Love Like Christ in the Willamette Valley

Our Savior is our perfect example. Because He is good, He can go about doing good. He blesses the one and the. He is ministering personified. We become more like Jesus Christ when we do “unto … the least of these” as we would unto Him, when we love our neighbor as ourselves, when we “love one another; as I have loved you,” and when “whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister.”

-Gerrit W. Gong

Join us for a youth and young single adult devotional with Elder Gong! Saturday, September 9 at 3550 W 18th Ave, Eugene. The meeting will begin at 7:00pm!

Art by Emily Shay Art

While I was studying in Romans this week I learned that the commandments teach me all the things I need to do. But, the most important thing I learned is that the example of Christ's life teaches me the kind of a person to be. I can follow His example to be more patient, more understanding, more compassionate, more forgiving etc. As I open my heart to His grace I can lead my life by letting the Spirit guide me each day. This is probably something I have heard before and understood intellectually but this week I understood it with my heart.

- Barbara Neal

Each time we read from God's word we can feel His Spirit which, "will show unto you all things what ye should do." (2 Nephi 32:5)

What are you learning from the Spirit as you read the scriptures?

I know my Heavenly Father loves me. I know He sees me. If we pray and talk to Him and ask for His help, He will carry us. We just have to humble ourselves and allow help. I'm so grateful for the Atonement and the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for me, for all of us. I love Him. HE ALWAYS HAS MY BACK!

-Lanae Bang

On the subject of feeling alone in life, Elder Jeffery Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, "Because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path—the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends...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].”

Is there someone in your life who needs to know they are never alone?
Share this with them!

Here is the rest of the speech from Elder Holland:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kcgnmO2Aho

We often feel restricted during our lives. I have found that the the problem comes when we apply worldly definitions to Gospel principles.
If you subscribe to worldly norms and trends, living a Christ focused life will always feel restrictive. I don’t imagine anyone who felt more restricted than the Savior in the garden of Gethsemane, where like a wine press, suffered the pains and afflictions of all of us. Through that moment of utter “restriction” came ultimate freedom—freedom from sin and the only way back to our Father in Heaven.

-Brandon Wilkinson

How can you focus on the freedom that Christ provides to us?

When we think of Jesus Christ it reminds us of the Atonement. It is simple to think of Christ being crucified on the cross and dying there but we both thought about and discussed the dynamics of what actually happened. The horrific pain and suffering that Christ endured and sacrificed Himself for us. As parents we discussed how difficult it must have been for Heavenly Father to see His Son suffer like He did. The sacrifices They made for us only makes us love them even more, we are grateful for the Atonement!
Russ & Janeen Fish

In a talk given by Tad R. Callister, he addressed the question "What is the Atonement of Jesus Christ?" He said, "it is a series of divine events that commenced in the Garden of Gethsemane, continued on the cross, and culminated with the Savior’s Resurrection from the tomb. It was motivated by an incomprehensible love for each of us. It required a being who was sinless... who possessed a boundless capacity to suffer the consequences of all our sins and ailments; and who, in fact, descended beneath it all. This was the mission of Jesus Christ—this was His Atonement."

Send us a message to talk more about the Atonement of Jesus Christ!

What I learned about the Savior this week was that He traveled 40 miles overnight to raise the widow's son from the dead. In Luke 7 it states that He was in Capernaum, then in verse 11 it states that,
"And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people."
If you map the distance from Capernaum to Nain, it is about 40 miles. Scriptorians believe He travelled this in a single day.

If He does this for a widow's son, He will make the same effort for us.

Christine Davis

How have you seen Christ make that effort in your week?

Trust the Lord in every aspect of your life. We have to be willing to go the Lord's prepared way!

When we moved to the coast we were willing, we felt like it was time to look for something else. The city of Eugene came up and he interviewed, got the job and here we are. We took the detour, unwillingly, but we were meant to be here so He got us here. If you're not willing to listen right away, you'll get there the longer way instead of the most direct way.

Maggie Newey

God has a plan for you to grow, improve, and find joy through it all.
Pray to Him so you can know what steps are next for you!

We know that our trials and short comings in life can be a source of strength if we have faith in Jesus Christ and look to Him for hope and a desire to become more like Him.

- Mark & Tracy Haynes

"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." (Ether 12:27)

Jesus Christ brings hope to us as we look to Him!
How can you look to Him?

