That they may always have his spirit to be with them.

I may not be the best disciple of Christ.

I often struggle to pray before bed. Sometimes I forget to study my scriptures daily.

But one thing I never go without is church on Sunday. I love going to church. Even when I don't want to go on a particular Sunday, I always go anyways, and it's always worth it.
The strength that comes from each Sunday is absolutely necessary for me if I want to emotionally survive any given week. I feel the weight of the work build up each day. By Saturday I've had enough! Sunday gives my heart release and brings me peace.

Even still, just attendance is not enough. I'm making goals to be better prepared for Sunday when it comes.
Some good guidance on this can be found in Peter F. Meurs's talk titled, "The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holy" from general conference in October 2016.

Here are the 5 steps he gave:
1. Prepare in Advance
2. Arrive Early
3. Sing and Learn from the Words of the Sacrament Hymn
4. Spiritually Participate in the Sacrament Prayers
5. Ponder and Remember Him as the Sacrament Emblems are Passed

I am personally focusing on one and two this month.
We are always rushing into the church building at the last minute and this does not help bring the spirit.
I also want to prepare for Sacrament. I want to study beforehand and go to church with questions. I know that as I do so, the answers will be in the talks of the speakers.

Remember that the Sacrament is a sacred ordinance to remember the sacrifice of our savior. Through Him we are saved from our sins.

Focus, listen, and feel the spirit's presence during the Sacrament. Let it be a life changing moment every week.

With love,
Erin

Faith is Not by Chance, but by Choice

You really should just listen to this talk. It is super good, and it is going to be hard to find anything to add to it!

Faith Is Not by Chance, but by Choice - Neil L. Andersen

"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." James 2:26

So many of us would love to have faith without having to work for it. It would be nice to say that something isn't true just because it does not sit gracefully and easily in our minds. But that is not how truth works.

Wanting to be a millionaire does not make me millionaire. I will not become an Olympic athlete by sitting on the couch at home thinking about how nice it would be to win a gold medal. Owning a fancy kitchen doesn't make me a talented baker. All of these goals require work. Being a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ requires work. Faith does not fall into our laps.

It is as Elder Andersen said, "Faith does not fall upon us by chance or stay with us by birthright."...

"Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from heaven that comes as we choose to believe and as we seek it and hold on to it"

I really enjoyed the story Elder Andersen told of a young Brazilian. Mostly it was cool to see a local story since the young boy is now a grown-up man who also happens to be a stake president here in Recife. I also enjoyed the lesson learned that the young boy learned from Samuel.

"And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." 1 Samuel 15:22

Obedience to the Lord's commandments increases our faith. There are so many ways I could sacrifice, but only sacrificing the way the Lord asks can bring me the eternal blessing that I seek.

You really should listen to the talk, it really doesn't take long, and it is inspiring. He talks about managing doubts and having faith the the face of trials.

Here is a quote I really liked.

"Immersing oneself in persistent doubt, fueled by answers from the faithless and the unfaithful, weakens one’s faith in Jesus Christ and the Restoration" - Neil L. Andersen

I know that Jesus Christ is our savior, and I love him dearly. I still struggle sometimes to be diligent in my studies, but I know that as I choose to better my studies and actions, my faith will grow. The same goes for you.

With love,
Erin