Following the doctrine of Christ

I know this isn't Christmas-y...but it is really.  The article is, "Rest Unto Your Souls" by Elder Per G. Malm, from the October 2010 Conference issue.  It's not a very long one, but the message was powerful.  Follow Christ and have peace.

http://lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/rest-unto-your-souls?lang=eng

I love how he starts by talking about a tree...because trees are so symbolic.  I immediately think of the tree of life, the tree in the garden of Eden, how we need to be trees with deep roots, planted on gospel sod.  The tree in the garden of Gethsemane, where Christ spent the night, suffering to atone for our sins.  To me Christmas is just as much about Christ's Atonement, death, and resurrection as it is about his birth.  Ultimately, that's why they waited for the Messiah, the Savior, He came to set us free, to offer us everlasting life and redemption from our sins.

Elder Malm says, "It is through the healing Atonement of Jesus Christ that we may have the strength to stand tall and strong and to have our souls be filled--with light, understanding, joy, and love.  His invitation is extended to, 'all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him' (2 Nephi 26:33)"

"To find rest unto our souls includes peace of mind and heart, which is the result of learning and following the doctrine of Christ, and becoming Christ's extended hands in serving and helping others...We can have lasting inner peace; we can enter into the rest of the Lord.  Only if we turn away from light and truth will a hollow feeling of emptiness, like the tree's occupy the innermost chambers of our souls, and we even might attempt to fill that emptiness with things of no lasting value."

I think that statement is an extension of all those talks I've heard about choosing the essential over the good...you know, there are so many good thing we can fill ourselves with.  Knowledge, I love self help books, and programs...and working out, that's good too, and having friends, and scrapbooking and decorating our houses, and taking our kids to dance class, and making cookies for the neighbors and sending Christmas cards out...and all these things that keep us so busy, so filled up....but with what?  Those are all good in their measure...but they are not the things that give us peace of mind and heart...  Learning and following the doctrine of Christ and serving in his stead....  I don't know about you all, but very often...the prayer in the morning is rushed...if it's not in the car...the scripture study gets moved down the list.  All so I can keep up with all the things I've filled my life with that keep me busy...and very often I don't feel that peace and wonder when I will ever, ever, ever get a rest.

From Matthew 11:28-29, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls"

We get so confused here in this earthly life about what things will bring us peace...how often have I complained about how heavy my yoke is...mine, the one I've created...maybe because I am not lowly of heart...I want to be important sometimes, and I want other people to think well of me....that I do worthy things with my time and am doing a good job carrying my yoke....and you know what...I feel no peace, just that I am never good enough, always got to do more, got to be more, no rest.

Elder Malm says, "In view of our existence as spirit children before we came to earth and immortality in the life hereafter, this earth life is indeed but a very short moment.  It is, however, a day of probation, but it is also a day of opportunities when we choose to follow the invitation to not waste the days of our probation.  The thoughts that we dwell on inside our minds, the feelings we foster inside our hearts, and the actions we choose to take will all have a determining impact on our lives, both here and in the hereafter.  A helpful habit is to lift our vision daily in order to maintain an eternal perspective of the things we plan and do, especially if we detect a tendency to wait until a future tomorrow to do what we know we should pursue while we have our present today."

"What we say, how we act, and how we choose to react will influence not only ourselves but also those around us.  We can build up, or we can tear down.  When we learn to handle the small and simple daily things in a wise and inspired way, the result is a positive influence that will solidify harmony in our souls and build up and strengthen those around us." 

We have such power as women, as mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, educators, and caregivers...we can make a huge difference in the lives of all those we come into contact with, if we are filled with that peace, hope and rest that comes only through Jesus Christ.

Elder Malm says, "He has the power to heal and to strengthen the soul.  He is Jesus Christ..."

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid"  John 14:27

Merry Christmas fellow divas, with love.