March 31, 2013
Dear Blog Reader, (If in fact you exist at all)
I am so grateful for Easter. I am grateful for my Savior. I love Him with all of my heart and I want the whole world to know how happy it makes me to know that on Easter, He rose from the dead and He still lives today. I know that because of Him and the selfless sacrifice that He made in the Garden of Gethsemane and on Golgotha's Hill that we all can live again! That is something none of us deserve, but can all receive because of His mercy and infinite love for us as His brothers and sisters.
I know with all of my heart that the church that I was lucky enough to find in high school, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is the one church on the earth today that has complete truth. All churches that bring one closer to God are good, but I'd be lying if I didn't say that I feel in my heart that they are missing something. They are missing the knowledge that I am blessed to have as a baptized and confirmed member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I believe in God the Eternal Father and in His son Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost. I know that God, my Heavenly Father, knows me and loves me as only a perfect father could. I know that He is aware of the daily choices that I make and the trials that I endure and that He rejoices in everything good that I do. I know that He is involved in the tiny details of my life and I am so grateful for His love.
I know that my Savior loves me. I know that when He suffered in the Garden and on the cross that He felt not only my sins that I bring upon myself, but also my hardships that are just a natural part of life, but not anything I've done to deserve. I know that He's felt every emotion that I will ever feel and I have felt Him strengthen me during my own personal Gethsamanes. Because of my Savior I know that no matter how lonely I may feel, I am never alone. He's there, waiting for me to reach out to Him.
Because of the Holy Ghost, I can know what choices Heavenly Father would want me to make. There is a distinct difference between right and wrong and I can count on the Holy Ghost to help me discern good from evil. Because of the Holy Ghost I can feel inexplicable joy as I come closer to my Savior and everything that He has taught.
I don't believe that I was born a sinner because Adam and Eve partook of the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Babies are pure. They are innocent. Every time I look into the eyes of a newborn angel, I feel the spirit so strongly and know that they have so much they would love to tell me about the Heavenly home that they recently left. Therefore, I won't be responsible for the choices that Adam and Eve made. I will be responsible for my own--no matter how good or bad they are.
I believe that because Jesus died for me and all of mankind, we can live again with Him and our Heavenly Father if we really truly desire that. If we really want that more than anything, we will live to make that our eternal goal. With our Savior's help we can achieve it, but only if we do our part as well.
I believe that in order to properly follow Jesus, we need to take some steps to make us more like Him. First, we need to have faith in Him. Second, we need to repent of the choices that we make that aren't in tune with His will. Third, I believe that we should be baptized just as our dear Savior was baptized. And Fourth, I believe that we need to have righteous priesthood holders place their hands upon our heads and give us the Gift of the Holy Ghost. This gift is the most precious of all gifts and can provide guidance to us during this mortal adventure if we live worthily.
I know that my Savior loves me. I know that when He suffered in the Garden and on the cross that He felt not only my sins that I bring upon myself, but also my hardships that are just a natural part of life, but not anything I've done to deserve. I know that He's felt every emotion that I will ever feel and I have felt Him strengthen me during my own personal Gethsamanes. Because of my Savior I know that no matter how lonely I may feel, I am never alone. He's there, waiting for me to reach out to Him.
Because of the Holy Ghost, I can know what choices Heavenly Father would want me to make. There is a distinct difference between right and wrong and I can count on the Holy Ghost to help me discern good from evil. Because of the Holy Ghost I can feel inexplicable joy as I come closer to my Savior and everything that He has taught.
I don't believe that I was born a sinner because Adam and Eve partook of the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Babies are pure. They are innocent. Every time I look into the eyes of a newborn angel, I feel the spirit so strongly and know that they have so much they would love to tell me about the Heavenly home that they recently left. Therefore, I won't be responsible for the choices that Adam and Eve made. I will be responsible for my own--no matter how good or bad they are.
I believe that because Jesus died for me and all of mankind, we can live again with Him and our Heavenly Father if we really truly desire that. If we really want that more than anything, we will live to make that our eternal goal. With our Savior's help we can achieve it, but only if we do our part as well.
I believe that in order to properly follow Jesus, we need to take some steps to make us more like Him. First, we need to have faith in Him. Second, we need to repent of the choices that we make that aren't in tune with His will. Third, I believe that we should be baptized just as our dear Savior was baptized. And Fourth, I believe that we need to have righteous priesthood holders place their hands upon our heads and give us the Gift of the Holy Ghost. This gift is the most precious of all gifts and can provide guidance to us during this mortal adventure if we live worthily.
I believe that there was an apostasy after the apostles that Jesus taught while he was on earth were killed. Therefore, I believe the true gospel of Christ disappeared from the earth. I believe with all of my heart that that isn't the case anymore. Because a 14-year old boy prayed to God in the woods asking which church was true, the truth has been restored. How grateful I am for that 14-year old boy named Joseph Smith who dedicated his entire life to the true work of the Lord. For this work he gave his own life. I am eternally grateful for him for his strength and testimony. He brought to earth the very church that brings purpose to my life.
I believe that through Joseph Smith the Priesthood was restored. That is the very same priesthood that Jesus gave the apostles while He was on earth and it is the same priesthood that our LDS missionaries receive as they set out to preach the gospel.
I believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church. This means that I believe that we have a true prophet and apostles on the earth today. God loves us and wants us to have guidance just as his followers did in the Bible. Our prophet, President Thomas S. Monson exudes kindness and love, but he isn't just a sweet old man with a Christlike demeanor. He is the mouthpiece of the Lord and has complete authority to guide us and teach us what the Lord would have us know.
I believe the words of President Monson to be scripture. I study what he has taught and try to implement those principles in my life, however inadequate my efforts may be in nearing perfection.
I believe the Bible to be the word of God. I love reading it. I especially love reading the Gospels in the New Testament so that I may study the teachings and life of my Savior. I also love reading the Book of Mormon. I believe that book is true with all of my heart. I am no scriptorian and I should do better at my scripture study, but I do try to read a little everyday and it makes a difference! I feel the spirit when I read the Book of Mormon and I know it's true. It goes perfectly with the Bible to testify of our Savior. I think that anyone who hasn't read it, should.
I believe that Jesus will come again and if we are living the commandments we should look forward to that day. It will be amazing.
I believe that everyone should have the freedom to worship how, where, and what they may. Religious freedom is a right that should be given to all and I feel so sad for those under tyranical dictatorships that don't have this freedom that I've been lucky enough to enjoy. I feel so blessed to be an American. I believe that the United States of America is a choice land above all others and I am filled with pride when I see the flag flying high. Because of this, I take my responsibility as a US citizen seriously. I obey the law, vote whenever possible, and pray for those in leadership positions in our government.
Lastly, I believe that we should try everyday to be like Jesus. We should do our best to righteously endure this life and seek after all that is good as we travel along this mortal pathway toward our Heavenly goal.
We can do it! Happy Easter!
With love,
Amber
