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           ONE DAY AT A TIME

LIGHT TRUMPS DARKNESS

12/7/2019

 
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Raise your hand if you are looking forward to the day when Christ shall reign on the earth and Satan will be bound for a very long time (Revelation 20:1-3, D&C 43:31, D&C 45:47-55). (Can you see my hand flying in the air and my body jumping up and down?) I CANNOT WAIT. I'm so done with Satan and his deceitful, sneaky attacks. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with exhaustion in my efforts to be stronger than him and I feel like if I have to say "Get thee hence, Satan" one more time, I just might throw something. (Which would just make him happy because of my loss of patience, so that wouldn't be good either.) Ugh. Satan is just the worst, isn't he?

It is in these moments of despair, exhaustion, and frustration, that I am usually reminded that I don't have to be strong on my own. This is not a "Desirae vs. Satan" battle that I have to fight alone. In 2 Peter 2:8-10 I found an "Ah-ha" moment that has humbled me and given me an added measure of strength to go another 6,000 rounds with Satan (which should get me through the weekend at least...).
"Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.
He that saith he is in the light and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is no occasion of stumbling in him."
Here's the "Desirae translation" of this scripture: "Why do you think you have to walk alone in this battle? You have the true light of the gospel that can cut through the darkness. But I need you to recognize something...Satan is your brother. You can't say that you are a disciple of Me and hate your brother, even though He does a lot of wicked things. If you let those angry, hateful, frustrating feelings about Satan overwhelm you then you are letting his influence trump My influence. Trust in My light. Love your brothers and sisters, including Satan. As you do this, we can overcome his influence together."
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"Light of the World" photo cred: churchofjesuschrist.org
Light trumps darkness every single time, my friends! When you are in a dark room and turn on a light, the darkness is obliterated. The beam of a flashlight can cut through the darkness of an area illuminating a path of light before you. 

Our Savior Jesus Christ is that light in our lives. How many times has He taught this to us?

"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).

"And I will also be your light in the wilderness, and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments..." (1 Nephi 17:13).

"Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the same that came unto mine own, and mine own received me not. I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not" (D&C 6:21).
The Savior may not be here on the earth in person at this moment in time, but He has given us a beautiful gift in the Holy Ghost who can light up our paths and dispel the darkness that Satan creates in our lives. Every single person on this earth was born with that spirit, that light of Christ within themselves. When you read the scriptures and feel peace? That's the light of Christ. When you feel good after performing an act of kindness? Also the light of Christ. 

But that light can be so much more than just a good feeling. It can be a constant companion that can help you face every thing that Satan throws in your path. It can be a guide to assist you in every decision you need to make. It can be a power to access when you are in the depths of anxiety, sorrow, depression, and despair. It is a beautiful gift that our Savior offers us when we choose to repent, be baptized, and commit to be His disciple. 
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Photo cred: churchofjesuschrist.org
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Works Cited:
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Hales, R.D., "Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light", Ensign, May 2002, 70

BUT IF NOT...EXERCISING FAITH IN LIFE'S DISAPPOINTMENTS

11/21/2019

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Do any of these situations sound familiar?
  1. Hearing back from the job you have been interviewing for only to have them tell you that, although they really liked you and think you would do well, they are going to hire someone else.
  2. Getting medical test results back that say, "Yep. This is that worst case scenario moment you imagined."
  3. Following a strong prompting to complete a laborious and emotionally taxing project only to have it not be accepted in the way you hoped it would be accepted.
  4. Seeing the single line on a pregnancy test for the 6th, 10th, even 15th month in a row.
Life is full of disappointments. There's not much we can do to change that. But there is something that can help us say, "Heavenly Father, I would really like this to happen, but if not...then I will have FAITH in Thy plan for me.

THE FIERY FURNACE OF FAITH

Do you remember the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abidnego? These three young men refused to bow down and worship a golden image set up by King Nebuchandnezzar. The king was furious and told them that if they did not worship the idol, they would be immediately cast into a fiery furnace. Then he mocked their faith by asking "And who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?" (Daniel 3:15).

These three brave young men quickly responded, "If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand​...but if not, ...we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up" (Daniel 3:17-18).

Talk about an example of pure faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! Their lives are on the line, yet this idea of "but if not" rings true for them as they exercise their faith.
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Elder Dennis E. Simmons talks about this kind of faith in his 2004 Conference talk, "But If Not...".
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"Three Men in the Fiery Furnance" Photo cred: churchofjesuschrist.org
"[Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego] knew that they could trust God--even if things didn't turn out the way they hoped. They knew that faith is more than mental assent, more than an acknowledgment that God lives. Faith is total trust in Him. 
Faith is believing that although we do not understand all things, He does. Faith is knowing that although our power is limited, He is not. Faith in Jesus Christ consists of complete reliance on Him."
We will all be faced with fiery furnaces of faith in our lives--times in which we will have to reach deep down in our hearts and find the courage to say, "I was expecting things to happen this way or that way, but if not I will accept whatever Thy will is for me."

