True Treasures and Faith Finds

This Week's Spiritual Favorites

2012-01-27T11:27:00.000-08:00

I have not been on this blog in over a year. I recently have felt a sudden rejuvenation when it comes to my spiritual understanding and growth. I have read a few amazing articles that have opened my eyes and explained elements of the Gospel that I didn't understand before. I have decided I am going to try to write a week in review of My Spiritual Favorites from my readings to help me remember these favorites.

1) The article "An Answer for Every 'What If?' " in the Dec. 2011 Ensign.
After getting another negative on my pregnancy test I was very upset. I read this article and it really hit me how the answer to my "What if we never have any more children?" It is okay because I am blessed with a loving family. I am super happy and know God's eternal plan and as long as I do what I am supposed to not only will I be with my family forever but opportunities will be given to us in eternity that we may not have here on earth.

2) The article "His Grace is Sufficient" in the BYU January Magazine.

This article was amazing! It has been so hard for me to understand how you can love everyone and not judge people. Also how can so many people be good active members in the church but struggle with so many things. I didn't understand. This article explained it all to me. Jesus Christ saved us all. No matter how we act on this Earth we will be resurrected in our bodies. But by living the commandments we are allowing Jesus to bless us with grace everyday and allowing him to help us to work to the highest degree of glory in the eternities. We are actually showing his gratitude by obeying him. He explains how we need this time on Earth to practice so we will be ready to live an eternal life of purity and joy. If we don't practice now we wont be ready for it later.

Well this is a start. I hope you have read these articles and if you haven't please do! I really LOVE them and am so grateful to our Heavenly Father for not closing the Heavens but for loving us so much that he kept the lines of communication open with prayer and his Prophet and Apostles on the Earth today.

General Conference April 2011

2011-04-05T07:51:00.000-07:00

In this last Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' General Conference, which can be found here, we were encouraged to share our faith and testimonies in whatever manner than we can. As a start to this I have decided to post what stood out to me from listening to all of the wonderful talks that were given. (These are from the notes I took and in some cases are not complete.)

Saturday Morning Session:
President Monson - Contribute to the general missionary fund.
Elder Tom Perry - Make sure to wear your "Sunday Best" to church on Sunday
Elder Jean A. Stevens - Meet adversity with hope and happiness. We will only be saved if we act as children do.
Elder Walter F. (?) - The way we treat others reflects how we follow the Savior.
Elder Kent F. Richards - No experience or pain is wasted. They are all for our learning and betterment.
Elder Quentin L. Cook - Women are not less valiant is they work outside the home. Women need to do the "direct and immediate bidding of our Heavenly Father" as the "errand of Angels".
Elder Henry B. Eyring - Turn sympathy to action.

Saturday Afternoon Session:
Elder Boyd K. Packer - The husband is the head of the home, the wife is the heart of the home. Refer to the church and its members as members of "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints."
Elder Nelson - The only death that is premature is that of someone who is not ready to meet God. Don't let our fears displace our faith.
Elder Richard Maynes - Selfishness, greed and pornography are used by Satan to hurt the family.
Elder Cecil O. Samuelson Jr. - Do not have higher expectations and standards for others than we do for ourselves.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks - Desires dictate our priorities, our choices and our actions. What we desire determines who we will become and what we will receive eternally. Do all that you can to obtain and maintain a temple marriage.
Elder M. Russell Ballard - There is no place for gossip where charity resides. We need to develop the gift of charity.

Sunday Morning Session:
Elder Uchtdorf - The Spirit often speaks to us in ways that are only heard by our heart. Heavenly Father meets our needs through others - so serve one another. By being the answer to someone else's prayer we often find the answer to our own.
Elder (?) - We need to be careful to not resent our pains and tribulations because they are there to refine us.
Elder Burton - Be kind to the poor.
Sister Allred - Relief to the poor and needy is the purpose of Relief Society. We must give constant support to those that are struggling. Our service becomes the "Gospel in Action".
Elder Bednar - A lot of time we receive revelation without knowing how or when we received it. Put a picture of a temple in every room.

Sunday Afternoon Session:
Elder Richard G. Scott - Be an exceptional person.
Elder Todd Christofferson - Willingly accept and seek correction - this is what we need. Gentle correction to and from our spouse is good. "When a person in a position to reprove another fails to do so, he is thinking only of himself." We should become self correcting.
Elder Carl Pratt - Tithing is a matter of faith, not money. Be generous in your tithes and offerings, we are all indebted to the Lord. The payment of tithing is insurance against divorce.
Elder Lynn G. Robbins - You need to be and do good. Never let failure progress from an action to an identity. Neither professions nor possessions should define self worth. Point out and support Christlike attributes in the children.
Elder Benjamin De Hoyos - Our church was named by Heavenly Father, not man.
Elder C. Scott Grow - Jesus removes the burden of guilt, from our sins, from us.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland - We are called to be a messenger and wave the Ensign to all of the world.
President Monson - Be examples of honesty and integrity no matter where we go or what we do.

I am so grateful for the messages shared with us this General Conference. I am also very grateful to the Spirit of the Lord that testified to me deep in my heart that what was said is true and from Him. I know that I am following the path that Heavenly Father wants me to and that I must work hard in order to refine myself and in turn be exalted in the eternities. I hope to everyday reflect the love and joy that I have as a result of knowing I am a daughter of our Heavenly Father and that He greatly loves me. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

What Motivates Me

2010-07-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday we discussed the article "When the Lord Commands" by Elder Bruce A. Carlson in Relief Society.

His talk covered the three excuses people use to explain why they do not follow the commandments, laws and ordinances outlined by God.
The three are:
1) It doesn't apply to me
2) It's not really important
3) It's too hard

Now I can honestly say I have used a few of these several times. But what motivates me whenever I am tempted to use any of these excuses is The Temple.I may not always understand why I must wear my garments all the time or why it's important to go to all three meetings of church, but I do know that in order to be worthy to enter the Temple I have to. So I do.

Elder Carlson said that "At times we may rationalize that the Lord will understand our disobedience because our special circumstances make adherence to His laws difficult, embarrassing, or even painful. However, faithful obedience, regardless of the apparent size of the task, will bring the Lord’s guidance, assistance, and peace."

This statement really captured what I think a lot of us feel. It is important to follow the Lord's Commandments, Laws and Ordinances even when it's difficult or we don't understand.

I am grateful for this talk and the new understanding that it has given me. I am not the exception to the rule ... really :)

A Woman, NOT a Baby

2010-04-15T05:41:00.000-07:00

I am often confused about the role of women today. Some say that you shouldn't lend money to family, while the Church states that families should care for one another however they can. Some say that women should be able to work full time even though they have children, while the Church reminds us that families are the most important thing in this life. Some women judge each other viciously on how clean their homes are, how much money they spend and what designer they are wearing. I myself got so caught up in this that I was consumed by stress in thinking of decorating and creating my daughter's first birthday party several months away!

I absolutely LOVED Relief Society General President Julie B. Beck 's talk "And upon the Handmaids in Those Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit." She discusses one way of thinking that has been pushed on mother's, the need to "get away." Some women believe that every woman should get a break when stressed and not have to deal with children or responsibilities.

I have had no opportunity to do such a thing since the incredibly stressful birth and care of our daughter. I have worked ridiculous hours and had more responsibility on me than I ever though I could handle. Often when I see other's taking a vacation from it all I hear the voice of jealousy saying "Do I not deserve a break too?" Thankfully President Beck refutes this need by saying that "A good woman must constantly resist alluring and deceptive messages from many sources telling her that she is entitled to more time away from her responsibilities and that she deserves a life of greater ease and independence. "

She says as a mother your responsibility is to care for your children and to do so by the guidance of the Holy Ghost. And that the best way to receive this guidance is by reading the scriptures. "Insight found in scripture accumulates over time, so it is important to spend some time in the scriptures every day. " I can definitely attest to this as the stories I read have very vividly applied to my life immediately to shortly after I have studied them.

I have struggled with Relief Society for many years now. Our meetings sometimes do not have the welcoming and loving feeling that I had always envisioned Relief Society to have. While I know that such things depend a lot on me, I was very much enlightened by what Sister Beck said: "Entrance into Relief Society signifies that a woman can be trusted and relied upon to make a significant contribution in the Church. She continues to progress as an individual without receiving much outward credit or praise. " Relief Society, while it is a place to gather and feel unity, is also an individual responsibility placed on a Sister. It is my responsibility. I should stop thinking about what Relief Society should be doing for me or how it should be making me feel, but rather what I should be doing for it as a member.

She quoted Eliza R. Snow in saying "Women should be women and not babies that need petting and correction all the time. I know we like to be appreciated but if we do not get all the appreciation which we think is our due, what matters?" To be honest when I heard this I felt like I had received a much deserved slap to the face. I really needed to hear that. I need to stop worrying about other's opinion's and how things make me feel. I want to be a woman, so I am going to act like a woman.

Sister Beck is truly incredible. She points out that life is life, it is difficult and a struggle. And "When we have done our very best, we may still experience disappointments, but we will not be disappointed in ourselves." I have a new found outlook on life: I want to embody what it means to be a woman.

What baing a Woman means to me:
- I am dependable
- I do what is right no matter what
- I teach my children correct principles and am an example of such principles
- I do not need acceptance from others
- My self worth is not negotiable and is set by Heavenly Father
- I am full of joy
- I am selfless and patient
- I do not loose my temper
- I am a hard worker
- I am creative

What does being a woman mean to you?

Priesthood Power

2010-04-14T06:53:00.000-07:00

From the moment I heard the talk "The Power of the Priesthood" by President Boyd K. Packer, it directly changed me. I not only felt its power but decided to make steps in my life to abide by its teachings. As a result my family has been greatly blessed and it has only been a week!

He grabbed my attention when he stated that "The priesthood does not have the strength that it should have and will not have until the power of the priesthood is firmly fixed in the families as it should be." In that statement I could see the framework of the church as a collection of families be directed by worthy Priesthood holders. I could instantly see the peril that the Church could be in as a result of the weakening of the Priesthood in families.

Quoting President Joseph F. Smith he said "The father presides at the table, at prayer, and gives general directions relating to his family life whoever may be present." This was one statement that instantly changed me. I saw deciding who should say the prayer as a entitled decision that the Priesthood holder should make, and the result of which should be gracious obedience not contention or statements like "Isn't it your turn?"

I know that sometimes my husband feels inadequate, as we all do when realizing the weight of our responsibilities. I loved how President Packer dismissed such worries with his statement that "We now must awaken in every elder and high priest, in every quorum and group, and in the father of every home the power of the priesthood of the Almighty." He continued: "We need everyone. The tired or worn out or lazy and even those who are bound down with guilt must be restored through repentance and forgiveness. Too many of our priesthood brethren are living below their privileges and the Lord’s expectations."

These statements, though intended and felt by my husband, were very influential to me as well. I need to remember, recognize, and encourage my husband's Priesthood strength. It is important not only to our family but to the Church as a whole and the Gospel as well.

After this talk my husband has been much more confident in directing our family. "There will be times when all that stands as a shield between your family and the adversary’s mischief will be that power. You will receive direction from the Lord by way of the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Last week after I heard news of my Grandmother's passing my husband felt strongly that our family should go visit her home and remember her. While the trip did not make sense on paper financially or work wise, he strongly pushed for it for days. His strength and persistence infected me and gave me the strength to move forward in confidence. The whole time we could feel the strong confirmation that it is what the Lord wanted. We were blessed in countless ways by my husband's Priesthood strength in just that one instance.

Side Note:

In his talk he refers to another talk he gave entitled: "What Every Elder Should Know—and Every Sister as Well: A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government." I felt strongly that I should read it and while a long read, I now feel a greater understanding for the Priesthood as a Organization.

One specific statement that really opened my eyes was that: "The priesthood is not divisible. An elder holds as much priesthood as an Apostle. (See D&C 20:38.) When a man receives the priesthood, he receives all of it." He discerns the difference from setting apart and ordaining. Every man who has the Melchizedek priesthood has been ordained the same as the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The only difference is how they are set apart and what their responsibilities entail.

To me this understanding should bring hope to all worthy Elders that they have the opportunity to live as righteous a life as the Prophet. They are not so distinctly separate as one might think.

Patience

2010-04-13T06:59:00.001-07:00

General Conference was amazing and I only saw half of it! Due to a sick dog and a bustling grouping of family for Easter I only saw the morning sessions.

Brad has referred several times to the talk given by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf in the Priesthood Session "Continue in Patience." I knew that this should be the first talk that I should read when I got the chance.

Brad and I, like many people, are struggling financially with a large mortgage payment on a house that is now worth quite a bit less than we bought for it. We are also struggling with issues regarding employment decisions and child care. As a result we have spent most of our waking time the last few weeks in prayer hoping that all the pieces will eventually fall together as Heavenly Father would mean them to. Today is a day where big decisions will be made. This is why I read this talk.

President Uchtdorf carries the Spirit with him so well. Just by reading his talk I felt my heart rate slow down and my anxiety lessen. He talked of patience as being the opposite of selfishness. He described it as "the ability to put our desires on hold for a time."

He stated that he"... learned that patience was far more than simply waiting for something to happen—patience required actively working toward worthwhile goals and not getting discouraged when results didn’t appear instantly or without effort." Patience is not something that you either have or you don't ... it is an active restraint of yourself. At this time in our decision making we are waiting for other's to determine outcomes that will directly influence us. Brad and I have decided that we will not impatiently or angrily wait, but we will be active in practicing our patience.

"Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can—working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well!" Well I hope we are enduring well! Life is so complicated and I used to think that I deserved a perfect life, that everything should be as it should. I don't know where I got that idea from because that's not life at all! Life is complicated and messy, it is meant to be an active trial of faith and devotion.

Like all of the talks in General Conference. this one was amazing. If you haven't had the opportunity to read it or watch it, please take the time. It's well worth it!

Saturday General Conference

2010-04-03T17:25:00.000-07:00

What an amazing General Conference it has been so far! We unfortunately had to miss almost all of the Saturday afternoon session due to our dog eating a tube of Desitin (you can read about it here) But the morning session was incredible!