"I will be turning 12, that means I'm old enough to do baptisms at the temple. I had the opportunity to go to the Portland Temple for the first time this spring. It was so spiritual and peaceful. I could feel the Holy Ghost. I had tons of fun and got to do baptisms for the dead. It was even more spiritual because they were family names. When I attended the temple, I'm reminded that I'm a daughter of God."

Addy Hicks

Silvia H. Allred explained more of what the purpose for temples are when she said, "The most holy places on earth are the temples. In the temple, worthy members of the Church receive the greatest blessings anyone can aspire to as we make sacred covenants with God. We also help make those same blessings available to our ancestors who died..."

Message us if you are looking for a place to find rest from the world or are interested in talking more about the House of The Lord!

You can't put words to His love, it's so beautiful. I am amazed at what He does for me because of His love for me. I feel on top of the world when I think of His divine and matchless love.

- Lana Lowder

How has Jesus Christ's love blessed your life?
How can you spread that love with the people around you?

The peaceful spirit of the Temple comes through, even in a world that's upside down. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is reaching so many people looking for the simple and pure things in life.

-Doug Dick

President Russell M. Nelson, God's prophet today promised us all "increased time in the temple will bless your life in ways nothing else can."

Message us to learn about how the temple can benefit you and your family!

My husband and I were blessed with 4 children - 3 boys and a premature daughter, weighing only 4 lbs. I had been sick with Toxemia and almost died.

When our daughter was about 8 months old, she began having seizures, which led to the doctor hearing a heart murmur. She was diagnosed with several heart defects and a hole the size of a dime.

We prayed, fasted, and begged God to heal her. She was given multiple Priesthood blessings. We knew Heavenly Father could heal her if we had faith in Him.

When she was 6 years old, our doctors told us she would need to have surgery. When the deadline came for me to schedule the appointment, I was frantic. In desperation, I called my bishop and he told me he felt impressed that I should read my patriarchal blessing. I was sobbing as I read it. I knelt down by my bed and prayed again...this time with more faith. As I prayed, a warm feeling poured over me...from head to foot. I knew she would be ok and that she would not die.

I am grateful for the fact that Heavenly Father blessed her all along. With a hole that had grown to the size of a 50 cent piece, she should have had many more problems!! We are so grateful for wonderful surgeons and for the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ and His Priesthood power.

- Judy Harvey

God's power is on Earth today! Just as it was in Christ's time. He still heals us. He still blesses us. How have you seen His power in your life?

We take each day and have faith that our Heavenly Father is beside us in all we do. When we were struggling financially, we continued to tithe and have faith that our debt would become way down. Several months down the road we were blessed for our faithfulness, today we are almost debt free and we are able to survive without the stress!

-Halemba's

In the Book of Mormon, a man named King Benjamin shared His testimony on following God's commandments. He said those that follow the commandments "are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness."

How can you "hold out faithful" in your actions towards Heavenly Father this week?

Most of all I'm grateful for Jesus Christ. I'm grateful for His sacrifice. I'm grateful for freedom of religion that allows us to worship God how we will and grow closer together as we grow closer to Him.

-Adam Strasdas

Elder Jeffery R. Holland taught, “His is the ultimate arm of strength and His the endurance which endures all things.”

Why are you grateful for Jesus Christ?

I have seen the hand of God in my life by giving me a loving family who takes care of me and is always there for me. God is good, God is great, let it ring!

Adam Newey

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf promised, "Whatever problems your family is facing, whatever you must do to solve them, the beginning and the end of the solution is charity, the pure love of Christ. Without this love, even seemingly perfect families struggle. With it, even families with great challenges succeed."

How have you seen God's hand in your life?

I know that He lives and loves each and everyone of us.

We are not a perfect family but I know we can be perfected in and through His atoning sacrifice.

I'm grateful that we have the opportunity to live and love during this most wonderful time when the gospel of Jesus Christ can be taught to anyone who will open their heart and listen.

-Jason Salden

“Understanding the Savior’s freely given atoning love can free us from self-imposed, incorrect, and unrealistic expectations of what perfection is.” (Gerrit W. Gong)

How do you feel the Savior’s perfecting love in your life?

At my age (70), Heavenly Father has interceded many times to get me to the age I am today. Car accidents, alcohol, climbing on ships that were being dismantled, I could go on and on. Searching through the chaff, I would like to share a young boy's help from Heavenly Father.

