God Moves in a Mysterious Way

Have you ever had a day where everything seemed to come together just right at the end, and suddenly you can see why things happened just the way they did? Here's today's story...

It actually started last night when I came home and found a notice in my mailbox that I had missed delivery of certified mail. I was confused, mostly because it was dated 6/10 (and yesterday was definitely not 6/10). I also quickly became concerned, because the only possibility I could come up with in my mind was that the IRS was sending my something additional. I called the post office and asked them to hold the letter, so I could pick it up today.

Well, today I initially thought I'd go at lunch. However, it was cold and rainy... and, silly me, I didn't wear a jacket or take an umbrella to work with me. I mean, honestly, who wears a jacket in June unless they're spending time in the mountains in the evening. (It was 48° and raining, though.) I was going to brave it anyway, but the easiest path to the bus stop was blocked off when I stepped outside. I didn't want to be extra wet by walking farther, but I also didn't think I had time to walk a longer route to the bus stop and still manage to catch the bus. So I gave up and planned to do it after work.

I did ask my boss for permission to leave a little early. Then I went home first--to get a jacket and umbrella. I made it to the post office rather uneventfully and they were able to retrieve and hand over my letter with no difficulties. (It was indeed from the IRS. It says basically the same thing as their first notice, only now it includes no interest on what they say I owe. I've determined they may be one of the most disorganized entities ever... but that's a different story. I'm not too concerned anymore. Yes, I have to keep dealing with them, but at least it's not worse than before.)

In any case, when I left the post office, it wasn't really raining anymore. I also had 10-15 minutes before the next bus came, so I decided to walk a block or two to a different bus stop rather than just standing around. However, I hadn't done more than cross the street when a car pulled up next to me--my grandparents, uncle, and cousin. I certainly hadn't expected to see them there, but on the other had, they didn't exactly expect to see me walking there, either. They offered me a ride home, which I readily accepted.

Now, that might seem happy enough. But what I gathered between the post office and my apartment was that they were on the way to the temple for my cousin to receive his endowment. I said I wish I had known, since I could have planned to go. They pointed out that there was still time before the session, since he had to be there early for his first time. Perfect!!!! I had plenty of time to have a quick dinner and head back out to the temple.

This was serendipitous indeed. There are multiple reasons why I needed this today, and why I believe the Lord led me to be where I was at that moment:

1. The Salt Lake Temple will be closed after this week, until August 5. I needed to make it to an endowment session this week regardless (since I'm not certain how often I'll be able to make it to a temple in the six weeks following). Tonight was as good night as any to go.

2. I am sooooo glad I got to support my cousin. I hope it was a special evening for him. I certainly felt that it was special to be there and see him go for the first time.

3. I was especially glad to be able to offer some help and support to my grandma. I'm amazed she made it through the session, and I'm grateful to the worker(s), who were very helpful. (On a somewhat unrelated note, this was one instance where I really found myself wishing I didn't have a dwarfism. I would have been more helpful if I were taller and had longer arms. There is so much more I could do, from a service perspective. Oh, well. It is what it is, and I did what I could, and there were others there happy to offer assistance.) I really am glad that I was able to offer some moral support, at least. I know Grandma was grateful not to sit alone.

4. I needed a picture still for the 7 days of inspiration... and I snapped a couple on my way to the temple. Without a doubt, that is where I go to feel inspired.

Anyway, between one thing and another, this day has ended much better than it began. And if I hadn't needed to pick up a certified letter from the IRS at the post office (which I'm not certain the post office handled properly, either), the rest would not have happened...

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.

Sisterhood and Unity

I want to preface this post with the fact that I know that there were other messages tonight, and that there may have been other things that stood out to other people. I just know that these are my thoughts right now, after participating in the Women's Meeting.

Luana's drawing (an example of what Primary children can offer)

If I took away anything from the Women's Meeting this evening, it was a message of a need for greater unity, love, and service. From Sister Wixom: "As individuals we are strong. Together, with God, we are unstoppable." From Sister Oscarson: "We must stop concentrating on our differences and look for what we have in common" and "I invite you to not only love each other more but love each other better." From Sister Burton: "Help Wanted: Women to lift one another with love." And from President Eyring: "You are more alike as daughters of God than you are different." This underlying theme struck home on multiple levels.

First, several of the talks mentioned preparing Young Women for the transition to Relief Society, helping them to understand the sisterhood that exists and to have a desire to join this wonderful worldwide sisterhood. This is necessary; it is also necessary for those who are already in Relief Society to open their arms and hearts to those who are joining or returning. We could all be better, more welcoming. I think I speak for many young single adults when I say that it can be very difficult for us to feel like we belong somewhere. But in Relief Society, of all places, we should feel that we belong. I can't limit it just to the young single adults, though. I know there are others who would love to find the friends and support they need. We all need to be more conscious of those who need a hand of friendship. I definitely include myself in that. If Relief Society is about sisterhood, then let's be sisters--daughters of God, and disciples of Jesus Christ. If this is our focus, Relief Society will become a truly welcoming place for all sisters. Also from Sister Burton's talk, "Our true identity is that of a disciple of Jesus Christ!" Let us seek to live up to that identity.

