I Love To See the Temple

My husband, Dan, was working on a job about an hour from our home yesterday.  (It was also his birthday.)  He forgot a few things he needed, his tool belt, a knife, and his phone.  So he called me to bring the stuff to him.  I gather everything and our daughter in the car to take to him.  Then in the car we have the following conversation:

Me:  We are going to go take stuff to Daddy because he forgot it.

Hannah:  At the temple?

Me:  No, he's working on a roof.  Do you want Daddy to go to the temple?

Hannah: Yes.

Me: Do you want Mommy to go to the temple?

Hannah: And Hannah too!

Newport Beach California Temple

Miracles - Forget Me Not

My 2 year old daughter requested a hike today, so I loaded her in the backpack and off we went.  While by the lake (about three quarters of a mile from our home), I spotted forget-me-not flowers. These are my favorite flower. My great grandmother had some in her yard in Bergen, Norway. I her only once, in the summer of 1989, but this moment when she took the time to teach me about this tiny blue flowers is one of my fondest memories and always reminds me of her love. So today I thought of her and wished my little girl could meet her. This truly was a gift from Heavenly Father to see today and share with my daughter.

In October 2011, Elder Uchtdorf gave this talk. This was a message I needed to hear and was deeply touched by his use of the forget-me-not flower. Through I felt and remembered my great grandmother's love, but also the Lord's love because He inspired His apostle to use a symbol that is so important to me!

Success According the Lord

"I seek not mine own will but the will of my Father who sent me."

John 5:30

In the world we consider people to be successful based on careers, appearance, fame, money, and anything else we value.

But how does this differ from how the Lord defines success?

Lorenzo Snow, served as the fifth prophet in this day, stated, "There is a course that men and women may pursue wherein there will be no failure." (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church, Lorenzo Snow.)

This statement struck me as a bold statement, because I fear failure.  So, what is the course that allows no failure?

We must, like the Savoir, act according the will of the Lord.  To do this we must know and feel the Spirit.  We receive the guidance through the Spirit.  After Lehi and his family left Jerusalem they were given the Liahonna.  The Liahonna was like a compass.  It directed Lehi and his family on where to go and what to do.

"And it did work for them according to their faith in God; therefore, if they had faith to believe that God could cause that those spindles should point the way they should go, behold, it was done; therefore they had this miracle, and also many other miracles wrought by the power of God, day by day.  Nevertheless, because those miracles were worked by small means it did show unto them marvelous works. They were slothful, and forgot to exercise their faith and diligence and then those marvelous works ceased, and they did not progress in their journey;  Therefore, they tarried in the wilderness, or did not travel a direct course, and were afflicted with hunger and thirst, because of their transgressions.  And now, my son, I would that ye should understand that these things are not without a shadow; for as our fathers were slothful to give heed to this compass (now these things were temporal) they did not prosper; even so it is with things which are spiritual.  For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land."  Alma 37:40-44

The Spirit can works for us in the same way.  If we are righteous we feel the Spirit, we can feel it constantly.  This is how we know we are following the Lord's will - This is how we know we are living the Lord's definition of success.

Lorenzo Snow also said, "what we want is to have that spirit in every act of our lives and in every undertaking, whether temporal of spiritual." (Teachings.)

Our goal, under the Plan of Salvation, is to attain life with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ again.  To do this we must obey the Lord's will.  Of salvation is dependent on meeting the Lord's definition of success.

How has following the Lord's will helped you know you are on the Lord's path to success?

Testimony Tuesday - Miracles

"they had ... many other miracles wrought by the power of God, day by day.  Nevertheless, because those miracles were worked by small means it did show unto them marvelous works." 

Alma 37:40-41

I have been trying to look for the hand of God in my life on a more daily basis, inspired by the above verse.  The preceding verses talked about the Liahona, a compass that pointed Nephi and his family in the direction that they should go while traveling to the Americas after leaving Jerusalem.  It only worked if they were diligent to the word of God.  This was one miracle in their life daily, but Nephi could recognize the miracles that God gave them everyday. 

I know he does this in my own life, in all our lives if we look for them and recognize them. 

Here are a few of the miracles in my life within the last week.

