Milk before Meat

I am a rock, I am a iiisland (I mean vessel)

2012-01-27T18:37:00.000-08:00

The other day I was reading in Ether 6 in a section I have read hundreds of times. I guess I saw these few verses in a way that I haven't before...

7 And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters.
I see myself as the vessel. I may not be a perfect vessel right now, but my ultimate goal is to become "tight like unto a dish." I am surrounded by many things that can hurt me everyday, but I see myself becoming spiritually stronger and able to withstand temptation and sin.

9 And they did sing praises unto the Lord; yea, the brother of Jared did sing praises unto the Lord, and he did thank and praise the Lord all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lord.
In becoming tight like unto a vessel I see a few things from this verse that are essential. I need to acknowledge the hand of the Lord in everything in my life. Even more important, I need to have a grateful heart. I think if I do these two things and my faith is strong I can do all things in becoming like these ships.

10 And thus they were driven forth; and no monster of the sea could break them, neither whale that could mar them; and they did have light continually, whether it was above the water or under the water.
In the process of not being able to be influenced by the buffetings of Satan we have to seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost. The light on their ships did not come from outside the vessels. It is just as the Lord tells us...ye are the light of the world. If I want to have and give light to others I need to be seeking the Holy Ghost constantly and also be worthy of it.

Boy, I never get sick of the story of the Brother of Jared. I just wish I had the amount of faith he does. I do know that I do get better everyday!

To the Rescue

2012-01-12T18:41:00.000-08:00

Back in November 2010 I wrote about Amazing Biographies. Yes, that was when I started President Monson's Bio and I finally finished it today. It's hard to finish when you are sharing the copy with family members, but very worth it. It is a book I would recommend to EVERYONE!

The chapter that spoke to me the strongest was "Reaching Out To The One." I love these words...

"There are feet to steady, hands to grasp, minds to encourage, hearts to inspire, and souls to save."

"The five most important words in the English language are "I am proud of you." The four most important are "What is your opinion?" The three most important are "If you please." The two most important are "Thank You." The least important is "I.""

And when you think it is too hard to reach out to others...

"We all have certain talents, and the Lord knows what they are. We all have limitations and the Lord knows what they are. Whatever our limitations may be the Lord said this: 'Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect.' He would not give us a commandment we could not fulfill. We can become perfect in out love of God. We can become perfect in the love of our fellow men."

Wow, President Monson, you are one Christlike man that I want to be like after Christ!

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T21:15:00.000-08:00

New Years resolutions have always bugged me, mostly because I think goals are a step by step long term process. However I think I will make an exception...This year President Monson has challenged us to undertake the ABC's to gain an abundant life. They are:

A- Have a positive attitude
B- Believe in yourself
C- Face challenges with courage

If we follow these ABC challenges he has given us I know we are promised an abundant life! For more details of this quest refer to the January 2012 Ensign.

What is it that ye desire of me?

2011-12-30T16:40:00.000-08:00

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:)

2011-12-29T21:30:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-21T16:21:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-12-05T10:15:00.000-08:00

Press Forward

2011-11-30T18:47:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-11-09T18:36:00.000-08:00

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

2011-10-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-17T13:43:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-10-14T17:37:00.000-07:00

It's hard being lonely, but...

2011-10-12T10:22:00.000-07:00

Must be important!

2011-10-05T18:15:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-25T10:07:00.000-07:00

Compassionate Women

2011-09-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-21T09:47:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

"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

2011-09-16T09:53:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-08T10:59:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-06T18:39:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-31T18:15:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-24T16:30:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-17T21:02:00.000-07:00

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:)

2011-08-11T07:45:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-09T18:17:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-08T16:19:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-03T18:21:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-31T21:00:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-29T15:26:00.000-07:00

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_____

2011-07-24T17:56:00.000-07:00

"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

2011-07-23T19:43:00.000-07:00

"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:)

2011-07-20T10:07:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-17T20:11:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-13T18:27:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-11T19:25:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-03T15:35:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-01T12:38:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-06-25T09:55:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-23T22:30:00.001-07:00

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!

2011-06-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-16T20:23:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

"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

2011-06-12T10:00:00.001-07:00

"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

2011-06-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-07T21:34:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-01T18:35:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-30T09:40:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

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

Bread

2011-05-25T17:20:00.000-07:00

“A person cannot give a crust to the Lord without receiving a loaf in return.” Melvin J. Ballard

Pained No More

2011-05-24T16:45:00.000-07:00

"My soul hath been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity. I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment; but I am snatched, and my soul is pained no more." Mosiah 27:29

This scripture has been a theme scripture for me recently. I was not in the same situation as Alma was, but I truly did feel like I was in the gall of bitterness. The best part is I feel "pained no more."

One of my favorite talks/article of all time is "Lessons From Liberty Jail" by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. I love this part...

"In what sense could Liberty Jail be called a “temple,” and what does such a title tell us about God’s love and teachings, including where and when that love and those teachings are made manifest? In precisely this sense: that you can have sacred, revelatory, profoundly instructive experiences with the Lord in any situation you are in. Indeed, you can have sacred, revelatory, profoundly instructive experiences with the Lord in the worst settings, while enduring the most painful injustices, when facing the most insurmountable odds and opposition you have ever faced.

