What is it that ye desire of me?

This week I read 3 Nephi 28 which was very fitting for the things that I have been thinking about lately. Before I read this section I kept thinking that I wish I had no more disposition to do evil as the scriptures talk about. Don't worry I don't want to kill anybody, but I am talking about other things. Why do I think unkind things, say things before I think, have laziness about me when I should be serving, curse people on the road who may cut me off, just in general do things that I know I shouldn't?

I really do desire to have "no more disposition to do evil." When Christ asks the Nephite apostles what they desire 9 of them wanted to quote "speedily come unto thee in thy kingdom." Then Christ asked the other three apostles what they desired and this is what happened...

" 5 And they sorrowed in their hearts, for they durst not speak unto him the thing which they desired.

6 And he said unto them: Behold, I know your thoughts, and ye have desired the thing which John, my beloved, who was with me in my ministry, before that I was lifted up by the Jews, desired of me.

7 Therefore, more blessed are ye, for ye shall never taste of death; but ye shall live to behold all the doings of the Father unto the children of men, even until all things shall be fulfilled according to the will of the Father, when I shall come in my glory with the powers of heaven."

Isn't that cool?!?! It would be great to never taste of death, but to also see all the doings of the Father. Essentially the only thing that they would suffer or sorrow for was the sins of others.

So I think my desire to do no more evil was trumped by the 3 Nephites! Serve until the second coming, have no disposition to do evil or think of themselves, and bring souls unto Christ. That would be the life!!!

On a secondary thought I need to go review the amazing talk by Elder Oaks...http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/desire?lang=eng&query=desire

It's just a clock:)

I have learned from Him that there are things more important than the clock. I've tried to be more like him when I am meeting with people. Even with my family. Don't be so overridingly concerned with what time it is; just make sure that you are blessing the people while you are there, that they go away from that interchange better then they would have been.
~Elder Nelson speaking of President Monson

O holy night

I loved this clip because Liz Lemon Swindle is my favorite LDS artist. Not to mention O holy night is my favorite Christmas song. I just bought of painting of her's too (the one showed at 1:35 in the video).

Best gift ever!

Press Forward

At the beginning of my mission there was a lot to conquer. I was scared, needed more faith, hated the unknown, yet this scripture has always stuck with me. It was the first scripture that my trainer help me memorize.

"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

I feel like I am fighting for my life right now, but I have the key. Press forward, feast on the word and endure!

I matter to Him!

I have really been struggling lately. The Relief Society lesson on Sunday really helped me. The subject was comfort and the teacher specifically focused on Elder Uchtdorf's talk "You Matter to Him." Many of her comments and the comments from the other sister;s were inspired and just what I needed to hear. She did not share this part of his talk, but I really like it...

"Third, no matter where you live, no matter how humble your circumstances, how meager your employment, how limited your abilities, how ordinary your appearance, or how little your calling in the Church may appear to you, you are not invisible to your Heavenly Father. He loves you. He knows your humble heart and your acts of love and kindness. Together, they form a lasting testimony of your fidelity and faith.

Fourth and finally, please understand that what you see and experience now is not what forever will be. You will not feel loneliness, sorrow, pain, or discouragement forever. We have the faithful promise of God that He will neither forget nor forsake those who incline their hearts to Him.21 Have hope and faith in that promise. Learn to love your Heavenly Father and become His disciple in word and in deed.

Be assured that if you but hold on, believe in Him, and remain faithful in keeping the commandments, one day you will experience for yourselves the promises revealed to the Apostle Paul: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

Just need to hold on.

A Divine Gift

Whoever you are and whatever you have done, you can be forgiven. Every one of you young men (young women) can leave behind any transgression with which you may struggle. It is the miracle of forgiveness; it is the miracle of the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. But you cannot do it without an active commitment to the gospel, and you cannot do it without repentance where it is needed.-Elder Holland


Elder Christofferson spoke on The Divine Gift of Repentance this last conference and several of his thoughts impressed me. I only felt love, hope, and motivation when he spoke of repentance.

"Repentance is a divine gift, and there should be a smile on our faces when we speak of it. It points us to freedom, confidence, and peace. Rather than interrupting the celebration, the gift of repentance is the cause for true celebration."

"Repentance is an expansive subject, but today I would like to mention just five aspects of this fundamental gospel principle that I hope will be helpful.
First, the invitation to repent is an expression of love.
Second, repentance means striving to change...Real repentance, real change may require repeated attempts, but there is something refining and holy in such striving.
Third, repentance means not only abandoning sin but also committing to obedience.
Fourth, repentance requires a seriousness of purpose and a willingness to persevere, even through pain...“By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them” (D&C 58:43).
Fifth, whatever the cost of repentance, it is swallowed up in the joy of forgiveness."

Such a good talk, so I will post the whole thing for you below. I was also talking to my Dad this week about repentance. When he served a mission before arriving in Indonesia he went to the LTM (Language Training Mission) in Hawaii. He taught me since many Polynesian or Tropical cultures have never seen snow it is harder to comprehend the scripture in Isaiah that says "though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;" so they would change that to though your sins be as blood, they shall be as white as coconut. I love that analogy! Everyone can be saved through the Atonement. I know that everyone needs to repent, and everyone deserves forgiveness if they go through the process.