Yesterday while driving into town (I live about 11 miles from the closest town), I felt drawn to get off an exit that I do not normally take on my way to the store.  On the way I saw a bike that was the perfect size for my 2 year old daughter, who I believe was yearning for a bike of her own.  And this bike was free, I was so grateful to able to get this for my daughter.  And it is in excellent condition.

Driving home from church on Sunday we saw a baby elk!  Seeing wildlife in the mountains always seems like a gift from God.  Yesterday we also saw a fox with its dinner. 

We went on a walk a couple days ago up to a lake near our home.  Although it is June, spring has just begun! (We live at 10,500 feet elevation).  Up by the lake we were able to see two different varieties of wildflower.  I always look for them, and one of them was so tiny that it could have been easily missed.

We went to look at the lake right outside my door one day to see if we could find any fish to show my daughter.  We could not see any in the water, but a fishermen was kind enough to get the fish he caught out of the water to show my daughter. She touched them and then was excited to go inside to eat some fish.

Two weeks ago I was asked to teach Relief Society on Father's Day.  When I looked at the lesson schedule, I was disappointed that it was not chapter 11 in the Lorenzo Snow manual (it is chapter 12).  Then this last Wednesday the teacher needed to go out of town so she asked me to teach chapter 11 two days ago.  I had felt impressed to read the lesson before the request. I was so happy to teach this lesson, the lesson really touched me and I will share later what I learned while preparing before the lesson.  

I know we can see the hand of the Lord in our life everyday, if we just look and acknowledge the small things the Lord has done for us!

What miracles have the Lord blessed you with recently?

Phylacteries

I always receive personal revelation through reading the scriptures.  I feel drawn to read a verse and it becomes my theme for a period of time before I move on the next one.

I love the idea of phylacteries.  A phylactery is a small leather box that a Jewish man wears around his head and left arm.  Inside the box is a piece of paper with a scripture written on it.  By wearing the scripture he is constantly reminded of Heavenly Father and the teachings contained within the scripture.  This practice developed from the scripture Deuteronomy 6:4-9,

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is bone Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.  And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:  And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.  And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.  And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates."

Picture originally found here.

Picture originally found here.

We have symbols that remind of us are devotion to Christ.  One of these is a ring with the initials or words Choose the Right.  Many Christians were a cross to remind them of the Christ and the Atonement.  When I was in high school in Alabama bracelets with the initials WWJD, What Would Jesus Do, were popular. 

My favorite thing about the phylacteries is that the scripture can be changed.  (Under Jewish custom, only certain scriptures are used.)  All you have to do is write it on a new piece of paper and switch it out.  Maybe one day I will have a bracelet with a locket where I can place my scripture theme inside. 

Here is the scripture I would currently want in my phylactery.  

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.   Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:10-20.

Lately I have been studying and pondering about protecting ourselves from the influences of the devil and the temptations he places before us.  It has becomes evident to me how important it is to literally shield ourselves from the darkness with the light and knowledge of the Savior.  Wearing this scripture would serve as a reminder to me to feel the light of the Savior about me so that I can be protected.  It would serve as a reminder of how to act so that I can have the Spirit to enlighten me.

What scripture or scriptures would you have in your phylacteries? 

Experimenting Upon The Word - Exercise Faith in the Word of God

And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.

Alma 32:21

What is faith?

Faith is not merely a wish or hope.  Faith is power.  It is the power by which God created the earth.  Joseph Smith stated, "we understand that the principle of power which existed in the bosom of God, by which the worlds were framed, was faith; and that it is by reason of this principle of power existing in the Deity, that all created things exist".  Lectures on Faith, 1:15.

Dennis E. Simmons stated, "True faith is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ—confidence and trust in Jesus Christ that leads a person to follow Him."  Dennis E. Simmons, "But If Not ...", April 2004 General Conference.

Faith is not always getting the results or answers we want.  

When we have faith it is in tune with God's will, not our own.  Our trust is in our Savior.  Our trust is in God's plan for our lives, which we do not always comprehend because we lack a perfect knowledge. But, remember, He is all-knowing. This is why we can trust in him!

How do we exercise it?

We exercise faith by being obedient to the Lord's commandments.  

So with regards to tithing, I exercise faith in Christ by paying tithing.  If I do not understand why the Lords requires tithing or what blessings He gives us, I must trust Him.  I must trust that He has a purpose to tithe His people.  

If you want to learn if the Book of Mormon is true, you must read it and trust that you will receive a witness.

