Lately I've been thinking about how easy it is to let Satan creep his way into our lives.
Our whole lives we are told to: read your scriptures, pray individually and with your family, have family home evening, stand in holy places, etc.
Why?
First you say a swear word or two here and there, you watch a rated R movie - there's worse PG-13 movies out there you tell yourself, you go to a party where there's alcohol - it's fine you won't drink, your friends want to go gamble - it's just a night of entertainment, you hardly go to your own ward because you travel a lot - at least you go to church, you don't really read your scriptures because you're so busy with school, work, and life, you're lucky if you get a prayer in at night because you're so tired....
See how the trap begins...
See how Satan can creep his way into your life so slowly that you don't even notice...
See why you're told to read your scriptures, go to church, say your prayers, etc.
Because it makes all the difference!
If you want to stay strong, you need to be strong!
Stand up for what you believe in!
You have better words to use then swear words - trust me, you don't need to see a rated R movie - even if it's only rated R because of swearing, you don't need to go to a party where there will be alcohol or drugs - it's not a good atmosphere nor does it make you feel good to be there, play 21 at a friends house using candy, set a time aside where you can read your scriptures for even just 10 minutes out of your whole day...
Taking inventory and seeing where we're at in life will help us resist temptation and also help us stay away from Satan's traps that he sets ever so slightly.
Christ is the way. The only way.
He is the truth, the light, and THE source for true lasting happiness.
What will you do to make sure Satan is not creeping his way into your life??
Monday, October 21, 2013
Sunday, July 7, 2013
testimony
Today being the first Sunday in July is Fast and Testimony Meeting at every single Mormon church. Pretty cool right?!
It's always been one of my favorite Sunday's. I love hearing from people. I love hearing what people believe and their experiences that have brought them to that point. I love testimony because it's something that everyone has or is working on. It's something that is yours and that no one can take from you.
It's what you know to be true.
A couple times on my mission in Alabama my testimony was questioned, but it doesn't change the fact I know what I know. And sometimes I wish I could give it to people!
My testimony is my conviction. It's what keeps me going. It's why I go to church every Sunday. It's why I try to be more Christlike in all I do. Because of the things I know to be true...
Most important I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that He lives and loves us. I know that He is my Savior. I know that He lived and died for me. And you. I know that He knows exactly how I feel and exactly what I go through. I know He is always there. No matter what. He is my doctor, my therapist, my friend, and my personal Savior! What a blessing to have that knowledge.
That keeps me going and makes me want to do better, every day, for Him!
I know that when Jesus was here on the Earth He established His church and He called twelve Apostles. When they died so did God's authority, putting the world in a state of Apostasy. But just like He always does, God called another Prophet to restore Christ's church back to the Earth.
I know that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet of God. He was called of God to do a mighty work and restore Christ's church back to the earth. So many true and precious truths were restored back to the earth for us; families can be sealed together forever in the house of the Lord, people can be baptized with God's authority, also known as the Priesthood, more scriptures were revealed - The Book of Mormon. I know that it is the word of God along with the Bible and it brings us closer to Christ.
The Heaven's are still open.
We still have a Prophet of God on the earth today and what a blessing that is!
I don't know about you but I think this world is getting crazier and crazier. So grateful to know that if I follow the Prophet I will not go astray. I love, love listening to their words and council on how I can live a happy, healthy life!
I'm so grateful for my faith, conviction, and testimony.
Grateful that every month I can reflect on it, sometimes share it with the congregation, and strengthen it.
Whatever testimony you have, hang out to it. Strengthen it. Just like a seed, it will grow. But will it grow without water? Without sunlight? Without attention? No... it won't.
Same with your testimony. In order for it to grow, you have to water it, go to church, read your scriptures, pray. You have to give it sunlight, ponder on it, reflect on it.
With a little nourishment, it will grow....
It's always been one of my favorite Sunday's. I love hearing from people. I love hearing what people believe and their experiences that have brought them to that point. I love testimony because it's something that everyone has or is working on. It's something that is yours and that no one can take from you.
It's what you know to be true.
A couple times on my mission in Alabama my testimony was questioned, but it doesn't change the fact I know what I know. And sometimes I wish I could give it to people!
My testimony is my conviction. It's what keeps me going. It's why I go to church every Sunday. It's why I try to be more Christlike in all I do. Because of the things I know to be true...
