Doing Better

I've been trying to get back into doing this. I did this for the first 21 days of the year. It's odd how I can do something for that many days and not have it be a habit. At least that's what I've heard. If a person does something twenty-one times in a row it will become a habit. Well, it didn't work for me. I've been doing some other things to focus on Christ each day. But, it's not a habit yet. I need to get back to trying. I have some days I haven't done anything at all about it. So, here's to a new start.
I listened to this today. It's always a favorite. I gain each time I listen. I still feel the Spirit each time I hear the message. I know Christ is willing to walk with us. I need that right now.
This is called 'His Grace is Sufficient'. It's given by Brad Wilcox and was recorded at a BYU Devotional in July of 2011. It might have already shared this - but, that's okay. Some of the best stuff is worth repeating.

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.

World Peace

I pray and sing with the girls each night. This is one of the songs I sang tonight. (I'm sure it sounded just the same.) "Peace on earth, good will to men..." World peace sure sounds great. For me, true peace is only attainable through Christ and His atonement. ‪#‎ChristDaily2016‬
I know that we're able to do more through our Savior when we let the atonement work in our lives, when we follow His teachings, and pattern our lives after His example.

Tell Your Heart To Beat Again

The line, 'Step into the light of grace', struck me as I heard this song for the first time today. I has a great story at the beginning. But, I mostly loved the point about our putting forth the effort to have Christ's atonement work for us...and to accept that our Heavenly Parents have given us everything we need to succeed in this life. We can live with whole hearts...no matter what we've done or what life has thrown our way. This is Danny Gokey - Tell Your Heart To Beat Again (Live).