prayers of soy milk

Recently I have decided that I was going to switch to drinking Soy milk. Bad idea without trying it first! It is not very good. This morning right before eating my breakfast I prayed to Heavenly Father to make it taste better, and what do ya know it was a lot better then my first try. Prayers no matter how silly we think they are sometimes or how small are something special to our Heavnely Father. He answers our prayers because He loves us!

The great Book of Mormon prophet Nephi shares loads of experiences from his life on receiving answers to prayers. In 1 Nephi 2:16 he say's "having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father..." I like Nephi didn't receive what I wanted just by sitting back and expecting Heavenly Father to just give it to me. We both prayed and asked for the things that we desired.

We need to not be afraid to ask our Heavenly Father for the things that we need, want, or desire. If He didnt want to help us, hear our cries, our stories and all about our lives... He wouldnt have taught us about prayer. President Henry B. Eyring stated "Every child of God can commune in prayer with Him." We are ALL children of God!

Prayer is how we ask.. and most often prayers are answered through other people. We have a special opportunity to hear from the Prophet and Apostles this weekend at General Conference. I have recently been reminded to "Think of questions [I] want answered during general conference. Write them down and pray to know the answers." (President Barry, mission president) 

I know that if we pray and seek for the answers we desire that we will receive them. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf promised blessings of receiving answers to these prays and said "Answers to your specific prayers may come directly from a particular talk or from a specific phrase. At other times answers may come in a seemingly unrelated word, phrase, or song. A heart filled with gratitude for the blessings of life and an earnest desire to hear and follow the words of counsel will prepare the way for personal revelation."

Prepare now! Ask for help direction, comfort whatever it may be. You will receive these answers as you watch conference this weekend with an open heart.

too busy?

Dearest readers it sure has been awhile since I was able to post!  I am sorry that it has taken me so long. I have been so blessed to be kept busy. "Busy" what a crazy word.

It amazes me that people can get so wrapped up in what they are doing that they forget to do the littlest things. One thing I have noticed that gets pushed aside a lot is prayer and scripture study. It makes me sad to think that people are too "busy" to talk with our Father. I can't go a day without thinking of Him and thanking Him for His infinite love! He is always there for us. I have felt this so often in my crazy life. Even when we think we can do it without Him, He is standing right there waiting for us to call upon Him for the help we need. President Gordon B. Hinckley said "It isn’t as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don’t worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out.  Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers." We are literally His children and He loves us. Why would He leave us to deal with our busy lives on our own? He doesn't, and He will not.

I pray that each of us will not forget our Father. The Creator of the world takes time to listen to us and help us with the struggles in our lives. We can take a moment out of our day to pray to Him, to share His message with those around us and to be obedient to the commandments He has established.  In doing these small things our "busy" lives can turn around. We will find peace in this life. I will not let my busy life get in the way of what my Father in Heaven expects of me.

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

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.

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.

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!

learning to ask

When I was younger I had a hard time asking for help sometimes. There would be times I would be struggling with my homework, or something hard that I needed to do. I would start crying or freaking out, and I didn't understand why no one would come help me! I would get even more frustrated. One of my brothers would come along and say... "All you have to do is ask and I will help you." I hated when he told me this. When I would finally ask he would just jump right in like he had been helping me the whole time. He knew that I was struggling why couldn't he just offer the help? Now I understand why.  He needed me to ask. He wanted me to figure it out on my own. He could not force me to use his help.

This is much like Heavenly Father. I hear so many people say "Why doesn't God just give me what I want?" or "Why does God let me struggle and not help me out?" and many other things. Well my dear friend, its because He is waiting for us to ask Him! "...your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask him." 3 Nephi 13:8. I have learned this from my experiences as a child. Our Father is not just going to give us what we want. He is not going to force His help on us. He expects us to ask for them. Prayer is so powerful and is a beautiful commandment. 

When we pray we must be specific. Back when I was in Elementary School I lived just down the road from the school, and every morning I would walk. One morning I remember a great lesson I learned again from one of my brothers. I was walking through our yard when he asked me if I wanted him to "run" me to school. I was so excited thinking he was going to drive me! I quickly said yes and to my surprise he ran over to me picked me up like a big bag of potatoes and through me over his shoulder and began to "run" through the yard towards my school. Of coarse I was not happy. I started yelling at him that is not what I meant and he just laughed. Another lesson well taught.

Our Father in Heaven will not laugh at us when we go to Him in prayer. But He does want us to be specific. When we are specific with our questions or desires He can be specific with his answers and blessings. Asking Him to "show my the truth" can mean numberless things! The sky is blue, you are sitting in front of a computer right now, there is a big sun in the sky..... and so on. Now what do you think His answer would be if you asked Him "Is the Book of Mormon true?" or "Was Joseph Smith a Prophet?" or "Does the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hold the proper Authority to baptize?" I know what His answer would be. I have had each of these questions, answered with a very specific and memorable experience. If you have not asked these questions I encourage you to do so now. Get on your knees and gain a spiritual witness that these things are true! You will not regret it!

From now on lets all pray specifically when we talk with our Father in Heaven. It will make our conversations with Him more meaningful.

A humble prayer... A changed world

I would like to share a story with you that is very dear to my heart. It may sound familiar to you, it may not, but it is a true story! A story that is brilliant and that changed the world!

There was a boy. A 14 year old boy, who read the Bible and loved Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. He wanted to follow them and do as they directed. He wanted to be baptized as the scriptures counciled him to do. He was confused with all the religions. He didn't know where he needed to go to receive this saving ordinance. So he followed the advice of James "if any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God..." On a quite morning he went into a grove of trees. A place where he could be alone and pray to the only one who knows all truth.

As he prayed. The  most amazing experience happened to him. 

He said of this experience "I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. . . When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!"

This boy's name was Joesph Smith. He did not know the magnitude his simple prayer would have on the rest of the world. But in those tender moments the world was changed forever. Through Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ restored His gospel to the earth once again.

"Oh how lovely was the morning."

I love this story. I love the effect it has on my life. I am thankful that Joseph Smith prayed that morning. I am thankful that Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father appeared to him. I know that this is true! I have prayed about it. The Spirit of God has come upon me to tell me that it is true. I pray that you will also come to know for yourself that this is true. Let it change your life!