Most important I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that He lives and loves us. I know that He is my Savior. I know that He lived and died for me. And you. I know that He knows exactly how I feel and exactly what I go through. I know He is always there. No matter what. He is my doctor, my therapist, my friend, and my personal Savior! What a blessing to have that knowledge.
That keeps me going and makes me want to do better, every day, for Him!
I know that when Jesus was here on the Earth He established His church and He called twelve Apostles. When they died so did God's authority, putting the world in a state of Apostasy. But just like He always does, God called another Prophet to restore Christ's church back to the Earth.
I know that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet of God. He was called of God to do a mighty work and restore Christ's church back to the earth. So many true and precious truths were restored back to the earth for us; families can be sealed together forever in the house of the Lord, people can be baptized with God's authority, also known as the Priesthood, more scriptures were revealed - The Book of Mormon. I know that it is the word of God along with the Bible and it brings us closer to Christ.
The Heaven's are still open.
We still have a Prophet of God on the earth today and what a blessing that is!
I don't know about you but I think this world is getting crazier and crazier. So grateful to know that if I follow the Prophet I will not go astray. I love, love listening to their words and council on how I can live a happy, healthy life!
I'm so grateful for my faith, conviction, and testimony.
Grateful that every month I can reflect on it, sometimes share it with the congregation, and strengthen it.
Whatever testimony you have, hang out to it. Strengthen it. Just like a seed, it will grow. But will it grow without water? Without sunlight? Without attention? No... it won't.
Same with your testimony. In order for it to grow, you have to water it, go to church, read your scriptures, pray. You have to give it sunlight, ponder on it, reflect on it.
With a little nourishment, it will grow....
Thanks for reading!
Saturday, June 29, 2013
mountains to climb
I watched this Mormon Message and was so touched. There were so many great quotes to offer peace, strength, and comfort to those who are going through a difficult time.
I have a couple people in my life who I know are going through trails. Lately it seems it's never ending and it's been quite the year...
What I do know is that holding on to the faith that you do have during this time is the single most important thing you can do! Staying close to the Lord and Savior is the only way to find true and lasting happiness and peace.
Some quotes from President Eyring's talk:
Read the whole thing here: Mountains to Climb:
-----------------------
"Many of you are now passing through physical, mental, and emotional trials that could cause you to cry out as did one great and faithful servant of God I knew well. His nurse heard him exclaim from his bed of pain, “When I have tried all my life to be good, why has this happened to me?”
“And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?
“Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.”
"There seems to me no better answer to the question of why trials come and what we are to do than the words of the Lord Himself, who passed through trials for us more terrible than we can imagine."
"You and I have faith that the way to rise through and above trials is to believe that there is a “balm in Gilead” and that the Lord has promised, “I will not … forsake thee.” That is what President Thomas S. Monson has taught us to help us and those we serve in what seem lonely and overwhelming trials."
"If the foundation of faith is not embedded in our hearts, the power to endure will crumble."
"...acting on even a twig of faith allows God to grow it."
------------------------------
We have to build a solid foundation of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Sometimes that takes days, weeks, months, and even years... We have to continually choose Him. Even if we start with faith as big as a seed, it will grow. But we have to water it, give it sunlight, and sometimes the lawn mower might run in to it and chop it down. So we give it more water and more sunlight.
Same thing with our faith. Sometimes we get knocked down but we have to continue building and letting our faith grow. Continue to pray, go to church, live as God wants you to live. You will find peace. You will find happiness. He is there waiting for you to turn to Him.
We have to know that everything we experience in this life is to help prepare us to return back to Him.
He's helping us learn and grow. He's making us into who He knows we can become.
When you're in the midst of a trial, it can be hard to realize this, but know that it's true. The Lord loves you and wants you to turn to Him always. He will give you peace and comfort. He will give you answers.
But you have to act! Faith is an action word.
I know that Heavenly Father knows you personally. I know that He sent His only begotten Son to the Earth just for you. I know that Christ lived and died for you. So that when you are suffering, when you hurt, when you feel like you want to give up... You can turn to Him and He knows exactly how to help you because He's been there before. I know that He loves you and He's waiting for you to turn to Him. Turn to Him. Have faith and don't give up!
Thanks for reading!
Thursday, June 27, 2013
praise to the man
"...who communed with Jehovah!
Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer.
Blessed to open the last dispensation,
Kings shall extol him, and nations revere."
Today marks the 169th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
I watched this clip...
Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer.
Blessed to open the last dispensation,
Kings shall extol him, and nations revere."
Today marks the 169th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
I watched this clip...