Some of the wonderful things I heard (almost direct quotes):
- Boyd K. Packer: It has never been easy to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Relief Society President Sister Beck: Women should be women and not babies who need petty praising all the time.
- Bishop McMullin: To know your path in a time of crisis, pray.
- Willford Anderson: Joy is not a product of circumstance but of faith in the Lord.

All of the talks were amazing and I am so grateful for their messages. The direction I needed and didn't even know I needed was in those talks and they were incredible. The Lord is truly amazing and I am so grateful for the inspired leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and look forward to another full day of inspired messages!

*If you missed General Conference or would like to watch it please check out the information found on lds.org

Wanting To Be A Good Person

2010-03-24T08:57:00.000-07:00

This morning I was talking to a friend of mine discussing the type of mothers and some day grandmothers we would like to become. How we would react to certain circumstances, what our priorities would be and what would bring us joy.

We then pondered the "good" people we knew and what really made them good. She then made the statement: "It's not what you you don't do, it's what you do do." While I do not agree 100% on the statement it did flip my perception.

For the longest time I have held on to the fact that since I follow the guidlines I am supposed to and do not watch rated R movies, do not drink alcohol, do not view or support pornography, do not swear etc. that I am a good person. While not doing these things is definitly good for me, it does not make me an instant good person.

What have I done lately? I reread my post on President Monson's conference address What Have I Done for Someone Today? This is a talk I must reread often as once again I have gotten caught up in life in the uniportant things and have done little to nothing for the other people in my life.

"Our Savior teaches us to follow Him by making the sacrifices necessary to lose ourselves in unselfish service to others" (Unselfish Service by
Elder Dallin H. Oaks ).

To be a good person I need to serve. I am very limited with what I can do right now due to our hermit life style, but in a few weeks we will be free to go out into the world since RSV season will be over. In the meantime I have decided to work harder in my church service. Looking for inspiration and guidance in the calling that I have.

I need to serve those around me and find ways to serve and love them. That is what will make me a "good" person.

My Week Favorites

2010-03-22T06:15:00.000-07:00

1) Angela is standing up all on her own! She can pull herself up anywhere. I leave her sitting and she will be standing up across the room.

2) Angela loves to be outside so we are spending a lot of time on the swing set in the afternoon.

3) Brad and I built a fence around our garden to keep the dogs out. It was a lot of fun working together and finishing such a big project together.

4) I learned how to drill and got to put several fences together.

5) Brad and I worked out a new schedule to hopefully get me through, putting our family, sleep and happiness before finances.

6) Angela tries everyday to walk and gets so confused when she falls down. She thinks she should be able to do it already!

7) I booked my flights for my sister's College Graduation.

8) I saw Sammie leap over a stack of fences.

9) Angela loves to throw her toys on the ground now so she can bend down and pick them up. She's learning so much!

10) Angela took a 2 hour nap so we could finish putting the fence together :)

My Week Favorites

2010-03-12T09:09:00.000-08:00

Life has been really rough the last couple weeks and I know it will continue to be. I want to enjoy my days and the time I have with my family. I have faith that life will be better, that things will change. I just worry that I am too weak to make it through until then, to continue working full time while being a mom and a wife.

My friend Rebecca posted her thoughts on the article "The Best Is Yet To Be" by Elder Holland. In this talk Elder Holland stated that "every day ought to be the start of a new year and a new life."

I have decided that I need to start writing down what I am grateful for. Right now I am beginning to not be as appreciative as I should be. So I am going to follow the wonderful example of my friend Monique and start writing my own version of her "Friday Favorites."

My Week Favorites:

1) Angela and I got to go outside and play on our playground for the first time ever. She loved being in the baby swing watching the dogs play in the yard.

2) Brad took time off of work so I wouldn't have to use up my remaining 4 hours of PTO this week.

3) Brad is starting to feel better and it looks like Angela and I may have made it through without getting sick.

4) The days are getting warmer and I love that my dogs come in the house covered in grass from playing outside.

5) Angela took a 2 hour nap for me yesterday, a true faith building experience.

6) I actually started to read a novel last night. I am excited to rekindle my love of reading for pleasure, something I lost about 10 years ago.

7) I got to talk to my mom and dad for quite a while on Tuesday. It's been too long since we've talked like that.

8) My sister an I found some time to email each other, I love how grown up she has become.

9) Angela is secretly crawling, she wont do it when we are around, but when we step out of the room she moves several feet. I am excited we are so close to her crawling.

10) My husband doesn't mind having scrambled eggs for dinner when I don't feel up to cooking.

I am grateful for someone who loves our baby to watch her. I am grateful for accommodating bosses at work who help us with our crazy schedules. I am grateful for a selfless husband who is willing to go through this experience with me.

I am grateful for my life, for my wonderful daughter and how incredible she is doing, for my amazing husband who is so patient and understanding, and for my dogs who run in and out of my day breaking up stressful or monotonous moments, and for a loving family. I have so much to be grateful for, sometimes I need to just stop and take a moment to recognize it all.

Bridle Your Tongue

2010-02-26T10:45:00.000-08:00

It has been amazing to me all of the life lessons that we learn come from scripture. I did not grow up in a religious household, a God loving home, but not religious. For me to read the Bible now as an adult, I am astounded by the life truths that it contains.

A few days ago in my nightly reading I read James 3.

This specific chapter is about bridling your tongue. It says: "If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body." (James 3:2)

Today I caught myself amidst a gossip fest at work. I was surprised that once I joined in the conversation that I was carried away by its current. Realizing my error I began to paddle back as hard as I could but the words were like crashing rapids taking me further and further down stream. The power that words can have!

Elder Kendrick in his talk Christlike Communications, says "The real challenge that we face in our communications with others is to condition our hearts to have Christlike feelings for all of Heavenly Father’s children. When we develop this concern for the condition of others, we then will communicate with them as the Savior would."

I know that I lose my temper and words come out "wrong" or my tone is unbridled to say the least. These are moments when I get swept away. Later when I think of who I was talking to, or rather remember the worth of the person I was talking too, I become ashamed.

One of the most wonderful woman I have ever met, recently moved out of our ward. And the reason why I consider her so wonderful was that she was incredibly bridled with her words. When she spoke it was because she had something to say that should be said. She was always glowing and so full of peace. The words were not fighting to get out, she was not interrupting others or interjecting in the conversation for some sort of acceptance or camaraderie. She had bridled her words. And I greatly admired her for it.

One day I ran into her at Wal-Mart on a particularly bad day for me. I had been crying all day and was desperately trying to get in and out of the store as quickly as possible. When I ran into her she said hello and asked me how I was. I began to say empty words of "doing great" and "keeping busy". She just looked into my eyes and tears began to fill her eyes. No words were needed. I let go and cried and she just stood there in the middle of the cereal isle with me silent tears rolling down her own cheeks. She gave me a hug and we went our separate ways. What power that her love has that no words were needed. This is something I aspire to be.

Elder Kendrick mentions 4 un-Christlike types of communication: Lying, Blaming, Criticising, and Anger. I am glad he points this out as now I can mentally put these in the "No" pile. While in my heart I have always known these to be infectious evil actions, I have the solid direction now that they definitely are.

He says that "Christlike communications are expressed in tones of love rather than loudness. They are intended to be helpful rather than hurtful. They tend to bind us together rather than to drive us apart. They tend to build rather than to belittle." These are such wonderful words of direction that I hope I can apply and employ in my life.

Talents

2010-02-23T08:37:00.001-08:00

This morning I was reading this article about the relief efforts that the church has made in Haiti. It made me think of the many times that we are told to develop our talents. President Spencer W. Kimball said: “God has endowed us with talents and time, with latent abilities and with opportunities to use and develop them in his service. He therefore expects much of us, his privileged children” (The Miracle of Forgiveness [1969], 100).

I wonder what talents I have and how in a time of chaos or disaster I can of service. I think that I have been blessed with many talents but have lacked the knowledge or drive to develop them. Today at work I was quite embarrassed as I had to look up an equation that I should know by heart by now. I just haven't made the effort to do so.

I want to be of service to the Lord and to others so I must work on developing my talents. I want to be useful in a time of need. Some talents I must work on:

- Viola
- Athletics
- Being Creative
- Being Dependable
- Love of Reading
- Love of Learning

"The Church needs your strength. It needs your love and loyalty and devotion. It needs a little more of your time and energy." President Hinkley (Discourses vol1, 23).

What talents do you want to work on?

Miracles Do Happen

2010-02-15T15:57:00.000-08:00

I have prayed for this family every day since I learned about their experience two weeks ago. Heavenly Father is truly incredible. Please visit their site (click on MIRACLE STORY) and watch the video of the miracle of getting their baby boy back.

MIRACLE STORY

Note: You will need tissues ;)

The World Needs Prayers

2010-02-08T04:23:00.000-08:00

My heart is so full of love. It amazes me as I have at times thought of my self as a heartless person. I have contemplated the sanity of an army of firefighters running into a burning building to save one person. I am glad though that while my brain has a lot of learning to do, my heart overpowers always.

I learned a month ago of a little boy, Gavin, 8 weeks old who was in the hospital fighting for his life with RSV. My prayers have been nonstop for this little child and his family. Today I saw that the day that I learned of his struggle, the day my prayers began, was the day that he passed away. My heart aches for that mother and I weep with her - a woman that I have never met.

I used to consider myself weak or emotionally uncontrolled for being affected by another's struggles. But what the world looks at as a weakness is a blessing from our Heavenly Father. We are told that we should be:

"willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God" (Mosiah 18: 8-9).

My prayers also continue for a woman who's one year old son, Bronson, fights for his life after drowning in the bathtub. His fragile life and mind hang in the balance as they hope today will be the day he comes back to them.

I know that our Heavenly Father loves His children. I know that our mortal life is not the end of our life but rather the end of a period of trials and after it, Eternity continues.

I also know that miracles do happen and that I am so blessed to be the mother to one. I know that it was the faith and prayers of our family, friends and many others that helped create the miracle of Angela. She overcame incredible physical challenges from even before birth to be with us today.

As told in Ether 12: "For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith."

While death in itself is a miracle (sparing us from eternal deterioration, suffering and pain), being spared from it for a time can also be one.

I know miracles do happen and that our prayers are heard. We can move mountains and do the impossible with faith and prayer. Imagine if we all prayed and asked Heavenly Father to bring peace unto the world, to heal a child, or help someone in need - do you think He would deny such a miracle? We must always keep praying.

There is a blog that posts babies in need of prayers. A fellow blogger had the link on her site. It's here if you are interested.

The Articles of Faith

2009-12-28T10:19:00.000-08:00

I did it! I memorized all 13 Articles of Faith and successfully recited them to my husband on Christmas Eve. It took some nights staying up late, lots of prayers and listening to the primary songs over and over again. But I did it!

Since completing this goal, however, I have not begun another mental challenge and as a result I have found myself drifting into my old bad habit of negative thoughts. I must find a new mental challenge to turn to when my mind feels free to wonder on its own.

Sportsmanship

2009-12-04T07:42:00.000-08:00

Our friend Jim wrote a blog on the fans support of inappropriate comments made by Max Hall after the recent BYU vs Utah game. This brought up many concerns and feelings that I have regaurding some LDS people and their mistaken belief that cheating, yelling, swearing, physically or emotionally harming another is acceptable in the realms of an athletic contest. So I decided to look up some information on lds.org to get a clearer picture of what is expected of us in athletic contests.

The First Presidency has stated that: “Church sports activities have a unique central purpose much higher than the development of physical prowess, or even victory itself. It is to strengthen faith, build integrity, and develop in each participant the attributes of his maker.” (Thomas S. Monson, “Goal beyond Victory,” Ensign, Nov 1988, 44) President Monson in this article also points out that the gyms constructed in our meeting houses are paid for by the tithes of every member and every member should have the opportunity to play. I know in my wards several people would not play because of the contention and behavior from other participants.

We must remember that: “He that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.” (3 Ne. 11:29.)

It seems that a lot of poor sports believe that their actions in a athletic contest are constrained to that contest and as such are acceptable. However as pointed out here: “Sportsmanship is no different from fair play in life. When someone crowds into line at a grocery store, that person is a poor sport. We need to discipline ourselves and control our reactions in similar situations in sports.” (Kathleen Lubeck, “When the Whistle Blows: Preparing Good Sports,” Ensign, Apr 1985, 26)

I loved this comment made by Bishop Vaughn J. Featherstone in The Aaronic Priesthood Holder and Athletics : "Never want anything so badly that the person who has the power to give it to you can control you. This is true of athletics as it is in life. Integrity is vital."

This article (quoted above) gives some wonderful suggestions to wards and stakes about how to best promote sportsmanship:
1 - MUST HAVE BISHOP APPROVAL: In one stake “Bishops interview all players to make sure that they’re worthy to participate in the sports programs and that they understand the rules. Bishops fill out a roster of those who will participate, and the roster is turned in to the stake at our monthly meeting. If a player is ejected from a game for unsportsmanlike conduct, that player needs the approval of his or her bishop and stake president to play in future games. "
2 - ATTEND CHURCH MEETINGS: “We’ve also made it a policy in our region that participants in Church-sponsored sports attend at least two Church meetings per month,” said President Tingey. “That includes nonmembers.”
3 - SPORTSMANSHIP POINTS: Another stake stated: “We provide incentives for our players to be good sports by giving sportsmanship evaluations as well as game points for each game,” said Robert Reese, regional sports director. “A team must earn a certain number of sportsmanship points to be able to progress in the tournament.”
4 - CALL AND SET APART OFFICIALS: "We’ve found that the most successful sports programs have officials who have been called and set apart and supported by priesthood leaders.”

I wish and pray that these suggestions had been implemented in our ward while at BYU. I cannot tell you how many leaders in our ward recognized me and whom I recognized from my officiating BYU Intramurals. The vile actions and words that were delivered during games rocked me to my very soul. This is one circumstance that has definitely forced me to question how a person could act in such a way and feel worthy enough to attend the temple.

One individual received a unsportmanship card from me for saying vile comments about an official after the game. When I ran into him in our first meeting with the ward leaders of a new ward we were attending, he made the comment that it wasn't deserved as the comments were not made to the officials face. This makes me sick to my stomach.

