As members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints we are all about the family unit. Families are really important to our Heavenly Father. But why are they so important? I know for me that if I didn't have my family I don't know what I would do without them. They mean so much to me. God has set families apart as one of the most important social units in this life. But why does God do this for us..Why does He place us into families? mormon.org explains it this way.
"This is no coincidence. God organizes us into families so that we can grow up in happiness and safety, and so that we can learn to love others selflessly—the key to true joy. Within the family is the best place to learn to love others the way Heavenly Father loves each one of us."(www.mormon.org) I know if it were not for my family I wouldn't be who I am today. They have helped me so much in my life, they have helped me through my trials. No family is "perfect". Eeverybodies family goes through difficulty and trial. This is also part of God's plan, so that we can grow and learn together, and learn from our mistakes.
"God's Church exists to help families gain eternal blessings. We believe the greatest blessing He gives us is the ability to return to live with Him in heaven with our families. We follow our Heavenly Father's will because that is how we earn this blessing."(www.mormon.org)
I can't stress enough the importance of families. We could probably go on and on about experiences on how our family has helped us. Another important thing to remember that we are all part of God's family. If you have been to a service of ours or another church's service you may recall that we refer each other as "Brother" and "Sister". Why do we do that? "When we call a fellow Church member “Brother” Lee or “Sister” Brown, we really mean it. We believe that each of us—including those who aren’t members of our Church—is a literal son or daughter of our Heavenly Father (Hebrews 12:9) and therefore, our heavenly siblings. We were loved and taught by our Heavenly Father as part of an eternal family before coming to earth. So we share a bond that transcends this life. Think about it, if you truly thought of your neighbor or coworker as your brother or sister, would you treat them any differently? In the same vein, knowing that your earthly family has eternal significance might help you treat them better as well."(www.mormon.org)
I can truly testify that families are from God. They are here to help us and to grow. I know that as we all grow and learn together we will be blessed. I love my family so much. I can't find the words to express how much I love each and everyone of them. I know that families are and can be FOREVER.
If you would like to learn how families can be together forever please visit www.mormon.org or www.lds.org for more information, or feel free to comment and ask me a question. :)
I want to wish everyone a very HAPPY EASTER. I hope we take the time to think about what it is really about. I hope we all have a wonderful time with our families and friends. I will finish of with a quote. "He Is Not Here: For He Is Risen"(Steven Kapp Perry) Once again Oh, How I know my Redeemer lives, and how I love Him so. :)
"And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."(Alma 7:11-12)
Well, since this weekend is Easter, I thought I would take the time to let you all know my testimony of my Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. I can testify that Jesus is my Savior. That He did die for me. He is there whenever I need him, as long as I ask for Him. He knows everything that I am going through, He also knows everything you are going through. He has been there already. I also know that when He was on the earth he established His church. He gave his apostles the authority to act in God's name(priesthood). I also know that over time He was sadly rejected by His own people, and also His apostles were rejected. But over time His church was restored by the prophet Joseph Smith. Christ Has done so much for me and you. I am so thankful for Him and all that He has done for me. I am thankful for this time of year that the Christian world takes time out and remembers what He has done for us, but more importantly let us remember that He is our Savior and Redeemer, and He rose on the 3rd day. I love what he has done for me. I hope I can make Him proud in all that I do to show my love and respect that I do have for Him. One of my favorite scriptures in the New Testament explains His love for us better then I can describe..."Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you."(John 15:13-15). Oh, how I Love my Savior!!!!
If you would like to learn more about Christ and His earthly ministry please visit www.mormon.org or www.lds.org
"Keep the commandments; keep the commandments!
In this there is safety; in this there is peace.
He will send blessings; He will send blessings.
Words of a prophet: Keep the commandments.
In this there is safety and peace." (LDS Hymn #303)
I have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints all my life. A hymn, that I have remembered all my life, and have memorized is Keep the Commandments! I love this song! I really love in this hymn when it says, "keep the commandments, in this there is safety, in this there is peace." How have you seen keeping the commandments of God bless your life? For me keeping the commandments has blessed my life. The commandments are there to help us know what to do, and to help us avoid certain things. Commandments are given to us through Prophets here on the earth. Commandments have been on the earth since the time of Adam and Eve.
