In 3 Nephi the Savior shows compassion for the people and teaches them with words so beautiful they cannot be written. I try to imagine what it would have been like. His comments in chapter 23 perhaps I never really appreciated until now; I misunderstood their importance previously.
He asks to examine the scriptures and then comments that he commanded Samuel the Lamanite to testify of him following his resurrection when many saints arose from the dead and appeared unto others. He asks "Was it not so?" His disciples answer him yes, then Jesus asks why is it you have not written these things? Nephi remembers that this had not been written and makes sure they are documented as the Lord commanded. That was the epiphany for me, that we have wonderful experiences in life not just for ourselves but also that we may testify to others of the good the Lord has done for mankind and his resurrection and reality in our lives. This is our responsibility and blessing. |
As we make Christ the center of our lives, our fears will be replaced with the courage of our convictions. Thomas S Monson
We all testify in our own way. Some are great orators. Others testify through pen and ink, or perhaps more accurately computer and pixels on a monitor. Still others witness though their life and example and others use music, song, or a beautiful voice. Each has gifts through which he affirms the goodness of God. Some times I am blown away at the turn of a phrase in the speeches or writings of the brethren.
Frequently, those around us capture the sentiments we have in our hearts. Promoting their words articulates our feelings.
Frequently, those around us capture the sentiments we have in our hearts. Promoting their words articulates our feelings.
The power to CREATE is one of the biggest forces in existence!
“And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight”. (Genesis 2:9)
I think of God, and Jesus, and Adam, and possibly others using their powers of creation to bring plants, trees, oceans, stars, birds, and so much more into existence.
And yet, we have been given the power to create, too.
And not just with a canvas and a paintbrush, because honestly, I don’t do great creating there.
Being “creative” is usually seen as the composer, the drama teacher, the artist, the quilter, the chef…
But we each have so much that we are able to create each day.
We can create what our attitude is like.
We can create the family culture in our home.
We can create love and acceptance where there wasn’t any before.
We can create strong testimonies by studying areas we wish we knew more about.
We can create time to make God a priority in our life.
We can create memories with those we love.
We can create stronger relationships by choosing to serve others.
We can create peace even when surrounded by chaos.
We can create laughter while doing hard work at the same time.
We can create unity where there was judgment and division.
Creation is powerful.
It’s the opposite of being a victim of your circumstances, and realizing that you have the power to create intangible, but no less real, results in your life.
“Our campfire of faith can encourage us to find joy in wholesome creativity. There is joy in imagining, learning, doing worthwhile new things.” (Gerrit W. Gong)
And it can all be tied back to faith.
Faith, placed correctly in Jesus Christ, can give us the courage and the strength to create these moments and these feelings each day.
The great Creator can even guide us in what to create, and when.
So, what have you created today?
remember OneCelebrate the wonderful lives and experiences of others. Take time to read and watch
their testimonies develop. |
TwoWrite your own history and document the Lord's work in your own life and
that of your family. |
ThreeExplore the world around you and share and read family stories, which are broadcast
far and wide. |
“I hope you never get over being thankful to them. Let us read again and again, and read to our children
and our children’s children, the accounts of those who suffered so much.” Gordon B Hinckley
When President James E Faust was told the story of George and Sarah, he wept. He called theirs one of the greatest love stories in the history of the western migration. And in 1997, he asked that they be sealed in the Temple for time and all eternity. If you’d like to know their story, please click here.
“It will all be worth it.”
Sarah Franks
“It will all be worth it.”
Sarah Franks
Savior, Redeemer of My Soul Savior, Redeemer of my soul, Whose mighty hand hath made me whole, Whose wondrous pow’r hath raised me up And filled with sweet my bitter cup! What tongue my gratitude can tell, Oh gracious God of Israel. Never can I repay thee, Lord, But I can love thee. Thy pure word, Hath it not been my one delight, My joy by day, my dream by night? Then let my lips proclaim it still, And all my life reflect thy will. O’er rule mine acts to serve thine ends. Change frowning foes to smiling friends. Chasten my soul till I shall be In perfect harmony with thee. Make me more worthy of thy love, And fit me for the life above. Text: Orson F. Whitney, 1855-1931 |
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All Things Testify of God In one of my favorite passages of the Book of Mormon, Alma faces an anti-Christ who seeks a sign. He commands Alma to show him God's power that he may be convinced that there is a God of heaven and earth. Alma responds swiftly that he has had signs enough. The scriptures witness of an Almighty being "All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator." Alma continues preaching God's the word and heads a mission to reclaim others who had been misguided. His life was spent in the service of the Creator, who gave us life that we can minister to others by testifying of him. As we search the scriptures, our faith will be strengthened as well. John 5:39 |