Managing time and technology

Usually when watching conference there is always one session I am distracted in or fall asleep. I try my best, but during the Saturday afternoon session I had a two year old distraction. Since then I have listened to the talks again and was impressed by Elder Ardern's talk called "A time to Prepare."

My favorite quote in his talk was "Electronic games and cyber acquaintances are no lasting substitute for real friends who can give an encouraging hug, who can pray for us and seek after our best interest." I have really needed "real friends" this year so this really hit home for me. Am I or you wasting to much time on facebook, playing games, or watching TV? How hard is it really to call a friend, drop by, or send a note to a friend or family member?

Love this too..."I know our greatest happiness comes as we tune in to the Lord (see Alma 37:37) and to those things which bring a lasting reward, rather than mindlessly tuning in to countless hours of status updates, Internet farming, and catapulting angry birds at concrete walls. I urge each of us to take those things which rob us of precious time and determine to be their master, rather than allowing them through their addictive nature to be the master of us."

How do I love thee?

It's hard being lonely, but...

Must be important!

As with every Conference I am anxious to listen to or watch the Priesthood session as soon as it is available. This month I am teaching a lesson in Relief Society on President Monson's Priesthood address from April titled "Priesthood Power." In studying for that and just listening to President Monson's recent talk from the Priesthood session this past weekend I saw so many similarities. That being said, what our Prophet is telling us must be important!

The main similarity that I noticed was him talking about societies morals and our responsibility to be better in the world. He said, "We have come to the earth in troubled times. The moral compass of the masses has gradually shifted to an “almost anything goes” position.

I’ve lived long enough to have witnessed much of the metamorphosis of society’s morals. Where once the standards of the Church and the standards of society were mostly compatible, now there is a wide chasm between us, and it’s growing ever wider." I have been thinking about what I need to strengthen in my own life or what can help me withstand temptation. President Monson answers that point on by saying, "What will protect you from the sin and evil around you? I maintain that a strong testimony of our Savior and of His gospel will help see you through to safety. If you have not read the Book of Mormon, read it. I will not ask for a show of hands. If you do so prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, the Holy Ghost will manifest its truth to you. If it is true—and it is—then Joseph Smith was a prophet who saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. The Church is true. If you do not already have a testimony of these things, do that which is necessary to obtain one. It is essential for you to have your own testimony, for the testimonies of others will carry you only so far. Once obtained, a testimony needs to be kept vital and alive through obedience to the commandments of God and through regular prayer and scripture study. Attend church. You young men, attend seminary or institute if such is available to you."Since the text is not available yet from this last weekend I encourage you to watch or listen to his message that the Lord wants us to hear. Study it and you will see the similarities and realize the importance of the words of our Prophet.

Relief Society Broadcast Highlights

Compassionate Women

Last night I was listening to some general conference talks from 2008 and was impressed by the words of Elder Scott. Some of the things he shared that I liked were...

"Do single sisters receive the consideration and attention they deserve when they attend family wards? Do they have opportunities to serve in significant callings where they are made to feel welcome and wanted? Do they receive the required priesthood support?

The scriptures confirm that Father in Heaven saved His greatest, most splendid, supreme creation, woman, to the end. Only after all else was completed was woman created. Only then was the work pronounced complete and good.

Of our wives, mothers, grandmothers, and sisters and other important women in our lives, President Hinckley declared: “Of all the creations of the Almighty, there is none more beautiful, none more inspiring than a lovely daughter of God who walks in virtue with an understanding of why she should do so, who honors and respects her body as a thing sacred and divine, who cultivates her mind and constantly enlarges the horizon of her understanding, who nurtures her spirit with everlasting truth.”

By divine design a woman is fundamentally different from a man in many ways. She is compassionate and seeks the interests of others around her. However, that compassionate nature can become overwhelming for women who identify far more to accomplish than they can possibly do, even with the help of the Lord. Some become discouraged because they do not feel they are doing all they should do. I believe this is a feeling that many worthy, effective, devoted women of the Church experience."

I know my Mom was one of these compassionate women. I remember her making cookies for all her single senior neighbors this past year when she her cancer was really bad. Elder Scoot also talks of his wife praying to help others when she was also sick with cancer. Service is never convenient, but I pray I can be compassionate in someones hard time. My Bonus Mom is also one of these people. Many of my friends are like this too. I am so grateful to be a woman and one of Heavenly Father's best creations.

Inspiration

Last night was a really hard night for me. I think it was a combination of being tired and the trials of life. I was blessed with several thoughts of inspiration from last night to now I want to share.

First being a friends simple facebook status to be better in her life. The second was this quote. "Half the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm; but the harm does not interest them. Or they do not see it, or they justify it because they are absorbed in the endless struggle to think well of themselves." T.S. Elliot

Third is not a new point of inspiration, but one I need reminding of often. The Savior loves me, regardless of my life circumstances. It is so good to be LOVED by someone especially when I feel down. I also feel comforted knowing that if I just ask I will receive.