The other thought I had as I considered this was regarding factions that have arisen within the Church. It was mentioned that it is the adversary who wants to divide us and emphasize our differences. If we all believe in and are seeking to live the gospel of Jesus Christ, we have so much in common! I don't believe this means that I have to embrace the things that I still believe to be contrary to the teachings of the gospel. However, I could be better at showing love and compassion, at focusing on our similarities as daughters of God. We are Christ's when we stand together in unity as His disciples. It is the adversary who wants to see us divided against each other. So let's learn to stand together.

All of this brings me to what may have been my favorite moment of the entire meeting: Sister Wixom had the 8-11 year old girls sing the first verse of "Teach Me to Walk in the Light":

Teach me to walk in the light of his love;
Teach me to pray to my Father above;
Teach me to know of the things that are right;
Teach me, teach me to walk in the light.

Then, everyone 12 and up sang the second verse:

Come, little child, and together we'll learn
Of his commandments, that we may return
Home to his presence, to live in his sight--
Always, always to walk in the light.

I couldn't help smiling, and I couldn't help but feel that we were all unified in this desire of teaching and learning together. It is not just the Relief Society that is a worldwide sisterhood. We have a responsibility to the Young Women and the Primary as well, and all three organizations can serve each other. We are all sisters. I believe this is the message that our leaders wanted to convey. Even before the conference, when some people were questioning the wisdom of having a meeting for ages 8 and above, I was very excited! This would be the perfect opportunity for mothers and daughters, for women and girls of all ages, to come together in sisterhood, to learn the gospel together, and to continue discussing the gospel as they returned home. It would be added encouragement for all ages to learn and study together. This was reinforced so strongly for me this evening! There were beautiful messages, meant for all who were there. Reach out in sisterhood! Reach out to those younger than you, and to those older than you. We all need each other, and we all have something to offer. Let us be sure to remember that "[we] are more alike as daughters of God than [we] are different" and focus our energies so that we can say in all integrity, "Our true identity is that of a disciple of Jesus Christ!"

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart...

This morning I was struck by some of Elder Holland's words, as I listened again to his talk from October 2012: The First Great Commandment. As we have often read, "Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets" (New Testament, Matthew 22:38).

Elder Holland's talk was focused on how we demonstrate our love for God, beautifully illustrated through a personal account of the apostles following Christ's resurrection. Many of us have read and reread the New Testament account, where the resurrected Lord visits His apostles on the shores of Galilee and questions Peter: "Lovest thou me?" But Elder Holland's interpretation of the Savior's message is striking: "Then Peter, why are you here? Why are we back on this same shore, by these same nets, having this same conversation? Wasn't it obvious then and isn't it obvious now that if I want fish, I can get fish? What I need, Peter, are disciples—and I need them forever. I need someone to feed my sheep and save my lambs. I need someone to preach my gospel and defend my faith. I need someone who loves me, truly, truly loves me, and loves what our Father in Heaven has commissioned me to do. Ours is not a feeble message. It is not a fleeting task. It is not hapless; it is not hopeless; it is not to be consigned to the ash heap of history. It is the work of Almighty God, and it is to change the world. So, Peter, for the second and presumably the last time, I am asking you to leave all this and to go teach and testify, labor and serve loyally until the day in which they will do to you exactly what they did to me." In other words, Christ may have been asking Peter why he had returned to his former life, after serving with Christ in His ministry and witnessing not only His death, but more importantly His resurrection.

The words hit home even more forcefully as Elder Holland applied this message to us today. First: "So we have neighbors to bless, children to protect, the poor to lift up, and the truth to defend. We have wrongs to make right, truths to share, and good to do. In short, we have a life of devoted discipleship to give in demonstrating our love of the Lord. We can’t quit and we can’t go back. After an encounter with the living Son of the living God, nothing is ever again to be as it was before. The Crucifixion, Atonement, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ mark the beginning of a Christian life, not the end of it." Read that again, especially the following: We can't quit and we can't go back. When we know, we have a responsibility to live and to share. When we have received a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we must hold fast to it!

Next, he issues an invitation to all either to come or to come back, to learn and continue learning and striving to keep the commandments, to make and keep sacred covenants. The following, especially, stood out to me: "I include in that call to fixed faithfulness every returned missionary who ever stood in a baptismal font and with arm to the square said, 'Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ.' That commission was to have changed your convert forever, but it was surely supposed to have changed you forever as well."

My heart breaks as I think of people I love--family, friends--and of people I have never met who have let go, who have turned back. In my responsibility to feed the Lord's sheep, not to quit, not to look back, what can I do? How can I help? The Lord is ever ready to receive those who will turn unto Him. He always loves His children. If my heart breaks as I see those I love turn away, how His heart must break as He sees the same--as He sees those for whom He gave His life turn away from Him. He will always fulfill His covenants, but if we want to receive the blessings promised in those covenants, we must fulfill our part of those covenants. "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" (New Testament, Matthew 23:37). And from the Book of Mormon, "And again, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, who have fallen; yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, ye that dwell at Jerusalem, as ye that have fallen; yea, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens, and ye would not. O ye house of Israel whom I have spared, how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart" (3 Nephi 10:5-6). He is waiting. Will we heed Him? Will we heed His living prophets? Will we return unto Him and allow Him to bless us?

