Friday, July 12, 2013

The Savior's Instructions About the Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost is a marvelous gift that our Heavenly Father has allowed for us to have. The Holy Ghost does so many things in our benefit. Christ called the him “The Comforter” and promised the disciples (which includes the rest of us) that the Holy Ghost would abide with them, would bring them peace and dwell within them, and teach them all things and bring remembrance and testify of the truthfulness of Christ.  All these things and even more and all the disciples were asked to do, in order to receive and keep this gift, was to keep the commandments.

I think the thing that shows to me what the Holy Ghost can do for a person, is how Christ Apostles seemed to change after Christ’s death. Especially in The Acts. When Christ was with them, they were learning and growing but there were many aspects that they did not understand. They were, in many cases, still naïve and young in regards to the gospel. However, once they received the Gift of the Holy Ghost there is a strength that you find within the Apostles. They have unshakable testimonies and have a greater knowledge of the Gospel. It really shows to me what the Holy Ghost can do for us if we live the commandments and strive to learn more.

I can think of many instances in my life where the Holy Ghost has changed me, but I have to say that the really big moment in my life was in 2010. It was at this point in my life that I started to really read the scriptures. I didn’t just read them either, but I sat down with a notebook and recorded all my feelings and thoughts as I read. I would even read General conference talks and I really tried to listen to what my feelings were telling me. I also began saying my prayers with more of a conversational intent rather than just talking. It was around this time that my life began to change. The biggest change was getting the strong impression I needed to move home for schooling (which I had been praying about) even though there was nothing back home that would really contribute to it. However, upon going on I was able to get into the Pathway Program that kick started my education. I met people that I made long lasting connections with, I developed a better relationship with my parents and with one of my sisters with whom I was out of touch with. While I didn’t make perfect decisions all the time, I noticed a huge change in my life. I was happier; I had a stronger testimony in my Savior and in the gospel. I had more love for those around me. I still have my ups and downs now and then, but I have such a strong testimony because I strived to listen to the Holy Ghost, and because I wanted to learn more, he was able to teach me. The Holy Ghost does amazing things for people but more often than not, people don’t know that because they truly do not listen for his counsel or they are so far off the course that He simply can not reach them.


I have such a strong testimony in the power of the Holy Ghost. There is no doubt in my mind that He gives me guidance and strength directly from the Heavenly Father. 

Friday, July 5, 2013

The Savior Anointed

In Mark 14:3-9 and Matthew 26: 6-13 there is a woman, who anoints the Savior with very expensive oil. She is originally judged harshly by those witnessing. They claimed that the oil was wasted, and that she could have sold it for lots of money and then distributed it to the poor as good works. The savior, however, rebukes them. This woman, it would seems, may have had a greater understanding of what the savior would be going through soon than the rest of them that were present. For it seems that she knew that Christ would no longer be with them and the Savior says “She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying” (Mark 14:8)
The savior praised this woman, claiming that she had “wrought a good work” and that her deed’s would “be spoken of for a memorial of her” (Mark 14:6,9)

So what did this woman do that make her act so great that she was praised by the savior and makes her worthy of our remembrance? I’d like to think that the woman was so in tune with the spirit and probably very well read in the scriptures that she was aware of what was going to happen to the Savior. She knew that he would no longer be with them and she was reverencing him. He was worth more to her than the money the oil could have brought. To me she symbolizing putting Christ first and remembering what he did for us. She was willing to give up the precious materials in her life and give them to the savior. She was respectful and knew that the work he would do would be for all mankind.


What I take from this woman is that I need to remember to put Christ first. I need to follow the gospel before I worry about the other things in my life.  This woman also reminds me of the sacrament and how we should reverence it and remember why we take it. We should always be grateful to our Heavenly Father and to Jesus Christ, who made it possible that we could even return to their presence.