Primary Talk – Jesus Christ will someday return to the earth

Forty days after Jesus was resurrected, He met with his apostles on a hill called the Mount of Olives.  Jesus had done all the things that Heavenly Father had asked Him to do and He was ready to return to heaven. The apostles watched Jesus go up into heaven. As they watched, two angels visited them and told them that Jesus would return to earth again someday.

From that time until now, followers of Jesus have looked forward to His return. His return is called the Second Coming of Christ.

At the Second Coming, Jesus will come down from heaven with great power. He will cleanse the earth of all wickedness, and Satan will no longer have power over the people. Jesus will rule for a thousand years over all the people who have been faithful to Him.

Life is Good

As I drove my Junior High student to school today I noticed a bumper sticker on the Jaguar car stopped in front of me.

It said "Life is Good."

That started me thinking. I wonder why the owner of that car thinks life is good? Is it because they are driving a Jaguar? Is it because they have a great job? Riches? A nice home? A "perfect" child? A healthy body? Lots of friends? Few problems/challenges? Power? Fame? Life of leisure?

I agree that life is good, but what is the REAL reason that life is good?

Life can be "good" without a Jaguar, great job, tons of money, a nice home, perfect kids, health and tons of friends. I agree that lots of these things, such as a home, health, and sufficient income can certainly make our earthly journey easier and more comfortable, but they are not the source of true happiness.

So what do you think makes life "good?"

Here are some things that I think make life good (not in any particular order):
1) Faith in Jesus Christ and in His Infinite Atonement
2) An eternal family striving to learn and grow and support each other
3) A testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel
4) Growth experiences that make us stronger, even if they make us uncomfortable
5) Spiritual insights and lessons
6) Belonging to the Lord's restored church that teaches correct principles and offers spiritual support and eternal ordinances
7) A living prophet who gives current revelation
8) Scriptures to teach us and help us learn eternal truths and how to deal with earthly experiences
9) Service and the wonderful feeling you have when our hearts are knit together in unity and love
10) Loving one another, regardless of our imperfections
11) Agency
12) Having an earthly body and learning how to conquer the natural man
13) Praying to a Heavenly Father that loves us, listens to us and responds to us
14) Blessings of the priesthood, the power of God on the earth
15) The temple and the covenants and truths that we learn therein
16) Hope and faith, rather than fear and despondency
17) Gratitude for what we have and being content with our blessings and situation
18) Serving the Lord by doing your calling well and helping others
19) Sharing the gospel with those who are prepared to learn
20) Learning and gaining knowledge
21) Clarity of thought and purpose
22) Always remembering Him and keeping His commandments
23) Being able to control our attitude no matter what the circumstances
24) Obedience and striving for righteousness. The scripture "Wickedness never was happiness" really is true. Life can't be good with sin.

I could go on all day, but you get the idea.

So during these times that seem full of economic upheaval, natural disasters, attacks on the family, loss of values, greed, materialism and self-interest, I am hear to tell you that life can still be good. Have faith, not fear. Do right, not wrong. And have an eternal perspective in all things and we can make it through these tough times. I am convinced these tough experiences are preparing us, as a society, for good things to come. But that will be another post....

The Last Days

As I contemplate all the turmoil, natural disasters and evil in the world, it could be very depressing. But instead of becoming discouraged, I just feel excited because I know we are in the "last days" and the Savior will be returning to the earth in the not-so-distant future. (Trust me that I am not guessing exactly when!) I would however not be surprised if my children are alive to see our Savior's return to earth. Who knows, maybe I'll still be around too! In the meantime we are doing our best to be strong and obedient.

Check out this cool youtube clip that my dad sent to me on this very subject.

http://www.ldsmag.com/youtube/080828christ.html