I would like this in my life

You young men need to know that you can hardly achieve your highest potential without the influence of good women, particularly your mother and, in a few years, a good wife. Learn now to show respect and gratitude. Remember that your mother is your mother. She should not need to issue orders. Her wish, her hope, her hint should provide direction that you would honor.

Russell M. Nelson, "Our Sacred Duty to Honor Women," Ensign, May 1999, 38

Temple Worthiness

Every member who wants to go to the temple, regardless of age, needs to prepare for this sacred experience. Certain questions will be asked by your bishop and stake president, who hold keys of priesthood authority and are common judges in the Church. These vital questions will include: Are you honest? Are you morally clean? Do you keep the Word of Wisdom? Do you obey the law of tithing? And do you sustain the authorities of the Church? The answers to these key questions reflect your attitudes and actions.

You younger men [and women] might not be aware that the standards set by the Lord in the temple recommend questions are very similar to the standards found in For the Strength of Youth.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "See the End from the Beginning," Ensign, May 2006, 44

It is Interesting...

...how often the times you feel the Spirit the most are when you feel the most alone--thus letting you know you really are never alone.

The Book of Mormon and The Bible

An angel proclaimed that the Book of Mormon shall establish the truth of the Bible (see 1 Nephi 13:40). He also revealed that writings in the Bible available in our day are not as complete as they were when originally written by prophets and apostles (see 1 Nephi 13:28 29). He declared that the Book of Mormon shall restore plain and precious things taken away from the Bible (see 1 Nephi 13:40).

A prophecy in the Book of Mormon warned that some people would object to the notion of additional scriptures. To those who think they 'need no more Bible' (2 Nephi 29:6), consider this God given counsel: 

'Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, . . . created all men, . . . and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?

'. . . Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And . . . the testimony of the two nations shall run together also' (2 Nepni 29:7 8).

Russell M. Nelson, "Scriptural Witnesses," Ensign, Nov. 2007, 43 44

Why I Had My Home Dedicated

"When the seas of life are stormy, a wise mariner seeks a port of peace. The family, as we have traditionally known it, is such a refuge of safety. 'The home is the basis of a righteous life and no other instrumentality can take its place or fulfil its essential functions' (quoted in Conference Report, Oct. 1962, 72). Actually, a home is much more than a house. A house is built of lumber, brick, and stone. A home is made of love, sacrifice, and respect. A house can be a home, and a home can be a heaven when it shelters a family. When true values and basic virtues undergird the families of society, hope will conquer despair, and faith will triumph over doubt. "Such values, when learned and lived in our families, will be as welcome rain to parched soil. Love will be engendered; loyalty to one's best self will be enhanced; and those virtues of character, integrity, and goodness will be fostered. The family must hold its preeminent place in our way of life because it's the only possible base upon which a society of responsible human beings has ever found it practicable to build for the future and maintain the values they cherish in the present."

Thomas S. Monson, "Dedication Day," Ensign, Nov. 2000, 64-65

The Godhead

"We declare it is self evident from the scriptures that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are separate persons, three divine beings, noting such unequivocal illustrations as the Savior's great Intercessory Prayer . . . , His baptism at the hands of John, the experience on the Mount of Transfiguration, and the martyrdom of Stephen--to name just four."

Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent," Ensign, Nov. 2007, 41

Still more Service

It is indeed remarkable that the nature of our dealings with our fellowmen will determine, in large measure, our status in the kingdom of heaven....We may attend to rites and rituals and yet overlook the weightier matters such as brotherly kindness, honesty, mercy, virtue, and integrity. Let us never forget that if we omit them from our lives we may be found unworthy to come into His presence.

Mark E. Petersen, "Do Unto Others", Ensign, May 1977, 73

More on Service

"Serving others need not come from spectacular events. Often it is the simple daily act that gives comfort, uplifts, encourages, sustains, and brings a smile to others. May we always find opportunities to serve."

