Bearing One Another's Burdens

The other day when I was driving I saw two horses. At first I thought that one of the horses was biting the other one on his back, but then I realized that he was really scratching his back. I don't know why this touched me so much, but I thought that is how we all should be.

Why are we all so prone to be the "natural man" instead of spiritually minded? We are naturally a selfish people who look after our own needs. Why is it so hard for us to continually or consistently look after the needs of others? Many times we just need to be listened to.

A title in the January Ensign grabbed my attention. It is called "Carrying Others to the Pool of Bethesda." It specifically talks about meeting the needs of others just as the Savior does. 5 examples from the Savior that were talked about in the article were:
1. He looked for the one in need.
2. He listened without criticism.
3. He often gave anonymously.
4. He understood and acknowledged grief or disease.
5. He followed up with the sufferer.
I also liked the quote, "Finally, no tragedy happens in a vacuum. Every person experiencing a life-threatening disease, natural disaster, or grief has family members and friends who are directly affected. They too need help and healing."

My goal is to simply listen, call someone when I think of them, talk to someone at church or work who looks like they need a smile or hug. Everyone needs to know that they are thought of or cared for regardless of their circumstances.

Count your blessings instead of sheep!

I hit a rock bottom low this week and nothing really helped. However when I started thinking about the gospel it all came down to gratitude. I have written about gratitude before and know that having gratitude helps with every aspect in our lives, plus we are commanded to have gratitude. I think we are commanded because it takes the focus off ourselves.

I was watching White Christmas this morning and realized that Christmas is all about gratitude. Gratitude for our Savior, lives, families, jobs, etc... I thought of this when Bing Crosby was singing about counting his blessings instead of sheep. If you haven't heard the song or watched the movie its a great one to listen to.

In Mosiah we read "Oh how we ought to thank our Heavenly King...If you should render all the thanks and praise which your whole soul has power to posses...I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants(Mosiah 2:19-21)." I know I do not always thank my Heavenly Father and need to do better. Maybe next time I am struggling I should start writing down all that I am grateful for right away.

Be of Good Cheer

Life is hard and it just seems like it is getting harder. That being said, there is so much to look forward to or there is someone that helps us through the hard times.

I started reading 3rd Nephi this morning and felt EXACTLY as Nephi did. I have been traveling for the last two days and have felt every emotion, been out of my comfort zone, and had my testimony of Christ strengthened because of all of this. I felt completely surrounded by wickedness, yet the Lord's words to Nephi filled my soul with the spirit of peace.

He (the Lord) said, "Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfill all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets (3rd Nephi 1:13)."

Recently the Provo Tabernacle burned down and they pulled a painting from among the ruins. This is pictured above. It illustrated to me that although things may get harder and we will have to go through a purifying(burning) process, Christ is there and is the ONLY one who has saved us! Words cannot express my feelings of gratitude towards the Savior for His sacrifice for me. When I am not at peace I simply must turn to Him for that peace and trust!

All Good Comes From Christ

Recently I read through the December Ensign magazine. It has been awhile since I have read as much of it as I did, but I couldn't stop reading. I found myself thirsting after the things therein just as I do with the scriptures. I had an overwhelming feeling of HOPE! I tend to get distracted in things of the world, comparing myself to others through looks, salary, and fun things they get to do and I don't. When I read of Christ and those who follow him it reminds me what really matters.

There were so many articles I would recommend. One of my favorites was "Three Generations of Christmas: A String and a Tuna Fish Can."

Anyway the point I want to make is Christ is what brings us happiness, hope, love, joy, the feeling of light, and peace. It may come through the scriptures, Ensign, communication with him, etc... I just love to feel the light from Him in any manner! I guess the best way for me to feel that is by keeping His commandments and serving my fellow men. Wish I could be with Him now, but for now I will try to keep that "Christmas" kind of feeling with me.

Also enjoyed this clip, hope you do to!

Gift of Working Miracles

On Sunday we had an amazing Relief Society lesson about gifts of the spirit. The teacher asked us to study about two of the gifts, either ones we possessed or wanted. I have always wanted or thought a lot about the gift of working miracles, in my life and helping others. However upon further study I was truly humbled.

