Stop It. [Now.]

Last night, my family and I had a lengthy discussion over dinner about why Mormons are the most judged group of people. We came to the conclusion that:
It's not because of our views.
It's not because of our standards.
It's not because of our faith.
While these things seem to be the leading causes of judgment emanating from "outsiders",  it is completely reversed. It is because of the way we judge others based on our views, our faith and our standards. So stop it.
Have you ever wondered why Mormons are typically referred to as bigots, homophobes, haters and many other seemingly harsh and hurtful things? Have you ever thought that maybe--just maybe--it's not them? It just might be you.
But then again, it can't be you! Because you're perfect, right? You're a good, upstanding, obedient member of the Church. You never do anything wrong, so everyone must be held to your standard because you know what the Lord expects of you!
Think about this:
Others may not know or even understand the Lord's expectations for them as they walk through life. This doesn't just apply to the nonmembers. We've all judged members of our own congregations. Don't deny it.
We've all seen a girl come to church in a shorter skirt than what For the Strength of Youth encourages. We've all thought to ourselves, "Wow. How can her parents let her out of the house like that? What horrific parenting." While we think this, we disregard our own faults, and from the pride boiling in our hearts with a hint of judgment, we have created a monster: a hypocrite.
While it's awful to judge members of the Church, it's just as bad to judge those outside of it. Yes, people drink coffee and beer. They haven't learned about--let alone accepted--the Word of Wisdom. Yes, people get tattoos. They haven't made covenants to refrain from doing so. Yes, people smoke. Addictions are real. Yes, people curse aloud. They weren't taught that speaking that way is not in harmony with the Spirit. Yes, people dress immodestly. The definition of modesty in the LDS Church differs from that of another faith or even no faith at all. Yes, people act on homosexual urges. Not everyone has ready The Family: A Proclaimation to the World; they may not have yet received a witness from the Spirit that is revelation from God given to His prophet. We just don't know, and because we don't know the hearts of those around us, we can't judge the individuals because of how they choose to use their agency.
Mormons tend to stick their noses up at people who have sins that are noticeable--as if they aren't good enough to run with our crowd. Wait, our crowd?
I thought this was the Church of Jesus Christ.
I thought that Christ spent most of His earthly ministry with those who were sick and afflicted. I'm not just talking about the literally ill people of His time. I'm talking about the spiritually sick.
We shouldn't be sticking to Mormons. We should be putting ourselves out there to show the world that we're exactly what they think we are not. We should be shining our light.
But maybe we should find it first.
I wish I could say that we were all at least close to perfect at loving our neighbor. We aren't anywhere close.
When someone does something we don't particularly agree with, we shouldn't shoot them down. In fact, we should be raising them up and loving them more. Right?
Who are we to say that someone isn't going to make it to Heaven? I thought God was the only one who had the authority to make that judgment.
Who are we to sneer at and make snide remarks towards two boys holding hands at the mall when we're breaking a commandment that we have covenanted to keep? Love one another. Just not, lest ye be judged. Be meek and lowly in heart. Honestly, I think Christ would turn around and walk with them.
We are disciples of Christ. Rather than judging the afflicted, as we are all guilty of doing, we should be lifting their spirits and showing them that we don't care where they've been or who they are. We should be showing them that we want them to understand their potential, but we don't do that by calling them out on their faults.
Encouragement and love is what it takes to serve God's children.
Judgment of others in this life will only yield a harsher judgment for us who have had the gospel as we journey through mortality. We have it. Let's live it. If we don't...good luck.
Because we are imperfect, we have imperfect tendencies, and one of those that we are more inclined to act on is enforcing our judgment in unrighteous ways. What's great about imperfection is that we have Jesus Christ. We have His Atonement which enables us to be clothed with power to overcome the bad. He can help us refocus our lives on the more important things. He can aid us in positioning our perspective on the gospel.
Focus on you.
Focus on your family.
Focus on doing good and focus on loving.
The only people that we should be holding to our standard as Latter-day Saints is ourselves.
If you find yourself judging, as President Dieter F. Uchtdorf put it ever-so simply,

"Stop it."