The first commandments were given to Adam and Eve(our first parents) they were to not partake of the fruit of the tree of good and evil, and to multiply and replenish the earth, by bringing more of our Heavenly Fathers spirit children to the Earth. You may be wondering what the 10 commandments are and where can they be found. They can be found in the Holy Bible, and in the Book of Mormon. I saw on a bumper sticker once, that read. "The Ten Commandments are not a multiple choice test." I thought that is so true, we cannot pick and choose which commandments we want to keep and which ones we don't want to keep. I know the commandments are here to help us, and if we want the fullness of all the blessings that are in store for keeping them, let us keep all of them. I know that as you and I strive more fully to keep the commandments the Lord will bless us and our families. If you would like to learn more about the 10 commandments please visit www.mormon.org or www.lds.org.
this video is a beautiful song: If Ye Love me keep the commandments
We as Christians need to be an example to those around us. You never know who is watching us, or who is paying attention. Just one little judgment can make people think that's how all people of that faith are. It is really important to be an example to those around us. So how can we be a good example to other people? One thing that I have found that works, is doing service for people. I love doing service for people. You never know what that particular person is going through at that particular time in their life. You may just be that person who helps them through a rough time. Also, doing it with an attitude of being HAPPY and with a smile on your face. How awesome would it be to see everyone in our own country, communities and even the world doing kind acts of service to those around us. I think the world would be in a better place. People would be happy. I want to challenge all of us to do more kind acts for people. No matter how big or how small the act of service is. I know that as we do so people will see us for a good example. What kind of example do you want others to see you as?
What are scriptures? Well the word Scripture is described as the following which can be found in the Bible Dictionary, and it says:
"The word scripture means a writing, and is used to denote a writing recognized by the Church as sacred and inspired. It is so applied to the books of the O.T. by the writers of the N.T. (Matt. 22:29; John 5:39; 2 Tim. 3:15). For an account of the process by which the books of the O.T. and N.T. came to be recognized as scripture, see Canon. Latter-day revelation identifies scripture as that which is spoken under the influence of the Holy Ghost (D&C 68:1–4)."(Bible Dictionary) After that being said, what can scriptures do for us in our life today? Well let me tell you what they have done for me and what they can do for you. The scriptures, are sacred, and holy. They have helped me find comfort in this life, through all my trials and everything that I have gone to. I can always open up my scriptures and find a verse that will help me out that particular day.
What do we as Latter-Day Saints consider scripture? As the 8th Article of Faith states: "We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God."
What's your favorite scripture? I have allot of favorite scriptures. But I will share two of my favorites from both the Book of Mormon and the Holy Bible. The first one comes from the Book of Mormon found in the 2 Nephi 31:20, and it says....."Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."
Favorite Scripture #2: Alma 37:36-37:"Book of Mormon: Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.
Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day."
Favorite Bible Scripture #1:Romans 12:2:"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Favorite Bible Scripture #2:John 15:12-15 "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you."
I would like to bear my testimony that I know that the Bible is the word of God. I also know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know that Christ is my Savior, and that He was sent here to die for us, and to take upon Himself the sins of this world so that we may be able to enter into the kingdom of Heaven. I know that Christ's church has been restored to the earth today through the prophet Joseph Smith. I know that prayer is real. I can testify that scriptures are here to help us, and that they are here for us today to help us understand life's challenges better. I would invite you to pull your scriptures out more often, and read the word of God, and see what He wants you to learn. I know that as you do so great blessing will be upon you and your family. I love this gospel so much.
If you would like to learn more about scriptures or about the Book of Mormon, or Bible please visit http://www.mormon.org/ to learn more, or just come straight to me :) I would love to answer any questions that you may have about the Latter-Day Saints and what we believe.
"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."-2 Nephi 31:20
(Lehi's Dream, a great depiction on Enduring to the end.)
Alright. So after all is said and done, we can't give up. As easy as it would be we can't. Just as the scripture says We must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ. One of my favorite principles that are taught in the Book of Mormon and Bible is to Endure to the End. What does that really mean though? As we go through life's trials we must push through it. We must look to the future with hope rather then fear. I got that from someone but can't remember who said it. But it fits with enduring to the end. I love the scripture above, and think it explains enduring to the end well. At least better then I can. I can just give examples on how I have endured my trials in life. One great example that I can think of is my mission that I am on. I have been through ALOT of trials the past two years, and I know what your probably thinking, what!? a missionary having trials? I hate to break the news to y'all but we aren't perfect, we are human to. Everyone has to go through trials, its how we progress and learn in this life. But I know that each trial that I have been through the past two years has made me a better person, and a stronger person.
