the power of a word

As we sat in our apartment studying a few mornings ago a man outside was yelling at his little dog to come back. The yelling gradually became louder and louder as he followed his scampering puppy down the sidewalk and right past our window. Harsh words cut deep into my heart as he cursed and screamed. Almost instantly the Spirit I felt as I was reading vanished. All horrible emotions flooded my mind. With fear, anxiety, tenseness and nervousness, we walked out to see if we could help. The feelings still didn't leave. As I sat down to continue my studies I still felt horrid on the inside. I said a quick prayer and just as fast as they came those horrid feelings fled leaving room for the spirit to fill my heart. Those horrible feelings were replaced with "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.." (Galations 5:22)

President Joseph Fielding Smith states: “Profanity is filthiness. A person is known as much by his language as he is by the company he keeps. … Filthiness in any form is degrading and soul-destroying and should be avoided.” ('Profanity and Swearing' by Ted E. Brewerton)

We don't realize the power our words have. If we want the spirit to be with us we need to talk and act like we want it to be around. I never want to be around someone that is yelling like that man was.  Yelling, contention, screaming swearing all drive away the spirit of the Lord. Lets all watch a little more carefully how we speak!

direct answer

 

I know that this is the Church of Jesus Christ on the earth! I know that the Priesthood has been restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith and that through that Priesthood we are each blessed! There is no other way that the experience that I am about to share could have happened, only through the proper authority given from our loving Father in Heaven!

I know that our Father in Heaven answers our prayers and that He hears our deep cries for help! The last few days I have learned a lot of lessons. It seems I have been battling with my own mind. At last I felt like I couldn't handle it and so I asked for a Priesthood Blessing. During my studies that morning I asked Heavenly Father specifically what it was that I thought I needed. Specifically what I thought He could help me with. I pleaded wit Him for His help, I talked with Him as if He was sitting right in front of me. When we arrived for my blessing like they always do the Priesthood holders asked me what I needed a blessing for. Choking back the tears I told them a little of my concerns, leaving out some details and left the rest up to the Spirit. As their hands rested upon my head I felt the Spirit from God all around. I felt His warm love overwhelm me and cover me with a blanket of comfort. Not only were the words that were spoken inspired from God, but the feelings that were in the room, and the almost silent words that pierced my heart. In my blessing I was given a direct answer to my prayer! I had prayed for something very specific. During the blessing I was blessed with that exact thing that I asked for earlier in the day.

There is no other way that the Elder that gave me the blessing could have known. He used the same wording and the same phrase that I had prayed about. As I reflected on this over and over through the rest of the night I changed. I gained a sure knowledge that Heavenly Father works through the Priesthood. That He loves each of us so personally and will answer our prayers. There is no way that this Church could be false. This is the Church of Jesus Christ and I invite everyone to feel what I have felt! I am so thankful for those Elders. I am so thankful that they were willing and worthy to use the Priesthood and that they followed the Spirit while doing so.

"The priesthood is here. It has been conferred upon us. We act in that authority. We speak as sons of God in the name of Jesus Christ and as holders of this divinely given endowment. We know, for we have seen, the power of this priesthood... Paul wrote concerning the priesthood: 'No man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.' (Heb. 5:4.) We have not acquired it through purchase or bargain. The Lord has given it to men who are considered worthy to receive it, regardless of station in life, the color of their skin, or the nation in which they live. It is the power and the authority to govern in the affairs of the kingdom of God. It is given only by ordination by the laying on of hands by those in authority to do so. The qualification for eligibility is obedience to the commandments of God. There is no power on the earth like it. Its authority extends beyond life, through the veil of death, to the eternities ahead. It is everlasting in its consequences." President Gordon B. Hinckley

sticky notes of love

My mind is racing all over the place! It has been a crazy last few days. I have been out of my normal area and in Jacksonville. I was not used to all the traffic and the hustle and bustle of the city. I missed my little Country town. I missed the zillions of stars and the quiet, peaceful back roads. I was so thankful to be back into my own area. Coming back meant bringing a new companion with me. Fear soon settled into my mind and the thought of "starting over" played over and over in my head. It was not a thought that I wanted. But the tender mercies of the Lord were all over when we walked into our apartment.

My former Companion had put sticky notes all over my wall to thank me. Even though I didn't feel like I had done anything. On each note was something that she liked about me or something that I had taught her. Tears settled in and I could feel the Spirit testify to me that what I was doing was right. That is one of the best feelings ever. These last few days have taught me a lot about being humble. Preach my Gospel talks about humility. It says when you are humble "You are confident that you can do whatever the Lord requires of you if you rely on Him." I will not lie to you. I have a hard time being humble. But I am so thankful for the lessons that I have learned about this Christ like attribute!

