The Savior’s Instructions About the Holy Ghost

In John 14:15–17, 26–27; John 15:26–27 and John 16:7–8, 13-14; we learn about the Holy Ghost:

• “Comforter”
• Can be with us forever
• Spirit of truth
• Cannot be seen, but can dwell within us
• Can teach all things
• Can bring things to remembrance
• Peace
• Testifies of Christ
• The Holy Ghost could only come after Christ left – see below
• Will reprove the world of sin, righteousness and judgment
• Guide you into all truth
• He will teach what the Lord wants us to know

We can also learn more from the the Bible Dictionary:

• Doesn’t posses a body of flesh and bones
• has been manifest in every dispensation
• Gives testimony
• Comes after baptism/laying on of hands
• we can have the power of Holy Ghost when worthy
• knows all things

“It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”

John 16:7

The Bible Dictionary teaches us that during the dispensation that Christ was on the Earth, we had the power of the Holy Ghost, but not the gift. After His death and resurrection, those who believed and were worthy received the gift of the Holy Ghost. The power of the Holy Ghost is present whenever we testify of truth. However the gift of the Holy Ghost can be with us always. Since Jesus was no longer on the Earth, the disciples needed this extra guidance so they could receive promptings and do according to Heavenly Father’s will. They needed that light and constant presence.

I personally know that the Holy Ghost helps me everyday. It helps me to know which things are important. It helps me to recognize opportunities to share the gospel with my son in the home. It helps me recognize my weaknesses and how I can improve myself. The Holy Ghost helps me to feel peace in the middle of chaos. He truly can be with us always and is such a great help.

I am so grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost. I know that the Spirit is real. I know that Christ lived and died for us. While he was alive, He taught us essential principles, including the Holy Ghost. Now that He is not with us on the Earth, the Holy Ghost testifies of Him. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Preparing for the Savior’s Second Coming

In Mark chapter 13 and Luke chapter 21, Christ teaches us about the Second Coming and how we can prepare. We are taught that there will be wars and earthquakes and famines.

He goes on to  warn us:

Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Luke 21:36

He counsels us why we should take heed or watch for certain things. I’ll list a few things that believers can do to in order to be prepared to meet the Lord:

• Mark 13:5 – Don’t let anyone deceive you
• Mark 13:9 – You will have to bear testimony in His name against “councils, synagogues, rulers and kings”
• Mark 13:23 – He has foretold us of all of the afflictions, desolation, cruelty and false prophets that will be common in those Last Days
• Mark 13:33 – We must watch and pray because you never know when the time is
• D&C 87:8 – stand in holy places and don’t move
• JST Matthew 1:37 – read our scriptures to avoid deception
• D&C 33:17 – be faithful, pray always, have your “lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you”
• D&C 45:56-57 – receive the truth and use the Holy Ghost as your guide

  Which person will we be in the picture below? Will we be scared and nervous, or will we approach Christ with love and excitement? Or will we be so overwhelmed with sorrow that our head will be in our hands?
  

I know that the day is near when the Savior will return again. I also know that through the gospel and the things listed above, we can prepare so that we don’t have to fear that day. That day, the righteous will rejoice and the unrighteous will mourn. I am excited for the Second Coming, I can’t wait to meet my Savior and to live in the kingdoms above with a fullness of joy. I have devoted my life to living righteously so that on that day I will have no regrets or guilt. I know that Heavenly Father has provided us with plan of Happiness and that Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice is central to that plan. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Christ Testifies of Eternal Marriage

As I studied Matthew 22 earlier this week, the passage in verses 23-30 was confusing to me. After looking into it a little further, I thought I would share…

In Matthew 22:23, and also in Acts 23:6-8, we learn that the Sadducees didn’t believe there would be a resurrection. In verses 23-30 the Sadducees ask Christ specifically what would happen in the resurrection if a woman were married to several brothers (according to levirate marriage, a custom at the time). They essentially ask which brother she would be married to. The ridiculous part is that in Matthew 22:23, and also in Acts 23:6-8, we learn that the Sadducees didn’t believe there would be a resurrection. Considering this, their question in Matthew 22:24-28 wouldn’t have been very sincere. However, Christ takes it as an opportunity to explain the difference between temporal and eternal marriage.

Matthew 22:30 reads:

 “For in the ^aresurrection they neither ^bmarry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the ^cangels of God in heaven.”

