Heavenly Promises are Always Kept!

I love the scriptures! Every time I read in them I get something form them. Today I read the words of King Benjamin. Mosiah 2:22
"And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you."

This goes along with something that I read in the Ensign today. I think that I have been railing a little bit against the Lord. As my childlessness continues I wonder at the feelings and promptings that I feel that I have had concerning the friends from heaven who I am waiting for. It all feels so futile. I get the message that the Lord is all powerful and still nothing happens and I am not removed from the childless prison that I feel trapped in. How can I keep hoping and feeling and still have nothing. I feel like I am tormented and driven crazy with wanting to have this promise kept. Elder Holland writes about the Prophet Joseph and the lessons that he learned in Liberty Jail. He quotes D&C 123:17 "Therefore...let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then we may stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." Joseph had this revealed to him during his trials and in the deplorable conditions of and actual prison. I think that I can suffer more patiently while I am still enjoying the comforts of home and family relationships. Here is the clincher to me Elder Holland says this: "I testify that bad days come to an end, that faith always triumphs, and that heavenly promises are always kept." From my patriarchal blessing it says " ...the children that come to you in this life, as your born children will be tractable and love you..." I believe what Elder Holland says is true "heavenly promises are always kept." I just need to continue to keep the commandments and I will be blessed, the Lord never varies from what he has said, whether by his own voice or the voice of his servants it is the same. I will continue to work cheerfully until I am released from this bondage and am allowed the joy of raising up children unto the Lord. Was this article in this issue of the Ensign there by accident? I think not, how grateful I am for these timely messages from the Lord. I know that He loves me, He hears me and He answers my prayers.

Good News!

D&C 62:1
"Behold, and hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, your advocate, who knoweth the weakness of man and how to succor them who are tempted."

I love it when I come across these reminders in the scriptures. They feel like little messages from heaven to me. No wonder we are invited by our leaders to read the scriptures everyday. If we didn't we would miss out on the inspiring messages to keep trying that come from our heavenly home.

Free Agency and an Internal GPS

"Our choices have the undeniable power of transforming our lives. This gift is an extraordinary sign of trust in us and simultaneously a cherished personal responsibility to use wisely. Our Father in Heaven respects our freedom to choose and will never force us to do what is right, nor will He impede us from making mediocre choices. His invitation, however, concerning this important and vital gift is clearly expressed in the scriptures: 'But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, everything which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God'."

"We too have a 'GPS' allowing us to know at all times what is right and what is wrong, as well as assisting us in making correct choices.
'We are born with a natural capacity to distinguish between right and wrong because of the Light of Christ that is given to every person (D&C 84:46). This faculty is called conscience. The possession of it makes us responsible beings.'
Additionally, as members of the Church we have been given the gift of the Holy Ghost to comfort, protect and guide us.
However, like other faculties, our consciences may become inert through sin or misuse. If we become desensitized to the things of God in our lives, we too lose reception of the signal needed to guide us. Keeping the commandments is our best assurance to maintain a strong signal with the Divine."

I am so grateful for the commandments and the peace that I have felt when I do my best to keep them. I am grateful that I know that Heavenly Father loves me, He loves all of us.

"Let Patience Have Her Perfect Work"

I read a lot of good things in the Ensign today. First I read an article in the June Ensign by Susana Lyou Mantle. The thing that stood out the most to me is this: "The more I trusted in Him [Jesus Christ], the more my life was guided."

This was so good for me to read. I have really been struggling recently and doubting the direction that I have felt that I have been given. I can't tell if it's really from Heavenly Father or if I am just being guided by my own wants. This helps me to understand that I just need to let it go. I need to accept the Lords will and His time frame and try not to think about all that I feel like I don't have. If I try to forget myself more it will show a greater trust in Heavenly Father and His plan for me.

A scripture has been going around in my mind all weekend, James 1:4.
"But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

This just means so much to me today. I was so emotional at church yesterday. There were a lot of people visiting because we were hearing from three missionaries who are ready to leave on their missions. There were grand babies and families all around and Heather wasn't there. I want the opportunity to raise up a righteous posterity. I want to see what a child will look like who comes from Bob and I. I think that it is a desire that came with me from heaven. Maybe my Heavenly Mother taught me. Maybe it is a trait that I get from Her. I sorrow greatly over my inability to have this blessing right now. But I think that if I understand this scripture correctly that I haven't been letting patience have her perfect work in my life. I have been too wrapped up in what I want and feel like I don't have. I believe that my days, weeks and years are known to the Lord and nothing will be denied me if I can overcome myself and submit myself more fully to His will.

James 1:2-6, 12
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him."

I just wanted to include all that I read that touched my heart today. I hope that I can apply these things to my life. I feel like they are rally inportant, that my eternal happiness depends on it.

I also read D&C 58: 2-6
"For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven.
Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation.
For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand.
Remember this, which I tell you before, that you may lay it to heart, and recieve that which is to follow.
Behold, verily I say unto you, for this cause I have sent you--that you might be obedient, and that your hearts might be prepared to bear testimony of the things which are to come;"

Another message to be faithful in tribulation. A reminder to be obedient, that is why I came to the earth. I need to lay it to heart. I know what is true I need to cultivate my testimony so that I may bless others. I have always felt like my mission was to my family who are struggling with the gospel. I need to practice the things that I learn so that I may be an example.

I have a quote from the Conference Ensign May 2009 by President Uchtdorf:

"Discipleship is a journey. We need the refining lessons of the journey to craft our character and purify our hearts. By patiently walking the path of discipleship, we demonstrate to ourselves the measure of our faith and our willingness to accept God's will rather than ours."

I think that this all ties into the things that I have been feeling. All the things that I feel like I have to endure really are neccessary for the purification of my heart and the building of my faith. I need to accept the will of God in my life and trust Him more fully so that I can sense greater direction in my life.

