Daniel*Elaine*Azure*Corban*Gwendolyn*Atlas
SPRING is almost gone. I have so loved seeing all the color. It has me dreaming of fresh painted walls. New hung canvas paintings done by me ans my children, birdhouses that need yet a third coat of color added to them. I am calling summer. . .I am ready to dance in the moonlight barefoot. Guitar music played all night long. Oh color does this to me!! So get your bed made, pull your sweater on, and whooooooooo! This feels so natural.
THE ARTICLES OF FAITH
OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
1We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
I have a relationship with my Heavenly Father I talk to him daily. He answers my questions and directs me towards happiness. Jesus Christ is my Savior, my brother who sacrificed his life so I could see my Father again. The Holy ghost has been my constant companion I work hard to hear him speak to me and trust in his guidance.(Elaine)
2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
I know that my choices effect how my Heavenly Father can bless me. I know as my parent he wants to bless me but that my choices decide ultimately for me. How I live my own life determines my own punishment based on the laws my Heavenly Father is bound to. (Elaine)
3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
This one is odd to me because saved is the word used. Also, It seems to speak to the whole world and not to those who will keep covenants with him and his father. I suppose the articals of faith are to be kept simple for all to understand. The Atonement for me plays a huge part in my whole life. I know because of what my savior did for us all that if I keep my covenants made with him, and with saving ordinances I will experience ,and enjoy eternal life. To be saved is amazing in itself but so much more is available to me. I am so glad I know and can use the Atonement regularly. (Elaine)
4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
I recently witnessed my nieces Baptisim. It was a simple ordanince but I was reminded of the greatness that it is . Our savior was baptised the same way by John the Babtist I know he did this so that we would follow his example and need to have this ordanace performed in order to dwell with our Father in Heaven. Immersion of the water is a symbol of absolute we completly make the desiosion to do this with all that we have. My niece also recived the gift of the Holy Ghost. I hold this gift high amogst the many my father has given to me. I charish it and use it as much as possible. I never want to be without it. I have the faith to belive in these teachings and am do grateful to have been given them.(Elaine)
5 We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
I know our living profet is called of God. I will obey his as I would obey my Lord and Father in Heven. I have recived great blessings from doing this. I also know that the previous prophets have all been called of God and held all the keys of the preistood. The prophet Joseph Smith was such an amazing man, reading about him and how he continually obeyed the Lord I am astonished by his ability to do so and hope I can follow in these mens great examples. (Elaine)
6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
I am so glad we do. Recently i have been reading in the Doctorine and Covenets. I have read about some teacheings given to the profets of how to live and spend there time. I belive this is good councel and I will try to apply these teachings to my life. I know these servents of the Lord are very close to him to be able to recive words of councel from him to guide and direct his church. I am looking for guidence and direction to raise my family. I also see wisdom in raising my own bar. I belive to reach my goals to be like my savior and near him I must become like him. Knowing these men of the curch to be like him and near him it makes sence to follow this way of living.(Elaine)
7 We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
This articale of Faith is my favorite lately. I can't explaine the impact these things have been on my life. First of the Gifts are just that gifts. You have to recive a gift to recive it. Revelation, I belive will be recived a bit different each individual. My husband has recived many revelations for our family that has helped us to prepare for things to coe and is a incredable comfort to have. Visions, my father has talks of dreams he has that teaches or tells him of many things. I have had a few dreams that revealed truths to me that comforted me in ways I did not know I even needed. Healing, all healing is done threw Christ. miracles happen and there is rime and reason in the miracle. Have Faith and listen it happens. Interpretation of tongues, I marvel at the necessity of this. And yet do not accknowledge it happening time and time again to build a important work happening all around us. Staying close to the spirit allowes this to flow freely. So forth, there is more and more we can learn start doing all you can and it will be revealed to you. I value my education the spirit has tought me as a precious gift. Thank goodness I have learned to recive. (Elaine)
8 We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
Joseph Smith