I referred to the New Testament institute student manual to better understand this verse. The manual helped me understand that marriages will exist after the resurrection, they just won’t be performed. Elder James E. Talmage’s teaches us that “In the resurrection there will be no marrying nor giving in marriage; for all questions of marital status must be settled before that time.”

Doctrine and Covenants 132:15–16 testifies and expands on this same truth.

 16 Therefore, when they are out of the world they neither marry nor are given in ^amarriage; but are appointed angels in ^bheaven, which angels are ministering ^cservants, to minister for those who are worthy of a far more, and an exceeding, and an eternal weight of glory.

 17 For these angels did not abide my law; therefore, they cannot be enlarged, but remain separately and singly, without exaltation, in their saved condition, to all eternity; and from henceforth are not gods, but are ^aangels of God forever and ever.

I like this scripture because it truly helps us understand what the repercussions are of not being married in the temple, with a sealing covenant according to God’s law. Anyone who isn’t married for eternity will only be an angel, instead of an exalted being like Heavenly Father. Though it would be nice to be an angel at our Heavenly Father’s side, we know that there are greater possibilities. Also, it says “separately and singly” which clarifies we wouldn’t be with our families since we are not bound by God’s law. Therefore, the marriages made on Earth would not kept us bound to one another if not done by the power and authority of the priesthood. Christ uses this to answer their question by essentially saying that she would only be married to those brothers which she married according to Heavenly Father’s law (in the temple).

I’m so grateful to know that I can be with my spouse and my children forever through the sealing covenants that are performed in the temple. I’m also so grateful to see that Christ taught this very teaching in the New Testament. So many other religions don’t teach this basic principle of temporal vs. eternal marriages. I know that this is the restored church and through the power and authority that we have on the earth today, these covenants are possible. I know that Jesus Christ lives and died for us. I know that we have a loving Heavenly Father and he has given us an amazing plan of salvation that can bring us great happiness if we just follow it. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Treasures in Heaven

 19 ¶Lay not up for yourselves ^atreasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves^bbreak through and steal:

 20 But lay up for yourselves ^atreasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor ^bsteal:

 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Treasures on Earth                                                              Treasures in Heaven

VS.

Further explanation:

A car and a fancy house are just a few examples of treasures that people may pursue on this earth. Some people may pursue prestige through career advancement, nice clothes, technology gadgets, and even social popularity. A family, though it is central to exaltation, is one of the greatest treasures that we can lay up in heaven. Other treasures include knowledge and any other positive personality attribute, experience or value that we’ve attained in this life. Many people, whether they have the gospel or not, get their priorities mixed up and spend too much time pursuing treasures that “moth and dust corrupt.” Christ used two parables to teach the principle that we are to focus ourselves on treasures of eternal nature. By doing so, we ensure that our treasure will last and be meaningful. I especially love verse 21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Remember that the things you value most and think about the most are going to be the things you’ll have the hardest time giving up. Personally, I want to know that I would give up anything to follow Christ and for my family.

A few questions and answers to consider as we read The parable in Matthew 19:16-30

1. What indication can you find that suggest why the young man decided not to follow the Savior?
   • He had many possessions and didn’t want to give them up.
2. How does Matthew 6:19–24 help explain his choice?
   • It says “where your treasure is, there is where your heart will be.” In this man’s case, because of all the time and effort he took to gather those possessions, he didn’t want to give them up.
3. What blessings did the Savior promise to those who make sacrifices to follow Him?
   • Sit upon the twelve thrones next to Christ, judging the twelve tribes of Israel
   • Receive a hundredfold
   • Inherit everlasting life
4. The Savior’s response to Peter in verses Matthew 19:26-30 inspire me to find more ways to set aside my worldly possessions and desires and refocus on following Christ. Especially in verse 29, it talks about forsaking specific things including houses, land and family for his names’ sake. To me, that means being willing to give up those things to live a life that represents His name well. My future family is in a situation where we need to choose where to live. We could live in a home where I would work more (as a mother), or we could live in an apartment and I might not have to work as hard for my family to afford it. I know that one way I could put the Lord first in my life is by following the prophets’ counsel to have mothers in the home and choosing the less expensive option. This would mean sacrificing the comfort of a bigger home for my family.

