Week 11: Garden of Gethsemane

As Christ walked into the Garden of Gethsemane, the weight of the world was put on His shoulders. The Son of God, the only Perfect Man, was beginning to feel the pains, sorrows and afflictions of mortality. As He walked farther into the Garden, He said, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death” (Matthew 26:38). In modern day language, He may have been saying, “I think I am going to die.” Bearing the weight of the world, Christ fell to the earth and cried, “Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.” (Mark 14:36) This is the moment that changed our lives forever. Not only did Christ die for each of us, but He chose to live. He chose to live through the anguish, guilt and heartache so He could take it away from us. He chose to live so when we feel like no one understands, He can say He knows perfectly. Christ chose to live so we would have a way to return to live with Heavenly Father.

I will be forever grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. I know with Him all things are possible. I know because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, if we turn to Him, we cannot fail. He simply won’t let us. Christ chose to live for me. I hope I will always choose to live for Him.

Week 10: I Can Do Hard Things

Why does God ask us to do hard things? I’m sure at times we have all asked this question. I know for me I feel like at times I know what is best for me. Sometimes the unknown holds me back. Other times I don’t see the reasons why or the blessings that will come from following Heavenly Father’s counsel. But I have come to know through personal experience that Heavenly Father only wants to draw us closer to Him. And that is why He asks us to do hard things. Matthew 13:45-46 reads:

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:

“Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.”

When we give our lives to God, He can make so much more out of it than we can. He will work miracles in our lives. He will bless us beyond what we ever imagined possible. Heavenly Father will ask each of us to do hard things from time to time. But we can always find comfort knowing He is doing even harder things for each of us personally. I know in my life the times I have taken a great leap of faith have been the hardest, most rewarding times of my life. And I know with my whole heart that every leap taken is one closer to returning to live with Him forever.

Week 9: Watches and Waits

This last week we talked about three different parables found in Luke 15. The first is the parable of the lost sheep. Out of 100 sheep, one begins to wander and gets separated from the group. The Good Shepherd leaves the 99 and goes after the one. The next parable is the lost coin, and the woman searches everywhere until she finds the piece of silver. And finally, the Prodigal Son. The son chooses to leave his inheritance in order to seek things of the world. And the father waits and watches until the son ‘comes to himself’ and turns back to his father, where he is welcomed home with open arms.

There are times when we all feel like we are wandering, getting lost in the crowd. But the Good Shepherd is always there to bring us back to the fold. There are times we may forget to do some things and lose ourselves for just a moment. But Heavenly Father is always there to give us loving correction. Then there are even times when we, or our loved ones, choose to leave all we have in search for what seems like would bring us more happiness. At these times, Heavenly Father is watching and waiting for us to turn back to Him. The moment we turn back to Him and ask for His help, He will welcome us home with a warm, loving embrace. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the greatest way Heavenly Father has shown us His love. The Atonement is what makes forgiveness possible. 

Week 8: "Beautiful Heartbreak"

While we were discussing the miracles Christ performed, we were asked, “Why does God allow us to suffer?” As I pondered this question, I was reminded that Heavenly Father does not allow our hearts to break because we have done something wrong or just because He wants to. He allows our hearts to break so we can experience the miracle of the Atonement. Yes, this life will have disappointments. We may lose a dear loved one, make mistakes that seem beyond repair, lose a cherished relationship. But these experiences only draw us closer to Christ if we let them. There is no pain, sorrow, disappointment or broken heart that cannot be repaired by the hands of Christ. It is through Christ our broken hearts become a “Beautiful Heartbreak.”

“Every fear, every doubt, all the pain I went through,

Was the price that I paid to see this view.

And now that I’m here, I would never trade

The grace that I feel and the faith that I find

Through the bitter-sweet tears and the sleepless nights.

I used to pray He’d take it all away.

But instead it became a beautiful heartbreak.”