The Will of God

          I have learned a lot in the past 4 years in the Church, but I know that I have so much more to learn. Learning within the Church is a life long process. Something that I have learned some about is the will of God. 
         Everyone has made plans for their lives. I have, and I still continue to make plans for my life, but sometimes (okay, honestly, most of the time) my plans do not coincide with what God has planned for me, at least, not in that moment of my life. One such example would be when I decided I wanted to serve a mission. I prayed about it and I counseled with my Bishop about it and I had the impression that this was the path that I should take. So, I started the process. I had finished everything except for the medical exams required. I was in the process of setting up the necessary appointments when, all of a sudden, I just felt that something was wrong. I can not quite describe the feeling. I just knew that something wasn't right. I again counseled with my Bishop and his advice was simple: I needed to pray. 
          So, yet again, I prayed about going on a mission. I still wanted to serve and I was excited to do so, but this time I got the impression that I should wait. I fasted as I prayed about this and I received the prompting that I needed to wait until after I had finished my schooling, which at that time was about 2 1/2 to 3 years, before serving a mission. 
          This experience taught me a lot about aligning my will with God's. I know that He knows where my life will be heading and what experiences I need in my life. And looking back, if I had gone on to serve a mission I would not have met some of the wonderful people that I have and I wouldn't have gained the knowledge I received from the trials I have faced. He is always aware of us and what we truly need. We all just need to be willing to give up our personal wants to follow God's path, which will lead us to where we truly need to be.
          The following video is titled: The Will of God. This story was included in a talk given by Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. It is a prime example of making sure that we are allowing ourselves to be humble and willing to follow God's will regardless of our personal goals. 

http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages?v=1839005837001

I hope that whoever reads this does not take it to mean that they should not make plans or that they don't have to make plans for their future. That is not what I am saying here. I would just hope that we can all be faithful enough to take our plans to the Lord and be willing to make course corrections if necessary to follow what He knows is best for us. I pray that we all can take our plans to Him and that we will be able to adjust to His promptings so that we will reach what will, undoubtedly, be a better future than anything we can plan for ourselves.

Worthiness Vs. Perfection/ CHRISTmas

          It has been a while since I've written, but what I have really been thinking a lot about lately is the difference between worthiness and perfection. To give a bit of background, I had a Temple Recommend interview (this is the meeting members must have with the leader of their ward or branch (and Stake) in order to enter the temple) and the last question asked is "Do you think yourself worthy of entering the House of the Lord?" (wording is probably not exact, but that's the basics of it). And, I feel, a lot of members look at worthiness as being equal to perfection. Obviously, if we were all to use that as our guideline none of us would be able to enter into the Temples. As human beings, we are naturally sinners, every single one of us. It's like the verse in Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." We are imperfect beings by nature. However, there is a silver lining! It is through the Atonement of Jesus Christ that we are able to overcome our imperfections. When we repent, sincerely repent, we are able to renew ourselves from the sins and transgressions we have made. But, this still doesn't make us perfect. In fact, far from it. This is just the beginning steps we must all take in order to reach perfection. 
           So, what is worthiness? I think most people wouldn't be able to answer right away. I know I couldn't. Looking in my scriptures some synonyms it gives for worthiness are: cleanliness, dependability, faithfulness just to name a few. So, using these words I would say that worthiness is following the Lord and keeping the commandments as best as you know how and with all your heart. I think if everyone could understand that perfection is not what Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is expecting of us in this lifetime, we will all be more forgiving and not so judgmental of others and/or ourselves. Our worthiness doesn't equal to being perfect or imperfect, but on how you are living our faith.
        
           Another topic that has been on my mind is, of course, Christmas. This time of year it is hard not to think about the lights, presents and the hustle and bustle of this time of year but, so often, we forget the real meaning for the season. The Church has released a huge Christmas Campaign titled: He is the Gift 
Here's the Ad:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzjFEMmM0Xs

          It shows the hustle and bustle that most of us associate with Christmas and this time of year, but it brings about a sharp reminder that the meaning of Christmas is not about the presents, pretty lights, or the ugly sweater contests, but about family, being around loved ones and most importantly the greatest and most humble gift given: The birth of Jesus Christ the Savior! I hope that we, and I also include myself in this because I, too, can get caught up in the commercialized part of the season, take the time to remember and reflect on why this time of year is so special.