My Modern Day Miracles

With this time of year and our celebration of the birth of Christ, I thought it was quite relevant to share some of the impressions I had today while reading about miracles in the scriptures.  Before I begin, I want to express my gratitude for the most important miracle of all, Jesus Christ.  He is my Redeemer and my friend.  He came to Earth to save me from my sins so that I might live again.  He continuously offers a bright example to me of how to really live.  He is the true source of all miracles.  For this reason alone, I believe in miracles. 

So...I think it is a good question that the scriptures pose, "Have miracles ceased?" (Moroni 7). There have been times in my life that miracles have ceased, where I have stopped working with God to produce miracles in my life.   These verses point out clearly that the only reason miracles would ever cease in our world today is because of the lack of faith on our part, not God's part.  If that is true, then it is reasonable to believe that miracles occurring in our lives are present because of our faith.  He has never forgotten about us. He will never abandon us.  

Miracles are unexplainable.  They are the impossible, made possible.  Moroni 7:33 And Christ said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.

If there are miracles lacking in my life, it is only because of my lack of faith, nothing else. I think it is amazing that God allows us to be co-creators with His matchless power.

Moroni 7:26   Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto him. 

So if I take an inventory of what miracles I need in my life that remain unseen, am I willing to ask God for direction, guidance, strength so these miracles can be manifest? Am I willing to be obedient and meek to see His perfect power in my life? Is my belief in Him sufficient?  If not, what am I willing to do to strengthen my faith?  And what miracles have I already witnessed in my life and the lives of others that serve as reminders of God's miraculous power?

Some of my modern miracles include:

-To have the strength to effectively be a single parent to three children.  I am not sure anyone can fathom the miracle in this unless they have been there.  Somehow I am blessed with the insight, drive and perspective to keep on, keeping on…even when I fall flat on my face. My children are healthy.  They are safe. They are happy.   God is behind this.

- To secure employment that not only enriches my life and the lives of others, but allows me to be able to financially provide for my children at the same time.  I am amazed at the miracle of this opportunity in my life.  I couldn't have asked for a situation any more perfect than the flexibility and setting. This is God's doing. 

-To find friends that are perfect for me in my varying stages of life.  I asked God when I moved to Utah four years ago to help me connect me with women who would be able to support me and share in my burdens.  Within a few months of arriving, I had already connected with so many amazing women. Four years later these special women are still an inspiration and example to me in my life.  God did this!

-To live in an amazing community where my children can run about and play.  I was guided to pursue renting an apartment that I would have never secured all on my own.  His timing was perfect. Absolutely perfect.  Nothing short of a miracle. 

-To experience forgiving others for their serious trespasses against me.  I know the risks associated with bitterness, resentment and hatred as a result of being betrayed.  I am very well aware of the path this type of hurt could lead to if I did not use the Atonement of Jesus Christ to lighten my burdens and help me forgive.  Gratefully the miracle of being able to forgive has deepened my relationship with the Savior as I have had to turn so many things over to Him.  My ability to let go has all been because of Him.  Miraculous!!

These are a few of the miracles that God was able to generate because of my belief in Him.  I know I exercised faith at these times.  I called on His name.  If you are ever in need of miracles in your life, or if you ever begin to think miracles have ceased because God no longer hears your prayers or doesn't love you, please remember it is only through our faith that God can work miracles in our lives.  He is perfectly capable of creating miracles.  We just have to believe in Him and ask.  And to that question, "Have miracles ceased?" Moroni answers, "Behold I say unto you, nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain." (Moroni 7:37)


What are some of the miracles you have seen in your life because you believed in Him??  And can you even imagine the dream God dreams for us?!   

The Deal of a Lifetime!

A few days ago while I was driving to work, I had a conversation in my mind with God. I was telling Him about some recent fears of mine that involve the unpredictability of life and other certain unknowns.   As I was openly acknowledging to Him my specific doubts and limitations, childishly worrying about myself,  He gently interjected the thought, "If you are not quite sure what you are doing, might as well hand your life over to Me so I can make something sure and marvelous out of it."  It was a promising, "You won't be disappointed!" kind of plea. He makes a really good point. I know this on many levels. If I submit my will to Him, He can do some amazing things in my life.  But tonight I think what was especially important for me to remember is His invitation to use my life in a way that exceeds my own silly needs and wants and instead encompasses a much more selfless view.  I know as soon as I get caught up in the things that involve my needs, my future, my happiness then I have already begun to loose track of Him.  This reframing process will be ongoing in my life.  I'm extremely grateful for it  because it completely shifts my perspective and allows me to trust in God a lot more.