One last quote from the Conference Ensign May 2009, President Uchtdorf quoted Elder Wirthlin who said:

"Oh it is wonderful to know that our Heavenly Father loves us--even with all our flaws! His love is such that even should we give up on ourselves, He never will.
"We [might] see ourselves in terms of yesterday and today. Our Heavenly Father sees us in terms of forever...
"The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of transformation. It takes us as men and women of the earth and refines us into men and women for the eternities."

Isn't this the most wonderful thing? Heavenly Father loves me inspite of all my flaws and weaknesses and even if I give up on myself He never will.

Challenges = Experience

Okay I am going to start out with the quotes from Elder Hales from the May 2009 Ensign:

"Our challenges, including those we create by our own decisions, are part of our test in mortality. Let me assure that your situation is not beyond the reach of our Savior. Through Him, every struggle can be for our experience and our good (see D&C 122:7). Each temptation we overcome is to strengthen us, not destroy us. The Lord will never allow us to suffer beyond what we can endure (see 1 Corinthians 10:13)."

D&C 122:7-9
"And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon the; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?
Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever."

1 Corinthians 10:13
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

I am so glad that I read this today! I have really been feeling bogged down. My feet hurt all of the time, I can't loose this weight that I have put back on the easy way by just walking. This time it will be harder, the challenge is harder. But not so much that I can't overcome it with the Lords help. I have been feeling so bad about myself that I haven't been able to feel guidance from the Lord. Well I am not going to be shackled any more. The Lord knows exactly what I am going through and I know that He will help me. There is a way to escape and if I will rely on God, He will be with me forever.

One last quote from Elder Hales:
"I testify that the appetite to possess worldly things can only be overcome by turning to the Lord. The hunger of addiction can only be replaced by our love for Him. He stands ready to help each one of us. 'Fear not,' He said, 'for you are mine, and I have overcome the world' (D&C 50:41)."

Did you think to pray?

Here is a quote from the Ensign (May 2009) President Monson:
"Adam prayed; Jesus prayed. We know the outcome of their prayers. He who notes the fall of a sparrow surely hears the pleadings of our hearts. Remember the promise: 'If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.'
To those within the sound of my voice who are struggling with difficulties large and small, prayer is the provider of spiritual strength; it is the passport to peace. Prayer is the means by which we approach our Father in Heaven, who loves us. Speak to Him in prayer and then listen for the answer. Miracles are wrought through prayer."

I was thinking that maybe the only miracle that I will see is the strength to endure my challenges but it will be enough because I know that Heavenly Father loves me and one day all of my sorrows will be swallowed up and I will see the Savior.

I have a quote to share from the Ensign (May 2009) President Eyring said in Priesthood Session:

"You will show by your face and manner that you care for the people. They will see that your love for them and the Lord makes you unafraid. And you will be bold enough to bear your testimony to truth. Your humble, simple and perhaps brief testimony may touch the heart of a person more easily that your more experienced companion."

He was talking about home teaching and fulfilling priesthood responsibilities but I think that this applies to all of us who wish to serve the Lord and help to lift our fellow brothers and sisters. Maybe even in our own families.

Forever a Family

Here are a couple of quotes from the Ensign (May 2009) by Elder Cook:
"It is equally important that we be loving and kind to members of our own faith, regardless of their level of commitment or activity. The Savior made it clear that we are not to judge each other. This is especially true of members of our own families. Our obligation is to love and teach and never give up. The Lord has made salvation 'free for all men' but has 'commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance.'"

"A loving Father has provided a comprehensive and compassionate plan for his children 'that saves the living, redeems the dead, rescues the damned, and glorifies all who repent.' Even though our journey may be fraught with tribulation, the destination is truly glorious."

I just really liked these thoughts. It is good to remember, sometimes I think that we can be the hardest on our family when we should be being the kindest. I will never give up on my family, I know that we can be together forever!

Help in Tough Times

Here is the quote from the Ensign today. In the talk by Elder Rafael E. Pino:
"...when adversity arrives in our lives, the only true source of comfort is God. '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' (John 14:27)."

"Living the gospel does not mean that we will everlastingly escape adversity. Rather it means that we will be prepared to face and endure adversity more confidently."

I think that there is a lot of adversity out there today. The economy is failing and prices are rising. It seems that the blight on society is overtaking those parts that are good. I am glad that there is the gospel. If I didn't have a basic understanding of the plan of happiness it might be really easy to lose hope when times are tough.

I read in the conference issue of the Ensign (May 2009). I have a quote from Elder Holland:

"Brothers and sisters, one of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly along, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path--the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel. Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone or unaided, even if sometimes we may feel we are. Truly the Redeemer of us all said: 'I will not leave you comfortless: [My Father and] I will come to you [and abide with you]' (John 14:18; see also v. 23)."

I know that this is true I have felt comfort through many trials and loneliness. I am so grateful that we have leaders who remind us of sacred truths. Sometimes things here are hard, without these reminders we might lose our way.

I love the General Conference talks!

I was reading the scriptures today and I came across a couple of things in 2 Nephi 9:3, 20
"Behold, my beloved brethren, I speak unto you these things that ye may rejoice, and lift up your heads forever, because of the blessings which the Lord God shall bestow upon your children"

This is a very hopeful scripture to me. The scriptures are there for us to read and learn from and the things that we learn (if we live them) will cause us to rejoice and lift up our heads forever because they will bless our children. If we live what we believe and try to teach our children, the Lord will bless our children.

"O how great the holiness of our God! For he knoweth all things, and there is not anything save he knows it."

The Lord knows everything. Especially me. He knows how I think and feel. He knows how I respond to certain things and he knows exactly how I learn and how to teach me. What a blessing to be known!

