Day 5: Today in church the Young Women (girls ages 12-18) who I mentor were taught about the atonement of Jesus Christ. The focus of the lesson, however, was not on the redemption of sin (which is a great and merciful blessing that comes with Christ's sacrifice) but rather on the other aspects of the atonement that I think we often forget. I love the scripture in the Book of Mormon in Alma 7:11-12 which reads:
"11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."
This is probably the only scripture I can reference off the top of my head (I know. sad. Next years lent challenge...) I love to know that Christ is there for me not just when I need forgiveness, but also when I need comfort, patience, a burden lightened, or even when I just need someone who just understands. Reading this scripture and understanding its significance changed my prayers for the better. It taught me that Christ and Heavenly Father don't just care about what I've done wrong and what I've done right, but they care about me and what I'm going through- good and bad. They rejoice when I rejoice and are pained when I am pained. They are there to help and not just to judge and forgive. They love me, they understand me, they understand how hard life can be, they have been where I have been and they want to help me get where I need to be. I often kick myself for not relying on them more and for not trusting them more to understand and to be there actively helping and rooting for me through the good and bad times. Reminding myself of Christ's gift to us, not just the opportunity that we have to return and live with God again, but also his promise to be with us and to never leave us alone, increases my love for them and reminds my heart just how much they really do care for me.
"11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."
This is probably the only scripture I can reference off the top of my head (I know. sad. Next years lent challenge...) I love to know that Christ is there for me not just when I need forgiveness, but also when I need comfort, patience, a burden lightened, or even when I just need someone who just understands. Reading this scripture and understanding its significance changed my prayers for the better. It taught me that Christ and Heavenly Father don't just care about what I've done wrong and what I've done right, but they care about me and what I'm going through- good and bad. They rejoice when I rejoice and are pained when I am pained. They are there to help and not just to judge and forgive. They love me, they understand me, they understand how hard life can be, they have been where I have been and they want to help me get where I need to be. I often kick myself for not relying on them more and for not trusting them more to understand and to be there actively helping and rooting for me through the good and bad times. Reminding myself of Christ's gift to us, not just the opportunity that we have to return and live with God again, but also his promise to be with us and to never leave us alone, increases my love for them and reminds my heart just how much they really do care for me.
Day 5: "We believe in God, the eternal father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost." Article of Faith 1:1.
I believe in three separate beings. God is our creator. Jesus Christ helped create this earth and is our savior. The Holy Ghost, often referred to as "The Spirit", is our comforter, guide, and companion here on this earth.
I have not seen God or Christ but through the confirmation from the Holy Ghost I know they are there. It's stronger than faith. I cannot deny what I have felt when pondering this and that has led me to this knowledge.
Below is a picture of one of the most peaceful places on earth, even among the busy rustle of many visitors. You can find these larger than life Cristus statues at a few LDS Temple visitor centers. This one happens to be at the Salt Lake City Temple Square Visitors Center. (I'll share my belief and love for temples later on.) if you ever have an opportunity to go visit one of these beautiful sacred grounds, see if there is a visitors center and go sit at the feet of this statue. You will be in awe. You will feel so small but significant at the same time. You will know the plan of our Father and the sacrifice of our Savior to be real. I invite you to go.
And if you're in the SLC area, I'd be more than happy to join you. . Because I love that place and I love this gospel. #40daysoftruth#LentChallenge2014
I believe in three separate beings. God is our creator. Jesus Christ helped create this earth and is our savior. The Holy Ghost, often referred to as "The Spirit", is our comforter, guide, and companion here on this earth.
I have not seen God or Christ but through the confirmation from the Holy Ghost I know they are there. It's stronger than faith. I cannot deny what I have felt when pondering this and that has led me to this knowledge.
Below is a picture of one of the most peaceful places on earth, even among the busy rustle of many visitors. You can find these larger than life Cristus statues at a few LDS Temple visitor centers. This one happens to be at the Salt Lake City Temple Square Visitors Center. (I'll share my belief and love for temples later on.) if you ever have an opportunity to go visit one of these beautiful sacred grounds, see if there is a visitors center and go sit at the feet of this statue. You will be in awe. You will feel so small but significant at the same time. You will know the plan of our Father and the sacrifice of our Savior to be real. I invite you to go.
And if you're in the SLC area, I'd be more than happy to join you. . Because I love that place and I love this gospel. #40daysoftruth#LentChallenge2014
Jenny Barrow shared a link.
Day 5: Having internal validation in spite of nothing in the external world validating you is important.
So much of what people offer is rejected by the world. To know that you qualify when so much of what you do is rejected is an important truth to hold close.
Do not focus on the validation we receive from the world. Focus on the internal validation you receive from within.
This is how God views you. He knows if you are giving your all or just of your abundance. Focus on the internal, give your all, and don't worry about external validation.
#40daysoftruth #LentChallenge2014
https://www.lds.org/bible-videos/videos/jesus-teaches-about-the-widows-mites?lang=eng
So much of what people offer is rejected by the world. To know that you qualify when so much of what you do is rejected is an important truth to hold close.
Do not focus on the validation we receive from the world. Focus on the internal validation you receive from within.
This is how God views you. He knows if you are giving your all or just of your abundance. Focus on the internal, give your all, and don't worry about external validation.
#40daysoftruth #LentChallenge2014
https://www.lds.org/bible-videos/videos/jesus-teaches-about-the-widows-mites?lang=eng
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