As I pondered on this talk today, I also thought of President Uchtdorf's talk from April 2008, Faith of Our Father. He quote the chorus of the hymn, "Faith of our fathers, holy faith, we will be true to thee till death!" (LDS Hymns, #84). He described the pioneer ancestry of many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, he also mentioned that there are many who do not have pioneer heritage, whose ancestors were of other religions. (In spite of my own pioneer heritage in one line, a mere century ago the faith of my fathers could have included at least the following religions: Catholic, Lutheran, and Church of Ireland.) However, we are not dishonoring them by living the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Rather, we honor them and generations before as we worship the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; the God of Enoch and Noah; the God of Adam and Eve. "The faith of our Father in Heaven has been consistent since the beginning of time, even from before the foundation of this world.... Therefore, do we not owe our allegiance to God, our Heavenly Father?"

President Uchtdorf bears strong and powerful testimony: "I testify that the doctrine of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is the faith of our Heavenly Father. It is His truth, revealed to His servants the prophets from the days of Father Adam until our own time.... Our Heavenly Father loves His children. He hears the prayers of the humble and sincere of every nation, tongue, and people. He grants light to those who seek and honor Him and are willing to obey His commandments. We joyously proclaim that the faith of our Father is on the earth today." Then he also extends an invitation: "We invite everyone on this beautiful planet to taste of His doctrine and see if it is not sweet and good and precious. We ask those of sincere heart to learn of this doctrine and ask their Father in Heaven if it is not true. And by doing so, all can discover, embrace, and walk in the true faith of their Father, which faith will make them whole."

Accept this invitation. This is not a gospel of fear, but a gospel of love. The doctrine teaches us that we can repent and turn to our Heavenly Father and serve Him. By serving His children and sharing His gospel with them, we demonstrate our love for Him. Will we do so? Will we receive the love He is so eager to offer us? "I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me" (LDS Hymns, # 193). I can't possibly understand it. I can't possibly return it. But I can do my best to serve Him by loving serving His children.

These are some of my thoughts. But I also know that each person who studies and prays with faith is entitled to inspiration. I have included links to both conference talks that I have quoted here. Read them for yourself. Ponder on their meaning. Seek the Lord's guidance.

In so many ways, I still feel at a loss as to what I can do. The Lord has asked us all to participate in hastening the work of salvation. There are people I want very much to help, to remind them of the things they already know. But I don't know how. What I do know is that Heavenly Father loves them; they are among His children. Jesus Christ loves them; He suffered and died to atone for their sins and shortcomings, just as He did for me. Perhaps in some way I can help to remind them of that amazing love. I am still learning, too. As I said, I do not understand the love our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ feel for us, nor do I believe that I can understand it in mortality. Similarly, I do not fully understand how to feed Christ's lambs. I am continually reminded that living the commandments, keeping my covenants, living up to my privileges--all require humility and reliance on my Savior, Jesus Christ. I continue to seek His guidance, and I hope that one day I can answer, as Elder Holland describes in his talk: "the voice of Christ comes ringing down through the halls of time, asking each one of us while there is time, 'Do you love me?' And for every one of us, I answer with my honor and my soul, 'Yea, Lord, we do love thee.' And having set our 'hand to the plough,' we will never look back until this work is finished and love of God and neighbor rules the world."

Train Up a Child in the Way he Should Go...

I have sometimes heard it suggested that parents should not "force" their beliefs on their children, but rather let the children decide for themselves what they will do and believe. This may come most often from those who are not parents, but some who are parents take this route and interpret it to mean that they should not teach their children their religion. The first time I remember hearing this concept in a direct way (rather than just observing it), I was shocked. (I won't say which religion was mentioned specifically then, because I don't want to point fingers, because they represented what I'm certain is a minority, and because I believe this attitude extends across religions.) Judeo-Christian beliefs should hold to the proverb "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Old Testament, Proverbs 22:6). However, this group of which the article spoke seemed to believe children would turn out "just fine" without this training.

The biggest problem I see with this attitude relates to moral agency. Some might suggest that children are given greater agency when left to decide for themselves. It's not true! "Wherefore, the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself. Wherefore, man could not act for himself save it should be that he was enticed by the one or the other" (Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 2:16). We must be enticed by the one or the other. In order for this to be the case, we must have some understanding of both things--both good and evil. That is, we must know the difference between good and evil. If we don't know, are we really choosing? Do we even have the ability to choose?

Throughout the last several days, another scripture has kept coming to mind: "And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents" (Doctrine & Covenants 68:25). That is powerful! Not only are parents who do not teach their children the gospel limiting their children's agency, they are jeopardizing their own salvation. That is quite the paradox, as well--in an effort to allow their children to choose, they actually limit their children's agency as well as their own (since any person's agency is limited by the sins of which they have not repented).

I am grateful to my parents for teaching me the gospel of Jesus Christ and giving me the freedom to make decisions. As my knowledge and understanding increased, and as I demonstrated to them that they could trust me in that knowledge and understanding, there were decisions that I was allowed to make on my own--some small, some larger. I think they always expressed in some way what they thought or felt, but the decision was mine to make.

Even when it came to baptism, I was not forced to be baptized! However, I was taught "to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old," and as my eighth birthday approached, I was excited to be baptized. Perhaps I didn't fully understand at that time. In fact, I'm certain I didn't. But I had been taught to love the gospel, and I knew that my Heavenly Father loved me and that it was what He wanted me to do.

