Begin to Believe

I have been doing a lot for myself lately and I really want to grow spiritually. Many of you know I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We believe the Book of Mormon to be another testament of Jesus Christ and so we study and read and apply it to our daily lives.

I've been trying to find ways to make work a bit more spiritual so that I'm not so anxious about being there. I just picked up where I left off which was 2 Nephi 30 and I came across verse 7, which reads:

"And it shall come to pass that the Jews which are scattered also shall begin to believe in Christ; and they shall begin to gather in upon the face of the land; and as many as shall believe in Christ shall also become a delightsome people." - 2 Nephi 30:7

 This verse stuck out to me because of the part that says begin to believe in Christ. I really do need to work harder to believe in Christ and in His teachings. so today, I'm going to begin to believe in Christ again. And it will be glorious. Can't wait to share more of my readings from this wonderful book.

 I loved working for the Church when I did. It allowed me to freely read the Book of Mormon and not be judged. I love that I can blog about things that I love and that are close to my heart.

I want you to know that I know that God lives and loves us. We are his children and he is aware of our needs. I know that if we begin to believe now our lives will change for the better and we will be much happier. I'm grateful for this gospel! I believe in Christ.

“Come to Me” by Yongsung Kim

Christ is Not Empty

"Risen Hope,” by Joseph Brickey

I have deeply loved this painting since I first saw in inside the waiting room at the Salt Lake Temple. The colors just literally grab my heart and soul and make me want to drop to my knees. It's beautiful, and perfectly portrays the morning of the resurrection. I love the simple sunlight peaking through, and how rich the colors are, including the robe worn by Christ. I wish I could find a hard copy somewhere!

I was having a hard time one day, and the day before that and the day before that. My dad was sick, classes were starting, no more holiday breaks from work and working out again just really got to me. I tend to bottle things up inside and then some small tiny hurtful thing can just release all of this emotion. It's really hard for me to live like that but I'm working on being better about bottling things inside.

During work the following week, I decided to start listening to talks while I was working. Between Elder Bednar's talk, Elder Ballard's talk and President Uchtdorf's talk in October 2015, they (in some way) were speaking about turning to Christ, as they mentioned social media.

If you know me well at all, I love social media. I love networking, online socials and the benefits they are to us. I believe in sharing the gospel through the internet, and social media makes it very easy. As I was listening I noticed a trend of them speaking of turning to the Internet more, than Christ. We turn there because it is the worldly thing to do. It is easy, quick and natural. As we do that, we are left feeling empty. The internet and social media are empty; they serve no purpose in providing answers to life's questions. But that we need to turn to Christ first because He is not empty.

It really got me thinking about that. Christ is not empty, and He will never leave me feeling empty. As we turn to Him, He will fill our hearts and soul with peace and comfort. And that feeling may be the very answer we are seeking. Even if we do not read the answer in scripture, hear it in a prayer or a talk. Christ Himself is the answer.

I thought it was a beautiful thing, and I'm so glad I was blessed with the Spirit to share this with me. Having a bad day can often make things very difficult. It's very frustrating and hard to always turn to the scriptures, prayer or spirit-inviting music, and it's not always what I want to do. But I am never left feeling empty when I do those things. I am never left wondering why and where my purpose is. I am never left alone.

Christ is my Savior, my King. He is my Redeemer and my Friend. Without Him, I'm not sure how I would live my life. I have a strong testimony of Christ and His love. I have a testimony that He lives, and He loves me and He loves YOU. He is here for us if we turn to Him. He is waiting for us. Do not hesitate today, to turn to Him first. I promise you will be filled again, never to be empty.

How Could Christ Help Me Cope With Depression?

If there is any question I hear often from those who struggle with depression and/or anxiety, it is this:

How could Christ help me cope with depression?

I really do hear it a lot, and it is nothing to be ashamed of if you have ever asked yourself that question. I know I have asked it before! How can someone who is not physically here, help me work through those bad days? How can He help me get out of bed when today just doesn't seem possible in any aspect?

He can, and that's what I'm going to share with you right now.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. - Phillippians 4:13

After I found out that I lost a dear friend to suicide, I felt so lost. I spent many days sleeping in, and/or not sleeping at all. I would lay there, in silence. Screaming inside my head for relief—for this nightmare to end. I had just decided that the Church was something I wanted in my life not many months prior. Why would God give this to me? Someone who repented, made a righteous choice to come back to the Church? I didn't understand.

I often found myself angry. That I couldn't physically speak to Christ, let alone my Heavenly Father. I was angry that my prayers weren't being answered when and how I wanted them to be answered. I searched for days on end, scripture after scripture, prayer after prayer, letter after letter to the leaders of The Church on this topic. I needed healing.

Image c/o The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

It's been 9 years now, since those trying days, and though I still struggle today, it has become a lot easier to deal with. Not completely, but much more than I ever thought it could be. If you think about it, during those moments of pain, heartache, crying, begging, screaming… how many times have you thought of Christ or God? How many of those sleepless nights have pushed you to pray? Read your scriptures or listen to hymns?

