Become A Child...

For these past couple of days I have come across this same phrase in the scripture. First I came across it in the seventh chapter of the book of Alma. "And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive." And this morning I read it again but in the book of Mosiah, which says; "For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, for ever and ever, unless he yields to the enticing of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, and willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." Couple things stood out to me and were made very clear of how much we need to be like little children because they are the most Christlike, pure, and innocent in the eyes of God.

The first point that I want to talk about is the attributes mentioned in these two verses. It made me think of the great examples that I have seen in children through out my life. And one that I will never forget is an experience that I had in Fairfield. It was about eight o'clock at night and I was driving to the church to do my online proselyting work. I was stopped at a red light, and to my left side there was a mini-van next to me. I noticed a child in the back seat of the car staring at me. We both looked at each other, she then gave me the most beautiful smile and waved at me. She was so happy she was bouncing around and wiggling in her car seat. That small and simple act of kindness made my night! I didn't know the child or her parents, but her countenance, her purity, and her love taught me a lesson that night. Sister Jean A. Stevens this last general conference shared with us how we need to become like little children and look up to them for the examples they are. She said, "If we have a heart to learn and a willingness to follow the example of children, their divine attributes can hold a key to unlocking our own spiritual growth." I know that the examples of children has been a great influence to me. Children are a blessing are are precious gifts with a divine nature and destiny. "These precious children of God come to us with believing hearts. They are full of faith and receptive to feelings of the Spirit. They exemplify humility, obedience, and love. They are often the first to love and the first to forgive." We can all strive to be like a little child. Christ has taught us in the New Testament very clearly what we need to do to inherit the kingdom of God. He said, "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. " (Matthew 18:3-4) I am grateful for the examples I have seen in the many children that have influenced me in my life.

The second point I want to talk about in these two verses were the "need to trust in God, become a child, and to thank Him always." We all have the natural man in us and we are not perfect. But when we come unto the Lord with humility, He will convert our weaknesses to become our strengths. (Helaman 12:27) And children are the best examples! Sister Stevens goes on saying, "These precious children of God come to us with believing hearts. They are full of faith and receptive to feelings of the Spirit. They exemplify humility, obedience, and love. They are often the first to love and the first to forgive." They are closest to God and our Savior and we should look up to them more. She shared some experiences of how children can bless our lives with their innocent yet powerful examples of Christlike attributes. Here's one of my favorite: "Todd, a little boy just two years old, recently went with his mother to an art museum that was showing a special exhibit of beautiful paintings of the Savior. As they walked past these sacred images, she heard her little boy reverently saying the name 'Jesus.' She looked down to see him folding his arms and bowing his head as he viewed the paintings. Could we learn from Todd something about an attitude of humility, of reverence, and of love for the Lord?" What a great example this little Todd showed that we can all learn from.

I am grateful for the many great example that children have showed and expressed to me. It is a great blessing that these precious children are sent to us to remind us daily of what we need to become....to become a little child! I received an email from my cousin announcing the birth of a baby girl. I rejoice in the new birth of little Vicky. I am overwhelmed with joy knowing that this precious little child will be a great example to her parents, her families, friends, and those around her. And my heart is exclaiming with gratitude knowing that she will be a great influence to everyone that come in contact with her. I will always be grateful for the blessing of the many children that has taught me the lessons I need. They have helped me to change for the better. I bear my testimony that Christ is the perfect Son of God that has all these attributes that little children has. He is the Great Exemplar, He is my Savior and Redeemer, and wants each and everyone to come unto Him as a little child so we can all return to our Heavenly home.

Obedience is the Path to Freedom

I have been thinking a lot about obedience and what it truly means. Why do we need to be obedient? Why do we need to follow a certain rule that doesn't even make sense? We all come up with these questions every now and then. I read a talk by James E. Faust titled, "Obedience: The Path to Freedom" and it answered those questions that I have had once before and still struggling with sometimes. But we need to be obedient to be freed from the struggles and challenges that we face. Our obedience to the commandments is an expression of our love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. The Savior said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). He later declared: “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love” (John 15:10).

