My Christmas

I had a very good Christmas. I has been so nice to be able to testify of Christ this Christmas season. Christ is the greatest gift that we have been given. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 I am grateful that Christ has come into this world to take upon him our sins that we may live with him again. "And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall believe on the Son of God, the same shall have everlasting life." Helaman 14:8

Don't forget Christ this Christmas

How are you remembering Christ at this Christmas season?

We had a party at church over the weekend where we had a nativity. There were Roman Soldiers, angels, Mary and Joseph, shepherds, wisemen and  of course the Christ child.  It was a perfect way to remember Christ and the true meaning of Christmas.

Count Down to Christmas

Last year for Christmas my family sent me an advent calender. Each day had a little note from a family member stuffed in it. I loved reading those little notes so much I decided I wanted to save it for this year. After a year I haven't been able to remember what my family has said so it has been exciting to read them again. Today I read a note from my Uncle Tim. He had quoted an article form the December 1983 Ensign, "What Shall I Do Then With Jesus Which is Called Christ?" I loved the quotes he picked out so much I decided to read the article.

I ask anew the question offered by Pilate two thousand years ago, 'What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?' Indeed, we need continually to ask ourselves, what shall we do with Jesus who is called Christ? What shall we do with his teachings, and how can we make them an inseparable part of our lives? In light on these questions, at this season we ask another: What does Christmas really mean? May I suggest some things that it should mean?

Christmas means giving.
Christmas means the Christ child.
Christmas means eternity.
Christmas means compassion love, and most of all, forgiveness.
Christmas means peace. 

"And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
"For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the only begotten of the Father--
"That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants there of are begotten sons and daughters unto God." (D&C 76:22-24) 

This is our testimony to all mankind. It is our gift and blessing to the world. He is our joy and our salvation, and we will find Christmas of grater meaning in our own lives as we share these truths with others. 

What shall we do with Jesus who is called Christ? Learn of him. Search the scriptures for they are they which testify of him. Ponder the miracle of his life and mission. Try a little more diligently to follow his example and observe his teachings. Bring the Christ back into Christmas.

The rest of the article is really good as well, click here to read it.

Learning not to Count

I love Christmas and I love reading Christmas stories. Christmas is a special time of year where we can become closer to Christ. I came across this story the other day in an Ensign. I loved how Steffani shared how she was able to come closer to Christ.

Learning not to Count

by Steffani R. Packer

For most children, Christmas is a time of excitement and anticipation. For me, it was also a lesson in economics and math. As the youngest of five children, I feared that someone, somehow, would receive more presents than I would. As the days in December passed, I made it my personal mission to count all of the presents under the tree, ensuring that I had the most gifts, or at least as many as my siblings. When I had the most, I knew that my parents loved me more than anything, and I was convinced that I was their favorite child.

But most of the time, counting presents left me feeling unsatisfied, ungrateful, and upset. Even after Mom showed me from her store receipts that she truly had spent the same amount of money on each of the children, I still felt cheated somehow. In my young mind, the amount of money my mother spent didn’t matter—the number of presents did. To me, gift plus gift equaled love.

As I grew, I began applying this equation to my relationship with my Heavenly Father by counting my presents from Him. Whenever I wondered if He loved me, I went through my blessings, keeping a running total in my mind. “Heavenly Father loves me because He has given me …” This worked incredibly well for many years. Because I had been blessed in numerous ways, I felt sure I was one of His favorite people. When I got married and had a baby boy, I added two more blessings to my list. My blessings were my measuring stick for Heavenly Father’s love.

Then came a problem. I began praying to have another baby. But after three miscarriages, I started feeling unloved. I tried counting my other blessings, but that didn’t make me feel any better. Nothing seemed as important as the blessing Heavenly Father was denying me. If He loved me, as I thought my life had proven thus far, why wouldn’t He grant me the blessing I so desperately wanted?

At 23, I was still figuratively counting presents under the tree. I began to realize that if Heavenly Father used blessings as His measuring stick for love, He must not love those whose lives were stricken with struggle and pain. Everything in me knew this wasn’t true, and yet it was hard to believe He loved me when He wouldn’t give me what I longed for.

I needed answers. If my blessings couldn’t be the ultimate measuring stick, then what could I use to measure Heavenly Father’s love for me?

