Easter is so very important. Without it there would be no Christmas! Jesus is the Son of God. He was born in Bethlahem in a humble stable. His mother, a virgin so blessed in the sight of God that he chose her to bring forth His Son. He grew up in a humble but royal family. Joseph and Mary. His mission? To bring saving grace to all of Gods children. He worked miracles with his Priesthood power, he taught love, charity, and selflessness. He suffered much at the end. He was betrayed, beaten, torcherd, and was hung on a cross to die. When he died the world suffered darkness, earthquakes, and all maner of destruction. Many died. Three days later, as Jesus prophesized, Angels came and freed Jesus from the tomb. He was taken up and reserected to life. He showed himself to his deciples and dwelt with the people for many days. Then He rose to the heavens and as he bid farewell, He said that “Other Sheep Have I”.
My most favorite movie is an account from 3rd Nephi in the Book Of Mormon. Jesus came to the America’s and visited and taught the poeple. This is only one account of the many places on earth he visited.
When I was a teen, even though I never wavered on my faith in Jesus Christ I began to rebel. My Daddy was over protective, many of his fears ruled his life. I was his only girl and he was terrified of losing me. We didn’t have money to do things like my friends did. I knew my parents loved me. They taught me about Jesus. Who he was and that he was with me at all times to turn to. I was different; a little over weight and being brought up by Parents as old as other kid’s grandparents. So from day one I was bullied by the kids at school and then those same kids that went to my Church, along with adults both in my family and in my church who tried to suppress me, saying I was spoiled and that I didn’t deserve anything, People wouldn’t sit by me because I smelled of ciggarett smoke because my Daddy smoked and didn’t come to Church much. I was always passed by for solos and taking a part in programs at school and in church. I began to doubt my self worth. The only ones that encouraged me to sing, create and develop my talents were my mom and dad. My Dad was a cartoon and a letter artist. He taught me many things about art and encouraged me to draw, paint. He bought me my first camera at age 9 and set me loose. My mom was a seemstress, did embrodery, and knew music. She would sing to me and with me since I was a baby. The taught me to look for beauty in everything and everyone.
All I wanted was to spread my wings and experience the beauties of the world and be accepted for who I was… a free spirit. Instead, I was judged and condemned by people all around me, in my school, church, and even extended family. I quit going to church as a teen (to my mother’s dismay), but never doubted the gospel and my Savior. I did loose faith in the people. They preached truth but only practiced the parts that were for show. They judged me and assumed because I didn’t go to church and be a “goody-goody” that I was going the other extreme; drugs, boose, sleeping around etc…..I wasn’t. But some of the other kids my age were, and still going to church pretending to be goody goodys and treating me like dirt.
40 years later…
Today, I understand so much more. We are all people at different stages of learning. Even Joseph Smith and the brethren of the Priesthood that worked with him, were human and they made mistakes. Sometimes bad judgment, sometimes actions out of necessity, sometimes just being human. Really in the whole scheem of things It does not matter. This is what we are here for…to make the mistakes and learn to repent and do better right? The important miracle they did is to establish Jesus’s Church and Priesthood back upon the Earth. Enabling us to prepare the way for the King to return. Bottom line is that the LDS Church is Christian and Jesus is at the Helm! The Church is here to help all humanity to come together as Christians, all churches to prepare for his coming and to help establish His Kingdom upon the earth. Russel M. Nelson is The Prophet! Not just over the Church, but for all God’s children upon the earth. I believe with all my heart that He does commune with Jesus Christ, he doesn’t judge others, he is humble and he listens to the Savior and gives the messages to the people what the Savior wants him to just as the prophets of old.
Things were recorded in history by people with their own interpretations that were probably way off in many cases. I am now seeing all over people, even members of the church, wasting their time looking up these histories and twisting them to put doubt in each others hearts about the validity of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The Devil and his followers (one third of the host of heaven who were our brothers and sisters at one time), are now working harder than ever to stop God’s children (us) from receiving the gifts that God has for us. This is the ultimate war and each and every person on this earth will be forced to take a side. Jesus wants us to be free to love and live with Him in joy for all eternity’ He came to earth and set an example and paved the way for us.
