In God's Image

Photo Credit: lds.org

I remember the amazement that overwhelmed my husband and I when expecting our first child and getting to hear her heart beat for the first time. It was amazing to learn week by week what went on with her body as she grew for 40 weeks. Seeing her for the first time there was no doubt in my mind that a connection to heaven was there. In the scriptures we read about the creation of the world as well as the creation of the first man and woman. Our bodies are gifts not only from our parents, but from our Creator. President Monson shared that "One marvels at the perfectly formed child. The tiny toes, the delicate fingers, the beautiful head, to say nothing of the hidden but marvelous circulatory, digestive, and nervous systems, all testify to the truth of a divine Creator. (Thomas S. Monson, 1993. Invitation to Exaltation.)" What wonderful gifts are the mortal vessels given to us. As such, we need to understand that caring for them is a sign of respect and gratitude for that blessing.

"In the image of his own body, male and female, created he them." (Moses 6:9)

I don't know of anyone who has not struggled in some way with the caring of their mortal body. I admit that for me personally the struggle has been off and on. I know what I am supposed to do to keep my body in the best condition, but fall into these moments where I take it for granted. This leads to little to no motivation to exercise or properly nourish it. When I come out of those moments of weakness, the guilt sets in and I criticize myself for what I have not accomplished. I believe a key to unlocking our health and fitness potential lies in understanding the the sacred origin and purpose of our bodies.

"Our mortal bodies are so consequential that they merit the creation of an earth to make it possible to fulfill the eternal gospel plan of our Heavenly Father...Depending on age and size, the body is a composite of tens of trillions of tiny cells. Each little cell is a very independent unit with its own specific function. Each is busily manufacturing who we are, how we function, and, in many ways, the quality of our lives. There is no aspect of our existence...that is not affected by our physical well-being or lack of it...In a year's time many of the trillion of little cells and components that make us who we are will replace themselves...If we use inferior materials to work with, we will end up with an inferior product. If, however, we are willing to provide superior materials, we may end up with a superior product...Our bodies are the vehicles that will go with us through the eternities. We do know that the body will respond positively or negatively according to the care we provide or fail to provide. It will adapt to the stresses placed upon it...If we require the body to strengthen all the muscles and give the cardiovascular and respiratory systems work and experience, they will continue to function as they were meant to do. If we give each joint the opportunity to maintain its full range of motion, we can have efficient, full use of our instrument. We can accomplish our work, enjoy our play, relieve debilitating stress, and push back our fatigue threshold. We are...dynamic beings whose vital systems all depend upon movement and use. We rarely lose our physical capabilities in normal living, but we give them up through nonsense...We all have stumbling blocks placed in our way--those are our growth-promoting experiences. Many temptations, testing, and challenges come through the body. This is part of our proving ourselves. There will be challenges in this life, for our bodies are subject to the natural processes of this mortal world. We are all subject to pain, disease, injury, aging, and infirmity. (Sara Lee Gibb, 1989. Our Mortal Body -- A Sacred Gift)"

I can't express it any better than Sara Gibb so eloquently stated, we give up physical capability through nonsense. Nonsense meaning foolish or unacceptable behavior. Of course there are some exceptions when it comes to disease, injury, or defects. And it is not only with our physical abilities. The same applies for our mental and emotional well-being. What you allow yourself to think, to do, it will manifest itself in your health. Mental and emotional stumbling road blocks are just as real as physical limitations can be to our bodies. The opportunity for healing in all aspects of our well being lies in our ability to trust our care in God, at times medical professionals, and ourselves. We very much have a personal responsibility.

If you don't feel at your best physically, mentally and emotionally, think...what are you doing to prevent feeling your best? It can be a disconnect in priorities. Is it more important for you to give into that temptation and moment of perceived happiness, than to overcome the temptation and instead seek lasting health and happiness? You will find the more you overcome those stumbling blocks along the way, it is like clearing a physical and/or mental hurdle, and you will feel empowered to do more. I've seen it with friends and family. Know your potential! You were made to be victorious not to be broken and in disrepair. I believe that we can reach the heights of our health and well being in involving God in that battle. He will take us as we are now, and with our efforts combined, there will be realized a potential that alone we could otherwise not accomplish.

Beacon of Light

Old World travelers navigated the vast oceans using landmarks as their guides. Traveling by night was especially dangerous and often required the setting of bonfires or a tripod containing a metal basket with a fire on high-points to signal travelers safely in and away from danger. With an increase in trade it became necessary to construct more permanent structures called lighthouses. The earliest recorded lighthouse in history is the Pharos of Alexandria in Egypt. When lighthouses were built they were built to fit their geographic and climatic surroundings. Every lighthouse is unique. Although technology advances have made the use of lighthouses almost obsolete, they serve as a reminder of a time where mariners relied on them to guide them safely day or night. (Lighthouse History, The United States Lighthouse Society.)

