Pioneer Day

I read this article today. It's President Monson telling us about Pioneers - who they are and what it means to be a true pioneer.
I especially like these lines.

"The path of a pioneer is not easy, but we follow in the footsteps of the ultimate Pioneer—even the Savior—who went before, showing us the way to follow.
“Come, follow me,” He invited.
“I am the way, the truth, and the life,” He declared.
“Come unto me,” He called."
As usual, Christ is the perfect example. We get to choose whether we will follow Him or not. It might not be easy. It will require sacrifice. I know we can be pioneers today. We have an opportunity to build Zion. We have a chance to be the best we can be.

Next Life

This is what I wrote on my Christ Daily Facebook page tonight.

So today I had some thoughts about loved ones dying and how my husband is longer here. I was thinking about how some people get married again after a spouse dies. They are lonely and want the companionship again. I get that. At this point I don't feel like it's right for me. I realized that the reasons I think and feel what I do about the topic is because of Christ. I know I will see my husband again. I know he didn't just suddenly cease to exist. I know that is true and will happen because I know our Savior's role in the plan of salvation. I know He lives. As a result, I know my husband continues to live as well. We will see each other again. I like that thought.

I am truly grateful for my Savior. I know He must have an infinite love for all of us. He has done so much.

Wolves and Choices

Today I was reading in Alma 5.

 59 For what shepherd is there among you having many sheep doth not watch over them, that the wolves enter not and devour his flock? And behold, if a wolf enter his flockdoth he not drive him out? Yea, and at the last, if he can, he will destroy him.

 60 And now I say unto you that the good shepherd doth call after you; and if you will hearken unto his voice he will bring you into his fold, and ye are his sheep; and he commandeth you that ye suffer no ravenous wolf to enter among you, that ye may not be destroyed.

I read this and had some thoughts about Christ and His role in the Plan of Salvation. At first I was confused. It sounded like Christ was okay with the wolves coming to get us and He wasn't going to do anything about it. I think when I read about Him being a shepherd - I think about how he cares for us. He protects and nurtures us. He loves us and wants to take care of us. I was a little taken aback when I read that he'll just let the wolves come and get us. I did some thinking about that and realized that agency plays a role in what is being said. We are commanded to not let the wolf enter. We are the ones that make the choice. We are being told that if we choose to let the wolf come in we will be destroyed. We are told about wolves and what they do in the previous verse. It's the simple reasoning of 'if and then'. Our choices have consequences. If there is evil that we need to keep out of our lives and we invite it in. The consequences have to come. I know if we ask him for help, he will give it to us. But, I also know that the plan of salvation has to work on us making choices. If it didn't rely on that - there wouldn't be a need for an atonement. I think this verse threw me off for a minute because I'm used to thinking of our Heavenly Parents as those who have expectations and have let us know that there will be consequences. I think of Christ more as someone who is willing to help and will do what he can whenever we need him. His atonement made it so we could repent and be better and he's willing to help us with that process. But first, he has to let us choose what part of the process we're going to be a part of in our own lives. He can't decide for us.

His Grace Is Sufficient

"...and speak about changing weaknesses into strengths and about how the grace of Jesus Christ is sufficient (see Ether 12:27, D&C 17:8, 2 Corinthians 12:9)—sufficient to cover us, sufficient to transform us, and sufficient to help us as long as that transformation process takes." - Brad Wilcox
This is a quote from one of my all time favorite talks. I've always loved to hear Brad Wilcox speak. I also think he does a great job with this topic. Grace. We all need grace.