I looked up a scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 24:13-14 and the parts that stood out to me were..."Require not miracles except I shall command you...And these things ye shall not do except it be required of you by them who desire it." I further read in Matt 17:20..."If ye have faith as a grain of a mustard seed...nothing shall be impossible unto you."

So essentially I am thinking, "Wow, I have been selfish and wanted to have miracles in my life for all the wrong reasons." That was reaffirmed this morning in my scripture study this morning when reading about the signs and miracles that Samuel the Prophet was telling the people of for the coming of Christ. It says,"Many shall see greater things than these, to the intent that they might believe that these signs and wonders should come to pass upon all the face of this land, to the intent that there should be no cause for unbelief among the children of men (Helaman 14:28)"

So the purpose of Miracles...all about believing in Christ and bringing people unto him!

Friendship

I have some pretty great friends, but recently I have been blessed with a very special friend. Many of you know I have just brothers and have always wanted a sister or a friend so close I could share everything with. It made me think of a scripture in Proverbs that says, "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity (Proverbs 17:17)." Don't get me wrong, I love my brothers, they just are not like girls and thank goodness!

This special friend can best be summed up by this quote..."Sometimes you put walls up not to keep people out, but to see who cares enough to break them down.” This person is not judgemental, patient, speaks kind and soft, has overcome more then anyone I know, and is always giving. Does this remind you of someone from the scriptures?

I only wish that everyone had a friend like this. It just seems like there are so many mean, judgemental, or selfish people these days. Wish we could all do what Matthew 16:25 says..."For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."

Christmas Mormon Messages

It has been hard for me to get into the Christmas season this year and it finally happened yesterday! One of the reasons is below.

Last night I woke up and couldn't sleep, no matter what I tried nothing helped. So I decided to make use of my time and watch Mormon Messages, which I love! Last year I posted a video on my blog I love and because I love it so much I am posting it again this year. I was literally crying at 4:30 in the morning watching this!



This year I found another video that was recently produced that I also love. It really makes you realize that presents are not what the season is about! Enjoy!

Don't start fires, just build boats!

I heard a lesson from a peer the other day and have been thinking about it all week long. In 1st Nephi 17:12 it says, "For the Lord had not hitherto suffered that we should make much fire, as we journeyed in the wilderness; for he said: I will make thy food become sweet, that ye cook it not."

Nephi's family had been commanded not to make fire, which was probably part of their everyday existence before they left Jerusalem; they followed that commandment even though they did not know the reasoning and the Lord blessed them or their food.

Not building fire is such a simple thing. Simple things that we are asked to do in our everyday lives are praying, callings, reading our scriptures, and attending meetings. YET, it is those simple things that prepare us for the big things or trials that come along.

In Nephi's case the big thing that came along was the command to build a ship, something he had never done before or had any knowledge of. Some big things in our life may be a mission, marriage, or something that is just individually hard. Nephi had the COURAGE and FAITH to do the big task at hand because he had been doing the small things. So small and simple means lead to great things!

The 5 P's

So a couple of days ago I was in my Old Testament class and the teacher asked, "Why do you think so many return missionaries go inactive shortly after they return from missions?" This question was in response to a fireside our teacher had been in with Elder Perry a few months earlier. Elder Perry asked the same question and some of the answers that he gave those in attendance were RM's no longer set goals, kept track of their time, and had work ethic (they had more idle time when they got home).

So in response to this fireside our teacher taught us about the 5 P's in Numbers in the Bible. He emphasized that the theme of Numbers was "You can't walk on the straight and narrow if you are looking back to Egypt." Essentially asking "Am I looking back on my past? DON'T DO IT! Look forward! So those 5 P's without getting too detailed are:

1-Keep your eye on the Promised land (Numbers 13).Are each of us looking towards heaven or our eternal goals?

2-Keep your eye on the Pole or Serpent (Numbers 21). Is it hard for us to do the simple tasks we are asked to do by the Lord and the Prophet? The children of Israel just had to look at the serpent and be healed, but they thought it was too simple. Too many people die spiritually because they refuse to look to Christ.

3-Keep your eye on the Pillar (Numbers 9). Wherever the cloud and pillar of fire went (symbolic of Christ and the Holy Ghost) the children of Israel were supposed to follow. We need to strive to be where the Spirit is always.

