Water to Wine

  John 2:1-11. Here we see the small glimpse of what is known as Jesus' first miracle, water to wine. Attending a wedding, Jesus was asked to somehow provide wine for the event. Telling the servants to get 6 pots of water, He told them to fill everyone's cup with the water. And to the servant's surprise, the water turned to wine. It interesting to think about.. Jesus Christ's first miracle was simply to provide a beverage for a wedding.. not healing, raising the dead, or walking on water. What was the purpose of it?
  I guess in my point of view, changing water to wine is impossible. It goes against the laws of the universe. But Jesus Christ made it possible. He makes things ALL possible. The Apostle Paul said that through Christ we can do all things (Philippians 4:13). But where I'm getting at is that Christ can also change all things, even when it seems impossible. He can turn a dark situation into a good one. He can heal us, temporally and spiritually. And most importantly, He can change who we are, to become better people. Through Christ we can be forgiven of our mistakes, and move forward. Don't get discourage if you feel you can't change.
  Remember, Christ did change water to wine. Have faith in Him. Know that everything is possible with Christ!

Never Changing Values

 Poor Steve Rogers. A man out of time. Growing up in the "Greatest Generation" era has left poor Steve lost in the 21st century after waking up from a deep sleep. Here in this particular panel, Steve questions his purpose as Captain America. Was he just a soldier in the hands of the government? A propaganda tool to counter the Nazi regime in Europe? A rallying symbol to unite all of America?
   Renown for his courage and desire to do good, Captain America is mostly recognized by his fellow heroes for his values. Before being the a hero, Steve was an Orphan trying to serve his country but rejected many times for his physical stature. Finally transformed by the Super Soldier program, he still never lost his values and his pure goodness.Cap is a Greatest Generation icon struggling to maintain those values and beliefs in a far more ever changing and complicated world.
  The same way works with God's commandments. Even though the world may portray the commandments as "old school" or "outdated", they still are for our time. Steve often gets made fun of, mocked, or put down for his beliefs and standards. But he knows the world needs an example of pure goodness for our time. As being a Latter-day Saint, I know that we never lower God's standards. The world is always changing, God's law doesn't change. We must hold onto what is right!
  Seriously, what purpose does Captain America serve outside of combat? Of course we know the answer now Steve. But as for us, we must be like Jesus Christ, our Savior. He was perfect in all things, including keeping His Father's commandments.

We will have Cap wrap this up with a quote..

"...Doesn't matter if the whole country decides that something wrong is something right... When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree beside the river of truth, and tell the whole world — No, you move."

Smile and be Grateful!

Smile!

It seems like a smile can be hard at times, especially in a world like ours today. As people, I think we naturally like to focus on the negatives. But we can't forget the wonderful time we have on this earth! The best way we can put a smile on our face is to remember all that we have. Or in other words, Gratitude.

The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. A pretty clear definition according the the dictionary. So, how do we return gratitude?

Maybe slow down a little and stop and think.. What are some things that I have that others don't? What are some of the blessings in my life? It could be your health, having a family, education and home. Or going in deeper, maybe the ability to walk, see, talk or hear.
I  mean lets face it, there is always out there who has it worse than you.

Here is a few quote verses from the Hymn "Count your Blessings" from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint's Hymnbook.

"When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings; name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done. …"

 

 Paul said it clearly in Ephesians 5:4, " Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks."

 

Just remember to be grateful for your many blessings and you will see there are many things to smile about!

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"