Michael J. Teh, "Out of Small Things," Ensign, Nov. 2007, 37

A Way to Serve Your Fellow Beings

[a personal email sent on August 20, 2007 to various friends and family]

We had a really good Sacrament meeting yesterday. The speakers were assigned Mosiah 18:9. All 3 made some very good comments and insights. I especially liked the last speaker, Nick, from the first floor. He is a nice young man. He said many things that I needed to hear. He quoted a talk by Joy Evans (former RS Counselor). In it there were things that stood out to me and helped me realize something that has bothered me for quite some time. Now, I guess you could say I feel justified for the fact that I never know how to answer "What can I do?" or "How can I help?"

I've never been able to answer those questions because I myself really don't know. The offers from others have always been kind. But honestly, what can they do? Can they give me a new heart when mine is causing so much pain? Can they enfuse me with iron so I do not unexpectedly run out of energy at odd times of the day and then end up looking lazy because all I do is lay around? Can they fix the broken me, healing every part that keeps shutting down or malfunctioning. Can they "strengthen [my] feeble knees" so I can "run and not be weary, and...walk and not faint?" Can they take the overwhelming decisions in my life and tell me which ones are the best choices? No one can help me with any of that except the Savior. And even then He can only give me understanding, comfort, and guidance. My life is as it is for a reason, and I have and will continue to get by as I have always done. There will be no new heart, new knees, new lungs, or anything else. There will be no one to make my decisions because it is my responsibility and my free agency. It is my job to live my life, and I have no problem with that.

It has greatly upset me to have so many people offer to help--wonderful friends like all of you--and yet I can't think of ways that they could serve me. it makes me feel like the bad person. But Nick's talk made me understand that I'm not bad. I'm in need but, like most people, have no idea how others could help. It is up to those who want to serve to figure out how to serve. This, of course, was a good 2-part lesson for me. For it not only gave me comfort, but has helped me see that I need to look out for how I can serve. That I need to stop asking and just start doing. So, I thought I would share that. I hope it can help us all be better instruments in the Lord's hands.

Sister Joy F. Evans:
They remember the counsel given us by a prophet that "God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom." (Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, Dec. 1974, p. 5.)

Many times people do nothing in such a situation simply because they do not know what to do. They are afraid of intruding or of saying the wrong thing. Perhaps they do not know how to relate to a dying person or to the family. They may feel emotions of anger, sadness, or confusion. Nevertheless, even they can find many ways to help.

One woman tells the story of a tragedy she experienced when five of her close family members from another state were killed in a fiery automobile accident. She herself was struggling to absorb the news, trying to pack for her own little family to leave the following day for the funeral. A good friend and neighbor arrived at her door with the announcement that he had come to clean their shoes. She had not even thought about shoes.

He knelt on their kitchen floor with a pan of soapy water, a sponge, shoe polish, and a brush and soon had everyday shoes and Sunday shoes gleaming and spotless. He quietly slipped away when he finished, leaving the shoes ready to pack; even the soles were washed.

The mother says, "Now whenever I hear of an acquaintance who has lost a loved one, I no longer call with the vague offer, 'If there's anything I can do …' Now I try to think of one specific task that suits that person's need—such as washing the family car, taking the dog to the boarding kennel, or house-sitting during the funeral. And if the person says to me, 'How did you know I needed that done?' I reply, 'It's because a man once cleaned my shoes.' " (Madge Harrah, "He Cleaned Our Shoes," Reader's Digest, Dec. 1983, pp. 21–24.)

Helping others through a time of special challenge requires understanding and patience….[They] might be irritable, depressed, quiet, or withdrawn, but through kindness and friendship, he or she will almost always recover.

The Temple - Heaven on Earth

"When you come to the temple you will love your family with a deeper love than you have ever felt before. The temple is about families. As my wife, Karen, and I have increased our temple service, our love for each other and for our children has increased. And it doesn't stop there. It extends to parents, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, forebears, and especially our grandchildren! This is the Spirit of Elijah, which is the spirit of family history work; and when inspired by the Holy Ghost, it prompts the turning of the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to the fathers. Because of the priesthood, husbands and wives are sealed together, children are sealed to their parents for eternity so the family is eternal and will not be separated at death."

Richard H. Winkel, "The Temple Is about Families," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 9

I love the temple! And I have a very solid testimony of it, the work done inside of it, and the blessings that come from doing that work.

