JST Ps. 30:9 “When I go down to the pit, my blood shall return to the dust. I will praise thee; my soul shall declare thy truth; for what profit am I, if I do it not?”
What profit am I?
I read this passage and it sunk deep. What profit am I to the Lord? I thought more about what a profit is to someone and thought of someone investing in a company. Then I realized, we’ve all been invested in. The Atonement. It’s up to us to use that investment and then turn it into a profit for the Lord’s kingdom. It waits for us to be applied, to help us progress and grow. But how often do we see ourselves as less than our potential? Comfortable and content. Not willing to be more? It’s far easier to accept who we are, and not who we can be.
But the Lord has told us who we can be and our potential.
“And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” (Romans 8:16)
And he invites us constantly to reach that potential.
“Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.” (3 Nephi 12:48)
“Therefore, follow me, and listen to the counsel which I shall give unto you.” (Doc and Cov 100:2)
Bruce C Haven said “The atonement is not simply a doctrine to erase black marks, but is a fundamental principle of development.”
I once understood the atonement in this light. A great power that can clear us of our sins and stains that they leave behind. But I now see it to be so much more. It’s the principle that we can become more than we once were. It’s the truth behind progression, both in this life and the next to come. It’s only through the atonement that we are able to overcome the natural man.
“For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becomenth as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.” (mosiah 3:19)
Now I have many natural tendencies that keep me from being like the Savior. Some days they are more prominent than others. But I have at times been blessed to see the atonement implemented in my life so that I can not react ‘naturally’ in situations but react as my savior would. I promise you that this is possible. That through the power of the Holy Ghost we can be influenced and guided to alter our natural tendencies so that we are in harmony with the will of the Lord.
This of course might or most likely will take time. “For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, we have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.” (2 Nephi 28:30)
Let us take the time to get to know the Father and the Son. For how can we be like them if we do not know them.
“Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessing require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayers is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.” (Bible Dictionary, Prayer)
I have confidence in the Father and that this doctrine of prayer. I’ve seen the power of prayer to align my will with the Fathers. To bring our goals in line. I marvel at who I’ve become and rejoice in the possibilities ahead. Let us all take advantage of the investment already placed in us. The atonement. It is readily available to us all. Waiting to help us progress, grow and become something we were not the day before. To one day be able to reach our highest potential, exaltation in our Fathers Kingdom.
"For what profit am I if I do it not?"
Monday, June 27, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Dear Dreams:
Okay dreams... you are making me a bit conflicted. I don't know whether to believe in you or not... It's one thing to hope for something and work towards it. But this is different. You dreams, are different. You are something that not only is hoped for but desired.
I bet you just love that don't you? I bet you just love being there in the back of our minds. Giving us something to look forward to and think about and get all happy about. Well you know what dreams... I like it too. Yes, I admit it. I like having you around.
We both have to admit that sometimes we're not totally in line with reality. And remember that one thing I always dreamed about? MAN aren't we BOTH happy that, that never came true.
You are fun though. You make impossible things come to life. Like that flying dream I have when I'm back at my elementary school and I'm flying over the playground! Awesome! I like you more when I'm sleeping... when I'm awake and it's during the day, some would call it day dreaming, I feel a bit more foolish. Usually because I'll be dreaming up some random experience. Like after I just belted out an awesome show tunes number I've almost got my acceptance speech for a TONY down to a science! Thanks to you of course. Oh, right the part when I feel foolish... well this usually happens while driving and on the freeway I figure no one really sees me, but the minute I'm on the surface streets that dialogue becomes internal. No offense. I'm not ashamed of you at all...Well maybe a bit embarrassed, but not ashamed.
A wise Disney character recently asked 'what if what you always dreamed of turns out to be exactly what you wanted?' (or something to that effect)
I'm sort of stuck right there... really, what if? Dang...that would be literally a dream come true. That's doesn't happen very often. There ya go! Maybe if you just lead me in a more realistic direction we'd have a more fluid, consistent relationship.
Work on that and get back to me.
Thanks Dreams! You're fun!
I bet you just love that don't you? I bet you just love being there in the back of our minds. Giving us something to look forward to and think about and get all happy about. Well you know what dreams... I like it too. Yes, I admit it. I like having you around.
We both have to admit that sometimes we're not totally in line with reality. And remember that one thing I always dreamed about? MAN aren't we BOTH happy that, that never came true.
You are fun though. You make impossible things come to life. Like that flying dream I have when I'm back at my elementary school and I'm flying over the playground! Awesome! I like you more when I'm sleeping... when I'm awake and it's during the day, some would call it day dreaming, I feel a bit more foolish. Usually because I'll be dreaming up some random experience. Like after I just belted out an awesome show tunes number I've almost got my acceptance speech for a TONY down to a science! Thanks to you of course. Oh, right the part when I feel foolish... well this usually happens while driving and on the freeway I figure no one really sees me, but the minute I'm on the surface streets that dialogue becomes internal. No offense. I'm not ashamed of you at all...Well maybe a bit embarrassed, but not ashamed.
