On the Third Day He Rose

The last week of the Saviors mortal life was filled with many miracles, teachings, and blessings. It began with his triumphal entry into Jerusalem after which he cleansed the temple and taught many precious truths including the Parable of the 10 Virgins. He instituted the sacrament as an offering of Himself to His disciples while knowing that one of his closest friends would betray Him. He spent the last week of His life showing love to His neighbors only to be rejected and ridiculed by the very same people. What does this teach me about my Savior? That His love is bigger than anything I can comprehend and nothing I can say or do will take it away.

The last days of His life were of most importance. They were the very reason He came to Earth.  They were His mission.  They were vital to each and every person’s existence and salvation who has or ever will come to the earth. In Matthew 26: 36 we read “Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.” Jesus was on the brink of the hardest thing He would ever accomplish. He had to do it alone. If another shouldered the pain, the sacrifice would not work. In Mosiah 16:13 we read “...remember that only in and through Christ we are saved.”  

He was foreordained, chosen. In our pre-mortal life we knew that because of the demands of justice we could not return to our beloved Heavenly Father unless those demands could be satisfied. We all shouted for joy when it was announced “But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me- Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever.” (Moses 4:2)

Walking to the Garden was no easy task. Jerusalem is built on a hill. The way to Gethsemane was a rocky, uphill, narrow path. It much symbolized the task at hand. Not to mention the meaning of the Garden. Gethsemane means olive press. Olives come in plenty in Jerusalem. But to get the oil, which was a healing ointment, they had to press the olives. Olives were placed on a stone. Another stone was rolled over the top, over and over again, until oil seeped out. It was much like what Christ experienced in the Garden. He too was pressed and squeezed until he blead. The pain was unimaginable. Elder Tad Callister said, “The Savior voluntarily let his humanity take precedence over his divinity…Not once did he raise the shield of godhood in order to soften the blows. Not once did he don the bulletproof vest of divinity. That he also had godly powers did not make his suffering any less excruciating, and less poignant, or any less real. To the contrary, it is for this very reason that his suffering was more, not less, than his mortal counterparts could experience. He took upon him infinite suffering, but chose to defend with only mortal faculties, with but one exception- his godhood was summoned to hold off unconsciousness and death that would otherwise overpower a mere mortal when he reached his threshold of pain. For the Savior, however, there would be no such relief. His divinity would be called upon, not to immunize him from pain, but to enlarge the receptacle that would hold it. He simply brought a larger cut to hold the bitter drink.” (The Infinite Atonement, p119)

As He knelt in the Garden, Jesus prayed, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matthew 26:39) Christ knew of the pain he would suffer.  But He also knew He had to do it. He did it because He loved us. Sacrifice is the highest form of love.

Upon completing the first half of his foreordination, He emerged from the Garden to find His disciples asleep. Yet, with love He said, “Rise, let us be going; behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.” (Matthew 26:46) He would be taken into custody by the guards of the high priest and then accused of blasphemy and condemned to death before Pilate. The people did not know Him. They could not see who He was and what He had come to do.

In a song called “Through His Eyes”, I wrote:

While nailed to the tree, with eyes so humble

He forgave the men who caused the trouble

“It is finished” were the last words He spoke

Then closed His eyes and ascended above

He died, my Savior with eyes so pure

That I may use His eyes to see

On the third day after His crucifixion, Christ rose from the tomb. He had overcome death. Not just physical death but spiritual death as well. He had saved all mankind from the terrible fate that would befall them had His mission not been completed. Elder Todd Christofferson said, “By His Atonement and Resurrection, Jesus Christ has overcome all aspects of the Fall…We can have ultimate trust and confidence in His power to overcome all else and grant us everlasting life.” (The Resurrection of Jesus Christ, April 2014) Christ has satisfied the demands of justice that we too may return back to the presence of Heavenly Father and live with both Him and Jesus Christ in the Eternities. He overcoming death has allowed us to accomplish anything, according to Gods will. “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:37) It is a blessing to know that life doesn’t end when our mortal experience it over. Because of Christ we will continue to live and progress forever. We will continue to experience joy and love as we go about doing good.