I cant explain to you the exact moment that humbled me. I cant pin point my feelings that helped me learn this valuable lesson but I am so grateful that it happened. I have full faith and trust in my Savior Jesus Christ. One of my favorite Scriptures is Alma 26:12, "Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak.."  I was trying to take on the world by myself, but was brought to realize that I am not alone in this. Through all the events and advice that I have been given the last week or so I have learned so much! James E. Faust said  "...It is the humility that allows us to accept and live with our own warts, without cosmetics to hide them.” Step back for a second! Think of the Lord and all that He has done for you. The marvelous things that He has planned for you and I promise that you will be brought to humility. You will come to know just like I did that I can not do it alone but with Him I can do all things!

500 yards of all pool

Growing up I was on the Swimming team.  I learned a lot from those hours in the pool. I learned a lot about hard work and endurance. I remember one specific event during a competition. My coach put me in an event that I wasn't used to swimming. I had to swim the 500 yard freestyle. That is it is down and back 10 times. It was a long event and took a lot of strength.  At the end of the pool right before my flip turn a friend would hold a board in the water counting down my laps. Letting me know how much longer I had, at my last lap the numbers were gone and all I would see was bright orange flashing before my eyes. At that moment I knew I was so close to the end. I would pick up my speed work harder and sprint faster then any previous lap. During those previous laps I had to keep the speed not slow down and keep pushing forward to the finishing goal. As a swimmer I understood the great need of endurance not only in the pool but in my life. If we can not endure then we will give in to anything and anyone.

I often think of Jesus Christ and Joseph Smith when I think of great people who have endured a lot. But what about the stories that aren't as well known. Your trials that you have endured. My challenges that I have had to work through, and many other people who keep their personal endurance to themselves?  What makes it possible for us to endure through these times?

"George A. Smith once received counsel from the Prophet: 'He told me I should never get discouraged, whatever difficulties might surround me. If I was sunk in the lowest pit of Nova Scotia and all the Rocky Mountains piled on top of me, I ought not to be discouraged but hang on, exercise faith, and keep up good courage and I should come out on the top of the heap at last.'" (Overcoming adversity)

This is what it takes. Exercising faith and hanging on. Usually when we say that we can not do it any longer is about the time that things start to get better. In the event above, at about lap 8 I would think that I could go no further. But I wouldn't give up. I wouldn't stop and hang on to the edge of the pool. I fought through the tough times and I pushed a little harder. Just a few laps later it was over and I was sitting on the side of the pool.

 "He that endureth in faith shall overcome the world" (D&C 63:20, 47) One of my lifetime goals is to Live with our Father in Heaven and His son Jesus Christ again. I want to be surrounded by my family and friends. I endure everyday because I will not give up on this goal. "If they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day" (1 Ne. 13:37)

May we all endure a little more in faith. Sure it is hard but I know that Heavenly Father will help you and lift you as you endure. Lets not slow down and but keep pushing forward to the finishing goal.

true spirit of Christmas

This Video really amazes me. It brought tears to my eyes. These people really understand the true meaning of Christmas. They are willing to give back to their Savior Jesus Christ.

a special Christmas

As the Christmas season approaches I cant help but think of the excitement and the joy of this wonderful Holiday season. The Prophet Thomas S. Monson said "This is a glorious time of the year, simple in origin, deep in meaning, beautiful in tradition and custom, rich in memories, and charitable in spirit. It has an attraction to which our hearts are readily drawn. This joyful season brings to each of us a measure of happiness that corresponds to the degree in which we have turned our mind, feelings, and actions to the spirit of Christmas."

Since I am away from my family and have been for over a year I have been thinking of something special that I could give them. "We all enjoy giving and receiving presents. But there is a difference between presents and gifts. The true gifts may be part of ourselves--giving of the riches of the heart and mind--and therefore more enduring and of far greater worth than presents bought at the store." (James E. Faust) As I have been thinking of this I have really caught on to the true spirit of Christmas. To me it doesn't matter what is under my tree, or in the mail. It matters that it came from someone that I love. The birth of Christ was not wrapped in sparkling paper with a HUGE glittering bow. It was not expensive and didnt take up a ton or room. It was a humble and quiet birth. So too my gifts should be. His birth and life was a testimony that Heavenly Father lives and that He loves us. The Atonement also was a gift of love. This Christmas I am going back to the basics. I am creating lasting gifts that will bring in the Spirit and touch the hearts of those that I love. What a better time to offer your testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ and to share how He blesses your life.

Step back for just a second. Remember the true meaning of Christmas and make this year a year to never forget. Make this season centered on Jesus Christ. After all He is the real reason to celebrate.

living the doctrine

This morning as I studied my scriptures I kept thinking of all these silly little things that I do wrong. Things that I think "hold me back" from becoming my full potential. As I prayed for the strength to overcome these things I thought of the Doctrine of Jesus Christ.

