Sunday, August 8, 2010

August 8,2010

Lately I have had so many things on my mind. I think about writing them down and I just can't seem to put it into words that might make sense to any one else but me. So much has happened this summer and I just haven't felt like writing about it. Young Women's camp this summer makes me wonder how many of these girls may stray for the path that will lead them to eternal life an happiness. Today I was reading Jenny Phillips book on staying on the path and I came across this quote
Neil A. Maxwell said: “Certain supernal spiritual blessings seem to come only after demonstrated obedience.”

Sometimes it seems as if those off the path are having a great time—that their lives are happy and exciting. These are deceptions of the adversary whose pathway always leads to unhappiness, guilt, loss of confidence, disease, addiction, enslavement, destruction, lust, weakness, regret, and sorrow. If not immediately, these things will eventually follow Satan’s path. On the other hand, the Savior’s pathway always leads to happiness, to peace, to life, light, progress, strength, love, confidence, and joy. If not immediately, those things will follow. We don’t always feel the full effects of the path we choose immediately. Otherwise, there would be no test. We have to exercise faith in the way we choose.

I cannot tell you brothers and sisters the blessings that come from obedience to the Savior Jesus Christ. I have felt those blessings in my life when I have obeyed Him. The only way to true happiness and life is to not just to believe in Christ, but to have trust and faith in him by “living” what we believe.

I have thought about that alot. I have felt that way. I see many who want the things that Christ teaches but just can't stay on the right path long enough to realize that, that path is what brings true happiness. I'm not saying that its easy, in fact sometimes its down right hard, not because of what is taught but the world tells us that stupid or its just not a big deal.

Take virtue, he world tells us that we should do what ever we want. That there is no reason to live a virtuous life. That we only have this life an nothing else. That is totally not true, and I am so grateful to know that. Satan is really good at that...live now that's all there is. That's because he made his choice.

I was talking with a friend of mine, someone whom I really admire. She told me about a woman who is married and been through the temple. When they go on vacation they take a vacation the covenants that they have made. I guess for me I don't understand. But I have seen many others who do that as well, when the occasion seems to arise and they want to wear something that isn't within the standards. How can you think that the Lord can bless you when you chose to disregard the covenants you have made. The world and its vales seem to draw you away. What do you expect from the Lord. Do what ever you want here and expect the Lord to bless you when you need it or when you want it. I guess I don't think he works that way. Don't get me wrong I know that I can never repay Christ for what he has done for me. Except for to keep striving to return to him, by doing the best that I can. There are days when I struggle. I often wonder why do some remain faithful and some fall away, even in the same family. Sometimes we need to remember we must be obedient even when its tough. Being obedient shows Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that we do love them.

3 comments:

I have a good life said...

Robin,

I always love your thoughts....I can always feel the Spirit as you express your thoughts on topics.

I agree...obedience is the way. I struggle with those that I love that haven't figured it out.

Live hasn't always been happy for me....of course not. But, I have tried my best to be obedient and I have come out on the other side at peace and happier than I thought would be possible at the outset. Yet, XDH is miserable and really, really struggling. I ache for him, but I know it is just the consequences of his choices to be disobedient.

I miss you guys. Love ya!

Natalie said...

Hi Robin,
You have the best way of expressing your thoughts and they are always just right on.
I miss you so much my dear friend. I can't wait to see you and to talk to you in person again. We have so much to discuss.

Meanwhile, yes, obedience is the way to go, but it is soooooo hard. I wish I could teach that concept to so many because the blessings will follow the trial.

Love ya.

Rach said...

I think your post made perfect sense and I agree with everything you said. I worry about this with my children. I can see that some of them are more prone to peer pressure and it makes me nervous to think about the decisions they might make in their lives. I guess all I can do is teach them the right way, set a good example for them, and hope that is enough.