Now let’s look at the parable in in Matthew 20:1–16

Notice in the table below the difference in the hours worked versus the wage that each laborer was given. Then let’s consider a few questions regarding the parable and how it correlates to the rewards that come to those who serve in the Lord’s kingdom.

The hour the laborers were hired	How much the man agreed to pay	Hours worked	How much they were actually paid
early in the morning	a penny for the day	12 hours	penny
the third hour	whatsoever is right	9 hours	penny
the sixth hour	whatsoever is right	6 hours	penny
the ninth hour	whatsoever is right	3 hours	penny
the eleventh hour	whatsoever is right	1 hour	penny

1. What do we learn from this parable about serving in the Lord’s kingdom?
   Some people will be called to serve earlier and for longer than others. That doesn’t mean the reward will be any different. No one has control over when they learn of the gospel and to be offered that chance to do the Lord’s work. Thus, they shouldn’t receive any less than those who learn of the gospel and dedicate themselves sooner. In reality, this is the most just way for the Lord to reward us for our efforts.
2. What message of comfort can this parable have for converts to the Church?
   This is comforting because they don’t feel like they’re missing out on anything. They have the same opportunities for rewards as we do.
3. What would you tell someone who feels it is unfair for each of the laborers to be paid equally?
   I would just kindly remind them that some of the laborers were not offered the work earlier in the day. Or they had other things preventing them from offering their labor earlier in the day. We never know what would have made them unable to work for that first portion. All we know is ourselves. Why should we expect a full reward if we didn’t put in a full effort from the time we knew of the opportunity/were asked to labor? Why would it matter as long as you’re inheriting the kingdom of heaven? Would you honestly wish that upon someone else? That they wouldn’t have the same potential to earn as much as you simply because they got started later?

my testimony

I know with all of my heart that those eternal treasures are far more valuable than any treasure I could have here on earth. The reality is that our time here is so small in the whole scheme of things. I’m so grateful for the gospel and that it helps me keep things in an eternal perspective. I’m grateful to know that my life isn’t over when I leave this world. I’m grateful for the hope that it gives me to know that I can be with my family forever. I love learning because I know that my knowledge is an eternal treasure that I get to use in the worlds to come. I know that this is all part of our Heavenly Father’s great plan of happiness. I know that He loves us and wants the best for us. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

What is a Disciple of Christ?

In Luke 10:38–42; 11:1–13; 12:13–40; 13:23–24; and 14:16–33, we learn what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and what the Savior taught about counting the costs of following Him. Essentially what it comes down to is that if we truly understand all that Christ and Heavenly Father have done for us, we would realize we are greatly indebted. These scriptures repeat over and over again that what is ultimately required to be a disciple is that we must be willing to give up all that we have to follow Him. However, here are a few other attributes of a disciple that I found in these scriptures:

• The story of Martha and Mary teaches us that one important way we can be a disciple is by simply listening to his teachings.
• Make an effort to have sincere prayers that show gratitude, faith, and asking for forgiveness.
• Have trust and that Heavenly Father will grant all that you need, thus your prayers will be centered on true faith.
• We can also give freely and joyfully even when it’s inconvenient.
• Don’t covet thy neighbor
• Put your trust in the Lord; as you seek His kingdom, He will make sure you are taken care of physically. He knows your needs and just as He takes care of the rest of His creations on Earth, such as the animals and the plants, He will take care of you too.
• Be watchful and ready for the Second Coming.
• Strive to enter into the Kingdom because simply wanting to go there doesn’t make you worthy.
• Continually strive to “accept” Christ’s invitation to feast. The gospel is a glorious feast, make sure you don’t make excuses or get your priorities wrong.
• Be willing to let go of everything you have to follow Christ.
• Offer your whole soul.
• Fast
• Pray

One aspect of accepting Christ’s invitation to the feast that I want to work on… When I think of the feast that Christ has to offer us, I most often think of what a blessing it is to have the scriptures, to feast on His words per say. I’ve always been in the terrible habit of doing my scripture study right before bed. Especially since becoming a mother, it’s really the only quiet time I have unless I try to wake up before my toddler. However, I have had many experiences that help me to understand the power of a “perfect morning.” In other words, waking up early enough to have a meaningful personal study while you’re fresh. Time that you set aside everyday to start the day off strong and to keep the Spirit with you as you go about your daily tasks. Without fail, it work wonders every time I’m able to pull myself out of bed early.  This is one way I know I can more fully accept His invitation. I can fill my spiritual tank every day by waking up early to do my personal studies.