As we are not all leaders, here are some other wonderful suggestions for fellow teammates to support good sportsmanship made by the Assistant Athletic Director at BYU in this article:
1 - DON'T LET A TEAMMATE HAVE BAD SPORTSMANSHIP: "Teammates need to express their concern to the player immediately, helping him to recognize that angry words are unacceptable."
2 - MAKE HONOR CALLS: "Honor calls are encouraged in Church sports and ought to be more prevalent at all levels of athletics. Officials cannot see all the action at once. Such honesty takes controversy out of calls, especially close plays, and makes officiating much easier."
3 - PRAY BEFORE EACH GAME: "A prayer before a game has a calming influence. It helps put the game in perspective and reminds players of the need for good sportsmanship."

I pray that somehow this information has helped you and can help many others so that the athletic games that I love may retain their integrity, and help build up our own integrity.

LDS Gems

2009-12-02T11:12:00.001-08:00

Today I have been in the most melancholy mood. It began last night and I have been praying earnestly for the cause or purpose of it. I know yesterday I spent a good deal of energy being jealous which I am happy to say I overcame through prayer and personal revelation. But my "blue" mood still continues. I began looking on lds.org for some sort of help. I was reminded that I need to continue my personal goal of memorizing the 13 articles of faith ... I have through Article 4 down but have since forgotten my goal.

I found a section on the website called LDS Gems. The message for today came from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland:

"you can have sacred, revelatory, profoundly instructive experience with the Lord in any situation you are in. Indeed, let me say that even a little stronger: you can have sacred, revelatory, profoundly instructive experience with the Lord in the most miserable experiences of your life—in the worst settings, while enduring the most painful injustices, when facing the most insurmountable odds and opposition you have ever faced."

Just reading this quote gave me peace and comfort. I still do not understand my mood, but it has waned for the time being so I am grateful.

No More Facebook

2009-11-30T12:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday in church our Bishop played the talk by Elder Bednar given at BYU-Idaho. I apologize but I cannot find it nor remember the name of it. It was discussing appropriate use of media and virtual realities.

My Bishop asked us to have a prayer in our heart as we listened and be close to the spirit. So I said a quick prayer and focused very intently on the speech. What a wonderful talk it was! So many elements of it stuck out to me. One being that if we deny a prompting or do not do something Heavenly Father would want us to do, then we invite Satan.

Another was the statement that what we do in virtual worlds (i.e. video games, chat rooms etc) is still a reflection of our heart and spirit. So if we sin in them, we sin. This has given me the strength to push to clean out our video games and movie collection.

He talked about the importance of our bodies and how we should not put them in jeopardy for fun or a thrill experience. He also discussed virtual relationships. While it seemed to be more in line with men and women forming unhealthy virtual relationships online, I felt strongly about the "virtual friendships" that have begun to rule my life.

My thoughts came to Facebook. For me I know that one issue I have with Facebook is the amount of time I spend on it. So I have worked at this and a couple of month ago eliminated all the games from it. Then last month I told myself I was not aloud to get on it while at home. I have been very proud of these steps that I have conquered.

While listening to Elder Bednar I felt that the relationships I care most about with my close friends and family have turned into "virtual relationships." I do not talk to those I care most about on the phone or even in email. I talk to them online in one line phrases on Facebook. I realized that the friendships and relationships with those I love is far to important to be watered down by Facebook.

So I made the decision yesterday to give it up. When I woke up this morning I was physically sick about it. I did not want to give it up. I began to list more and more reasons for leaving ... avoiding gossip, cultivating real relationships, focusing better at work ... etc.

I was late going in to work because I was rolling around in bed having horrible dreams and feeling so sick. I got into work and deactivated my account. All day since I have been having withdrawal symptoms. Yes from Facebook! I get sick when I think about it, and long to sign on again. In fact I did once just to make sure I closed my account but alas, all I have to do to reactivate it is to sign on again! So giving it up is even harder because I can at anytime sign on again.

I wish to have real relationships with people, be able to call them and get together. I hate the awkwardness that arises sometimes when you meet up with a friend who you only communicate with over the Internet. My friendships and relationships are too important for that.

So this was my decision, and it is right for me. It is incredibly difficult but right for me. I am following the guidance of the Spirit and keeping focused on the eternities before me and my family. That is what gives me the strength to walk away from things of this world and focus on what really matters.

Closing Remarks

2009-11-23T11:28:00.000-08:00

Closing Remarks by President Monson :

"We live at a time when many in the world have slipped from the moorings of safety found in compliance with the commandments. It is a time of permissiveness, with society in general routinely disregarding and breaking the laws of God. We often find ourselves swimming against the current, and sometimes it seems as though the current could carry us away."

Moral Discipline

2009-11-18T11:49:00.000-08:00

Moral Discipline by Elder D. Todd Christofferson is a wonderful talk on the importance of moral discipline.

I loved the line "Mere wanting is hardly a proper guide for moral conduct " as a woman he was quoting said. This perfectly sums up my feelings on society and its judgement of what is right and wrong. So silly to me.

He defined moral discipline as " the consistent exercise of agency to choose the right because it is right, even when it is hard." I know that is what defines us as people ... what we do when no one is looking, how we act in difficult situations ... that is who we are. Society tells us it is ok to do or act in various ways because we are angry, jealous, or upset. It's not okay.

I was just thinking last night how I was taught that if someone hits you, you hit them back. How stupid is that? How did we learn this? Jesus taught us NOT to hurt those that hurt us, but rather love them. Somehow society says it's okay to do the wrong thing in certain circumstances, and its even encouraged and expected. How stupid.

We as parents and people with Gospel knowledge must raise our children with the strong hand of love and guidance as shown by Jesus Christ. We cannot let society and its distorted views teach our children. We must set our best example and stay strong and love our children through teaching and expecting the best from them.

Blessings of the Gospel Available to All

2009-11-18T05:20:00.000-08:00

Blessings of the Gospel Available to All by Elder Joseph W. Sitati : while reading this talk I began to ponder ... if Heavenly Father hadn't made the promise that there would be no more great floods, as in the time of Noah, to rid the world of the wicked ... would we be here today? And I know the answer to be yes as we are all spirit children and born into this world righteous and good with the Spirit of Christ within us ... but perhaps the world wouldn't be so bad.

If there were floods to wipe out the wicked (which is not the case now with natural disasters) would we still have pornography, abuse, and other grievous and horrible sinful actions on Earth? I don't know. I know that as the time of Christ's return gets closer the wicked gets stronger and the world " call{s} evil good, and good evil" (Isaiah 5:20). It is such a confusing and difficult time to live in.

Remember back to the days when showing a belly button on TV was considered immoral and forbidden? It's seems like nothing these days is out of bounds to show on TV or discuss. It's so sad. We have this amazing technology but the evil that has infiltrated it makes me want to shut it off and stay away from it.

An Easiness and Willingness to Believe

2009-11-16T16:22:00.000-08:00

An Easiness and Willingness to Believe by Elder Michael T. Ringwood stated: "As I pondered what caused this mighty change in the hearts of these Lamanites, I came to realize this easiness and willingness to believe in the word of God comes from a softness of heart. It comes from having a heart that is sensitive to the Holy Ghost. It comes from having a heart that can love. It comes from having a heart that will make and keep sacred covenants. It comes from a soft heart that can feel the power of the Atonement of Christ."

He goes on to say that we obtain this soft heart through the example of others and by drawing closer to Heavenly Father in trials and challenges. He taught me that if I want others to feel the Spirit and change, the best thing I can do is be a good example and to keep testifying of Christ and the Book of Mormon and what I know to be true. I know I can also pray diligently and fast so that I may have as much help as I can to soften the hearts around me.

Preserving the Heart’s Mighty Change

2009-11-13T14:52:00.000-08:00

Preserving the Heart’s Mighty Change by Elder Dale G. Renlund reminds us how important it is that we continuously check ourselves to make sure we are doing what we should be doing and we have remained close to the Gospel and our Heavenly Father. Sometimes I don't even realise when I've begun a habit of skipping prayers or visiting teaching. We must constantly remind ourselves. It is that important.

A Call to the Rising Generation

2009-11-12T06:44:00.000-08:00

A Call to the Rising Generation by Elder Brent H. Nielson reminds us just how important it is to pray for our missionaries. He tells of the story of his son being able to serve a mission in a town once forbidden to visit. It was through the prayers of the faithful for the country leaders to soften their hearts that the missionaries are now allowed.

After I heard this talk at General Conference, it was the first time that I began to pray for such things. Sometimes I forget how much power a prayer can have and how I can pray for anything and everything. Let's hope and pray for more stories like that of his son, and help prepare the children of this generation to serve missions.

Nondiscrimination Ordinances

2009-11-11T11:16:00.001-08:00

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/church-supports-nondiscrimination-ordinances

Today I read this article and the news reports associated with it and was confused. I was confused because I know that same-sex marriage is wrong and those who are in same-sex relationships are not following the will of God. So in my mind I thought why would you support anything that gives power to people in that situation?

I emailed Brad the article and explained my confusion. He took a moment and responded saying that "We don't believe that you should discriminate anybody, that doesn't mean you agree with their views, but this was talking about housing rights and employment rights, that you can't be discriminated because of those beliefs. We don't believe that they were born that way, it was a choice that they made, and as an individual they are still people and children of God. "

I love my husband and am so grateful for his wisdom and insight. Of course. Every person on this earth no matter what they do, or what choices they make, or what they say is a child of God. We should love and care for them no matter what. While I do not support some of the decisions they have made, it does not mean that I should disrespect them or allow them to be disrespected.

Stewardship—a Sacred Trust

2009-11-11T10:28:00.000-08:00

Stewardship—a Sacred Trust by Elder Quentin L. Cook talks about how important it is for us to care for our fellowman and ourselves.

What I really liked was how this talk reminded me of the fact that our bodies are our stewardship. We are entrusted with their care and development. When I think of my body in that sense I instantly want to eat better foods and exercise.

When talking of caring for others he said that: "a higher motive is when we serve our fellowmen because that is what we believe God wants us to do." I have really enjoyed working hard to find ways of serving the people around me the last few days. With me it is a very conscious effort and I have to do it in the moment or I forget. When I have taken the time to act for another I know I am doing the right thing and doing what God wants me to.

He talked of how God does not make us do anything, it is up to us. It's funny how the world sometimes feels that by having rules we are being forced to do something. That is so silly. It's funny how the way to show your power and uniqueness right now is to rebel against all rules and authority. That does not make you powerful or better in anyway. Rules are not there to put you down. If we were being forced to live righteously Satan would be here on earth. That is what he wanted us to do be forced to act. Christ knew that the right thing to do would be to give us agency and let us decide our own actions and as a result our own fate.

Safety for the Soul

2009-11-10T12:01:00.000-08:00

Safety for the Soul by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland is a great testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. After reading it the two things I feel I should do are 1) Add my testimony to His and 2) Continue diligently studying it so that I may pass through the mists of darkness and stay gripping tightly to the Iron Rod.

I know that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. I know that Joseph Smith translated and compiled the Book of Mormon for us through direct inspiration and guidance from our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and angels. If read and pondered it will bring me closer to God and allow me safe passage through this mortal life so that I may return home to an eternal life with my family and Heavenly Father. This I know and share with you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

What Have I Done for Someone Today?

2009-11-09T11:52:00.000-08:00

What Have I Done for Someone Today? by President Monson was a big wake up call for me. He states: "the needs of others are ever present, and each of us can do something to help someone."

He is definitely speaking to me when he says: "too often we spend most of our time taking care of the things which do not really matter much at all in the grand scheme of things, neglecting those more important causes." Every so often I must sit and imagine if everything I owned were lost in a flood or some other natural disaster would I be upset at how I had wasted my time and money?

President Monson tells of so many acts of service by young children from helping to clean, or giving someone hugs. This is such a wonderful reminder to me that you can give service to someone through very small means. I have been feeling awful that I cannot hold the game night get togethers and dinner nights to help new people in the ward become acquainted (something I wish I had done more of when we moved in). But it doesn't mean that I can't write a note or wave hello to a neighbor. And yes that is service, I know in my life when people do that for me it definitely is.

I now hope to ponder and receive more inspiration as to how I can be of service to those around me. What I can contribute and help, because if the Lord were to look back on my life I would hope that I could say that I made a difference is someones life each and every day.

Ask, Seek, Knock

2009-11-09T11:17:00.000-08:00

Ask, Seek, Knock by Elder Russell M. Nelson teaches us how important it is to continuously follow God's direction so that we may receive more guidance and knowledge specific to us.

One statement that he made that makes perfect sense to me and is extremely applicable in society today is: "A desire to follow the prophet requires much effort because the natural man knows very little of God and even less of His prophet." Satan has supported people's "natural" belief that if they feel it, or it feels good then it should be ok. This is ridiculous. God gave us commandments because he loves us and wants the best for us, he doesn't want us to be less then our best ... so why would homosexuality, adultery, murder, and drug abuse be okay?

He further explained this by saying: "Another prophet taught that 'the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.'6"

Things that are wrong are wrong. You can try to justify them, but they are wrong. Gossip, pornography (in any form), lust, and evil doing are evil.

In Matthew we are taught:

"17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." (Matthew 7: 17-20)

No we are not perfect, as humans on this earth we know that of everyone. However, we should not try to deny the fact that we can and should be better. We are expected to be better. Heavenly Father gave us rules to keep us safe and guide us home ... isn't that what all parents do? And don't most teenagers rebel thinking they know what is best, but once wiser and older understand their parents rules? It's time that we recognize that Heavenly Father loves us and wants only what is best for us ... let's stop rebelling and work hard to become like Christ, perfect.

Hold On

2009-11-06T09:03:00.000-08:00

Hold On by Ann M. Dibb tells us how important it is to never let go of our "safety equipment" : prayer, church attendance, scripture reading etc.

She reminds us that life is not supposed to be easy or happy all the time, it is a challenge. "We learn and grow by overcoming challenges with faith, persistence, and personal righteousness."

I know that this morning on my way to work I was unconsciously singing the hymn "Did You Think To Pray" and it helped when I got to work and things did not come out as I needed them to. So a whole day of work lost that today I have to spend redoing. But it was a situation I could easily handle as I was calm and at peace with a hymn in my head and a prayer in my heart.

