Tuesday, February 24, 2009

How beautiful is the atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ! I know I cannot fully comprehend the magnitude of the atonement, but my appreciation for it grows every day. A couple days ago had a migraine, the worst I think I've ever had. I don't even remember the last time I was in that much pain. I knew that I just needed to sleep so that I could work past it, but it hurt so badly I didn't think I could fall asleep. And it didn't help that my pillow felt like concrete!

I asked a good friend if he would give me a blessing, a blessing meant for healing or comforting the sick. I hoped that this blessing would bring me comfort and help me to sleep. In the blessing he gave me, he reminded me of the atonement. He reminded me that the atonement is not only meant for the repentance of sin, but also for our comfort in times of trial and pain. He reminded me that Jesus Christ had felt this pain for me in the Garden of Gethsemane. This blessing did bring me comfort, though not immediate relief from the pain I was feeling.

As I lay down to try to sleep, with tears streaming down my cheeks, I pondered the atonement and the words of the blessing given to me. As I recognized how much I hurt, it took on a new depth and meaning to know that I was not alone. There is one who could perfectly comprehend what I was feeling because he had felt is before. And he felt my pain not because he had to, but because he loves me and wanted to be able to succor me in times of need. I am so grateful for Jesus Christ and for the knowledge I have of the atonement. I am also grateful for the opportunity to study the New Testament in class and learn more about the life of Jesus here on earth.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

In class last Thursday we had a discussion that touched my heart. It centered around Mark 15 and the interaction between Jesus and Pilate. In verse 5 and 44 the word "marvelled" is used to describe Pilate's reaction. As was mentioned in class- Pilate had never met anyone like Jesus before. Two stories were also related in class concerning heroic, selfless acts of others in our own day and time. And it was stated "These are people we don't meet everyday. We don't understand their actions. This is Jesus in front of Pilate." We marvel, because we don't understand... That thought- of these extraordinary people- brought tears to my eyes. I know people who live a Christ-like life, because they have touched me personally. Their example causes me to marvel and desire to be more like them and more like our Savior.

How blessed we are to live in a world that in the midst of so much evil, still contains so much light and good. Across ages, cultures, races, religions, etc. there are people out there who still surprise us. They surprise us with their good, their charity, their selflessness. It brings me great peace to dwell on those who choose the right with no thought to themselves, merely living their life, choosing good and service over evil and selfishness.

Sunday night I had the opportunity to attend a concert at the Tabernacle on Temple Square. It was an Interfaith Music Tribute with the theme: "Many Faiths: One Family." This event brought together people from many different countries, cultures, and religions. There was a Jewish children's choir, Native American dancers, a Muslim children's choir, Presbyterian Pipe Band playing the bagpipes, a Catholic and Baptist adult choir, a Buddhist children's choir, an LDS children's choir, Hindu dancers, and more. It was incredibly beautiful, particularly the voices of the children who sang about their common faith in God. Particularly touching was when the Muslim and Jewish children's choirs sang together of peace and friendship and common ancestry.

This event is one that I imagine many people would marvel over. But this is what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is all about. Recognizing that we are all children of God and He loves each of us regardless of race or religion. I believe that recognizing this- our nature as children of God- is central to loving as did Jesus Christ and having the charity and selflessness He possesses. These extraordinary people found all around us love and serve others. They surprise us with their ability to sacrifice for others and serve those they do not know. The New Testament is full of the teachings and example of Jesus in regards to these qualities. It is my humble hope that I may try to live in such a way that I add to the goodness and light in the world and in the lives of those around me.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

There's a few different things that have been on my mind the past few days as I've studied the New Testament and materials for other classes...

The people in the New Testament, even the ones not mentioned by name, are becoming real to me, in a way they never have before. I'm spending more time thinking about their lives, emotions, experiences...how did they feel? what did they see? who were they? I can feel this depth to the Gospels that I never took the time to find before. I love learning about the culture and time period in which they lived and using that information to further my understanding.

I'm also taking a class called "The Living Prophets." What a blessing it is to study the calling and life of Living Prophets! I have a testimony of prophets, and I know President Thomas S. Monson is a living prophet. My class though...having a deeper understanding of the calling of prophet has strengthened my testimony of them, both in ancient times like those found in the New Testament, as well as those on earth today. I appreciate that I am able to learn more about the life of those called by God as special witnesses today, at the same time as I learn more about the apostles at the time of Christ, also called by God as special witnesses.

The other thing on my mind more directly relates to some things pointed out in class recently. I am grateful for the opportunity to more closely look at the women in the New Testament and the way in which the Savior interacts with them. I know that women play an important role and can be great examples of faith. When records of our day are written I hope that even if my name is not recorded, I can be known and remembered as a woman of faith.

I know that even in just a matter of weeks, the way I read the Gospels has changed. I've been reminded that each word carries meaning and it takes effort to determine what that meaning is. There's plenty on the surface, but the added depth, when you read a little more carefully, is incredible!