These words (lyrics) are inspiring!
Leave a reply
Category Archives: Burden
Forgiveness: Reclaimed
“There is no habit, no addiction, no rebellion, no transgression, no apostasy, no crime exempted from the promise of complete forgiveness. That is the promise of the atonement of Christ” (Boyd K. Packer, “The Brilliant Morning of Forgiveness,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 20).
Click link above to watch video.
Resurrected and Reunited
Today, as I watched the video below, I was touched by the look in Thomas’ face (near the end) while seeing the wounds in Christ’s hands from the nails driven through them—healed, but remaining as a witness that it was, indeed, Jesus Christ.
I thought that he must be thinking, “But I saw you suffer!” Suffering, then death, then resurrection—so that all the children of mankind may be resurrected and reunited with our Heavenly Father. How glorious. How amazing. How loving. How kind. Glory be to God for His sacrifice and loving kindness unto us all.
Thomas must have been astounded. Seeing Christ die then live again! It was unheard of, beyond comprehension, until the EXPERIENCE changed Thomas life through his experiential understanding.
I’ve learned that spiritual experiences are not only things you see, but witnesses to our hearts through feelings. I’ve learned through countless experiences, especially experiences with suffering, that Christ still lives and loves us all. I know that the God to which he ascended IS our Heavenly Father, and that Heavenly Father DOES hear and answer our prayers. Not only did Jesus provide the resurrection, that someday our own body can reunite with our own spirit, but I humbly and deeply appreciate the price Christ paid to make a way that we might repent of our sins (change our hearts and ways) in order to be reunited someday with Heavenly Father. It’s a great feeling to know we can qualify for blessings instead of punishments (no matter what we’ve done), through the great gift of the Atonement that Christ provides IF we will repent, humbly and sincerely, and ask for his mercy to cleanse us from our sins, so that we will no longer be spiritually separated from God, we will find peace, and comfort and HOPE.
My hope is in Christ. “He paid a price he didn’t owe because we owed a debt we could not pay.” It is in He whom I put my trust.
From the words of Thomas S. Monson: No words in Christendom mean more to me than those spoken by the angel to the weeping Mary Magdalene and the other Mary when, on the first day of the week, they approached the tomb to care for the body of their Lord. Spoke the angel: “Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen.” Our Savior lived again. The most glorious, comforting, and reassuring of all events of human history had taken place—the victory over death. The pain and agony of Gethsemane and Calvary had been wiped away. The salvation of mankind had been secured. The Fall of Adam had been reclaimed.
May this video bring you peace, understanding and reassurance. Happy Easter!
The Pain of Judgment- Looking through windows
I loved this talk by Thomas Monson. Criticism and harsh judgments can be like poison to our own soul and to relationships.
We should be careful about judging others, as we may be looking through our own “unclean windows.”
“There’s really no way we can know the heart, the intentions, or the circumstances of
someone who might say or do something we find reason to criticize.
Thus the commandment: judge not.
I Feel My Savior’s Love
I have been consoling a loved one who is going through agonizing pain. I remember the days, years ago, when my own heart was breaking. I would sit in my green rocker, and while holding my baby and rocking and rocking I would sing this song of hope, commitment and peace (click video) . I struggled to keep my perspective. It was comforting, and wisdom eventually emerged from the pain of long ago. I am grateful for the life, teachings and mission of Jesus Christ–who can set all things right, for the innocent and even for the offenders, if they call upon his name in prayer with humility in their heart and align themselves with His teachings. Hope you enjoy the video.
Full commitment to God is in my heart today. I was very moved by this video. I know there’s people in the world whose own lives feel like a recurring 9/11 everyday. They suffer effects from abuse, addiction, divorce, death of a loved one and other mountainous traumas and want to be happy, whole and healed. They are the Generational ChangeMakers I seek at www.FamilyTreeQuest.com. Watch the looks on the faces of those in this video. Do you know someone with the same look in their eyes? Maybe it’s you. JOIN THE QUEST at www.familytreequest.com Help is on its way.
You’re Not Alone
My heart goes out to those who are entrapped in the vicious cycles of addiction, suffering and pain. Christ is the Master Healer. It’s interesting to me that we try everything to get rid of the physical and emotional feelings that distrub us, yet often forget that it’s our Elder Brother, Jesus Christ (son of God the Father-our creator), who makes the way for us to be healed spiritually so that joy and happiness can once again be ours. It’s my hope that this video reaches those who are forlorn, unhappy and seeking the way back to being whole and healed.
