Because He First Loved Us

I had such a wonderful day at church yesterday. Our Stake Presidency visited and spoke to us about Charity, forgiveness and focusing on the good in all we say and do. It was so uplifting. President Christiansen focused a lot on God's love and how it works within us. He quoted the following:

“We think we have to change, grow and be good in order to be loved. But rather we are loved and we receive His grace so we can change, grow and be good.” - John Powell

Image by, Mark Mabry

It's true! In 1 John 4:19 it teaches "We love Him, because he first loved us." Grace is truly an enabling power. I pondered how often I extend grace to my fellow man or how often I only give love when I feel it's been "earned". What would happen if I gave love regardless of how others receive it? What miracles would happen, especially in my own heart?

I felt like yesterday was such a feast. I appreciated how humbling the messages were for me. I love meetings like that!

Amazing Story of Healing

This is a true story about a man who forgave the drunk driver that killed his wife and two kids. It is so powerful and inspiring!! It's a reminder to me of Christ's miraculous Atonement and the healing that comes from forgiving others!! Take a look and watch this increadible story. Share it with everyone you know :)

Tender Mercies

This past week, answers to prayers have been pouring down on me like refreshing rain. One of the miracles is something I've been praying for a very long time.

I feel like shouting hallelujah!!

In a recent post, I shared a story about a neighbor of mine that had been treating me very rudely for well over a year. Just last week I decided to do a neighborhood BBQ and I made a special invitation to her. I sincerely wanted her to come but didn't expect her to show up because she hadn't shown up to any previous invitations. But to my surprise she came.... not only did she come but we had a friendly conversation too! I felt so relieved. I don't know what exactly softened her heart towards me and I still don't know why she was so rude to me in the first place. I'm just so thankful that things are better now! I am so thankful for the healing that is taking place between us.

"I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us and that the Redeemer of Israel is eager to bestow such gifts upon us."- Elder David A. Bednar Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Help Me to Freely Forgive

Yesterday was Fast Sunday. I have been fasting and praying for help with many things but one thing in particular has been hardest for me to do.… to let go of hurt feelings and forgive my neighbor. I have a neighbor who I have offended, I’m not exactly sure if it was something I did or my kids did or something I didn’t do??? I don’t know...and she won’t tell me... I wish she would but she refuses to communicate with me.

Just over a year ago we were great friends. Once, I stayed up till midnight helping her make a birthday cake for her daughter. I helped watch her kids all the time and I even let her borrow my car on several occasions. Now she hates me. Many times I have tried to talk with her and figure out what went wrong but to no avail. She avoids me and ignores me when I say “hello”. And when my children go outside to play she rushes hers into the house saying nothing. A few months ago she had the flu so I brought her over some soup … and still no response. It must be about a year that she has refused to even look at me. It hurts. It really hurts. So I’ve been fasting and praying for the ability to forgive her for months now. I need a mighty change of heart. Matt. 18: 23-35 D&C 64: 9-10 has been on my mind all week.

Yesterday we arrived to church early so we had a little quiet time before the meeting began. My 7 yr. old daughter climbed on my lap and asked me if I would read her a story from The Friend (a children's magazine in my church.) As I read to the end of the story my eyes filled with tears. My sweet little daughter had a stack of magazines and hundreds of stories to choose from but this was the one she wanted me to read....perhaps the Spirit guided her. All I know is that it's what I needed and it was a message for me! I’m so thankful for little children and their example of forgiveness to me… it’s no surprise that Jesus said little children are the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Help Me Dear Father
(Children’s Songbook #99)

Help me, dear Father, to freely forgive

All who may seem unkind to me.
Help me each day, Father, I pray;
Help me live nearer, nearer to thee.

Help me, dear Father, to truly repent,
Making things right, and changing my ways.
Help me each day, Father, I pray;
Help me live nearer, nearer to thee.

Anger and Ignorance

When I read the news and various comments from viewers I am saddened by so much anger. I don't care who is wrong or right in the conversation...... it makes me so sick to my stomach to see people lashing out at one another, accusing, scorning, mocking, name calling, swearing etc. Can't we all just get along!!! I see it among the Liberals, the Conservatives, religious, non-religious and among every race and color. There is no excuse to treat anyone (no matter who it is) there is no excuse to be so uncivilized whether online or in person!! And before we look around and point the finger we must first examine ourselves. There are times when I've reacted in anger or in sharp hurtful words and I'm not proud of it. I believe in forgiveness. I believe we can let go of perceived offences. I believe in redemption.