When we feel like we don't need to pray, that is when we really need to. I just remind myself of that and it really really helps. :)

Let Virtue Garnish Your Thoughts

2009-11-05T06:07:00.000-08:00

Let Virtue Garnish Your Thoughts by Elder H. David Burton:

Elder Burton talks of him having to learn the 13 articles of faith before he could graduate from Primary. I myself became a member as an adult and did not need to complete such tasks. I feel that this would be a wonderful task for me to work on. I now have decided that by Christmas I would like to have all 13 articles memorized. Whew ... I can do it! I am horrible at memorization but I think this would be really good for me.

Elder Burton said: "A good parental example encourages emulation; a poor example gives license to the children to disregard the parents’ teachings and even expand the poor example." This is just such a wonderful reminder how important it is that everything we do be in line with what we know to be true ... no excuses or justifications ... just the right thing. It's incredibly hard but something I definitely aspire to.

I am really grateful he said: "By remaining steadfast, parents so very often suffer and agonize more than the children they endeavor to teach." Even with our dogs I have had the experience of knowing I was doing the right thing by disciplining them, but it did not feel good in anyway. Infact I know I was probably more upset about it then them. Man, being a mom to a child is going to be hard! But as I learned earlier in conference, if you truly love someone you will expect them to do what's right and you will teach them right from wrong, even though it will probably be hard. I can do it ;)

The Past Way of Facing the Future

2009-11-04T10:06:00.001-08:00

The Past Way of Facing the Future by Elder L. Tom Perry describes how we can utilize knowledge from previous experiences to further the kingdom of God, as he shared that the shipbuilders did in building the roof of the Manti temple.

Our job is to assist missionaries and we do that by furthering our knowledge and utilizing the gifts we have been given to share the Gospel. This is why Heavenly Father gave us all different gifts and why it is so important that we work on developing them into all that they can be.

Our Perfect Example

2009-11-03T12:02:00.000-08:00

Our Perfect Example by President Henry B. Eyring covers a lot of thoughts that I have been pondering lately.

He states that "the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is that we can and must expect to become better as long as we live." Which brings me to ask my self: Am I better today than yesterday? What do I need to do? What should I be doing? Lately I have been focused on making sure to say my prayers in the morning and evening, and reading a verse in the morning and before bed. I was telling Brad last night how great that has been for me, however now I feel I must challenge myself again.

I loved this statement: "the greatest joys and the greatest sorrows we experience are in family relationships. The joys come from putting the welfare of others above our own. That is what love is. And the sorrow comes primarily from selfishness, which is the absence of love. "

It is so true. We need to stop being selfish. How funny it is that society and Satan say that we need to defend ourselves above all things because no one else will defend us. Who says we need defending?

"but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. " (Matthew 5:39) and "I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; "(Matthew 5:44)

In fact we are specifically told: "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? " (Matthew 6:25)

So there is no need to be prideful or defensive or offended ... these are things we should live without. We should all be positive, loving and generous. That is what Christ has shown us is right.

My thoughts have been on this statement as of late: “Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”5

President Eyring points out that "It is the only one of the Ten Commandments with a promise."

I think daily about this scripture and though I have read through the Topical Guide on the subject I still do not feel that I am close to grasping this commandment or what it means in my life. I have started by watching my actions ... would my parents be proud of me if the knew I did this? or said this? And I have been pondering ... to which parents is this commandment referring? My Mom and Dad or Heavenly Father and Mother? Does it really matter? My thoughts still ponder this commandment and its better application in my life.

School Thy Feelings, O My Brother

2009-11-02T10:36:00.000-08:00

When Brad came home from priesthood session and told me about the talk: School Thy Feelings, O My Brother by President Monson I knew this would be one that I needed to read. Of course this is the one talk that I have been too distracted to read for over a week.

What a heartbreaking story President Monson shared of a man accidentally injuring his child in anger. It makes me think of alcohol. Anger is just another "thing" that can and will impare our vision, choices and actions. It's something that we must abstain from.

Some wonderful quotes that President Monson shared included:
- “Anger doesn’t solve anything. It builds nothing, but it can destroy everything.”
- “A man’s a fool who takes an insult that isn’t intended.”
- “For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.
“Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away.”

President Monson said that "To be angry is to yield to the influence of Satan. No one can make us angry. It is our choice. If we desire to have a proper spirit with us at all times, we must choose to refrain from becoming angry. I testify that such is possible."

I too can testify that we can be in control of our emotions and our responses. It is not unhealthy stifling of feelings but rather deciding that you do not wish to respond a certain way to a situation. I have done it. I regret to say that last week I let myself slide by neglecting my morning prayer occasionally and I felt an obvious weakness as a result. I even fell into my old ways on Sunday for a moment knowing that me being upset was because I had allowed myself to become such. It was such a silly choice.

I now hope to realign my emotions and my spirit and hope to become more effective at controlling my anger. I am so grateful for this talk and look forward to rereading it for years to come.

Be Ready

2009-10-27T11:50:00.000-07:00

Be Ready by President Henry B. Eyring remindes us that we need to be ready and so we need to prepare. He says that "The preparation is to be ready to go and do whatever the Lord wants done as the world is preparing for His coming. None of us knows exactly what those errands will be. But we know what it will take to be ready, so each of us can prepare."

I know a lot of time is wasted because we put off the promptings to act now for another day. Then they are lost and wasted. Elder Scott in his talk, which I mentioned in an earlier post, told us that we must ask to learn more and only when we do that can further insights be revealed. If we put off completing the first inspirations that we have recieved, how can we get more? While I say this my thoughts were directed to the notebook I keep of inspirations, and I need to check my own list ;)

Two Principles for Any Economy

2009-10-27T11:22:00.000-07:00

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave the talk Two Principles for Any Economy in the evening Priesthood Session of General Conference. He is such an amazing man and has gone through so much in his life! He is such a positive person and amazing example of achieving our "higher self."

He said that "Even though I still remember the hurt and despair, I can see now what I was unable to see then: this was a period of great personal growth." I have been spending a lot of time reflecting on my past experiences and my reactions to them. A lot of the time anger and hurt were at the forefront of my response and I let a great opportunity to learn and grow closer to Heavenly Father pass me bye. I am trying my hardest to not pass up those opportunities today.

He talked about the importance of work. He said "That’s the thing about work. If we simply keep at it—steady and constant—things certainly will improve" I am truly grateful for my job and more importantly my membership in the church. My church membership requires me to work. To serve my fellow man. What a blessing this is! And as President Uchtdorf said, when I work at my calling I can always improve it as well as myself. I am trying to get more involved and work extra hard and fulfilling and exceeding my church callings.

I thought it was very interesting that he said that "retirement is not part of the Lord’s plan of happiness." You know they say that you should do what you love. As explained in my sport psychology class, this is because you have been given some sort of natural ability at it. I would say that you love what is perhaps one of the gifts that Heavenly Father gave you ... one of your talents. Heavenly Father wants us to develop our talents and make them more than what he originally gave us. There are so many wonderful scripture stories and parables about this.

Elder Uchtdorf also said that "For members of the Church, education is not merely a good idea—it’s a commandment." I recently remembered this fact and wondered how in the world I was to keep moving forward with my education. I at this time do not want to go back to school nor have time for it. I got my bachelors, what else did I need. Then I realized that my spiritual education is no where close to complete, in fact its hardly begun. This is what inspired me to start reading a talk every day ... to push myself to learn. That is why I started this blog, to provide an arena for me to learn. I might go back to school someday, but right now I am happy diligently working everyday to learn what my Heavenly Father has to teach me each and every day.

Elder Uchtdorf closed by saying "it is often in the trial of adversity that we learn those most critical lessons that form our character and shape our destiny." I want to make the right decisions and reactions in the face of adversity so that I can form the best me ... a "higher self."

I Love Loud Boys

2009-10-27T10:22:00.001-07:00

I Love Loud Boys by Elder Yoon Hwan Choi is a great story of how patience is so important when teaching children, and how priceless teaching children the right path is.

What a great example Elder Choi is of caring for those that perhaps you do not like. He turned the trouble makers in his life into amazing people and great examples to all others with A LOT of hard work and prayerful inspiration.

Raising children and teaching children takes incredible patience, but this story will always remind me that it is not only important but well worth it.

This week was my first time going to all three meetings of church in half a year, and the first time back in relief society in over a year and a half. It was great to be back and participate. I am grateful that I worked through the incredibly selfish compelling feelings I had to stay home and not go and what a wonderful day it turned out to be! I got to visit my sisters in the ward, met one's little beagle puppies and also reunited a lost dog with her worried owner. It was a great day and I can totally endorse the statement that "Faithful attendance at Church meetings brings blessings you can receive in no other way.”4

Go to church! :)

Becoming More Powerful Priesthood Holders

2009-10-26T06:14:00.000-07:00

The talk from the Priesthood Session Becoming More Powerful Priesthood Holders by Elder Walter F. González talks to all priesthood holder about three steps that need to be taken to better utilize the Book of Mormon "into the best-read and best-applied book, which will empower us today to become more powerful priesthood holders, even as those in ancient times."

While this talk was directed at the Priesthood holders the same suggestions are incredibly helpful for all. After reading this talk I am going to assist my husband in being the best that he can be by supporting these tree principles as well as doing them myself to make me into a better missionary.

The three suggestions:
"First, feast upon the words of Christ
Second, apply in our lives all that we learn about Christ.
Third, teach the doctrine and principles found in the sacred pages of the Book of Mormon."

Fathers and Sons: A Remarkable Relationship

2009-10-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

I always love reading the Priesthood Session as I feel its another great grouping of knowledge that I have to wait to receive. Brad comes home and tries to give me a summary, but I love reading it on my own.

The first talk given was by Elder M. Russell Ballard titled Fathers and Sons: A Remarkable Relationship. This is a great talk for fathers and sons, but as well as anyone in any age varying relationship.

I loved how Elder Ballard said that "We are all in the process of becoming who we will one day be. " I know I get stuck sometimes in absolute end all thinking. For example ... I'm boring, I am out of shape ... etc. That is perhaps true, but only in this moment. We are ever evolving and that is why Repentance is so beautiful, because it can really change who we are and help us to become "the real you." I know that there is a higher me that I am striving to be and its out there for me to reach.

Elder Ballard also braved the subject of premarital sex and stated that "Studies show that the biggest deterrent to casual sexual activity is a wholesome attitude that connects such personal relationships with genuine commitment and mature love."

I wish more people realized that sex is supposed to be an expression of love between a man and a woman in a loving, committed, and sealed relationship. It is meant to be so much more than just a physical act, but a truly godlike experience. Satan has made it so trashy, and it is so sad that we as a population accept it in that light. It breaks my heart, I can't image what it does to Heavenly Father and Mother.

Prayer and Promptings

2009-10-22T07:41:00.000-07:00

In my family blog I shared this morning of me having an amazing day even though it might not have readily appeared as such. I wrote about the blessings that came from me trusting my promptings and not allowing my emotions to overcome me.

President Boyd K. Packer talked of the amazing power and influence of the Holy Ghost in his talk Prayer and Promptings. He said that:

"[the] sweet, quiet voice of inspiration comes more as a feeling than it does as a sound. Pure intelligence can be spoken into the mind. The Holy Ghost communicates with our spirits through the mind more than through the physical senses.4 This guidance comes as thoughts, as feelings through promptings and impressions.5 We may feel the words of spiritual communication more than hear them and see with spiritual rather than with mortal eyes.6"

This description very adequately describes how I personally receive inspiration from the Holy Ghost. It is a thought that is more of a sentence ... a suggestion. It is usually not forceful our loud, but it carries with it the power of truth. It can be ignored but when followed creates a feeling of confidence and righteousness.

Satan knows that the Holy Ghost can communicate with us and tries to hinder that communication as much as possible. Flashes of sinful images or painful experiences can cloud our mind, as can inappropriate lyrics to a song or emotions such as anger. Elder Packer says that:

"When temptation comes, you can invent a delete key in your mind—perhaps the words from a favorite hymn. Your mind is in charge; your body is the instrument of your mind. When some unworthy thought pushes into your mind, replace it with your delete key. Worthy music is powerful and can help you control your thoughts.10"

You are in control of your thoughts. Just because you have a thought does not mean it's right, that it's yours or that you have to keep it. If it's bad get rid of it! Jesus himself told Satan to leave Him alone by saying "Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."(Luke 4:8)

I often use the lyrics to the hymn I Need Thee Every Hour to clear my mind of painful or sinful thoughts. I also say a prayer or mentally tell Satan to go away. All are powerful tools that I try to employ as often as I can to defend my thoughts and thereby my actions from Satan's influence. I also try as best I can to avoid Satan's influence over me by being cautious of what I watch and listen to.

I love that Elder Packer reminded us that "The Savior said, 'Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you' (D&C 88:63)."

“Repent . . . That I May Heal You”

2009-10-21T06:45:00.000-07:00

Elder Neil L. Andersen “Repent . . . That I May Heal You” The title of this talk made me think that this would be one of those talks that was meant for someone else ... not for me. Boy was I wrong. The sentence that made the most impact to me was Elder Andersen's statement that "in this life, it is never too late to repent. "

When I was a teenager, a young teenager, my sister, mom and I spent some time at my grandparents. We did fun things like go to the zoo, go swimming, take long naps, got to the movies and go for walks. One time when we were at the mall my sister and I saw a "working dog." A yellow lab that was being trained to help a handicapped individual. My Grandmother had the wonderful idea of tracking down one of these training facilities and setting up a tour for us.

The whole adventure was a surprise and when I woke up the morning for our special surprise I was in an awful mood. I didn't want to go and I was a complete pain the whole time. I think about this day often and how embarrassed I am of it and the pain that I caused my family. What an amazing experience that I missed out on because of my choice to have a poor attitude.

Elder Andersen's statement that "in this life, it is never too late to repent" has made me realize that even though it is 10+ years later I can be forgiven. And to be forgiven by my Heavenly Father I must first ask forgiveness for those that I wronged.

To my grandmother, grandfather, mom and sister: I am so terribly sorry for my actions that day. I am grateful for the hard work and all of the thought put into creating that special day for us. I am deeply sorry for my actions. If I could I would take that day back and enjoy the amazing experience that it could have been and was supposed to be. I am so sorry.

Elder Andersen said that "Repentance always means that there is greater happiness ahead." I am grateful for this and hope to soon have this weight lifted off my shoulders so that I can move forward and hopefully be a better person.

