7.31.16

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 always loved the promise this scripture holds. Be perfected IN Him, not LIKE Him. It strengthens my testimony of the atonement, and of relying on Him in all things. We cannot get thru this life without Him, and we cannot achieve eternal glory without Him.

7.30.15

Alma 4:14 Looking forward to that day, thus retaining a remission of their sins; being filled with great joy because of the resurrection of the dead, according to the will and power and deliverance of Jesus Christ from the bands of death.

2 Ne 2: 25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.

*There is so much pain that we each live with on a daily basis. I take great comfort in these scriptures. First, it gives me relief and hope for my own eternity, I will be perfected, no  backwards heart, no  pacemaker, no migraines, no  depression, no pain. I will be made whole, and I will be perfect. Second, I know that thru God's plan of Happiness, that we are to have joy. Joy is part of the plan! Not just a lucky surprise! Not every day is a happy one, not every situation is happy. But I have a testimony that if we search our days and situations, we can find a bright side, we can find joy.

7.29.15

1 Ne 1:20 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.

* Today K2 fell and needed stitches, ok it was just one, but it helped put me in my place a bit. We got home, and K1 spilled BBQ sauce, he and Husband frantically tried to clean it up. I realized 2 things in that moment. 1- My things don't matter, my family does. BBQ sauce on the carpet is really no big deal. 2- My family was terrified of setting me off and launching me into a bad mood (it's happened often lately). The Lord took that moment to show me how much my family really means to me, and what I need to do to strengthen my relationships with them.

7.28.15

Mosiah 4:14 And ye will not suffer your children that they go hungry, or naked; neither will ye suffer that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel one with another, and serve the devil...
15 But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another.

*Some days are good ones, full of giggles and smiles and playing. Some days have few smiles and lots of yelling and impatience. Today was one with few smiles. But rather than see today as a failure, I see it as a few is better than none. Both my boys giggled today. Tomorrow is a chance to make them giggle and laugh again, and a little more, and show a lot more love.

7.27.15

From Faith. The power of faith by Romney.

Blessed is he who has unshakable faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He has an anchor to his soul, and a motive for action.
1. The possessor of such faith has a sound understanding of the purpose of life.
2. The possessor of such faith has a sure test by which to distinguish truth from error.
3. The possessor of such faith is fortified in his courage to resist temptation and live true to his convictions.
4. The possessor of a well-informed faith enjoys peace of mind in the days of trial.
Lift up your hearts and rejoice...and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day.

7.26.15

From the book Faith: Faith precedes the miracle by Kimball.

We cannot harvest the grain before planting, sowing and cultivating.

It takes faith -unseeing faith- for a mom to bear her family instead of accepting employment, to observe the Sabbath when profit can be made, to pay tithes when money is tight, to have fasts and family prayers, to do home and visiting teaching, to fill fulltime missions. But know this : all these are of the planting, while faithful devout families, spiritual security, peace and eternal life are the harvest.

Remember, no one of this earth has ever seen the end from the beginning.

And there were no clouds in the sky when Noah started building the ark.

7.25.15

Shark took the boys and played on the mountain, giving me a whole day to myself. I crocheted and watched tv and thought about my little family.

I know that each of my boys is a miracle, and that each of those little spirits were handpicked by a loving Father to be mine and Mark's, to raise and to teach.

I'm blessed to be their mother, and I'm blessed to be Shark's wife. It's not all perfect, but I love how it is. I'm grateful for the gospel and I'm grateful for all my friends and family. I'm grateful for the atonement and for a loving Savior and Father in Heaven.

7.24.15

Scott. The power of scripture. 10/11

He provided tools to help us be successful in our mortal probation. One set of those tools is the scriptures.

Scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate our minds and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high.

To memorize a scripture is to forge a new friendship. It is like discovering a new individual who can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort, and be a source of motivation for needed change.