I just heard about the shooting in Fort Hood. This incident makes me very sad because the shooter was a so called "Muslim". Of course immediately following this news there are those who blame the religion of Islam for the shootings. But, Islam is not to blame for these violent acts. Ignorance and anger are to blame. These extremists are taught from a Koran that has been distorted, twisted and changed from it's original text thus in many cases excusing their violence in the name of God. They become fed a steady diet of lies that lead them far from the original teachings of Islam.

Terrorism isn't related to Muslims any more than it is to Christians. There are incidents where Christians have become ignorant to the doctrine of Christ and twisted His teachings to justify violence. Anyone is susceptible to causing terror.

On a smaller scale how often do we get in arguments with neighbors, family or friends when we don't have all the facts, when we jump to conclusions, when we gossip or twist words?

What does it do to us when we dwell on these injustices?

What does it do to us when we see only bad and close our eyes to any of the good around us?

This is where it starts.........If unchecked it leads to violence, misery and sorrow... destroying everything in it's path.

Last general conference our modern day Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson warned against anger.

He quoted the words of the hymn written by Elder Charles W. Penrose, who served in the Quorum of the Twelve and in the First Presidency during the early years of the 20th century:

School thy feelings, O my brother;

Train thy warm, impulsive soul.

Do not its emotions smother,

But let wisdom’s voice control.

School thy feelings; there is power

In the cool, collected mind.

Passion shatters reason’s tower,

Makes the clearest vision blind.

On another occasion he quoted this poem by, Bolton Hall:

'I looked at my brother through the microscope of criticism,

and I said, 'How coarse my brother is.'

Then I looked at my brother through the telescope of scorn,

and I said, 'How small my brother is.'

Then I looked into the mirror of truth and I said,

'How like me my brother is.

I pray for all of us, myself included, that we will

seek to understand more,

to get the facts,

to refrain from anger and cease idle words & gossip,

to find the good in our brothers and sisters

no matter what our political view, religious view, cultural background or however different we might me.

No one accomplishes anything by tearing down another human soul.

Let us build each other.

We are all brothers and sisters.

We are all children of the same God.

Let's be civil.

Let's be kind.

I pray for peace.

Oh how I pray for peace.

He never gives up on us.

I was listening to some talks from last conference today and I really like this part. This is very comforting for me when I have had a day or days where I feel like such a crappy mom.

"There are some who believe that because they have made mistakes, they can no longer fully partake of the blessings of the gospel. How little they understand the purposes of the Lord. One of the great blessings of living the gospel is that it refines us and helps us learn from our mistakes. We “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God,”11 yet the Atonement of Jesus Christ has the power to make us whole when we repent."
- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf Second Counselor in the First Presidency

“Oh, it is wonderful to know that our Heavenly Father loves us—even with all our flaws! His love is such that even should we give up on ourselves, He never will.

“We [might] see ourselves in terms of yesterday and today. Our Heavenly Father sees us in terms of forever. . . .

“The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of transformation. It takes us as men and women of the earth and refines us into men and women for the eternities.”- Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

A Return to Virtue

I was studying in Alma 47 this morning and was reminded of some conference talks given in the fall of 2008. "Christian Courage" by, Robert D. Hales (Quorum of the 12 Apostles) and "Return to Virtue" by, Elaine S. Dalton (General Young Womens President)Photo: Elaine S. Dalton, General Young Women's President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

"Could it be that we have been slowly desensitized into thinking that high moral standards are old-fashioned and not relevant or important in today’s society? As Elder Hales has just reminded us, Lehonti in the Book of Mormon was well positioned on the top of a mountain. He and those he led were “fixed in their minds with a determined resolution” that they would not come down from the mount. It only took the deceitful Amalickiah four tries, each one more bold than the previous, to get Lehonti to “come down off from the mount.”8 And then having embraced Amalickiah’s false promises, Lehonti was “poison[ed] by degrees”9 until he died. Not just poisoned, but “by degrees.” Could it be that this may be happening today? Could it be that first we tolerate, then accept, and eventually embrace the vice that surrounds us?10 Could it be that we have been deceived by false role models and persuasive media messages that cause us to forget our divine identity?

Are we too being poisoned by degrees? What could be more deceptive than to entice the youth of this noble generation to do nothing or to be busy ever-texting but never coming to a knowledge of the truths contained in a book that was written for you and your day by prophets of God—the Book of Mormon? What could be more deceptive than to entice women, young and old, you and me, to be so involved in ourselves, our looks, our clothes, our body shape and size that we lose sight of our divine identity and our ability to change the world through our virtuous influence? What could be more deceptive than to entice men—young and old, holding the holy priesthood of God—to view seductive pornography and thus focus on flesh instead of faith, to be consumers of vice rather than guardians of virtue? The Book of Mormon relates the story of 2,000 young heroes whose virtue and purity gave them the strength to defend their parents’ covenants and their family’s faith. Their virtue and commitment to be “true at all times” changed the world!11