One other thing from the conference issue of the Ensign. This time I was reading Elder Neil L. Andersen's talk:
"I know that I am not what I must become. I pray that I might be willing and moldable to the Lord's tutoring and correction. I take comfort from the words of President Monson last night in the priesthood session that the Lord will shape the back to fit the burden placed upon it."

"Above all, we proclaim our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. All that we are--all that we ever will be--we owe to Him. While we gaze in awe at His majesty, He does not ask us to stay our distance but bids us to come unto Him. 'I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him' (Revelation 3:20)."

The Lord will shape my back to fit the burden, what a relief that is! He won't keep me away from Him. He wants me to come to Him. He is there to help me always!

Thoughts for Today!

Today I read the scriptures and in the D&C 50:41-42
"Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me;
And none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost."

I really like this reminder. I think that because of the Saviors sacrifice none shall be lost except the son of perdition. This is a big comfort to my heart.


I was also reading in the Ensign and I have a couple great quotes from Elder Ballard:
"The voice of the Lord is clear and unmistakable. He knows you. He loves you. He wants you to be eternally happy. But according to your God-given agency, the choice is yours. Each one of you has to decide for yourself if you are going to ignore the past and suffer the painful mistakes and tragic pitfalls that have befallen previous generations, experiencing for yourself the devastating consequences of bad choices. How much better you life will be if you will follow the noble example of the faithful followers of Christ such as the sons of Helaman, Moroni, Joseph Smith and stalwart pioneers--and choose, as they did, to remain faithful to your Heavenly Father's commandments."

"And how do you get such a testimony? Well there's no new technology for that, nor will there ever be. You cannot do a Google search to gain a testimony. You can't text message faith. You gain a vibrant, life-changing testimony today the same way it has always been done. The process hasn't been changed. It comes through desire, study, prayer, obedience and service. That is why the teachings of the prophets and apostles, past and present, are as relevant to your life today as they have ever been."

These are just the ones that stuck ou tot me today. I am so grateful for living prophets and apostles that remind us of the way that we should go. That guide us toward the path of true happiness.

Heavenly Father Hears Me

Last week when I was at my sisters house in Oregon City I got locked out of their house while bare foot and in my jammies. Here is the story of what happened.

When I woke up Tuesday morning they had all left for work. It was about 7:30 am. I could see their dogs outside in the back, the whole back of their house is windows so I knew that they could see me so I thought I would just step outside to say Hi. I had on a sweatshirt, pink and green plaid pajama bottoms and no shoes. I put my hood up because my hair wasn't brushed and went out the back door to say hello to Colby and Tucker. We tossed and stick a bit and when I was ready to go back in I gave it a hard toss and turned to quickly go in. The handle clicked but didn't move I was locked out. "O no I thought! They are not going to be home until 3:30." I had planned to spend the whole day with my mom, I knew the rest of the week would be busy with wedding plans and preparations. I checked all of the doors in the back just in case one happened to be open. No luck. I made my way barefoot through the drizzle to the gate, figured out how to open it and went around to the front. I sat down on the porch and cried about my bad luck. I thought of all of my ruined plans.

Then I thought to pray. I said Please Heavenly Father tell Jared to come by the house and check on things. I waited and I could hear cars on the side street. I thought that any second he would pull up. Then I thought I will go find the hide a key on the van. I would drive to my moms and just hang out in jammies until I could come back to Mardi's and change. I was creeping all around the van but I couldn't find it at all. I went back to the porch crying. I sat down and I prayed again Please Heavenly Father tell Jared that he needs to stop by the house. Jared is a police officer and is patrolling and could easily do that. In my mind I clearly heard "The Lord helps those who help themselves." "No I thought. I don't want to go to a neighbor." My feet were getting cold I knew I had to go to a neighbor. I looked to the left, empty houses, then I remembered that Conner had a friend next door. I went to the right and knocked on the door. The woman opened the door a crack so her dogs wouldn't get out. I could tell by the look on her face how I looked. I burst into tears and said "I'm Mardi's sister and I got locked out of her house! I went out to say hello to their dogs, and I got locked out, can I use your phone?" She said "you poor thing come in."

She looked around for the key, she thought that she might have one and then she loaned me her husbands crocs so that we could go look for the spare outside. When we couldn't find it she called her husband and got Jared's cell number. She asked "do you want me to talk to him." I said that I could and she handed me the phone. Jared answered "Hi Bobby!" I said "It's Dani, I got locked out of the house in my pajamas with no shoes on. I went out to say HI to the dogs." He said "I'll be right there. Mardi's friend Michelle said do you want to wait here and I thanked her but said that I would wait on the porch for Jared. Do you think that he could be alone in his patrol car? No, he had a ride along. He unlocks the door then showed me where to find the key. It was right over my head the whole time. Then he showed me how to make sure the back door doesn't lock on me again.

Later that night when I told him the whole story, he said that at about 7:30 he did feel like he should go back by the house but because he had the ride along with him he didn't want to. Heavenly Father answered my prayer exactly as I asked. This experience was just a strong testimony builder for me. After Mardi and Jared went to bed and I was alone, I thanked Heavenly Father for answering me exactly. I know that He hears me, He may not always answer exactly but He always hears me.

Change of Focus

I read a talk from President Monson in the last conference issue of the Ensign.

"Said one well-known author: 'Both abundance and lack [of abundance] exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscience choice which secret garden we will tend... when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present---love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us [happiness]---the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth.' (Sarah Ban Breathnach)"

I really liked this message sometimes I focus too much on what I lack in life, I don't think that I have been ungrateful for what I do have, I just haven't given it the proper focus. I think the time has come for me to change my focus, I'll probably be a lot happier if I do.

I want to be Like Nephi!