Doctrine and Covenants 98:13

13 And whoso layeth down his life in my cause, for my name’s sake,shall find it again, even life eternal.

That night I had the privilege of meeting with a few clients at work as their therapist.  I receive so much joy from being in a position to assist others through their difficult situations.  That night I felt especially grateful for this opportunity to help guide the lives of others.  I would say my cup of love, joy and peace was spilling over.  It even filled my eyes.  Tears poured down my face.  The joy I feel when I am in a position to love others compares to nothing.  I feel most connected to my Heavenly Father when I am loving others.

I am so grateful for the learning my Heavenly Father offers me as He slowly changes my heart.  I understand that as I offer my life to serve Him and others, He will give me more than I could ever imagine.  He softens my heart which increases my ability to feel love, compassion, peace and joy.  He purifies my heart so I am able to feel the promptings of the Holy Ghost.  He strengthens my heart which enlarges my capacity to love.  When my heart is burdened, He offers light and hope. This refinement process benefits others always.  This refinement process benefits my heart eternally.   I can endure trials with more faith.  As I can increase in faith, God can work even more miracles in my life.  It is marvelous! And as always, I am humbled by the intensity of His love for me.  This powers a form of gratitude I do not even have words to express.

36 Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full.

The Power of God

I noticed today that I try to do things my own way because I sometimes think I am in charge or smart enough to figure everything out on my own.  I rely far too heavily on my way of seeing things.   I like to pride myself on being able to take care of myself and being able to make good choices.  I don't think there is anything wrong with that. However, despite having the best intentions and trying to make good choices to the best of my ability, it is clear I fall short in managing mortality.  This life experience I am learning the older I become is serious business! Journeying it successfully is not for the faint hearted.  It's like being in the ring with a 300 lb heavy weight champion.  You want me to do what?!  Lately I have been interested in this idea of enduring my trials well.  You know, being in the ring with a blood thirsty boxer, trusting that everything is going to be alright even if I come out toothless.  I am well aware that I have different ways to respond to this fight of life.  I could lay down and just go to sleep, hoping for an escape. I could spend a lot of time looking at the list of inequalities, injustices, betrayals, shortcomings of myself or others, scary things and beg for a quick fix.  I could spend all day trying to figure out where I went wrong or blame others.  I could become heartless and succumb to the  'if I can't beat 'em then I might as well join 'em' mentality.  Anyways, there are numerous ways I could bend my will to cope with life's demands.

However, the Savior offers a route that is completely different than any of these.  His suggestion is quite bold, actually.  The Savior said “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). He hands out strength.  He offers us this promise without hesitation.  He obviously knows something I think we often times forget…that true Joy is only found in Him.  So He somehow subsidizes the dangerous mortal experience so that we can live in the here and now, gain experience and still manage to have some joy and peace left over after everything is said and done.  He owns the peace and the joy so only He can offer it.  And He even helps us purchase it.  He lovingly teaches us how to find it and hold on tightly to it.  After experiencing some distinct difficulties in my life, I can say joy and peace are something that have at times been stolen from me.  However, Christ renews it.  He has an unlimited supply.  One way specifically He has subsidized the cost of obtaining pure peace and joy despite my challenging situations is that He works on changing my eyes.  He helps me to see that even though life is not always ideal, I must continue to strive to see things the way He sees them.  Today as I reflected on how unexpected my life has turned out, I noticed how plentiful the opportunities He offers that have nothing to do with where I have been.  Despite my circumstances, I always have the privilege of working with Him in being a source of strength to others.  He immediately pulled me into His sphere of goodness and love.  And from this angle there is so much work to be done.  And when I am arm in arm with Him, I feel an abundance of peace that no amount of money, social prestige or role could ever offer.  When I am joined with Him, I feel motivated to serve and to dedicate my energy and time to helping others.  I cannot find Him in the acquisition of things.  I cannot find Him in the worry or fretfulness of the day. I cannot find Him in the perfect order of how I believe my life should go.  But I can find Him as I turn my will to Him, obey his commandments, make sacrifices for others, repent, forgive, trust Him, love my enemies, mourn with those that mourn, commit to worthwhile causes, and attempt to endure my trials well.  Without Him, I could be engulfed by the experiences of life.  He does stand ready to offer hope.  He helps my heart to stay open, independent of the mistakes of others around me.  I don't want to grow to become apathetic, uncaring, selfish and bitter.  I want the light that Christ offers to burn bright even when things may grow dim around me.  To be able to find happiness the way that God wants me to find happiness is an immediate blessing.


