Day Six: Hope

The Invitation: Read the story of the blind man found in John 9:1-38.

The Journey: Attempt to analyze through different eyes a situation that has been troubling you. Pray that the Savior withh touch your eyes so that you will see what you need to do differently. Now take time to write it down.




This was a tough one and my blog tonight is a little more disorganized - but I still hope its good one...




I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one, but there are times in my life where I have some bad days. I don't mean like late to work, stubbed my toe, forgot my cell phone, ran out of gas and had no wallet days. Those are yucky, but I'm talking about the days where you just feel lost. Where your heart is filled with sorrow and you don't really understand why. You find yourself upset and maybe a little bit angry...and again, you just don't know why. Soon enough your sobbing in your room by yourself, begging Heavenly Father to make it go away. But when you beg, you aren't being genuine because in reality, you just want to cry and want to feel sorry for yourself. But you'd never admit it to yourself in the moment. (Yes, this was my day on Saturday...and part of Sunday too.)




So, here I am Saturday night: filled with heartache, pain, resentment and tears falling all over. I'm begging for it to go away, but its not going to. Why not? Because I'm not praying the way I should be. My heart is contentious and in reality I am being a huge brat. (These realizations didn't come until later though...oops).




Saturday was my day to take this journey - to let the Savior touch my eyes so I could see something in a new light. But I didn't let Him. And you know what, I don't think I let Him do it Sunday either.




However, on Sunday God spoke to me. He spoke through several of His children. He sent messages to me and He pretty much put me in my place. Unfortunately, I still wasn't ready to hear it and by the way I feel right now, I'm not sure I'm ready tonight either. But you know what, before I fall asleep I will be ready. I will be truly humbled and I will not stop praying until my heart changes. I cannot go another day letting my contentious heart prevent me from the Spirit.




The worst part is, I recognize Satan is doing this to me. I know this because Friday night, I vocally bore testimony of the power of prayer: that God hears them, and He answers them. How funny that by Saturday night Satan has already attempted to strip me of my testimony. And how funny that the next morning I would wake up, puffy faced with stinging eyes, to see my dad wake up at 8 am and attend the 9:00 sacrament meeting all by himself. And how interesting that my dad would come home and ask me, "juuuuust curious...this is just a hypothetical question...but what would I have to do to get baptized?" (Yes, that really happened.)




I share that experience because it proves Satan is real. But it also proves that God is real and He is sooooo more powerful. I said this in my last blog, but it is so true. Satan will work hard to prevent you from something good; from something great. It is when we are on the right path that he must make the effort. So do not get discouraged when he works to bring you down - remember that you serve God. You are HIS child and it is HE that loves you.




...I think by the time I have finished this post, I might have even had my eyes opened just a tiny bit. Im grateful for that. :)

Day Five: Discover

The Invitation: Read the account of the Samaritan woman in John 4:1-42.

The Journey: Prepare to receive a simple learning moment as you go throughout your day. Let your search be constant. Try to discover, in every hour, some heavenly blessing that will bring you closer to Christ.




Today I learned about the power of friendship and the significant amount of joy it can bring. I also learned about the incredible amount of support friendship brings to my life. God gives us friends for a reason.




Today I learned about the power of the Holy Spirit and I was reminded of its influence and strength. Its presence is very real.




Today I learned that charity and love can be so easily expressed in the simplest ways.




Today I learned God hears prayers; and He answers them. He lives.




Today I learned that evil exists but it can always be conquered through God. Good is so much more powerful. God and His children will triumph.




Today I learned that the priesthood power is strong and mighty. It provides a direct connection to Heavenly Father.




Today I discovered a heavenly blessing in every hour. In reality, ever second on this earth is a heavenly blessing. Although I knew each of these "lessons" already, they can often be overlooked or taken for granted. Today was an opportunity to remember them and remember their significance - and I really don't want to have to be reminded again - I don't ever want to overlook such beautiful blessings.

Day Four: Search

The Invitation: Read the account of Jairus in Matthew 9:18-26.

The Journey: Think back on a time in your life when you had to search for the Savior to find strength beyond your own. Try to remember the process you went through in that search. Was it scripture study, more meaningful prayers, or another avenue that led you to Christ? Apply one of those principles today.




There was a time a while ago where my heart hurt so bad and I was filled with so much sadness, I found myself on the floor of my room just sobbing. (Awkward for me to be writing this right now...but I just gotta let it out there right?!!) My heart just seemed to hurt more and more with every minutes. I buried my head into a pillow or some sweatshirt or whatever was on the ground in front of me and I could barely even breathe because I was such a wreck.




