Following Christ to Victory

Simon Dewey- He Lives

"Since we, each of us, are invited to follow the Christ to victory, it seems we should become vitally aware of how he fulfilled his mission, and seek to emulate his example. Surely we will never be able to do precisely what he did, partly because his mission and purpose is different than ours. He is the Savior; we are the saved. He is the Mediator between God and man; we are those for whom he mediates. He is the Redeemer; we are the redeemed. The list of differences is long, and possibly endless. The Master’s statement to Moses is a summation of his mission on earth: “My work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). The immortality portion of this mission he has already accomplished—the resurrection is a reality and all will partake."

"However, we are permitted, encouraged, even commanded to assist in bringing to pass the eternal life of man, which is, of course, the continuing part of his great mission. His promise to us of things which I do, ye can do, and greater things than I do, ye can do (see John 14:12) rings loudly in the ears, stimulating the amazement of everyone who reads the holy scriptures."

This talk was from the ensign many many years ago. I came across this marvelous talk while searching through lds.org. I highly recommend that each of you read this talk on your own because of the power of the entire message. 

I have been thinking a lot lately about what really lies ahead. I have thought a lot about exaltation and eternal life with my Father in Heaven and how important that is to me. I think about victory in that matter and how glorious that idea seems in my mind. I am moved upon by the spirit to realize that I can conquer and I can end  this life with victory. Victory over death because of the Savior Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for me. Victory over Satan by following the commandments and being obedient in following the Prophet. Victory by putting off the natural man and rising above the barrier of the world. And Victory with my own family because of the choice to go to the temple to make and keep sacred covenants with my Heavenly Father. There is power and understanding that lies within my heart that is so precious and simple that leads me to speak. These quotes given by a man called of God are true! Christ's mission here on earth was much different than ours may be. Of  course He is the one who leads us back home if we follow. His mission however is still continuing. As faithful members of His church it is important that we each continue in His work. We are all to assist in bring about eternal life to our dear brothers and sisters. Many may follow and seek the 99, but Christ went after the 1. May we all go after that 1 who may not be physically calling our name but may be seeking out in prayer for a friend or one to love them. We can go undefeated before the Lord if we choose to. Let us all go on in Victory!

I Will Rest in You

This video is shared in seminary quite often but it is one of my favorites. I testify that we can rest in God's love. We can rest from fear, doubt, sin, and all suffering by having faith in Him and believe that we can rest. Toward the end there is challenge to write in your journal. I encourage each person who watches this video to do so! I am so grateful for the knowledge I have and it helps to write things down. Enjoy! :)

Our Personal Portrait

Puzzle Hands

"The truth is, those who diligently seek to learn of Christ eventually will come to know Him. They will personally receive a divine portrait of the Master, although it most often comes in the form of a puzzle—one piece at a time. Each piece helps us to see the big picture a little more clearly. Eventually, after enough pieces have been put together, we recognize the grand beauty of it all. Then, looking back on our experience, we will see that the Savior had indeed come to be with us—not all at one but quietly, gently, almost unnoticed."- Dieter F. Uchtdorf April 2011 Conference

As I have read this talk over and over again I have been touched by it's message and the truth that it holds. I am simply drawn to the fact that if we will learn of Christ, we will know Christ. My testimony has grown as I have taken the time to learn more of Christ and His love for me. Christ may not appear to me as He did to Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove, but I have reason to believe that He lives! I have reason to believe that He knows me and the things that I face everyday. As I have looked back on the past year and where I have been in my life I have come to understand that there are many puzzle pieces fitting together. I see trials, pains, and afflictions coming together to bring greater beauty. I see relationships, influence, and simple acts of kindness coming together to bring greater beauty to my big picture. Life is a big picture that can be seen more clearly as we move forward in faith and let those puzzle pieces come to us and be attached to our puzzle. When enough of those puzzle pieces come together we realize that the Savior has come to be with us and has come to help us. Trials come. It's not a matter of "If", but it is a matter of "when". When those trials and hard times come in your life remember that the Savior has come to you to be with you. Maybe not in an extraordinary vision or appearance, but quietly, gently, and even almost unnoticed. Jesus Christ lives. He is our Savior and our Redeemer. He is the only begotten of the Father. He loves me. He died for me and for you. I know that as I continue to seek diligently to learn of Him that I WILL know Him. I am grateful for this truth. I know it can be true for you.