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The Truth About the Mormons

What if I told you there was a way to find peace amid the chaos? What if I told you there was a way to be provided with comfort despite the trials that wreak havoc on our lives? What if I told you there was a way to become closer to God more so than you are now? What if I told you there's a book that can help you find solace? What if I told you that God continues to follow the pattern that He has always followed by calling a prophet to lead His children? What if I told you there was a way to be eternally sealed to your family so death should never be feared?
Speaking from experience, when people hear the word "Mormon" they shudder at the thought of what they don't understand. Many somehow associate our very Christian religion with weird rules, cults and even, in extreme cases, Satan. However, I've seen the difference in the lives of people who initially had these thoughts and soon after listening to what members of the Church had to say, they changed.
I can't tell you how many times on my mission I was treated as if I were stupid because I've chosen to embrace Mormonism; I was told that my parents had brainwashed me into believing that Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ in a forest. I was told that God doesn't show Himself to anyone anymore--that only happened in Biblical times.
I never understood why people had these perceptions about our culture, our religion. The scripture in Hebrews 13 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever." Honestly, I could never process how someone could think that visions were absolutely impossible because the Bible had an ending. Here's a thought: the Bible may have a limit to its words, but the words contained therein are true and eternal. Every author comes to a point of reaching the end of their novel, but once published, the words are always there. They are unchanging. God's word is the same. He will never stray from His pattern.
In the spring of 1820, a young boy said his first uttered prayer. If you are unfamiliar with the story of Joseph Smith, let me fill you in. He was fourteen years old, and his family was extremely religious. Joseph was at the age where he could choose which religion to find membership but he became confused when he saw the Presbyterians contending with the Baptists and vice versa. He couldn't understand--if they were all preaching love and God--why they would be fighting against one another as if they needed to "prove" they were the right sect of Christianity. Confused, Joseph turned to the scriptures to find answers. He came across James 1:5. "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."
He had his answer and chose to take his question to God. He found a private place in the woods a little ways from his home. He knelt down and began to ask what sect he should join and he was overcome with darkness, as if he was trying to be kept from asking this particular question. Joseph fought through it and was finally rescued from the darkness which held him captive. He explained this sensation in the most beautiful way: "I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head above the brightness of the sun which descended gradually until it fell upon me. When the light rested upon me, I saw two personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name, and said, pointing to the other, 'This is my Beloved Son. Hear Him.'" Jesus Christ then told Joseph that he shouldn't join any of the churches. Although they all seek to do good, they are missing an essential piece of the gospel: the priesthood authority.
See, when Christ was crucified and resurrected, He ascended into heaven and left His Church to be physically led by His apostles while He remained, and continues to be, the spiritual Head of His Church. However, one by one, the apostles died and the priesthood was slowly taken from the earth. This was prophesied by Amos in the Old Testament: "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it" (Amos 8:11-12). There was no prophet; there was only spiritual darkness.
This is a pattern that God has followed throughout time. He calls a prophet, then people fall into disobedience and the gospel retreats. When the time is right, He calls a prophet again, and the people disregard the words of the prophets so He takes the gospel. The pattern continues. God did this with Adam, as he was the first prophet, Enoch, Noah, Moses, Abraham, Jesus Christ, and finally, Joseph Smith.
These periods where a new prophet is appointed is called a dispensation. This is how I think of it:
Think of a gumball machine or "dispenser". The gumballs represent all the pieces of the gospel of Jesus Christ: doctrines and priesthood authority. Imagine that God picked one person to take care of the gumballs and divvy them among those who are righteous. Now imagine that all of those people disappear. The gumballs are gone. The truth is gone. The authority is gone. The Church is gone. But God remains the same and He can return the gumballs again. He just needs someone to trust with His precious gospel.
This is what happened with Joseph Smith. He did not go into the forest thinking he would be called to be a prophet when he reached the appropriate age. All he wanted was an answer, but this was it. He was given the responsibility to take care and administer the doctrinal gumballs.
Not too long after this vision, Joseph was visited by an angel named Moroni who told him of an ancient record that Joseph would begin to translate at a later date. These golden plates were buried in a hill in upper state New York where Joseph lived. These plates were written by a prophet in ancient America named Mormon--hence the name "The Book of Mormon." This book is another testament of the Savior, Jesus Christ--that He lived, that He died, and that He LIVES.
This is a record of the people who came to America 600 years before the birth of Christ. It's a compilation of stories, much like the Bible, of those who exercised faith and were delivered from bondage. It's about following the Savior and not giving up. It's about learning to understand the workings of the Spirit. Most importantly, it's about the hope of a Savior coming to redeem mankind. This book is another testament or witness that Jesus is the Christ. "But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established" (Matthew 18:16).
I know it can sound weird, but that's where prayer comes into play.
You've heard your Mormon friend say, "Pray about it. I know God will hear you." Prayer is huge in our faith because we know that is how we can directly communicate with our Heavenly Father. Of course, sometimes it seems as if it's only a one-sided conversation, but God answers all prayers in various ways.
Before I turned sixteen, I was a very devious child. I went against practically everything my parents taught me because, to be frank, I thought they were ridiculous for believing the Joseph Smith story. See, I was like you once. I thought the Word of Wisdom (no alcohol or coffee) rule was ridiculous, that wearing booty shorts shouldn't affect my journey back to God. It didn't make any sense until one night I felt a burden of guilt for all the things I've done weigh me down.
I couldn't comprehend why I even felt bad. I didn't believe in Mormonism so why did I feel so awful for the things that only the Church advises against?
I had remembered a Sunday school teacher saying something about the Atonement of Jesus Christ: something I had never quite understood. I decided to pick up my copy of The Book of Mormon and coincidentally (or maybe not) I flipped to Alma 7.
"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. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people. And he will take upon them 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."
I read this and literally burst into tears. In that moment, I knew that Jesus truly was--is--the Christ. I knew that He loves me and that's why I was feeling guilt. He was reeling me in because it was time for me to receive a witness of the truth. I was changing. I knelt down at my bedside and I prayed. Up until that point, I had never asked God if Joseph Smith was a fraud, and I did and I received an answer that I never thought I would:

