Living After the Manner of Happiness: Blessing

It's been a while since I've written a blog in my series "Living After the Manner of Happiness", so to continue with that I wanted to share just a couple of thoughts about blessings.

 

When Christ was on the earth His ministry consisted of teaching, preaching, and healing (see Matthew 4:23).  There are many recorded accounts of the Savior healing people and there's no way to know how many unrecorded instances there are of His miraculous healings.  The Savior gave His 12 apostles the power to bless and minister to the people.  It's only through faith and God given power that such miraculous blessings can be given.

 

Here are just a couple of examples:

"And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them." (Mark 10:16)

"And...he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. ...And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them." (Mark 6:5, 13) 

Today the same power that the Savior and His apostles possessed is on the earth.  In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we call this power and authority to act in God's name the priesthood.

 

I am so grateful that our Heavenly Father restored this priesthood power to the earth once again.  In times of sickness or in times of discouragement, each one of us can seek a blessing from the hands of one who has been ordained to the priesthood of God.  One definition I read about blessings is, "To confer divine favor upon someone. Anything contributing to true happiness, well-being, or prosperity is a blessing."  

 

I have seen so many miracles occur because of a blessing of the priesthood.  (If you want to read an especially inspiring account read this blog!)  I personally have been blessed and healed.  God wants to bless us and He has provided a way for each one of us.

 

 

Turning Back

One day when I was serving in Mayfield, KY my companion and I had a day that was a complete bust.  Either no one was home, didn't have time for the missionaries, or straight up ignored our knocking.  Needless to say we were feeling a little discouraged, but we had decided to try to meet some people who had formerly been taught by missionaries.

I knew the streets of the city of Mayfield pretty darn good and so I made my way over to where the house of a former investigator was.  We were going down a street and then at the end of that street we would turn right and the house would be just up to the right. 

Well evidently I didn't know the streets of Mayfield like I thought because when we came to the intersection I found out the road I needed to turn onto was a one way street and I could only turn left.  This was the sign we saw at that intersection:





It seemed to mock all of our efforts of the day.  (It summed up our day so perfectly that we had to take a picture of it!)  By that point I wanted to just give up and go home and take a nap.  But we didn't and instead we found a different route to get the house, and of course, to follow the pattern of the rest of the day, no one was home.

I've had times on my mission when I've felt like I did that day.  All I wanted to do was give up and go home.  At a time when I was feeling discouraged and thought it would be easier to just give up, I started to notice a couple of people in the Book of Mormon who I think at one point could relate with me:

"Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back..." (Alma 26:27)

"And it came to pass that he did preach, many days, repentance unto the people, and they did cast him out, and he was about to return to his own land..." (Helaman 13:2) 

(Some other good scriptures on turning back are Alma 8:13-18, Helaman 10:1-12, D&C 67:14)

Turning back.  Easily one of the greatest temptations we face in life.  It's so much easier and more comfortable to return to our old ways and our old life. 

But we can't turn our backs on the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.  We can't turn our backs on the mission the Lord has given us or on the covenants we have made with Him.  We can't turn back and not suffer.  We will suffer because we are turning away from the source of peace and happiness, even if the road before us may be difficult.

The Savior Himself taught us that, "No man having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62)

So I guess what I'm trying to get across is that even when the road is hard and you face rejection on all sides and it seems so much easier to give up and turn back, the Lord will comfort, sustain, and support you.  He will bless you in your efforts to follow Him.  He's promised us that:

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." (Isaiah 41:10)

Walking On Water

Growing up, I spent a lot of summer break in the pool we had in our backyard.  My parents had bought a really nice pool cover that we could open and close automatically.  My parents told us that the pool cover was so high quality that it could hold an elephant.  (I'm pretty sure they made that up.)  But we were convinced and had almost as much fun running across the pool cover as we did actually swimming in the pool.  I think I liked it so much because that was the closest I have ever gotten to actually "walking on water."

Recently I was at a meeting with a bunch of other missionaries and our mission president and we actually read through the story of Jesus walking on water.  Here's the account of it from Matthew 14: 

25. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 

26. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out with fear. 

27. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

28. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

29. And he said, Come.  And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

30. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 

What I realized in reading through this account is that Peter understood that Christ has the power to save us.  We call Him the "Savior" because we know that if we call out "Lord, save me!" like Peter did, He will come to our rescue.