 John 8:2 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."  I know this is His sacred promise and He offers this to every person who waits on Him.  All I have to do is seek Him first and the pains, inequalities of this world will be swallowed up by Him.  I am grateful that I am learning that if I ever feel lost or empty, instead of focusing on myself or the world, I must first focus on Him.  His selflessness engenders love, calm and rest.  I don't think I can be wrapped up in myself and have the kind of joy that God promises.  I know that this learning is not always so easy or simple.  I know I will forget to put Him first at times.  But it is always my choice to go to Him and ask for His help, to invite Him into my life. As I invite Him in, I am then able to know with complete surety that the changes occurring within me are His handiwork.  And I can then further testify of His mission and love.  This is how God manifests His power.  I want to live with God's power in my life.  

Moroni 10:7 Wherefore I would exhort you that ye deny not the power of God; for he worketh by power, according to the faith of the children of men, the same today and tomorrow, and forever.  

Listening to an Apostle

I was granted the unique privilege of listening to an apostle's (Elder Eyring) words yesterday. I have always admired him. He is an amazing man of God. I love reading his books and listening to his talks.  I knew it would be wonderful to be in his presence.  As I listened carefully to his talk and felt the Spirit testify to me that this very humble man standing before me was indeed an Apostle of the Lord, tears filled my eyes.  There was a reverence in that moment I cannot fully articulate.  And the peace that poured into the room and filled my heart was immense.  It's always fascinating to witness so much power and truth during deep spiritual experiences like these, enough to move mountains. But at the same time, to feel the stillness and peace that accompany it.

Elder Eyring talked a lot about transformation this day.  He bore testimony that when we draw close to God, we can become new people.  Sitting at the feet of this Apostle and being taught these principles was inspiring.   Watching this follower of Christ exude such complete confidence and trust in his Creator was remarkable.   This deep humility I imagine is a byproduct of following Christ.   This man who spoke of transformation I could tell lived a life that was a testimony to the very subject he professed. The kind of attitude that says 'I will follow You across the desert or mountains or where ever You want me to go Lord'. I hope I can be a loyal servant to the Lord as well and continue to show my commitment to Him.

What I have learned so far...

I wanted to write about what I have learned the last few years since I found myself in an unexpected situation so I can account for how my experiences (good and bad) have benefitted my life so far.  I know I am here on Earth to gain experience and to become more like my Savior, Jesus Christ.  When I was in church today I wrote down some of my thoughts about what I have to show for my journey here on Earth.  I want to make sure I am making the most of my educational experience here, not skipping out on classes or receiving failing marks.  If an education is what I am here to receive then I want to get my money's worth. ;)

So here were some of my thoughts:

I know God is in charge because He has perfect love for me.  His work and focus will always be to lead me towards true joy and happiness.  His work is completely about us.  I have learned that I must align my will with Him in order to make sure I connect with His possibilities. all the opportunities.  When I am connected to Him, I know I will grow in love and strength, wisdom and peace, confidence and faith.  I can try and do it my own way and haphazardly try to piece and twist my life together into some distorted image of what I want my life to be. (Believe me, I have tried.  It ends up looking like pottery I made when I was in Kindergarten.) Or I can trust in Him and obediently give my will to Him so my life can begin to resemble His desires, knowledge and truth.  In my submission to God, I have learned that the humility necessary to change my heart and life can be discovered under very difficult and trying circumstances.  When I am well aware that my own understanding and strength is futile in resolving the heavy matters that weigh on me, I have been able to ask Him for help with trust, faith and hope so I can endure the trials that are before me. He already knows what I need.   I only need to ask for it and be willing to put in the work.  I know He answers prayers.

Gratitude is a sign of how close I am to Him.  It is a choice.  Recognizing His hand in my life is important so I can testify that He does live and that He loves me.  When I can see what He provides and offers on an almost daily basis, it reminds me that He will continue to provide important things for me.  I recognize Him as the Creator and trust in His ability to create amazing things in my life.

I have learned that I can rely on myself.  I know I am rooted in things that are eternal and true.  While I am weak at times, I can see how I have handled difficulties and managed to survive.  I know what I am made out of especially as I have had very important things stripped away from me and I have stayed true to who I am.  My heart is strong.  It has grown stronger with each disappointment, hurt and fear because I have taken those opportunities when I am scared to turn to Him and He consistently stands ready to protect, heal and guide my heart.  I know if we submit to Him, our trials can be used for our good.

