Faith
In our sacrament meeting the topic was the first principles and ordinances of the gospel. Basically it came down to the fourth Article of Faith: We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
As I listened to the talks I came to the conclusion that I should try to find out what part of this Article of Faith I needed to work on most in my life. Logically, I started with examining my faith since it came first. I never got past faith. I had a lot to learn about faith, or the lack of faith, in my life. It was an eye opener for me.
My journey started with this quote:
"Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it by the handle of
anxiety, or by the handle of faith." ~Henry Ward Beecher
I love this statement. I have used it in my own life, but with slight modifications:
"Every situation has two handles. I can take hold of it by the handle of anxiety, or by the handle of faith."
This was a great opportunity to study the connection between anxiety and faith. A little self-evaluation is good for the soul. So I posed the question, does anxiety or faith rule my life? I was surprised by the answer.
What are some of the things in life that cause us anxiety? The most common things we worry about are: finances, relationships, health, children, employment, personal needs, and even our spiritual well-being.
I use to think that I was a pretty mellow person when it came to worries, that is, until I started being more mentally aware of my thoughts. I decided to pay more attention to my first thoughts when a situation would arise and I was surprised by what I learned about myself.
I am the 'what if' queen. Thoughts like: What if this happens or that happens? What if it doesn't turn out the right way? What if others will be affected by my worries? were common thought reactions to daily situations. I found myself worring about what people would think of me if a situation goes bad, but I mostly worried about how the experience would impact the people around me. I learned that I would rather deal with anxiety than guilt. Is that wrong?
I even tried to justify my thoughts by grouping them into the 'just planning for every scenario' category. They became part of the planning process, but is it healthy to have so much anxiety? And what does the fact that I worry so much say about my level of faith in the Lord?
As I was searching in the scriptures looking for the Lord's thoughts on anxiety I came across Philippians 4:6-7.
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Wouldn't it be nice to "be careful for nothing"! Is it even possible? Apparently it is or the Lord wouldn't say it! So how do we achieve the peace of God? The words prayer, supplication, thanksgiving, requests, understanding, hearts and minds seemed to answer that question. I need to pray humbly, with gratitude when I make requests for understanding that would change my heart and mind (thoughts).
Changing the way I think intrigued me. So I sat down and wrote out my current anxiety thinking pattern and then tried to find the faith thinking pattern. Here is what I came up with:
Anxiety thinking: Will I have enough money?
Faith thinking: When I seek God and His ways, I can count on Him to provide what I need.
Anxiety thinking: Am I being a good wife?
Faith thinking: When I learn how to love according to God's ways, I will know that I am truly loving my
spouse. God will bring to pass His purposes in my marriage.
Anxiety thinking: Is my current job where I need to be?
Faith thinking: When I live according to God's ways, He provides the job
He wants me to have.
Anxiety thinking: Am I allowing God to work through me?
Faith thinking: When God knows I am ready to serve Him, He will open the door. He gives my
family and me peace about it.
Anxiety thinking: Should I worry about my health issues?
Faith thinking: My life is in God's hands. He decides the state of my health and only He knows the timing of my
life. My every breath and heartbeat is a gift from God. God is with me.
Anxiety thinking: Am I being a good parent?
Faith thinking: When I am focused on loving, teaching, and guiding my children as God would, then I am truly a parent. I understand that God brings to pass
His purposes in their lives and I am there to support them.
Wow! What awesome power there is in faith thinking! There is such simplicity and clarity that comes with thinking the way God would. And yes, I felt the peace of God with me as I turned my worries into faith statements, probably because I was not letting anxiety rule my life, but instead let faith lead me.
My faith thinking journey has led me to feel more confident in my decisions. The choices are easier to make and stand behind when you know that you arrived at them through faith. The realization that God has got your back when you do what He asks, is totally empowering. Can you think of a better ally to have?
I am sure that anxiety thinking will continue to challenge my faith thinking, this is human nature after all, but this exercise in changing my thought process has made a huge impact on me. I have learned that I have the power to control the amount of anxiety in my life with my faith. My worries can only control me if I allow them too.The strength that comes when I show my faith far outweighs the power of my worries.
