The Light of the World

I love that one of the titles of Jesus Christ is “the Light of the World” (John 8:12). As the only light that I have access to, Christ gives me direction, guidance, comfort and peace. Loosing my vision because of cancer has been extremely difficult. It has been nine and a half years since my world went dark, and, although most days I do fine, there are still those that seem very dark and hopeless. It is the Light, my Light that gives me hope to move forward through the emotional and physical darkness. Jesus Christ is the center of my life and the foundation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a member of this church, as a disciple of Christ, I try to constantly turn myself to him. I try to see my struggles as opportunities to seek his help and grace. There have been many moments when I have hurt terribly with physical pain, moments when I have cried for the help of the Savior. I have felt that help come a little at a time when my challenges seemed to difficult to endure. Because of the sacrifice which Jesus willingly offered, he not only paid for my sins, but suffered all the pains and misery that I have experienced so that he could give me his perfect omniscient comfort and very real strength. I think about this when I am hurting. I remember that his love was so great, that he suffered in Gethsemane and on the cross on Calvary. Then, I remember the empty garden tomb, and that Jesus Christ is not a Lord that used to be. Christ is the Lord who is. He was resurrected and overcame death. Because of his resurrection, I will also be resurrected. My body will one day be perfected. I will see perfectly. This knowledge gives me hope and courage to live with purpose. This gift of resurrection will come to every single person who has ever lived on this earth. It is given no matter how righteous we are. Each of us will receive bodies which are perfected, which cannot die again. It is because of Jesus that this is possible. Some people believe that Mormons do not believe in or follow Jesus Christ. Nothing could be farther from the truth. I am a Mormon, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I know that Christ lives. I know that as I follow his light, I will make it through life’s dark days until I am with him again. I invite you to learn more about the Light of the World. Go to: http://mormon.org/faq/belief-in-jesus-christ, “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” John 8: 12

The Heart Specialist

I recently received a message from a sweet woman who heard me speak at a Time Out For Women event. After describing some heart problems I was having, I talked about the different conditions we experience while on the path of discipleship. I wanted to share her story. I love how she refers to Christ as a “specialist” who can and did heal her broken heart. “I too have dealt with a heart that likes to race. Sometimes for no reason. Like when I am asleep. Although one morning it started racing after doing a strenuous exercise routine. I am not sure how high it was, but it wouldn't stop. By the time my husband arrived from work and the EMT's got to our house and hooked me up it was 220. And it just kept going and going. They asked me to bear down but that didn't help. So they loaded me into the ambulance and while going to the hospital, they gave me the med that stopped and started my heart. Although, they didn't tell me that that is what they were doing. They just told me that I would feel funny for a minute. And I did. It felt like I was being tipped upside down and all the blood was rushing to my head. Then I was fine. My heart rate started slowing down and soon it was back to it's normal range. Well soon a heart ablation was scheduled and wow. Not an easy thing to go through is it? But my heart no longer races and it has been almost a year and a half since my procedure and I am back to doing my strenuous workouts without any worries of a racing heart. I know that Heavenly Father was with me the whole time healing my "broken heart" Well a few months after that I went through a really rough experience where I was shunned and betrayed by one who I considered to be my best friend. I was devastated and hurt deeply. My heart literally "broke". But thank goodness I knew just where to turn. And I sought my Savior, the One Specialist who could heal my heart and make it stronger than ever. And through time I have gained a New heart that is stronger and better than ever. And I have developed a friendship with the One who will never betray or shun me.” Thank you, Marilee, for offering evidence of the power of Christ to heal.

A Place of Hope

I was sent this link to a video that is very inspiring. I love how Heather says that she opperates from a place of hope. www.mesothelioma.com/heather.

I'm Back!

I'm not dead, but I did come close. In January, I had a brain surgery to remove an abscess, and had a rough couple of months. But, I'm coming back to life! I recently spoke at Two Time Out For Women events and loved being among such great people again. I went to Idaho Falls and to Alberta Canada. In case you missed these events, here's an article about the Canada Time Out. http://www.westwindweekly.com/news/local-news/1281.html

Still Reason to Hope

This morning, I heard about the terrible shootings in Connecticut of so many children in kindergarten, and was immediately shocked and saddened. So far, there are 26 confirmed dead. What an awful tragedy. My heart aches for the families of those who have been shot, and for the family of the shooter. I hurt also for those who survived, for their road ahead will be difficult. I’m sure that many people will cry out in anger that there must not be a God, or something like this would not happen. Or, some will question why God didn’t stop it from happening. I do not know why this devastating thing occurred, but I do know there is a God. I know he loves his children. He loves those who were shot and their families. He loves the shooter and his family. He loves us so much that he allows each of his children the right to choose, whether it’s good or bad. Sadly, this man chose to use his freedom to end lives and devastate others. It is very easy to grow bitter, angry, and fearful about our world and the people in it. It is definitely a challenge to hold on to hope. It is hard to keep going when so many tragic things happen every day all around us. Mine is a voice of encouragement, a voice saying, “Don’t give up hope!”. Instead of turning away from God when things are horrible, turn toward him. He will calm. He will send peace. He will provide justice. I love the promise Christ gives to those who follow and believe him, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33). He has overcome all that is hurtful, all that is not right. He suffered all the pain we now suffer, and will help each of us through it. There is still reason to rejoice! There is still good in the world! Hope is not gone, but is available through Jesus Christ.

Real Life podcast

I have started a podcast with a friend and would love you to check it out. It is entitled "Real Life with Kris and Tiina". You can go to my website and follow the link to it, or subscribe through Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/kris-belcher-podcasts/id562168809. My website is: krisbelcher.com. Spread the word!

Hard Times and Holy Places: Keep moving on!

Hard Times and Holy Places: Keep moving on!: The last few months have been filled with a roller coaster of events and emotions. -Caring for my father who is now on hospice care for br...