The Peace and Joy of Repentance and Forgiveness

"When we sin and desire forgiveness, a broken heart and a contrite spirit mean to experience 'godly sorrow [that] worketh repentance' (2 Corinthians 7:10). This comes when our desire to be cleansed from sin is so consuming that our hearts ache with sorrow and we yearn to feel at peace with our Father in Heaven. Those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit are willing to do anything and everything that God asks of them, without resistance or resentment. We cease doing things our way and learn to do them God's way instead. In such a condition of submissiveness, the Atonement can take effect and true repentance can occur. The penitent will then experience the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost, which will fill them with peace of conscience and the joy of reconciliation with God. In a wondrous union of divine attributes, the same God who teaches us to walk with a broken heart invites us to rejoice and to be of good cheer."

Bruce D. Porter, "A Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit," Ensign, Nov. 2007, 32

I can testify with an absolute surety that this is true. Only a week before I heard this message, I was able to come to an end of immense suffering that had lasted about 2/3 of my life. Heavenly Father requires that we forgive all, including ourselves. And I had held myself guilty of past indiscretions which hindered so much of my life's progress. At that point in my life, the "broken heart and contrite spirit" meant me at my utmost low and humbled state. There was no one to turn to and no where to go but Heavenly Father. And I knew that. And that was where I went. And I felt the healing and cleansing power of the Atonement as I never possibly could have before in my life. And I do testify that the Holy Ghost did indeed fill me "with peace of conscience and the joy of reconciliation with God." 

This peace and joy can be available to all, for repentance and forgiveness are blessings we all may partake of. Certainly not easy, but most definitely worth it.

Ezra Taft Benson, "Our Priceless Heritage," Ensign, Nov. 1976, 34

"Our Mormon forebears covenanted their lives!--and not a few gave them. The following places hallow the memory of the latter-day martyrs: Jackson County; Crooked River (where one of the Twelve was martyred); Haun's Mill; Carthage; Nauvoo; and the unmarked graves along the Mormon trail. They gave their fortunes!--and many, if not most, lost their lands, homes, and businesses. They gave their sacred honor!--this by covenant to God. "They came west with the faith that God had 'set his hand again the second time' (2 Ne. 21:11) to restore the house of Israel. They knew that they were a part of this great movement. They were converted to the truth that the Church of Jesus Christ had been restored again on the earth through the instrumentality of a latter-day Prophet, Joseph Smith, and that following his martyrdom, the keys of the priesthood had been continued through Joseph's ordained successor, Brigham Young. They believed themselves to be God-directed and prophet-led. Their conviction inspired their sacrifices."

Third member of the Godhead

"The beckoning invitations of the world attempt to divert our attention from the strait and narrow path. The adversary labors to dull our sensitivity to the promptings of the Spirit, whether we are teenagers, young adults, or mature men and women. The role of the Spirit, the Holy Ghost, is essential in every season of our mortal lives. "From the beginning the Father has promised each of His spirit sons and daughters that through the Atonement and Resurrection of His Beloved Son, we all might return to God's presence and inherit the blessings of eternal life in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom. "Each of us knew that the journey to exaltation would be long, strenuous, and sometimes lonely, but we also knew that we would not travel alone. Heavenly Father provides all who fulfill the prerequisites of faith, repentance, and baptism with a companion and guide, the Holy Ghost."

Keith K. Hilbig, "Quench Not the Spirit Which Quickens the Inner Man," Ensign, Nov. 2007, 37-38

Daily Gems- Fruits of the Gospel

"A church, or any way of life, should be judged by the fruits or the results that it generates. . . .

"One of the fruits [of Mormonism] is a longer life. Studies show that practicing Mormons are healthier and therefore live longer than the national average. . . .

"Second, those who are married in and attend the temple regularly have a divorce rate far below the national and world average.

"Third, we achieve an educational level that is higher than the national average.

"Fourth, over 70,000 members volunteer at their own expense to serve for 18 to 24 months in humanitarian efforts, Church service assignments, and full time missionary service throughout the world."