In one way or another, great or small, dramatic or incidental, every one of us is going to spend a little time in Liberty Jail—spiritually speaking. We will face things we do not want to face for reasons that may not be our fault."

Without going into detail, I experienced what Alma and Elder Holland talked about. I can honestly say I was in the worst circumstance thus far in my life and had the best experience. There has never been a time in my life I felt closer to my Savior. My situation was precisely sacred, revelatory, and profoundly instructive. I know without a doubt that Christ is intimately involved in the details of my life. From now on I will look at Doctrine and Covenants 121 and 122 in a whole new light!

Families are like Old Quilts...

2011-05-18T16:02:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking a lot about family and how much it is under attack. It needs to be protected! Last year I read an article called "Teaching the Doctrine of the Family" that was originally broadcast to Seminary and Institute teachers. Sister Julie Beck has shared these same thoughts in many other circumstances since this broadcast in 2009. I have been able to hear her talk about this subject at Women's Conference, General Conference, and at a fireside I went to last year.

Some of her thoughts I liked are:

"Public policies are being made every day that are antifamily...There are media messages everywhere that are antifamily...Korihor was an anti-Christ. Anti-Christ is anti-family. Any doctrine our youth hear from the world that is antifamily is also anti-Christ. It's that clear. They need to know if it's antifamily, it's anti-Christ. An anti-Christ is antifamily...This generation will be called upon to defend the doctrine of the family as never before in the history of the world."

I love my family so much and am grateful for their influence in my life. I know my family is not perfect, maybe that's why I like the above quote, but it's nice to realize we are all working on becoming better. What are we all working on? I think our ultimate goals can be found here http://lds.org/study/topics/family?lang=eng&query=proclamation+family

Our family pictures may have changed through the years, but we love each other more and I think we have also become better looking;-) Sorry about the glare on some of them, but hope you enjoy nonetheless.

Gospel Knowledge

2011-05-17T15:34:00.001-07:00

Since I can remember I have wanted to be a Scripture Master! This is a very hard task to accomplish when you are horrible at memorizing. I heard that President Monson memorized the chapter headings so he would at least know were something was located. I am guessing he now knows most of the scriptures like the back of his hand.

President Spencer W. Kimball commented:
“Spiritual learning takes precedence. The secular
without the foundation of the spiritual is . . . like
the foam upon the milk, the fleeting shadow. . . .
One need not choose between the two . . . for there
is opportunity to get both simultaneously” (The
Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, . . . p. 390).

So while I have been bad at memorizing I have found that reading, listening, and studying my scriptures and the words of general authorities everyday something miraculous has occurred! I am remembering, not necessarily word for word, but enough information I could tell you were something is or who said it!

President Joseph F. Smith said:
“The greatest achievement mankind can make in
this world is to familiarize themselves with divine
truth, so thoroughly, so perfectly, that the example
or conduct of no creature living in the world can
ever turn them away from the knowledge that they
have obtained." AMEN!

Who, What, Where, When, Why?

2011-05-13T20:30:00.000-07:00

Have you ever struggled with these questions when it comes to donating money to a charitable organization? There are so many good causes out there to choose from. I have to laugh because I immediately think of a friend I had while living in Alaska who used to throw change out her car window to the homeless. That is why I have always been so appreciative about fast offerings.

What is the difference between fast offerings and donating to all the causes out there???

President Marion G. Romney said, "Many programs have been set up by well-meaning individuals to aid those who are in need. However, many of these programs are designed with the shortsighted objective of ‘helping people,’ as opposed to ‘helping people help themselves.’"

When I heard this it was like a light bulb had turned on above my head and all the guilty feelings of not donating in the past were gone.

Elder H. David Burton said in this last conference, "The work of caring for one another and being “kind to the poor” is a sanctifying work, commanded of the Father and divinely designed to bless, refine, and exalt His children." What a great work we are commanded to do. I have a testimony of the many blessings that come from paying my tithes and offerings.

My Character

2011-05-11T17:32:00.000-07:00

I have been impressed lately that I need to improve myself. In that process, since we all know it doesn't happen in a day, I have been reading some of Elder Scott's talks from Conference. It also helps that I am teaching Relief Society later this month on his talk called "The Transforming Power of Faith and Character."

I appreciate these thoughts...

"We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day. Righteous character is a precious manifestation of what you are becoming.

Strong moral character results from consistent correct choices in the trials and testing of life. Such choices are made with trust in things that are believed and when acted upon are confirmed.

You cannot be passive in life, or in time the natural man will undermine your efforts to live worthily. You become what you do and what you think about.

If you have determined to live righteously, don’t become discouraged. Life may seem difficult now, but hold on tightly to that iron rod of truth. You are making better progress than you realize. Your struggles are defining character, discipline, and confidence in the promises of your Father in Heaven and the Savior as you consistently obey Their commandments."

Recently someone asked me what the 3 most important things to me in life were. Hopefully my first two are similar to yours, which are: 1-Religion (this includes my faith, The Godhead, principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, etc). 2-My Family. My third answer is the legacy/character that I leave behind for my posterity or simply put my example. Since I was little I have been trying to be better. As a child I can remember being imperfect in so many areas. I hated it when I wouldn't please my parents all of the time. I just have to keep reminding myself that Heavenly Father is patient with me and eventually I will get the point:) I can become more like HIM!