In the premortal existence, Heavenly Father presided over a great Council in Heaven. There we learned of His plan for our salvation, which included a time of testing on the earth: “We will make an earth whereon these may dwell; and we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them” (Abraham 3:24-25). One reason we are here on the earth is to show our willingness to obey Heavenly Father's commandments.
Many people feel that the commandments are burdensome and that they limit freedom and personal growth. But the Savior taught that true freedom comes only from following Him: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31–32). God gives commandments for our benefit. They are loving instructions for our happiness and for our physical and spiritual well-being. I love the commandments and the mission rules. It has changed me to who I am today.

James E. Faust shares a great lesson he learned on his mission. He says, "Obedience leads to true freedom. The more we obey revealed truth, the more we become liberated...Being bridled, or yielding obediently to restraint, is necessary for our personal growth and progression. Now, brethren, another element of freedom is trust. Almost 60 years ago, when I was going on my first mission, President McKay taught us missionaries a great truth. Without a word, he walked over to the blackboard, picked up a piece of chalk, and wrote, “It is better to be trusted than to be loved.” I have pondered that statement and have seen some fine examples of it." Trust is to rely upon or place confidence in someone or something. In spiritual matters, trust includes relying on God and his Spirit. Elder Faust continues to share a great example from the scriptures. "Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel, was sold into slavery in Egypt. Because of treachery in the house of Potiphar, Joseph went to prison. Pharaoh had two troubling dreams. Hearing of Joseph’s discernment from the captain of the prison guard, he sent for him to interpret the dreams. Joseph told him, through inspiration, that seven years of plenty would be followed by seven years of famine. Pharaoh not only recognized this true interpretation, but he trusted Joseph and appointed him to be second only to Pharaoh in power. The years passed and the famine came. In time Joseph rescued all of his brothers and his father from starvation. (Gen. 37; Gen. 39–42) Because he earned the implicit trust of those who were over him, Joseph enjoyed a great amount of freedom. Like Joseph, you too can be trusted by others, but trust must be earned."
In our own finite way, we too can learn obedience even as Christ did. As young children we learn respect for authority as we obey our parents, thus earning their trust. When obedience becomes our goal, it is no longer an irritation; instead of a stumbling block, it becomes a building block. Obedience brings peace in decision making. If we have firmly made up our minds to follow the commandments, we will not have to re-decide which path to take when temptation comes our way. That is how obedience brings spiritual safety. Elder Boyd K. Packer once said:

"Obedience to God can be the very highest expression of independence. Just think of giving to him the one thing, the one gift that he would never take. Think of giving him that one thing that he would never wrest from you...
Obedience--that which God will never take by force--he will accept when freely given. And he will then return to you freedom that you can hardly dream of-- the freedom to feel and to know, the freedom to do, and the freedom to be; at least a thousand-fold more than we offer him. Strangely enough, the key to freedom is obedience...
We should put ourselves in a position before our Father in heaven and say, individually, "I do not want to do what I want to do. I want to do what thou wouldst have me do." Suddenly, like any father, the Lord could say, "Well, there is one more of my children almost free from the need of constant supervision."

I know that freedom and liberty are precious gifts that come to us when we are obedient to the laws of God and the whisperings of the Spirit. The fences which we must stay within are the principles of revealed truth. Obedience to them makes us truly free to reach the potential and the glory which our Heavenly Father has in store for us. I know that as we strive to be more obedient we can become free and be the person our Heavenly Father wants us to be. Louis Nizer a Jewish-American lawyer once said, "What we are is God's gift to us; what we become is our gift to God." It is my prayer that we will continue to be obedient unto our Father in Heaven. And through our obedience we can become His precious gift. I know that through the gospel of Jesus Christ and by being obedient to the Lord, we are freed from all the obstacles, challenges, and even the traps of our enemy!

"The Fellowship of the Unashamed"

I was on exchanges the other day and during my personal study, I read this message that was on the wall by Sister Cottle's desk and I really loved it. It reminded me so much of this verse from the Bible:

"So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at [California] also.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth..." (Roman 1:15-16)

I am part of the Fellowship if the Unashamed. The dye has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision have been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarf goals. I no longer need pre-eminence, positions, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk with patience, am uplifted by prayer, and labor with power. My face is set, my gait is fast, and my GOAL is Heaven. My road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, divided, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of SACRIFICE, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, and paid up for the cause of Christ. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He returns for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me.
MY BANNER WILL BE CLEAR.

