He loved them unto the end (Come, Follow Me)

Studying Come, Follow Me this week, I found this comforting verse. Because of His love for us, Jesus Christ endured to the end, in the garden and on the cross. As a result, He opened the door to salvation and eternal happiness for all. May I follow His example in exercising enduring love for others.

He loved them unto the end.
John 13:1

We Are Children of the Living God

Never run away from who we are—
children of the living God who loves us,
who is always ready to forgive us,
and who will never, ever forsake us.
You are His most precious possession.
You are His child.

--Elder Jeffrey R. Holland 

A Sign of God's Love

I saw this beautiful sunset yesterday over the mountains west of the Salt Lake valley.  The beauty of the earth is a sign of God's love.

Forgiveness (Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month)

This is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and as I think about my many friends whose ancestors called Asian and Pacific nations home, I'm reminded of my love for them.  This month also reminds me how grateful I am to live in a country whose people forgive and help even those who sought to oppress and destroy us.  

In WWII when the Japanese Empire attacked the United States and many of its Asian neighbors and imprisoned, mistreated, enslaved, tortured, and killed millions, the U.S. and its allies sent many from the Greatest Generation to defeat Japan and restore freedom to Japan's Asian neighbors and even to the Japanese people themselves.  Hundreds of thousands of America's youth never got to live the lives they had imagined but gave them up for their brothers and sisters around Asia and the Pacific.

After victory, the U.S. helped to rebuild Japan and its economy, gave the Japanese their freedom, and even defended Japan from other military aggressors.  A few generations later, Americans look at Japan with a kinship and fondness that could only come from forgiveness.

That's what Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month reminds me of.

Why am I angry?

While pondering and wrestling with the political events of the week, I read the prophet Nephi ask "Why am I angry because of mine enemy?" (2 Nephi 4:27). I need to do better in loving all people as the Savior did. He loved friends and enemies alike. So this week, I'll be pondering Nephi's question. I'm so grateful for the Book of Mormon that was written so long ago for me today.

"why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy?"