The Doctrine of Jesus Christ is centered on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. As we focus on Him then we build our faith as our faith grows then we have a desire to repent of the things that we have done wrong. Which leads to Baptism for a remission of our sins and then the Gift of the Holy Ghost is placed upon us by the laying on of hands. Then we Endure. My "wheel" image of the Doctrine of Christ shows this cycle.

This morning As I was thinking about these silly little things I couldn't help myself from being so excited and happy. The Spirit of the Lord was teaching me in a new way. In a special way that was personal to me. I understood from that teaching that each and everyday that we live this Doctrine we are becoming better and better. Most people have big things that they need to fix and habits or sins that keep them from obeying God's commandments. But as we live the Doctrine of Christ those things become smaller and smaller. Our desires to do better increase and our bigger issues become smaller finer details. We go through this wheel and cycle until we are right where the Father needs us to be.

As I made a list of the things that I need to change to align my will with Our Father in Heavens I became thankful. I understood for probably the first time in my life how the Doctrine of Christ changes people. As I learned and grew from my experience I came to appreciate the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ even more. If I don't feel rebuked or corrected everyday of my life then I am not living the Doctrine of Christ. If I am not living the Doctrine then I am not changing. If I am not changing then I am not becoming what I need to be. When I am corrected it means that my Father in Heaven loves me enough to help me become better. "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." Revelation 3:19.

Repent daily! Pray to our Father with an open heart! Be honest with Him and you will feel so much better with yourself. You will come to understand the real importance of having Jesus Christ in your life. "...will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?" 3 Nephi 9:13.

oh deer

Thanksgiving morning we were part of a "special moving team." We were asked to help a member move one of his deer from one pen to another. Our job, in moving this sleeping doe, was to hold her head so that it wouldn't hit anything. Silly me let it slip right out of my hands. Luckily she was still OK. She was sound asleep and snoring like a baby. After we had her on the stretcher, we moved her from one pen to the next, while she lay there with no resistance.

I couldn't help but realize how easy and simple it was to help her into a better situation. She wasn't in danger, she wasn't harmed but we knew where she would be happier. Sure she may have struggled for a little while but once the "dart" set in, she was submissive and ready to be helped. Often times we are not this submissive. We may not be in harm, we may not be in danger but our Father in Heaven knows where we will be happier. Once we let the "dart" of humility set into our hearts then we allow Him to help us.

The Scriptures remind us over and over to be "...humble, and be submissive and gentle..." (Alma 7:13)

"I once owned a pen that I loved to use during my career as an airline captain. By simply turning the shaft, I could choose one of four colors. The pen did not complain when I wanted to use red ink instead of blue. ...With greatest reliability it performed every task I needed, no matter how important or insignificant. It was always ready to serve." (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

I have seen in my own life how being submissive and humble brings about greater blessings. As I have been ready to serve and given up my will and selfish wants for the greater happiness of my brothers and sisters I have seen my Savior's love in everything that I do. I have felt the blessings pour down from Heaven. We may not want to admit that we are being prideful, we may not want to say that we are doing what we want. But we need to step back and see if we are allowing our Savior to hold our heads and our Father in Heaven to move us to a happier place in this world. "Life is hard, but the Gospel is easy." (President Barry)

and i'm a mormon

While I have been on my mission I have heard it all. From false rumors to unknown facts. People all over the world are unsure of who "Mormon's" are and what we believe. So how do you know what is true and what is false? Mormon.org is the best place to go for the correct information. There are all sorts of wonderful things on this website.

You can:

                     -Learn what Jesus Christ means to you.

                     -Learn about the Restoration of the Gospel
                           of Jesus Christ.

                     -Read a personal Testimony of someone like Kyra.

                     -Watch Videos of Jesus Christ, Temples, Members
                           of the Church and many other's.

                     -Chat with missionaries online

These are only a few of the many things you can do on this interactive and informational website. You will be able to feel the Spirit of the Lord and learn more about how this Chruch can change your life. 

I am so proud to be a Mormon. I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know who I am, and I know God's plan. These are things I want you to know and feel in your heart. Look at Mormon.org, feel the Spirit that is there and learn and come closer to our Savior Jesus Christ. You will never regret it.

no beauty

When my mind gets going... there is no stopping it! The other day I was staring at flowers. They were so beautiful and just brilliant to look at. I caught myself staring and realized I had just gone off into a little dream world. I started thinking of how beautiful those precious flowers were, how easy it was for me to day dream and to love the delight that was sitting right in front of me.