1 Nephi 17:7-9
"And it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had been in the land of Bountiful for the space of many days, the voice of the Lord came unto me, saying: Arise, and get thee into the mountain. And it came to pass that I arose and went up into the mountain, and cried unto the Lord.
And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying: Thou shalt construct a ship, after the manner which I shall show thee, that I may carry thy people across these waters.
And I said: Lord, whither shall I go that I may find ore to molten, that I may make tools to construct the ship after the manner which thou hast shown unto me?"


This is a scripture from my scripture study today. The Lord asks Nephi to go into the mountain, which is a metaphor for the temple, and commands him to build a ship. Nephi responds by asking where he should go to find ore to make tools.

I want to be like Nephi. When the Lord commands me to do something, I don't want to be bogged down by the impossibility of it, I want to go to the temple with a prayer in my heart and say "Okay, tell me where to go to find the tools I need to do it."

Liahona

Today I was reading in 1 Nephi 16:28-29:
"And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the pointers which were in the ball, that they did work according to the faith and diligence and heed which we did give unto them.
And there was also written upon them a new writing, which was plain to be read, which did give us understanding concerning the ways of the Lord; and it was written and changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things."

I feel like the scriptures are a liahona to me, the words do not change but the way that they make me feel does. Sometime I get these great a-ha moments over verses that I have read before. I know that the Lord directs our path and when we have faith and are diligent in our scripture study we will feel His guidance and see His hand in our very lives.

The Ministry of Angels

Today I read a talk by Elder Holland from November 2008 General Conference.

"I ask everyone within the sound of my voice to take heart, be filled with faith, and remember the Lord has said He 'would fight [our] battles, [our] children's battles, and [the battles of our] children's children' (D&C 98:37; emphasis added). And what do we do to merit such a defense? We are to 'search diligently, pray always, and be believing[. Then] all things shall work together for [our] good, if [we] walk uprightly and remeber the covenant wherewith [we] have covenanted' (D&C 90:24). The latter days are not a time to fear and tremble. They are a time to be believing and remember our covenants."
"My beloved brothers and sisters, I testify of angels, both the heavenly and the mortal kind. In doing so I am testifying that God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challeges that we face. '[N]or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man [or woman or child] upon the face thereof to be saved' (Moroni 7:36). On accasions, global or personal, we may feel distanced from God, shut out from heaven, lost, alone in dark and dreary places. Often enough that distress can be of our own making, but even then the Father of us all is watching and assisting. And always there are those angels who come and go all around us, seen and unseen, known and unknown, mortal and immortal."

I really believe this, I feel the Spirit testifying of the truth of it. I pray that I may be a mortal angel and aid and assist those around me. I am thankful for all of my mortal angels and the heavenly angels too.

The Best is Yet to Come!

Today I was reading in Mathew 13:33
"Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened."

I really like this verse, its funny how different things stand out to us a various times in our life. The leaven is the gospel, I am the woman, the meal is the world or those in my sphere of influence. Leaven makes things rise, the gospel will raise us all to new levels of peace, happiness and joy. I feel like making bread now :).

I also read in D&C 39, the blessing recorded here is for James but I believe in likening all scriptures to myself. I believe that parts of this blessing can be mine if I am true and faithful to the covenants that I have made.

Verses 7-8
"And now, behold, I say unto you, my servant James, I have looked upon thy works and I know thee.
And verily I say unto thee, thine heart is now right before me at this time; and, behold, I have bestowed great blessings upon thy head;"

I feel like I have had great blessings bestowed upon my head. I know that Heavenly Father can look upon my heart and I pray that I may live in such a way that my heart is ever before Him.




Verse 12
"And it shall come to pass that power shall rest upon thee; thou shalt have great faith, and I will be with thee and go before thy face."

If I have the Holy Ghost and I am living worthy of that blessing then power will rest upon me and I will have great faith. There have been times in my life where I have felt that the Lord was with me, sometimes I feel rather far away from Him but I know that it is me keeping myself from Him and that He ever reaches for me. I think that I should reflect upon the things that I can eliminate from my life that will allow us to be closer for I believe the time speedily cometh where I will need to have Him go before my face.

Verse 23
"And again, it shall come to pass that on as many as ye shall baptize with water, ye shall lay your hands, and they shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and shall be looking forth for the signs of my coming, and shall know me."

This is a scripture that really gives me hope, I have been baptized and I am looking for signs of His coming. When He comes I will know Him!

One more quote from November 2008 General Conference
"One of the challenges of this mortal experience is not to allow the stresses and strains of life to get the better of us---to endure the varied seasons of life while remaining positive, even optimistic...We can't predict all the struggles and storms of life, not even the ones just around the next corner, but as persons of faith and hope, we know beyond the shadow of any doubt that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true and the best is yet to come."
Elder L. Tom Perry

I Love the Scriptures!

Yesterday in my reading I came across this scripture:
Genesis 18:19 "For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him."

I really like this message, I want the Lord to be able to say this of me. I want to teach my children correct principles so that the Lord knows that He can trust me to do His will and then He will be able to do all that He has promised me He will.

I also came across this one:
D&C 38:4 "I am the same which have taken the Zion of Enoch into mine own bosom; and verily, I say, even as many as have believed in my name, for I am Christ, and in mine own name, by the virtue of the blood which I have spilt, have I pleaded before the Father for them."

How wonderful to have reaffirmed to me that my prayers are heard and the Savior is my advocate with Heavenly Father. I imagine that in my low times when I cry out He goes to Heavenly Father and pleads my case for me. This just gives me great comfort to know that He cares for me that much.

Hope in Tribulation

Our bishop gave an excellent talk yesterday. There are a lot of people really struggling in our ward, probably in every ward, in every city, in every nation, times right now are hard. He reminded us of the scripture "Adam fell that man might be and men are that they might have joy." It's a short scripture but it has a lot of meaning. He said that because of the fall we naturally experience sorrows and pain but Heavenly Father intended for us to have joy in spite of the other hardships that we face. He out lined 5 steps to increase our joy in hard times:

1. Attend the temple
D&C 109:22 "And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them; "

I think that it is a beautiful blessing to have the promise of angels to have charge over us, if we are true to covenants that we have made in the temple.