*Starting in Aug, I'm going to try to read the BOM in 100 days (the challenge will end on Nov 9th) if you're interested, let me know and I'll send you a link to the challenge.

7.23.15

2 Nephi 1:21-23

23 Awake, my sons; put on the armor of righteousness. Shake off the chains with which ye are bound, and come forth out of obscurity, and arise from the dust.

*The armor of righteousness is not just for the sons of God, but for all His children! He gives us this protection, we need only ask for it and we shall have it. And we need it, every day. The world is only going to get darker, the Adversary is only going to get bolder. We are the lights on the hill, we need the armor of God to protect us, and we need to remember that we were saved for THIS day because of our strength! Please, never forget that.

7.22.15

Holland. Because of your faith. 10/10

*I know I have read and posted about this talk recently (it's already highlighted and I remember it!) but I needed a pick me up, and a high five today. I've been feeling really stressed, overwhelmed, and just frazzled lately. Reading this talk again helped calm my whole being.

I have struggled to find an adequate way to tell you how loved of God you are and how grateful we on this stand are for you. I am trying to be voice for the very angels of heaven in thanking you for every good thing you have ever done, for every kind word you have ever said, for every sacrifice you have ever made in extending to someone-to anyone-the beauty and blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

7.21.15

Eyring. Mountains to climb. 4/12

*We each ave struggles and trials in this life. None of them are because of something we did wrong, it is that God just wants to be polished a little more.

If we have faith in Jesus Christ, the hardest as well as the easiest times in life can be a blessing. In all conditions, we can choose the right with the guidance of the Spirit. We have the gospel of Jesus Christ to shape and guide our lives if we choose it. And with prophets revealing to us our place in the plan of salvation, we can live with perfect hope and a feeling of peace. We never need to feel that we are alone or unloved in the Lord's service because we never are. We can feel the love of God. The Savior has promised angels on our left and our right to bear us up. And He always keeps His word.

7.20.15

Packer. And a little child shall lead them.  4/12

The creation of life is a great responsibility for a married couple. It is the challenge of mortality to be a worthy and responsible parent. Neither man nor woman can bear children alone. It was meant that children have two parents-both a father and a mother. No other pattern or process can replace this one.

The ultimate end of all activity in the Church is to see a husband and his wife and their children happy at home, protected by the principles and laws of the gospel, sealed safely in the covenants of the everlasting priesthood. Husbands and wives should understand that their first calling-from which they will never be released-is to one another and then to their children.

7.19.15

Monson. With hand and heart. 10/71

Unaltered is the divine command to succor the weak and lift up the hands which hang down and strengthen the feeble knees. Each of us has the charge to be not a doubter, but a doer; not a leaner, but a lifter.

7.18.15

Uchtdorf. Of regrets and resolutions. 10/12

*This one is amazing, please read it. I loved it and cannot quote everything cuz the whole of it was amazing.

Our Heavenly Father sees our real potential. He knows things about us that we do not know ourselves. He prompts us during our lifetime to fulfill the measure of our creation, to live a good life, and to return to His presence.

We shouldn't wait to be happy until we reach some future point, only to discover that happiness was already available-all the time!

There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it.

-Resolve to spend more time with those we love.
-Resolve to strive more earnestly to become the person God wants us to be.
-Resolve to find happiness, regardless of our circumstances.

7.17.15

Ashton. There are many gifts. 10/87
*I'm a maker, a creator, a doer. Those are some of my gifts.

It is up to each of us to search for and build upon the gifts which God has given. We must remember that each of us is made in the image of God, that there are no unimportant persons.
It is our right and responsibility to accept our gifts and to share them.

Let us review some of these less-conspicuous gifts: the gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost.

7.16.15

Packer. The Balm of Gilead. 10/87

If you need a transfusion of spiritual strength, then just ask for it. We call that prayer. Prayer is powerful spiritual medicine. The instructions for its use are found in the scriptures.

