5 November 2012

I am thankful for. . .

Tithing

The principle of tithing has been a major blessing in my life. The Lord asks that we give Him 10% of our income; if you think about it that really isn't a lot of money and He has promised to bless us exponentially! As I have been away at school, I have had the ability to see this principle in action. I have seen how much I make each check and what my bills are and I am amazed at how I am able to skate by. Things at the grocery store will be on sale; utilities will not cost as much as I had planned, etc. The list goes on! If you think about it, the Lord is the one that has given us everything; is it really that hard for us to give Him back 10%? 

4 November 2012

I'm thankful for. . . .

Stake Conference

I find that I absolutely LOVE Stake Conference; I was able to attend Stake Conference with Jacey, Nic, Sidney, and Dan today. It was so awesome, even though it was in a Married ward, many of the things were/are still applicable in my life as well as many of yours. Enjoy the notes!

Talk #1

Take an inventory of your life and look at all the blessings that we have been given. 

     Read Henry B. Eyrings talk "Oh remember, remember!"

     Pray; thank the Lord for all that He has bestowed upon you. 

     Attend the temple regularly; it will bless your life in so many ways.

     Listen to the prophets words; do all that He asks of us.

Talk #2

Temple attendance can bring about so many blessings/ It will improve your relationships with others and God, help you become more spiritually powerful, and life will feel more manageable. Make temple attendance a priority. 

Talk #3

Every person makes mistakes; especially parenting mistakes. If you hold regular Family Home Evenings not one of your children will 100% go astray from the Gospel. Start now by gathering things for Family Home Evening, be it lessons, games, or treat ideas; make the commitment now to hold Family Home Evening regularly. They do not need to be long or elaborate. It will bring you many blessings; angels will visit your home. 

Talk #4

There are some moral absolutes, one being change! The Lord does not want us to be the same as we were one year ago. We should constantly be growing spiritually. 

By renewing our baptismal covenants by partaking of the Sacrament, we are not taking Christ's name upon us, but rather that we are willing to take His name upon us. We can only take Christ's name upon us in the temple; by participating in temple ordinances. You will find that you are converted to the church by attending the temple. You will change so much by attending the temple regularly. 

Talk #5

There is no such thing as individual exaltation; family is the basics of the church. You will not be exalted without your spouse. The husband is to preside over the family; lovingly guide their families. They will not dictate or have their vote be more than his wife. He will bring the family together for Family Home Evenings, family prayer, or family/spouse scripture study. You can have a celestial marriage by doing the following:

1. "I will make it work" attitude. The couples who divorce, usually have the same problems as those who stay together because they are committed to one another. They are willing to work out their differences and not run from one another. 
2. "Is it I?" principle--are some of the problems in your relationship your spouses fault or your fault? Are you willing to make the changes necessary for your marriage to work? 
3. Morning and evening prayers with your spouse are important. Many couples will not have problems participating in evening prayers with their spouse, it is usually the prayer in the morning. If you make the commitment to prayer every morning and evening with your spouse, you will find that your days will improve. 
4. Make your spouse happy. In a recently taken survey, it was found that they number one thing that made a wife happy was when her husband helped out with the household chores. Do not stop holding hands after you are married, and never be afraid to tell your spouse how much you love them! Do not love "things" more than your spouse. We make a commitment to be loyal to our spouses; pornography is not only toxic waste to our spirituality but it is also being unfaithful to your spouse. Do not participate in this activity. 
5. There must be NO secrets between spouses. If there are, you will find that they will come to bite you when you least expect them to!
6. Do not put off having children because of money or education. You will find that the Lord will bless you with the ability to finish school or have enough money to support a family when you do begin to have children. 
7. Live without debt--stay away from it. You will find that debt will cause many problems in a marriage.
8. Study the scriptures individually and  collectively with your spouse. Study the scriptures on the days that you want to eat (so everyday naturally). Stick to the scriptures; feast upon them and they will tell you all that you need to do.
9. Speak kind works and in kind tones to one another; tell your wife she is beautiful--tell your husband he is handsome. 
10. Be sealed in the temple to one another. It is impossible to have a celestial marriage upon this Earth if you have not been sealed together in the temple for time and all eternity. 