It is so easy to love something that is beautiful. However it is not easy to love something that has no beauty. That is when it takes effort and a determination. Most of the time resulting in a deeper love and a stronger attachment. My mind remembered a scripture that talks about Jesus Christ "...and when we shall see him there is no beauty that we should desire him." (Mosiah 14:2) Although He had no beauty to desire, the things that He did for us are beautiful! "Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." (Mosiah 14:4-5)

I do not understand all that He went through. I will not ever know the pain that He felt. But to me it is beautiful. To me it makes my heart melt and my spirit rejoice. He is beautiful I have come to feel and see the beauty that radiates off His redeeming love. His beauty is much bigger then any I have ever seen or held. I can not wait for the day when He says to me "Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet..."(3 Nephi 11:14). He is my Savior. He is my brother and He is beautiful. On that sacred day will I rejoice for the testimony that I have. I will rejoice for the efforts I have done to keep His commandments and I will praise and adore at His feet.

smelling the roses

God has created so many wonderful and beautiful things! What a special privilege we have as brothers and sisters to be a part of this world that He made just for us! "Behold, the Lord hath created the earth that it should be inhabited; and he hath created his children that they should possess it." (1 Nephi17:36) I love to just take in the beauty of the world that is around us. I sit and marvel and the wondrous things that He has created just for us. "..all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator." (Alma 30:44) There has to be a God! There is no way that this world just happened to be here.

 It makes me feel so special and so loved! He knows each of us so individually and loves each us so much! Yet there is so much out there in this BIG BEAUTIFUL world!  It amazes me that we are all so different even down to the very hairs of our heads. One day my companion and I were sitting in the car during a lunch. She was talking about her hair and how she wanted to get it cut. As I sat there thinking about it, I started comparing our hair. Thick and thin, soft and coarse! We are so different. But we are all created in His image!

I am so thankful for a loving and wonderful Heavenly Father that cared enough for me to send me here to this Earth. As beautiful as it may be it is hard, but it only makes those moments when you stop and smell the roses that much sweeter! It makes me feel like He is so close!

best friend

Have you ever been asked "If your house was on fire and you could only run back in for one thing what would you go get?" I have thought of this question time and time again. Lately only one thing comes back to my mind... My Scriptures! That is the only thing that I would run back in for. Yes I enjoy pictures and I love family keep sakes, but no worldly item mean more to me then my precious and loved Scriptures.

I love my Scriptures so much. I treat them with great respect and they have become a great friend to me. I love  Doctrine in Covenants 130:18 "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection." I want to attain ALL the intelligence that I can. I want to know my scriptures front and back and back again. In them I find the true meanings of life. I find the bold and loving truths and I find a stronger relationship with my Savior Jesus Christ. "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." (John 5:39) I search them. I mark them and I desire to become what they teach us to become. 

I know that the scriptures are true. Not only the Bible but the Book of Mormon. I have taken the promise of Moroni, (Moroni 10:3-5) I have asked in faith and I have received an answer that it is true. If my 9 year old Nephew can read the Book of Mormon, pray and ask if it is true and receive a witness from the Holy Ghost that it is, anyone that wants to know will receive a witness!! Love your scriptures. Make them one of your best friends and you will never be let down. We will run in together to grab our most prized possession.  

one language

Last night we were teaching a man, we shall call him Steven. Steven is from Mexico and speaks very little English. I am from Indiana and speak even less Spanish. My companion luckily is from Colombia and speaks English and Spanish. What a blessing it is that she is able to translate. Usually when we meet with Steven I sit there praying for my companion to be instructed on what to say and I sit there smiling like I know what is going on. Last night as we taught him something was different and something changed. A miracle that I will not soon forget. A lesson I am so thankful I learned.

I have often read 2 Nephi 31:3. It says "For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding." I would always think to myself  "Hey self there is one God (Ephesians 4:5) and He knows how to speak all languages." But as we sat in that lesson last night with Steven a new meaning to this scripture came to me. Here we were, the 3 of us, sitting around talking about the Book of Mormon and we understood each other. We literally understood one another and it took little translation. We felt the Spirit! And the Spirit of God taught us and instructed not only Steven but my Companion and myself. Thomas S. Monson taught: “There is one language . . . that is common to each missionary—the language of the Spirit. It is not learned from textbooks written by men of letters, nor is it acquired through reading and memorization.... Proficiency in this language permits one to breach barriers, overcome obstacles, and touch the human heart” (Preach My Gospel pg 133)

I am not perfect nor am I close. But I know that what President Monson said is true. Last night we breached barriers and each of our hearts were touched. The Spirit of God is real! If we can feel the Spirit and all learn in a lesson where we dont understand each other perfectly, think of how much the Spirit can touch hearts when we all speak the same language. It is real! I know that the Spirit comes when we are speaking truth. Through my experience last night my testimony has grown stronger and is rooted deeper into my heart. This is the Lord's Church once again established on the earth.(Intro to the Book of Mormon) I am so thankful for the Spirit and all that it teaches me! I know the Spirit can touch your heart like it did with our's last night. 

hold to the rod

There was once a mighty mud truck. This mud truck thought it could take on the world. Nothing seemed to stop or harm it. Little did it know that there were dangers and rough roads ahead. When once he thought he was safe, our dear little mud truck ventured off into a not so little puddle, filled with danger and bad news. Getting a little messy and dirty didn't seem so bad. But after 2 hours of being stuck this mud truck didn't feel so mighty anymore.