Some frustrations we must endure without really solving the problem. Some things that ought to be put in order are not put in order because we cannot control them. Things we cannot solve, we must survive.

If you brood constantly over a loss or a past mistake, look ahead-settle it.

We call that forgiveness. Forgiveness is powerful spiritual medicine. To extend forgiveness, that soothing balm, to those who have offended you is to heal. And, more difficult yet, when the need is there, forgive yourself!

Purge and cleanse and soothe your soul and your heart and your mind and that of others.
A cloud will then be lifted, a beam cast from your eye. There will come that peace which surpasseth understanding.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you... Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid

7.15.15

Sis Winder. Finding joy in life. 10/87

Do we find ourselves wishing our present experiences could soon be over, as we think we might be happier doing something else?

When we think of the Lord's eternal plan for us, do we really want no difficulty, no struggle, no adversity? For the plan is to prove us herewith, to see if we will do all things whatsoever the Lord our God shall command us.

Joy, it seems, is not only happiness, but the resultant feeling of the Holy Ghost manifest within us.

How can we provide a climate in our lives to foster the presence of the Holy Ghost, that our lives may be more joyful?
-Developing a cheerful disposition wherein the Spirit can dwell. 
-Learning the Savior's will for us, that we may know our divine potential. 
-Understanding and accepting his atoning sacrifice and repenting of our sins. 
-Keeping his commandments and having a firm determination to serve him.

Each is responsible for their own happiness.

How long has it been since you shouted for joy?

7.14.15

I was talking with a friend today who's oldest will be 18 soon. He sees his nonLDS friends and how their families are "happy, have no fighting or arguing." He's angry and confused, asking "How can the gospel be true if they're happy and have no fighting, but in our family there is fighting and arguing?" We chuckled a bit and then I remembered something I read earlier.

It all began with a family. Our existence, our mortal journey, the Book of Mormon. And in those beginnings, there was arguing, fighting, anger, and disobedience. Lucifer fought Father and disobeyed. Cain fought Abel and disobeyed. Laman and Lemuel fought Nephi and disobeyed.

If there is arguing and fighting and disobedience in the Prophet's families, then I would think that there will definitely be some in mine. I'm not saying just cuz it happens in the Prophet's family makes it ok, but it makes me feel like I'm doing the right thing or not the bad thing at least. I'm on the right the path, and so are you.

Father knows each of us so well, our personalities. He has not left us alone.

7.13.15

Holland. Within the clasp of your arms. 4/83

*I absolutely adore Jeffrey R Holland, every talk of his, I've read, has touched my heart. Even the priesthood session ones, as this one is.

If loving, inspired instruction and example are not provided at home, then our related efforts for success in and around Church programs are severely limited.

I simply say to us all, young and old, never give up. Keep trying, keep reaching, keep talking, keep praying-but never give up. Above all, never pull away from each other.

I told him that never again would I withhold my affection or my forgiveness from him, and never, I prayed, would he withhold them from me. I told him I was honored to be his father and that I would try with all my heart to be worthy of such a great responsibility.

All too soon they grown up, and they are not little anymore, and playing on the floor.

*I urge you to read this one!

7.12.15

2 Nephi 22: 2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation.

This is one of my favorite scriptures. I was asked to mark my favorite scripture in a BOM at a missionary farewell, this is the one I picked. It is everything I need to remind myself of everyday. This scripture sums it all up.

7.11.15

Uchtdorf. All is well. July 2015 Ensign

But despite having every reason to shout, "All is not well," they cultivated an attitude we cannot help but admire today. They looked beyond their troubles to eternal blessings. They were grateful in their circumstances. Despite evidence to the contrary, they sang with all the conviction of their souls, "All is well!"

They knew the strength of family and friends. And because they depended on each other, they became strong. Friends became family.

The pioneers learned that doing hard things deepened and strengthened body, mind, and spirit; magnified their understanding of their divine nature; and heightened their compassion for others.