I was allowed to make my own decisions in such cases as a fifth grade field trip that my mom wasn't overly excited about, skipping a grade in school, and many other (often smaller) things. I was always encouraged to pray, but unless they knew something would be harmful to me, many decisions were mine to make, even if I was still very young.

Another argument would be for individuality. Some might say that teaching your children your beliefs, "forcing" them to believe, does not allow them to develop as their own individuals. Again, they have it backwards! Children will follow something--they have a natural inclination and even a need to follow something. If they do not learn that something at home, where will they learn it? Whom or what will they follow? We establish individual identity not by breaking away from the traditions of our parents, but by holding fast to our Heavenly Father's plan and understanding that we are His children. Above all, I am a child of God, and nothing is more important in defining my identity or individuality. It is because I was raised in the gospel of Jesus Christ that I know who I am and what I can become.

Because I was taught the gospel, I feel that I have far greater freedom and independence than I would otherwise have. I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father, and as such, I have a divine potential. Without that knowledge, my choices would be severely limited. But I do know. And because I know, and because I continue to study and learn and rely on the Spirit, my choices expand as my ability to discern between good and evil increases.

Those who have the restored gospel of Jesus Christ would do well to remember Lehi's words to his son Jacob: "Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise" (Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 2:8). We have a responsibility to teach the gospel, especially to our own families, not because we want to take away their agency, but because a person cannot choose without knowing all of the options.

We do not limit our children by teaching them to believe in Christ and in His gospel. Rather, we expand their horizons and open so many more opportunities to them, both now and in the eternities. Neglecting to teach them limits them. Teaching them opens the world to them and opens their minds and hearts to receive truth wherever it is to be found. Which do you want for your children?

Decisions, Decisions

To add to necessary decision-making, I have been debating whether or not to post these thoughts. I believe I will now, not because I want to complain or ask for sympathy (I don't!), but because I know there are others whose feelings are much the same as mine, though our individual stories differ. I've read some similar thoughts recently, and I've talked with friends and acquaintances whose feelings and desires are much the same.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about various things—specifically how my life has not necessarily gone how I had planned or hoped or dreamed. Now, I’m not saying that I’m unhappy with where I am or with the things I have been able to do. Honestly, my life is pretty good. And I know I’ve been able to offer help to family and friends, to join activities on the spur of the moment, to do many things that I might not be able to do if I had my dream and were a wife and a mother. However, as the days go by, I find that my greatest desire becomes more and more unreachable... and yet the desire has not decreased, and I also still feel that I would readily give up everything for it. Sometimes I feel a lot like Rapunzel in Tangled: “When will my life begin?” To paraphrase the title of a blog I saw early this week, I am happy with my life... but I also can't help feeling that there is something missing.

I think part of the reason I’ve been thinking so much is because I struggle with making major life decisions. Does anyone find it easy, though? And there are so many decisions I never planned on making alone…

I do realize that marriage is a major life decision, which impacts both the present and eternity. The difference is that I have always planned on making that decision. But as time goes on, I wonder whether I will have an opportunity to make that decision.

All through Young Women, we were taught the importance of marriage and motherhood. Education was also emphasized, and for me that was also a given. So until just before I turned 21, my life was pretty well planned out. Were there still decisions to make? Certainly, but they all fell within a track that I had always planned to follow. I left home to study, I enjoyed my time at school, and I completed my bachelor’s degree.

At that point, I still wasn’t entirely at a loss for what to do next. I had always considered serving a mission as a possibility at least, and sometime during my studies I began to feel strongly that it was what I should do. But this also brought its challenges. I was prepared to go and had my papers completed in early May 2004—three months before my 21st birthday. Because of circumstances outside of my control, I was not able to begin serving until July 2005. During that time of waiting, I often found myself wondering what my next step should be. What if it didn’t work out, despite the strong impressions I continued to have that serving a mission was the right choice for me? What was I going to do?

When I was finally called, it was as a service missionary in Family and Church History. Because of this (the timing and the fact that it was a service mission), my original plan was to serve for a year. This made sense, since I had graduated with a teaching certificate and would need time to find a job. But as the end of that year approached, I found myself once again faced with a decision, and nothing felt quite right. I looked at the options for teaching and sent out my teaching portfolio to a couple of school districts, including one where I knew there was a German teacher leaving her position. I never heard from any of them. I toyed with the idea of going back to BYU to get a master’s degree there. But I wasn’t sure of that, either. In the meantime, I received an unquestionable answer through the Holy Ghost that I was to extend my mission for another 6 months. I did that eagerly, knowing that there was a good chance I would never teach after that, and not knowing for sure what would come next.

Somewhere during that time, I also realized how much I enjoyed the work I was doing. I began to hope that there might be a small possibility of being hired on after my mission and continuing the work I was already doing. In this, too, I did not know anything immediately, although ultimately I was not disappointed. After extending my mission, I finished just before Christmas 2006. I spent the holiday with my family, and it was not until a day or two before coming back to Salt Lake that I received a call letting me know I would have a temporary (six month) position. Until then, I had once again been wondering where I would go and what I would do next.

