Jessica Simpson explains a gospel truth

By A. W.

I really have not ever understood why Jessica Simpson is a celebrity, but she is and the other day I watched her in a commercial where she stated:

I love this body and what it is capable of.
This body made two amazing little human beings.
This version feels really good.

“I love this body and what it is capable of.” We are taught that we come to earth so to gain a physical body. We understand that this mortal experience is the path to divinity; that the promise of resurrection lies before us because of our Savior’s sacrifice. I, too, love this body and what it is capable of.

Image courtesy of lds.org.

“This body made two amazing little human beings.” The blessing of motherhood is beyond description. I am so grateful for the opportunity to help build bodies for sons and daughters, and then to build a family with them. The promise of an eternal family inspires me to be a better mother and a better person.

“This version feels really good.” Each of us has several versions of ourselves. Some versions of me are not very good; some are incredibly awesome. My choices determine what version of body I have and what version I am working for. The best version of me is the one where I have followed the commandments, and treated my body the way Heavenly Father wants me to.

The gospel has taught me to take particular care of my body, because it is the physical temple of my spirit. Our health code, “The Word of Wisdom”, guides me when making choices about how and what to eat, and about keeping my body fit and healthy. For example, while scientists debate whether or not red wine is good for you, I know that the best thing for me will be obedience to my Heavenly Father who has instructed me not to drink wine. I know that I have been blessed to heal quickly and recover well from the various illnesses and injuries that I have had, in part because I obey the Word of Wisdom. I have also promised to dress modestly, in order to demonstrate that I respect the sacred character of my body. I know that commitment has also blessed me with health and strength that I would not otherwise have had. I am grateful to Jessica Simpson for reminding me of the precious gift of my body. I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for providing guidance and blessings in caring for my body during my time here on earth.

Knoweth ye not that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

- 1 Corinthians 3:17

That light was able to shine through the clouds.

By Diana

It was with mixed emotions that I returned to work last week.   With my maternity leave over I was unsure how I would find things when I got back to my residents. Things were pretty sad upon my return when I realized that while I had been away each resident in the care facility had taken a drastic turn in his or her disease. 

I've seen people suffer from Alzheimer's for almost 4 years now. It is the worst disease imaginable. I don't know of any other disease that can rob a person of his soul, other than Alzheimer's. My husband's grandmother passed away earlier this year after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease, and upon her passing the entire family could only feel joy that she was no longer trapped in a body with a brain that couldn't function. When looking into the eyes of someone with this disease I often feel like all I can see are clouds, where very little light is allowed to shine through. 

Last Wednesday was not like any work day I have ever had. The residents are no longer at a level where they can participate in activities that I once used to enjoy doing with them. I used to be able to hold group discussions about things ranging from current events to their favorite foods, but it now seems like any time I try to stand in front of the group, I lose them all, either to sleep, or to their inability to follow the conversation. I always go extremely prepared because I never know what kind of a day it will be. 

On Wednesday I got to work at 10 am, and by 11am I was frantically searching for an activity that they could all participate in. I don't know why, maybe I was prompted by a loving Father in Heaven, I like to think so, but I instantly thought 'they need one on one attention, give them hand massages.' In all the  years I have worked there I have never thought of giving them hand massages. 

Immediately I turned on some classical piano music, got out some lotion and sat in front of each resident individually and rubbed his or her hands. Some were startled initially and asked, "How much is this gonna cost me?" 

"Nothing," I replied, "Absolutely free." 

"Oh that feels so nice. Thank you." 

As I sat with each one, rubbing his or her hands, I noticed something that doesn't happen often. A little of that light I was talking about was able to shine through the clouds. I walked away with a greater understanding of our Savior's love for each of us. Many of these people have lived long hard lives, some of them, I believe, have been in very dark places.  Now as they sit on the threshold of death I know that their Savior still awaits them with open arms. His light remains in each of them, oftentimes hidden by a horrible disease. I can only feel joy for each of them knowing that one day they will be able to shed the weight of this mortal life and once again feel the light of our Savior's love.

John 13:14: If I then, your Lord and ^aMaster, have ^bwashed your feet; ye also ought to ^cwash one another’s ^dfeet.

How have you felt God's love through your service to others? Has another person's service ever reminded you of God's love for you?

I delayed my fitness goals to be a mother.

By Nayeli J.

Thinking about the nets that we give up to follow our Savior, and being very pregnant now, I thought about how we give up our bodies and overall health to be able to have babies.  I had made lots of fitness and wellness goals for the last 6 months in the year 2012 before my husband I planned to go on a cruise together. Both my husband and I made great improvements in our over-all health and even into the year 2013 we were still keeping up with our goals.  One of my long term goals that I wanted to accomplish sooner than later was to become a Zumba instructor!  I love Zumba and wanted to do something for myself and share that love of dancing with others.

  Then, that summer my husband and I decided that it was the best time for us to get pregnant because if we waited, we were going to be moving across the country and my husband would be starting his residency and we knew that would be challenging with already having two little ones.  At this point, I decided to put aside my wellness and fitness goals, my feeling good about looking better and being able to be more active.  I decided that being a mother was a priority and was something that Heavenly Father wanted me to do more than anything.  Now was the best time to do it!  Going into my pregnancy I made new obtainable goals being pregnant, so that I would have a healthy pregnancy, etc.  However, because this is my third baby my joints have been so sore and I haven't been able to be as active as I would like because I'm already chasing after 2. Being 32 wks now I can hardly move and I am on partial bedrest because I was doing too much.

I know that families can be together forever and that my family is definitely a priority in our lives.  Giving up this fitness/wellness "net" to bear more children is so worth it!  Our children are so very special and unique in many ways.  I can't wait to be able to nurture, teach, and care for another little spirit that will come down from God's presence.  Now, how miraculous and wonderful is that?  I feel honored that Heavenly Father would trust me to do such a thing:)

• Matthew 4:20: And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

Taking care of our bodies is a good thing--but it can be easy to prioritize fitness over the sacred role of motherhood. What sacrifices have you made to put the Savior's plan for families in action in your own life?