Faith has become a tool for me to utilitze in my battle against anxiety. I can grap faith by the handle and apply it to every situation or tomorrow that comes. And I can do it, knowing that when I do, it will bring the peace of God.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Looking for the Atonement
The Atonement
If there is one topic that I love to learn about it is the Atonement. I have studied it many times and each time I am blessed with a little more understanding of the impact it can have on an individuals life. I am always impressed with the amount of love it took for Christ to finish the work that He had been sent here to do. I am equally impressed with the amount of love that is shown in each person who partakes of the healing power of the atonement. It is truly one of those situations where we are made strong in our weaknesses.
I have a dear friend who, when confronted with another person's sins, made this statement, "I hope to see the Atonement at work in their lives." I loved that statement and had thought to myself that if I were to write about the atonement that it would be a great starting point. Unfortunately, when Easter came and the topic of the atonement was at the fore front of my mind, I found myself distracted by the topic of Mary and the Atonement. This too is a great topic, but it was not what I was to write about. I was struggling to write my blog, the words just wouldn't flow. Then I had lunch with my friend and she made the same statement again and it brought about one of those cartoon moments, you know the one I'm talking about, when the light bulb appears over the characters head. I knew what I had to do. How grateful I am for the kind heart of my friend!
I was set. I would spend the next week looking for examples of the atonement at work in the lives of the people around me. Then I would write about what I had observed. I prayed each day that the Lord would bless me with the eyes to see the atonement in those that I came in contact with. I don't think I fully understood what this week would do for me personally. I have been truly blessed this last week to see the blessings of the atonement in so many ways and to reflect on how much the atonement means to me.
Two Sisters
Two ladies came into the distribution center smiling and laughing. It was obvious from the first moment you saw them that they were best friends. They teased each other, laughed together, and even finished each others sentences. One of the ladies said, "If you couldn't tell we are sisters." Although their appearances were quite different, their sisterly bond was easily recognizable. I asked if they had always been so close. Their reply was a great lesson for me in the power of the atonement.
They had not always liked each other, in fact, there had been many struggles for forgiveness between them. There were many missed moments because of the things that they had used to build walls around them. However, in their journey together they came to realize that they needed each other and that life was just too hard without the other. So they "chose each other" over anger and bitterness. What a great way to think about forgiveness! They each repented and have moved forward with their relationship ever since.
I pondered that statement over the week and how it could apply to me. It was a reminder that when I choose to apply the atonement in my own life I am choosing the Lord over my sins. But more importantly, I need to remember to move forward with my relationship with God. Just as these two sisters have worked on their relationship with the each other I need to put effort into building a stronger relationship with God so that I too can smile at, laugh with, and think like the Lord. I too find that life is just too hard without Him!
The Couple
A couple came in for last minute preparations for their sealing and as usual I congratulated them. It was obvious that they were very excited about this amazing event that was about to change their lives. As I was helping them, they begin to share with me why this day meant so much to them. Their story touched my heart.
They had been married in a civil ceremony "four kids ago" is how she described it. It had not started the way she had dreamed of as a little girl, she was pregnant with their first child and so they got married. She had been raised in the church, but had fallen away as a teenager. As their family grew, she began to feel like they needed to teach their children about God. So she talked with her Bishop, started the repentance process, and began taking her family to church. Her husband had not wanted to attend at first, and would not attend the church for years.
Then one day he decided to try it. He told her that it was because he had seen the change in her and the kids and wanted to see what it would do for him. Soon he was taking the missionary discussions and was baptized, which led them to be with me on this particular day. They had been working on getting their lives in order and preparing for their temple sealing for 10 years. She had tears in her eyes as she expressed the joy that she was feeling. Her husband wrapped his arms around her, gently kissed her head, and whispered that he loved her. It was obvious that this had been a long, hard journey for them, but one that they both wanted to share with each other. As they left, I couldn't help but think about how this sweet family was going to be blessed because of their mother's desire to partake of the atonement.
Their story made me think about how powerful the atonement is and the hope it brings to peoples lives. Without the atonement they would have been stagnant, unable to repent and progress. Instead, this couple and their children will now have the blessing of being an eternal family. There is no end to the blessings of the atonement!
The Alcoholic
My last story is that of a man who has had to overcome an addiction to alcohol. When I asked for his recommend he opened his wallet to pull it out and realized that his AA card was placed on top of it. He seemed embarrassed, even though I didn't say a thing. I'm not sure why, but he felt like he needed to explain himself, so he told me his story.