In the song “He is Risen” by Cecil Alexander, we sing:

He is risen! He is risen!

He hath opened heaven’s gate.

We are free from sin’s dark prison,

Risen to a holier state.

I am so grateful that I get to live with my Heavenly Father and Savior again, if I do what He has asked so many times: Come unto Me. I know that through the power of the Atonement and Resurrection we are saved from the harshness of what could have been. But because Christ love us so much, He chose to deliver us from that fate. I love Him with all my heart. While conversing with the Apostles, the resurrected Savior gave them this charge, which He also gives to us:

“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

I know the Lord is always with us because He loves us and therefor has engraved us upon His palms.

Simplify, Simplify, Simplify

Have you ever had a million things running through your head all at the same time and it seems you can never get anything done? And then you end up forgetting things. I run into that problem all the time. Most people deal with a large amount of stress in their lives.  With the great invention of technology, in addition to constant input of information, we also feel a need to stuff so much into our lives. I had a friend brag to me once of how busy she was. But, I wonder if it truly is necessary to be busy and doing all the time in order to have a fulfilling life.

This past month was a whirlwind for me. I work fulltime plus classes I was to further my education, extra circular activities, family, friends, and I was just called to serve as relief society president in my ward. And if that wasn’t enough, my health hasn’t been the best lately. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how I was going to handle it all and take care of myself too.

And then I was reminded of what the Still Small Voice has been repeating to me for such a long time, but not really listening when it came to my own life: Simplify. Simplifying doesn’t just mean to remove things from our lives. It’s stepping back and looking at what matters.  It’s looking at what we really need and value then cleaning out the rest.

There are many things that can complicate your life. The Mormon Channel mentions a few ways such as possessions, time commitments, too many goals, negative thoughts, debt or bills, habits, diet, hobbies, words, screen time/media, and connections/relationships. It seems that because there is so much to get done that we choose to multitask. Ironically, the more we multitask, the less productive we will be.  Plus, it will raise our stress levels and lead to burn out. The best way to solve this problem is simplifying.

Spring is always a great time to declutter. We can go through our homes and personal lives and define what is of most value to us. There must be a reason for choosing to include certain things and activities in our lives.  Elder Lynn G Robbins said, “Simplifying our lives increases the probability of achieving the most important things in life- the best things.”   

Here are a few ways we can simplify our lives to make them more meaningful and less stressful:

            1-    Define a clear vision for your life and home. Find out what you mostly value and choose things that support your vision.

            2-   Buy less. Having more or “it all” only takes away from our time, resources, relationships, and cleanliness. Buy what is necessary and what you can afford.

            3-   Create a schedule. An effective routine will help to reduce stress because you will know what is expected of you each day. Fill your days with those things that align with your vision and are necessary. Be sure to make time for what matters most.

            4-   Eat healthy. When we choose to leave out the unnecessary foods, such as those that are refined and processed, from our diet, it allows our bodies to work properly. We have more energy to use for those things that matter. It is also a way to show ourselves that we matter and want to care for the precious gift, our body, we have all been blessed with.

            5-   Organize your home. When we surround our lives with an environment that is clean and organized, we have more peace.

            6-   Remember all things are done in order. Things take time to accomplish. Be patient with yourself and others. Sometimes other things must happen first before we can place another in our life. It’s always good to remember: one thing at a time.

I’m sure we have all heard of the saying that less is more. Taking out the unnecessary things that can complicate our lives gives us the ability to fill it with things that will help us progress towards what is most important. When Alma, in the Book of Mormon, was giving his son Helaman words of council he told him, “Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass…” (Alma 37:6). The more we simplify our life, the more great things will be brought to pass in a way that is aligned with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

So many are looking for a magical wave of a wand to take the stress out of our life.  The magic happens when we learn to simplify our lives by taking out those unnecessary things. It’s amazing how much happier and fulfilled we will be when we are not “busy” but rather engaged in a good cause.

Why are we asked to serve?

