December 9, 2010

Tonight I read The Transforming Power of Faith and Character by Richard G. Scott from the last Conference. It was a beautiful talk with a lot on the principles of faith, character and testimony. This mortal life is so important. I love this quote that "in the next life your righteous character will be evaluated to assess how well you used the privilege of mortality." I hope that my character will prove I have used this life well. I also really liked that he said, "you cannot be passive in life..." we get what we put forth, and the blessings of strong faith and character come as a result of consistent obedience. The end of his talk also stood out to me. He encouraged those who have determined to live righteously to realize that "you are making better progress than you realize." I do believe that I have focused on the right things in my life that will help me to build character and strengthen my faith. I am thankful for my faith and how it strengthens my character through the challenges I face.

December 6, 2010

Tonight I read an article from the October General Conference by Neil L. Andersen called Never Leave Him. I LOVED this talk!! He pointed out that not one of us is "immune from the influences of the world." We all will have challenging experiences and whether those challenges refine us and deepen our faith or weaken our resolve and cloud our view will depend on whether we approach our challenges with faith or in a worldly way. He asks some questions that are ones I have also asked myself: "How do we remain true to the Savior, His gospel, and the ordinances of His Priesthood? How do we develop the faith and strength to never leave Him?" His answer is that "we need the believing heart of a child." And once we receive that change of heart, we must choose not to be offended or ashamed. He quoted President Monson two different times and they are both quotes that really stood out to me. The first is, "unless the roots of your testimony are firmly planted, it will be difficult for you to withstand the ridicule of those who challenge your faith." The second is "your testimony, when constantly nourished, will keep you safe." That really highlights the importance of testimony, and of nourishing that testimony daily if I am to "never leave Him." I really loved this talk and appreciated the topic because of its relevance in my life. I do love the Savior and that is why I do my best to keep His commandments.

November 5, 2010

Tonight I read a couple of articles in the September Ensign. Two (1 & 2) were on members' comments on how they've used Preach My Gospel and it really made me excited about using that book as part of my daily scripture study as well. The third article was called Finding the Lord in Tonga and was full of personal experiences and testimonies of Tongan saints. I am really thankful for the Ensign and how it helps to connect me to members worldwide. The examples of others' faith and testimony are inspiring to me and help to strengthen my own.

September 27, 2010

Tonight I read Alma 30:21-29 which tells some of Korihor's teachings. Man, as I read this, it is absolutely amazing to me how much his words sound like things that I hear people saying today! I wonder if this has always been the case and I'm just now noticing it because I'm an adult and more aware of the happening in the world. Or are these teachings truly becoming more prevalent and widely adopted among society? Maybe it's both. But it is amazing to me to see the correlation, and not only to see the correlation, but to feel that familiar tug of doubt as I read his words. Some of his ideas are very convincing and I can see how they could be believed so easily. But I also see how they go against God's plan of happiness, and for me, that's how I want to live my life... according to God's plan. I don't feel like it's a plan that has been concocted by those in power over me so that they may "glut themselves on my labor." I feel it truly is God's plan and that it is designed for my eternal happiness, as well as God's happiness. For His "work and glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." I feel that I am making a choice to live the way I do and I have based my choice on my faith. I have had too many spiritual confirmations and witnesses to my heart to deny that there is a God and that He has a plan of salvation for each of His children.

June 26, 2010

Tonight I'm reading a talk from the Conference Ensign from the Young Women's general session called Never, Never, Never Give Up! While directed towards young girls, I still liked this talk. Two things stood out to me. First, a quote by President Monson which says, "Your testimony, when constantly nourished, will keep you safe." This weekend, at this business training event, I have really felt that safety. I feel so happy to have consistently done a gospel study now for two and a half weeks and I really do feel that it is nourishing to my testimony. I have noticed such a difference in how I feel and what I think about.

The second thing that stood out to me is a quote from the Personal Progress manual. It says, "Partake worthily of the Sacrament each week and fill your life with virtuous activities that will bring spiritual power. As you do this, you will grow stronger in your ability to resist temptation, keep the commandments, and become more like Jesus Christ." I have definitely experienced those promises from my determination to do my gospel study. I am so grateful for the gospel. I even had an opportunity today to share the experience of Joseph Smith's first vision and I felt the Spirit as I did so. I am grateful for that opportunity to bear my witness that that is true and to be worthy to have the Spirit as my constant companion.