Come and See

Once in Young Women's or Seminary or sometime in my education, a leader urged us to be able to answer this question if we were ever asked: "What does your Church believe? What do your leaders teach?" At the time, I realized that I couldn't remember anything specific from the most recent General Conference, and I wouldn't be able to give a very current answer if the question was directed at me.

So, here is a small list of what I would say if someone asked me what my Church believes, and what my Church leaders are currently saying:

• Jesus WANTS to forgive us. His forgiveness is limitless. All He requires of us is sincere effort. Link to this talk
• We need to know who we are, but more importantly WHOSE we are. I am a daughter of Almighty God, and I will stand as a witness (that means, I have evidence in my heart) of Him at all times. I will act well my part. Link to this talk
• Our homes and families are literally under attack by the Adversary. We must never feel so comfortable that we let our guard down, and provide openings for evil influences to walk right in. (For me, this means being very careful about the kind of media that is available. No use defying Satan and then opening a window for him when I turn the TV on.) Also, there are few things as powerful as the prayer of a faithful mother. And, the Lord is able to pour pure intelligence into our minds as we earnestly seek it. Link here
• Men have equal but different roles. Men cannot fully exercise the power of the Priesthood without a woman, just as a woman cannot become a mother without a man. Procreative and Priesthood power are shared between man and wife. The Priesthood is to be used to “succor the weak, lift up the hands that hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees” As children of God, we have so much potential, like the tomato plant. Don’t become spiritually undernourished by removing yourself from the living Light and Water of the Savior. They are essential Spiritual nutrients. Link here
• Remember: Little things lead to big things! Satan is no match for the Savior, but he wants to take as many with him as he can. His fate is sure. Devices can be a source of filth and wasted time, but they can be useful. Be wise in how you embrace technology. If you reviewed a verse of scripture as often as you send texts, you would have thousands of scriptures memorized. Focus your life outward in unselfish service to others. His power is a necessary component to establish a home filled with peace. Be a true friend. Welcome others into your home so they can observe how to have a Christ centered home. Recognize the good in others, not their stains. Link here
• Men search for peace in worldly ways: wealth, power, prominence, pleasure, leisure. The Savior is the source and author and Prince of Peace. Humble yourself, pray always, repent of sins, become a true Disciple, these things will bring true peace. Peace is an abiding deep happiness and spiritual contentment. Link
• Regarding chastity: Lucifer has not a body, so he tries to get us to use our bodies the wrong way. He wants us to share in his misery through the improper use of our bodies. The tool he does not have (our bodies) is his target. Guilt is to our spirits what pain is to our body: it is a warning. Result of sincere repentance is peace. Link up
• 1.You don’t have to be perfect to receive help and forgiveness. The perfect place to begin seeking light is right where you are. It doesn’t matter how disqualified you think you are. The hope of His light will come the moment you begin t seek it.  2. Turn your heart toward the Lord, lift up your soul in Prayer, acknowledge your shortcomings, pour out your Gratitude, plead with Him. 3.Walk in the Light. He knows you will make mistakes, and stumble, perhaps many times. He does not wish to break your spirit. He desires you to rise up. This is why His Son was sent to illuminate the way. The gospel teaches us how to know, do and be. Seek to increase your love for God. As you draw near to God, He will draw near to you. Darkness will NOT gain victory over the light of Christ. Walk towards the hope of God’s light. Link
• "No force in the entire world can stop the work of God.”  Link
• There is no reason in this age with the fullness of the Gospel to sail in uncharted seas. We must be obedient. Answers come as we are obedient to the commandments of God. We learn obedience throughout our lives. Obedience is better than sacrifice. God requires the willing and obedient heart. Refuse to deviate from what is right.  Link here
• Hold fast to what you already know, and stand strong until additional knowledge comes. If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed…nothing shall be impossible unto you. The size of your faith is not the issue, it is your integrity you demonstrate towards the faith you do have. What we know will always trump what we do not know. Everyone is to walk by faith. So be kind regarding human frailty, your own and those who serve with you. This church is lead by volunteers. Except for Christ, God has only had imperfect people to work with. Never apologize for “only believing” Be not afraid, only believe. The articles of faith all start with “We Believe."Link

And there is so, so much more. I know that these things come straight from God for our growth and benefit. He would never tell us or ask us to do anything that would not be for our divine Becoming. I invite you to Come and See everything that He has in store of each of us.