January 2, 2011

Tonight I read an Ensign article from this month by Elder Paul V. Johnson called Make Yours a Great Life. Two things really stood out to me from it. The first is this quote: "Your future is not determined by the conditions around you. It is determined by your faith, your choices, and your efforts." I know this is true and am grateful to be living in this time. The second part that stood out to me is when he says that by living righteously we "will have the protection of a worthy life." I loved that phrase and find such comfort in knowing that the Lord's path of faith and obedience truly does offer protection. I am thankful for His protective power that is upon me and my family and I always want to continue to do what is necessary to always be worthy of that protection.

December 28, 2010

I read Elder David A. Bednar's talk from Conference called Receive the Holy Ghost. He emphasizes that the gift of the Holy Ghost isn't just something we are entitled to always as members of the Church, but that we truly must receive it. To do so he suggests we must "sincerely desire to receive the Holy Ghost, appropriately invite the Holy Ghost into our lives, and faithfully obey God's commandments." In each of my prayers I always ask the Spirit to be with me. It is something I truly do desire every moment of every day. To "appropriately invite the Holy Ghost into my life," this quote stood out to me of what not to do: "Casualness about or the breaking of covenants and commitments, failing to pray and study the scriptures, and inappropriate thoughts, actions, and language cause the Spirit to withdraw from or to avoid us altogether." I think it's especially easy to fail to pray and study the scriptures, and it is absolutely critical to my spiritual well-being. I am striving to be vigilant about that simply because I want the companionship of the Spirit with me always. I am so thankful for that wonderful gift and all that the Holy Ghost does. 

Joseph Smith was quoted in this talk saying that the Holy Ghost "will whisper peace and joy to [our] souls, and it will take malice, hatred, envying, strife, and all evil from [our] hearts, and [our] whole desire will be to do good, bring forth righteousness, and build up the kingdom of God." I am so thankful to truly feel the absence of "malice, hatred, envying, strife and all evil" from my heart. It brings so much peace and calm to my soul and my relationships with others are blessed. I am so thankful for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. It is a wonderful feeling I always want to be worthy of.

December 27, 2010

I read President Eyring's talk from Conference called Trust in God, Then Go and Do. There are some issues weighing on my heart right now. I want to do what is right. I loved this quote from this talk that says: "You show your trust in Him when you listen with the intent to learn and repent and then you go and do whatever He asks. If you trust God enough to listen for His message in every sermon, song and prayer... you will find it. And if you then go and do what He would have you do, your power to trust Him will grow, and in time you will be overwhelmed with gratitude to find that He has come to trust you." I want God to be able to trust me. I want to be one of His valiant servants. I want to be fully obedient to His commandments, even when it is hard, because I do trust in His promises. His promises are great for those who keep His commandments. Thinking of these things has helped me to strengthen my resolve to do what is right in regards to the issues on my mind. I pray the Lord will lead me in that direction and I can recognize His Spirit. I am grateful for the opportunities I have to prove myself to Him, to prove I will be obedient and that I do trust in Him.

October 17, 2010

I read Alma 37:1-12 where Alma is passing on the plates to his son Helaman. He speaks of the Lord's purposes in keeping the record, knowing that at some point they will "go forth unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people." I'm not sure if Alma or Helaman really comprehended the full extent of what that means, but it is surely awesome to see it has come to pass, with the record being published in over 80 different languages! Some of my favorite verses are here, especially verses 6-7 where it says "that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass... and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls." I love this teaching because it helps me to understand the immense importance of doing "small things" such as personal scripture study, family home evening, teaching my children how to pray, and going to church each week. I know these things, although small, make the biggest difference in the hands of the Lord. They are what he has commanded me to do, and I know that in time, I will be able to see the far reaching effects of my small actions, just as I'm sure Alma and Helaman now have a view of the far reaching impact of their obedience to those "small things." I wonder if they are surprised to see just how much of an effect they have had on the world today. I'm sure they are in awe of it, and really have strengthened testimonies of the Lord and His marvelous ways.

September 30, 2010

Tonight I read Alma 31 where Alma goes on a mission to the Zoramites who are living wickedly. I love what it says in verse 5 about the power of the "preaching of the word" ... that "it had a more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else." I believe that power comes from the Spirit of the Lord. One does need to be humble and have an open heart to be influenced by that power. The Zoramites "would not observe to keep the commandments of God," and "neither would they observe the performances of the church." These were people who had had the gospel in their lives. They knew it. Again, this illustrates the vast importance of living obediently and with faith. Those simple ways of living help to protect against the loss of the Spirit. It has to be real in our actions, not just wishful thinking, or believing that one is living righteously simply be believing the tenets of the gospel. Faith is action and we need to be showing through our daily choices whether or not we are choosing to obey God. My actions show that I love God and I'm willing to be obedient to His commands. I hope I will always show that through my actions.

September 26, 2010

Tonight I read a General Conference talk by M. Russell Ballard called Mothers and Daughters. A few things stood out to me, especially in relation to my study on gender. He says that, "all women have within their divine nature both the inherent talent and the stewardship to mother." He encourages women and girls to "find joy in nurturing children. This is where their love and talents can have the greatest eternal significance." "The most precious element of a woman's divine nature [is] the nature to nurture." These stood out to me as key components of what the Lord expects from His righteous daughters: a mothering, nurturing being who is focused on directing her talents and gifts towards children - the rising generation.

The other thing that really stood out to me from this talk is how important it is, as a parent, to teach by example. My kids will be watching me "to see if [my] actions match [my] words." I know that as a child I certainly watched my parents in that way and I determined in my youth that as a parent, my words and actions would match up. He also says that "in these last days it is essential - even critical - that parents and children listen to and learn from one another." I believe that is so important to remember... the learning is a two-way street. I know my children will have much to teach me as well and I look forward to listening and learning from them.

August 26, 2010

Tonight I read an article in the Ensign called Dear Frieda. These statements stood out to me in it: "Act now, so that a thousand years from now when you look back at this moment, you can say this was a moment that mattered - this was a day of determination." (-Neal A. Maxwell) "If you don't know what decision to make, pray about it until you do know." (-Anna Lindgren)

August 10, 2010

Tonight I finished up reading Alma chapter 24 about the converted Lamanites who gave up their lives rather than take up the sword, and whose act ended up converting over 1,000 more Lamanites to the Lord. The thing that most impressed me as I read this story is in verses 18-19. In those verses it contrasted the things they would have done prior to their conversion to the things they would rather do now. I saw this as a rather applicable question and answer session with myself to see where my own heart is in my own conversion process. Would I rather give up my own life than shed the blood of another? Would I rather give to people than take away from them? Would I rather labor abundantly with my hands than spend my days in idleness? What do my actions say about where my heart is? I have been "brought to believe and know the truth." Am I "firm" in my conversion? Would I rather suffer death than commit sin? I want to answer "yes" to all of these questions, but I also want to really pay attention to my own actions over the next while and really ask myself sincerely if I am firm in my conversion and if my actions are evidence of that firmness of faith. I have a feeling I will be pleased with what I discover. I am so grateful for the power of Jesus Christ to wipe away my pain. I experienced that today and it was beautiful and wonderful beyond measure. Accepting the atoning power of Christ in my life is so cleansing, peaceful, and most of all, it is absolutely liberating. I am so grateful for this amazing gift.