FILL your life

Boy, I have been feeling this feeling for over a month now. What is this feeling you ask? People are more important than everything else!!!

Maybe I have felt lonely or neglected or maybe I am just noticing those around me more.  It started back in November when I was deciding what talk to use for my visiting teaching visit.  I usually have a favorite from Conference, but this year there were so many I liked.  Elder Scott's talk, "Personal strength through the Atonement of Jesus Christ" stood out to me.  If you want to read it you can do so here.  There was a part of his message that really stood out to me...

 

"Father in Heaven has provided us tools that help to build the fortifications between our vulnerabilities and our faithfulness (read the talk to see the tools)......."

"In each of these suggestions, there is a common theme: fill your life with service to others. As you lose your life in the service of Father in Heaven’s children,

Satan’s temptations lose power in your life."

 

What a novel concept!  There is just one issue.  Today people are selfish and so busy they just are not paying attention to others.  They are impatient, grumpy, stressed, lonely, etc...I am included in this group sometimes. 

The line "As you lose your life in service..." specifically has influenced my life.  As I have dealt with personal trials in my life, EVERY TIME I lost myself in serving others my situation ALWAYS improved.  So as we lose our own life and fill it with service to others I can truly testify that we will not only be more powerful, as Elder Scott says, but you will be happier!

Knowledge

“Do not allow yourselves to be made to feel inadequate or frustrated because you cannot do everything others SEEM to be accomplishing. Only you and your Father in Heaven know your needs, strengths, and desires. Around this knowledge your personal course must be charted and your choices made.”
― Marvin. J. Ashton

UpLifting Quotes

Sometimes when you are having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day...you BADLY need this:

 

http://ldsliving.com/story/74353-15-inspiring-quotes-from-the-brethren

Ultimate indicator of being accepted!

I am really out of sorts today.  I think because I have been sick, exhausted, and missing a good friend.  Even though we just had October General Conference my mind remembered my favorite talk from April Conference of this year.  It is called, "Being accepted of the Lord" by Elder Kopischke.  Here are some portions of that talk that I would encourage you to read.  They have really helped me!



"Alma counseled his son Helaman, “See that ye look to God and live.” The ultimate source of empowerment and lasting acceptance is our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.  They know us. They love us. They do not accept us because of our title or position. They do not look at our status. They look into our hearts. They accept us for who we are and what we are striving to become. Seeking and receiving acceptance from Them will always lift and encourage us.

First, we need to know that our hearts are honest and broken. How do we know that? We begin by engaging in sincere self-reflection. The heart is the center of our feelings. As we look into our hearts, we screen ourselves. What no one around us knows, we surely know. We know our motives and desires. When we engage in sincere, honest reflection, we do not rationalize or deceive ourselves.

Second, we have to know that our spirit is contrite. The word contrite in the Oxford dictionary is defined as “feeling or expressing remorse at the recognition that one has done wrong.” If we have a contrite spirit, we acknowledge our sins and shortcomings. We are teachable “concerning [all] things pertaining to righteousness.” We feel godly sorrow and are willing to repent. A contrite spirit is willing to listen “to the enticings of the Holy Spirit.”

The third step to being accepted by the Lord is a conscious decision to observe our covenants through sacrifice, “yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command.” Too often we think that the word sacrifice refers to something big or hard for us to do. In certain situations this may be true, but mostly it refers to living day-to-day as a true disciple of Christ.

Seeking and receiving the acceptance of the Lord will lead to the knowledge that we are chosen and blessed by Him. We will gain increased confidence that He will lead us and direct us for good. His tender mercies will become evident in our hearts, in our lives, and in our families.

Having the Holy Ghost as our constant companion is the ultimate indicator of being accepted of God."

I love that last line!  My ultimate goal in life is to be accepted by my Father in Heaven and His Son!

No God, No Peace, Know God, Know Peace.

The last 2 weeks in particular I have been overwhelmed by the crime, depressing stories, and wickedness in this world.  I am trying to avoid the news, but I unfortunately have to read things at my police job.  One of the police officer's that I work with (who is not LDS) commented that he used to get dispatched to Mental subjects calls once or twice a month and now it is almost a daily occurrence, what is going on??? (I am sure there are even more calls in a larger city)

I worry about my future kids and what they will have to go through.  I worry about the porn surrounding us.  I worry about violence and language in movies and video games.  I worry about drugs and other addictive things. 