If you want to share the Gospel, you must trust the Lord will help you find someone to share the Gospel with.

When have you exercised faith in your life?

Experimenting Upon The Word - Desire to Believe

"Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief."

Mark 9:24

Whether we are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or those seeking to learn more about it, we have a desire to be believe.  Our belief is all teachings of the truth are not complete.  There is so much to learn, and we all have to start somewhere.

What do you desire to believe?

Alma said, “Even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe." (Alma 32:37)  

Desire is exactly where the Lord wants us to start on our path to belief and knowledge.  He will help us on this journey, by guiding us when we seek him.

For my Experiment on the Word, I have chosen the law of tithing.  To learn more about tithing go here.

I have been attending church since I was 14 years old.  I have always paid my tithing, but I have never deeply understood the law of tithing. I am happy to be pay and be obedient, but I have a desire to understand the reasons and blessings behind it.  I have desired this for a long time!  The Lord has provided me with an opportunity to teach a lesson on tithing to help me in my journey.  

I am excited to share what I learn, and hope you will share with me what you learn. 

What are you going to experiment on?

For more on the topic of believing, read or listen to Elder Jeffery R. Holland's recent general conference address.

Testimony Tuesday - President Monson

In the last week my thoughts have been with the prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, especially with the passing of his wife.

We believe that we have a living prophet on earth today that speaks to Jesus Christ and receives revelation for the Church and world as a whole.  To read more about prophets, go here. 

I have felt a personal witness that President Monson is the prophet and can communicate with our Heavenly Father.  I have been listening to President Monson speak at General Conference for over 15 years; he loves to tell stories about his experiences listening to the Holy Ghost to direct him.  This is one thing that has given me my personal witness that President Monson's is Heavenly Father's prophet on the earth today.  He is a master at listening and obeying the Spirit.  I know President Monson has the ability and inclination to listen for the voice of the Holy Ghost and then to act upon the instruction he receives.  I love knowing that I can listen to the prophet and receive direction from the Lord through him.  It has been a great blessing in my life to learn from the prophets.  If you want to hear or listen to his most recent address to the Church, go here. 

Experimenting Upon The Word

But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.  

Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.

Alma 32:27-28

We each have to determine for ourselves that the Book of Mormon is true.  This gives us instrustion on how to do so.  After gaining a new testimony of the Book of Mormon we may struggle with understanding and accepting different doctrines of the Gospel.  Or we may wish for a deeper understanding of a principle that we know is true.  How do we proceed to gain or strengthen our testimony on a specific doctrine?

Here are the steps of what Alma teaches in the above scriptures.

1.  Desire to believe
2.  Exericise faith in the word of God
3.  Plant the seed, the word of God, in your heart
4.  Nurture the seed
5.  Evaluate the results of nurturing the seed

For the next few posts I will be expanding on each of the steps.  I invite you to participate by choosing a doctrine of principle of the Gospel that you would desire to strengthen your testimony and experimenting upon the word!  

Winter Quarters Mormon Trail Center

My husband was recently working in Omaha, Nebraska.  So we went out to visit him for two weeks.  While there we went to the Mormon Trail Center in Winter Quarters.  The early Latter-day Saints stayed in Winter Quarters after leaving Nauvoo, Illinois before heading west to the Salt Lake Valley.  

These are a few of the things I enjoyed seeing while I was there.  

While pregnant with my daughter I studied a lot about birth in order to prepare for a good birthing experience.  On display they had Patty Sessions midwife guide.  Patty Sessions was a well known midwife, at that time in the Church serving as a midwife was a calling.

The Saints were not prepared to spend the winter in Winter Quarters.  They lacked many provisions necessary, including vegetables and fruits.  As a result many of the settlers died of scurvy and were buried in a cemetery there.  This is the only surviving gravestone, most were made from wood.  This was for a women named Sarah Porter.  She prayed that all her children would survive the journey to the Salt Lake Valley.  They all did and many of her posterity have come to the Mormon Trail Center. 

A few years ago I read William Clayton's journal of his trip to the Salt Lake Valley.  He went with the first company that included Brigham Young.  In his journal I read that he wrote the hymn "Come, Come Ye Saints" after hearing the news of the birth of his wife Diantha's first child.  Here are the pictures of William Clayton and Diantha. 

