Gospel Message Day 235

The Lord in the Details and the Inspirations

So many roads cross when the Lord is making the map. Today had a whole slew of those roads!

*The Relief Society lesson was on the Book of Mormon, and coming home the radio played the Seminary song "For Our Day."



*I had picked today's music for Sacrament meeting almost two months ago. We decided to move the Priesthood number to Father's Day, so this morning I picked a song that might be related to the restoration of the Gospel/restoration of the Priesthood (being a couple days after the anniversary of that event). What I didn't realize until I got to Church was that two other songs I'd picked were all from that section of the hymnbook as well. It was a very Gospel grateful day. :-)

*The General Conference quote on our program was from Elder Bednar's talk about hushing our fears. On the radio, on my way to my service project, the Conference Moment was the same talk. And it completely relates to something I am personally going through, and thoughts I was having in Sunday School. (The next bullet point.)

*Sunday School's lesson dealt with the rich young man not wanting to give up his all in order to inherit the kingdom of God. My Institute teacher always teaches us to find the deeper application. And it came to me as we discussed in class. This totally applies to marriage. No, I am not marriage obsessed, but dating is currently a huge part of my life because I know it's what the Lord wants me to be working on.

And it got me to thinking how the not wanting to give up something for what is better and more of what God wants for us applies to all of us in the dating world. I've been watching how so many (and I'm not trying to push any fault off of me) keep holding on to things that get in the way of their dating successfully. Those things can include unrealistic and/or overly picky ideals they have about a future spouse, habits/interests that occupy more of their time and attention than is good, or the preferred desire to have their "freedom" and be allowed to just run around and "have fun" and not commit to any one. If we could just let go of these things, we would open our lives up to so many great, blessed opportunities that Heavenly Father longs to give us.

But I also want to point out that there is and should be something more important than that dating world. In class I was reminded that even though I need (sometimes force myself) to keep dating in my life, it is not where my first and foremost focus should be. That focus is still coming unto Christ. In my prayers, and scripture study, and Gospel study, and missionary opportunities. If I work on coming unto Christ first, and keep myself open to the dating stuff, and hush my fears related to it all, then all will come together as the Lord wants for me.

Gospel Message Day 234

Daily Scripture Reflection: Emergency Preparedness

In the last 2 days, I've been reading in 3 Nephi the story where the righteous people gather themselves and their substance together as their defense against the wicked Gadianton robbers.

And it came to pass in the seventeenth year, in the latter end of the year, the proclamation of Lachoneus had gone forth throughout all the face of the land, and they had taken their horses, and their chariots, and their cattle, and all their flocks, and their herds, and their grain, and all their substance, and did march forth by thousands and by tens of thousands, until they had all gone forth to the placewhich had been appointed that they should gather themselves together, to defend themselves against their enemies.

 23 And the land which was appointed was the land of Zarahemla, and the land which was between the land Zarahemla and the land Bountiful, yea, to the line which was between the land Bountiful and the land Desolation.

 24 And there were a great many thousand people who were called Nephites, who did gather themselves together in this land. Now Lachoneus did cause that they should gather themselves together in the land southward, because of the great curse which was upon the land northward.

 25 And they did fortify themselves against their enemies; and they did dwell in one land, and in one body, and they did fear the words which had been spoken by Lachoneus, insomuch that they did repent of all their sins; and they did put up their prayers unto the Lord their God, that he would deliver them in the time that their enemies should come down against them to battle.

They are together in this situation for about 9 years. They probably were not able to farm as much in that gathered situation, which means most of their substance was what they had stored. And they not only lived on that storage for those 9 years, but they didn't even use it all. 

And now it came to pass that the people of the Nephites did all return to their own lands in the twenty and sixth year, every man, with his family, his flocks and his herds, his horses and his cattle, and all things whatsoever did belong unto them.

 2 And it came to pass that they had not eaten up all their provisions; therefore they did take with them all that they had not devoured, of all their grain of every kind, and their gold, and their silver, and all their precious things, and they did return to their own lands and their possessions, both on the north and on the south, both on the land northward and on the land southward.

Every time I hear/read this story, I think of how we are urged by our leaders to be prepared for emergencies. This preparedness includes finances as well as food storage and other substances that would help us to subsist in whatever situation may arise that forces us to need to rely on them. I think being prepared like this is definitely a Gospel topic. But I believe that spiritual preparedness is just as much (if not more) important as being prepared every other way.  

Gospel Message Day 137

Scripture Study Insight

I had an interesting insight today in my Book of Mormon scripture reading, and I thought it was a good message to share today. (I aim to start the next topic tomorrow.)

I read Mosiah 19-22. This is the story of Limhi and his people, beginning with Limhi's father Noah telling the people to flee from the Lamanites who are coming to attack. At one point, Noah urges all the men to leave behind the women and children so they can flee faster. There is a group of men who choose not to leave behind their wives and children; they stay with them to face the Lamanites. There is a second group of men who after fleeing for a couple of days, regret that they left their wives and children. They fight what hinders them (read: kill wicked King Noah) and return in search of their wives and children, hoping they are still alive. (They have as it turns out been mercifully spared by the Lamanites.) The third group are Noah's wicked priests. They refuse to return to their wives, and later on not only lust after other women, but kidnap them as well.