2. Be grateful
D&C 59:20-21 "And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion.
And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.

I think that we can usually spot the silver lining even in the clouds, especially if you have lived any amount of time in the pacific northwest, being grateful for even what seem to be the smallest blessings will help us be happy.

3. Serve others
Forget yourself and your problems and reach out ot someone who has even less than you do. This always works for me.

4. Take the longview
We are sometimes limited in our perspective. We should pray to see things from God's view. We know that the things that we experience here will really be just a small moment compared to eternity.

5. Stay close to family and friends
Its not good to isolate ourselves in hard times thinking that we may spare our family and friends from what we are going through. I isolation just makes it easier for the adversary to work on us and keep us from the true source of joy Jesus Christ our Savior.

These were all really good things for me to think about and to remember. Today in my scripture study I found a couple other things that I would like to share.

1 Nephi 7:12 "Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him. "

All things are in the Lords power. We must be faithful, I know that there is happiness in being faithful.

D&C 31:9 "Be patient in afflictions, revile not against those that revile. Govern your house in meekness, and be steadfast. "

meek
1. Showing patience and humility; gentle.
2. Easily imposed on; submissive.

Having patience in afflictions is one that I still struggle with, but I am working on it. The other reminder that I like is to be meek, another one that I am working on. I know that things in my household will run smoother the closer that I get to mastering these things.

The last thing that I want to share is a qhote from C.S Lewis "God knows quite well how hard we find it to love Him more than anyone or anything else, and He won't be angry with us as long as we are trying. And He will help us" (The Quotable Lewis, 409)

God our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ know us perfectly, its important to remember this, they understand all of our motivations and understand perfectly why we do the things that we do. They are perfectly loving and understanding. I am so grateful to know this.

Murmuring.

1 Nephi 2:12
And thus Laman and Lemuel, being the eldest, did murmur against their father. And they did murmur because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them.

This is probably my fourth time reading the Book of Mormon and for some reason this scripture just stood out to me. Maybe its because I tend to be a complainer and even if I am not complaining out loud its generally happening in my mind, well I want to be different so I am practicing not complaining. Laman and Lemuel complained because they didn't know the dealings of God, I know somewhat of His dealings, I definitely know of His blessings... so I am really going to try harder not to complain and murmur.

Scripture Of the Day

This is my favorite scripture today. 1 Nephi 1:20:
(This is the last half of the scripture and I can't read it with out thinking about Elder Bednar's talk in conference.)
"...But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance."

I really love this scripture. I see the tender mercies of the Lord in my life, I am so grateful that Elder Bednar gave his talk because it makes me look for those tender mercies. Even when times have been tough, when I have made it to the other side of the challenge I look back and see the Lords hand.

The Only Way to Be Happy is to Live the Gospel

I am still reading that book by Shari Dew God Wants a Powerful People. I have another quote to share from the book:
"In contrast to sin, which is ugly and costly, obedience is brilliant and its fruits are endless. One of those fruits is happiness. The only way to be happy is to live the gospel.
It is not possible to sin enough to be happy. It isn't possible to buy enough to be happy, or to entertain or indulge or pamper ourselves enough to be happy. It is not possible to hide enough or run far enough away from trials and troubles to be happy. Happiness and joy come only when we are living up to who we are. King Benjamin understood this and taught it clearly when he admonished us to 'consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For ... they are blessed in all things, ... and if they hold out faithful to the end ... they may dwell with God in a state of never ending happiness' (Mosiah 2:41).
Satan likely bristles at this principle, for happiness is something that the ultimate narcissist will never experience. I have never met anyone who was happier because he was immoral, or because he was addicted to something, or because he was dishonest and compromised his integrity. The Lord has blessed us with covenants that keep us on the straight and narrow path because this 'road less traveled' is actually the easier road. It is so much easier to be righteous than to sin, so much easier to deal with a clear conscience than one ravaged by guilt, so much easier to feel peace of mind and heart when we are living up to who we are rather than coping with the emotional and spiritual ravages of regret, knowing we have lived beneath our divine nature."

I am just really enjoying this book. When I feel uplifted I just can't help but share it. All the time that I was growing up and learning the gospel I felt like there were all these things that I couldn't do. Now that I understand the gospel all of those things that I can't do don't matter and through the course of my life I have learned that great sorrow and pain come from those things anyway. Since I have been trying to live the gospel and be true to who I am, I have felt peace and happiness.

A Note on Faith

Hebrews 11:11 "Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised."

From Shari Dew's book God Wants a Powerful People:
"Challenges that tax our faith are usually opportunities to stretch and strengthen our faith by finding out if we really believe the Lord will help us.
If your faith is wobbly, if you're not sure the Lord will come to your aid, experiment. Put Him to the test. A great place to start is in the scriptures, for as Jacob wrote: 'We search the prophets, and we have many revelations... and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken' (Jacob 4:6).
Unshaken faith activiates the power of God in our lives, 'for he worketh by power, acording to the faith of the children of men' (Moroni 10:7)."

I like it in the scriptures when faith is compared to a mustard seed which is tiny but grows into a very large tree. My faith may be small but I know that it can become a sheltering tree.

New Beginnings 2009

I went with Heather to New Beginnings last night where I had the opportunity to introduce her. I brought her marshmallow shooter and warned the Bishop that you have to really watch the quiet ones.

One of the young women talked about the values, this year they are adding the value of virtue to the other seven values (faith, divine nature, individual worth, knowledge, choice and accountability, good works and integrity). Something that she said really stuck out in my mind, it was a comment about individual worth, the Lord wants me to be a strong and confident woman. That way He can use me as an instrument for good in building up His kingdom. If I am always down on myself and beset with insecurities how can He use me? I know that I am a daughter of God, I want to be useful, I need His help to overcome myself and be what He wants me to be.