EASIER SAID THAN DONE

Even though we have plenty examples in the scriptures of men and women who exhibit the faith that it takes to be able to say, "but it not", it still doesn't make it easy to do when those moments arise in our lives.
"Our God will deliver us from ridicule and persecution, but if not. ...Our Go will deliver us from sickness and disease, but if not....He will deliver us from loneliness, depression, or fear, but if not. ...Our God will deliver us from threats, accusations, and insecurity, but if not. ...He will deliver us from death or impairment of loved ones, but if not, ...we will trust in the Lord. ...We will have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that if we do all we can do, we will in His time and in His way, be delivered and receive all that He has" ​(Simmons).
Saying "but if not" is hard when I can't fully see the beautiful plan that God has in store for me. For someone who is a control freak/planner like myself, exercising faith in that plan is extremely difficult. But I have done it and will continue to do it because I know that God's plan is the better plan, hands down.
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www.churchofjesuschrist.org
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Works Cited:

Simmons, Dennis E., "But If Not...", Ensign, May 2004.
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ARMOR UP

11/9/2019

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"Witness for His Name" photo cred: DocChristensen.com
I have the pleasure of being able to spend time with, love, and pray for a group of incredible young women. These ladies amaze me with the strength they show on a daily basis as they deal with the world around them. 

My heart hurts when I think of the challenges that they face--the ones that are visible, but most especially, the ones that they try to carry on their own. 

My goal--not only for this post, but for the time that I am able to spend with these ladies--is that they will be able to recognize what they can do to face their challenges with courage and faith.
I love the painting "Witness for His Name" by Doc Christensen. It portrays two sister missionaries as they are getting ready for their day. The thing I love about it is that they are not scrolling through their social media accounts or watching something on TV (how many days do I begin the day that way? Too many to admit...) They are putting on their armor...the armor that will get them through any challenge that comes their way that day or any other day. 

In Ephesians 6, the Apostle Paul gives us a beautiful description of this protective armor:
13- Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14- Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15- And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16- Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17- And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18- Praying always​ with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit...
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Photo cred: churchofjesuschrist.org
I love this adorable graphic from the Church's magazine for children, The Friend. I think it offers the perfect summary of what Paul is describing in the scriptures, but I would like to share a few tips of my own to help you (and me) armor up, baby.

PUTTING ON YOUR ARMOR

Loins girt about with truth:

"A girdle is a belt that helps protect a soldier's body. Knowing what is true protects us..." Where do we go to discover truth? The scriptures, teachings of the prophets and apostles, talking to our parents, church leaders, and seminary teachers. These are all divine sources of truth, but the BEST source of truth is the Holy Ghost. As it says in Moroni 10:5, "...by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." 
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Breastplate of Righteousness:

​"The breastplate protects the heart. When we love God with all our heart, we try to keep His commandments." Why is it important to protect our heart? (Not our literal heart, of course we want to protect that or we would umm....die....) This is talking about our "a symbol of [our] mind and will and the figurative source of all emotions and feelings" (Guide to the Scriptures).
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Feed Shod with Preparation of the Gospel of Peace

"Shoes protect our feet. We try to follow Jesus Christ's footsteps so we can live with Him someday." Following the Savior's footsteps can be tough. He has some big shoes to fill, doesn't He? But here's the best part...He hasn't asked us to fill His shoes. He has only asked us to "Come, Follow Me." 
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Shield of Faith

"Faith in Jesus Christ protects us like a shield. When we believe in Jesus and try to be like Him, we can make good choices, even when things are hard." I love that Paul tells us in Ephesians that "above all, taking the shield of faith...[will help us] quench all the fiery darts of the wicked" (Ephesians 6:16). Can you hear the sizzle of all those fiery darts being quenched by you?? You have the power to do that as you exercise faith in Christ!
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The Helmet of Salvation

"A helmet protects the head. We keep our minds safe when we follow Jesus..." You know what doesn't keep our minds safe? Things we sometimes see on the Internet or social media. We have to be so careful when scrolling or searching. There are beautiful, inspiring things to be found, but don't let that be your excuse to scroll. Just like you don't want to physically put yourself in situations where the Holy Ghost cannot be with you, don't scroll to places He can't be either.
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Sword of the Spirit

"A sword helps fight against wrong. The Spirit helps us when we face bad or hard things. Listening to the Spirit helps us stay safe." Who doesn't want to carry a sword around? How cool is that? Once again we are talking about taking the Holy Ghost with us wherever we go so He can help us know when a situation is unsafe.
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LADIES...YOU KNOW WHAT I'M GOING TO SAY NEXT, DON'T YOU?

YOU ARE A beautiful daughter of Heavenly Parents who LOVE YOU SO MUCH!! They want you to know that YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS! Trust in your divinity as a child of a Heavenly King and Queen. Have faith in your selfless, amazing older brother who KNOWS WHO YOU ARE and knows how to help you overcome ANYTHING.

Now, let's go do this together, shall we? It's time to armor up, baby. Make today a day where Satan says, "Oh man! I hate it when she wakes up! She ruins all my best plans."
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CHARITY: WHAT IT IS AND WHY WE ARE IN DESPERATE NEED OF IT

10/11/2019

 
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Those are Google dictionary's definitions of charity. Not bad. I agree with all of them and they all denote good and wonderful messages of helping others. However, now I want to offer the apostle Paul's definition of charity.
"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth..."
​1 Corinthians 13:4-8
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OUR WORLD NEEDS A SERIOUS DOSE OF CHARITY

In the New Testament Institute Student Manual we learn that "when we have charity, we patiently endure offense or hardship. We also act in patience and kindness to everyone, even those who offend us" (Chapter 39). Can you imagine what our world would be like if everyone lived by this suggestion? *Heavenly*

