I love any opportunity I get to talk about spiritual matters with another. No matter if it is with someone of the same or differing faith. I believe that there is some truth in different religions/faiths and there is something we can all learn from each other. There is something to be respected about each religion I've come to learn and know about. Actually, to elaborate on that, I respect the people and their dedication. After reading the book Eat, Pray, Love, I asked myself where my relationship with my personal Deity was? It was not completely gone, but not as strong as it once was. I admired the author, Liz's, dedication to prayer and meditation. Her constant seek of help for improvement and strength from her Creator. I realized that I had been slacking in my own prayers and not soliciting help from the Lord as often as I should and even as often as I once did.
The past year or so, has been an emotional roller coaster for me. Probably the longest funk I have ever been in. I know a lot of that is attributed to my pregnancy and the addition of Janen to our family. But bit by bit, I am learning to really cleave unto those teachings and principles that bring true happiness and peace. Today, I looked at my daughter and a thought came into my mind that Janen really has blessed my life in so many ways. I am reminded of the scripture about the refiners fire. I feel as though I have been through that refiners fire many times, but this time it is a fire that is going to have a bigger impact than the previous ones. Ever heard that saying, 'the bigger the trial, the bigger the blessings'? Even though I am still learning, growing, and adjusting to life as a mother, I have been able to see how much I have grown and how much I am still growing as a result of this trial.
Now I don't want anyone to think that there was ever a point that I looked at my child and resented her in any way. I never have. I love my daughter and I feel so blessed and privileged to be her mother. It's amazing how one moment (when i looked at her during sacrament meeting) can be such a pivotal moment in my learning and growth. I know that can be attributed to my sincere prayers to the Lord and sincere fasting to truly improve my spirituality which in turn will improve my quality of life. I know the Lord hears my prayers and answers them in the most simple ways.
I would also like to share about how grateful I am for my membership in this church. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder Day Saints and I can say with FULL AND ABSOLUTE CONFIDENCE that I know that this church is true. And not just partially true, but completely true. Last night, James and I watched this movie, "What the Bleep Do we Know?" I had seen it before, but was excited to show James this movie. It is mainly based around Quantum Physics. I wish that I could share a lot of what is taught in this movie-documentary, but I am afraid I do not have the eloquence to explain such scientific matters. But I will say this about it, some of what they say about Deity is so so true and it's amazing to me how Science has the ability to work to God's advantage sometimes. But there were some scientists/physicists who couldn't or didn't see God as a real tangible being. But I know that He is and I know that because I asked and in my quest for true knowledge I was blessed with the knowledge and wisdom that He is my Father in Heaven.
I remember feeling so lost as a teenager because this great knowledge that I am a Daughter of God (along with other things pertaining to the gospel) had not yet been obtained. I feel like there are so many lost people in this world searching for answers, for true meanings to life or even those who are not diligently searching, but have accepted their reality/paradigm and don't do much to change and improve themselves. I love that this movie talked about being able to change our reality through our thoughts. One can truly be happy if he believes he can be despite what is going on in his life and the world around him. But I would also like to take that a step further and say that without Christ, we can not become perfect. Perfection takes prayer and effort and ultimately the Savior. The Savior makes up for what we lack through His mercy and grace. I have felt this constantly in my life and I know I will continue to as I apply this knowledge often and daily.
I am not lost and hope to never be again. You may think I am bold in saying this, but I promise you that if you are on a quest for complete truth and knowledge, THIS is where to find it. I have seen so many other denominations of Christianity teach conflicting truths. That reason alone was a big factor in pushing me back to the church as a young and confused woman. Like I said, I am very grateful for my membership in this church. I would not be the person I am today, not even in the slightest without it.
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