My calling is great! I love being a missionary. I am grateful to be here and for this great opportunity I have to share the gospel with my many brothers and sisters!!!I am called of God. My authority is above that of kings of the earth. By revelation I have been selected as a personal representative of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is my master and He has chosen me to represent Him--to stand in His place, to say and do what He Himself would say and do if He personally were ministering to the very people to whom He has sent me. My voice is His voice, and my acts are His acts; my doctrine is His doctrine. My Commission is to do what He wants done; To say what He wants said; to be a living modern witness in word and in deed of the divinity of his great and marvelous Latter-day work. How great is my calling! (My Missionary Commission by Elder Bruce R. McConkie)

Through the Grace of the Lord

These past few days I have been studying a lot about the grace of the Lord, Jesus Christ. In the Bible dictionary, grace is defined: 'a divine means of help or strength given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ.' Perhaps some of us have not received or known how to use the great gift of grace the Father has given to us through the Atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ.

How many of us, at times, try to resolve life’s challenges ourselves, without seeking the intervention of the Lord in our lives? We try to carry the burden alone. As some are faced with trials and afflictions, they say, “Why won’t God help me?” Some have even struggled with doubts about their prayers and their personal worthiness and say, “Perhaps prayer doesn’t work.” Others who have suffered with sickness, discouragement, financial crisis, rejection, disappointment, and even loss of loved ones may say, “Why won’t the Lord heal me or help me with my son? Why didn’t He prevent her death? Does life have to be this unhappy?” Yes, one might even cry out, “O God, where art thou? … How long shall thy hand be stayed?” (D&C 121:1–2.) I have felt this way at times, but as I have been learning about my Savior and His Atonement I have been filled with peace, comfort, and joy. Brothers and Sisters, I testify that the Lord, through His grace, can continually assist us in our daily lives and in our physical and mental sickness, pain, transgressions, and even in all of our infirmities.

However, to overcome all the trials that we face we must keep our eyes and hearts centered on Jesus Christ. As we build our foundation on Christ, the Son of God, we cannot fall. (Helaman 5:12) I read a talk by Elder Gene R. Cook and I am going to be using his talk a lot. But there are a few principles that he shares with us that will help us obtain that divine help in our own lives and assist in the lives of others as well.

1. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
How clear Christ’s statement after Peter had walked on the water and then sank: “O, thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” (Matt. 14:31). The moment Peter doubted, he severed himself from the power that had sustained him as he walked on the water. How many times as we pray for assistance do we cut ourselves off from the power of God because of doubt or fear? But how clear and positive the result of faith is: being justified by faith, we have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Humility with a repentant heart.
The Lord teaches another great principle in another scripture: “If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them” (Ether 12:27; italics added). By effectively humbling ourselves and repenting of our sins, we invite Christ to enter our lives, to buoy us up and help us with life’s difficulties. We also must learn how to submit to the will of God in all things. We must repent to have the enabling power of grace, and there can be no question that all of us must repent on a continual basis.

3. Sacrifice, doing all in our power.
A person must do all in his own power. Then the grace of God can come into play in his life.
“For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do” (2 Ne. 25:23). What a glorious principle to understand, that the Lord’s assistance to us—whether man, woman, or child, of strong or weak faith—is not so much based on what we know, nor even on what we can offer the Lord, but more clearly upon our giving all that we can give in our present circumstances.

4. Obedience to the commandments.
There are many scriptures that say we must keep the commandments. A man does not have to be perfect right now to receive an answer to his prayers, but he has to be humble in his heart and trying his best to fulfill the commandments. Then the Lord will assist him.
“For if you keep my commandments you shall receive of his fullness, and be glorified in me as I am in the Father; therefore, I say unto you, you shall receive grace for grace. …
“He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things” (D&C 93:20, 28; italics added).

What a great counsel given to us by one of God's chosen servants. I know this to be true. That it is only through the grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ where we can receive that divine help to overcome all things! "God sent His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, into the world so that all of God’s children would have the possibility of returning to live in His presence after they die. Only through the Savior’s grace and mercy can we become clean from sin so that we can live in our Heavenly Father’s presence. Becoming clean from sin is being healed spiritually." (Preach My Gospel, pp. 60) What a great blessing this is! I know that I need grace for my ultimate salvation and I need its enabling power every day of my life. As I draw near to my Heavenly Father in diligence, humility, and meekness, He will uplift and strengthen me through His grace. His grace will enable me to build God's kingdom, a service I cannot give through my strength or means alone. Just like the apostle Paul, so valiant in proclaiming the gospel, suffered weakness and was plagued by its effects on him. Nevertheless, when he prayed to have the weakness removed, the Lord answered, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Paul then went on to exclaim, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9). I know that God loves me. I know that my Savior lives. He will lift me up from my burdens if I put my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, humble myself and repent daily, sacrifice all that I have, and keep His commandments. And through His grace, I can continue to progress and grow in righteousness:)

Are We Doing All We Can?

