There are so many things in life that can and do draw our attention. The world of entertainment seems to be moving more and more towards more noise, more color, more excitement. It is very easy to lose perspective as we go through our week, and I've often found myself beginning to lose sight of the things that are really important.
I'm sure that I'm not alone in this dilemma, because I've seen a lot of people who aren't sure what path they should take in life, and even for those who are, it can be difficult to remain focused on the end goal. This last Sunday in church, we had some wonderful talks on priorities that really got me thinking. One of the speakers spoke of making sure that we fill our time with the important things first, before our time is consumed with the little, unnecessary things that fight for our attention.
I was thinking about that, and realized that accomplishing that task is a lot easier said than done. Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve gave a talk in October 2007 called "Good, Better, Best", and he talked a lot about how we can prioritize our lives and focus on things that really matter. (Click here to read the full talk) In this talk, he says, "As we consider various choices, we should remember that it is not enough that something is good. Other choices are better, and still others are best. Even though a particular choice is more costly, its far greater value may make it the best choice of all."
So what things are of the greatest value in life? I think that a good indicator is whether or not an activity brings us closer to God and to those around us. Obviously not everything that we do in life has to have God at the very forefront, but I think that we need to remember Him in all that we do, and especially if something draws us away from Him, we may need to reconsider our options. I've found in my own life that setting time apart to just focus on studying and learning more about my Father in Heaven and His plan for me has helped me to set things in order a lot better. There are lots of little things that I don't need to worry about so much, but things like consistent scripture study and prayer, I feel those are very vital every single day.
I'm certainly not perfect at having my priorities all in the right order, but I am working at it. As I've tried to make God a bigger part of my life, and focused more of what I do to bring myself closer to Him, things have always worked out for me. They're not always easy and carefree, but they have always worked out.
What will you do to prioritize your life?
Showing posts with label Heavenly Father. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Heavenly Father. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Thursday, November 11, 2010
"The worth of souls..."
In the book of Luke, chapter eight, is one of my favorite stories in all of scripture. Jesus Christ is approached by a man named Jairus, whose daughter was dying. Jairus pleaded with Christ to come and heal her, and the Master agreed. He began to follow Jairus through the city, and as it states in verses 42 through 48:
"But as he went the people thronged him.
"And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace."
This story is so incredible to me, for many reasons, but the one that has really stood out to me lately is how personally Christ knew everyone, including this woman.
Each one of us truly is a son or a daughter of God, and He knows us perfectly. He knows those things that we struggle with, along with the things we find joy in. He knows what we stand in need of, and wants to bless us with everything that we need.
I have found, though, that not only am I a child of God, but so is everyone around me. Often times, the way that God reaches out to His children is through others, already here on Earth. As we focus our efforts on those around us, rather than ourselves, we can feel God's love for them, and have a greatly increased desire to help and assist them in any way possible.
The scriptures are full of many stories, and Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander said, in April 2008,
"In reality these stories are not about crowds but individuals among those crowds. They are really about you and me. All of us are among the crowds of this world. Almost all of us are like the woman who, despite the crowd, comes to the Savior. We all have faith that just a touch will bring healing to our aching souls and relief to our innermost needs."
How often do we see someone around us who is struggling, and yet we do nothing to help ease their burden or lighten their day? I struggle with that so often, that for whatever reason, I don't feel it is my place to step in. Of course it is, though! Jesus Christ, although He was always busy and about His Father's business, found time to reach out to the individual, to comfort them and address their needs. I think that is largely because Our Father's business is entirely focused on the one, that everything He does is to help an individual, at times many individuals, to come closer to Him and make those changes in their lives that will allow them to receive more happiness.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is not a blanket statement, something that everyone has to conform themselves to in order to be happy. Rather, it is a means for each individual to reach out to God, to have their questions answered, their concerns and burdens lifted, and to ultimately find true happiness. There is a pattern set for us, but in the end, we all have to find our personal connection with God.
I know that God is there, and that He loves us. I have felt His influence in my life, and I have seen how He has blessed me and others around me. I know that each of us is a child of God, and that He knows us perfectly. Part of what we are here to do is to learn to love as He loves.
"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God."
"But as he went the people thronged him.
"And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,
"Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.
"And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? UAdd a Note
"And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.
"And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.
"And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace."
This story is so incredible to me, for many reasons, but the one that has really stood out to me lately is how personally Christ knew everyone, including this woman.
Each one of us truly is a son or a daughter of God, and He knows us perfectly. He knows those things that we struggle with, along with the things we find joy in. He knows what we stand in need of, and wants to bless us with everything that we need.