On his trek, he also invented an odometer to calculate how many miles they traveled.  He faithfully kept track and made a map to help others on their trek.  Here is a picture of the replica. Having read about this and then seeing it made the displays much more interesting!

I also loved this photo of the original Nauvoo Temple.  I have always been impressed by the sacrifice the Saints made to build the temple.  The temple gave the Saints so much strength to to press forward on their journey, but I imagine it was difficult to leave the temple behind after sacrificing so much to build it.

Adversity in the Moment

"Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God, believe also in me."

John 14:1

I often find that during the middle of adversity is when I struggle with remembering God is with me. Like most people, we are going through an experience that is highly stressful. 

I have learned to manage this stress, I have to make active effort to remember the Savior. When I remember the Savior I am at peace. 

Here are a few things I do to keep my mind focused:

- Repeat a memorized scripture in my head over and over. (John 14:1 is currently my favorite for this purpose.)

-  Say a small prayer asking for strength whenever I need it.

- Reflect on the inspiration and personal revelation I have received. I have a list in the back of my calendar I can review at any moment.

- Call a friend to talk - not always about my problems. A conversation with a loving friend is always uplifting.

- Go for a hike and enjoy God's beautiful creation! This always brings me joy! We live in the Rocky Mountains and I love being able to hike by walking out my front door!

These are a few things I do to invite peace in my life. 

What do you do that we could try to apply in or lives?

Peace and Adversity

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

John 14:27

How do we feel peace in the midst of our trials and adversity? 

How do we feel peace within the turmoil of the world?

What is the source of that peace?

We will only feel peace through our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Elder Quentin L. Cook declared, 

The heavenly aspiration of good people everywhere has and always will be for peace in the world. We must never give up on achieving this goal. But, President Joseph F. Smith taught, “There never can come to the world that spirit of peace and love … until mankind will receive God’s truth and God’s message … , and acknowledge his power and authority which is divine.” (2013 April General Conference, Personal Peace: The Reward of Righteousness, Sat. Afternoon Session)

In the Garden of Gethesemne the Savior took upon Him our sins and burdens so that He could give us the gift of peace.

By coming to the Savior and placing our burdens at His feet, we will feel the peace that only comes from the Savior.

To feel this peace daily we must strive to feel connected to the Savior through prayer, repentence, studying the scriptures,  and performing service for others.

I have felt the peace that can only come from the Savior. 

In Matthew 11:28 the Savior invites us to partake of His peace with the words,  "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

He wants to give us this great gift and will bless us with it.

When have you felt the Lord bless you with his peace?

Strength Within the Temple

My heart was to build another House for the Lord.

William Warner Player*

In 1846 the Saints began their Exodus from Nauvoo, Illinois to the Salt Lake Valley in present day Utah.  Many Saints made it a priority to attend the temple and receive their endowment before heading West. 

Why did they do this when their lives were in danger?

The Saints knew the strength and power that comes from the temple.  They knew they needed that strength and power as they faced the challenges demanded of them as they crossed the plains.  

"Maintaining our spiritual strength is ... a daily challenge.  The greatest source of that spiritual strength comes ... from our temples."  "Eternity Lies Before Us," James E. Faust

Our challenges today are different from the Pioneers, but we need the strength and power that comes from the temple, just as they need.  I have felt the spiritual strength that comes from the temple.  I have felt the difference that it makes in my life.  

In the temple, we learn "where we came from, why we are here, where we may go, and how we may cope with the matter of death." (James E. Faust) Knowing the truths of the eternity, can help up endure the challenges placed before us, just like it did the early Pioneers.  

* I saw this quote on a banner at the Mormon Trail Center in Winter Quarters in Omaha, Nebraska.

To learn more about temple, go here.

Testimony Tuesday - What the Holy Ghost Helped Me to Remember

I taught early morning seminary for 3.5 years.  To learn more about seminary, a scripture class for high school age youth, go here.

This has been my favorite calling in the church.  I loved studying the scriptures and helping my students to learn about Jesus Christ and his Gospel.  

It also very time consumptive.  During my last year teaching, I was going through a particularly challenging time and was overwhelmed by all my responsibilities.  I needed to focus on myself and my family, which meant I needed help.  

I needed someone to teach seminary for me.  But who?  The early morning commitment (it often conflicts with work schedules and getting children to school) made it difficult to find a substitute that would be a good match for my students.

