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.