Alright, in honor of tomorrow being General Conference and all, I found three really good talks that I would like to share. They add upon yesterday's post about adversity. I will post the links as we go along. Make sure you read or listen to each talk. I am just hoping that you are able to pull them up on your computer. If you aren't, well that really stinks. Sorry. So here we go.
The first talk is about Overcoming Adversity. Cool stuff, huh? Make sure you read that before we go on. I love it, how it takes Joseph Smith, someone who went through some huge trials, but still remained faithful to the Lord, and learned to truly rely on God with all his might. Do we do that? When we are faced with trials and adversity, do we turn to the Lord, or do we just try to muscle through it all by ourselves? I have tried both at different times throughout my life, and I have found again and again that everything is so much easier when I turn my heart to the Lord, and allow Him to ease my burdens. I think that is what is meant when He says, "For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" and also, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11: 28,30).
The next talk I would like to share is about how we can more fully understand that Atonement. It's called Strengthen Our Understanding of the Atonement. Fitting title, huh? That was really good. The Atonement has made it possible for us to return to God. It is through that Atonement that we can rely on the Lord as we go through adversity and trials. I will be forever grateful for what the Savior did for me.
And lastly, I would like to share one of my most favorite talks of all time. It ties togethere everything we have been talking about yesterday and today perfectly. It's called Finding a Safe Harbor. Wow. Need I say more?
Each week, each day, we face trials and adversity that test us, and give us the choice to go through them on our own, or to rely on the Lord. Christ stands at the door and knocks. If we will but let Him in, He will bear us up in even the most trying of times. I testify of this. I have seen it many times in my own life. The Savior is real. He lives. God lives. They love us, and want the best for us.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
The Iron Rod
So, looking back at one of my old posts, I decided to revamp it, and repost it. I have about two or three other posts in the process, so be prepared for me in the relatively near future! Enjoy!
Let me give a little background first. Lehi, a prophet in the Book of Mormon, had a vision. In it, he describes a lot of different stuff, but in essence, there is a path leading to the tree of life, which represents God and His love. Along this path, there is an Iron Rod, which represents God's guidance that He gives to us, through the scriptures, the Spirit, Prophets, and a myriad of other things.
1 Nephi chapter 8:30
30 But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.
We read that while many were travelling along the path, there arose a mist of darkness. The mist caused many to lose their way and become lost. And there were also others, who pressed forward through the mists, holding fast to the Iron Rod, and they were able to make it through the mists, and reach the tree.
So, what does this mean for you and I? I have thought about this a lot and wondered what those mists of darkness could have been. I have come to realize that those mists are the temptations, trials, and adversity that each of us inevitably face throughout our life. Many who commenced, or started, on the path, which is the path that leads us back to God, were lost because they become blinded by the many temptations and trials that came their way. If we allow them, they will blind us as well.
But, we also read that there were many more who made it through those mists, and were able to make it back to God. The difference was one group of people let go of the iron rod, the Word of God, and the others held fast to it. I love that! It wasn't just a casual touch on the rod, nor was it merely loosely gripping the rod, either; rather, those who made it through did so by HOLDING FAST to the rod. That implies a firm grasp, without letting go, even for a moment.
In order for all of us to get through the temptations and adversity in such a crazy world, it is imperative that we hold fast to the word of God, through constant prayer, daily scripture study, and weekly church attendance, as well as proactively seeking God's will for our lives and exercising an unwavering resolve to do it. If we allow our grip on the rod to loosen, or completely let go, even for a moment, we risk wandering off and being lost in the world, from which we might never return.
God loves us, and has provided a way for us to return to Him. Never let go of the Iron Rod; never give up. He loves us and wants all of us to return to Him safely. There is hope, and each and every one of us has the power to make it back.
Let me give a little background first. Lehi, a prophet in the Book of Mormon, had a vision. In it, he describes a lot of different stuff, but in essence, there is a path leading to the tree of life, which represents God and His love. Along this path, there is an Iron Rod, which represents God's guidance that He gives to us, through the scriptures, the Spirit, Prophets, and a myriad of other things.
