{Light the World}

Christmas is a beautiful, special, uplifting time of year. I know we can do so much to strengthen and bless those around us as the Savior would. In turn, we will also be blessed.

It's important to remember this time of year and always that Jesus Christ is a living, breathing, immortal and glorified man, the Son of God. His life is not just a story. The miracles truly happened, and Jesus will do miracles in the lives of all of us today as well. He lives. He is real. He loves us, is aware of our every need, knows our hearts, and wants to help us live with Him and God our loving Heavenly Father again. He suffered and died for us and rose from the dead forevermore.  I know this is true. Many others alive today and in the scriptures have testified of the same:

"And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father-
That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God." (Doctrine and Covenants 76:22-24)

"And also my soul delighteth in the covenants of the Lord which he hath made unto our fathers; yea, my soul delighteth in his grace, and in his justice, and power, and mercy in the great and eternal plan of deliverance from death.
And my soul delighteth in proving unto my people that save Christ should come all men must perish.
For if there be no Christ there be no God; and if there be no God we are not, for there could have been no creation. But there is a God, and he is Christ, and he cometh in the fulness of his own time." (2 Nephi 11:4-6)

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12)

Christ Himself promised, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Because He lives, because He was born in Bethlehem and fulfilled all that the Father asked of Him, there in nothing we can't overcome. He lived for us and died for us. Christmas and Easter are beautiful reminders of that triumph, that permanent helping hand and hope extended to every person on earth if we will but come unto Christ and repent of our sins. Elder Holland, a modern day apostle of Christ taught, "So today we celebrate the gift of victory over every fall we have ever experienced, every sorrow we have ever known, every discouragement we have ever had, every fear we have ever faced-to say nothing of resurrection from death and forgiveness for our sins.....that first Easter sequence of Atonement and Resurrection constitutes the most consequential moment, the most generous gift, the most excruciating pain, and the most majestic manifestation of pure love ever to be demonstrated in the history of this world." (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "Where Justice Love and Mercy Meet", April 2015)

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

Because Christ was born, died, and rose again, we can become free from death. This life will not be the end for anyone. "As in Adam all men die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (1Corinthians 15:22) We can repent: leave behind the shame and guilt of our wrong doings and become whole because of the Savior. He suffered those things already for us. We can be strengthened every day of our lives to do good and be better. We can be good, and then better, and even holy because of His power. We can return to the presence of God someday to be judged free of sin and confident that we are clean. We can be with those we love forever. Our every loss here on earth will be made up.

Why? Because God is merciful. He loves me and He loves you!! I know I have felt peace and forgiveness. I have felt help when I was tired, comfort when I was sad, and more strength when I needed a boost. You are a child of God and He will help you also. Ask for that help.

So today, and every day until Christmas and hopefully every day after, go and find someone to help. Find someone to bless and uplift.  For specific daily ideas, visit mormon.org. Take the gratitude you feel for Jesus and Heavenly Father and share it with someone else. If you feel you don't know much about them, learn more. Read the scriptures. Pray, even if you feel guilty for your past or if it's been a while. They love you. Your prayers will be heard. After telling a story of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37), an example of selfless service to others even if they are different than you, Jesus admonished, "Go, and do thou likewise."

{CTR Always, ETTE}

Merry Christmas!

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{Blessings of Family}

Hello again! I apologize for the long hiatus. I just got married and we just got back from our honeymoon....

"God gave us families to help us become what He wants us to be. This is how He shares His love. For the family is of God." ("The Family is of God")

I love hearing the children at church. They sing their lungs out during this song, so happy and excited. I love the peace and Spirit I feel when I think about God's plan, and how He wants us to love, serve, and grow. The best environment to help us build a more Christlike character is in our families. As Latter Day Saints, we also believe that God intends for our families to be eternal-meaning that till death do us part won't have to separate us. Because of His love and power, (the power He gave to apostles and prophets of old and today-the priesthood) we can make promises with Him in holy temples that enable us to be together forever. If we do our best to rely on our Savior Jesus Christ by repenting daily and striving continually to keep the commandments, we will return to God cleansed and sanctified. Then we can live with those we love most-our families-in heaven for eternity. 

This is one of the most dear things to me personally and I believe to many people who share my faith. 

