Category Archives: Jesus Christ

The Book of Mormon and Generational Healing

I feel so happy!

I finished reading the Book of Mormon again. It clearly shows the generational influence of daily choices on physical, emotional and spiritual health and happiness.

My work serves people who feel lost in a sea of uncertainty, wandering without purpose, or who feel that they have never been taught what they really need to know to sustain lasting happiness. I’m preparing to teach an inner worth class that will offer ways to elevate thought patterns, habit patterns and family patterns. My emphasis is generational healing and freedom.

I believe and know that both the Bible and the Book of Mormon testify of Jesus Christ, His mission and message. I actively study the teachings found in both books. Yesterday, I just finished reading the Book of Mormon again. The patterns of daily behavior that ripple out from belief or unbelief in Jesus Christ and His teachings in the peoples who lived anciently are very apparent. The ripple effect on generations becomes very clear.

This time in the world’s history

We are each on earth in THIS stage of life’s history. As we choose to believe and follow Jesus Christ and His teachings, we are led to embrace those principles that govern happiness in ourselves and in relationships. It leads to deliverance and freedom. When we don’t seek God’s help to change the INner man or woman, we sink into discouragement, despair, depression, and despondency. It eventually leads to oppression and destruction.

New INsights

While reading it this time, I have come to love the Book of Mormon in a new way. My thoughts were led to see, with clarity, the generational influence of daily choices on physical, emotional and spiritual health and happiness–both for individuals and families. I also saw, clearer than ever before, the vital need for record keeping as pertaining to sustaining family stability and direction. (And for those of you who know I’m an advocate for JOURNALing, you can see why this would reinforce my enthusiasm for the subject of keeping personal and family records.)

As always,

I love reading about the Savior’s influence on people.
I love taking those teachings into my heart and feeling the light of God’s love and seeing my own life change for the better.
I love the close relationship it allows me to experience with Him in my present moments.
I love the hope and encouragement I feel and the perspective I get by reading daily.
I love the insight it gives me about generational healing vs generational degeneration.
I love the uplift I get from the hope and encouragement I glean about doing my best.
I’m grateful to be able to feel closer to God when I read from its pages.
I appreciate the insight, understanding and light that is available to all of us.

For our day

This is a record that was intended to come forth in OUR day. I am grateful for the sacrifices of all those who kept the records and also for those who brought it forth for us to be able to read and learn from now.

I can’t wait to start reading The Book of Mormon all over again.

Have a happy day!
Carolyn

PS For easy access to the texts for the Book of Mormon and the Bible, click the Scriptures and Study tab at www.lds.org

About Carolyn Calton Carolyn Calton

Carolyn Calton is an online educator and ReNEW YOU Life Strategist. As founder of FamilyTreeQuest.com, CarolynCalton.com and as CEO of Ron Newsom's LiahonaLightAcademy.com, Carolyn helps sincere, determined men and women embrace with certainty a safe, secure framework for creating their own brighter and happier future TODAY—no matter their past. Turning heartache to happiness, those who Join her ReNEW YOU Classes and Joyful Breakthrough Membership Circles at FamilyTreeQuest.com, learn how to turn stress, anxiety, anger and dysfunction to hope, direction, happiness and peace in order to renew and regenerate themselves, their families and family lines.

Forgiveness: It’s Never Too Late

Have you ever wondered if forgiveness was something everyone else could claim except you? ReNEW your Spiritual Vitality with this hopeful thought by Jeffrey R. Holland.

“… however late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you think you don’t have, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines.”

There is hope and peace found within when one repents in order to access forgiveness. Freedom from guilt and shame is available.

I INcourage you to take a step at being AT ONE with Christ today. It is the way to happiness. Forgiveness is available in your present moment. Only Jesus Christ helps us discharge the heavy weight of sin and oppression through his offering each of us forgiveness. He can heal the heart. He guides and directs us toward accepting the gift he offers us. Will you heed His call, and set yourself free from the weight of sin today?

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Keep Christ in Christmas. Nativity video.

Celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by watching this beautifully done Nativity Video.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
To your happiness,
Carolyn

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Charity seeketh not her own

This series of posts is about the pure love of Christ is called Charity. We read about this love in the Bible, 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13. In the next few days, watch for posts about this vital attribute of Christ. When we seek to emulate Him by loving as he loved, our heart changes, we are happier, and each of us can be a more positive INfluence on others. This is one way we can create positive generational change.