I was about 12 years old. Fat, out of shape, low-self-esteem, well, I could go on and on. I joined the Boy Scouts and we had my first camp out in the Eagle Creek Oregon location. Camping, firesides, games, fun, fun, fun, or so I thought. Everything was going great until the Scout Leader said we’re going for a hike.

Hiking for a fat kid was not my idea for fun. So, I grabbed my Official Boy Scout pack, loaded the basic needs and prepared for the journey. We were hiking to the top of the Columbia River Gorge. As we started the hike, I started to fall behind. The higher the elevation, the further I fell back. The scout leader decided to put me up front to set the pace for the troop. That didn’t work well! I now was holding up the pack. The boys (some, my friends) started complaining. Snow had fallen in the upper levels, and we now were hiking in snow. I was done. Every 20 feet, I had to stop.

Finally, I just gave up. I was exhausted, tired of hearing the jeers, and drenched with sweat. The Scout Leader decided to leave me behind. He asked if I would be ok by myself and I said, “just go”. I found a log to sit on, dusted off the snow and sat down. This is much better than continuing that hike, or so I thought.

As time passed by, I cooled off and now started to get cold. Funny how that exhausting hot sweat I built up, now turned into cold and wet. I sat on the log looking and listening to the sounds of nature. Pretty soon I was starting to shiver. The cold was getting to me. The peaceful sounds of nature now sounded like animals coming to get me. I was wet, cold and afraid. My Scout Pack was the only humans hiking the area that day and I had no clue when they would return. What if they took another trail and left me behind? I was scared!

The time went by and I was getting colder and more scared. I didn’t know what to do. Do I continue to sit here, start hiking up the trail or down the trail? I felt I was losing my mind.

It was then, in my time of trouble, I knew my only option was to pray to the Heavenly Father for help. I started to pray. I told Heavenly Father that I was scared, cold and losing my mind in fear. I finished my prayer and sat there. Would he answer me? Would I get help? Would my Scout Pack return?

In a normal story, I would say that minutes seemed like hours for a reply. Not so! I had my answer in just a few minutes, the time it took to think about what I prayed for. I heard laughing, yelling and the commotion of about 10 young boys coming down the trail. I was saved!

Most people don’t get an immediate answer to their prayers. I did. Heavenly Father knew that a young boy needed his help immediately and he provided that help.

-Theodore Green

When have you seen your prayers answered?

The Parable of the Dirty Clothes-

One day, my father observed that the clothes my parents bought for me were on the floor.

The clothes I bought with my own money by babysitting or mowing lawns were hanging up in my closet and taken care of.

My dad compared that to our testimonies.

When we work and pray to gain our own testimony of Jesus Christ, that's powerful. We chose to follow Him. Likewise, if we just go to Church if we are told to, that's not as powerful and it's like passively leaving clothes on the floor.

-Rebekah Haslip

What is the state of your testimony of Christ?

Is it well cared for? Or has it been neglected?

What can you do to choose to more closely follow Him this week?

I love the story of Captain Moroni in the Book of Mormon. He was the leader of the Nephite army at a time when they were engaged in a struggle against the unrighteous Lamanites. Though the Nephite nation had been originally founded on righteous principles, Satan had great influence over the people and they had departed from their values and lost the strength and protection of the Lord.

In the midst of his darkened nation, Moroni remained a true patriot and righteous influence. He stood firm in his knowledge and values, in spite of the opposition he faced, and that led the rest of his country back to the right. We can do the same in our day by standing up for what is right even when all others are telling us to do otherwise.

-Adam Davis

In General Conference of April 2017, Elder Gary B Sabin said, “The Lord requires the heart and a willing mind, our whole heart! When we are baptized, we are fully immersed as a symbol of our promise to fully follow the Savior, not half-heartedly. When we are fully committed and “all in,” heaven shakes for our good. When we are lukewarm or only partially committed, we lose out on some of heaven’s choicest blessings.”

When have you had to stand up wholeheartedly for what’s right?

I am thankful for a Heavenly Father who gave us the gospel, this country we live in, and a Savior to show us how to live accordingly.