On November 18th, I went to a temple with my sweetheart Kyle. We were married for time and eternity there. (the picture on the left is sealing room in a LDS temple, where couples are married and families are sealed) I will always remember the love of God I felt in those moments. Our family surrounded us with love also. We made promises with God and each other. Because of Jesus Christ, because of mercy and forgiveness and grace if we are faithful to our covenants Kyle and I will be together forever. Marriage is a wonderful blessing. I am amazed by the mercy and love of our Heavenly Father most evident in His plan for each of us. And the other astounding truth: our Heavenly Father wants all His children to have eternal families, sealed together and living with Him for eternity in joy. These blessings are available to everyone if we do what is required to attain them.  https://www.mormon.org/beliefs/temples)  

If they function in the way God intended, families help us in so many ways. My family isn't perfect, none are, but I was very blessed in that regard. I wanted to list some of the ways:

My family helps me be strong-if I have questions about faith they strengthen me. They help me find answers and trust in the Lord for the answers that take more time. If I am going through a challenging time, they give me the support and encouragement I need to soldier on.

My family serves me-they are sensitive to my needs and try to fill them. My parents worked hard to provide for my siblings and I growing up and give us opportunities

My family makes me laugh-I am blessed to have funny people in my life who can look at the grim with shining optimism. Kyle especially is good at this.

My family loves me unconditionally-I know this because I've felt it, even when they were disappointed. 

My family members are my truest friends-I know they will always be there to lend a hand when I'm in need.

I know that not everyone comes from a good family background. Some are dysfunctional, abusive, and damaging. But if that's you, you have the power to move forward, to change a generations long destructive cycle into a healthy functioning one. About twenty years ago, God inspired the prophets and apostles today to speak out about how this is possible in a document titled "The Family: A Proclamation to the World." Every one, regardless of marital status or family background will be blessed as they apply the principles there in. I've included it in this post and recommend its reading. 

In April of 2015, Elder L Tom Perry, an apostle, gave a powerful talk called "Why Marriage and Family Matter Everywhere in the World" 

He taught, "What the restored gospel brings to the discussion on marriage and family is so large and so relevant that it cannot be overstated: we make the subject eternal! We take the commitment and the sanctity of marriage to a greater level because of our belief and understanding that families go back to before this earth was and that they can go forward into eternity. The entire theology of our restored gospel centers on families and on the new and everlasting covenant of marriage. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe in a premortal life where we all lived as literal spirit children of God our Heavenly Father. We believe that we were, and still are, members of His family.

We believe that marriage and family ties can continue beyond the grave--that marriages performed by those who have the proper authority in His temples will continue to be valid in the world to come. Our marriage ceremonies eliminate the words “till death do us part” and instead say, “for time and for all eternity.”

We also believe that strong traditional families are not only the basic units of a stable society, a stable economy, and a stable culture of values--but that they are also the basic units of eternity and of the kingdom and government of God.

We believe that the organization and government of heaven will be built around families and extended families......

Let me close by bearing witness (and my nine decades on this earth fully qualify me to say this) that the older I get, the more I realize that family is the center of life and is the key to eternal happiness.

I give thanks for my wife, for my children, for my grandchildren and my great-grandchildren, and for all of the cousins and in-laws and extended family who make my own life so rich and, yes, even eternal. Of this eternal truth I bear my strongest and most sacred witness in the name of Jesus Christ, amen." 

This was Elder Perry's last talk before he passed away. But what a blessing it is to have such a powerful testimony of families and our Heavenly Father's plan.

I know God lives. And I know that He loves us. We lived with Him before we came to earth. He sacrificed His Son so that we can repent. Salvation and then exaltation with our families is His work and glory.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

{CTR Always, ETTE}

This is the Family Proclamation referenced above.

This is the music for "The Family is of God"

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{You are Here to Have Joy!}

 "Men are that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 2:25) These words are simple, but their meaning is profound. When I look at the world around me, with all the chaos and negativity, I believe people forgot or were never taught this. Why does God want us to have joy? Because He loves us and we are His children. And what more would the perfect Father want than for His children to find total fulfillment, happiness, and become like Him? The scriptures teach us that this is His work and glory. (Moses 1:39)

I love knowing this eternal truth: we were created by our Heavenly Father, with the purpose of having joy! He loves us and wants us to be happy. There are reasons we are here on this planet at this time! This is not by arbitrary chance. The prophet Joseph Smith taught, "Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God." But how with the evil in the world and sorrow and pain in our own lives is this possible? What can we do to still have joy?

Every six months in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a General Conference is held. In that conference the prophets, apostles (like the form of Christ's primitive church, see Ephesians 2:20), and other church leaders prayerfully prepare and seek what the Savior wants them to say. They share those things with us. President Russell M Nelson, an apostle, shared this about joy, "My dear brothers and sisters, the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.

When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation... and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy. We feel it at Christmastime when we sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come.”9 And we can feel it all year round. For Latter-day Saints, Jesus Christ is joy!...