I feel that one of the biggest stumbling blocks we, as human being have is that we tend to be easily offended. And yes, I am speaking first and foremost about my own tendency to choose to take offense. I love some counsel that President Henry B Eyring has given us about charity and how it connects to being offended.
“We do not know the hearts of those who offend us. Nor do we know all the sources of our own anger and hurt. The Apostle Paul was telling us how to love in a world of imperfect people, including ourselves" (Eyring 68).
We just do not know. Not only do we not know the hearts of those who offend us, but I love that President Eyring pointed out that we don't even know the sources of our own anger and hurt. It makes me realize just how dependent I truly am on my Savior's Atonement and the knowledge that I need to gain from God through the Holy Ghost. 
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As President Eyring said, the Apostle Paul told us how to "love in a world of imperfect people, including ourselves", and that kind of love takes a lot of work.

It's hard to be patient with other's shortcomings, especially when we get so focused on those that we fail to recognize our own shortcomings. It's also hard to be patient and long-suffering when we feel offended over and over again. It's hard not to be prideful and judgmental. It's hard to be humble and prayerful. 

But just because it is hard, it does not mean that we shouldn't keep trying. There has only ever been one person who was perfect at charity, and that is our Savior.
“True charity has been known only once. It is shown perfectly and purely in Christ’s unfailing, ultimate, and atoning love for us” (Holland 336-37)
We haven’t been asked to be perfect at it. We’ve only been asked to try, to improve, to progress on a path that will lead us back to our Father in Heaven. We do that one step at a time. One FB post that we don’t post a scathing response. One Instagram post that we don’t look at and pick apart and judge the people in the picture. One classmate, church friend, work associate, or even stranger, who says something that offends us and we choose to not hold on to the offense.

Do you know what happens when you put together all of those little instances of choosing charity? Our hearts begin to soften. Our souls begin to enlarge, and we begin to see the people in our lives as the Savior sees them, and He helps us to feel a little portion of the love He has for them and that, my friends, is a pretty amazing thing.
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Works Cited:
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Chapter 39: 1 Corinthians 12–14. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/new-testament-student-manual/1-corinthians/chapter-39-1-corinthians-12-14?lang=eng.

Eyring, H.B., "That We May Be One," Ensign, May 1988, 68

Holland, J.R., Christ and the New Covenant [1997], 336-37

CERTAIN DISCIPLES

9/28/2019

 
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I am thrilled to be able to have another class that requires me to blog. WHAT?!?  I know! It's the best thing ever! Once again, I will be able to share my thoughts with you as I study the New Testament. This class that I am taking covers Acts-Revelation.

I am excited to be able to review some of the things that I have already studied in the "Come Follow Me" manual (and actually study sections that I missed because...life happens, ya know?)

Well, enough of my dilly dallying...let's get started, shall we?

TABITHA

Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did."
I love learning about the disciples of Christ who were women. The more I study and the more I learn about these women and their love for and relationship with Christ, the more I am convinced that the Lord loves His daughters deeply. I also have seen more of the place that His daughters have in His kingdom. The Lord needs disciples of every race and gender, and I was impressed by two of those women disciples that are mentioned in the book of Acts. 
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Israel/Joppa Photo cred: pixabay.com

Who was Tabitha?

In Acts 9:36-41, we learn a little bit about "a certain disciple named Tabitha". She was a woman "full of good works and almsdeeds" (v 36). Part of these good works and almsdeeds included making clothing for the poor (v 39). She became sick and died and many people in Joppa came to the Apostle Peter, begging him to heal her. In a miracle like unto the Savior raising Lazarus from the dead, Peter "kneeled down, and prayed". He turned to the body of Tabitha and said, "Tabitha, arise" (v 40). 

Tabitha received a miracle at the hands of an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. But this miracle did not come simply because Peter was an apostle and exercised his power and authority in the priesthood. This miracle in Tabitha's life came because of three things:
  1. The way she lived.
  2. The faith of those who loved her.
  3. To help others come unto Christ.

The Way She Lived

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"Tabitha Follows Peter" photo cred: churchofjesuschrist.org
In "Women of the New Testament" by Camille Fronk Olson, we learn that Tabitha "gave of herself--her time and her gift with textiles...Furthermore, there is no evidence that she was wealthy, only that her good works included selfless acts of kindness toward those in need. Her faith and works in Christ naturally blended to create a genuine disciple" (148).

​The prophet Thomas S Monson said, 
To me the scriptural reference to Tabitha...defines some of the fundamental responsibilities of Relief Society; namely the relief of suffering...Women of Relief Society, you truly are angels of mercy" ("Be Thou an Example", Ensign, ​November 2001, 101)
I am so proud and honored to be a member of the Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am grateful for the opportunities this organization has provided me to be an "angel of mercy" to those who are suffering, and I am equally, if not more grateful, for the times in which my sisters in the Relief Society have been "angels of mercy" for me.

The Faith of Those Who Loved Her

Because of the way Tabitha lived her life, she had many friends who loved her and who were saddened by her recent passing. "The fact that Tabitha was already dead did not preclude Tabitha's friends from seeking help from Peter" (Olson 147).

