Healing Through Faith in Jesus Christ

I know that when Christ heals me, He heals me completely.

I know that when Christ cleanses me.  He cleanses me completely.
The cleansing and healing of Jesus Christ are performed according to our faith, 

so it may occur in layers as our faith develops sufficiently to allow it to happen.

Gratitude Journal Continued

Why I am grateful for Michelle

I am grateful for Michelle’s purity and faith.

I personally have been strengthened by her pure, childlike faith over the years.

Michelle has the ability to perceive and discern truth, and to follow it in order to walk rightly.

I am grateful for her ability to create beautiful things, and her ability to follow instructions to repair or build things.

She is very intelligent and she uses this intelligence to plan wisely, to remember details, and to improve things.

She is very perceptive.

I am grateful that Michelle has chosen to focus her skills on being a mother at this time, and I can see clearly the benefits that Toby receives from her devoted care.

I am grateful that Michelle has found her soul mate and is finding joy with him in building a family together.

I am grateful that she is creating a gospel centered home, and that she is an example to others by following gospel teachings and receiving the blessings of obedience in her life.

I have the deepest respect and admiration for her.

Why I am grateful for Caryn

I love Caryn’s exuberant spirit.

I am grateful for her ability to connect to people.

Caryn has a strong talent for communication and is willing and able to take control of a situation and create organization out of people chaos.

I am grateful that she and I can talk openly about many subjects.

I am grateful for her companionship as we have taken temple trips together.

It has helped me become comfortable going to the temple again.

I am grateful for her talents, which are many, such as music, photography, teaching, and being a good friend.

I appreciate her determination, and admire the way she goes after what she wants and achieves it, without needing outside prompting or encouragement. She is a self starter and finisher.

Caryn has a way of making many people of differing backgrounds feel accepted and a part of her circle.

She has always been a person who has challenged the status quo, and marched to the beat of the drum that she hears.

I will always expect great things from her.

Why I am grateful for Kyle

I feel a great debt of gratitude to Kyle for picking up much of the burden over the last 6 years that Kirby hasn’t been able to fully carry since he has been working overseas.

I am grateful for the many practical skills that Kyle brings to the table such as mechanical knowledge, carpentry skills, welding, driving, and other skills that have proven to be so valuable to our family.

I am grateful for his willingness to work hard, and to be precise and careful with his work.

I am grateful for his generosity of spirit and his willingness to give of his time for the benefit of others.

I am grateful for the example he is to his siblings and his friends and for the light he holds up, which is his faith in Jesus Christ and his determination to follow Him.

I am grateful that he is finding success in his employment, and I look forward to watching him continue to succeed in many areas of his life in the future as he continues on the path he has set for himself.

Why I am grateful for Bethany

I am grateful for Bethany’s helpful and kind attitude.

I am grateful for her desire to gain knowledge and to challenge herself.

I am grateful for her true compass that always seems to point her towards good works and productive ends.

I am grateful that she is anxiously involved in doing good and has a desire to serve God and others around her.

I am grateful for her happy spirit and joyful ways.

I am grateful that she comes to me to share her experiences and to ask questions.

People are drawn to Bethany, because she personifies goodness. She has a true and honest heart, and a pure love towards others.

I am honored to be her mom.

Why I am grateful for Meagan

I am grateful that Meagan likes to be home—like me.  She is a comfort and help to me.

Meagan has helped me so many times to teach 3^rd graders, or to do a project I needed to do for Young Women’s, or for a family reunion, etc.

She is amazing with little children.

She takes care of Diesel.

Meagan has so many talents, mainly self taught, that I am repeatedly amazed at her ability to gain such proficiency through simply developing an interest and investing time. These interests include drawing and painting, both traditional and computer aided, computer animation, playing the piano, movie and story critiquing, even shooting and taking apart guns, or running a chop saw. Her interests are varied and wherever her mind leads her—she can develop proficiency.

I remember being surprised when she, on multiple occasions (including her confirmation blessing as I recall) was promised by priesthood power that she would become an influence in her community, but I am no longer surprised, only waiting to see that promise fulfilled as she continues to develop these wonderful talents that she has.

Why I am grateful for Becci

I am grateful for Becci’s determination and for her independent spirit.

I am grateful that Becci has a strong will and is not intimidated by others.

Becci does not back down from what she believes to be right.

She will defend others from injustice, and will, without hesitation, step up and step in to help someone in need.

Becci has a talent for having fun and enjoying life.

People are drawn to her for her bright happy spirit and her beautiful smile.

Becci has been tested in her youth in difficult ways, and has come through her tests with stronger faith and more wisdom.

I trust Becci to make good decisions and to follow them through, because she wants to do right, and to learn and grow in truth.  She has good desires.

Becci is like the cherry on top—like an added bonus on a bowl of ice-cream, in that she tops off the family with a bright, shiny, pretty flourish, and give us an extra measure of pure pizzaz!

I love to see her take on the world.