On a day when I felt Heavenly Father didn’t love me at all, my two-year-old son asked me to read to him from our children’s Bible storybook. As I read the simple text describing the greatest events ever to unfold on this earth, the birth of the Savior and His Atonement, I was reminded of what the Savior went through for me. He was the Son of God, the Only Begotten, and yet on this earth He descended below everything. He looked for “some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but [He] found none” (Psalm 69:20). Still He followed the Father’s will—without indulging in self-pity.

I found my answer: the Savior’s sacrifice is the ultimate evidence of Heavenly Father’s love. He sent His Son to suffer beyond what any of us can imagine so we can find peace in this world and then return to Him one day. This is love.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (1926–2004) said: “When suffering and burdened Jesus entered Gethsemane, He ‘fell on the ground’ (Mark 14:35). He did not merely kneel down, pray intensely and briefly, and leave. His agonies were so great that He began to bleed at every one of thousands of His pores (see D&C 19:18). An angel, whose identity we do not know, came to strengthen Him (see Luke 22:43). Mark wrote that Jesus became ‘sore amazed’ and ‘very heavy’ (Mark 14:33), meaning in the Greek, respectively, ‘astonished and awestruck’ and ‘depressed and dejected.’ None of us can tell Christ anything about depression!” ¹

That afternoon I stopped feeling sorry for myself and realized that it wasn’t about me but about Him. If I would turn to His Atonement every time I felt thwarted and alone, I would find love. While I recognize that my blessings come from His gracious hand, I knew that if I continued to measure His love by the presence or absence of these blessings, I would never feel secure in “the arms of his love” (see 2 Nephi 1:15).

For years I had been using a measuring stick to quantify Heavenly Father’s love for me. Now I know that Heavenly Father’s love cannot be measured. Through the gift of our Savior, I learned that the love of Heavenly Father and His Son is infinite.

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas

On Monday Sister Mackie and I went over to a families home to help them decorate their tree. We wanted to share a Christmas message with them. This is the story I found to share with them. I love it and I hope you do as well.  

A Giving Christmas by Deborah Tolley Shatto

Christmas was just two weeks away. We had just moved to Moab, Utah, and our family of 11 was living in a three-bedroom trailer without utilities. My parents’ company had gone bankrupt, and there was no back pay. The situation was dismal, to say the least.

My singles ward was planning a service project called “The 12 Days of Christmas.” The bishops in the stake had prayed and selected a family for us to help for 12 days. Considering my family’s situation, I was disappointed that no one had offered to help us. I agreed to buy a gift for a boy in the family, but I couldn’t help but wonder what my own brothers would get for Christmas.

The day came for me to purchase a gift for this boy, and I wanted to get him something special. I decided to go to the local department store to see what toys were popular. After 30 minutes I was getting discouraged because no toys seemed just right for the child.

Then a young boy came into the store. He was about the right age, and his appearance suggested that his family was probably struggling financially. I noticed the thrill on his face as he came across a train set. I knew I had found my gift.

As this little boy’s brother came into the store to get him, I realized that this was the boy I was buying the gift for. I knew this was Heavenly Father’s way of telling me that the stake had picked the right family to serve. I was glad that I had agreed to help them rather than put my own needs first. But I had no idea that more blessings awaited my family.

My father found another job a couple of days before Christmas, and my parents managed to get a small gift for each child. And things were about to get even better.

The day before Christmas, a brother in the ward called the bishop and offered to rent a house to a needy family. It was a large, five-bedroom home with the utilities already working, and best of all, he didn’t expect rent until the next month. The bishop told us about the house, and we moved in that very morning.

Around the corner from the house was a little bar. Someone there noticed us moving in and was touched by our situation. He started collecting donations and brought over a mug filled with cash from perfect strangers.

Another miracle occurred when my father left work for the night. The bosses were passing out Christmas bonuses, but my dad had only been there for two days, so he assumed he wouldn’t get anything. He started to leave, and they said they had something for him. He was surprised to see that each of the men had given up part of their bonuses to share with our family. His company matched the donations. My dad was humbled by their generosity.

