~Blessings of Keeping the Commandments~

This week I have been studying a lot about the commandments. Why do we have commandments? Why do we need to obey commandments? And a response to these two great questions is simply, "Because we are loved." God is our father in heaven. He loves us and He cares about us. He wants us to be happy in this life and even in the life to come. But in order to have that eternal life, we need to make right choices here in this life. And the only way for us to find that true joy in this life is to follow His commandments and do the things He has asked us to do. Simple, huh?

It may sound easy but these small and simple principles to follow can be hard at times. There has always been an opposition even before the world began. We are all familiar with the war that went on in Heaven before the world was created. Because of this, Satan was cast out and many followed him. When Adam and Eve partook of the fruit, they disobeyed God's commandment. But it was necessary for this great plan to be fulfilled. In the Book of Mormon, Lehi counsels his son Jacob in the need of opposition in all things. He says, "...righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness or misery, neither good or bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life nor death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense or insensibility." (2 Nephi 2: 11) We can't measure happiness with out sadness or success with out failure! And that's why we have commandments as guidelines to help us in this mortal life. To reach our grand goal, which is to be with our Father in Heaven again for all eternity.

I read in the Bible this week about a certain commandment that was given to Jesus Christ from the Father. Even Jesus Christ obeyed the commandments. A great commandment that only Jesus Christ was able to accomplish for the whole world. It reads, "Therefore, doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father." (John 10:17-18) A magnificent commandment given to Jesus Christ compared to these small and simple commandments that the Lord has given us. His Atonement, which consists of these three immeasurable conditions: His Suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, His Crucifixion and Death on the Cross, and His Resurrection are huge beyond our own comprehension. But Christ fulfilled this great commandment so we can overcome all things and return back to that home that awaits us.

I have come to appreciate the commandments more as I have read this account about the Savior and this huge commandment, the Atonement that was given to Him. Every commandment that our Father in Heaven has given us is for our own good and will help us. These commandments can be guides to us in our lives, and if we obey them we will be happy. And it is all because of the love He has for us. I know that as we obey these simple commandments, the Lord will bless us in all aspects of our lives. Our Father in Heaven is a 'God of Promise' and when He asks us to do certain things, He promises us blessings. As we earnestly try to obey our Father in Heaven’s commandments, it is important to remember that we can do it only with the help of Jesus. We should also remember that when we disobey, our Father in Heaven will forgive us when we place our faith in Jesus Christ and repent. Since we all have sinned, we should be very grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Because of His Atonement, our Father in Heaven can forgive and bless us and help us become obedient. We would never be worthy of our Father in Heaven’s blessings by ourselves. Sister Barbara McConochie was so impressed by the commandments she wrote the song "Keep the Commandments" for the Primary children. She then said, “Keeping the commandments is the anchor for our safety amidst the storm. True peace will come to each individual, family, and nation only as we learn obedience to the laws of our Heavenly Father.” I know that our Father in Heaven loves each and everyone of us. And as we obey His commandments relying on our Savior's great Atonement, we will find true joy and happiness in this life! I am grateful for the commandments and it has truly blessed me in my life.

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.

God Knows You More Than You Know Yourself

I am a daughter of God. And he knows me too well. He answers my prayers, helps me through my concerns, and gives me comfort when I need it. What a great blessing! A way I can communicate with my Father in Heaven is through sincere prayer. And when I come unto Him and express the feelings of my heart, He will grant unto me the things I stand in need of.
I was reading in the ensign this morning and came to a talk written by President Monson titled, "Come unto Him in Prayer and Faith." As I pondered on this message, it brought me so much peace and comfort. It reminded me of Jacob, the brother of Nephi, declared, "Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith." (Jacob 3:1) I was reflecting back to my prayers and my faith. And Jacob’s advice has truly helped me as I go through the challenging times in my life.
President Monson says, "As we offer unto the Lord our family prayers and our personal prayers, let us do so with faith and trust in Him. Let us remember the injunction of Paul to the Hebrews: 'For he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.'" (Hebrews 11:1) When we diligently seek God and come unto Him through sincere prayer and having great faith, we will be rewarded with many great blessings. Sometimes we may not want the answer to our prayers. And as much as we have prayed with faith, God knows what is best for us and will reward us with it. Elder Richard G. Scott gave a great counsel which answers that concern that we all have.

"With even your strongest faith, God will not always reward you immediately according to your desires. Rather, God will respond with what in His eternal plan is best for you, when it will yield the greatest advantage. Be thankful that sometimes God lets you struggle for a long time before that answer comes. That causes your faith to increase and your character to grow."

