Spiritual Sunday: The Blessings of Keeping the Commandments

I delivered this talk in Sacrament Meeting in my ward today. I spent a long time thinking and praying about this topic and was surprised and amazed at the experiences that I felt God wanted me to share. They aren't your typical examples, but they felt very real, as if God were witnessing to me that they were blessings He had bestowed on me. 

The Blessings of Keeping the Commandments

Blessings come from keeping God’s commandments. It’s a simple thought that is rooted in the scriptures and in the words of our modern day prophet and apostles. It is also a thought that brings me a lot of joy.

The first scripture my husband and I teach our children to memorize is from 2 Nephi 2:25, 

“Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have joy.” 

So the purpose of this mortal experience isn’t just to be tried, but is also for us to experience joy. I believe that one of the primary blessings of keeping God’s commandments is receiving joy. Our Prophet, Thomas S. Monson said the following at the Priesthood session of the October 2015 General Conference:

“God’s commandments are not given to frustrate us or to become obstacles to our happiness. Just the opposite is true. He who created us and who loves us perfectly knows just how we need to live our lives in order to obtain the greatest happiness possible. He has provided us with guidelines which, if we follow them, will see us safely through this often treacherous mortal journey”.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks gave a devotional at BYU on September 10, 1974 as the University president where he said, 

“Commandments are a blessing, my brothers and sisters, because our Father in heaven has given them to us in order to help us grow and develop the qualities we must have if we are to obtain eternal life and dwell with him. By keeping his commandments, we qualify for his blessings.”

The Lord himself has said, on more than one occasion:

“There is a law irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated” (D&C 130:20–21).

“I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise” (D&C 82:10).

Part of our progression in this life depends on the lessons we learn and the experiences we have. Heavenly Father is offering all his blessings and help, but those blessings are contingent upon our keeping his commandments. God tells us, “Look, if you keep my commandments, I HAVE to bless you. I cannot deny you the blessings that are yours when you do what I say. This is the law in Heaven—it is as unbreakable as a law of physics.

Now I want to talk about the blessings we receive when we keep the commandments. When we partook of the Sacrament today, we were promised that when we keep the commandments, we will always have His spirit to be with us. That’s an amazing gift.

My mother is a woman who has always kept the commandments. She is a quiet woman, secure in her faith and testimony of Jesus Christ. Because of her manner, she is very in-tune with the Spirit. On more than one occasion I have been guided and helped by her promptings and wisdom. When I was a teenager, my youngest sister started complaining about her foot hurting. She was known to exaggerate quite a lot and my sisters and I didn’t believe anything was wrong with her. My mother, however, felt differently. She had a prompting that something was very seriously wrong. She took my sister to the doctor and insisted that they run every test they could think of. It turns out her prompting was correct and my sister had a serious staph infection in her foot and had to be hospitalized for several days. I believe the Spirit prompted my mother, which saved my sister’s life.

My father joined the church in his mid-20s as a widower with three young daughters. He had to make big changes in his life but he made them without hesitation. Over the years, his decision to be baptized and his firm commitment to keep the commandments has been a source of great blessings for our family. I’m so blessed to have parents who kept the commandments. It has comforted me so much to know I can rely up on them.

On a more personal note, I would like to share a few experiences with two specific commandments.

 “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength; and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him” (D&C 59:5).

When we truly love God, our entire lives are put into perspective. We firmly orient ourselves on the Lord’s side, aware of our eternal destiny as daughters and sons of Heavenly Parents. We can count on the God’s protection, comfort, and love, knowing that all things will work for our good.

In December of 2010, I was about 13 weeks pregnant and our family was so excited about the new baby. Unfortunately, almost as this new life was beginning, it ended. We were so sad, but the many tender mercies from God kept us aloft, sure in the knowledge that things were going to be okay. We could endure the loss because we could see the many miracles He orchestrated on our behalf during that time.

I love God because I know He loves me. And every time I open my heart to Him, He floods my life with reminders of how much He loves me.

Jesus Christ taught his beloved friend and disciple, Peter, that to love God, we must love one another and feed His sheep.

Several years ago, during my senior year at BYU, I taught seminary at a Special needs high school across from the BYU Law School. All of my students were profoundly disabled. One student in particular had many behaviors and mannerisms that were very repulsive to me. In order to teach the gospel to profoundly disabled people, you have to develop a pure and Christ-like love for them, otherwise the classroom becomes a disaster. I grappled with my feelings of revulsion for this student. I was unable to develop love for this student, until I reached out to Heavenly Father for help. It worked and has worked over and over again when I have struggled with forgiving someone or learning to like someone. When I ask Heavenly Father to help me develop love for someone, my heart just about explodes as he expands my capacity to love and serve.

I have personally witnessed and experienced the heartache that shatters lives and families when people break the commandments. I have also seen the blessings of God when we keep the commandments. The reality of Heavenly Father’s blessings cannot be denied.  I testify to you that God isn’t remotely removed from the details of our lives. He is there-watching over us. When we keep God’s commandments, our lives and opportunities are expanded exponentially. I hardly have the words to describe how blessed I feel in my life when I keep God’s commandments. This is the promise God makes with all of us when we keep His Commandments. I know this is true. This is my witness.

© 2007-2016 TIFFANY WACASER ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Spiritual Sunday: His Grace Series

My church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has a channel (and app) called the Mormon Channel. One of the series they have is called "His Grace"

One of the audio segments shares the story of two brothers, Iraqi War vets who suffered from PTSD and drug addiction. In their story, they share how they were able to find peace and strength through their suffering, through Jesus Christ.

