Loving Christ

One of my favorite memories about Christ at Christmas, a song arranged and performed by Candice Crocket.

Stringtown Christmas Video 2014 Music by Candice Crockett and Pictures by Simon Dewey

This is one of my favorite images of the Savior that I frequently see floating around social media. In my life, especially recently within my romantic relationships, I have seen how my righteous wants and desires seem amazing, seem to be all that I want. And giving up those small teddy bears hurts. It is even more difficult doesn't immediately give His bigger and better teddy bear in return. Although I am still waiting for my big teddy bear, I can testify and promise that while we are giving up the small bear, we are not alone. We will be consoled and shown love until that big bear comes.

Recently, life has shown me that miracles can follow our steadfast and faithful obedience, but not necessarily on our timetable. Some of the miracles I have seen recently have come after years of fasting and prayer, some have come instantly, and some are still pending. But, I am sure, they will come.

Hi Stake friends! We wanted to invite y’all to pray about a time you can attend the temple this month! We pray you’ll be able to feel God’s love as you do so ❤️

-Temple and Family History Committee from 137th Ward

Ponder this: “The Savior invites us to see our lives through Him in order to see more of Him in our lives” -Sister Browning (October 2022)

I love the idea of striving to see ourselves, our choices, and our life through Christ. I know that when I strive to do what Christ would do, I feel His guidance, comfort, and perfect love for me.

Elder Holland remarked that the phrase, "Be of good cheer," should be thought of as a commandment --one that is "almost universally disobeyed" even by those who are righteous individuals. John Bytheway further elaborated something along the lines of, "you mean we hurt the Savior's feelings" when we don't feel comfortable in His care? To me these quotes are not meant as rebuke (and I certainly hope you don't read them that way), but more as a reminder of how much the Savior loves us and wants us to be happy. Sometimes life isn't happy or good and we have to settle for a more eternal happiness, but there is still happiness.

My favorite images of the Savior are ones where He is hugging a child because of how tender, loving, and warm they are. I look at this image and can't help but feel loved and feel comfortable in the care of a God who hugs me with that kind of love.

-Jared from the 137th Ward

In 2019 Elder Uchtdorf referenced the story of Bilbo Baggins from the Hobbit, he shared how he left a life of comfort and ease to embark on an adventure. He shared this saying Bilbo’s story is like our story.

He said: “Long, long ago, even before we were born, in an age dimmed by time and clouded from memory, we too were invited to embark on an adventure. It was proposed by God, our Heavenly Father. Accepting this adventure would mean leaving the comfort and security of His immediate presence. It would mean coming to earth for a journey filled with unknown danger and trial.

We knew it would not be easy.

But we also knew that we would gain precious treasures, including a physical body and experiencing the intense joys and sorrows of mortality. We would learn to strive, to seek, and to struggle. We would discover truths about God and ourselves.
Of course, we knew we would make many mistakes along the way. But we also had a promise: that because of the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we could be cleansed of our transgressions, refined and purified in our spirits, and one day resurrected and reunited with those we love.”

Don’t forget the adventure you are on, there is a treasure at the end and lessons to be learned along the way. You are not alone on this journey, rely on your fellowship with those around you and seek to help others. Most of all rely on your God who will be there every step along the way.

In this week’s Come Follow Me study, we read of a father who brings his son to Christ for healing (Mark 9:14-30). Of this account, Elder Holland taught:

“When facing the challenge of faith, the father asserts his strength first and only then acknowledges his limitation … When problems come and questions arise, do not start your quest for faith by saying how much you do not have, leading as it were with your ‘unbelief.’ … I am not asking you to pretend to faith you do not have. I am asking you to be true to the faith you do have.”

-Matthew from the 137th Ward

“Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.” - Albert Einstein

Have you ever missed a day of scripture reading or forgot to pray? What about praying just to check the daily box? In the Book of Mormon we are taught that “God hath said a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing. For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness.” (Moroni 7:8-9) We have all experienced the checkbox mentality at some point, and we have also experienced falling short from time to time. Let us remember that it is ultimately our character that Christ cares about. In our shortcomings we have the opportunity to try again, proving our resolve to follow Christ and repent. At the last day the heavenly accounting of our life will not likely ask us about how many prayers we offered, but rather how much prayer has meant to us throughout our life. We will not be asked how many verses of scripture were read over the years, but rather how over the years those scriptures have gained new meaning. Take a moment today to reflect on what things really count in bringing you closer to Jesus Christ, and then commit to improve in one of those areas. As you do, your relationship with Christ will bring you more peace, joy and hope from day to day.