So in this story I was able to see that there are 3 types of spouses. (Even though it is men in the story, I think the principles can apply to wives as well as husbands.)

1. There are the spouses who remain true and loyal to their spouse. They stick by them no matter what the danger or trial. They love and protect. Their spouse (and children if applicable) are their focus, their purpose.

2. There are the spouses who get caught up in other things. They are distracted from what truly matters. What their focus should be. But they can realize their mistake, and repent, and return to their families.

3. The last group gets distracted away from their family. And then they choose not to return. They are selfish and neglectful and abandon their responsibility to their family.

Obviously, the first kind is the ideal to be. It will take constant work and effort to be that. Definitely worth it though. The second kind is the more human one. Meaning, the category I think many tend to accidentally fall in to on occasion. We're human. Distractions happen. But it isn't too late to return to our families and our responsibilities.

The third kind is what we don't want. Some of those in that category may have things end up in divorce. But there are others who stay in the marriage, but have mentally, emotionally, physically, etc. checked out. Their marriage is a marriage in word only. They do nothing to strengthen, support, and deepen it. It is obviously the category that we don't want to be.

But we have all 3 categories to help us measure where we are in our relationships and what we could or should be doing better. if it is needed. And as I write this, I see that it isn't just for spouses. This can be applied to family members in general. Have I checked out as a daughter? Or a sister? Or an aunt? Do I need to re-focus and help my family? It would have to be in different ways than it was when I was younger and surrounded by my family. But there are still ways I can be supportive.

And how about applying this as members of the Church? Members of a ward? Have I gotten distracted from my role in building the Kingdom of God? Where is my focus? Could I be doing better?

I really like how this application just jumped out to me today. I want to be the 1st category, but I'm determined that if I slip, I will be Category 2 and do what I need to to return to my responsibilities.

Gospel Message Day 119

Holy Ghost, Part 4

Tonight in Institute, I love how my teacher touched on the Spirit. It fits perfectly with the topic! She said, "If you give the Spirit a tool to work through, it can be a lot clearer for you."

I already referred to the scriptures as a tool in yesterday's story. But I have often received answers, guidance, etc. through this tool. So I wanted to share a few more experiences to illustrate it.

*When I was going through my very low and difficult time during the VA years, I came across Doctrine & Covenants 123:17:

Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.

It has become one of my most favorite scriptures ever, because it meant so much to me then--but it's perfect for always!

*When I was going through a time of repentance and forgiveness (which mostly involved forgiving myself), there was Alma 7:11-13:

And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

I found these verses very meaningful and uplifting as I learned to use the power of Christ's Atonement.

*Or there was that time that I really liked a guy, and I was not sure how to go about showing my interest. Alma 38:12 came to my attention:

Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness.

While making me laugh as I found it, this also became a very good guideline for relationships since then.

There are other tools that the Spirit uses to get through to us. I'm going to save them for the next few days (so I'll have stuff to talk about and time to think of stories that go with it!). But this is one of the best reasons to be daily immersed in the scriptures as it allows the Spirit more opportunities to speak to you and let you know what the Savior wants you to know.

Gospel Message Day 11

Conference Reflections

It didn't seem "right" to draw a topic from The Dog when I am bursting with topics and messages and feelings after this wonderful weekend of General Conference. Conference weekends are two of my very favorite times of the year. I am renewed and uplifted and ready to be a better person. I love it--nothing compares to feeling like this! So I wanted to share just a few things that are fresh on my mind.

(Please note: These are my personal notes of what I got from Conference. Personal notes = personal revelation: what the Spirit impressed on me was of use for me right now, and not necessarily what the speakers meant or even said. That's one of the best things about the Spirit and personal revelation. It is tailored to us.)

All the talks were, of course, very good. The messages were wonderful and timely. And I look forward to when all are available both electronically and in print so that I can further peruse and study them in depth. But right now, 3 talks stand out, and for 3 separate reasons.

Elder Jorg Klebingat's talk was so powerful in its straightforward, succinct message and delivery. The list he gave of how we can increase our peaceful assurance and spiritual confidence will be something I refer to often:
1. Take responsibility for your own spiritual well-being
2. Take responsibility for your own physical well-being.
3. Embrace voluntary, whole-hearted obedience. (Do the right things for the right reasons.)
4. Become really, really good at repenting thoroughly and immediately.
5. Become really, really good at forgiving. (Don't hold grudges; don't be easily offended.)
6. Accept trials, set backs, and "surprises" as they come. (Force a smile and gaze heavenward.)