You can say that we too are like the unique beacons of light that mark much of our coast lines. The light we reflect isn't one that can be replaced by the things of this world. We know this to be the Light of Christ of which every living soul has been blessed with.

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid." Matthew 5:14

Like the lighthouses that stand on rocky shores or are set upon other lofty heights, they are not meant to be hid from the world. The light that we have is also not meant to be hid. We can be the guiding light of salvation by sharing that light with others, and they will seek to know the source of that light.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

It is through our works that others can come to glorify God. This of course is no small task. Discipleship is something that is a part of every facet of our lives. There is something majestic that takes place in us when the Light of Christ is ingrained in us. God will take us and make us into more than we could have ever been.

"...[B]e thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12

I believe we can take that scripture a little further and also include being an example to non-believers. President Thomas S. Monson shared "...Our opportunities to shine surround us each day, in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. As we follow the example of the Savior, ours will be the opportunity to be a light in the lives of others, whether they be our own family members and friends, our co-workers, mere acquaintances or total strangers." (Thomas S. Monson, 2015. Be an Example and a Light.)

We are all sons and daughters of a Heavenly Father who has placed us in this life to grow and learn. The path was never meant to be easy and we will surely experience moments of tribulation. We cannot complete the journey ahead without the assistance of our Savior. Sometimes that assistance will be through another person. Too often others may feel that they are not responsible for the welfare of others. In the Bible we learn of Cain and Abel, and the tragic story in which one seeks their own without the regard of their brother. When Cain was questioned by the Lord about the whereabouts of Abel, he answered, "Am I my brother's keeper?" President Monson counsels that the answer to this is a resounding YES.

When we selfishly hide our lights from our brothers and sisters, we put our own light in jeopardy. With every choice to seek only our own, we restrict the flame of the Light of Christ in our hearts and over time that light can dim or even become extinguished. If you feel your light has been dimmed by past mistakes, resolve to do better today. Through the redeeming power of Christ we can again restore that light in our own lives and in turn be better  qualified to be that beacon of light to guide others safely home.

Brightly beams our Father's mercy,
From his lighthouse evermore,
But to us he gives the keeping of the lights along the shore.
Dark the night of sin has settled;
Loud the angry billows roar.
Eager eyes are watching, longing,
For the lights along the shore.
Trim your feeble lamp, my brother;
Some poor sailor, tempest-tossed,
Trying now to make the harbor,
In the darkness may be lost.
Let the lower lights be burning;
Send a gleam across the wave.
Some poor fainting, struggling seaman
You may rescue, you may save.
(Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy, Hymn #335)  

Never Suppress a Kind Thought

Some of my favorite attributes in women are their ability to be thoughtful and foresee a need. I can't tell the women who turn these thoughts into action thank you enough. I have always loved receiving impromptu visits from friends and family. I love that their kindness is on an impulse rather than a scheduled visit or reason. I read a story a while back about Camilla Kimball, the wife of one of my favorite prophets. I am sure that she played an important part in much of the source of President Kimball's inspiration and compassion:

Susan was a wonderful seamstress. President Kimball lived in their ward. One Sunday, Susan noticed that he had a new suit. Her father had recently returned from a trip to New York and had brought her some exquisite silk fabric. Susan thought that fabric would make a handsome tie to go with President Kimball’s new suit. So on Monday she made the tie. She wrapped it in tissue paper and walked up the block to President Kimball’s home.

On her way to the front door, she suddenly stopped and thought, “Who am I to make a tie for the prophet? He probably has plenty of them.” Deciding she had made a mistake, she turned to leave.

Just then Sister Kimball opened the front door and said, “Oh, Susan!”

Stumbling all over herself, Susan said, “I saw President Kimball in his new suit on Sunday. Dad just brought me some silk from New York . . . and so I made him a tie.”
Before Susan could continue, Sister Kimball stopped her, took hold of her shoulders, and said: “Susan, never suppress a generous thought.”

Susan didn’t have an assignment to make that tie. She wasn’t hired to do so. Despite feeling a bit hesitant, she did it because it felt right. Susan had a quiet sense of mission to serve others. Her service went beyond any calling because it lasted throughout her life. Never suppressing a generous thought became a part of her personal ministry. (Bonnie D. Parkin, 2007. Personal Ministry: Sacred and Precious)

I can think of many times where I was prompted to do something for someone simply out of kindness. That feeling was often followed by inadequacy and a fear of rejection. The more I have come to trust that all good things come from God, I have been less reluctant to answer the call.