On a side note, Elder Scott said this in his recent talk from April conference,
"If you want to have a wonderful wife, you need to have her see you as a wonderful man and prospective husband." I think same goes for women!

I forgot!

2011-05-10T21:01:00.000-07:00

Sometimes priorities need to be realigned. You have all heard the analogy of the jar full of bubble gum and salt. If you put the salt in first the bubble gum does not fit, but if you put the gum balls in first and pour the salt in, viola! I apply this analogy to the quotes below...

"True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. Preoccupation with unworthy behavior can lead to unworthy behavior. That is why we stress so forcefully the doctrines of the gospel." -Elder Boyd K. Packer

This quote applies because I tend to forget that everything will work out if I put the doctrines of the gospel or the Savior first. If I really understand the doctrines of the gospel there is no need to worry.

"When we put God first, things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities." -President Benson

I learned a great lesson tonight about remembering or prioritizing. I KNOW that everything will fall into place if I put the Lord and His teachings first in my life.

Written In Your Hearts

2011-05-05T16:20:00.000-07:00

This morning when I was reading my scriptures the phrase "written in your hearts" jumped off of the page. In Mosiah 13 Abinadi is teaching the people in King Noah's court about the principles of the gospel or the 10 commandments. I love "true conversion" phrases!!! I am also reminded of receiving his image in my countenance! Are the principles of the gospel written in my heart and is HIS image in my countenance? I hope that I am not quick to forget the Lord or harden my heart. I want to have faith and courage like Abinadi and other examples in the scriptures!

Women's Conference

2011-04-30T16:23:00.000-07:00

The last two days were a spiritual feast for me. From 9-5 I listened to inspired messages with talks specifically for women. So many classes were offered. The hard part was choosing which ones to go to. Some of my favorite speakers were Sister's Virginia Pearce, Ann Dibb, Mary Cook, Julie Beck, Bridgette Server, Mary Edmunds, Susan Bednar and also Elder David Bednar.

Some thoughts or highlights that inspired me were:

1-Prayer rests on the principle of faith.
2-Prayer is an expression of agency
3-What legacy will I leave behind? How will I be remembered?
4-Be a guardian of VIRTUE by... 1-Knowing my Identity 2-Strengthening my testimony and 3-Being worthy of the Spirit.
5-Focus less on marrying the right person...BE the right person!
6-Do not get distracted or diverted from my noble responsibility as a woman.
7-Our responsibilities are non-negotiable & will not change because of worldly views.
8-When I remember HIM, it's easier to remember I don't need a rest from my duties.
9-It is more then benevolence, it is becoming like the Savior!
10-The greatest battle of life is fought in the silent chambers of the heart.
11-Being a faithful disciple is the purpose behind every calling in the church.
12-Frankly Forgive. Desire, decision, & determination are the 3 D's of success!
13-The Lord ministers one by one, and accomplishes by small and simple means.
14-Measured steadiness is more efficient then spurts. We need to become intelligent drip irrigators in our own lives.
15-Spiritual patterns are essential in avoiding Satan's power.

So rewarding, so exhausting, and so worth going!

Emptiness

2011-04-26T17:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was talking to a friend about bad habits or worldly things. The kind of things we fill up our lives with to make us temporarily feel better. Examples being drugs, alcohol, TV, food, shopping, etc... I was touched that he was so passionate and said all of those things make you feel empty...the only thing that fills us is the gospel of Jesus Christ. I had never thought of it that way before, but it has continually crossed my thoughts today.

Emotions have haunted me a lot lately. Maybe I am trying to fill that void, figure out happiness, I just don't know. I read in Mosiah 5 this morning...

"Under this head ye are made free, and there is no other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives."

What a great promise! I would love to be made free of so many things. Taking the name of Christ upon me has only brought happiness, peace and contentment in my life. So why do I try to fill it with other things?

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T08:34:00.000-07:00

I woke up early this morning with gratitude in my heart for the Atonement of my Savior! The song "How Great Thou Art" kept running through my head. Without the sacrifice of Jesus Christ I would not be able to repent (which I need to do so badly everyday), have my sins forgiven, be strengthened through my trials, and feel how much He truly loves me. I was very humbled to think that I really cannot comprehend everything He went through for me! I love Him so much!!! The version of "How Great Thou Art" below by Carrie Underwood may express a little of what I feel.

Even more important is the Easter message below. I cannot stop watching it, I love it. This Easter I feel a little more closer to my Savior because I have been working so hard on strengthening my relationship with Him. May I never take for granted the gifts He has given me by serving my fellow man and loving all.

Our way or His way

2011-04-21T16:04:00.000-07:00

"Clearly anyone who thinks Jesus taught no-fault theology did not read the fine print in the contract! No, in matters of discipleship the Church is not a fast-food outlet; we can’t always have it “our way.” Some day every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ and that salvation can only come His way."
-Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Read the fine print in the picture, pretty entertaining too. Love, love, love this quote by Elder Holland!