Angel's

"God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face."

I have been reviewing past conference talks in preparation for our upcoming conference. The subject of Angel's has been on my mind a lot in the last week. Angel's both of earth and of heaven. Elder Holland's talk from October 2008 called "The Ministry of Angels" has been ingrained into my mind.

Some of his thoughts I love:

"Usually such beings are not seen. Sometimes they are. But seen or unseen they are always near. Sometimes their assignments are very grand and have significance for the whole world. Sometimes the messages are more private. Occasionally the angelic purpose is to warn. But most often it is to comfort, to provide some form of merciful attention, guidance in difficult times.

My beloved brothers and sisters, I testify of angels, both the heavenly and the mortal kind. In doing so I am testifying that God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face. “[N]or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man [or woman or child] upon the face thereof to be saved.” 13 On occasions, global or personal, we may feel we are distanced from God, shut out from heaven, lost, alone in dark and dreary places. Often enough that distress can be of our own making, but even then the Father of us all is watching and assisting. And always there are those angels who come and go all around us, seen and unseen, known and unknown, mortal and immortal.

In the process of praying for those angels to attend us, may we all try to be a little more angelic ourselves—with a kind word, a strong arm, a declaration of faith and “the covenant wherewith [we] have covenanted.” 15 Perhaps then we can be emissaries sent from God when someone, perhaps a Primary child, is crying, “Darkness … afraid … river … alone"

Wow! It is so comforting for me to know there are angels from the other side, among my friends, and that I can also be an angel myself. I know this gospel is true and I am striving everyday to become more heavenly.

ABC's

I have been reading the most amazing book titled "The Temple: Where Heaven Meets Earth" by Truman Madsen. I am picking up on so many concepts I feel like I am just in Kindergarten when it comes to Temple learning.

In the book Truman Madsen talk's about the ABC's of Temple worship. The acronym really helps me remember what it is all about.
A-Atonement or anointing (the temple focus)
B-Born or born again (through the spirit)
C-Covenants
D-Dedication (when we dedicate the building we are also dedicating ourselves)
E-Endowment
F-Fullness "You cannot receive the fullness that the Lord has for you without coming through the temple and having the temple come through you."
G-Glory of the Lord-D&C 93:36

If you want to know more you will have to read chapter two in the book. Wish me luck in learning my ABC's.

Excitement in the Air

I really, really, really liked the talk "No Ordinary Blessing" by Elder Uchtdorf just as much as I like Oikos Greek Yogurt!!! Conference is my favorite! I am so excited for it to come. Just as the first part of the article says we need to remember what our prophet said in the last 6 months and be able to share that with others. I like the 3 concepts he shares with us to helps us remember things from conference.

1-Members of the Church are entitled to personal revelation as they listen to and study the inspired words spoken at general conference.

2-Don't discount a message merely because it sounds familiar.

3-The words spoken at general conference should be a compass that points the way for us during the coming months.

I'm so excited I just can't hide it!!! Hopefully I can remember these concepts too. In the meantime here is a recap of last Conference highlights.

Healing and Relief

This past weekend I was at Zion National Park. On a hike they call "Angel's Landing" we saw many little creatures. Can you imagine 3 girls freaking out over and over again? Well the creature that scared me the most were the scorpions. We saw three of them and I know the smallest ones are the most harmful. I instantly thought of this talk/video from conference. Luckily my friends reminded me that I was wearing thick hiking shoes to protect me. Oh how often I need to be reminded about repenting, needing protection, and calling on the Savior!

The Message

One night while I was reading a great book called "The Broken Heart" (about the Atonement, by Bruce Hafen), my brother called me up and said that he was reading a great book called "The Message." He asked if I wanted to borrow it when he was done. I told him no since it was about death and I was already having a hard time coping with my Mother's death. He insisted and brought it along when we traveled to the funeral. On the plane I started to read it, which was good and bad because it made me cry, but I was hooked!

Basically it is about an LDS man who goes into a coma and visits Paradise/The Spirit World. He learns a few lessons while he is there and is told it is not his time to die, but will return to his family. The lessons he learned helped me cope with the death of my Mother. He talked about the importance of God, Family, Service, Love, and Liberty. Mostly he focused on Love and Service. He emphasized how much we need to love and serve those around us because that is what they are doing there. He also testified how much the Savior really loves us, but sometimes we forget. Although this is not published by the church I feel like everyone should read this book because everything he writes about is doctrinally sound. I felt the spirit the whole time I read it and the story also sucked me in. Thank you Lance Richardson for making death a little bit easier for me and remembering the big picture.

Ladders and Chutes

I had someone share some great imagery with me the other day. It is all about the atonement, I love it! I have always tried to understand and use the atonement fully in my life, but of course like any human being have not been able to. Well this friend told me we cannot view this life like a ladder. When we do we see things in a prideful, status, despairing way. When we constantly climb a ladder we tell ourselves "I need to...(fill in the blank)." Stop Climbing, get off the ladder! If you continue to do that you will ALWAYS fall down those darn chutes. We need to tell ourselves, "Shut up, be still, and don't climb!!!" In reality you will never "Win" by climbing ladders.