These faithful friends took Peter to the upper chamber "shewing the coats and garments" Tabitha had made (Acts 9:39). They stood there weeping, pleading with Peter to save their friend and angel of mercy. This show of "emotional gratitude...and the display of Tabitha's gifts of clothing prompted Peter, moved by compassion, to turn to God for help" (Olson 148). He sent her friends away so that he could be alone with Tabitha in the upper chamber where her body lay (Acts 9:40).

To Help Others Come Unto Christ

Tabitha's miracle, brought to pass by faith, good works, and priesthood power, created a "ripple effect of good" because it "went beyond Tabitha, and the Christians in Joppa" (Olson 148).
"And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord" (Acts 9:42)
How many people have been touched by the story of Tabitha? We will probably never know exactly how many hearts have been prompted to change because of the example and miracle of this faithful disciple of Christ and daughter of God. I know that my heart has been touched by her example of good works and has prompted thoughts of change in my own life. 


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"Jesus Christ" Photo cred: churchofjesuschrist.org

LYDIA

The next certain disciple I want to highlight is Lydia. She "holds the distinction of being the first known Christian convert in what is today called Europe" (Olson 279). 
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"She Worketh Willingly with Her Hands" by Elspeth Young Photo cred: alyoung.com

Who was Lydia?

She was a "seller of purple" in the city of Thyatira. She worshiped the Lord and embraced the truths that Paul shared when he came as a missionary to her land. (Acts 16:14-15).

"Purple dye was arguably the most exotic and expensive of all the dyes" and the city of Thyatria, "had a flourishing dyers guild and was...famous for its manufacturing of the expensive and luxurious purple dye (Olson 281).

Lydia was likely wealthy because of the business she fan of "selling the finished purple cloth" (Olson 282). She ran a household and was most likely very respected in her community (Acts 16:15).

What Can We Learn From Lydia?

Once again, Camille Fronk Olson provides some wonderful insight on what we learn from Lydia's story in the New Testament:
"Lydia shines in scripture as a golden convert. She understood the gospel. She listened. She led all of her household into baptism after her. She shared her resources with the missionaries...she was eager to learn as soon as she met the missionaries. She had nothing to gain professionally through her conversion to Christianity and plenty to lose" (Olson 285).
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Photo cred: churchofjesuschrist.org
Oh, that I can be like Lydia. Even though I was born and raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that doesn't mean that I was born and raised converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Like Lydia was taught by the missionaries, I was taught by my parents, church leaders, and seminary teachers. Like Lydia, I listened (most of the time), and I allowed the word of the Lord to penetrate into my heart, creating a change therein.

I am still in the process of my conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. I still have questions, concerns, and anxieties about things that I don't fully understand. But I don't let those things overcome the things that I DO know; the things that have been emblazoned upon my heart and soul. I'm sure they are similar to the things that Lydia learned as she listened to the missionaries and then turned to the Lord in prayer. 

In Conclusion...

And what are those things that have been seared into my heart so deeply that they can never leave?
  1. I know that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ LIVES and I know that HE LOVES US deeply and perfectly.
  2. I know that our Father in Heaven has a perfect plan of happiness for us in His great plan of salvation.
  3. I know that through the gift and power of the Holy Ghost, we can come to know truth...absolute truth.

I am grateful for the examples of faithful women and men all throughout the Bible and Book of Mormon that inspire me and help me to progress on the covenant path toward eternal life and exaltation. 
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Works Cited:

Olson, Camille Fronk, et al. Women of the New Testament. Deseret Book, 2014.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. Salt Lake City, UT, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2005.


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In Your Patience Possess Ye Your Souls

5/24/2019

 
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​John 21:19- "In your patience possess ye your souls." 

"Possess ye"- preserve, win mastery over.

"Patience"- something that I lack and am constantly trying to work on having.

Anyone else have this problem with patience? Or is it just me?


In my New Testament class, one of the assignments was to choose a Christlike attribute to develop/work on over the seven weeks of the class. As I pondered the many attributes that Christ has that I am severely lacking, the one I felt like I need to work on at this stage of my life is PATIENCE.  The dreaded "p" word. Now, how many times have I specifically focused on being more patient? WAY too many to count. But I'm not giving up. No way, no how. I'm going to be patient in the process of learning how to be more patient. :)

Perfectly Patient

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Photo cred: churchofjesuschrist.org
As I have studied the life of Christ, specifically looking for how he exemplified the attribute of being patient, I feel that I am seeing familiar stories in a whole new way. I have been able to see how patient the Lord was with those around Him.

How many times did His disciples see Him perform a miracle only to marvel the next time something amazing happened? For example, after Christ fed the 5000 with a few loaves and fishes (Matthew 14:15-21), the disciples just could not believe it when they saw Him walking on the water not even a day later. This happened time after time, miracle after miracle. If I were the Savior, I feel like I would be fed up by this time. "When are you guys going to get it?" type of frustration here. The "throwing up your hands and wanting to throw in the towel and leave" kind of frustration here.

But the Savior, in the way that only the Savior can(and maybe Elder Holland because that guy is amazing), patiently loves His disciples,  gently rebukes them when they need a course correction while trying to "get it", and explains things in different ways until they do "get it". What is it, exactly, that He needed them to get? The same thing He needs us to get...that He is the very Son of God, our Savior and Redeemer, and the only One who can stand as our Advocate before God. He wants us to get that it is because of Him that we are able to repent of our sins and be with our families forever. He wants us to get that He asks us to obey certain commandments and do certain things because those are the things that will keep us close to Him and far from Satan.