4-Keep your eye on the Prophet (Numbers 12 & 16). Always listen to the prophet and never speak ill of him or those who serve with him. We need to hang out with the right crowds or good people. Elder Packer said, "Make changes in friends, even if you face loneliness and rejection."

5-Keep your eye on the Priesthood (Numbers 17). The priesthood is a living thing like an almond tree, blossoming and bearing fruits. It is an active thing in our lives and the church and should be used and honored.

These 5 principles opened my eyes to prioritizing in my life. I hope I can keep my focus forward towards eternal things and not look back and remember things of the past either.

Receiving the Holy Ghost

I have been thinking a lot about the Holy Ghost recently and how to have it more often in my life. I listened to Elder Bednar's talk from this last conference this morning and I was impressed by several things he said. Two parts that I want to share are:

"We more readily receive and recognize the Spirit of the Lord as we appropriately invite Him into our lives. We cannot compel, coerce, or command the Holy Ghost. Rather, we should invite Him into our lives with the same gentleness and tenderness by which He entreats us (see D&C 42:14)."

"Praying, studying, gathering, worshipping, serving, and obeying are not isolated and independent items on a lengthy gospel checklist of things to do. Rather, each of these righteous practices is an important element in an overarching spiritual quest to fulfill the mandate to receive the Holy Ghost. The commandments from God we obey and the inspired counsel from Church leaders we follow principally focus upon obtaining the companionship of the Spirit. Fundamentally, all gospel teachings and activities are centered on coming unto Christ by receiving the Holy Ghost in our lives."

I realized I have been doing opposite of both of these thoughts. I seem to command or want the spirit when I want it and was particularly touched that I needed to use that same gentleness to receive it. I was also overwhelmed by that lengthy checklist mentioned in the 2nd paragraph and thought "duh, each of these elements do connect." I just hadn't realized that they centered in the Holy Ghost. What a blessing to read these words EXACTLY when I needed them!!! I continue to be astonished and impressed with the Lord's love and attention for me.

Shoveling Snow

This morning I woke up and was excited! It had snowed and a substantial amount to boot too! Well when it snows you then have to shovel.

I wonder why I always draw parallels to everything in life, but I started thinking about how life is like shoveling snow. If we don't shovel it piles up and gets harder or less manageable. Sometimes it even ices over and is worse. It's no wonder we read phrases like these in the scriptures:

"What I say unto one I say unto all; pray always lest that wicked one have power in you, and remove you out of your place."-D&C 93:49
"And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation;" -Helaman 5:12
"And thus we see how great the inequality of man is because of sin and transgression, and the power of the devil, which comes by the cunning plans which he hath devised to ensnare the hearts of men."

Just three examples...Pray Always, Remember, Remember, and And thus we see which are reminders to not let the snow pile up in our lives. When I say snow I am talking about trials or the everyday things we encounter. Are we tackling these things with Christ, prayer, and the scriptures or letting them get worse? Personally I think it is easier to shovel regularly and keep a balance in my life!

Stuff or Family?

So I was going to talk about Black Friday and had some really good observations, analogy's, and parables to the gospel, but something else is pressing on my mind.

Parenting has been in my thoughts. I know weird, but I cannot shake these feelings. I feel that it is soooooo important for a mom to stay at home and teach her kids the things of the gospel so that they can be a competent adult and strong in the world by learning the teachings of Jesus Christ and his gospel. I remember distinctly hearing this scripture in seminary many years ago...

“And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents(D&C 68:25)."

That is a pretty big job if you ask me, yet what is more important then being a parent? You can't possible think a job or things top people. This whole gospel is centered around the family, so why are so many people dropping the ball? I am glad to have some good examples to look to. The best one, God the Father and him sacrificing his Son for us!

Thanksgiving Goodness!

I learned some fantastic stuff in Leviticus 25 about sacrifice and feasting, but it is really deep and I want simplicity for Thanksgiving!