Worth

2011-04-20T15:45:00.001-07:00

"Neither professions nor possessions should define identity or self-worth. The Savior, for example, was a humble carpenter, but that hardly defined His life."
-Elder Lynn Robbins

The Golden Rule

2011-04-18T16:54:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been bugged by something. I'm sure a lot of you are also bugged by this. I truly believe if I were with the Savior I would have His full attention...that is why I really liked this Mormon Ad.

I also really liked the scripture shown in the video, Matthew 7:12 "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." I am not perfect, therefore I guess I need to keep this golden rule scripture in mind when it comes to how I should also treat others.

Plain Words

2011-04-07T16:06:00.000-07:00

Conference was such an uplifting event. I love the renewed feeling I get when I listen to the words of the Prophet and Apostles. I think it is really important to remember why we have conference and are given counsel. Right after conference I read 2 Nephi 25, which taught about this.

This is Nephi, the Prophet, speaking of Isaiah's prophecies...

"...Behold, my people, ye are a stiffnecked people; wherefore, I have spoken plainly unto you, that ye cannot misunderstand. And the words which I have spoken shall stand as a testimony against you; for they are sufficient to teach any man the right way; for the right way is to believe in Christ and deny him not; for by denying him ye also deny the prophets and the law.

And now behold, I say unto you that the right way is to believe in Christ, and deny him not; and Christ is the Holy One of Israel; wherefore ye must bow down before him, and worship him with all your might, mind, and strength, and your whole soul; and if ye do this ye shall in nowise be cast out."

Each of the speakers so eloquently testified of Christ and exhorted us to believe in Him and to Repent. I think it's amazing that there are no assigned topics and each speaker can teach people in different ways because of the Spirit. Some speak very plainly, while others require a dictionary to comprehend. I am just glad my testimony of Jesus Christ was strengthened and I also figured out what I need to work on.

For the Beauty of the Earth

2011-04-05T17:35:00.000-07:00

Today when I was running I couldn't help but notice how gorgeous Spring is! It made me think of the songs All Creatures of our God and King and For the Beauty of the Earth. I love the first two verses of For the Beauty of the Earth...

1. For the beauty of the earth,
For the beauty of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies,

[Chorus]
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.

2. For the beauty of each hour
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree and flow’r,
Sun and moon, and stars of light

I recently started reading the Bible again and was reminded of how good God's Creation's are. "And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good."

Some of my favorite things about Spring "goodness" are:
1-Lily of the Valley, they smell divine (Pictured to the right)
2-Blossoming trees with snow on them
3-How green the grass is
4-The magnolia trees that are on BYU campus that to me always said, "It's almost the end of the semester!"
5-Noticing the Forsythia Bushes on fire because of my Mom
6-Having my bulbs, that I planted actually bloom
7-The daffodils that grow wild in Missouri, especially near my grandma's house. I was always jealous that Utah didn't have "wild" daffodils

So what are you waiting for? Get out there enjoy God's creations!

Conference=My favorite holiday!

2011-03-28T20:41:00.000-07:00

Conference has always been my favorite holiday...I await the weekend of relaxing and being spiritually fed with eagerness! Tonight at Family Home Evening it got me even more excited! We watched two videos in which the spirit was so strong...one is below.

I enjoy the words from our prophet and apostles, but I now think they are necessary in these perilous times. In order to combat the world today we have to put on the whole armor of God and that includes praying, reading our scriptures and following the words we hear in Conference!!!

Favorites

2011-03-26T16:35:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking of some of my favorite quotes this week and thought I would share some. Who doesn't love a great quote?

-When life doesn't give you roses, remember who wore the thorns.
-Part of the fragrance still clings to the hand from the person who gives the flower.
-Happiness is not a destination, it is a decision.
-Clinging to "old self" is not a mark of independence, but indulgence.
-Don't let your problems get you down, unless they get you down to your knees.
-Prayers are one thing that never come back return to sender.
-Your going as far in this world as your attitude will let you.
-If your further away from God today than you were yesterday, guess who moved?
-Sow an act and you reap a habit. Sow a habit and you reap character. Sow character and you reap destiny.
-If you can overcome your thoughts, you can overcome your habits.
-God does notice us. And he watches us, but it is usually through another person that he meets our needs.
-7 prayerless days make one weak.
-The more you know HIM the more you know humility.

Right before I left on a mission my Dad made me a quote book which I am able to add quotes to and it is organized by subject, I LOVE IT! Its the best gift you could give someone...and even more impressive is the fact that he made one for all my siblings and cousins.

If you want to know the source of any of the above quotes or want one for a specific subject just let me know:)

Daily

2011-03-24T16:11:00.000-07:00

A few years ago when I lived in Alaska I was always amazed by the moose. I know it sounds a little foolish, but I would watch them with fascination because they were constantly eating! I remember thinking that they needed daily nourishment to survive the harsh winter or they would quickly die.

Today I still think about this in regards to my spiritual nourishment. In the scriptures we are constantly reminded of things we need to be doing daily for example...

Live in thanksgiving daily(Alma 34:38)
Calling on the name of the Lord daily (Mosiah 4:11)

And quoted even more in the scriptures "always remember."

So, being human, I am not so great at doing things daily and want to be better. When I fail to read my scriptures, pray, or have gratitude on a daily basis it helps me to repeat to myself, "remember the moose, lol!"

Thanks Dad!