He had developed a taste for alcohol in his younger years and found himself an alcoholic in his late twenties. He struggled with his marriage, keeping jobs, and at one point had lost everything he had ever loved. When he thought he had hit the lowest point possible, two young missionaries from the church would visit him and teach him about the gospel. What they had to say touched his heart and he knew that he needed to get help. He was introduced to the Bishop and found a great friend in this man. Together they would work through the repentance process and get him the needed help for his addiction. He looked at me with a sense of pride as he said, "I have been alcohol-free for over 20 years."
I felt that I needed to let him know that I did not judge him, but that I was very grateful that he had shared his story of the atonement at work in his life. I have never suffered from an addiction, so I can only testify to the damage it causes in someone else's life from witnessing it in the lives of my friends and loved ones. His story strengthened my belief that all things can be overcome through Christ and I appreciated his openness. He hugged me, said thanks for listening, and waved as the door closed behind him. I hope he comes to visit again.
What a great week of looking for the atonement! By the end of the week I was feeling once again spiritually filled and able to deal with life's problems with a clearer view of what is important and what is not. I had been the recipient of many of these wonderful moments and felt like the Lord had put each one of these people in my life to lift me up. I am acutely aware that I found these moments because I was ACTIVELY LOOKING for them. I had let the world get in the way of seeing the atonement in my own life, so it was a ginormous blessing from the Lord to see it in the lives of those around me. A kick in the pants to help me get my perspective back.
I went back to the scriptures and read John 3:16: "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." There is such power in these words. I hope you will take the time this week to look for the atonement at work in your life and if you don't see it there, just take a look around you!
If there is one topic that I love to learn about it is the Atonement. I have studied it many times and each time I am blessed with a little more understanding of the impact it can have on an individuals life. I am always impressed with the amount of love it took for Christ to finish the work that He had been sent here to do. I am equally impressed with the amount of love that is shown in each person who partakes of the healing power of the atonement. It is truly one of those situations where we are made strong in our weaknesses.
I have a dear friend who, when confronted with another person's sins, made this statement, "I hope to see the Atonement at work in their lives." I loved that statement and had thought to myself that if I were to write about the atonement that it would be a great starting point. Unfortunately, when Easter came and the topic of the atonement was at the fore front of my mind, I found myself distracted by the topic of Mary and the Atonement. This too is a great topic, but it was not what I was to write about. I was struggling to write my blog, the words just wouldn't flow. Then I had lunch with my friend and she made the same statement again and it brought about one of those cartoon moments, you know the one I'm talking about, when the light bulb appears over the characters head. I knew what I had to do. How grateful I am for the kind heart of my friend!
I was set. I would spend the next week looking for examples of the atonement at work in the lives of the people around me. Then I would write about what I had observed. I prayed each day that the Lord would bless me with the eyes to see the atonement in those that I came in contact with. I don't think I fully understood what this week would do for me personally. I have been truly blessed this last week to see the blessings of the atonement in so many ways and to reflect on how much the atonement means to me.
Two Sisters
Two ladies came into the distribution center smiling and laughing. It was obvious from the first moment you saw them that they were best friends. They teased each other, laughed together, and even finished each others sentences. One of the ladies said, "If you couldn't tell we are sisters." Although their appearances were quite different, their sisterly bond was easily recognizable. I asked if they had always been so close. Their reply was a great lesson for me in the power of the atonement.
They had not always liked each other, in fact, there had been many struggles for forgiveness between them. There were many missed moments because of the things that they had used to build walls around them. However, in their journey together they came to realize that they needed each other and that life was just too hard without the other. So they "chose each other" over anger and bitterness. What a great way to think about forgiveness! They each repented and have moved forward with their relationship ever since.
I pondered that statement over the week and how it could apply to me. It was a reminder that when I choose to apply the atonement in my own life I am choosing the Lord over my sins. But more importantly, I need to remember to move forward with my relationship with God. Just as these two sisters have worked on their relationship with the each other I need to put effort into building a stronger relationship with God so that I too can smile at, laugh with, and think like the Lord. I too find that life is just too hard without Him!
The Couple
A couple came in for last minute preparations for their sealing and as usual I congratulated them. It was obvious that they were very excited about this amazing event that was about to change their lives. As I was helping them, they begin to share with me why this day meant so much to them. Their story touched my heart.