In comparison we need to be traveling on the ROAD of life side by side next to the Savior, then we can "Be Still." When you fall in this case you are at the Savior's side and not elevating yourself or trying to do things by yourself. The way to "win" or attain eternal life is only done with the Savior! I cannot stop thinking about this, I love learning new concepts like this in life!!!!!

Importance of Scripture Study

Last week I was asked to speak in church. I could either speak on the Law of Chastity or the Importance of Scripture Study, Hum, NO BRAINER!!!

I found this great talk by Elder Bednar called "Because we have them before our eyes" that covered almost everything I was thinking about.

Why do we need to read our scriptures? To obtain knowledge of Jesus Christ, to draw closer to Him, and to become more like him. The scriptures also give us power and are essentially a voice recording as Elder Bednar puts it. So it is important to read so that we recognize His voice and can respond to promptings quicker!

I talked about keys to studying the scriptures. When I was in Elementary school one of my favorite teachers had a jar of keys. Every time we did something good we would be rewarded with a key. Once all the keys were gone we tried to open a treasure box with our collection of keys. Boy did I want the chest full of treasures and one time I had the magic key! My point is we all use different keys when we study the scriptures, figure out what works for you best! Elder Bednar suggested five keys...

1-Pray for Understanding, and invite the help of the Holy Ghost
2-Work
3-Be consistent
4-Ponder
5-Write down impressions, thoughts, and feelings

Since I don't want to give you my whole talk, I will just share one more thought I had. In regards to work I can remember my Dad taking me to our family's safety deposit box when I was younger. We had to go through a vault door and use multiple keys. The things in the box my parents had worked hard for most of their lives. We cannot expect scripture knowledge or hearing the voice of the Lord to come to us overnight. It may take years of hard work.

I am so grateful to have the scriptures in my life, I wouldn't be able to survive without them. I am glad I have some keys and am figuring out His voice, but I need more keys and more diligence over time.

Happy in HIM:)

41 But there were many who died with old age; and those who died in the faith of Christ are happy in him, as we must needs suppose.

I read this verse last night in Alma 46 and re-read it several times. Happy in Him...of course if we have faith in Christ we must needs suppose that! Those who don't have faith in Christ at it come to death have nothing to be happy about. What do they believe. This verse also made me think of Alma 40:12 or the whole chapter really...

"And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow."

Happiness, paradise, rest, and peace are exactly what I want! I LOVE HAVING HAPPINESS IN HIM! I am more at peace too with my Mom getting that.

My Colorful Ward

When I first started attending my ward I thought, "What have I got myself into?" Yet with every ward I firmly believe that there is good and bad, normal people and weird people, and that Jesus Christ would love each person equally. That is how I have tried to view each member of my ward, even though I am not perfect and am constantly entertained by the things said on Fast Sunday. I remind myself weekly "How would the Savior treat or see this person? Or what is going on in their life?" Then one sunday during sacrament I read the talk "Remember This: Kindness Begins with Me" by Mary Cook. Boy did I feel guilty! Nonetheless I share my favorite part...

"A counselor in a bishopric recently shared an experience that teaches how important each neighbor is. While looking out over the congregation, he saw a child with a large box of crayons filled with a variety of different hues. As he looked at the many members of his ward, he was reminded that, like the crayons, they were very similar but each person was also very unique.

He remarked: “The shade they brought to the ward and the world was all their own. … They had their individual strengths and weaknesses, personal longings, private dreams. But together, they blended into a color wheel of spiritual unity. …

“Unity is a spiritual quality. It’s the sweet feelings of peace and purpose that come from belonging to a family. … It’s wanting the best for others as much as you want it for yourself. … It’s knowing that no one is out to harm you. [It means you will never be lonely.]”6

We build that unity and share our unique colors through benevolence: individual acts of kindness.Have you ever felt lonely? Do you notice those who are lonely, living in a black-and-white world? Young women, I’ve watched as you bring your unique color into the lives of others with your smiles, your kind words, or a note of encouragement."

How encouraging to think of each person as a crayon color! I love that analogy. I love all the colors of the rainbow, but I realize I can't be them all. Sometimes I like certain colors a little more then others, but every color is important and needed at some point in life. Thanks Sister Cook for helping me see things differently!!!

Hope

This video was sent to me by a friend and I am serious when I say everything that was said was exactly what I needed to hear today. I know that my Redeemer lives and that I can do all things through Him who saved me!