I truly am thankful for simple things. To name a few:
*Giggles from a child (I heard quite a few this week)
*The peace and quiet in the Celestial Room
*A warm bed at night to sleep in
*The AMAZING friends I have (I love to talk!)
*The unconditional love of the Savior

And the foods I am thankful for (especially that we have them readily available)...
Cranberries
Turkey
Water, yes water
Leftover pie

A bad word, "#$?*%"

Has anyone ever called you something that you were hurt by? Maybe liar, gossiper, or fat. Maybe it was hurtful because it was true. I know I have experienced that. Recently I came across an example of this in the scriptures that I had never noticed before.

"21 ¶ From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
24 ¶ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Matthew 16

Yep, did you see that? Christ called Peter "Satan!" I know it was not in anger or hatred, but simply because Peter was in the way of Christ fulfilling the Atonement for our Salvation. Think about that. Anything that stands in the way of our salvation is of Satan. Did you also notice that when things hold us up we loose our savour?

We are all on a path towards the atonement or our salvation made possible through Christ. Sometimes there are things or people who get in our way on that path. It might be a bad habit, a serious sin, a friend that doesn't uplift or a movie. The question is what, if anything is in your way? Anything good would be or should be behind you,pushing you towards good, DENYING THEMSELVES, hence the scripture "the first shall be last and the last shall be first."

Thanksgiving Daily

I am grateful that the Lord is so aware of me! With the passing of my friend/coworker I prayed to Heavenly Father for comfort in my life. I wasn't asking for a specific area of help. I would have been happy with a friend to talk to, a scripture that stands out, a thought or feeling, words from a prophet or apostle, BUT I am so blessed because he sent me all of the above!

I observed a class were this scripture was shared: "Thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die, and more especially for those that have not hope of a glorious resurrection (D&C 42:45)." I felt prompted to share that scripture and a note to a specific person who also was dealing with this death. Oh the miracle that occurred!!!

My heart is full of gratitude today because of these experiences and wanted to share this with everyone because of my gratitude.

Peace in Death

I was going to post about something else today and then tragically had a coworker/friend die today. The Plan of Salvation has been on my mind since. President Monson said:

"My brothers and sisters, death eventually comes to all mankind. It comes to the aged as they walk on faltering feet. Its summons is heard by those who have scarcely reached midway in life’s journey, and often it hushes the laughter of little children. Death is one fact that no one can escape or deny.

Frequently death comes as an intruder. It is an enemy that suddenly appears in the midst of life’s feast, putting out its lights and gaiety. Death lays its heavy hand upon those dear to us and at times leaves us baffled and wondering. In certain situations, as in great suffering and illness, death comes as an angel of mercy. But for the most part, we think of it as the enemy of human happiness.

The darkness of death can ever be dispelled by the light of revealed truth. “I am the resurrection, and the life,” spoke the Master. “He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”

This reassurance—yes, even holy confirmation—of life beyond the grave could well provide the peace promised by the Savior when He assured His disciples: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

My friend was only 34 and left behind a family, yet I know that they will be okay because Christ descended below all so that this could happen.

Preparation

Recently I was in my Old Testament class (which is my favorite...wish I could bring all of you) I learned about something pretty cool. Our teacher said that if he had to pick the most important chapter in Exodus it would be chapter 19, not 20 like we all would think. Why chapter 19? Because it specifically talks about how we can prepare to meet God, ie prepare to be worthy or go to the temple.

There are 8 stages or steps that help us get there, hopefully you will understand me explaining them and not my knowledgeable teacher. Here are the 8 stages (with the verse right after the quotation):

1-"7¶ And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the Lord commanded him." Essentially we need to take the word of God seriously.

2-"8 And all the people answered together, and said, All that the Lord hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the Lord." All that God commands we need to do!

3-"9 And the Lord said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the Lord." The Prophet and the Lord's words are harmonious.

4-"10 ¶ And the Lord said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes," We need to be clean when we go to the temple (physically) and dress appropriately.

5-"12 And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death:" There are boundaries when it comes to attending the temple, hours and physical stake boundaries. Plus only those who are recommended can enter.

6-"14 ¶ And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes" Similar to #4 except this is being morally clean.

7-"15 And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at your wives." This refers to bridling our passions.

8-"17 And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount." This refers to us going from the telestial to the terrestrial and eventually onto the celestial kingdoms (a little more confusing).

What is neat about this chapter is that Moses is a type of Christ and essentially leads the children of Israel from bondage to redemption and eventually consecration, just like the Savior! I know that these thoughts are anything but simple or milk, but I just had to share them, hopefully my next post will be a lot simpler!

