As a child I remember singing the primary song "I am a child of God." From my earliest years I've enjoyed this reassurance that I am truly the child of a Heavenly Father. This knowledge has shaped my life. Each of us is a literal son or daughter of God and like all fathers, our Father in Heaven loves each of us individually. One of my favorite scriptures of all time is Romans 8:38-39. It reads:
"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
This scripture beautifully describes the expanse of our Father's love for us. No matter what happens in our lives, we can always have the assurance that our Father in Heaven loves us. I stand all amazed to know that I am a child of God and that He loves me.
August 2, 2011
July 30, 2011
The Beast
Serving a mission has been a lifelong dream for me. I've looked forward to this time in my life for as long as I can remember. I used to tell people, "I can't wait to share the gospel, knock on doors, get chased by dogs, etc." Well, be careful what you wish for!
Last week I had the scariest experience of my life as we were out trying to find people to teach. I got chased by a dog! Now this was no ordinary dog, this was a BEAST. It looked more like a bear than a dog and it was ready to eat me for an afternoon snack. It started to charge full speed ahead, but I somehow managed to escape the beast in time. I bolted to the car, ripped open the door, hurled my body inside, and quickly slammed the door. I honestly don't know how I managed to escape with my life, let alone all my limbs still attached, but I count my lucky stars to be here today.
Now, you may be wondering, "How does this fit with her 'I Stand All Amazed' theme?" Well, let me enlighten you. As we were driving up the lane toward this house, I had a horrible sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. The distinct thought came into my head, "Get out of here!" Deciding to push aside these thoughts and feelings, I ignored this prompting and continued.
The prompting I received was from the Holy Ghost and today I stand all amazed at the gift of the Holy Ghost. Having the Holy Ghost as a constant companion is a gift that we receive after baptism if we live worthy of its presence. The Holy Ghost doesn't have a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead, along with God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. I truly consider the Holy Ghost to be one of God's most precious gifts to His children because the Holy Ghost testifies of truth, offers comfort during times of trial and sorrow, sanctifies and cleanses, gives spiritual strength, and warns of spiritual or physical danger. If we will listen to the quiet promptings of the Holy Ghost, we can have great joy in our lives. In 2 Nephi 32:5 it reads: "For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do." What a wonderful promise! Although I'm obviously still learning to listen to the Holy Ghost, I'm incredibly grateful for its companionship in my life. I stand all amazed at the gift of the Holy Ghost. And hopefully next time I will listen to its promptings because getting chased by dogs is no longer a dream of mine.
Last week I had the scariest experience of my life as we were out trying to find people to teach. I got chased by a dog! Now this was no ordinary dog, this was a BEAST. It looked more like a bear than a dog and it was ready to eat me for an afternoon snack. It started to charge full speed ahead, but I somehow managed to escape the beast in time. I bolted to the car, ripped open the door, hurled my body inside, and quickly slammed the door. I honestly don't know how I managed to escape with my life, let alone all my limbs still attached, but I count my lucky stars to be here today.
Now, you may be wondering, "How does this fit with her 'I Stand All Amazed' theme?" Well, let me enlighten you. As we were driving up the lane toward this house, I had a horrible sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. The distinct thought came into my head, "Get out of here!" Deciding to push aside these thoughts and feelings, I ignored this prompting and continued.
The prompting I received was from the Holy Ghost and today I stand all amazed at the gift of the Holy Ghost. Having the Holy Ghost as a constant companion is a gift that we receive after baptism if we live worthy of its presence. The Holy Ghost doesn't have a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead, along with God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. I truly consider the Holy Ghost to be one of God's most precious gifts to His children because the Holy Ghost testifies of truth, offers comfort during times of trial and sorrow, sanctifies and cleanses, gives spiritual strength, and warns of spiritual or physical danger. If we will listen to the quiet promptings of the Holy Ghost, we can have great joy in our lives. In 2 Nephi 32:5 it reads: "For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do." What a wonderful promise! Although I'm obviously still learning to listen to the Holy Ghost, I'm incredibly grateful for its companionship in my life. I stand all amazed at the gift of the Holy Ghost. And hopefully next time I will listen to its promptings because getting chased by dogs is no longer a dream of mine.
July 14, 2011
"I Stand All Amazed" is my favorite hymn. I love this hymn because it perfectly describes how I feel. I stand all amazed every single day at the goodness of my life as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This blog is going to be completely dedicated to the things that make me stand all amazed. Below is the text of the hymn that touches my heart:
I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,
Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me.
I tremble to know that for me he was crucified,
That for me a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died.
Chorus:
Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me
Enough to die for me!
Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!
I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine
To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine,
That he should extend his great love unto such as I,
Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.
Chorus
I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt!
Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?
No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,
Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet.
Chorus
Do you stand all amazed?
I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,
Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me.
I tremble to know that for me he was crucified,
That for me a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died.
Chorus:
Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me
Enough to die for me!
Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!
I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine
To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine,
That he should extend his great love unto such as I,
Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.
Chorus
I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt!
Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?
No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,
Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet.
Chorus
Do you stand all amazed?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)