If you're reading this and you're not LDS, you might see the word Book of Mormon and want to click off the screen. I'd say keep reading because what I read today in the Book of Mormon is beautiful. It's about Jesus Christ, His role on earth, and our relationship with Him and His sacrifice.
I'm doing a Book of Mormon challenge with my Sunday School class. I didn't want to at first because I really kind of hate BoM challenges. Jack and I felt inspired to assign it to our class, but I was hesitant because I, myself, did not want to do it. I like doing topical studies or turning to where I feel like I should study. Or I like taking my time and not having a deadline as to when I should finish the Book of Mormon. But I have been doing it, and I'm beating all those 14-year-olds! (haha)
This challenge has been so good for me. For one thing, my testimony of the Book of Mormon is getting stronger. My testimony of Jesus Christ is getting stronger. And I keep finding scriptures at the perfect time I need them. Like today.
Today I read Alma 7. This is one of my favorite passages of scripture ever. In this chapter, Alma describes the Savior's ministry here on earth, and he also tells us what our obligations are to our Savior.
CHRIST:
-He suffered every kind of pain, affliction, and temptation. Every kind! He knows exactly what I'm going through at all times. No matter the pain. No matter the heartache. No matter the temptation. He has felt it, and because He has felt it, He knows exactly how to help me.
-His sufferings allowed Him to be filled with mercy, and He knows how to succor (assist/support in times of distress) us.
-He loosed the bands of death. We can be resurrected and live, body and spirit, forever.
-He took upon Himself all of our sins so we can be completely forgiven. He, who was completely innocent, took upon Himself the burdens of our sins. Because of that, our sins can be blotted out.
A lot of times, people think the Atonement is just for our sins. We forget that it covers everything--pains, afflictions, infirmities, and temptations. I love that in these verses (11-13), it talks about the other stuff before sins. For me, someone who experiences a lot of pain, that is so healing. To realize that those other aspects are just as important (or more-so?) is beautiful. And He can succor me.
US:
-To put the Atonement in effect for us, we have to repent and be born again. We have to be baptized so our sins are washed away.
-We have to have faith in Him and fear not! I feel like fear not is especially for me. I fear a lot. My faith in Christ should help me overcome my fears. I also recognize that fear is of Satan, not of God.
-We are told to be humble, submissive, gentle, easy to be entreated (approachable to for someone to ask us for help), patient, long-suffering, temperate, and diligent. Each of those traits are things I have been working on in my marriage. To have charity. To have a loving relationship with my husband. To exemplify Christ. When I read that today, I was like BOOM! I'm on the right track :)
-We need to ask God for the things we need--both temporal and spiritual. And we must remember to always give thanks for what He gives us.
-And, we must have faith, hope, charity, and remember to serve (good works) others. Look beyond ourselves at others' needs.
Christ gives us so much. He provides the way for us to be healed. He provides the way for us to be made whole.
As I've written, I have been in a lot of pain lately. I know many of you have too from what I've been reading on others' blogs. Christ provides peace. I know I can always turn to Him for my needs to be met. On the days I feel like life is unbearable and unmanageable, I can turn it over to Him. He has given me strength to get through the day. And the next day. And the next. He carries me until I have the ability to carry myself, and then He walks by me. I'm grateful for that because I stumble and fall a lot, and He is there to pick me up (if I let Him).
Christ gives me so much. And I'm not asked nearly as much in return. Besides, all that I'm asked to do makes me better and more receptive to peace and healing.
I love it. I love Him.
I can't express that enough. I. LOVE. HIM.
Showing posts with label Conversion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Conversion. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
The Process of Conversion
"Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually" (Mosiah 5:2).
Like I said, I understand, at least a little bit, how hard it is to cast off sins and weaknesses. Over time, our lives will change. Right now, I can't expect perfection. I can expect hard work and effort. There will be mess-ups, but that is normal. I know he has experienced a change of heart. I know he wants to be pure and holy. He is struggling, and that is normal. Just like mine, his full conversion is a process.
It doesn't make it any less hard. But it lessens the burden.
Those were the words King Benjamin's people responded with after his teaching.
When I read this verse, my eyes focused on the words "in our hearts" and the follow-up with action: they didn't want to do evil, but to do good.
The people heard the teachings of King Benjamin, and they felt the Spirit touch them.
Their hearts were changed.
Their hearts were changed.