...and reflected on; my testimony, how much Emma and Joseph sacrificed, watching her watch her husband ride away knowing he wouldn't come back broke my heart... I can't imagine....I thought about what it means to me to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life.
I'm forever grateful that a young man with a lot of questions did as James directs and he asked of God. I'm forever grateful that Christ restored His church back to the Earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith. Giving us that proper authority to perform saving ordinances. He was ridiculed, beat, and hated.... still is. But he went on. He never once denied anything. Neither did the witnesses. He lived and died for truth! I'm forever grateful for his sacrifice that would bring millions the peace and happiness that the gospel of Jesus Christ brings.
I know he was a true Prophet of God and because of that I have more tools to bring me closer to my Savior Jesus Christ. More scriptures to read, the fullness of the gospel, the Priesthood of God in my home, the plan of salvation, and so much more...
The gospel of Jesus Christ has given me so much peace, happiness, faith, hope, and assurance in my life. Life changes, a lot sometimes, but the gospel never does... it's always been there for me! My Savior's always been there for me! It fills my heart and soul with joy.
It makes me want to be a better person. It makes me want to love as Christ loves and forgive as Christ forgives. It makes me want to live life to the fullest. It makes me want to learn new things and grow. It makes me want to travel the world and see all different walks of life and serve. It makes me want to be successful. It makes me want to have a beautiful family that knows and loves the Lord.
Thank you Heavenly Father for giving us a Savior, an example and friend. Thank you for restoring His gospel and giving us all the tools we need to live a happy and successful life. Thank you for paving the way so that I can return to You.
Thank you Facebook for reminding me of this anniversary and giving me the chance to reflect and fill my heart with the spirit, joy, and gratitude.
See, Facebook is good! :)
Thanks for reading!
Monday, June 24, 2013
"Lord, I believe".
Yesterday I taught Relief Society! Maybe I'm a little weird... but I love teaching & talking in sacrament meeting. It gives me an opportunity to share what I know to be true & I love that!
Well here is my outline for my lesson... Enjoy!
Does
anyone remember this talk? What stood out to you?
READ
STORY
‘On one occasion Jesus came upon a group arguing vehemently with His disciples. When the Savior inquired as to the cause of this contention, the father of an afflicted child stepped forward, saying he had approached Jesus’s disciples for a blessing for his son, but they were not able to provide it.’
‘On one occasion Jesus came upon a group arguing vehemently with His disciples. When the Savior inquired as to the cause of this contention, the father of an afflicted child stepped forward, saying he had approached Jesus’s disciples for a blessing for his son, but they were not able to provide it.’
Why
is that? Why weren't the disciples able to provide a blessing for his son?
·
Turn
to MATTHEW 17:19-21
19 “Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?
20 “And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”
21 “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”
19 “Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?
20 “And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”
21 “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”
So
why couldn’t the disciples provide a blessing for his son?
Because of their unbelief.
Because of their unbelief.
What
does this tell us about believing?
‘If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed.’ Is a
mustard seed big?
FINISH STORY
‘With the boy still gnashing his teeth, foaming from the mouth, and thrashing on the ground in front of them, the father appealed to Jesus with what must have been last-resort desperation in his voice:
“If thou canst do any thing,” he said, “have compassion on us, and help us.
“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
“And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”
‘With no other hope remaining, this father asserts what faith he has and pleads with the Savior of the world, “If thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.” I can hardly read those words without weeping. The plural pronoun us is obviously used intentionally. This man is saying in effect, “Our whole family is pleading. Our struggle never ceases. We are exhausted. Our son falls into the water. He falls into the fire. He is continually in danger, and we are continually afraid. We don’t know where else to turn?’
‘With the boy still gnashing his teeth, foaming from the mouth, and thrashing on the ground in front of them, the father appealed to Jesus with what must have been last-resort desperation in his voice:
“If thou canst do any thing,” he said, “have compassion on us, and help us.
“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
“And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”
‘With no other hope remaining, this father asserts what faith he has and pleads with the Savior of the world, “If thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.” I can hardly read those words without weeping. The plural pronoun us is obviously used intentionally. This man is saying in effect, “Our whole family is pleading. Our struggle never ceases. We are exhausted. Our son falls into the water. He falls into the fire. He is continually in danger, and we are continually afraid. We don’t know where else to turn?’
Have
you ever felt like that? Have you ever felt like you don’t know where else to
turn?