But I think that maybe Peter didn't fully realize that Christ not only can save us, but He can also empower us to do miraculous things, like walking on water.

I believe many of us can relate with Peter.  I certainly can.  I have a strong testimony that the Lord can rescue me from sin, sorrow, loneliness, pain, etc.  I know He can save us.  I have faith in His saving power.  But I am not so sure that I understand His enabling power. 

Elder David A. Bednar taught, "The enabling and strengthening aspect of the Atonement helps us to see and to do and to become good in ways that we could never recognize or accomplish with our limited mortal capacity."

Peter recognized that in his limited mortal capacity there was no way he could walk on water, especially in the midst of boisterously blowing winds, and so he began to sink.  The same goes for us.  But as we look steadfastly to Christ as our source of strength and power I know we will begin to see changes and miracles within ourselves.  We will be able to confidently say, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13)

The Truth Shall Make You Free

The Savior once told a group of his followers, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."  (John 8:31-32)

I am thoroughly convinced that we will never be able to fully progress in life if we don't accept and embrace certain truths.  These truths are what set us free from any doubts or sins that hold us back.

One truth that is essential for us to understand is that we are children of God.  As we embrace this truth we gain a confidence that we are of worth and value.  President Dieter F. Uchtdorf once said, "Brothers and sisters, the most powerful Being in the universe is the Father of your spirit. He knows you. He loves you with a perfect love."  How could our lives be changed if we more fully believed this one most basic truth?

Another truth that sets us free is the understanding that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can repent and be forgiven of our sins.  This truth enables us to correct any behaviors or thoughts that are not in line with the Lord's standards and enjoy the freedom that comes as we keep the commandments of God.

I love what the third verse of the Battle Hymn of the Republic says:

In the beauty of the lilies, Christ was born across the sea,

With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me.

As he died to make men holy, let us live to make men free,

While God is marching on.

 

We can help to make men free as we share these precious gospel truths with others.  I feel so blessed to be a full-time missionary because I get to witness people experience the liberating power of the Atonement.  The gospel of Jesus Christ truly changes lives.  I have seen it time and time again, including in my own life.

The Savior taught, "I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life." (John 14:6)  It is only through Jesus Christ that we can truly be free. 

The Measure of Our Love

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, once said, "The measure of our love is the measure of the greatness of our souls."

I want to share some things I have learned about love from some remarkable individuals.  These exceptional people have been my mission companions.  And according to Elder Wirthlin's definition, they are some of the greatest people I know because they are so filled with love for God and their fellowman.

My companion in the Missionary Training Center has a very fun-loving spirit.  We spent a majority of our time in the MTC laughing.  We had so much (maybe too much) fun with each other and the missionaries in our district and zone.  Her fun-loving nature not only brought lots of laughs and good times, but it also brought a spirit of unity.

 

My trainer in the mission field is one of the most amazing people I know.  She taught me (and continues to teach me) about pure love.  She is so sincere and genuine.  People are so drawn to her because she radiates the pure love of Christ.

My second transfer in the mission field my trainer and I received another companion.  This companion taught me a lot about demonstrating love.  When she loves and cares about someone she just can't help but put her arm around them and give them a hug.

 

My first transfer in Mayfield, KY I served with an individual who has become one of my best friends.  She loves people so deeply and fiercely.  And she has this way of making you feel like you are her favorite person in the world.  (I am thoroughly convinced I was her favorite mission companion.)

 

My second companion in Mayfield taught me a lot about unconditional love.  She put up with a lot from me as I had many different personal struggles.  Even though there were times she had no reason to love me, she did and would serve me in many little ways.

  

My third companion in Mayfield is one of the most accepting peole I know.  She has this inherent understanding of the worth of a soul and loves and accepts people despite their flaws and shortcomings (especially her companion's).

 

 

I served one transfer in McMinnville, TN and my companion there taught me about the loyalty and commitment that comes when you love others.  She is always concerned about the welfare of others and would do absolutely anything for those she loves. 

My first companion here in Manchester has this amazing ability to make connections with people, whether it's figuring out a mutual friend or a common interest.  She cares so much about people that she remembers little details of their lives.

 

My current companion is the type of person that everyone wants to be around because she always has something nice to say and a compliment to give.  It's so easy for her to love people because it's so easy for her to see the good in everyone.  She's like BYU TV, she sees the good in the world.