Just as the Savior offers peace that “passeth all understanding,”12 He also offers an intensity, depth, and breadth of joy that defy human logic or mortal comprehension. For example, it doesn’t seem possible to feel joy when your child suffers with an incurable illness or when you lose your job or when your spouse betrays you. Yet that is precisely the joy the Savior offers. His joy is constant, assuring us that our “afflictions shall be but a small moment”13 and be consecrated to our gain.14

How, then, can we claim that joy? We can start by “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith”15 “in every thought.”16 We can give thanks for Him in our prayers and by keeping covenants we’ve made with Him and our Heavenly Father. As our Savior becomes more and more real to us and as we plead for His joy to be given to us, our joy will increase.

Joy is powerful, and focusing on joy brings God’s power into our lives. As in all things, Jesus Christ is our ultimate exemplar, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.”17 Think of that! In order for Him to endure the most excruciating experience ever endured on earth, our Savior focused on joy!

And what was the joy that was set before Him? Surely it included the joy of cleansing, healing, and strengthening us; the joy of paying for the sins of all who would repent; the joy of making it possible for you and me to return home—clean and worthy—to live with our Heavenly Parents and families.

If we focus on the joy that will come to us, or to those we love, what can we endure that presently seems overwhelming, painful, scary, unfair, or simply impossible?What will you and I be able to endure as we focus on the joy that is “set before” us?20What repenting will then be possible? What weakness will become a strength?21What chastening will become a blessing?22 What disappointments, even tragedies, will turn to our good?23 And what challenging service to the Lord will we be able to give?24

If we look to the world and follow its formulas for happiness,27 we will never know joy. The unrighteous may experience any number of emotions and sensations, but they will never experience joy!28 Joy is a gift for the faithful.29 It is the gift that comes from intentionally trying to live a righteous life, as taught by Jesus Christ.30

He taught us how to have joy. When we choose Heavenly Father to be our God31 and when we can feel the Savior’s Atonement working in our lives, we will be filled with joy.32 Every time we nurture our spouse and guide our children, every time we forgive someone or ask for forgiveness, we can feel joy.

Every day that you and I choose to live celestial laws, every day that we keep our covenants and help others to do the same, joy will be ours." (President Nelson, "Joy and Spiritual Survival" October 2016)

When I heard him speak,  I was touched. I don't often view my trials as sources of joy. In reality, I do have struggles and fears just as anyone but I know I am blessed. Right now is an especially happy time in my life because I'm getting married soon. I know that more challenges will come in the future, but I also know that everything will be alright. I testify that in good or bad, sorrow or happiness, Jesus Christ is always there. I know that when we focus on Him in our circumstances we will find more joy, more strength to deal with our circumstances, and peace that can only come to the faithful. (John 14:27) During the time I was a missionary, I taught lots of different people from numerous circumstances. When I saw them focus on the Savior, they received more joy in their lives. The gospel-His teachings-really do work to change hearts and lives. He is the light and life of the world. He is our hope and our salvation. I know that Heavenly Father is His perfect Father. He also blesses us with peace and joy because of His Son. 

These things are true. And what joy that brings our souls the more we understand it is so.

{CTR Always, ETTE}

Please watch this video!!! 

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{Be Still}

Last night in one of my religious classes called Institute, we were talking about why trials happen to such good people. It is difficult to watch people you love in the midst of such difficult things, or even go through them yourself. A few people in the class shared some thoughts and feelings. One of them talked about their sister who is going through a really difficult divorce. 
To be honest, I don't know really know why certain things happen, but a thought struck me as I sat in that wooden desk. Her Savior loves her, and He will help her through it. And whenever sorrow or tragedy comes in my life: I know my Savior loves me and He will help me through it. Whatever you might be enduring now, whatever you'll be called upon to endure, know the same: your Savior Jesus Christ loves you, and He will help you through it. I am so grateful that Christ endured the agony and sorrow of my own life to bless, strengthen, and comfort me through those experiences. I testify He will do that for you; in fact, He already has. 
So if you are seeking help, if you feel weak or weighed down, Pray! Pray like you've never prayed before with all the fervor and energy of your heart. Tell Him how you feel. Ask for the help you need in complete honesty. Heavenly Father will hear you. He will answer you. That answer might come as He removes that burden, or it might come as He and His Son strengthen you through it. "Sometimes he calms the storm, and sometimes He calms the Savior." Either way it will be what you need. Then keep the commandments. Do your best to live your life in harmony with the standards of God. This will help you to avoid some of the trials of life that come because of poor choices. As you do these things, you will feel the love of the Savior and you will find peace, even if the life surrounding you is in chaos. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, a apostle, taught, "Be assured that there is a safe harbor. You can find peace amidst the storms that threaten you. Your Heavenly Father-who knows when even a sparrow falls-knows of your heartache and suffering. He loves you and wants whats best for you. Never doubt this." (Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Finding a Safe Harbor")
Another thought that struck me last night during that discussion was one of the times in my life that I felt so discouraged I wasn't sure what to do. It was near the beginning of my mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (the missionaries you see with black name tags). We were doing our absolute best to teach people about Christ and His gospel, but it seemed like no one was listening. I had a really powerful personal experience, where God taught me something important I needed to know, and then I found this scripture, now one of my favorites: "Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God." (Doctrine and Covenants 101:16) I cried as I read because I knew then as I know now that Heavenly Father is in charge. And, if it's not all right yet, it's not the end. But He will make it so if we are faithful. Another verse I love reads, "But behold, they are in the hands of the Lord of the harvest, and they are his; and he will raise them up at the last day." (Alma 26:7)
Please know, whether things are going well in your life, or whether it's falling apart, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you. They know your name. They know your heart, your good desires. They know of your suffering. And as Christ promised, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." (John 14:18) Keep holding on and you will see purpose and beauty come from the sorrow, because that's what He does for us.
In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