Why I am grateful for Shantel

It is wonderful, as a mother, to see your children find spouses who complete them, and who have complimentary talents and desires.

I am grateful that this has happened for Michael.

I am grateful for Shantel’s persistence and determination in pursuing her goals.

She doesn’t seem to weary or falter.

She dedicates her time to those pursuits that are the most valuable to her, and she has prioritized her family and her children-- first to obtain the children in the first place, and then to make sure that every effort is being made to aid their progress and enrich their lives.

Surely God is pleased with her dedicated service and determination.

I am grateful for Shantel’s example of courage, pure faith and love, and for her commitment to her family, both her immediate, and her extended family.

She has been, and is, a blessing and example in my life, and in our family.

Why I am grateful for Sammy

I’ve liked Sammy since the first time I met him.

I always thought he and Caryn would make a good team.

I like Sammy’s quiet strength, and his steadiness.

I am grateful for his desires to do good works and to be fair and honest.

Sammy is not afraid to work hard.  He sees what needs to be done and he does it.

Sammy gives back to people and he is loyal.

Sammy looks for ways to make improvements in his life, and then he implements these improvements.

Sammy is observant.  He pays attention.

I am grateful for Sammy’s honesty, integrity, and patience.

I am grateful that Sammy has a true compass that helps him find his way—which compass is the Light of Christ.  I am grateful that he has learned to follow that compass, because it has taken him out of darkness into light, and as he continues to follow that light, he will find that it will never fail him.

Why I am thankful for Emmett

I have to admit, it was a little weird when I first met Emmett, because he and Michelle were so well suited--so much alike in mannerism and expression that it was very evident, strikingly so--and quite surprising.

I am grateful that Michelle has clearly found her soul mate.

I am grateful for the way Emmett treats Michelle and Tobit.

I am grateful that he is loving and kind, and that he clearly treasures them.

I am grateful that Emmett works hard to provide for his family and has made it possible for Michelle to be a full time mom.

I am grateful that Emmett honors his priesthood, and makes church duties a priority.

I am grateful for Emmett’s talents, which are many—such as computer programming, cooking, and communication skills.

I am grateful that Emmett clearly treasures his extended family, and is anxious to serve and help others.

I am confident that Emmett will lead his family well, and be a great husband and father.

Why I am Grateful for Michael

I am grateful to Michael for his pure heart.

He exemplifies in many ways the qualities of charity,

in that he has suffered while exhibiting kindness.

He is neither vaunted nor puffed up.

He is not easily provoked.

He rejoices in the truth.

He has borne, hoped, and endured, and continues to show great patience and faith as he shows gratitude for those blessings he has received through his faith.

Michael has the best hugs. 

I am grateful for his talent for loving others.

I am grateful for his patience towards others.

I am grateful for the purity of his desire to be of service and to help others.

I am grateful that he stands as a provider and defender of his family, and that he has made himself worthy to receive temple blessings and exercise priesthood keys for his family.

I am very proud of him.

Gratitude Journal Entry for Kirby

My assignment for my class this week is to record gratitude daily.  I am supposed to write in a gratitude journal every day.  When I got the assignment, I immediately decided that I would express gratitude to one person every day. So, this is my first day.  Since Kirby is the first person in my life, and the one I am most bound to eternally, I will start with him.

Why I am grateful for Kirby:

From the moment I met you you have made me feel more alive and more whole.

You have made me feel cherished and valuable.

You have encouraged and challenged me intellectually and spiritually.

You have always held me in high regard, which has helped me feel good about myself.

You do not spare any effort to provide, protect, and defend me and our children.

You are tireless.

You rarely, if ever complain about the work you do or the sacrifices you make to accomplish this work.  You make these things seem normal, even though they are always extraordinary.

You get up early and you work hard until the end of the day.

You are exact in all things.

You love to have opportunities to serve and bless your family.

You are fun to be with. People come from miles around to spend time with you.

You command respect.

You are unfailingly honest and forthright.

You keep promises.

You have integrity.

You have a strong mind and body.

You take care of me and love me.

You love to be with me and are not afraid to tell me so and to express love and affection to me and to our children.

You honor your priesthood and fulfill priesthood callings.

You respect and honor God by choosing to be obedient to His commandments and live an honorable life.

You study and learn.

You are aware of current events, history, and collect well reasoned evidence to support your conclusions.

You are tolerant and considerate of other’s viewpoints and beliefs and behave with respect towards them.

You are a champion of freedom, our country, and God.

You chose me, for which I will be forever grateful, and blessed.

Tools

Ponder thought of the day:

Satan uses tools such as discouragement, anger, fear, contempt, annoyance, negativity, envy, contention, hatred, lust, and distain towards us.

We should not use these tools against others, or against ourselves.

Christ gave us different tools to use.  He gave us the sword of His Spirit, the shield of faith, the breast plate of righteousness. We are protected from Satan's tools when we are shod with the gospel of peace, wearing the helmet of salvation, and girt about with truth, with love towards God and all men.