Just as He patiently waited on His disciples to "get it", He offers that same patient waiting to us. That doesn't mean that He doesn't need to give us a swift kick in the pants sometimes to get us going back in the right direction (AKA cleansing the temple, not once, but twice). But even as He is offering that swift kick, He is patiently waiting until we "get it", even if it takes years...and a million swift kicks in the pants.

Enduring to the End

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"The Second Coming" Photo cred: churchofjesuschrist.org
Another part of my studying and pondering about patience made me realize just how important it is to patiently endure to the end. Whether it is enduring to the end of a day, the end of a semester, the end of an illness or challenging life experience, or enduring to the end of my life, that all takes patience. That process of enduring patiently is hard, but it has also brought change and growth in ways that I wouldn't have otherwise been able to experience that change and growth.
"Patience is a process of perfection. The Savior Himself said that in your patience you possess your souls. Or, to use another translation of the Greek text, in your patience you win mastery of your souls. 
Patience means to abide in faith, knowing that sometimes it is in the waiting rather than in the receiving that we grow the most..."
-Dieter F. Uchtdorf ("Continue in Patience," Ensign, May 2010, 59).
Change is hard, and growing and stretching hurts, but I have never gone through a trial and when reaching the other side said, "Well, that was a waste of time." I have sometimes lamented over the fact that going through the trial probably took a lot longer than it needed to because of my lack of patience and humility, but I have never been ungrateful for a growing experience.

Becoming Like He is...AKA "Goals"

I think Elder Uchtdorf summed it up nicely in his talk "Continue in Patience" in the April 2010 General Conference:
"Without patience, we cannot please God; we cannot become perfect. Indeed, patience is a purifying process that refines understanding, deepens happiness, focuses action, and offers hope for peace. ...
...Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can--working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well! ...
Patience is a godly attribute that can heal souls, unlock treasures of knowledge and understanding, and transform ordinary men and women into saints and angels. ..."
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"Christ Teaching the People" Photo cred: churchofjesuschrist.org
Patience is a purifying process. I love thinking of it that way. I also love the idea that patience means active waiting and enduring. We live in a world of instant gratification, which is why I think patience is so hard to come by. We really don't have to wait long for anything, unless your internet has a hiccup and is a little slow (first world probs, am I right?). This is why it is so important for us to focus on developing patience because "in your patience possess ye your souls". 

Lost Things

5/19/2019

 
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Have you ever lost something?

Of course you have! What human being has not ever lost something in his or her life? 

How does it feel when you lose something?

If you are anything like me, the range of emotions is quite wide. I usually go from annoyance to frustration to a little bit of anger to more annoyance (unless I have found the object by this point) to maybe even a little bit of sadness. But then the magic moment comes. That moment when you find the item that was lost and immediately the annoyance, frustration and anger subside. Sometimes those feelings are even replaced with a little dose of humility and chagrin.
God has things that get lost as well, although because He is perfect, I'm sure He doesn't go through quite the range of emotions that we do. When I say that God has "things" that get lost, I'm really referring to His children. We get lost, and He feels sadness about that. But even though we are lost, in a sense, He still knows exactly where we are. He just has to wait for us to use our agency to find our way back to Him.

In my New Testament studies this week, I studied a lot of parables. Three of them deal with lost things and offer three different ways that we get lost from the path that leads back to God.

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

In Luke 15:4-7, we read the parable of the lost sheep. 
"What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lost one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."
President David O. McKay (1873-1970), a prophet of the Lord, shared some insights about the three parables that I am sharing today. He talked about how each parable teaches about different ways that the children of God stray away from Him. This is what President McKay said about this parable of the Lost Sheep:
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"Rescue of the Lost Lamb" Photo cred: churchofjesuschrist.org
"How did that sheep get lost? He was not rebellious. If you follow the comparison, the lamb was seeking its livelihood in a perfectly legitimate manner, but either stupidly, perhaps unconsciously, it followed the enticement of the field, the prospect of better grass until it got out beyond the fold and was lost.

So we have those in the Church...who wander away from the fold in perfectly legitimate ways. They are seeking success, success in business, success in their professions, and before long they become disinterested in the Church and finally disconnected from the fold." (in Conference Report, April 1945, 120-21, 123).
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Photo cred: Pixabay.com
The lamb took his "eyes off the prize", so to speak. He focused his gaze on things other than the Shepherd. Maybe he started by stealing a few glances of the grass on the other side of the fence, which turned into staring hungrily at the grass, which then led to sampling the grass, and before he knew it, he had lost sight of the Shepherd completely.

Elder Joseph B Wirthlin (1917-2008), an Apostle of Jesus Christ, shared another take on this parable and who the lost sheep could represent.
"Some [children of God] are lost because they are different. They feel as though they don't belong. Perhaps because they are different, they find themselves slipping away from the flock. They may look, act, think, and speak differently than those around them and that sometimes causes them to assume they don't fit in. They conclude that they are not needed. ...

...If we only had more compassion for those who are different from us, it would lighten many of the problems and sorrows in the world today. ...

