Author: mary.ackerman

Jesus Christ Is Relief

“I testify that Jesus Christ is relief. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we may be relieved of the burden and consequences of sin and be succored in our infirmities.” (Camille N. Johnson, April 2023 General Conference)

This message really stood out to me last week. It reminded me, once again, to turn to Jesus Christ for help and strength. But how does He relieve our burdens? Sometimes our problems and challenges seem overwhelming, or even impossible to overcome. This scripture in Jesus’ words helps explain how He can relieve our burdens and succor us:

“Come onto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

I have often wondered what it really means to take His yoke upon us. One thing that really stood out to me this last time is that we take Christ’s yoke upon us, not the other way around. But what does that mean? In Sister Johnson’s talk, she explains:

“That the yoke is easy and the burden is light presumes we get in the yoke with the Savior, that we share our burden with Him, that we let Him lift our load.”

At least part of what it means to “take my yoke upon you” then is to share our burdens with the Savior—to allow Him to help us carry them. We do this through prayer, asking, and sometimes pleading, for God’s help. We can ask that through the atonement of Jesus Christ, we will receive the help, strength, comfort, and guidance that we need. I have seen the miracle that these prayers bring many times in my life. By allowing Him to help carry our burdens, He strengthens and helps us! How can anything be more of a “win, win”?!

How is taking His yoke upon us related to learning of Him? I believe that as we allow Him to help carry our burdens, we are opening ourselves to His influence—learning of Him and from Him. He teaches us to be more “meek and lowly in heart,” as He is. The scripture footnotes I found for these words were “gentle,” “humble,” and “contrite heart.” Perhaps the Savior can help us handle our challenging situations with not only more strength, but also with more humility, kindness, and patience. I believe that as we try to walk with Him, the lessons He teaches us are very individual, tailored to us personally. And Christ can give us an increase of faith in Him and a brightness of hope amid our sometimes-challenging life journeys.

A few years ago, I had an experience that helped me understand this scripture in Matthew 11 a lot better. As I was praying one morning with some heavy concerns on my mind, I was able to visualize what it means to take the Savior’s yoke upon us. I could visualize myself sitting there with my bag of burdens, which felt too heavy and overwhelming. I visualized the Savior approaching me and asking if He could help. I agreed and allowed Him to begin putting each “burden” in a cart, which would be pulled with a yoke. As He lifted each burden for me, I literally began to feel relief. With some of the “burdens,” I could picture Him asking me if I wanted to keep carrying them or if I wanted to leave them behind. It was a reminder to me that there are many things I no longer need to carry, and that with His help, I could let go of them! Picturing myself getting in a yoke with the Savior helped me understand how He could help me, and it literally made my burdens feel lighter!

Sister Johnson also shared this: “Our beloved prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, invited us to overcome the world and find rest. He defined ‘true rest’ as ‘relief and peace.’ President Nelson said, ‘Because the Savior, through His infinite Atonement, redeemed each of us from weakness, mistakes, and sin, and because He experienced every pain, worry, and burden you have ever had, then as you truly repent and seek His help, you can rise above this present precarious world.’ That is the relief Jesus Christ offers us!”

I know from experience that Christ can give us this kind of relief!

The Gift of Prayer

My first experiences in learning to pray came as a child watching my dad. I remember him praying for help and guidance in so many situations. We regularly prayed each morning and night as a family, and I saw him pray often on his own as well. One experience stands out and had a huge impact on me. One time, after my dad and others had herded some cows across the river on horseback, one of my younger brothers came up missing. From my upstairs bedroom window, I saw my dad, desperate with worry, leaning against the house with his head bowed saying a humble prayer that he would find him. My Dad was my hero and always seemed so strong, but in this situation, I could see and feel his desperation and humble turning to the Lord. I learned so much from this experience. It taught me that when I have a problem, I can always pray. My dad prayed often and asked for specific help for our family, our ranch,
and many other things. I could sense his faith that his prayers would be answered, and I know they were. His example taught me to pray for help in every situation. I am eternally grateful for what he taught me because it has blessed my life.

My mom taught me to “pray always.” Through her pure and simple faith, she showed by example how to pray for help in all things–large and small. And I saw her prayers being answered!

