The slide show was very inspirational by Mark Mabry. The pictures were an excellent depiction of Gethsemane, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection which were miraculous events in themselves. As I watched this slideshow, I also felt gratitude for the restoration of the priesthood so that ordinances such as baptism can be administered here on earth and more importantly that families can be sealed for all time and eternity.

Day 30- Atonement Insight

“For by the water ye keep the commandment; by the Spirit ye are justified, and by the blood ye are sanctified.” (Moses 6:60.) Elder Theodore Burton stated, "Without the nourishment provided by the atonement of Jesus Christ, baptism would remain just a dead form. Baptism alone cannot save us. Works alone cannot save us. Baptism must be accompanied by the granting of the Holy Ghost, which makes us spiritually alive just as God breathed into Adam the breath of life when he was created. Without the Holy Ghost, we would be spiritually stillborn and not have power to enter the presence of God the Eternal Father." The atonement of Jesus Christ provides us continuos nourishment. Works, baptism, and spirit cannot save us, but only through the grace of Jesus Christ. It is only through Him that we can return to our Heavenly Father.

Day 29- Atonement Insight

"For the ^anatural ^bman is an ^cenemy to God, and has been from the ^dfall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he ^eyieldsto the enticings of the Holy ^fSpirit, and ^gputteth off the ^hnaturalman and becometh a ⁱsaint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a ^jchild, ^ksubmissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." (Mosiah 3:19) I had a discussion with a friend today that change occurred for him when he started viewing life with an eternal perspective instead of a temporal perspective. He became a saint through the atonement and putt off the natural man way of thinking and became seeing the world with spiritual eyes.

Day 28- Atonement Insight

Elder Gong stated, "From the councils in heaven, our Savior sought only to do His Father’s will. This pattern of Father and Son can help explain the paradox “He that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” Matt 10:39 The world pursues enlightened self-interest. Yet the power is not in us to save ourselves. But it is inHim. Infinite and eternal, only our Savior’s Atonement transcends time and space to swallow up death, anger, bitterness, unfairness, loneliness, and heartbreak." I never realized how the scripture Matt. 10:39 was connected to the atonement. As we turn over our will to God's, we shall find life or more importantly eternal life. Life isn't about living for self, but living for God.

Day 27- Atonement Insight

Lehi gives final counsel to he children before he dies about the atonement in 2 Nephi 2:2 "Wherefore, men are ^afree according to the ^bflesh; and ^callthings are ^dgiven them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to ^echoose ^fliberty and eternal ^glife, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be ^hmiserable like unto himself." Agency is a crucial aspect of the atonement. We have the opportunity to choose eternal life through the mediator (Jesus Christ). He is the greatest Mediator of all though his grace and goodness, he atoned for our sins that we may have eternal life.

Day 26- Atonement Insight

Elder Bruce Hafen stated, "The purpose of the endowment of charity is not merely to cause Christ’s followers to engage in charitable acts toward others, desirable as that is. The ultimate purpose is to transform his followers to become like him:“He hath bestowed [this love] upon all who are true followers of his Son, … that when he shall appear we shall be like him” (Moro. 7:48). The Atonement thus not only enables us to be with God, but also to be like God." The atonement and charity are gifts bestowed on us through the grace of God not by our power alone. We can receive these gifts through faith, repentance, and prayer. I also like how Elder Hafen mentioned that their ultimate purpose is to transform us to become like him.

Day 25- Atonement Insight

Charity, an Effect of the Atonement

"The great legacy those who went before you in the Relief Society [has been] passed on to you.

The part of the foundation they laid for you which seems to me most important and persistent is that charity is at the heart of the society and is to come into the heart, to be part of the very nature, of every member. Charity meant to them far more than a feeling of benevolence. Charity is born of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and is an effect of His Atonement working in the hearts of the members."

Henry B. Eyring, "The Enduring Legacy of Relief Society," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 121

Topics: Charity, Atonement

Day 24- Atonement Insight

This simple pattern of repentance and obedience really is the basis for “living after the manner of happiness.” We know this is what we need to do, though sometimes we may forget why. The Lord reminds us why in the following words from the same revelation:

“For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;

“But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;

“Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink

“Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men” (D&C 19:16–19).

We may live after the manner of happiness if we repent and obey the commandment. As the scriptures mention, blessed and happy are those who keep the commandments.

