Tag: Christ

“My dear brothers and sisters, we live in a most difficult dispensation. Challenges, controversies, and complexities swirl around us. These turbulent times were foreseen by the Savior. He warned us that in our day the adversary would stir up anger in the hearts of men and lead them astray. Yet our Heavenly Father never intended that we would deal with the maze of personal problems and social issues on our own.

God so loved the world that He sent His Only Begotten Son to help us. And His Son, Jesus Christ, gave His life for us. All so that we could have access to godly power—power sufficient to deal with the burdens, obstacles, and temptations of our day.” (Russell M. Nelson, “Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives,” April 2017)

I’m so thankful for a Heavenly Father who came up with a plan so that I could progress and have grand experiences full of love and joy. I know them because I also know loss and pain. I am deeply and immeasurably grateful for a Savior who offered Himself up so that the plan would work. Who suffered in the garden and died on the cross for me. For YOU. For us all. In so doing he forged the way for us, intercedes on our behalf and waits for us with open arms.

He knows me. He knows what it is to be Nicole, overwhelmed mother of 3 boys – equal parts challenging and beautiful. Experiencing depression for the first time in her life and trying to muddle through each day even though it feels like trying to swim through cement. He shows me through little glimpses of divinity—messages only I would be able to recognize as such. And he knows you too. Watch for His messages. Expect to see them. They are there. You can make it through this, whatever it is, with His help.

Meditation/Journaling Prompt: NOTICE the little messages from Christ today.

“O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name. And whoso knocketh, to him will he open…”        (2 Nephi 9:41-42)

My son loves to play baseball. We have spent the last several months trying out for various competitive teams to find the team that will be the best fit for him and for our family. There are so many factors to consider: cost, intensity, coaching styles, friends on the team, team culture, opportunities for playing different positions etc. I often wish that I could just see the answer and that the right choice would be clear and simple. But rarely in life and hardly ever in parenting is the path clear and simple.

Sometimes the gospel can seem complicated. There are so many commandments! So many good things we should be doing and not enough time to do them all. It can seem overwhelming and impossible at times. But the bottom line is there is just one path. One gate. One way to enter the kingdom and live with our Father in Heaven again, and that is through Jesus Christ. Benjamin De Hoyos said in a conference address in April 2011, “It does not matter our circumstances, trials, or challenges that might surround us; an understanding of the doctrine of Christ and His Atonement will be the source of our strength and peace—yes, brothers and sisters, that internal tranquility that is born of the Spirit and which the Lord gives to His faithful Saints.” (“Called to Be Saints.”)

Everything else aside, He is the way. Knowing Him and building a relationship with Him is all that matters. If we are striving to do that and working to keep communication with Him, everything will fall into place. He is eagerly waiting to open the gate for us. All we have to do is knock and He will pour His love upon us. It really is that simple.

Meditation and Journaling Prompt: How can you strengthen your relationship with Christ today?

Call to Action: During your meditation/mindfulness practice today, imagine yourself at the proverbial door with Christ on the other side. Knock, and visualize Him opening the door and embracing you.