Early this week, I was interviewed by Joel Osteen for his podcast. What I enjoyed the most about my time with him is how he chooses to find happiness in all parts of life. His attitude is always, “Why not?” Why not feel good? Why not be optimistic? Why not believe the best is yet to come? I believe it is a God-like attribute to be positive and look for the best in life. Don’t you? I don't think Heavenly Father is walking around heaven morose and depressed, right? I believe God is pure love and happiness and probably enjoys a good joke now and then..(dad jokes?) 😂
I have come to know many of you who love the Lord and believe God is pleased when we share His love with as many people as possible. When love takes over in our lives, we naturally want to share the joy and peace we have found with as many as possible!❤️❤️
Recently I had the blessing of watching my son teach from the New Testament to a class of 14 and 15-year-olds. Being able to teach the words of the Savior is a special kind of joy for him. But then add being able to be with these adorable kids five days a week (most of them are in the pictures I posted❤️), and the rewards have been more than my son Matthew had anticipated. Right now, they’re learning about Christ's parables, so before I left for my show this weekend, he asked me to sit in with them for a day. I had such a good time with Matt and those amazing kids!
Matt is teaching the different parables found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Our Savior, the master teacher, used parables quite a bit. One of my favorites is the parable of the sower. This story came to life as I watched my son plant seeds about the Savior and His goodness to his students.
As you know, the seeds from the sower are the word of God. The different soils represent how we receive these teachings. The seeds that “fell by the wayside” Mark 4:4 is the word of God that falls on an unprepared heart. Then there is the seed that “fell on stony ground.” This would be people who are converted to the Savior but don’t continue to build their testimonies of Him (they don’t have deep enough roots) and fall away with opposition.
Then there are the seeds that “fell among thorns.” These seeds were choked and didn’t yield fruit. (This would be hardened or unprepared hearts because of the distractions of the world like status, pride, etc.) a far, far less important focus than the words of God. Then there’s the seed that “fell into good ground and brought forth fruit.” So how do we have “good ground” and make sure we keep our soil healthy and fertile?
My son Matthew asked me to answer questions and tell stories (parables about my life if you will 😂) about how I felt living the gospel among all the different challenges in my entertainment world. They asked some pretty interesting questions!😂 I told them many different stories; some were when I felt God's direction and protection in my life. Others when he specifically lifted me from pain or hurt.
My son was so cute because he had heard some of these before, so he’d say tell them this one … or that one. I was overwhelmed by how this young generation is so intelligent and wise! I asked them, “Do you want to hear how to solve some of the greatest mysteries of how to have fertile ground?” And they got so excited saying yes, please!” I said, “pray every day! This mystery is so easy yet powerful!” Then I said, “do you want to hear another mystery?”… and again they got excited to say “yes!”. I said, “Read your scriptures every day!” The mystery is it's so basic and simple…but so essential for building healthy roots.
Then I explained how daily scripture study aids in feeling the Holy Ghost for clearer direction in our lives. I said, “Okay, you want another great mystery?” Now they were laughing and said,” yeah, how simple is this one!” I said, “the greatest is to go to church and take the Sacrament every week. And one more thing…. serve!”. These daily acts make such a profound difference in our lives to help us feel our Savior's power in our lives. We ended each group by saying the building of our testimonies in Jesus Christ is like building a muscle. It takes daily effort, like exercise. Being a disciple of Jesus Christ isn’t always easy; it takes dedication, but so worth it. We reminded them of the parable again to stay on fertile ground, especially in today's many distractions. I had a moment each time before they left to also tell them how much I love being a Christian! It is the most essential aspect of my life. Every good thing that’s come to me is because of my love for Jesus Christ…and I am so grateful!
Christ's parables make gospel principles come alive, especially when we liken them to our lives…our life’s stories. They make gospel principles so much easier to understand and remember. As we study them, we can often see the answers we personally need in a simple, straightforward way.
The Savior wants His parables to teach and reach out to each of us. He wants us to feel His personal touch in each of our lives. I don’t know how He does that, but He surely does!!
It has been so gratifying to study them. Do you have a favorite parable? I would love to know which one and why…It would mean the world to me to hear your thoughts this sabbath day!
I love you all. Happy Sunday, and have the best day ever!!
#Sundaymessaage