He was called to be a prophet. The Book of Mormon is true. The leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hold the keys of the priesthood. This is it.

Following the prayer, I couldn't believe what I felt. The guilt was gone. The burden was lifted. It was as if someone literally lifted a weight off my shoulders. I had never felt more peace than I did right then.
I knew it wasn't made up in my mind because I wanted it to not be true. I so wanted to stop being made fun of for believing in a kid who saw God. I wanted to stop being ostracized for being against gay marriage. I wanted to feel okay about not defending the Church, but I couldn't because I knew for myself.
This Church may have rules that may seem silly to many, but to me, they have been the greatest boost in my eternal quest. The story of Joseph Smith may seem far-fetched, but it is true, and I don't know what I would do without this gospel had that boy not asked God that question. I know I would be so lost. I wouldn't be nearly as close to God as I am at this moment in time.
The Bible is wonderful, and it's true. The Book of Mormon is just as true and it offers even more reasons to have faith in the Savior. Why not read it? What's the worst that can come from it? I thought it would be a waste of time when I began to read five years ago, but I was quickly proven wrong. With the Bible and the Book of Mormon, even the words of modern day prophets, I have all I need to come to know God. Who wouldn't want more? Who wouldn't want to embrace the same gospel that Jesus Christ established during His mortal lifetime? Who wouldn't want to be even happier than they already are?
God lives. I testify that He is there and that He loves us. Because He loves us, He has provided us with more truth and men to lead us to ensure that we make it back into the arms of the Father. That is the purpose of the Church. It isn't to see how many people we can get to convert. It's here for us to learn how to make it back to God through faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. I testify that through this gospel, we can be eternally sealed to our loved ones. I bear testimony that life doesn't end here. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's Church re-established for the last time, never to be taken again.

If you have any questions about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, ask me, your Mormon friend, or take it straight to the source: God. He knows the truth. If you think this isn't the true Church, but you are truly curious, He'll give you the answer.

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The Gift of Love

That's a wrap! Cheesy joke, but honestly, I cannot believe that another Christmas has already passed. Where is the time going?

I'll confess that I was more than spoiled this year. Having two families makes for an explosion of surprises under the tree. However, what I found most exhilarating about this Christmas season, although (and I'll be honest) I was super excited to open gifts, I was more focused on giving. 

