This week has been one of healing my soul and body. I learned after having severe postpartum depression 20 years ago that one of the great commandments is to love thy neighbor as thyself. Well, up until then, I had forgotten the part about “thyself”! So every now and then, I spend a little time looking inward and take care of myself so that I’m better able to serve others. Remember, we are told in scripture you cannot serve from an empty well. Well… my well has its challenges like so many of you😂 so I have found that these moments help me get ready to spread a little love and joy—especially as I prepare for my big Christmas tour. 🥰
Last week I mentioned in my Sunday post that I was watching the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints conference. It happens twice a year, once in April and again in October. There were so many great messages, but for me, the most beautiful message was that we, as Christians (and that’s ALL faiths), love Jesus Christ. I love what Dallin Oaks, one of the speakers, said in this statement:
“Christ said, ‘If any man or woman will come follow me, then let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’ This speaks of the crosses we bear rather than the ones we wear. To be a follower of Jesus Christ, one must sometimes carry a burden, whether it’s our own or someone else’s, and go where sacrifice is required, and suffering is inevitable. A true Christian cannot follow the Master only in those matters with which he or she agrees. No, we follow Him everywhere. Including, if necessary, into arena‘s filled with tears and trouble where sometimes we may stand very much alone. “
It made me think about the first commandment of God. It’s recorded in Exodus 20:3: “ Thou shall have no other gods before Me.” It tells us to put God first.
Now, we all believe that God is pure love and He is! And we believe that God loves us unconditionally, and He does! But as I ponder this commandment I thought…. do I? Do we? Do we love Him, our Lord God, with all our “heart, might, mind, and soul.” Do we do what He says or do we worship our own idea of what we want God to be? Do we only worship Him when it’s convenient for us, or or when we need help? Or do we honor Him how God asks of us? C.S Lewis said, “often we refer to Heavenly Father as our ‘cosmic bellhop’”. It’s been a good question for me to ponder over the last few days and to know where I stand.
In an ever-changing world, it brings me great comfort to know that our God Above does not change. My mom always said, “Remember, Marie, people change. Truth does not! God’s ways are constant and consistent.” Because of this I have always known where to find my strength and peace.
Following God is easy… It’s not following Him that makes life difficult. I have spoken more about my personal love of Jesus Christ in the last few years than I ever have because I know it’s through Him I’ve been able to get through the many trials and storms in this life. My message today is that if you have been discouraged, distracted, or are struggling, I encourage you to find Him again. “Seek the arms of the Savior”, like Dallin Oaks said,. “they were stretched wide open and nailed to the cross, symbolizing that every one of us is not only welcomed but invited into his eternal embrace. He is waiting for you with open arms, ready to heal your wounds and your hearts.” I know this to be true! I love you all!!!