Amazing Biographies

Recently we (my Old Testament class) got a lecture from our teacher about how important it is to read the biographies of the prophets. He asked how many of us had read President Hinckley's, luckily I had. He made a very good point in that our generation we can read very long book series in days, but have we ever done that in our readings with the Book of Mormon or other church books?

Anyway, I have been wanting to read President Monson's biography, but I have been waiting for my parents to finish it. Now I am reading it whenever they are not. From what I have read so far I am just so amazed by our prophet! What a hardworking, spiritual, and interesting person he is. It has inspired me to go and start writing my own personal history too.

Talk of Christ

Recently I had a dream that I was in a fast and testimony meeting were Christ was not even mentioned. It was funny because it was more like a talent show or storytelling festival. Sadly enough sometimes this is true in real life. I remember thinking of a scripture in my dream:

"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." 2 Ne 25:26

I especially like the part that says "May" look. It is a choice, not a must or something that is being forced upon us. I want talk of Him and rejoice in Him always

A Consecrated Life

I am always trying to be a better person. Consecration is a big thing for me that is probably why Elder Christofferson's talk from this last conference touched me. I think it is interesting that when I am trying to study and pray about ways to improve myself I hear this talk.

To quote him, "I would like to consider with you five of the elements of a consecrated life: purity, work, respect for one’s physical body, service, and integrity."

I encourage anyone reading this to go and study these five elements themselves. Besides the Savior himself I think of the lives the pioneers led. To me they were the epitome of consecration.

I also liked what he said in his closing remarks:
"A consecrated life is a beautiful thing. Its strength and serenity are “as a very fruitful tree which is planted in a goodly land, by a pure stream, that yieldeth much precious fruit” (D&C 97:9)."

Fish sticks and Halibut

On Sunday in my Sacrament meeting there was a talk that I really liked. The speaker told a story of being a picky eater when he was a child. His whole family knew he picky so they were amazed when they had Halibut and he liked it. For awhile they ate Halibut and he never got sick of it. Then one day someone in his family commented on how much he liked Halibut and asked him why. His simple reply as a child was "it tastes like fish sticks." Needless to say Mom stopped buying Halibut after that and bought matchsticks.

I thought the story illustrated his point perfectly. We need more simplicity in our lives. Are we always complicating things or are we trying to simplify things? Elder Uchtdorf in the last general conference talked about this subject in his talk entitled "Of Things That Matter Most." It was one of my favorites.


He counsels us "If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most." I think one of Satan's greatest tactics is to keep us busy and influence us to forget the important things. So are we filling our life with halibut or fish sticks?

I gotta feeling

Recently I have felt something that I have only been privileged to for short periods of time in my life. That feeling I am talking about is of Zion. This scripture illustrates:

"And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them." Moses 7:18

I am not going to tell you which circumstance in my life I feel this way, but I love it. I long to be there when I am not and feel complete peace and comfort there. When you are not in that kind of circumstance how do you get there again?

Don't become desensitized!

I have been meaning to update all week, but life has been busy. I have had many thoughts because I am so blessed and feel so hopeful about everything right now. One of the subjects that I have been thinking a lot about is not becoming desensitized in the world, specifically to media.

There is a TV show that I started watching last year. At first it didn't start off bad, but now it is full blown out of control!!! I can't believe I let myself watch it for as long as I did. This paralleled an event that happened to me this week.

I have eaten trail mix many times before, but for some reason I had an allergic reaction to it this week. I actually had to go to Instacare and get a shot of epinephrine because I couldn't breath, was itching like crazy, and apparently had hives. I didn't think it was that serious, but I guess it was. Now I have to always have an Epi-Pen with me just in case.

I thought that this experience was exactly like being desensitized to a TV show. Sure you may watch it or eat it a few times and you are okay. Hopefully one day you wake up and realize how bad it is and can save yourself before spiritual damage has taken place. I know this is how Satan works his magic. He starts off by tempting us with something fairly tame, maybe even great, but then we get hooked and usually it becomes anything but righteous. I am just glad I recognized it in time!