I have found, though, that not only am I a child of God, but so is everyone around me. Often times, the way that God reaches out to His children is through others, already here on Earth. As we focus our efforts on those around us, rather than ourselves, we can feel God's love for them, and have a greatly increased desire to help and assist them in any way possible.
The scriptures are full of many stories, and Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander said, in April 2008,
"In reality these stories are not about crowds but individuals among those crowds. They are really about you and me. All of us are among the crowds of this world. Almost all of us are like the woman who, despite the crowd, comes to the Savior. We all have faith that just a touch will bring healing to our aching souls and relief to our innermost needs."
How often do we see someone around us who is struggling, and yet we do nothing to help ease their burden or lighten their day? I struggle with that so often, that for whatever reason, I don't feel it is my place to step in. Of course it is, though! Jesus Christ, although He was always busy and about His Father's business, found time to reach out to the individual, to comfort them and address their needs. I think that is largely because Our Father's business is entirely focused on the one, that everything He does is to help an individual, at times many individuals, to come closer to Him and make those changes in their lives that will allow them to receive more happiness.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is not a blanket statement, something that everyone has to conform themselves to in order to be happy. Rather, it is a means for each individual to reach out to God, to have their questions answered, their concerns and burdens lifted, and to ultimately find true happiness. There is a pattern set for us, but in the end, we all have to find our personal connection with God.
I know that God is there, and that He loves us. I have felt His influence in my life, and I have seen how He has blessed me and others around me. I know that each of us is a child of God, and that He knows us perfectly. Part of what we are here to do is to learn to love as He loves.
"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God."
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
"My Soul Hungered"
The last few days have been really interesting for me. It was a little difficult for me to find motivation and to do the things I knew I should do. I just felt tired and weary, and I wanted some respite from the troubles and worries of life. I'm sure you've gone through times where you've felt the same way. It's not a very fun feeling, and it can make it rather difficult to want to do anything worthwhile.
I did my best not to shrink into a puddle of self-pity and sorrow, and I tried to keep a positive attitude about the things that were going on. But like I said, it wasn't easy. I found as I kept focused on the things that matter most, and looked for good things around me, I was able to make it through alright. I was still looking for something more, though. I didn't want to just make it from day to day, barely hanging on to a little bit of happiness. I wanted to find true joy again, to have the promise given in Isaiah 40:31 fulfilled, where it says, "they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
I wasn't finding that kind of strength in the things I was doing, so I figured that I would need to try something more. I had been praying, but I hadn't been making them as meaningful as they could have been. Sometimes it's easy to slip into a habit of making prayers almost part of a checklist, of sorts, where you say them mostly just to say them. I sincerely desired the answers to my prayers, but I wasn't making a sincere effort to listen or to let Heavenly Father know that I did need and want His divine help.
I made an effort that night, to truly pour out my soul to God, and simply let Him know that I was having a hard time. I knew that I couldn't overcome my struggles on my own, but I trusted that He could guide me through them. I felt peace in my heart as I climbed into bed, and a sense that everything would turn out alright. Since then, I won't say that everything has magically fixed itself and life no longer throws a wrench or two in the cogs of my day, but I have noticed a significant change. I have been able to find greater joy again, and to not be so worried about all of the little things that were bringing me down before.
Prayer is such an amazing gift, one that I often find myself not fully utilizing. We have the opportunity to talk with Our Father in Heaven, to let Him know what we are thankful for, and the things that we stand in need of. Truly "the Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." However, He asks us to prove to him that we truly desire those things, and one of the ways that we can show that desire is through sincere, humble prayer. Prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.
As I have recognized God's answer to my prayer, and His love for me, I have felt somewhat like Enos, a man in the Book of Mormon. Enos was the son of a prophet, who had often heard the things is father taught. He, for whatever reason, had never really paid full attention to what those prophesies and teachings meant to his life. One day, while Enos was hunting in the wilderness, he reflected upon the things his father had taught, and as he says, "the words which I had often heard my father speak concerning eternal life, and the joy of the saints, sunk deep into my heart."
"And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens." (Enos 1:3-4)
As Enos prayed, he came to know that God truly was there, and that the things which his father had taught him were true. Through my prayer, I have also come to know that God is there, and the He loves us, more than we can ever imagine. I've felt His love in my life, and especially in these last few days, as I have turned to Him for my guidance and strength. My soul hungered for assistance beyond what any mortal could give, and as I humbled myself before God and offered the desires of my heart to Him, He listened. Because He lives and loves us, He listens to and answers our prayers.
