Do you remember last week when I was talking about Celebrating the small stuff, and one of the things I pointed out was how we could celebrate our stances. Well, I might be tempted to quote myself, because you know what happens…. when you hear yourself speak words in your own voice it makes the impact stronger, and settle a little deeper. I said Every time we can change the way we look at something it broadens and deepens our perspective. Yep, that’s still true. I believe it!!
Since then, I was compelled to take a closer look at all the stances I take, the direction I’m facing, the perspectives, and beliefs I have and how they’re related to all aspects of my life, including this podcast, and whether any of them needed to be adjusted or re-framed.
If you’ve been with me since the beginning, the foundation for this podcast was finding our way through the fluff to keeping the important things important. As I looked back over a year and a half of episodes, I had to ask myself how much of what I was doing would be considered truly important, and how much might fall into the fluff category.
I’m sure you’ve noticed that my stance has shifted a bit, in my approach. As the world seems to get darker and harder, It was very important to me to build a space that uplifted, encouraged, and supported others while we’re all striving to keep the important things important, and have a good time along the way.
As these introspective thoughts brewed around in my mind I was reminded of something I felt prompted to record the a week or so ago, and knew that’s what I needed to talk about today.
As we navigate this earthly journey with every gut-punch, every broken heart, everyone’s beliefs on every single issue….The Covid Vaccine, the Prophets announcement urging members to get the shot, Where is the line in the word of wisdom, the wearing of garments, on and on and on….Social Media, especially, feels like everyone wants their voices to be heard, everyone wants everyone else to know where they stand and they want their passionate platforms to be addressed. So, since this is my podcast, I would like each of you to know exactly where I stand.
I believe in God the Eternal Father and in His Son Jesus Christ.
The direction of this episode was confirmed by The Doctrine and Covenants section 100 vs. 5 Therefore verily I say unto you, lift up your voices unto this people; speak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts, and you shall not be confounded before men.
So I’ll continue…. I believe that God lives. I believe that with every ounce of my being. I have felt His love. I see His love in everything around me, when I look for it. Turning to His Son, our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ is the only way to find peace, joy and hope in this life! It’s the only hope we have of progressing, and being sealed to our families for eternity. If only we would turn to Him, for EVERY needful thing! Turning to Him for help in knowing how best to raise our children, support our spouses, and navigate through all the questions and find balance and peace in our lives. When we turn to our Father in Heaven, through the grace and mercy of Christ for the answer to all our questions, we will be guided. Only there will we find the RIGHT answers, and the RIGHT way to live, the way that will give us the best return on our earthly investment!
I testify that as we read and listen to the words of God found in the scriptures, we can hear God’s voice speaking to us.
I was having a hard morning the other day. Negative thoughts, overwhelming lists, discouragement and so on. I prayed humbly and sadly with tears, that my Father in Heaven would just help me feel better and help me see the light.
I then started my Come Follow Me study of the D&C 98-101. I heard God’s love for me as I read about the trials and afflictions of life and how they strengthen me, and are for my good, but in a very personal way, in a way that translated perfectly into what I’m going through right now. Once again. God heard my voice, He knew my heart and felt my tears. And I could feel the enabling power of the atonement of Jesus Christ strengthen me. He will do the same for you.
As I closed my tear-filled eyes in another prayer, this one of gratitude for the peace that was beginning to settle over me, a very clear image came to my mind. It was almost like I was viewing a piece of art. I could see my silhouette, but it was just the outline, filled in with black. My arms were outstretched toward a very bright yellow/orange/white light in the upper left-hand corner. The light that touched my hands began to permeate through my fingers and started spreading down my hands and into my arms, changing the darkness to bright warm light. I wish I could paint that.
This is my testimony…..As soon as we turn to Him, he sends His love! Not always His answers right away, or the resolving of problems, but His love can be immediate when we turn to Him with a broken heart and contrite spirit, wishing with every ounce to feel His love and His presence. He is always there! He loves us, and He is there! He will help every single one of us, no matter where we are, or how distant we may feel from Him.
Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer and atoned for the sins of mankind so that we can repent and be clean. He is the perfect example and shows us the way in all things.
I’m so incredibly grateful for the love my Father in Heaven has for me that He sent His perfect son to do for me what I couldn’t do for myself, and I’m grateful for this great plan of happiness that gives us the opportunity to grow and improve each day.
I believe my Savior leads and directs His church on earth through living prophets and am so grateful for President Russel M. Nelson. I believe him to be God’s prophet on the earth in this day.
I testify that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, I feel that truth when I read and study it’s words.
So although there may sometimes be a bit of fluff in these messages, Let there be no mistake about where I stand, which direction I am facing, and what I believe…
In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen
