Eternal Perspective

When my sister first left on her mission I was not happy. I was so irritated that she would leave me for such a long time! I didn't know what I would do when I couldn't talk to her constantly. I was not a happy camper. It wasn't until I went and visited her mission with her that I recognized the amazing things she was able to accomplish. She was able to help others come together for eternity and to find true joy. That was when I recognized that I had only been looking at the situation from world perspective instead of the eternal perspective. Often we focus on the now instead of the forever. I was reminded of this principle while reading the scriptures today. Having an eternal perspective helps us to be able to understand why sin is wrong, why the commandments are such a blessing in our lives, and what we have to do to go Home to our Heavenly Father.

First off, why sin is wrong. We are taught in Alma 45: 16 that "the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance." When I was younger I always thought that meant that when we sin the Lord is that unhappy with us. My sister explained to me that really the Lord cannot look upon sin with allowance because sin takes us away from Him and He cannot stand to be away from us. It is true. When we sin we are separating ourselves from our Heavenly Father and from His guidance and love. When we understand that principle it helps us to avoid sin in order to become closer to our Father in Heaven.

Mosiah 2: 41 teaches us that those who keep the commandments of God will have never ending happiness! What a goal to reach after. When we recognize that the commandments are the way to happiness we will always see them as blessings instead of rules 

Said President Gordon B. Hinckley, “The happiness of the Latter-day Saints, the peace of the Latter-day Saints, the progress of the Latter-day Saints, the prosperity of the Latter-day Saints, and the eternal salvation and exaltation of this people lie in walking in obedience to the counsels of … God.”

And last, when we have a eternal perspective we really understand what we must do to return home to our Heavenly Father. We must strive to emulate His son Jesus Christ and follow after His footsteps. We all have the ability to do so because we are literal children of God and in such are able to access His help. However, "learning to be like Christ is a lifelong pursuit and we follow Christ's example . . . one action and decision at a time." (Preach My Gospel)

I know that as we keep an eternal perspective that our life will be happier and filled with a greater purpose and sense of desire. I know that keeping that perspective has helped me to become who I am now. 

Maintain the Sacred Word of God

Maintain. The Bible Dictionary defines maintain as defence, keep, preserve, provide, retain, and support. When I think of maintaining or maintenance I think of maintaining a home. In order to keep a home in good working order we must do the daily things to keep it in good order. We must clean, polish, mend the holes and make sure the foundation is solidified. In the same way Moroni, in the Book of Mormon, teaches us that we must maintain the Sacred Word of God which gives us all our happiness. When we are doing the daily things in order to keep, preserve, retain and support the word of God then we are becoming the happiest that we can be! The Word of God gives us an increase of faith, a sure knowledge of Christ and the prophet Joseph Smith said it is a "springboard for testimony and personal revelation." 

    All these things lead to real happiness and a closer relationship with God. While studying this story it struck me that by maintaining the word of God was how Moroni was prepared to be the chief captain at the mere age of 25 or how President Monson was able to become an Apostle to the Lord at such a young age. By going back to the Sunday school answers we can fully prepare to serve God.

So here they are again but with a little twist!
Read your scriptures to be enlightened, Pray to receive answers, Attend church to be sanctified by the Sacrament, and live to be a maintainer of the Sacred word of God.

Repentance - Alma 34

Repentance. What an amazing gift! I was reading in Alma chapter 34 today and was struck with the ability Heavenly Father has given us to change. We are so blessed with the ability to become better. Here are some of my insights from this chapter! Please share yours as well!

First off is the ability to repent. The only way that we can repent is through the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ and the only way we can truly access the Atonement is through repentance. It makes one big circle! If Christ never came we would not have the opportunity to repent and if we don't repent we can never use the full measure of the enabling power of the Atonement to change. That is why repentance really is a necessary element in our daily lives in order to become more like Christ.

Repentance is so important because now is the day "which is given to prepare for eternity" (Alma 34: 33). Now really is the time to prepare to live with God again. Not tomorrow or in a week but now. I love that Christ teaches us that he is "mighty to save" (Alma 34: 18).Alma also teaches us that immediately when we repent the great plan of redemption will be brought unto you (Alma 34:31). When we do decide to repent it allows us to be encircled in His arms and to be forgiven. What a blessing! He really does love us! If we really allow the Atonement to come and change us and help us repent we will be so much happier!

I know that through repentance we can become more like the son or daughter that Heavenly Father needs us to be. I have seen the enabling and sustaining power of the Atonement work in my life to help me to repent. When I have sincerely repented I have received the most joy and peace. Look at your life and determine what things you can change. It doesn't have to be a major sin, but it could be a small thing you can simply do better at. As you examine your life I know that Heavenly Father will reveal to you things you can work on. I love you all!

Sister Steadman

The Beginning

Hello! I am Sister Cassidee Steadman and I am a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Something amazing about being a missionary is the opportunity to study from the scriptures everyday. I am so blessed to have an hour dedicated to learning from the word of the Lord! I thought I would share some of my favorite moments from studies! Please comment and let me know what you think and if you have any questions!