Finally, it got to a point where I could make out a word or two in between sobs. And that's when I could finally speak; when I could pray. I pleaded out loud to the Lord. It was a choppy and scattered prayer. I'm sure it barely made any sense as I tried to form complete sentences between sobs, but He understood me.




This was one of the most heartfelt and meaningful prayers I have ever given. The memory is so fresh in my mind and just so powerful. It is powerful because prayer is powerful. True, genuine prayer can bring about miracles. You can pray anytime and anywhere and the Lord will hear you.




This is a simple principle, yet a principle that should never be overlooked because of its simplicity. I shouldn't have just applied this principle today, but everyday. But today, I made a point to pray throughout my day and when I prayed, I put my whole heart into it.

Day Three: Keep

The Invitation: Read 2 Nephi 25: 21 - 26


The Journey: Do you have a written copy of your testimony of Christ? Take the time to write one today. Obtain and keep a journal of your 21 day journey, recording treasures and discoveries that come to you as you follow this path.




My testimony. Wow this another tough one. I say it is tough only because I do not think I am capable of doing my testimony justice through words typed onto a computer screen. But I pray that as you receive these words; as you read them; they will enter into your heart the way I intend them to.




My testimony is simple, yet complex. I believe it to be powerful. God lives. Jesus Christ lives, and He is the Only Begotten Son of God. He is the Savior of the world, the great Redeemer of all mankind. He lived a perfect life, performed miracles, and atoned for the sins of the entire world. Through Him every single person that has lived or ever will live can be saved. Christ's love is unconditional, endless, eternal, all-encompassing. Life is eternal.




The Church of Jesus Christ has been restored. That is a fact. It was restored to the Prophet Joseph Smith and the proper priesthood authority has been restored. There is a living Prophet on the Earth today and his name is President Thomas S. Monson.




I know that families can be together forever. This is a true principle. The Book of Mormon is true doctrine. It was translated by Joseph Smith through the power of God. I have read every single word of it, and I know each word is true. All men can be forgiven for sins. God still speaks to His children today! The line of communication between men and God is not closed. He speaks to us, and He will always speak to us.




But most importantly, I know that I am a daughter of God. You are a child of God. He is your Father in Heaven, and He loves you more than you will ever be able to comprehend. You, and every individual that lives on this Earth, has the potential to live with God and Jesus Christ again; to become like Him. This is a fact. I know it.




Miracles happen. Love is real. God lives. Christ lives. God speaks to us. Sins can be forgiven. Families are eternal. God's plan is perfect. Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. The truth has been restored and it is for everyone. This gospel saved my life.




Each of these words I have written is true. And I leave this, just a fraction of my testimony, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Day Two: Take His Name

The Invitation: Read the account of the Last supper in John 13:4 - 15.
The Journey: As you go through this day, find ways that you can bring honor to Christ's name by letting the walk of your life exemplify Him. On this day, try to remember Him always.


This was a pretty difficult invitation - difficult because it was just very difficult to understand. When I read this account in the scriptures, I've always focused on verse 16. But this time I focused mainly on verses 13 - 15. He says we call Him Master and Lord; but what does it really mean for Him to be our Master and our Lord? Well, as our Master, He has given us an example. In this instance, He has washed the feet of His disciples. The Only Begotten Son of God washed the feet of imperfect, mortal men! That is pure humility, love, rightousness, service, charity, and so much more. Their Master turned to them and treated them with the pure love of God - the love God gives freely to all men.



When I waas baptized, I took upon myself the name of Christ. I promised to follow Him. Today was a day to focus on honoring Him and His name. This is something I strive to do always; each and every day. But, as so many of us often do, I tend to allow the day to day worries of life to distract me from this. I am not always successful and honoring His name as there are times when contention, anger, pride, jealousy, or other things halt me from fully exemplifying Christ. Honestly, I struggled to focus on this throughout the entire day. There was a stressful hour that stole the peace from my heart. But thankfully, I reclaimed my peace and found joy in dinner and precious time spent with friends. I found peace in gospel centered discussions and the opportunity to learn from a friend. A friend with so much knowledge, wisdom, and passion for the truth of the gospel that I am in awe each day because of it.



Today I remembered Christ by helping and comforting a friend in need. I prayed to Christ. I discussed Him, His teachings, His doctrine. I studied His words. I lived as He would have me live - and right now, that is the best way I know how to honor Him and His name.

Day One: Come and See

The Invitation: Read Mark 1:16-18 and John 1:38-39
The Journey: Determine what fills your net. Are everyday challenges and feelings of inadequacy holding you back from developing a relationship with Christ? TODAY try to listen for the quiet invitations from the Lord to come and see.

