Our Weekly Promise to God

This morning I was studying my scriptures and I had the thought of working on my Duty to God a little bit. I love the new format! It really does prepare the young men for our missions. Anyways, I was studying about the sacrament prayer and it came to my mind that this would be a good blog post to do! I feel like sometimes some members of the Church (and even me), take this sacred ordinance for granted. We get to receive a cleansing of our sins every week! That's so awesome! I'm so grateful for that. We start off our week with a new start. I love it. So to understand what really happens I thought I would include the sacrament prayers and discuss them a little. 

Doctrine and Covenants 20:77,79:

"O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it; that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he has given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen."

"O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee, in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen."

So, these prayers are really powerful if you study them closely. When we partake of the bread and drink of the water, we promise to always remember Him, keep His commandments, and take His name upon us. In return, if we do this, we will always have His spirit to be with us! Isn't that sweet!?! And we are not perfect, so as long as we are willing and striving to do these things, we will have the Holy Ghost with us. 

In today's world there are so many distractions and it can be hard to always remember Jesus Christ. Luckily, the Church has numerous resources and helpful reminders! I ordered my own CTR ring (Choose the Right), and it always helps me remember who I am representing and who I am indebted to for giving me the opportunity to live with God again. Jesus Christ paved the way for you and I, and without Him, there would be no way to return. I am eternally grateful that Heavenly Father was willing to give up His Only Begotten Son. For ME! :) Another resource is seminary for youth. It's so awesome waking up every morning and hearing a message about the Gospel. My day is different without it. Those who aren't in seminary? Set aside a time each day to study your scriptures. Whether it's for 5 minutes or 20, that time spent will give you the power and the strength to get through your day. 

One of my favorite ways to receive strength and one that I lean on the most is through prayer. The Bible Dictionary gives great insight on prayer: "As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God, then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part. Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant but that are made conditional on our asking for them." 

And when we use these many things that God has given us to get through our hard weeks, we will still fall short. We will still sin. But, we need not be ashamed. Because last that I heard, our Church isn't for perfect people. We are all imperfect. We strengthen each other as we work our way back home. Dieter F. Uchtdorf says it much better than I can: "Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God's love encompasses us completely. ... He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken.”

I know that we can receive strength through the sacrament prayer. If we are just willing to do those three things, we will be blessed with the Spirit. And with the Spirit, nothing can stop us. I know that Christ is my Redeemer. Without Him I would be lost forever. I'm so grateful for how much Heavenly Father loves me, though I have imperfections. And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Firm in the Faith. 24/7!

Life is tough. My atmosphere that I live in Ohio I know has gotten at least 10 times worse in past 5 years. The world's standards are plummeting. The Lord's commandments do not change. His standards for us do not waver. We must be firm and steadfast during these hard times. It is coming to a time that there is no more gray area. You cannot depend on another's testimony to protect you from the adversary. If you are seeking for your own testimony, pray for the Lord's help. Read from the Book of Mormon. This book brings peace and comfort into your life. It is the keystone of our religion. Read it and pray. Serve those around you. There is no greater feeling than serving your brothers and sisters. 

Conversion is your responsibility. The True to the Faith book teaches: "No one can be converted for you, and no one can force you to be converted. However, others can help you in the process of conversion. Learn from the righteous examples of family members, Church leaders and teachers, and men and women in the scriptures." The Gospel of Jesus Christ contains the strength needed to overcome the temptations that we all deal with every day. This church brings happinness that will bless your life for eternity. In the Book of Mormon there is a promise in the introduction. If you really think about what is being said, it's powerful. "Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is his revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the Lord's kingdom once again established on the earth." Now, what do we do once we gain this testimony? 

Our answer is found in the book of James. "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." We must endure to the end. Remember your ultimate goal: to return to your Father that gave you life. Satan is doing all that he can to distract you from that. He has plagued music, television, movies, and even your friends at times. Satan is the best at what he does. No one is better in the skill of deception. He has been hard at work for over 2000 years. He is working his hardest on us. We have the skills to thwart him though. We were reserved to face him at this time. We have been given so many resources to help us along the way. In closing, I would strongly encourage you to watch this video. I felt the spirit and gained a greater testimony of staying firm in the faith. 

I love this Church and that we can strengthen each other through our testimonies. I love all of the bishops and other leaders that do all that they can to help us. I'm so grateful for the missionaries out there who are sacrificing 2 years of their lives to bring the happy message of the Gospel to families all over the world so that they can be together with their families for eternity. May we all be good examples. Come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness. I know that as we do this we will receive strength that cannot be obtained through man. And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

   

Feel Lonely? God Loves You.

It's funny how often I need this reminder. With the busyness of life and everything that goes on around all of us, it's easy to feel lost and confused. You wonder if it'll ever get easier. And I'll tell you now, it doesn't. It does become more manageable when you recognize that you have a loving Heavenly Father. He, the Most Supreme Being in the universe, wants the best for YOU. He knows your name, and knows more about you than you do. He wants us to return to Him so that we can become like Him! He has sent us so many helpers along the way back too!