-Bryan Taylor

The gospel is our Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness. The word gospel means “good news!” The center of the gospel is the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which allows us to be forgiven of our mistakes. The Savior has promised that if we endure to the end, faithfully living the gospel, He will hold us guiltless before the Father at the Final Judgment. ❤

The fullness of the gospel has been preached in all ages when God’s children have been prepared to receive it. In these last days, the gospel has been restored to the earth once again!

How has the gospel of Jesus Christ impacted your life?

This week is the anniversary of the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum. As I reflect on their lives and the contributions they made to the gathering of Israel and the restoration of Christ’s Church, I always think of the Sacred Grove. While the future held challenges more difficult than the young Joseph could have imagined, he was able to make it through those challenges because in that grove he found out who he was.

Armed with that same knowledge, that we are children of a God who loves us so much that He willingly allowed His Only Begotten Son to be sacrificed to save us, we can make it through our challenges.

I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and that no matter what challenges we experience, we can find freedom from them “through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).

-Kimberly Reeder

What has helped you come to recognize that you are a child of God?

Faith and freedom of many kinds are being attacked.

It’s not just about our religious rights, it’s everyone’s. Part of freedom of religion is loving and serving others like Christ would.

-Lisa Petersen

Articles of Faith 11 states- “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”

Why is religious freedom meaningful to you?

We can lean on Him when we do not know what to do! We can be perfected, it will take a lifetime but we can take little steps toward the Savior.

-Rune Larsen

What is your personal next step towards the Savior?

It could be anything.

How can you know what to do?

Pray to the Father to know!

I was praying the other day and asking God,

“How is it that you can create this earth, and all the billions of people, not to mention the countless planets filling the endless galaxies…how is it that you can possibly hear me praying right now in this room? It just seems incomprehensible…..”

and as I prayed, I had this thought come to my mind,

“That is what makes me God, that I can create all the heavens and the earth, and I can still hear your prayer, and be aware of you.”

How amazing is that? That the most intelligent, kindest, creative and powerful being in the universe hears me when I pray? And cares about me? It’s comforting to know that I’m not just a random accident that occurred through evolution, but rather that I am connected and important to the Great Creator and that I can have a relationship with Him. Prayer should definitely never just be an after-thought.

Take time to pray, and you will feel God’s love for you.

-Tara Christensen

I know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are always ready to help us on our faith journey. If we can put our faith in the Lord, He will guide us. I know He will help us through all the times that are hard and when we don't know how to move forward.

-Margaret Hansen

What have you learned as you’ve relied on the Savior to guide you?

In August of 2020, Dieter F. Uchtdorf wrote of some of the struggles that come during the journey! He says,

“If you continue to place one foot in front of the other and strive each day to follow your plan, things will work out and you will reach your goals. You will certainly find surprises and unexpected challenges during your adventure, but those are the things that make a successful story—your life story! And, especially, remember that if you trust in the Lord, learn of Him, have faith in Him, He will direct your path.”

Jesus Christ is the Creator and Savior of us all. He saved us from death through His sacrifice on the cross and atoned for our sins in Gethsemane.

I know that priesthood authority has been restored and is evidenced through the ordinances of the church. I know that our Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us and desires that we return as families to live with Him eternally. We are led by a true prophet of God that receives revelation that will help us navigate through life's challenges.

-David Bennett

Jesus Christ provides the only lasting source of peace. He is able to bring you that peace because He has felt everything you have ever felt, everything you will ever feel.

Check out what the prophet, President Russell M. Nelson has to say about peace and Christ!

https://www.facebook.com/reel/277880588051925

My dad is the most hardworking person I have ever met.

I asked him how he gets through hard things and still stays faithful to the Lord. He made a comment that struck me to the core, "When things are hard the one thing I hold onto is the Savior, I know if I keep doing my best and trusting him that everything will be alright.”

I am thankful for a loving Savior and a family who made living by the gospel standards a priority.

-Janelle Hazelhofer

Alma testified to his son,

“Behold, I say unto you, that it is [Christ] that surely shall come … ; yea he cometh to declare glad tidings of salvation unto his people.

“And now, my son, this was the ministry unto which ye were called, to declare these glad tidings unto this people, to prepare their minds; or rather … that they may prepare the minds of their children to hear the word at the time of his coming.”

Alma 39:15-16

What has your father taught you about Jesus Christ?

I am grateful when I come to church I can lay everything, all the stresses aside, and feel peace. I love the scriptures and that they testify of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for families that aid us in our progression.