M. Russell Ballard, "Faith, Family, Facts, and Fruits," Ensign, Nov. 2007, 26 27

I think these are pretty good fruits!

Marriage - Worth Fighting For

"Latter-day Saint spouses should do all within their power to preserve their marriages. . . . To avoid so-called 'incompatibility,' they should be best friends, kind and considerate, sensitive to each other's needs, always seeking to make each other happy. They should be partners in family finances, working together to regulate their desires for temporal things."

Dallin H. Oaks, "Divorce," Ensign, May 2007, 72

There are 3 things that I always pray for in finding my spouse:

1. That I won't settle.
2. That I'll know without a doubt.
3. That he is my best friend.

Spouses are to become one in all things. If we are best friends, then what other way would we want to be? I know I would want to be one with him in everything, with Christ as the center and focus of our marriage. I would want him to be there for me, but even more I would want to be there for him. I know that marriage would be a bed of roses, complete with thorns. And I know that it will all be worth it because it will be beautiful, sweet, fun, joyous, strengthening, fulfilling, and uplifting. Marriage is a gift and blessing Heavenly Father wants for each of us. He hopes for it as much as we pray for it. For something as wonderful as that, I can already promise to devote my entirety to my husband, my children, the Lord, and the Gospel.

Daily Gems - The Gospel a Key Part of God's Plan

"God, our loving Father in Heaven, has said that it is His work and glory 'to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man' (Moses 1:39). God the Father is the author of the gospel; it is a key part of God's plan of salvation, or plan of redemption. It is called the gospel of Jesus Christ because it is the Atonement of Jesus Christ that makes redemption and salvation possible. Through the Atonement all men, women, and children are unconditionally redeemed from physical death, and all will be redeemed from their own sins on the condition of accepting and obeying the gospel of Jesus Christ."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Have We Not Reason to Rejoice?" Ensign, Nov. 2007, 19

Sing for Joy!

[from online journal, April 10, 2008]

I just wanted to let everyone know that I had such a great scripture reading today. Now, I have two different scripture "habits" or whatever you want to call them. My scripture reading is my daily reading of the Book of Mormon. I try to read this book at least once through in a year. I keep a Scripture Journal in which I record thoughts or impressions and such. Then I have my Scripture/Gospel Study. In that, I immerse myself in the standard works--The Bible's Old Testament and New Testament (King James Version), The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, The Doctrine & Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price--as well as other church materials. With my Gospel Study I have my Study Journal. There really isn't a set thing that I write in there. Sometimes it's what I'm doing. Other times it's connections I'm making or things I'm learning. The Study Journal is a work in progress and may never have a definitive state of being. My Gospel Study has been the 13 Articles of Faith. The original idea--inspired by S.'s bishop--was to take a month to study each AofF. I started last October. And I'm still on #1. There is so much one can learn in these!

Anywho. This morning's scripture reading was absolutely wonderful! I got so much out of it and had 3 or 4 Conference talks and topics that connected with the few verses I had time for. I'm telling you, I LOVE the Gospel! I love the scriptures. I love my church leaders. I love...all of it! And what's better, I know it all to be true! There is nothing better than the Gospel. And it encompasses everything. My life is so incredibly amazing, and I owe that to the blessings of the Lord's Gospel. Good news? It's GREAT news! Fantastic, marvelous, awesome, magnificent and so much more.

Its author, my Savior, is my source of happiness and strength. With Him and because of Him, All is Well! And always will be no matter what storms or trials are ahead. I think of the lyrics to the song "How Can I Keep from Singing?"

My life goes on in endless song
Above earth's lamentations,
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
That hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear it's music ringing,
It sounds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?
While though the tempest loudly roars,
I hear the truth, it liveth.
And though the darkness 'round me close,
Songs in the night it giveth.
No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that rock I'm clinging.
Since love is lord of heaven and earth
How can I keep from singing?
When tyrants tremble sick with fear
And hear their death knell ringing,
When friends rejoice both far and near
How can I keep from singing?
No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that rock I'm clinging.
Since love is lord of heaven and earth
How can I keep from singing?

