Priorities in Life!

This time of year always makes me reflect on the past year and how the Lord has blessed me. I also reflect on the things I didn't do that I should have and the things I can do to be better. Since this is the time we celebrate the birth of Christ, what a better way to do that then to think about our own lives and try to make our lives more like his. One of the most important things in doing that is to evaluate and see what things you have as your priorities. In the Oct. general confrence President Uchtdorf gave a talk title " Of Things That Matter Most." It was such a good talk and it really hit me to take a step back and see what I hold as priorities in my own life. He says that, "If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most." Then he goes on to say that it is a good idea to slow down, steady our course, and focus on the essentials. I think that is so interesting how just by focusing on the basic's and essentials, that will make all the difference. For me personally the essentials are family and friends, food, clothes, water, shelter, and the gospel. As long as I have those things, I am just fine. I am so grateful for this time of year, in which I have to reflect on the things that matter most. My prayer is that all of us will take this time to truly think about the things that matter most to us, and then everything else will fall into place. In the words of Leonardo da Vinci, " Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." Let us all strive to live more simply in this complex and crazy world.

The Sacrament!!!

Why is it so important for us to partake of the Sacrament each week? That is a question that many people ask, and the scriptures have the answer for us. In 3rd Nephi chapter 18 and Matthew 26 it tells us that the bread and water represent the body and blood of Christ. What a wonderful thing Christ did for us, by bleeding from every pore in Gethsemane for our sins, dying on the cross for us, and then his ressurection three days later. The Sacrament is important, because it is a constant reminder for us to always remember what Christ did for us and so that we can strive to be like him. When we are baptized we make a promise with Heavenly Father to always remember Christ, keep the commandments, and that we are willing to take Christ's name upon us. That means that we bare eachothers burdens, comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and being good examples for others. We are not perfect and we all make mistakes, and that is why it is so important for us to repent when we make the mistake, but also every Sunday when we partake of the Sacrament we can have that same feeling of renewal just like we had when we were baptized. I know that partaking of the sacrament is so important, and I know that my weeks were crazy when I didn't take it. I feel so much better after I have taken the sacrament. I am so grateful for the Savior, Jesus Christ, and for all he did for me. I am grateful that he has given me the wonderful oppertunity to take the sacrament each week and get that renewal.

Christmas!!!!

We all know the true meaning of Christmas. Tis better to give then to recieve, but I wonder how many of us really have that in our hearts. I know that at times I don't. I think of the presents I will get, the people that will give me presents, and wither or not I will like them. I have to constantly remind myself that the reason we celebrate Christmas is Christ's birth. If the savior Jesus Christ is who we are supposed to be like, then how Christ like am I if I am thinking about me and not others? It is interesting how being away from your family can make you think twice about what matters most at Christmas. It is truly about giving to others, and not focusing on ourselves. I have come to a greater apreciation for the things most of us take for granted. Like being able to call your family, hanging out with friends, and just being able to sit a home and relaxing. I am so grateful for this time of year and how it helps me to relfect on the year and the reason for the season. That reflection helps me to truly live the way the savior would, not only during this season of giving, but all year round. May we all reflect on the our the past year, and the real reason we celebrate this Christmas season. May that reflection help all of us to live that way everyday of the year. 

Hero's!!!!

When you hear the word hero what comes to your mind? To some it maybe a sports icon, a singer, or an actor or actress. Others may think of super hero's. I have to admit that my favorite super hero is Superman. That is not what comes to mind for me though, when I hear the word hero. When I think of hero's, I think of the many men and women in my life that have helped me learn, grow, and helped build my faith and testimony. The first one that comes to mind are my parents. They have set such an awesome example for me, and their sacrifice for their children is something I am trying to do for others now. They are my number one fans, and I love them very much. Other hero's include Young Women leaders, Bishops, all parents, and other's that are sacrificing for others. To me a hero is someone that is willing to sacrifice for the benefit of others. I have run into many of those people, and each have helped me become the person I am today. Jesus Christ is the ultimate hero, because of his perfect example and unconditional love for everyone. He gave his life freely for the benefit of others. At this time of year and all year may we constantly be grateful for those special people in our lives who have helped us in any way. May all the hero's that don't get recognition know that they are loved and that they are doing so much good. You never know who may think of you as a hero, so let us live more like Christ and do good continually. That way we will able to help those that are in need of our help. If we all do that we can all be hero's.

Forever Friends!!!!

How many of you have heard someone say that they will be friends forever? How many of us have told that to someone? I know I have, and for a while I thought that was just a way of telling someone you wont forget them, but if you don't keep in touch you will still be friends. I believe that is true, but I have found a much deeper meaning of having a friendship that can last forever. In Alma 17 verses 1 and 2 says:

1 And now it came to pass that as Alma was journeying from the land of Gideon southward, away to the land of ^aManti, behold, to his astonishment, he ^bmet with the ^csons of Mosiah journeying towards the land of Zarahemla.

  2 Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel ^afirst appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had ^bsearched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.

 

I love the part in verse 2 where it says that what added more to his joy was that they were still his brethren in the lord. That is such a powerful line about how the Gospel of Jesus Christ can form friendships that can last forever. I know that to be true. I have made many dear friends who have similar beliefs and I know that those friends will truely be my friends forever.

What is Conversion?

When you hear the word conversion what comes to mind? Do words like hard, long, and time consuming come to mind. I don't know about you, but when I think of conversion I think of my favorite story in the Book of Mormon about Alma the Younger. From Alma the Younger's stroy we come to find out what conversion is. Alma the Younger was the son of the prophet, and he went about leading people away from the church with 4 of his friends. Then one day an angel appered to him and told him to stop what he was doing and to go about doing good and seeking to build up the church. Alma was then struck dumb and for 2 days and 2 nights he lay not moving at all. After those 2 days he stood up and told the people what had happened in Mosiah 27 verses 23-26.
23 And it came to pass after they had fasted and prayed for the space of ^atwo days and two nights, the limbs of Alma received their strength, and he stood up and began to speak unto them, bidding them to be of good comfort:

  24 For, said he, I have repented of my sins, and have been ^aredeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit.

  25 And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be ^aborn again; yea, ^bborn of God, ^cchanged from their carnal and ^dfallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his ^esons and daughters;

  26 And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in ^anowise inherit the kingdom of God.

Conversion includes a change in behavior, but it goes beyond behavior; it is a change in our very nature. This kind of experience doesn't happen often. Most of the time conversion is a process that happens over time. When we come to understand the atonement of Christ and truly want to help others, then we are converted just like Alma. After we have been converted we need to strive to do our best to live the way we need to, so that we can have eternal life.

Diciples of Chirst!!!

One of my friends gave me a quote that I absolutly love. It is titled "The Fellowship of the Unashamed." It was given by an african preacher who was killed not long after saying it. " I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The dye has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has 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 dwarfed goals. I no longer need pre-eminence, positions, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, recongnized, 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, 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, ore 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." I hope to have the same conviction as this man. We are all diciples of Christ and I hope that we will do our best to be like him.