Shouldering The Task Alone

In preparation for Easter this year, I've been reading a new book out about out called God So Loved The World, which focuses on the last week of Christ's life and what happened on each day.  I've really wanted to gain a better understanding of Him and what He went through for me and for you.  I have slowly started to understand better how the scriptures from the beginning of time had prophesied about this week and everything that Christ went through had symbolic meaning to it.  It didn't just happen. As the end of the week became nearer, it was necessary for literally the weight of the world to fall on His shoulders alone so that the process of the Atonement could take full effect.  I don't understand how or why this was necessary, only have faith that it was.  I love this quote....

"Elder Jeffrey R. Holland spoke of this, "the loneliest journey ever made and the unending blessing it brought to all in the human family...., the Savior's solitary task of shouldering alone the burden of our salvation." As a result of what Jesus has done for us, Elder Holland testified that "one of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so.  His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path...Trumpeted from the summit of calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are."

Prepare, then Ask

I have always found the story of the brother Jared to be very interesting.  I think it was fascinating that he took matters into his own hands and had the faith to go before the Lord to present his plan for light.  I found a quote from President Harold B. Lee that was very meaningful.  I think it balances the idea of faith and using your own mind to get things done.

"This is the principle in action.  If you want the blessing, don't just kneel down and pray about it.  Prepare yourselves in every conceivable way you can in order to make yourselves worthy to receive the blessing you seek." -President Harold B. Lee.

Mormon 7

Mormon chapter 7 is only 9 verses long, but how powerful they are.  They are Mormon's last words to us as he gets closer to the end of his life.  Verses 1-7 teaches us what we need to know, and verses 8-9 teaches us what we need to do.  Read this short chapter today.  It will make a difference how you live your life today.

True Believers in Christ

In 4 Nephi, we read that the people were true believers in Christ.  What does that mean?

- True believers are settled in their views of Christ

- True believers gladly perform their duties in the kingdom

- True believers are humble

- True believers are willing to do what Christ wants

- True believers have a balanced contentment

- True believers truly pray

- True believers have both right conduct and right reasons for that conduct

- True believers rejoice in the success of others

- True believers remember that forgetting is part of the forgiving

- True believers are innocent as to sin, but not naive

- True believers are happy

Today, think about how you measure up to each of these.

How Do You Feel About The Scriptures?

I feel like I make a really good effort to read the scriptures on a nearly daily basis and I also feel that I receive blessings, understanding and spiritual protection by following the commandments.  However...this morning while reading, I came across a quote from Pres. Hinckley that made me wonder and think that I am probably not to where I need to be yet.  Where do you fall?

"I am grateful for emphasis on reading the scriptures. I hope that for you this will become something far more enjoyable than a duty; that, rather, it will become a love affair with the word of God. I promise you that as you read, your minds will be enlightened and your spirits will be lifted. At first it may seem tedious, but that will change into a wondrous experience with thoughts and words of things divine."

On the Lord's Errand

"Some of you may be shy by nature or consider yourselves inadequate to respond affirmatively to a calling.  Remember that this work is not yours and mine along.  It is the Lord's work, and when we are on the Lord's errand we are entitled to the Lord's help." -Pres. Thomas S. Monson

I think that everyone, when presented with a new calling, should accept without reservation.  These new assignments can be daunting and exciting and often cause us to grow.  I often feel like my effort is so insignificant to what others do, but this quote is a good reminder that all our efforts, no matter how small, or how long we are called to serve in that capacity can make a difference.   And....if we are able to serve till the end of that calling with pure intentions, then the Lord will bless us for it and we will feel accomplished in it.

Tender Mercies

I have seen it in my life over and over especially lately. I know you've seen it in yours. Take a few minutes today to think on how the Lord has blessed you and how that blessing has been individual. It's not a coincidence, its not an accident. It was meant for just you.

Relying on Testimony

"Trials are His way of stretching us and helping us become as He is.  Our crises will differ in magnitude and frequency, but they will continue throughout our lives.  I testify that as we turn to our testimony of Him in times of crisis, we can find the strength to overcome all that we are asked to endure." - Elder Paul Pieper

One of the things I've noticed in my life as I've fallen, gotten up, fallen again, and tried to rise up stronger spiritually, is that I feel like I look to my testimony more now as a reminder of strength.  There were days where I would fall and then say, "Why....why keep trying" and turn the wrong direction in frustration.  How does it go?  Line up line, precept upon precept....

The more times we look to the Lord for strength and less towards ourselves and others, the stronger we will be both spiritually and gain more confidence in ourselves to do the right thing no matter how many times we get knocked off our planned course.

Pondering

The scriptures repeatedly ask us to "ponder."  This is a regular exercise that has continually escaped me my whole life.  Yes, there are times that I do better at it than others, but I'm certainly not an expert ponderer.  Christ, in the Book of Mormon asked the Nephites to go to their homes and ponder on that which he had said.  Sitting during scripture study, while taking the sacrament or other times where I study the gospel, I want to think about, study it out and try to learn and understand what is before me, but my mind will start to wander after a time and I have to pull it back in line.  I believe that the Holy Ghost speaks through our minds and hearts when we are pondering and concentrating on such things and therefore we grow spiritually.  This week I want to do more of that.  I will spend more time pondering what I read and less time simply trying to make it through the chapter.   It is an important and vital part of scripture study.

Christ's Love

3 Nephi 17:21-24 

21 And when he had said these words, he ^awept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and ^bblessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.

22 And when he had done this he wept again;

23 And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones.

24 And as they looked to behold they cast their eyes towards heaven, and they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled those little ones about, and they were encircled about with fire; and the angels did minister unto them.

I just finished reading chapter 17 of 3 Nephi for the 3rd time.  I'm amazed and touched by the tenderness and compassion of Christ's visit to the America's after His death in Jerusalem.  As I read, I get the feeling that he possibly came to teach a more formal sermon but saw the people's yearning for him to stay and simply be with them.  He was overcome by their love for Him and marvelous miracles and teaching ensued.  I love the account of how he gave special attention, individual love and possible taught the children some of the most sacred teachings illustrates to me how much He loves children.  Perhaps His example towards children and others is a great example to us on how we should treat others AND not worry so much about accomplishing our plan, but to let the spirit guide.  I am touched by His love.

What would it have been like to be there?