So this week I have been trying to figure out how to protect myself and family from all of that.  I realize I cannot keep us all at home all the time, so what have I come up with?

I cannot solve this.  The only person who can bring us peace and lasting happiness is the Savior!  Phil Robertson from Duck Dynasty (I love the show for the humor and devotion to God) said it best.....

It is sad that our country, state, and cities are pushing religion out the door.  I believe that if we pray, study the scriptures, seek to do good, listen and watch uplifting things, and have a sincere desire to improve out relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus that we can survive all of these worries. That's all for now folks, just had to get that out!

Schooled

I have needed some humbling for awhile.  Life has been so good that I think I have gotten lazy or complacent in certain things.  Well Sunday I was schooled by primary children.  Normally I go to a mid-singles ward, with no children or noise.  It was a little hard to think during the sacrament, but I was anticipating the primary program.  I went because 3 guys I love were featured.  One played the piano and the two little ones sang.  It was amazing!!!  I love primary songs because of their simple truths.  I heard three new songs, two of which I have not been able to get out of my head.  The first one is called Teach me about the Temple.  I figured it was not in the Primary Children's Songbook, but it deeply touched my heart.  The primary leaders were smart enough to add emphasis to the line, "Please teach me about the temple."  I imagined myself as a future Mom needing to teach these eternal truths and being held accountable for just that.  Here is that song: 

 

Teach Me About the Temple
Words & Music by Lynne Perry Christofferson

A year before the Mt. Timpanogos Temple was completed, my Lehi North Stake
began to prepare in earnest for the dedication. As stake music chairman, I
chose to use a Primary children's choir for our stake conference, and wrote
this piece for them to sing to their parents and teachers. (Lynne
Christofferson)

I see the light of the temple at night
As it shines it reminds me
I must prepare if I hope to go there
But I need someone to guide me

Chorus
Please teach me about the temple
Please show me how to prepare
Then all of my life I will try
To be worthy to enter there
Please teach me about the temple
I want to know so that someday I may go

I see the light of the temple at night
And its glow is a symbol
Helping me think of the safety and peace
That come from the holy temple

Repeat Chorus

 

The other song that I liked was "If the Savior Stood beside me."  It was published in the New Era years ago and lyrics are amazing.  I like it because it is a sort of self interview:)

 

You can watch it here....

 

If the Savior stood beside me, would I do the things I do?

Would I think of His commandments and try harder to be true?

Would I follow His example? Would I live more righteously,

If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would I say the things I say?

Would my words be true and kind if He were never far away?

Would I try to share the gospel? Would I speak more reverently

If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would my thoughts be clean and pure?

Would His presence give me strength and hope, and courage to endure?

Would His counsel guide my actions? Would I choose more worthily

If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

He is always near me, though I do not see Him there

And because He loves me dearly, I am in His watchful care

So I'll be the kind of person that I know I'd like to be

If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me.

Isn't it about time?

Wow, I can't believe it has been since April since I last wrote!  I have been really busy, but had a lot on my mind.  What I have been thinking about the most is family.

 

There has been much in the news about same sex rights.  It makes me sad that so many people do not know the truth. In "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" it says, "All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose."  I wish people knew this truth.

Even more on my mind has been the roles of Father and Mother's.  I love what the proclamation says again. "Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed."

 

I have been seriously dating someone who has kids.  I am so happy to know what I believe.  I am grateful for these doctrines to guide me in my life.  I believe much of the heartache in the world could be remedied with these truths!!!  I take the role of woman, wife, and mother very seriously.  I am grateful for each of these opportunities and know that I have the Lord's help to strengthen me when I fall short.  I love that the CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS has commercials with the tag line, "Family.  Isn't it about time?"  The world needs to know that this is the time that family is so important.  As the world falls apart, family is what keeps it together!

http://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation

Polynesian Spirit

A lot of people are familiar with the Polynesian Spirit, but the spirit I am talking about is the Holy Ghost.  Recently I returned from vacation in Hawaii, which was my third time going there.  Normally I would say the hiking or snorkeling was the best part, but this trip was different.