The bishop used an analogy in his talk. He likened steps in our progress to a bouquet of flowers. Beginning with our blessing as infants, learning to pray and love God, getting baptized, completing the young women personal progress program, getting our patriarchal blessing, attending seminary, these are all flowers or elements of the bouquet that is our life. All of these elements support the crowning bloom, temple covenants, all of these steps prepare us to enter the temple. Then he talked about the vase which is the vase of virtue. With out the vase the bouquet falls apart. Virtue is needed to hold everything together. I really liked the visual that this created in my mind and in that moment I realized that I need to make sure that Heather is prepared. I know where the focus of our family home evening lessons need to be, in that moment I knew that that is what Heavenly Father wants me to do. I know that He will help me to know what I need to do to prepare Heather.

The mutual theme this year is 1 Timothy 4:12 "Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity"

President Spencer W. Kimball testified that "good women of the world...will be drawn to the church in large numbers" in the last days. "This will happen to the degree that the women of the church reflect righteousness...in their lives and ...are seen as distinct and different...in happy ways...from the women of the world"

We reflect on the story of Queen Esther, who saved her people through her faithfulness. President Lorenzo Snow once suggested that the day might come when Latter Day Saint sisters would act the part of Esther. This is a sobering thought, how can we act the part of Esther and save our people if we know nothing of faith, virtue and purity. Needless to say I was very glad that I went and supported Heather. I feel like I have been reminded of my great responsibility and I love Heather so much I am determined not to let her down or my Heavenly Father.

The bishop also challenged us to read D&C 109, it's the dedicatory prayer for the Kirtland temple. I read it this morning and I feel invigorated and encouraged. I want to share just a small part of what I read today:

verse 13 "And that all people who shall enter upon the threshold of the Lord’s house may feel thy power, and feel constrained to acknowledge that thou hast sanctified it, and that it is thy house, a place of thy holiness."

I am hoping that this may be true of a temple just prior to its dedication too. The Draper temple is completed and we are planning to go to the open house and our son Brian and his fiance Heather want to go and see the temple. I really believe in this promise, I pray that hearts may be softened so that they can feel that it is the house of the Lord.

verse 24-26 "We ask thee, Holy Father, to establish the people that shall worship, and honorably hold a name and standing in this thy house, to all generations and for eternity;

That no weapon formed against them shall prosper; that he who diggeth a pit for them shall fall into the same himself;

That no combination of wickedness shall have power to rise up and prevail over thy people upon whom thy name shall be put in this house;"

I feel the strength in these promises, they apply to us.

verse 37-38 "And let thy house be filled, as with a rushing mighty wind, with thy glory.

Put upon thy servants the testimony of the covenant, that when they go out and proclaim thy word they may seal up the law, and prepare the hearts of thy saints for all those judgments thou art about to send, in thy wrath, upon the inhabitants of the earth, because of their transgressions, that thy people may not faint in the day of trouble."

As we faithfully attend the temple we will be prepared to proclaim the gospel and be prepared for the day of trouble. Wow!

verse 54 "Have mercy, O Lord, upon all the nations of the earth; have mercy upon the rulers of our land; may those principles, which were so honorably and nobly defended, namely, the Constitution of our land, by our fathers, be established forever."

Some times I think that things look rather bleak for our country, I read this and I feel hopeful. I know that I am on the winning side, as long as I am true to my covenants. The Lords work will not fail, His promises will all be fulfilled. I am so glad that I can read things, that maybe I have read before, and take them more fully into my heart and make a New Beginning. Ah the gospel, it really is the good news!

Pray Always

Here are a couple of scriptures that I read this morning.

1 Nephi 18:3
And I, Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things.


D&C 19:38
Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing—yea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth and corruptibleness to the extent thereof.

I'm not going to add a lot to the message here, I will only reaffirm that I know this to be true. When I am faithful in praying I feel blessed.

The Power of the Holy Ghost

I am reading God Wants A Powerful People by Sheri Dew. She is one of my favorite people of all time. She has a way of saying things that seems to go straight into my heart. Anyway I wanted to share a quote from President John Taylor that I found in this book:

"You may pour wealth, honor, influence, and all the luxuries of this world into the lap of man; and, destitute of the Spirit of God, he will not be happy, for that is the only source from which true happiness and comfort can come" (The Gospel Kingdom, 341).

I have experienced this personally. Not the wealth or luxuries part, the caring more about the world and what the world thinks of me part. Since I have made a concerted effort to think more about what God wants and have tried to do that, I have felt true happiness. I feel like I now experience the true happiness and comfort even through fiery trials and challenges.

The Beauty of Challenges

I have found recently that my challenges help me to move in the right direction. Yesterday I couldn't hear a thing out of my right ear. This has happened before and I used over the counter products to clean out my ear and things have been fine. I had never experienced the loss of hearing that I did yesterday, it kinda scared me. I was forced to find out how to use our new insurance and find a doctor for our family. There are other reasons why I needed to do this but they seemed easy to put off, I am so grateful to have challenges that force me to move forward. It's nice when you can see the beauty in our challenges, like the a sunrise at the top of a mountain after a long climb.

I Finished!

This morning I finished reading the Book of Mormon. I think that this is my second time through it since I returned to the church from inactivity. I love the scriptures and I feel closer to Heavenly Father when I read them. It seems that there is always some new message there, or my understanding gets expanded every time I take the time to study and listen.

Moroni 10:32"Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God."

I have felt God's love and power through the scriptures and I am learning what it means to love Him with all of my might, mind and strength. I feel so blessed, I know that I have been given so much.