We should use Christ's tools for and in behalf of ourselves and others.
We should not use the tools of Satan at all, not against ourselves, or against any other person.

Have You Seen God?

I was thinking this morning about this question:  "Have you seen God?"  This is sometimes a challenging question thrown out to people of faith.  A person may attempt to challenge ones faith by saying something like: "You can't say that you've seen God, so you have no proof that He exists".  This seems ridiculous to me.  Perhaps you could ask that person, "Have you seen gravity?"  How do you know that it exists?"

There are more senses than one. Just as gravity is constantly acting upon us, just as we see its influence in our world everywhere,  just as it effects everything that we do--that is how I see God in my life.  I see Him everywhere.  I feel his influence in my life from my earliest memories until the current day.

I've seen him working in my life.  I've felt Him as a powerful force sending me love comfort and direction.  I've felt His comforting spirit ever since I was a very small child.  He has protected me from harm.  He has given me strength in hard times. When I have sought direction at his hand--He has guided me.  He has brought me peace and healing after the trials of my faith.  When I have been confused, He has taught me and lighted my way.  He has provided for my needs.

As I have learned to be obedient to His laws, I have received blessings at His hand.  I have been provided with wonderful blessings of abundance, health, security, patience, wisdom, and knowledge. I have been given continuous opportunities to grow, learn, and to develop my talents.

Have I seen God?  Why, yes, I believe I have.

I Will Give Away All My Sins to Know Thee

I've been studying a lot this year about light and truth.  I learned that Jesus Christ is the source of light and truth; that all of us are given the light of Christ to guide us in our lives; and that if we follow this light, that we can make our way safely back to our Father in Heaven's presence.  It's basically that simple.

I have read a book called Following the Light of Christ into his Presence, by John Pontius recently.  He explains that the rod of iron, or word of God in Nephi's dream, represents the light of Christ, or the Spirit of Christ, which we can receive as the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  As we learn to receive this gift, or as we listen to the promptings given by this voice, we will be able to be guided, lifted, and our pathways lighted until we can become worthy, through our Savior's grace, to enter into the presence of the Lord.  Simply stated, Mr. Pontius teaches that personal revelation is our rod of iron, that it will lead us each unfailingly to the Love of God, to Charity the Pure Love of Christ, and to Eternal Lives.  It is the purpose of our lives to learn to follow this voice of truth, and the reward for doing so will be perfection through Christ and salvation in His kingdom.

Today we had a lesson in Relief Society about following in the path of the Savior.  It was based on the talk,  Ponder the Path of Thy Feet by Thomas S. Monson.  One of the paths mentioned in this talk was the path of obedience. During the lesson, I was reminded of an experience I had last year when I was reading about King Lamoni's father in the book of Alma, chapter 22 verse 18  This is the part of the scripture that struck me:  ". . .O God, Aaron hath told me that there is a God; and if there is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee." I was thinking about conversion, and how people change.  Some people change over time, but some people make a sudden and complete change from wickedness to righteousness with a sudden deep commitment.  They never look back from that time forward.  They simply accept the saving grace of the atonement and become purified through Christ's grace,  remaining ever valiant and obedient afterward. 

All of this has kind of gelled in my mind as being the way to gain light and truth, to build faith and testimony, and to trust in the Lord.  That we could give away our sins to know Him.

I have been trying to go through a process of  "giv(ing) away all my sins to know thee" since then.  I have been trying to listen more closely for promptings from the spirit, and to follow them more completely.  As I recognize promptings in my life and follow them, I find that there is always a spiritual reward, or confirmation that the thing that I am doing (in being obedient to the spirit) is pleasing to the Lord.  This is felt as joy, or peace, or as an inner light or warmth.  It is hard to describe these feelings, but they can be quite intense.  Sometimes I wonder how one could actually function normally if you felt   such a strong spiritual witness all of the time.  I hope to continue to be more sensitive and obedient to the light of Christ in my life until living with the Holy Ghost as my constant companion becomes a normal part of my life.

Over and over the gospel teaches us that we will receive blessings and be worthy of the companionship of the spirit of Jesus Christ by being obedient to the commandments of God.  John Pontius suggests that we can't remember all the commandments, to do them, and we can't always know which of all the things that we could choose to do is actually the right thing for us in each specific circumstance without the promptings of the spirit. By simply becoming sensitive to the light of Christ and by following spiritual promptings, or in other words, by receiving our own personal revelation, which is always perfectly tailored to our own questions and needs,  we can always know what is right for us to do at any given moment.  This becomes our own personal rod of iron to lead us always towards the tree of life.  

"And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." Moroni 10:5

I felt like I was supposed to record these impressions.  So I have followed that prompting.  Now I feel the confirmation of the spirit--and that is how it works.

This morning, I remembered a simple Children's song about following the promptings of the Holy Ghost.  It is a very simple message, but it is also very profound.  I thought I'd add it to this post.

  
Listen to the still small voice!
Listen! Listen!
when you have to make a choice.
He will guide you always.

Words and music: Merrill Bradshaw