That my friends is how Christ helps you cope. The very thought of Him—the very thought of needing Him and wondering where He is, is the first step to laying your burdens at His feet. It is the first step to sleeping one more hour. It is the first step to making it through the next 24 hours, 4 weeks, 12 months, 4 years…. The very thought of Christ comforting us does, in fact, bring comfort. Knowing that we can pray whenever and wherever, and thinking of Him brings relief.

I didn't realize it until now, but that's pretty huge. I have often, and very often, cried out to the Lord where Christ is, and why am I'm not finding peace!? But it is in those small moments, when the Holy Ghost ever so sweetly and gently, puts thought into my mind to pray. To think of and ask for the comfort of Christ. We are so loved and surrounded by so many angels in heaven and on earth. Heavenly Father never wants us to be alone; ever ever ever.

I encourage you to remember this and to remember the next time you are struggling, that Christ is already with you in that first thought of seeking Him.

Goals for 2019

I thought I would share some of the goals I have for 2019 that are more on the spiritual side of things. Some people say that setting goals is just setting yourself up for failure, but I believe in having something to work towards and accomplish. Sure, I don't meet every goal I've ever set in my life but I love having something that pushes me to be my best every day.

• Attend the temple each month by setting a date the month before. Plan out which session to attend and reach out to any friends or family that might want to come with.
• Start reading the Book of Mormon in my new journaling edition that I got for Christmas. 
• Start prepping Sunday lessons the day before, each month, I'm scheduled to teach.
• Make an effort to attend my Sunday meetings by getting up an hour early to get ready and eat breakfast. (Our church time is staying the same so I can get up at the same time each week.)
• Read at least 10 faith-based books. I really like to read books from Deseret Book!

There are only a few goals but these are mostly just my spiritual-based goals. I really want to reconnect with God in 2019 since I had such a hard time in 2018. I'm not really sure why I had such a difficult year but many times I felt God's love. Being surrounded by the Spirit reminds me of who I really am and the happiness that the Gospel brings to me and to my life and I know that I can do better in my actions as a disciple and I can strengthen some areas in my life that may be lacking as far as following the Lord and his commandments.

I'm so grateful for a loving and understanding Heavenly Father who helps me achieve all that I want to in this life! He believes in me and always supports me when it's in my best interest. It can be difficult, living this life, and oftentimes lonely because I just with my Heavenly Father was here with me but I'm grateful for the angels he sends my way to be with me when he cannot.

I'm really excited about this home-centered, church-supported gospel study that's going to be happening this year! I know some people are hesitant about it and to see how it all plays out but I think it will be really good. I teach the youth in our ward and last Sunday I taught the lesson and at the end, I felt prompted to share with them my feelings on the new curriculum and encourage them to work really hard and be disciplined to study at home now that we'll be at church less during the month. I'm not sure if it did anything for them but it was nice to be in a place where I could encourage them to take advantage of the home-study.

What are your spiritual goals for 2019? Comment down below!

What I'm Reading Lately

This post contains affiliate links. I make a small profit off of purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own. 

I read all of these books really fast! I'm so proud of myself. I have a goal to read 50 books by the end of the year, and as of today, I'm at 43 books! I'm running a bit behind schedule but that's alright! :) My original goal was 20 books so I'd say reading 23 books over that is pretty great!!

I have been listening to 90% of these books on audio. I never really liked audiobooks because I always found myself getting distracted and having missed the last minute or so of the book. But I'm allowed to listen to them at work so I just squeeze them in when I can and it's been so nice!

I've been using the Deseret Bookshelf PLUS app on my iPod (the one on my cell phone isn't working right now) and I think they're beta-testing a desktop app! It will be so awesome! Anyway, I really love this app. Having access to these books for only $6.99 a month is really a deal!

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• Finding Inner Peace by Brent L. Top, Wendy C. Top — This was a fantastic read! Short book. I loved the consistent reminder that I don't have to be perfect. I just need to keep doing my best. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Joy In the Covenant by Julie B. Beck — Wow! What an amazing book!! I really loved chapter 8. It was so good! I will probably read this again (which is something I never do) just because it was full of so much that I want to listen to again. I really loved how Sister Beck threw in life examples and experiences but she would always return the focus onto the covenants we make and their importance in our lives. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Saints: The Standard Truth by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, LDS Church History Department — Wow! This book was phenomenal!! I loved every single page. I really liked they added events like when plural marriage was introduced and the surrounding events. I feel like this really opens up the opportunity to learn about church history events that many people believe The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hid from its members. I don't believe that. I can't wait for volume 2!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• The Holy Invitation: Understanding Your Sacred Endowment by Anthony Sweat — This is one of the books that everyone needs to have a copy of on their bookshelf. I really enjoy learning about the Temple Endowment even though I was endowed five years ago. I love the scriptural references as well as modern-day references. Quick read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Led By Divine Design by Ronald A. Rasband — Great book! My favorite quote, "Not all that the Lord ask of us is a result of how strong we are, how faithful we are, or what we may know." - It's a great book and shares insight on the plan that God has for us and how things don't just happen in our lives, but that we are led by God. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Faith Is Not Blind by Bruce C. Hafen and Marie K. Hafen — WOW!!!! Just wow…. this is one of the most amazing books I've ever read. This is definitely for someone who is struggling with their faith or may know someone who is. It's even for those who aren't struggling with their faith. It has so many amazing points and I just simply cannot put into words how incredible this book is. I feel like it brought me comfort for the struggles even I have as an active member and all I could think about were those that could benefit from this book. I listened to the audio through Deseret Bookshelf PLUS and it was a quick read too!! Oh so incredible. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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If you enjoyed any of these books, comment down below what you thought of them!