Wherever we may be, our Heavenly Father can hear and answer the prayer offered in faith. During those darkest moments of our lives, we often lose faith. And instead of praying for help in dealing with the situation, we pray for solutions to our problems. This past couple weeks I have been feeling just indifferent about some things. And this week I was encountered by a challenge that I never thought I would face. And through sincere prayers and putting my faith in the Lord, my prayers were answered. And even though the answer I received was not something I wanted, I know that God knows what is best for me. All I need to do is to continue in nourishing my faith by doing the small and simple things He has commanded me to do. He has poured His spirit upon me to give me peace and comfort. I know that God hears and answers prayers. He loves and cares for each and every one of us. And through our Savior, Jesus Christ we can be healed because He knows us more than we know yourselves!

You Will Be Freed...There is Hope

I was reading a General Conference talk titled "O That Cunning Plan of the Evil One" by Elder Ballard and it is something that we can all relate to. He talks a lot about addiction, but it really could be everything and anything that we go through in life. As I was pondering about this message, I gained more hope that only through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can be healed. The analogy that he uses with the fly fishing is very true. He says, "Lucifer knows our hunger, or weaknesses, and tempts us with counterfeit lures which, if taken, can cause us to be yanked from the stream of life into his unmerciful influence. And unlike a fly fisherman who catches and releases the fish unharmed back into the water, Lucifer will not voluntarily let go. His goal is to make his victims as miserable as he is." On the other hand, Heavenly Father has provided us with His gospel, His son Jesus Christ, and many opportunities where we can find true joy and happiness. True happiness comes from the small and simple things that we do to prevent us from being caught by Lucifer's lies and cunning intelligence. Some of those small and simple things are reading the scriptures, praying, going to church, serving the Lord, and keeping His commandments. I know that as we follow the counsel of Alma to his son Helaman "that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass,"(Alma 37:6) we will never be led astray by Lucifer and his lies. God knew we will sin and make mistakes, but He has provided a way for us to be spiritually clean and reunited to Him through our Savior, Jesus Christ. The Savior taught, "For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;but if they would not repent they must suffer even as I." (D&C 19:16-17) Elder Ballard states, "there is a way to spiritual freedom--a way to escape from bondage--a way that is proven. It begins with prayer--sincere, fervent, and constant communication with the Creator of our spirits and bodies, Our Heavenly Father. It is the same principle in breaking a bad habit or repenting from sin of any kind." Jesus Christ, who willingly atoned for our sins said: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will 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." (Matthew 11:28-30) If we put our trust in the Atonement of our Savior, there is hope because God loves us. I know that there is power in prayer and God answers prayers. I have seen many miracles and blessings as I have put my trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement. I am not perfect, but through Him I can be made whole. It is my prayer that we will continue to do the small and simple things by relying on our Savior. And when "the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, his shafts in the whirlwind, all his hail and mighty storm shall beat upon [us], it shall have no power over [us] to drag [us] down to the gulf of misery." (Helaman 5:12)

Helping Hands

I read an article in the Ensign this morning that really helped answered some of my concerns and struggles that I have been going through. I love to help people in any way I can, especially helping them to receive the gospel. And it has been a problem to me because I want to help them so much, but sometimes they just don't want the help. But as I read this article, I began to ponder about how I can relate this story to me and what I am going through. I like to help and see others change because it makes me happy. And when I don't see a change or things don't go the way I want it to be or expect it to be I get sad, discouraged, or frustrated. And sometimes I feel like I am not doing the very best I can or I have failed. But as I was pondering about this, a verse from the scriptures came to mind, "...for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength." (Mosiah 4:27) We all can choose for ourselves and that is something I need to instill in my mind. That as much as I want to help others, they have their own free will to choose. But what I can do is love them despite their weaknesses, struggles, or choices that they make. God is the father of our souls and He knows each and everyone of us personally. He also has a specific plan for everyone. And is preparing a way for each and everyone of His children to come unto Him. Just like how He has prepared me to be who I am today. It is through the Savior's Atonement where we can be healed and that is His role, not mine. I know that the Lord wants me to believe and trust in Him and to not give up on Him, His timing, or His ways.

God's Creation

Bearded dragon is a type of lizard that lives in the arid, rocky, semi-desert regions and dry open woodlands of Australia. I have never seen one in my whole entire life and I got to hold one last night. It felt really weird and scary, but he was really calm. But I was still freaking out and you really can tell by the look on my face.

It just inspires me of how our Father in heaven created all the creatures and made them all so beautiful and unique in some ways. For "the Lord hath created the earth that it should be inhabited; and he hath created his children that they should posses it." (1 Nephi 17:36) As we all know the story of Adam and Eve partaking the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. From the choices that our first parents made, we were brought forth to experience this life, to learn, and grow. Heavenly Father knew that we would make mistakes and sin. And for His love for us he sent his son, Jesus Christ to come and who ever shall believe in Him will be saved. Jesus Christ accomplished the atonement; suffering for our sins and overcoming death so we can return to our Father after this life. How blessed are we to have all these many blessings given to us by our loving Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for His creation and the beauty that we see each and everyday. And the great plan of happiness that He has prepared for us. I am so grateful to know that I am special and precious to my Heavenly Father. That he planned this all out and made it so beautiful for me and His love is real and true.