Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Friday, April 8, 2011

Downfalls To Triumphs

My companion and I were at a member's house the other day and he showed us this video of The Canadian Tenors singing Allelujah with Celine Dion. This song talks about how even some of the greatest people have faults, but no matter what happens in their lives they still sing hallelujah.  



I feel this song teaches us a great lesson. We all have downfalls in our lives, we all have struggles and challenges, but we can choose to either dwell on the bad or look for the good.


 President Thomas S. Monson has given us his prophetic witness. He said: “I testify to you that our promised blessings are beyond measure. Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments.”
President Monson continued: “My beloved brothers and sisters, fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith.”(1)

Elder Orson F. Whitney wrote: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.”(2)

There is another kind of pain for which we are responsible. Spiritual pain lies deep within our souls and can feel unquenchable, even as being racked with an“inexpressible horror,” as Alma described. It comes from our sinful actions and lack of repentance. For this pain too there is a cure that is universal and absolute. It is from the Father, through the Son, and it is for each of us who is willing to do all that is necessary to repent. Christ said, “Will ye not now return unto me … and be converted, that I may heal you?” (3)

I know that Jesus Christ can heal each of us and help us triumph over our downfalls. Life isn't always easy, but if we put our trust in God and have hope in the Atonement of Jesus Christ I know we can be healed.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Dayton's Legs

"Have you ever felt lonely? Do you notice those who are lonely, living in a black-and-white world?" (1)
Out of love, a 13-year-old boy in Arizona pushed himself to the limit so that his friend, who has cerebral palsy, could participate with him in a triathlon.

President Thomas S. Monson taught us how to interact with our peers and everyone we meet when he told the young women of the Church, “My precious young sisters, I plead with you to have the courage to refrain from judging and criticizing those around you, as well as the courage to make certain everyone is included and feels loved and valued.” (2)

I love this video because it does exactly what President Monson encourages us to do. To not judge others, but to treat them with kindness and make sure everyone feels included.