Thankfully, we found my brother. He was next door at Grandma Hopkin’s house eating cookies! What a relief! This same grandma also taught me the power of prayer. I remember staying at her house and being woke up to the sound of her voice, praying aloud from her bedroom, which was just down the hall. Her prayers were long, and she prayed specifically for each of her children, their spouses, and her grandchildren, asking specifically for help they needed. I felt her faith and the power of her prayers.

I am so grateful for these treasured experiences. These lessons in prayer have been a blessing to my life, helping me to understand that whenever I needed help I could turn to God in prayer! I have come to know that God answers all our sincere prayers–in His own way, and according to His own timing–but always with the greatest possible love and concern for our well-being. The answers we seek do not always come right away, but we can feel His love, peace, and strengthening power each time we pray. And answers do come, even miracles!

In the Book of Mormon, when the Savior visited the people after His resurrection, he counseled them to “watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation…” and to “pray in your families unto the Father…that your [spouses] and your children may be blessed,” and promised that “whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.” (3 Nephi 18:18-21)

In a talk about prayer given by Russell M. Nelson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he said,


“One of the things the Spirit has repeatedly impressed upon my mind since my new calling as President of the Church is how willing the Lord is to reveal His mind and will. The privilege of receiving revelation is one of the greatest gifts of God to His children.
“Through the manifestations of the Holy Ghost, the Lord will assist us in all our righteous pursuits.
“…Imagine the miracle of it! …we can pray to our Heavenly Father and receive
guidance and direction, be warned about dangers and distractions, and be enabled to accomplish things we simply could not do on our own. If we will truly receive the Holy Ghost and learn to discern and understand His promptings, we will be guided in matters large and small.” (“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Russell M. Nelson).

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/04/revelation-for-the-church-revelation-for-our-lives?lang=eng

I know that our prayers can and will be answered in all the ways mentioned by President Nelson. We can be guided, warned, comforted, strengthened, given insights that enlighten our minds, and given enabling power to do what we need to do. I have experienced all these things for myself. I am so grateful for the beautiful gift of prayer and for the countless blessings it has brought to my life!

The Love of God

How was your weekend on October 2 and 3? Did you get the chance to listen to General Conference? I hope it was a wonderful and peaceful couple of days for you and that you received (and continue to receive) the guidance that you needed!

Jesus Christ comforts the Nephites
Detail from The Bible and the Book of Mormon Testify of Christ, by Greg K. Olsen

I was praying for some specific answers, and what I received was different than I expected, but amazing! The things that have really stood out to me so far center on striving to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

Here are a few of the messages that stood out to me:

There has never been a time in the history of the world when knowledge of our Savior is more personally vital and relevant to every human soul. Imagine how quickly the devastating conflicts throughout the world–and those in our individual lives–would be resolved if we all chose to follow Jesus Chist and heed His teachings. –President Russell M. Nelson

Friends, in our present moment we find all manner of divisions and subdivisions, sets and subsets, digital tribes and political identities, with more than enough hostility to go around. Might we ask ourselves if a “higher and holier” life…is something we could seek? When doing so, we would do well to remember that stunning period in the Book of Mormon in which those people asked and answered that question so affirmatively:

“And it came to pass that there was no contention among all the people, in all the land … because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.” …If we love God enough to try to be fully faithful to Him, He will give us the ability, the capacity, the will, and the way to love our neighbor and ourselves. —Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

The scriptures have countless examples of how the Savior, moved by His deep and abiding compassion, interacted with people of His day and helped those who were suffering…. The expression of compassion for others is, in fact, the essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ and a marked evidence of our spiritual and emotional closeness to the Savior. Furthermore, it shows the level of influence He has on our way of life and demonstrates the magnitude of our spirits. –Elder Ulisses Soares

In acknowledging that God loves us perfectly, we each might ask, “How well do I love God? Can He rely on my love as I rely on His?” Would it not be a worthy aspiration to live so that God can love us not just in spite of our failings but also because of what we are becoming? …Here is the solution for our incessantly quarrelsome times—the love of God. In the golden age of Book of Mormon history following the Savior’s ministry, it is reported that “there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.” –Elder D. Todd Christofferson

…And that was just in the first session on Saturday morning! (Elder Renlund’s message on Sunday morning was EXACTLY what I needed also!) I know that these messages especially stood out to me because… let’s just say I needed them! The part that stood out most was the example of the righteous Nephites that had the privilege of seeing Christ, who had so much love in their hearts that “there was no contention among all the people, in all the land.” This got me thinking that, even though I have most certainly felt the love of God for me, in clear, very personal ways, maybe I need to strive to feel His love even more deeply–deeply enough that I have no desire for contention in my own life.