That evening, I helped drop off the gifts for our service project. When I got home, my mother told me about the mug of cash and the bonus from work. She had just finished when we heard horns honking. We ran outside and, to our further amazement, dozens of gifts decorated our lawn. We were touched and humbled by the love of strangers for our family. What began as a very meager Christmas had become, instead, a Christmas that we would never forget.

Later, as I thought about the events of the previous month, I realized that Heavenly Father knows each of us. He knows our needs, and He often uses others to meet those needs. But He blesses us the most when we put others first. When I sacrificed my family’s needs to help another family, my family was blessed more than I could have imagined.

Friendship

If we truly want to be tools in the hands of our Heavenly Father in bringing to pass His eternal purposes, we need only to be a friend.

-Elder Marlin K. Jensen

My Body is a Temple

On Sunday in Relief Society we had a lesson about our bodies being a temple. We started by listing words that describe the temple. We then read 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."

The teacher then read off our list but used the list to discribe our body. It was so powerful. So many times we forget that our bodies are sacred. They are wonderful!

Temples look so different. It doesn't matter what they look like what matters is the work that goes on there. That is the same with our bodies. It doesn't matter what we look like but the work we perform. Let's do good!

I am grateful for my body and the things that I am able to do. I am grateful that I am able to be a missionary and do the Lord's work.

Exchanges!

I just got done with being on an exchange with Sister McCall. Missionaries go on exchanges to be able to learn from others so we can improve. It was a great opportunity to be with Sister McCall for the past few days. I was able to reflect and write a list of how I want to improve. What a great opportunity that we have in life. To learn from everyone! Everyone has something to teach us. Either something we like that they do or something we don't like that they do. Open your eyes to improving yourself. That is what life is about becoming like our savior. I'm grateful that we have the opportunity to change and become better.

Besides learning great thing Sister McCall and I also had a lot of fun! We talked to a lot of people. Helped a lady move. And walked a lot!

Halloween as a Missionary

As a missionary I go out and work everyday. However, since yesterday was Halloween we stayed inside and watched The Testaments. The Testaments is a movie about when Christ appears to the people in the ancient Americas after he was resurrected. (See 3 Nephi 11)

After we watched the movie we wrote our testimonies to our mission president and his wife. It was a great opportunity to reflect on the truths that I hold so dear to my heart and to be able to write them down. As well as writing my testimony I was able to share with them some goals that I have. "I am so thoroughly convinced that if we don't set goals in our life and learn how to master the techniques of living to reach our goals, we can reach a ripe old age and look back on our life only to see we reached but a small part of our full potential. When one learns to master the principles of setting a goal, he will then be able to make a great difference in the results he attains in this life." -Elder M. Russell Ballard

Last night I also wrote my testimony in 10 copies of The Book of Mormon to give out this week. I felt guided as I wrote a personally testimony in each book. I know that The Book of Mormon is true. I know it testifies of Christ just as the Bible does. The Book of Mormon gives me so much comfort, peace and strength in my life as I read from it. There are so many things we can learn as we read this book. I know that you can know for yourself that this book is true by reading and praying about it. I know that because as I read it and pray about it, my heart is touched and I know that it is true.

(receive a copy for yourself by clicking here)

"Do ye not suppose that I know of these things myself? Behold, I testify unto you that I do know that these things whereof I have spoken are true. And how do ye suppose that I know of their surety?

 Behold, I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the spirit of revelation which is in me." Alma 5:45-46

A Message of Christ

Being a missionary is hard. But there are some sweet moments that make it all worth it. Yesteday Sister Mackie and I had one of those great moments. It was dark and cold and we were knocking on doors. No one was interested in our message but then one lady opened up. She let us in. We were able to share a message of Christ's Atonement with her. The spirit was so strong as we learned more about the Savior. "Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together." D&C 50:22

Stressed?

What a great church sign! How true it is. I know that our Heavenly Father does help us as we pray to him.  "I know, in the strength of the Lord thou canst do all things." Alma 20:4 Through prayer we receive that strength that we need. And chocolate helps!

Being a missionary is stressful... I just moved to Nashville. I didn't know the missionary I'm with. I don't know the area. After being here a couple days I only know a handful of people. Stressful right? You have no idea! But through prayer the Lord has given me strength. He has helped me to stay calm eventhough there is so much I need to do and learn.
...And yes I have had chocolate!

