Obedience

This week I listened to the talk given by Elder Robert D. Hales entitled, "If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments".  I highly recommend reading this talk.

Some days I feel completely overwhelmed when I think about everything that I should be doing in my life...  It can be discouraging when I focus on the little "ticky-tack" things which are good but not necessarily super important. I was reminded while listening to Elder Hales' talk that keeping God's commandments is possible.  It doesn't have to feel discouraging.  Our Savior is there to help us along the way.

One of my favorite Articles of Faith is, "We believe that all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel."

The reason why I love it so much is because it tells us that we have agency.  The Savior isn't going to force us to Heaven, nor is our future determined for us.  ALL mankind MAY be saved.  It is by our obedience that we choose whether or not we will accept our Savior's Atonement.  Our decisions determine our destiny.  We have been given the ability to conquer sin IF we allow Christ to heal us, help us, guide us, and teach us.  And only IF we learn and become obedient to him.

Heavenly Father knew we would make mistakes and that is why He came up with a plan in which we would have a Savior.  We could not do it on our own.  The way to our Savior is by living his laws -- revealed to us through God's chosen Apostles and Prophets.  Today that Prophet is Thomas S. Monson.

I know that by keeping the commandments, listening to and obeying God's Prophets, and by striving daily to repent of our sins all mankind CAN be saved.  But it is OUR choice to turn to our Savior, to make those changes, and to become better every day.

My Wish For You...

Dear Reader and Friend,

Three days ago I was driving home from work.  While passing through one of the many parking lots on my route, I drove by a woman on crutches and her small daughter who carried her mother's purse.  The purse was almost as big as she was!  I felt a sudden urge to stop and ask if they wanted a ride.  The thought seemed silly because we were in a parking lot and they were undoubtedly walking to their car.  But I decided to turn around and ask anyway.  To my surprise, they did not have a car.  They had walked from the bus stop and were on their way to the grocery store for medicine.

We talked while I drove, and I was struck by the difficult circumstances the woman described from her life.  Her situation was discouraging and far more difficult than the small events I complained about on a daily basis.  When she and her daughter climbed out of my car she expressed her thanks and I drove away.  I looked back at them and was struck with an overwhelming feeling that Heavenly Father loved her.  More than I could understand.

Oh how I wish I could put into your heart an understanding of who you are.  I wish I could give you a knowledge of your divine nature.

Who are you?  Where do you come from?  Why does your life matter?

Oh my friend, whoever you may be, you are special.  You are not just a hunk of matter that exists simply because evolution is a principle of biology.  Your existence did not just begin at birth, nor will you cease to exist at death.  Your struggles and difficulties are not without meaning.  You are not a nobody.

Who are you?  You are a child of God -- our Heavenly Father who knows you perfectly, who loves you perfectly, who wants to bless you every moment of your life.

Where do you come from?  His family.  You lived with Him before you came here.  We all did.  We are brothers and sisters.

Why does your life matter?  Because you matter to Him.  This life is a time to grow; to learn; to become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ; and to make and keep sacred promises with our Heavenly Father.

Nephi, the Book of Mormon prophet, testified "I know that [God] loveth His children; nevertheless I do not know the meaning of all things" (1 Nephi 11:17).

Heavenly Father does have a plan for you.  He wants you home.  He wants you to find happiness. Each of us are of great worth to Him, for we are His children.

This knowledge I wish to give you more than anything else.  I wish I could have given it to the woman and her daughter in the parking lot.

Oh He loves you.

-Samantha