Treasured Treasure

 Hey y’all!

[Summary at the very bottom cuz I know not everyone has the time or attention span to read this.]

"Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine."

Exodus 19:5

I liked the idea that the Lord's covenant people are a treasure to him.

As I studied this verse I thought of the things I have treasured throughout my life. I thought about my old toys and how I loved all of my stuffed animals and dolls equally but I had one particular doll that I treasured and felt a bigger need to protect, Pinky Dinky was special to me. Not in a loved-her-more-then-the-rest-way but in a this-doll-needs-me-and-I-need-her-way. 

In Come Follow Me, President Russell M. Nelson was quoted, "In the Old Testament, the Hebrew term from which peculiar was translated is segullah, which means ‘valued property,’ or ‘treasure.’ … For us to be identified by servants of the Lord as his peculiar people is a compliment of the highest order”

This insight from President Nelson brought the term "treasured treasure" into my mind. To treasure something means to protect, value and cherish something or someone. A treasure is something very valuable.

At seminary I listened as the teachers discussed this verse and I remember them saying that the Lord doesn't love the people who have made covenants with him more than those who have not. All of us are of infinite worth to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, but covenant keepers have done work to be obedient to Their commandments and they have a special relationship with the people who have taken upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ.

Making and keeping covenants invites the Lord's protection and blessings into our lives. As we worthily partake of the sacrament each week we are entitled to the companionship of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost warns us of physical and spiritual dangers. The Holy Ghost can spare us from pain and embarrassment. And we can always have the Spirit with us as we treasure our covenants in the same way Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ treasure us. 

I love my Savior, Jesus Christ and my Heavenly Father and I treasure my covenant relationship with Them.

Still holding to the rod,

Sister Owens

Summary: Heavenly Father loves you. Jesus loves you. I promise as you make and keep covenants with Them you will better treasure them and you will know how much they treasure you.

The Gatherer

 Hey y'all!

[Summary at the very bottom cuz I know not everyone has the time or attention span to read this.]

Last time I spoke of goats and sheep. 

So... chickens. not yet though.

Jesus Christ is my best friend. He likes to make metaphors and he is really good at it. He knew I liked chickens and so he put these verses in the Book of Mormon where I would find them. Some background on these scriptures; In Jerusalem Jesus Christ was crucified, he died, and was buried. On the other side of the world in the Americas there was darkness for three days, this darkness testified of Christ's death. After three days he was resurrected he went and visited his disciples in Jerusalem and he also spoke to the believers who had experienced darkness during the time of his death. These are some of his words to those in the dark.

3 Nephi 10:4-6

4. O ye people of these great cities which have fallen, who are descendants of Jacob, yea, who are of the house of Israel, how oft have I gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and have nourished you. 

5. And again, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, who have fallen; yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, ye that dwell at Jerusalem, as ye that have fallen; yea, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens, and ye would not.

6. O ye house of Israel whom I have spared, how oft would I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart. 

Perhaps you are in some kind of darkness now. Perhaps my friend, Jesus, left these verses for you too.

Mama chickens gather their chicks under their wings to protect and comfort them. Jesus Christ gathers us to protect and comfort us. What would it be like to receive a hug from Jesus Christ?

I would feel protected, comforted, and loved. I get to feel that way when I read the scriptures and when I partake of the sacrament and when I attend the temple. Sometimes I even get to feel that way when I see some chickens, because even they point us to Jesus Christ. If you feel like you are in darkness I promise that Jesus Christ is the light as you turn to him you will feel his protection, comfort, and love.

This week I participated in a companionship study exchange. Rather than going on a 24 hour exchange with one of the sisters in the zone like teaching missionaries do, I had a study exchange. The sister I met with helped me feel like Jesus was giving me a hug. I was inspired by her faith and her devotion to Jesus Christ. I wasn't having the best day but she demonstrated Christ-like love that lifted my spirit and gave me hope. I felt seen, I felt gathered.

Happy Easter dearest friends! My friend Jesus, and I love you very much!

Still holding to the rod,

Sister Owens

Summary: Jesus is light. He is also a chicken, symbolically not literally. He loves you and wants to gather you in the same way mama chicks gather baby chicks under there wings to protect them. Let him protect you.