Saturday, May 28, 2011

THE ATONEMENT OF JESUS CHRIST

 
What is the Atonement of Jesus Christ? Have you ever just sat down and really thought about what the Atonement really is and what it means for us? As a missionary I do this quite a bit. Especially for my investigators as well as for myself. Nobody in this life is perfect, we all make mistakes and we all come short of the glory of God that we all strive for. For one to fully understand the Atonement one must understand our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ. The Atonement was created specifically for us so we could all repent and be forgiven of our sins and wrong doings.
What is the Atonement?

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is recognizing that we have done wrong and doing everything in our power to fix it and asking Heavenly Father for forgiveness. For the Atonement to fully take place in our lives we must repent. We repent by going before God with a broken heart and a contrite spirit asking him for forgiveness. We pray with a sincere heart with real intent, meaning we are willing to turn away from sin and do everything possible to be forgiven. 

When Jesus Christ was on the earth he did a lot of great things. He performed many miracles, healed the sick, taught the people. He created his church on the earth as well. While he was doing all of this some of the people didn't agree with what he was doing. They didn't believe that he could perform miracles and heal the sick. As a result of this Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross. Jesus Christ had the power to stop them from doing such horrible things but because Jesus Christ loves each and everyone of his children so much, he let them crucify him. So we could all be happy. Along with that Jesus Christ suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane there he felt every pain, sickness, and guilt more then anyone could physically do themselves. 3 days after being crucified Jesus Christ was resurrected and rose from the tomb and lives today. Once this happened the Atonement was complete. 

He did this for me and he did it for you to. As we strive to become better people and repent of our sins we will feel the love that our savior has for us. I have felt it in my life and I know you can feel it in yours.









                                                                                       





Wednesday, May 18, 2011

FAMILIES ARE FOREVER!

The Waltman Family At my Sisters Wedding Reception

Above is an amazing picture of my family. The main reason for that is because I'm not in it. ha ha! Families are ordained of God. We were all sent to this earth to gain a body. When we came to this earth we were all born in to families. God gives us our families so we can learn and grow from each other through this difficult journey back to our heavenly father. It is not easy, it is important that we have a close relationship with our families so when times get hard then we will have someone to turn to. One of Satan's number one goals is to destroy happy families. As you grow closer together with your family then it will be much harder for Satan to come in and ruin everything. With our families we can create a safe home environment were we can all learn and grow from each other. Homes should be a place were the spirit can be present.


 My Nephew Dylan looking at a picture of Jesus

Families are so important to God that he has created a plan were we can be sealed together forever with our own families. We do that by entering the Temples and being sealed together forever by someone who holds the priesthood authority. When families are sealed together forever then we will be able to be with each other forever.

 "What matters most is what lasts the longest and families are forever."
M. Russell Ballard

I love my family so much. They mean a lot to me. I'm grateful that my parents made the choice to be sealed in the temple so our family could be together forever. Since I have been on my mission I have realized how important they really are. It only took me being 2000 miles away from home to realize that. But sometimes we have to learn the hard way. My family has been through some ruff stages in our lives but I know it is because of the gospel that we were able to make it through those hard times. Another way we can grow closer together as a family is by dedicating one night a week to family home evening. A time were we can have wholesome family activities that help us strengthen or relationships with our families. It is a perfect time for us to grow spiritually with our families. They can consist of many different types of activities such as. Sports, watching church movies, scripture reading, games, making treats etc


We cannot afford to neglect this heaven-inspired program. It can bring spiritual growth to each member of the family, helping him or her to withstand the temptations which are everywhere. The lessons learned in the home are those that last the longest.” Ensign, May 2005


My Sister Cylista and her family




                                   





Saturday, May 7, 2011

Mormons: Mothers Day

“I love you, Mother,” said little John;
Then, forgetting his work, his cap went on,
And he was off to the garden swing,
And left her the water and wood to bring.
“I love you, Mother,” said rosy Nell—
“I love you better than tongue can tell”;
Then she teased and pouted full half the day,
Till her mother rejoiced when she went to play.
“I love you, Mother,” said little Fan;
“Today I’ll help you all I can;
How glad I am that school doesn’t keep!”
So she rocked the babe till it fell asleep.
Then, stepping softly, she fetched the broom,
And swept the floor and tidied the room;
Busy and happy all day was she,
Helpful and happy as a child could be.
“I love you, Mother,” again they said,
Three little children going to bed.
How do you think that Mother guessed
Which of them really loved her best?


Mothers are great! I'm greatful for my mom and everything she has done for me throughout my life. She has always been there when times were hard. She was patiant with not just me but all 5 of us. That in my opinion is hard to do. She still loves us even though we may not make the best choices in life. The sacrifices she makes so we can all be happy are incredible. I know I don't say this nearly enough but to you, Mom, Thanks for everything. I really do appreciate you. I love you