 

I was able to go to the Laie Temple and attend church in Waianae.  The spirit was so strong amongst these Polynesian saints.  I could hardly contain my happiness while in the temple and feeling their smiles from ear to ear.  I didn't want to leave the temple!!!

 

When we went to church it was fast Sunday, which I was looking forward to.  When we walked in the chapel was 95% Polynesian people, which I have never experienced before and was so excited about!!!  I loved hearing their testimonies.  My friend and I also bore our testimonies, which in turn led many ward members to talk to us through the rest of church.  It has been a long time since I have been in a ward so friendly and welcoming.  The spirit of God like a fire really was burning!!!  What an awesome experience.

 

On another note the family whom we stayed with were/are in-active church members.  The parents let us take their kids to church.  While I was in the temple and at church I realized how important raising family within the gospel really is to me!!!!!!!  The children's eye's lit up when we sang primary songs with them.  They loved church.  They soaked in every bit of information we talked to them about.  I hope when the time comes for me to have a family I will have the opportunity to share my testimony and love of the gospel with my children so that they know the source of happiness.

God wants to give you something better

Loyalty

"The crowning characteristic of love is always loyalty."

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

 

Ease

 

 

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.

 

After burdens have eased...

 

...they poured out their thanks to God because he had been merciful unto them, and eased their burdens, and had delivered them out of bondage; for they were in bondage, and none could deliver them except it were the Lord their God..

Lesson=The Lord God can ease or take away our afflictions, but in return we must have gratitude and realize He is the only deliverance! (Good thing Alma's people knew this and had faith:)

Vow

 

I started to write this post the other day and forgot about it until now.  I heard someone talking about marriage vows last week and that got me thinking.  As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we do not "vow."  We make covenants with our Father in Heaven in the temple before we are married.  When we are getting married the marriage covenant that you and your spouse make is also with Heavenly Father and not with each other.  However if we break our "temple covenants" we essentially are breaking them with Heavenly Father which in turn breaks them with our spouse.  I think that is amazing and so important.  As superficial as it sounds I would think more about the covenants and promises I make with Heavenly Father

before breaking them.

 

I was privileged to participate in sealing (marriage) work for the dead the other day in the temple.  The words were very poignant to me and I asked the sealer questions about certain things (at his encouragement that we ask).  Regardless of me not being married right now I am happy to have made covenants with my Father in Heaven that I think about daily and eventually will also make with a future husband.

Don't step away!!!

 

The conference talk given by Elder Neil Andersen has been resonating with me this week.    Especially these quotes:

 

How do you remain “steadfast and immovable”during a trial of faith? You immerse yourself in the very things that helped build your core of faith: you exercise faith in Christ, you pray, you ponder the scriptures, you repent, you keep the commandments, and you serve others

 

When faced with a trial of faith—whatever you do, you don’t step away from the Church! Distancing yourself from the kingdom of God during a trial of faith is like leaving the safety of a secure storm cellar just as the tornado comes into view.

 

Hope was the ultimate feeling that I felt from his words.  I encourage you to watch or re-read it. 

Cleave

I have been thinking about the word cleave for a few weeks now,

specifically because of this scripture:

 

 "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I beseech of you in words of soberness that ye would repent, and come with full purpose of heart, and cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you. And while his arm of mercy is extended towards you in the light of the day, harden not your hearts."

 

I imagined myself hanging from a cliff in dire need of help from falling.  I guess I thought that the cliff represented all of my problems.  If I was hanging off of a cliff I would be cleaving to someones hand to save my life.  The Savior always has his arm of mercy extended towards me, but I have to also choose to cleave to him.  I love this thought!

 

 

Things aren't always as they seem

I happened to click on a link tonight that I thought was a cute cartoon.  After I finished watching it I thought "Wow, this is exactly what Satan does."  How often do we find ourselves thinking the grass is greener on the other side or it doesn't look or seem that bad?  I wish everyone knew about the tactics of Satan and could "water them down" before they were fooled.  He didn't get the name cunning one for no reason!  None the less, enjoy the clip:)  

Smoke Screen!

Christlike Love

I have been wanting to write about this all week long so it's about time!  We had an amazing Relief Society Lesson this past week from our President.  She had taught this lesson awhile ago in at an FHE activity, but I had forgot about it.  It is amazing!!!