I did my best not to shrink into a puddle of self-pity and sorrow, and I tried to keep a positive attitude about the things that were going on. But like I said, it wasn't easy. I found as I kept focused on the things that matter most, and looked for good things around me, I was able to make it through alright. I was still looking for something more, though. I didn't want to just make it from day to day, barely hanging on to a little bit of happiness. I wanted to find true joy again, to have the promise given in Isaiah 40:31 fulfilled, where it says, "they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
I wasn't finding that kind of strength in the things I was doing, so I figured that I would need to try something more. I had been praying, but I hadn't been making them as meaningful as they could have been. Sometimes it's easy to slip into a habit of making prayers almost part of a checklist, of sorts, where you say them mostly just to say them. I sincerely desired the answers to my prayers, but I wasn't making a sincere effort to listen or to let Heavenly Father know that I did need and want His divine help.
I made an effort that night, to truly pour out my soul to God, and simply let Him know that I was having a hard time. I knew that I couldn't overcome my struggles on my own, but I trusted that He could guide me through them. I felt peace in my heart as I climbed into bed, and a sense that everything would turn out alright. Since then, I won't say that everything has magically fixed itself and life no longer throws a wrench or two in the cogs of my day, but I have noticed a significant change. I have been able to find greater joy again, and to not be so worried about all of the little things that were bringing me down before.
Prayer is such an amazing gift, one that I often find myself not fully utilizing. We have the opportunity to talk with Our Father in Heaven, to let Him know what we are thankful for, and the things that we stand in need of. Truly "the Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." However, He asks us to prove to him that we truly desire those things, and one of the ways that we can show that desire is through sincere, humble prayer. Prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.
As I have recognized God's answer to my prayer, and His love for me, I have felt somewhat like Enos, a man in the Book of Mormon. Enos was the son of a prophet, who had often heard the things is father taught. He, for whatever reason, had never really paid full attention to what those prophesies and teachings meant to his life. One day, while Enos was hunting in the wilderness, he reflected upon the things his father had taught, and as he says, "the words which I had often heard my father speak concerning eternal life, and the joy of the saints, sunk deep into my heart."
"And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens." (Enos 1:3-4)
As Enos prayed, he came to know that God truly was there, and that the things which his father had taught him were true. Through my prayer, I have also come to know that God is there, and the He loves us, more than we can ever imagine. I've felt His love in my life, and especially in these last few days, as I have turned to Him for my guidance and strength. My soul hungered for assistance beyond what any mortal could give, and as I humbled myself before God and offered the desires of my heart to Him, He listened. Because He lives and loves us, He listens to and answers our prayers.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
"All things denote there is a God..."
It's that time of year again, when the leaves begin to change color and fall from the trees. I've always loved the autumn season. It's the perfect weather, not too hot, but not freezing cold, and there's just something in the air. Maybe it's the football season, or maybe it's that Thanksgiving is shortly around the corner. Whatever it is, I really enjoy this season!
There's always something in every season that makes me stop and think, whether it's the intricacy of new leaves budding on tree branches, the crystallized architecture of a snow flake, or the vast array of painted leaves. It just doesn't seem like those things could just be an accident to me. To think that somehow, by mere coincidence, our planet ended up just the right distance away from the sun, and had just the right combination of gases and elements to sustain complex life forms, is unfathomable to me. That trees and mountains and birds and animals just somehow appeared.... I don't get it. Then you take into account the human race. An organism so complex that not only can we survive on carnal instincts, but we can reason and create, feel and comprehend.
There was a man by the name of Korihor in the Book of Mormon who traveled among the people, trying to convince them that a belief in God was a foolish thing. Alma, the prophet and the time, and Amulek, a great missionary, were spreading the word of God amongst the people, and ran into Korihor. Korihor tells them that unless he is shown a sign, that he felt there was no reason he should believe in God. Alma explains to him that "all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator."
I know that there is a God out there, and that He loves us. I've seen evidences of His love in my life, and in the lives of those around me.
There's always something in every season that makes me stop and think, whether it's the intricacy of new leaves budding on tree branches, the crystallized architecture of a snow flake, or the vast array of painted leaves. It just doesn't seem like those things could just be an accident to me. To think that somehow, by mere coincidence, our planet ended up just the right distance away from the sun, and had just the right combination of gases and elements to sustain complex life forms, is unfathomable to me. That trees and mountains and birds and animals just somehow appeared.... I don't get it. Then you take into account the human race. An organism so complex that not only can we survive on carnal instincts, but we can reason and create, feel and comprehend.