May we ever strive to be better disciples of Christ. I encourage you to ask yourself if there’s anything you can do to be a better disciple. Is there something you haven’t been willing to give up? For me, it’s sleep. I have a strong testimony of the importance of becoming better disciples. I’m so grateful for all that Heavenly Father has blessed me with. I’m grateful for Christ and the Atonement. I know they live and love us beyond our comprehension. I know that as we are more dedicated that we’ll be able to touch peoples’ lives. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Becoming as Little Children

I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity that I’ve had to spend every day with my amazing son, Brigham and the three boys I nanny during the week. It has become apparent to me during the past year and a half that children possess so many desirable attributes. A few have really stood out to me lately.

One, is their ability to take action without hesitation. They don’t care if they’re not good at something. In fact, sometimes it’s exciting to have the challenge of practicing so they can be as good as someone else. They do that because they’re humble. They’re used to having to learn. Once we become adults, a lot of times we get stubborn and comfortable and avoid situations where we are required to learn or allow our weaknesses to show. Perhaps this is why the Lord counsels us in Matthew 18:3-4 to humble ourselves as little children.

Another thing I’ve pondered about recently is how often our children are completely unaware of not only how hard we work for them everyday, but also how much we hope for them for their future. Some people start saving to help their kids go on missions or go to college from the time that they’re born. Others make a determined effort to be teaching the gospel everyday and in all ways possible so that they can ensure that when it comes time for their son to go on a mission, or their daughter to go to the temple to be married, that that child will choose righteously. In Doctrine and Covenants 78:17–18, we learn that we don’t understand how great the blessings are that the Father has prepared for us either. The same way as we prepare bright futures for our chidren, Heavenly Father does the same for us, only even more! We have such little comprehension of the blessings he’s waiting to pour out to us. What an exciting thought! Here’s my favorite mormon message that shows how much a father does for His children, just as Heavenly Father blesses us:

Earthly Father, Heavenly Father

The next thing I’d like to point out is that children are dependent. Often, they’re incapable of simple tasks such as going to the bathroom or feeding themselves. Sometimes they can’t walk, or even when they get older, they can’t reach the cup on the top shelf. They need help, to be put simply. Similarly, we learn in Doctrine and Covenants 78:17–18 that we cannot bear all things now. We are still learning, but Heavenly Father is there by our side. He has promised us in this verse that he will lead us along.

I love the direction that we receive in Mosiah 3:19.  We are told to “become as a little child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.” I have gained a testimony of each of those attributes. I definitely still have room to grow, but I have noticed in my life that as I focus on becoming each of those things, that Heavenly Father blesses me. Specifically, I have a strong testimony of submitting yourself to His will. The greatest blessing I ever received in my life came just a few short days after I committed myself to do His will. I had even hung up a sign in my room that read “Thy Will Be Done.” I will forever remember that miracle and trust in Him that He knows best. I’m so grateful to be a child of God and I have a great testimony that as we become more like children, that we will be able to grow and become better. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Overcoming Insufficiency

Comparing two miracles where Christ was able to feed thousands:

	Matthew 14:14-21	Matthew 15:32-38
How many people were present?	5 thousand	4 thousand
What did they need?	to eat	to eat
What were they able to offer in an effort to meet that need?	5 loaves, 2 fish	7 loaves, a few little fishes
What words or phrases describe the Savior’s feeling toward the multitudes in their time of need?	compassion	compassion will not send them away fasting
What words or phrases describe what the Savior was able to provide for the multitudes?	healed sick blessed and broke the bread which the people ate and were filled	blessed and broke the bread which the people ate and were filled

These parables can help to remind us that the Lord can truly expand what we have. When we are insufficient, he makes up the difference. In Romans 3:23, we learn that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” We all fall short. Christ is able to help us overcome our insufficiency just as he was able to do with the loaves and fishes. In Ether 12:27 it says that he can even make our weaknesses into strengths. To me, that is such a blessing. I have so many weaknesses that I hope will be my strengths one day. That is possible through Christ. I know these things to be true and I leave my testimony with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Christ Taught in Parables

“The parable conveys to the hearer religious truth exactly in proportion to his faith and intelligence; to the dull and uninspired it is a mere story.” – The Bible Dictionary, parable

Christ used many parables, or metaphors to convey his teachings. The quote above helps us understand that He purposefully used parables so we could each learn according to our individual faith, desire and understanding. A parable doesn’t always tell life how it should be, but simply depicts life as it really is. Our Savior used these stories to help us understand different weaknesses and strengths that we should be aware of and working on.

