Things That Matter Most

I'm grateful for fast Sundays, not only for the chance to focus on spiritual health and, with a small sacrifice, show my love to the Lord, but for the chance to attend church where a focus is on sharing testimonies of truth.  This particular fast Sunday was special because our stake presidency requested that in Relief Society and Elders Quorum we spend the hour sharing our favorite scriptures about the Atonement.  What a wonderful blessing and sweet opportunity to be filled with the Spirit and to feel the Lord's love while focusing on that which is most important and HOPEful.

Joseph Smith taught, "The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it."

It was remarkable and uplifting to hear the sweet testimonies of each sister and the scriptures shared from all the standard works, some more explicitly about the Atonement than others, but all with that same central message of our Heavenly Father and Savior's love and sacrifice that makes possible the hope and peace and purpose and joy in our lives, the opportunity for each of us to change.  I was reminded that this really is what it's all about - the scriptures are full of examples of the Lord's love and the Atonement blessing someone.

A few of my favorites (and most favorites) from today:
* 2 Nephi 25: 23, 26
* 2 Nephi 2:6-9 
* 2 Nephi 9:21-23, 41
* Jacob 4:11
* Mosiah 3:17
* Mosiah 4:6-9
* Mosiah 13:28
* Mosiah 15:7-9, 18-19
* Alma 7:11-12
* Alma 34:8-10, 15-16
* Alma 36:17-20
* Alma 42:15
* Helaman 5:9
* 3 Nephi 11:14-15
* 3 Nephi 27:13-15
* Ether 3:14
* Moroni 10:32-33
* D&C 18:10-13
* D&C 19:16-19
* D&C 45:3-5
* D&C 138:2-4
* Moses 5:7
* Article of Faith 3
* Luke 22:42-44
* John 3:16-17
* John 11:25
* John 14:6

* Jacob 7:11-12:  "And I said unto him: Then ye do not understand them;for they truly testify of Christ. Behold, I say unto you that none of the prophets have written, nor prophesied, save they have spoken concerning this Christ.  And this is not all—it has been made manifest unto me,for I have heard and seen; and it also has been made manifest unto me by the power of the Holy Ghost;wherefore, I know if there should be no atonement made all mankind must be lost."

 * Mosiah 4:2-3:  "And they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men.  And it came to pass that after they had spoken these words the Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and they were filled with joy, having received a remission of their sins, and having peace of conscience, because of the exceeding faith which they had in Jesus Christ who should come, according to the words which king Benjamin had spoken unto them."

* Moroni 7:41:  "And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise."


While thinking about this great, singular blessing, I was reminded of the importance of making this message and hope known to the world.

2 Nephi 2:8:  "Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy,and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise."

2 Nephi 31:13:  "By following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel."


One other thing that matters most...after a nice day of testimony it was a blessing to spend time with family, particularly listening to my Grandma share her gratitude and testimony and love.  She's stalwart in her faith and love for the Lord.  I'm always inspired and uplifted when I talk to her, but tonight I was touched by her expression of gratitude for family members helping her clean up after some work on her basement.  She talked about feeling overwhelmed with the work to do and grateful for those that came to work and brought hope.  She also mentioned the difficulty of giving up her church magazines in the process.  She had saved each one since 1952 when they moved into their house.  She expressed the loss she felt at not having those inspirational words of prophets and gospel principles tangibly at her finger tips anymore, but I thought it was very sweet and inspirational to me that she said she knew where to look to find those principles - in the lives of her posterity that she had raised and taught to live the principles taught by the prophets.  I think that's the goal, that we internalize His words, His love, and our testimony of Him and then live and share them.  It was a touching expression and great encouragement to do that better at being a living example of the principles of the gospel and words of the prophets.

I'd say it was an inspirational Sunday.  Grateful and HOPEful!  :)