My husband has been obsessed with plants lately. On our windowsill in our teeny kitchen are sitting three rock-and-seed filled glasses, which from my perspective make the kitchen less attractive. Being the perfectionist that I am--okay, more like have become because I wasn't always this way!--I decided to seek out a gift that looks more organized and suited for indoor gardening. I found the perfect gift within the budget Corey and I had set for ourselves. I couldn't wait to see his face on Christmas morning. It was killing me! 

Never in my life have I been so apt to give, let alone be elated about it.

As he ripped apart the ninety-nine cent wrapping paper, I saw the joy spread across Corey's face while the corners of my mouth nearly reached my ears. My cheeks quickly went numb from all the smiling and as they did, a thought entered my mind: is this how God felt when He sent His Son?

Innumerable are the blessings that God has given His children. To name a few, He's given us the gift of life, families, and Jesus Christ to give us the gospel and a way to find everlasting life.
I got excited over an indoor gardening system for my husband. There is no possible way that God has not been smiling ear to ear when He sees one of His dear children embracing one of His magnificent blessings.
I can only imagine the extent of God's joy when He sees a child embrace the gospel that His Son provided for us. The gospel of Jesus Christ is, by far, the greatest blessing that God has equipped us with, and the moment an individual decides that it's time to live it, I'm sure the Lord's heart bursts.
Lately, I've been pondering my conversion to the gospel. I remember distinctly five years ago, shortly after my sixteenth birthday, when I decided to turn away from the devious life I had led and turn towards the Savior. I knew that what I had been doing was wrong, but I was afraid to admit it because it was more fun than living what some might call the "Molly Mormon lifestyle". Finally, the two years of built up guilt consumed me. I knelt at my bedside and I pleaded with God to ease the burden and I promised to give my life to Him. Never in my life have I felt peace the way I felt it that Sunday evening. I knew that God loved me.
I decided to confide in my mom and tell her about my troubles. Honestly, I thought she'd be livid knowing the mistakes I'd made, but instead, she hugged me and cried. As she embraced me, I felt a fraction of what God must have felt for me in that moment.
Had Jesus Christ not volunteered to perform the Atonement for us, I would not have learned what I did that night. I wouldn't understand love to the least degree, nor would I understand God. If it weren't for the Savior, I wouldn't be where I am today. I wouldn't have the truth--actually, none of us would. The future of our souls is solely dependent on the infinite sacrifice of God's Only Begotten Son. Because of Him, we have the truth. Because of Him, we can be saved. Because of Him, we can find everlasting peace and joy in the comfort of the arms of God. Because of Him, we can be eternally sealed to our beloved families. Because of Him, we can have everything.
As we ring in the new year in a few short days, as we make resolutions, remember that it is by the mercy of the Atonement that we are granted second chances when we've fallen short. If that isn't one of the greatest gifts of love, then I don't know what is!

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

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Confessions of a Procrastinator

I need to confess. I need to get it out. I need to tell you something.
While reading a talk for my Eternal Family course, I, yet again, was admonished by the Man upstairs. Sometimes I feel it's not my fault that I'm not perfect, but the Spirit tells me time and time again that I am not even trying to become perfect at trying. It felt like a slap in the face, but in a good way. This admonition, of sorts, woke me up; this rude awakening opened my eyes to a greater understanding of my purpose for living.

Inconsistency. 
Procrastination.
Insincerity. 

What do these three words have in common? Negative impact. I've been implementing these three words into my everyday life without even knowing it. I've become lax in scripture reading, prayer, church going; I've conditioned myself to think of it as the norm and therefore, these things do not take precedence in my mind. Every day, we say our prayers, but I feel that they have become insincere, meaning that what comes out of my mouth is not heartfelt, they're just words. When I read my scriptures for class, I think of the assignment as another thing to do rather than an opportunity to strengthen my faith in Christ. In fact, I don't remember the last time I picked up my scriptures just to read them, or to find answers. My thoughts about church have shifted in the last few months to cause me to contend with myself about attending meetings other than sacrament because I don't feel welcome instead of thinking about the lessons that might help me overcome this particular trial.

Inside, I want to scream at myself and demand an answer to the question: "What happened to you?"

Here I am, a returned missionary, married in the temple, going spiritually less-active and, as my mom put it on the phone yesterday, leading myself towards complete inactivity. I feel like I've stepped into quicksand. If I don't find my way out of this rut soon, I fear it'll be too late. Life is too short to waste it away sitting in a ditch of destruction. Get me out of here!