I have faith that we truly can feel Heavenly Father and the Savior’s love as deeply as these Nephites did. My goal–starting this past week–has been to study the account of Christ’s visit to the Nephites, as well as a deeper study of the conference talks, and to feel His love in a deeper way. In those days before Christ visited the Nephites, they felt a lot of fear, darkness, confusion, bewilderment, and deep sorrow. But these feelings were turned into great–even unspeakable–love and joy.

I know that we can experience this as well.

What messages stood out to you so far?

Hear Him

It was really great thinking and writing last week about what I would do if I had more faith in Christ! It caused me to reflect on my patriarchal blessing in a new way and about what I could do to make those promised blessings happen–with the Lord’s help! It brought more clarity to my goals and focus. I hope you had the opportunity to do some writing about this too. If you didn’t, I highly recommend it!

To prepare for General Conference in a couple of weeks (which I am SO looking forward to!), I have been studying President Russell M. Nelson’s messages from the past few conferences. I have been thinking a lot about “prophetic priorities”–the things that he has invited us to do. Today I read his message, “Hear Him,” and here are the parts that really stood out to me:

I renew my plea for you to do whatever it takes to increase your spiritual capacity to receive personal revelation.

Doing so will help you know how to move ahead with your life, what to do during times of crisis, and how to discern and avoid the temptations and the deceptions of the adversary.

…What will happen as you more intentionally hear, hearken, and heed what the Savior has said and what He is saying now through His prophets? I promise that you will be blessed with additional power to deal with temptation, struggles, and weakness. I promise miracles in your marriage, family relationships, and daily work. And I promise that your capacity to feel joy will increase even if turbulence increases in your life.

Russell M. Nelson, “Hear Him,” April 2020 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/04/45nelson?lang=eng

Through life’s challenges, I am reminded again and again how much I need guidance and revelation from God. This talk and these promises mean so much to me, and I want to do whatever it takes to receive these blessings!

I am so grateful for this guidance from a living prophet, and I am so grateful to know that we can be guided by a loving Heavenly Father and receive the help we need and the miracles we long for in our lives!

And that we can have true JOY!

What Would You Do?

“What would you do if you had more faith?” I love that question from President Nelson’s most recent talk (see previous post)! Lately, I have come to realize that I have lived a good share of my life in fear, worry, and stress…and sometimes thinking or fearing the worst. What would I do if I had more faith? When my perspective is changed, I feel more hope and faith that everything will be okay and will work out. I see circumstances and people in a more positive light. I SEE people more often. I remember that all the challenges and difficulties are for my learning and growth. I feel peace and strength, and even empowerment. I am SO. MUCH. HAPPIER! What if I could feel this way a lot more often? I think that would be life-changing! I believe our faith in Christ actually gives us the power to change our lives! Maybe it won’t change our circumstances, but I believe it will change the way we SEE our lives, and then give us the power to change so many things in our lives, perhaps in ways we can’t even imagine right now. Just being that happier, more optimistic, hopeful, loving person with a zest for life more of the time sounds pretty amazing to me!

Here are two of my goals: (1) To write down specific, personal things I would do if I had more faith, and (2) To continue to learn more about Christ and His mission, ministry, and doctrine and its power in my life. In the process, I hope to learn to trust Him even more.

I would love to hear from you! What would you like to do to increase your faith in Christ?

Increasing Our Faith

Hello and welcome. I have felt prompted to create this blog for a long time but didn’t know where to start. Then I read, once again, President Russell M. Nelson’s talk from the most recent general conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints about increasing our faith, and I felt inspired to work on this with even more focus. Would you like to join me? President Nelson’s talk was so powerful and inspiring to me! I wish I had been working on this challenge a little more in the past five months, but I will say that I have had amazing–even miraculous–experiences because of it. Here are some excerpts from his talk:

My dear brothers and sisters, my call to you…is to start today to increase your faith. Through your faith, Jesus Christ will increase your ability to move the mountains in your life, even though your personal challenges may loom as large as Mount Everest.

…Your mountains may be loneliness, doubt, illness, or other personal problems. Your mountains will vary, and yet the answer to each of your challenges is to increase your faith.