We are commanded to love one another so that we can learn to love like Christ loves.  God knew that people would inevitably hurt and disappointment us when He commanded us to love others.  I have gained a little more perspective from my experiences with imperfect human beings, including myself, that it is possible to forgive others and to try and love unconditionally.  I know that true love is not self centered and I am inspired to try and become better at this, to love from a place of pure charity because I know that is where eternal joy comes from.

I have learned that I was created by my God in love and that I am love.  The self doubt or fear I have experienced is not real and has nothing to do with who I am.  I am a child of God.  I have value and worth.  I have learned that I can only love others as much as I have love and care for myself.  This relationship with myself is crucial.  I have been able to extend in the last few years of my life compassion, understanding and forgiveness towards my shortcomings and mistakes, especially as the Savior has shown me how.  And as a result my commitment to sharing this compassion and love towards others has quadrupled.

It is by faith that God works miracles.  I have seen small and large miracles in my life simply because I have asked and believed.  I know that Christ lives.   And because He lives, I will be just fine.  I know I will live with Him again.  There is nothing in this world that is more important to me than being close to Him.  I don't want anything to separate me from His presence.  I know that I will see Him again. Although there have been times that I have doubted or been despairing, I always find my way back.  The best way right now for me to express my love for Him is to love his children and keep his commandments.

These are really important truths to me.  I know I have earned this knowledge through testing and trials and choosing Him.  I hope I can continue to learn more and build upon these pieces of truth so I am more capable of living a good life and being a wholesome person.  I hope I can also continue to take full advantage of all the blessings the Gospel of Jesus Christ offers so I can help others and be someone that God can trust and rely on.

Heaven on Earth

I love how the scriptures provide new insights that are always fitting depending on where I am in my life.  They are like those pregnancy pants lol.  They grow with you ;)  The verse I read yesterday that filled me with hope, peace and love was:

                 4 Nephi 1:5 And there were great and marvelous works wrought by the disciples of Jesus, insomuch that  they did heal the sick, and raise the dead, and cause the lame to walk, and the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear; and all manner of miracles did they work among the children of men; and in nothing did they work miracles save it were in the name of Jesus.

               4 Nephi 1:15   And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.
 
              4 Nephi 1:16 And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.


I know when we line up our will with His will, great miracles can and will happen.  His power is limitless. His love has no bounds. His capacity to heal and nourish exceeds my imagination.  His forgiveness extends far beyond what I will ever understand.  His love conquers all.  During this time that the Lamanites and Nephites were committed to God to render to Him all their will, they witnessed powerful examples of God's love through miracles.  They witnessed no contention in a land full of people.  The inhabitants witnessed happiness in themselves and each other.  And all of this because of the hand of God and their faith in Him.

I know that God needs me, my faith, my heart, my will in order to manifest miracles in my life and the lives of others.  He needs all of us.  The power in a group of people committed to Him is marvelous. He cannot fulfill all of His promises for His children alone.  It's beautiful to see the results of a group of people putting their efforts together to believe in a Father in heaven and keep His commandments the best they could in these verses of scripture.  I know it is possible to have that peace in this life.  I believe anything is possible with my God at my side.  And my hope is that I can press forward, seeking His will and growing in faith, no matter what happens.  He is trustworthy. I would love to see a people this happy.  I want to do my best to take my little sliver of influence and create His happiness in this world. I know there is nothing better!

Feasting on the True 'Nature of Happiness'

I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe in His Gospel and teachings.  I have been 'trained' in His principles since I was a little girl and I recognize His truth when it is placed before me. When I read the scriptures, I do find a lot of comfort as I connect with truths that are good and wholesome.   It is a perfect familiarity and I can say that the place these concepts and ideas have originated from is the same place I have come from as well.  I know this Earth is just a sort of pit stop equipped with many conveniences and experiences to help me along the way to my final destination.  The older I grow, I learn concepts and ideas that are not eternal or decent in nature.  I am grateful for the truths that feed me and help me become a better person.    ''Wickedness never was happiness" it reads in Alma 41:10.     Sitting down at the dinner table and expecting my body to grow and become strong off the toxic substances that sit on my plate is absurd.  Similarly, I was not created to be able to ingest sin and not get a stomach ache.  I cannot stomach it! This is not the true 'nature of happiness ' (Alma 41:11).  There is only one pathway to true and everlasting happiness.  And it is through our Redeemer.  This is where I receive adequate nourishment on a daily basis.  The food of the world is cheap and empty.  It satisfies on a temporary basis.  I don't ever want to acquire a taste for it.  I want to indulge on the simple truths that come from a Heavenly Father who is kind and gentle and filled with a perfect love.  A Perfect Love catered specifically to me and every one else.  Just as Alma was inviting his son Corianton in the scriptures to not excuse himself in the least point because of his sins, by denying the justice of God; but to let the justice of God, and his long-suffering have full sway in his heart; and let it bring him down to the dust in humility…I want to do the same.  Alma continued encouraging his son who found himself in a tough spot, "see that you are merciful to your brethern; deal justly, judge righteously and do good continually."  I likewise feel invited to do so.

