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. 

No ordinary people

"There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal." (C. S. Lewis). "For behold, it is my work and my glory -- to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39)

My favorite part of my western civilizations class (and ironically my world civilizations class, haha I have the same professor so it's like a rerun of last semester) is the part of the Greek section where we discuss humanism. Humanism is the idea that every person is capable of logic. It is the most hopeful view of the world up until that point in time. In psychology, humanism is the idea that everyone has potential to do good and make their own choices. It is the only hopeful psychology viewpoint in the main ones discussed.

Every individual is important. I believe that God lovingly created each an every one of us, and each of us has the potential to do great things, in this life and the next. When we meet someone we never meet just a "someone", we meet a spiritual brother or sister who God has a plan for. He knows, loves, and watches over all of us. When we remember this, it is always easier for us to love those around us. We are meant to become like Him, so we must love and be kind. 

I bare to you my testimony that I know that God loves me and that when we love others we feel closer to Him. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

In love with Acts

The book of Acts (the acts of the apostles) is my favorite book so far in the Bible (I'm not kidding). I've read the whole Old Testament (it's really long....) and it was ok. I have officially finished the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Those were very good. But Acts is different. It combines the teachings with the journeys, miracles, and events of the early church. It is simple and straightforward. It very much reminds me of the book of Alma in the Book of Mormon.

I especially love chapter seven, where Stephen bears his testimony of Christ's plan and then see's Him and God the Father. It was one of my favorite scriptures in seminary, and it still is. Even when threatened with death, Stephen stood firm in his testimony of Christ. There are many instances where people are confronted with either deny our religion, or face death. From the prophets of the Old Testament to the early Latter Day Saints. There may come a day when you will have to choose between what you believe and what the law says. Would you stand up for what's right? I believe that I would, and I think you would too. I bear to you my testimony of Jesus Christ and that through Him we can do all things. I leave these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ, 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. 

A two-edged sword

"Behold, I am God; give heed unto my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore give heed unto my words." (D&C 6:2, http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/6?lang=eng)

This is said at least five times in the beginning of the Doctrine and Covenants. It was said to the early saints to remind them that God was in charge, and when they followed His commandments they would be blessed. This is no less true now than then. Sometimes we think that we've got everything together, but we would be very wrong. It's only when we realize that we don't have all our ducks in a row that He really is in charge. We can't fight God, we would never win. I bear to you my testimony that I know that God's word might be sharp, but it is true. In the name of Jesus Chrsit, amen.  

We can be the leaven

"We are to live in the world but not be of the world. We must live in the world because, as Jesus taught in a parable, His kingdom is “like leaven,” whose function is to raise the whole mass by its influence (see Luke 13:21; Matthew 13:33; see also 1 Corinthians 5:6–8). His followers cannot do that if they associate only with those who share their beliefs and practices. But the Savior also taught that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments (see John 14:15)."

(Loving Others and Living with Differences, http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/loving-others-and-living-with-differences?lang=eng)

I have made a lot of bread recently (artisan bread if you must know, recipe is at the bottom) and I have noticed a couple of things: This recipe only calls for half a teaspoon of yeast (leaven) and has the dough rise for 8-12 hours. 

How many of us have had to stand alone because of our values and morals? But also how many of us have seen our blessings multiply from maintaining those values and morals? I have been the only (or one of the only) Mormon(s) in school for most of my life, but because I had such strong faith in my values my other Christian friends found it was easier to stick to theirs when they are around me. We can be that half a teaspoon that helps raise the whole loaf. 

Whenever my bread is rising I am always moving it to a warmer spot and checking on it (much to the frustration of my mom). I imagine Christ is the same with us. As long as we are doing our best to do as He did, He will keep moving us to a warmer place for us to grow. 

I bear my testimony that I know that as we try to be like Christ, not only will we be able to do so, we will also help others around, and Christ will look after us. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

http://www.frugallivingnw.com/amazing-no-knead-bread-step-by-step-recipe/

Awesome Tomato Soup!!!

For anyone who read my Bad Pancakes post this summer, you would know how immature in the art of cooking I am. Well, about a week ago I made some AMAZING tomato soup and AMAZING artisan bread. I changed the tomato soup recipe a bit. Here is my fabulous tomato soup recipe:

Lyssa’s Tomato Soup

Prep Time: 15 mins   

Cook Time: 25 mins    

Ingredients

Serves 8

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 large onions, chopped

• 2 large cloves garlic, minced

• 4 ribs celery, chopped

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 10 large super-ripe tomatoes (about 4 pounds), coarsely chopped (or 7 tomatoes and one can of chopped tomatoes)

• 2 teaspoons sugar

• 5 leaves fresh basil + 2 tablespoon chopped

• 1 ½ teaspoons salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 ½ cup half and half, or 1 cup milk and 3 tablespoons butter, or nondairy equivalent 

• Pinch of ground cayenne (not optional, add more necessary)

• Grilled cheese sandwiches

 

Directions

Step 1. Warm the oil and butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery and spices, and cook until soft but not browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. 

 

Step 2. Add the tomatoes (with juices), sugar, basil leaves, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Increase the heat to high and bring the tomatoes to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15 minutes, skimming off and discarding any foam from the surface. 

 

Step 3. Puree the soup in a blender, in batches if necessary. Return the soup to the pot to keep it warm. 

 

Step 4. Add half and half. 

 

Step 5. Divide the soup among the bowls, serve it with the rolls, and store the rest. 

 

Tip: Ripe tomatoes are the key to great taste here. Sample the soup before serving, and add a touch more sugar or salt if the tomatoes need it. This soup can be refrigerated for up to three days and freezes for about three months.