Returning to the Path

My hike on Thursday was very much like many of our lives. My date and I started on a path that was designated as an easy hike, very scenic, pretty, and short. We then decided we wanted to do a little longer of a hike, so we started on a trail that didn't seem difficult at all. It was all downhill in the beginning, and after a while we realized we were "lost". Neither of us had been on that trail before and not long after we realized we were lost, we decided to turn back.

Not realizing how steep we climbed down, we quickly knew how hard it was to turn back. We both noticed we weren't in nearly as good of shape as we thought we were, and it would be a lot harder to go back than it was coming to where we were. We were breathing very heavily and conversation slowed as we hiked back up to the trailhead. When we reached the map we realized we passed the spot where we were supposed to turn off, but both of us were so distracted in talking and goofing off that we didn't even notice the turnoff. We felt very silly and very tired. The rest of our date was very fun and mostly involved getting to know each other and eating.

Oftentimes in life we are on autopilot on straight and narrow, just living in a routine in the gospel, and then end up wondering off of the path, not noticing  that we missed the turnoff. When we need to repent we realize how hard it is and how out of shape we are in the gospel. It can be very discouraging! But once we are back on the path, and our breathing is regular again, we realize that we almost missed on the blessings of the gospel.

I bare to you my testimony that repentance is a great gift. Being able to repent and return to the path we are meant to be on is such a blessing. Christ gave us the Atonement so that we may return to the path and become like him. What a miracle! I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Cure with Sonlight

"But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance." (1 Nephi 1:20, http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/1?lang=eng)

During the winter I struggle with something that is called SAD, seasonal affective disorder. The lack of sunlight and warmth gets to me and I am depressed, sluggish, and lose my will to little things. Exercise helps, as does eating right and getting enough sleep, but the "cure" is Spring. Here in North Carolina winter is awful, not because it gets super cold, but because it gets relatively cold, extremely cloudy and gloomy, and it doesn't snow here. At least snow looks pretty; here it rarely snows, so everything just looks dead and depressing. 

Anyway...

Spring has come and everyone has said that they have seen a dramatic difference in me. The sun has come out and stayed for the most part, the weather has gotten warmer and warmer, and the plants have come back to life. The first day it was warm and sunny outside again I wanted to cry because it felt so good. It felt like a weight melted off of my shoulders. It was wonderful and terrifying at the same time. 

Many times in our lives we seem to be lost in a gloom, wandering with no direction. Sometimes we may not even notice how lost we are, until we get a taste of sun. The sun is the light of Christ and a new sense of purpose. Even when we have grown up knowing Him, we oftentimes become desensitized to His presence, and sometimes don't notice when we just wander instead of following His direction. I know that the sun is one of the most wonderful of God's gifts, such a huge but small tender mercy.

I testify to you that I know that Christ lives and loves me. I know that if we redirect ourselves and align with what God wants us to do, we will feel His presence and walk into the sun. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Finding joy in repentance

"The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light." (Romans 13:12, http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/rom/13?lang=eng)

In Relief Society we talked about repentance. One of the main things we talked about was that repentance is a joyful process. Yes, you are supposed to feel guilt, and yes, it is supposed to be painful. BUT repentance is a joyful process. Repenting is hard, but the more you learn from what you did wrong, correct yourself, try to make it right, try to never do it again, you find yourself becoming a different person. You find yourself able to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. You feel different. You are able to feel the Spirit more fully than you ever have. It's almost like being baptized again, you feel clean and renewed. Knowing that you are forgiven gives you a spring in your step you never knew was possible. 

I bare to you my testimony that repentance and forgiveness is possible and absolutely wonderful. It is one of the best feelings. Jesus Chrsit suffered for our sins so that we don't have to. I say these things in the name of Jesus Chrsit, Amen. 

Let your light so shine

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16) "Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up--that which ye have seen me do. Behold ye see that I have prayed unto the Father, and ye all have witnessed." (3 Nephi 18:24). 

Sometimes bearing our testimony is hard. Sometimes we think we'll be judged for our simple testimonies. Sometimes we think our testimony isn't good enough to be shared. But what do you do with a lit candle? Do you hide it away? Do you put it in a closet so only you can see it? No! You put it somewhere it can be used. Same goes for our testimonies of the gospel. Share it as often as you can, and it will grow. Guaranteed. 

This Sunday one of my dear little activity day girls bore her testimony. I totally teared up. It was beautiful. Such a simple love for Christ. I was so proud. It just goes to show that these girls are the spiritual giants we need in this world. (I love my calling). 

I bear to you my testimony that Christ lives, and that sharing our testimonies of Him we will grow stronger.