Happiness doesn't come from external circumstances. It comes from the inside-regardless of what is happening around us.

*Chin up. You can do hard things.

7.10.15

Monson. Lighthouse of the Lord. 10/90

Do we in attendance tonight know who we are and what God expects us to become? Remember that the recognition of a power higher than oneself does not in any sense debase; rather, it exalts. If we will but realize that we have been created in the image of God, we will not find Him difficult to approach, for God did create "man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." (Gen. 1:27.) This knowledge, acquired through faith, will bring inner calm and profound peace.

* I love this. I need to keep this one close to my heart, to remind myself that everyone on this earth was created by His hands. And each of them is a child of God, who loves them and knows them.

7.9.15

Tonight, I read thru like 4 conference talks, some from 1987, some from 1979. I couldn't pick out one or two things to send, I kept getting distracted. One thought kept popping into my mind : will we be happy?

I'm a pretty optimistic person, I think. I try to look on the bright side of things, good and bad. I've come to know things happen for a reason, and have a strong testimony in God's plan, our divine nature, and eternal destiny. I know nothing happens by chance, and that Father is never surprised, caught off guard or unawares. He knows how it ends, He sees the final score. And we win.

I know He has put me here for a reason, but right this minute I'm here to raise my boys in righteousness, teach them His words, and show them the gospel in our home by my actions. 8 years ago, my reason was to prepare to enter His temple.

Our "reason" changes with each season of our life, but the real reason we are here is to choose for ourselves to return to Father. To have joy.

We are that we might have JOY

7.8.15

Monson. Tears, trials, trust, testimony. 4/87

Have you ever pondered the worth of a human soul? Have you ever wondered concerning the potential which lies within each of us?

To reach, to teach, to touch the precious souls whom our Father has prepared for His message is a monumental task. Success is rarely simple. Generally it is preceded by tears, trials, trust, and testimony.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world (Matt. 28:19-20)

This magnificent promise sustains you, encourages you in your preparations to serve, motivates and inspires you, comforts you during those moments of discouragement, which come to all.

An abiding faith, a constant trust, a fervent desire have always characterized those who serve the Lord with all their hearts.

Faith forged in the furnace of trials & tears is marked by trust and testimony.

7.7.15

Simpson. No shortcuts. 4/87

1) Why does life have to be so hard?
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock, if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." It is up to us to open the door! He gives us another vital key as He declares, "For without me ye can do nothing"

2) I am not so sure it's worth it all.
Nephi had problems galore. But he realized in his hour of need that all the forces of heaven were available to him. He declared, "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." The Lord didn't forsake Nephi or Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail. And he won't forsake us.

3) How can I be certain that the Church is true?
Try to understand that when adversity comes, it is likely preparing us for something ahead. Yes, it's worth it. If you want to know the truth, you become informed, you be willing, and you be available.

7.6.15

Wirthlin. Patience, a key to happiness. 4/87

Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy. That sentence captures the major possibilities of life. Let me add, we will have genuine joy and happiness only as we learn patience.

Dictionaries define patience in such terms as bearing pain or sorrow calmly or without complaint; not being hasty or impetuous; being steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity.

However, I believe that a lack of patience is a major cause of the difficulties and unhappiness in the world today. Too often, we are impatient with ourselves, with our family members and friends, and even with the Lord.

Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels; wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected (D&C 67:13)

We should be satisfied with our progress even though it may come slowly at times.

Read, pray, study, our testimonies then will grow and mature naturally, perhaps imperceptibly at times, until they become driving forces in our lives.

7.5.15

Ballard. Keeping life's demands in balance. 04/1987

All of us must come to an honest, open self-examination, an awareness within as to who and what we want to be.

