It has been a great week! Wednesday we went to the temple! :) I am so grateful for the temple and the opportunity to learn there. Each time I go, I am overwhelmed by the feeling of love from Heavenly Father that I feel there. I love the way we are taught in the temple--there is something new to learn each time, whether you've been going for 8 months or 80 years. As I was taught in the temp this week, I was reminded of the covenants I have made--and the blessings of happiness, peace, and security I enjoy as I continually strive to live up to them.
I know that as we make sacrifices to put Heavenly Father's will first in our lives, we are happier. When we start our day with prayer--a conversation with the most glorious Being in the universe-- and scripture study, our ability to meet the challenges of the day is increased! Our charity towards others grows, and we are more patient with ourselves and others. When we focus on what the Lord thinks of us, our goals and aspirations change.
I was reading a talk this morning about gaining spiritual confidence from October's General Conference. As I read, the 4th of 6 points stood out to me:
4. Become really, really good at repenting thoroughly and quickly. Because the Atonement of Jesus Christ is very practical, you should apply it generously 24/7, for it never runs out. Embrace the Atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance as things that are to be welcomed and applied daily according to the Great Physician’s orders. Establish an attitude of ongoing, happy, joyful repentance by making it your lifestyle of choice. In doing so, beware of the temptation to procrastinate, and don’t expect the world to cheer you on. Keeping your eyes on the Savior, care more about what He thinks of you, and let the consequences follow. Spiritual confidence increases when you voluntarily and joyfully repent of sins, both small and great, in real time by applying the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
I added the bold lettering. :)
I loved this talk! Of all the lessons I've learned on my mission (so far) I've learned that repentance is a GIFT! I love repenting. I find joy in repenting. It's not always easy, but it brings me peace as I make an active choice to follow God's will and plan for me. Isn't it great? We have a Heavenly Father who cares for us enough to send His Beloved Son to atone for our sins--to take the penalty for our wrongs and the grief that accompanies them. Our Heavenly Father cares enough for us that he gave us the gift of agency--to choose eternal life and happiness, if we wish. 2 Nephi 10:23Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves—to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life.
We are so blessed! We can change! We can choose to follow God's plan! :) In church yesterday a speaker from the Stake shared a story: A mother, in an attempt to calm her upset and naughty little son, said to him "Why don't we think of some words from "The Living Christ"?" (The family had been memorizing the words of this beautiful document.) The son's response was "NO! I don't want to be happy!" He had made the connection--when we think of the Savior and all he has done for us, we are happy. How can we not be? He loved us enough to give his life for us. John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
I love you all! I hope you have a great week! :) Be good!
Love,
Sister Sarah Jane Lewis
939 W. Main Street
New Lebanon, OH 45345
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