Seek The Lord Often

As I was doing some research for a project in my New Testament class, I came across an article that talks about perfectionism. It reminded me of the battle I have had throughout my life. I used to struggle immensely with perfectionism. I used to think my imperfections were sins and that I was required to become perfect simply by trying harder. Christ was there to help me, but he needed me to do all the work. I definitely tried to be perfect for others and not for Heavenly Father. I tried to be perfect for my teachers and for my mission president. I wanted them to think I was intelligent and capable. I failed to realize that falling short is inevitable and that it is part of living in a fallen world. I strived so hard on my mission to please my mission president; so much so that I sometimes lost sight of why I was really doing the missionary work. I lost the love part and just did things out of fear that I would never measure up. I remember that one of my companions reminde...

To open up my New Testament class today, we sang "Master the Tempest is Raging" a Capella. The harmonies were beautiful and the message and spirit of the hymn overtook me. There is something about music that touches the soul. The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is very adamant about the power of music to inspire, protect and convert. Sometimes the Holy Ghost can just fill us with so much joy and excitement that we can't help but sing and smile. I have felt the Holy Ghost lift me more times than I can count.  When I contemplate the beauties of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I think of President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk in October 2007 entitled " Have we Not Reason to Rejoice ." Sometimes I am saddened by what I see on campus at BYU. Instead of seeing joy and excitement on the faces of students, I often see worry, pain and discouragement. Brigham Young University certainly provides a rigorous education and inspi...

I would like to expound on a few miracles of Christ in the second chapter of John that illustrate how he can take us as the dirty sinners we are and make us clean. The first account I wish to address is that of Jesus turning water to wine at a wedding in Cana. The water that Jesus turned to wine was “after the manner of the purifying of the Jews.” In other words, it was dirty bath water. Brother Griffin reminded us of the symbolism in this. He talked of how Christ took the bitter cup (dirty bath water) and made it sweet (wine). This reminds me of the song entitled “ Savior, Redeemer of my Soul .” Here is the first verse: 1. Savior, Redeemer of my soul, Whose mighty hand hath made me whole, Whose wondrous pow'r hath raised me up    And filled with sweet my bitter cup!    What tongue my gratitude can tell,   O gracious God of Israel I love the part that says “and filled with sweet my bitter cup.” O...

I am in the library trying to do homework, but I've been having a hard time focusing. This beautiful piece of music popped into my mind. The soloist is Shane Warby, who was the computer technician at Canyon View Junior High when I attended. This song is in our hymn book, but it is seldom sung. The message is magnificent. Never forget the power of music to ward off discouragement, depression and temptation. The scriptures teach this very fact. Doctrine and Covenants 10:5 5 Pray always that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work. Doctrine and Covenants 25:12 12 For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads. The next time you feel lost, seek your Father in Heaven through prayer or even through song. He will help you. He has helped me. Lyrics 1. Does...

I loved the quote that Brother Griffin shared in class on Thursday (9/11) from President Henry B. Eyring that says, “ I cannot promise academic success or perfect families. Nor can I tell you the way in which He will honor His promise of adding blessings upon you. But I can promise you that if you will go to Him in prayer and ask what He would have you do next, promising that you will put His kingdom first, He will answer your prayer and He will keep His promise to add upon your head blessings, enough and to spare. Those apparent prison walls of “not enough time” will begin to recede, even as you are called to do more. ” (“Education for Real Life”October 2002) This quote really hit me because I have been struggling to manage my time well. I feel like I don’t have a lot to do but that I still manage to drag my assignments out until the last minute and I end up feeling rushed. After I heard this quote and after the Regional Conference on Sunday with Elder Nelson and Elder Scott, ...

As an assignment for my New Testament class this semester, I have been asked to share what I learn with others. I thought about how the Brethren have encouraged us to share goodness and I decided to start a blog about what I have learned both in my New Testament class and just life in general. I know that Jesus Christ lives and that he loves me and each of his children. His atonement has lifted me more times than I can count. I am especially grateful for the gift of prayer and for inspired priesthood leaders who have helped me get to know my Savior better. I hope that those who read this blog can come a little closer to Christ and truly become his friend. He loves us and we are never out of his reach. I hope you can also share His goodness and the good news of his gospel plan with others.