Greatest

I bear my special witness that the greatest joy we receive in this life is in following the Savior.
~Elder Perry

Serving like the Savior

Brothers and sisters, we each have a covenant responsibility to be sensitive to the needs of others and serve as the Savior did--to reach out, bless, and uplift those around us. ~Elder Uchtdorf

Unshakeable, Nurtured Faith

A friend of mine gave me a really good cd about hope, enduring, discipleship, etc... It has various prophets and apostles speaking and is set to music. I love it! I love so many of these men too, but Elder Eyring's words keep pricking my heart, so I looked up one of his talks quoted. The talk is called "Spiritual Preparedness: Start Early and Be Steady" I love these words:

"What we will need in our day of testing is a spiritual preparation. It is to have developed faith in Jesus Christ so powerful that we can pass the test of life upon which everything for us in eternity depends. That test is part of the purpose God had for us in the Creation.

It will take unshakable faith in the Lord Jesus Christ to choose the way to eternal life. It is by using that faith we can know the will of God. It is by acting on that faith we build the strength to do the will of God. And it is by exercising that faith in Jesus Christ that we can resist temptation and gain forgiveness through the Atonement.

We will need to have developed and nurtured faith in Jesus Christ long before Satan hits us, as he will, with doubts and appeals to our carnal desires and with lying voices saying that good is bad and that there is no sin. Those spiritual storms are already raging. We can expect that they will worsen until the Savior returns.

However much faith to obey God we now have, we will need to strengthen it continually and keep it refreshed constantly. We can do that by deciding now to be more quick to obey and more determined to endure. Learning to start early and to be steady are the keys to spiritual preparation. Procrastination and inconsistency are its mortal enemies.

Decisions now to exercise faith and be steady in obedience will in time produce great faith and assurance. That is the spiritual preparedness we all will need. And it will qualify us in the moments of crisis to receive the Lord’s promise that “if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.”

That will be true when we face the storms of life and the prospect of death. A loving Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son have given us all the help They can to pass the test of life set before us. But we must decide to obey and then do it. We build the faith to pass the tests of obedience over time and through our daily choices. We can decide now to do quickly whatever God asks of us. And we can decide to be steady in the small tests of obedience which build the faith to carry us through the great tests, which will surely come."

WOW! You can say that again! I am so excited to strengthen my faith and endure well now! I luv, luv, luv his counsel!

Trials are for_____

"All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable...It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire."-Orson F. Whitney

Even though I have been reading and listening to the Conference talks over and over again I guess they mean more to us at different phases in our lives. "More Than Conquerors through Him That Loved Us" was one of those talks I was flabbergasted by most recently. Elder Paul Johnson says.....

A pattern in the scriptures and in life shows that many times the darkest, most dangerous tests immediately precede remarkable events and tremendous growth.

In the midst of problems, it is nearly impossible to see that the coming blessings far outweigh the pain, humiliation, or heartbreak we may be experiencing at the same time.

We must be careful that we don't resent the very things that help us put on the divine nature. We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.

I love the words of Paul that he quotes, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...Nay in all things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." Romans 8:35, 37

So trials are for testing our faith, consecrating our lives, and education. Gotta love um;-)

Distance

"I find that when I get casual in my relationships with divinity and when it seems that...no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns." -President Kimball

Be of Good Cheer:)

In a time when things are at their worse (I am dealing with 3 hard things for me)including my Mom dying soon, I read the most amazing article in the Ensign called "Be of Good Cheer: Choosing Happiness"

REMINDER: Christ has overcome the world!

"Christ's enabling power helps us feel happiness and cheer amid mortal gloom and doom. Misfortune and hardship lose their tragedy when viewed through the lense of the Atonement.

When Christ proclaims, “Be of good cheer,” He is not requesting a naïve, Pollyanna-like response to life’s cruel twists and turns. Nor is He promising a pain-free life of constant bliss. Trial is no respecter of persons. Tragedy and hardship do not discriminate."

"I have learned that in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I can do all things with Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:11, 13)"

"True, we live in a time of war, a day of conflicts and terrors not only among nations but within our own hearts. But He who is the Balm, of Gilead is the Lord of all creation; only in Him are peace and serenity found."


In the last week my views have changed dramatically and some people are wondering whats up! Gospel means good news!!! With my knowledge it is hard to be sad or depressed long term. I can make it through hard things!

A child's knowledge

I recently read a story were a primary age child rode on a bus seated next to a non-member. He asked he what her church was about. She quoted each Article of Faith and spoke about each one of them with the gentleman. He did not join the church immediately, but year's later he wished that he had wrote down her name because she was the primary reason that he did join the church.

Most members at some point in our lives memorize the Articles of Faith. To some it comes easy. Some forget them just as quickly as they learn them. I can repeat them word for word, but only if I sing them. I want to be able to share that part of my beliefs in my testimony if needs be. Here is a refresher!

1We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

2We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.

3We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

4We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

5We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

6We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

7We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing,
interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

8We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

9We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

10We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

11We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

12We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

13We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

The 13th Article has always been a good reminder when it comes to my media choices. One year I typed it up and put it next to the TV since there is so much smut out there. I love that we have our beliefs summed up, I especially like numbers one and four.

Peace

Things that normally bring me peace haven't been helping lately. Today when I was in the temple specific words came to my mind from the hymn "Where Can I Turn For Peace?"