...What can each of us do to begin our return to virtue? The course and the training program will be unique to each of us. I have derived my personal training program from instructions found in the scriptures: “Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly.”14 “Cleave unto [your] covenants.”15 “Stand … in holy places.”16 “Lay aside the things of [the] world.”17 “Believe that ye must repent.”18 “Always remember him and keep his commandments.”19 And “if there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, … seek after these things.”20 Now more than ever before, it is time to respond to Moroni’s call to “awake, and arise” and to “lay hold upon every good gift, and touch not the evil gift, nor the unclean thing.”21

...I testify that a return to virtue is possible because of the Savior’s example and the “infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice.”22 I testify that we will be enabled and strengthened not only to do hard things but to do all things. Now is the time for each of us to arise and unfurl a banner to the world calling for a return to virtue. "

Elaine S. Dalton, “A Return to Virtue,” Liahona, Nov 2008, 78–80

Let me "be a friend to man"

I heard this poem today. And I really love it. This is my wish.

“The House by the Side of the Road”

Let me live in a house by the side of the road,
Where the race of men go by—
The men who are good and the men who are bad,
As good and as bad as I.

I would not sit in the scorner's seat,
Or hurl the cynic's ban;—
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.

-Sam Walter Foss,

MUST WATCH VIDEO!!

Chris Rice is the original songwriter to "Cry to Jesus." This version is performed by Kenneth Cope. It is so, so very good. I just wanted to share it with all my friends and everyone else in the world! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dq7IwPj2-kY

Many lessons I have had lately in Sunday school, sacrament meeting and through my own personal scripture study keep pointing to the principle of repentance. I believe it is a principle that often causes us to fear because we focus on what happens if we don't. Repentance is something I must do everyday because I sin everyday or make mistakes every day... and if there is a day I can't think of something I should repent of... then I should probably repent of that.

Repentance doesn't have to be feared. It leads us to rest in the Lord, to His peace. I want to focus on what happens when we DO repent-
God bless you my friends!

"And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth" D&C 18:13

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord" -Acts 3:19

"turn yourselves, and live" - Ezekiel 18:32

"whosoever repenteth, and hardeneth not his heart, he shall have claim on mercy through mine Only Begotten Son, unto a remission of his sins; and these shall enter into my rest." Alma 12:34

Repentance = a change of mind, i.e., a fresh view about God, about oneself, and about the world….turning of the heart and will to God, and a renunciation of sin to which we are naturally inclined….Without this there can be no progress in the things of the soul’s salvation… Repentance is not optional for salvation; it is a commandment of God.

Salvation = preserving from harm or unpleasantness, deliverance from evil or danger, deliverance from the guilt and the pollution of sin through Jesus Christ.

I love you Grandpa!

I went to my Grandpa's funeral yesterday. He was 92. Joseph B. Wirthlin was 91, his funeral was the day before my Grandpa's. There is no relation between the two men. But I've been thinking alot about the things Elder Wirthlin taught in relationship to my family.

My Grandpa was a good man. He was funny, smart, very hard-working and he had a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My grandpa had his flaws just like we all do... and I regret that most of my life I didn't focus more on his strengths.

So where does this tie into Elder Wirthlin. Well, he gave a talk back in 2005 called, "The Virtue of Kindness" and all day at my grandpa's funeral I kept thinking about this talk.

Elder Wirthlin said:

"Nothing exposes our true selves more than how we treat one another in the home. I often wonder why some feel they must be critical of others. It gets in their blood, I suppose, and it becomes so natural they often don't even think about it. They seem to criticize everyone—...Even when we think we are doing no harm by our critical remarks, consequences often follow."

I regret being critical of my grandpa and not taking the time to focus on the good in him much sooner in life.... I really think I misunderstood him. Sadly, it wasn't until a few months ago that I began to see my grandpa in a different light.

I began to look for the good, and when I did, I started to see it manifested all over the place. He has always, always been kind to me. He always had a joke to tell that would make me smile. Greeting us as we came up the steps to his front door was always some kind of electronic toy that was motion censored, sure to entertain us. His door bell always played a different tune to match the season of the year and even someones birthday. I loved to hear him play the piano (he could play almost any song just by hearing it first.) He loved taking pictures, I think he's passed that on to me... I too want so much to hang on to the memory of my children. He worked so hard to provide for his family (I believe this is one of the ways he showed he loved them.) I know he loved his family deeply, I have no doubt. He just had his own unique way of showing it.

I remember every Christmas looking forward to seeing the star he had lit high above his house on his old radio antenna. It was there every single year and could be seen a mile away. Just over 7 years ago, after his stroke, the star stopped shining and no one has been able to get it working since. I would like to see it shine again just for him.