Since I only had a temporary position, I tried to put out some feelers during those six months, watching for other job openings in the Family History Department (things I might actually qualify for…), as well as applying for a couple of openings at the public library. Again, nothing: not even a courtesy email or phone call to let me know I had not been chosen. I was searching myself, wondering again where I might be able to go next, hoping it would be somewhere I would enjoy. Thankfully, I was eventually hired on permanently, but I was again left hanging; HR actually extended my temp position by a couple of weeks, and at the end of that time, I finally received a full-time offer.

This sounds like a lot of blessings, and I will definitely admit that such is the case. But part of the reason this was difficult for me is because I had never really planned on looking for a career. My youngest sister asked me a few years ago, “When you were my age, did you know what you wanted to be when you grew up?” I told her no, but that wasn’t entirely true; my mom overheard and answered, “Yes. A mother.” And it’s true.

So here I am, and I’m facing another decision. One I never imagined having to make. I turn 31 next summer, which means the end of being a “young single adult” in the Church. So what’s next? I’m not eager to go to a mid-single’s ward. They’re too big, and I don’t want to feel like I’m required to have a car just to go to a ward, anyway. What then? I would love to be in a ward where I could serve in Primary or Young Women’s. But for where I live now, that would require special permission, since the family wards in the local stake are typically only for those who have families. I’ve seriously considered moving. But it scares me. Besides, right now I live in a perfect location for work, for many activities of various kinds, for attending the temple, for visiting the Family History Library, and so forth. If I move, I’ll have to commute to work. I’ll have to have much more careful planning for attending the temple and for any evening activities. I may have to get a car.

And so I feel a little lost. On the one hand, it would be really nice to buy a house, to have a place that is truly my own. On the other hand… well, let’s just say that it is not a decision I ever planned to make alone. And when it comes right down to it, there are so many things I wouldn’t be able to take care of on my own: from things as simple as changing a light bulb, on to bigger things like caring for a yard and shoveling snow.

So what do I do? Where do I go from here? As I’ve already said, I would willingly give up what I have now to marry and have a family. That has always been my dream. But it may never happen; I’m gradually becoming resigned to that, though I hate the idea of going through the rest of life alone.

Perhaps I feel a bit like Zacharias and Elisabeth, who say in the production Savior of the World that they have not given up hope, but that they have given up their demands. I can't demand that the Lord give me my desires--not even when they are righteous desires. But I can continue to hope and pray and trust in Him, that (to quote Zacharias and Elisabeth in Savior of the World again), "He will fulfill His promises... in His own due time."

Until then, I guess I have some decisions to make. Alone. Not without prayer. Not without seeking advice where I feel I need it. But still alone.

My own Advent Calendar?

Last year I looked for "Christmas good" during the month of December. This year, instead, I will make it an extension of the gratitude posts from November. However, as we approach our celebration of Christ's birth, instead of just expressing gratitude for anything and everything, I will specifically be looking for those blessings, each day, that come because of Jesus Christ.

1 December 2013. I am blessed to have been able to partake of the sacrament today (and each Sunday). Because of Jesus Christ's atonement and because of the covenants I have made with Him, I can repent, renew my covenants, and draw nearer to Him. "And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you" (New Testament, Luke 22:19-20).

2 December 2013. I am blessed to feel joy in the love of the Lord each day, to know that He desires my well-being and wants me to progress and draw nearer to Him. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved" (New Testament, John 3:16-17). "And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?" (Book of Mormon, Alma 5:26).

3 December 2013. I am blessed to be able to study the words of the Savior, Jesus Christ, in the scriptures each day--specifically right now in the New Testament--and to learn more of Him and of His divine attributes and of the path to eternal life. "Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life" (New Testament, John 6:67-68). "For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children" (Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 4:15).

4 December 2013. I am blessed to have the Gift of the Holy Ghost, to be allowed to have the Spirit of the Lord as a constant companion if I strive to follow Him. "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (New Testament, John 14:26-27). "And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things" (Book of Mormon, Moroni 10:5).

5 December 2013. I am blessed to have moral agency: the freedom to choose between right and wrong, to choose to follow Jesus Christ. This was Heavenly Father's plan, in which Christ volunteered to be our Savior. This is the plan I chose, and I am still blessed with this moral agency. "And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given. Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself" (Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 2:26-27).

6 December 2013. I am blessed to have the words of living prophets, from which I can study and learn. Prophets teach of Jesus Christ, testify of Him, and prepare us for His coming--the same now as in ancient days. "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets" (Old Testament, Amos 3:7). "Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled. What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same" (Doctrine & Covenants 1:37-38).

7 December 2013. I am blessed to live in a beautiful world, where I can experience sunrises and sunsets, seasons, and so much variety that contributes to the beauty. I know all light and beauty originates in Jesus Christ. "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth" (Old Testament, Genesis 1:1). "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made" (New Testament, John 1: 3). "That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God" (Doctrine & Covenants 76:24).

8 December 2013. I am blessed to have music in my life--right now Christmas music, especially. This isn't as a big a stretch as it might seem. After all, Jesus Christ created this earth, including birds that sing. And he created us, humans, with voices, with the ability to create and play instruments. And in many, many instances, music is intended to praise the Lord. I know of no better way to praise the Lord than in song, which also lifts me and helps me feel nearer to Him. "Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord" (Psalm 150).