It's Interesting How We Can Get Reminders For Our Daily Lives From The Scriptures

I am so grateful that I thought to read the scriptures today. I often forget to on the weekends because there is so much to do. Today I was in a contentious mood, it started with an early call that disturbed my sleep and kind of snowballed from there. Then I read Moroni 9:3 "And now behold, my son, I fear lest the Lamanites shall destroy this people; for they do not repent, and Satan stirreth them up continually to anger one with another."

I really had to think after I read this, there is really only one person who feels good when I am angry or contentious... Satan. The change in my mood wasn't immediate but I know that the Lord is mindful of me and I am grateful for this message through the scriptures.

A Father's Love

Moroni 8:3
"I am mindful of you always in my prayers, continually praying unto God the Father in the name of his Holy Child, Jesus, that he, through his infinite goodness and grace, will keep you through the endurance of faith on his name to the end."

Mormon wrote this to his son Moroni and I really like it. I feel the same way about our kids I like to pray for them and even though they may not share my belief I think that they know that I care about them a lot.

Today's Musings

Today I am finishing up the Book of Mormon in Moroni chapter 7. In verse 8 "For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift, he doeth it grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God."

D&C 64: 34.
"Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days."

I think this really struck me because I wonder if I am not somewhat grudging at times when I am either giving of my time or talents. I am sure that I am not an evil person, but Heavenly Father can't be very happy when I do things with reservation or grudgingly. The Lord requires the heart and a willing mind. This isn't a suggestion but a requirement. I guess that this is just something that I will have to keep working on. I am really grateful for the Atonement.

Verse 19:
"Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ."

I just really like this scripture. Moroni is so plain in teaching us about how to know good from evil. I get the sense that he really cares, I imagine that if I heard him speaking to me at general conference I would feel the same love for me that I feel from President Monson.

He also reminds us of the five characteristics of prayer that Jesus taught in verse 26:
"And after that he came men also were saved by faith in his name; and by faith, they become the sons of God. And as surely as Christ liveth he spake these words unto our fathers, saying: Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto you."

Then verses 47-48 are a couple of my favorite scriptures.
"But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen."

I really do feel better when I read the scriptures, when I take the time to think about the messages that are in there for me. I want to be a better person, I want to be like Jesus Christ, I want to know Him when He comes again.

The End of the Jaredites

Today I finished reading the book of Ether in the Book of Mormon. Here are some of the things that I read.

"And it came to pass when Coriantumr had recovered of his wounds, he began to remember the words which Ether had spoken unto him.

He saw that there had been slain by the sword already nearly two millions of his people, and he began to sorrow in his heart; yea, there had been slain two millions of mighty men, and also their wives and their children.

He began to repent of the evil which he had done; he began to remember the words which had been spoken by the mouth of all the prophets, and he saw them that they were fulfilled thus far, every whit; and his soul mourned and refused to be comforted."

This reminds me of the scripture that teaches that wickedness never was happiness. Coriantumr began to understand this but his people had already suffered a huge loss. He was beginning to see that the prophets knew what they were talking about. I am grateful to have a living prophet to follow today. Coriantumr tried to write the opposing force and get the war to stop but the other leader Shiz would not. So for four years they each gathered together all the people who would follow them.

Verses 15-16:
"And it came to pass that when they were all gathered together, every one to the army which he would, with their wives and their children—both men, women and children being armed with weapons of war, having shields, and breastplates, and head-plates, and being clothed after the manner of war—they did march forth one against another to battle; and they fought all that day, and conquered not.

And it came to pass that when it was night they were weary, and retired to their camps; and after they had retired to their camps they took up a howling and a lamentation for the loss of the slain of their people; and so great were their cries, their howlings and lamentations, that they did rend the air exceedingly."

I can't imagine what it would be like to gather together all the people and then arm everyone, even women and children to go to battle. No wonder the howling and lamentation was so terrible. I think that I would yell and scream and cry if women and children were slain in battle. I like to think that we are far from having anything like this happen here, but are we really?

19"But behold, the Spirit of the Lord had ceased striving with them, and Satan had full power over the hearts of the people; for they were given up unto the hardness of their hearts, and the blindness of their minds that they might be destroyed; wherefore they went again to battle."

I want to be sure I continue to heed the words of the prophets, that I continue to pray and attend my meetings and keep the commandments. Ether witnessed the destruction of all of the people by their own hands. The Lord had sent prophets to cry repentence unto them and they would not. Hatred, anger and pride caused them to turn from the Lord and they killed each other every one. Ether was left alone to write the record of the destruction of the people.

The last words of Ether "Now the last words which are written by Ether are these: Whether the Lord will that I be translated, or that I suffer the will of the Lord in the flesh, it mattereth not, if it so be that I am saved in the kingdom of God. Amen."

It doesn't matter what happens to us here, the trials and challenges, if we are true to what we know to be true and keep the commandments, then we will see the kingdom of God.

A New Heaven and Earth

I was continuing my reading in Ether today (chapter 13), he was a prophet who saw the days of Christ and tried to cry repentance unto his people but they headed him not.

2 "For behold, they rejected all the words of Ether; for he truly told them of all things, from the beginning of man; and that after the waters had receded from off the face of this land it became a choice land above all other lands, a chosen land of the Lord; wherefore the Lord would have that all men should serve him who dwell upon the face thereof;"

This is the land that we live in, we are reminded over and over in the scriptures of this fact. Sometimes when I see all of the evil all around I wonder how this can still be true, then I have to kick the author of all stinky thinking off of my left shoulder and start looking for all of the good around me.

8-10 "Wherefore, the remnant of the house of Joseph shall be built upon this land; and it shall be a land of their inheritance; and they shall build up a holy city unto the Lord, like unto the Jerusalem of old; and they shall no more be confounded, until the end come when the earth shall pass away."