Being Temperate in All Things

2009-10-20T15:00:00.000-07:00

I have been so in need of Elder Kent D. Watson's talk Being Temperate in All Things .

I know I need to be temperate, but it has always been one of those things I know I am not, but I don't know how to fix it. He gave some great insight by saying that: "Being temperate is to use moderation in all things or to exercise self-control" and "Being temperate means to carefully examine our expectations and desires, to be diligent and patient in seeking righteous goals."

He shared a story of not being harmed in an accident because his windshield when it broke was made of tempered glass.

"Tempered glass, like tempered steel, undergoes a well-controlled heating process which increases strength. Thus, when tempered glass is under stress, it will not easily break into jagged shards that can injure.

Likewise, a temperate soul—one who is humble and full of love—is also a person of increased spiritual strength. With increased spiritual strength, we are able to develop self-mastery and to live with moderation. We learn to control, or temper, our anger, vanity, and pride. With increased spiritual strength, we can protect ourselves from the dangerous excesses and destructive addictions of today’s world."

I know that when I am upset or having a bad day I tend to spread that feeling to those closest to me. I am learning while we are taught to "get it out" and fully express our emotions through societal standards, it is not what is right. While ignoring or hiding emotions or feelings is not right either ... I have the power through God's help to denounce feelings of anger, frustration and pain. I can choose not to feel that way. I can choose not to infect the people around me by, with Heavenly Father's help, eradicating my own infection.

I can choose to be temperate and with God's help become so.

Joseph Smith—Prophet of the Restoration

2009-10-20T11:03:00.000-07:00

Elder Tad R. Callister in his talk Joseph Smith—Prophet of the Restoration talks about how some people when looking at the prophet Joseph Smith focus on his weaknesses and miss the amazing things he did. Don't we tend to do that to ourselves. Don't we have a way of looking at only the negatives? Satan has showed us that it is easier to look at the bad in ourselves and others then enjoy the good. Satan is a tricky devil.

Anyway back to the talk ... Elder Callister pointed out that because of Joseph Smith we now understand four basic principles that are central to our faith:

First: He "learned that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, are two separate, distinct beings. The Bible confirms Joseph Smith’s discovery. It tells us that the Son submitted His will to the Father"(see Matthew 26:42). And this is further confirmed by “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son” (John 3:16).

Second: He learned that "the Father and the Son have glorified bodies of flesh and bones. Following the Savior’s Resurrection, He appeared to His disciples and said, 'Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have' (Luke 24:39). "

Third: He learned "God still speaks to man today—that the heavens are not closed." The whole Book of Mormon and all modern day revelation is a testament to this truth.

Fourth: He learned that "the full and complete Church of Jesus Christ was not then upon the earth."

I am so grateful to Joseph Smith for asking Heavenly Father in prayer for help in deciding which way to go. I am so grateful he fulfilled his calling to restore the true church to Earth and translate what is now the Book of Mormon for us to receive further guidance from our Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ.

Finding Strength through Obedience

2009-10-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

Today when logging on to the Church's website I felt nudged to read Finding Strength through Obedience the Home Teaching lesson for this month.

I was so excited to see that it fell right in line with some thoughts and ponderings I have been having recently. President Monson talks about the world wanting to find their fountain of youth and the need to know all things. While we know we will live forever in the eternities, he points out that "in the divine plan of our God, we enter mortal existence to taste of youth but once." He says the key to knowing all truth is through obedience. He quotes President O McKay as saying that we all need to "keep the Commandments of God."

As mentioned in a previous post I have been pondering life and a fear I had of missing out after I die. I wanted to find a way to ensure, as much as I have control, that I live the life that I am supposed to live, and that I have the time to accomplish the things I am to accomplish. And I found the answer of how to do this in the commandments:

20 Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. (Mosiah 13:20)

Heavenly Father has given us the tools necessary for us to pass through this life with joy and success. He has given us the commandments. While I am still learning and understanding what each one really means and applies to every day situations and actions, I have them to guide me none the less.

Here is a quick refresher for all of us found in Mosiah 13 (15-24):
- Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
-Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
-Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work;
-But the seventh day, the sabbath of the Lord thy God, thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates;
-For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is; wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
-Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
-Thou shalt not kill.
-Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal.
-Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
-Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s.

While these commandments seem so simple they are complex in their modern day application. Satan has a lot of new tools at his disposal and it is up to us to see through the dirt and move forward ever trying our best to become the person our Heavenly Father knows we can be through our obedience.

Attempting the Impossible

2009-10-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

The talk Attempting the Impossible by Elder Jorge F. Zeballos gave me true peace regarding death. Now this may seem strange but for a long time I have been fighting the fear that when I die I will miss out on so many wonderful things here on Earth and that I will miss my family too much to bare.

Maybe I felt peace due to the assurance he gave about actually being able to become perfect here on Earth, or his understanding that eternal life is "the greatest gift God can give up" and I shouldn't fear it, but strive to earn it.

Eternal life ... this is something that I just can't comprehend. I know it to be true but I do not really understand it. With Elder Zeballos' talk though I now have peace and hope that not only can I achieve it but it really is much more important to me than finding a way to spend more time here on Earth.

For example, I sometimes become frustrated with home teaching and visiting teaching because it separates me from my family for a few hours every month. Although in the eternal perspective, giving up those few hours can help me to spend time with my family eternally. The same is true with church attendance, prayer, scripture study etc. I must give up time for these very important elements of my life while I have time to give up. It would not mean as much if my time was unlimited. I have to chose how I spend the hours in my day and show Heavenly Father that I chose my time to be spent in doing that which He has asked me to do.

Elder Zeballos stated that: "The fulfillment of the divine promise to have eternal life, to achieve perfection, and to be happy forevermore in the family unit is subject to the sincere demonstration of our faith in Jesus Christ, obedience to the commandments, perseverance, and diligence throughout our lives." I can not only be with my family forever but I can have eternal happiness.

My new everyday goal: "Let us do the best we can and each day be a little better."

Love and Law

2009-10-18T00:44:00.000-07:00

Elder Dallin H. Oaks gave the talk Love and Law. This talk is so incredibly strong and informative. I am so grateful for his bluntness and direction in this confusing time of faith and civil unrest.

Statements that really impacted me:
- "The love of God does not supersede His laws and His commandments, and the effect of God’s laws and commandments does not diminish the purpose and effect of His love. The same should be true of parental love and rules."
-"God’s anger and His wrath are not a contradiction of His love but an evidence of His love."
-“And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated” (D&C 130:20–21).
-“He who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory. And he who cannot abide the law of a terrestrial kingdom cannot abide a terrestrial glory. And he who cannot abide the law of a telestial kingdom cannot abide a telestial glory” (D&C 88:22–24).
-"when family members are not united in striving to keep the commandments of God, there will be divisions. We do all that we can to avoid impairing loving relationships, but sometimes it happens after all we can do."

Wow what power Elder Oaks has! We must do what is right at all times and in all places. God loves us and so he will not let us do something half right and call it good. He expects our best so we can become our best.

This is one talk that I know I will need to read dozens of times to even get close to all of the direction and inspiration that is within it. I am so grateful for our apostles and leaders who can give us such direction even though it is probably hard and uncomfortable for them to do so.

Five Points of Council

2009-10-17T23:12:00.000-07:00

Religious Freedom, the talk given my Elder Dallin H. Oaks at BYU-Idaho gives us five principles by which we Latter-day Saints should conduct ourselves "to enhance religious freedom in this period of turmoil and challenge".

1) We must speak with love. Although "we must not be surprised when our positions are ridiculed and we are persecuted and reviled. "

2) We must speak out and participate in government. We must also defend others right to do so without retaliation.

3) We must preach our doctrines even though they be unpopular at times.

4) We must be wise in our political participation ... in other words speak with inspiration and with the Holy Ghost.

5) A person's religious beliefs does not qualify them for public office.

This talk made me uncomfortable and I am sure it was meant to do so. It uncovered my eyes to the conflicts that continue to occur and my responsibility to defend my faith. I interact with people of opposing beliefs all the time, even LDS persons who support same sex marriage. I now know for certain though that it is my job, when guided by The Spirit, to stand up and say no. Marriage is between a man and a woman and there is no question about it. As Elder M. Russell Ballard stated:

“We follow Jesus Christ by living the law of chastity. God gave this commandment, and He has never revoked or changed it. This law is clear and simple. No one is to engage in sexual relationships outside the bounds the Lord has set. This applies to homosexual behavior of any kind and to heterosexual relationships outside marriage. It is a sin to violate the law of chastity.

“We follow Jesus Christ by adhering to God’s law of marriage, which is marriage between one man and one woman. This commandment has been in place from the very beginning.” (“Engaging Without Being Defensive,” BYU Commencement Address, 13 August 2009. )

Choose This Day

2009-10-17T22:56:00.000-07:00

While getting on to www.lds.org I saw this video posted by the church:
What a beautiful reminder it is. I was reminded that I should take time in the morning to "set the course of the day " and know what I should to that day by praying and reading in the scriptures. I need to start my day off right.

I have been thinking a lot about the shortness of our days here on Earth and President Eyring reminded me that I need to do what I can today as the number of days that we have here to do the work is unknown to us, and so we should not get caught up in somedays and accept the call to do work today.

The Sustaining of Church Officers

2009-10-15T11:37:00.000-07:00

When the second session began with The Sustaining of Church Officers, Presented by President Henry B. Eyring, Brad and I were driving to the airport to pick up my mom, because I am such a good planner :)

It was the first time I was ever in the car for the sustainings. I really wasn't sure what to do but Brad showed me that we demonstrate our support even while in the car. So for every vote we raised our arms to show our support. It was quite a great feeling! People driving past I'm sure had no idea what was going on, and if they did I secretly hoped they would join with us.

I know that our votes were counted and I am glad that we proudly sustained our leaders even though we were not physically in the room with them.

The Love of God

2009-10-14T11:26:00.000-07:00

The Love of God by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"What and how we love not only defines us as individuals; it also defines us as a church. Love is the defining characteristic of a disciple of Christ."

" Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely."

"As you read God’s word recorded in the scriptures, listen for His voice"

These are three quotes that I am taking a lot of time to ponder and I want to ponder some more. I love President Uchtdorf .

More Diligent and Concerned at Home

2009-10-13T11:05:00.000-07:00

The talk More Diligent and Concerned at Home by Elder David A. Bednar tells us to do three things to make life at home the best it can be. The first is making sure you are telling the people you love, that you love them. He quoted President Monson in saying:

“Often we assume that [the people around us] must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. . . . We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us” (“Finding Joy in the Journey,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2008, 86).

I know that saying I love you is not an area that I struggle in right now. In fact those may Angela's first words as I say it to her so much that those are the words she tries to repeat. She lights up every time I say "I love you!" I do however know I can do better in the demonstration of my love. I think the best way to show you love someone is through being quick to forgive and being endlessly patient. These are two very difficult tasks for me, but ones I am happy to report I am diligently working on.

Although, do I tell Heavenly Father that I love Him? I have stated this in a prayer? If so how often? This is going to be a new goal of mine. To express my love to Heavenly Father through my actions and prayers, and verbally say "I love you!" Do you tell heavenly Father you love Him?

The second issue discussed was the bearing of your testimony. I hope to definitely work on this. I want my testimony to almost be worn about on my sleeve ... something that I am open about and talk frequently of. I feel that around people not of my faith I am too guarded regarding my testimony. I also know it has been quite a while since I have stated my testimony at church and I am so grateful and thankful to the people who every Fast and Testimony Meeting share theirs. This is something that I hope to emulate.

The third is consistency and I love the analogy Elder Bednar made regarding a painting in his office. he said that:

"In my office is a beautiful painting of a wheat field. The painting is a vast collection of individual brushstrokes—none of which in isolation is very interesting or impressive. In fact, if you stand close to the canvas, all you can see is a mass of seemingly unrelated and unattractive streaks of yellow and gold and brown paint. However, as you gradually move away from the canvas, all of the individual brushstrokes combine together and produce a magnificent landscape of a wheat field. Many ordinary, individual brushstrokes work together to create a captivating and beautiful painting.

"Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results."

I love this description and it gives me great hope that the little things that I accomplish may someday create something incredibly more beautiful and more powerful than the small actions alone.

I know when we heard this talk the statement that we should not be false witnesses was incredibly powerful to Brad and me. We must act and be what we know is true ... not just say it. We must be the true disciples of Christ that we know we should be.

Teaching Helps Save Lives

2009-10-12T05:44:00.000-07:00

The talk Teaching Helps Saves Lives by Russell T. Osguthorpe, discuses how we as disciples must teach the Gospel and save the lives of our fellow man. He stated that "Learning and teaching are not optional activities in the kingdom of God. They are the very means by which the gospel has been restored to the earth and by which we will gain eternal life."

He compared our duty and ability to save lives with that of a skilled doctor. I was quite humbled by this remark as those who are great doctors have worked very hard to become such. They have studied and put in many many years to learn their specialty and then constantly look to learn more. This is a great example to follow of how we should become member missionaries.

I take for granted the knowledge that I have at my disposal. I need to be actively seeking more Gospel knowledge so I can be a resource of information and be able to help others. I need to be prepared for my call to teach.

The objective that I have of reading a talk a day from this past General Conference and writing down my thoughts has been wonderful for me. I feel more confident in my feelings and myself. I feel that I am beginning to get a clearer picture and allow myself to be guided by the Spirit. It has been a great exercise and learning experience for me.

Elder Osguthorpe shared three basic steps for teachers as taught to him by Elder Bednar: teach key doctrine, invite some sort of action and teach of the promised blessings. I must not only learn as much as I can but be able to encompass my teaching in this manner. This means a lot more work on my part so that I can more fully comprehend a gospel principle in its entirety.

In my spare time I am now researching the Church's outlines regarding eating, exercising and money. There is so much wonderful information out there for us! I am so grateful and hope I can employ the teachings quickly and effectively.

That Your Burdens May Be Light

2009-10-09T12:58:00.000-07:00

Elder L. Whitney Clayton talk That Your Burdens May Be Light discusses the various heavy loads that break us down at times and can make each step a horrible struggle. In the past I struggled with the understanding of pain and suffering. I know that God does not cause this for us and I know he does not stop it for good reason too, but I didn't know what that reason was. I recorded the answers to my questioning prayers here.

