Who is God?

God is Your Loving Heavenly Father

He is not some abstract idea or concept. He is the father of your spirit. He knows and loves you. He wants to bless you in your life.

"Just think of it: You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious being in the universe! You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time.”  ~Dieter F. Uchtdorf  

Because He loves us, He sent our Savior Jesus Christ to show us the way and to give us hope. 

“God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve love. It is simply always there.”  ~Thomas S. MonsonWe Never Walk Alone

Questions of the Soul

If you have questions about anything written above or pertaining to your relationship with your Heavenly Father or His son, Jesus Christ, find answers on a website all about Christ.

Or, talk with a member online.

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)

Come Unto Christ

Sunday, we went to a member's house for dinner. Usually, we come prepared with a message about Christ to share with the families that feed us. We thought we were going to be the teachers. This time though, we were the ones who needed a message.

During dinner, one of the kids started talking about a video that they love to watch as a family. It was a new music video for youth called, "Come Unto Christ." The teenage daughter pulled it up on the television and we all gathered around to watch.

As I listened, I saw reflections of myself. I was given a unique perspective as I recalled who I was as a youth and where I found myself now. I know that it is only because of Christ that I was given the hope I needed to pull through my moments of darkness. Now, I can look up and see the light that was always there, leading me on.

We all face our moments of darkness. We all have different situations. We all feel heartache and sorrow. But one thing I know is that no matter who we are or what we face, our eternal worth is more than we can even begin to imagine. 

I know I have a Savior that loves me and can see that worth even when I can't and I know without a doubt that you do too. Never give up on yourself. Keep looking forward. When we walk in faith, the future is always brighter than the past.

I leave you my testimony that our Savior, Jesus Christ, is the very Son of God. He suffered and died for us so that we never have to be alone. He always has his arms outstretched. All we need to do is come unto Him.

Remember who you are.

My New Life

This week, one of my companions was sick, so I stayed home to care for her. At one point, we sat and watched practically every Mormon Message known to man. As we did, I rediscovered this video about Stephanie Neilson. What an amazing woman!

Learning about Stephanie and her story is actually what inspired me to start blogging. Two years ago, I started a blog called "The Wind is Blowing." It documented some of the trials and feelings I felt after the passing of my mother. Now, I have this blog to document all my new adventures as a missionary for the Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I know that I still have a lot to learn, but I pray that one day, I will be able to be as powerful of a force for good as Stephanie Neilson has allowed herself to be. Here is her story:

We all face different challenges in life. Some cope with loss of sight, hearing, or even a loved one. Others struggle to adapt to new challenges and cultures. However, each of us can rest assured that we have the strength to make it through because YOU have a Heavenly Father who loves you and a Savior to carry you. I know this to be true. I have seen it in my life and I promise you can see it too.

When life gets hard, just look forward in faith and say, "This is my new life."

I believe in you. Will you believe in yourself?

What is Dignity?

Dignity: n. 1) impressive self-control of behavior in difficult situations. 2) self respect, a proper form of pride

So, last week, we had an interesting experience. We went over to visit a family we have been teaching. One of the father's friends was over. He suggested we speak outside.

He then proceeded to try to tear us down in every way. We just stood there and listened. He was far too heated to try to reason with him.

This got me thinking about what the Savior experienced. How did He handle situations like that? How about Joseph Smith and the early members of our Church?

As I stood there being called a liar, I was able to stand tall knowing that what I believe is true. I could think back on the poise and dignity of Joseph Smith and his beloved wife Emma. I knew that all I could do was represent the Savior and His love for all mankind.

Dignity comes from knowing who you truly are.

We all face adversity in life. We are all called to stand for what we know is right at some point or another. We all must choose to keep our dignity, to remember who we are.

What Shall We Give?

So this last week has been great! A lot of people have been asking if it is hard to be away from family at Christmas time. While I love you all dearly, it has amazed me how wonderful this Christmas has been so far. It is so nice to be away from all of the commercial distractions and just be able to focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

There have been so many people giving us little gifts and packages. As missionaries, we move around so much, we can't take much with us. So, it has been so much fun to look around to see who needs uplifting and a sign of care. While I have not been physically with my earthly family, I have rarely felt so close to my Elder Brother, my Savior, Jesus Christ and to our Heavenly Father as I have this Christmas.

Monday, Sister Asay and I organized a group of missionaries to go caroling at a nursing home. It was such an amazing experience. During our singing, I felt inspired to go around and talk to each person individually. There was one woman in particular that I met. Her name is Gene. She was so appreciative of our visit that she began to cry as she expressed her thanks. It was such a blessing to be able to see how our influence affected another soul so greatly. We went back to see her on Friday and plan to make our visits a regular occurrence. If you ever need upliftment in your life, go and help someone else.

This last week, I have been thinking about a scene from a movie called The Restoration. In it, there is a scene where Joseph Smith and some others are helping an older woman with some things. She says to Joseph, "It is awfully kind of you to help, but I still don't agree with your religion." Joseph stops, looks at her and just says, "Ma'am, that is my religion." Lately, I have been trying to be better at living that religion. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is patterned after the way He lived His life: losing Himself in the service of others.

As we celebrate Christmas this year, I hope you will join with me in remembering the true meaning of Christmas.

Don't forget that as fun as Santa Clause is, he is also a representation of the Savior. He is meant to remind us of the gifts that Christ has given us; thereby, prompting us to give good gifts to others.

I love you and your Savior, Jesus Christ loves you. May you always find joy in the service of others. <3

Divine Image

In the looking glass, I see
Something very strange

It seems quite clear to me

There's been a mighty change.

The longer that I peer, I find

That it's not me I see;

Is it only in my mind

That Christ stares back at me?

Am I really that divine?

Am I made in His image?

I blink and see the eyes are mine,

But the light in them is His.