In his mortal ministry, the Savior showed us how to serve with love, compassion and faith. He went forth helping any in need who he met on his path.  The Lord has called us to do as he did. President Henry B. Eyring said, “Whatever our age, capacity, church calling, or location, we are as one, called to the work to help Him in His harvest of souls until He comes again.”

Many times when we are called to serve, no matter the capacity, it is to teach us how to be like the Savior. Upon returning from my mission, I was asked the same question by most who wanted to know more about my experience: “How many people did you convert?” Embarrassed because I wrongly linked a number to my success, I would reply, “none.” However, after pondering on that question over the next few years, I realized I did have one conversion. Me. Because I was willing to serve, the Lord blessed me with opportunities to learn how to love and serve with compassion and faith. He was teaching me to be like Him and consequently I was converted to Him and His gospel. The Lord loves each one of us, individually. He will teach us to be as He is, if we allow Him. He wants each of us to reach our potential of exaltation. That can only happen through faith, repentance and striving to follow His example of living as He did.

True Identity

Compassion is Not a Weakness

The Dalai Lama said something very wise about how we treat one another. He said, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” But in a world and culture where we focus mainly on ourselves, compassion is last on the docket of things to try, especially when you are searching for happiness.

Early in his ministry at the Sermon on the Mount, Christ taught, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”[i] Mercy is something that is rarely given by others in this lifetime. And only those who are aware of its effects can truly give it as a gift. Trials in my own life have helped me to more completely understand what mercy and compassion are. Learning to help others in need is an attribute that not only helps me be happy through the hardships life deals out but at the same time helps others as well.

I have learned that trials always come, especially the hardest ones, when I least expect them. But as I’ve thought about it, this the beauty of the whole predicament because we get an opportunity to refine ourselves when we otherwise would never have taken that chance. I mean, think about it.  Who wants to deal with challenging things anyway? About 10 or 15 years ago one such opportunity presented itself to me. At first it was no big deal.  But as time passed and things got worse the humbling process began. I was ashamed, embarrassed, and heartbroken of what I was dealing with. I didn’t feel like anyone understood. At one point I was even harshly judged over things I could not control. I wanted my trial to go away and never return. But, ironically if it did I would have thrown away the opportunity to learn the personal need for compassion in the true sense.

I have realized that I am not alone. There are others out there dealing with the same issue. I have learned my struggles do not define me as a person. I understand a little bit more why people act as they do. The other day I was talking with a friend who voiced her concern about the struggles of a mutual friend. She said that she was worried because this friend does not let others know about what she is going through. Understanding the situation because I have acted similarly to my trial, I finished her thought….”Because she just wants to feel normal.”

It is very natural to want to feel “normal”.  But what is normal? I think a better description, since we all are so different and normalcy is only defined by those who judge, is that we just want to be loved, accepted, and supported.  I mean, life is hard enough.  The best way I have found to accomplish all three is through compassion.

Compassion is when you demonstrate true, pure charity.  This is when you are kind, loving, serviceable, believing, and patient.  We don’t need to investigate or pry.  When people feel compassion and are ready, they will naturally open up. In the musical Camelot, King Author describes his dream of a better world, “Violence is not strength, and compassion is not weakness.”

Compassion does not require the empathy of a situation.  It only requires the action of allowing another to feel their burdens lighter because you were willing to openly show love for them. One day, not too long ago, I went to an elderly lady’s home to drop something off. In my heart I knew she did not get too many visitors. Now, those who know me well understand I am not one for long conversations. But as we concluded the business part of our conversation, I knew I needed to stay for a while. We had a lovely conversation.  I was able to get to know this wonderful lady and the beautiful things she does for others. I was able to set aside my own agenda and instead show compassion by fulfilling a need for a sweet lady that more people need to get to know.