Some are lost because they are weary. It's easy to feel overwhelmed. With all the pressures and demands on our time and the stress we face each day, it's little wonder we get tired. Many feel discouraged because they have not measure up to their potential. Others simply feel too weak to contribute. And so, as the flock moves on, gradually, almost imperceptibly, some fall behind." 
("Concern for the One," Ensign, May 2008, 18-19).
Who's been one of these little lambs at one point or another? I have definitely felt a little of both of these "lost lamb scenarios" in my life. But here's the good news. The Good Shepherd, AKA the Savior of the World, knows exactly where we are, at all times. We are never lost to Him and He is always there, waiting for us to call out, just like a little lost lamb cries out to its mother. 

We can return to the arms of that Good Shepherd who loves us wholly and completely, no matter where our wanderings have taken us.

The Parable of the Lost Piece of Silver

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The Savior continues His teachings of "lost things" in Luke 15:8-10 with the parable of the lost piece of silver.
"Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."
Going back to President McKay's insights on these three parables, he describes what the lost coin may represent:
"In this case the thing lost was not in itself responsible. The one who had been trusted with that coin had, through carelessness or neglect, mislaid it or dropped it. ...Our charge is not only coins, but living souls of children, youth, and adults. They are our charges."
Here we see that the coin was lost through negligence on the owner's part. We also see that the woman in the parable represents any one of us who have responsibility to watch over and care for someone else--spiritually and physically. Whether you are a parent, or have stewardship over others through leadership roles, you are charged with being responsible for loving and​ teaching those whom you have stewardship over. President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008) shared how we should face this responsibility of loving and teaching others:
“There must be warmth in the work of the Lord. There must be friendship. There must be love unfeigned. There must be appreciation and thanks expressed. There must be constant nurturing with the good word of God. All of these are small things, so easy to do, and they make so great a difference." (“There Must Be Messengers,”Ensign, Oct. 1987, 5).
It's about love and friendship, respect and charity. It's about expressing gratitude. As President Hinckley said, these are all small things and easy to do, but they make a huge difference in the lives of those whom are feeling a little lost and unloved.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son

This may be a familiar parable/story for you and it has been analyzed and mentioned many times throughout history. Found in Luke 15:11-32, we learn about a son who demanded that his father give him his inheritance so he could leave and go experience the world. The son went "into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living" (verse 13).

Eventually, he spent his entire inheritance and ended up feeding swine. "He came to himself" (verse 17) and realized his mistakes. 

"I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants" (verse 18).
And what did the father do when he saw his son? Did he shun him as "tradition" of the day would have had him do? No. He "had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him" (verse 20).

From Elder Jeffrey R. Holland:

“The tender image of this boy’s anxious, faithful father running to meet him and showering him with kisses is one of the most moving and compassionate scenes in all of holy writ. It tells every child of God, wayward or otherwise, how much God wants us back in the protection of His arms” (“The Other Prodigal,” Ensign, May 2002, 62).
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"The Prodigal Son" by Liz Lemon Swindle
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"The Prodigal Son" Photo cred: churchofjesuschrist.org
I love the painting on the left. It was painted by Liz Lemon Swindle and it is entitled "The Prodigal Son". I think it beautifully depicts the way that our Heavenly Father feels when we return to Him.

Going back to the words of President David O. McKay--He said that in this parable, the person who was lost became lost because of his own choices. 

Does that mean that we're done? We make some bad choices, get lost, and then...that's it? No heaven? No salvation? No exaltation? Absolutely not.

Like the Father in the parable, our Father in Heaven is constantly looking over the horizon, waiting and watching for us to use the agency He gave us to choose to come to Him. And, like the father in the parable, He will run to us, have compassion on us, and celebrate our return.

"The parable of the prodigal son teaches us much about the nature and attributes of our Father in Heaven. Like the father in the parable, God will not control us, keep us from straying, or keep us from making selfish, foolish errors. Yet His love never diminishes. He is so anxious to have us return that He will run to us when we are still “a great way off” (Luke 15:20). He knows us so well that He can recognize our better selves when no one else can. Each of us, male or female, will be able to recognize something of ourselves in each of the sons in the parable.
The parable also teaches us about what the Savior does for us when we turn from sin and return to Him. Through the Atonement, He runs to welcome us home and does not require us to make the trek of repentance alone" (New Testament Student Manual, Chapter 18).

We are Never Truly Lost to the Lord

The Shepherd knows His sheep.

He knows them, loves them, and welcomes them back when they stray.

May we always strive to use our agency to make choices that will lead us back to our Father in Heaven, but...if we mess up, if we make choices that lead us away from Him instead, may we always remember how the Lord feels about things that are lost. He has a plan for their salvation and redemption, and for that, I am truly grateful.

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Photo cred: churchofjesuschrist.org

A Divine Mission

5/12/2019

 
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Divine: "Of, from, or like God or a god."

Mission: "A specific task with which a person or group is charged."

The Savior has a divine mission, a specific task that He was foreordained to complete. That divine mission has many aspects to it, but everything comes back to the fact that He is our Savior and Redeemer. He atoned for our sins, weaknesses, infirmities, and everything else that seems unfair about this life. He died on the cross and was resurrected and because of those two selfless and courageous acts, He made it possible for us to return to live with Him, our Heavenly Parents, and our own families forever. 

As I have studied in the New Testament over the last few weeks, I have marked the different aspects of the Savior's divine mission that have stood out to me and I would like to share a couple of them with you on this Sabbath day.

He came to heal us from sin.

