Today has been a day full of insights and inspiration...I just had to write some things down.
It started with my Relief Society President winging a lesson because the teacher didn't show up. She decided to talk about the Atonement, and how it really is for everyone. It was great. But then my friend Shelli raised her hand and made this awesome comment that has been what has opened up so many doors today...
She talked about how people use the expression, "Rock Bottom." How it means that when you hit rock bottom, you can't go any deeper and that you are stuck there. But then she said, she thought about how in the scriptures it talks about Christ being our "rock" and salvation. So when we hit rock bottom, we have really just run into the Savior. That we can't go below him because he ascended below all things. And when we hit rock bottom, we have a chance to start anew and to then build our foundations on the Savior. How awesome is that thought? I love it. I can't say I have ever hit rock bottom in my life, but there are times when it sure has felt like it. And I know that the one person who was there for me deep in my sorrow was the Savior. "His hand is out stretched still...." He will never give up on us. And when we believe we have gone so far and that there is no hope, we can see that the "rock" we have fallen on is actually Christ.
Then later I was able to go with my Grandparents to a missionary homecoming of one of the missionaries they served with. He shared the scripture Alma 26:17-20. Basically its when Ammon is asking why did the Lord decide to save him. Why is it that through his "polluted state" the Savior saved him and his brothers? And then it reads:
"...Behold, he did not exercise his justice upon us, but in his great mercy hath brought us over that everlasting gulf of death and misery, even to the salvation of our souls."
I think we often will ask why the Savior has extended his hand toward us and will continue to have his hand outstretched to us. And it is because of love. The Savior has mercy for us, and continues to plead for us to come unto him.
I love Sundays. I love the Atonement. I know that when I hit "rock bottom" that it is only a chance for me to pick myself up and to start again and to rely on the Savior to build my foundation. He is continually there for me, and He will always be there waiting for me to return.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Not In Control...
This past month or so has been interesting for me. I have spent a lot of time on my knees and pondering about my life. From little experiences with finding a job, to dating experiences, to tender mercies in a day, I have realized greatly how little control I have over my life. Yes, I can do things that help my life, but my future is greatly in the hands of the Lord.
One thing I have had relearn is attitude is everything. When we have a positive outlook towards life, life seems to be more positive. Crazy, huh? My attitude is in my control. Even though I have situations that arise that should give me great troubles, I feel calm. I know its the Spirit helping me to be positive, and to not lose hope.
Because of this positive outlook, I have felt the need to give back to the Lord. It is a funny goal I started a couple Sundays ago, but any time there is a sign up sheet passed around for something service oriented, I make myself sign up! So far I have helped cleaned the church, helped garden at the temple and made treats at FHE. They haven't been big things, but I feel the little effort I can put in does count for something.
I just feel so grateful for my testimony of Jesus Christ. I always think I understand the Atonement, and the sacrifice that was made, but then something in my life happens, and I realize I have no idea how much love the Savior has for me. I feel it in doses, and it is truly amazing. I wish that more people could feel that love and understand their great worth in the eyes of God. How differently we would act if we fully understood our worth.
I'm excited for my future. Who knows where I will be in 5 years or 10...but one thing I do know is that it is going to be great because Lord has a plan for me! I have very little control over timing and what may happen, and at times it is hard to put my trust in the Lord, but I know that is the only way I can be happy.
One thing I have had relearn is attitude is everything. When we have a positive outlook towards life, life seems to be more positive. Crazy, huh? My attitude is in my control. Even though I have situations that arise that should give me great troubles, I feel calm. I know its the Spirit helping me to be positive, and to not lose hope.
Because of this positive outlook, I have felt the need to give back to the Lord. It is a funny goal I started a couple Sundays ago, but any time there is a sign up sheet passed around for something service oriented, I make myself sign up! So far I have helped cleaned the church, helped garden at the temple and made treats at FHE. They haven't been big things, but I feel the little effort I can put in does count for something.
I just feel so grateful for my testimony of Jesus Christ. I always think I understand the Atonement, and the sacrifice that was made, but then something in my life happens, and I realize I have no idea how much love the Savior has for me. I feel it in doses, and it is truly amazing. I wish that more people could feel that love and understand their great worth in the eyes of God. How differently we would act if we fully understood our worth.
I'm excited for my future. Who knows where I will be in 5 years or 10...but one thing I do know is that it is going to be great because Lord has a plan for me! I have very little control over timing and what may happen, and at times it is hard to put my trust in the Lord, but I know that is the only way I can be happy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)