Remember Thy Faith

Father, I'm empty;
Father, I'm lost.
I've done as thou asked,
But I've not paid the cost.

Someone has suffered;
Someone has cried.
But who was that man
That for me hath died?

I know all the stories;
I know what to say,
But do I reflect
Outside of Sunday?

Am I seeking for glory?
Am I seeking for fame?
Or am I just trying
To help Him reclaim?

Others are lost;
Others don't see
The blessings that come
Because of belief.

Father, I love them;
Father, I'm here.
Send me thy children
That need rest from fear.

I'll trust in my Savior;
I'll trust in my faith.
I know who it is
That saved me by grace.

 See Ether 12:6 and 1 John 4:18

My Eternal Family

So, for those of you who don't know, my mother passed away almost two years ago.

There have been a lot of things that have helped over time to look forward in hope. There is the knowledge that her spirit lives on, that she is learning to see herself the way she couldn't while she was here, and that I will see her once again. There is also the joy of reminiscing, it always brings a smile to think of all the good times that we had together.

That is why I love family history.

When I was younger, I used to wonder how I could really be involved. I didn't understand the website. The whole idea of finding names and dates of my ancestors was overwhelming.

Recently, however, we have started using family history more in our missionary work. As we explored what it really is and how we can use it, we filled out a booklet with stories and pictures of our ancestors. It brought a lot of peace. I was able to put stories and pictures on familysearch.org and link them to my mother's profile. It brought me closer to her. It helped me remember the good times and appreciate her sacrifices.

There is power in family history. Anyone who really engages themselves in it and comes to love that work will be able to testify of the spirit of love that it brings.

Because, really, this is what the Gospel is all about. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the fundamental unit is the family. 

Our central message is simple: Through Jesus Christ and His Atonement, all people will have an opportunity to return home to a loving Heavenly Father and live eternally as a family.

My Yoke is Easy

• I've spoken of this experience before, but over this last Easter weekend, it has come back to my heart and mind. I hope that I can do some good in sharing it.

  Several years ago, I had the opportunity to go on an adventure!! I went with some other youth from my church. I tried to be minimalistic as I packed supplies for the week into a hiking backpack. My older brother kindly took the heavier things in his pack.

  We loaded up the cars and drove to the rim of the Grand Canyon where the trail began. From there, we hiked 10 miles to the Native American village of Havasupai and then another 2 miles to our campground. As a 14 year old, my pack felt pretty heavy by the end, but I soon forgot that as we set up camp and then jumped into the cool river to play. The week passed by and we all had a blast.

  Eventually, it was time to head home. We set out late afternoon and camped halfway along the trail. We hoped to miss the heat of the day as we finished our hike the next morning. Unfortunately, that didn't quite work.

  Exhausted and sweaty, I reached the switchbacks-- a part of the trail that zigzags back and forth to avoid creating an impossible incline. This was the last stretch. I tried to keep pace with another 14 year old, even smaller than I was. If he could do it, so could I. Every step, I told myself, "One more step. I can take at least one more. I just have to reach that rock ahead of me..."

  Fortunately, I had an older brother who was looking out for me. He was one of the first to make it up to the top. He saw me making my way and knew I was probably struggling and tired. He ran to me. He traded his bottle of water for my heavy burden. As I took a gulp of the cool water, I could feel the wind on my back. A burst of energy hit my limbs. I thought, "Yes, I can make it!"

  With my brother carrying my load, we walked side by side. Through his encouragement, I made the rest of the journey. With a sigh of relief, I was able to rest.

  Just like that, we all have mountains-- or canyons-- to climb. We may have a heavy load on our backs. You may wonder, "Can I really make this?" Maybe you wonder why you should even try.

  Don't give up.

  I testify that we all have an Elder Brother who went before us. As the Son of God, He walked this life, and He took our place. He sees our struggles and knows our pain. He suffered and died on the cross the He may know how to comfort His people "according to their infirmities." He rose from the dead, that we may also live. He showed us the way.

  As he walks by our side, He pleas:

  "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
  (Matthew 11:28-30)