The Light of the World

I went caving yesterday. We had a pretty large group but not everyone one had a light so we had to share. As we were walking around I was thinking of how important this light is. It is impossible to get around safely in a cave without a light. Just as it is so important to have a light with us in a dark cave we need light as we go throughout this life. That light can be found through Christ.
"The emblems of the Savior’s Atonement remind us that we need not stumble in darkness. We can have His light with us always." Elder Hales
While in the cave a had a light I tried to share my light with others who did not have a light. Now I'm back to my life as being a missionary. I try to share the Light of Christ with others. It brings me so much happiness to help others find the light.
"I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
John 8:12

The gift of the Holy Ghost

Today Glen was confirmed a member of the church and was given the gift of the Holy Ghost.

“When you were confirmed a member of the Church, you received the right to the companionship of the Holy Ghost. He can help you make good choices. When challenged or tempted, you do not need to feel alone. Remember that prayer is the passport to spiritual power.”

Thomas S. Monson

 It is such a great blessing to have the Holy Ghost in my life. I have received comfort and guidence from the Holy Ghost. Which I am so grateful for. Each can feel the blessings of the Holy Ghost but one must be given the gift of the Holy Ghost to have it at all times. But to be able to feel the Holy Ghost we must obey and listen.

"We live in a noisy, contentious world, where it is possible to be viewing or listening to information, music, or even pure nonsense virtually every waking hour. If we want to have the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, we must find time to slow down, ponder, pray, and live so we are worthy to receive and act upon His promptings."

Quentin L. Cook

Have I done any good in the world today?

Today Sister Barnes and I helped with bowling special Olympics. Those that were participating were so sweet. We were so happy as we helped these students bowl. 

There is so much joy that comes from service.  When we help others we can forget about our own problems and we help others. It reminds me of when President Hinckley was on his mission. He wrote his dad and told him how he was just wasting time and money. His dad wrote back and said "Forget yourself and go to work." 

What wise council that is. No matter what stage of life we are in we could all do a little more to help another. We can all forget ourselves and go to work. 

"As we extend our hands and hearts toward others in Christlike love, something wonderful happens to us. Our own spirits become healed, more refined and stronger. We become happier, more peaceful, and more receptive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit."

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf

What a wonderful blessing that would be. Let us all reach out to serve another! 

Helping with city clean up.

"The Savior taught His disciples, 'For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.'

"I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish--and in effect save their lives."

-Thomas S. Monson

For the body and mind!

This morning we meet with an incredible woman. She was telling us about when she read the Word of Wisdom and it made so much more since then ever before.

The Word of Wisdom is a law of health. The Lord cares about our physical selves as well as our spiritual well being. By following the Word of Wisdom it helps with both our physical and spiritual well being.

All of the Lords commandments are important and there is a very good reason why the Lord has given us the word of wisdom. So many times I think that just because I don't use tobacco, drink coffee or tea, use alcohol, or do drugs I am good. But there is more than just that.

I am now committed to eat healthier! Yay!  I am going to start by drinking more water and adding more fruits and veggies to my diet. I'll let you know how I do.

Missionary Work

I love general conference! It is getting closer only a month away!  During general conference our church leaders speak to us and tell us what it is God would have us to do and to know.

Last October conference I was in the MTC (mission training center) preparing to come to Tennessee and teach the gospel. One of the first things that was shared was from the prophet this is what he said...

First, to young men of the Aaronic Priesthood and to you young men who are becoming elders: ...every worthy, able young man should prepare to serve a mission... A word to you young sisters: while you do not have the same priesthood responsibility as do the young men to serve as full-time missionaries, you also make a valuable contribution as missionaries, and we welcome your service.  -President Monson

It touched me so much then to hear him talk of this important work of sharing the gospel. But it means even more to me now as I have been a part of this great work. I have seen lives blessed by the message of the gospel, a message of love and hope. I am so grateful for the choice that I made to come and serve the Lord. It is not an easy thing to do, but I know that my life and so many others lives have been blessed by this choice to serve.

Click here to find out how your life can be blessed by the message I share each day. Or ask me on Facebook.

laugh or Cry

When things would be going bad one of  my friends and I would always say, "You either laugh or cry." Then we would laugh when we did so it would make the situation not seem as bad. It would help us to be positive and have the energy we needed to go on. The other day I came across this quote and it reminded me of our saying.

