My Blog-i-mony

Thou Shalt Not Covet

2009-11-11T13:01:00.002-07:00

"Being provident providers, we must keep the most basic commandment, "That shalt not covet" (Exodus 20:17). Our world is fraught with feelings of entitlement...If our family does not have everything the neighbors have,...we go into debt to buy things we cannot afford - and things we do not really need. Whenever we do this, we become poor temporally and spiritually."

Robert D. Hales, "Becoming Provident Providers Temporarlly and Spiritually," Ensign, May 2009,8

The Door of True Happiness

2009-11-09T11:36:00.002-07:00

"The gospel of Jesus Christ has the answers to all of our problems. The gospel is not a ecret. It is not complicated or hidden. It can unlock the door to true happiness. It is not someone's theory or porposition. It does not come from man at all. It springs from the pure and everlasting waters of the Creator of the universe, who knows truths we cannot even begin to comprehend. And with tha t knowledge, He has given us the gospel - a divine gift, the ultimate formula for happiness and success."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Way of the Disciple," Ensign, May 2009, 75

Influences That Erode Faith

2009-09-16T15:00:00.001-06:00

“First is doubt. . . . It comes from a lack of confidence in one’s self or abilities. It is inconsistent with our divine identity as children of God. “Doubt leads to discouragement. Discouragement comes from missed expectations. . . . Discouragement leads to distraction, a lack of focus. . . . Distraction leads to a lack of diligence, a reduced commitment to remain true and faithful and to carry on through despite hardship and disappointment. . . . This path ultimately leads to disobedience, which undermines the very basis of faith. So often the result is disbelief, the conscious or unconscious refusal to believe.”

Kevin W. Pearson, “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,” Ensign, May 2009, 40

Our True Destination

2009-09-16T14:58:00.001-06:00

“Early European converts [sailing to America] . . . had overcome many stumbling blocks. They had a testimony that revelation comes from heaven and that prophets and apostles are again on the earth. They had faith in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. “They had come to understand the sublime destination that was in store for them. They were not fearful of the arduous journey they were undertaking, and their ultimate destination was not really the Salt Lake Valley. Their true destination was paradise followed by exaltation in the celestial kingdom.”

Quentin L. Cook, “Our Father’s Plan—Big Enough for All His Children,” Ensign, May 2009, 37

Endure Adversity More Confidently

2009-09-16T14:57:00.002-06:00

“There is no infirmity, affliction, or adversity that Christ did not feel in Gethsemane. . . .“President Howard W. Hunter said: ‘If our lives and our faith are centered on Jesus Christ and his restored gospel, nothing can ever go permanently wrong. On the other hand, if our lives are not centered on the Savior and his teachings, no other success can ever be permanently right’

(The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, ed. Clyde J. Williams [1997], 40).” Rafael E. Pino, “Faith in Adversity,” Ensign, May 2009, 41–42

Meek as a Child

2009-08-28T13:43:00.000-06:00

"I pray that we will know how to open our hearts like a little child and take pleasure in hearing and practicing the word of God in all the power of its simplicity."

Gérald Caussé, "Even a Child Can Understand, Ensign," Nov. 2008, 34

Pray Always

2009-08-19T09:54:00.000-06:00

"Prayer becomes more meaningful as we counsel with the Lord in all our doings (see Alma 37:37). . . . We are promised that if we pray sincerely for that which is right and good and in accordance with God's will, we can be blessed, protected, and directed (see 3 Nephi 18:20; D&C 19:38)." - David A. Bednar, "Pray Always, Ensign," Nov. 2008, 41

A Precious Way to Think of Phil 4:13

2009-08-14T10:35:00.001-06:00

I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.
The road to success is not straight.
There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, caution lights called Family.
You will have flats called Jobs.
But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith, a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called Success.

Daily Prayer Linked

2009-07-17T12:06:00.000-06:00

"Morning and evening prayers—and all of the prayers in between—are not unrelated, discrete events; rather, they are linked together each day and across days, weeks, months, and even years."
- David A. Bednar, "Pray Always, Ensign," Nov. 2008, 42

Angelic Mortals

2009-07-17T12:03:00.002-06:00

“We are reminded that not all angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them we walk with and talk with—here, now, every day. Some of them reside in our own neighborhoods. Some of them gave birth to us. . . . Heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind."

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Ministry of Angels, Ensign," Nov. 2008, 30

Power of the Atonement

2009-07-17T12:02:00.001-06:00

"No institution, plan, program, or system ever conceived by men has access to the redeeming and transforming power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Ghost."

