Who is Jesus Christ to you?

This has been kinda lame, I have been trying and thinking about what to write and I just havent felt like I have been inspired on what to write.

I thought that I would share something that I have learned recently about Jesus Christ.

I have been having alot of questions lately. Yes, indeed I do have questions. We went to get something at one of the senior missionaries home, I asked the Elder some of the questions that I had. He answered some of my questions and then asked me questions. These questions were very simple and yet, I had a hard time answering them.
He asked me questions about Jesus Christ and who He is. I know that He is our Savior and our Redeemer, but is that it?
This senior missionary helped me to see and understand just a little more about Jesus Christ.
We all know that God, or Heavenly Father, is the father of Jesus Christ. It says many times in the scriptures that Christ is the Son of God, and we are as well right?
We refer everyone as brother____or sister____, because we are all "..offspring of God.." (Acts 17:27-28)
There are SO many names that we have for Jesus Christ.. Advocate, Creator, Good Shepard, Holy One of Israel, Jehovah, Lamb of God, Lord, Messiah, Only Begotten, Redeemer, Savior, First born, Son of God, I'm sure we could go on for a long time on what He is called in the scriptures. One in particular caught my attention. First Born.
Heb. 1:6 says, "And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him."

"..God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everylasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." -John 3:16-17

Two scriptures together, but I like these ones because it takes about Him [Jesus Christ] being the first born and Gods Son. So He is Gods son, we are all sons and daughters of God, that would make Jesus Christ our Older Brother. 

This just strengths my testimony on families. Because Jesus Christ is our older brother, He was willing to come down here and make the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.. His brothers and sisters, so we could return to a loving Father in Heaven and be together. 

I think about the older brother I have today. He is great, he has always been there for me, even when we were younger. He has helped me so much, and was prob more excited for me when I told him I was coming on a mission to serve the Lord. He talked about it with me all the time, and helped me prepare myself for this day. I think about the love that he has for me, this gospel and the Lord and I can feel a glimpse of the love that Jesus Christ has for me. 

I am grateful for these 2 brothers that I have to help me in every way possible, and that Jesus Christ was willing to suffer for my sins and my pains so that I could repent and be forgiven and not suffer.. 

Remember who you are and what you stand for.!!

Family.. Isnt it about Time?

As missionaries we visit and talk to families everyday. This weekend we visited with an investigator and her grandson, he is about 2 years old. We were talking to her, having a great conversation about our Heavenly Father. She turned to her grandson and said.."Who do you love?"
No he didn't say grandma, mom or dad. But he said,"Jesus!" She then said, "Yes that's right, we love Jesus don't we? These girls here love Jesus too." 

When she said that I couldn't help but to feel the spirit. I just read in the Bible John 15:26 which says,"....the comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me [Jesus Christ]."

Later that week, we went to dinner with a family in our ward. They are a beautiful family. As we sat and ate dinner, I just sat and watch how the family acted. Let me paint a picture for you..
A mom, a dad.. A daughter, and 2 sons. The daughter and the son just sat and laughed at each other the whole time during dinner. 

As I watched I couldn't help but to feel that families are forever and that that is Gods plan for us all.

I know that families are forever, and I am very grateful for that. Ive seen alot of families here on the mission. Ive seen how the gospel truly does bless the families and we can and will be together forever.
Remember who you are and what you stand for

*!!Happy Birthday Savannah!!*

Conference=Amazing! Indeed this General Conference was just what I needed to hear.

One talk in particular really touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. Sister Jean A. Stevens, spoke on children. She spoke on how little children are "humble and faithful." She said,"Our children are the key to helping us be more like Christ.. They come to us with believing hearts. They are often the first to love and the first to forgive." She explained to us the importance it is to be as a little child.

My dear sister just turned 18 on Friday. Yes, indeed her birthday is on April Fools Day. Even tho she is 18, she is still like a child. My sister has slight aspergers syndrome, a form of autistic behavior. She continues to live a everyday high school life. She drives (my car) haha, she goes to dances and continues with everyday life.

She is a great example on how to be Christlike. No, she isn't perfect, BUT she always is that "first to love and the first to forgive."

When we were younger, we did alot of things together. Of course, like all siblings do we would fight. I remember getting really mad at her one time (when I was little) and yelling at her, and then 2 seconds later I asked her for candy. She didn't say no, she gave me candy. 