I have learned so much from these incredible individuals.  I truly consider them sisters.  I am inspired by their example of keeping the commandment to "love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind" and to "love thy neighbour as thyself."  (see Matthew 22:37-39)

May each of us "pray unto the Father will all energy of heart, that [we] may be filled with this love." (Moroni 7:48)

Sacrifice Brings Forth the Blessings of Heaven

In the hymn "Praise to the Man" there is a line that just absolutely rings true to me.  It says, "Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven." 

I have pondered on that statement many times and I want to share a conclusion I have come to about the role of sacrifice in our lives by linking a few scriptures together.

In a revelation received by Joseph Smith, the Lord stated that "eternal life...is the greatest of all the gifts of God." (D&C 14:7) 

We could rephrase the line from that hymn and say that sacrifice brings forth eternal life.  But what is eternal life?

The Savior in His great intercessory prayer said, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent." (John 17:3)  Eternal life is knowing God and Jesus Christ.

The conclusion or realization I have come to is that if we want to really know our Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ there are sacrifices we must make.  And when we consider the great and atoning sacrifice our Savior made for us, how could we expect to do anything less?

What are we willing to sacrifice in order to know God?  In the Book of Mormon we read the account of a man who so desperately wanted to know God that he said in his humble prayer, "O God...I will give away all my sins to know thee."  (Alma 22:18)

Are we willing to give away our sins to truly know God?
Are we willing to submit our will to His will? 
What will we do to show our Heavenly Father that we are completely devoted to Him?

These are questions I have asked of myself many times.  And I have decided that I want it to always be completely and utterly evident that my Heavenly Father and my Savior come first in my life. 

So if that requires me to spend 18 months away from my family and miss my twin sister's wedding and my older brother's wedding and the birth of my sister's first child, I'll do it.  I will sacrifice those things and whatever else the Lord may ask of me because I want and need to know Him better.

There are sacrifices that will be required of each one of us that will seemingly demand our all.  But when we remember that those sacrifices are the price we pay to know God, suddenly it feels more like an offering than a sacrifice.  We want to "come unto Christ, the Holy One of Israel, ...and offer [our] whole souls as an offering unto him." (Omni 1:26)

Our sacrifices, or our offerings, will bring forth the blessings of heaven.  And I can't think of any greater blessing than truly knowing God our Father and Jesus Christ.

Living After the Manner of Happiness: Reading

I am an avid reader.  At times I'm even an obsessive reader (trust me - if you were to ask me how many times I've read the Harry Potter books, it would be very clear to you that I have a problem).  I have found great happiness in my life through reading.  Fantasy, romance, historical fiction, biographical, motivational--I love reading it all.

I especially love reading the scriptures.  I have found so much comfort, peace, guidance, and inspiration in reading the word of God.  And I have come to learn for myself that the scriptures are true.

My first real, personally significant experience with the Book of Mormon happened when I was 11 years old.  It was summer and because we had a pool in our backyard, we had invited some people to come over and swim.  I don't remember what happened exactly, but I had a bad attitude about something and my mom sent me to my room and told me I could come out when I had changed my attitude. 

As I sat in my room, in a foul mood, I decided to read in the Book of Mormon because we had a goal at church to read it by the end of the year.  It was July or August and I wasn't even done with 1 Nephi, so I had a lot reading to do in order to finish it.  I read the last couple of chapters in 1 Nephi, and as I got to 2 Nephi chapter 2, a verse seemed to have been written just for me.  2 Nephi 2:27 says:

"Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man.  And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself."

I realized in that moment that I was choosing to be miserable, like the devil himself is miserable.  And that really made me mad because I didn't (and still don't) want to be anything like him.  I learned then that I can choose either to be like Jesus Christ or like the devil.  And that is a choice between happiness and misery. 

After reading that verse I immediately changed my attitude and enjoyed the rest of my day.  I had gained a personal testimony that day of the power of the Book of Mormon.  And ever since then I return time and time again to the Book of Mormon as a source of guidance and strength.

 

President Boyd K. Packer said, "Life moves all too fast. When you feel weak, discouraged, depressed, or afraid, open the Book of Mormon and read. Do not let too much time pass before reading a verse, a thought, or a chapter."

So if you're feeling down or overwhelmed and need some encouragement and inspiration, read the Book of Mormon!  It will bless your life, and it can change your life as you take time each day to read from it.