One Thing

Last week in one of my institute classes the teacher did something different or changed the way he teaches completely by not using his power point and starting class by asking a question. The question he asked was what ONE doctrine do you think is the most important to you in our church? I seriously thought about the question and my answer was Revelation. Other answers ranged from Prophets, Green Jello, the Godhead, the Priesthood, the Atonement, etc...

Then the teacher took an unexpected turn and made us vote on only one. Most voted for their original answer. Then he asked how many of these things were actual doctrine on the day the church was organized in 1830. We narrowed the list down to only two things...The Priesthood and Revelation.


Think about it...would you have had enough faith to join the church in the early days before certain doctrines were established. I like to think I would have because of revelation and feeling the spirit of truth. Just a thought.

Joseph and Christ

For many years I have not liked the story of Joseph in the the Bible, specifically in Genesis. I think the reason being is the Hollywood glorified version drove me nuts!!! I am not a fan of Donny Osmond, so that may have influenced my thoughts. However, this week I read the story differently and saw how important it is.

I saw that Joseph is a foreshadowing of Christ. When Joseph was sold by his brothers he was treated badly just as Christ was. Yet, the part that really gets to me is when the brothers reunite. Joseph forgives them, but since they had NOT KNOWN their brother for many years they didn't believe they were forgiven. It illustrates to me that sin is a very heavy burden because Joseph's brothers were constantly feeling guilty for what they did to him.

As soon as the brothers find out their Father, Jacob, is dying they are worried about the revenge they think Joseph will inflict upon them for what they did to him. This clearly shows that they did NOT KNOW their brother and the love that Joseph had for them. This is illustrated in Gen 50:20..."20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."

Do we or I really know Christ? Do I believe when I am forgiven of a sin? If we really know Christ we know that He loves us and doesn't seek revenge when we have done wrong.

"It did pierce them that did hear to the center"

Lately I have been feeling like the Nephites in 3rd Nephi 11 feel. Read the following verses and then I will expand...

3 And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn.
4 And it came to pass that again they heard the voice, and they understood it not.
5 And again the third time they did hear the voice, and did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came.
6 And behold, the third time they did understand the voice which they heard;

Sometimes I feel like my spiritual ears are not open!!! If the Nephites did not hear the voice until the 3rd time around, I wonder what I am missing out on. Sometimes I just get so frustrated in trying to get the spirit, discern it, and then follow the promptings. Recently I read in a conference talk that we cannot demand the spirit, which I feel like I am doing sometimes. I just wish I knew how to fine-tune this gift we have been given.

Boldness of Speech

So recently I have been reading/studying in Jacob. My heart went out to Him and I felt like I could relate. There are two verses that I could relate to especially in Jacob 2:3,7.

3 And ye yourselves know that I have hitherto been diligent in the office of my calling; but I this day am weighed down with much more desire and anxiety for the welfare of your souls than I have hitherto been.
7 And also it grieveth me that I must use so much boldness of speech concerning you, before your wives and your children, many of whose feelings are exceedingly tender and chaste and delicate before God, which thing is pleasing unto God;

I felt a lot of the language from conference was very bold, but it needed to be. Maybe I relate to these verses and those conference talks because of the lesson I am preparing for Relief Society this month. The lesson is on Elder Holland's talk from April 2010. The title is "Place no more for the enemy of my soul." It's a doosie, go and read it and then you will understand my feelings.

Balance and Patience

Patience and balance are two subjects I have been thinking about for awhile now. Not really sure why, maybe because I notice I do better when these things are incorporated in my life and I also notice the lack thereof.

I think balance in life is really important. That includes having your physical, spiritual, and emotional needs met. I notice that when I exercise, eat right, get enough sleep, go to the temple weekly, read my scriptures and pray daily I am HAPPIER! Figuring out balance is a lifelong pursuit, not something that is perfected in a day either.

Patience also plays hand in hand with balance. Good things take time! I remember on my mission just wanting an investigator to hurry up already, but good things take time and the gospel is worth waiting for. In addition to that sometimes I find myself not being patient with my Father in Heaven. I find myself wanting things now, and not comprehending why he is possibly making me wait. Trust me, ALL my wants are righteous desires, okay maybe not. And just like waiting for a prayer to be answered good bread takes time to cook in the oven. If you open the oven too soon, the loaf will fall and not turn out. In my younger days I was perfectly happy eating the dough, so while I am waiting for good things to bake, I might as well eat some dough:)

Doing the Necessary things

About two weeks ago we had a regional conference featuring Elders Steven Snow, Jeffrey Holland, Boyd Packer, and Sister Beck. They each had significant things to say, but I want to focus on what Sister Beck said.

