"He Heals the Heavy Laden"

Ensign November 2006
General Conference

http://www.lds.org/ensign/2006/11/he-heals-the-heavy-laden?lang=eng

I just love when you read something you have heard hundreds of times in your life but at certain times in your life or different talks you learn something new, or think of it differently. 

When I hear or read about Jesus healing I always think of physical sickness and disease.  I have never thought of the emotional, mental or spiritual but he healed them all.  There are so many more afflictions than just physical ones.  When he called for the lame, blind and physical ailments he also invited those that were afflicted in any manner.  They brought forth all of them that were afflicted in any manner and Jesus did heal them every one.

It goes on to say that the Priesthood is given the power to heal all manner of sickness and disease.  What really got to me was then it said that the Savior could heal all  but those who hold the Priesthood authority are limited by the will of God.

Another good thought is that healing blessings will be suited to each individual.  "Sometimes a “healing” cures our illness or lifts our burden. But sometimes we are “healed” by being given strength or understanding or patience to bear the burdens placed upon us."

"Come Let us Adore Him"

Ensign December 2013
http://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/12/come-let-us-adore-him?lang=eng

It has been awhile since I have posted but I have read and learned so many things I want to share.  I just seem to never get around to it!  So thus this article is from last month.  Even though Christmas is over I loved this so much I have to share it.

"The innkeeper has come down in history as somewhat notorious. Yet given the crowding throughout the region during Passover, we can hardly blame him for having no room to offer the couple from Nazareth. While the majority of Passover pilgrims camped out in thousands of tents pitched on the plains around Jerusalem, thousands of others sought refuge in the local inns, known as caravansaries or khans. The Bethlehem inn was no doubt overflowing, and the innkeeper’s offering of the stable was likely an act of genuine kindness.

Even had the couple found room in the inn, it would have offered only primitive accommodations. A typical khan of the period was a stone structure consisting of a series of small rooms, each with only three walls and open to public view on one side. The stable, however, was likely a walled courtyard or even a limestone cave, where animals belonging to the guests were kept.⁵ Whether in courtyard, cave, or other refuge, Christ’s birth among the animals did have one conspicuous advantage over the crowded interior of an inn: here at least were peace and privacy. In this sense, the offering of the stable was a blessing, allowing the most sacred birth in human history to take place in reverent solitude."

What a wonderful thought that the innkeeper was probably being kind.  The stable may have not been an ideal place to give birth but at least you weren't in public view!  I am so thankful for the day Christ was born!

"1,000 Things to be Thankful For" and "My Prayers of Gratitude"

Ensign
September 2013

I loved these two articles and they applied to me at just the right time.  Lately it seems that my need list is so large that it makes my want list non existent.  One day I was feeling really down thinking of all the things I wanted  but couldn't even get if we had money because of needs.  My dear husband is so good and tries to get me to see the positive in life.  I finally thought I do have things that I want.  I have a tv in my bedroom.  I have cable so I can relax at night and watch my shows.  I do have many things to be grateful for.  Those were just a couple!  Go read the articles and think of the things you do have and are grateful for!

http://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/09/1000-things-to-be-thankful-for?lang=eng

http://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/09/my-prayers-of-gratitude?lang=eng

"His Grace is Sufficient"

I loved this article.  It had such a good analogy that I understood Grace so much more than I have.  It inspires me to be better and appreciate the gift of grace.  I love the saying, "There should never be just two options: perfection or giving up".  Please go read this article because I liked the whole entire thing.

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/09/his-grace-is-sufficient?lang=eng

General Women's Conference

This year I was able to attend at the Conference Center.  This was my first time going there for a conference.  I am grateful to my sister for getting tickets for my mom and I.  I love General Conference.  I absolutely love seeing thousands of people gather together to listen to these inspired speakers.  I love hearing thousands of people singing the hymns. 

I looked at all these women who have a testimony or want one and belong to the church.  As I looked at them though I realized that not one of them were perfect.  If you looked at each individual woman you would know that they all have weakness.  That they all have at some point made a mistake.  Some of them may have yelled at their children that week.  Some of them may have said an unkind word or had an unkind thought about somebody.  Maybe some of them don't read their scriptures or say their prayers on a regular basis.  Maybe some don't pay tithing, attend church or the temple regularly.  They are there though because they have a desire to do and be better.  The members of the church are not perfect but the gospel is.

One of the things that touched me that night was actually one of the songs the congregation sang.  It was "I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go".  It hit me because I struggle with being a stay at home mom.  I was struggling more than usual that week.  I quit my job because I felt that was what I needed to do and I heard the spirit whisper to me that I would be blessed.  I felt as we were singing that I was to be a stay at home mom and so, "I'll be what you want me to be".

I hope that all of you will listen to the prophet and other inspired speakers this weekend.  For those of you who follow me but are not members or are inactive you can watch on Channel 5.  You can also watch it online at lds.org.

My Testimony

Just a two or three weeks ago I finished reading the Book of Mormon for the second time in my life.  I am so glad that I have found a method that is easy for me to read so that I have been able to read the whole thing.  I have a testimony that this book is a true book from God to help us learn of him, of Jesus and to become better people.  Both times I have finished it I have not had a big confirmation that it's true at the end.  I have had strong feeling and thoughts at different points in my reading of the book.  I am so thankful to have such a loving Heavenly Father who loves me and cares for me.  I know that he is there to comfort us, guide us and help us through this life if we just ask.  I know that he has a plan and has had from the beginning.
  I know that there is a Savior and he suffered for our sins.  I am thankful that he went through so much and sacrificed so much for me.  I believe that I will live again and that I will be able to live with him and God again and have my family by my side forever.
   I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet.  I am so grateful to him that he had the desire to find the true church.  I am grateful that despite the persecutions he went through he stayed true to what he knew.  He has brought to us many great truths and gifts.  I am glad that Heavenly Father found someone and was willing to give back to us so much.
  I know that this church is true and I am grateful for so many blessings in my life.  My testimony is my most precious possession.

"An Unspeakable Gift from God"

Ensign
General Cfnerence
November 2012


I really enjoyed this talk.  I do not recall hearing a talk specifically about the Holy Ghost.  The following are a few questions that were answered about the Holy Ghost.  Who is the Holy Ghost?  What is the mission of the Holy Ghost?  How does the Holy Ghost speak to us?  What does it mean to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost?  A sentence that really struck me was "The Holy Ghost loves us and wants us to be happy".  I have never really thought about the Holy Ghost being an actual person who loves and us and helps us.  The Holy Ghost even helps those who are not members.  He is not with them on a daily basis but can help warn or inspire them.  I think that it is incredible and that we have such a loving Heavenly Father who would provide this gift for us.  I know and believe that the Holy Ghost is a true member of the Godhead.  I hope that each of you will read this article.

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/an-unspeakable-gift-from-god?lang=eng