-Ashlee Krebs

In the Book of Mormon, Alma taught his son Helaman a few things that we all should learn!

“Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day” (Alma 37:37)

What is something you've learned about the scriptures from your father/ a father figure in your life?

Right now I am working on my papers and preparing to serve a mission this fall. I know that as I faithfully prepare for my mission and trust in the Lord, I will be sent to the place where I am needed, and also the place where I can learn and grow in the ways that I need personally.

I know that God knows and loves me and has a unique and individual plan for each one of us. I am so grateful that I can serve God each day at home by helping others and that I have the opportunity to serve him full time on a mission. I am so grateful for this gospel and the blessings it has brought to my life, and I’m excited to bring those blessings to the people wherever I serve!

Annie Bennett

The Lord Jesus Christ taught, “Whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it” (Luke 9:24).

“I believe,” said President Thomas S. Monson, “the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish—and in effect save their lives.”

You are the Lord's hands.

How have you served others this week?

I testify to you that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet. I want to bear my testimony of the truthfulness of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

-Con Schultz

The gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored through revelation from God to the Prophet Joseph Smith and to other prophets all throughout history. You can know for yourself that these things are true by asking your Heavenly Father in prayer!

James 1:5 says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

What will you ask God?

Our Heavenly Father is a teacher who works with me and helps me understand things and is teaching me to be faithful and diligent and to repent of my sins. Those thoughts we have that are positive, that encourage us to be better are from our Heavenly Father. He loves us so much!

-Jason Peaslee

In February 2014 children’s magazine, The Friend, Thomas S. Monson wrote this short, sweet article.

"Heavenly Father loves you—each of you. That love never changes.

It is not influenced by your appearance or by your possessions.

It is not changed by your talents and abilities. It is simply there.

It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful.

God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve love. It is simply always there."

How have you seen this love in your life?

Whatever we have to go through in this life, we can bear it because He won't give us more than we can bear and He loves us. I know He loves me and He knows me!

-Deborah Bluth

Elder Holland once said, “My personal experience, as well as my apostolic calling is to declare, personally, that Christ does know us. He has walked the thorny, difficult, rock-strewn path of our lives.”

Christ gave His life and took it up again for us.

He loves us!

He knows us.

Watch more of what Elder Holland has to say about the Savior understanding you!

https://fb.watch/k-rNXosK6c/

After reading the book of Jacob, I pruned off all the decaying parts of my strawberries and replanted the healthiest pieces. The literal fruits of my labor are blooming. My strawberries are putting off red flowers and I have 51 baby strawberries that are already beginning to grow.

I can't help but think if we all pruned off the parts of ourselves that feel as though they may be decaying, how much more we would be capable of blooming as well. If we let go of anger, bitterness, betrayal, sadness, depression etc. and allowed ourselves to be present in the moment would we also begin to bear new fruit?

It's that old saying- we can't grasp the blessings we pray for today if our hands and hearts are full of yesterday's hurts and trials.

It is time to let go of the sadness so we can be ready to experience joy.



- Jennifer Hagerty

God is the gardener! He will give you the strength to grow even after you have been pruned.

What are things you do that help you to bloom where you’re planted?

One day, I was out mowing the lawn. My wife was inside talking to a lady that she'd never met before and another lady who was a mutual friend. She came out and got me and said,

“Hey, this sister needs a blessing.”

‘Ok! be right in.’

In that blessing, she was told that she had suffered enough guilt, for long enough, that she just needed to come back, that everything was going to be ok, and Heavenly Father just wanted her back with the saints.

I didn't know what any of that meant, just that those were the words that came into my mind. There was a feeling of tremendous peace and comfort that came through me and into her.

And I found out later that that very Sunday she went back to church. She talked with the bishop, and the bishop said to her, “You have suffered with guilt for long enough. Welcome back."

That was a confirmation to her that the blessing was true, that God loves her, that she mattered. It's a real honor and privilege to be part of that kind of ministry. Because you can just feel Heavenly Father's love radiating from heaven into that person.

-Jake Huff

“In the quiet heart is hidden sorrow that the eye can’t see (...) Savior, may I love my brother- Lord, I would follow Thee.” Hymn 220, Lord, I Would Follow Thee

Oftentimes, we don’t know what others are struggling with. As we pray for opportunities to bless others, we will make it possible for miracles to happen in their lives!

How have someone else’s actions blessed you this week?