2011-03-23T17:21:00.000-07:00

The visiting teaching message this month is called Under the Priesthood and after the Pattern of the Priesthood. I truly am grateful for and know that this church could not operate without the Priesthood, but I think I tend to take that for granted sometimes.

Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president, explained: “We operate in the manner of the priesthood—which means that we seek, receive, and act on revelation; make decisions in councils; and concern ourselves with caring for individuals one by one. Ours is the priesthood purpose to prepare ourselves for the blessings of eternal life by making and keeping covenants. Therefore, like our brethren who hold the priesthood, ours is a work of salvation, service, and becoming a holy people.”

I love this statement!!! Many times when I am not feeling great I want to serve or care for others around me because it is the only thing that makes me feel good. When it comes to the Priesthood I think that men can use this power in serving in the same way we women serve and nurture others. I am so grateful for blessings right now and the words of counsel I am able to receive from priesthood holders. I think as we follow the words of counsel in a blessing we, as Relief Society Sisters, show that we sustain, support, and cherish this power in our life.

Enduring

2011-03-16T17:20:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking a lot about enduring to the end or enduring through hard things. I am reminded of this a few times a week when I go and exercise. There is a track at the fitness center were I run/walk a few times a week and I regularly see the same older gentleman. You might ask what is so special or different about him? Well, I would estimate that he is probably between 85-90 years old, walks with a walker, and is ALWAYS smiling! Every single person that passes him is met with a different greeting EVERY TIME THEY LAP HIM. His character and optimism AMAZE me!!!

The ultimate example of enduring well of course is Christ. In 2 Nephi 31:15 it says, "Yea, the words of my Beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved." This is the Father speaking of the Son.

I read this amazing talk by Elder Maxwell (I miss him so much), called Endure it Well. I am even having a heard time knowing what to share with you...please go read the whole text!!! So let me just end with this quote...

"By taking Jesus’ yoke upon us and enduring, we learn most deeply of Him and especially how to be like Him. (See Matt. 11:29.) Even though our experiences are micro compared to His, the process is the same."

Precious Gift

2011-03-07T16:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday in Relief Society we had a great lesson on conversion. For me the key point that the teacher made was sometimes conversion is remembering. When she said that I was instantly reminded that I felt the Holy Ghost strongly just the day before.

The day before I was privileged to go to a baptism of a twin boy and girl. Like any other baptism a talk was given about the Holy Ghost and that got me thinking that is what is different about our church from others. Before the keys and ordinances were put into place in the 1830's why were people joining the church? A lot of them joined before the Book of Mormon was published and just as the priesthood was being set up. The Holy Ghost testified of the truthfulness of this gospel! I love that we can know the truthfulness of all things, but especially gospel principles because of the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Paul asked the Ephesians unto what they were baptized and they answered after the manner of John's baptism. We know that it is unto repentance and so that we can receive the Holy Ghost. Have you ever stopped to think what life would be like without the gift of the Holy Ghost? I sincerely think it is the best gift I have ever received so I better cherish it, live worthy of it, and hold it precious.

Looking Forward

2011-03-02T18:15:00.000-08:00

It is always fun to have things to look forward to! I am looking forward to several things right now which include Spring, Summertime (I know I shouldn't be jumping ahead, but I want heat), a vacation to Southern California, General Conference (it is my favorite holiday, yes it's a holiday) Easter, and just the future in general. While I was thinking about the future or things to look forward to I realized that there is one thing we should all look forward to...

The Second Coming! What an exciting, peaceful, hopeful, merciful, and happy thing. Sometimes I feel like I miss my Savior so much I can't handle it. I am not saying I am perfect, but I have faith that through my Savior I can be a better person.

The key is preparation. When I prepare for anything in life and I mean really prepare I feel confident and not fearful about the end result. It does take a lifetime of preparation to prepare for such an event, but it is so worth it!!!

I love the words of a familiar primary song, "I wonder when He comes again..." specifically, "Each day I'll try to do His will and let my light so shine that others seeing me may seek for greater light divine. Then when that blessed day is here, He'll love me and He'll say, "You've served me well my little child; come unto my arms to stay."

He WILL strengthen you!

2011-02-25T11:15:00.001-08:00

It seems like February has been a really hard month, not just for me, but for most of the people around me. I have known a few people that have passed away in the last week, but I have also had some very hard struggles. Maybe we all have the winter time blues and the weather is getting to us. Spring is just around the corner and that got me thinking about renewal, hope, and the Atonement.

I just watched a very touching video that can sum up all unhappiness or trials that we go through.
To expand on the scripture that was shared at the end of the video..."He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death." -Mosiah 16:9

It gives me such hope to know that we can always turn to Him in our times of need. I remember sitting in a fast and testimony meeting years ago and the guy said, "There is one prayer that is always answered...the prayer to be strengthened." At first I didn't know if I believed that, but it has stuck with me and I have studied up on that statement over the years and can testify to you it is true. The Lord may not take away the hard things in our life, but He will always strengthen us if we ask.

Good and Evil

2011-02-15T18:35:00.000-08:00

A few months ago a friend of mine posted something on her blog that really got me thinking. It talked about how people were generally good and not bad. She had quite the conversation with one of her friends about this and I have been thinking about this ever since.