Satan wants to destroy our souls, by getting us to give up our own birth right, to take us down with him to be slaves to our own misery for eternity. There are no punishments, only consequences of choice. Jesus can and will help. God created this world and everything in it, including us. Trials, pain, and suffering is a part of this world. God does not punish, people punish, Jesus heals and gives us strength to overcome. But only if we look to Him and let him by learning of Him, not tell Him, trust and let Him Love Us…
We all have freedom of choice (which is from God). Those who chose to take what other men say as “their truth” and not believe the fact that Jesus is the only way to eternal life with God, isn’t going to change the real truth and what is coming.
I find myself wanting to shout from the tops of the buildings “come on people, why are you allowing Satan and his minions to blind you to the truth? You are wasting time! Jesus is coming back and we need to prepare our hearts. Now is the time to apply His teachings, His love and forgiveness. Concentrate on loving one another, and Loving Him and trusting Him! Look for Him!!!” See the Truth! Point your Heart to the truth! See the truth in all that you do! See Jesus!
What does the word Pandemic mean to you? When I look at the word Pandemic I see first the word “Panic” which is what we saw in the streets, the media, and pretty much in the world. Pandemic means much death, suffering and sickness.
To others it means other things; job loss, isolation, starvation, loss… I could go on. This has been a very difficult year. But it also has been a year of miracles. They don’t report on the news those who have recovered from CoVid-19, those who have found God, or become closer to God by helping those who suffering.
I invite others to please tell what positive things that have happened to them due to this Pandemic. Please search your heart and share ….
35 years ago I was sitting on a hospital bed with my Mom sitting by me doing her embroidery. While I got a strong contraction and was being very quiet in prayer while I breathed sitting in a yoga position. She was freaking, wondering why I am not screaming and crying.
When I was first pregnant with my third child-Chrissie, we moved into a 4 plex on the upper floor. I remember lying in our big water bed in the dark bedroom as Dan was sitting in the living room watching tv. I was listening to the radio trying to fall asleep. When all of a sudden the room grew very dark right over me, the radio seemed a million miles away. I felt a growing pressure on my chest and a pulling feeling from my abdomen. I couldn’t breath. I knew whatever, or whoever it was, was trying to take my baby. It seems all at the same time, I sprung to my feet somehow all the way to the door and at the same time yelling “get away from me in the name of Jesus Christ!!”. In an instance the room cleared up and I was standing in the door way as Dan came running. We both said a prayer and thanked Heavenly Father for the knowledge of the power of His name and went to bed.
The doctor told me to stop pushing because the umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck and evidently had been for some time. It took a while, somehow I was able to keep from pushing. They finally removed it and let me push. In no time little Christina Marie(Maria) Fieseler let out the sweetest little cry you had ever heard, and they placed her in my arms.
The doctor said he felt the Lord guiding his hands in that very difficult task of removing the umbilical cord safely.
She was perfect! She was cross-eyed. They found that that was an inherited genetic condition called Strabismus. It skips several generations. Her cousin Tori had the same thing. It was corrected with a couple of surgeries. This was scarier for me than her. I prayed and cried with worry and even wrote a lullaby that won a song contest.”My Little Angel”
When Chrissie turned 4 years old she contracted Bacterial Meningitis. We had no idea at first.
She came in from outside play with a fever and a rash. I thought maybe she had been bitten by something. I had her rushed to the hospital by ambulance. They thought since her fever started going down that the reaction to the bit was getting better and she would be alright. So they sent us home. Unfortunately her fever went as high as 106 and she couldn’t walk. But she stayed coherent so we just didn’t know what to do as we had no insurance and another trip to the hospital would be very expensive. Dan didn’t really hold the priesthood so we called the Elders from our church to come over and give her a blessing. As we all bowed our heads and prayed together with the Elders laying their hands on her tiny head, the growing feeling that she will be alright came into my heart. At the end of the prayer. At the end of the prayer, the senior Elder raised his head, we looked at each other and both said at the same time. We need to get her to the hospital right now.
When we got to the hospital they rushed her in and said they needed to give her a spinal tap and that I should stay out as it is hard to watch. I had a strong feeling to stay with my little one at all times. She fought hard against the procedure
. It took several nurses to hold her down.
I watched in horror as she fought and screamed for me. Then all of a sudden she wasn’t moving but she was shaking in a very weird way. As I watched, I realized she was seizing. The big nurse that was almost sitting on her didn’t even realize it. She seemed relieved that she wasn’t fighting anymore. I yelled “she is seizing! Get off of her!” I pulled the nurse off her. Then they all realized what was going on and took care of her. I am certain that if I hadn ‘t been there my baby would have died.
