A life which is Endless

    I remember when I was little, I often would be scared of the thought of dying. I was taught God was around and that we would go to heaven.. but for some reason it didn't satisfy me. I didn't know for sure that I would be around after death. For a couple of years I put it on the shelf in my brain. Then I was taught be Lds Missionaries and about God's plan for us. I understood where I came from, why I'm here and where I'm going. And the way they explained where we go after this life and what happens to us made perfect sense.So here is a brief explanation of what they taught me on death and hopefully it will benefit you as well.

First, death is part of God's plan. It will happen to all of us. Whether we go soon or late is up to God. And we will be spirits until the resurrection. Yes, we will be resurrected.. every one of us! We will receive a perfect body! Our spirit and new body will never be separated again! How is this possible? The answer.. Jesus Christ. In the book of John chapter 20 we read of the resurrection of Christ. There he appears to Mary and to His disciples.. testifying that we will all live again. A few chapters earlier we read "I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in  me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.." John 11:25. In the Book of Mormon we get a clearer picture of what Christ was referring too by the words of Abinadi... "He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death." Mosiah 16:9.

It brings me so much comfort and peace knowing that we will all live again. We will see our loved ones who have passed on again. Jesus did resurrect. Christ did overcome death for us all.  I am no longer afraid of dying. And with these words, I hope you too as well.  

Standing Firm

Standing Firm

   The American Bison is one of  the United States' favorite symbol. The animal appears on many mascot teams and even the Wyoming state flag. The Bison can reach great size, almost 6 ft on the top of the hump and males can top over 2,000 pounds!
  

  So far, I have learned interesting facts about the buffalo. One in particular stands out to me the most. During harsh blizzards or snow storms, the buffalo in fact stands it's ground. And turns out, faces the wind and endures the heavy storm. Most of the fur is in the front of the animal, so it makes sense why the buffalo would face the storm. This behavior left me puzzled. Most animals attempt to seek shelter and hide. Others try to run away. But not the bison. They stand firm and face the turmoil that nature has sent towards their way.
 

As I think about my people overall, do we also stand and face storms? It may not be literal storms but maybe perhaps our trials. Our afflictions. Do we persevere or simply flee away? Do we have enough faith to stand firm and have a hope that it will someday pass?

One of the most iconic Native American leaders in all of history was Sitting Bull. His name reflects on the also the behavior of the bull bison. Standing strong in opposition. He took his name to heart, resisting the US Army and the idea of Reservations. Independent and bold, he believed strongly in the Sioux way of life. He rejected any American interference with the Native way. What a great example of standing firm in faith, tradition, and what he believed to be right.

  I often wonder how such men or beasts are able to do this on their own. But you always have to remember that you are never alone in the fight against trails, afflictions are temptations. Heavenly Father has given us the many tools to overcome the many everyday challanges of life. We can pray for strength and comfort. We can read and ponder the scriptures. We also can use the Savior, Jesus Christ, who has felt everything we have been through. And let him guide us through and pull out of the storm. He is the Shephard and we are the sheep.

As it states it Alma, may we stand firm in our faith..., "Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them." Alma 1:25

Alma the younger then testifies of our Father in Heaven who cares and loves us..," And I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has delivered me from prison, and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me." Alma 36:27

 Like the Buffalo and Sitting Bull, may we face our trials head on. The Lord reminds us why we have trials... 

"... know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee ^eexperience, and shall be for thy good." Doctrine and Covenants 122:7

I know that trials are a blessing and that they give us the experience we need for us to become better. For us to become stronger and more faithful. And during these trials, we learn of Heavenly Father and our Savior's love for us.

Step of Faith

 
        The Apostle Peter loved the savior Jesus Christ. Throughout the scriptures he showed his love and faith to Him. One such example shows Peter's willingness and strong faith to follow the Savior.

       After a strong storm, a few of the Apostles struggle to get a shore during the night. The long and strenuous task left the ship to only travel 4 miles throughout the night. Jesus Christ knew of their distress and went out to assist the troubled Apostles. Here one of the great miracles took place in all of the scriptures. Looking up, the disciples saw a figure walking towards them on the sea. In their minds they were scared and troubled. They thought it was a spirit and cried out in fear. While the Savior was walking towards him he said, "...Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid" (Matt. 14:27) When Peter recognized Him, he was full of joy! He cried out, "..Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water" (Matt. 14:28) With his faith, Peter stepped towards the water and started to walk also on the sea. Suddenly the waves and wind became stronger. Peter's faith and confidence faltered and he began to sink into the water. Becoming fearful he cried out with agony and said, "..Lord save me!" Jesus Christ reached out his hand and simply said, " .. O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?".

      

        I always marvelled at this event. Peter's faith in the Savior proved to be very strong. And yet, when the waters became rough, he fell. I wonder if I would sink into the sea. Would I have enough faith to walk on the water as well? Would I also sink.. or keep walking? Would I even take that step of faith and even try!?

     Faith is a hope of things which are not seen but are true. To have faith is to have confidence in something or someone. Faith is not just believing but a principle of action. As stated in James, faith without works is dead (James:17-18). As I reflect on my own life, I think about me preparing to serve a mission. Giving up my job, schooling, and the people I care for is scary. I thought about if I have enough faith to do it. If I had faith in the Savior... and a hope of the blessings that he promised.

    Now reflecting again on Peter and his experience.. I realized something. There will be trouble waters in our lives. And we will fall many times and start to sink. Yet Jesus Christ will always be there with a hand to reach out. Simply, faith is a gift, given to us by our Heavenly Father. As we show our diligence to follow Christ, all will be well.

   Remember the kind words spoken to the Apostles, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid".

 

Remember Who you are.

                       I remember going to my neighbor's house so many times, perhaps a few times a week. Over the years I have grown close to the family and they have taken me in into their home. As my friends and I would go out, the mother would always say "Remember who you are!".


                      
                       I often wondered about that statement time and time again. Who am I? Was she talking about my personality, or about what my parents have taught me? Or maybe it was something a little bit more. Many people now a days have lost a sense of identity. Others may feel lost or don't know where they come from. I remember growing up often looking into an eternal perspective. Did God really know me by name? Did he hear my prayers? Did he create me? Does he look like me? And of course, "Does God truly love me?".


                     I now know my answers. I know we have a Father in Heaven who loves us and knows us by name. He knows our troubles, sorrows, and pains. Yet he wants us to have true and lasting happiness. He has created us in his on image as his spirit children. We are all his sons and daughters. He answers our prayers, on his own time. But he does answer. Knowing these truths has brought me great comfort and peace throughout my life. So remember who you are. A child of God.
  
                 
                   I would like to conclude with a quote from an Apostle from the Church Of Jesus Christ Of  Latter-day Saints. "God sees you not only as a mortal being on a small planet who lives for a brief season—He sees you as His child. He sees you as the being you are capable and designed to become. He wants you to know that you matter to Him." President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
October 2011 General Conference "You Matter to him"