That last talk was obviously geared towards married people, however they are applicable to our dating lives. Keep these in mind and work on the things you know you are having a hard time with--this will help you be one step closer when you do find your eternal companion. 

3 November 2012

I am thankful for...

 Missionary Effort/Work

I am so thankful to those that have chosen to dedicate their time to furthering the Lord's work (nothing against those of us that have not served missions). Some have postponed receiving or finishing their education so that they may spread the Gospel; they are leaving behind worldly things, families, and friends. Many that will come home will have changed so much; they will be better employees, students, sons/daughters, friends, future spouses, and parents. They will find that many of their loved ones will have grown up, however not much will have changed. 

There are currently 58,000 missionaries out there serving the Lord; many more will be joining their ranks due to the age change (boys may now leave at 18 and girls can leave at 19). I have many friends and family members that are out there serving missions right now, and I would like to thank Elder Zach Dustin, Elder Jeremy Brock, Elder Ryan Honey, Elder Jaromy Holland, Elder Jordan Kofurd, Elder John Gillis. I also want to thank those that have already served missions; your service to the Lord will not and has not gone unnoticed. For those of you that are working on your papers or are waiting for them, thank you for being worthy to serve and being willing to "put your life on hold" so to speak, you will find it worth it. Your families will be so blessed while you are serving. 

I always used to get upset when someone would say that missions are hard, and for some it will be their undoing. However, as I began to think about it they are right. Of course I have never served a mission, but I always love hearing mission stories (they fascinate me). If you decide to serve a mission, you will have the mantle of the Lord placed upon you. He will help you do things you would think are impossible, and only through Him are they made possible. You will meet people from all walks of life, be they investigators, members of the ward you are serving, or your companion. You will get to see people come to the knowledge of the Gospel and all it has to offer. It will be incredible. 

The one thing we must all remember though is that missionary work does not end when your mission does; rather it is only the beginning. "Every member a missionary!" We can all further the Lords work by sharing the Gospel with friends, acquaintances, and even complete strangers. We don't need to serve a mission in order to further the work. Strive to lead a Christlike life; live your life so that others want to know why you are different, so that they will want to have that for themselves. You will be surprised just how many people really are watching you!

1 and 2 November 2012

I am so grateful for the Gospel and all that it has done for me. I had the luck of basically being born into a family that was a part of the church. My mother found out she was pregnant with me shortly after her 20th birthday. As soon as she found out, she realized that if she wanted to provide a good life for me that she needed to make some changes in her life. She prayed and prayed to Heavenly Father that He might help her in raising this child all by herself.

Fast-forward a few years. . .

My mother met the her husband in Biology 100 at UAA in Anchorage, Alaska. He was the one that was able to share the Gospel with my mother and therefore myself as well (I was like 2 when this happened). She went through the discussions and found that she did in fact believe that Joseph Smith did restore the gospel to this Earth after praying to Heavenly Father. She became baptized into the church and shortly thereafter she married my dad.

I learned through my Dad's example that church was important. When I was little my Dad was very prone to migraines (he still is), however I remember him getting us up for 9 AM church every Sunday morning. Even though he didn't feel good, he knew that we needed to be at church. Later, when I was deciding whether to be baptized I remember my Dad telling me that I was making a commitment to my Heavenly Father by joining His church. If I chose to become baptized I was making the commitment to be a good Latter-day Saint; that I would from then on be a representative of Christ.

I am so grateful that I chose to do so. I have the sure knowledge that Christ did die for all of us on the cross and that He did in fact rise again on the third morning. I know that even though God's church was not on the Earth after the Apostasy, it was in fact restored by Joseph Smith. I know that if I do everything that I am asked to by my Heavenly Father; if I do not shirk on my duties, that I will have eternal life with the companion of MY choosing. These things I know, as well as many more because of I made the decision as an 8 year old child to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have never regretted making that decision, nor will I ever do so.