This last little while I think I've come to understand my grandpa so much more...

I got the feeling that he had a low self esteem. I also believe there are some patterns of behavior passed down from him to my father and then to my son. My son has been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a little OCD and ADHD... it would be interesting to see if this was the case with my grandpa too. I know my dad says he sees himself in my little boy. My son is often greatly misunderstood because of his intense personality, he struggles socially... but I see him as an amazing, huge hearted boy with the best of intentions and wonderful gifts.

One night, a couple of weeks before he died, I called my grandpa just to tell him how much I loved him, I told him that he was a good man and that I was proud of his accomplishments.... he broke down and cried, "I don't know what to say.... I don't know what to say.... (he cried some more) thank you so much... I will sleep better tonight than I have slept in a long, long time... thank you... I love you too, I love you too!"

It's amazing what a few kind words can do!

I have seen and experienced the contagious disease of criticizing, judging, back biting, ill words and gossip. I have seen families tragically torn apart and lives crumble under this horrible illness. This disease starts with the thoughts in ones mind, spreads to the tongue and eventually overtakes the heart weakening and deadening the life of the spirit.

I suppose that the only death that is truly tragic is the death of our ability to love and forgive.

But just as Christ overcame physical death and raised his body from the tomb. He also overcame spiritual death and can bring back to life our ability to love and to forgive. Through Him we can see things so much more clearly, because He is the Light and He sees us as we really are. He is the way to happiness in this life and the life to come.

I'll close this post with these words from Joseph Wirthlin:

"Each one of us will travel a different road during this life. Each progresses at a different rate. Temptations that trouble your brother may not challenge you at all. Strengths that you possess may seem impossible to another. Never look down on those who are less perfect than you.

We are all children of our Heavenly Father. And we are here with the same purpose: to learn to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

When we are filled with kindness, we are not judgmental. The Savior taught, "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven."  He also taught that "with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again."
"But," you ask, "what if people are rude?"
Love them.
"If they are obnoxious?"
Love them.
"But what if they offend? Surely I must do something then?"
Love them.
"Wayward?"
The answer is the same. Be kind. Love them.
Why? In the scriptures Jude taught, "And of some have compassion, making a difference."
Who can tell what far-reaching impact we can have if we are only kind?
My brothers and sisters, the gospel of Jesus Christ transcends mortality. Our work here is but a shadow of greater and unimaginable things to come...
...As our Heavenly Father loves us, we also should love His children.
May we be models of kindness. May we ever live up to the words of the Savior: "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." Of these truths I bear witness in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen." - By Joseph B. Wirthlin, given April 2005

http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-520-10,00.html

"Lest Bitterness Trouble You"

To put off bitterness, jelousy, resentment and self pity is not any easy task ... but we must put it off!! We must put it onto Christ's shoulders, for that is what He is there for. Only when we turn it over to Him will we ever be at peace.

Today I was listening to a few talks from Elder Neal A. Maxwell, of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles, and this part really stood out to me... so I thought I would share it:

"Paul warns those of us on the path of discipleship to be diligent, "lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you" (Hebrews 12:15). Travel on the straight and narrow path occurs in company with other disciples, imperfect as we all are. Side by side, as we all are, means that there are ways in which we can become offended or even embittered. Given the imperfections of all of us in the Church, offenses will come and disappointments will occur. How we handle these is so crucial. We must be quick to prune any personal sprig of bitterness so that our wills can be truly swallowed up in the will of the Father. When we put off the natural man and the natural woman, we put off jealousy, resentment, and self-pity."- Elder Neal A. Maxwell

The Twin Virtues of Forgiveness and Mercy

Chapter 6:

Wow! I really enjoyed this Chapter in Standing for Something. The principle isn't new. All through the scriptures we are taught to follow the Savior's example of love and forgiveness. These virtues are ones I feel are so much easier "said" than "done," at least that's how it is with me. I can preach it until my face is blue... but that doesn't mean I live it. Pride gets in my way. These virtues, for me, are obtained only as I earnestly seek them through much struggle and prayer and through the great Mercy and Forgiveness from a loving Father in Heaven. I stand in awe of the Savior's life and how perfectly He gave us an example of these twin virtues.

Here are some quotes that I really liked from this chapter in Standing for Something, by Gordon B. Hinckley:

"We have need of forgiveness, mercy, and compassion. The whole world has need of them, for they are of the essence of goodness. We need these qualities in homes where tiny molehills of misunderstanding grow into mountains of argument, and where parents and children sometimes hang on to an old grievance for years and even a lifetime. We need them among neighbors whose insignificant differences lead to undying bitterness. We need them among business associates who quarrel and refuse to compromise or forgive when, in most instances, a willingness to sit down together, exercise compassion, and speak quietly one to another could resolve the matter to the blessing of all.

