Obedience

Two months ago the July issue of the ensign had an article by Elder M. Russel Ballard that talked about "Sharing the Gospel Using the Internet". This asked us as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to share our testimonies and thoughts about the gospel through the Internet. Now days we have infinite access to millions of people through emails, blogs, personal websites, etc. After reading his message I came away from feeling touched by the spirit, I felt great inspiration and motivation to share my testimony with those around me. I felt obligated to share the truth of the gospel with those around me. Elder Ballard expressed that it is our duty as church members to share our feelings and beliefs with those around us and those who we may come in contact with in any form (aka email forwards, blogs, etc) The article was wonderful. Now, obviously if you have been reading my petty blog post the past couple moths you will know that I have been posting on things such as: my new favorite cereal ...or my fabulous new shoes....or surprise, another post about how much I LOVE MY HUSBAND. The point is, I have not hearkened to the council of my leaders! I have not shared any gospel principals on my blog...I have not born my testimony... I have not expressed thoughts about the gospel, I have not discussed lessons from church that have sparked my interest. Shame on me. Thus the purpose for this post.

In July's Issue I felt the brethren asked us (ME) to try (NOT TO TRY BUT TO DO) and make an effort to do something (that something is, use the Internet as a positive tool to share the gospel) and up until this point, I have not done that. This morning as I was reading the First Presidency message in the September Ensign, I could not help but think back to what I was asked to do two months ago. I also felt a strong desire to share this message with any and everyone who wants to read it. Not only because I was asked to share my thoughts and testimony through the web, (AKA BLOG) but because it is my obligation to be obedient, (as you will find out from President Eyrings and Clarks message below) it is what heavenly father expects of me. Who am I to pick and choose the things that I will and won't do? These are errands from my father in heaven. These are direct requests from a heavenly father who has given me more than I can ever given back. Who am I and who are we to ever think twice about not doing any and EVERYTHING he asks of us? I received a mighty swift kick in the pants on this one after reading a WONDERFUL part of a talk that was given by President J. Ruben Clark, he warned us about being selective in what we will obey, he put it this way:

"The Lord has given us nothing that is useless or unnecessary. He has filled the Scriptures with the things which we should do in order that we may gain salvation, When we partake of the Sacrament we covenant to obey and keep his commandments. There are no exceptions. There are no distinctions, no differences."

President Eyring goes on to say, "President Clark taught that just as we repent of all sin, not just a single sin, we pledge to keep all the commandments. Hard as that sounds, it is uncomplicated. WE simply submit to the authority of the Savior and promise to be obedient to whatever he commands. Faith can turn our call as home teachers or visiting teachers into an errand from the lord. WE go for him, at his command."

This message truly touched me. It made me realize how truly important it is to completely OBEY our father in heaven and ALL his council...not just selective parts! This post is not to preach, it is me sharing my thoughts about something that I have a firm belief and testimony in. I have learned that obedience brings so much happiness and so many blessings. Heavenly father is so loving and so very kind. I am so thankful for a loving father in heaven who is watching over us and guiding our life, every second of every day. I am so thankful for a heavenly father who asks so very little of us, and in return gives so much. I am so grateful for my savior and for his incredible sacrifice for me. He went through unimaginable pain. He suffered He bled, and he died....all in hopes that I will make it back to his presence again some day. What an amazing gift he gave to me...and to all of us. I can not express the love and gratitude I have for both my savior and my father in heaven. I am so thankful for the knowledge I have of the plan of salvation. I am so thankful to know that I am sealed to my family and will live with my them forever, beyond the grave. I am so thankful to know that I am sealed to my husband for all eternity, that this earthly life is just our first estate and our journey together will continue far beyond our years here on this earth. I am so thankful to know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the one true Church. I know these are simple truths but they are the foundation and cornerstones of the gospel, and I am truly thankful for the sure knowledge of them. My life is truly blessed. To do the things I am asked of and be obedient in all things is the least I can do to repay my savior and my father in heaven for all the wonderful blessings they have bestowed upon me. Thanks for letting me share my thoughts and feelings!! I hope the message that Elder Eyring's and Clark's words will touch you the way they did me! Have a great day!! Love ya!

For more information about the LDS church or Elder Eyrings message visit the following links:
www.lds.org
www.mormon.org

ps...this invite is to any and everyone who wants to participate....regular bloggers, semi regular, once in a while bloggers, whoever... I thought it might be kinda fun to start blogging here and there about gospel topics... just a thought, a topic, and message, a quote, whatever, whenever, as little or as much as you'd like, something that we can share with each other to help keep the spirit in our life, and help lift each other up...and keep us moving in the right direction. Maybe one of us is having a bad day, maybe we need a little inspiration, maybe we are preparing a talk for the upcoming sunday, maybe we just need a little inspiration, maybe we came across something we just really want to share... maybe we just having something on our mind...if we all share something here and there with each other about the gospel, we can help strengthen each other and hopefully help strengthen others around us too! I think it can be something really great and a great way to share the gospel!! Anybody interested?? Let me know!! I'd love to hear peoples thoughts, messages, testiomonies, advice, etc... any and everything!! Let me know what you all think! :)