Christ Loves Broken Things

Ether 12:15 says,

"Call upon the Father in my name, with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then shall ye know that the Father hath remembered the covenant which he made unto your fathers."

"Mortality is a period of testing, a time to prove ourselves worthy to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. In order to be tested, we must sometimes face challenges and difficulties. At times there appears to be no light at the tunnel's end-no dawn to break the night's darkness. We feel surrounded by the pain of broken hearts, the disappointment of shattered dreams, and the despair of vanished hopes. We join in uttering the biblical plea "Is there no balm in Gilead?" We are inclined to view our own personal misfortunes through the distorted prism of pessimism. We feel abandoned, heartbroken, alone. If you find yourself in such a situation, I plead with you to turn to our Heavenly Father in faith. He will lift you and guide you. He will not always take your afflictions from you, but He will comfort and lead you with love through whatever storm you face." {Thomas S. Monson}

I testify that God truly loves broken things. It brings Him so much joy when we, as His children, come to Him with a broken heart. A broken heart, a willing heart, a heart that is ready to change. Only when we are broken in this way will we be able to fully use the Atonement of Jesus Christ to repent and change to become more like Him. 

It is in our weakest moments, when we feel we are in pieces that our Savior comes to our rescue to mend us, to heal us, and to make us whole.

"Broken" performed by Kenneth Cope

"Praise His name, my God loves broken things."

- Kenneth Cope

Christ Shows

Christ shows . . .

He shows Himself through tender mercies He sends you and He sends me each and every day.
He shows Himself through just about everything--we can learn something about Him through all that is around us.

He says in the scriptures,

"I will show unto you the greater things . . . it shall be made manifest unto you how great things the Father hath laid up for you." (Ether 4:13-14)

He shows us how to live.
He shows us how to love.
It is His example that we must follow.

He shows us through the scriptures how we can live if we want to be happy.
He also shows us through His words in the scriptures how He has delivered and saved our forefathers.

"The words of Christ can be a personal Liahona* for each of us, showing us the way. Let us not be slothful because of the easiness of the way. Let us in faith take the words of Christ into our minds and into our hearts as they are." (W. Rolfe Kerr) 

I believe that He is constantly evident, present, and aware in our lives. 
He is there, if we will just look for Him.


Liahona* = In the Book of Mormon, a brass ball with two pointers that gave directions—as a compass—and also spiritual instruction to Lehi and his  followers when they were righteous. The Lord provided the Liahona and gave instructions through it.

Christ Knows

I know that Christ knows us better than we know ourselves.

"And he knoweth their prayers, that they were in behalf of their brethren. And He knoweth their faith, for in his name could they remove mountains." (Mormon 8:24)

Christ knows.

He knows us.

He knows our prayers.

He knows our faith.

He knows our thoughts.

He knows our intentions.

He knows our efforts.

He knows our testimonies.

He knows our hearts.

He knows our doubt.

He knows our heartache.

He knows our pain.

He knows us perfectly.

And He knows what we can become through faith in Him.

"Please understand that what you see and experience now is not what forever will be. You will not feel loneliness, sorrow, pain, or discouragement forever. We have the faithful promise of God that He will neither forget nor forsake those who incline their hearts to Him. Have hope and faith in that promise. Learn to love your Heavenly Father and become His disciple in word and in deed.

"Be assured that if you but hold on, believe in Him, and remain faithful in keeping the commandments, one day you will experience for yourself the promises revealed to the Apostle Paul: 'Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him' (1 Corinthians 2:9).

"Brothers and sisters, the most powerful Being in the universe is the Father of your spirit. He knows you. He loves you with a perfect love.

"God sees you not only as a mortal being on a small planet who lives for a brief season--He sees you as His child. He sees you as the being you are capable and designed to become. He wants you to know that you matter to Him."

{President Dieter F. Uchtdorf}

PC: http://addictionrecovery.lds.org/bc/content/arp/content/principles/3/jesus-with-weeping-woman_570x310_1104492.jpg

Christ Overcomes

This is something I have been thinking about a lot.

Christ overcame all, and He continues to overcome.

Mormon 7:5 says,

"Know ye that ye must come to the knowledge of your fathers, and repent of all your sings and iniquities, and believe in Jesus Christ, that he is the Son of God, and that he was slain by the Jews, and by the power of the Father he hath risen again, whereby he hath gained the victory over the grace; and also in him is the sting of death swallowed up."

This is just one manifestation of the way in which Christ overcomes.

He overcomes our pain.
Our sorrow.
Our pain.
Our grief.
Our heartache.
Our confusion.
Our disbelief.
Our pride.

The biggest thing He overcame was death. He overcame the grave and because He did so, "the sting of death is swallowed up in [Him]" (Mosiah 16:8). Every time we lose someone in this life, He is there, walking with us every hour, helping us to overcome each and every emotion that comes with death--grief, pain, sorrow, heartache--everything.

It is only because He overcame that He is able to aid us in overcoming all that is placed in our path.