Charity, the pure love of Christ, seeketh not her own. —1 Corinthians 13:5

“It can be a great challenge to love others, especially if they have hurt us. But the commandment is clear: As the scriptures teach, charity, the pure love of Christ, ‘seeketh not her own.’ (Moro. 7:45.) If we are to come unto Christ and become like him, we must learn to truly love others.

“In the parable of the sheep and the goats, in Matthew 25:31–46 [Matt. 25:31–46], the Savior taught the importance of loving all those around us.

“One of the distinctions between the two groups will be their treatment of those whom we may think of as different from us or difficult to love—the unkind, the unrighteous, the different, and the antagonistic. To those who love and serve these people, the Lord has said, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matt. 25:40.) (Ensign, June 1988)

TODAY’s Affirmation: I am TODAY’s ChangeMaker*. I learn to love others, even when I disagree with them.

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*****
*NOTE: TODAY’s ChangeMakers are sincere, determined men and women who do not give up on creating positive change in spite of obstacles. Join the Quest at FamilyTreeQuest.com

Remember what Charity is NOT. Click here.

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Charity doth not behave itself unseemly

“Etiquette and good manners are based on respect for people’s feelings, opinions, property, and time.”¹

“It is often easier to show respect and tolerance to acquaintances—or even strangers—than to those who are closest to us. When we are tired, ill, or under stress, do we still speak kindly to a disobedient child, a thoughtless spouse, or an angry roommate? The Apostle Peter counseled, ‘Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another … be courteous.’” (1 Pet. 3:8.) (Ensign, April 1988)

TODAY’s Affirmation: I am TODAY’s ChangeMaker*. I choose self-control and make courteous and wise decisions concerning my behavior.

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Remember what Charity is NOT. Click here.

¹(Ye Are the Light of the World, Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1984, pp. 77–78.)

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Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up

This series of posts is about the pure love of Christ is called Charity. We read about this love in the Bible, 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13. For a few days, watch for posts about this vital attribute of Christ. When we seek to emulate Him by loving as he loved, our heart changes, we are happier, and each of us can be a more positive INfluence on others. This is one way we can create positive generational change.

Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. –1 Corinthians 13:4

”To vaunt is to proudly call attention to our possessions, our accomplishments, our associations, or our righteousness. To illustrate this fault, the Savior told the parable of the Pharisee and the publican:

“The Pharisee stood [in the temple] and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

“I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” (Luke 18:10–13.)

“Jesus pointed out that it was not the Pharisee who was justified, but the publican, adding that “Every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 18:14.)

“The Pharisee made two serious mistakes: he boasted about himself, and he put himself in God’s place as the judge of his righteousness. Only God can pronounce us righteous.

“One of the most serious forms of “vaunting” is the sin of pride. “Pride is a ‘my will’ rather than ‘thy will’ approach to life,” says President Ezra Taft Benson. “The opposite of pride is humbleness, meekness, submissiveness (see Alma 13:28), or teachableness. … With pride, there are many curses. With humility, there come many blessings.” (Ensign, May 1986, pp. 6–7.)

“…We also vaunt ourselves if we take credit for what we haven’t earned. Some people blame God when things go badly in their lives and take the credit when things go well, overlooking the fact that their talents, skills, and possessions are gifts from the Lord.

“The scriptures say that “in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things.” (D&C 59:21.) True humility comes when we acknowledge our dependence on him in every act—indeed, in every breath.

“Such humility encourages us to follow the Savior’s example of love and service to others. (Ensign, March 1988)

TODAY’s Affirmations: I am TODAY’s ChangeMaker*.
I do not consider myself too important to serve others.
I seek righteousness without being self-righteous.
I do not boast but recognize, instead, that the air I breathe and the elements of creation as well as my gifts, blessings and strength originates from God, in whom I put my trust.

Join me on my Family Tree Gal Facebook page. Leave your comments under this post on that page.

Join the Quest to create positive change in yourself, your family and family line.
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Let’s stay connected!

*****
*NOTE: TODAY’s ChangeMakers are sincere, determined men and women who do not give up on creating positive change in spite of obstacles. Join the Quest at www.FamilyTreeQuest.com

Remember what Charity is NOT. Click here.

About Carolyn Calton Carolyn Calton

Envy Not

This series of posts is about the pure love of Christ is called Charity. We read about this love in the Bible, 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13. In the next few days, watch for posts about this vital attribute of Christ. When we seek to emulate Him by loving as he loved, our own heart changes, we are happier, and each of us can be a more positive INfluence on others. This is one way we can create positive generational change.