{CTR Always, ETTE}

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{Temples: the Sweetest Blessings}

Since I was little, in church I would sing a song about how families can be together forever. I am so grateful for the peace and joy it brings me to truly know that this is Heavenly Father's plan. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we love this doctrine. And when tragedy strikes, we live for it too. All the sorrow and injustice in life will be made right through Jesus Christ. It is because of His sacrifice for us that we can be cleansed, sanctified, and return spotless before Him, worthy to live in our Heavenly Father's presence with those we love most. The Lord has said, "Behold, this is my work and my glory; to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39). Heavenly Father loves us, and He wants us to be happy. That's why His plan is for us to return to live with Him again, glorified and exalted. And the miracle of the gospel is no matter how lost and alone you feel, "it is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ's Atonement." (Elder Holland) There are no lost causes. It is not too late. He can change any heart, heal any wound, and even perfect us to holiness if we believe Him. Not just believe IN Him but what His infinite power will do in our lives and hearts and in the lives and hearts of those we love. It really does work, not just on a general level, but in a deeply personal one. These things are so dear to my heart, and this is part of why temples are so sacred to me. 

(Salt Lake Temple)

In True to the Faith we read this explanation, "Temples are literally houses of the Lord. They are holy places of worship where the Lord may visit. Only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness. Throughout history, the Lord has commanded his people to build temples. Today the church is heeding the Lord's call to build temples all over the world, making temple blessings more available for a great number of our Heavenly Father's children." In the temple, ordinances are performed. Ordinances are sacred ceremonies where we make promises or covenants with God, to follow Him and be obedient to the commandments. He promises to bless us and promises eternal life in return. (One example of a covenant is baptism: see Mosiah 18:8-10) Ordinances must be performed by those who hold the priesthood-the power and authority to act in God's name for the salvation of mankind. One of the sweetest and most precious parts of the gospel to me is that EVERYONE will have opportunity to accept and follow the Savior in this life or the next. We go to the House of the Lord to receive those ordinances ourselves and then act as proxy for our ancestors who did not have that opportunity in this life. That is what is meant of by that prophecy about the hearts of the children turning to their fathers. (See Malachi 4:5-6) They can choose whether or not to accept that ordinance, and progress accordingly. The Savior Jesus Christ brings salvation to both the living and the dead. (See 1 Peter 4:6) Those who didn't hear these truths can! It is not too late for those who have died without the gospel.
One of the crowning ordinances of the temple is eternal marriage. Husbands and wives can be married for time-this life-and eternity, so that even death will not separate them if they are faithful to the covenants, or promises, that they make. Children borne to them will also reap the blessings of an eternal family. Even when death separates them, they have the Lord's promise they will be together again, forever. This doctrine was especially comforting to me when my little brother, who is special needs, has been near death. I love him so much, and the prospect of losing him broke my heart, but I also knew that our family would be alright. We would see him again. Another time this blessed me was around the time of my great grandma's funeral and since. I love and miss her, but I know we will still have that relationship in the next life also. 
All of these things witness over and over to me of Heavenly Father's deep and abiding love for each of His children, which include all of us. I am a child of God and so are you. He made this perfect plan, sacrificed His Son, Jesus Christ, and gives us all guidance and blessings we need to return to Him again. That is beautiful. I am so grateful to know I can be with my family forever. I am so grateful for a Savior that helps me, those I love, and all who have lived and will yet live receive these blessings and great joy. I testify these things are true, and I do so in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

{CTR Always, ETTE}

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{Not Broken Anymore}

Recently I've been reading through some emails that I sent my family while I was on my mission. Also recently, some of the people I love are enduring broken hearts and suffering from some disappointment. I found this story and wanted to share it, because the eternal truths I learned from it are always applicable.