There was a man by the name of Korihor in the Book of Mormon who traveled among the people, trying to convince them that a belief in God was a foolish thing. Alma, the prophet and the time, and Amulek, a great missionary, were spreading the word of God amongst the people, and ran into Korihor. Korihor tells them that unless he is shown a sign, that he felt there was no reason he should believe in God. Alma explains to him that "all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator."
I know that there is a God out there, and that He loves us. I've seen evidences of His love in my life, and in the lives of those around me.
Friday, September 24, 2010
"... things don't just happen..."
Yesterday I probably had one of the most amazing experiences I can remember in the last year, maybe even longer. We were on exchanges, and Elder Sneed was working with me for the day. We'd had several appointments fall through, even some that we'd set up just earlier that morning. On our way off of campus, heading over to another appointment, we passed an old Jeep in a parking lot. We walked past, and after we got maybe twenty yards past, the driver tried to start the car. It was turning over, but it wouldn't fire up.
I don't know anything at all about cars, so I felt that I really couldn't do much to help with the situation. Elder Sneed had worked at a car dealership before he came out on a mission, so he knows a little bit about cars, and decided to go back and see if we could help.
We talked to the girl who was trying to start the car, and she said that sometimes it just won't start. They popped the hood and fiddled around with a few things (I have no idea what), and Elder Sneed tried starting the car up. Still nothing. So we were looking at the car, and this guy walks past, and yelled out, "I'd blame God that it's not starting!" Tonya, the girl, was kinda confused until she looked at our tags again and realized that we were missionaries.
The guy's comment really got to Elder Sneed, though. He climbed back in the Jeep to start it up, and as he was getting in, he said to me, "I'll show him the power of God." He turned the keys, and it started to turn over again. Then, all of the sudden, it fired right up! As he was getting it started, Tonya asked me if we were students at Western, and I explained that we are full-time missionaries, and we go around and talk to people about some of life's greater questions. This was right as it fired up, so she was very thankful about that.
Elder Sneed climbed out of the Jeep, and Tonya turned to us and said, "So, you guys would be the ones to ask questions to, right?" And of course, we said yes. She told us that she had been atheist for her whole life, but that there were several times where things would happen that really start to make her wonder. "Like, for instance," she said, "you guys were right here, and were able to start my car. Things like that don't just happen..."
I bore my testimony to her that she was right, that things like that don't just happen, but that God has a plan for each of us, and He gives us opportunities to come to know that He really is there. The Spirit was so strong, and she said that she really wanted to find out if there was a God out there, and we were able to get her information to get a hold of her.
I don't know, maybe it's not as neat when you just read through the account. But I felt such a strong Spirit yesterday, and I knew that God was working miracles through us to reach out to one of His children. I know that there are no coincidences in life, but that God puts us where we need to be, if we will simply follow the promptings we receive. Things don't just happen.
I don't know anything at all about cars, so I felt that I really couldn't do much to help with the situation. Elder Sneed had worked at a car dealership before he came out on a mission, so he knows a little bit about cars, and decided to go back and see if we could help.
We talked to the girl who was trying to start the car, and she said that sometimes it just won't start. They popped the hood and fiddled around with a few things (I have no idea what), and Elder Sneed tried starting the car up. Still nothing. So we were looking at the car, and this guy walks past, and yelled out, "I'd blame God that it's not starting!" Tonya, the girl, was kinda confused until she looked at our tags again and realized that we were missionaries.
The guy's comment really got to Elder Sneed, though. He climbed back in the Jeep to start it up, and as he was getting in, he said to me, "I'll show him the power of God." He turned the keys, and it started to turn over again. Then, all of the sudden, it fired right up! As he was getting it started, Tonya asked me if we were students at Western, and I explained that we are full-time missionaries, and we go around and talk to people about some of life's greater questions. This was right as it fired up, so she was very thankful about that.
Elder Sneed climbed out of the Jeep, and Tonya turned to us and said, "So, you guys would be the ones to ask questions to, right?" And of course, we said yes. She told us that she had been atheist for her whole life, but that there were several times where things would happen that really start to make her wonder. "Like, for instance," she said, "you guys were right here, and were able to start my car. Things like that don't just happen..."
I bore my testimony to her that she was right, that things like that don't just happen, but that God has a plan for each of us, and He gives us opportunities to come to know that He really is there. The Spirit was so strong, and she said that she really wanted to find out if there was a God out there, and we were able to get her information to get a hold of her.
I don't know, maybe it's not as neat when you just read through the account. But I felt such a strong Spirit yesterday, and I knew that God was working miracles through us to reach out to one of His children. I know that there are no coincidences in life, but that God puts us where we need to be, if we will simply follow the promptings we receive. Things don't just happen.
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