I know that Christ can help us through ALL of our trials. He will be there for us.He has helped me and He can help you. Like I have said many times before in my blogs, You just have to let him in your life. So let us all Endure to the End, and be happy doing it. Life can be fun, and it is :).
If you would like to learn more about enduring to the end visit http://www.mormon.org/ .
"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."(John 3:5, KJV)
“We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel” (Articles of Faith 1:3). Baptism in water is an ordinance essential to our salvation. By being baptized, we show God that we are willing to be obedient to His commandments. Jesus set the example for us by being baptized, even though He was without sin (see Matthew 3:13-17). When we are baptized, we enter into a covenant, a two-way promise, with God. We promise to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, to keep His commandments, and to serve Him to the end, and He covenants that we may always have His Spirit (Holy Ghost) to be with us (See Book of Mormon, Mosiah 18:8-10; Doctrine and Covenants 20:37). The Savior revealed the proper method of baptism to the Prophet Joseph Smith, making clear that the ordinance must be performed by one having priesthood authority and that it be done by immersion."(www.mormon.org)
I know that baptism is vitally important to our Salvation. Being baptized can help us throughout our lives, especially when we receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. The Gift of the Holy Ghost, comes after baptism, by the laying on of hands, also done by priesthood authority. The Gift of the Holy Ghost is when the spirit can be with us AT ALL TIMES. Now before we are baptize we can feel the spirit strongly at different points in our life. Like at church, you can definitely feel it at church, and you don't have to be at ours to feel it, it can be felt at every church. This is what is called the Light of Christ. Everyone has the Light of Christ. But in order to receive the wonderful Gift of the Holy Ghost you must be baptized by someone holding the priesthood authority of God. I know that baptism is important, Jesus Christ set the example for us by being baptized. If He being perfect did it, how much more do we need to follow His example? I know that as we follow His example we will be blessed what we do. I would like to end with a quote from the Bible dictionary.......
"Baptism is a most sacred ordinance, which a person, having received it, can remember throughout life as a reminder of the personal commitment to Jesus Christ. Its symbolism is beautiful, and its consequences ever so desirable. John the Baptist had the signal honor among all men to take the Son of God into the water and baptize him, after which he saw the Holy Ghost descend upon Jesus. By being baptized Jesus obeyed the law himself, and set the example for all mankind."
If you would like to learn more about Baptism or anything more about our church please visit www.mormon.org or www.lds.org for more info. :) I hope this has explained a little more to you about what we believe about baptism.
Since Easter is in a couple weeks I would like to share this amazing video that I found. I hope as this Easter season comes around, that you will remember what it is really about. It is not about all the candy, or the eggs, but about Jesus Christ, and His wonderful life that He lived, and that great example that he was able to show us. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redemer, we must go to Him for Help. Please enjoy this video, and the spirit that is with it. Happy Early Easter :D)
"Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord."-Romans 6:11
Over the next few days I want to talk about the 5 basic principles in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The first one which is faith, which I explained about a few days ago. The second is Repentance, which I am going to try and explain today. "Repentance is a change of mind, a fresh view of God, about oneself and about the world." (KJV Bible dictionary LDS version pg 760) "Repentance comes to a turning of the heart and to the will of God." You may be wondering now, how do i repent? First off that is a great question! First, we need to recognize what we are doing is wrong. next we need to confess our sins to God, and finally we need to do away with sin completely and try to improve daily. I know that as we repent and become better, God will bless us. We can receive peace in this life through Jesus Christ, as long as we go to him through prayer. I invite all of us to repent daily, to let go of sin, and follow our Lord and Savior, and become closer to him. Everything we do should be centered around Him. We as Christians need to be an example to those around us who have not yet found Him. Let us invite all to follow his example, If you would like to learn more about Repentance please visit http://www.lds.org/ or http://www.Mormon.org/ BE HAPPY LOVE LIFE, AND LIVE IT TO THE FULLEST!
I hope as you watch this movie, you will be able to feel the Holy Ghost. I know for myself that Joeseph Smith is a prophet of God. And that Jesus Christ used him as an instrument to bring about His true and only church upon the Earth today. I invite you to watch this wonderful video, and then to ask our Father in Heaven if Joeseph Smith really is a prophet of God. I know that as you do so your prayers will be answered. If you would like a copy of the Book of Mormon(Another Testament of Jesus Christ) you can visit http://www.mormon.org/ and request a copy of the book of mormon. I hope you enjoy this video about Joespeh Smith, and about how he was able to restore Christ's church again on the earth.
