The Altar

There are certain times in my life when I have been blown away by how amazing God is to us.

Genesis 22.

God told Abraham to go up into the mountain and build an altar. He and Isaac did just that but Abraham must have had a heavy heart knowing that the Lord had asked him to put his most prized and longed for treasure on the altar as a sacrifice. Now that was Abraham's view. But what about Isaac?

We don't really know the story but I imagine he must have had a lot of faith that if that was the only way, it had to be done. Can you imagine what Isaac felt when the angel appeared? Relief? Joy? Elation? He no longer had to be offered up to the Lord. However, something still needed to be offered because that was a requirement of the Lord. So a ram caught in the thicket nearby was slain and was sacrificed.

We are saved from being killed because there was a sacrifice already offered that was sufficient. The ram was enough. The atonement of Jesus Christ was enough. Because of him, we need not die. He has given us another option. That of a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

May we remember the reason for the season and give thanks for the sacrifice of the only begotton of the Father.

Red Vines

Missionaries have the opportunity to practice with their teachers every single day to learn how to help people come closer to Christ. For the last few months, missionaries have drawn things out for me, used scriptures, and have given a powerful witness of the things they know. Nothing really unconventional has happened... until last week. I could have never guessed how a package of Red Vines could have changed my life. 

Last week, two Elders entered the room with a package of candy. I smirked to myself then thought something like, "Well bribery has never happened before." We began with a prayer then one of them ripped the package opened and offered one to me. I took it and bit into it wondering how this was going to play a part of the lesson. As I did, the other Elder got down and started doing push-ups. He came up from the ground a little winded. I felt a little alarmed to say the least! What was going on? These thoughts ran through my mind as they said to follow them into the hall.

We walked out the door and encountered a sister. The one Elder offered her a treat and she declined. Much to my surprise, the other Elder went down to the floor again and started doing push-ups. He arose from the floor winded once more and this time a little red in the face. As he finished, once more the Elder offered me a Red Vine. Not wanting the poor Elder to go down one more time, I refused, only to see him quietly kneel down and start doing it all again. I felt frustrated that nothing I did helped the Elder.

We walked back into the room and I pondered about the things that just transpired. We sat and they explained to me about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. They told me that regardless of if we want it or not, he suffered, bled and died for us all. Christ has already paid the price and now it's our part to take it or not. A warm feeling entered my heart as I heard them relate the activity to what Christ did and who he is.

The day after, I reflected on the character of the Lord as I reviewed the incident. What a selfless act to be done! He did not perform the Atonement to get praise or honor. Here was an example of the Savior of the world, who gave everything to a people who often don't recognize what they have been given. What an example of selflessness and charity and pure love. Why those characteristics? Because it was an act given regardless of how it would be accepted to every person who has and will walk on this earth.

2 Nephi 2:9 says, "Wherefore, he is the first fruits unto God, inasmuch as he shall make intercession for all the children of men; and they that believe in him shall be saved." (emphasis added)

We sometimes might not want a Red Vine or think that it's for us, but it is. It's always available because we are children of God. So think next time someone asks, "Do you want a Red Vine?"

Everyone should have one of these....

and that would be a Gilbert Blythe.

Why?

Because it's having someone...

who is your best friend.

who gives you a little competition.

who inspires you to be your best.

who might make fun of you a little.

who gives you a little wink.

who jokes with you.

who puts up with your romantic ideas.

who lets you think you are winning.

who is real.

Who could say no to that?

I'm Just Getting More Awesome

A quote my roommate showed me says the following, "Everyone I know is getting married or pregnant. I'm just getting more awesome".

Everyone I know is getting married or pregnant

We both laughed at it and some of you even liked it when I posted it to my facebook. It seems like every week that sentence becomes more true. Really. It's an explosion of sparkly rings and albums of monthly pregnancy progression. I love it. I really do but I guess it's a little difficult to understand sometimes why that isn't my life. That's what I thought it would be, you know, married by twenty-one to my prince charming and by now there would be a kid or two in a little house with a picket fence and I would make fresh baked pies every other day. Okay, well maybe not the pies part but you get the picture. So maybe that dream didn't make the time limit but all the other parts are still possible... someday. It's just what to do while you're waiting for that dream to come true.

I'm just getting more awesome

The clear solution is to get more awesome but sometimes we get stuck waiting. The way I see it, we can let life happen to us or we can make life happen. I tend to let it happen to me but therein lies the mistake. Awesomeness will only come by making the most out of whatever part of life I'm in. Maybe where I'm at isn't what I thought but making the most of opportunities and impoving myself is how I'll face this stage of life. So in the mean time, I'm going to develop my talents further, finish my education, discover who I am and become the person I want to become. Obviously there are some things I still need to work on and hopefully as I do, I keep "getting more awesome".

... And you can too!

The only thing I would change about the statement would be to add those few words. The great thing about getting more awesome it that it's not limited to just a few. It's possible for everyone! We should always be changing to become better. So whether you're waiting for prince charming to come along or anticipating a new addition to your family or whatever stage of life you find yourself in, you can still become more awesome too. Come to know yourself, the truly awesome person that you are and be happy with that with no matter what is happening in your life. You're potential is limitless and remember... you are awesome.

Dear Self...

Have you ever pondered on some of the things that were a big deal to you when you were younger? It's amazing how somethings just don't matter anymore. On the other hand, other things may have made you into who you are today. Life is so interesting in retrospect. If you got the chance, what would you tell your younger self?

I would say...

Don't hold onto grudges. Life moves on and you'll soon forget about it.
Make as many friends as you can.
Stop worrying about what everyone thinks about you. Worry about what you think about yourself and what Heavenly Father thinks.
It's okay to be innocent.
Play more.
Forgive.
Take advantage of every opportunity.
Keep moving forward.
Life is hard.
There are still good things to come.
You'll never regret doing good deeds.
Don't do stupid things.
You still won't like country music.
Your heart will get broken.
You decide who you want to be.
A good book can still be your friend but real ones are a lot better.
Develop your talents and gain new ones.
Spur of the moment dance parties are fun.
There are so many good memories yet to be made.
Some of your greatest friends will be made in unexpected places.
You are never alone.