Bllluuuuuuurrrrrrrr

This week was a blur. I went on a back to back exchange, probably drove 400 miles in 2 days. That's a lot considering we're only allowed 1,500 miles a month and we have 4 more exchanges to go. 

We had a solid week though. Our investigators are still set and on track for the 1st!

This week @district meeting I gave a training on "abiding in him" and how it is conducive to recognizing the spirit. It outlines how the Atonement can help us abide in the savior. To my surprise the Assistants to the President walked in and joined us for the meeting. That was kind of nerve racking. But I got through it, the spirit was strong, and it turned out great. 

I am often tempted to look at the world and think "what is this place? Why are people so ignorant, or blind, or lost, or fallen. Seriously? What's wrong people?" I get angry, and frustrated. But I have never thought to step outside myself and think "that person is a child of God, has been mis-guided and deceived, and probably has no hope for change" and then I thought about it this way "I am called to invite others to come unto Christ. I have the message of the Atonement. The Atonement can change everything."

To atone means to compensate or pay for something. Jesus Christ’s Atonement references His payment for the sins of mankind. It has the power to provide hope and alleviate the burden of sin for anyone. The following are eight things to remember about the beautiful gift of Christ’s atoning sacrifice.

#1 It’s Personal

If you want to change the world you must know that Jesus Christ knows and loves you as an individual. He knows the challenges you face. He sees your successes and failures. In Gethsemane He suffered for all sins, mistakes, and sorrows. We cannot bare any moving, lasting testimony of the Atonement, if we have never known or felt of such an experience.  

#2 It’s Infinite 

 He suffered for the sins of all mankind. The power and scope of the Atonement is not easily understood. It is infinite, beautiful, and pure. We are not asked to understand it, only to partake of its cleansing power  Psalm 117:2 "For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord".

#3 It’s Available to All

Christ was not selective when He knelt in the Garden of Gethsemane. He suffered for every person ever born into mortality, from those who have lived and died to those presently living to those who are not yet born. Doctrine and Covenants 133:52 And now the year of my redeemed is come; and they shall mention the loving kindness of their Lord, and all that he has bestowed upon them according to his goodness, and according to his loving kindness, forever and ever.

#4 It’s Transformative

Unlike Christ, who was perfect, we trek through life and inevitably get spiritually dirty. Without the atoning sacrifice of the Savior, we would be doomed to shoulder our own spiritual burdens forever. The Atonement has the power to clean our souls and fill us with peace ( Isaiah 1:18) Doctrine and Covenants 101:9 Verily I say unto you, notwithstanding their sins, my bowels are filled with compassion towards them. I will not utterly cast them off; and in the day of wrath I will remember mercy.

#5 It’s the Most Important Event in History

To suffer from spiritual death is far more serious than physical death. Without the Atonement, mankind would be spiritually lost and would be unable to feel the love and comfort of God. Now, mankind can repent, become spiritually clean, and consistently feel God’s love. 

#6 It Helps with Loss

Christ also felt our losses, grief, and pain in Gethsemane When we lose a loved one, the Atonement offers comfort and peace in our times of grief. If we will come to Heavenly Father in prayer during our times of sorrow, He will help us feel peace while we work through the pain. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know how we feel. They won’t let us suffer alone if we seek Them (John 14:18).

#7 It’s Founded in Love

Christ was able to accomplish His atoning sacrifice because of the immense love He has for us. He understood the gift He was able to give mankind and was unwilling to withhold it from us. He knew where we would be without His mercy. When we repent of our sins and try harder to make good choices, we are loving Him back and expressing appreciation for His sacrifice.  

#8 It Is an Expression of God’s Love for His Children

Lastly, if we want to change the world we need to testify that The Father gave His Son because He loves us (John 3:16). The Father and the Son cherish us. Through Christ’s life and Atonement, They worked together to provide a way for us to be spiritually free and to fully feel Their love for us, which is the ultimate reward of the Atonement.

I Pdayed waaaay too hard