- Lawrence E. Corbridge, "The Way, Ensign, Nov. 2008," 36

Spiritual Home Storage

2009-06-29T12:31:00.001-06:00

"Brothers and sisters, we each have moments of spiritual power, moments of inspiration and revelation. We must sink them deep into the chambers of our souls. As we do, we prepare our spiritual home storage for moments of personal difficulty."
Neil L. Andersen, "You Know Enough", Ensign, Nov. 2008, 13

Firm Hope

2009-06-23T13:29:00.000-06:00

"Hope is not knowledge, but rather the abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promise to us." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Infinite Power of Hope", Ensign, Nov. 2008, 22

A Future Of Peace

2009-06-11T15:35:00.001-06:00

"No matter how bleak the chapter of our lives may look today, because of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we may hope and be assured that the ending of the book of our lives will exceed our grandest expectations. 'Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. ' "
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Infinite Power of Hope," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 22–23

A Peptalk To Myself

2009-06-02T16:05:00.002-06:00

Amy,

I have been sitting here for the last few hours, starring at my screen, trying to think of how to respond to you. I finally have the words but they are borrowed from your own blog:

"My dear sweet friend had a baby today! A baby! A baby that I helped pray would come for four years! A baby I have fasted for countless times. A baby that has been so wanted, so loved, so anticipated. And he came today! May 15th is a good day. A very good day. Today I thank God for answering their prayers. That baby is a miracle and we all need a good miracle."

Here is proof in your own words that God hears and answers prayers. Could He have answered your friend sooner...1 year, 2 years, 3 years...instead of 4? Yes. Are they good people and did they deserve such a blessing to come sooner? Yes. Were there times that even they thought God had given up on them and they wanted to give up as well? Maybe. But in the end...with all the blood, sweat, tears, prayers, money, procedures, fasting, etc....God answered them with a miracle. It was in His wisdom that it was at that time and in that manner...and no earlier. Will we ever know the wisdom in His timing? Likely not. Maybe that's for God to know only. Or for your friend, her husband and God to know only. Nonetheless, here is just one example that you can trust in God's plan for each one of us...even you.

Amy, it would seem to me that you are doing EVERYTHING that is possible for you to "do your part" to overcome your current trial. God KNOWS this too. This would mean the remainder is in God's hands. He's not holding out on you because He thinks its funny, or because He could careless, He has better things to do or He doesn't know what the solution is. HE KNOWS WHAT TO DO and everything He is doing is in YOUR BEST INTEREST. We are but mere mortals with 99% limited perspective. We need Him for this reason. Trust that He knows what He's doing on your behalf.

It would be easier to give up on Him and doubt everything you've spent a lifetime learning then it would to have faith in Him. It would be easier to be mad at Him too. But ultimately, that is not to His detriment...only yours.

YOU KNOW HE'S THERE...there are examples all around you. Don't dismiss those. Hold on to them in what seems to be these times of "radio silence". When I feel like this, I like to start writing out the blessings that I have received. Or sometimes I think giving service is good because the perspective is completely priceless. There are likely volunteer opportunities all about you that would make you feel gratitude. Maybe you are already doing those and you've got gratitude coming out your ears. But please don't give power to our evil elder brother who seeks to damn your soul with his. He milks these moments for all they are worth. Shut him down. Continue to be steadfast...you are good at consistency. Keep it up.

Lastly, you cannot compare your trials to others. Our trials are gifts to our soul. Yours are for you only, customized for you, by God, to bring precious enlightenment to perfect you in this life because He wants so badly to have you back home with Him. You cannot buy, trade or learn these gifts from anyone else's. There are no cliff notes. They are yours alone. So don't feel foolish because so-and-so has XYZ and you do not. You are trying to apply square pegs to round holes and there is absolutely no logic or gain in that. Again...back off Satan.

I love you. You know all this just as I do and I know that a time will come when I will need a good reminder too and you will give it to me. Don't give up on Him as He has NOT given up on you. I KNOW THIS TO BE TRUE and in your heart of hearts, SO DO YOU.
Amy

Happiness From Helping Others

2009-05-27T14:12:00.000-06:00

"President Gordon B. Hinckley believed in the healing power of service. After the death of his wife, he provided a great example to the Church in the way he immersed himself in work and in serving others. It is told that President Hinckley remarked to one woman who had recently lost her husband, 'Work will cure your grief. Serve others.'"Those are profound words. As we lose ourselves in the service of others, we discover our own lives and our own happiness."President Lorenzo Snow expressed a similar thought: 'When you find yourselves a little gloomy, look around you and find somebody that is in a worse plight than yourself; go to him and find out what the trouble is, then try to remove it with the wisdom which the Lord bestows upon you; and the first thing you know, your gloom is gone, you feel light, the Spirit of the Lord is upon you, and everything seems illuminated' (in Conference Report, Apr. 1899, 2–3).