A wise Disney character recently asked 'what if what you always dreamed of turns out to be exactly what you wanted?' (or something to that effect)
I'm sort of stuck right there... really, what if? Dang...that would be literally a dream come true. That's doesn't happen very often. There ya go! Maybe if you just lead me in a more realistic direction we'd have a more fluid, consistent relationship.
Work on that and get back to me.
Thanks Dreams! You're fun!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
What if...
What if... you're whole happiness relied on an event that had not happened yet?
Revelation 12:7
And there was a war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought against his angles.
What if... you had to choose between staying the same or a change that would bring everlasting happiness?
Abraham 3:27
And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them;
And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon; and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever.
And the Lord said: Whom shall I send? And one answered like unto the Son of Man: Here am I, send me. And another answered and said: Here am I, send me. And the Lord said: I will send the first.
And the second was angry, and kept not his first estate; and, at that day, many followed after him.
What if... the only person in your life worth relying on was someone you had never seen?
John 20:29
Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me thou hast believed: blessed are that have not seen, and yet have believed.
What if... there were nothing to fear?
Doctrine and Covenants 68:6
Wherefore be of good cheer and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and you shall bear witness of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come.
What if... you had no reason to doubt?
Mormon 9:27
O then despise not, and wonder not, but hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him.
What if... you were asked to give up everything you had?
Mark 10:21
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
What if... you were asked to give your life?
Omni 1:26
And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved.
What if... there was never a question as to what you should do?
Matthew 22:36-40
Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all the heart, and with all the soul, and with all they mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
What would you do?
Revelation 12:7
And there was a war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought against his angles.
What if... you had to choose between staying the same or a change that would bring everlasting happiness?
Abraham 3:27
And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them;
And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon; and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever.
And the Lord said: Whom shall I send? And one answered like unto the Son of Man: Here am I, send me. And another answered and said: Here am I, send me. And the Lord said: I will send the first.
And the second was angry, and kept not his first estate; and, at that day, many followed after him.
What if... the only person in your life worth relying on was someone you had never seen?
John 20:29
Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me thou hast believed: blessed are that have not seen, and yet have believed.
What if... there were nothing to fear?
Doctrine and Covenants 68:6
Wherefore be of good cheer and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and you shall bear witness of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come.
What if... you had no reason to doubt?
Mormon 9:27
O then despise not, and wonder not, but hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him.
What if... you were asked to give up everything you had?
Mark 10:21
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
What if... you were asked to give your life?
Omni 1:26
And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved.
What if... there was never a question as to what you should do?
Matthew 22:36-40
Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all the heart, and with all the soul, and with all they mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
What would you do?
Friday, June 10, 2011
How are prayers answered....
So I had an interesting revelation on how generous our Father in Heaven can be. (this is not to brag. But to glory in the fact that we have a loving Father in Heaven)
So for months now I've been looking for a good reliable car. The one I purchased when I came home has now broken 3 times and though it's a good car I no longer felt like fixing it. So I was looking for a small car, good mileage, not too expensive. I prayed for this. I told the Lord what I was looking for. I wanted to feel safe in a car and not worry.
I found a few cars that fit my criteria but every time I'd contact them things would get in the way. It was just so difficult and nothing was working. I was always very nervous about it and never sure of my choice. I didn't want to buy something from someone I couldn't trust.
Well one day about 3 weeks ago I see this awesome car. One that didn't fit my criteria but one that I've always wanted. I check it out and it was a great deal. So I email the seller, worrying, because there is no other information or way to contact the seller.
I quickly get an email back with it saying...
'Cami from Hillcrest?'
Turns out that the seller was a good friend of mine from high school! Oh my gosh it was so funny! So we arranged a time to test drive it. I fell in love and I bought it two days later!
So I was thinking about this. I didn't get what I prayed for. I wanted something with a lot less miles. However, I wasn't thrilled about the cars I was looking for. They were just practical. So instead I got a car that I just love! At such a good price. My friend told me that had I not contacted her when I did that they would have taken it off and then put it on for more money. It was such answer to prayers. It's just wonderful that when I was praying for something practical that I would have liked to have, I got something still practical that I love having.
So then I reflected on all the other times I got something that I wasn't expecting, but praying for in a way. I find it amazing and very peaceful that we have someone so wise and caring involved in our lives. I miss being a full time missionary and seeing tiny miracles every day. Simple ones, like praying at 7:30 at night to be inspired to go to a home that someone would let you in so that you can be obedient and 'work' all night. And immediately having someone pop in your head. You go to their house, the lights are all off, but you tentatively walk up to the door trusting that what you thought was inspired. Then a kind women opens the door and lets you in...Simple things like that. I know they can happen more and more. I just must be failing at being available to be apart of them. I'll be working on this for sure.