There is an evident disconnection from God I've noticed in recent weeks. While I love the gospel and I share it all the time, I am not living it. Am I committing grievous sins? Absolutely not. Am I leading myself away from the Kingdom of God? Absolutely. I'm not trying. I'm not living up to my covenants. I'm not doing enough to try to be a better disciple of Christ. This will be my downfall if I don't get with it.

Tears fill my eyes as I think about what my life has become, as I reflect on the seemingly small choices that have had an utterly negative impact on where I stand at this moment. It stops today. I'm taking my life back and giving it to God. Procrastination, although I'm a master at it, is done. I can't do it anymore. I can't continue to tread on a path of inconsistency and insincerity as I ponder the position of my relationship with my Father in Heaven. Not for one second do I find value in the insecurity of my foundation. I found a crack, and I need to mend it through picking up my scriptures, falling on my knees and pleading with the Lord every day instead of becoming rote, and choosing to go to every church meeting each Sabbath day for the right reasons--and not only going, but going because I want to be there to strengthen my testimony.

I know God lives. I know that He sent His Son to suffer, bleed and die for all of us so we can pick ourselves up; He can pick us up. We do not travel the winding road of life alone, for He is with us every step of the way if we will let Him in. I realize I've closed Him off unintentionally. I know that if we will become aware of our weaknesses, the Lord will make them into strengths, and these trials we go through truly are for our good. I know Jesus is the Christ. I know He loves me and because of His infinite sacrifice, we can find peace in our afflictions and, in addition, second chances in our shortcomings.

If you are struggling as I have struggled, wear out your jeans a little by getting down on your knees and asking God for help and forgiveness. I promise you will find it. I know I will because I know God is there and His love is unconditional.

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Resolve to be Filled

I know it's only November. The turkey hasn't been placed on the table. The jolly, old, red-suited fellow hasn't wiggled his way down the chimney yet. Nevertheless, the end is nearing--the end of the year, that is. As I anticipate welcoming in the new year one month and a half from now, I'm beginning to think of a few resolutions I have in mind, the first being:

Developing the resolve to allow the Spirit to be a constant companion as I strive create more righteous behaviors and participate in more wholesome activities, to be lead and guided to the places that God wants and needs me to be.

I've recognized that there are a few things in my life that need to be changed, such as holding grudges, gossiping, my irritability and so forth. We know from gospel teaching that the Holy Ghost can only dwell with us when we are standing in holy places--physically, mentally, and emotionally. This is something that I haven't quite understood until a moment when my heart softened after having received a little treat from a fellow sister who hurt my feelings. I had chosen to hold a grudge, and every time I thought of her, anger immediately overcame me. However, that little treat sitting on my doorstep opened my eyes and allowed me to see something that I had been oblivious to before. Each and every instance when I granted permission for anger to fill my heart, I was evicting the Spirit of God from my side. Because of this eviction, the Spirit wasn't the one left bruised, but I was.

Upon my arrival in this life, the light of Christ filled my being, helping me to understand the difference between right and wrong--it's bad to lie, good to tell the truth, good to be nice, bad to be mean. Even if my parents hadn't taught me how to differentiate the good from the bad, having the light of Christ, I would have been able to feel the negativity or the opposite with every action. I felt it when I allowed the anger to enter into my heart rather than forgiveness because I chose the wrong emotion to fill my soul. I think when we act upon that light with which God has so graciously suited us, that is how we are able to feel the presence of the Holy Ghost.

If you are unfamiliar with the faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you may not know what we mean when we talk about receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost versus the Spirit Himself. The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead, or Trinity as some may call it. He is a distinct being, separate from God and Jesus Christ. All men on earth have the capability of feeling the presence of the Spirit. Perhaps you have been camping and had some time alone with the serenity of the mountains and nothing but peace filled your soul. Maybe you have gone to Church and listened to the preacher tell the congregation that God loves them, and you felt overwhelming joy in your heart. There may have been a time when you have struggled, and you prayed for peace, and you received it. Have you ever heard a little voice telling you to do or not to do something? The Holy Ghost is a dear friend to us all. His influence can be felt everywhere to provide peace, comfort, joy, love, and much more.