I’d like to take a few moments to investigate some of the parables Christ taught about the gathering of Israel in Matthew Chapter 13. Here I will mention just a few of the applications of these parables, but there is so much more to learn that I don’t have time to express. I encourage you to go and read the verses for yourself and ponder what their meanings are.

“The sayings of the Savior, recorded in the 13th chapter of His Gospel according to St. Matthew, … in my mind, afford us as clear an understanding upon the important subject of the gathering, as anything recorded in the Bible” (Joseph Smith in History of the Church, 2:264)

PARABLE OF THE TARES (MATTHEW 13:24-30)

Why do some Church members choose to leave the Church?

Satan will always be tempting us, and placing tares in our lives. Some people will let those tares consume them and forget the great crops of faith that they had, leading them away from the gospel. In the scriptures, when the servants ask the householder if he will go and take out the tares, he said no because it will ruin the wheat as well. Just the same, Heavenly Father will let wickedness and righteousness grow side by side so that we can learn and grow in true faith according to His plan.

Parable of the Gospel Net (Matthew 13:47-50) 

This parable describes the future growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a church, the gospel net that we throw out is the large group of missionaries in the field. The net is “cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind.” To be gathered, would mean to share the gospel. People who are gathered are those who receive discussions, or testimonies of the truth. We are gathering lots of different people, but in the end, only those that accept the gospel and become baptized are “gathered into good vessels.” The others are cast back into the sea.

Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Leaven (Matthew 1:31-33)

Why does the Church send out so many missionaries? How do you explain the remarkable growth of the Church, considering that it is fairly new compared to most world religions and started small in the American frontier?

Both of these questions can be answered in these two parables. We know that one tiny mustard seed can grow into a great tree. For this reason, we send missionaries to share the gospel because they can make a huge difference in individuals and the church as a whole. The church started out small, but grew quickly because of the “leaven,” or many people know it as yeast. What I recently learned when studying this parable was that the 3 measures of meal refers to the three witnesses when the church was restored and the leaven is their testimony, which has helped the church grow into something so grand.

​Parables of the Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:44-46)

This scriptures reminds us how valuable the gospel and the plan of salvation is. Some members of the Church are willing to sacrifice so much worldly wealth and recognition in order to maintain membership in the Church. Think of the early Latter-Day Saints that gave up all they had and moved all the way across the country. In the early days of the church it was encouraged that the people gather together to support and encourage the faith during difficult times. Today, however, we are encouraged to stay in the cities where we are and build up the church from there.

I will be eternally grateful that I found the Pearl of Great Price

This gospel is truly the greatest thing that I have in my life. I am so grateful for the promise that I have to live with my family forever. I’m grateful for the knowledge that I’m a daughter of God and that I have the potential to become as He is. I’m grateful that this gospel consistently propels me to become my very best self. I have seen nothing but blessings as I strive to live the commandments and submit myself to God’s will. I would be willing to sacrifice anything to obtain (or keep) the treasure of the gospel. I would sacrifice any worldly possessions. I would live in literal poverty rather than lose the hope that the gospel brings to my life. Although I’m someone who thrives on success and accomplishment, I would give both of those things up in order to experience the joy of the gospel. I have given up my reputation. I don’t care that people may laugh or mock me for my faith. I proved that when I decided and pursued an adoptive family for Brigham. Many people would have questioned me or misunderstood, but I knew it was the right thing to do. This was a sacrifice I made because the gospel is valuable to me. I will continue to be willing to sacrifice anything that Heavenly Father asks of me because I know that His plan is better than I better could have imagined. I promise that as you submit your will to our Father in Heaven, you can experience miracles in your life too. Christ lives and His atonement is real. His teachings are profound and if we follow them, we will be blessed. I say these things in His name, amen.

“Blessed”

Lately I have felt extremely blessed. I can see the Lord’s hand in my life multiple times every day and living the gospel brings me so much joy. My life has literally transformed as I’ve made a commitment to live the gospel and follow the commandments. I know that as I desire and strive to become like Christ, my life and the lives of people around me will be blessed.