1 Nephi chapter 8:30
30 But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.
We read that while many were travelling along the path, there arose a mist of darkness. The mist caused many to lose their way and become lost. And there were also others, who pressed forward through the mists, holding fast to the Iron Rod, and they were able to make it through the mists, and reach the tree.
So, what does this mean for you and I? I have thought about this a lot and wondered what those mists of darkness could have been. I have come to realize that those mists are the temptations, trials, and adversity that each of us inevitably face throughout our life. Many who commenced, or started, on the path, which is the path that leads us back to God, were lost because they become blinded by the many temptations and trials that came their way. If we allow them, they will blind us as well.
But, we also read that there were many more who made it through those mists, and were able to make it back to God. The difference was one group of people let go of the iron rod, the Word of God, and the others held fast to it. I love that! It wasn't just a casual touch on the rod, nor was it merely loosely gripping the rod, either; rather, those who made it through did so by HOLDING FAST to the rod. That implies a firm grasp, without letting go, even for a moment.
In order for all of us to get through the temptations and adversity in such a crazy world, it is imperative that we hold fast to the word of God, through constant prayer, daily scripture study, and weekly church attendance, as well as proactively seeking God's will for our lives and exercising an unwavering resolve to do it. If we allow our grip on the rod to loosen, or completely let go, even for a moment, we risk wandering off and being lost in the world, from which we might never return.
God loves us, and has provided a way for us to return to Him. Never let go of the Iron Rod; never give up. He loves us and wants all of us to return to Him safely. There is hope, and each and every one of us has the power to make it back.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Back to the Basics: The Holy Ghost
Well, hello again, it seems like it's been a while since I have last posted, when in reality, it has only been about two or three days. First of all, I want to say thanks to everyone for reading and following this blog. So far, I think it's going along pretty well and I have noticed that this blog has been a huge boost to my own testimony as I have studied and pondered on the basics of the Gospel. Secondly, I was wondering if ya'll could comment and let me know what you think of the blog so far, what you like/dislike about it, what I could do to improve, and so on and so forth. And also, if there is anything ya'll would like me to discuss or any questions you might have, let me know. I have also decided to make a few changes to my posts, such as linking scriptures and a couple of other things. It should make everything that much more fun!
So, after discussing faith and prayer, I think it would be appropriate to talk about the Holy Ghost - who is He, what does He have to do with prayer, what does He feels like, and how can we have Him with us constantly?
First off, Who is the Holy Ghost?
The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. He is often referred to throughout the scriptures as the Spirit, the Spirit of the Lord, the Spirit of God, and the Holy Ghost.
Next, What does the Holy Ghost have to do with prayer??
Well, pretty much everything! When we pray, we can receive answers through the Holy Ghost. He is like God's messenger, and lets us know the mind and will of God for us and for those who we have charge over. So, along with receiving answers through the scriptures, and through other people, God also uses the Holy Ghost to answer our prayers.
So if we know that he often answers our prayers through the Holy Ghost, the next important question to ask would be,
What does the Holy Ghost feel like and how can I recognize those answers when they come?
Well, there are a lot of sweet scriptures that talk about this. A few of my favorite are 1 Kings 19:11-13, Galatians 5:22-23, and Helaman 5:30. Since I have so conveniently linked them, I don't have to put them in the blog, but they talk about how the Spirit is a still, small voice, and that it brings us feelings of love, joy, peace, and so on. I am going to assume that you clicked on the links and was able to read the scriptures. Cool scriptures, huh?
There is also a really cool article that I read this morning in the Ensign, the magazine the church puts out each month. It is called Finding Answers. You can also listen to it HERE.
So lastly, if I recognize the Holy Ghost and knows what he feels like when he is there, the last and most important question to ask would be,
How can I keep the Holy Ghost with me constantly?