She talked about doing the necessary things in life. She told us to align ourselves with the Lord and prioritize. I like how she said that the computer is no more valuable to us then our other appliances. One of the important things she brought up was doing missionary work. Several months ago she felt prompted to ask her cousin to be baptized, but she did not heed the prompting. Months later while sitting in the temple she felt the prompting again and called her cousin up that day! He and his wife were baptized shortly there after.

My sister-in-law is a good example of missionary work. She recently shared the gospel with a co-worker, line upon line, not everything all at once. I am proud of her for doing the most important, necessary missionary work, which more importantly is about the worth of a soul. She has never been shy about sharing the gospel with anyone...I bet she would make a better missionary then her husband, lol, just kidding!

Sister Beck repeated a statement over and over that I think we could all think about when it comes to re-prioritizing our lives..."Your doing better then you think you are, but were not doing as well as we could be."

This isn't a race...

So lately I have been thinking a lot about running. Maybe because I love it so much, or because you have a lot of time to think while you are running.

Do you ever notice that we as humans tend to compare ourselves, see who has the bigger, better stuff? Even when people are telling stories they try to top the story being told with something better. IT DOESN'T MATTER! I constantly remind myself of that.

I think of the perfect scripture to illustrate this..."Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." (2 Nephi 31:20) The point is to press forward, not race, but help each other stay on the path! I distinctly remember memorizing this scripture when I was a missionary. My companion helped me with each and every word and even added actions to help.

As we are running remember to help others, press forward with hope, and hey, it doesn't hurt to have a running partner either! I'm still looking for one, lol!

Dating and Marriage

I completely forgot about the CES fireside this past weekend, but was able to listen to Elder Scott's message today and I WAS IMPRESSED! There were so many funny comments and many tidbits of wise counsel interspersed.

Some of the funny things that were said...
"Everything she does makes me happy (spoken from newlywed husband). Men, remember that phrase when you become husbands (comment from Elder Scott)!"

"It's alright to go to the movie after your married, but it's stupid to do it beforehand. Get to know each other. If you want to have a wonderful wife you've got to be attractive to her."

"As I shake hands with members at the end of a meeting, occasionally I note a man that's in line in front of his wife. That's inappropriate, as a matter of fact it's just plain stupid! It's demeaning to her. The simple gestures like opening the door of a car or in a room for a woman shows how you want to give her the respect she deserves." (I guess this can be funny and also wise counsel, plus it can be turned around to showing respect towards men)


Some of the parts of the counsel we received...
"Young Men don't waste time in idle pursuits. Serve a worthy mission then make your highest priority that of finding a worthy, eternal companion."

"To love another righteously is to protect, to elevate, to keep pure, and undefiled. To sacrifice one self for the benefit of the other. To love is to hold and reserve sacred intimate experiences for the sanctity of marriage."

"There is a powerful difference between love and lust. Pure love yields happiness and engenders trust. It is the foundation of eternal joy. Lust will destroy that which is enriching and beautiful."

"For women the difference between right and wrong is as black and white. When many of us men see a wide range of gray."

"Some of you may feel lonely and unappreciated. You cannot see how it will be possible for you to have the blessing of marriage and children or your own family. All things are possible to the Lord and he keeps the promises he inspires his prophets to declare. Eternity is a long time. Have faith in those promises and live to be worthy of them so that in His time the Lord can make them come true in your life. With certainty you will receive every promised blessing for which you are worthy. I pray that it will be on this side of the veil."

Amazing words, I loved! If you want to listen, it's about 45 minutes long, the link is below.

http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&vgnextoid=22dfd7256ec8b010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

Unbroken Chain

Okay so if most of you have not been able to tell I have recently become obsessed with church history. Because of that interest I am taking a church history class in addition to a few others. In that class I thought of a talk President Hinckley gave a few years ago about not being the weak link in a chain. Part of that talk says...

