The Tender Mercies of the Lord Are Over All

I received a "tender mercy" this week that affirmed my faith. This video from Elder David A. Bednar helps explain how they come. You only need about the first minute to get the main message; it strengthened my faith.  The picture is the link.

Why Mormon General Conference is Awe-inspiring

April 5th - 6th is the worldwide spring Mormon General Conference, where Church members attend or tune-in around the world to learn how to better follow the Savior Jesus Christ. As the people of Moses believed, members of the Church of Jesus Christ believe that God inspires men and women to teach us, even men called to be prophets and apostles. It all started again with the boy Joseph's sincere prayer in upstate New York in 1820. You can watch the conference live on BYUtv or lds.org or view the messages following it on lds.org. 

A Scientist's Testimony of Christ and Creation

I love this video--a former University of Arizona and MIT scientist shares his testimony of Jesus Christ, the Creation, and that "we lived with God" before our birth. It leaves me in awe once again of the expanse and wonder of the universe and of our Great Creator (see John 1:1-3; see also "John S. Lewis," Wikipedia).

Shelley Pinegar Peterson | Wife, Grandmother, Piano Teacher

Shelley with Granddaughter Opal

 

Shelley with Family

I am Shelley Pinegar Peterson.  I am the happily married wife of a dear man for 30 years, mother of five amazing children, grandmother of two (soon to be three!) angels, piano teacher, and I’m a Mormon - a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Why and how have I become a believer?

 

I guess you could say, as any musician would—that I owe it all to “practicing.”  Putting into practice what the church teaches--its values, its covenants--and relying on my Divine Instructor have given me my witness of its verity.  As Jesus said, we can all know of the doctrine whether it be true (of God) or not, by doing his will, or in other words, by “practicing” it  (John 7:17).  As I have practiced living in “harmony” with the teachings of Jesus Christ and of His restored church, I have found peace and happiness that is like a living fountain.   It fills me and I am never left wanting for answers to questions about the purpose of this life and how I can be happy now and forever (What is the purpose of my life? Mormon.org).

Has this knowledge spared me from life’s challenges?  No.  Dealing with pain, sorrow, personal losses - both emotional and physical, I have found are all part of the music of life-- like “incidentals” (sharps and flats) that take us up and down, as we each play our life’s song.  I have personally battled anxiety and depression most of my days since childhood.   But I learned as a child that I can pray to my Father in Heaven for help, anytime, anywhere and in doing so, I have received comfort and guidance through His spirit in undeniable ways that are personal and real.  Prayer has been and is the grace note of my life.  My trials actually turn into blessings because they help me turn to Him and see His miracles performed.  Practicing my faith in Jesus Christ keeps me in tune with His Spirit and living His Gospel enables me with the power to perform what would otherwise seem to be impossible. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13).

The Gospel of Jesus Christ helps me understand that I am free to choose happiness over despair (2 Nephi 2:28-29).  I feel happy and my burdens lifted both as I try to practice lifting others as He did through service and as I cease practicing my mistakes and repent, relying on the great Gift of His Atonement.  I know personally that Christ’s Atonement helps us find relief not just from our sins, but also our sorrows.  Surely He has borne our griefs, and has promised: “I will not forget thee.  I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:15-16). As I utilize that great Gift, I can go through the ups and downs of life “singing the song of redeeming love!” (Alma 5:26, Book of Mormon). I know His loving hands have taken me by the hand in all my trials and lifted me every time.  My membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints brings a symphony of blessings such as these and many more. I know that “practicing”–living the gospel of Jesus Christ and relying on His grace and Atonement—brings peace wherein we are made perfectly whole through Him. This testimony is my greatest joy and my song.

The Purposes of Life

I love this video (in fact, I think I may have already shared on FB in 2013). In just 3:46, it shows where we came from, the purpose of life and where we go after we die: it shows how through Jesus Christ's atonement and resurrection we can repent, be resurrected, and live with God again. The cool video technology is another reason I really like it.

Why Patti Maxwell Believes | Mother, Grandmother, Musician

Patti (7th adult from left) with Family

 

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am mother and a grandmother, and love being both. Music is a great love, profession and hobby. I teach violin and piano, play the organ, and sing in the choir at church. I have been happily married for 36 years this February. I love to walk and do yoga, read, and spend time with my family.

 

Why I Believe

 

I have believed in a Heavenly Father from the earliest time I can remember. I was taught by my parents to pray to Him, and that if I asked in faith, my prayers would be answered. They were, time and time again. It wasn’t until I was older that I understood Jesus Christ is the intermediary between me and my Father in Heaven.

 

As I read the scriptures I came to know and love Him as my Savior and Redeemer. I received a copy of the Book of Mormon when I was 8 years old, but it wasn’t until I was 16 that I was taught in a powerful way by the Holy Spirit that the teachings, principles and testimonies of Jesus Christ it contained were true.

 

I grew up with the account of Joseph Smith seeing the Father and the Son in a vision, but that is not why I believe he saw what he said he did. I have asked for myself, and was taught by the Holy Spirit that Heavenly Father and His Son did indeed appear to Joseph Smith, and authorized him to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ, and His church, as He established it during His mortal ministry, and priesthood ordinances. Because of those priesthood ordinances and the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, my family is sealed together for time and all eternity. I know that no matter what happens in this life, we will be together forever in the world to come.

 

This plan of salvation is possible because of the mercy of a loving Heavenly Father, who sent His Son to pay the price of my sins and weaknesses. It is only through His grace that I can truly change my heart and be filled with charity, the pure love of Christ. I know this, because I have been changed as I have desired it, and called upon Him to make my weaknesses become strengths. Because I believe these things, I am happy, and hopeful, and filled with a love for all of God’s children. I am filled with His light in the midst of darkness, and am carried in His arms when life is hard. I am so grateful I not only believe, but know, through the power of the Holy Spirit, of the reality of my Heavenly Father and His Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ.

"Seek Ye the Kingdom of God" and '14 Resolutions

This Bible Video reminds me of Heavenly Father's love and willingness to bless His children as they seek first the kingdom of God. "...seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you... where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Luke 12: 31, 34)