So for months now I've been looking for a good reliable car. The one I purchased when I came home has now broken 3 times and though it's a good car I no longer felt like fixing it. So I was looking for a small car, good mileage, not too expensive. I prayed for this. I told the Lord what I was looking for. I wanted to feel safe in a car and not worry.
I found a few cars that fit my criteria but every time I'd contact them things would get in the way. It was just so difficult and nothing was working. I was always very nervous about it and never sure of my choice. I didn't want to buy something from someone I couldn't trust.
Well one day about 3 weeks ago I see this awesome car. One that didn't fit my criteria but one that I've always wanted. I check it out and it was a great deal. So I email the seller, worrying, because there is no other information or way to contact the seller.
I quickly get an email back with it saying...
'Cami from Hillcrest?'
Turns out that the seller was a good friend of mine from high school! Oh my gosh it was so funny! So we arranged a time to test drive it. I fell in love and I bought it two days later!
So I was thinking about this. I didn't get what I prayed for. I wanted something with a lot less miles. However, I wasn't thrilled about the cars I was looking for. They were just practical. So instead I got a car that I just love! At such a good price. My friend told me that had I not contacted her when I did that they would have taken it off and then put it on for more money. It was such answer to prayers. It's just wonderful that when I was praying for something practical that I would have liked to have, I got something still practical that I love having.
So then I reflected on all the other times I got something that I wasn't expecting, but praying for in a way. I find it amazing and very peaceful that we have someone so wise and caring involved in our lives. I miss being a full time missionary and seeing tiny miracles every day. Simple ones, like praying at 7:30 at night to be inspired to go to a home that someone would let you in so that you can be obedient and 'work' all night. And immediately having someone pop in your head. You go to their house, the lights are all off, but you tentatively walk up to the door trusting that what you thought was inspired. Then a kind women opens the door and lets you in...Simple things like that. I know they can happen more and more. I just must be failing at being available to be apart of them. I'll be working on this for sure.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Memory Challenge.
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| This is me. Rollerblading with good old Abe Lincoln! |
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| The best best friend ever. Never can we not hang out and create fun silly memories. |
19 and 3
19 years ago today I was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and 3 years ago today I made another covenant with my Father in Heaven in his temple upon receiving my endowment.
Because the power of God was restored to the earth, I have had the gift of the holy ghost with me for 19 years now. Therefore making it difficult to fully appreciate what it is to live without it. However, as I think back over the years I recognize many small moments I have been guided by the Holy Ghost to make choices that would keep me in line with what my Father in Heaven wants for me. As I look back, I can see how my life has taken shape and stayed on course back to live with my Father in Heaven again.... I wish there was a word to express gratitude more than the word 'grateful' I just don't feel it does it justice. I feel it's this gratitude that is eternal. A debt almost. Something I want so badly to repay, but the more I try to give back, I then receive even more. Therefore it's never ending.
As I relive the day I got to receive my endowment, I see that time of my life as such a turning point. I feel that the past three years have been extremely pivotal to who I am today and who I now want to become.
I marvel in the blessings of this gospel and the truths that we have on the earth today. I am secure in my knowledge that we have the power of God once again on the earth today. And because of that power we are able to participate in the necessary ordinances to ensure our return to Him. For Christ said "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be aborn of bwater and of the cSpirit, he cannot denter into the kingdom of God." By being baptised by the same authority that our savior was baptised, I can have the comfort in knowing that if I live in accordance with his commandments I can enter into the Kingdom of God. Nothing brings me more peace. And this never ending feeling of eternal gratitude.
So for me June 6th is a great day!
Because the power of God was restored to the earth, I have had the gift of the holy ghost with me for 19 years now. Therefore making it difficult to fully appreciate what it is to live without it. However, as I think back over the years I recognize many small moments I have been guided by the Holy Ghost to make choices that would keep me in line with what my Father in Heaven wants for me. As I look back, I can see how my life has taken shape and stayed on course back to live with my Father in Heaven again.... I wish there was a word to express gratitude more than the word 'grateful' I just don't feel it does it justice. I feel it's this gratitude that is eternal. A debt almost. Something I want so badly to repay, but the more I try to give back, I then receive even more. Therefore it's never ending.
As I relive the day I got to receive my endowment, I see that time of my life as such a turning point. I feel that the past three years have been extremely pivotal to who I am today and who I now want to become.
I marvel in the blessings of this gospel and the truths that we have on the earth today. I am secure in my knowledge that we have the power of God once again on the earth today. And because of that power we are able to participate in the necessary ordinances to ensure our return to Him. For Christ said "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be aborn of bwater and of the cSpirit, he cannot denter into the kingdom of God." By being baptised by the same authority that our savior was baptised, I can have the comfort in knowing that if I live in accordance with his commandments I can enter into the Kingdom of God. Nothing brings me more peace. And this never ending feeling of eternal gratitude.
So for me June 6th is a great day!
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