1. He Loves You - He gave His Only Begotten Son 

This scripture is seen during big sporting events, but think of the true meaning of it. Imagine that you are God, that you gave your only son up.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosever believeth in him should not perish, but shall have everlasting life.”

He did it for you. He gave up His Son, Jesus Christ, so that we all have the opportunity and choice to follow God. Without Christ, we would be forever cut off from His presence. Christ was perfect and an example that we strive to follow. We can pray to our Heavenly Father for the Chirstlike attributes of love, patience, humility, and forgiveness. We can become disciples of Christ and truly be an example of the believers (1 Timothy 4:12).

2. He Loves You - He gave us the Holy Ghost

We are also blessed with the third member of the Godhead, TWENTY FOUR SEVEN. That's pretty monumental when you realize what it really means. The Holy Ghost is awesome. He is always there if we are making the right decisions. He's the best friend that never leaves, the coach that pushes you to do your best, and your parental unit that makes you feel guilty when you know you shouldn't be doing something. It's pretty cool! He's our tour guide. We've been dropped in from a plane into Afghanistan and He knows how to safely get out of the battleground. That way is the Gospel. That way is Christ. Don't take for granted one of the greatest gifts that God has given us. If we recognize that we are being led by the Spirit, we will become more obedient, more loving, and will be filled with more light! In some of my toughest days, the Holy Ghost reminds me to read my scriptures, or ironically, write a blog post. And I feel like I can conquer any temptation after I do these things. It brings me an inner peace that is unmatched.  

"And I will send upon him the Comforter, which shall teach him the truth and the way whither he shall go;" (D&C 79:2)

3. He Loves You - He gave you a Family

Families are so great. My sister makes me laugh on an every day basis. My brothers are serving full-time missions and they couldn't be a greater example. My oldest sister has a 7-month old angel and she is an example to me in how families should be. My other brother (big family) served an honorable full-time mission and is always looking to have a good time. I wouldn't have my family any other way. I think that goes the same for all of us. He is the perfect match-maker! :) I love that families can be together forever and that I will be with mine for eternity. In a booklet for the youth of the church it states:

"Being part of a family is a great blessing. Your family can provide you with companionship and happiness, help you learn correct principles in a loving atmosphere, and help you prepare for eternal life." - For the Strength of Youth

I hope that we all go to our family if we are ever feeling down or alone. Ask for a father's blessing or just ask to talk to your parents. I'm 101% sure they will say yes! As you can see, there are so many sources of comfort that our Heavenly Father gave us. I'm not even close to naming them all! He does this because He Loves You.      

4. He Loves You - He gave us the Scriptures

"Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men." (D&C 11:21). He gave us the scriptures so that we can learn more of Him. He gave us the scriptures so that we can learn, understand, gain a sure testimony, and strengthen others through our own knowledge of the divine truths in it. The prophets of old and today are great examples of their love to others and to God. They understood that God loved them and they wanted/want to share that with the whole world! The scriptures hold the keys to spiritual protection. In 1 Nephi 15:24 we see that: "...whoso would hearken unto and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them to lead them away to destruction."

5. He Loves You - He gave you Friends

I have never met anyone who doesn't need friends. We all need people in our lives to laugh with, someone we can count on, and someone we can use as a shoulder to cry on. Life is hard, and friends ease that burden. In my experiences, friends have either gone through what you have and know what to say, or they just telepathically know what to say, and it kind of shocks you how cool they are. I have realized that as I have been growing up that my friend pool has diminished. My standards haven't. Those that weren't respecting for who I was and what I believe in were distracting me from what I really want for my future. To serve a full-time mission and marry in the temple with my beautiful bride-to-be (whoever that is). Friends are there to help you back up. Let's make the scriptures our friend. Let's make our famlies our close friends. Let's make the Holy Ghost our spirit friend. Let's make Christ our BEST friend. 

I know that this Church is true and that God loves YOU. He knows you by name. He knows you and me. We are one in billions but He loves us! Never forget that. And if you need anything, you can ALWAYS pray. I say that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.   

New Years Resolutions: RECOMMIT!

Happy New Year! I hope everyone has had a great holiday. But we're back to the hustle and bustle of our lives. What are your New Year's Resolutions? I think for me this year I just want to focus on a couple things. I feel that if we all just have one or two simple, straight-forward goals, then we will be more likely to accomplish them! I want to be more humble and love people more. These traits are hard to master and I know that I will never master them completely. However, if I include Christ and God in my goals, praying to Him to help me do so, I know that mine, and your efforts will be more successful! Whether you choose humility or love, all goals apply. 

"Your success and happiness lies in you, resolve to keep happy and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties." - Helen Keller  

"People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou

May we all face this new year with a sense of vigor to do what's right. Forget what happened to last years resolutions and go after the ones this year! With God, nothing is impossible. Continue to be a light to those around you. Help them to become a better person because they knew you. 

"Who can say if I've been changed for the better.
I do believe I have been changed for the better.

Because I knew you
I have been changed...
For good."

Wicked "For Good" 

I know that we can all become better people through Christ. If we keep His commandments and are engaged in good works, we will be blessed for our efforts! I love this Gospel. It brings me so much joy! I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

http://alturl.com/8efpc - "With God Nothing Shall be Impossible"