28 October 2012

Ward Conference

Bishop Zalanka

You never know the impact you have on people. You are constantly being watched by others whether you know it or not, so you must be a good representative of Christ's church; be approachable so that if people have questions, they feel comfortable coming to you to ask. 

Look to the leaders of our church for advice. Recently we just got to listen to the Apostles and Prophet's words of wisdom; go back and read their words for answers to questions. Have a thankful heart for all that they do for us. Their words are truly inspired by God--they are for US!

Sister Wilkinson

Have my shoes taken me anywhere that I might be able to bear testimony of Christ? Your feet take you many places--school, church, work, the temple, or to do your home/visiting teaching, etc. 

In the Bible, Christ washed His Apostles feet to show that He was willing to do anything for them and that He expected them to do the same for Him. Mary washed Christ's feet with her tears. 

Will our feet be calloused in the last days because of our efforts to serve others? Will we have done all we were asked to do? 

President Wilkinson

Are we valiant in our testimony of Christ? Those in the Terrestial kingdom will have been valiant in their testimony's of Christ, but not of the Father. They will have paid their tithing, gone to church, etc. To reach the Celestial kingdom, we must have courage in every day life--a fundamental courage. Have faith in the Lord in big things, as well as the little things. 

We have a need for courage; we receive feedback on all things from the world but nothing for spiritual nourishment. If you were to go and look at the Top 40 Music Hits right now, you would be hard-pressed to find any song with lyrics that are appropriate. Now short of cutting all worldly things out of our lives, we can learn to balance worldly things with spiritual things. After watching a television show, ask everyone to whip out their phones/scriptures and read a scripture on something that might have been presented (Word of Wisdom, benefits of keeping the law of chastity, etc.) Have the courage to suggest watching the Bible videos on LDS.org or something along those lines) Take the opportunity to bear your testimony whenever possible; have the courage for the little things (for those are what truly matter). 

President Robinson

Improve spiritually by being modest and by being sexually pure (Stake goal)

The Lord misses us, He wants all of us to come home to Him. Are we doing all that we can do to return to the Lord? It's the little things that we need to focus on continually. God is in the details of our lives; we do not need to wait until something major is going on in our lives to ask for His help. Instead we should be asking Him for help in all that we do, literally in every little thing. He loves us and wants to know what is happening in our lives at all time!

We are loved; our Bishoprics are in constant contact with the Stake Presidency about what is going on in our lives. They love and care for us; we must remember to return the favor. 

14 October 2012

Sacrament Meeting

If we exercise even a particle of faith, our testimony will grow. The Lord will sometimes push your faith to the limit before fulfilling promised blessings. We must continue to nourish our faith; read your scriptures, pray, follow the prompting of the Holy Ghost. 

Look for the good in others, stop wasting time by tearing other people down. Remember what is truly important in life; is being a successful career woman (not that there is anything wrong with being a successful career woman) important or is being there for your kids/raising the next generation important. Do not allow things or events dictate your happiness. If you are going to school, love it! Do not bash on it saying that you can't wait to graduate, but rather enjoy every experience that you have while going. If you are single, don't be down and melancholy about it, but rather enjoy all the things that you can do. "Don't count the days, make the days count." If you go through life counting the days, you will never stop to truly enjoy them, whereas if you were to wake up each day and try to do something meaningful or worthwhile, your days will be completely different. External circumstances should not dictate our happiness, we dictate our happiness (Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

October 2012 General Conference Sunday Session

Elder Robert D. Hales
A Christian has faith in Christ, and believes in His Atonement. To be a Christian, you must take upon you the name of Christ, be baptized, and receive the Holy Ghost through the laying on of hands.

Remember that the Godhead is composed of three separate beings (God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost) that are all united in one purpose; helping us receive exaltation.

As Christians today, we are called upon to forsake our nets as Peter and Paul did and go spread forth the gospel. We must forsake our sins; repent and leave them at the door. In times of hardships, we must have faith and NOT return to our old habits. Come, recognize and follow the Lord's voice. "Feed my lands, feed my sheep." We feed his lands by praying, reading our scriptures, and following His commandments; we feed his sheep by completing our home/visiting teaching, serving missions, fulfilling callings, etc.