What I have recently been pondering is the role Heavenly father and Jesus Christ have in our lives. They are there to counsel and guide and show love, but they cannot stop another's actions or misdeeds from affecting our lives. Even though some people live perfect righteous lives, it doesn't mean that they are free from pain and strife and sorrow ... it's part of life.

So while I pondered this situation for what seemed like ages I was blessed with a moment of clear understanding and it came to me in the form of an analogy: Life is like a soccer game and Christ, Heavenly Father and the Holy Ghost are our coaches. They are always there to cheer us on and provide strategies and suggest defenses, but they cannot step in and play the game in our spot. They cannot stop the other players from taking cheap shots or taking the ball from us, by they are there to guide us as we play.

Life is incredibly complicated at times and society has created a "norm" where if someone hurts us or wrongs us we retaliate and make them pay in some way or another. This is somehow expected. Forgiveness seems to have become a "weakness" if it is utilized at all. Society gives us no room to make mistakes and learn from them. I am so grateful that our Heavenly Father is not like this. Not only does he forgive us if we repent but he does not keep a filing cabinet on us labeled "past misdeeds."

As brother Clayton points out, some of life's burdens are brought about by our wrong doings, but other "burdens become blessings, though often such blessings are well disguised and may require time, effort, and faith to accept and understand."

Much of life we cannot control. God gave us control of our reactions and actions. I don't know about you but that is quite a challenge enough for me! I must remember this and as I learned in my sport psychology class "do not waste effort, time and energy on things you do not have direct control over."

Joseph Smith is a great example of dealing with struggles, as pointed out by Elder Whitney. Joseph Smith did the right thing. He worked for God and carried out His purposes but was his life easy? No, not at all. Did he enjoy peace and quite and luxury? No. Should we?

A big realization came to me today when I was pondering money and its importance and obsession. It seems that in this world your "success" is measured by the amount of money you have, not by how you got it, but that you have it. The scripture Helaman 5:8 has been playing over and over in my head: "lay up for yourselves a treasure in heaven, yea, which is eternal, and which fadeth not away; yea, that ye may have that precious gift of eternal life."

Satan has really twisted this truth by having us concerned about paper money while here on Earth when we should be focused on building our "treasures" in Heaven. Heavenly Father has told us repeatedly as in Luke 12:22 that we should not worry about our well being as He will take care of us. We must focus our energies elsewhere on what we can control. We need to make inspired decisions and control our actions and reactions so that they are in line with Christ's teachings, which is the wish of our Heavenly Father, which is also the purpose of us being here: to show God we can and will follow His plan.

Helping Others Recognize the Whisperings of the Spirit

2009-10-09T12:07:00.000-07:00

Sister Matsumori's talk reminded me of an issue that I had with the church for years. In my mind I believed that if I truly had righteous neighbors and friends then they should feel the promptings of the Lord to help me when I felt I was in need. Kind of funny huh? It was a very selfish desire and judgemental one too. One I am definitely not proud of and glad that I have overcome.

In my life the Holy Ghost acts just as Joseph Smith described it: "When you feel pure intelligence flowing into you, it may give you sudden strokes of ideas.”8 I know when ideas come into my mind that are not mine. Even my running commentary in my thoughts ... I know when it's not mine but rather inspired guidance from the Holy Ghost. I know because it feels right and at times feels like pure genius. And I am definitely not an individual capable of genius thought without direct inspiration.

This is why I am returning back to my practice of recording my inspirations and "genius thoughts" so that I can remember them and hopefully have a better success rate of carrying them out.

Sister Matsumori counseled that "by sharing testimony of the Spirit in our lives, those who are unfamiliar with these promptings are more likely to recognize when they have similar feelings." So here are just a very few of my favorite experiences with the Holy Ghost that I felt I should share with you:

1) While at college I fought feelings of depression and one day felt completely alone. I was walking across the main courtyard and thought to myself "I could really use a hug right now." In that moment I felt the pressure and warmth of someone hugging me. It was the Holy Ghost letting me know he was there and I was not alone.

2) A few days before my scheduled baptism I had a horrible night of fear and depression. It seemed that Satan had overcome my body and was pulling me down. I was completely not myself and in need of great spiritual help. I felt physically unable to pray and to talk - all I wanted to do was to lie down and disappear. In my heart though I could feel the nagging feeling that I had to find some male friends. I did not know why but it nagged at me for hours.

Completely by inspiration the missionaries that were teaching me at the time found me outside. They said they felt they should stop bye. They gave me my first blessing ever and in that moment I felt as though a faucet of peace, warmth and love had poured over me. It was truly incredible. I didn't even know about blessings, but I knew I needed a member of the priesthood to help me overcome this trial. The Holy Ghost was still able to guide me and saved me that night. The love I felt through the power of the Holy Ghost was absolutely incredible. This picture was taken right after that experience ...

Do you see the glow that I had? It was absolutely incredible.

3) My now husband Brad and I had been assigned to be Family Home Evening (FHE) parents together. We had served in this calling for months as fellow Church friends. One night while we were having our weekly meeting to plan out the next FHE I looked at Brad and in a split instant knew that he was the one I wanted to marry. I knew that this feeling was not conjured up by me as it felt too true and was too random "genius" to be of my thoughts. It was the Holy Ghost. Now I would say my hounding him for months afterwords was NOT of the Holy Ghost's inspiration, but it definitely came from a place of love :)

4) On a more everyday note ... I walked past a coworker of mine only two days after having met her, and the sentence "How was your night last night?" came into my mind. So I stopped and asked her "How was your night last night?" She mentioned that it was rough and that with being a single mom it usually is. I mentioned something about being sorry and began to walk away when the sentence "Was it particularly hard for some reason?" came into my head. A little nervous I waited a moment before following the promptings of the Holy Ghost to ask this. It turns out that yes it was particularly hard as yesterday was the anniversary of her 4 month old baby dying from SIDs. I had only met the woman the day before and would have never known this. But what relief it gave for her to be able to talk about it with someone who could slightly relate to the fear of your baby, as she had several more children after this, stopping breathing while asleep. Just simple sentences of inspiration, that is how the Holy Ghost communicates with me.

Welcome and To Acquire Spiritual Guidance

2009-10-09T12:00:00.000-07:00

President Monson's welcome address reminded me of the need that the Church has for our prayers. I forget that prayers that I offer can be for the betterment of the whole church, for the strengthening of our leaders and the further sharing of the Gospel. Prayer can bring about real change, I must pray for all that I can.

-------------------------------------------------------

When I began reading Elder Richard G. Scott's talk To Acquire Spiritual Guidance I was reminded of this scripture (2 Nephi:34):

34 O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.

I think of this scripture often when I am confused and feel the need to ask a friend or acquaintance for advice. This scripture reminds me that I should ask the one and only one that has all the RIGHT advice ... Heavenly father.

Elder Scott talked about his experience in asking the Lord what he should know and learn more of. Is anyone else nervous as to what answers they will receive if they ask? I know that if I ask Heavenly Father to guide me and instruct me that he will. Elder Scott illustrated through his story that he asked for more guidance beyond the initial impressions and he was given them, and then once again he asked and was further instructed. How do you build up the courage to ask? This is a feeling I have struggled with for years. Is it because I lack faith in myself? In my contribution to the betterment of the world? In my worth? I really don't know.

" I believe that you can leave the most precious, personal direction of the Spirit unheard because you do not respond to, record, and apply the first promptings that come to you."

How much have I missed out on because I was too afraid to ask? Tonight I have decided my mission is to sit down and specifically ask what Heavenly father wants me to learn and understand. And I will pick up my "inspiration book" (a pocket sized notebook I used to carry with me everywhere to record inspirational direction that I received) and begin to record and review again. And this time I will gather up my strength and ask “Is there yet more to be given?” and “Is there more I should know?”

I can't explain how nervous this makes me! This is almost a physical challenge as I right now fight the butterflies and the physical weakness I feel just thinking of this specific task.

".. the Lord will not force you to learn. You must exercise your agency to authorize the Spirit to teach you. "

I want to learn. I do, and I am grateful for this talk as I now feel the urgency to do it.

Elder Scott continues by discussing the harmful affects of pornography. While I know and understand this I don't think I have ever verbally said my opinion on this matter. And while I sit here at type this I aloud am saying "Pornography is wrong. It is made and utilized by Satan to harm God's children. I will not allow it in my home and I will not support it's use, production or viewing in ANY way!"

I loved the hopeful statement Elder Scott made when he said "A feeling of remorse after a mistake is a fertile soil wherein repentance can flower" If we have made a mistake, we feel bad about it. It is not because we are a bad person but because we are NOT a bad person and this feeling caused by a misdeed does not belong. So we must use it to be better. Plant a flower in your misdeed. Make lemonade out of lemons ... plant a flower in your remorse. Beautiful. Our Heavenly Father is truly a poet. I hope some of his genes got passed to me :)

The Enduring Legacy of Relief Society

2009-10-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

From the very start of President Eyring's talk The Enduring Legacy of Relief Society, I felt the strong connection between the Relief Society and the Priesthood. I have never felt that before. I am a true lover of the priesthood and find such joy and love in being around worthy priesthood holders. I have been so blessed by missionaries and worthy friends in my life. Not only do the blessings they can administer provide real healing to my soul, heart and body, but in various moments of being in the same room I can catch of glimpse of Heavenly Father's and Christ's love for me.

I never had an older brother but oh how I longed for one. Someone to watch out for me, to care for me and to be concerned about me. This is what we all have in Christ. He is our brother and when priesthood holders are doing his work ... I can feel him. I can feel like a little girl being watched over by her big protective brother. I love that.

Today I felt that again for the first time in regards to Relief Society. Relief Society has always been a gathering of women to me. Great in its own right of bringing the sisters together and creating a sense of unity and belonging. But today I see it completely differently - I see it as yet another tool utilized by Heavenly Father to help us, and another way Christ shows his love and concern for us ... all of His sisters. Christ loves us and wants us to be happy, Relief Society is for the women in His life. Do you feel extra loved? I certainly do!

While reading President Eyring's talk I was surprised to learn of all the many great feats that the past women of Relief Society accomplished like food storage, hospitals and family services. The women were the ones who pushed for and administered aid to those who needed it.

In my admiration of the Priesthood I always assumed that it was the men who led such efforts being prompted by the Spirit to help ... but I now see that the power of charity is in women and the Priesthood supports the women. The women started the change for better ... the men supported them. He said that "[The Sisters of Relief Society] help us remember that for all, both women and men, there will be no salvation without compassionate service."

President Eyring also talked about the power that is in Visiting Teaching. By praying and being inspired in our visits we can truly do the work of God, even though we may not see that we have accomplished this for years. I have somewhat personally doubted the "inspired-ness" of my Visiting teaching assignment. I felt that I had just been randomly assigned and feel no connection with the sisters and see no way to aid them through my visits. I am so different from them and I am so much younger, I have what seems like nothing in common.

I did realize however, I was wrong in some of my assumptions as when the Relief Society reassigned partners and women to teach I was the ONLY assignment that wasn't altered in ANY way. God does have a plan and I am supposed to teach my sisters.

Now with this new knowledge gained from President Eyring's talk and my recognition that my assignment is inspired, I am ready to work hard and follow the Lord and accomplish what he wants me to accomplish. While I feel that I have nothing to offer these women, he obviously feels very differently.

Goals for October Cont.:
- Continue trying to contact my sisters for Visiting Teaching
- Pray diligently for my Sisters and how I can possible be of service to them
- Spread my new love for Relief Society

Mind the Gap

2009-10-06T12:41:00.000-07:00

Did anyone else feel the genius that was Sister Thompson's talk Mind the Gap?

One fact that I have to constantly remind myself of is that "every soul on this earth is also a child of God. We must treat each other with the love and kindness befitting a child of God." To me it is so interesting that Satan has twisted us into such selfish people. We always feel that we have to defend our honor, time and money at all costs from everyone else. Somehow it is not natural for me to act as though I know that Heavenly Father provides for me and will care for me. And that all that I have is not for me, but for me to share - even my talents, time and money.

Sister Thompson stated that "Let your voice be heard among the faithful as you valiantly declare that He lives,13 that His Church has been restored, and that the plan of happiness is available to all." I want to be a person who can be looked at by a stranger and they can tell I believe in Christ and love my fellow man and myself. I want to love all people and declare the word of God and my faith in Him through my silent day to day actions. I want to carry that air about me, I want it to be a natural part of me.

Sister Thompson said that the gaps in our lives are sometimes "the difference between what we know and what we actually do or the gap between our goals and what we actually accomplish. " I can definitely say that it applies to me. I want what I do to reflect what I know and I want to actually accomplish all of my goals. I hope to continuously "mind the gap."

My October Goals Cont.:
- Have my actions and words reflect my knowledge and love of Christ
- Accomplish my goals

Every Woman Needs Relief Society

2009-10-06T12:06:00.000-07:00

Today I moved on to the next talk by Sister Allred Every Woman Needs Relief Society.

I was only a few paragraphs in to the talk when I read that one of the major purposes of Relief Society is to help sisters " to be engaged in the cause of Zion." My coworker and I were discussing Relief Society and how she doesn't attend because she does not feel that she has anything in common with the women. Her being a single full time working mother, I can see that. However as Sister Beck quoted the First Presidency:

“Members [of Relief Society] should permit neither hostile nor competitive interests of any kind to detract from the duties and obligations, the privileges and honors, the opportunities and achievements of membership in this great Society.”2

And while I thought I understood this statement only now after reading Sister Allred's talk do I realize that relief Society is not just a meeting, not just a grouping of women, but an opportunity to push forward and better fulfill our duty here on Earth. If we let one aspect of meeting in Relief Society push us away (i.e. forgoing Sunday naps, having to sit with women you don't relate too etc.) then we miss out on so many things!

Today I took one big step for me and called the ladies I visit teach to set up appointments with them. And not moments after I was blessed by having the opportunity to show forgiveness to another. Heavenly Father is truly amazing.

Sister Allred also said that "You are a much-needed force for love, truth, and righteousness in this world. We need you to nurture families, friends, and neighbors. It is through you that God’s perfect love for each and all of His children is made manifest." Wow. What a powerful statement.

