Receive His Light Into Your Lives~

Through the years I have met some remarkable individuals. Sometimes, I am just overwhelmed with the warmth and love that I receive when I am in their presence. It seems as though they really have a light that surrounds them. I find that they are always warm, kind, loving personalities. There seems to be no guile in them. I love to be around them and enjoy my time with them. I now recognize that we all can have this light in our own lives. It is found in the Light of Christ which is a parting gift given to us as we left our Heavenly Father's presence to come to earth to participate in this mortal life. It is our conscience; our our ability to know and choose good from evil. When we make good choices this light is more apparent in our lives. This Light of Christ can then lead us to the Gospel of Jesus Christ where we can receive further light through the Gift of the Holy Ghost 
I have also felt the lack of light in individuals who are choosing evil over good. At one time I worked in a Hospice Hospital and we had a patient that was brought in for care. He was a terminally ill man.  When I first entered his room there was such a dark feeling in the room. Even talking to him brought chills that ran down my spine. I didn't want to stay in the room. We later found out that he was into sadistic child pornography and had a large arrest record for those kinds of crimes. However, we did take care of him but it was difficult because you could just feel the evil that surrounded him.
From the New Testament; Matthew 6: 22-23:
 22. "The light of the body is the eye; if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 
23.But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!"

Elder Larry R. Lawrence in an message found in the Ensign, March 2016, states the following: "Would you be surprised to learn that your success in life depends upon how much light you gain while you are here? ............The real objective of our existence is to gain light. .................."God is light, and in him is no darkness at all? (1 John1:5). 

Our Father in Heaven was once a mortal man who gradually progressed until He became a being with a fullness of light. He wants the same for you and me because a fullness of light means a fullness of joy." 
"That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day" (D &C 50:24). 
Elder Larry R. Lawrence continues in this article to suggest ways that we can obtain more light in our lives. I will comment on his suggestions. You can read his whole message here. 
1. Love Others - In the New Testament in Matthew 22:36-38 it states: 
36. Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37. Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord they God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all they mind.
38. This is the first and great commandment.
39. And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 
I do love people. It is part of my nature to do so. Yes, I am not perfect at it. I do at times become upset with individuals and not like what they choose to do but I do love and care about them.  I sincerely love my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ. I want to be a disciple of Christ. When I read of His life and love for all mankind; I want to follow Him and do as He would do. 
As a Nurse through the years I learned  many lesson of compassion and understanding from working with those in physical and mental anguish. Now as a missionary I find myself working more with those that have spiritual and emotional struggles that seem hard to bare. With all of the various trials of life; I now know and realize that the answer really is to love one another as the Savior loves us. I know beyond doubt that if we will come unto Christ; He alone can heal us. He loves us all and wants to help us through whatever kinds of pain that we may be inflicted with. As we love Him; He wants us to be His hands and serve and love one another. I know this to be true. As our beloved Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson has said: "Love is the essence of the Gospel".
2. Study the scriptures - In my own life I made a commitment a long time ago to study the scriptures daily. This has had a huge impact on my life. As I read God's word given in both the Bible, The Book of Mormon , Doctrine and Covenants; and the Pearl of Great Price;  my mind is opened up to more light. I learn more about my Savior Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world. As I study His life and His dealings with mankind; I learn more about the qualities that He has and I desire to be more like Him. In likening the scriptures unto myself; I have learned more about myself and I have received direction for my life. I find that when I am upset about a circumstance in my life or a sad event has occurred; I receive great comfort from reading the scriptures. I know that answers to life's questions are found in the scriptures. I know that The Book of Mormon was written for our day and it's messages are for us. It is imperative that we read it and liken it unto ourselves. 
3. Obey the commandments - Not only do we have the 10 commandments of old; which are even more relevant today than ever before. There are other commandments that have blessed my life. I am not perfect in obeying the commandments; I do make mistakes. However, as I recognize those mistakes I repent, or change and try to put my life back in harmony with the teachings of Christ. The commandments are my guideposts for Christ like living. I have been blessed in so many ways by obeying the commandments and I feel more of the light of Christ in my life.
4. Hearken to the Holy Ghost - As the a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have the privilege of having this gift with me always; if I am worthy of it. I know at times when I make poor choices that I do not feel the Holy Ghost. When I do have the spirit with me, I feel more comfort, joy and help in my sojourn of life. I try hard to listen for the spiritual promptings. I know that when I act upon these promptings that I will receive more. When we listen and obey, we do obtain more light and knowledge. Often the promptings will lead us to help others; which is exactly what the Savior wants us to do. 
5. Serve in the temple - The temple is one of the places that one can find true light. Within these sacred walls, great light and truth are found. Here is the place to go for peace, comfort and holy instructions. Here is where one can feel the spirit and receive revelation for our own lives. I have experienced this. I have had some profound experiences in the temple so I know that it is the Lord's house. When we serve in the temple we are blessed with added light.
 Elder Larry R. Lawrence states the following: "There is so much light and truth to be gained from  temple service that the temple may be referred to as the University of the Lord. Temple light is even more beneficial to your spirit than sunlight is to your body. Consider yourself blessed if you are able to bask in this heavenly light on a regular basis." 
6. Be a light - We should all be a light to the world; no matter where we are. In the New Testament; Matthew 5: 14-16 states:
 "14. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 
15.Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
17. Let your light so shine before me, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
May we be a light to the world and chase a way the darkness that surrounds us. Receive the light of the Savior into your life is my prayer for all! 

Our Fun P-Day Hike To Cecret Lake~

Many Years ago when my husband and I were teenagers, we discovered this lake. We visited it many times. Seldom was anyone there, so we considered it our Secret Lake. 

On our last P-Day we decided to travel up to Snowbird and Alta Ski Resorts for a picnic. It is nice that it is in our mission boundaries. The drive up was beautiful. When we arrived in Alta we stopped to have a picnic lunch. Then we stopped at the park booth and talked with a Ranger to get more information on a hike.  He told us it was a good day to hike up to Cecret Lake. Due to some Internet publicity this lake has become a very popular place to hike. He told us that today was a light day and we should be able to find parking at the trail head. 

Our hike up to Cecret Lake was suppose to be easy. It was just a one mile hike. However, it was all uphill in rocky terrain. I am out of shape so we had to stop and rest several times. There were a few switch backs and it was also pretty hot outside. We did have some water with us which I was thankful for. There were a couple of times when I really wanted to turn around and go back. However, I did want to see this lake so I put one foot in front of the other and trudged on.I discovered that I probably wouldn't be a very good pioneer. 

Then we arrived at the top of the hill and there it was, that precious lake of our youth. Right now it's a bit dry and all the flowers are pretty much gone. I think we will work on getting in shape and try it again during the early summer season next year.  

We met a couple and had a delightful conversation with them. They were from California and were visiting here. We encouraged them to take a moment to visit Temple Square. They said they did that 20 years ago and really enjoyed the experience. We let them know that it has changed a lot in 20 years and they should try to go again. It was fun to give them a pass a long card and tell them about our mission. It was a awesome experience. 

We had a great time taking photos of Squirrels and a few other critters. 

It was soon time to leave. The trip down was easier because it was basically all downhill. I will treasure these moments and look forward to a repeat visit.