9 December 2013. I am blessed simply to be alive and to experience so many different things each day, to have the opportunity to learn and grow and progress and eventually to return to Heavenly Father. He placed me here on earth so that I can someday return to Him and become like Him. "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them" (Old Testament, Genesis 1:26-27). "For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Pearl of Great Price, Moses 1:39).

10 December 2013. I am blessed to be able to see, and especially to experience light. Sometimes I forget how important light is to my happiness until the dreary winter sets in again. Jesus Christ is the light of the world, through Whom all things are illuminated. It is significant that we celebrate the birth of the Light of the World during the darkest part of the year (at least in the Northern hemisphere). "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (New Testament, John 8:12). "He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death" (Book of Mormon, Mosiah 16:9). "Hearken and listen to the voice of him who is from all eternity to all eternity, the Great I Am, even Jesus Christ— The light and the life of the world; a light which shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not" (Doctrine & Covenants 39:1-2).

11 December 2013. I am blessed to see, receive, and give service. As with many things, Jesus Christ was the perfect example of service. Here are just a couple of illustrations of His service: "And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus’ feet; and he healed them: somuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel" (New Testament, Matthew 15:30-31). "And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full" (New Testament, Matthew 14:19-20).

12 December 2013. I am blessed to experience joy--other emotions as well, but especially joy! "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (New Testament, Luke 2:8-14). "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy" (Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 2:25).

13 December 2013. I am blessed to be able to breathe. I know this goes along with being alive, but sometimes I take it for granted. Then we experience an inversion, including terrible air quality, and I am reminded again of what a blessing it is that I can breathe. "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul" (Old Testament, Genesis 2:7). "I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants" (Book of Mormon, Mosiah 2:21).

14 December 2013. I am blessed to find peace--an inner peace that comes from placing faith in Jesus Christ, even when all around us is uncertain. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (New Testament, Luke 2:14). "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (New Testament, John 14:27). "Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world" (Book of Mormon, Helaman 5:47).

15 December 2013. I am blessed to be part of a ward (congregation) where we, as friends, can study and learn the gospel of Jesus Christ together and support one another in our mutual goal to return to our Father in Heaven. "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (New Testament, Matthew 18:20). "Behold, it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather together, and stand in holy places" (Doctrine & Covenants 101:22).

16 December 2013. I am blessed to be able to pray--to know that my petitions, in the name of Jesus Christ, will be heard and answered. In this same vein, I am blessed to know that while the answers may not always be what I want, I will receive answers. "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen" (New Testament, Matthew 6:9-13). "Whatsoever thing ye shall ask in faith, believing that ye shall receive in the name of Christ, ye shall receive it" (Book of Mormon, Enos 1:15).

17 December 2013. I am blessed to be a small part of the work of salvation, including that of redeeming the dead--extending the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ to all people. "For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit" (New Testament, 1 Peter 4:6). "Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing. Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained, before the world was, that which would enable us to redeem them out of their prison; for the prisoners shall go free" (Doctrine & Covenants 128:22).

18 December 2013. I am blessed to be part of a community where people of various faiths join together in worship, each acknowledging Christ as the Savior and celebrating His birth. May we remember the things we have in common instead of focusing on our differences! "...They shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd" (New Testament, John 10:16). "And it came to pass in the thirty and sixth year, the people were all converted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land, both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another. And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift" (Book of Mormon, 4 Nephi 1:2-3).

19 December 2013. I am blessed to have received ordinances of the gospel for myself and to be able to participate in these same ordinances again on behalf of others--helping them to progress, and being able to learn more myself. "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?" (New Testament, 1 Corinthians 15:29). "Again I say, hearken ye elders of my church, whom I have appointed: Ye are not sent forth to be taught, but to teach the children of men the things which I have put into your hands by the power of my Spirit; And ye are to be taught from on high. Sanctify yourselves and ye shall be endowed with power, that ye may give even as I have spoken" (Doctrine & Covenants 43:15-16).

20 December 2013. I am blessed to have the commandments of the Lord by which to live my life--an unchanging standard by which to measure my commitment to my Savior and to His gospel. I am not perfect, but I have clear standards that allow me to see my progress and improve each day. "I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me" (Old Testament, Exodus 20:2-3). "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (New Testament, John 14:15). "Seek to bring forth and establish my Zion. Keep my commandments in all things. And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God" (Doctrine & Covenants 14:6-7).

21 December 2013. I am blessed to have truth, and to have the means to study and learn and come to know the truth. "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (New Testament, John 8:31-32). "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (New Testament, John 14:6). "Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God" (Book of Mormon, Alma 17:2).

22 December 2013. I am blessed with talents and the opportunity to share and develop them, often as a means of glorifying God, along with the ability to appreciate and enjoy others' talents. I know the talents in the parable in Matthew 25 were a form of money, but the concept applies to talents we develop in life, as well: "For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath" (New Testament, Matthew 25:29). "And all this for the benefit of the church of the living God, that every man may improve upon his talent, that every man may gain other talents, yea, even an hundred fold, to be cast into the Lord’s storehouse, to become the common property of the whole church-- Every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God" (Doctrine & Covenants 82:18-19).

23 December 2013. I am blessed to have the restored gospel in my life--restored through Joseph Smith under the direction of Jesus Christ. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed" (New Testament, James 1:5-6). "I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!" (Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith--History 1:16-17).