He overcame and continues to help us overcome.

PC 1: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/31/9f/b5/319fb5b6643b4edecfa4622a2a2e3eb3.jpg
PC 2: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/21/6c/52/216c52820a4cbf17bd636d2eb4af3d4f.jpg

Christ Strengthens

Christ strengthens us.

In the book of Mormon within the Book of Mormon, we read of a sad situation which takes place in chapter two. Numerous wars are taking place and the Nephites are one of the groups of people fighting.

"And it came to pass that when they had fled we did pursue them with our armies; and did meet them again, and did beat them; nevertheless the strength of the Lord was not with us; yea we were left to ourselves, that the Spirit of the Lord did not abide in us; therefore we had become weak like unto our brethren." (verse 26)

I am saddened when I read of these situations. I am also led to reflect on my own life and ask, "How often do I attempt to rely on my own strength instead of turning to the Lord and pleading for His strength.

I definitely want to do better in this area of my life. I know that "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13)

I have personally felt in my life the Savior's strength helping me and carrying me through the times that I could not stand on my own. I am so grateful for His unending love for me and His willingness to strengthen me so that I may endure all that I have been called upon to endure.

"The Savior's loving warmth and healing touch life us and give us strength to endure." (New Era, March 1990)

I invite you to turn to the Savior, seek for, and rely on His strength.

Christ Gives

The Savior gives us so much. In fact, everything we have was given to us by Him.

In the Book of Mormon in the book of 4th Nephi, it describes the Nephites and Lamanites, how each group of people was united with the other. It also described them using a phrase that I really loved:

"They were all made free, partakers of the heavenly gift." (4th Nephi 1:3)

Partakers of the heavenly gift. The scripture doesn't gift any direction information about this "gift" that is spoken of.

For me, I feel that the gift could be many different things. However, it makes me think back to the tree of life in Lehi's dream written of in 1st Nephi which represented the love of God. And on that tree, was a fruit that "was most sweet, above all that was most sweet . . . the fruit thereof was white, to exceed all the whiteness" (1 Nephi 8:11). This fruit represents the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

As I think about the scripture in 4th Nephi that says they were "partakers of the heavenly gift", I like to think that they were partakers of the love of God, of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. They knew what Christ offered and what He was giving them, and they graciously accepted.

This is a valuable lesson that each of us can apply in our own lives. Christ truly gives, and He gives freely and frequently. He offers unconditional love and forgiveness, no matter how many mistakes we have made. But I know it is up to us to invite Him into our lives, and to accept the gift of His miraculous and infinite Atonement. It is there, always ready and always waiting, for Christ to give it over to us to aid us and provide us with strength.

We desperately need Christ, and we desperately need His Atonement in our lives. This is why this beautiful gift is always there.

I invite you to graciously accept what the Savior has given you, and be a partaker of this heavenly gift.

PC: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlm88QcoHkiT7cVuyomnsvhhAdwwtvSxfV4aCcvlrNZXMTZ8zY3TX6Un0I13KwLEflwX7kdNeg0x6TEDz8l4VxptEeQFu-mLTHO0M-DPSeOX_NxIKw-umjnbJtqGZIYxprJBZ-CP6i9L5r/s1600/img03189.jpg

Christ Changes Us

I know that Christ Himself does not change . . . but He certainly changes us.

I know that through the gift of His Atonement, we have the ability to change, to become better. Do you truly realize what a beautiful and incredible and amazing gift that is?? It is a gift that we should not take for granted.

I love the account given in the Book of Mormon of the Savior and His apostles in 3rd Nephi. The following verses come from chapter 28:

38 Therefore, that they might not taste of death there was a change wrought upon their bodies, that they might not suffer pain nor sorrow save it were for the sins of the world.

39 Now this change was not equal  to that which shall take place at the last day; but there was a change wrought upon them, insomuch that Satan could have no power over them, that he could not tempt them; and they were sanctified in the flesh, that they were holy, and that the powers of the earth could not hold them.

40 And in this state they were to remain until the judgement day of Christ; and at that day they were to receive a greater change, and to be received into the kingdom of the Father to go no more out, but to dwell with God eternally in the heavens.

These verses depict the experience of three of His disciples who wished to remain on the earth until He comes again.

These three Nephites had a change--a mighty change wrought upon them so they would not taste of death.

Now, we won't experience a change like this that will keep us on this earth until the Savior comes like they did, but we definitely have the capability to change.

In other ways, often smaller ways.

I heard a quote once (apologies that I do not have it word-for-word) that said, in this life, sometimes big changes are necessary. But, most often it is the smaller changes, the little course corrections that you need to make in your life in order to live the gospel more fully and practice being more like the Savior.

Small changes. Little course corrections. Sometimes that is all it takes.

Every single day is an opportunity to change. A chance to begin again.