The Act of Forgiving

Salt Lake Temple 2016 © Ashley Ziegler

Did you watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional this past Sunday? It was wonderful! I really loved it and all of the simple, yet powerful messages shared! I thought that each message was my favorite and then I heard the next and it became a favorite. I ended up loving them all!

When President Nelson got up to speak, I wasn't expecting him to give an answer to a prayer that I had two months ago, during General Conference. I received my answer then but I think the Lord wanted to send the answer again. I was really surprised and wasn't expecting to hear his message but it was just what my heart needed.

I struggle with forgiveness. Mostly because my physical body can't figure out how to forgive in a way that my mind is asking it too. Does that make sense? For some reason, I feel like forgiveness is a physical thing and so I struggle with doing anything about forgiveness.

Forgiveness can be a really uneasy subject for most, and can actually turn conversations south. I really want to forgive in my life. I am really tired of carrying around hurt and angry feelings. It's only affecting me right? Not the other person? So why then, is it so stinkin' hard to do? How do you go on in life as if nothing ever happened?

One phrase from President Nelson's talk that spoke to me was this,

"Through His infinite Atonement, you can forgive those who have hurt you and who may never accept responsibility for their cruelty to you."

 That is where my issue with forgiveness lies. Accepting the apology you're never going to get. It's like a thorn stuck in your side that's been there for a very long time and you think it's time to pull it out but you just can't bring yourself to do it because it is going to be so painful. But you know it will make everything so much better once you finally do.

So how do I do this? How do I forgive and let go? How do I let my Savior's healing power, pull out this thorn stuck in my side? How do I go on with my life "as if nothing ever happened"? These are the questions I'm sincerely seeking answers for and I hope and pray that I can feel of God's love for me and that as hard as the act of forgiving is, I can actually do it with his help. I pray that His love will heal me from the hurt and anger that I feel.

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Is there someone in your life that is needing your forgiveness or someone that you are seeking forgiveness from? What is the act of forgiving like in your life and how are you able to apply our Savior's Atonement in your life?

Prepare a Way

So remember how I last posted about "coming back" to my blog and how I had wonderful plans for more posts and how that hasn't happened!?!?

Ya, me neither.

I am currently working full-time (temporarily) and it has taken up a lot of my time and with the holiday season starting, I have lost all track of time. But I'm here to share this with you.

I've changed the name of my blog. I didn't really have a specific name for it because I'm always switching things up that sticking with a creative name for my blog never works out for me. But I felt like with this kind of a blog, I needed some structure in the name instead of just my first name.

When I first began reading the Book of Mormon after President Nelson invited the women of the Church to read it between conference and the end of the year, I noticed a certain phrase stuck out to me in a few verses more than others. I've read this phrase quite often in my life but I've never done much with the thought.

If you've read this post, then you'll know that I've felt inspired to start a faith-based blog because I'm very passionate about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and what we believe. I feel like this specific phrase ties in just perfectly with that blog post and those feelings I shared. I even share the same scripture at the bottom of the post... which I'm just now realizing.

"...prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." - 1 Nephi 3:7

 When I read this verse, the thought that instantly comes to mind every single time is, prepare a way for the Lord. Prepare a way for him to come to this earth again. Prepare a way for him to cross the paths of those who need him. Prepare a way for him to share his light and love with those I come in contact with. Prepare a way for him, that He and our Heavenly Father and the Holy Ghost, may accomplish the thing which our Heavenly Father "hath commandeth them."

Hopefully, that doesn't feel too deep but that is why the phrase has stuck out to me so many times and with such a strong feeling. I'm not saying that I, Ashley, have been called JUST MYSELF, to share the goodness of the gospel Because I'm not. I'm not saying that I've seen an angel or God himself and that they told me to start this blog and share these things. I'm not going in that direction AT ALL. If anything, it won't be your typical here's-an-fhe-lesson-idea-handout,-resources-and-recipe-for-a-treat kind of blog. This is more just sharing with you why I've decided to change the name of my blog to Prepare A Way.

My mission and hopes and dream, is that by using this blog to share my testimony or feelings/experiences about the gospel in a lifestyle way, that I'm preparing a way for the Spirit to enter the lives of those who read this blog. That they may leave knowing and feeling that God loves them and he only wants them to be happy. I'm really excited about this name change and feel so much better about it than just having my first name as the blog title. Hopefully I can get things a bit more structured and organized and looking pretty. I hope you love the name as well!

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DISCLAIMER: This blog is in no way affiliated or run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All opinions are my own. I will not share anything that goes against doctrine, nor will I post anything without further researching the topic before sharing.