Today I read a chapter in the book, "Teach Ye Diligently" and my thoughts were once again turned to good & evil plus trusting others. The chapter was titled "We are children of God." It covered points I have been thinking about for years!

He talked about the belief that other churches "aver that man is, by his very nature, inclined to be bad." I do not believe this and in fact Elder Packer said it was "false doctrine." He also said "If we are of His family, we have inherited the tendency to be good, not evil...The word God with one letter added, can be changed very quickly to good. The word devil, with one letter deleted, becomes evil."

Later in the chapter he also says, "If someone is not worthy of trust, it is his responsibility to show it-not mine to find out."

I cannot tell you how true these statements ring to me. I think people are good and don't have predispositions to be bad or evil even if they have sinned in the past. Trust is such and important characteristic in people and I believe that everyone should be trusted regardless. When someone tells you that you cannot do something in life, doesn't it make you want to try harder or prove them wrong? So I am glad I am surrounded by good, trustworthy people!

Cunning Plan

2011-02-14T17:25:00.000-08:00

There is a talk from conference that I have wanted to blog about for months and thought I had, but I just checked and nope! So I am going to share my favorite parts about it. It is called "That cunning plan of the evil one" by Elder Ballard. I love how he compares temptation, sin, or the tactics of Satan to Fly Fishing.

"Like the fly fisherman who knows that trout are driven by hunger, Lucifer knows our “hunger,” or weaknesses, and tempts us with counterfeit lures which, if taken, can cause us to be yanked from the stream of life into his unmerciful influence. And unlike a fly fisherman who catches and releases the fish unharmed back into the water, Lucifer will not voluntarily let go. His goal is to make his victims as miserable as he is."

And the best part of the talk...

"If anyone who is addicted has a desire to overcome, then there is a way to spiritual freedom—a way to escape from bondage—a way that is proven. It begins with prayer—sincere, fervent, and constant communication with the Creator of our spirits and bodies, our Heavenly Father. It is the same principle in breaking a bad habit or repenting from sin of any kind. The formula for having our heart, our body, our mind, and our spirit transformed is found in the scriptures.

The prophet Mormon counseled us: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love … ; that ye may become the sons of God; … that we may be purified even as he is pure” (Moroni 7:48)."

Loneliness

2011-02-11T10:30:00.000-08:00

I think everyone goes through times of loneliness. I am not just talking about if you are not married, but times when you may be surrounded by people and still feel lonely. Maybe you feel like you lack friends, family who cares, or it could be a significant other. I enjoyed reading a talk by Elder Faust from a few years ago titled "Welcoming Every Single One."

Some random tidbits I liked...
"We are deeply moved and sobered as we hear a common thread running through the expressions of many of our single members. For some, loneliness and discouragement are their most constant companions...
Please remember that we have all been single, are now single, or at some time may again be single; so being single in the Church is not extraordinary...
What can we do as individuals to reach out to singles? One way is to make an effort to be more inclusive. When we see someone sitting by him or herself in a Church meeting, we can either go and sit with him or her or invite him or her to sit with us. We can all offer the hand of friendship."

I couldn't help but think of the person who is a perfect friend or there for us always, Our Savior. To quote Him...

"4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost."

Wouldn't it be great if we always had someone there REJOICING about everything in our lives? That was there in all of our times of loneliness....Oh wait, we do!

All is well!

2011-02-09T17:34:00.000-08:00

Last night I had the opportunity to go to a Relief Society Fireside. The speaker was a return missionary who had served with her husband in Africa for 5 years. It definitely made me appreciate my life more.

My favorite quote shared..."Every single good idea you have while living righteously is from the Lord." Elder Scott

I also like that whenever an African Sister was having a hard time she would sing to herself, "All is well, all is well." Really my life is not as bad as someone in poverty and living amongst war all the time. Really all is well in my life!!! I am blessed.

Look verses See

2011-02-08T09:35:00.000-08:00

I noticed something I have never noticed before. First off has your Mom ever asked you to go grab something for her and when you get to were it is supposed to be you can't find it? You end up yelling back and forth, "Where is it, I can't see it? She says its next to the ..." Usually she ends up coming and finding it herself when it was right in front of your face the whole time!!!

That is exactly the principle I thought about when I read in 1 Nephi 11. An angel tells Nephi to LOOK several times and although he is looking he is not seeing. For example in verse 12 the angel tells him to look and Nephi looks towards the angel, when the angel had wanted him to see the Tree of Life or the Son of God. You should go look yourself in this chapter at how many times he is told to LOOK, particularly in verses 8-32. What does he see or where is Nephi looking? What should we be seeing?

In everyone of those "Look" verses everything is pointing to Christ!!! We, the angel, worldly things, etc... should not be the focus. We should not look to these things but should see Christ in all things. Cross reference that to John 16:13-14 were we are told we should not speak of yourself but glorify the Savior! When I think of my role as a teacher or friend, am I the focus or am I making myself disappear and glorifying HIM?

No Secrets

2011-02-07T18:33:00.000-08:00

I have been reading about Secret Combinations in the scriptures recently and that reminded me of a quote I heard in an institute class last summer by Elder Faust. Paraphrasing he said that there are no secrets...in the last days all of our sins and secrets will be revealed when we are judged (I have the exact source, but it's in a binder put away).

