Faith in Christ

I had the opportunity to step out of nursery (church class for 18 months - 3 year olds that I normally teach each Sunday with Erik) and teach Relief Society this past Sunday. I love the opportunity to teach because in reality, I, as the teacher, become the student as everyone who sits in front of me makes excellent, inspiring, and faith-building comments. It is truly wonderful that we are able to talk and teach together each Sunday.

The topic I taught was faith and repentance from the teachings of Joseph Fielding Smith. Faith in Jesus Christ and repentance are the first two principles of the gospel - seemingly the most basic and fundamental doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Yet, they also carry a depth which is profound and even overwhelming.

One of the questions I asked was, "What does it mean to you to center your faith on Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father?" I had no predetermined answer. I wanted to know exactly what it means as well! I know faith is a belief, but it is also more. It is a trust or confidence in someone or something (BD), it hope in something not seen, but is true. Faith is also an action word. It leads us to do something because we believe something. So having put all these definitions of faith on the table, I opened it up to what it truly means.

The answers that came taught me and strengthened my faith. The sisters in my ward put into words what I feel and how I live. The answer that struck me the most was this:

"Faith in Jesus Christ and our Father in Heaven is a sure faith."

This sister then went on to explain that we know that they will never change and that the promises they have made are sure promises. We may have faith in other things or people (Santa Claus had been mentioned) but our faith in deity is sure. We believed and had faith in the plan the Father gave us before we came to earth and we can have faith in it now. We may do something that removes us from Jesus Christ and the promised blessings, but He will always be there, still willing to grant us those blessings if we will repent. We work towards eternal life by living the principles and doctrines of the gospel because we believe Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. That work combined with that belief constitutes our faith in them. And, thus, we live with faith in Christ.

Image Courtesy of lds.org/media

We need to not forget that Jesus Christ is central to our faith. He performed the Atonement and offers us grace that we might be saved. We need to add to that our own works that we may be receive eternal life with Him. All that we do is to show our faith and love for Him. He is our strength, our Savior, our Redeemer.

Being Who I Am

I have a challenge in my life. It has something to do with comparing and judging and feeling really inadequate and all that nasty stuff. Sometimes I almost paralyze myself because I am so worried about what other people think of me. I am worried that I will bring the wrong side dish to a dinner party. I fear that I won't fit in because of the clothes I am wearing. I often hesitate to invite people over because I haven't successfully taught my daughter how to share her toys and it is such a headache to make sure that everyone is happily playing all the time! It seems like too much. And it becomes depressing and anxiety inducing and a big stumbling block to me.

However, I am blessed to know that I am a daughter of God. And this simple nugget of knowledge diminishes my fear and calms my anxiety. My time on this earth is between me and God. Sure, there are things He wants me to do. He has expectations for me and a divine potential to fulfill. But He always loves me. And He, alone, knows how hard I am trying and what struggles I face and what mountains I have already climbed.

It doesn't matter if our homemade dinosaur-shaped biscuits aren't the prettiest food at at the BBQ. It doesn't matter if there is a quarrel between two two-year-olds. It doesn't matter if my daughter doesn't recognize all of her letters and numbers or isn't potty trained yet. It doesn't matter if I'm a little socially awkward and don't know what to say (seriously, guys, I will rack my brain for things to say, but I'm an engineer, so please forgive me and be happy if I at least noticed your shoes). It doesn't matter if my furniture is used and my decorations don't really exist. It is just the way I am!

There is right and wrong in the world. Righteous living is important. But many of these inadequacies are not sins. They are part of our character. If I was the same as the next person and she was the same as the next and all of our children were perfect because they perfectly reflected all of our efforts, that would be boring.

As women we have the potential to effect so many for good! We are a moral force for good in this world! We shouldn't be hatin' on ourselves, rather we should magnify our talents and the good we contribute and uplift others so they can do the same!

So what does matter? It matters that I am a child of God and He loves me. It matters that I am trying my best. And it matters that I am happy.

Us - being HAPPY and totally ourselves (I was teaching Alyssa how to take pictures)

And just remember - you are a child of God, too. Let Him love you and love yourself and let the feelings of grotesque self-loathing dissipate as you do.

Loving What I Do

I am the mother of twoalmostthree year old. She's smart, sassy, bossy, and absolutely the most adorable little person I have ever met (slightly biased). I love her, even when she beats me at a game of Valentine's concentration.

Being a mother has not always been easy. It is still not always easy, but I dare say it is a bit more entertaining these days. Anywho, it is hard being home day in and day out. In the early months I often wondered exactly what I was accomplishing besides being there to provide physical nourishment. There were days filled with naps for her and fruitless internet surfing for me, resulting in a depressed me because I didn't get anything done and didn't feel any bit of upliftedness (you know, those social networking--endless scrolling days).

I was tempted many times to find a job. Finances were tight. We were in grad school. She was sleeping all day. Wouldn't I do more good for myself (mentally) and my family (financially) if I worked? But I didn't. All ambitious plans to start whatever I was going to start back then didn't quite work out. And I am THANKFUL. Because now things like this happen in the mornings:

And how could I not feel thankful and joyful and ultimately full of love not only for what I do but for whom I do it!

The first few months might be are brutal. You love the little dear, but you feel like you are losing your mind to boredom. But now...now life is flourishing and I am glad I didn't miss the beginnings of my little seed sprouting. Now I know how to be at home. Now I know that a little boredom is the small price I pay for priceless moments and fanatical chaos.



I am still learning. But I know I am where I should be. I am grateful for the Lord for helping me know. It is an exercise of faith. I have not been neglected. I am grateful for the inspiration He grants me as I read His words. He loves me and He helps me give that love to those in my life.

I wasn't sure if I would make it through this morning (another day at home...all day and it's cold outside), but as I read the Book of Mormon I was reminded that I want to treasure my family, I want to deserve them when it is time to live eternally together because I gave my heart to them. And that is exactly what I tried to do this morning. I gave my heart to Alyssa and I saw, yet again, that she is my treasure.