Father and the Son know each of us better than we know ourselves and have prepared an Atonement for us that is fully congruent with our needs, challenges, and possibilities."

What a remarkable promise that is made to each of us! This is just a part of what makes the Atonement so incredible - that it was make for all mankind but that each of us benefit from it individually and personally; that it is so far reaching that every man and woman can enjoy the blessings and promises available because of it but also because each of us is different, the Atonement meets our very own specific needs and challenges. What an incredible blessing!

There is so much to glean from this article that I encourage you to go read it. I would love to tell you everything I thought of it and all I learned from it, but it would be neither conducive to time nor appropriate. Go read it.

Trials + Faith in Christ = Refinement

Dan and I had Stake Conference this past weekend. It was really inspiring and I have been pondering over many things this week, particularly what I can do to be a better person and grow spiritually. I will be gradually sharing thoughts I’ve had from conference here, including snippets of the talks {from my notes} that we were blessed to learn from.

The first one I would like to share has been my thoughts on afflictions, trials, hardship, whatever you choose to name it. A Brother Lewis gave his talk based on this topic. He asked us this simple question which has really had me thinking: “How do I deal with affliction in my life and does it bring me closer to my Savior?” This question really got me to thinking about trials. He said that our trials should be steps that take us closer to Christ, not the stumbling blocks that bring us down. This was so profound to me. I am not currently suffering from any major trials, just the little ones we are always going through, but I had never really thought about trials like that before. I’ve always known that trials are a way of life, kind of the reason for this life, so that we can learn and grow and become perfected in Christ. But trials are more than that. Trials are designed to bring us closer to Christ; they are designed to test our faith in Him and learn to trust in Him.

I know that for me, this is the lesson I keep having to learn over and over. I will think to myself, “I can do this. I know what I need to do,” but the honest truth is that most of the time I really don’t know what I need to do. I trick myself into believing that I can do something on my own. But that’s not what life is about. If we have a God in Heaven, and He loves us, and He’s blessed us with the gifts of prayer and the Holy Ghost, why in the world would He expect us to cover ground on our trials alone? I don’t believe that my Heavenly Father is a terrible, mean God; I believe that He is wise and compassionate and that He truly cares about me.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin in his talk "Come what may, and Love it" from the October 2008 General Conference said, “. . . in spite of discouragement and adversity, those are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result.” Isn’t that we all want? And, in a way, isn’t that what Brother Lewis is saying from above, that our trials should bring us closer to Christ? I know that I am happiest when I am close to God.

Another thing I’ve just recently really thought about is something a dear friend of mine mentioned in her blog. Amy talks about how our trials are tailored to fit us individually because something that may be really hard for me to deal with is probably not something that would be a big deal for you. I just love what she says and so {risking her fury with me for doing this without her permission} I’m going to share some of what she wrote:

“I guess we all have our own trials. I was reading in 1st Nephi, and I realized that everyone in Nephi's family has their own personal trials, along with generally being in the wilderness and such. Sariah has to deal with her sons not being with her, while they go into Jerusalem to get the plates from a man who's not known as the nicest guy. She's already sacrificed to go to the wilderness, and part of her thought [was] probably that at least she'd be able to be with her family. Lehi has to deal with his son being more humble than him, at a time when hunger had its own voice, and [with] the Lord speaking directly to his son instead of him. Sam and Joseph have to watch their brother Nephi being beaten up by Laman and Lemuel time and again.
”I don't think the Lord gives us more than we can handle on this earth, but I do think sometimes He puts us in the situations that are the hardest for us. I can remember thinking a few times, 'I'd almost rather have any other trial but this one' and wishing to trade lives with someone - but everyone has their own cross to bear.”

This is so profound to me! Thanks, Amy!

And now, this post has turned into an epistle, but I am really realizing that I don’t have to do anything by myself. God doesn’t expect me to and so I shouldn’t expect it of myself. And I’m discovering that when I turn my life over to God, He molds me into who I should be. He helps me walk my path, He makes me strong to carry my burdens, He opens my mind to learn what I need to learn, and suddenly, I can do it. No, He doesn’t take things away. He loves us too much. As Brother Lewis so adequately said at the end of his talk on Sunday, “He will help us through – not always out – of affliction if we exercise our faith in Christ.”

