What has Christ done for you?

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

 

" And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me, that they may be judged according to their works."

       "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:  And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"

The miracles Christ preformed were amazing, but do not have much value if we do not still rely on Him.  Put trust in Jesus Christ, and allow His miracles to work within you!

picture from http://www.morethings.com/god_and_country/jesus/crucifixion_photo_gallery20.htm

Miracles!!!

Miracles happen all around us everyday.  The sun rises, a friend smiles, a baby's born.  We are all surrounded by miracles, its just up to us to see them in that way!   Just yesterday I saw a miracle.  I was back in Vacaville, and knocked on a family's door who I knew from before.  She opened the door and let us in.

The miracle was simple, it was just her answering the door.  Which led to us talking for about an hour and now her and her daughters want to all be baptized!  Miracles do happen! This family is a miracle!

"Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain."

We just got to be looking for miracles, and have the faith that they will happen!

One Proud Uncle

A little over a week ago, God blessed my family with a baby!  My older sister, had a baby boy, his name is Tate. (or as I like to call him TateBabe)  My mom and all my siblings had sent me emails telling me the good news, with a few pictures.

As I read through the emails, and looked at the pictures of my new nephew I was caught in one of those "unreal moments."  My mind was just paused, in amazement for a few moments.  Then it shot into fast forward!  I was picturing my nephew growing and learning.  Remembering lots of my growing times in life, and what could teach him.  I thought about my sister and brother-in-law raisin' the little guy, and all the adventures entailing that.  Then my mind hit the pause button, I just sat in a state of gratitude, for being a part of a miracle.

A new life.  Babies are miracles.  They are new little people just starting out on their journey through life.  There is a chain reaction of happiness that always follows new born babies.  Tate is one of God's children, which he loves very much!

I was told not to long ago that "A parent is the highest calling anyone could have."  That's so true!  God is putting his trust in my sister and brother-in-law with one of His own.  To raise him up, help him through life, show him the way, and in the end return him home.

To end my slight bragging about my nephew (can't help it, I love the little guy!)  My mom sent me a letter, filling me in on all the details, and with pictures to hold.  My mom says in the letter "I still think he hears the angels, while he is sleeping.  He is fun to hold when he is awake, but there is something special about holding him while he is sleeping, I think it is the Angels."  I think angles do lead us into this life, and the life to come.  God has His angels all around us, His children, to love and protect us!  I can't wait to hold my nephew!  Shout out to my new nephew TateBabe,  I love you bud!   

What is required to have Faith?

Faith is not just simply believing, but requires us to act.  In Joshua 3, we read a story of how Joshua and the children of Israel come to the massive Jordan River.  Joshua knows their destination is on the other side, but how can they cross?  Joshua turns to the Lord for advice, just like we all should as we face our "Jordan River's" in life. 

The Lord gives a simple answer for Joshua to tell the priests to walk into the river, with a promise that the ground will become dry as they continue to push forward.

The task at hand seems fairly simple, just step into the water.  This is where fear, pride or doubt may begin to set in but, all of us have to decide to make this same step of Faith and get our feet wet.  The Lord does fulfill his promises, but like the priests, not before we are willing to act on our faith and take that first step.

I see this each day of my life.  Sometimes it my seem in my mind the Lord is requiring a lot, but when I can set my pride and fears aside,  I realize I am safe, making that step into the light.  As we are more willing to act on our faith we will see miracles, and we'll see how truly involved the Lord is in our lives.

From this chapter, it lays out an equation of faith we can all apply to our lives..

Prayer + Obedience + Acting on Faith = Miracles 

Let us all follow the example of the priests and act on our faith, no longer limiting ourselves or the Lord in the miraclesD&C 45:62, we will see each day.  Make that first step, get your feet wet!