Monday, October 28, 2013

"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

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

"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

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

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.

Friday, September 6, 2013

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

Monday, August 12, 2013

"Whom the Lord Calls He Qualifies"

Ensign
July 2013

"Your power will be multiplied many times by the Lord.  All He asks is that you give your best effort and your whole heart.  Do it cheerfully and with the prayer of faith.  The Father and His Beloved Son will send the Holy Ghost as your companion to guide you.  Your efforts will be magnified in the lives of the people you serve."  President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidenc

They gave a few scriptures to reference callings.  There were two of them that I really liked.

"We do not seek callings, nor do we typically decline callings that come through proper priesthood authority (see Moses 6:31-32)."

"All callings are equally important; the Church needs nursery leaders as much as Relief Society presidents (see 1 Corinthians 12:14-18).  How we serve is more important than where we serve."

"Your Holy Places"

Ensign
General Conference
May 2013

I really loved this article.  All of the young women talks were good.  What a great theme they have this year.  This article explains that no matter where you are or what the circumstances are you can make it your holy place.  A really significant example is of Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail.  He was in a horrid place being treated awful both emotionally and physically.  In spite of that he referred to it as a "prison-temple".  One girl decorated her room in such a way that it was her holy place.  I hope to help Sariah make her room a holy place.  Another girl had a tough time in high school and said the band room was her holy place because of the atmosphere the teacher created.  One of my favorite places that was mentioned is nature.  I love to go up in the mountains and I feel so calm and peaceful and feel closer to God.  I hope that everyone is able to find their holy place and use it as much as they need.