"Where can I turn for peace? Where is my solace when other sources cease to make me whole?...I draw myself apart, Searching my soul?...Who, who can understand? He only One."

The only thing that brings me peace right now is my communication with my Savior. On my mission in the Independence Missouri visitors center there was a statue of the Christus. The narration was John 14:27.

"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." I LOVE THIS and am so grateful for this knowledge!!!

Strength to Bear Burdens

13And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.

14And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

15And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.
-Mosiah 24

There is a great talk in the July 2011 Ensign I would highly recommend called "Strengthening my back without removing my burden." Very helpful in changing my perspective.

Parable of the Pearl

Today I visited a singles branch were I heard a great parable from the stake President. Well technically it was "The Parable of the Pearl" given by Elder Oaks a few weeks ago to this Stake President. Actually I don't think the parable is from Elder Oaks, but he may have added to its message.

"There’s an ancient oriental legend that tells the story of a jeweler who had a precious pearl he wanted to sell. In order to place this pearl in the proper setting, he conceived the idea of building a special box of the finest woods to contain the pearl. He sought these woods and had them brought to him, and they were polished to a high brilliance. He then reinforced the corners of this box with elegant brass hinges and added a red velvet interior. As a final step, he scented that red velvet with perfume, then placed in that setting this precious pearl.

"The pearl was then placed in the store window of the jeweler, and after a short period of time, a rich man came by. He was attracted by what he saw and sat down with the jeweler to negotiate a purchase. The jeweler soon realized that the man was negotiating for the box rather than the pearl. You see, the man was so overcome by the beauty of the exterior that he failed to see the pearl of great price."

The point of Elder Oaks comments was that the Pearl is the first principles and ordinances of the gospel...faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. The ornate box is all of the "other stuff" in the gospel that doesn't matter as much. Our Covenants and our relationship with our Savior is what it ultimately comes down to. I loved this parable! I need to stop focusing on the box and cherish the pearls.

Be Believing

I read this section of scripture the other day and was humbled. It's in Alma 33.

19Behold, he was spoken of by Moses; yea, and behold a type was raised up in the wilderness, that whosoever would look upon it might live. And many did look and live.

20But few understood the meaning of those things, and this because of the hardness of their hearts. But there were many who were so hardened that they would not look, therefore they perished. Now the reason they would not look is because they did not believe that it would heal them.

21O my brethren, if ye could be healed by merely casting about your eyes that ye might be healed, would ye not behold quickly, or would ye rather harden your hearts in unbelief, and be slothful, that ye would not cast about your eyes, that ye might perish?

22If so, wo shall come upon you; but if not so, then cast about your eyes and begin to believe in the Son of God, that he will come to redeem his people, and that he shall suffer and die to atone for their sins; and that he shall rise again from the dead, which shall bring to pass the resurrection, that all men shall stand before him, to be judged at the last and judgment day, according to their works.

Why is it so hard to believe, be healed or just look to Christ? I need constant reminding of this!!! I need to remember that Christ can heal me in anyway I may need, if I am believing and it is His will, not mine! Have faith, believe and have patience:)

Wrestling

Lately my prayers have been like Alma's..."Nevertheless Alma labored much in the spirit, wrestling with God in mighty prayer, that he would pour out his Spirit upon the people who were in the city; that he would also grant that he might baptize them unto repentance."

They have especially been like the prayer of Enos..."And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens."

I have never understood the adjectives of hunger, labor, wrestling, and pleading when it comes to praying. Up until recently I don't believe I could have said that I had ever wrestled in my prayers. The miracle in these words is God is listening. My prayers are answered, sometimes in very small ways, sometimes years later. The picture above was a recent answer to one of my prayers.

I can't say I enjoy pleading, wrestling, and laboring in my prayers, but I do know that anything I have ever put all the energy of my heart into I never regret.

I Miss Mayberry!

Wow, I have been thinking a lot lately about how people are too busy and when I went to lds.org this morning I came upon this video I love! The world around seems so busy, to the point that people don't matter as much. Technology is replacing the important things. It makes me sad! I love the talk by Elder Uchtdorf "Of Things That Matter Most." I am pretty sure I have shared some thoughts from that talk before, but from reviewing his talk and watching this video I now am determined even more to let people around me know that they matter the most!!!

Sunblock

This week I have been out in the sun for many hours mostly running and gardening. Most of the time I remember to put on sunblock, but one day I didn't and burned. Sunblock and following the Spirit are synonymous to me. We can choose to put on sunblock, we can also decide what SPF to wear. Likewise the amount of hours we spend in harmful exposure matters. I know that the Spirit is there to prompt us, protect us, comfort us, & guide us. We need to be diligent in application, especially when it comes to heeding promptings.

I have been reading President Monson's Biography and was impressed from a lesson our prophet had learned. When President Monson was a Bishop he had to attend a Stake Leadership Meeting. Earlier in the evening a friend had asked him to visit his uncle in the hospital, who was a less active member of Bishop Monson's Ward. The meeting dragged on and on, as most meetings do, and he finally ran out during the closing hymn feeling an urgency.