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Photo cred: churchofjesuschrist.org
There are several instances in the Bible where the Savior is asked to help someone--to perform a miracle--and the Savior obliges, but along with the miracle He makes sure to let the people know that His ability to heal us spiritually is more important than His ability to heal us physically.
Matthew 9:13 "But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Luke 5:31-32 "...They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
While we certainly should never discount the beautiful miracles that the Savior creates in our lives, we should always recognize that the opportunity to utilize the Savior's Atonement in our lives to create change within our souls is more important than any miracle of physical healing that the Savior blesses us with.

He came to save that which was lost.

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Photo cred: pixabay.com
We all have those "wandering sheep" moments in our lives where we stray from the Savior and the protection that comes from honoring covenants we have made with Him. Fortunately, we have a Good Shepherd who loves us, who knows where we are at all times, and who lovingly calls to us. It's up to us to study His life and His teachings because that study will help us to recognize the voice of that Good Shepherd who is calling to us and wanting to lead us back to His fold.
John 10:11, 14, 16, 27-28 "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep...I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine...And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd...My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish..."

Mark 6:34 "And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things."

Matthew 15:24 "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

​I love this quote from President Dallin H. Oaks, a modern-day Apostle of the Lord:

​"The Lord loves all of His children. He desires that all have the fulness of His truth and the abundance of His blessings. He knows when they are ready, and He wants us to hear and heed His directions on sharing His gospel. When we do so, those who are prepared will respond to the message of Him who said, 'My sheep hear my voice...and they follow me'" ("Sharing the Gospel", Ensign, Nov. 2001, 9).

One question I have asked myself this week and now pose to you, whomever you are, who may be reading this post...

What can I do to recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd and heed Him when He calls to me?

I have discovered that the one sure way to recognize the voice of the Savior is to choose to follow His teachings. When you do His will, you will come to know His doctrine (John 7:17). Yes, you will have questions and concerns because you are only able to look at things and understand them with your imperfect, mortal heart and brain. 
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But I promise you, if you will say to the Savior, "Okay, Lord, I don't understand why it has to be this way, but I am putting my faith and trust in you" and then GO and DO as the Savior instructs, you will be blessed with peace and you may even be blessed with an opportunity to see things through an eternal lens and perspective.
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Parables and Miracles

5/5/2019

 
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​In my New Testament class this week, I studied about some of the Savior's miracles that He performed and also some of the parables He taught during His ministry on earth.

SO...MUCH...GLORIOUS INFORMATION!

There is no way that I could possibly share everything I learned this week. That blog post would be WAY too long and boring...even for my 5 biggest fans who still read my ramblings on this blog. :)

I'm going to try and narrow this down to three main points...my three biggest takeaways from this week.

​

#1- It is important to have friends who help you come unto Christ.

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"Man stricken with palsy" Image from ChurchofJesusChrist.org
In Matthew 9:2-8, Mark 2:1-12, and Luke 5:18-26, we find the story of the paralytic man who was brought to the Savior to be healed of his infirmity. There was a huge crowd around the Savior, and the man's friends, who were carrying him on a stretcher of sorts, were having a difficult time getting him close to the Savior. Because of their faith, they knew that if they could get their friend to the Savior, He would be able to heal Him. 

Did these friends tell the man, "I'm so sorry. I know we have brought you all this way, but we cannot get close to the Savior, this man who can heal you. We will have to try another time."

No.

These friends exhausted all their resources, finally resorting to removing the roof of the house that the Savior was in so they could lower their friend down to the Savior. They did not give up on their friend and they did not give up on their faith.

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Image from ChurchofJesusChrist.org
This has led me to ask myself this week. "Am I that kind of friend who would sacrifice everything so that my friends can come to know the Savior?"

I like to think that the answer to that question is, "Yes." At least, that is what I try my best to do. I know that the Savior has the power to heal and I would do anything for my family and friends to develop a personal relationship with their Savior that would bring His healing power into their lives.

However, the healing power that I speak of is not just the power to heal physical infirmities. As we learn from the Savior Himself in this story, it is more important that we come to the Savior so that, through His Atonement we can be forgiven of our sins, our spiritual infirmities.

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I would give anything...even my life...for my family and friends to be able to come to know how much the Savior of the world loves them, how much He has done for them, and how He is the one to turn to in order to receive peace and joy in this life and beyond. Maybe that sounds a bit dramatic and unbelievable, but it is 100% true. The Savior is everything, my friends. Everything.

#2- Part of the Savior's divine mission is to call the sinners to repentance.

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"Jesus Walking on Water" Image from ChurchofJesusChrist.org
"They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." -Mark 2:17

We are all sinners because we are all imperfect. Sin comes in many forms and even though it sounds like a harsh word, a sin is something as simple as losing your patience with someone. We are all in need of the power that comes through the Savior's Atonement and because He is the one that offered that great atoning sacrifice, He is the one that sets the terms for what we need to do, and how we should live in order to fully partake of all the blessings He has in store for us.
"Because of what He accomplished by His atoning sacrifice, Jesus Christ has the power to prescribe the conditions we must fulfill to qualify for the blessings of His Atonement.
That is why we have commandments and ordinances. That is why we make covenants. That is how we qualify for the promised blessings."
-Dallin H. Oaks

#3- The Savior's compassion and power to heal are extended to all people, everywhere.

