You Can Do Hard Things In the Strength of the Lord

I don't know about you, but I do know about me and I know that I like to do things all by myself.  I don't like asking for help because it makes me feel weak.  I always tell myself, "I can do hard things."  I think that if I just keep trying, I can always do everything.  Not realistic thinking, but I'll bet that some of you feel the same way.  I would also bet that you have realized, as I have, that somethings are just too hard.  We aren't Superman, and we can't do everything all the time. 

Fortunately we have access to a Super Man.  A man that can do hard things.  That has done hard things.  And although you can't always do hard things alone, with Him you can do anything!  This Superman is real, not someone in a comic book.  His name is Jesus Christ, and He is our Savior.  He knows you and can help you.  This knowledge has blessed me more than I can adaquately say.  When you rely on the Lord,  you can change that I to We.  We can do hard things.  Just like Paul said to the Philippians you too can say, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

Good Things to Come

The most lovely of women, my mother, suggested I read this talk, and now I'm suggesting it to you.  We all face hard times, and it may be easy to get discouraged.  Don't.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ provides hope, help, and happiness.  It brings the promise of good things to come.

"Even if you cannot always see that silver lining on your clouds, God can, for He is the very source of the light you seek. He does love you, and He knows your fears. He hears your prayers. He is your Heavenly Father."

Hold on.  Keep trying.  There is One who can help you find the light at the seemingly endless tunnel.  I testify along side Elder Jeffrey R. Holland that, "Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come."  The hard times will be a small moment, and there is much to look forward to.  (D&C 121:7-8)  You will be taken care of.  You are loved.

I'm a Mormon, and a Christian

A question I have run into as of late is whether Mormons are Christian.  Well that one is easy.  What does it mean to be Christian?  Simply put, a Christian is someone who believes in Jesus Christ and His teachings.  So, yes.  Mormons are in fact Christian.  The term Mormon is a nickname for us of the Latter-day Saint faith, because we read the Book of Mormon along with the bible, but our church is not called the Mormon Church.  We are the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  His name is in our title.  Because He is central to everything thing we do and say.  (3 Nephi 27:8)

 

"We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ" (2 Nephi 25:26)

 

On this Easter Sunday, I and all Christians will be celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Christ lived, he atoned and died for me.  "The reality of the Resurrection provides to one and all the peace that surpasses understanding"

 

 

He Lives!

This morning I had the opportunity to help a family landscape their front yard.  I was delighted to have the opportunity to serve them, and while I did I couldn't help but think of the service rendered to me two thousand years ago in the Garden of Gethsemane.  Perhaps it is in lieu of this Sunday's holiday, but I felt an overwhelming sence of gratitude for my Savior Jesus Christ and His Atonement. He is the only person to ever exist that will ALWAYS understand how I'm feeling.  He is the only person that will ALWAYS be able to comfort me.  He is the only person who can love me unconditionally and completely.  For that, He is my best friend.  I know that His Atonement was for me.  It was for you.  He died for us, and three days later, He rose.  He lives!  He is what Easter is all about.

Wak in Fruth

Today being day one of Walking in Truth on Blogger, I thought it only appropriate that we talk about the title that is currently taking residence at the top of your computer screen.  As a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is my privelege and calling to walk in truth as a representative of Jesus Christ at all times.  And the purpose of this blog is to invite and explain how the gospel of Jesus Christ can bring the blessings of truth to you too.

The scripture for which this blog is named is found in the Holy Bible.  The New Testament; the Third Epistle of James, chapter one, verse 4.  This particular scripture has special place in my family, for it was my grandpa's favorite scripture when he passed away.  He left a legacy of walking in truth, and challenged his family to do likewise. 

So, what does this 'walking in truth' entail?  Well let's figure it out Sister Hyde style, shall we?  I'm a bit of a word lover, and this verse contains 3 words that attention get.  Word numero uno? Joy.  Joy, although it is synonymous with happiness, implies something much greater.  Joy is lasting peace and comfort.  As Meriam defines it, it is well-being.  Not fleeting as happiness can sometimes be.  I don't know about you, but I give a constant sense of well-being an A++!

The second word is children.  I think of this verse in terms of us, the children of God.  We know we are His children, we are literally his offspring.  (Romans 8:16)  I believe that any father wants what is best for his children, and what is the best that God wants for us?  Joy!  (2 Nephi 2:25)  Funny how that relates isn't it?

Which brings us to my third word.  Walk.  Or, the way that we, as children of God, find joy.  We find it by walking with God.  By walking in truth.  Because God is truth. (John 17:17) We walk in truth by following Him.  We walk in truth by loving Him.  We walk in truth by keeping His commandments. 

What does walking in truth entail?  It entails knowing that we are children of God.  It entails having faith and hope that we can have joy.  Above all it entails walking, living, being the kind of person that we ourselves and God wants us to be.

Our Heavenly Father is happy when we are happy, and not just happy, but joyful.  He has given us the way to find that joy and to be happy always.  I know that is true.  Keep trying.  Keep working on walking in truth.