In June of 2014, the missionary I was with, Sister Dawes, and I walked around in the Texas July heat searching for people to talk to about the gospel. Sometime in the afternoon, during one of the hottest parts of the day, we sat in the shade for a few minutes to drink more water and rest.  I noticed this little bird fall out of a tree close to our resting spot. It looked like the poor thing was trying to stand up, but it just couldn't move. I said something to Sister Dawes. She rushed over to it and scooped it up and asked what we could do.To be honest, I just wanted to find a way to convince her to put it down. So, I made it a little nest out of old leaves and she gingerly laid it there. We went on our way. I remember feeling helpless and hopeless and sad for it. Really, there was nothing we could do. The bird's death seemed imminent. 

At times in life, we are all like that little bird, broken and hopeless. Though we may not see it, we are being held by the Savior and HE can heal us. With His help, we can fly again. "And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold, I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise." (Moroni 7:41) 

The day after Sister Dawes and I had this experience, I read a scripture in Matthew 10:29&31, "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground with out your Father...Fear not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows." Heavenly Father knows every sparrow that falls but we are much more precious in His sight than them. I know that He loves us and wants to bless us. He sacrificed His Son so that we can find that peace and healing again. I have felt the love of the Savior and strength beyond my own to face my challenges. 

President Packer, an apostle, taught, "Nowhere is the generosity and mercy of God more manifest than in repentance. Our physical bodies, when harmed, are able to repair themselves, sometimes with the help of a physician. If the damage is extensive, however, often a scar will remain as a reminder of the injury. With our spiritual bodies it is another matter. Our spirits are damaged when we make mistakes and commit sins. But unlike the case of our mortal bodies, when the repentance process is complete, no scars remain because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The promise is: “Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more” (D&C 58:42)..... For now I offer this comfort: God is our Father! All the love and generosity manifest in the ideal earthly father is magnified in Him who is our Father and our God beyond the capacity of the mortal mind to comprehend. His judgments are just; His mercy without limit; His power to compensate beyond any earthly comparison. “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” (1 Corinthians 15:19)."

I know God knows and loves you. He knows your heartaches, struggles, and disappointments. He knows when we are broken, but we can trust Him to heal us. I know that we are never alone. Christ suffered our pain so that He could make us whole. There is no limit to that love and power. 

{CTR Always, ETTE}

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{Take the Step}

Lately, there are a lot of new things that came up in my life that could change my course of direction in ways I didn't anticipate. Today at church, I wondered what God wants me to do, and also what I think is best. One of the teachers in our class asked what do we do when we are asked to make a change that scares us. Immediately, I thought about Peter. 

Peter was a normal fisherman, but the Lord saw something special in him. He saw who Peter could be, so He asked Peter to follow Him. As an apostle, Peter witnessed many of the Savior's miracles. He had a testimony of the divinity of the Christ. With his own eyes in Matthew 14, Peter saw the Savior bless five loaves and two fishes into enough to feed five thousand. (That's the thing about the Lord, He takes what little you can give and makes it so much more.) 

Later that night, chapter 14 verse 24 reads, "But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer, it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. And when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"

That's the thought that struck me. A normal man, called of God, had the faith to step out of the boat, because he knew who Jesus was. I think sometimes we give Peter a hard time for doubting, but he still walked on water. And I know that sometimes we are afraid. Sometimes fear for a moment pushes faith aside. We see the big waves, hear the howling wind, and question the miracles that helped us move forward. But when that happens, if we like Peter will call to the Savior and ask for help, He will catch us. And we will be reminded why we chose to have faith in the first place. 

In a Conference talk called "He Will Place You on His Shoulders and Carry You Home," President Uchtdorf taught, "Our Savior, the Good Shepherd, knows and loves us. He knows and loves you.

He knows when you are lost, and He knows where you are. He knows your grief. Your silent pleadings. Your fears. Your tears.

It matters not how you became lost—whether because of your own poor choices or because of circumstances beyond your control.

What matters is that you are His child. And He loves you. He loves His children.My dear brothers and sisters, my dear friends, I testify that God sees us as we truly are—and He sees us worthy of rescue.

You may feel that your life is in ruins. You may have sinned. You may be afraid, angry, grieving, or tortured by doubt. But just as the Good Shepherd finds His lost sheep, if you will only lift up your heart to the Savior of the world, He will find you.

He will rescue you.

He will lift you up and place you on His shoulders.

He will carry you home."

I know that when I doubt, when I fear, the Savior will catch me. I know that He will catch you. He will strengthen us and help us to have the faith to continue "walking on the water"-pressing forward through the unknown, the seemingly impossible, because we know He is there. He is always with us to strengthen us. May we take the step forward into the unknown, remembering the power of God will be with us every step of the way.