Day 23- Atonement Insight

The Atonement Gives Us the Strength to Endure

"The Atonement of Jesus Christ and the healing it offers do much more than provide the opportunity for repentance from sins. The Atonement also gives us the strength to endure 'pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind,' because our Savior also took upon Him 'the pains and the sicknesses of his people' (Alma 7:11). Brothers and sisters, if your faith and prayers and the power of the priesthood do not heal you from an affliction, the power of the Atonement will surely give you the strength to bear the burden."

Dallin H. Oaks, "He Heals the Heavy Laden," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 9

The atonement can give us strength to bear any burden. The atonement not only provides repentance but healing. The healing of physical, mental, and spiritual anguish. We can be healed from pain, temptation, and afflictions of all kind. As we have more faith in the atonement, we can be healed or at least we will have more strength to bear our burdens.

Day 22- Atonement Insight

The atonement of the Lord has made is possible to change. Our desires, our motives, and our natures can change to align with the Lord's will as we become more like him. We can allow people to change by having faith in them and building them up. We can encourage and support people when they our making changes through Love and Faith. Let's not be cynics but believers. We can believe more in the atonement and support those who are making positive changes in their lives.

Day 21- Atonement Insight

Psalms 130:17 How precious also are thy ^athoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

18 I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

As I was sitting in the Hawaii temple, I thought about this scripture and the importance of making sure every thought is directed to the Lord.

Day 20-Atonement Insight

Point of Safe Return

"My dear young friends, when the captain of a long-range jet passes the point of safe return, and the headwinds are too strong or the cruising altitudes too low, he might be forced to divert to an airport other than his planned destination. This is not so in our journey through life back to our heavenly home. Wherever you find yourselves on this journey through life, whatever trials you may face, there is always a point of safe return; there is always hope. You are the captain of your life, and God has prepared a plan to bring you safely back to Him, to your divine destination."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Is There a Point of No Return?" New Era, June 2010, 3

Day 19-Atonement Insight

Russell Ballard stated, "Brothers and sisters, I believe that if we could truly understand the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, we would realize how precious isone son or daughter of God. I believe our Heavenly Father’s everlasting purpose for His children is generally achieved by the small and simple things we do for one another. At the heart of the English wordatonement is the word one. If all mankind understood this, there would never be anyone with whom we would not be concerned, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, or social or economic standing. We would strive to emulate the Savior and would never be unkind, indifferent, disrespectful, or insensitive to others." I really like the statement that if we truly understand the atonement, we will be more kind, sensitive, and respectful to all mankind. Nephi states in 2 Nephi 26:33, "....he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile." God loves us all the same regardless of color, gender, social class, heathen, etc... We are taught to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and love everyone.

Day 18-Atonement Insight

Nephi said "And after they have been ^ascattered, and the Lord God hath scourged them by other nations for the space of many generations, yea, even down from generation to generation until they shall be persuaded to ^bbelieve in Christ, the Son of God, and the atonement, which is infinite for all mankind—and when that day shall come that they shall believe in Christ, and worship the Father in his name, with pure hearts and ^cclean hands, and look not forward any more for ^danother Messiah, then, at that time, the day will come that it must needs be expedient that they should believe these things.(2 Nephi 25:16) We will be scattered and scourged by other nations until we believe in Christ, the Son of God, and the atonement, which is infinite for all mankind. The atonement is infinite not limited. I also love the symbolism as we worship in his name, we can have pure hearts and clean hands.

Day 17-Atonement Insight

President Spencer Kimball stated, "Jesus saw sin but also was able to see sin as springing from deep and unmet needs on the part of the sinner. This permitted him to condemn the sin without condemning the individual. We can show forth our love for others even when we are called upon to correct them. We need to be able to look deeply enough into the lives of others to see the basic causes for their failures and short-comings." The quote gives depth on how to help people apply the atonement by showing forth love to the sinner but condemning the sin. It is interesting that most often shortcomings and failures in one's life is due to a lack of giving or receiving love. The first commandment is love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind, and strength. The second commandment is to love our neighbors as ourself. (Mark 12:30-31)These are the greatest commandments and most sin is related these two commandments.

