I Am His Daughter

Today in Young Women's we talked about being daughters of Heavenly Father and how his son, Jesus Christ was sent to die for us. This video really touched me and honestly got me a bit emotional. I decided that I would share with you my testimony and how I came to know of his love for me as his daughter, so here it goes:

In Seminary last year we read 3rd Nephi where Christ comes to America and visits with the people. My teacher, Bro. Santiago turned off all the lights in the room and we sat in darkness as it was read aloud by a man who sounded like Jesus Christ. As we ended by singing "Where Can I Turn for Peace," I felt the Spirit tell me that God and Jesus Christ live! They know me personally-my strengths, weaknesses, questions/doubts I may have- and know exactly what I'm going through and what I will go through. I'm so grateful for this church and who I have become through this gospel. I know that this is what makes me happy and if I continue to turn to Him, I will become better and more like Him.

I AM HIS DAUGHTER!

I am living proof that if you seek out to know about Him and His love for you, you will receive an answer from the Holy Ghost. But you must do your part and search for Him. I promise you that if you really take time to look around you every day and note all of the things that he has given you- big or small- than you will more fully feel of his love for you as his Son or Daughter. I leave these things with you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

"Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day." -Doctrine & Covenants 4:2

A few months ago, my stake and I were honored to hear from John Bytheway. He talked about the scripture above and said that in order to begin a journey, you either do it, or you don't. You can't just do it halfway. This was really interesting to me as I thought about it. If you were going on a trip, why wouldn't you go all the way, or not at all? I mean, I know that if I were going on a trip I would be along for the ride and be so excited to go. But before we begin this journey, we need to prepare ourselves in four areas to be ready to serve.

1: We Must Serve With All Our Hearts

    What does it mean to serve with all your heart? 1 Samuel 16:7 tells us that "the Lord looketh on the heart". The Lord can truly tell what is in our hearts, and the service you truly give to him, and others. We must keep our hearts soft, and not harden them to the things we are asked to do. We must desire within ourselves to serve those around us.

2: We Must Serve With All Our Might

    "If you really WANT to do something, nobody can stop you. But if you really DON'T want to do something, nobody can help you." 

What can be more powerful then the fact that if you truly want to serve Him, nothing can hold you back? I loved this quote so much and I hope you do too. If you try with all your might to serve others, in order to serve God, you can be truly blessed and you can't be held bound by anything-including Satan.

3: We Must Serve With All Our Mind

    "If you have questions, talk to someone on the journey, about the journey." 

This was another one of my favorites! We must learn for ourselves to know what is truth. If we have questions about anything, we must ask someone about it! Now a days, there are many ways our minds can be distracted.  Now I ask you the question- What's on your mind? What are you constantly thinking about? Are the healthy thoughts, spiritual thoughts, or unclean thoughts? Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, THINK on these things." We must be turning our minds to these things before we can truly embark on our journey here on Earth.

4: We Must Serve With All Our Strength

    "Commit to finishing what you start!"-Justin Su'a

We must have the strength to do hard things with a positive attitude. Although it may be hard, and you feel that you can no longer push through, keep going! The Lord is on your side and will help push and guide you to where you need to go.

I encourage all of you who are not in the vehicle for your journey to get in your vehicle! The journey is worth it! Although you feel it may be long and unnecessary, you will never regret this decision! I leave these things with you in the name of our loving Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.