Moro. 10: 31.
"And awake, and arise from the dust, O Jerusalem; yea, and put on thy beautiful garments, O daughter of Zion; and strengthen thy stakes and enlarge thy borders forever, that thou mayest no more be confounded, that the covenants of the Eternal Father which he hath made unto thee, O house of Israel, may be fulfilled."

(This is talking about us, those of us who believe and are true to our covenants, who repent and rely on the Atonement. We will not be confounded, the work of the Lord will press forward until it fill the whole earth)

"And there shall be a new heaven and a new earth; and they shall be like unto the old save the old have passed away, and all things have become new."

3 Ne. 15: 3
"And he said unto them: Marvel not that I said unto you that old things had passed away, and that all things had become new."

(There will be a new heaven and earth. This is something wonderful to look forward to.)

"And then cometh the New Jerusalem; and blessed are they who dwell therein, for it is they whose garments are white through the blood of the Lamb; and they are they who are numbered among the remnant of the seed of Joseph, who were of the house of Israel."

Rev. 7:14
"And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. "

3Nephi 27:19
"And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end."

We can pass through the tribulation of these trying and some times terrifying times and look forward with hope to see the New Jerusalem. How cool is that?!

1John 1:7
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. "

I love this scripture! If we walk in His light we have the fellowship of each other and the blood of Jesus Christ to cleanse us from all sin. There is a really great quote from John Bytheway in his book Isaiah for Airheads "God is the source of light and truth. To walk in our own light is compared to walking in nothing but sparks, which last only an instant and give off little illumination. Those who refuse the light of the Son and prefer their own light will lie down in sorrow." I pray that we may all stay in His light that we may have joy as we see the old become new again.

New Years Resolutions

I have decided that 11 posts is not enough on this blog that is supposed to be like my testimony. I'm feeling a little bit pathetic in my writing here. I am really feeling bummed because during the Christmas season when my focus should be the Savior I couldn't even find time to read the scriptures and post about how it made me feel. I resolve to make more posts here during the coming year.

Last night our family started reading the Doctrine and Covenants for our family scripture study. Verse 10 of chapter 1 really caught my eye.

"Unto the day when the Lord shall come to recompense unto every man according to his work, and measure to every man according to the measure which he has measured to his fellow man."

Whoa, I think about the amount of mercy that I give to my family when they do things that irritate me or when I am trying to discipline someone, yikes! I should be a lot more merciful and kind and tenderhearted. Knowing all of the screw ups that I make I should think about how I would want the Lord to be merciful to me in my weaknesses. I am going to try really hard in the coming year to think of how I would want the Lord to deal with me when I am dealing with my family or friends.

This morning I was reading in the Book of Mormon in Ether chapter 12, in verse 25 Moroni says"Thou hast also made our words powerful and great, even that we cannot write them; wherefore, when we write we behold our weakness, and stumble because of the placing of our words; and I fear lest the Gentiles shall mock at our words."

I don't feel like my words are powerful, I do feel like I say them better than I write them, because the Spirit helps out a lot when I am talking. I feel like my writing is a weakness and yet I feel driven to record my thoughts about things in the hope that I may benefit someone. I certainly don't feel like I would be mocked, but I can relate to what Moroni is saying here (maybe this relation is the important part). Anyway there were a few things from my reading that I would like to share but felt to confess my weakness first :).

Verse 4:Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."

When I think about the world that I am living in I sometimes get into a pattern of "stinky thinking" or in other words not having a very positive outlook on things. I am sure that the adversary has a lot to do with this. He is the only one that I can think of who would want me to have such a poor and dismal outlook. This scripture reminds me that I can hope for a better world, the Savior will come again, I know this for a surety so I will continue to see miracles all around me and hope for the better world. This hope will anchor me to Christ, who has the power to help me face all of the challenges that I will encounter while I wait for Him to come again. If I overcome my "stinky thinking" and help others I will be abounding in good works and feel the joy and happiness that Heavenly Father wants me to feel. Hooray!

Verse 6:"And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith."

Here was another good reminder for me. Trials are necessary... they are like fertilizer for our faith. My recent experiences in growing a garden have helped me understand that fertilizer is a gardener's friend. As a daughter of God I can look upon trials as opportunities for my faith to grow, then even if I cannot smile through adversity I can hope for the genuine smile of relief after the trial is over and know that my faith will be stronger.

Verse 19:"And there were many whose faith was so exceedingly strong, even before Christ came, who could not be kept from within the veil, but truly saw with their eyes the things which they had beheld with an eye of faith, and they were glad."

This scripture is talking about those who believed in Christ even before He came and because they believed they were able to see Him with their eyes. I know that when He comes again I will see Him with my eyes. I wonder though if this can be applied to other things... say our children or the children that we hope to have. It seems that all things go back to this for me, it is just a huge desire and longing in my soul, so I wonder if I can see my children with an eye of faith will I ever behold them with my natural eyes? Then will I be glad? I think that I need to learn to be glad as I wait to see if this application applies.

Verse 37"And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me: If they have not charity it mattereth not unto thee, thou hast been faithful; wherefore, thy garments shall be made clean. And because thou hast seen thy weakness thou shalt be made strong, even unto the sitting down in the place which I have prepared in the mansions of my Father."

Whew... if I see my weaknesses I can be made strong. What a relief because I see my weaknesses all of the time. I think that the strength will come because I am so disgusted by my weaknesses that I try to overcome them. I know that with the Lord's help, one day I will overcome all of my weaknesses. Until that day, they will continue to drive me to my knees in repentance, begging for help to overcome.

Last one, verse 41:"And now, I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written, that the grace of God the Father, and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of them, may be and abide in you forever. Amen."

How awesome! I guess that I will continue to seek Jesus through the scriptures because having the grace of God the Father and Jesus Christ abide in me forever sounds like a really wonderful thing.