Sometimes I think in our own life's we decide that walking into the "little puddle" just a short way will be just fine. We justify, we say anything to ourselves to make the situation seem better then we know it is. We lighten our grip on the iron rod (1 Nehpi 8:19). We change our mindset from a focus on the Savior and the fruit that lies ahead, to selfish and inward thoughts.  Dragging us down and causing us to fight harder. There is great danger in a light grip! We must hold tight and never ever let go. 

The mighty mud truck didn't realize just how deep he was. Not until he was out and found that he was in mud clear past his tires. Sometimes we don't realize just how light our grip on the rod has gotten.

It is never too late. Do not allow your grip become any lighter then it may be. "The Savior made an infinite atoning sacrifice so that if we have faith in Him, repent, are baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end, we can receive forgiveness of our sins and enter and follow the path that will lead us to eternal life in God’s presence (see 2 Nephi 31:13–21)." (Preach My Gospel)

As I have kept a tight grip on the rod I have seen the blessings that come. I know that if you re-evaluate your life, tighten your grip and try harder to follow our Savior Jesus Christ you will be happier!

"Hold to the rod, the iron rod;
’Tis strong, and bright, and true.
The iron rod is the word of God;
’Twill safely guide us through."

(Hymns #274)

the search is over!

There was once a time in my life that I didn't know what I wanted. I was selfish. I was not happy.  I did what I wanted to do. I was just stubborn. I thought I knew better and I thought that I had things figured out. When I finished school when I started what I thought was my "dream job" I realized that something was missing. Now don't take me the wrong way. I always went to church and followed Jesus Christ but I still felt like there was something more.

I needed to find out what was missing. I needed to feel like I had a place in my own life. I humbled myself and I turned to my Heavenly Father, this time in sincere prayer. I pleaded with Him and sought for direction. It came in a way that I didn't expect. I learned that I was to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was excited and nervous. I didn't know how everything would work out but I trusted in the Lord.

 Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught, “We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families.”

As I prepared to serve a mission. I couldn't believe the place I was beinging to feel in my life. I had clear direction and I felt like I knew exactly what was needed of me. I had given up good opportunities and growth for better growth and a stronger testimony.

This exact experience may or may not happen to you. But I know that if you are missing something... anything in your life that you can and will find it if you seek Heavenly Father.  He will help you! I have been so blessed. I am the happiest when I serve my Father. I know that this is the only way to true happiness. I love my mission and treasue every moment that I have.

 If you ask in sincere prayer for direction and help in your life you will receive it! Jesus Christ taught "Therefore ye must always pray unto the Father in my name;  And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you." (3 Nephi 18:19-20)
Ask our Father in the name of Jesus Christ, you will be answered!

"...our relationship with God is most sacred and vital. We are His spirit children. He is our Father. He desires our happiness. As we seek Him, as we learn of His Son, Jesus Christ, as we open our hearts to the influence of the Holy Spirit, our lives become more stable and secure. We experience greater peace, joy, and fulfillment as we give our best to live according to God’s eternal plan and keep His commandments." Presidnet Dieter F. Ucthdorf

I share these things with you because I know that they are true! The promises of having greater peace, joy, and fulfillment are real! I feel them every single day, and I want you to feel the same.

tender mercies

As we were studying this morning we got a phone call telling us to walk outside and look at the sun rising behind the trees near our apartment. What a beautiful sight! The clouds were covering the clear blue sky, light broke through in 2 or 3 sections sending rays of sunlight streaming down to the waking world below. My first thought was how beautiful it was. I stood there in aw thinking of all the wonderful things that our Heavenly Father has created. In those small moments as I watched, silently thinking of the Father, I felt love. A tender mercy of His overwhelming love! What perfect timing it was!

 David A Bednar said "I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are real and that they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Often, the Lord’s timing of His tender mercies helps us to both discern and acknowledge them."

He goes on to explain what a tender mercy is. "I have reflected repeatedly upon the phrase 'the tender mercies of the Lord.' Through personal study, observation, pondering, and prayer, I believe I have come to better understand that the Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ."

Each and everyday we are blessed with tender mercies from our Father. He loves us and he wants us to feel His love. I know that as you look for these moments that they will mean more to you. I know that you will feel His love. I have felt these tender mercies in many ways. It is an overwhelming and capturing feeling.

I am so grateful for my Father in Heaven. He is very aware of each of my needs and my desires. He is aware of my pains and my struggles. In the very moment when he sends that tender mercy, I feel on top of the world. Everything disappears and I am filled with His love!

a spiritual gps

Ever driven around in a car with a GPS? The little device stuck to the dash and the picture of a map dominating the screen. Roads going every direction, but highlighted just for your convenience the very way you need to go to reach your desired destination? A little voice clear as day telling you "in 200 yards turn right.... turn right." As persistent as they may be they are very useful.

