Ok, friends, just a head's up, this post is a bit religious! So I won't be offended if you don't read it, but then again, feel free to spread it and read it over and over! I love the gospel and it is a huge part of my life. I truly know that without it in my life, I would not be the person who I am today. It helps me solve my problems, and most of all it brings me joy and happiness! So for this blog I am simply bearing my testimony that the church is true and that Christ lives! (Now would be the part to stop reading if you don't want to hear more)
I have had many opportunities recently that have proved to me that the gospel is true. Nothing big like all of the prophets of old, but just little things. Time and time again when I am down or I feel like nothing is working out, I realized that I have not said my prayers for the day or even read my scriptures. As soon as I do those little things, I can feel my energy swell my body. I can literally feel the Savior put his arms around me and let me know that everything will be okay. As I have gone through life, I have been able to become very close to heed to promptings of the Lord. I know that when I follow those, I am much better off and I can see the blessings around me. I have a strong testimony of prayer and I know that if I continue to fall to my knees in time of need, I will continue to be blessed. As I was reading my scriptures one evening I came across Alma 34. I wasn't looking for some profound answer, in fact I was just reading. When I read this chapter I knew that Christ was speaking directly to me and reminded me how important prayer is. Yes, admittedly I knew I needed this reminder, but as I read it again, I felt so comforted. I was reminded to exercise my faith in all that I do and to humble myself so that I may be able to know when others are in need of my simple prayer. Not only should we pray when we are in need of something, but in all aspects. We should pray when we are afraid, when we are happy, when we feel hurt, when we hurt others, for our enemies, for our homes, for work, for our family, friends, and EVERYONE! I often forget that my prayers are not about me. When I read this chapter, yes I know this sounds so cliche, but I got down on my knees and prayed. I was so grateful that I was reminded what power prayers have.
I was reading in an old Ensign and found an article that Pres. Monson wrote, and I want to share a few of his thoughts. It is titled Finding Joy in the Journey, in the October 2008. I love this article!! It brought such a warm spirit and it reminded me how lucky I am to have the gospel in my life.
I have had many opportunities recently that have proved to me that the gospel is true. Nothing big like all of the prophets of old, but just little things. Time and time again when I am down or I feel like nothing is working out, I realized that I have not said my prayers for the day or even read my scriptures. As soon as I do those little things, I can feel my energy swell my body. I can literally feel the Savior put his arms around me and let me know that everything will be okay. As I have gone through life, I have been able to become very close to heed to promptings of the Lord. I know that when I follow those, I am much better off and I can see the blessings around me. I have a strong testimony of prayer and I know that if I continue to fall to my knees in time of need, I will continue to be blessed. As I was reading my scriptures one evening I came across Alma 34. I wasn't looking for some profound answer, in fact I was just reading. When I read this chapter I knew that Christ was speaking directly to me and reminded me how important prayer is. Yes, admittedly I knew I needed this reminder, but as I read it again, I felt so comforted. I was reminded to exercise my faith in all that I do and to humble myself so that I may be able to know when others are in need of my simple prayer. Not only should we pray when we are in need of something, but in all aspects. We should pray when we are afraid, when we are happy, when we feel hurt, when we hurt others, for our enemies, for our homes, for work, for our family, friends, and EVERYONE! I often forget that my prayers are not about me. When I read this chapter, yes I know this sounds so cliche, but I got down on my knees and prayed. I was so grateful that I was reminded what power prayers have.
I was reading in an old Ensign and found an article that Pres. Monson wrote, and I want to share a few of his thoughts. It is titled Finding Joy in the Journey, in the October 2008. I love this article!! It brought such a warm spirit and it reminded me how lucky I am to have the gospel in my life.
"Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family.
Day by day, minute by minute, second by second we went from where we were to where we are now. The lives of all of us, of course, go through similar alterations and changes. The difference between the changes in my life and the changes in yours is only in the details. Time never stands still; it must steadily march on, and with the marching come the changes.
This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now."
So I thought I would share what I have been doing because of this and because it's a great idea. I started my own JOY JOURNAL. For each day I am writing down the things that brought me joy throughout the day. Some of the things are silly, but other things are tender mercies of the Lord. As I read over the things that bring me joy, I always feel spoiled with love from my savior. Life can be very hard and there are times when I think I can't make it through, however there is joy in everything. I am not just saying this but I know this with all of my heart. I hope that those who have read this will feel inspired to do the same and to write down things (acts of kindness, phrases, silly moments... etc.) that bring you joy. Some days I know it can be hard, but those are the days that will help you grow the most!
I do apologize about how this one was mainly about my feelings toward the gospel, but I can't help it! I love it! I live it! I know it! It is such a big part of my life and I am not afraid to stand up for what I believe, it has shaped me into the person I am today! I would be more than willing to help any of you feel the way I feel! Last but not least.... GO FORTH AND DO!!!!!!!!
This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now."
So I thought I would share what I have been doing because of this and because it's a great idea. I started my own JOY JOURNAL. For each day I am writing down the things that brought me joy throughout the day. Some of the things are silly, but other things are tender mercies of the Lord. As I read over the things that bring me joy, I always feel spoiled with love from my savior. Life can be very hard and there are times when I think I can't make it through, however there is joy in everything. I am not just saying this but I know this with all of my heart. I hope that those who have read this will feel inspired to do the same and to write down things (acts of kindness, phrases, silly moments... etc.) that bring you joy. Some days I know it can be hard, but those are the days that will help you grow the most!
I do apologize about how this one was mainly about my feelings toward the gospel, but I can't help it! I love it! I live it! I know it! It is such a big part of my life and I am not afraid to stand up for what I believe, it has shaped me into the person I am today! I would be more than willing to help any of you feel the way I feel! Last but not least.... GO FORTH AND DO!!!!!!!!
Thanks for sharing You have a great spirit!!!!!
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