Maybe we tend to suppress such thoughts and keep them from turning into action because we feel it may inconvenience someone or we wait for someone else to answer the call for help. I'm ashamed to admit that I'm guilty of such circumstances. One instance I recall a lady in our church kept coming to mind. I didn't know her well and I kept putting off calling her. Later during a Sunday meeting she confessed that she had recently experienced some hard times emotionally and physically. She revealed in her story that at the time she prayed for assistance, several sisters in our church called or stopped by. I felt myself shrink realizing that this was the reason this sister kept coming to mind. Fortunately there were others who did not hesitate to reach out. Since then I have vowed to work hard at just acting upon those promptings whether they make sense or not, and whether they make me uncomfortable or not. We just really never know how we can be helping by making those efforts, big or small.

In the 2016 April Women's Conference, President Eyring shared a wonderful message about responding to such promptings to do good. He said:

“And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good—yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit” (D&C 11:12).

You may have received that blessing tonight. For instance, a name or a face of someone in need may have come to your mind during this meeting. It could have been only a fleeting thought...

He counseled to pray about such thoughts, trusting God will lead us in what we are to do for that person. He continued:

As such prayers become a pattern in your life, you and others will be changed for the better...[W]ith those feelings, the first thing you must commit to do is to go and serve, knowing that you do not go alone. When you go to comfort and serve anyone for the Savior, He prepares the way before you.
(Henry B. Eyring, 2016. Trust in That Spirit Which Leadeth to Do Good)

President Eyring further counseled that we should also go with the understanding that not every person we seek to serve is prepared to welcome us or will be thankful for such service.

“And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up” (D&C 84:88).  

What a beautiful and encouraging message. We do not go alone, therefore, we should not suppress kind and generous thoughts out of feelings of fear or inadequacy. We also should not put off those thoughts in a kind of mental Pinterest board filled with good intentions but rarely put into action. Charity is a word of action. We cannot hope to help or change the world with a mere good thought. We must go and do.

Time Out

Sometimes I feel like I constantly need to be on my best behavior and the most productive. If I even think about taking a "lazy" day, I've failed to meet expectations. If this sounds like you then welcome to the club! I confess I don't know how to stop, even when the kids are on vacation I feel like we need to be doing something. We are taught that to be disciples of Christ we need to live as examples. Looking at Christ's life, I don't believe he ever took a "lazy" day in his life. Was there a need to? His work was much too important to set aside, but also one thing stood out. He didn't abide by others expectations of him, He did Heavenly Father's work and led a simple life. I'm sure he didn't have a lengthy to do list or a jam packed agenda filled with social events. He let God lead him to the right time and place in order for him to do an important work. He didn't allow himself to be distracted by the trivial and unimportant things of the day. He led a purposeful life. Purpose-full or full of purpose. If our purpose in life is just to do busy work, than our purpose becomes mediocre. You can run yourself ragged with things to do and at the end of the day feel very little satisfaction with your accomplishments. Why? They lack purpose.

"For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors." Alma 34:32

Ask yourself "Is what I am doing preparing me to meet God?" In the hustle and bustle of life the answer can become distorted and our convictions come to a questionable halt. It seems more people are preparing for the next social event, preparing for college, or take the next step in their career, or help their kids prepare for a future that holds promise in material and worldly accomplishments but little to do with eternal ones. Yes, education and careers matter, homemaking and raising kids matter, but it shouldn't consume our lives so much that we set aside the things of God to accomplish them.

A great example of such dilemmas is the story in the book of Luke about the two sisters, Mary and Martha.

"Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-42

Sister Evelyn T. Marshall provides great insight about this story: "The question here is one of priorities. Even special meals can become too complicated if we spend hours frosting the petit fours (small confectionery appetizer) instead of planning more simply-prepared food. Do we spend more time planning and executing a lavish Sunday dinner for family members than we do studying the scriptures that day? Do we value a perfectly clean home over spending time teaching and loving our children? The story of Mary and Martha, observes Elder Dallin H. Oaks, 'reminds every Martha, male and female, that we should not be so occupied with what is routine and temporal that we fail to cherish the opportunities that are unique and spiritual.' (Ensign, Nov. 1985, p. 61.)....How are we “cumbered” today? Are household tasks a hindrance and burdensome? Are we disorganized, frustrated, overstressed? Are we victims of crises, reacting to pressures of time and circumstance rather than acting to control them? And, conversely, are we so involved with learning or outside interests that we do not honor our domestic responsibilities? There are times when the work must be done. But it can be done with a positive attitude and without martyr-like complaining.
Elder Neal A. Maxwell observes: 'The conversation that night was eternal; the calories were not...When we get filled with Martha-like anxiety, it usually stems from failure to establish proper priorities.' (Deposition of a Disciple, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1976, p. 69.)"