That my friend, is a really good question. I am glad you asked. It is a question I have pondered for a while now, and have come up with a few things that I view as the most important for us to keep the Holy Ghost in constant companionship with us. They are, first, daily scripture study. (Wow, just heads up, that may or may not be my next topic.....stay tuned). As we read the holy scriptures, we can gain a greater understanding of the gospel. They also invite the Spirit in, and allow us to grow because of Him. Also, going back to previous blogs, it is absolutely VITAL that we are praying at least twice a day, but more often than that is definitely better. As we continue to talk with God, we get to know Him a lot better and can more fully learn God's will for each of us, and what He would have us do. And lastly, of all things, I think developing the Christlike Attributes of faith, hope, charity, and love would be the most beneficial as we strive to keep the Spirit with us constantly.
I know that keeping the Holy Ghost close to us is one of the best things we can do each day as we strive to overcome the temptations and evil that surround us. At times it may be difficult, but as we do our very best to read each day from the scriptures, pray continually, and develop faith, hope, charity, and love, we can gain a greater understanding of God and develop a special relationship with Him. The goal may seem distant and impossible to reach, but the journey makes it all worth it. God has granted us the Spirit to guide us every step of the way, and now it is our job to pray for His guidance, learn to listen to it's promptings, and go forward in faith.
So, after discussing faith and prayer, I think it would be appropriate to talk about the Holy Ghost - who is He, what does He have to do with prayer, what does He feels like, and how can we have Him with us constantly?
First off, Who is the Holy Ghost?
The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. He is often referred to throughout the scriptures as the Spirit, the Spirit of the Lord, the Spirit of God, and the Holy Ghost.
Next, What does the Holy Ghost have to do with prayer??
Well, pretty much everything! When we pray, we can receive answers through the Holy Ghost. He is like God's messenger, and lets us know the mind and will of God for us and for those who we have charge over. So, along with receiving answers through the scriptures, and through other people, God also uses the Holy Ghost to answer our prayers.
So if we know that he often answers our prayers through the Holy Ghost, the next important question to ask would be,
What does the Holy Ghost feel like and how can I recognize those answers when they come?
Well, there are a lot of sweet scriptures that talk about this. A few of my favorite are 1 Kings 19:11-13, Galatians 5:22-23, and Helaman 5:30. Since I have so conveniently linked them, I don't have to put them in the blog, but they talk about how the Spirit is a still, small voice, and that it brings us feelings of love, joy, peace, and so on. I am going to assume that you clicked on the links and was able to read the scriptures. Cool scriptures, huh?
There is also a really cool article that I read this morning in the Ensign, the magazine the church puts out each month. It is called Finding Answers. You can also listen to it HERE.
So lastly, if I recognize the Holy Ghost and knows what he feels like when he is there, the last and most important question to ask would be,
How can I keep the Holy Ghost with me constantly?
That my friend, is a really good question. I am glad you asked. It is a question I have pondered for a while now, and have come up with a few things that I view as the most important for us to keep the Holy Ghost in constant companionship with us. They are, first, daily scripture study. (Wow, just heads up, that may or may not be my next topic.....stay tuned). As we read the holy scriptures, we can gain a greater understanding of the gospel. They also invite the Spirit in, and allow us to grow because of Him. Also, going back to previous blogs, it is absolutely VITAL that we are praying at least twice a day, but more often than that is definitely better. As we continue to talk with God, we get to know Him a lot better and can more fully learn God's will for each of us, and what He would have us do. And lastly, of all things, I think developing the Christlike Attributes of faith, hope, charity, and love would be the most beneficial as we strive to keep the Spirit with us constantly.
I know that keeping the Holy Ghost close to us is one of the best things we can do each day as we strive to overcome the temptations and evil that surround us. At times it may be difficult, but as we do our very best to read each day from the scriptures, pray continually, and develop faith, hope, charity, and love, we can gain a greater understanding of God and develop a special relationship with Him. The goal may seem distant and impossible to reach, but the journey makes it all worth it. God has granted us the Spirit to guide us every step of the way, and now it is our job to pray for His guidance, learn to listen to it's promptings, and go forward in faith.
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