{CTR Always, ETTE}

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{Faith in His Power}

I had the privilege of serving a full time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This meant that for 18 months, I left my family and taught the gospel to the people of the Texas Lubbock mission, which includes west Texas and eastern New Mexico. It was an absolute privilege and some of the best times of my life. Every morning, my companion and I had time planned out to study the scriptures and prepare for the day. It was often a time of reflection. We were encouraged to seek the Lord's guidance, set worthy goals, and exercise faith in His power to help us achieve them. 

The day I realized half of my mission was over left me feeling very emotional. After praying and thinking about what I wanted to be able to say I'd done when the last day came, I wrote this mission statement. I realize that these aspirations didn't end last November when I came home, but they last forever. 

"I want to say I did my all to bring other souls to COME UNTO CHRIST. I want to say that I served every day with all my strength and energy so that I came in every night exhausted, nothing left to give. I want to be able to say that the Savior and Heavenly Father know that They can TRUST ME TO DO AND GIVE MY ALL in Their work. I want to have served in a way that shows the depth of my love for my Heavenly Father and His gospel. I want to be like a  boulder in a river, steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God. Even when my world crumbles, I will STAND FOR TRUTH AND RIGHTEOUSNESS. I want my mission, which at times is a refiner's fire, to make the gospel as precious to me as gold, make my testimony my most treasured possession. I want others to notice in me a more refined Christlike character. I want them to know that I will not be swayed and I will not be moved because I AM THE LORD'S."

Just like the surreal day when my full time mission ended, the day will come when we return to our heavenly home. And when that time comes, how will we feel to stand before Jesus Christ? This life is "the time for men to prepare to meet God." I testify that no matter what sins we have committed, we can be forgiven, changed, and cleansed so that reunion can be a joyous one. In a talk called Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence, Elder Jorg Klebingat taught, "Acknowledge and face your weaknesses, but don’t be immobilized by them, because some of them will be your companions until you depart this earth life. No matter what your current status, the very moment you voluntarily choose honest, joyful, daily repentance by striving to simply do and be your very best, the Savior’s Atonement envelops and follows you, as it were, wherever you go. Living in this manner, you can truly “always retain a remission of your sins” (Mosiah 4:12) every hour of every day, every second of every minute, and thus be fully clean and acceptable before God all the time."

When we are striving to be faithful, to choose the right, we have nothing to fear. We can be blessed to fulfill all that we were sent to earth to do and like Paul say with confidence, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)

Sister Sheri Dew, a former counselor in the General Relief Society presidency in one of my favorite talks taught, "So today I ask, “Will you increase your faith? Will you repent and obey? Will you diligently seek? Will you learn to access the power of God so that you can live up to the heavenly recommendation that placed you here now? Will you do what you were born to do?”

My dear young friends, I repeat that these are the days in which a true leader wants to live. These are days when opportunities to change lives and even destinies are nearly endless. You are running the anchor leg of the relay because you were born to lead. You were born for glory.

In conclusion, in the words of Moroni, “I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written” (Ether 12:41) so that you experience for yourself the power in Jesus Christ to strengthen you, to sanctify you, and to help you run this leg of the relay. Don’t ever underestimate the power of Jesus Christ to help you. Isaiah said it this way:

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? . . .

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. . . .

. . . 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. [Isaiah 40:28–31]

I have learned for myself that this is true—that because of our Father and His Son, we don’t have to run this last strenuous leg of the relay alone. We have access to the greatest and grandest of all power. And when we have the power of God with us, we truly can do all things—including everything we were born to do. And we were born to lead. We were born for glory." (You Were Born To Lead, You Were Born For Glory, Sheri Dew, 2003)

I know that this is true. We can become like our Heavenly Father because He has the power to mold and change us into the beings we were destined to become. Jesus Christ makes that power available to us. I know They live. I know They love all of us. You are a child of God and so am I. There are wonderful things in store if only we will "believe, obey, and endure." So maybe today, take some time to ponder what you want to be, what you want to have accomplished when your life mission is over. If you ask God what those things should be, He will open your eyes to grander possibilities than any of us can ever imagine. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God  hath prepared for them that love him." (2 Corinthians 2:9) In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

{CTR Always, ETTE}

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{He is the Light}

I think with the billions of people on earth now, and all the others who have lived and will yet live, it's difficult to comprehend how the Savior's sacrifice for us works. How can something so infinite also be so intimate in all of our lives? Though we are taught that He loves us and understands us, at times this can be a difficult concept to comprehend. 

