As I try to live a life based on the teachings of Christ, I find happiness. Mothering is motivated by a belief that joy comes through family life. I volunteer at church and invite friends to learn of Christ because His grace has changed me. Though I have had a relationship with Christ since I was little, He still confirms to me over and over that He is there and that He knows me. If I have a grateful heart, I see tender mercies of the Lord every day.
Living according to the commandments makes it easier to feel the spirit of the Lord. These principles are given to us by a loving Heavenly Father who wants more than anything for us to return to live with Him. He gives us guidance along the way through scripture (including the Bible), prophets, and direct revelation. Each of these is a tool that guides my life goals and my mission. God hasn't left us here without guidance; He will help us when we need direction if we just ask in prayer. Prayer is a lifeline for me. When I feel like I can't be patient anymore, when I feel confused, or when I feel frustrated that I just keep making the same mistake over and over I pray to Heavenly Father. He always answers me. His answer is often through other people and it's not always immediate; but every time He answers I get a confirmation that He cares. He knows me. He knows my struggle, my disappointment, and my despair.
He usually works through messengers of light, those who follow the promptings of the spirit (or "intuition" as it's often called). A stranger in line smiles at my toddler and she stops crying, or my mom calls and invites us to dinner when I don't have anything made. These people are on His errand, often without even knowing it.
As mothers, we get to do the work of Christ all day, caring for our children who are completely dependent on us. One day as I held my crying baby, I heard a message that put my efforts into perspective. "When we offer succor to anyone, the Savior feels it as if we reached out to succor Him." (Elder Eyering). That is why we help others -- when we do it for them, we do it for Him. We come a little closer to Christ and He invites us to become more like Him.
In Him you will find peace and goodness and light. He is the giver of life, the Almighty God, and our Savior. Because of Him we can be with God again. I know that He suffered the atonement for you and for me. It is all-encompassing. It doesn't run out, it's not used up, and it never expires. The atonement isn't just for after you've made it through the trial; it's for right now. It's for when life is crazy and overwhelming, it's for when you lose your temper and say a hurtful word. "Realizing that change is a process, most of us would never get angry at a seed for not being a flower or expect a sculptor to transform a block of marble into a masterpiece ovenight. In each case, we acknowledge the potential and patiently hope for and nurture the development" (Wilcox, The Continuous Atonement). Likewise Christ is there for us, patiently encouraging us along our journey of life. His grace enables us "to do and be good and to serve beyond our own individual desire and natural capacity" (Bednar, The Atonement). Christ performed the atonement for you and for me. He loves you, He wants you to succeed, and He wants you to be happy. I find happiness through His plan, of this I tesify in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
WHY I FOLLOW CHRIST
Lifting Burdens
The atonement of Jesus Christ