It continues: ‘Can you help us? We will be grateful for anything – a partial blessing, a glimmer of hope, some small lifting of the burden carried by this boy’s mother every day of her life.’
“If thou canst do any thing,” spoken by the father, comes back to him, “If thou canst believe,” spoken by the master.’
“Straightway,” the scripture says – not slowly nor skeptically nor cynically but “straightway” – the father cries out in his unvarnished parental pain, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” In response to new and still partial faith, Jesus heals the boy, almost literally raising him from the dead, as Mark describes the incident.’
I
love how it says, ‘in response to new and still partial faith, Jesus heals the
boy.’ I know that as we have faith no matter how new or how big or small, Jesus will be there for us.
What does that mean to you?
Elder
Holland gives us 3 observations from this story: who has #1?
#1
“When facing the challenge of faith, the father asserts his strength first and
only then acknowledges his limitation. His initial declaration is affirmative
and without hesitation: “Lord, I believe.”
What
does that mean to you? How can we apply this in our life?
Elder Holland also says: who has #2?
#2 “In
moments of fear or doubt or troubling times, hold the ground you have already
won, even if that ground is limited.”
“When those [hard] moments come and issues surface, the
resolution of which is not immediately forthcoming, hold fast to what you
already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes.”
Why
is that important to ‘hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until
additional knowledge comes’?
The
second observation that Elder Holland makes is: who has #3?
#3
“When problems come and questions arise, do not start your quest for faith by
saying how much you do not have,
leading as it were with your “unbelief”. That is like trying to stuff a turkey
through the beak! Let me be clear on this point: I am not asking you to pretend to faith you do not have. I am asking
you to be true to the faith you do
have.”
Why
is that important? How can we be true to the faith we do have?
And
then he says: who has #4?
#4 “So
let us all remember the clear message of this scriptural account: Be as candid
about your questions as you need to; life is full of them on one subject or
another. But if you and your family want to be healed, don’t let those
questions stand in the way of faith working its miracle.”
IPAD – SHOW CLIP OF TALK
What stood out to you?
“In this church, what we know will always trump what we
do not know. And remember, in this world, everyone is to walk by faith.”
“Except in the case of His only perfect Begotten Son,
imperfect people are all God has ever had to work with. That must be terribly
frustrating to Him, but He deals with it. So should we.”
The last observation Elder Holland makes is: who has #5?
#5
“When doubt or difficulty come, do not be afraid to ask for help.”
Why?
#6 “If
we want it as humbly and honestly as this father did, we can get it. The
scriptures phrase such earnest desire as being of “real intent”, pursued “with
full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God.” I
testify that in response to that kind of importuning, God will send help from
both sides of the veil to strengthen our belief.”
I
love the message of this talk. Jesus said, “If ye have faith as a grain of
mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place;
and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”
He didn't say, ‘If ye have faith as big as a mountain…’
He didn't say, ‘If ye have faith as big as a mountain…’
It’s
not the size of our faith that matters or how much we know. It’s having faith
and believing.
Elder
Holland says: “It is the integrity you demonstrate toward the faith you do have
and the truth you already know.”
I
know that as we show our faith and we believe miracles can and will happen.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the Lord's kingdom once again established on the earth. What a blessing to have that knowledge!
“Jesus
said, “If ye have faith as a grain of
mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place;
and it shall remove; and…
Nothing shall be impossible unto you.”
The
size of your faith or the degree of your knowledge is not the issue – it is the
integrity you demonstrate toward the faith you do have and the truth you already know.”
–
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “Lord, I Believe”
Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
modesty
I listened to a podcast about modesty with Julie B. Beck. She talked about it perfectly!
So many great messages and thoughts I got from it. Here is a recap.
------------------
A lady asked a question about what do we wear to the Temple, is okay to wear this or that, or what do we say to people who are dressed a certain way for the Temple? What do we say?
"Welcome to the Temple!" - Julie B. Beck
Many sisters are wearing pants to church these days? What do we say or do we leave that to the Relief Society President? What about flip-flops or sandals? What can we do to encourage better dress all around?
"In the church we do not have dress police! We do not have the dress code police in the church. That's it. We are not responsible for policing each others behavior. Our behavior is between us and the Lord and the Bishop and he is the one we declare our worthiness to. That's the measure. We are expected to be a self correcting people!"
"We can lead by example, we can love, we can teach principles, and we can be kind. We don't reproach. We're all in a different place in our covenant keeping."
"I have met sisters who come to the Temple with plastic bags on their feet. Why? Because they don't own shoes. They want to come to the Temple in a respectful way. It's that attitude the Lord is looking for."
