Thoughts from our ward conference

Our Stake President is such a great man. So easy to talk to and down to earth. He spoke this past Sunday about many things, but the one thing that stood out to me and really got to me was him talking about us being the hardest on ourselves. That Heavenly Father knows what is in our hearts and we need not judge ourselves and be so hard on ourselves. Do our best,  that is what we are asked and the rest will be taken taken care of.

I had to look down when he was saying this as I could feel the spirit so strongly and I was trying to keep myself together emotionally. I am VERY guilty of being hard on myself...I think we all do it to some degree, right??

The prophet Isaiah gave hope and comfort to all who have stumbled and made mistakes when he revealed these words from the Lord: "...Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as now; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18) With a broken heart and contrite spirit, we can receive forgiveness and learn from our mistakes. Part of what we may learn in the process is that happiness comes not only from receiving forgiveness, but also from extending it!"

"White as Snow" is the sequel to the previously released image, "Forgiven". Both paintings were inspired by Isaiah 1:18, "...though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." In "Forgiven" a woman kneels in sorrow and humility as she petitions the Lord for forgiveness. She wears a scarlet garment symbolizing the burden of her sins. Jesus assures her that there is hope indeed that her sins can be forgiven. "White as Snow" shows the woman now seated beside the Savior. Now cleansed, she is dressed in pure white. Her attitude is one of joy and appreciation for His merciful gift. In His hand Jesus holds the scarlet garment which once she wore, a garment now to be forgotten and remembered no more.

These 2 pictures say it all. I am definitely trying to learn how to let things go and forgive myself...it is a hard thing to do. I wish I could see myself the way Heavenly Father sees me...one day I will get there!