Thank you to Betsy Love who pointed out this video on Facebook.
God of Love
I’m rejoicing at this season of rebirth. Everything becomes new. It is a season of remembrance and celebration. Our hope is in Christ, who strengthens us. He overcame all things, including death, that we might live again with our Heavenly Father after we die because of Christ’s resurrection. (He paved the way for the rest of us.)
To live in God’s presence and be comfortable there, we must also humble our hearts and be cleansed from the effects of the choices we have made that are out of alignment with God’s will and laws (sin). In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus Christ took upon himself the sins of the world so WE might not suffer if we sincerely repent, ask forgiveness, make restitution, and change our ways. Because of Christ, we can be forgiven and cleansed from sin and the guilt, sorrow and disappointment that accompanies it. Each and every person can then become spiritually alive again through the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ-who made repentance and forgiveness possible.
Just think of it. Each day is a new beginning. Our worth is great in the sight of God. He (Heavenly Father) loved us so much that He sent his Son. Jesus Christ (His Son) loved us so much that He gave his life to make all this possible for US. We are blessed. We are loved. We are important.
I posted this wonderful video in remembrance of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for His teachings of joy and hope and healing–and also for His sufferings which were endured for a higher purpose.
The Healing Power of Jesus Christ–Sculptures by Angela Johnson
A father can forgive anyone of ANYTHING!
Last Friday night, I watched a TV show about two young people meeting and falling in love. They came from decidedly different backgrounds and each had some shockingly deep regrets in their life. It was one of the best shows I’ve seen about being “real” with life and our choices. I watched as the two of them overcame stereotypes and told the truth to each other about things they were not proud of. It showed their mistakes, poor choices and ability to forgive (or not forgive) themselves and others. I wish I knew the name of the show, but, unfortunately, I do not.
The guy was highly educated, yet working in what seemed to be a warehouse. Why? Because he had just served 10 years in prison. He had been intoxicated and punched a guy as hard as he could for insulting his girlfriend (all those years ago). The guy he punched fell, hit his head and died. The main character could hardly live with himself each day, knowing someone had died because of him. He felt unworthy of happiness. He kept himself separate from spiritual beliefs. After the couple broke up, the father of the boy who died visited the man who had served prison time. He got his feelings of upset off his chest, then let the younger man know that he had forgiven him. Before that, that father had lost everything because of his bitterness. The father said that what made the difference, causing a change in his heart, was a sincere apology letter the young man had written and the solace and forgiveness he was able to find while being led to let God into his life beginning by reading the words of the Bible. He gave the young man the Bible and told him that he forgave him.
The reason I’m writing this post is because of one of the lines in that show. It stuck with me and I now share it with you. The father said to the young man, “SOMEDAY YOU MAY REALIZE THAT A FATHER CAN FORGIVE ANYONE OF ANYTHING!
I know that our Heavenly Father has that capacity. I know that because of the infinite ATONEMENT of Jesus Christ, all men can be forgiven if they repent and turn to God with full purpose of heart. I have watched this transformation in many people. I have also taken this counsel unto myself. What a blessing!
I also know that He can heal and help all those who have been bruised, battered, torn or injured (physically or emotionally) because of the acts of others, for He has done so unto me.
Now, I found this video today. I was not intending to write a post, but feel compelled to post this because of how it moved my soul. May God bless and comfort you as you watch, “Forgiveness: My burden was made light”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
NOTE: The word Atonement “describes the setting ‘at one’ of those who have been estranged, and denotes the reconciliation of man to God. Sin is the cause of the estrangement, and therefore the purpose of atonement is to correct or overcome the consequences of sin.” (Bible Dictionary, “Atonement,” 617). . .
Jesus Christ was the only one capable of performing the magnificent Atonement because He was the only perfect man and the Only Begotten Son of God the Father. He received His commission for this essential work from His Father before the world was established. His perfect mortal life devoid of sin, the shedding of His blood, His suffering in the garden and upon the cross, His voluntary death, and the Resurrection of His body from the tomb made possible a full Atonement for people of every generation and time.
quoted from: Cecil O. Samuelson Jr., “What Does the Atonement Mean to You?”, Liahona, April 2009, 14–19 From an address given at Brigham Young University Women’s Conference on May 5, 2006.