I thought of this when I read this verse...
"Wherefore, I, Moroni, am commanded to write these things that evil may be done away, and that the time may come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men, but that they may be persuaded to do good continually, that they may come unto the fountain of all righteousness and be saved (Ether 8:26)." The Lord wants evil things written about in the scriptures so we know of those things, so we can learn from them, and so we won't do them.

Another point I thought of is we need to read the scriptures daily to have power to overcome sin or evil, to be persuaded to do good, then we can be righteous. Sometimes there are times when we don't feel like praying or reading the scriptures, but have you ever noticed in those times we are sinning or trying to keep secrets from the Lord (or someone else)?

So the principle here is there are no secrets and read your scriptures daily to overcome!

Teaching the Gospel

2011-02-03T16:00:00.000-08:00

Everyday I read something about teaching, specifically gospel oriented teaching. I am always trying to figure out how to be a better teacher and also separate my personal study and teaching study. It is quite the undertaking to always think about this, sometimes overwhelming. I listened to Elder Mcconkie's talk from conference today entitled "Gospel Learning and Teaching" which helped immensely.

He shared four basic principles of gospel teaching that I would like to share.

"First, immerse yourself in the scriptures. We cannot love what we do not know. Develop a habit of daily scripture study, separate and apart from your lesson preparation. Before we can teach the gospel, we must know the gospel.

Second, apply in your life the things that you learn.

Third, seek heaven’s help. Appeal unto the Lord for His Spirit with all of the energy of your heart. The scriptures state, “If ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach.” This means that even if you use all the right teaching techniques and what you are teaching is true, without the Spirit real learning is not going to take place.

Fourth, brothers and sisters, it is of utmost importance that we exercise our agency and act, without delay, in accordance with the spiritual promptings we receive."

So study the scriptures everyday, apply, pray, and act quickly on promptings. Sounds like what we should be doing anyways in life regardless of if we are a teacher. Yet, almost everyone is a teacher in the gospel...either in church, to their children, for a paid job, to friends, the list goes on. And when you get discouraged or overwhelmed like I tend too, it helps to remember that the Lord is there for you. Or his closing statement in his talk also helps...

"Dear teachers, you are one of the great miracles of this Church. You have a sacred trust. We love you and have confidence in you. I know that if we will search the scriptures and live so that we are worthy to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost, the Lord will magnify us in our callings and responsibilities so that we may accomplish our errand from the Lord."

You Stupid Cow!

2011-01-28T11:40:00.000-08:00

I listen to the talks from General Conference on a regular basis and have come to love and apply the principles therein. On a regular basis talks or stories come to my mind that specifically apply to what I am going through at any given moment or something I need to know or remember to teach or share with others. The talk "What Have You Done With My Name" by Mervyn B. Arnold has been continually going through my mind so I feel like I need to share some of it, specifically a story he shares about his wife.

“When I was 15 years old, I often felt that there were too many rules and commandments. I wasn’t sure that a normal, fun-loving teenager could enjoy life with so many restrictions. Furthermore, the many hours spent working on my father’s ranch were seriously dipping into my time with my friends.

“This particular summer, one of my jobs was to ensure that the cows grazing on the mountain pasture did not break through the fence and get into the wheat field. A cow grazing on the growing wheat can bloat, causing suffocation and death. One cow in particular was always trying to stick her head through the fence. One morning, as I was riding my horse along the fence line checking on the cattle, I found that the cow had broken through the fence and gotten into the wheat field. To my dismay, I realized that she had been eating wheat for quite some time because she was already bloated and looked much like a balloon. I thought, ‘You stupid cow! That fence was there to protect you, yet you broke through it and you have eaten so much wheat that your life is in danger.’

“I raced back to the farmhouse to get my dad. However, when we returned, I found her lying dead on the ground. I was saddened by the loss of that cow. We had provided her with a beautiful mountain pasture to graze in and a fence to keep her away from the dangerous wheat, yet she foolishly broke through the fence and caused her own death.

“As I thought about the role of the fence, I realized that it was a protection, just as the commandments and my parents’ rules were a protection. The commandments and rules were for my own good. I realized that obedience to the commandments could save me from physical and spiritual death. That enlightenment was a pivotal point in my life.”

I too have felt the same things that Sister Arnold felt, but I know we have commandments, guidelines, principles, or whatever you may call them for our safety, well-being, and happiness. I thought the video called "Within Bounds" also was a great video to illustrate this point.

Service

2011-01-26T18:18:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about service for the last few days and thought I needed to write about it. A lot of people know that my parents have bad knees, so if it snows I get to shovel. Yesterday it snowed a lot and fast. I am in the process of packing and moving, so of course it wasn't convenient to shovel, but it has to be done. So I said I will pack some boxes, shovel and then load up my car. While I was packing I brought some boxes upstairs and found my Mom crying. I asked what was wrong and she said the neighbor had just snowplowed for us. What a great service that touched her, but I don't think she knew how much more it touched me. I was certainly tired and knew I would be exhausted at the end of the day. So thank you neighbor!!! We know who you are!