"The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache."
-Marjorie Pay Hinckley

So now you have the choice you can either laugh or cry.... What will you do? I am so grateful that I have made the choice to remember to laugh. 

Gifts

Today is my birthday. I have a great few days celebrating my birthday. People have been so kind to take me to eat and give me gifts. They have all been so nice and it has made me so very happy. It makes me think back to the best gift I have ever received. The gift of the Holy Ghost.

"When you were confirmed a member of the Church, you received the right to the companionship of the Holy Ghost. He can help you make good choices. When challenged or tempted, you do not need to feel alone. Remember that prayer is the passport to spiritual power." 

     -Thomas S. Monson

I have been so grateful for this gift in my life. But just like receiving a present you can't just be given it but you truly have to receive it. Its easy to think how you would receive a present... you open it. But how do you receive the gift of the Holy Ghost? Elder David A. Bednar teaches how we can receive this gift. "Let me suggest that we need to (1) sincerely desire to receive the Holy Ghost, (2) appropriately invite the Holy Ghost into our lives, and (3) faithfully obey God's commandments."

I know that we first need to come unto Christ and be baptized. Christ said, "He that is baptized in my name, to him will I give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do." (2 Nephi 31:12) Then once we have been given the Holy Ghost we must do the things that Elder Bednar taught that we might me able to have this gift more part of our lives. I know it will bless your life, it has mine!

"Following baptism into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there comes a second ordinance: 'Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost' (Articles of Faith 1:4)
That sweet, quiet voice of inspiration comes more as a feeling than it does 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. This guidance comes as thoughts, as feelings through promptings and impressions. We may feel the words of spiritual communication more than hear them and see with spiritual rather than with mortal eyes."

      -Boyd K. Packer

Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is our Savior, our Redeemer. He gave His life for us.... that through Him we might have eternal life. When Christ performed the atonement he took upon Him our pains, afflictions, temptations, sickness in order to be able to know how to help us. (see Alma 7:11-12)

 I love this talk by Elder Holland because it helps me to remember that Our Savior and what he went through.

I love what he says at the end. Read it and as you do think about it. Think how you can apply it to your life.

"May we declare ourselves to be more fully disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, not in word only and not only in the flush of comfortable times but in deed and in courage and in faith, including when the path is lonely and when our cross is difficult to bear. May we stand by Jesus Christ "at all time and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in, even until death," for surely that is how He stood by us when it was unto death and when He had to stand entirely and utterly alone." -Elder Holland

By reading this talk it gives me courage. Courage to do what is right to follow Jesus Christ and His perfect example. It helps me want to do better. I hope your feel the same way!

Our belief in Jesus Christ is so important. We must have faith! But I know that when we have true faith in Jesus Christ we will want to act. We will want to be the best that we can. I know that as we strive to do the things that our Savior has asked and to follow Him we will be happier. We will have more joy in our life.

My Dad

"By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families." 

-The Family: A Proclamation to the World

 

One of my earliest memories war probably when I was around 3 it is sitting on my dad's lap while he took off my earnings. I love this memory!  I love how he would have me come and sit on his lap as he would carefully take-out my earnings. It truly shows my dads love.

When I was little I loved when my dad would come home from work. When it got time for him to come home I would go hide. When I heard him come in I would yell for him to come find me. I'm sure he knew right where I was when I yelled but he played around and I thought I was such a good hider.

I love these and many many more memories I have with my dad. I am grateful for the time that he took out of his life to talk to me and teach me. I still remember and apply many of the things he taught me.

One of the most important things that we can learn from our fathers is to learn Jesus Christ. In the Book of Mormon there are many examples of fathers who taught of Jesus Christ. The first verse in the Book of Mormon says, "I Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father." Later a man name Enos says, "Behold, it came to pass that I Enos, knowing my father that he was a just man-- for he taught me in his language, and also in the nurture and admonition of the Lord-- and blessed be the name of my God for it"

Just as these men are grateful to their fathers for being taught in the ways of the Lord so am I. I am grateful for my father who taught me about Jesus Christ. He taught by example and with love, which I will ever be grateful for.