President Monson arrived at the hospital only to be greeted by a nurse who asked him, "Are you Bishop Monson?" "Yes..."The patient was asking for you just before he died." BAM, what a shock! I would definitely feel horrible. The lesson President Monson learned from that experience was "Never postpone a prompting." I too likewise have learned from this lesson and just like sunblock need to reapply often and not let my guard down. In the long run I know I will be happy using sunblock aka following the promptings of the spirit that that I can avoid skin cancer aka harmful sin.

Happy Father's Day!

My Dad is the best! He is not perfect, but he has improved himself with time! I love that he is such a people person and genuinely cares about those around him just as the Savior does. In fact he decided to go on a trip with his Father and take him to all the sites he grew up with so we have to wait to celebrate Father's Day with him. Other reasons why he is great:

-He does his Home teaching and fulfills his callings in a Christlike manner
-Whenever a new neighbor moves in he is among the first to visit and write a bio with their family information, give them neighbor info, & introduce them to others (this is not a calling).
-He knows things about people that most don't, like what their job is, what they may be struggling with, birthdays, or interesting little tidbits.
-He is always willing to give blessings to people
-He is a great writer, especially when it comes to our family newsletter
And the list could go on and on!

Ultimately our best example is our Father in Heaven. I love him and want to do as this scripture says, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." While I cannot be perfect right now, I can improve over time just as my Dad has and hopefully one day be as perfect as my Father in Heaven.

Love

I love my Institute class. This week we talked about true love and its characteristics. Our teacher talked about 3 different kinds of love. 1-Agape: unconditional or Christlike love, given with no thought of getting anything in return. 2-Philia:friendly or brotherly, having the ability to communicate with one another by understanding each other's words and actions. 3-Eros: affection or physical part of love, developing this kind of love is easy for most people, but is the type that is twisted most often by Satan. An Eros foundation of love will not last unless agape and philia are apart of the foundation.

Scriptures we talked about that defined true love were Matt 6:24, Romans 8:35,39, Ephesians 5:2,25,33 and D&C 42:22-23.

President David O. McKay
“‘Well,’ you may ask, ‘how may I know when I am
in love?’
“. . . George Q. Morris [who later became a member
of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, gave this
reply]: ‘My mother once said that if you meet a girl
in whose presence you feel a desire to achieve, who
inspires you to do your best, and to make the most
of yourself, such a young woman is worthy of your
love and is awakening love in your heart.’
“I submit that . . . as a true guide. In the presence of
the girl you truly love you do not feel to grovel; in
her presence you do not attempt to take advantage
of her; in her presence you feel that you would like
to be everything that a Master Man should become,
for she will inspire you to that ideal. And I ask you
young women to cherish that same guide” (“As
Youth Contemplates an Eternal Partnership,”
Improvement Era, Mar. 1938, 139).

Elder Marvin J Ashton said, "True love is a process. True love requires personal action. Love must be continuing to be real. Love takes time. Too often expediency,infatuation, stimulation, persuasion, or lust are mistaken for love. How hollow, how empty if our love is no deeper than the arousal of momentary feeling or the expression in word s of what is no more lasting than the time it takes to speak them."

I am beginning to figure out what real or true love is. Christ knows, cares, and is sincerely concerned about my welfare. I think of the scripture in John 4:19..."We love Him, because He first loved us." True love can be summed up in one word-Selflessness.

My Favorite Hymns

"We get nearer to the Lord through music than perhaps through any other thing except prayer."
-- President J. Reuben Clark Jr., in Conference Report, Oct. 1936, 111

I have been moved a lot by music lately. Some words that have touched me are from the hymn, "I know that My Redeemer Lives." When I was younger it fascinated me that I might one day get a mansion, but now the words that touch me are right before and after that. "He lives, and I shall conquer death. He lives my mansion to prepare. He lives to bring me safely there." I will only conquer death and make it back to Him because He made it possible! I also love that he wants to bring me safely there. That makes me feel like he doesn't criticize me for my sins/mistakes, that when I go through trials he wants to strenghen me, and that He loves me so much he cares about my safety.

Other hymns I have always loved:
1-I need thee every hour
2-More Holiness give me
3-Redeemer of Israel
4-Be thou humble
5-Teach me to walk
6-O my Father
7-Let the Holy Spirit Guide
8-Lead Kindly Light
9-I Stand All Amazed

And my favorite Children's Hymn: I know that my Savior loves me

Selfless acts of Service

"Often, the answer to our prayer does not come while we’re on our knees but while we’re on our feet serving the Lord and serving those around us. Selfless acts of service and consecration refine our spirits, remove the scales from our spiritual eyes, and open the windows of heaven. By becoming the answer to someone’s prayer, we often find the answer to our own." Elder Uchtdorf

Thoughts

This morning as I was laying in bed waking up and my thoughts made a connection. So many of my worries and fears would be solved if I always remembered HIM! I thought of Doctrine and Covenants 6:36 "Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not."

