Teaching from the Book of Mormon

This is a painting by Jerry Thompson, a depiction of the Tree of Life as found in the Book of Mormon.

In the account of Lehi's vision of the Tree of Life, the tree symbolizes the love of God. More specifically manifested through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

When I think of the Atonement I thing of its healing power in my life and its capaity to heal all mankind if we will come unto Christ and be made whole (be healed).

"Be still, and know that I am God..."

Sometimes in life we run faster than necessary and we forget that not only is life not a race, but that we are not supposed to journey it alone.


This Christmas season, even though I am on a mission and trying to do my best to serve the Lord, I found my self running at a similar pace as to that of the holiday rat race that we all acknowledge but participate in anyway.
It seemed everyone was busy these past few weeks and hardly anyone was about to make time to meet with us, so i found myself scampering and running faster and faster and stressing to find people to visit and share the Gospel with. My efforts seemed to no avail and my companion didn't know what to do with me I am sure.
One evening, feeling a bit defeated, we went over to a members house that has worked with the missionaries along time. My companion was starting to not feel well, and it was soon discovered by the member that my stressing and running around was antagonistic to her condition. Our friend looked at me and said, "Sister Bishop, You need to be still. Remember the scripture be still, and know that I am God."

I have realized at this special season the importance of not only remembering our Savior, but be will to slow down, to listen for His voice, feel His comfort and peace, and then filled with that love seek to serve Him.

Not only are we never alone, but we need to be willing to accept that and walk with Christ. It is in our walk with Him that we find the healing power of the atonement. As life has its challenges and can tear us down, if we will be still, we can be made whole.

"Be Still, and know that I am God.."

Why I Love the Temple

The other day Sister DeBoer and I were talking and Walt Disney was brought into the conversation. I thought he was an exceptional person for all the good that he accomplished etc.
Sister DeBoer then stated, "Well of course he is wonderful, he created the happiest place on earth besides the temple!"

What a statement!

And as I thought about it I would have to agree. I am sure there are many, particularly those who have not yet had the opportunity to go to the temple that would be inclined to doubt that statement.
I will refrain from elaborating more on the popular belief that a Disney park is the happiest place on earth, but I would like to focus on presenting further light to Sister De Boer's thought. These parks, as fun and happy as they are, still fall below the joy and happiness that awaits those that go to the Temple.
I love the Temple because of what it represents: The House of the Lord. It is a Holy place, a place of purity and peace.

I know that Temples and the ordinances therein provide lasting and eternal happiness, that strengthen and build up the human soul and empower us to face the challenges of the world as we leave with a firmer sense of true identity. That we are literally sons and daughters of God.

I know my reasons are simple, but they are also everything to me. But to find out more about temples and what they are, go to the link!