As members of the Church, when baptized at eight years old, we are not only immersed in the water to symbolize leaving our sinful life behind, we are also baptized by fire. Of course, it’s completely symbolic. Note: no fire is ever used! A little fun fact for you, fire is a cleansing agent. Fire refines and perfects. The baptism by fire cleanses and forgives us of our sins, and as we are confirmed members of the Church, we are given the gift of the Holy Ghost: a gift of constant companionship if we are worthy, a gift of constant comfort when we are hurting, a gift of healing and cleansing when we do wrong and are sorry, a gift of love when we need to feel the Savior’s arms around us. This gift is one that I want to always keep and not throw away. This is a gift that never perishes, but will remain by my side so long as I am clean and trying.

There are things that I do, movies that I watch, things that I say, and especially things that I think about myself and about other people that drive the Spirit away from me.

I don’t want to allow the Spirit to ever disperse from me again.

I will continue to try my hardest to fight the battle against Satan, who doesn’t want me to be happy. The Lord knows that the adversary wants nothing more than to find me helpless and hurting because he is in that very position himself.

This resolve to have the Spirit with me always will not end after one week, for I will strive to keep this resolve till the day I die. I will remain valiant. I will endure to the end as I have covenanted with my Father so that I can have this gift with me always. I would invite you to join me in my resolution for the rest of your lives as I do mine.

I know the gospel has been restored and with it the Priesthood keys so that we can have these precious ordinances performed for our temporary happiness and eternal salvation. I know Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ. Every day, my conviction of what that fourteen year old boy saw grows stronger. It will never falter, no matter the stakes. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. It is Christ’s church. This is His gospel. I know it. I live it. I love it.

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

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#PorteOuverte

We are all saddened by the tragedy that struck the City of Lights last night. We have all asked ourselves, "How could something like this happen?" I don't have all the answers, in fact, I don't have any answers, but I am amazed by the outpouring of love on and also from the Parisians.
#PorteOuverte was trending via social media by locals inviting tourists and other visitors to come into their homes to find safety and refuge from the horror. The hashtag translates to "Open Door" and I thought: if something like this were happening our hometowns here in America, would we be leary of inviting strangers into our homes, or quick to open our arms to offer comfort to the stranded?
This beautiful act of kindness and love reminded me of the covenants I made at baptism:
"And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light;
Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life." (Mosiah 18:8-9)
If you have made this covenant, it applies to all. It does not matter where a person is from. It does not matter their circumstance. It does not matter their appearance. This covenant is applicable to every person in this world. Are we not all children of God? Do we all not belong to the same eternal family? Are we not all brothers and sisters?
I would hope that if tragedy ever strikes and I am in the position to either invite or turn away people in need that I would whole-heartedly choose to serve and love.
The people of Paris are suffering. Therefore, we should be mourning with them.
We can't continue to watch people suffer and simply say, "Oh that's sad, but how does this affect me?"
Especially if you have stepped into the waters of baptism, and have taken upon yourself the name of the Savior, Jesus Christ, it affects you. The very loss of these lives, although unknown, affects you.
We've lost over a hundred brothers and sisters in a rather tragic way. We continue to lose brothers and sisters as they fight for our freedoms. We lose brothers and sisters on a day to day basis: whether by murder, sickness, suicide, accident etc. We should be mourning with the sad. We should be lifting up the down-hearted.
Although we are not in Paris, we can still mourn with and comfort those who are grieving.
I do think this is one reason why social media is such a blessing--we can easily contact those who are hurting and give words of encouragement. Even just knowing that someone supports you can bring just as much comfort as a hug. We are in this together.
As children of God, we are always in this together.
Our arms are open. Our doors are open. Our hearts are open.
God bless Paris.
My prayers are in their behalf this day.

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Holding on to What I Know

As previously mentioned on my Facebook page, a new policy in the Church has been issued regarding the children of same-sex parents. I, however, am not here to shed light on the subject. My purpose for this post is to spread love and thoughts to ponder.

I have not always been one to openly accept every single doctrine of the church, every policy. I remember getting indirect warnings for wearing my pajamas to seminary, not understanding the reason behind not watching R-rated movies--but watching them anyways because I thought it was fine--and being sat down for uncomfortable lectures from my parents about kissing boys when I was fourteen. I've definitely had my fair share of questions beginning with "Why...?"

