5 QTs - Standing for Truth, Doing Good, and a little Diligence

Merry Christmas everyone! 2013 is almost over! Seems crazy! A new tradition that our family is starting is one of filling a present with gifts that we will give to Christ in the next year. I love the idea! My best friend's family has done it for years and we're following suit! So what gift will you give to Christ in the following year? 

Since it is the Christmas season I thought I would do a few quick thoughts based off of some scriptures.

1 Nephi 15:24 - "And I said unto them that it was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction."

I love this scripture because it helped me through a tough time in my life. I wasn't sure what to do in my life and I was reading the scriptures and happened upon this scripture. I just opened it up and found it within a couple minutes. This experience gives me the knowledge that God does listen to us and answers our prayers. We must turn to Him and let Him guide us to our answer. And I knew that I needed to hearken unto the word of God, and hold fast unto it. Not letting go. 

Galatians 5:1 - "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."

This is a great time for this scripture. To remind us that we need not worry, believe in His sacrifice. He took upon all of our sins so that we can become perfect. It is a good reminder to me to tell myself that with Christ, everything is going to be okay. We know that. So don't fear. :) 

D&C 97:8 - "Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice—yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command—they are accepted of me."

Everyone wants to be accepted. This verse stuck out to me because the Lord tells us all what we must do to be accepted of Him! Honesty, Humility, Willingness. There are things that are hard to accomplish in this life, but one thing we can all do is try. We need to be willing to observe our covenants. Willing to keep the commandments which He has given them. That's all we need to do. 

Psalms 37:23 - "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way."

I love the simplicity of Psalms. A good man listens to the promptings of the Spirit. They are a disciple, and they delight in following Him. I'm sure that President Monson experiences delight in following Christ. I hope that I can be trusted with more promptings and follow them. He is a good example of what one man can do. Let us all follow in the steps of a good man. Look for a worthy example in your life to follow. 

D&C 64:33 - "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great."

These are the last days, and we are laying the foundation for our future children. It is up to us! Continue to be engaged in wholesome uplifting activities. When you are doing good, you will be given strength because you will be doing what your Savior would do. And when you follow Christ, you shouldn't get tired of it. When I went on my HEFY trip over the summer, I loved serving the people down there. I didn't want to leave one bit! Serve others in small ways, because great things can happen because of YOU. 

I know this to be the Church of Jesus Christ. He leads and guides this Church. He is living. He died for you, and because He did, you can live with your family for forever. I love that we have the Atonement to be forgiven and have our sins be remembered no more. I love my Savior. He is my foundation. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.