I find it interesting that Jesus responds to Martha by saying, "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful..." Martha is a person of details and of course she is, in her situation of hosting Jesus I'd also be concerned with details. Christ lovingly reminds her that one thing is needful..."and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken from her." The things of God are needful and will not be taken from us. When those things are missing in our lives, it is we that give them up.

"I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely." Revelation 21:6 

My hope is that we are not only "athirst" for the things of God when trials and tribulation present themselves. There are many good things in this world that we can seek after, but they should not detract from our purpose to prepare to meet God. Make a conscious choice to take time every day to study, ponder, and pray and I promise you will be better equipped to deal with whatever life throws at you. I know it is easier said than done but if good things were always easy, they would lose their worth.

I've had days where the kids are not at their best (yes, we have those days too) and I find myself raising my voice to get their attention. In the midst of a moment when taking a break may appear inconvenient because there is so much to do (let's face it, there is always a lot to do) take a time out. I send everyone, including myself, to our rooms and just breathe and refocus. Read or listen to something uplifting and get on your knees for assistance. Dinner can wait, the kids can wait, the phone can wait, the person knocking at your door can wait. There are days that I can only make it through with my Heavenly Father's help and who better to turn to for strength than he. In those sacred moments you, like Mary, are choosing the needful and better part.

Treating Symptoms

A few years back I was experiencing frequent cluster headaches and other unexplained symptoms. I sought medical attention, but doctors couldn't find a reason. The doctor's approach was to treat the symptoms and prescribed me pain killers. My body was reacting to stress. Numbing the pain was only a temporary relief, the underlying cause needed remedying.

I suspect this happens to many; they try to treat symptoms in their life by temporary fixes than by dealing with the root cause. Take for example someone suffering from a low self esteem. A temporary fix may be getting attention, good or bad. Really they need emotional and psychological healing. Another example can be a need to acquire things in order to prove ones worth when really self worth is something that cannot be purchased. We push pain away and mask it by temporary moments of happiness or relief. This can apply to physical, mental and spiritual ailments of pain. Just as we seek a physician to help treat physical illnesses, we should seek God in our time of mental and spiritual illness.

Physical, mental, and spiritual trials can make us feel like we are dwelling alone in our own personal wilderness. It may feel like relief isn't in sight regardless of our efforts. We may turn to anything for relief, only to find ourselves disillusioned. Is the answer of seeking God too good to be true that we often fail to even attempt to try? Maybe for some this is true, but for others maybe the pain they bear is too much that they truly believe that there is no answer or relief for their suffering thus it is easier to numb it than deal with.

"You can never get enough of what you don't need, because what you don't need won't satisfy you." -Dallin H. Oaks

Don't we all do this in one respect or another? I know I have. When we replace God with meaningless things it only prolongs our pain and discomfort. You won't find the answer in the temporary attention given by others (hello social media), in superficial relationships, in acquiring more money or power, or increasing your time at the gym. No worldly thing or place can replace the divine strength and assistance that comes from a personal relationship with God.

One of my favorite stories is about the Prophet Joseph Smith's incarceration in Liberty Jail. He wrote of his experience, “Our souls have been bowed down and we have suffered much distress ... and truly we have had to wade through an ocean of trouble.” The trial he and the other men with him were suffering through took a toll on them physically as much as mentally and spiritually. In his pain Joseph prayed to God saying, "O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place? How long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people and of thy servants, and thine ear be penetrated with their cries? Yea, O Lord, how long shall they suffer these wrongs and unlawful oppressions, before thine heart shall be softened toward them, and thy bowels be moved with compassion toward them?" Although not immediate, the answer came, "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes."

 How can one be expected to endure well our afflictions? Russell M. Nelson said that "Faith is the antidote to fear." Our afflictions are trials of faith and by increasing that faith, we can dispel the fear that comes with the pain of life. That same faith will strengthen our ability to endure well our afflictions. Remember "thine adversity and thine afflictions be but a small moment...if thou endure it well...thou shalt triumph over all thy foes." Have faith in God. He will not forsake you. Your trials will come to an end and whatever foes you face (physical, mental or spiritual) He will give you the strength to triumph over them.

"...I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments...ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led." 1 Nephi 17:13  

There is nothing that you are brought to in life which you cannot overcome in Christ. It is when we attempt to rely solely on ourselves for relief that our hearts fail us. Let God lead you through it and you will be guided to that promised land of peace and plenty. Great shall be your joy, and you'll witness miracles in your life and know that God does indeed live and loves you.