"Let us reflect gratitude for our fathers. Father... is ever willing to sacrifice his own comfort for that of his children. Daily he toils to provide the necessities of live, never complaining, ever concerned for the well-being of his family. This love for children, this desire to see them well and happy, is a constant time of change."
-Thomas S. Monson

Thank You Dad! I Love You!

Click Here to get a free Book of Mormon to learn more about Jesus Christ

Hudson the Hippo

I was over at a lady's house from my church yesterday. She sells library books and she let Sister Anderson and I each pick out a book. Sister Anderson found a book called "Hudson the Hippo." She showed it to me because my nephew's name is Hudson. I thought it was funny so I decided to get that book.

This book is about learning to control angry feelings. Hudson wakes up in a bad mood and wants everyone else to feel bad too. In the end when Hudson learns to control his feelings, he has a much nicer day with his friends.

This isn't just a good thing for Hudson the Hippo to learn to control is anger, or even the kids that will read this book. But it is something that each of us must learn.  In the talk "The Case Against Anger" Burton C. Kelly said, "instead of blaming events or the people around us for our anger, we should remember that no one else can 'make' us angry. We make ourselves angry."

How can we stop from being angry? President Hinckley gave us council on how in his talk "Slow to Anger." At the end of his talk he said. "I plead with you to control your tempers, to put a smile upon your faces, which will erase anger; speak out with words of love and peace, appreciation, and respect." He continued by saying, "If you will do this, your lives will be without regret. Your marriages and family relationships will be preserved. You will be much happier. You will do greater good. You will feel a sense of peace that will be wonderful." What a wonderful blessing we can receive if we can learn what Hudson the Hippo learned, which is to control our anger.

Miracle of Christ

Yesterday Sister Anderson and I received a phone call from the Zone Leaders. They said that for zone conference (on Friday) we needed to have a musical number and that they found a really great duet. Since Sister Anderson and I are the only Sisters in our zone they asked us if we sang. Sister Anderson said she didn't and I said I sing in the shower. Well I guess that was enough because now I get to sing for zone conference.... kinda scary!

Singing is something I've always wanted to do. But I have always been too afraid to even try. I love singing in choirs but I have never sung with so few people.

The song that we are singing is called "How Great is the Miracle". I am so grateful for this miracle... the miracle of Christ and His atonement. I am grateful that through Him we can be made whole. I am not some amazing experienced singer but I am grateful that I have an opportunity to sing about the miracle of Christ. I pray for a miracle as a sing about His miracle.

 In Ether 12:27 it says, "for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." I know this is true. I know that He will help me as I am humble and have faith. I also know that He will help you with your weaknesses.

Hungry?...I am.

I love bread. Good bread. Homemade bread. And right now that sounds so good! I am hungry and a warm piece of homemade bread would be so good! 

How often are we just simply focus on our physical needs. (Like being hungry...) It is easy to recognize when we are hungry, thirsty, tired etc. But it is so much harder to always remember to meet our spiritual needs. In John we learn, "Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you" (John 6:27).

I remember one summer I went to a youth camp. I was having a lot fun but it wasn't a very spirtual environment. The were many kids who wanted to "rebel" and as they continued to misbehave their actions drove the spirit away. I remember feeling such a need for spiritual strength. My soul hungered just as Enos' had in the Book of Mormon. When we had free time I was invited to hang out with some girls but I realized this need I had to be spiritually fed so instead I went back to the cabin and pulled out my Book of Mormon and read. 

Just as we must feed our bodies everyday we also must feed our spirits. We partake of the "Bread of Life" by studying the scriptures and praying everyday and going to church each week. I know this is how I have stayed strong and spiritually nourished.

***

I once saw a church sign that said:

"without the bread of life you are toast"

I think it might be my favorite church sign.

A Text of Strength

I went to bed last night not feeling very good. I woke up and I still felt sick. I took medicine which helped but I still felt so weak. As I was thinking about how I'm going to have the strength I need for today I got a text. It said "Alma 26:12". This scripture says:

"Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of my self, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever."

How perfect that was to hear. I know that God will give me the strength I need whether  it is physical, emotional, or spiritual strength that I need. I know that our savior will give you strength as well, as you turn to Him. He loves you! And he wants to help you!

Why don't you do you?

