Because of Joy

I have thought long and hard about what I wanted to share but it just comes down to one word.

Joy.

I choose to believe because of the joy and happiness I have in my life as someone who believes in Jesus Christ and in His Atonement.

~Beckie Christensen

Jesus is My Consistent in My World of Inconsistency

This past year has brought many changes to our family. Another mission call. Covid. An engagement. No mission. A wedding. Changes in callings. Changes in weight. Changes in school situations. Another wedding. And other personal struggles that just come as part of life.

But through all of these challenges and changes, Jesus is the same for me. The covenants we’ve made are the same. The blessings from keeping those covenants, the same. The peace I feel when I listen and re-listen to conference talks, the same. The joy I feel watching a child go through the repentance process, the same. The joy I feel when I repent, the same. The reassurance, peace, and joy I feel knowing that I am known and loved by heavenly parents, the same.

Jesus is my consistent in my world of inconsistency.

I choose to believe because I love Jesus, and I love what he offers. I love that He challenges us to become something better. I love that it’s not always easy. I love hope. I love peace. I love the plan. And I love the joy the gospel brings.

I often reflect on an experience I had as a child. I was 4, and on my way to my first piano recital. It was going to be at our church building. My mom was supposed to drop me off early, and when we got there she asked if I knew where to go. I answered no. Do you know where the primary room is? No, I said. What about the chapel? No. Do you know anything at all about this church? She asked. Just that it’s true, mom. And I still feel that today. Things aren’t perfect for any of us. But life is oh so much better for me on this side of the fence.

~Ange Nelson

I Choose to Believe Because it Brings Me Pure Joy and Hope

I would not have believed I would see a day where the whole world would be in quarantine. But here we are. It brings my thoughts to Job in the Old Testament. He lost everything and had sicknesses that brought him near death and everything unimaginable happen to him. But he was faithful to the Lord regardless of what happened to him. I believe this time is one that can push us to our potential. We can become stronger, turn to Christ, and become more like him.

I have seen such blessings in disguise during this time! I love the time with my family. We have grown closer as a family. We truly love “Come Follow Me” because we are able to continue to learn and become like Christ even though we aren’t at church. We read and discuss a little every day. The program is so inspired and I testify it is from the Lord. He has prepared us to be strong despite the things going on in the world.

Our house is filled with laughter from playing and building forts. I have been enjoying playing games with my boys, pushing my little Hank on the swings in the backyard, reading with my boys, and cuddling while we watch a movie. Going for a hike or walk or run with my family is more enjoyable than ever! A blessing in disguise for sure - to have TIME for more wholesome recreational activities as a family.

I don’t feel sad or depressed about the situation because of my conviction in Jesus Christ, in the Book of Mormon, and in ministering. I talk to sisters in my ward daily. Whenever I do, I feel the Spirit. And I know that we need each other - ministering is miraculous! When I had a day that I felt down, the kindness of friends and sisters through texting lifted my spirit.

I have been re-memorizing The Living Christ. The words are beautiful! And I feel the love of Christ every time I say it.

I choose to believe because it brings me pure joy and hope! ❤️

~Michelle Pyper

The Gospel Brings Me Joy

"Even when I have doubts or feel lonely, I choose to believe. I choose to believe because the gospel brings me joy, comfort, and guidance in tough situations." -Mikaylee B

Trusting in the Lord Brings Me Joy

"I choose to believe in a loving Heavenly Father and in His wonderful plan. Trusting in the Lord brings me hope and even joy during life's challenges!" -Lanez D.

It Brings Me Great Joy

"I choose to believe because my testimony of my Savior brings me great joy and happiness. I can feel His love as I follow His teachings." -Kim O.

Understanding God's Plan Brings Joy

"Even when a friend or family member doesn't, I choose to believe. I choose to believe because I love and understand the Plan of Happiness, redemption, and salvation. It makes sense and brings joy." -Wendy K.

I Find Joy in the Savior

"Even when I struggle, I choose to believe. I choose to believe because I find joy and happiness in the Savior." -Nanette G.

It Brings Me Joy

"Even when life gets really hard, and the world tells us not to, I choose to believe. I choose to believe because it brings me joy." -Hali L.

This Is the Path of Joy

"I choose to believe because this is the path of happiness and joy for me." - Lynn A.

How We Rejoice on the Covenant Path

This video of testimonies of sisters from our stake was shown at the 2019 women's conference.

21-Day Sacrifice Challenge

Photo from BYUtv

 In 2015, Sister Wendy Watson Nelson gave a BYU Women’s Conference address titled “…My Soul Delighteth in the Covenants of the Lord” (2 Nephi 11:5). She shared that she received a cry for help from a friend who did not know what to say to a Relief Society group of sisters she would be speaking to because they were greatly stressed, depressed, overwhelmed, and even some feeling without purpose.

She was inspired to respond, “As counterintuitive as this may seem, I felt compelled, in a way I could not deny, to encourage [this sister] to offer a 21-day experiment to her Relief Society sisters. So I emailed back, 'Invite the sisters to make a sacrifice of time to the Lord by increasing their time in family history and in temple work for the next 21 days.'”

The experiment worked! She reports, “[Although] they were in distress, they focused on their covenant of sacrifice, they let that covenant be 'paramount,' and they were exactly obedient. And what happened? Their distress fell away!”

God’s love for us is real. He desires us to turn to Him so we may have joy. Through her entire BYU Women's Conference address, Sister Nelson bears a strong and insightful testimony of covenants. The privilege, the perspective offered, and the power of these beautiful exchanges of love between God and us are thrilling.

We are extending the same 21-Day Sacrifice Challenge to you, the Relief Society sisters and Laurels of our stake. We desire each of you to continue to be lifted and to feel joy! If you were to start TODAY, your 21 days would be complete on February 16th.

Please read or listen to the address by Sister Nelson. She will inspire you.

Click here to read the talk transcript.
Click here to see a video of the talk.

Your distress can and will fall away! Let’s go forward and rejoice on the covenant path.