Power of Darkness

"Neither Satan nor any other power can destroy or undermine your growing character." -Elder Richard G. Scott "Beware the Tempation to retreat from a good thing (or a bad thing). If it was right when you prayed about it (or wrong) and trusted in it, it is right now." -Elder Jeffery R. Holland (my favorite apostle) -During my entire life, I have always been aware of the power that the adversary (or in other cases-evil, negativity, darkness, or Satan) has over us-it is very strong-especially for members of the true and living church on the earth. The closer you are to God, the stronger that power is, the more it increases temptation in your life. This I have experienced many times in my life. Three points I want to make concern this topic: 1. You are what you think you are-dont let the adversary allow you to believe anything differently. You are a choosen son/daughter of God, regardless of what you do, or your belief in him, or the life you choose to lead. YOU are part of his heavenly family. He created you in HIS image. We all have his light dwelling inside of us. We choose to believe that or not-but it is truth. The world will tell you anything to grab a hold of you and make you think you are worthless and nothing, if you arent "this mold" that the world has created. If you arent a size zero and have flawless skin, and can achieve the impossible-you arent a desired woman to the world. If you dont have muscles the size of boulders and can have a successful career making millions- you arent an appealing man to the world. This is FALSE. You are who you are because God created you that way. WHO you are is much more important than what you look like or how successful you can become. GROW to become more like him, every single day. LOVE yourself the way he does. Walk around in life knowing that you are priceless. Your worth is GREAT in the sight of God, and THAT is what matters. 2. Turn to God in times of decision. However small or undermining that decision may seem-it could ultimately alter your entire life. If he says no, dont do it. If he says yes, do it-no questions asked. Have a relationship with him, TRUST him, that he knows best-because HE DOES. If he says to not go to a certain party, or not date a certain person, or to stay home instead of going out, LISTEN TO IT. If he says yes..I want you to do --blank-- or go to school --here--or whatever...DONT question it. Act. Every time we try to take control of our own lives-it never ends the way we want to. Most often times, it ends in a lot of heartache, betrayal, sadness, hurt, or guilt. This is a very hard thing to do at times, especially when you do not understand the meaning behind whatever answer is given. But in the end-the reason will be known and it will bless your life. This too I have experienced many times in my life. Believe in him, and allow him to guide you to reach your fullest potential. 3. Pray to always have God's spirit with you. It can be the only thing to save you from a bad choice, or the dark moments of sadness, or negative actions. In the lowest of low moments of your life, the only thing to help you through is God. Sometimes he works through other people-and grants you with a friend to show up randomly at your door. Sometimes he comforts you with words from a song that you were inspired to listen to. Sometimes...his spirit is there, to hold you and be with you while you cry. No matter what way, he is always there. He never leaves us. And if we choose it, he will always show his love in whatever way he chooses to grant us with it. ~Be aware of God's love. Of your worth. Of Satans power. Of the constant need to have goodness and spirituality lifting you upward. His strength. His peace. And..his blessings.

If you want..

"If you want to change the world, begin by changing yourself. If you want the world to be more fair, treat the world fairly even when you are treated unfairly. If you want the world to be more kind, treat the world with kindness and return a blessing for every insult. SHOW the world by your good actions-not by empty protest or violence-that you are willing to love according to what you profess to believe."

-Every change of heart, every change of circumstance, every ounce of happiness comes from YOU.

Standing For Truth

Moroni 10:32

"Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God"

-There is a painting up at the temple visitors center-Book of Mormon painting exhibit-that is mesmerizing with this scripture underneath. Its a picture of Moroni holding one of his "friends" in battle that had been slain. He is weeping...saddened by it. This painting and scripture stuck out to me so much. Its applicable to my life right now, and it is absolute truth that we CANNOT deny Christ. No matter what. No matter who we may loose in our lives, no matter what chastisement we may bare, no matter what the world tries to convince us of. Christ is our Savior and redeemer who died for us, and lives for us, and loves US. HE is our way back to living in Heaven in happiness and peace. HE is the answer to all life's troubles. HE is the way, the truth, and the life. Love him with EVERYTHING you have. Stand true to what YOU believe to be true, no matter what, and in the end...you WILL be blessed for doing so. Sometimes it is not the easiest thing to do. Sometimes we get hurt, or loose people we love in the process...but in the end, the only person that matters is the person who walks every moment in life with you-never changing-always constant-Our Lord and Savior. In the end...it will be worth all we endure. And we can come to learn more of the Saviors love for us through it all.