“The God of heaven and earth will help us overcome discouragement and whatever obstacles we encounter if we look to Him, follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost, and just keep going—with faith.” —Elder Carl B. Cook”

“Sometimes in life we become so focused on the finish line that we fail to find joy in the journey.” -Dieter F. Uchtdorf
It is easy to become consumed with school, work, family situations, and other pressing things, but it is important to take time to relax and have fun. I hope we can all find a time each day to just be happy and do something that sparks joy.

-Ruth from the 137th Ward

When we pray for a miracle, God sometimes delivers but often He strengthens. It is my hope and prayer that we will remember that God often doesn't take away our trials but instead gives us the strength to endure them. I know it is through Christ that this happens

President Russell M. Nelson has said that “awe have a sacred responsibility to share the power and peace of Jesus Christ to all who will listen.”

We have a marvelous opportunity next weekend to listen to the Lord’s servants during General Conference. As we prepare ourselves for this wonderful event, who can we invite to watch with us? Who can benefit from hearing the message of the gospel from these devoted disciples? During the conference we can ask ourselves who needs these messages at this time? Who would be uplifted from these words about our loving Savior who cares so much about us? Let us take advantage of the opportunity we have to share this light with others and do our part to build God’s kingdom in normal and natural ways.

The Holy Ghost not only helps us recognize plain truth but also plain nonsense!

- President Wells

I often feel downhearted, imperfect, not enough, reaching for spiritual goals which I feel are always just beyond my grasp. I feel encouraged and empowered when I remember that I am NOT alone, that Christ is on my side, and that I am not to be perfect on my own, but be perfectED through Him. You can feel Christ's love and be made whole through him. He loves you, and is eager to embrace you in His arms of loving mercy.
From

Please feel free to comment on this post your thoughts, experiences, or questions, and I'd be happy to reply. DM me, or share with a friend to spread a lil' light and love ❤️

"The perfection that the Savior envisions for us is much more than errorless performance. It is the eternal expectation as expressed by the Lord in his great intercessory prayer to his Father—that we might be made perfect and be able to dwell with them in the eternities ahead.

The Lord’s entire work and glory pertains to the immortality and eternal life of each human being. He came into the world to do the will of his Father, who sent him. His sacred responsibility was foreseen before the creation and was foretold by all his holy prophets since the world began."

President Russell M Nelson, October 1995, Perfect Pending

Post made by from the Provo YSA 137th ward

The Savior may not always come right when we call, but He is ALWAYS on time.

"I offer you my apostolic promise that [our prayers] are heard and they are answered, though perhaps not at the time or in the way we wanted. But they are always answered at the time and in the way an omniscient and eternally compassionate parent should answer them."
-Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "Waiting on the Lord" (October 2020)

This is a gift from me! I wish I could give it to you in person, because it has been one of the most influential things in my life. This book will bring you closer to Jesus Christ if you read it and live the principles it teaches. As you get closer to Him, you will find that you become more patient and compassionate, just like Him. You will be more at peace and less stressed as hard things happen. All of this will help you to claim more joy in your relationships with people that matter most to you. That is why this is the most valuable thing I could give you. Enjoy! Here is the link to this book 🙂 I invite you to read it and let the Savior change your life!
3 Nephi 11
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/.../bofm/3-ne/11...

“Because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so… Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are. Truly the Redeemer of us all said: ‘I will not leave you comfortless: [My Father and] I will come to you [and abide with you].’” - Elder Holland, April 2009

This picture was taken in Gethsemane, where our Redeemer made the ultimate sacrifice to be able help us overcome any trial or difficulty we could possibly encounter during our mortal journey. How grateful we are to have a Savior that loves us so selflessly and so unconditionally. May we prepare for the Easter season by remembering Him and all He has done for us.

Prayer is essential to come closer to God and grow your testimony. How has prayer blessed your life?

Due to bad road conditions we have canceled stake institute tonight. Stay safe, and reach out if you need anything!

1 Nephi 17:13 And I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments; wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led.

I know that my Redeemer lives!

God loves you.