Ponderizing Week 6: The Star Went Before Them

I decided to read through the beginning of the New Testament about Christ's life in preparation for Christmas. So get ready for some Christmas-themed scriptures! ;)
This week is Matthew 2:9

9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

I loved this scripture. I have read a few scriptures lately that show God guiding His followers. I love to think that I'm not on my own. I can ask for help from those around me. There will be "stars" That will lead me to Christ.



http://www.fatherjames.org/2012/01/07/the-epiphany-2/

Ponderizing Week 4: A Summer with Great Aunt Rose

This week I have chosen what Elder Utchdorf has proclaimed to be the heart of the gospel: love. In his recent talk, "A Summer with Great-Aunt Rose," he talks about a girl who goes to spend the summer in the country with her Great-Aunt Rose. She learns that despite struggles, Great-Aunt Rose is very happy.
Elder Utchdorf said:
 

"When we love God, we want to serve Him. We want to be like Him. When we love our neighbors, we stop thinking so much about our own problems and help others to solve theirs.”
“And that is what makes us happy?” Eva asked.
Great-Aunt Rose nodded and smiled, her eyes filling with tears. “Yes, my dear. That is what makes us happy.”

http://oldcountryhouse.co.uk/self-catering

 

It's been a long week. I was very distracted by a personal family matter that was reminding me of some very traumatic experiences. I cried a lot. I distanced myself from some close friends. I found it impossible to talk about. I felt the disintegration that I had been taught to feel most of my life.

I worked hard to care for myself, but I was having a hard time extending compassion.

I listened to this talk and it helped me remember instead the healing process that I've been through. That I can love and serve God and others, empowered by my love of God. I love God for many reasons. It was through Him that I gained healing and I know I can access that healing power every day. He has blessed me with so much! Tough life experiences come, but there are also amazing blessings. And I trust God because he has given me so much, that he will continue to bless me, especially if I am trying my best to be the way he would want me to be.

With these thoughts and feelings, it becomes easy and natural to look around and reach out to those who are also suffering and help them. And this is what makes a happier life. :)

Ponderizing Week 2: Fear Not Little Flock, They Cannot Prevail D&C 6:34

This week I am ponderizing on D&C 6:33-36:

D&C 6:33 Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good, ye shall also reap good for your reward.
34 Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.
35 Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways and sin no more; perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you.
36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

Mormonchronicle.com

One of my good friends sent me D&C 6:34 to pump me up at work. I work in drug and alcohol prevention. We are little. Our efforts sometimes feel like we're fighting against earth and hell, because there are just such well-funded, well-organized proponents that are pushing drugs and alcohol on society. It's sad. Anyone who thinks drugs and alcohol are a choice do not understand advertising and media literacy.
Specifically, working with marijuana lately has felt like trying to push back a tidal wave. A tsunami that you know will do damage. Yet, it's being shoved down the throats of the public. Lies, deceit and "conspiring men," make it difficult to get the truth out, or even have concerns heard.

So I loved this thought- to fear not to do good, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap. Fear not little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.