A friend today shared a personal experience with me. She related that a few years ago she was struggling with the above mentioned feelings herself. She felt insignificant, small, and alone. She wanted to better understand how the Atonement, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, could really help her individually. One day, she drove through a canyon and noticed something seemingly seemingly simple but deeply profound. The sun shown down on all of the beautiful trees in the expansive forest on both sides of her. There was enough light for all of them to have the nourishment they needed to grow. Just like the sun for life on earth, the Son (Jesus Christ) gives light and life to us all. His love, influence, and power touch each of us in ways that we don't now understand. In John 8:12, Jesus taught, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." 

The Son will give you what you need. Christ is the light in our lives. The scriptures teach us more about His great influence in Doctrine and Covenants 88:6-13, which reads, "He that ascended up on high, and also he descended below all things, in that he comprehendeth all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth. Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. As also he in in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made. And also he in the moon, and is the light of the moon. and the power thereof by which it was made. And also the light of the stars, and the power thereof by which they were made; and the earth also, and the power thereof, even the earth upon which you stand. And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth you understandings; Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space-The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth up on his throne, who is in the boson of eternity, who is in the midst of all things." The influence of the Savior, the light of Christ, is in all things. He created all things, knows all things, and has all power. He will touch each of our lives because of that power and because He loves us individually and completely, for who we are now and who we will be in the future.  If we rely on our Savior Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father, who makes all this possible, we will become all they yearn for us to become. 
President Uchtdorf in the 2013 October General Conference taught, "Every person, young and old, has had his own personal experience with falling. Falling is what we mortals do. But as long as we are willing to rise up again and continue on the path toward the spiritual goals God has given us, we can learn something from failure and become better and happier as a result....The Lord is mindful of you!

We acknowledge that your path will at times be difficult. But I give you this promise in the name of the Lord: rise up and follow in the footsteps of our Redeemer and Savior, and one day you will look back and be filled with eternal gratitude that you chose to trust the Atonement and its power to lift you up and give you strength. 

My dear brethren, my dear friends, there will be times when you think you cannot continue on. Trust the Savior and His love. With faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and the power and hope of the restored gospel, you will be able to walk tall and continue on.....My dear friends and brethren, no matter how many times you have slipped or fallen, rise up! Your destiny is a glorious one! Stand tall and walk in the light of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ! You are stronger than you realize. You are more capable than you can imagine. You can do it now! Of this I testify in the sacred name of our Master and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, amen."

I hope we can always remember that we are never alone, that just like the tiniest seedling or tall Redwood, we need the Son! And I know that we are never alone in our journey to grow and become like them. Our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live and love us individually. If we are obedient they will help us become clean and worthy and even holy so that we can live with them again. I know these things are true, and I say them in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

{CTR Always, ETTE}

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{Truth Shall Make You Free}

My heart is so full today, most of all in gratitude for my Savior. Jesus Christ suffered for me. In institute this week, we learned more about the Atonement (the sacrifice of Jesus Christ), and I felt a deeper connection and understanding that I haven't before. Before He was betrayed, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to take upon Him the sins of the world. In some way I don't understand, He lived our lives to feel our pain, sorrow, shame, guilt, depression, and fear. Thus He, the Son of God with infinite power to create worlds, submitted in perfect humility to endure incomprehensible agony. All of this so that He to reach us and catch as we fall, to strengthen our feeble knees, heal our broken hearts, and dry our every tear.  I know the Atonement is infinite-it extends to everyone and everything-but I also testify that is perfectly intimate as well. In my guilt, my deepest sorrows, I know that Jesus was and is there with me. Christ "descended below all things." He overcame death and hell so that we have capacity to become like Him and the Father. Because of this, if we are faithful, we will inherit all the our Heavenly Father has. In Romans 3:21, Christ teaches, "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." And not only can we be forgiven, but we will all live again! Alma 11:44 reads, "Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not be as much as a hair of their heads be lost; but everything shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now...."

I don't know why. I don't know why this blessing is available to everyone. But what I do know is that Heavenly Father loves me and all with a perfect love. His Son loves everyone that same way. I know they have a plan for each of our lives. I know that they both know all things. In their omniscience, Heavenly Father and His Son knew that we were worth saving. You were worth saving. And while we are here on earth, there is no suffering without meaning if you turn to Christ. No matter how dark the night is, because of Him the light will always come. He can turn the bitter tears into happy smiles. I don't know why we must endure all the things we do, but I do know that I am never alone. We are never alone. We are never forgotten. I know there is absolute truth in the world. The church of Jesus Christ has been restored to earth today. It isn't just a good thing, it is His and it is true. I know that there are prophets and apostles today, like Moses or Peter, who speak for the Lord and who are eyewitnesses that He truly does live. I know that the Bible is the word of the God,  and that the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ is also. I know that Heavenly Father has a body of flesh and bones. He hears our prayers, knows are hearts, and longs to bless us. Those blessings will come if we are striving to be obedient. I know that Heavenly Father's work and glory is for us to return to Him resurrected, immortal, and bless us each with eternal life with our families.
Today, I am grateful. I am grateful that in spite of my sins, shortcomings, and weakness, the Savior chose to suffer for me. I am grateful Heavenly Father allowed His Only Begotten Son, who He so dearly loved, to make such a sacrifice. I am grateful that I know these things. I know that all of these things I have said are true. The truth is a compass in our hearts and minds that leads us back home to Them. Christ taught, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