Basically she taught us about three different types of love. 
They are:

1) Christlike love
2)"Law of Moses" love
3) Law of the Jungle

If you are living the law of the jungle then you have the philosophy to take at any expense and not worry about others.  This is a very selfish type of love.

If you live the law of Moses, which most of us currently do, then you give love, especially to family and friends, but not enemies, those who annoy you, or people you just plain hate.  You also expect something in return for everything you give.  I think that you mostly want recognition for what you have done.

If you have Christlike love you love regardless of anything.  That means that people who have offended you, are annoying, are not good looking, or have nothing to offer you receive your love.  This is truly how Christ loves and there are very very few people who live this way, in fact I only have met maybe one and they still were not perfect.

Having this lesson was exactly what I needed to hear!  Recently a dear friend offended me and I was feeling pretty hurt.  I am now determined to love all as much as I possibly can.  It is pretty easy for me to love the criminals we arrest at work because they usually have rough backgrounds, but it is harder for me to love a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints when they do something they know is wrong.  I keep telling myself to do what Christ would do regardless of someones circumstances?  Love really is about all people and not things or giving to those who you think deserve it. 

Mists, well Inversion

Once a week I drive to the Timpanogos Temple very early.  I love to see the lights on the temple at 5 am and always wondered if they keep them all night.  This week was different.  First off let me say that this week has been a rough one.  Mostly I am noticing how much the world is screaming, in turmoil, how gossiping is prevailing, how everyone wants to get a gun, how rude people are, and how busy people are. I love the peace the temple brings!!!

We have been having a bad inversion in Utah with some pretty nasty air.  When I drove to the temple this week I could barely see the temple.  I instantly thought of the wickedness in the world!  The mists of darkness trying to cloud the light!  Normally I can see the temple lights from my house, but I thought they had turned them off this week only to find out they were still on, but I could not see them until I was nearly to the temple.  The lesson I learned was the closer we are to the temple the brighter and more peaceful our lives can be amongst the wicked world!  The temple, Christ, and the Plan of Salvation are what gives us light in such a dark world.  If we are prepared we don't need to fear.  There is a lot to be done to arm ourselves from the world, but if we keep our covenants and draw near the Savior we will be a beacon in a dark world.

So close

Wow this weekend I was on such a spiritual high.  I was able to go to the temple three times this last week and hear two general authorities speak this weekend.  Honestly I felt closer to the veil than I ever have, which in turn had me missing two people on the other side of the veil so much.  I have also been missing one person that lives nearby, but I don't get to see them.

These feelings were so strong that I couldn't help myself crying a few times.  I was impressed by the messages of rescuing the one and that missionary work is being done on both sides of the veil.  I loved hearing a thought by President Wilford Woodruff, quoted by Elder Ballard.  He said that every previous dispensation has had ample time to do the work, we do not!  So much work has to be done and we need to be in a hurry to accomplish it (On a side note my Great (not sure how many times) Grandpa Hans used to go fishing with President Woodruff).  I feel an urgency to be with these three people who I miss dearly and know we have a great work to do, but are closer then we have ever been.

I also liked that Elder Ballard said, "We can look beyond the thin veil to the Spirit world.  Surly those who have passed on can see more clearly towards us.  We are not separate from them." I am grateful that Heavenly Father has given me these tender experiences!!!

Goals

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with 

God and man. Luke 2:52

What does this scripture have to do with goals?  It has everything to do with my new year's goals.  I decided to focus on the 4 areas above...Wisdom, Stature, Favor with God, and Favor with Man.  Within each of those sections I have picked two goals that pertain i.e. Stature: Exercise 3-5 times a week.  I am excited to think about and apply all of my goals throughout the year.  In addition to these goals I have decided to do a bucket list item every month.  I am excited to go snow shoeing and cross-country skiing this month and paragliding or hang-gliding when the weather warms up.  I am really trying to focus on improving myself and become more Christlike and not worry so much about the little things in life that usually stress me out.   

It's getting close

A few years ago I read a book called "50 Signs of the Times" by David Ridges.  I enjoyed it so much that I typed up the details in a more organized fashion for me to understand.  I just came across that list today and was excited to read it.  Thought I would share and hope you enjoy and study up on the subject too:)