24 December 2013. I am blessed to be able to celebrate each Christmas Eve spending time with family, including listening to the story of the first Christmas as found in Luke--perhaps most especially the message of the angels to the shepherds, which clearly describes the mission of Jesus Christ. "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:10-14). "Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets. Behold, I come unto my own, to fulfil all things which I have made known unto the children of men from the foundation of the world, and to do the will, both of the Father and of the Son—of the Father because of me, and of the Son because of my flesh. And behold, the time is at hand, and this night shall the sign be given" (Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi 1:13-14).

25 December 2013. I am blessed to know of the eternal nature of families--that through the atonement of Jesus Christ and through covenants, I can be with my family not just for time, but for all eternity. "And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed" (Old  Testament, Genesis 12:2-3). "The Prophet Elijah was to plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to their fathers, Foreshadowing the great work to be done in the temples of the Lord in the dispensation of the fulness of times, for the redemption of the dead, and the sealing of the children to their parents, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse and utterly wasted at his coming" (Doctrine & Covenants 138:47-48).

26 December 2013. I am blessed to be a small part of the Lord's work, which continues to roll forth throughout the earth. "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure" (Old Testament, Daniel 2:44-45). "And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God" (New Testament, Acts 5:38-39). "Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men. Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day. Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work; For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul; And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work. Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence. Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen" (Doctrine & Covenants 4:1-7).

27 December 2013. I am blessed to have parents, grandparents, and others who have taught me the gospel and faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. "...When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also" (New Testament, 2 Timothy 1:5). "I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days" (Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 1:1).

28 December 2013. I am blessed to know of the beauty of forgiveness (both giving and receiving), and of the peace that it brings, through the atonement of Jesus Christ. "And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house" (New Testament, Matthew 9:2-7). "Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin. I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men. And ye ought to say in your hearts—let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds" (Doctrine & Covenants 64:9-11).

29 December 2013. I am blessed to see Christlike love manifest through His servants--through leaders here on earth, who show genuine interest and concern for their flock (His flock). "So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep" (New Testament, John 21:25-17). "Wherefore it came to pass that my father, Lehi, as he went forth prayed unto the Lord, yea, even with all his heart, in behalf of his people" (Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 1:5).

30 December 2013. I am blessed to enjoy the beauty and wonder of creation--today, specifically, animals both large and small. "And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. And the evening and the morning were the fifth day. And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good" (Old Testament, Genesis 1:20-25).

31 December 2013. I am blessed to see new beginnings: right now, the end of one year and the beginning of a new one. But there are also many other ways of beginning anew, including daily repentance. "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1). "Yea, repent and be baptized, every one of you, for a remission of your sins; yea, be baptized even by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost" (D&C 33:11).

Gratitude for the Atonement

I know I have a relatively small audience, so having a guest blogger might seem a little odd. However, a coworker and good friend, Joel Conte, shared the talk he gave yesterday with me this morning. I loved the pure doctrine and testimony of gratitude--specifically gratitude for the Atonement--so I asked permission to share it. I'll leave it to speak for itself. Enjoy!

Introduction

This month as we usher in the day of Thanksgiving, I have been reading daily expressions of gratitude from friends and family. In the same style of the Advent calendar for Christmas, each day I open the door to read messages of thanks like: Day 1: “I am thankful for health and family.” Day 11: “I am thankful for the veterans and armed forces who protect our freedoms”, and so on and so forth. A friend even encouraged me to join in the festivities of daily expressions of gratitude. While my initial reaction was to be a Scrooge, I knew deep down inside I have much to be thankful for. I thought I could sneak through the month as a “persona non grateful”. Somehow, God knew I needed to publicly express my thanks and granted me the blessing to speak before you today. Day 24: “I am thankful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ and for the blessings we receive because of it.”

Atonement

As used in the scriptures, to atone is to suffer the penalty for sins, thereby removing the effects of sin from the repentant sinner and allowing him or her to be reconciled to God. Jesus Christ was the only one capable of carrying out the Atonement for all mankind. Because of His Atonement, all people will be resurrected, and those who obey His gospel will receive the gift of eternal life with God. We have hope through the Atonement of Christ to be raised unto life eternal.

Jesus's atoning sacrifice took place in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross at Calvary. In Gethsemane He submitted to the will of the Father and began to take upon Himself the sins of all people. The Savior continued to suffer for our sins when He allowed Himself to be crucified—“lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world” (1 Nephi 11:33).

Jesus Christ redeems all people from the effects of the Fall [of Adam and Eve]. All people who have ever lived on the earth and who ever will live on the earth will be resurrected and brought back into the presence of God to be judged (see 2 Nephi 2:5-10; Helaman 14:15-17). Through the Savior's gift of mercy and redeeming grace, we will all receive the gift of immortality and live forever in glorified, resurrected bodies.

The Atonement of the Savior is the greatest event in history. President Gordon B. Hinckley declared: “No other act in all of human history compares with it. Nothing that has ever happened can match it. Totally unselfish and with unbounded love for all mankind, it became an unparalleled act of mercy for the whole human race.”