"The rule of thumb which I have for myself is that where ordinances are taking place and covenants are being made, the standard of dress is higher. That's a sign that we understand the importance of an ordinance and a covenant and we're willing to reflect that in the way we dress."
"I think in our culture that has become so casual in general we think that all events have the same important informality but they don't. We have formal places to carry on the Lord's work where we make covenants."
How can we accept people that are on different parts of the spectrum?
"We are all not in the same place. A lot of the time we learn from the new ones. There is much we can learn from each other."
She shared a story about a women who was sitting in the Temple in Paraguay in a beautiful white sleeveless dress. She went up to her and talked to her. She had been a member for 3 months and she's waiting for the day she can go in and make covenants. Sister Beck asked her, "Why are you at the Temple?" She said, "I love to sit in the Temple." Sister Beck asked her about her beautiful white dress. She said, "I knew that people wear white in the Temple so I bought it so that I could wear it here to read my scriptures."
"Here's a new member who doesn't know we wear sleeves in the Temple but by the time she receives her own endowments, she will. It was her heart that was beautiful."
------------------
I love learning, pondering, and listening to principles about the gospel. I love strengthening my own understanding about why I do the things I do and why it's important. It's not because I was just told to do it, it's because it's important to the Lord. It's because it's an outward expression of my inner commitment to Him. It does show how committed you are to the gospel.
So when we look at others we shouldn't look at them in a judging way, think less of them, or think I'm better. Our actions are a reflection of our testimony. Instead, we should think how can I help strengthen their testimony? How can I be a good example?
What do your actions say about your testimony and commitment to the Savior?
What does your dress and appearance say about your testimony?
Modesty is one way we can show the Lord that we follow Him.
So many great messages and thoughts I got from it. Here is a recap.
------------------
A lady asked a question about what do we wear to the Temple, is okay to wear this or that, or what do we say to people who are dressed a certain way for the Temple? What do we say?
"Welcome to the Temple!" - Julie B. Beck
Many sisters are wearing pants to church these days? What do we say or do we leave that to the Relief Society President? What about flip-flops or sandals? What can we do to encourage better dress all around?
"In the church we do not have dress police! We do not have the dress code police in the church. That's it. We are not responsible for policing each others behavior. Our behavior is between us and the Lord and the Bishop and he is the one we declare our worthiness to. That's the measure. We are expected to be a self correcting people!"
"We can lead by example, we can love, we can teach principles, and we can be kind. We don't reproach. We're all in a different place in our covenant keeping."
"I have met sisters who come to the Temple with plastic bags on their feet. Why? Because they don't own shoes. They want to come to the Temple in a respectful way. It's that attitude the Lord is looking for."
"The rule of thumb which I have for myself is that where ordinances are taking place and covenants are being made, the standard of dress is higher. That's a sign that we understand the importance of an ordinance and a covenant and we're willing to reflect that in the way we dress."
"I think in our culture that has become so casual in general we think that all events have the same important informality but they don't. We have formal places to carry on the Lord's work where we make covenants."
How can we accept people that are on different parts of the spectrum?
"We are all not in the same place. A lot of the time we learn from the new ones. There is much we can learn from each other."
She shared a story about a women who was sitting in the Temple in Paraguay in a beautiful white sleeveless dress. She went up to her and talked to her. She had been a member for 3 months and she's waiting for the day she can go in and make covenants. Sister Beck asked her, "Why are you at the Temple?" She said, "I love to sit in the Temple." Sister Beck asked her about her beautiful white dress. She said, "I knew that people wear white in the Temple so I bought it so that I could wear it here to read my scriptures."
"Here's a new member who doesn't know we wear sleeves in the Temple but by the time she receives her own endowments, she will. It was her heart that was beautiful."
------------------
I love learning, pondering, and listening to principles about the gospel. I love strengthening my own understanding about why I do the things I do and why it's important. It's not because I was just told to do it, it's because it's important to the Lord. It's because it's an outward expression of my inner commitment to Him. It does show how committed you are to the gospel.
So when we look at others we shouldn't look at them in a judging way, think less of them, or think I'm better. Our actions are a reflection of our testimony. Instead, we should think how can I help strengthen their testimony? How can I be a good example?
What do your actions say about your testimony and commitment to the Savior?
What does your dress and appearance say about your testimony?
Modesty is one way we can show the Lord that we follow Him.
Thanks for reading!