Too often, too many people spend their days blaming others, nurturing grudges, and planning retribution." - Gordon B. Hinckley

Painting: "The Prodical Son" by- Clark Kelley Price

"We are prone to brood on the evil done us, and that brooding becomes as a gnawing and destructive canker.... it takes neither strength nor intelligence to brood in anger over wrongs suffered, to go through life with a spirit of vindictiveness, to dissipate one's abilities in planning retribution, or to press a grievance when someone else is 'down.' There is no genius or peace in the nursing of a grudge." - Gordon B. Hinckley

"Hatred always fails and bitterness always destroys. Are there virtues more in need of application in our day, a time marked by litigious proceedings and heated exchanges, than those of forgiving, forgetting, and extending mercy to those who may have wronged us or let us down?" - Gordon B. Hinckley

"Our Redeemer reaches out to us in forgiveness and mercy, but in so doing He commands that we repent of our wrongdoings. A true and magnanimous spirit of forgiveness will become an expression of that required repentance." - Gordon B. Hinckley

"So many of us are prone to say we forgive, when in fact we are unwilling to forget. If the Almighty is willing to forget the sins of the repentant, then why are so many of us inclined to bring up the past again and again? Here is a simple but great lesson we all need to learn: There is no true forgiveness without forgetting." - Gordon B. Hinckley

"Let us bind up the wounds - oh, the many wounds that have been caused by cutting words, by stubbornly cultivated grievances, by scheming plans to 'get even' with those who may have wronged us. We all have a little of this spirit of revenge in us. Fortunately, we all also have the power to rise above it." - Gordon B. Hinckley

Painting: "The Good Samaritan" by, Walter Rane

"I plead for a stronger spirit of compassion in all of our relationships, a stronger element of mercy, for if we are merciful we shall obtain mercy from the Ultimate Judge." - Gordon B. Hinckley

"The degree to which we are able to extend mercy is evidence of our commitment to Him who is our Master. He practiced what He preached, for it was He who, while hanging on the cross in dreadful agony, cried out, 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do' (Luke 23:34)." - Gordon B. Hinckley

"How great a thing is mercy! Most often it is quiet and unassuming. It receives few headlines. It is the antithesis of vengeance and hatred, of greed and egotism." - Gordon B. Hinckley

"Let us be more merciful. Let us get the arrogance out of our lives, the conceit, the egotism. Let us be more compassionate, gentler, filled with more forbearance, patience, forgiveness, and a greater measure of respect one for another. In so doing, our very example will cause others with whom we associate to be more merciful, and we shall have greater claim upon the mercy of God who in His love will be generous toward us." - Gordon B. Hinckley

"We have forgotten God."

I got this in my E-mail from "Daily Gems," provided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. If Abraham Lincoln said this about our Country back in 1863.... just imagine what he would say about our Country now! "Consider these words written by Abraham Lincoln as part of a resolution in 1863: "

'We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in number, wealth, and power as no other Nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God who made us. "'It behoovesus, then, to humble ourselves before the offended power, to confess our . . sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.' (John Wesley Hill,Abraham Lincoln, Man of God, 4th ed., New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, p.391.)"

Topic: Gratitude(Marion G. Romney, "Gratitude and Thanksgiving," Ensign, Nov. 1982, 50)

For the Strength of Youth

Even if you are not of the same religion as me and we have a few different doctrines... I believe that most of the Christian community would agree on the same principles... such as honesty, gratitude, charity, and so on. This is a wonderful guide and resource for Youth and Families. I believe if we apply these principles in our lives the world will be a better place. Check out the topics below by clicking on them-
God bless you,
Alicia

Table of Contents
Message from the First Presidency 2
Agency and Accountability 4
Gratitude 6
Education 9
Family 10
Friends 12
Dress and Appearance 14
Entertainment and the Media 17
Music and Dancing 20
Language 22
Dating 24
Sexual Purity 26
Repentance 29
Honesty 31
Sabbath Day Observance 32
Tithes and Offerings 34
Physical Health 36
Service to Others 38
Go Forward with Faith 40
The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles 43
The Family: A Proclamation to the World 44

You are loved!!

Art work:Under His Wing, by Jay Bryant Ward

There are some wonderful articles published in this month's Ensign magazine. This is a poster included in the middle of the magazine that I thought was absolutely beautiful. Children have increadible faith... I see it in the eyes of my own children. My children are my greatest teachers on what it means to be humble, teachable, forgiving, and believing.