It reminds me of how much I want to "do good continually" and how imperfect I am. As much as I want to do good, I still mess up. I've had some seriously spiritual experiences in my life. I have had experiences that have rocked me to the core and instilled in me a dedication to be better. I have had experiences that have changed my heart. And even though I know what good things I should do, I have a hard time really working that change of heart. I have a hard time being perfect (haha, don't we all?). I know I should be patient, but I'm still impatient sometimes. I know I should try to adapt to change better, but sometimes I just don't want to. It's really hard, and I struggle to give up some of my sins and character weaknesses... and those sins and character weaknesses are the words I substitute every time I run across "addiction" in the 12 step manual.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, that, in turn, reminds me that I need to be patient with Jack's addiction. If I'm so attached to my sins and weaknesses, I really can't imagine how hard it is for him to detach himself from his addiction. I know that somewhere in his heart, he wants to be clean. He knows that too. He wants to be fully rid of his addiction, but it's a scary thought. He knows that his life will be more rich, more full, and just plain BETTER without his addiction. But we all know how hard it is to make changes and give things up that are such a huge part of us. I certainly know. And I don't even have all the pornography-chemical-brain-attachment stuff (don't you love how technical I am?:)) going on like he does.
Just like I have experienced a change of heart, even in the slightest, so has he. Just like I want to be pure and holy, so does he. Just like I struggle with overcoming my sins and weaknesses, so does he.
I need to be patient and keep working on turning myself over to God and leaning on the Atonement. And I need to worry about Jack a little bit less. I can't change him. But I can change me and hope he changes himself (through Christ. We all need Christ).
I need to be patient and keep working on turning myself over to God and leaning on the Atonement. And I need to worry about Jack a little bit less. I can't change him. But I can change me and hope he changes himself (through Christ. We all need Christ).
It doesn't take away the problem, but it does lessen the burden.
Jack messed up today. It was a bigger mess-up than usual. We were afraid of that. We made it to our destination yesterday, and I got to go to my conference today (by the way, it was amazing. in case you were wondering. and I am so excited for the upcoming school year!). We were both a little worried about him being alone in our hotel room while I would be at my conference during the days. But we've said lots of prayers, and he brought stuff to occupy his time (did I tell you he is trying to start a business?). I had faith.
I said a BIG prayer for him before I left his morning.
This doesn't mean God didn't listen to me. It just means Jack used his agency, and God didn't force him to do anything.
I really can't expect Jack to perfectly cast off his addiction every day, at least not with the typical definition of expectations. I can expect it in a hopefully optimistic kind of way. If/when that expectation isn't met, I can turn to Christ to help me through it. I guess I just mean that I can't demand that he perfectly cast off his addiction every day. But I can always be optimistically hopeful.
I expect that he works on his repentance and conversion. As long as he is striving to do that and has a ray of hope, we're going to be just fine.
I expect that I also work on repentance and conversion. As long as I strive to do that we will be just fine.
Jack messed up today. It was a bigger mess-up than usual. We were afraid of that. We made it to our destination yesterday, and I got to go to my conference today (by the way, it was amazing. in case you were wondering. and I am so excited for the upcoming school year!). We were both a little worried about him being alone in our hotel room while I would be at my conference during the days. But we've said lots of prayers, and he brought stuff to occupy his time (did I tell you he is trying to start a business?). I had faith.
I said a BIG prayer for him before I left his morning.
This doesn't mean God didn't listen to me. It just means Jack used his agency, and God didn't force him to do anything.
I really can't expect Jack to perfectly cast off his addiction every day, at least not with the typical definition of expectations. I can expect it in a hopefully optimistic kind of way. If/when that expectation isn't met, I can turn to Christ to help me through it. I guess I just mean that I can't demand that he perfectly cast off his addiction every day. But I can always be optimistically hopeful.
I expect that he works on his repentance and conversion. As long as he is striving to do that and has a ray of hope, we're going to be just fine.
I expect that I also work on repentance and conversion. As long as I strive to do that we will be just fine.
Like I said, I understand, at least a little bit, how hard it is to cast off sins and weaknesses. Over time, our lives will change. Right now, I can't expect perfection. I can expect hard work and effort. There will be mess-ups, but that is normal. I know he has experienced a change of heart. I know he wants to be pure and holy. He is struggling, and that is normal. Just like mine, his full conversion is a process.
It doesn't make it any less hard. But it lessens the burden.
"For most of us, conversion does not occur quickly or all at once; it is an ongoing process and not a one-time event that results from a dramatic or overpowering experience. Line upon line and precept upon precept, gradually and almost imperceptibly, our motives, our thoughts, our words, and our deeds become aligned with the will of God. Continuing conversion unto the Lord requires both persistence and patience" (Elder Bednar, Act in Doctrine, p. 79).
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Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Experiencing a change of heart
"In one who is really wholly converted, desire for things contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ has actually died. And substituted therefore is a love of God, with a fixed and controlling determination to keep his commandments.” -Marion G. Romney
Action steps:
1) Be willing to allow the Savior to convert your heart.
2) Attend Sunday school, Relief Society, and Priesthood meetings.
3) Be willing to be changed so imperfections may be removed by the power of God.
So, what does it take to become wholly converted? What can we do to experience that change of heart?
The most important tools have been given us by our loving Father. We have an open door of communication through prayer, and we have the scriptures to guide and direct us.
First, I want to talk about prayer. Prayer is such a wonderful gift from Heavenly Father. Through prayer, we can tell Him everything. We can tell Him our fears and cares. We can tell Him our desires. We can tell Him that we want to be changed, and we want to be converted, but we don't know how. We can ask for His help. He can give us revelation. Through prayer, we can bring His spirit into our hearts. If we pray often, He will be with us often.
Scriptures are also crucial. As we study the scriptures, we can be led to words of comfort. We can learn of examples of the prophets to follow. We can learn of Christ and try to emulate His character. We can bring sweet peace into our hearts. We can be awakened to repentance. And words of the scriptures can be a constant reminder of who we are, who we can become, and what to do to get there.
Going to church and attending my meetings is another huge blessing for me. There are days where I was so emotional and didn't want to go. Those days are much fewer now. But I learned that there is a pattern to when I don't want to attend my meetings. It usually happens when I will gain something fantastic from church and satan wants to keep me from bring there. I love church. I love the spirit I feel there, and I love going there to worship. When I remember that my focus is to worship God, I gain so much more, and the spirit hits me stronger.
Those three things--prayer, scriptures, and attending church--are all so important to bringing the Spirit into your life. As the Spirit finds a place in your life, your heart will become softer, and you will gradually come closer to Christ.
In order to experience a true change of heart, you truly have to be willing. I know, it's scary. I'm the kind of girl who has a hard time dealing with change, even if it is good. Change is just, well, change. It's different. It's intimidating. It's scary to be something different; that's why a change of heart can seem overwhelming. But, if you have courage to act in faith and trust God, He will change you. His power will remove your imperfections. His power will make up what you cannot accomplish on your own.
Even now, two years after trying to heal from this trial, I'm not perfect. I still need a change of heart. But, I have healed a lot. Here are some changes I have experienced already:
-My attitude has changed from Husband doing this to me. I no longer take it personally. I can see His struggles and try to help Him.
-I am more patient. In general, I am more patient and loving to those around me (including myself)
-I am much happier.
-I can see my blessings for what they are: tender mercies from a loving Father.
-I am more willing to serve.
-I can feel joy and peace.
There is so much more, but those are some. I still have lots of work to do, but I'm getting there. As long as I keep working hard and relying on God and turning myself over to Him, I have faith that I will get where I am supposed to go and become the woman He knows I can be.
Action steps:
1) Be willing to allow the Savior to convert your heart.
2) Attend Sunday school, Relief Society, and Priesthood meetings.
3) Be willing to be changed so imperfections may be removed by the power of God.
So, what does it take to become wholly converted? What can we do to experience that change of heart?
The most important tools have been given us by our loving Father. We have an open door of communication through prayer, and we have the scriptures to guide and direct us.
First, I want to talk about prayer. Prayer is such a wonderful gift from Heavenly Father. Through prayer, we can tell Him everything. We can tell Him our fears and cares. We can tell Him our desires. We can tell Him that we want to be changed, and we want to be converted, but we don't know how. We can ask for His help. He can give us revelation. Through prayer, we can bring His spirit into our hearts. If we pray often, He will be with us often.
Scriptures are also crucial. As we study the scriptures, we can be led to words of comfort. We can learn of examples of the prophets to follow. We can learn of Christ and try to emulate His character. We can bring sweet peace into our hearts. We can be awakened to repentance. And words of the scriptures can be a constant reminder of who we are, who we can become, and what to do to get there.
Going to church and attending my meetings is another huge blessing for me. There are days where I was so emotional and didn't want to go. Those days are much fewer now. But I learned that there is a pattern to when I don't want to attend my meetings. It usually happens when I will gain something fantastic from church and satan wants to keep me from bring there. I love church. I love the spirit I feel there, and I love going there to worship. When I remember that my focus is to worship God, I gain so much more, and the spirit hits me stronger.
Those three things--prayer, scriptures, and attending church--are all so important to bringing the Spirit into your life. As the Spirit finds a place in your life, your heart will become softer, and you will gradually come closer to Christ.
In order to experience a true change of heart, you truly have to be willing. I know, it's scary. I'm the kind of girl who has a hard time dealing with change, even if it is good. Change is just, well, change. It's different. It's intimidating. It's scary to be something different; that's why a change of heart can seem overwhelming. But, if you have courage to act in faith and trust God, He will change you. His power will remove your imperfections. His power will make up what you cannot accomplish on your own.
Even now, two years after trying to heal from this trial, I'm not perfect. I still need a change of heart. But, I have healed a lot. Here are some changes I have experienced already:
-My attitude has changed from Husband doing this to me. I no longer take it personally. I can see His struggles and try to help Him.
-I am more patient. In general, I am more patient and loving to those around me (including myself)
-I am much happier.
-I can see my blessings for what they are: tender mercies from a loving Father.
-I am more willing to serve.
-I can feel joy and peace.
There is so much more, but those are some. I still have lots of work to do, but I'm getting there. As long as I keep working hard and relying on God and turning myself over to Him, I have faith that I will get where I am supposed to go and become the woman He knows I can be.
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