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Image from ChurchofJesusChrist.org
In Mark 5:25-34 we find the story of the woman who had an "issue of blood" for twelve years. Because of this illness, she was considered an outcast from society and despite her best efforts of seeking medical help, she was not able to be cured from her ailment.
"When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, 
I shall be whole.
And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague." -Mark 5:27-28
Immediately, Jesus sensed that "virtue had gone out of him", or in other words, He knew that His power had been used to heal someone. His disciples thought He was crazy. "There are so many people here", they said. "How can you say, 'Who touched me?'"
But the Savior knew because He knows all of us. He knows our hearts, our fears, our weaknesses, our strengths, our desires...everything. He knew that this woman had come to Him to be healed and through her faith in Him, this healing took place.

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The Savior didn't care that this woman was an outcast in society or that she had something "wrong" with her. He saw beyond all that and extended His healing hand through her faithfulness.

And He does the same for us, for you and me, for all men and women everywhere. As we turn to Him, as we trust in Him, as we do the things He asks of us, as we exhibit faith in Him, He heals us. 

I know this. With every ounce of everything that is in me, I know this to be true. So turn to the One who can truly save you and He will make you whole.

Come, Follow Me

4/29/2019

 
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Once again, I have seen the hand of the Lord blessing me in my life. 
Those who follow this blog know that since I have started school, blogging consistently has been very difficult for me. It has been one of the good things that I have had to lay aside as I have focused on the best things that I need to be doing with my time right now.

But, at least for the next 6 weeks, I will be able to do a weekly blog post that will be part of an assignment for one of my classes, so I will have to make time for it. Yay! This makes me so happy because...
A.) I love blogging and I have missed it and...
B.) I get to blog about my Savior every week.

God is so good, my friends. So very, very good. Never forget that.

Come, Follow Me

The class I am writing this post for is my New Testament class. I have already been trying to focus on the New Testament and the life of our Savior with the "Come Follow Me" curriculum that we are studying this year as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's been a game changer, folks. For me and for my family. Now, before you get the image in your head of the Ogden clan gathering around our scriptures every night of the week having a picture perfect discussion about what we have already read and prepared, let me help you picture the REAL deal...
Since January, we have not had a discussion every night of the week. Most weeks we get in 2-3 nights of great discussion.  Some weeks, such as last week, we got in 0 days of great discussion.

Some weeks everyone comes prepared with a section read to discuss a maximum of 1 time per week.  Usually it's 0 times that everyone has read the material before we meet to discuss.



I have rarely planned ahead and have never put together an object lesson to go along with what we are talking about.

HOWEVER...

Most weeks, as we plan the time in our schedule to meet and discuss the life of the Savior, and make it happen, I feel a difference in the way we interact with one another and the amount of contention in our home.


AND, I am always blown away with what the girls bring to the discussion. At 17, 15, and 12, these young ladies have so much to contribute to our conversations about the Savior. I cannot wait until their brother comes home from his mission so he can weigh in with his wisdom and insights. 
So, there you have it. A glimpse into the lives of a family who is doing their best to follow the Savior and heed the counsel of His living prophet, President Russell M. Nelson. Do we have room for improvement? 100%. We will always have room for improvement. Do I sometimes feel stressed and anxious because "we are not doing it well enough"? 100%. But that's where I have to remember to say...

Get Thee Hence, Satan.

And that brings me to what I want to share today about my studies this past week. In Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13, we read about an experience the Savior had when he "was led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be with God" (Matthew 4:1 Joseph Smith Translation). He chose to fast for forty days and forty nights as he communed with God. "He was afterwards an hungered, and was left to be tempted of the devil" (Matthew 4:2 Joseph Smith Translation).

Then Satan, being his incredibly "awesome" self (note, I use the word awesome sarcastically there), came to the Savior and tempted Him three different times. In two of the instances he tempted the Savior, he began with the words, "If thou be the Son of God". I find this interesting that Satan would try and get the Savior to doubt His divinity. What I find equally as interesting is that Satan does the exact same thing with us. We may not hear those exact words, "If thou be the Son or Daughter of God", but he gets us to doubt our divinity all the time. 
Is God really there?
Does God hear my prayers or is He too busy listening to the prayers of others?
How can we really all be children of God? There are so many people on this earth. Not to mention all the people who have previously lived on the earth.

These are just a few of the questions that we ask ourselves that allow doubt of our divinity to creep into our minds.

But there is hope for us, my friends. The Savior, being His incredibly AWESOME self (note, I use the word awesome with NO sarcasm this time), set a beautifully perfect example for how we can respond to Satan when he comes to tempt us. 

"Get thee hence, Satan."

"Get out of here." "Be gone." "Buh-bye, now." Or, as Moses so eloquently put it, "Get thee hence, Satan; deceive me not; for God said unto me: Thou art after the similitude of mine Only Begotten" (Moses 1:16). 

BOOM! Mic drop.

That's right, Satan. I am a daughter of God. I am created after His image. I have God and the Savior on my side which gives me power to "bruise thy head" (Genesis 3:15). I'm not going to listen to your garbage because I know who I am and I know who I have chosen to follow for the rest of my life and throughout all eternity, and it's not you.

And that's my "mic drop" moment with Satan and man, does it feel good.
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"Light of the World" by Brent Borup Image courtesy of ChurchofJesusChrist.org
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    Desirae Ogden

    I am loving my second chance at life. 
    Every day is an opportunity to do good and to be a little better than the day before.
     I love being a mommy.
     It's my favorite thing in this world and my most important job.


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