My Peace I Give Unto You

There is peace to be found in this world of turmoil and confusion. Sometimes it can be very hard to see the good in our lives when there are so many bad things going on around us. But there is always good to be found, whether it be a simple smile, or a service project, or even a beautiful, sunny day. God is with us always, whether we know it or not, and He will help us through our trials if we put our trust in His will!

Ever smiling,
JS

PS http://inspirationlamppost.com/peace.html

The Tender Mercies Of His Grace

As I was in my room pondering on some hard things that had been going on earlier today, I felt broken. For the longest time, I had been treated rudely and with disrespect verbally. I was really struggling with it, especially today. But each time it happened, I realized that I would forget the happening and continue loving that person.

It hit me especially hard today as I struggled with something that I needed support with. It was something that I was really conflicted about, and I didn't know how to handle the situation. Instead of giving me support in my confusion, the person spoke rudely and made it seem like my concerns for our spiritual welfare weren't important. 

So I locked myself into my room and prayed. I asked my Father how He was able to forgive so easily and continue loving. I was so hurt, and He forgives all damage done, no matter how serious the problem. I wanted to feel the love that He feels for everyone, to see things the way He sees them.

At that moment, He filled my soul with His love. He gave me the reason to see beyond weakness and He opened my eyes to the joy that He sees. He blessed me with incredible joy and love. His love for me, and for others, filled me, and at that moment, I knew that He would help me conquer my fears and my troubles. He wanted me to forgive. So I prayed for charity and forgiveness, and He blessed me with so much more than that!

These precious words are the results of that tender moment. As I wrote them, I was overwhelmed with His love. I was filled with the joy from heaven. When the pen connected with the paper, the words just flowed--like a song. The words became music, a song from the soul, a heavenly song from the heart. 

Tears falling down my face, I kneel down and I pray. Praying for God's tender mercy. Broken down, lost and forgotten, spat upon, abused. I beg for His forgiveness, I plead for His love.

The the light of His kindness, His tender Father's hand brings me into His warm embrace, wraps me in His love. The love that He feels for me is so real, and He shows me His tender mercy. 

Laughter and joy, a bright child's face, singing and dancing, winning the race. His sunshine warmed my soul, His grace redeemed my love. He rescued me, strengthened me, filled me with His light! He loves me, and knows me, knows me for who I am: a daughter of His, beloved. 

These are the gifts for His child--a Son of God, Redeemer, sent for us to die. To live again, and be again--our Saviour, our Christ.

They love me for who I am. They care for me and lead me through Their plan. The road is rough, but be not afraid. Stand tall, be true, and be His. A daughter of a living God, honest, faithful, true. Benevolent and virtuous!

Now He knows the way, and He shows the way, and His is the way--the way to truth and light! Be these things, trust in Him, and you will be filled with His light. Charity is all that you need. Just trust in Him, believe in Him, and the tender mercies of His grace will fall upon you and fill your soul.

He loves you, you are His, and He is yours.

Have a beautiful day, filled with the warmth of God's sunshine and love.

Ever smiling,

~JS

Pure Joy

"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." Doctrine and Covenants 18:10

We hear this scripture all the time. The worth of souls is GREAT in the sight of God. But have we ever considered the joy that is shared in this scripture? Not only is there great love shared, but this scripture has wonderful depth and tender feelings shared.

As I continued reading, I discovered this verse that struck me even more than the previous verse.

"And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth!" Doctrine and Covenants 18:13

Notice the exclamation point at the end. An emphasis is placed on this simple sentence that makes the meaning more powerful and touching. Christ sacrificed His life for us, so that we would have the divine gift of repentance. This verse proves to us that Christ's joy for us is magnified when we choose to sincerely apply the Atonement in our lives.

When we cry, He cries with us. When we laugh, He laughs with us. When we have that tender moment of pure joy that comes from truly repenting, how much greater is the joy in Christ's heart, for we have chosen to come unto Him!

~JS

We Have The Power To Change The World!

It is amazing the power we have to change the world--starting with ourselves. If we change our hearts and serve God with all our heart, might, mind and strength, we will be blessed with the Christlike attributes we need to be the heroes that this world needs. 

I want to develop the Christlike trait of patience, so that I can endure patiently and be more happy in dire circumstances. I know that as we strive to be the missionaries and examples that the world needs, we will be blessed for our efforts and become more like Christ.

Ever smiling,

~JS

I Can Be A Missionary Now!

For the longest time, I was convinced that I would go to college. Never once did I consider going on a mission. But last year, the Spirit struck me with an incredibly powerful thought. I am going on a mission. It was as simple as that.

That powerful sentence has stuck with me ever since. And when I got my patriarchal blessing, a part of it told me that if the Lord desired it, I would serve a full-time mission. That confirmed my feelings even more. 

Because of that simple prompting, my life has been changed completely. I realized that I wasn't living a life that was in complete harmony with the gospel. I still have my weaknesses, but I have been able to overcome a lot of them and turn them into strengths. I have been able to establish a better habit of studying the scriptures, saying daily personal prayers, and writing in my journal regularly. My heart has been opened to the desire to serve, and to sharing my testimony with others. Because of the Spirit's influence, I can be a missionary now!

Ever smiling,

~JS

The Worth of Souls

Doctrine and Covenants 18:10

"Remember the worth of souls is GREAT is the sight of God."

This scripture has really stood out to me lately. We are all beloved children of God--His love for us is eternal. No matter how many mistakes we make, He will help us out of them and reach out to touch our lives. His love for me has inspired me to look for the good in others and see that they are absolutely amazing individuals! The worth of souls in great--so great that we are blessed daily with God's love. Because of this scripture, I have been blessed with the love for others that I didn't have before. I have been given the gift to reach out and shine my light to others so that they can, in turn, shine themselves. You are amazing!

Keep smiling,

~JS

The Fruit Of The Scriptures

The scriptures are here for us to learn from and feast upon.

"The fruit within the peel, which we use for strength and nourishment, can be compared to the doctrines and principles found in the scriptures. The peel that surrounds the fruit can be compared to the events and people of the scriptures. Much like the outer covering preserves and helps transport the inner fruit, these scriptural accounts hold and carry gospel doctrines and principles to us in a way that helps us understand, remember, and apply them in our lives.

The work needed to remove the outer covering and expose the inner fruit is similar to what we must do to open up or uncover a passage of scripture. To peel open the scriptures and expose the fruit inside, we need to understand the historical setting of a revelation and also strive to understand the events, people, and meaning of words. As we do so, the doctrines and principles contained within the scriptural accounts become easier to see and understand."

~Online Seminary

As we feast on the fruits of the scriptures, we will be filled with the Spirit and our testimonies will be strengthened. A scripture a day keeps the devil away! 

Keep smiling,

~JS