"In today's world of pop psychology, junk TV, and feel-good self-help manuals, this advice may seem counterintuitive. We are sometimes told that the answer to our ills is to look inward, to indulge ourselves, to spend first and pay later, and to satisfy our own desires even at the expense of those around us. While there are times when it is prudent to look first to our own needs, in the long run it doesn't lead to lasting happiness."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Happiness, Your Heritage," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 119–20

Hope Sustains Us

2009-05-06T15:04:00.001-06:00

"The things we hope in sustain us during our daily walk. They uphold us through trials, temptations, and sorrow. Everyone has experienced discouragement and difficulty. Indeed, there are times when the darkness may seem unbearable. It is in these times that the divine principles of the restored gospel we hope in can uphold us and carry us until, once again, we walk in the light."We hope in Jesus the Christ, in the goodness of God, in the manifestations of the Holy Spirit, in the knowledge that prayers are heard and answered. Because God has been faithful and kept His promises in the past, we can hope with confidence that God will keep His promises to us in the present and in the future. In times of distress, we can hold tightly to the hope that things will 'work together for [our] good' (D&C 90:24) as we follow the counsel of God's prophets. This type of hope in God, His goodness, and His power refreshes us with courage during difficult challenges and gives strength to those who feel threatened by enclosing walls of fear, doubt, and despair." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Infinite Power of Hope," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 23

Emissaries From God

2009-05-05T13:00:00.001-06:00

"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 challenges 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 occasions, global or personal, we may feel we are 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."May we all believe more readily in, and have more gratitude for, the Lord's promise as contained in one of President Monson's favorite scriptures: 'I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, . . . my Spirit shall be in your [heart], and mine angels round about you, to bear you up' (D&C 84:88). In the process of praying for those angels to attend us, may we all try to be a little more angelic ourselves—with a kind word, a strong arm, a declaration of faith and 'the covenant wherewith [we] have covenanted' (D&C 90:24). Perhaps then we can be emissaries sent from God."
- Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Ministry of Angels," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 31

Quotes from "The Christmas Sweater" by Glenn Beck

2009-04-05T10:52:00.008-06:00

Ultimately the message of this book is overcoming the largest of our trials. There is hope....it can be done.

"You are only alone if you make it so. "

"Don't fear the storm....fear the cornfield."

'Trust that the traveler is worth of the jorney and desination."

"Stop feeding the storm and giving it the power."

"No one had ever been lost to the storm, just lost in the storm."

We Are Not Perfect But We Can Prevail!

2009-03-09T10:27:00.002-06:00

"When you come to the temple and receive your endowment, and kneel at the altar and be sealed, you can live an ordinary life and be an ordinary soul - struggling against temptation, failing and repenting, and failing again and repenting, but always determined to keep your covenants...Then the day will come when you will receive the benediction: 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord' [Matthew 25:21]"

- Boyd K. Packer

In Death, They Are Still Close to Us

2009-03-09T10:22:00.001-06:00

"The spirits of the just are exalted to a greater and more glorious work; hence they are blessed in their departure to the world of spirits. Enveloped in flaming fire, they are not far from us, and know and understand our thoughts and feelings, and motions, and are often pained therewith."

-Joseph Smith

2009-02-22T11:10:00.001-07:00

"Patriotism is not a spectator sport." - Elder L. Tom Perry

We Are From Another Time, Another Place, Another World...

2009-01-21T16:18:00.004-07:00

"We are from another time, another place, another world. We do not have permanent residence here , at least not in this telestial tenement. When the Savior counseled his disciples to "take no thought for the morrow", what they should eat or drink or wear, he was warning against becoming too acclimated to a fallen sphere, warning against earthly anxiety and attachment to this world's worries and enticements." - Robert L. Millet in "An Eye Single to the Glory of God" pg. 102.

Marriage Tips & Traps

2009-01-04T13:04:00.003-07:00

I came across a KBYU program titled "Marriage Tips & Traps" by Victor Harris at BYU Education Week 2002.

I was VERY impressed and couldn't keep such valuable information to myself. Its a lengthy lecture but if you are patient with it, you will find its TOTALLY worth your time. It is packed with wisdom from a variety of sources such as: professional marriage therapists, apostles & prophets, Chapman (author of "The 5 Love Languages"), gospel teachings, national studies, and more.