“In his Sermon on the Mount the Master has given us somewhat of a revelation of his own character, which was perfect, … and in so doing has given us a blueprint for our own lives. … In that matchless Sermon on the Mount, Jesus has given us eight distinct ways by which we might receive [real] joy. Each of his declarations is begun by the word ‘Blessed.’ … These declarations of the Master are known in the literature of the Christian world as the Beatitudes. … They embody in fact the constitution for a perfect life” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee[2000], 200).

I know that I would want to have a great knowledge of any such “Constitution for a perfect life,” So, without further ado, here’s an amazing video of the Christ preaching the beatitudes on the sermon on the mount:

You may have noticed that each beatitude starts with “blessed.” So, what exactly does it meant to be blessed?

If you read the footnote for Matthew 5:3a, it tells us: “The Latin beatus is the basis of the English ‘beatitude,’ meaning ‘to be fortunate,’ ‘to be happy,’ or ‘to be blessed.'”

I think being blessed is one of those things that is hard to describe. It’s something best learned through personal experience. The way I like to describe it is similar to “fortunate.” I like to say I know when I’m being blessed because things fall into place. Now, that doesn’t mean that everything will run perfectly smooth. But, I’ve noticed that as I make a commitment to be worthy of blessings, that when things do go wrong in life, it’s so much easier to move forward and get back up. You can see Heavenly Father’s hand in your life guiding you towards better solutions for your needs and a lot of times your righteous desires too!

The example that comes to my mind right now is a silly story about my engagement ring. It’s a little personal, but it’s taught me a lot. The day that Ben proposed, he gave me the most gorgeous engagement ring. The setting was perfect, the diamond was perfect and I felt like it fit my personality so well. I was extremely impressed to say the least. However, during the first two weeks that I wore it, 3 of the side stones fell out. After talking to the jeweler and their unimpressive customer service, we decided it would be best to return the ring and shop for a new one elsewhere. I was frustrated. I loved my ring, I didn’t want to be without it for a few weeks. I also didn’t feel like I had time to shop around – I have a wedding to plan! I was also scared that I wouldn’t find anything that would be similar enough to the style of the ring that he got me (which I loved!). However, I decided to look for the positive in the situation. Anybody who knows me, knows I love a good deal. So that became my new goal and I started the search.

(As a side note, the reason I was so busy was because my new semester just started at school, my hours at work were getting longer, I had goals to improve my personal physical fitness and scripture study, and I had a lesson to prepare for relief society.) I knew that those things I was busy doing were righteous. As I gave priority to those important things in my life, I saw pathways open up. I was able to quickly sort through and find the one jeweler that offered the style of ring that I wanted. So that narrowed down the search. In the long run, I was able to purchase nicer, higher valued rings of the most ideal style at a significantly lower price than I could find anywhere else. The jeweler is a privately owned, LDS business. I knew that I was led there and blessed by Heavenly Father. In the end, I got what I wanted and saved us some money for when we’re poor newlyweds.I know that this blessing came because of my efforts and determination to live the gospel better in my daily life through following those small, yet important commandments. This task that was at first frustrating and daunting, but it ended up going quickly, smoothly and giving me something better than if nothing had gone wrong (with my ring) in the first place. That’s what being blessed looks like sometimes, or in my case, most of the time.

Sermon on the Mount

Without a doubt, I am so grateful and feel so blessed. There are so many more things that have happened to me lately that are clearly blessings from Heavenly Father. Without a doubt, I will always be striving to live a life close to Christ, because that’s what makes me truly, perfectly happy. If that’s something you want too, I urge you to read the Sermon on the Mount, or at least Matthew 5:1-12 and choose a beatitude that you want to work on. I will list 3 that I hope to work on below:

1. Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the ^amerciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

I know that it’s important to be understanding and show mercy towards those around us. When someone acts in a way we don’t like, we can be slow to react and show them kindness. When we are merciful to others, Heavenly Father is merciful to us. I loved this quote by our Prophet, Joseph Smith:

“Ever keep in exercise the principle of mercy, and be ready to forgive our brother on the first intimations of repentance, and asking forgiveness; and should we even forgive our brother, or even our enemy, before he repent or ask forgiveness, our heavenly Father would be equally as merciful unto us” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 392–93).

2. Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do ^ahunger and thirst after^brighteousness: for they shall be filled.