I don't know how, but she always had candy stored somewhere in our room. 

Mosiah 3:19 reminds me of my sister,"..putteth off the natural man...and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to His father."

She is willing to put off the "natural man" and do what the Lord will have her do. I don't even think she realizes it. Its almost like its just natural for her, like that's what its about. Isn't that how it is supposed to be?
I'm grateful for my younger sister, and for her Christlike attributes that she shows. I love her dearly and I do see and appreciate her for who she is.

I hope you had a very Happy Birthday Vannie. I know that Heavenly Father loves you and that He is proud of you! I'm happy your staying strong through these awesome teenage days. I love you and miss your face! Keep the Faith, and Keep smiling!

We are all daughters of Our Heavenly Father who loves us and we love Him.

Remember who you are and what you stand for!

Remember.. to be GrAtEfUl

 

"Lord I'm grateful for my life,
For my daughter for my wife,
For my heart aches, & my tears,
For the joy through all the years,
& I... I wanna thank you! For everything!
& Lord, I wanna thank you!
For everything and so I'll sing I'm grateful.. Lord, I'm grateful
Lord I'm grateful for thy life,
For thy sacred sacrifice,
For my knowledge for my friends,
For the love through all the years.
& I... I wanna thank you! For everything!
& Lord, I wanna thank you!
For everything and so I'll sing I'm grateful.. Lord, I'm grateful
Sing praise... to the Lord...
Sing praise... to the Lord...
Lord I'm grateful for my life,
For my daughter for my wife,
For my heart aches and my tears,
For the joy through all the years,

& I... I wanna thank you! For everything!

& I... I wanna thank you! For everything!

& Lord I wanna thank you! For everything!
& so I'll sing I'm grateful.. Lord, I'm grateful!
Sing praise... to the Lord...
Sing praise... to the Lord..."
I love this song! especially at the beginning when he says.."For my heart aches and my tears." This goes with my post that I posted yesturday. "As we regularly express our gratitude to our Heavenly Father, we cultivate an uplifting attitude. The Savior has promised, "He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious (Doctrine and Covenants 78:19)."
Thanksgiving is over, but we should never stop thanking Heavenly Father for the many things that he has blessed us with..
Remember the things that matter most. "..and what is most important always evolves the people around us." -Pres. Thomas S. Monson.. I love this!!! I can't help but to think about my family!
 I wish that I didn't just "assume" that they knew I love them, I wish I could've showed them more. Because to me, they are what matters most. Them, and my Heavenly Father. I am very blessed to have them as my family, and that Heavenly Father let me have them as my family. So Lord, I wanna thank you! For my life, my family, for you, for my Savior Jesus Christ, for my trials, for EVERYTHING!
Remember, who you are and what you stand for! I love you all..

Remember... To Thank the Lord thy God.

I love this time of the year! I love the fall colors, the weather is great and the HOLIDAYS! Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times, and not just cause of the amazing food. Thanksgiving really reminds me of family, and spending time with them. I remember from way back, when I was little, always going to my grandmas or my aunts house for thanksgiving.

I love getting together with the family and seeing everybody. I love seeing how they are doing, and just laughing and joking around with them. This is the first time being away from my family for thanksgiving, I miss them dearly. One thing I really miss is my moms razelberry pie. Ah, its so good. However, I'm so grateful to be here in California with my new family. My mission family, and to be with the friends I have made out here.
Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful and to express our gratitude.
Thank you my family and friends back home for your love and support. Thank you President Bunker and Sister Bunker for the love you show, your examples and for being here to help lead and guide us missionaries! Thank you to all the missionaries serving the Lord, and for your faith. Thank you for all of you! For all of your love and support. Thank you Heavenly Father for this chance I have to be here.
I am so grateful the Lord called me to be here in California at this time. I love serving Him, and inviting others to come closer to Him. I'm very grateful for the people He has put into my life. I have Him to thank for everything. He has helped me so much in my life, and I know He has helped many of you as well. In 2 Nephi 9:52 it says," Behold, my beloved brethren, REMEMBER the words of your God; pray unto him continually by day, and give thanks unto his holy name by night. Let your hearts rejoice."
Remember Our Father in Heaven and show your gratitude to Him, and our Savior for His atoning sacrifice for us.
I'm so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father to send His son to die for us. I'm grateful for the family He has blessed me with. I'm grateful for this beautiful earth that He created for us to come and live on for a time. I love my Heavenly Father so much, and my Savior Jesus Christ. Remember Him! Express your love and gratitude to Him, not just tomorrow, but everyday! I love you all very much!
Remember who you are and what you stand for!