In her book, A Single Voice, Kristen M Oaks, said, “We need to make time to spend with other people. Too much time alone allows us to dwell on our problems and weaknesses and to magnify them. We can lose perspective and begin to wallow in our personal problems…. Viewing our highly sophisticated society with its often-fleeting relationships and our lack of concern for one another, Mother Teresa said, ‘The biggest disease today is not leprosy or cancer or tuberculosis, but rather the feeling of being unwanted, uncared for, deserted by everybody.’”[ii]

Every month I have the great opportunity to go to a foot zone therapist and work towards healing not only my body but my soul. As we were talking about a specific heartache in my life, she compassionately gave me some words to say to myself each day: “I allow myself to give and receive love freely. I am safe to be open and generous with love.” Compassion is just that.  It is freely giving love to those who need it.  It is putting aside our own desires and allowing others to feel comfort in their time of need. It is ultimately acting as Christ does and showing mercy to those who are struggling.

Thomas S. Monson said, “We have no way of knowing when our privilege to extend a helping hand will unfold before us.”[iii]  Just like the trials in our own life can refine us into better people, compassion can do the same. We just need to take the opportunity.

When we show mercy and compassion to others, it will come back to us tenfold.  I have learned when I show pure compassion to others it not only blesses their lives but mine as well. I change my mindset from “me me me” to “let me do this for you”. In a world centered on one’s self, it may seem that compassion is one of the last things we should try to make our mark in society. But it is interesting, the more you show kindness, love, patience, and acceptance to others the better this world will become. And that itself is a strength that leaves a beautiful mark.  

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[i] Matthew 5:7

[ii] Oaks, Kristen M. A Single Life. Deseret Book: Salt Lake City. 2008

[iii] Monson, Thomas S. Compassion. Reterieved on February 23, 2019 at https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2001/04/compassion?lang=eng

Violence versus Compassion

All Things are Done in Order

Single adult life in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a unique challenge because the gospel is beautifully focused on marriage and family. Having never married, I am blessed with a different approach to my own personal and spiritual development. I have always desired a family, but it seems my countless efforts towards finding a spouse always turn out fruitless.
Recently, I had a conversation with a friend about life as a single adult. I mentioned that I attended a singles ward as a young single adult, but in the last several years as a mid-single adult I felt more fulfillment in my homeward.  I love my ward.  I am given many opportunities for growth and have gained priceless gospel insights from people of various ages and circumstances. I was told by my friend, however, if I did not attend a singles ward or go to their activities I would need to accept the fact I may never marry in this life. Feeling broken and hurt, I mustered up the only comment I knew how to give, “I have accepted that possibility but I am also living my life to the fullest. And I think that is enough.”
That evening I knelt with a heavy heart in prayer. I asked Heavenly Father to help me understand my circumstance and give comfort to my soul. My prayer was answered with a tender mercy as I studied The Book of Mormon.
I opened to 1 Nephi 7 and began reading, prayerfully searching for a message the Lord wanted me to learn. My heart was touched as I read half way into verse one, “… the Lord spake unto him again saying that it was not meet for him, Lehi, that he should take his family into the wilderness alone;…” The Lord knew that the opportunities for finding a spouse in the wilderness were slim. But as I continued to read, I had a better understanding of his plan for Nephi and his brothers.
“…the Lord commanded him that I, Nephi, and my brethren, should again return unto the land of Jerusalem, and bring down Ishmael and his family into the wilderness.” (1 Nephi 7:2)
I recognized that God is a God of Order. Events happen in his timing because he knows all things. I realized first, “the Lord commanded [Lehi]… that he should take his family and depart into the wilderness” (1 Nephi 2:2) to stay safe. Second, the Lord commanded Lehi to have Nephi and his brothers complete the challenging task of obtaining the “record of the Jews and also a genealogy of [Lehi’s] forefathers” (1 Nephi 3: 3) that were called the plates of brass. In addition to having a record for Lehi’s posterity, there was also much to learn in this process. Lastly, it was the right time for Nephi and his brothers to marry in order to “raise up seed” (1 Nephi 7:2).
I continued to read: “…the Lord did soften the heart of Ishmael, and also his household, insomuch that they took their journey with us down into the wilderness to the tent of our father.” (1 Nephi 7:5)
When the time was right, the Lord prepared a way for Nephi and his brothers to find a spouse. I was comforted and reminded the Lord also has a plan for me. When I strive to do what the Lord commands and listen to the spirit in faith, he will bless me with my righteous desire in his order and timing.