…Faith in Jesus Christ is the greatest power available to us in this life. All things are possible to them that believe. Your growing faith in Him will move mountains—not the mountains of rock that beautify the earth but the mountains of misery in your lives. Your flourishing faith will help you turn challenges into unparalleled growth and opportunity.

Russell M. Nelson, “Christ is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains,” April 2021, https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/04/49nelson?lang=eng

I love his call to us to increase our faith and the promises that go with it! Notice that he said it is through YOUR faith [and MY faith] that Jesus Christ will increase our ABILITY to move the mountains in our lives! This is another example of how President Nelson is teaching us how to increase in power, even if our faith is “small but growing.” He teaches us to start where we are, even if our faith is as small as the grain of a mustard seed.

Do you have personal challenges in your life that, at least sometimes, seem overwhelming or insurmountable? I know I do! I would love to share insights together as we focus on this call from President Nelson. Whether or not you are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, if you feel a desire to increase your faith, please join us!

The way we each approach this call of increasing our faith may be a little different. Here is a summary of the suggestions given by President Nelson:

First, study. Become an engaged learner. Immerse yourself in the scriptures to understand better Christ’s mission and ministry. Know the doctrine of Christ so that you understand its power for your life. Internalize the truth that the Atonement of Jesus Christ applies to you.

Second, choose to believe in Jesus Christ. If you have doubts about God the Father and His Beloved Son or the validity of the Restoration or the veracity of Joseph Smith’s divine calling as a prophet, choose to believe and stay faithful. Take your questions to the Lord and to other faithful sources.

Third, act in faith. What would you do if you had more faith? Think about it. Write about it. Then receive more faith by doing something that requires more faith.

Fourth, partake of sacred ordinances worthily. Ordinances unlock the power of God for your life.

And fifth, ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, for help.

Below are some specific things that have helped me increase my faith in Jesus Christ, as well as a few that I got from a recent talk in the Liahona (a magazine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints):

  • Sincere, heartfelt prayer: Decide on a quiet time and place for prayer, morning and night. Talk to Heavenly Father like you would talk to a close friend or parent who understands you, listens to you, and wants to help you (because He does!). Pour out your soul openly and honestly and ask for help, comfort, and guidance.
  • Listen: Take time to listen carefully during your prayers for ideas, thoughts and feelings that come to your mind and heart.
  • Write it down: Get a journal or spiral notebook and write down your questions or concerns before prayer, and write down the ideas, thoughts, and feeling you receive during prayer.
  • Increase awareness and gratitude: Record in a journal or notebook the daily blessings and tender mercies the Lord gives you. (Here is an excellent article about the blessings of doing this! https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2007/10/o-remember-remember?lang=eng)
  • Scripture study: Find a regular time to study the scriptures, study a specific theme, or seek to receive answers to prayers through your study. (The principles above about prayer apply to scripture study too. You can write down a question, pray for guidance, study to seek answers, and write down the insights you receive.) Setting a goal to read the Book of Mormon daily brings incredible blessings to our lives! (Read President Nelson’s promise and his talk about this here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/10/the-book-of-mormon-what-would-your-life-be-like-without-it?lang=eng )
  • Uplifting music: Find time to play and ponder hymns or other uplifting music during the day.
  • Temple Attendance: Set a regular time to attend the temple and enjoy communion with the Spirit.
  • Create quiet spaces to ponder: Set aside some time to unplug from music, the internet, social media, TV, etc. while walking/exercising, driving, or at other times during the day so you can “listen for Them, connect with the Spirit and recognize and ponder the intricate details of the world and [your] purpose.” The author of the article from the link below shares blessings she received from this.
  • Study words of the prophet: Listen to and study talks by President Russell M. Nelson (or all the apostles), writing down counsel he has given and blessings he has promised, and prayerfully decide how to follow his counsel. Notice how this draws you closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2021/08/young-adults/strengthening-my-relationship-with-heavenly-father-and-jesus-christ?lang=eng

MY CHALLENGE FOR THE NEXT MONTH IS TO:

Decide a couple of things you will do to increase your faith in Jesus Christ.

Write down and pray specifically about the “mountains” in your own life that you would like to be “moved.”

I would love to hear about your goals and focus, as well as the blessings and miracles you are experiencing if you are comfortable sharing them, or simply how it is changing your life. Please share!!