"There was a dead tree I wished to pull. I fastened one end of a chain to the tractor and the other end to the tree. As the tractor began to move, the tree shook a little, and then the chain broke.

“I looked at that broken link and wondered how it could have given way. I went to the hardware store and bought a repair link. I put it together again, but it was an awkward and ugly connection. The chain was never, never the same.”(Gordon B. Hinckley, “Keep the Chain Unbroken,” in Brigham Young University 1999–2000 Speeches (2000), 108–9). President Hinckley's point in sharing that story with us was to illustrate that each of us is a link in a chain. If we break that chain things are never the same again, especially in regards to posterity.

I thought of this talk because I was thinking about Joseph Smith's heritage and the fact that there were quite a few strong "links" on the Smith side of the family. Asael Smith was Joseph's Grandfather and from his posterity there were 4 prophets! Look at this amazing pedigree from the Smith Family...

Nauvoo Temple

I wanted to post the pictures of temple things separate from all the rest of the church history photos I had, probably because of the sacredness of the building. I really enjoy going to historic temples because of the craftsmanship and the sacrifices that were made to build them. Nauvoo is a unique temple unlike any other I have been in and I am lucky enough to have been in it twice.

This is a timeline of events in relation to the Nauvoo Temple. It was very help for me because I had always wondered when certain things happened such as the tornado.





One of the original sunstones outside of the visitors center.


The pieces de resistance, the Nauvoo Temple, even more spectacular inside!

Nauvoo Continued

The RLDS church owns several of the historic sites in Nauvoo including the Mansion House, Nauvoo House, Homestead, and Red Brick Store. You can click on the signs to find out more about each building. We didn't take the "formal" tour given by the RLDS church because we had taken before and knew that we didn't have the time. We didn't go inside the buildings, but just got some quick pictures.




The Mansion House were the Smiths lived and that was also a boarding house




The Nauvoo house was used to house the sick or those just moving into town. Unfortunately it was never finished.


This little fella was outside the homestead. Most of these buildings were right next to the Mississippi River. I can imagine the Saints had frogs, snakes and other creatures around a lot.





The backyard of the homestead


The front of the homestead. This was the first home the Smith's had in Nauvoo.


The graves of Emma, Joseph, and Hyrum. Originally their remains were not here, but were later moved.


The graves of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith.


The names of the whole Smith Family within the family cemetery. How fitting that they could be buried near each other and finally together in heaven after a life apart from each other.




The front of the Red Brick Store, which was a store and still is. More importantly upstairs is were the Relief Society was organized.


The sign hanging over Joseph Smith's office upstairs in the Red Brick store. They sell these signs now at places like Deseret Book.


The inside of the Prophet's office, in my opinion hallowed ground, probably were significant things were written.


Inside the room were the Relief Society was organized.


The Brick Yard. I'm not sure if this chimney was originally there, but I think the bricks are original. BTW, the RLDS store sells the bricks in the Red Brick store, but save your money, they are given out for free at the Brick Yard.


Lucy Mack Smith's home. She did not live here until the last few years of her life.


The dining/parlor/kitchen. Her home had the steepest (is that a word?) stairs in all of Nauvoo and because of her arthritis she stayed downstairs...so everything pretty much was within a room or two to make it accessible to her.


The bed she slept in, some of her clothes, and her picture hanging.




The front of the 70's hall, which basically was the first MTC.


The front of Wilford Woodruff's home. I will always remember this home because it has a fireplace in every room. President Woodruff hated being cold while serving a mission in England so when he got home he was adamant about having a fireplace in every room to keep warm.


The Parlor


A picture of the First Presidency when Wilford Woodruff was the President.


A Bee Box. I thought this was an ingenious invention. Children would take half of this box, go out and catch a bee, return home and attach the rest of the box filled with flour, coat the bee in flour, and release the bee. Then they would follow the easier to see bee back to the hive and get honey for the family.


Wilford Woodruff's kitchen


An example of what the underside of the beds looked like and were we also get the expression, "Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite."


The front of Heber C. Kimball's home


A painting of Heber C. Kimball, whose life history I just read and would highly recommend!


The parlor, which had a baby grand piano. There were many other instruments throughout the house.


One of the other pianos in his home. It was a very impressive home.