Happy ThanksGiving Family! I love you!

ReMeMbeR otheRs

"My brothers and sisters, we are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness—be they family members, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us." -Pres. Thomas S. Monson
So lately I've had the oppertunity to do many acts of service. To be honest I don't think I've done so much service in my life!

I have many times asked myself, why is service so important? Pres. Spencer W. Kimball said,"God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs."
When we help other people we are helping the work of God. We are showing our love for them, and God's love for them. I notice that after I serve someone I feel so GOOD!! I just feel like I am the happiest person in the world.! I know that the people we serve can and will be able to feel Gods love for them through us. I know Pres. Kimball's statement to be true! That our needs are met through other people.

Think of ways people have served you and your family......
There have been alot of people who have been very good to my family and have served us in many different ways, but the only thing that really comes to my mind is my family.
My mom is a huge example to me when it comes to service. She never puts herself first, she always makes sure everyone else is taken care of.
I remember, ever since I was little my mom would write me little notes. When I was in school she would put them in my lunch, when I got older she would put them in my purse or on my mirror! Just fun notes to make me smile to let me know she was thinking of me.
My brother has always made me laugh! I remember him always being there to comfort me when I needed it.
My dad would always help me with my guitar and always made sure that I had the best strings, and he would put the strings on for me (cause I don't know how to do that yet).
My sister....hahaha.... she always was making sure I did the right thing. For example, she made sure I told my mom when I got a parking, or speeding ticket.
To some people, these things might seem small. But to me, it is my family showing me that they care and love me. I was never the best at serving my family. I thought, "they're family, they know I love them. I don't need to do anything for them."
It is important for us to show our love for them by serving them. Just like the Savior! He served everyone here on this earth! He taught His gospel, fed crowds of hungry people, healed the sick and raised the dead.
Christ washed the feet of His disciples. John 13:4-10
Back then, washing feet was a sign of honor, and was usually done by a servant.

Find oppertunities to serve! We are all blessed with special gifts and talents. We can use these to serve others.
I think of the movie "Patch Adams" with Robin Williams. He brings so much happiness to all the people in the hospital. He uses his talents to help make their dreams come true! You can just feel his love for the people he is serving when you watch it. For me, even though it is a movie, can just see the light of Christ shine through this character.

I know that we will be blessed for serving others, and that we can feel of God's love for us and His children. I now know the importance of service. "....When ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God."  -Mosiah 2:17
I am very grateful for my family back home, who showed their love and support by serving me! I'm sorry I didn't see or appreciate them before! I know that the Lord has opened my eyes to service, and is now my favorite thing to do.! Seeing others smile, is *pRiCelEsS* and look forward to seeing it on their face everytime! Thats what makes service worth it to me.. Is seeing how happy it makes others.
I thank my Heavenly Father for showing me this, and I want to express my love for Him. I do love Him and my Savior! I know that we are all His children and we need to help everyone in this world!
My dear brothers and sisters...
Remember,
who you are and what you stand for!

Temples

Temples
Being a missionary, temples and marriage WAS the last thing on my mind. It was something that i didn't want to think about.
But, as of lately I have been hearing alot of talks in church and from my mission president about marriage, and now this months church magazine is on temples! I'm thinking to myself "what the heck? There is no way avoiding this subject!" Its scary for me to think about, and that marriage is the next step for me. But why am i scared of that next step? Should I be?
Its a blessing to have temples! It is the house of the Lord and its a place that we can go to learn more about His plan for us. I always learn something new when I visit the temple.
Its a place where we can go to be with are families forever. Because my parents were married in the temple we will all be able to be together forever.  I don't know about you, but when I get married i wanna be with my husband and my kids forever!  Isn't that amazing that the Lord promises us this, if we follow the example of Our Savior Jesus Christ?!
Now, for me talking more about temples and marriage is exciting. What a great way to learn more about the plan that our Heavenly Father has for us, and that we can be with our families forever.