I'm a hippy at heart. I long for peace :)
But beyond the peace around the world that I pray for, where there is no war or anger or violence...the peace that I am most grateful for in my life is the kind that comes to my mind and my heart after I've sought and received forgiveness from my Heavenly Father...and after I've forgiven myself when I've done wrong.
I taught a lesson today in Young Womens centered on the importance of forgiving ourselves. While preparing, and while giving the lesson, I was struck by an overwhelming feeling of love I have for my Savior and for the unconditional love He has for me. It hurts my heart to think of times when I've chosen to not follow His example and instead I've chosen to sin...but I also get this indescribable feeling of hope that those things do not define me. The Savior's Atonement covered every pain I have and will go through (whether that's pain from life's trials, or from my own wrong choices)...and He is waiting for me to take advantage of his Gift, to seek repentance, and then to forgive myself and start fresh. I may remember certain things I've done and have regret for, but Heavenly Father and His Son do not want me to get down on myself. They love me (and you) infinitely and want me to move forward with peace of mind, and have a desire in my heart to seek to do better.
The comments and discussion shared by my girls were amazing...the youth of today have SO MUCH FAITH. They inspire me :) I shared with them my testimony of my Savior and what a peace it brings into my life. I know He lives and that He is God's son, and I am one of God's daughters. They both know my heart. My Heavenly Father knows that I am not perfect, and doesn't expect me to be. But I have no doubt that he has high expectations of what I can become if I strive to follow His Son's example...to love those around me and to seek to grow closer to Him.
I had them watch this video at the start of the class. What a beautiful message of a loving Savior who is waiting with open arms to help us up when we fall...with the wonderful gift of the Peace of God.
6 comments:
i'm so grateful that you were called to be in young womens. i'm sure you help those girls so much. i know you help me.
Thanks so much for sharing your testimony of the Savior and His Atonement. I'm sure your girls were touched by your sweet, humble spirit. I loved when you said that He is waiting for us to come to Him, and I would also say, that He's even begging us to come to Him.
Last night, Adam and I watched this BYU devotional by Brad Wilcox and it blew our mind. If you haven't already seen it, I'd definitely recommend it :)
http://byutv.org//watch/49475abb-10d4-4f45-a757-7000b9945468
Thanks again!--your YW are SO lucky to have you.
Thanks for sharing dear! You are so sweet, and I just know those girls love you to pieces! As do I :) You're the best!
I just stumbled onto your blog yesterday...and may I say i am LOVING it!
this is really lovely! thanks for sharing it with us :)
thank you so much for posting this. i was honestly so touched by it. those girls are lucky to have you.
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