Why the Church builds Temples

This is a beautiful short film produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints explaining why we build temples. It is an inspiring and uplifting film, and it is only just over 3 minutes long. Please enjoy it.

MormonAd - Wish you were Here

MormonAd has been creating videos to correspond to the ads they have been making for a long time. They are all very short and to the point. Here is the newest MormonAd, "Wish you were here." You can find it (and many other fun little videos) on the NewEra Website or on the NewEra channel of YouTube. Enjoy!

Professor Advocates Religious Freedom

Here is an article titled "Professor Advocates Religious Freedom" where we learn of a Brigham Young University law professor (W. Cole Durham Jr.) who "was awarded the 2009 International First Freedom Award for extraordinary advocacy of religious freedom." This is what he said in the article about religious freedom:
"I learned something fundamental about this heritage the summer I went to Iraq to work on the Iraqi constitution,” said Durham in his acceptance speech. “I had never before been asked to put my life on the line for principles in which I believed. I realized many things as a result of this experience. Perhaps most importantly I became convinced at a deeper level than ever before that religious freedom is a principle that is indeed worth risking one’s life for."

In a couple of posts I've made over the last couple of days I've mentioned how grateful I am to live in a country where religious freedom is prized and honored. I believe that President George W. Bush mirrors my sentiment in this comment he made (which can also be found in the article) in proclaiming Religious Freedom Day:
"Our Nation was founded by people seeking haven from religious persecution, and the religious liberty they found here remains one of this land’s greatest blessings. As Americans, we believe that all people have inherent dignity and worth. Though we may profess different creeds and worship in different manners and places, we respect each others humanity and expression of faith. People with diverse views can practice their faiths here while living together in peace and harmony, carrying on our Nation’s noble tradition of religious freedom."

LDS Leaders feel deep emotion at inauguration

I know this is a little bit old news, but I wanted to post it here anyway.

LDS Leaders feel deep emotion at inauguration

I love that we live in this free country and we are free to worship how we choose. I also love that leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are here to guide us and direct us in this world we live in. What a blessing!

Tom Hanks Apologizes for Calling Mormon Supporters of Proposition 8 'Un-American'

Tom Hanks made a statement on January 16 saying that Mormons who voted in favor of California's Proposition 8 were "Un-American." Then on January 23, he apologized for what he said:
". . . everyone has a right to vote their conscience; nothing could be more American. To say members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who contributed to Proposition 8 are 'un-American' creates more division when the time calls for respectful disagreement. No one should use 'un- American' lightly or in haste. I did. I should not have."
Tom Hanks Apologizes for Calling Mormon Supporters of Proposition 8 'Un-American'

I am grateful that we have the ability to say "Sorry, I shouldn't have said that." I have nothing against differing opinions than my own. But please allow me to have my own opinions and express them; I'll do the same for you. I am grateful for people who are not afraid to admit that they said things in haste. I do that too - everyone does. I am especially grateful for the blessings of living in this wonderful country, where people are free to voice their opinions and feelings without fear of governmental discrimination. What a blessing that is for us!

Weekly Article

This weeks article is by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin. In light of his recent passing, I thought it wouls be appropriate to share something he told us. I thought this talk was so amazing. I was always struck with his optimistic, loving personality, and it shines right through this talk. It is powerful; I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!

Come What May, and Love it

I know that Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin passed away last year (his funeral was held December 5, 2008), so it isn't quite as recent as it was when I first wrote this (and then forgot to post it). But it is still a relevant and heart-warming talk, given by a man who truly loved life and knew how to teach others to do the same.

My apologies

I apologize profusely for getting so far behind. I don't really have any good excuses so I won't feed you any. But I'm back and plan to post lots of great things: news updates, articles about life and from general authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and deals from DeseretBook and other places. Check back soon!