Don't Leap with the Sheep

By S. Michael Wilcox

I feel like I could write about a hundred posts on this book and it still wouldn't be enough. I have learned so much as I have read and studied the teachings in this book. I would recommend it to everyone! The way that he teaches, and explains gospel principles is amazing. It is simple, yet so profound. He has helped me remember what is truly important in life and why it is so important to live the gospel and be an active member of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

One of my favorite parts of the book talks about being born with the fruit in our hands. He tells about his friend who left the rod and the tree to visit the spacious building. His friend was not gone long before returning, but he knew enough of both worlds to teach a powerful lesson. "There is nothing in the building you want!" his friend would remind him. "You already have the best there is in the world! You don't have to search for it. Don't be deceived as I was." His words were always spoken with great earnestness.

Brother Wilcox goes on to say, "Perhaps the most powerful, mist-clearing truth is the assurance that we already have the most desirable thing in life. We don't have to wander in a vain pursuit of happiness. Many of us were born with the fruit in our hands. We sometimes hear the expression, 'How sweet it is!' This is usually spoken in the context of some worldly pursuit or pleasure. But we have that which is sweet above all things. As Alma testified, 'It beginneth to be delicious to me.' (Alma 32:28.) Nothing in life will give us more joy than that which we now possess. There simply isn't anything more precious we can obtain. Our eyes have already looked upon the greatest beauty."

What a wonderful reminder! We have all been so blessed to have the gospel in our lives. We really have the BEST that this world has to offer. Nothing will bring us more happiness. I know this is true. I know that my Savior lives. I know that He loves us. We can return to live with Him. I love this gospel. I love you all.

Alisha

BE YE SEPARATE

57 And now I say unto you, all you that are desirous to follow the voice of the ^agood shepherd, come ye out from the wicked, and BE YE SEPARATE and touch not their unclean things; and behold, their names shall be ^cblotted out, that the names of the wicked shall not be numbered among the names of the righteous, that the word of God may be fulfilled, which saith: The names of the wicked shall not be mingled with the names of my people;

We are told to "be ye separate." We can only do this by separating ourselves from the world and its influence. We have to make the simple choice each day of who we want to follow. When we choose Christ we are setting ourselves apart from the world. At times it might seem difficult to choose Christ because we feel as though we might not fit in with what everyone else is doing. Satan makes it very easy to feel that way and makes it seem like it is a hard choice but its not! We know who will win this war in the end and if we can make the choice to follow Christ each day in all aspects we will have the spirit with us and it will help us to make the right choices every day. I am so grateful for this gospel! We are called to stand out and be witnesses of Christ! I know that as we make the choice to BE YE SEPARATE and choose to stand on Christ's side we will be blessed to have His spirit with us and we will be numbered among the righteous so we can return to live with Him again!

I can do all things

Philippians 4:13::

"I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me."

It's such a simple scripture! But it has so much power! I love love love (need I go on?) this scripture!!! It's so true, I can do all things through Christ. I can! And, Christ strengthens me to be able to do it! I am so grateful that Christ loves me and you, so much that He makes it possible for us to do ALL THINGS! Whether it's finding something, or getting through a bad day, or getting along with someone, preparing a talk, giving a lesson, helping others, finding a job, making payments on time, paying your tithing, he helps us with everything!! And I am SO grateful! I love this gospel, and I LOVE finding new scriptures everyday! I love reading them everyday and learning something new! And, we all can if, we just have the desire! I love this gospel sooo much!
I love you all tons!!
And, I miss you all!! :)
Chels

Trust in God

Mosiah 24

14 And I will also ease the ^aburdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as ^bwitnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their ^cafflictions.

15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did ^astrengthen them that they could bear up their ^bburdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with ^cpatience to all the will of the Lord.

16 And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage.

I know that as we have trials if we turn to the Lord he will make them LIGHT, that He will strengthen us so we can bear them with ease. As we submit cheerfully and have patience to follow the will of the Lord He will then DELIVER us from our trials. We must show our commitment to follow Him and His ways before He will fully deliver us. We can not expect to be immediately delivered from our trials; we have to remember that the Lord knows all and we need to trust his time table. We are sent to earth to go through all different experiences. I am grateful that we have the Lord's help as we go through our trials and that we are not left alone here in mortality.