The Savior's Earthly Ministry

       While the Savior was here on earth He performed miracles and did many things that we can read about in the New Testament. Perhaps the most important things he did were, performing the Atonement and setting up His Church the way it was supposed to be set up. We read in Ephesians 2:20 that He organized it with apostles and prophets and in Ephesians 4:11-14 we also read that it was set up this way for us, the saints. Unfortunately, the people didn't listen to Jesus Christ. They ignored His teachings and even had Him killed. Thus began the attack on His Church. Lucky for us we have the scriptures, both the Book of Mormon and the Bible, to teach us about His life. We need to do as He invites us and follow Him in all things.

The Gospel Blesses Families

     The teachings of Jesus Christ and His church blesses families now and for eternity. I grew up with two little sisters and two little brothers. I love them very much. They are all fantastic examples for me. My parents are exceptional and I learn a lot from watching how they live their lives. I was truly blessed because of the family I was given. Unfortunately, not every child is born into a home where they are loved and looked after. Heavenly Father allows His children to make their own decisions. The gospel of Jesus Christ shows us all how we can better our family relationships here on earth and in the next life. If we follow His teachings we will be blessed tremendously. The blessings may not come immediately but they will come if we have faith and press ever forward.

God is Our Loving Heavenly Father

     Our Heavenly Father loves us all very much. Before this world was, we lived with him. He created a plan of happiness so that we might return and live with Him again. He created the earth through His son Jesus Christ. Now here we are. How can we know that God loves us?? Look around. Although there is so much evil in this world, our Father in Heaven has given us beautiful sunsets and breathtaking mountain ranges. But perhaps the biggest evidence that God loves us is found in the Holy Bible. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Because of Jesus Christ we can overcome our sins through His Atonement. Heavenly Father has also given us our agency and the chance to grow. Evidences of his love can be found all around us! Through prayer I have come to know and love my Father in Heaven. How grateful I am for Him.

Footprints in the Sand

There is a poem entitled "Footprints in the Sand" that I'm sure most everyone has heard of: I'd like to share that for you all.

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.

This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord,

“You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”

The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”

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Mary Stevenson, 1936