I was also thinking about my cousin who went into the Missionary Training Center today. I think it is an amazing thing that in our church members give up years of their life to serve the Lord and spread the gospel of good news. Sure it is hard to leave your family behind, but it is so much better to lose yourself serving your fellow man.
I heard someone talking about our church welfare program yesterday and what welfare means. I think we tend to think of food storage or money for the poor, but what touched me was her sharing that when we donate our time and services to others that is contributing the the Bishop's Storehouse or welfare program.

The scriptures say it best..."And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." Amen!

Every Hour

2011-01-24T16:32:00.000-08:00

I was able to attend two great sessions of Stake Conference this weekend and sang one of my favorite hymns which I have thought about ever since then. I Need Thee Every Hour truly is in my top three favorite hymns. I don't think I realized until today that I really do need My Savior every hour! I honestly think about God, Christ, or the Holy Ghost every hour I am awake, more often my Savior.

There are 3 lines from the hymn that are particularly touching to me:
"No tender voice like thine Can peace afford...Temptations lose their power When thou art nigh...Come quickly and abide, Or life is vain." What great promises from a hymn. I truly, truly do need thee every hour.

Change of Focus

2011-01-21T15:00:00.001-08:00

So I was sitting in the temple the other day and thinking about health issues and our bodies in general. I have to admit my first thoughts were bodies are annoying and just fall apart. Then it hit me…the sole purpose we are here on earth could not be accomplished without a body!

I had to quickly repent and silently thank Heavenly Father for the gift of our bodies. Without our body we could not be tested, have families, and do the important temple work that needs to be done for those who have passed on or lived in a time when there were no temples.

I thought of Doctrine and Covenants 2:2-3, which basically says if we don’t have families and do temple work the earth will be utterly wasted at His coming. Wow, pretty strong warning! I am so grateful, now, for my body and for that opportunity I have to help in the Lord’s work. I know we are all tempted, have health issues, and are constantly trying to be healthy, but maybe if we focused on the reasons we need a body things would just work out.

Ask and ye shall receive

2011-01-10T18:30:00.001-08:00

Did you know that the most repeated theme in the scriptures is, "Ask and ye shall receive?" I know this because Elder Packer says so in his book "Teach Ye Diligently." It is in the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price.

So if it is in every book of scripture it must be pretty important! It is such a simple doctrine! Yet why is it so hard for us to do it?

Some of the words or phrases I noticed that are associated with asking are:
Believing, Desire, Receiving, Seek, Thanksgiving, Liberally, Upbraideth Not, ACCORDING TO HIS WILL, Faith, Which is right, Humble, What is expedient, shall be done, and we are commanded to call upon Him.

Wow, I am going to start asking for more, but try to remind myself to keep it righteous and in accordance with HIS will.

Drinking Deeply

2011-01-06T16:00:00.000-08:00

Years ago my scripture study reminded me of drinking from a fire hose. I would gorge myself reading on an irregular basis and while I was spiritually nourished I realized that it is harder to drink massive amounts of water and I would rather drink deeply by using a "drinking fountain."

With that in mind I changed my habits and started reading daily, with an unspecified amount or time in mind. That was a few years ago and I can honestly say I have only missed a few days since then.

I had the opportunity to study the scriptures for several hours today, which hasn't happened in awhile. At first it reminded me of a fire hose, but I honestly needed it and felt okay about it since I have been studying regularly. I picked up some amazing insights.

President Thomas S. Monson said: “Participate in daily scripture study. Crash courses are not nearly so effective as the day-to-day reading and application of the scriptures in our lives. Become acquainted with the lessons the scriptures teach. Study them as though they were speaking to you, for such is the truth.”

Through the words of the scriptures, we can come to know and love our Heavenly Father and the Savior Jesus Christ. We can read Their commandments and, as a result, learn to see the difference between right and wrong. We gain strength to resist the temptation to sin. We increase our desire to obey God’s laws (The Scriptures Teach and Testify of Jesus Christ", Ensign, Jan. 2011, 14–15).

I know the scriptures are true, especially The Book of Mormon. I know this because I have studied them and prayed about them. I am so grateful to have the word of God in my life to guide and direct me.

It's always darker right before the dawn

2011-01-02T17:42:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking a lot about the phrase "It's always darker before the dawn" a lot in the last week. This phrase became even more poignant when I read in 3 Nephi for my scripture study.

In chapters 8 and 9 in 3rd Nephi the darkness that is talked about is right before the Savior's coming. In one verse we are told that "there could be no light." That included torches, fires, candles, etc... I think it's important to notice that all the people went through this darkness, not just the wicked.

What is it that got the righteous through the darkness?

1-Their willingness to repent
2-Being able to hear the voice of the Lord in their lives
3-Their faith and endurance (they remembered the words of Samuel the Prophet)

Am I repenting, feeling the spirit, exercising my faith, and enduring? We all go through times of darkness, maybe if we were doing the above things it would make it a lot easier. Our temporary times of darkness now are to prepare us for another time of darkness that will come before the Second Coming. Then we will have the brightness of the Dawn in our lives.

*It is also interesting to note that there is silence before the Savior appears.

Bearing One Another's Burdens

2010-12-31T11:25:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-12-25T14:50:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-20T15:18:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-15T16:26:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-14T12:04:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-13T16:41:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-12T17:46:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-12-03T11:09:00.001-08:00

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

2010-12-02T16:16:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-30T12:24:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-28T15:44:00.000-08:00

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!