Saturday, June 8, 2013
should Christian women wear bikinis?
What do you think?
The other day I was looking through my news feed and saw this video posted by my cousin who is male. He said: "This is really well said. Great research that proves 'modest is hottest."
The other day I was looking through my news feed and saw this video posted by my cousin who is male. He said: "This is really well said. Great research that proves 'modest is hottest."
I love research! Especially information like this, maybe that's why I'm majoring in Psychology.
I loved this. It shows what a man's brain does when they view women in modest and immodest clothing. Do we really understand what it does? Do we care?
I loved his point that if a boy were to walk into a girls locker room and they were just in their underwear and bra, girls would scream and grab a towel to cover up. But at the beach they wear the exact same amount of clothing and it's fine. They may be comfortable but the male's brain stays the same.
What do you think? Should women wear bikinis?
Thanks for reading!
Thursday, May 23, 2013
the important thing about yelling
Something else I will probably blog about is... parenting! Weird? Probably. But I love it! I'm majoring in Psychology with a minor in Family and Human Development and I've discovered a love for parenting. I've been interested in behavior for a while now but just recently realized how into parenting I am. That's what I want to do with my degree. Whether it's teach parenting classes, helping parents with behavior plans, etc. Something to that effect.
But that's kind of intimidating all at the same time. Because if I'm going to go into parenting you think I would have perfect children right. Well I just might... ;) Jk! We'll be far from perfect... but that's what helps interest me more because I want to learn, learn, learn everything I can about it and it just might help me when our time comes.
I read this article today and loved it!
Little did I know that the actual blog is amazing!
"My moment of painful awareness that propelled me on a Hands Free journey to let go of distraction and grasp what really mattered."
"With a lighten load, I was able to react to my children’s mistakes and wrongdoings in a more calm, compassionate, and reasonable manner."
"Just imagine if you let all areas of life just BE instead of trying to create the end result that you want or that you imagine."
Reminds me of a song... "I just wanna feel this moment..."
I love how she talks about learning to just enjoy life and not miss it because of daily distractions. That's something I've definitely learned and am still learning. Those of you who know me, know that everything in my house has a place. When I first got married I said something about our house being a mess and my husband said, "Yeah, we live here."
I realized then that, yeah we do live here and sometimes things are going to be out of place and messy and that's okay.
It's fun reading blogs and knowing you're not the only one ;)
So back to the original article...
Perfect parenting advice. I absolutely love it and have seen it in my own life with my siblings. Story...
It was Sunday and my 8 year old sister and I were getting ready for church. We were just stepping into the car when I hear a loud pop sound and dark liquid exploded everywhere. When she got into the car there was a fountain drink in the cup holder in the door. She accidentally stepped on it getting into the car causing Coke to go everywhere!
"Oops looks like we need to go get some towels!"
I don't remember exactly what I said but I remember seeing my sister almost get upset but then realizing it wasn't a big deal. Accidents happen and sometimes we spill Coke. There's nothing you can do about it. It's already done and getting mad, upset, angry over spilled Coke will do nothing.
This is something that will happen time and time again being a parent... The thing we need to master is how we react to it...
Great reminder of letting things go and grasping what really matters.
But that's kind of intimidating all at the same time. Because if I'm going to go into parenting you think I would have perfect children right. Well I just might... ;) Jk! We'll be far from perfect... but that's what helps interest me more because I want to learn, learn, learn everything I can about it and it just might help me when our time comes.
I read this article today and loved it!
Little did I know that the actual blog is amazing!
"My moment of painful awareness that propelled me on a Hands Free journey to let go of distraction and grasp what really mattered."
"With a lighten load, I was able to react to my children’s mistakes and wrongdoings in a more calm, compassionate, and reasonable manner."
"Just imagine if you let all areas of life just BE instead of trying to create the end result that you want or that you imagine."
Reminds me of a song... "I just wanna feel this moment..."
I love how she talks about learning to just enjoy life and not miss it because of daily distractions. That's something I've definitely learned and am still learning. Those of you who know me, know that everything in my house has a place. When I first got married I said something about our house being a mess and my husband said, "Yeah, we live here."
I realized then that, yeah we do live here and sometimes things are going to be out of place and messy and that's okay.
It's fun reading blogs and knowing you're not the only one ;)
So back to the original article...
Perfect parenting advice. I absolutely love it and have seen it in my own life with my siblings. Story...
