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This morning I picked up a children's magazine, 'The Friend', published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We still subscribe even though our own children are adults.
I am often lifted, enlightened and taught how to be a happier and kinder person when I read the Friend. Today I learned the definition of being 'saved'.
In a sidebar on page 14, June's magazine states, "Being saved means being resurrected ..." How simple. How profound. How wonderful!! The statement continues, "... and because of the Atonement not having to be punished for our sins." THAT is more than wonderful. It is humbling - and it came from a children's magazine.
'..and a little child shall lead them...'
To where I wondered? to what?
I couldn't remember so I looked it up.
Little children shall lead in peace and holiness.
In kindness and happiness ...
6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.
7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den.
9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
I love Isaiah.
We have always existed.
We will continue to exist - always.
We are God's children.
Our existence here is just part of a great whole -
A plan that He has for our happiness.
I have been born.
(My spirit enters a body of the elements of this earth.)
I live.
(Jesus Christ showed me an example of how.
He taught how to be happy, and live with God.
My spirit learns how to use my body.
I can act kindly, as Jesus taught, or not.)
I die.
(My spirit and body are separated.)
I am resurrected.
(The atonement of Jesus Christ gives me Eternal life.
My spirit and body are joined again.
My body lives again, never to die.)
I can be happy.
We all can.
I can have joy.
We all can.
That is God's plan.
How much happiness and joy can we have?
As much as we want.
As much as we choose.
We will continue to exist - always.
We are God's children.
Our existence here is just part of a great whole -
A plan that He has for our happiness.
I have been born.
(My spirit enters a body of the elements of this earth.)
I live.
(Jesus Christ showed me an example of how.
He taught how to be happy, and live with God.
My spirit learns how to use my body.
I can act kindly, as Jesus taught, or not.)
I die.
(My spirit and body are separated.)
I am resurrected.
(The atonement of Jesus Christ gives me Eternal life.
My spirit and body are joined again.
My body lives again, never to die.)
I can be happy.
We all can.
I can have joy.
We all can.
That is God's plan.
How much happiness and joy can we have?
As much as we want.
As much as we choose.
God gave us instructions.
He explained how - in his commandments.
When I choose to obey, I choose more happiness.
Jesus Christ and prophets like Isaiah explain how.
They lived as examples to us.
They talked with God.
He talked with them.
They tell me that I can talk to God too.
That is called prayer.
They tell me God will hear me pray.
They tell me he will answer me.
I believe them.
Their words have been written for me to read.
Their words are called scripture.I love reading scriptures.
I love how I feel when I read scriptures.
I feel happier.
Maybe I should do it every day ...
How much happiness is enough?
How much do we want?
How many ways can I follow the example of Jesus?
Can I obey more commandments?
Hmmm?
Am I saved?
Do I follow the example of Christ?