I came across a blog the lady shared a story... in her story she wore color contacts. Someone asked her, "Why don't you do you?"
Her response was "What?"
He then said "Why are you pretending to be someone you're not? You don't need to change the color of your eyes."

How many times in our life are we trying to be someone else? Whether it is the color of our eyes our size or our other features.

In an address to young women (but can be applied to everyone) Elder Holland said the following: "Please be more accepting of yourselves, including your body shape and style, with a little less longing to look like someone else. We are all different. Some are tall, and some are short. Some are round, and some are thin. And almost everyone at some time or other want to be something they are not! But as one adviser to teenage girls said: 'You can't live your life worrying that the world is staring at you. When you let people's opinions make you self-conscious you give away your power. ...The key to feeling [confident] is to always listen to your inner self-- [the real you.]' ...We should all be as fit as we can be-- that's good Word of Wisdom doctrine. That means eating right and exercising and helping our bodies function at their optimum strength. We could probably all do better in that regard. But I speak here of optimum health; there is no universal optimum size."

We need to be happy to be us! We are children of God our bodies are temples. We need to treat them with love and respect. We need to our love and accept ourselves.

Now I say along with the man that gave the advice... "Why don't you do you?" I know that as we accept ourselves we will be happier.

Reflection

The other day I was looking into my mirror, It was kind of a hard day. As I was looking at myself I thought of the song Reflection from Mulan.

Who is that girl I see staring straight back at me? 

Why is my reflection someone I don't know?

Some how I can not hide,

Who I am, though I've tried.

When will my reflection show who I am inside? 

When will my reflection show who I am inside?

As I continued to look into the mirror another song came to mind. Its a song that I have song ever since I was little. It is I am a Child of God.

I am a child of God,

And He has sent me here.

Has given me an earthly home,

With parents kind and dear. 

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,

Help me find the way. 

Teach me all that I must do, 

To live with him some day

What a wonderful thing that is to know who I am. That I am a child of God... and so are you. Yes, things are hard but we have our loving Heavenly Father to help us. He will give us the strength that we need as we turn to him. He loves you!

Lessons learned from a Hill

The other day I was driving up a hill on a little road. As I was going up another car was coming down. There really wasn't enough room for us both. The hill was on one side and a cliff with trees on the other. Luckily we both went slow and we were able to squeeze past each other.

I was pretty shaken up by the time we reached the top. So when I saw a place to pull off I stopped and we got out. Look at the view!

Isn't that just like life. We make these climbs. But when we reach the top and look back on our lives the view is great. Our challenges, our climbs make us better.

I came across this quote today... "If your are not in the process of becoming the person you want to be, you are automatically engaged in becoming the person you don't want to be." -Dale Carnegie
Are you climbing up the hill to become better?

The next lesson I learned from this little adventure is to stay on the path. When we got to the top. I could tell there was going to be a beautiful view. So I walked over to it... Later my ankle started to hurt and itch and  I realized that I had chiggers. I remember when I was first on my mission they told us that it was easy to avoid chiggers. You just have to stay on the path.

What afflictions are we causing in our lives because we leave that straight and narrow path?
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All Children of God

I think its fascinating to learn about people. To hear their life stories. To learn about their desires, their joys, their sorrow, and their disappointments. No matter who the person is they have struggles but they also have joys. I love seeing God's hand in the life of others. We are his children and he loves us. 

Elder Orson F. Whitney wrote: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.”

We have hard times in our life. And so does everyone else. But the Savior suffered for each of us. Alma prophesied that “he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and … he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. …“That his bowels may be filled with mercy, … that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.”

During our hard times let us not forget others. Everyone has hard times. Reach out and help someone else. "As we extend our hands and hearts toward others in Christlike love, something wonderful happens to us. Our own spirits become healed, more refined, and stronger. We become happier, more peaceful, and more receptive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit." Dieter F. Uchtdorf

If you want to to hear about peoples lives and how their faith in Jesus Christ helps them click here.

Tennessee Rain

Rainy days come... There are many hard things that happen just because we are alive. 

Today it rained. Not just a little rain either.  Just from walking to my car was was soaking wet. When I got in all I wanted to do was go back out and dance in the rain. So that is what I did. The rain felt so good coming down and splashing into the puddles. All my worries and cares went away. I was happy enjoying the rain. 