How can I keep from singing and lauding and proclaiming my love and testimony that my Savior lives? That He is the rock of my salvation, upon which if I build I cannot fall. I know that. I know it is true. I know His Gospel is real and true. I know the Plan of Salvation is the greatest plan of happiness that ever could have been set before us. And it is ours. His Atonement is ours, meant for each individual to ever live on earth. Eternal life can be ours if we just press forward and keep His commandments. Oh, if everyone could just feel and know what I do, I know they would not be able to keep from singing either.

I'm looking for...

[from my online journal]
Over a year ago, Bishop D. was giving the Family Home Evening lesson. He had us read the following verses in Alma 48, which happened to be part of what I read today. It reminded me of something, and I felt to share.

We read:

And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery;

Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people.

Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ, and he had sworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights, and his country....

...this was the faith of Moroni, and his heart did glory in it; not in the shedding of blood but in doing good, in preserving his people, yea, in keeping the commandments of God, yea, and resisting iniquity.

Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.

Behold, he was a man like unto Ammon, the son of Mosiah, yea, and even the other sons of Mosiah, yea, and also Alma and his sons, for they were all men of God. nd his religion, even to the loss of his blood.

Bishop Dever: So, what is this talking about?

Me: The Perfect Man.

I still believe that. And I believe such men do still live and walk the earth today. And I believe that if we have not reached that point, yet, it is still possible. For with God, nothing is impossible. And it is why we are here on earth--to reach the potential Heavenly Father sees in us.

Lessons from The Title of Liberty

Today, my family/personal scripture study was Alma 46. While I was reading, some thoughts came to my mind that sounded very familiar. I finally figured out that they were some things I had gotten out of this chapter the last time I had been through The Book of Mormon. So I thought I would share that Scripture Journal entry, as well as part of what I wrote today.

August 6, 2008

The other thing was Moroni raising the title of liberty on every tower in the land. That he "planted the standard of liberty among the Nephites." Are our standards planted within us? Given a place where they can take root, have firm ground, be nourished, and swell to grow? Is that what we do with not only our standards but also our testimonies, faith, values, beliefs, worthy and righteous causes, love? Do we plant them so they are a part of us instead of just hold them to look at them and use them once in a while? If we plant them within, then they have the opportunity to become an inseparable part of who we are. Then nothing we say, do, or think will be done without the influence and effect of those things that have come to make up who we are.

October 5, 2007

This is an excellent chapter for so many reasons. For one, I love the title of liberty. I love the standard of it. I love how Captain Moroni prayed for its cause. I love that the people were asked to covenant to keep it. And I especially love that "the people came running." Do we run to the truth? Do we run to defend the Church, the Gospel, our freedoms, and our families? We cannot saunter to the task. We must always be prepared to defend. We must always be fortified against the evils that beat us and lash at us. But when the enemy is threatening at the gate, the time to act is short and requires immediate action. Any delays give the adversary time and advantage to weaken defenses. We must run. We must be ready and willing to run. Our services are needed in the war against evil. We must do everything we can to make sure our services are beneficial. And then we must run when the Lord calls. Sounds pretty simple? Then why are so many of us still meandering along--or worse, sleeping? Awake and Arise and Come Running!

I Stand All Amazed

I've spent all evening setting up this blog. So, for my first entry, I thought I would just share the lyrics to my favorite Sacrament song. It is my favorite because as a very young child, I was confused that we were singing about how wonderful it was that somebody died. I asked my mother about it while the congregation was singing. And my mother taught me just a portion of the Plan of Salvation, especially the part of the Savior atoning for our sins, his death, and his resurrection. All so that our souls could be bought back and that we would have the chance to return to live with Heavenly Father again. It was the beginnings of gaining a testimony of my Savior. I will always associate the song with that milestone.

I Stand All Amazed

lyrics by Charles H. Gabriel

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,

Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me.

I tremble to know that for me he was crucified,

That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died.

Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me

Enough to die for me!

Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine

To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine,

That he should extend his great love unto such as I,

Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.

Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me

Enough to die for me!

Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt!

Such mercy, such love, and devotion can I forget?

No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,

Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet.

Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me

Enough to die for me!

Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!