Thinking of Him, having faith, not doubting or fearing are all connected. I recall the first memorable experience on my mission. We got a request for the DVD "Finding Faith in Jesus Christ" and went to deliver it in Kansas City, Kansas. When we knocked on the door we met a man that was crying. I vividly remember feeling instant love for him. He said that his wife had just passed away. While he was in the hospital with his wife he was taking a nap and remembers being awakened by the TV and saw a commercial from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for the DVD. He said he had nothing left and figured he needed to find faith in Jesus Christ.

We gave him the DVD, shared insights about the Plan of Salvation and all three of us wept together. That experience taught me that when we have nothing left, are doubtful, fearful, and our thoughts feel hopeless we can change our thoughts and think of our Savior Jesus Christ. Things will not be instantly solved, but we will be strengthened.

Dating Lottery

I know you are all just so excited to read about dating, especially if you are in that phase of life:) Really in all seriousness a lot of people have been asking my opinions on dating lately so I thought I would share some, especially my gospel related ones.

First things first..."Stop looking for the one, and be the one you are looking for!" I cannot emphasize that enough.

Who am I kidding, I am no expert, LOL! Just because I have dated more in the last few months than ever I attribute that to one thing only. I have drawn nearer to my Savior! Without daily scripture study, prayers, regular temple attendance, constant repentance, etc...I know that I would not have hit the dating lottery. I can sum it all up with one scripture, "For of him unto whom much is given much is required;"-Doctrine and Covenants 82:3

Dirty Washing

Recently my Aunt sent me the story below in a email. She did not know, well still doesn't know the effect the story had on me and how the timing was perfect.

"A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in K-Mart. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence.

It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout.. We all stood there, under the awning, just inside the door of the K-Mart.

We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerised by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.

Her little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in, 'Mom let's run through the rain,' she said.
'What?' Mom asked.
'Let's run through the rain!' She repeated.
'No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit,' Mom replied.
This child waited a minute and repeated: 'Mom, let's run through the rain..'
'We'll get soaked if we do,' Mom said.
'No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning,' the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.
'This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?'
'Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, ' If God can get us through this, He can get us through anything! '

The entire crowd stopped dead silent.. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain.. We all stood silently. No one left. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say.
Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.

'Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD let's us get wet, well maybe we just need washing,' Mom said.

Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They got soaked.
They were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars. And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.

Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories...So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven."

This is going to get pretty personal...but I just found out my Mom doesn't have long to live because of her cancer. She has had chemo for almost 2 years and was told it is not working anymore and has grown. This story helped.

Proverbs 3:5-6 has been running through my brain non-stop because of this..."Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

We all get "dirty" in life through trials and sin. I had a fun time getting physically dirty this weekend, but as I participated in the race I pondered repentance, the atonement, and trusting in the Lord regardless of the circumstance. I know that if I truly put all my trust in the Lord things will be okay. He really will direct my paths because of the atonement. That atonement made it possible for us to conquer death, sin, and pretty much everything else. So as we get dirty I am going to try to remember to have the faith of a child, or in this case the little girl at Kmart, and trust in that washing!

Joy in the Journey

If there is anything I have learned in life it is attitude determines the outcome! So many times I have met people that are negative, pessimistic, or just angry when they don't need to be. I always remember a Humanities teacher saying "Happiness is not a destination, it is a decision." I love that!

Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family. One day each of us will run out of tomorrows.-President Monson

Why do any of us have to be so mean and unkind to others? Why can’t all of us reach out in friendship to everyone about us? Why is there so much bitterness and animosity? It is not a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ.-President Hinckley

I recently went on a few dates, two in particular were night and day. The first guy was the most prideful, arrogant, and money obsessed man I have ever met. I was instantly turned away because of his attitude towards others. The other guy was one of the most humble I have met...he talked about his family a lot, did not say a single mean or negative thing and was just optimistic about everything.

I don't think any of us wants to be around negative people. I guess that is also why I like "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."

Proud to be an American

This morning as I participated in a Memorial Day program I was reminded of my gratitude for those who have preserved my freedoms. All three of my Grandpa's served along with many other relatives. I am so thankful for my freedom of speech and religion especially! I think we are pretty blessed to live in America.

In Doctrine and Covenants 134:1 it says:
"We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society."

I know every good thing comes from God so I will be forever grateful for his hand is guiding this country!

Bees and Honey

Recently I was talking with a girl who was very angry, using vulgar language, and was pretty much out of control (and no, I was not at work). Luckily her anger was not directed towards me. I asked her if she had ever heard the saying "You win more bees with honey than with vinegar?" She instantly calmed down and realized she would not get what she wanted or needed unless she was sweet.

Kindness is very important to me and I try my hardest to be kind to all I come in contact with. I love and miss Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, whom I considered one of the most humble and kind people I know. He said, "Kindness is the essence of greatness and the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men and women I have known. Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes...If you are criticizing others, you are weakening the Church. If you are building others, you are building the kingdom of God. As Heavenly Father is kind, we also should be kind to others." The Virtue of Kindness-April 2005 General Conference