I absolutely love that so much info and instruction has been complied into one source to work from.

http://www.byub.org/familyexpo/?selectedYear=2002 (its on the very bottom of the page, in audio and pdf form).

The Gifts of the Spirit

2008-11-23T11:48:00.002-07:00

I was listening to this BYU devotional today by Elder Eyring and it really spoke to me. Its a good source to learn or be reminded of the proper steps to obtain and retain the Spirit.

One thing Elder Erying spoke of that I need to improve upon is the "pure motive". When I pray for things, do I ask God for things that "I" want, or am I asking for things that "He" wants for me? Our motives must be pure in the things that we ask for in prayer, seeking only for His will. Elder Erying said "God is offended when we seek the gifts of the Spirit for our own purposes rather than for His. Our selfish motives may not be obvious to us. "

http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,538-1-3751-1,00.html

Keeping the Faith in the End of Times

2008-11-14T13:22:00.002-07:00

Make no mistake about it, brothers and sisters, in the months and years ahead, events are likely to require each member to decide whether or not he will follow the First Presidency. Members will find it more difficult to halt longer between two opinions. President Marion G. Romney said, many years ago, that he had 'never hesitated to follow the counsel of the Authorities of the Church even though it crossed my social, professional or political life.

This is hard doctrine, but it is particularly vital doctrine in a society which is becoming more wicked. In short, brothers and sisters, not being ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ includes not being ashamed of the prophets of Jesus Christ. . . . Your discipleship may see the time when such religious convictions are discounted. . . . This new irreligious imperialism seeks to disallow certain opinions simply because those opinions grow out of religious convictions.

Resistance to abortion will be seen as primitive. Concern over the institution of the family will be viewed as untrendy and unenlightened....Before the ultimate victory of the forces of righteousness, some skirmishes will be lost. Even in these, however, let us leave a record so that the choices are clear, letting others do as they will in the face of prophetic counsel. There will also be times, happily, when a minor defeat seems probable, but others will step forward, having been rallied to rightness by what we do. We will know the joy, on occasion, of having awakened a slumbering majority of the decent people of all races and creeds which was, till then, unconscious of itself. Jesus said that when the fig trees put forth their leaves, 'summer is nigh.' Thus warned that summer is upon us, let us not then complain of the heat. - Elder Neal A. Maxwell

What is in Our Control?

2008-10-17T16:10:00.003-06:00

In talking to a friend today about the state of the world and my concerns long side with that, he made the following statement:

Well, we do our very best and we take what God and men give us because we have no other choice. I’ve had a decent run. If the axe falls, so be it. Just be ever watchful that you are doing the Lord’s will and you’ll make it. I’m freaking out today too for my own reasons but I know that my tithing is paid and I effect change in my sphere so beyond that, oh well.

What stood out to me was "Just be ever watchful that you are doign the Lord's will and you'll make it....I effect change in my sphere."

I know I worry so much about things I cannot control. I can try to be a good influence in the lives of those around me, as instructed by the example Christ, however, they ultimately have their agency to make their own decisions and have zero control over their actions or their outcome. I can only control my behaviors, actions and reactions.

"Don't Be Unduly Concerned..."

2008-10-16T13:23:00.003-06:00

A friend of mine shared with me a bit of spiritual revelation that she had. The events leading up to this revelation were weighed down with worry, fear and deep concern for her family and their future. She found herself directed to the scriptures and came across this scripture and its reference:

Philippians 4:6 "Be bcareful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

The footnote for this scripture says: "Don't be unduly concerned about anything."

What I personally took from this was that if we are doing what is right and have faith in God's plan for us, going to Him in prayer and thanksgiving, we'll be directed for good and all will be as He intended it. To be "unduly" concerned and fearful about things can also be a distracter of the Holy Ghost which is absolutely vital if we are to learn of and follow His direction for us.

Tender Mercies of the Lord

2008-10-16T09:47:00.003-06:00

I know that we all have our own personalized share of trials. The beauty in this is that our trials are personalized for us and to us. It makes me want to cry when I think about how well the Lord knows my strengths, weaknesses and all of the things that make me 'me'. I believe that the love has for each us and knowledge He has about each of us are 'tender mercies'. He knew that we each needed to experience heartache yet in His great mercy he tailored that heartache for each of us knowing exactly what we could and could not handle. He wants us to be live, learn, grow and be successful.

1 Nephi 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 delivereance."

Nephi is telling us that these tender mercies are in our lives. In May 2005 Elder David A. Bednar stated, "Through personal study, observation, pondering , and prayer, I believe I have come to better understand the the Lord's tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consoluation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ."