"Make TODAY the beginning of a change in your [life]." (Harold B. Lee)

"Christ doesn't just make up the difference.  He makes all the difference. He requires us to repent, but not as part of paying justice--only as part of helping us change." (Brad Wilcox)

"As you strive to come to Him, you will gain the power to relieve life's burdens, whether physical or spiritual, and experience a positive inner change that will help you be happier." (Elder Eduardo Gavarret)

I testify this is true. I have found that as I take little steps to help me become more like the Savior, He has a greater presence in my life. I know His Atonement is real and through it we are able to be healed, comforted, strengthened, and changed. 

Take Christ's name upon you and allow His Atonement to change you.

Christ Weeps

3 Nephi 17:20-22

20 And they arose from the earth, and he said unto them: Blessed are ye because of your faith. And now behold, my joy is full.

21 And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.

22 And when he had done this he wept again;

Christ weeps. He cries for us. He cries with us.

Marion D. Hanks, formerly a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles relates a story that illustrates this beautifully:

"Thus the promise is that in times of sorrow and affliction, if we endure and remain faithful and put our trust in him and are courageous, the Lord will visit us in our afflictions, strengthen us to carry our burdens and support us in our trials. He’ll be with us to the end of our days, lift us at the last day to greater opportunities for service, and exalt us at last with him and reunited loved ones, and he will consecrate our afflictions to our gain.

One of the experiences that has reached the deep center of my soul in recent years was to hear a choice bishop share with others in a meeting the tender feelings of his heart concerning the loss of his wife to cancer, an experience many other husbands and wives and families well understand.

Twenty years earlier he had watched his mother pass through severe suffering before she died, and he had carried with him through the years a sense of resentment for the anguish she had endured. With his wife’s ordeal, however, harsh as it was for her and in a measure for her family, his anger sublimated into a closer spiritual relationship with the Lord, and he was able more gracefully to share her burden.

Shortly before she died, his wife asked him to give her a blessing for relief from the intense pain. They both wept as he laid his hands on her head and talked with the Lord, 'and,' he said, 'I felt the spiritual presence of our Father in Heaven. I had the strongest sensation that someone else was there weeping with us!' Near the end, severely physically debilitated, she said, 'Never have I been more whole!'

They had felt the strong sensation that He was there, 'weeping with us.' Of course; why not? Jesus wept at the grave of Lazarus; he wept over Jerusalem’s portending afflictions; and he wept when he came to the American continent and knelt with his people, and especially when 'he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.'"

I truly believe that our Savior Jesus Christ weeps with us. In moments of complete heartache and heartbreak, in the deepest and darkest moments of despair, He is there. He weeps when we weep. It is only through His perfect Atonement He is able to have perfect empathy for us as we endure every trial, every adversity, every pain. He has faced each one before, and through His Atonement He knows exactly how to comfort us and help us bear those burdens. 

I know that I have a Savior who weeps. I know He has wept with me in the moments I have wept and felt completely broken.

Our Savior weeps. He weeps for us, and He weeps with us.

A Mission of Healing

I am veering from my current theme of "Come Unto Christ", but please bear with me.

February 23rd marked 18 months since my brain surgery.

Oh my goodness has time flown!

My Dad reminded me, "Hey, that's how long your mission will be!"

It got me thinking.

Wow, that's so true! A part of me wants to say, "What? It's ONLY been 18 months?!" And then at the same time I think, "Oh my goodness, it's been a whole 18 months?!" Lots of mixed emotions here.

But you know what? It really has been a unique kind of mission for me, this past year and a half.

A mission of healing.

I had never thought that a mission like this exists.

But it does.

And that is a description of the journey I have been on the past eighteen months.

A mission of healing.

A mission of recovery.

A mission of revival.

A mission of growth.

A mission of learning.

A mission of beauty.

A mission of miracles.

It has been an incredible journey that I will never forget.

And I'm so grateful that it isn't over yet.

I still have miles to go and lots and lots to learn.

But the person I am now has come leaps and bounds from where I was those short eighteen months ago.

How grateful I am for it.

How grateful I am for my Savior.

And my Father in Heaven.

How infinitely grateful I am for this miracle I have witnessed in my own life.

Who would have thought that in eighteen months I could go from this:

To this:

No setbacks. No side effects. Healthy. Healed. Whole. 

What a blessing!

What a miracle.

I have come to a knowledge of so many wonderful things through this "mission of healing".

One thing is that I know more now than I did then Whose hands my life really is in.

As Al Fox Carraway puts it for all of us,

Forget not.

Your life is not your own.

Your life is His.

You belong to Him.

It's His hands you are in.

I know this now with every fiber of my being.

How beautiful it is to know that He is there and that He is the One in control.

I know that we are loved by the God of Heaven and Earth and He will never forsake us.

I know that He is our Savior and He is there.

Always.

And I know that miracles happen and they happen today.

I also know we each have a plan laid out for us.

Each of us are on our our own missions, each one unique from the last.

If it's a mission of healing, a mission of strength, a mission of learning.

Embrace it.

It is your mission and it's your mission for a reason.

Believe in it.

Believe in you.

He believes in you.

And never forget it.