I read a general conference talk by Elder Bruce C. Hafen this morning titled, "The Atonement: All for All." He talks a lot about how the Atonement of Jesus Christ is for all of God's children. And through the restoration of His gospel, the fulness of truths has been revealed for our own happiness. We will all face challenges, trials, struggles, and opposition, but it's through Jesus Christ and His Atonement where we can overcome all things! Elder Hafen says, "If you have problems in your life, don't assume there is something wrong with you. Struggling with those problems is at the very core of life's purpose. As we draw close to God, He will show us our weaknesses and through them make us wiser, stronger. (Ether 12:27) If you're seeing more of your weaknesses, that just might mean you're moving nearer to God, not father away." I have never thought of it that way. That just tells me that Satan is real and really strong in trying to stir up our hearts and minds. So when we do recognize our weaknesses, we often think that we are not good enough, we are not worthy, or even good enough. Satan makes us feel miserable and doesn't want us to be happy. He wants to destroy God's plan and lead God's children to the gulf of misery. This powerful message has given me a different perspective when I recognize my weaknesses now. Heavenly Father wants you to recognize your weaknesses so you can become a better person. But when you start feeling and thinking that you are not good enough, it is not of God.

We grow in two ways--by removing negative weeds(thoughts) and cultivating positive flowers (attitudes). "The Savior's grace blesses both parts--if we do our part. We must repeatedly uproot the weeds of sin and bad choices. It isn't enough just to mow the weeds. Yank them out by the roots, repenting fully to satisfy the conditions of mercy...And once we have cleared out our heartland, we must continually plant, weed, and nourish the seeds of divine qualities. And then as our sweat and discipline stretch us tot meet His gifts, the 'flow'rs of grace appear', like hope and meekness." We need the Savior's grace to overcome sin and to grow to be divine sons and daughters of Heavenly Father. Grace is not cheap and we should never take advantage of it. There is no cost for grace, but all God asks us to do, is to give all that we have. His plan of happiness with Him can help us overcome all opposition and bring us "incomprehensible joy." Christ's Atonement is central to His plan. Without His scarfice "there would be no way home, no way to be together, no way to be like Him."

I know that the fulness of God's gospel has been restored again here on earth. That through His gospel and our Savior Jesus Christ we can find true joy and happiness in this life and the life after.We are not perfect, but through Christ's mercy and grace, we can overcome all things! "If we must give all that we have, then our giving only almost everything is not enough. If we almost keep the commandments, we almost receive the blessings." We can not procrasinate or wait around and expect full blessings from our Heavenly Father. "So we must willingly give everything, because God Himself can't make us grow against our will and without our full participation." I know that as I have given my all to the will of God, I have received the many blessings that God wants me to have. If I am caring, if I am charitable, if I am obedient to God and follow His prophets, my sacrifices will bring forth the blessings of heaven. I pray that we will all become Saints willing to sacrifice and become eligible for the Lord’s special blessings.

GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST=CHANGE

I haven't blogged for a while now and a lot has happened since. I don't even know where to start. I am now here at Santa Rosa and I am with Sister Gorder, AGAIN!!! Yes, I have served with her before at Napa. How weird is that? It has been great the last couple weeks. We have been complementing each other a lot on how we've changed and grown. My last blog post was about "A Change for the Better". We all want to become better, but sometimes we don't even know where to start. There is a way and none other way where we can change to be the person God wants us to be. And it is through the Gospel of Jesus Christ where that change is possible! When we choose Christ we choose to change.

We all know that Christ was the one and only perfect Son of God. He came to earth to teach God's children, perform many miracles, and set an example for us. And our Heavenly Father wants us to follow Him and to keep His commandments. But how can we reach that goal and continue to live it throughout the rest of our lives? You can by accepting the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. First by having faith in Him and His Atonement, repenting of our transgressions, and accepting the ordinances performed by someone holding that priesthood authority of God that has been restored here on earth: baptism by immersion and receiving the gift of the holy ghost.

