Abundance

This past week my wife and I were able to go to Chicago and visit both of our families for Thanksgiving. We were really happy to see and be with our families, and to see that they are doing well, despite a bump here or there. It is such a blessing and a luxury to be able to visit family. I remembered how 150 years ago, and for many even more recently, it is impossible to make a 1400 mile trip to visit family. God has blessed all of mankind with such wonderful things. I am reminded of the scripture from the Savior's words: "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)

I know that God blesses us with abundance. He wants us to have full lives, and He watches over us. Many people throughout the world suffer through poverty or other meager situations, but we should recall more of the Savior's words: "not as the world giveth, give I unto you." (John 14:27) Sometimes the Lord's definition of abundance may be different from our gut instincts or what the world may tell us, but I know that a life of following Christ is as a cup that runneth o'er.

Blessed And Happy State

I wanted to share this scripture I read today. It is from the Book of Mormon, and these words were spoken by a dying king to the people he loved. It is one of the last messages that he wanted to leave with them; I think that is because the words here can guide you to a happy life:

"And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God has spoken it."

- Mosiah 2:41

I hope to dwell with God in that never-ending state of happiness.

Jacob 7:11

"Behold, I say unto you that none of the prophets have written, nor prophesied, save they have spoken concerning this Christ."

The purpose of all scripture is to teach us of Christ. Reading the Book of Mormon has helped me come to understand Jesus Christ's sacrifice, as well as build a personal relationship with my Savior. The scriptures and all the prophesies from Adam to our time are meant to help us know that "God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16).

The Power of Prayer

There are a lot of big things coming up for me in life, and I have to admit I have been quite a bit worried; I have some wonderful opportunities coming to me, but for whatever reason, I have been very afraid that I will ruin them all. I'm not sure why I feel this way. I usually don't have these confidence problems.

I feel like I am over the worries that I had. I have been able to relax more and focus, and I now know that things are going to be okay. The difference for me has been the simple power of prayer. One of the greatest blessings of prayer is the closeness I feel to God when I sincerely talk about how I am feeling. I know that He is there are listening, and I have felt reassured that He will guide me through these things. I don't get these feelings because I am unique, but I know that God is our Father, and like a perfect father He wants to be involved in our lives and help us through our challenges. He doesn't make them go away, but Heavenly Father will see us through the difficulties of our lives.