Wouldn't it be nice to have a Spiritual GPS? A voice clear as day telling you "In 25 days take the new job." Luckily we do. We are so blessed to have the scriptures and Prayer. There isn't a literal screen with a highlighted path, but we have an internal map, our destination is set and we have the desire to live with our Father in Heaven again. We wont hear the voice clear as day, but when we hear it, or feel it we will not be able to deny it! "...but behold, it was a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to the very soul—" Helaman 5:30 

Whatever our destination we still have the choice to stay on the highlighted path or to stray. When driving around the GPS warns you of the turn ahead. It allows you plenty of time to slow down. Think about your next move and then follow through. When you miss the turn a kind "Make a U turn" is recommended.
If you go to far without making that U turn then it has to make an alternative route. Sometimes this new path is tricky, muddy, complicated and longer then imagined. In turn making us irritated, upset and confused.

Have you ever heard the warning voice of the Lord? A soft voice or feeling, giving you plenty of time to step back, slow down and think of the concequences? He allows plenty of time. He warns you and prompts you of your turn, of your next move, as you seek Him is prayer and desire His help.

When we miss our turn, we are prompted to make a "U" turn. We can stop whatever is taking our mind off the straight and narrow path. We can leave it be and step back into the highlighted and desired road. If we do not, The new path can be tricky, sticky and cause pain and confusion. If we are not careful it can cause more work, take longer and have greater consiquences.  Elder Jeffery R. Holland said "But there is an answer to this challenge... Whoever you are and whatever you have done, you can be forgiven." You can step back on the path. You can allow the Atonement of Jesus Christ to heal you.

If you have gone past your "U" turn. Do not give up! Step up and become clean through Jesus Christ. Allow His healing hands to lift you off your knees and to clear your mind of the pain of sin. I urge you to repent. To turn your life over to our Father in Heaven and to become perfected through His son Jesus Christ. He has the power and the love to heal you. It is not too late.  "Listen to him who is the ^aadvocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him—" D&C 45:3 

The next time you hear the warning voice of the Lord. LISTEN! Stay close to the path and do not stray. On the highlighted path you will find Happiness.

real love

Love. A funny 4 letter word that seems to be used in lots of situations, by lots of different people. Whats the difference in just saying it and really feeling it?  How do we turn that "saying" into a feeling that runs deep and rich through our veins, pulsing every time we even think about it? Love that grows stronger and stronger every single day?

When I think of this kind of love I think of my Savior Jesus Christ. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 This is the love that I strive for every single day.  When we strive to love as Christ loved. Endless blessings and joy are fitted into our everyday lives, and we turn a love into something greater.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf  said "When we truly understand what it means to love as Jesus Christ loves us, the confusion clears and our priorities align. Our walk as disciples of Christ becomes more joyful. Our lives take on new meaning. Our relationship with our Heavenly Father becomes more profound. Obedience becomes a joy rather than a burden."

 Even better I think then receiving love is giving love. When we understand Christ's love we desire greater love for others around us. When you give it away it seems to return ten times as stronger. Years ago I found a quote in a chocolate wrapper that said "When two hearts race, both win." This statement is true! I have many experiences with this.

I am so grateful that my Father in Heaven loves me and knows me and just what I need. Without Him I wouldn't be able to love at all. I pray for it daily and desire all those around me to feel the love of Christ through one of His weak servents. I have had some rough moments. He has never left me alone. He places people in my life that help me feel this rich love and that allow me to share my love with them. Seeing those the Father has placed in my path has helped me to feel a love stronger then I ever imagined possible.

"Because love is the great commandment, it ought to be at the center of all and everything we do in our own family, in our Church callings, and in our livelihood. Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships. It is the bond that unites families, communities, and nations. Love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility, and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. Love should be our walk and our talk." President Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

May we go forward with greater love. I have felt this love countless times in the last few days. It gives me the power to move on, to keep my chin held high and to fight against the adversary. It motivates me to fight stronger and work harder. How thankful I am for the love of others and the love of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.

service

I love hard work! I love when I am able to serve my brothers and sisters. Yesterday we had the privilege of helping a family cut a bunch of wood. It was an excellent opportunity to work hard and bring them some of God's service.

"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." Mosiah 2:17

“It is only when we love God and Christ with all of our hearts, souls, and minds that we are able to share this love with our neighbors,” says Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. And we demonstrate that love “through acts of kindness and service—the way that the Savior would love and serve all of us if He were among us today.”

I know that as we serve those around us our love for each other, Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father grow so much stronger. Thomas S. Monson said “Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish—and in effect save their lives,"

Serve someone around you today. Look for an opportunity to put someone above yourself and remember when you serve them you are serving God. On the reverse side.... accept service from someone around you. Allow them to "grow and flourish."

Go get lost in some hard work! The memories that will follow will be unforgettable! The love that will grow will be undeniable.





