Loving Christ

One of my favorite memories about Christ at Christmas, a song arranged and performed by Candice Crocket.

Stringtown Christmas Video 2014 Music by Candice Crockett and Pictures by Simon Dewey

This is one of my favorite images of the Savior that I frequently see floating around social media. In my life, especially recently within my romantic relationships, I have seen how my righteous wants and desires seem amazing, seem to be all that I want. And giving up those small teddy bears hurts. It is even more difficult doesn't immediately give His bigger and better teddy bear in return. Although I am still waiting for my big teddy bear, I can testify and promise that while we are giving up the small bear, we are not alone. We will be consoled and shown love until that big bear comes.

Recently, life has shown me that miracles can follow our steadfast and faithful obedience, but not necessarily on our timetable. Some of the miracles I have seen recently have come after years of fasting and prayer, some have come instantly, and some are still pending. But, I am sure, they will come.

Hi Stake friends! We wanted to invite y’all to pray about a time you can attend the temple this month! We pray you’ll be able to feel God’s love as you do so ❤️

-Temple and Family History Committee from 137th Ward

Ponder this: “The Savior invites us to see our lives through Him in order to see more of Him in our lives” -Sister Browning (October 2022)

I love the idea of striving to see ourselves, our choices, and our life through Christ. I know that when I strive to do what Christ would do, I feel His guidance, comfort, and perfect love for me.

Elder Holland remarked that the phrase, "Be of good cheer," should be thought of as a commandment --one that is "almost universally disobeyed" even by those who are righteous individuals. John Bytheway further elaborated something along the lines of, "you mean we hurt the Savior's feelings" when we don't feel comfortable in His care? To me these quotes are not meant as rebuke (and I certainly hope you don't read them that way), but more as a reminder of how much the Savior loves us and wants us to be happy. Sometimes life isn't happy or good and we have to settle for a more eternal happiness, but there is still happiness.

My favorite images of the Savior are ones where He is hugging a child because of how tender, loving, and warm they are. I look at this image and can't help but feel loved and feel comfortable in the care of a God who hugs me with that kind of love.

-Jared from the 137th Ward

In 2019 Elder Uchtdorf referenced the story of Bilbo Baggins from the Hobbit, he shared how he left a life of comfort and ease to embark on an adventure. He shared this saying Bilbo’s story is like our story.

He said: “Long, long ago, even before we were born, in an age dimmed by time and clouded from memory, we too were invited to embark on an adventure. It was proposed by God, our Heavenly Father. Accepting this adventure would mean leaving the comfort and security of His immediate presence. It would mean coming to earth for a journey filled with unknown danger and trial.

We knew it would not be easy.

But we also knew that we would gain precious treasures, including a physical body and experiencing the intense joys and sorrows of mortality. We would learn to strive, to seek, and to struggle. We would discover truths about God and ourselves.
Of course, we knew we would make many mistakes along the way. But we also had a promise: that because of the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we could be cleansed of our transgressions, refined and purified in our spirits, and one day resurrected and reunited with those we love.”

Don’t forget the adventure you are on, there is a treasure at the end and lessons to be learned along the way. You are not alone on this journey, rely on your fellowship with those around you and seek to help others. Most of all rely on your God who will be there every step along the way.

In this week’s Come Follow Me study, we read of a father who brings his son to Christ for healing (Mark 9:14-30). Of this account, Elder Holland taught:

“When facing the challenge of faith, the father asserts his strength first and only then acknowledges his limitation … When problems come and questions arise, do not start your quest for faith by saying how much you do not have, leading as it were with your ‘unbelief.’ … I am not asking you to pretend to faith you do not have. I am asking you to be true to the faith you do have.”

-Matthew from the 137th Ward

“Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.” - Albert Einstein

Have you ever missed a day of scripture reading or forgot to pray? What about praying just to check the daily box? In the Book of Mormon we are taught that “God hath said a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing. For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness.” (Moroni 7:8-9) We have all experienced the checkbox mentality at some point, and we have also experienced falling short from time to time. Let us remember that it is ultimately our character that Christ cares about. In our shortcomings we have the opportunity to try again, proving our resolve to follow Christ and repent. At the last day the heavenly accounting of our life will not likely ask us about how many prayers we offered, but rather how much prayer has meant to us throughout our life. We will not be asked how many verses of scripture were read over the years, but rather how over the years those scriptures have gained new meaning. Take a moment today to reflect on what things really count in bringing you closer to Jesus Christ, and then commit to improve in one of those areas. As you do, your relationship with Christ will bring you more peace, joy and hope from day to day.