I used my feelings of closeness to the Spirit to listen to promptings of how to interact with my friends at work. Somehow through time my coworkers and I have gone rather silent in our communications making our days boring and strained. Today I followed each prompting of how to start up a conversation with each of my fellow coworkers and to my amazement every prompting worked! We all felt more connected, we smiled, we laughed and I feel like the people I work with are my friends again. This is what I need to do in my Relief Society as well. I need to reopen myself.

My Goals for October Cont.:
- Be kind to everyone
- Follow my promptings
- Make and rekindle friendships
- Declare openly my faith and beliefs (This is inspired by my Ward Sister who in her Facebook Status shared her testimony)

Relief Society: A Sacred Work

2009-10-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

I have felt that I have missed out on so much that General Conference has had to offer by being distracted or not taking notes and participating in the talks. I have resigned myself to each day read a talk, ponder it and figure out how it applies to me and my life. I have decided to start with the General Relief Society Broadcast and Sister Beck's talk Relief Society: A Sacred Work

With the birth of our daughter, going to church has gone from a Sunday expected activity to a true time consuming challenge. Brad and I take turns going to sacrament meeting and return home without having attended Sunday School or Relief Society/Elders Quorum.

Last week Brad told me that he feels that we should go to all 3 meetings each Sunday that we get to go to church. We should come back and share with the other person what we learned so we can continue with our church involvement and growth. I rejected this idea quickly and selfishly as I have come to enjoy my relaxing Sundays at home with my husband.

After reading Sister Beck's talk the quote from President Packer really hit me:

“Attendance at the Sunday meeting is but a small part of your duty. Some of you have not understood this and have set aside much of what Relief Society has meant over the years—the sisterhood, the charitable and practical parts of it.”

I honestly do not feel that I have any friends. I do not know my neighbors and the people I work with have different ideals and lives than me. I used to hold some frustration with my ward as when Brad and I first moved in we were quickly assigned to Primary. I had very little chance to meet the women and form friendships. Now I realize that I am the one holding myself back from forming friendships and becoming involved.

Yesterday President Monson said that we need to everyday make another's life better. We should give service and love everyday. I wondered how in the world I could do that if I don't really know nor interact with my neighbors. Again I have realized that this is of my own doing.

With Angela in our lives there is no easy fix to my societal absentness. It's not as easy as going to church every weekend or inviting people over ... this is a true challenge set before me by Heavenly Father. I have to make the choice and do the work to get to know the people around me better and form friendships.

My New Goals For October:
- Attend all three meetings of church when it is my turn to attend
- Do my Visiting Teaching
- Get to know my neighbor across the street

What touched you from Sister Beck's talk?

Forgiveness

2009-09-21T06:10:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was a really rough one for me as I struggled with feelings of burden and frustration that were brought on by others. I had previously made sacrifices in the beginning of the week following the direct promptings of the Lord, only for me to get in trouble for it later in the week. Today I came into work and felt unbelievably targeted. How could people be so outright mean and unfair to me? I was incredibly angry. I walked around for hours almost foaming at the mouth.

When I had discussed this past weekend problems with my husband he gave me the advice not to worry about it as this is a test, I must continue to do the right thing. When this morning rolled around and things just seemed worse I got very defensive and let my anger boil. I knew this was the wrong thing to do. So I actually did a good thing and searched out help.

"... Each of us on earth, living under the stress and strain of this telestial climate, will have reason—real or perceived—to take offense. How will we react? Will we take offense? Will we find fault? Will we let the passions of the moment overcome us?" (David E. Sorensen, “Forgiveness Will Change Bitterness to Love,” Ensign, May 2003, 10)

Reading this sentence made me realize that even though I have the "right" to be upset, to get angry and hold it against someone it does not make it "Christ right." Society makes us believe we must defend our honor and selves against all others, but that is not what Christ wants us to do.

"44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which spitefully use you, and persecute you; " (Matthew 5:44)

When I read this verse in Matthew I knew I knew that, but honestly I somehow didn't feel it applied to my life until now. People will do things to hurt you, they will be ABSOLUTELY wrong, you will seem justified in your anger and perhaps revenge ... but Christ says it's wrong. It is wrong.

President Brigham Young once compared being offended to a poisonous snakebite. He said that “there are two courses of action to follow when one is bitten by a rattlesnake. One may, in anger, fear, or vengefulness, pursue the creature and kill it. Or he may make full haste to get the venom out of his system.” He said, “If we pursue the latter course we will likely survive, but if we attempt to follow the former, we may not be around long enough to finish it.” 2 (David E. Sorensen, “Forgiveness Will Change Bitterness to Love,” Ensign, May 2003, 10)

Once beginning to study about forgiveness, I allowed myself to learn. I put down my walls and was filled with the comfort and peace of the Holy Spirit. I have chosen to do the 'Christ right thing" and I will not be mean, rude or vengeful towards those that have wronged me, but move forward with Christlike love in my heart. My Heavenly Father will take care of me and my family.

"I submit that it takes neither strength nor intelligence to brood in anger over wrongs suffered, to go through life with a spirit of vindictiveness, to dissipate one’s abilities in planning retribution. There is no peace in the nursing of a grudge. There is no happiness in living for the day when you can “get even.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “‘Of You It Is Required to Forgive’,” Ensign, Jun 1991, 2)

I choose to make today a happy day :)

Love

2009-09-09T06:45:00.000-07:00

Brad and I are reevaluating what drives us in life and what provides us with joy and self fulfillment. He read the book 7 habits of Highly Effective People and asked me to reread it so we could discuss it. I hadn't gotten very far when I was hit with a realisation of what is going on in my life and what I need to do.

I was in the section where Covey talks about paradigms - the glasses through which we view the world and as a result govern our choices. It was then that I realized that I could sit down and come up with a list of a dozen or so paradigms that color how I view my day and my self, and as a result govern how I act/react (i.e. the need for social acceptance, my emotional dependence on Brad etc.). But what is more important is that I understood what "glasses" I should be looking through, and what path I should be following ... Christ's.

If I looked at myself through Christ's eyes I would know that my self worth is priceless, and that I am a daughter of God. If I looked at life through Christ's eyes I would not look at each day as either one where I go to work or one where I don't, but as an opportunity to make a difference and follow Heavenly Father. I would not hold onto anger and I would care for my home with gratitude in my heart.

I need to look at life through Christ's example and discover what Heavenly Father wants for me. Each and every day I make the decision who or what I will follow, and I need to decide to follow Christ in EVERYTHING. I cannot progress, learn how to make the best decisions, or find my true self if I follow any other path.

I see my eternal progression as a path climbing up a steep hill. In order to move forward I have tasks I must complete and I must remain on the path to reach my eternal destination. I cannot progress if I keep making wrong choices which remove me from the path. I can only move along the path if I am doing the right thing. So when I do a wrong I must repent and learn from it in order to move forward.

I have felt so stuck on the same spiritual level for so long. I have been doing the right things but they are just good things. There have been conference talks on making the good, better or best decision. I have realized that while I am doing the right thing it is only the good right thing. I cannot do the best right thing because I have not progressed far enough along on the path set forth by Christ to know what the best right thing is.

I feel that the best way for me to begin my desire to follow Christ's example is to do as he did and love everyone. Now Brad made the inspired statement that "love is an action and not the feeling we associate with it". Man were my eyes opened! I must serve and care for those around me, which demonstrates and generates love. This is what Christ did for the world. He did not run around telling people he loved them, he sacrificed and cared for them ... for us. He loved and continues to love us.

Now I understand marriage a lot better as well. People do not just wake up one day and fall out of love ... they stop the act of loving. I now know that eternal love in marriage comes from doing eternal loving things for one another. This is why we save certain acts, ordinances and responsibilities for marriage.

Finding Time

2009-05-01T12:17:00.000-07:00

My husband and I are completely different people when it comes to time management. I get up, pull out something for dinner, go to work, come home, feed the dogs and start making dinner. To me that’s my day. I have accomplished the things I need to and all I want to do is spend the rest of the time with my husband.

Brad on the other hand comes home with a need to “accomplish something” until bed time. He will work on the car, mow the lawn, work in the yard, play fetch with the dogs etc etc.

At the end of the night I feel upset that we haven’t “spent time together” and he’s frustrated that I’m upset.

We had a long talk about our time/priority issue and I learned that to him eating dinner with me is spending time with me, and he likes to feel that he has accomplished something at the end of the day. Where I feel that him watching an episode of our favorite British comedy is spending time together and going to work for me is accomplishing something.

Through this I have learned that I need to do more with my day, expect more from myself and actually accomplish goals and tasks. While I have perhaps learned it, I have not applied it.

Today I sat at work again bored out of my mind as I have time before I can process the data from the assay I am running. I did my usual time fillers and then as always ran out of something to do. I realized that I am wasting precious time everyday. So I got on to LDS.com to find some inspiration and guidance.

The first article I read “Thrift, Industry, and Self-Reliance” in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young really opened my eyes to my time wasting problem. “After suitable rest and relaxation there is not a day, hour or minute that we should spend in idleness, but every minute of every day of our lives we should strive to improve our minds and to increase the faith of the Holy Gospel in charity, patience and good works …”

I know I waste time at work and at home. I know I do. I know that sometimes the amount of time it takes to do something is usually much less than I think it will be. When Brad was gone and I had to clean the house by myself, I did it in an hour. An hour! I told myself that I would stop at 8:30pm and so at 8pm when I started wishing I was down on the couch relaxing, I knew I had only a half hour more. I had no idea I would complete all of my tasks in that time.

This tactic of planning ahead and setting aside a specific amount of time was discussed in the article “Personal Time Management: One Key to a Leader’s Effectiveness” by Rex W. Allred. He points out that “We sometimes are able to accomplish one portion of a project in a 15-minute time increment; whereas, if we waited until we had the entire five hours necessary to complete that entire project we would never be able to arrange for such a long period of time at once.”

I have so many goals that I wish to accomplish and every time I go to start working on one I get overwhelmed and fear leaving a half finished project. I know that if I divide up my goal into smaller tasks they are much more easily accomplished. Also, I am the type of person who needs to have that reassurance along the way that I am doing my best. At times I used to plan out every moment and movement of my day so I could smile when I crossed off “brush teeth” from my to-do list.

In my purse I now keep a planner my husband brought home for me many months ago. I have realized that keeping track of what is going on helps me plan ahead. Sometimes with writing things down I get overwhelmed as I feel they will never ever all get done. This is where prioritizing comes in. Allred says that we must set priorities and must ask ourselves “What is the best use of my time right now?”

The article “Find Time in Your Marriage” by Lindsay R. Curtis mentions a story of a Stake President. This President in order to accomplish his tasks, but keep time for his family, would estimate how long a meeting should take and then set an alarm on his watch. As a result all of his counselors knew that they must stay on topic and be brief. This gave the counselors as well as the Stake President more time at home with their families.

I am impressed with my sister-in-law Tonya as her and her husband have set a time that they must leave from functions in order to make it home to have FHE (Family Home Evening) on Sunday’s together. They decided what was most important (FHE), set a goal (be home by 8:30pm) and then made it a top priority. This is incredibly important as time with our spouses and families should be our top priority and second should be increasing our faith and knowledge in the Gospel.

From my reading today I have learned that for me I must:
1) Decide to do something with my time
2) Set goals
3) Create a task list from my goal list
4) Prioritize my task list
5) Set time aside for tasks
6) Make sure my spouse and family comes first

I must work on doing this for my time at home as well as for my down time at work. I am going to try very hard to remember to ask myself “What is the best use of my time right now?”

Choices

2009-04-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

Helaman 14: 30-31

30 And now remember, remember, my brethren, that whosoever perisheth, perisheth unto himself; and whosoever doeth iniquity, doeth it unto himself; for behold, ye are free; ye are permitted to act for yourselves; for behold, God hath given unto you a knowledge and he hath made you free.
31 He hath given unto you that ye might know good from evil, and he hath given unto you that ye might choose life or death; and ye can do good and be restored unto that which is good, or have that which is good restored unto you; or ye can do evil, and have that which is evil restored unto you.

Sometimes when I look at the world around me and the injustices that take place I can hear in my head the cries of those asking the Lord how He could let it happen ...

I read this scripture in my nightly reading with Brad and was instantly brought back to the understanding that God had to give us the choice to do evil, so we can choose to do good.

The past week I have been harboring silent pain and worry as I pray that another's choices wont hurt me or my family. I have unconsciously let myself believe that if I struggle and am not happy (not unhappy, but not happy) throughout the day, this would somehow free up more happiness and extra blessings for the one's I love. I attribute this new worry and stress to "mommy hormones". A good example of this is how I spent a good half hour yesterday worrying about the mental state of a spider that ran across my desk.

Today I decided to try and let go of this fear. This fear of sucking joy from others and have a good day. It was honestly incredibly hard for me. I would suddenly think "Why are you so happy? You don't know that the one's you love are safe. Something could be wrong right now and you're happy ..."

And then I asked myself "Do you trust Heavenly Father?" and I realized that I am not acting like I do. I cannot stop the world from acting upon me and my family for good or bad. People have the choice to do good or evil and God must allow this. What I must not forget is that in the end God has control and we will all be together again free from pain and evil. Right now is not only a chance for you and me to make mistakes and learn, but everyone else as well.

I can only do my best and have faith in Heavenly Father. We are to be a joyous people, I must trust. I do trust as I have faith, and in my faith I find joy.

A New Outlook

2009-04-07T18:31:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to write a post for almost a week now on confidence. But I haven't had enough confidence to finish it. I couldn't even teach it as the lesson in FHE because it was such a struggle for me. But then it was time for General Conference this past weekend and what an amazing blessing it was! I received some amazing guidance, inspiration and self confidence.

What spoke to me:
- I felt reaffirmed by the talk given by Elder Hales on being happy with what you have and "Do not spend money for that which is no worth … feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted"(2 Nephi 9:51).
- I felt called out by Elder Eyering as I am one of those people who believe that life should go a certain way. Challenges, trials, pain, suffering is not welcome and I consider a wrong in my life. My eyes were definitely opened as he informed me that everyone must go through adversity. It is a part of life. We should accept trials as an opportunity to grow. This is now a outlook that I am going to try to apply to my life.
- I felt a sense of duty as Elder Anderson reminded us that the Lord has called us to be a light, standard and messenger. I need to everyday show God that I am doing as he asks and make a difference.
- I felt a sense of relief when Elder Snow said that change is necessary so laugh about it and get on with your life. Understanding that change happens and is going to happen so accept it really lifted a weight from my shoulders. I feel that I waste energy on trying to stop change. Why? It's needed.
- I felt a desire to help others as Sister Thompson shared with us the need to help one another. I realized just how much I do not know my neighbors. I really do want to help and volunteer and make a difference in other's lives. I hope and pray that I will find a way in which to accomplish this.
- I felt so loved as President Monson told us that life is full of challenges but God does not give us fear. He also said nothing in this world can defeat us.

