The baptism with Alex was wonderful. We've truly been seeing SO many miracles this week and staying SO busy. I wish I had time to share all of them with you.
I have been thinking a lot about freedom lately. In D&C 121 it says that "when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn." It goes on to say that we are "left unto [our self]." In the Book of Mormon (Helaman 6), at one point, the Nephites "had become exceedingly wicked; yea, the more part of them had turned out of the way of righteousness, and didtrample under their feet the commandments of God, and did turn unto their own ways."
Although the words they use about turning to our "own" ways and being left to our "self" sounds like freedom and independence, it isn't freedom for our souls. When we are complacent and just do whatever we want, whenever we want, Satan then has power to take hold of our hearts and lead us to be unhappy.
The ONLY thing that we have that God doesn't is our individual will. Our agency. Through the world's eyes it's hard to see why giving that up and doing what GOD wants for us is liberating. King Benjamin explained it pretty well, in my opinion (Mosiah 5:6-8):
7 And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.
8 And under this head ye are made free, and there is no other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives.9 And it shall come to pass that whosoever doeth this shall be found at the right hand of God, for he shall know the name by which he is called; for he shall be called by the name of Christ.
8 And under this head ye are made free, and there is no other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives.9 And it shall come to pass that whosoever doeth this shall be found at the right hand of God, for he shall know the name by which he is called; for he shall be called by the name of Christ.
I know that freedom comes through obedience. Letting Christ take the lead in our life is more liberating that we realize. I know He wants what's best for us.
I LOVE YOU ALL AND I LOVE AMERICA.
Sister McIntosh
The New Mission:
Please ignore the awkward headshot that was taken on my first day in Idaho as a missionary.
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