The following poem is one of my very most favorites. As I ponder the words, "Jesus loves me."... my mind recalls this poem.

“The Touch of the Master’s Hand,” -by: Myra Brooks Welch
“ ’Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer

Thought it scarcely worth his while

To waste much time on the old violin,

But held it up with a smile:

‘What am I bidden, good folks,’ he cried,

‘Who’ll start the bidding for me?’

‘A dollar, a dollar’; then, ‘Two!’ ‘Only two?

Two dollars, and who’ll make it three?

Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice;

Going for three—’ But no,

From the room, far back, a gray-haired man

Came forward and picked up the bow;

Then, wiping the dust from the old violin,

And tightening the loose strings,

He played a melody pure and sweet

As sweet as a caroling angel sings.

“The music ceased, and the auctioneer,

With a voice that was quiet and low,

Said, ‘What am I bid for the old violin?’

And he held it up with the bow.

‘A thousand dollars, and who’ll make it two?

Two thousand! And who’ll make it three?

Three thousand, once, three thousand, twice,

And going, and gone!’ said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried,

‘We do not quite understand

What changed its worth.’ Swift came the reply:

‘The touch of a master’s hand.’

“And many a man with life out of tune,

And battered and scarred with sin,

Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd,

Much like the old violin.

A ‘mess of pottage,’ a glass of wine;

A game—and he travels on.

He’s ‘going’ once, and ‘going’ twice,

He’s ‘going’ and almost ‘gone.’

But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd

Never can quite understand

The worth of a soul and the change that’s wrought

By the touch of the Master’s hand.”

He Lives! Easter Slideshow

**Before viewing slideshow be sure to pause the music on the player located in the top left corner of this blog to be sure there is no conflict with the sound. Enjoy!

I wanted to put together a slide show that told the message of the true meaning of Easter. With alot of work and help from my friend Steve Chipman, it's finally done.

Except for the sketch of Mary and Joseph with the Christ child, only the pencil sketches and photographs on this slide-show are mine. Most of the other paintings I downloaded from lds.org there are a few I found on google. The music to this slide-show is called, "His Hands"-by Kenneth Cope, sung by Jenny Frogley. Please respect copyrights. None of this may be sold, copied or is meant for personal profit. My soul intention of creating this slide-show is to simply share my love and testimony of my Savior, Jesus Christ and is not meant to advertise myself or to sell art. Even my website is not for personal gain but is set up to share what I consider the best news in the world!

If you feel inspired, uplifted or touched by this please share it.... this is meant to be passed along.

May also be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TgRGzV2iWs

Thank you, and God bless you!
Alicia

Featured Artists in the slideshow: Harry Anderson, Robert T. Barrett, Carl Heinrich Bloch, Ford Madox Brown, Grant Romney Clawson, Ted Henniger, Heinrich Hofmann, Greg K. Olsen, Del Parson, Clark Kelley Price, Walter Rane, Alicia Rawlins, Ken Riley, John Scott, Liz Lemon Swindle

Prodigal Son

Painting by:Clark Kelley Price

Today in Sacrament Meeting a young man got up and bore his testimony of the saving power of Jesus Christ. He said it had been 10 years since he had come to church and how grateful he was to be back. I didn't know him personally but was extremely touched by his pure and simple testimony. It made me recall the parables of the Prodigal Son, and the Lost Sheep in the New Testament and also the story of Alma, the younger, from the Book of Mormon. I felt like celebrating for this brave young man and to encourage him to "press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men"... and to "press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end." 2 Nephi 31:20

Jesus taught, "What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose 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." - Luke 15:4,5 "

"And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world. Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death. And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more. And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain! Yea, I say unto you,... that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy." - Alma 36: 17-21

I'm so proud of that young man who shared his beautiful testimony in church today. I feel a greater desire to reach out to those who are lost that they too may know the saving power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
God Bless You!
Alicia

The Healing Power of Forgiveness

If you choose to read only one post on my blog.... read this one!!!! This is an excerpt from a beautiful talk given April 2007, by President James E. Faust of the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I encourage you to read this wonderful true story about the healing power of forgiveness:

"My dear brothers and sisters and friends, I come before you humbly and prayerfully. I wish to speak on the healing power of forgiveness.

In the beautiful hills of Pennsylvania, a devout group of Christian people live a simple life without automobiles, electricity, or modern machinery. They work hard and live quiet, peaceful lives separate from the world. Most of their food comes from their own farms. The women sew and knit and weave their clothing, which is modest and plain. They are known as the Amish people.
A 32-year-old milk truck driver lived with his family in their Nickel Mines community. He was not Amish, but his pickup route took him to many Amish dairy farms, where he became known as the quiet milkman. Last October he suddenly lost all reason and control. In his tormented mind he blamed God for the death of his first child and some unsubstantiated memories. He stormed into the Amish school without any provocation, released the boys and adults, and tied up the 10 girls. He shot the girls, killing five and wounding five. Then he took his own life.