It was Sunday and my 8 year old sister and I were getting ready for church. We were just stepping into the car when I hear a loud pop sound and dark liquid exploded everywhere. When she got into the car there was a fountain drink in the cup holder in the door. She accidentally stepped on it getting into the car causing Coke to go everywhere!
"Oops looks like we need to go get some towels!"
I don't remember exactly what I said but I remember seeing my sister almost get upset but then realizing it wasn't a big deal. Accidents happen and sometimes we spill Coke. There's nothing you can do about it. It's already done and getting mad, upset, angry over spilled Coke will do nothing.
This is something that will happen time and time again being a parent... The thing we need to master is how we react to it...
Great reminder of letting things go and grasping what really matters.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Al Fox
I love this girl!
I found out about her from Facebook I believe. LDS Living did an article about her. You can read it here!
Her name is Al Fox. She grew up in New York and is a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her story is incredible. Her faith is incredible. You can read her blog here! She's a lot better at telling her story then I am. Then come back and finish reading...
She is the one that uses #UseTheInternetForGood & she inspired me to start this public blog.
She now goes around and does a ton of speaking! I love her message. It's about not judging but more importantly not getting offended and letting others ruin our eternal salvation. It's about choosing God, every second of every day. Not letting our past or what we've done get in our way. Christ is always there for us.
I hope for those of us that are Mormon will learn from her story to not judge and love, only love! We all have different paths. We all learn things and gain or strengthen our own testimonies at different times. We all have to go through different things in order to learn. Who cares if someone has a tattoo, who cares if someone is wearing jeans at church, the list goes on... Our job is to love and be Christlike. I hope we can do that. If so, the world would definitely be a better place!
So please read her blog, Facebook, watch her YouTube videos, be inspired and help #UseTheInternetForGood!
Thanks for reading!
www.mormon.org
#UseTheInternetForGood
I found out about her from Facebook I believe. LDS Living did an article about her. You can read it here!
Her name is Al Fox. She grew up in New York and is a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her story is incredible. Her faith is incredible. You can read her blog here! She's a lot better at telling her story then I am. Then come back and finish reading...
She is the one that uses #UseTheInternetForGood & she inspired me to start this public blog.
She now goes around and does a ton of speaking! I love her message. It's about not judging but more importantly not getting offended and letting others ruin our eternal salvation. It's about choosing God, every second of every day. Not letting our past or what we've done get in our way. Christ is always there for us.
I hope for those of us that are Mormon will learn from her story to not judge and love, only love! We all have different paths. We all learn things and gain or strengthen our own testimonies at different times. We all have to go through different things in order to learn. Who cares if someone has a tattoo, who cares if someone is wearing jeans at church, the list goes on... Our job is to love and be Christlike. I hope we can do that. If so, the world would definitely be a better place!
So please read her blog, Facebook, watch her YouTube videos, be inspired and help #UseTheInternetForGood!
Thanks for reading!
www.mormon.org
#UseTheInternetForGood
Monday, May 20, 2013
testimony
Friday, May 17, 2013
I went out with the Sister missionaries! I went with them to visit a less-active member earlier today and then to another lesson tonight at the church. Oh how it takes me right back and makes me miss every second of my mission. If I could I think I would be a missionary for the rest of my life! Oh wait I already am... but I mean a full-time missionary! I absolutely loved my mission. Every since I can remember I wanted to serve. Doing the most important work in the world. It brings you a new perspective on what really matters in life. It reminds me where I came from, why I'm here, and where I'm going. It reminds me why I'm really here... to prepare to meet God! Everything I do here or happens to me here is to prepare me to meet God! That's it. That's my purpose here.
I so love the gospel. It means everything to me. I've always known it was true. I'm so grateful for my faith and testimony in my Savior and His gospel and plan for me. I would really be a mess without it.
I know that Jesus Christ lives and loves us. I know He wants us to be happy and He has a plan for each one of us. I know as I trust in Him more fully I find lasting peace and happiness. I know that as I turn to Him, He turns my weaknesses into strengths and boy am I grateful for that! He helps me see a new and different perspective on life. He helps me want to treat everyone with love and kindness. He helps me want to serve others. He helps me want to be better every single day, for Him.
I know that He established His church while he was on the earth and I also know that it fell apart and became lost... There were parts still here but it became changed and corrupted over time. I know that He restored His church back to the earth through a Prophet, like He always does. I know that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet of God. He saw God the Father and His son Jesus Christ. What an amazing experience. And what a life Joseph Smith had because of this. He lived and died for the cause. He was persecuted and mocked tremendously. Never once did he deny what he saw. He said, "I knew it, I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it." And neither can I. It is so true. So true!