They had been married in a civil ceremony "four kids ago" is how she described it. It had not started the way she had dreamed of as a little girl, she was pregnant with their first child and so they got married. She had been raised in the church, but had fallen away as a teenager. As their family grew, she began to feel like they needed to teach their children about God. So she talked with her Bishop, started the repentance process, and began taking her family to church. Her husband had not wanted to attend at first, and would not attend the church for years.
Then one day he decided to try it. He told her that it was because he had seen the change in her and the kids and wanted to see what it would do for him. Soon he was taking the missionary discussions and was baptized, which led them to be with me on this particular day. They had been working on getting their lives in order and preparing for their temple sealing for 10 years. She had tears in her eyes as she expressed the joy that she was feeling. Her husband wrapped his arms around her, gently kissed her head, and whispered that he loved her. It was obvious that this had been a long, hard journey for them, but one that they both wanted to share with each other. As they left, I couldn't help but think about how this sweet family was going to be blessed because of their mother's desire to partake of the atonement.
Their story made me think about how powerful the atonement is and the hope it brings to peoples lives. Without the atonement they would have been stagnant, unable to repent and progress. Instead, this couple and their children will now have the blessing of being an eternal family. There is no end to the blessings of the atonement!
The Alcoholic
My last story is that of a man who has had to overcome an addiction to alcohol. When I asked for his recommend he opened his wallet to pull it out and realized that his AA card was placed on top of it. He seemed embarrassed, even though I didn't say a thing. I'm not sure why, but he felt like he needed to explain himself, so he told me his story.
He had developed a taste for alcohol in his younger years and found himself an alcoholic in his late twenties. He struggled with his marriage, keeping jobs, and at one point had lost everything he had ever loved. When he thought he had hit the lowest point possible, two young missionaries from the church would visit him and teach him about the gospel. What they had to say touched his heart and he knew that he needed to get help. He was introduced to the Bishop and found a great friend in this man. Together they would work through the repentance process and get him the needed help for his addiction. He looked at me with a sense of pride as he said, "I have been alcohol-free for over 20 years."
I felt that I needed to let him know that I did not judge him, but that I was very grateful that he had shared his story of the atonement at work in his life. I have never suffered from an addiction, so I can only testify to the damage it causes in someone else's life from witnessing it in the lives of my friends and loved ones. His story strengthened my belief that all things can be overcome through Christ and I appreciated his openness. He hugged me, said thanks for listening, and waved as the door closed behind him. I hope he comes to visit again.
What a great week of looking for the atonement! By the end of the week I was feeling once again spiritually filled and able to deal with life's problems with a clearer view of what is important and what is not. I had been the recipient of many of these wonderful moments and felt like the Lord had put each one of these people in my life to lift me up. I am acutely aware that I found these moments because I was ACTIVELY LOOKING for them. I had let the world get in the way of seeing the atonement in my own life, so it was a ginormous blessing from the Lord to see it in the lives of those around me. A kick in the pants to help me get my perspective back.
I went back to the scriptures and read John 3:16: "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." There is such power in these words. I hope you will take the time this week to look for the atonement at work in your life and if you don't see it there, just take a look around you!
Monday, April 9, 2012
Wouldn't It be Great If...
The Rantings of a Frustrated Woman
So the last few weeks have been filled with some spiritual challenges. My life is being impacted, in a negative way, by some of the people in my life and I find myself saying these words over and over: What is the Christian thing to do?
The problem is, as a Christian, I am expected to do the right thing in EVERY situation. I am an example to everyone around me, but honestly, there are times when I wish that I could say and do what I am really thinking! I know this might say a lot about where my heart is right now, but I just need to have a little writing therapy and then hopefully I can move on.
I think I would like to start my writing with the following prompt:
Wouldn't it be great if...
people did what they said they would do! At least then I could count on some sort of action! If you say you are going to be there, then be there. If you say you are going to do something, then do it. People are counting on you and when you don't do your part you let more than one person down!
people would stop lying. I hate being lied to! I would much rather have hurt feelings and the truth, than having to constantly question what is being said to me. If people don't want to tell me the truth because they believe it would hurt my feelings, then they should opt to say nothing rather than lie. Don't they understand that when they lie to me they hurt my feelings far more than if they would have just told me the truth.
people would take responsibility for their actions. We become accountable at a young age so by the time we are adults you would think we would have learned how to do this! Blaming others is juvenile and just plain wrong. It isn't the job of anyone but you to take the fall for your mistakes. Besides, it seems to me that if you take responsibility for your actions people are far more likely to forgive you and move on.