I am so very thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. The Lord has protected Christina throughout her life, as well protected all my family. I now realize why the advisory wanted to stop her…
Now she, (Amelia Rose) is blessing so many in this world with her angelic voice and her beautiful loving personality. I know she will continue to bless many more. I am thankful for my Christina. She has been such a blessing to my life. She is my Special Angel.
I learned Christlike living at home, where charity—the pure love of Christ—compassion, and a desire to lift and bless the lives of others were the standard and where, though my parents did not read me the scriptures, they lived them. No my parents were not perfect. In fact when I was a kid I was so jealous of other kids who seemed to have so much more than me, I didn’t see what a blessing I had at home where we were taught Christlike values by my parents example.
I love the song “Have I Done Any Good In The World Today” It is such an excellent question we all should ask ourselves often.
I feel good after helping someone. I think this is a cure for feeling down. It’s a remedy for the blues and focusing on your own problems.
1. Have I done any good in the world today?
Have I helped anyone in need? Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad? If not, I have failed indeed. Has anyone’s burden been lighter today Because I was willing to share? Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way? When they needed my help was I there? [Chorus] Then wake up and do something more Than dream of your mansion above. Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure, A blessing of duty and love. 2. There are chances for work all around just now, Opportunities right in our way. Do not let them pass by, saying, “Sometime I’ll try,” But go and do something today. ’Tis noble of man to work and to give; Love’s labor has merit alone. Only he who does something helps others to live. To God each good work will be known. Text and music: Will L. Thompson, 1847–1909, alt.
I used to sing this to my kids in the morning to wake them up. I was hoping they would listen to the words and one day try them out.
It really works. When you start doing work to help someone out that is in need,
I remember lying in bed with a fever and feeling very sick. I was probably only around 6 or 7.
My mother was sitting by my bed and my picture of Jesus was on the wall in my room. But I didn’t want her to leave. I remember being so scared to be alone.
That night my Mother told me a story about a little girl just like me who was very sick and she was all alone in a hospital. She was so scared that she cried so hard but there was no one around to hear her it seemed. Then finally she cried out in almost in a whisper: “Is there anyone out there to protect me and give me comfort?”. She closed her eyes and felt a warm hand take her hand and dry her tears with His other hand. She instantly felt safe. She opened her little eyes and there was Jesus smiling down at her. “Your never alone, all you need to do is reach out, I will be there always”. She went to sleep peacefully. And when the nurses checked her in the morning her fever was gone and she was on the road to recovery..
Mommy said “that is Jesus” and she pointed to my picture on the wall. Jesus loves all his children. We prayed together. Then she kissed me goodnight. Jesus was there. I have never stopped talking to him since.
Many years later I learned that the little girl in this story was my Mother when she was sick with Scarlet Fever. Mother is passed now and I truly miss her. I am so thankful for the lessons she gave me. She gave me the greatest gift of all. A relationship with my Savior Jesus Christ.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all of the tasks we have on our plates. Taking the time to ask ourselves why we are doing them can help us remember the bigger picture our daily tasks are leading us to.
How do I stay motivated?
Try to understand your role in the universe. You didn’t arrive on this earth or get to where you are now without connections or history. You have ancestors who worked hard and had values. You have parents who did their best. And you have a spiritual connection to God, the Creator of the universe. Meditate on that for just a moment: the guidance and assurances from an all-powerful God who loves and cares for you; the sacrifices made by the people who came before you. Think of the hard work it took them to get you to this point. Let this be a motivator for you.
How do I stay on task?
Make a game of tedious tasks, or contemplate meaningful things in your day-to-day life while you work. Listen to inspirational podcasts. Make a list of your tasks and give them each a time frame for completion. Be smart about the order in which you accomplish tasks. Organize your tasks so your time is efficient. Some tasks require more brainpower—do those first. Some require low distractions—turn off phones and close your door so you can focus in peace and quiet. Write down the things that give meaning to your life. When you know you have a family to get home to or a person to help, it gives purpose to your goals.
No, Utah is not my church, The politics suck ….I don’t believe in “what many call Mormonism”, and please never describe me as “Churchy”.
I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Jesus Christ is my Savior and Friend. He hears all of my prayers. He comforts me. I believe that He is at the helm of this Church but that He is also is watching over all of His children. I believe that music has a great power and that it played a very large part of the creation of this world and everything in it.
I believe that nothing happens by accident and that everything we are and everything we own first belongs to God. It is by his grace that we are able to take part in this amazing creation.
Most of all I know that I am a Child of God and that He Loves me.