It has been hard for me these couple of weeks, but it has been great having my companion complement me about the change I have made. It was even better to hear it from a loving mother this past Sunday. I am glad she recognized the change that I have made and the person that I have become. I know I still have things I need to work on. But I know as I continue to have faith and to live the gospel of Jesus Christ the best I can, I can become the person my Heavenly Father wants me to be. I still struggle, I still have challenges, I am still imperfect, but I know it's through the gospel of Jesus Christ where I can become better. President Faust said, "The power to change is very real, and it is a great spiritual gift from God." He continues on to say, "Each one of us has been given the power to change his or her life. As part of the Lord’s great plan of happiness, we have individual agency to make decisions. We can decide to do better and to be better. In some ways all of us need to change; that is, some of us need to be more kind at home, less selfish, better listeners, and more considerate in the way we treat others. Some of us have habits that need to be changed, habits that harm us and others around us. Sometimes we may need a jolt to propel us into changing." If we continue to change and live the simple principles of the gospel, we can find true joy and happiness in this life. I know that God loves each and everyone of us. And He will help us in anyway he can so we can be what He wants us to become. Jesus Christ lives and through His Atonement everything is made possible. I love the gospel and I am grateful of how it has changed my life!!!

"A Change for the Better"

A Journey of a Lifetime...I love this phrase. We all have a story. We all started somewhere. Mine started May 25, 1989, almost 22 years ago. I was born into a wonderful family, with a Mom and Dad who loved and helped throughout all my life. I grew up with wonderful siblings who were wonderful examples to me, who I looked up to so much. When we were younger we all had a 'role model', ya know the older brother who you wanted to be just like, or the neighbor next door who was an amazing basketball player..whoever or whatever we all had them. But we all have to decide who we want to become, who we will become. I had a very normal childhood. Went to school, played with friends, loved playing with my dog, loved to be outside, went to church, ya know the usual. I had my life planned, don't we all? I would graduate from high school, go on to college, get married, have kids, and live happily ever after. But little did I know, my Heavenly Father had a lot different plan for me, a better plan.

After I graduated I went to BYU Hawaii, I know right? It was amazing! It was just like living a dream there! But after a couple of semesters I felt like I needed to come home. I was dating, working, having fun being 20, not really sure what I was going to do, just enjoying life. Well things in my life took an interesting turn and what I thought was going to be..turned out not to be. Just like a lot of us at this age, there is so much to do, we just don't know what to do. Ever since high school, I always told everyone I am not going to go on a mission, it's not 'for me', I have other plans. A little over a year ago I was driving down the road and I had the strongest feeling come over me that I needed to serve a mission. I laughed. I laughed for a while. The thought kept coming to my head that whole week. And when I finally realized that it wasn't just a thought, but that it was an answer to my prayers, it was something that my Heavenly Father wanted me to do, I was angry. I had never wanted to serve a mission, it wasn't in 'my plans.' I put it in the back of my mind, and decided to go back to BYU Hawaii, so I re-applied and got accepted, but it didn't feel right. And I knew that I need to serve a mission. I was terrified. I didn't really have a strong testimony of the church, and I didn't think I could do it.

But one of my favorite verse in the scripture is, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding, in all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverb 3:5-6) I decided to do just that. I knew that my Father in Heaven loved me, and I knew that he would bless me. And although I was not sure how or when or even why, I started filling out my mission papers. I was scared, and I'm going to be honest I doubted a lot. But I had faith, and through that faith, my foundation, my testimony grew and became strengthened. Miracles in my life started happening. I'm here on my mission, it's been 8 months now. And I love it! It's been an amazing journey for me, I've been challenged, tried, and tested many times. It hasn't been peaches and roses everyday. But it's been worth it. I've met amazing people, who have impacted my life for the better. Our Heavenly Father knows each of us, He loves us, and most of all He wants us to be happy. He knows what we need, He knows where we need to go, it is up to us to 'trust in him.' And when we do, we will find greater joy and happiness then we ever thought we could... "Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God." (Ether 12:4) We must have hope, we must have faith. Heavenly Father has a plan for me and for you. Trust in him, follow him, and listen to him. He loves you!

Posted by: Sister Cottle