Charity, the pure love of Christ, envieth not. –1 Corinthians 13:4

“…the Lord God hath commanded … that [we] should not envy.” (2 Ne. 26:32.) Every day we face situations in which we may feel envy or covet something another person possesses. We may envy another person’s home and comfortable financial situation, someone elses talents and abilities, … or the happy family life of another. Such envy can canker our souls. …

“If we find ourselves envying someone elses talents, possessions, life-style, or accomplishments, we should first turn for help to our Father in Heaven. In his mercy, he will bless us with the ability to rise above the destructive pettiness of envy and to rejoice in his goodness to our brothers and sisters.

“Gordon B. Hinckley points out another way we can learn to overcome feelings of envy. ‘The happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others,’ he says. (Ensign, Aug. 1982, p. 5.)

“By serving others, we can learn to focus not on what we feel is lacking in our lives, but on the many blessings the Lord has given us.

“By seeking the Spirit of the Lord, serving others, and recognizing the blessings the Lord has given us, we can overcome feelings of envy and rejoice in the Lord’s goodness to all of his children.” (Ensign, February 1988)

TODAY’s Affirmation: I am TODAY’s ChangeMaker*. I do not envy, but seek, instead, to feel happy for others. I work to meet my own needs.

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Remember what Charity is NOT. Click here.

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Charity Suffereth Long and Is Kind

I seek to emulate Jesus Christ in the way He loved. The pure love of Christ is called Charity. We read about this love in the Bible, 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13. In the next few days, watch for posts about this vital attribuite of Christ. When we seek to emulate Him by loving as he loved, we change hearts, are happier, and each of us can be a more positive INfluence on others.

Charity suffereth long, and is kind. –1 Corinthians 13: 4

TODAY’s ChangeMakers can be very kindhearted. It is important, however, to be sure there are no misunderstandings about this attribute.

In Oct 1991, Aileen Clyde stated it this way, “It is not charity or kindness to endure any type of abuse or unrighteousness that may be inflicted on us by others. God’s commandment that as we love him, we must respect ourselves, suggests we must not accept disrespect from others. It is not charity to let another repeatedly deny our divine nature and agency. It is not charity to bow down in despair and helplessness. That kind of suffering should be ended, and that is very difficult to do alone. …We must be willing to let others help us.”

TODAY’s Affirmation: I am TODAY’s ChangeMaker*. Although I may have suffered a lot of things, I am kind to myself as well as to others.

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Dreading the Holidays?

Are you DREADING the holidays?

There are lots of reasons that we sometimes don’t experience the joy that the lights and sounds and gatherings with friends and/or family that the holiday season can bring. Especially for those who have experienced childhood or adult relationship trauma and distress (including divorce), memories of Christmas past can be painful.

So to all of you who are TODAY’s ChangeMakers, who are facing obstacles head-on and creating positive change anyway, please know you are not alone.

If you need a little encouragement, I like this reminder that there is present-moment help and support. No one has gone too far or done to much that a TURN-around is not possible. Christ’s mercy can be extended to all who will turn to Him with full purpose of heart and a sincere desire to let go of misery and embrace the LIGHT.

“[Christ’s] mercy is the mighty healer, even to the wounded innocent.” ~Boyd K Packer, 2014

HE is the mighty healer.

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You are loved

When times get tough, remember this reminder from the Apostle Paul.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
—Romans 28: 35, 38-39

Dallin Oaks reminds us, “The love of God does not supersede His laws and His commandments, and the effect of God’s laws and commandments does not diminish the purpose and effect of His love….

If a person understands the teachings of Jesus, he or she cannot reasonably conclude that our loving Heavenly Father or His divine Son believes that Their love supersedes Their commandments. Consider these examples.

When Jesus began His ministry, His first message was repentance. (See Matthew 4:17.)

When He exercised loving mercy by not condemning the woman taken in adultery, He nevertheless told her, “Go, and sin no more” (John 8:11).

Jesus taught, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).”

All things are done according to the free choice of individuals. Dallin Oaks also reminds us, “[God] will bless us to endure the consequences of others’ choices, but He will not prevent those choices.”

Also, “If only we will listen, we can know of God’s love and feel it, even when we are disobedient.” He related one woman’s story, who said: “He has always been there for me, even when I rejected Him. He has always guided me and comforted me with His tender mercies all around me, but I [was] too angry to see and accept incidents and feelings as such.”

INspired Action INvitation: May we all obey God’s laws and feel His love rather than becoming “a law unto ourselves” by participating in iniquity, therby TURNing away from the source of our true strength and ultimate happiness.