You've heard someone say either "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, Its about dancing in the rain." or something similar to it. But how are we suppose to dance in the storms of our lives? 

In my life when I'm having a "rainy day" I think of something that brings me happiness. Sometimes I look around and see the beauties of the earth. Sometimes I think of my family. And sometimes I think about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Because it only through Jesus Christ that we can have true lasting happiness.

In the Book of Mormon Ammon was watching the king's sheep. They were scattered. As a result all of the servants that were watching would be killed. 

Ammon responded by saying "My brethren, be of good cheer and let us go in search of the flocks, and we will gather them together and bring them back unto the place of water; and thus we will preserve the flocks unto the king and he will not slay us" (Alma 17:31)

When his very life was at risk he said, "Be of good cheer." If Ammon was able to be of good cheer when his life was at risk surely we can be of good cheer no matter what is happening in our lives.  

Lost?

Yesterday I was driving and I was lost! I was trying to find an address but what I had didn't match anything on that street. I said a prayer for guidance. After a little while someone came to mind that might be able to help me. I called her and she was able to look up the address. The address that I had was incomplete. After receiving the rest of the address we were able to go straight to our destination. 


This is like our life. Do we have the sufficient information to get us to our destination, of eternal life? Or are we wondering around. You might even be like me and not even realize you don't have all the information that you need. I know that the Book of Mormon tells us the way to go to be able to return to our Heavenly Father.


"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Fahter: ye shall have eternal life. 
And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end." (2 Nephi 31:20-21)

I know that it may be scary to read The Book of Mormon, but I promise you that if you do with an open mind it can bless your life. It is the missing information of the address. It will lead you back to your heavenly home.

 Get a free copy of the Book of Mormon and find our for yourself that it is true.

Marriage.... Forever

Dear Staci-       

I got your wedding announcement  in the mail yesterday, very cute! I am so happy for you and Marc. What an exciting adventure you have ahead of you.... Marriage. How lucky you are to be getting married not only for time but also for eternity in the temple. 

Lots of Love,

-Katie 

I know I have talked about temples before, but I am just so very grateful for them. I am grateful that in them families can be bound together by priesthood authority. What a great blessing it is to have the this priesthood restored to the earth. To have the same power that Jesus Christ had while he was here on this earth once more. And that through this priesthood authority families can be bound together... FOREVER! 


"Brethren and sisters, material possessions and honors of the world do not endure. But your union as wife, husband, and family can. The only duration of family life that satisfies the loftiest longings of the human soul is forever. No sacrifice is too great to have the blessings of an eternal marriage. To qualify, one needs only to deny oneself of ungodliness and honor the ordinances of the temple. By making and keeping sacred temple covenants, we evidence our love for God, for our companion, and our real regard for our posterity—even those yet unborn. Our family is the focus of our greatest work and joy in this life."

Russell M. Nelson, "Set in Order Thy House," Ensign, Nov. 2001, 71

Change of Heart

My mom went to girls camp (Church camp for girls 12-18) the other night. She was speaking on "Seek after a mighty change of heart."
"When King Benjamin finished his remarkable address in the Land of Zarahemla, the people all cried with one voice that they believed his words. They knew of a surety that his promises of redemption were true, because, said they, 'the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent … has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually' (Mosiah 5:2)." President Ezra Taft Benson  How great it is to have this mighty change of heart to have such a strong desire to turn away from sin and turn to God. 

December 2007

As I thought about this mighty change of hear I thought about Mariska, my cousin's little girl. Misky was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Since then she has had different surgeries and even a heart transplant. She has truly had a change of heart. But it wasn't just as simple as just the surgery itself but its an on going challenge. A year after her transplant her body was rejecting the new heart. But luckily its able to be treated.

year after heart transplant

Just as Misky's change of heart can't just be left neither can our spiritual change of heart be left without constant reminder of our desire to follow Jesus Christ. Misky has to take medicine and go to the hospital for check ups. For us to keep our change of heart we must read the scriptures, and pray everyday. Each week we must attend church where we can worship and be uplifted and edified. Doing these things take time. But it is worth it! 

Articles:

A Mighty Change of Heart

Preserving the Heart's Mighty Change