He continues and says, "When words cannot provide the solace we need or express the joy we feel, when it is simply futile to attempt to explain that which is unexplainable, when logic and reason cannot yield adequate understanding about the injustices and inequities of life, when mortal experience and evaluation are insufficient to produce a desired outcome, and when it seems that perhaps we are so totally alone, truly we are blessed by the tender mercies of the Lord and made mighty even unto the power of delivereance."

When we ache, when we feel bad, when we feel alone, when nothing makes sense, when things seem trying the Lord often comes to us as a tender mercy. Amy, during a particularly difficult time you have quietly served as a tender mercy in my life bringing hope and strength to my heart and offering assurance and guidance in ways that you may not know. I am certain that you are an angel on His errand in my life.

xxox
brit

2008-10-15T16:40:00.002-06:00

"We never really know what stupidity is until we have experimented on ourselves." - Paul Gaugin

Trials. Which Can We Overcome?

2008-10-15T16:38:00.002-06:00

One thing I've come to know lately is the truth about God not allowing us to have trials that we cannot withstand

So, what does this really mean? Well, cancer is a major trial that some people haven't been able to withstand but it doesn't have spiritual consequences like drug, porn, alcohol addictions (to name a few). These are MAJOR trials but God wouldn't allow them to continue with those who are struggling, without providing a way out. That "way out" begins with the Atonement. Additionally, we are promised that we can endure through ANY trial WITH His help BUT there is one condition there....we have to ASK for His help. We also have to "DO OUR PART" to over come. I am reminded that my patriarchal blessing says "Heavenly Father won't do things for you that you can do yourself...but He will be there when I am in need." So, when we've done all that we can do and we can't go any further, He will take us the rest of the way and we WILL overcome.

Make Your Trials Worthwhile

2008-10-15T16:32:00.002-06:00

"Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experiance wisely." - Auguste Rodin

I guess this can also be said about mistakes and trials.

Faith

2008-10-15T14:17:00.000-06:00

Faith and fear cannot exist simultaneously.

Non-Sins Can Block the Whisperings of the Spirit

2008-10-15T14:05:00.006-06:00

Not only do "sins" prevent us from hearing the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, there are a number of "non-sin" things that as well...

- Fear
- Guilt
- Worrying
- Anger
- Sadness
- Constant mind stimulation in radio, TV, iPods, cds, video games, etc.

None of these things are sins, but they do in fact prevent us from hearing the still "small" voice. Satan knows that and often stirs us up to have thoughts that cause us to worry, be fearful, guilt-prone etc. Knowing this while hopefully allow us to turn our hearts to a more peace full state, as well as turning off the loud, distracting entertainment and "listen" quietly to the spirit.

The Best Way to Gain a Testimony of Christ

2008-09-08T15:49:00.003-06:00

Apparently, the greatest and strongest testimony of Christ wouldn't come from seeing Him with our eyes or hearing His voice with our ears (though that would be an amazing experience). It would come through the manifestation of the Holy Ghost telling our heart and mind. There is no greater means by which that knowledge can come about. (My LDS Institute Instructor)

Atomic Bombs

2008-09-03T14:00:00.002-06:00

"If we are going to be destroyed by an atomic bomb, let that bomb when it comes find us doing sensible and human things -- praying, working, teaching, reading, listening to music, bathing the children, playing tennis, chatting to our friends over a pint and a game of darts -- not huddled together like frightened sheep and thinking about bombs. They might break our bodies (a microbe can do that) but they need not dominate our minds." - C.S. Lewis

Law of Moses vs. Law of Christ

2008-08-28T15:16:00.000-06:00

The Law of Moses provided many "behaviors" to learn a few "principles" where as the Law of Christ gave us just a few "principles" to live many "behaviors". - My LDS institute instructor / name unknown

Spiritual Maturity

2008-08-28T15:14:00.000-06:00

Spiritual maturity is inversely related to the number of commandments we need. More maturity = less commandments needed. - My LDS institute instructor/name unknown

Changing Behaviors

2008-08-28T15:12:00.000-06:00

"True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes & behavior. The study of the doctrine of the gospel will change behavior more than the study of behavior will change behavior." - Boyd K. Packer

The Sanctifier

2008-08-28T14:58:00.000-06:00

"The actual cleansing of the soul comes when the Holy Ghost is received. The Holy Ghost is a sanctifier whose divine commission is to burn dross and evil out of a human soul as through and by fire." - Bruce R. McConkie

The Holy Ghost

2008-08-28T14:43:00.000-06:00

"When the Holy Ghost is your constant companion, this means that the atonement is working in your life." - current apostle/name unknown