Gratitude for the Atonement

Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation and thankfulness for blessings or benefits we have received. As we cultivate a grateful attitude, we are more likely to be happy and spiritually strong. We should regularly express our gratitude to God for the blessings He gives us and to others for the kind acts they do for us.

If we understood the great love the Savior had for us when He atoned for our sins, we would always love Him, be grateful to Him, and keep His commandments.

As President Joseph Fielding Smith (1876–1972) observed:

“One of the greatest sins, both in magnitude and extent … is the sin of ingratitude. When we violate a commandment, no matter how small and insignificant we may think it to be, we show our ingratitude to our Redeemer. It is impossible for us to comprehend the extent of his suffering when he carried the burden of the sins of the whole world, a punishment so severe that we are informed that blood came from the pores of his body, and this was before he was taken to the cross. The punishment of physical pain coming from the nails driven in his hands and feet, was not the greatest of his suffering, excruciating as that surely was. The greater suffering was the spiritual and mental anguish coming from the load of our transgressions which he carried. If we understood the extent of that suffering and his suffering on the cross, surely none of us would willfully be guilty of sin. We would not give way to the temptations, the gratification of unholy appetites and desires and Satan could find no place in our hearts. As it is, whenever we sin, we show our ingratitude and disregard of the suffering of the Son of God by and through which we shall rise from the dead and live forever. If we really understood and could feel even to a small degree, the love and gracious willingness on the part of Jesus Christ to suffer for our sins we would be willing to repent of all our transgressions and serve him.”

The Virtues of the Atonement

As there is an opposition in all things, ingratitude is gratitude’s opposite. Gratitude is to Ingratitude as Humility is to Pride and as Selflessness is to Selfishness. As we choose to disobey our Heavenly Father’s commandments, we increase our ingratitude for the Savior’s Atonement. As we choose to ignore the mercy of the Savior’s sacrifice and boast of our own feats and fortune, we increase our pride. Pride became the downfall of the Nephites. Beware of ingratitude, pride, and selfishness. Because the Atonement enacted for us mercy, redemption, and eternal life, we are blessed with the desire to put into living practice the virtues of gratitude, humility, and selflessness.

Gratitude as a Virtue

Jesus taught about the virtue of gratitude through the account of His service to the ten lepers. In the book of Luke, chapter 17, we read:

Luke 17:12-19

12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

President Thomas S. Monson taught:

“Through divine intervention, those who were lepers were spared from a cruel, lingering death and given a new lease on life. The expressed gratitude by one merited the Master’s blessing, the ingratitude shown by the nine His disappointment.”

Again, our living prophet warns of the undesirable effects of ingratitude:

“Like the leprosy of yesteryear are the plagues of today. They linger; they debilitate; they destroy. They are to be found everywhere. Their pervasiveness knows no boundaries. We know them as selfishness, greed, indulgence, cruelty, and crime, to identify but a few. Surfeited with their poison, we tend to criticize, to complain, to blame, and, slowly but surely, to abandon the positives and adopt the negatives of life.

We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues.”

Humility as a Virtue

The sermon of the unprofitable servant teaches humility as a virtue. King Benjamin in the Book of Mosiah depicts the ultimate example of humility:

Mosiah 2:20-22
20 I say unto you, my brethren, that if you should render all the thanks and praise which your whole soul has power to possess, to that God who has created you, and has kept and preserved you, and has caused that ye should rejoice, and has granted that ye should live in peace one with another—

21 I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants.

22 And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you.

We are truly humbled when we realize just how much God has blessed us and yet how little He requires of us.

Increase Gratitude for the Atonement

How do we increase our gratitude for the Atonement? Through daily prayer, repentance, and the partaking of the sacrament.

Gratitude may be increased by constantly reflecting on our blessings and giving thanks for them in our daily prayers. A constant expression of gratitude [for the Atonement] should be included in all our prayers. Often in our prayers we ask for specific blessings on the behalf of others which reflects our selflessness. We also show humility when we pray as we ask God for forgiveness and repent of our sins.

Through repentance we can apply the Atonement in our lives as we become humbled, seek cleanliness, and receive forgiveness for our sins. Repentance is more than simply acknowledging wrongdoings. It is a change of mind and heart. It includes turning away from sin and turning to God for forgiveness. It is motivated by love for God and the sincere desire to obey His commandments. Repentance not only helps us to feel good from within, but it empowers us to do good unto others around us and to see the good in all things God has granted us.

When we partake of the sacrament, we reflect on our Elder Brother’s atoning sacrifice. The sacred ordinance of the blessing of the bread and water symbolize the shedding of Christ’s flesh and blood. The sacrament allows us to renew our baptismal covenants and become clean. We cannot be saved nor become perfected without it. 

 
Conclusion

We should thank our Heavenly Father for His Plan of Salvation and for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We should practice the virtues of the Atonement by showing gratitude, humility, and selflessness. To show gratitude to our Heavenly Father, we acknowledge His hand in all things, thank Him for all that He gives us, keep His commandments, and serve others. We can increase our gratitude through daily prayer, repentance, and partaking of the sacrament. When we pray to Our Heavenly Father, we should especially thank Him for His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, for the Savior's great example, for His teachings, for His outreaching hand to lift and help, for His infinite Atonement. May we always be grateful for this wonderful gift, the Atonement of the Son of God, our Savior and Redeemer. [Amen]