Christ taught that Christians cannot contend with other Christians; we must forgive others of their trespasses. Remember we have no right to judge/cast judgement upon others, that is Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ's job. Every person will be justly dealt with in the eternities so do not let that hold you back.

Christians endure to the end; Christ continued to follow the Lord's commandments until the day He was crucified. We must do the same, if He could endure through all the things He did then we can surly make it through our life. Remember to call upon Them to help you, they want you to make it but we have to ask for their help.

Elder Richard G. Scott
Every prophet since Joseph Smith has stressed the importance of Family History and Temple work. Everyone can do at least one of two parts of genealogy; if you are not close to a temple then you can prepare or index names, if you are close to the temple then you need to go as often as possible to preform the work for those that have passed on.

What a shame it is for those on the other side that must wait for their ordinances to be performed after they have accepted the Gospel. If you have too many names for you to do, allow others to help you perform the work.

You don't have to be a Genealogist to do genealogical work; there are people that will help you if you need it. Be a part of this powerful work, do not shirk your duty!

 Russell Oglethorpe
We must act for ourselves and help others do so as well. Spiritual growth is not a sudden thing but rather a gradual process. It is the same learning for ones self as it is when helping others, we must apologize.

We draw on sacred texts to build up testimony's, whether for ourselves or others. The Book of Mormon works hand in hand with the Bible, The Doctrine and Covenants, Teaching: No Greater Call, etc. so we must use them. Return home and ponder on the things that we have learned and then ask the Lrod to help you understand all that was/has been taught.

Marcus B. Nash
Our mortal journey is a perilous one. We must have faith to anchor ourselves when times are rough. Faith brings us the power of the Lord when we are in need. We must remember that nothing is impossible with the Lord's power/help. The Lord will answer all our please within His time. We must take on the shield of faith; remember that fear and doubt come from Satan. Faith will succeed and overpower all.

 Look unto Christ in all things; "doubt not, fear not." Do not let fear stop you from accomplishing the impossible. The Lord will give us power and protection based on our faith. Our futures are as bright as our faith.

Daniel L. Johnson
We declared ourselves disciples of Christ by becoming baptized and confirmed members of this church. We renew this promise every week by partaking of the sacrament. This is the beginning of a lifelong challenge of trying to become like Christ. This is not an easy task' there are many forces acting against us, however we must remember that trials and hardships are given to us so that we might grow and learn.

The greatest test is what we do when we are in dire straights; do we wallow and give up or do we rely upon the Lord to help us? Do we become obedient to all that He commands us to do?

Don R. Clarke
Sacrament meeting and specifically the passing of the Sacrament is time for us to reflect and think of Christ; it is the most important meeting of the day according to Spencer W. Kimball.

When we partake of the Sacrament, we are renewing our covenants. The Sacrament prayers are a reminder of this; memorization of these prayers can allow you to understand them more readily.

We should come to Sacrament meeting with questions/problems that you need help with. Humbly ask the Lord so that He may help you, teach you. Partake of His knowledge that He is ready to share.

David A. Bednar
A testimony is a gift from God and is readily available to all those who seek one. True conversion is a change in ones very nature; anyone readily willing can achieve conversion. The Book of Mormon contains many stories of conversion (Alma the older and younger, Samuel the Lamanite) and the Bible does as well (Malachi, Simon-Peter, Saul-Paul).

Conversion requires patience and endurance. A testimony is what starts ones initial conversion, however it is not enough to withstand all trials. You must be truly converted to the gospel in order to surpass all trials. Be converted to the Lord and His doctrine wholeheartedly. Knowing the Gospel is the heart of a/your testimony while living the Gospel is the heart of a/your conversion. We must know AND live the Gospel. It is our responsibility to continue to develop your testimony as well as continue upon our conversion process.

Thomas S. Monson
Many truths have been taught and re-emphasized. Go back and read the talks that were given more thoroughly; learn all that you can. Emulate Christ's example so that you can return to live with your Father again.