I have felt especially hungry for spiritual knowledge lately. The greek word that was translated to become filled connotes the idea of an animal being fattened until completely satisfied. I know that Heavenly Father will do the same with us and our desires to know and do righteous things. What a blessing this is! I have felt so much joy because I’m taking two religion classes this semester. At the end of doing my homework, I am filled with such a strong spirit because of the knowledge and testimony that I’ve gained that I’ve wanted so badly. He has truly filled me.

3. Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that ^amourn: for they shall be ^bcomforted.

“‘And again, blessed are all they that mourn’ (3 Nephi 12:4; see also Matthew 5:4). … He is talking about repentance. He is talking about the promise that will come to whom? All who would ‘come down into the depths of humility’ and have been baptized and have received the gift of the Holy Ghost (see 3 Nephi 12:2)” (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ed. Clyde J. Williams [1996], 112).

I know that as we make an effort to truly mourn and be repentant for our sins, we will feel more comfort. This helps us to understand and truly feel grateful for the atonement. This can bring us great joy.

Again, I am so grateful for the beatitudes and for all of the other commandments given to us in the scriptures that help us to live happier, fuller lives. Heavenly Father truly has given us help and direction in achieving true joy. I’m grateful for Christ’s example and sacrifice. I know that He died for our sins and He will come again. I know that our Heavenly Father wants to help us to become the best we can be and by praying for help and living the gospel, we can grow to become better people every day. I say these things, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Following the Lamb of God and Finding Others to do the Same

In John 1:29, 36 John uses the title “Lamb of God” to refer to Jesus Christ. Before His coming, people offered sacrifices, often lambs, to represent the sacrifice that Christ would make in the future. John was selected to prophesy of Christ and prepare the people. He taught that Jesus Christ would be the final offering made on their behalf.

The chart below represents individuals who met Christ and what their actions were after meeting him. This information can be found in John 1:35–51. and Matthew 4:17–25.

Name	How They Learned about Jesus Christ	What They Did After They Met Jesus Christ
Andrew and Simon, brothers	Found at their ship, by Christ and John the baptist	The way I understand it, Andrew was introduced to Christ by John the Baptist first. He went and found his brother Simon, to show him the Christ. When Christ told them to follow Him, they straightway left their nets and followed Him.
James and John, sons of Zebedee	Christ saw them in their ships, mending nets	Immediately left their ship, and they father, and followed Christ.
Philip	Found by Jesus while he was preaching in Galilee	Went to find Nathanael to tell him they found the one, saying: “We have found him, of whom aMoses in the law, and the prophets, did bwrite, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
Nathanael	Philip took him unto Christ	When Christ said that he already knew Nathanael, Nathanael asked how. Christ explained he saw Nathanael under the fig tree and he responded by proclaiming Christ to be the Son of God and the King of Israel

Note that the two main actions were to follow Christ and find loved ones to bring them unto Christ. This shows these men truly believed that He was the Messiah. I especially love Andrew and Philip’s examples because they had the desire to bring the people they loved unto Christ. If we truly believe in Christ, and all the blessings that come with His gospel, then we would want to share it with everyone! Lehi share’s this same desire as he shares his dream:

“And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great ^ajoy; wherefore, I began to be ^bdesirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was ^cdesirable above all other fruit.” 1 Nephi 8:12

Studying these men and their reactions to meeting the Savior has inspired me to be a better disciple of Christ. I think I’m pretty good at the following, but I have plenty of room for improvement when it comes to finding people to share the gospel with. I was born into a family where my parents, their parents, and all my aunts and uncles were all members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Since I was born, my dad and some of my mom’s brothers and sisters have fallen away from the church. I know that I can work on bringing those people to Christ. I have also started this blog with the hope that it might eventually reach someone who is seeking Christ on the internet. If that’s you, please feel free to contact me or request a visit from missionaries in your local area by clicking this link: http://www.mormon.org/missionaries. We would love to share the message of Christ with you.

I know with all of my Heart that Christ is the true Messiah and He came to redeem us from our sins. I am grateful for his infinite sacrifice that can undo every sin, weakness, or pain that we experience in this life. I know that I have the opportunity to have eternal life and live with my family forever if I but follow his commandments and find people to share the gospel with. The gospel brings me joy everyday and I would want that joy for everyone on the entire earth. I say these things, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.