One of the many loads we helped cut.









starving..

Have you ever been hungry? Imagine a time when you were "starving." Maybe you are now. In these moments I think of all the things that I could be eating. Craving all sorts of delicious and wonderful things. The more my stomach grumbles the more I want. I start to become antsy and fish through my purse or bag for anything that will hold me over till I can really eat what I want. Have you felt this way? Then when you finally sit down in front of the meal you have been dreaming about you don’t know where to start. You just want to eat it all at once. You can’t stop... it is all just so good to you. Your mouth and stomach are grateful for the nourishment.

Some people say that my favorite phrase it "I'm starving!" But it is true. Not only physically but spiritually starving.

Have you ever been spiritually hungry? I believe its the best hunger there is. I start craving all sorts of things. Knowledge of my Father in Heaven, a sense of who I am. I crave the precious companionship of the Holy Ghost, I crave the teachings of there Book of Mormon and so many other things. When I start to "crave" the true teaching of Jesus Christ I feel as if I can never get enough. I start digging, in prayer and study to find my answers. I sit down with books and teachings in front of me and I can not seem to soak it up as fast as I would like. I yearn for more and more, and I never become full. I am  for a bit then I start asking more questions and feel a desire to know even more. I just cant stop!

President Gordon B. Hinkley said "There is hunger in the land, and a genuine thirst—a great hunger for the word of the Lord and an unsatisfied thirst for things of the Spirit. I am satisfied that the world is starved for spiritual food."

I am STARVING! I want the word of the Lord and I am thirsting for righteousness. (Matthew 5:6)
I know that the more we study. The more we really seek the truth it will be unfolded to us. I know that if we just ask God He will satisfy the hunger pains we have, and allow us to know the truth. There is so much to learn! We are never done! We must learn all that we can. If we focus on learning all we can now, we will be able to carry it with us into the here after. "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection." D&C 130:18.

If you are starving, if you are craving the truth, or even more knowledge about our Savior Jesus Christ. Then come unto Him! There is satisfaction and joy in learning. Your Spirit will be grateful for the nourishment that it receives. Never go a day hungry.

bits and pieces

Better late then never I guess.. It has taken me awhile to post anything. I have so many things I would love to talk about and share with you all. But lets start small shall we!

General Conference was this past week. It was Excellent. General Conference happens every 6 months and we have the privilege of hearing a living Prophet of God speak. Along with the Apostles and many other people. This is such a special time. This past conference was a spiritual boost and helped me gain a stronger relationship with my Father is Heaven. He really is there and He is aware of us and all that we need and all we go through. I have never felt it so strong or understood it so deeply.

Here are some of the highlights from the notes I took. These are somethings that stood out to me.

"Great Power can come from memorizing scriptures." -Richard G Scott 

"Do the right thing at the right time without Delay." -Jose L. Alonso  

"The outcome is not in question! Lucifer will lose!" - Boyd K. Packer

 "Compared to God man is nothing. But we are everything to God." -Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Where is your faith?" -Neil L. Anderson

"Time flies on wings of lightning." - Ian S. Ardern

"Let us be as quick to kneel as we are to txt." -Ian S. Ardern

"We must look up and step up then we will cheer up." -Carl B. Cook

"Whatever cost of Forgiveness is swallowed up in forgiveness."  -D. Todd Christofferson

"I plead with you to drink deeply and often from its [The Book of Mormon] pages." -Henry B. Eyring

"When He does not answer [a prayer], its often here a little and there a little." -Robert D. Hales

"Together with the Bible it [The Book of Mormon] brings us to 'One Lord, One Faith, one Baptism.' " -Tad R. Callister

"There is only one Church by Divine command that bears the name of Jesus Chirst." - M. Russell Ballard

"I urge you to gain a deeper relationship with our Father." -Thomas S. Monson

"The Laws of God remain constant." -Thomas S. Monson

"He makes the Terms and we agree." -Russel M. Nelson

"When you think of all the things Christ has done, shouldn't you be at Church worshiping Him?" - Dallin H. Oaks

"Where is your Ultimate Loyalty?" -Dallin H. Oaks

"look how far we have come. Take a deep breath then start uphill one step at a time." Matthew O. Richardson

"It is never too hard or too late to make correct choices." -Randall K. Bennett

"We must not only say our prayer but live them." -J. Devn Cornish

"Great blessings come to those that are faithful."-Quentin L. Cook

"The saviors Atonement provides life boats for everyone." -Quentin L. Cook

"We are all here because we love the Lord." -Thomas S. Monson

 I urge you to watch the messages that were so inspired by the Spirit. There is a lot of love and time that was put into them so that we could feel something from it. The Spirit of God will be all around as you watch and listen with an open heart. I know that the men and women that spoke this past weekend are called of God and that they truly are who they say they are. I love them and I am grateful that we have them in our lives. The things that I shared are only a fraction of the things that were spoken and I know there is a lot more to learn!