Life After War

© 2007-2016 TIFFANY WACASER ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Spiritual Sunday: Surrendering to the Atonement

A week ago we had Stake Conference where our Stake Presidency was released and a new Stake Presidency was called. We had two General Authorities attend conference. The Saturday Evening session was unlike any adult session I have ever attended.

The two General Authorities, Stake Presidency members, and a couple other speakers spoke briefly--no more than 5 minutes. Then after each speaker, one of the General Authorities would stand up and have a dialogue about the remarks and ask what impressions we had received and asked us to share. It was an incredible way of teaching and a powerful way of engaging the audience in a dynamic experience where they are part of the teaching and learning process.

One speaker shared his experience of being diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy and how he has received help and comfort through the power of the Atonement. He said that sometimes you have to have the faith not to be healed, which struck me deeply.

As I have pondered the atonement, I realize that we often want to limit the atonement to being forgiven of our sins. I don't want to devalue that because that is certainly one of the most important aspects of the atonement. But we limit Christ's influence and power in our lives when we say that He only atoned for our sins. The atonement is vast, infinite, and eternal.

Surrender to the atonement. Surrender every aspect of your life to the healing touch of the Savior's love. Allow your sorrows, disappointments, pains, and challenges to be healed. Allow peace and joy to come into your life from the atonement.

I've been able to observe a dear friend experience transformation through the Atonement. She taught me that the crucial aspect of receiving that transformation is accepting the gift that Christ gave. For awhile, my friend thought she wasn't worthy or capable of receiving the Atonement. It took a lot of work and letting go, but she was finally able to open herself up to Christ's redeeming love. I have never seen something so dramatic or wonderful in my life.

I want to experience that in my life in the little and big moments. That means opening myself up in a way that I haven't been able to do. I had an experience a few weeks ago that gave me a glimpse of what that feels like in my life. I still have a lot of work to do, but it is worth it.

What experiences have you had with the atonement? Do you think we (unintentionally) limit the power of the atonement in our lives? How do you open yourself up to the Savior?

© 2007-2016 TIFFANY WACASER ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Spiritual Sunday: Serving

My stomach knotted with worry as the name of a woman came to my mind. I knew I had to call her and ask if we could meet. Would she accept my call and allow me to visit her? Nervously, I dialed the number and spoke with Molly. She hesitantly agreed to allow me to visit and we scheduled an appointment.

The day came for our meeting arrived. What would I say? Would she understand my desire to see her? Would she take offense if I said the wrong thing? My questions began to take on the cadence of a prayer as I asked for help from Heavenly Father in speaking to Molly. 

Molly greeted me shyly with a smile when she answered my knock. We spoke of happy things as she shared with me some of her successes. We both relaxed into our conversation as I turned it to ask how she was really doing. 

Tentatively she began sharing her struggles, her feelings of darkness and despair, and her fears for the future. My heart ached as I listened to her very real challenges. But I also felt a great swelling of love and compassion for her--it was love and compassion that was more divine and true. Without much effort, words of reassurance, kindness, compassion and love spilled out of my mouth. We spoke for a long time. 

When I left Molly, I felt filled with light. The words I shared with her did not come from me, but from God. Somehow, in that moment, He had allowed me to transmit thoughts and ideas to her. My poor friend had felt so isolated and separated from God but in some small measure that day, was able to feel God's love. I felt awed to be a part of something so miraculous. 

There are parts of serving as Relief Society president that are enormously grueling and difficult. Sometimes people are difficult and their problems are hard to bear. But then, there are those moments when you are serving and the moment is transformed by something greater. To be a part of those transforming moments is humbling and uplifting. 

Throwback Thursday: Celebrating My Baptism 31 Years Ago

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and have been since my baptism when I was eight years old. This week I am celebrating thirty-one years as a member. I asked my mom if we had pictures from that day and she told me I could look the next time I visit her, which means probably not...

I do have a picture when I was eight years old. And even though it is possible there are no photographs from that day, I still remember it vividly.

I guess I was odd, because I loved church as a little girl. I loved going to class and learning about Jesus Christ and the scriptures. I always knew the answers and was proud of that fact. I anxiously looked forward to my baptism day.

I turned eight on Easter Sunday that year. I remember feeling so special that the year I turned eight, I was sharing my birthday with one of the most important holy days of the year. My ward had a tradition of doing baptisms on Saturdays, so I had to wait an entire six days before I could be baptized.

My whole family gathered at the church that special day. Even my non-member grandparents were there. My mother had made me a beautiful yellow dress with white flowers. I felt so grown-up and important.

My dad took me into the water and baptized me. He forgot to say Amen at the end of the prayer, so he had to do it again. After my baptism, I felt perfectly pure and holy. I felt so much joy and happiness.

After my baptism, our family went to Dairy Queen and I was allowed to choose one of the grown-up treat items. I chose a Peanut Buster Parfait.

At the time, I don't think I understand how much that day would affect my entire life. Thirty-one years later, I can say that I am grateful for the choice I made. I have a deep testimony of Jesus Christ as my Savior. I am grateful I was able to make a sacred covenant that day and join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I continue to be a faithful and active member. My husband and I are raising our children in the church and we have delighted as our four oldest children have also entered in the waters of baptism. Soon our last two children will make those covenants. I hope they always remember their special days as I have remembered mine.

© 2007-2016 TIFFANY WACASER ALL RIGHTS RESERVED