Some things, some principles, some policies simply do not make any sense! I always seem to feel it is my job as an individual to make sense of the matter; I need to know why the commandment or policy is what it is and why we have it set in place. Sadly, I've come to understand that it simply does not work this way.

Who sees the bigger picture? Who knows best? God. It is always God--not me. Although I have my own portfolio of opinions, sometimes I need to lay them aside so I can say with pure conviction: "I know Jesus is the Christ. I know Joseph Smith was a prophet. I know the prophet and apostles on Earth today are called of God and act in His name. I have prayed and I know."

Feelings are a choice. Overcoming confusion is a choice. Do not sit idly by while the "author of confusion" implements his best tactic on the children of God to draw them further and further away from the straight and narrow.

Initially, I was a little taken aback by the newly issued policy. As I thought more about the reasoning behind it, I came up with some conclusions, but I, honestly, do not know what the true, possible purpose is other than this: God loves His children and wants to do His best to protect them.

'Protect them from what?' you might ask. I think--I do not know, but I think God wants to protect His children from making covenants they will find harder to keep than any other individual as they reside in a household where they would be torn between the gospel and their parent's relationship.

I do not know God's direct thoughts, but I can learn of His truths through one tool: the Spirit. The Spirit enlightens the mind rather than unraveling a spool of uncertainty.

Let me reiterate my thoughts: 

Feelings are a choice. Overcoming confusion is a choice--light can be found if you will seek it out.

Please. Please. If you are fighting your conscience against this policy that will, in turn, cause your testimony to falter, fall to your knees and plead with the Father to give you understanding. He wants you to understand. He wants me to understand. He wants all people to understand that this is not out of hatred, but out of His undying love for all of us.

As hard as it is to accept that this policy could quite possibly be in direct association with the will of God, do not lean solely on your opinion or the opinions of others; do not let your testimony sit on your negative outlook on one policy. Do not allow the adversary to shake your testimony. I know, I know, Satan is using this policy as a way to draw as many as he can away from the truth. It is the adversary's plan to recruit individuals to, first, deviate from the path of righteousness themselves, and then assist others. Please do not trust the enemy.

Allowing feelings to trump truth always seems to be the easiest route to take. In times like these, when the mist of darkness impairs our vision, reach out to the iron rod; reach out to the Savior. So long as you grab hold and continue to grasp onto Him, relying on His perfect and infinite sacrifice, you will be comforted.

Many don't consider the Atonement to be a way to ease the burden of confusion, but remember that Christ has felt all the afflictions of the world: is confusion not an affliction? Confusion troubles the soul. Christ will ease that burden if you turn to Him, if you lean on Him. 

Please hold on to what you already know. As for what you do not understand and find inconceivably difficult to comprehend, "Therefore, ask and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you; for he that asketh, receiveth; and unto him that knocketh, it shall be opened." (3 Nephi 27:29)

I beg you to take your questions to God: not to the media, not to incorrect doctrinal sources. 

Moroni's promise is not only applicable to reading The Book of Mormon, but to any question about the truth of a piece of doctrine. "And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." (Moroni 10:4-5)

In spite of confusion that constantly arises in my life, I refuse to let it rip away the very light that holds my life together. I refuse to let the darkness overtake my happiness. I absolutely refuse to let Satan lead me to think something is wrong without consulting my Heavenly Father first. I refuse to let go of what I hold dear. My testimony will never be shaken due to doubt.

In the words of a dear apostle, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf says it best:

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters--my dear friends--please, first doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith. We must never allow doubt to hold us prisoner and keep us from the divine love, peace, and gifts that come through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ."

My friends, I know this gospel has been restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. I know that Jesus is the Christ and that He lives. I am sure of it. I feel it in every fiber of my being that this is the gospel of the firstborn of the Father. Nothing will change the light the Spirit has shed on me that a fourteen year old boy saw God and Jesus Christ. Likewise, nothing will cause me to withhold my sustaining of the prophet and apostles because I know they are divinely appointed servants.

Do not. 

Please.

Do NOT allow doubt and confusion hold your testimony captive.

I love you. God loves you. Never forget it.

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