Well, I have no problem with self confidence now! It's amazing how when you know why you are here, what your purpose is and that you are not alone ... life becomes full of hope. I am so grateful for General Conference and all the talks given and for the spirit of the Holy Ghost bringing me back to whole and pushing me forward with joy. Life is full of possibilities and opportunities. I am excited to move forward and welcome all of the changes yet to come! :)

In Need of Hope

2009-03-26T10:07:00.000-07:00

This past few days has been emotionally draining for me and as a result physically draining. I know that my hormones are definitely magnifying my emotions, however I cannot blame them for the true sorrow and worry I have carried around.

Today I just could not take the pain any more. Every moment I was on the verge of tears with horrible images of my husband being hurt or my puppies being mistreated ... and then my mind would continue to all of the horrible actions that humans take against one another. My heart just could not take the pain any more.

A month or so ago I prayed desperately for inspiration and understanding as yet another parent abused and killed their child. I sobbed in prayer wanting to know:

How can people could do such horrible things?!

And an answer came:

. . . because we all have the freedom to choose our actions

How can You let us make such horrible choices?

. . . so you can learn to make the right choices

Why must people feel pain and suffer?

. . . so you can learn when you are doing something wrong and how it affects another. If your husband didn't feel pain when you said something mean, how would you know that you had done something wrong? If you didn't feel pain when you stubbed your toe, how would you know that you were not lifting your foot up enough to not trip?

Why do I feel such pain for those who are in pain?

. . . because you should be "willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life— " (Mosiah 18:9)

My heart had truly been comforted with this new knowledge and understanding, however here I was again in so much pain but not because of what was going on in life ... but because what horrible pains could be experienced by those that I dearly love.

Today I got on http://www.lds.org/ and searched "worry." I found several articles to help in my quest for peace. In the article "The Balm of Gilead" by Elder Boyd K. Packer I was reminded as to how much control I personally have over my mind. He states "We leave our minds vacant and empty and open to trespass by anyone ... our minds can become veritable junk heaps ... I do not want anything coming into my mind that does not have some useful purpose or some value that makes it worth keeping."

It is my job to control what is in my mind. I must dispel the negative painful thoughts for other thoughts that I would like to influence me - thoughts of hope and peace. But how do I fill my mind with such good things when the world around me seems so evil and can do so much evil?

The answer I found, it was in the article "The Infinite Power of Hope" by President Dieter F. Uchtdoft. He refers to Psalm 146:5 in his saying that "Hope has the power to fill our lives with happiness." He later defines hope: "Hope is not knowledge, but rather the abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promise to us . . . It is believing that our prayers will be answered. " Two thoughts always seem to come to mind when I first ponder this: 1) Well, what about the freedom of choice that the people of this world can choose to create pain against my prayers. AND 2) Why do I worry about things I have no direct control over?

The worry that I seem to hold is that of people making poor decisions and them causing pain for my family. But I must realize that when I worry about this I must in turn ignore some important facts:
1) The Lord has promised to answer our prayers, and that if we are faithful we will accomplish all that we are to do in this life
2) Whatever pain is felt here on Earth is nothing compared to the joy and peace we will feel once we leave it and return to our Heavenly Father
3) Our time here on Earth is very short in comparison to eternity.

Once I remind myself of these facts my worry cannot help but melt away. That is what I want in my mind ... hope.

It is with Hope that I let go of my worries and the horrible images and pain are gone. I now hold onto the scripture 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. "

Money Matters and the Latter-day Saint

2009-03-23T14:16:00.001-07:00

Note - Written on Monday, not posted until Tuesday:

I was pondering what to do with some free time I had at work today and was inspired to search http://www.lds.org/ . At first I looked up articles on how to be a good mother, but felt pulled to the section on Family Home Evening (FHE). I couldn't help but smile realizing that today is indeed Monday, traditional FHE night and it has been quite a while since Brad and I have had FHE.

I must have looked through the topics three times and couldn't seem to find anything that seemed interesting to me. So then I began to think of what was important to Brad and me right now ... what were we concerned with: Money. There is a great section called "Managing Family Resources." I have read through the articles and materials suggested and would like to share what I have learned and the peace that I feel as a result of it.

In the article "The Cost of Riches" by Elder Lynn G Robbins Of the Seventy I gained so much perspective regarding material things versus spiritual things. Brad and I had sat down and contemplated days ago what we could sacrifice to help our family become more financially independent of our debt. We have sustained debt through the purchase of a home, schooling and a period in time when Brad was unable to find work right out of college. Now while all of this is to most considered "good debt" it is debt none the less. And at times we see no foreseeable end to it. We have been plagued by the finance fees and worry of these payments and wish to get out from under them. Every pay check we faithfully take the always helpful step of paying our tithing. It is never a question as we have been blessed countless times and have never had any problems or situations in which we weren't taken care of. The other night Brad shared his feeling that while he knows our Heavenly Father will support us as we are paying our tithing, he wants to make sure we are doing all that we can to help the situation as well. After hours of contemplation and discussion we have taken two very small steps to free us: cut our land line and TV service. But that just does not seem like enough.

Robbins quotes Benjamin Franklin in saying "The eyes of other people are the eyes that ruin us. If all but myself were blind, I should want neither fine clothes, fine houses, nor fine furniture." I took a moment to ponder this quote and several thoughts came to my mind. "If everyone else was blind, would I wear/purchase the clothes that I have?" or "Would I worry about the perfect painting to hang in my living room?" or "Would I stress about finding the money to fix the chewed marks in my walls from my puppies?" The answer is no. To me the most astounding thought came when I realized my motivations would change. Rather than cleaning my home to please the eyes of those that came over, I would clean to keep order and a healthy environment. Changing my motivation would better line myself up with the teachings of Christ as I would then "lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of better" (Doctrine and Covenants 25:10). And in this case "things" to me is the judgement and or need for approval from "the world."

In life I spend so much time concerned with the thoughts and feelings of other's regarding me. Brad and I confessed to each other the other day of our seemingly endless need to compare ourselves to everyone else. Do we compare ourselves to other's in spirituality and leadership abilities? A little. But mostly we compare ourselves on material goods. Why? It is so hard to grow up in society and not to be a part of it. Society has taught us that outward appearance is what matters. A list of constant changing guidelines that in turn makes you popular/cool which then implies happiness. If I were to think of the world as being blind (Which as Latter-day saints we are asked to be blind and not judge one another) what would I change? I would not worry about what clothes I wear, nor that I had the perfect accessories to go with it, nor that my hair was any different then any other, nor that my home was larger/smaller than another, nor that my teeth were not as white as could be or that I had gained a few pounds. What a burden that would be lifted! While I may not spent hours or days worrying about these things, they do cross my mind and weigh down on me.

I know that as women, Latter-day Saint or not, we have an undue weight that we put on ourselves: as women, wives, mothers, sisters etc. We want to be "the best", and we forget that what we should really be thinking is we want to be "our best." I was talking with my sister-in-law Tonya the other day and we related our feeling of inadequacy in different subjects. I at the time was trying to cut fabric and for the life of me could not cut straight, which reminded me of my inadequacy as a cook, which in turn makes me think of me being inadequate as a wife, and that I will be inadequate as a mother etc. etc. But what if the world was blind? Would my skewed blanket/sweater(etc.) be any less warm than another's perfectly made? No. It wouldn't. And while it may appear skewed to another's, I can honestly say it is my best. My life is not about pleasing others, but about doing my best and improving myself.

So applying this new found understanding to my financial happiness ... "If the world were blind what would I change?" I can think of several things: I would not purchase new expensive clothing, I would buy only what I need at the second hand store. I will not worry that my plates do not match and go purchase more. I will not worry about spending hundred of dollars to beautify my landscaping nor will I worry about having to find the money to fix up the chew marks in our walls from the puppies. Whew! I feel better already!

Robbins also discusses the pioneers. He states that "The pioneers had to discern what their true needs were. As they hurriedly left Nauvoo, they took with them the essentials such as food, clothing, blankets, cooking utensils, and perhaps a few extras ..." This brought me to my next understanding: what is important to me. If I had to move or leave my home in a rush what would I take with me? My family (including my dogs), food, clothing. cooking equipment, water, blankets, medicine ... and what? What would be worth taking? I can only think of a very few things: my scriptures, my journal, my camera and photo albums.

After realizing the very few things that I would take with me, I looked around at my house, at all of the "things" that would be left sitting here. Then I began to realize the money value of those "things." What have I been doing? Not only did I realize the financial mistakes that I have made I have now realized their implication. Robbins states that "everything we buy consumes a part of our life." He quotes the book Your Money or Your Life in saying each item we purchase "stifles us and robs us of freedom because it requires so much of our time to tend ... we have to pay for it, keep track of it, protect it, clean it, store it, insure it, and worry about it ..." Now I must discuss my thoughts regarding unstifeling our house and life with my husband before I give our possessions away ... but some quick "things" that come to mind are unused DVD's, shoes and clothing. Several stores in our area will give you money for such things in good condition .. why do we clutter our lives with them? And more importantly we need to stop adding to the clutter.

I must remind myself that I am called to follow the instruction given in Third Nephi 13:19-21 "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and thieves break through and steal;
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

So how do I develop a better financial plan? The article "Guide to Family Finance" by Marvin J. Ashton gave me some great insight into this. He gives 12 points to keeping finances in order:

1) Pay an honest tithing - I can honestly say that I have such a true testimony of this fact. While we have been in times where we have little to no money, we have never gone without or lost our housing. Right after we got married Brad graduated college and could not find work for six months. I worked part time and went to school, but we did not make enough to pay our rent bill. Each check I got we paid an honest tithe on and when the week came that we would be past due on rent, the Lord blessed us and we were offered R.A. (Resident Advisor) positions at our housing complex so we could work off our rent. In addition, our first month as R.A.s we would not have to pay rent. The Lord really does take care of us.

2) Learn to manage money before it manages you

3) Learn self-discipline and self-restraint in money matters

4) Use a budget - Ashton makes a specific plea and states "if it makes some of you feel uncomfortable, it is on purpose: Latter-day Saints who ignore or avoid their creditors are entitled to feel the inner frustrations that such conduct merits, and they are not living as Latter-day Saints should! "

5) Teach family members early on the importance of working and earning - this is advice that I must remember and learn more about as to raise my children to want to work and contribute.

6) Teach children how to make money decisions

7) Teach each family member to contribute to the total family welfare

8) Make education a continuing process - I now know that this includes me. Just because I work full time and am "done" with school does not mean that I should stop learning, that is part of the purpose of life on Earth is to learn.

9) Work towards home ownership

10) Have appropriate insurance

11) Understand the external influences on family finances and investments

12) Appropriately involve yourself in food storage and emergency preparedness program - this is definitely going to be an area that I must learn a lot more in.

I now look forward to sharing this knowledge with my husband and hopefully we can together gain a greater understanding and strength in letting go of the worldly "things" so that we may continue to take steps to build our treasures in Heaven.

My Motivation

2009-03-20T12:56:00.000-07:00

I have been wondering the past while "Am I any better today than I was yesterday?" For weeks it seems that I have focused on getting from one part of my day to another and then repeating it again and again as the week goes on. I have not made the time nor commitment to better myself and prepare for motherhood. How can I set a good example for my children if I do not take steps now to be a better person?

This is why I have created this blog, as an outlet to share my pondering and learning about life and its importance. We are here on Earth for a reason. Not to just watch the days go bye or to cross off all that is on our "to-do" list. A real purpose: "Your purpose in leaving God’s presence to come to earth includes obtaining a physical body, gaining experience, and learning to make right choices. God influences you to do good and to follow Him, while Satan tempts you to ignore God and commit sin."

This month I felt an extreme push to make a difference as I shared the visiting teaching message with a sister in my ward. One quote by Elder Robert S. Wood of the Seventy made a huge impact on me. "We need to be vigorously engaged in the world. If our schools are inadequate or destructive of moral values, we must work with fellow members of the community to bring about change. If our neighborhoods are unsafe or unhealthy, we must join with the civic-minded to devise solutions. If our cities and towns are polluted, not only with noxious gases but soul-destroying addictions and smut, we must labor to find legitimate ways to eliminate such filth. . . . We have the responsibility to be a blessing to others, to our nation, to the world" ("On the Responsible Self," Ensign, Mar. 2002, 30–31).

For so long I felt that me being concerned with me was enough. I had resigned myself to the fact that the world was making more and more poor decisions. I had accepted the fact that our society does not reflect the values that I believe in nor that I want my children to believe in. I had understood that the world was becoming more and more a place that was in opposition to the values and teachings of Christ. I didn't realize that I had the power and duty to change it.

I as a woman have been "given the responsibility for upholding, nurturing, and protecting families." (Julie B Beck "What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Stand Strong and Immovable," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 110).

And it is here that I would like to publicly declare what I know to be true regarding families. As declared in the Family Proclamation by the First Presidency of the Church "The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity" ("The Family: A Proclamation to the World," Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).

Satan has confused the world as to what is right and true. Children are not to be born out of wedlock. Children should be raised by both a mother and father. I found it very disturbing in a news article yesterday that it was proclaimed that "The 4,317,119 births, reported by federal researchers Wednesday (for 2007), topped a record first set in 1957 at the height of the baby boom. The birth rate rose slightly for women of all ages, and births to unwed mothers reached an all-time high of about 40 percent, continuing a trend that started years ago." This is not okay. It is not fair to the children entering this world to be denied the basic element of a parent.

I now desire to learn more and to help those around me. One of my first steps is to read some very inspiring books. I have decided to read Believing Christ by Stephen E. Robinson. I read it several years ago, but feel it is once again time to delve back into personal study. I will share my musings and findings as I complete the book.