Suggestions to balance life's demands:

1) Think about your life and set your priorities. Find some quiet time regularly to think deeply about where you are going and what you will need to do to get there.
2) Second, set short-term goals that you can reach. Set goals that are well balanced-not too many nor too few, and not too high nor too low. Write down your attainable goals and work on them according to their importance. Pray for divine guidance in your goal setting.
3) Everyone faces financial challenges in life. Through wise budgeting, control your real needs and measure them carefully against your many wants in life.
4) Stay close to your spouse, children, relatives, and friends. They will help you keep a balance in your life.
5) Study the scriptures. They offer one of the best sources we have to keep in touch with the Spirit of the Lord.
6) Many people, including me, have difficulty finding the time for sufficient rest, exercise, and relaxation. We must schedule time on our daily calendars for these activities if we are to enjoy a healthy and balanced life.
7) The prophets have taught repeatedly that families should teach one another the gospel, preferably in a weekly family home evening.
8) Pray often as individuals and as families.

Satan is always working to destroy our testimonies, but he will not have the power to tempt or disturb us beyond our strength to resist when we are studying the gospel and living its commandments.

Our main goal should be to seek “immortality and eternal life” (Moses 1:39). With this as our goal, why not eliminate from our lives the things that clamor for and consume our thoughts, feelings, and energies without contributing to our reaching that goal?

7.4.15

Holland. The ministry of Angels. 10/08

Moroni 7:35-37, 30

In the course of life all of us spend time in "dark and dreary" places, wildernesses, circumstances of sorrow or fear or discouragement. But I testify that angels are still sent to help us, even as they were sent to help Adam and Eve, to help the prophets, and indeed to help the Savior of the world Himself. Even the Son of God, a God Himself, had need for heavenly comfort during His sojourn in mortality. And so such ministrations will be to the righteous until the end of time.

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. Search diligently, pray always, and be believing.

We are reminded that not all angels are from the other side of the veil.

7.3.15

Packer. The brilliant morning of forgiveness. 10/95

*Even after 20 years, this is so applicable to us today. I love it.

Alma 36:19-20

The thought that rescued Alma, when he acted upon it, is this: Restoring what you cannot restore, healing the wound you cannot heal, fixing that which you broke and you cannot fix is the very purpose of the atonement of Christ.

Save for the exception of the few who defect to perdition, there is no habit, no addiction, no rebellion, no transgression, no apostasy, no crime exempted from the promise of complete forgiveness. That is the promise of the atonement of Christ.

7.2.15

Ballard. Daughters of God. 4/08

There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family.

Recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction.

Find some time for yourself to cultivate your gifts and interests. Pick one or two things that you would like to learn or do that will enrich your life, and make time for them. Water cannot be drawn from an empty well, and if you are not setting aside a little time for what replenishes you, you will have less and less to give to others.

*This talk was sent to me by a dear friend. And it rang true. Now I just need to write it on my wall...

7.1.15

Sis. Cannon. Our mighty errand. 10/1979

*I'm digging in the back of vault! This applies to us in this day. I love it.

The Women in this Church need to be prepared-personally prepared-
1st-to stem the tide of error inundating the world, threatening families, short-circuiting the power of individuals.
2nd-though we have great men to lead us, we need to know for ourselves what is error and what is truth so that we can make valid value judgments. So much depends on this.
3rd-we need to grow and develop so that we are prepared to contribute. We each have a mighty errand to do. It may or may not include marriage and motherhood at this time, but ours is the errand of influence.

We must begin at once to work our plan of life, deciding to whom and to what we will give our fullest attention, our highest loyalty, our deepest commitment.

6.30.15

Holland. Because of your faith. 10/11

I have struggled to find an adequate way to tell you how loved of God you are and how grateful we on this stand are for you. I am trying to be voice for the very angels of heaven in thanking you for every good thing you have ever done, for every kind word you have ever said, for every sacrifice you have ever made in extending to someone-to anyone-the beauty and blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

*This whole talk is him expressing his gratitude and thanking members of the church and saying he loves us. I love this. It gives me warm fuzzies.