After a week of struggling to know what to do, the Holy Ghost brought to my remembrance that a friend in my ward (what we call our church congregation) had offered to help teach for me.  

In that moment, I felt peace, joy and relief.  Peace that can only come through the Spirit.  

She taught my class for me for two weeks, a service and experience I will not forget.

All Things to Your Remembrance

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

John 14:26

We are constantly being taught by our Father in Heaven at church, in the scriptures or through others.  At different times in life remembering those teachings will help us endure different experiences. During these times, the Holy Ghost will help us remember the things we have learned when we need them.

Elder Henry B. Eyring suggests asking the question, “Did God send a message that was just for me? Did I see His hand in my life or the lives of my children?” (“O Remember, Remember,” October 2007)

                

We need to be proactive in remembering the things we learn.  To remember spiritual experiences, small or large, we can write them in a journal, highlight or underline the appropriate verses in the scriptures. We can have reminders, such as a picture, a song or a plant.

                

If we pray and ponder about this question, the Holy Ghost will help us to remember what Heavenly Father has done for us.  During a trial the Holy Ghost will also be able to remind us of experiences that will bring us comfort, strength and healing.

Why do we need to remember and recognize what Heavenly Father has taught and one for us?

What happens when we forget God?

In Helaman 12:2 we are taught that when people forget the Lord they "trample under their feet the Holy One."

When we remember what the Lord has done for us, our testimonies grow.  We recognize more and more the blessings the Lord gives us.

How has the Holy Ghost helped you to remember what you have learned?

Enduring Adversity

"The Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord."

Mosiah 24:15

"The Lord has touched my spirit time and again, and more often than not, His touch has reached me through the hand of a friend." Kathleen H. Hughes

Heavenly Father does not leave us alone to bear our burdens.  He will strengthen and support us.

Where do we look to feel and partake of this strength?

As disciples of Christ we have made a covenant through baptism that we,

"are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;  Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life".  (Mosiah 18:8-9)

One way the Lord strengthens us is through the service of family, friends, or even strangers when we need help.  We will find and feel of the Lord's love if we look for it in their actions.

"God knows the needs of His children, and He often works through us, prompting us to help one another. When we act on such promptings, we tread on holy ground, for we are allowed the opportunity to serve as an agent of God in answering a prayer."  Kathleen H. Hughes

How have you been strengthen by the Lord?

  

Testimony Tuesday - What I Have Learned From Adversity

God loves me.  He knows me.  

This is something that I never knew until recently.  

Since a small child, I have always felt a yearning for our Heavenly Father, but I rarely felt a personal connection. Although, I did receive answers to my prayers and inspiration when needed.  

I had a reached a point where I could do nothing but rely on our Heavenly Father to endure and survive.  Then through His presence in my life and the way my prayers were answered did I learn that He loves me personally.  He knows me and can help me with exactly what I need.

These experiences have also helped me learn that He knows and loves my daughter. And that He always has.  He reminded me of spiritual experiences before and after my daughters birth.

Throughout the last few years, He has guided me through the Holy Ghost to learn this truth, until I had the ability and knowledge to recognize it.

I am grateful I learned that God loves me and knows me, because now I can teach my daughter that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know and love her.

Adversity and the Plan of Salvation

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” 

1 Peter 1:7

“The gift of faith is a priceless spiritual endowment.” Elder Neil L. Anderson

Peter describes “trials of faith” as “more precious than…gold.”

Why is adversity so valuable to us?

How does it related to the Plan of Salvation?

We understand that under the Plan of Salvation our goal, which we are capable of achieving, is exaltation – to live with and become like our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Adversity (or as Peter describes it, trials of faith), is one of the means that Heavenly Father and the Savior uses to help us achieve life with Him again.

Elder Henry B. Erying stated, “The very opportunity for us to face adversity and affliction is part of the evidence of Their infinite love.”  ("Adversity", April 2009 General Conference)

We need adversity and affliction to achieve our goal of becoming like them.  This is how we learn “to want what God wants, to think as He thinks.” (Adversity)

Elder Eyring also stated, “In this education we experience misery and happiness, sickness and health, the sadness from sin and the joy of forgiveness.” (Adversity)

The Lord will help us through all these experiences, as stated in Alma 7:11-13,  

"And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me."

How has adversity helped you to become like the Savior?