What fills my net? Well, first, what does this really mean? As I thought about this today, I came up with my own interpretation of what it means. Well first, I remember that some of the men Christ called to follow Him were fishermen. They would cast their nets into the ocean to bring back fish. Then, Christ called them to be "fishers of men". So now, they must cast their net into the world and bring back men. They once brought fish to sell to those in need. But now, these men were called to being men back unto Christ and to return those children to live with their Father in Heaven. They were being called to follow Christ, and bring His children unto Him.


So, with that in mind, what fills my net? In other words, what am I bringing back to Christ? What do I have to offer Him? So far, I believe I have started to fill my net. It is not yet overflowing, but its contents are growing. I know that I have helped return some of god's children to Him. I have shared my testimony with countless individuals, hoping that it has brought just one of them closer to their Father in Heave. My net is not empty, but it surely is not full.


And next, what is holding me back from Him? This was an extremely hard thing to think about today. I think about where I stand right now, and I would say I am doing pretty well. My faith is strong, my testimony is powerful and increasing each day. I am happy and I am in a extremely good place. Yet I am far from perfect, and I know that I am filled with imperfections and blemishes that will prevent me from even greater blessings. There are prideful thoughts, the occasional judgement on others, procrastination, laziness, and countless other imperfections. Yet I am trying; earnestly trying to grow and be more like Him. I am squeezing my eyes shut, crinkling my nose, and straining my ears to hear the whisperings of the Lord; his quiet invitations.


As I reflect upon what I have heard, I realize it is a simple invitation. He is inviting me to just come, to take the steps toward Him. Align my heart with His; align my desires with His. It is time to let His will guide me. "Let your heart be pure", "Follow me", "Humble yourself, "Prepare yourself", "and believe". Those are His whisperings, these are my invitations. I know I must rid myself of those menial imperfections that prevent me from growing closer to Him. When I empty my net before Him, I pray that I will have much to offer. I do not want to present Him with things of the world, but offerings of service, love, worship, devotion and every other good and Christlike thing.



Today, I have heard His invitation, I am willing to receive it, and most importantly I am ready to step forward and walk towards Him, to walk with Him. Today has been yet another reminder that He lives, He loves me, and He is waiting for me. He is real, and I want nothing more than to know Him.

Twenty One Days Closer to Christ - The Invitation

"If with all your hearts you truly seek me, Ye shall ever surely find me."

Throughout these next 21 days, I plan to grow closer to my Savior, Jesus Christ, than I ever have before. Each day along this 21 day journey towards the Savior will include a new invitation to grow closer to Him and to strive to learn more of His endless love. Each daily activity has three aspects: a theme, an invitation, and a journey. All of these activites are designed to bring one closer to the Savior and to strengthen one's individual testimony. A tesimony needs constant nourishment and care. It needs to be fed and srengthened each and every day. I know my testimony needs this constant growth, and I am eager to strengthen it throughout this activity.

Christina Hatton (achatton.blogspot.com) and I have decided to do this together, and more importantly, to document our journey on each of our blogs. This is an extremely new and somewhat scary thing for both of us to do. Despite our obvious openess and ease to share our lives' stories with others, it is difficult for us to open up spiritually to others. I, personally, struggle with this. I do not hesitate to make my beliefs known. I am not afraid to bear my testimony boldy and with much conviction. However, I greatly struggle with sharing the intimate, precious and beautiful spiritual truths I know exist. I am more hesitant to share the spiritual experiences that have led me to be sure of such truths. Although I am constantly overflowing with love and powerful emotion for the things I know to be true, I am never comfortable sharing them with others. I deeply desire the ability to share such experiences, because it is those experiences that exemplify faith and the love of God. I have felt the inspiration of others, and I only wish to inspire others.

By documenting my journey to grow closer to Christ throughout these next three weeks, I am hoping to gain the ability to open my heart to others. I hope that as I grow closer to the Savior, I will allow myself to grow closer to others and allow others to grow closer to me. But more importantly, I pray that the things I learn and the experiences I have can teach and inspire others. I pray that as I grow closer to the Savior, others will have the desire to do the same thing; even if it is just one single person.

Tomorrow I will record the first day of my journey. I invite you to journey with me, to take steps forward towards Jesus Christ. Allow yourself to feel more strongly of His love. He is not only my Savior, but He is your Savior. He is the Savior of the world, the Only Begotten Son of God, the Great Redeemer, the Prince of Peace. He is eternal and His love has no end. He will never give up on you and will always be waiting for you...but you must go to Him. You must make that journey and seek Him, and as you do so, you will find Him.