Day 16-Atonement Insight

Alma preached, "I say unto you, ye will know at that day that you cannot be saved; for there can no man be saved except his garments are washed white; yea, his garments must be purified until they are cleansed from all stain, through the blood of him of whom it has been spoken by our fathers, who should come to redeem his people from their sins."(Amla 5:21) The entire chapter refers to the atonement. The verse above discusses clean garments which represent purity, cleanliness, and salvation. If we don't repent of our sins and allow our garments to be washed white through blood of the Lamb, we will stand before God with filthy and stained garments. The formula for clean garments is simple "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."(Matt. 3:2) We must all be purified and repent all of our lives, and I know not one who is exempt from this formula.

Day 15-Atonement Insight

Administering to the Church Handbook 2 states, "Wise parents teach their children to apply healing, reconciling, and strengthening power of the Atonement within the family. Just as sin, mortal weaknesses, emotional hurt, and anger are conditions that separate God's children from Him, these same conditions can separate family members from each other. Each family member has a responsibility to strive for family unity. Children who learn to strive for unity at home will find it easier to do so outside the home." The application of the Atonement can be taught to a young child and can create unity in all relationships.

Day 14-Atonement Insight

Hugh Nibley stated, "After this life has been declared a vale of tears, we should only be too glad to get out of it as soon as possible, were it not for the uncertainty of the hereafter which gives us pause and makes us decide to stick it out here in this dismal place. Yet the atonement makes this life bearable, even delightful. The doctrine of the atonement gives us permission to enjoy ourselves to the fullest here and now, as we revel in the gospel; time and space drop out of the question, leaving us completely at ease and inexpressibly happy." Mosiah 2:41 King Benjamin supports this quote, "And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God have spoken it." Wow! The promises are great if we apply the atonement as we should. We can have inexpressibly happiness on a daily basis. This state can last as long as we choose to be obedient. The happy feeling is a fruit of the Spirit witnessing to us that the atonement is working our lives and we are aligning our will with God's will.

Day 13-Atonement Insight

I marvel at the light, hope, peace, and joy the Savior brought to mankind. The scripture 2 Nephi 19:6 describes him perfectly "Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, and The Prince of Peace." He brought hope to a gloomy world of sinners. We are all sinners to different degrees, and we can be made whole or complete through him if we embrace the atonement. As we do this, we can experience light and peace which has no end. Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace and only through him may we feel joy in this life and life to come.

Day 12-Atonement Insight

Elder Eyring said, "If you have felt the influence of the Holy Ghost today, you may take it as evidence that the Atonement is working in your life. For that reason and many others, you would do well to put yourself in places and in tasks that invite the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Feeling the influence of the Holy Ghost works both ways: the Holy Ghost only dwells in a clean temple, and the reception of the Holy Ghost cleanses us through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. You can pray with faith to know what to do to be cleansed and thus qualified for the companionship of the Holy Ghost and the service of the Lord. And with that companionship you will be strengthened against temptation and empowered to detect deception." When we feel the Holy Ghost each day, we receive a witness that the atonement is working in our life. These words inspire me to have a spiritual experience daily through prayer, scripture study, service, etc... The influence of the Holy Ghost is my insurance that I'm on the straight and narrow walking towards eternal life.

Day 11-Atonement Insight

A statement from Joseph Smith in regards to building temples, "Brothers and sisters, this is all of God, but the opposite will come. There will be new onslaughts of trial." To the twelve he said specifically, "God will feel after you, and He will take hold of you and wrench your very heart strings, and, if you cannot stand it you will not be fit for an inheritance in the Celestial Kingdom of God." The prophecy came to pass and six of the twelve apostatized and temples didn't endure until forty years later. The opposition was extremely intense, because the ordinances received in the temple are crucial for our own salvation and the salvation of the dead. Death can only be overcome through the atonement of our Savior. Everything points to the atonement in the temple. We can receive the Savior fully as we receive fullness of the atonement. I agree with Truman Madsen that the temple is a matter of life or death.

Day 10-Atonement Insight

2 Nephi 31: 19-20 "And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow ^apath, I would ask if all is ^bdone? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken ^cfaith in him, ^drelying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to ^esave.

Wherefore, ye must press forward with a ^asteadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of ^bhope, and a ^clove of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and ^dendure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have ^eeternal life." Nephi taught once we enter the straight and narrow through baptism, we are not done. He continued to teach that we need to have unshaken faith and rely entirely on the atonement. It is only through the merits of Christ that we may be saved. It is interesting that Nephi discusses the first principles of the gospel which are Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and Repentance. Then, he further discuses love of God and all men.