No matter how hard I tried I could
not break free without help.

What do you think of when you hear the word Captive? Nothing good comes to my mind. The dictionary defines Captive as taken or held prisoner or obligated to listen, and Captivate means to capture the attention or affection of. Satan does all he can to captivate us so that he can hold us captive.

There are all sorts of things that Satan entices us with. Things that may look fun or exciting. But they are things that are VERY dangerous and things we really need to be careful about. Heavenly Father has given us commandments to protect us from these things so that we don't become captive to the father of all lies. But we still have the choice to choose.

"...And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself." 2 Nephi 2:27

The Devil captivates us and binds us down. He makes us so dependent on him and "instant pleasures" that if we are addicted to them then we will center our lives around them.  These are things like alcohol and cigarettes, coffee, illegal drugs. These are extreme addictions. But we are warned not to partake! The Word of Wisdom was reveled to keep us safe from them. How can we center our lives on Jesus Christ and have the Holy Ghost with us if we are dependent on these things?

There are many other things that he can captivate us with.  Worshiping false Idols, breaking the Law of Chastity, having multiple wives, not keeping the Sabbath day holy and many other things. He tries in any way he can to tear us down to break us but there is hope! Dont you worry though... there is light...

Jesus Christ taught the people in the Book of Mormon "Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always, lest ye be tempted by the devil, and ye be led away captive by him." 3 Nephi 18:15

"He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death." Mosiah 16:9. If we call upon Jesus Christ to help us He will be there. If we follow the instructions he has given us through the Prophets we will not be held captive, we will become free. We will have the chains and the shackles removed. We will finally see the light at the end of the tunnel and have the hope for a brighter future. Follow Him! He is asking you to.

a cherished brother

I grew up with 5 brothers. I love them all very much. They picked on me and teased me but it made me strong. They joked with me and rescued me from my dark scary room. They even rushed me to the hospital when I cracked open my chin or took care of me when I had surgery. They did many wonderful things. They showed me their love. Through all of these memories I have one brother holds a dear place in my heart, but I do not play favorites. This brother did a whole lot more for me than jet me off to the hospital, or drive me to school every morning. This brother felt my pain and suffered with me through everything I have felt.

We shall call Him "...Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (2 Nephi 19:6) I have turned to Him in the deepest of sorrow and in the happiest of times. He was there for me each step of the way, holding my hand, calming my troubled heart and helping me feel the peace of His love.

My other brothers, my sister, even my parents they never left my side. But they were there in a different way. Sometimes I would get frustrated with them saying "you dont understand" or "you don't know how I feel." With my dear Brother Jesus Christ I am never tempted to even say this. He does know. He felt it and He knows how to help me through it. While he suffered in the Garden of Gethsemone He felt each pain, each harsh word that cut to my heart. He felt the tears and the temptations that I felt. The sorrow I have when I sin... He felt greater things then I can ever imagine becuase He "...came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." (Matt 20:28)

I have never needed Him as much as I need Him now. I have never felt the power of what He did strong as I feel it when I read from the Book of Mormon. We are all so blessed to have the opportunity to know him. To feel of His true and everlasting love. The kind of love that can and will carry us through it all. Look to him, He has the joy, the peace and the comfort that you have been searching for.

becoming strong

There comes a time in every ones life when we must decide who it is that we are going to be. This is a very defining and crucial point in any one's life. Sometimes it comes and goes and we don't know it. Sometimes it comes and stays for longer than we would like, and sometimes it comes more then once.

So how do we stay strong through this time and choose the right path? Elder Per G. Malm talks about becoming filled from the inside out, "Just as a young tree grows bit by bit into a sturdy tree, so we can grow step by step in our capacity to be solid and filled from the inside out, in contrast to the hollow tree. It is through the healing Atonement of Jesus Christ that we may have the strength to stand tall and strong and to have our souls be filled—with light, understanding, joy, and love."

If we start living in accordance to God's will then we are becoming strong from the inside out. We need to read our scriptures and seek the understanding and learning that can fill our hearts as we study them. We need to pray to our Father and plead with Him to help us to know what path He needs us to follow. There are loads of other things that I could ramble on about, but it is so simple. Choose now who you will follow and DO NOT EVER look back!  "Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself." (2 Nephi 2:27)

If we choose NOW to follow our dearest elder Brother and Savior, Jesus Christ, then when we get to that point in our lives the choice will come naturally. If we are strong from the inside out we will look back and see that in that moment we followed Him, we did not let our eyes become unfocused. 

Lets all stand tall and strong. So that we will not falter and fall into the temptations of the evil one. Jesus Christ is always there for you. He will NEVER let you down. He has walked the very path that you have gone down and knows what is ahead. We must not follow Him will a "hollow" heart. Fill your heart with His love. The choice is yours. Become what He knows you can become!