This shocking violence caused great anguish among the Amish but no anger. There was hurt but no hate. Their forgiveness was immediate. Collectively they began to reach out to the milkman’s suffering family. As the milkman’s family gathered in his home the day after the shootings, an Amish neighbor came over, wrapped his arms around the father of the dead gunman, and said, “We will forgive you.”1 Amish leaders visited the milkman’s wife and children to extend their sympathy, their forgiveness, their help, and their love. About half of the mourners at the milkman’s funeral were Amish. In turn, the Amish invited the milkman’s family to attend the funeral services of the girls who had been killed. A remarkable peace settled on the Amish as their faith sustained them during this crisis.

One local resident very eloquently summed up the aftermath of this tragedy when he said, “We were all speaking the same language, and not just English, but a language of caring, a language of community, [and] a language of service. And, yes, a language of forgiveness.”2 It was an amazing outpouring of their complete faith in the Lord’s teachings in the Sermon on the Mount: “Do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.”3

The family of the milkman who killed the five girls released the following statement to the public:
“To our Amish friends, neighbors, and local community:
“Our family wants each of you to know that we are overwhelmed by the forgiveness, grace, and mercy that you’ve extended to us. Your love for our family has helped to provide the healing we so desperately need. The prayers, flowers, cards, and gifts you’ve given have touched our hearts in a way no words can describe. Your compassion has reached beyond our family, beyond our community, and is changing our world, and for this we sincerely thank you.
“Please know that our hearts have been broken by all that has happened. We are filled with sorrow for all of our Amish neighbors whom we have loved and continue to love. We know that there are many hard days ahead for all the families who lost loved ones, and so we will continue to put our hope and trust in the God of all comfort, as we all seek to rebuild our lives.”4

How could the whole Amish group manifest such an expression of forgiveness? It was because of their faith in God and trust in His word, which is part of their inner beings. They see themselves as disciples of Christ and want to follow His example.

Hearing of this tragedy, many people sent money to the Amish to pay for the health care of the five surviving girls and for the burial expenses of the five who were killed. As a further demonstration of their discipleship, the Amish decided to share some of the money with the widow of the milkman and her three children because they too were victims of this terrible tragedy.

Forgiveness is not always instantaneous as it was with the Amish. When innocent children have been molested or killed, most of us do not think first about forgiveness. Our natural response is anger. We may even feel justified in wanting to “get even” with anyone who inflicts injury on us or our family.

Dr. Sidney Simon, a recognized authority on values realization, has provided an excellent definition of forgiveness as it applies to human relationships:

“Forgiveness is freeing up and putting to better use the energy once consumed by holding grudges, harboring resentments, and nursing unhealed wounds. It is rediscovering the strengths we always had and relocating our limitless capacity to understand and accept other people and ourselves.”5

Most of us need time to work through pain and loss. We can find all manner of reasons for postponing forgiveness. One of these reasons is waiting for the wrongdoers to repent before we forgive them. Yet such a delay causes us to forfeit the peace and happiness that could be ours. The folly of rehashing long-past hurts does not bring happiness.

Some hold grudges for a lifetime, unaware that courageously forgiving those who have wronged us is wholesome and therapeutic.

Forgiveness comes more readily when, like the Amish, we have faith in God and trust in His word. Such faith “enables people to withstand the worst of humanity. It also enables people to look beyond themselves. More importantly, it enables them to forgive.”6

All of us suffer some injuries from experiences that seem to have no rhyme or reason. We cannot understand or explain them. We may never know why some things happen in this life. The reason for some of our suffering is known only to the Lord. But because it happens, it must be endured. President Howard W. Hunter said that “God knows what we do not know and sees what we do not see.”7

...If we can find forgiveness in our hearts for those who have caused us hurt and injury, we will rise to a higher level of self-esteem and well-being. Some recent studies show that people who are taught to forgive become “less angry, more hopeful, less depressed, less anxious and less stressed,” which leads to greater physical well-being.9 Another of these studies concludes “that forgiveness … is a liberating gift [that] people can give to themselves.”10

In our day the Lord has admonished us, “Ye ought to forgive one another,” and then makes it requisite when He says, “I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.”11

A sister who had been through a painful divorce received some sound advice from her bishop: “Keep a place in your heart for forgiveness, and when it comes, welcome it in.”12 For the Amish, it was already there because “forgiveness is a ‘heartfelt’ component of [their] religion.”13 Their example of forgiveness is a sublime expression of Christian love." - President James E. Faust, ("The Healing Power of Forgivess") Excerpt taken from the May, 2007 Ensign

"Did you think to pray?"