Getting to know Him...

I think one of the comforting parts of trying to do what is right and relying on God is that I have been able to learn of Him.  He is kind and gentle.  He is patient. He believes in me. He intervenes when asked and will never make me do anything because He knows I learn best by choosing.  He is trustworthy.  He has sharp foresight.  He is loving.  He lives to teach, to bless, to persuade, to save, to comfort, to support and to strengthen.  And He is perfect.  Perfect in timing, consideration and forgiveness.  He is my Father and I want to be like Him.  I recognize these qualities in many of His servants and I can see it is in these qualities that we can measure our likeness to Him.

It's all good…

I was reading my scriptures today and wrote down some notes on a few of the following verses.  I know how important it is for me to put all my trust in the Lord even if I don't know what tomorrow will bring.  He provides support in everything and anything I need in order to be successful.

Alma 59: 11 Yea, and it came to pass that the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our ^adeliverance in him.

This is another verse that stood out to me because of how much I want things to work out for the good of myself and my children.  He wants me to understand that if I want things to happen then I must submit my will to God .  I must pray, study, ponder the scriptures to find out His will first. Then once I know what it is I need to do, I ask for His help.  He will bless my efforts and multiply my outcomes. 

Alma 60:36 Behold, I am Moroni, your chief captain. I ^aseek not for power, but to pull it down. I ^bseek not for honor of the world, but for the glory of my God, and the freedom and welfare of my country. And thus I close mine epistle.

In reading this last verse, the thought came to me, "God has already delivered you, what are you worried about? He already fulfilled his promises so many times before.  What is there really to worry about? If there is anyone to put your trust in, it is He. Don't worry.  Be at peace.  Everything is taken care of." 

Alma 61:21 See that ye ^astrengthen Lehi and Teancum in the Lord; tell them to fear not, for God will deliver them, yea, and also all those who ^bstand fast in that liberty wherewith God hath made them free. And now I close mine epistle to my beloved brother, Moroni.

Spontaneous love

Yesterday while I was waiting at a doctor's office for an appointment, Alivia played with some toys.  I was on the other side of the room reading a magazine when I heard her yell, "Mommy, where are you?!"  I said, "I am right here, sweetie!"  She then without any hesitation yelled, "Mommy, I love you!" It was amazing. It was amazing she could say it so boldly in a room full of strangers.  Children are magical that way.  I think it is a wonderful example of the spontaneity in love.  How wonderful children are because they express what it is they feel without worry or caution.  They express what is in their heart without limitation or barrier.  I think this is one of the reasons why children are so pure. And hearing Alivia's pure heart express love to my heart made me feel so alive.  And isn't that the whole point of living?!  I know I came here to Earth to love.  To love others and myself withstanding all weaknesses and to love God because He is my Creator. And He is Love.

Multi-purposeful Love

I am reading this book and one of the parts I really like is where the author explains what it is about love that is so transcendent and powerful.  He writes, "The spiritual meaning of love is best measured by what it can do, which is many things."

Love can heal.

Love can renew.

Love can make us safe.

Love can inspire us with its power.

Love can bring us closer to God.

I have been the recipient of powerful doses of love.  This Christmas my friend Cyndi showed a lot of compassion towards me in a predicament I found myself in unexpectedly.  She told her sister about some recent stressors that came up a few days before Christmas and her sister expressed a desire to help in some way.  She wrote a check to me for $1,000.  Everything that happened the week prior that was very painful all of a sudden dissipated into nothing and I felt very loved.  Love can heal. Love can renew. Love can make us safe. Love can inspire us with its power. Love can bring us closer to God.  

I know the source of love is God and I remembered in this difficult time to turn to the Author himself.  I was needing some extra help finding an apartment.  I woke up one morning and knew I needed to just ask Him for help and plead my case.  He answered my prayers by the end of the day.  I felt really good about what I needed to do.  His love heals. His love renews.  His love makes me feels safe. His live inspires me.  His love draws me close.