{CTR Always, ETTE}

Please follow this link and watch this video:
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/where-justice-love-and-mercy-meet?lang=eng&_r=1

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{Joyful Life: Grateful Heart}

Often times in the scriptures, Moses, Nephi, and other prophets went up in the mountains to feel close to God. There they learned great things. They learned of their potential as sons of God. They learned of His infinite power in creating the universe. Holy prophets saw angels, visions of the last days and the gospel being spread to all the earth, and even the birth, life, and Atonement of Jesus Christ Himself. For this reason, I believe that nature and mountains can be a sacred place for each of us to be taught new things that God would have us know and understand. (**Although, if we are humble and seeking we can be taught anywhere we need to be)

Last saturday, I went on a hike with my ward (congregation). We started off at around 11. The sun started to beat down on us. I quickly became very hot. My water did little to cool me down. The beautiful trail occasionally opened up to reveal breaktaking vistas of the surrounding mountains that pierced the sky, some still topped with snow. Countless pine trees stretched to reach the light emanating from the sun. As the trail steepened, my view narrowed more and more to simply trudging onward, and I became less and less observant of the beauty around me. My objectives dwindled down to making it to the top and back down for the lunch provided afterward. 

We have all heard the cliche that life is a journey, but do we ever become so focused on a distant goal that we stop enjoying the path that takes us there? What of all the beauty that surrounds us, the "small and simple things" that Heavenly Father provides for us simply because He loves us and wants us to be happy? The scriptures teach us to "...press forward, with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men..." and promise eternal life if we will do so. (2 Nephi 31:20) Pressing forward is not easy. Discipleship is not easy. It is meant to test the deepest part of our souls, every ounce of our integrity, faithfulness, courage, and determination we possess. We will only discover that strength if we are tested. But our journey does not need to be drudgery. This life is not meant to be consistent misery until we expire and return to meet God. The prophet Lehi taught, "Men are that they might have joy." Joy is one of the purposes of our creation! That joy,  that perfect brightness of hope, and love of God and of all men comes from gratitude. "A grateful heart is the catalyst of all Christlike virtues." It comes from seeing the beauty in our circumstances, as imperfect or challenging as they are. Everything that God gives us is a blessing. He wants us to have joy! "Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; Yea for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul. And it please God that he hath given all these things unto man...And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled save those who confess not his hand in al things, and obey not his commandments." (Doctrine and Covenants 18:21) In storms or sunlight, darkness or day, in deep sorrow or peaceful contentment, there is and always will be something to thank our Heavenly Father for. Even when trials come, if we choose to be grateful, we can have peace and joy in our hearts. The apostle Paul wrote, "In everythign give thanks, for this is the will of God." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

God also has inspired His servants to teach this doctrine today.  In October 2008, President Monson shared a few ideas in a talk called Finding Joy in the Journey. He said, 

This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now....Our realization of what is most important in life goes hand in hand with gratitude for our blessings. 

Said one well-known author: “Both abundance and lack [of abundance] exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend … when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present—love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us [happiness]—the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth.”....May we be found among those who give our thanks to our Heavenly Father. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues.                                       Despite the changes which come into our lives and with gratitude in our hearts, may we  fill our days—as much as we can—with those things which matter most. May we cherish those we hold dear and express our love to them in word and in deed.

In closing, I pray that all of us will reflect gratitude for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His glorious gospel provides answers to life’s greatest questions: Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where does my spirit go when I die?

He taught us how to pray. He taught us how to serve. He taught us how to live. His life is a legacy of love. The sick He healed; the downtrodden He lifted; the sinner He saved."

There is power in gratitude. There is joy to be found in the simple things. There is much to thank God for. 

"Men are that they might have joy." Why? Because God loves us and because He wants it to be so. 

{CTR Always, ETTE}

"The ancient Roman philosopher Horace admonished, 'Whatever hour God has blessed you with, take it with grateful hand, nor postpone your joys from year to year, so that in whatever place you have been, you may say that you have lived happily.' ” 

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