I was studying the 6th Chapter of Luke yesterday, verses 1-12: The scribes and pharisees were so self-righteous that instead of trying to come to know Jesus, to really listen to His teachings and soften their hearts, they were consumed with finding fault and seeking to find accusation against Christ.

It is on the Sabbath day and Jesus has healed a man with a withered hand. Instead of rejoicing in this and acknowledging His power they find fault and question in their hearts why Christ is healing someone on the Sabbath.

Jesus, knowing their thoughts, turns to them and asks, "Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? To save life, or to destroy it?" Then Jesus tells the man He just healed to show his hand to the scribes and pharisees... did they now understand who Jesus was? Were their hearts softened by His power....they just witnessed a great miracle! Now would they follow Him? NO! In fact, the scripture says they were furious, "they were filled with madness" and they talked about how they would destroy Jesus!

How disappointing and frustrating, after all the good the Savior did to see them not only close their eyes and harden their hearts but seek His destruction. And how did Jesus respond to this? (I know how I would have responded...and it wouldn't have pretty.) What did Jesus do after this encounter? In verse 12 it says, "He went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God." He prayed!!!

What was He praying for? Could it be He prayed for the very thing He taught in His sermon on the mount? "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." (Matt 5:44 & Luke 6: 27,28) Wow, what an amazing example of humility and meekness!

When I apply this to my own life... I think of the times I have been falsely accused and despitefully used. I think of the times when my religion has been persecuted, falsely accused and even openly hated and sought to be destroyed. How do I respond? Do I lick my wounds and let anger consume me? Or do I follow my Savior's example and teachings?

I pray to my Father in Heaven to give me love like His Son, Jesus Christ... give me strength and humility like His during times of persecution and trial. I can't do it without Him - I need His Grace, I need His enabling power!

After I read my scriptures this morning, this hymn kept playing in my mind:

Hymn #140 in the LDS Hymn Book: "Did you think to pray?"

"Ere you left your room this morning,
Did you think to pray?
In the name of Christ, our Savior,
Did you sue for loving favor
As a sheild today?

When your heart was filled with anger,
Did you think to pray?
Did you plead for grace, my brother,
That you might forgive another
Who had crossed your way?

When sore trials came upon you,
Did you think to pray?
When your soul was full of sorrow,
Balm of Gilead did you borrow
At the gates of day?

Oh, how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day.
So, when life gets dark and dreary,
Don't forget to pray."

Offended

I had a good conversation with a friend of mine the other night. The subjects varied from casual to serious. Among the subjects of conversation, the one that stood out to me most, was offences and pride. Sometimes those of us who claim to be Christian deny our convictions for fear of scorn or fear of not being accepted. Or a more common thing is we deny our convictions because someone offended us... for example: we set high expectations for our fellow Christians leaving no room for weakness or mistake by those within our own congregation - wherewith if a person says or does anything that offends us we refuse to return to that place of worship, hold onto grudges and turn bitter.

This morning I awoke with this subject of "offence" on my mind. I knelt to pray before beginning my morning study of the scriptures and then opened up the Bible. I found it to be no coincidence that my eyes fell upon these verses;

"And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." (Matt 24:10-12 KJV)

Of course we know that Jesus Christ is prophesying to His Apostles of the events that would take place before Jerusalem would be destroyed... but He was also prophesying these same events to take place before His 2ND coming, before the destruction of the world. It's important to note the council He gives that follows:

"But he that shall endure unto the end, [steadfast in following the teachings and example of Jesus Christ and applying His Atoning blood] the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place [or in other words, stand in holy places, stand with God]." (Matt 24:13-15)

After Jesus Christ instituted the sacrament, He warned the Apostles they would all be offended of Him that night, "Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night:" This was hard for Peter to believe and he could not foresee his own weakness in the face of temptation, "Peter answered and said unto Him, Though all men shall be offended because of Thee, yet will I never be offended." Of course, the Savior's prediction was right and after Peter denied Christ 3 times "he went out, and wept bitterly." (Matt:26:31-33 & 75)

We learn from this a great lesson: we must be so careful to not get so confident to think we will never be the one to fall. The Savior, in His mercy understood this tendency in all of us and lovingly counseled to "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." - (Matt. 26: 41)

I love the power of prayer. I know that as we call upon God and pray for His strength and foresight we can withstand the evils of this day. May one of the things we pray for more earnestly is compassion and the ability to stand our ground regardless of circumstances. Let us be anchored in our Savior, Jesus Christ and pray for the strength to not be offended.