I wish everyone in the world could feel what I feel. I wish everyone in the world could have the knowledge that I have. We have a loving Heavenly Father and He has a plan for us.
Going out with the Sisters brings all of this to mind and I'm so grateful.
I absolutely love the gospel and my Savior.
I hope you do too!
Thanks for reading!
ordain Mormon women
I've recently came across an Ordain Women website, where Mormon women are coming together for gender equality and ordination of the Priesthood. I first came across Mormon feminists from the event "Wear Pants to Church Day".
I think it's all so interesting and it's something that I don't understand. Maybe it's because I'm pretty confident and have never felt unequal or less of a person, and I've especially never felt unequal to men. I've always learned of my role and potential as a Daughter of God and my role as a wife and mother, the most sacred calling on the earth! Do people miss that part?
After all, we're Relief Society Presidents, Young Women Presidents, Primary Presidents, etc. We have a huge role in the church. Joseph Smith even stated the church wasn't fully organized until the Relief Society was.
I personally don't want the Priesthood. I don't want to pass the sacrament, sit on the stand, go to meeting after meeting, give blessings, etc... All the while being a mom, taking care of my children, taking care of my home, etc. I would have multiple breakdowns and panic attacks for sure!
I truly believe that if God wanted women to hold the Priesthood that would have happened from the beginning of time. I don't believe that is something that would change with the times. Women have never held it and then all the sudden? Gender is an essential part of who we are and I think our roles are also essential. I feel like it's set up the way it is for a reason, we're not meant to be "equal" in this sense. Shouldn't we have different roles in the family?
The Proclamation to the Family is a beautiful document that explains it so well...
THE FAMILY
A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD
The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of theChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
WE, THE FIRST PRESIDENCY and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.
ALL HUMAN BEINGS—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.
IN THE PREMORTAL REALM, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.
THE FIRST COMMANDMENT that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.
WE DECLARE the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.
HUSBAND AND WIFE have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.
THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.
WE WARN that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.
WE CALL UPON responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.
It stated it beautifully, "By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their familes. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nuture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners."
By divine design...
Those are some of my thoughts. I try to be and feel like I'm a really open minded person so feel free to comment and share your thoughts if you have any.
Thanks for reading!
praise to the man
...who communed with Jehovah!
Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer.
Blessed to open the last dispensation,
Kings shall extol him, and nations revere."
- Praise to the Man
Today marks the 168th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
I watched this clip...
Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer.
Blessed to open the last dispensation,
Kings shall extol him, and nations revere."
- Praise to the Man
Today marks the 168th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
I watched this clip...
...and reflected on; my testimony, how much Emma and Joseph sacrificed, watching her watch her husband ride away knowing he wouldn't come back broke my heart... I can't imagine....I thought about what it means to me to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life.
I'm forever grateful that a young man with a lot of questions did as James directs in the Bible and he asked of God. I'm forever grateful that Christ restored His church back to the Earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith. Giving us that proper authority to perform saving ordinances. He was riducled, beat, and hated.... still is. But he went on. He never once denied anything. Neither did the witnesses. He lived and died for truth! I'm forever grateful for his sacrifice that would bring millions the peace and happiness that the gospel of Jesus Christ brings.
I know he was a true Prophet of God and because of that I have more tools to bring me closer to my Savior Jesus Christ. More scriptures to read, the fullness of the gospel, the Priesthood of God in my home, the plan of salvation, and so much more...
The gospel of Jesus Christ has given me so much peace, happiness, faith, hope, and assurance in my life. Life changes, a lot sometimes, but the gospel never does... it's always been there for me! My Savior's always been there for me! It fills my heart and soul with joy. It makes me want to be a better person. It makes me want to love as Christ loves and forgive as Christ forgives. It makes me want to live life to the fullest. It makes me want to learn new things and grow. It makes me want to travel the world and see all different walks of life and serve. It makes me want to be successful. It makes me want to have a beautiful family that knows and loves the Lord.
Thank you Heavenly Father for giving us a Savior, an example and friend. Thank you for restoring His gospel and giving us all the tools we need to live a happy and successful life. Thank you for paving the way so that I can return to You.
Thank you Facebook for reminding me of this anniversary and giving me the chance to reflect and fill my heart with the spirit, joy, and gratitude.
See, Facebook is good! :)
Thanks for reading!
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