people wouldn't be so selfish. How much nicer would the world be if people thought of others? The 'it's all about me' attitude gets old quick. Newsflash: IT"S NOT ALL ABOUT YOU! There are other people in your life that need you to think about them and to be there for them. Put your needs aside and do something for someone else. You might just find that you will have more friends if you do.
people would really listen. This is one of my biggest frustrations! So much can be learned if we just stop and really listen. There are some very wise people in the world and there are some really stupid people in the world, if you learn to listen you will quickly learn how to identify both!
people wouldn't judge each other. So much hurt happens when we compare ourselves to each other. The only standard for which we should strive to live comes from a higher source. Be the best you possible and let others be the best them possible. It's about building up, not tearing down.
people really learned how to love! Not the type of love the media feeds them or their friends tell them about, but the type of love that makes you want to be the best person you can be for the people around you.
people could see the blessings in what they have. When will the need for more possessions, money, and popularity ever end? The realization that things will be tough sometimes seems like the end of the world now-a-days. What happened to the ability to sacrifice and to see the blessings in every situation? Has it been bred out of us? It's part of growing up people, learn to deal with it!
Well I think I have ranted long enough. I do feel a little better, maybe liberated is the better word choice. I have been thinking and praying over these things for weeks, searching for the right words, questioning what is the best course to take to deal with these issues. I know it's not ground breaking, but writing them down did help. I admit that a part of me still thinks; wouldn't it be great if it all just went away, but it's a much smaller part of me now than before I started!
So the last few weeks have been filled with some spiritual challenges. My life is being impacted, in a negative way, by some of the people in my life and I find myself saying these words over and over: What is the Christian thing to do?
The problem is, as a Christian, I am expected to do the right thing in EVERY situation. I am an example to everyone around me, but honestly, there are times when I wish that I could say and do what I am really thinking! I know this might say a lot about where my heart is right now, but I just need to have a little writing therapy and then hopefully I can move on.
I think I would like to start my writing with the following prompt:
Wouldn't it be great if...
people did what they said they would do! At least then I could count on some sort of action! If you say you are going to be there, then be there. If you say you are going to do something, then do it. People are counting on you and when you don't do your part you let more than one person down!
people would stop lying. I hate being lied to! I would much rather have hurt feelings and the truth, than having to constantly question what is being said to me. If people don't want to tell me the truth because they believe it would hurt my feelings, then they should opt to say nothing rather than lie. Don't they understand that when they lie to me they hurt my feelings far more than if they would have just told me the truth.
people would take responsibility for their actions. We become accountable at a young age so by the time we are adults you would think we would have learned how to do this! Blaming others is juvenile and just plain wrong. It isn't the job of anyone but you to take the fall for your mistakes. Besides, it seems to me that if you take responsibility for your actions people are far more likely to forgive you and move on.
people wouldn't be so selfish. How much nicer would the world be if people thought of others? The 'it's all about me' attitude gets old quick. Newsflash: IT"S NOT ALL ABOUT YOU! There are other people in your life that need you to think about them and to be there for them. Put your needs aside and do something for someone else. You might just find that you will have more friends if you do.
people would really listen. This is one of my biggest frustrations! So much can be learned if we just stop and really listen. There are some very wise people in the world and there are some really stupid people in the world, if you learn to listen you will quickly learn how to identify both!
people wouldn't judge each other. So much hurt happens when we compare ourselves to each other. The only standard for which we should strive to live comes from a higher source. Be the best you possible and let others be the best them possible. It's about building up, not tearing down.
people really learned how to love! Not the type of love the media feeds them or their friends tell them about, but the type of love that makes you want to be the best person you can be for the people around you.
people could see the blessings in what they have. When will the need for more possessions, money, and popularity ever end? The realization that things will be tough sometimes seems like the end of the world now-a-days. What happened to the ability to sacrifice and to see the blessings in every situation? Has it been bred out of us? It's part of growing up people, learn to deal with it!
Well I think I have ranted long enough. I do feel a little better, maybe liberated is the better word choice. I have been thinking and praying over these things for weeks, searching for the right words, questioning what is the best course to take to deal with these issues. I know it's not ground breaking, but writing them down did help. I admit that a part of me still thinks; wouldn't it be great if it all just went away, but it's a much smaller part of me now than before I started!
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