Elder Richard G. Scott's talk was I think the talk most meant for me at this time in my life. He referred to struggles and challenges that we have. And while I do face my own right now, they are not quite debilitating as they have been previously. I am at a very good point in life and my outlook is pretty good. Things aren't exactly how I would wish and I am certainly enduring a lot of stress and disappointments. But I am filled with joy. Still, as Elder Scott gave us 4 tools to help us overcome challenges, the Spirit let me know that they were things I needed to work at being better at using.
1. Prayer. Make time every day to pray. Tell him everything that concerns you--the big things and the mundane.
2. Use/Study the scriptures and words of the living prophets.
3. Have (or in my case as a single adult attend) weekly Family Home Evening.
4. Go to the temple.
They are things I know about. And things I try to include in my life, and work at. But I feel that a solution to a lot of the things I'm dealing with will be answered and taken care of by re-focusing my efforts on these 4 simple things.

Elder Bednar's talk was so perfect considering what I am trying to do on this blog in this year: sharing  Gospel messages. He addressed his talk to those who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, concerning why LDS members keep sharing their beliefs with those not of our faith. I grew up outside of Utah, where I was very much the minority in my faith. I would hope that those I was around knew that I was a member of the LDS Church, and would hope they didn't find me obnoxious in always talking about the Church and my beliefs. Honestly, the main reason I did then and do now is because I love them. And I want to share with them that which is most precious to me--which has brought me peace, joy, healing, and strength.

As Elder Bednar put it, our desire to share is a reflection of how important these truths are to us. And later, after a delightful story about his 2 sons, that I immediately want to share with others that which has helped me. Once the talk is available, I will link to it here. I strongly encourage you to read it, especially if you are one my friends who is not a member of the LDS Church. This talk fully explains why I want to share what I believe with you. Why I keep this blog. Why I am blogging 365 Gospel messages. So please don't take it as me being a nuisance, but an action of love for you. And for my Savior as well.

Rejection Analogy

I had some thoughts a week ago, and I finally wrote them down. Of course, they were in an email to my brother on his mission. I don't think he'll mind if I share them here. I thought they were important enough for me to have easy access to them so I can continue to reflect on it.

My other spiritual thing is rather an odd connection. It came to me last week during testimony meeting. I don't think I told you in last week's letter. I was thinking upon dating and rejection and such. I know--what a happy thought, especially during testimony meeting! But, as you may have guessed from my letters, dating and all has been on my mind lately. More so than typical because there is a possible candidate. Possible. That's where the rejection thoughts came in. I'd been feeling rather rejected the previous week, especially as memories of all the times guys have rejected me came to mind. They aren't pleasant, but they are part of my life. They can be quite painful and it has been some hard lessons and efforts to learn not to let those feelings debilitate me. 

We all know rejection. Missionaries and member missionaries feel it all the time. So many friends I talked to about the Gospel, or invited to Church, or gave a Book of Mormon. Most were polite (though one did stop the friendship), but they never accepted. They rejected what I offered. Of course, I know you know this. Especially with your work as a full-time missionary. You also know from that funny group date story you have of asking so many girls and being rejected. Now, rejected is a harsh sounding word in some cases. Some of the girls may have been busy--already made plans. Some of the guys I liked were interested in other girls. Still, a rejection is a rejection. And it hurts.

As I was thinking on rejection, it came to me how many if not all of us reject the Savior. Not intentionally on many of our parts. And we certainly don't mean to do it often or at all. But the Lord has asked us to keep His commandments. When we don't, in a sense we are rejecting Him. When we don't pray or say hurried prayers, we are rejecting the opportunity to communicate with Him, feel of His love, and know what He would have us do. When we neglect our scripture study, we are rejecting Him. We reject the words He made sure we would have for our benefit, and reject another way for Him to speak to us. When we don't go to the temple, we reject Him AND his children who desperately need our help. Any little thing we do that does not follow His commandments, it is a type of rejection of the Savior's love, His Gospel, and of the Savior Himself. It was a very eye-opening realization for me. I who know rejection so well and think my being rejected by others is so hard. It is nothing to how it must sadden our Brother and our Father when we reject Them. And how much more should we be accepting of Them!! My thoughts on that are not complete, and still need some pondering. But it certainly awakened me to my own actions, and to try to be better at my obedience. 

To Him I'll Sing

Day 219

The headache came back halfway through the day. No surprise, considering it is a usual acquaintance on Fast Sundays. But the Lord answered my prayer in keeping it at bay. Indeed, at times I barely felt it. I'm grateful for that. For I wanted to be able to focus on the Fireside as well as sing well in the choir--with a smile on my face. All occurred, and it was a nice culmination of the YSA Summit weekend. I'm excited that I will get one more chance to sing that arrangement of "The Lord is My Light" next week. It is gorgeous and amazing and full of every praise in which that song deserves to be sung.

So many gratitudes, but I guess overall I'm grateful the Lord not only has given me such wonderful opportunities (great speakers, meeting new people, friends meeting me, singing in the Tabernacle!!!) and also allows me to physically be able to take part of them.

Today's Smile: I saw the UT SLC Mission president and his wife after the fireside. They were at Temple Square for something completely different. But I went to say hello and such a smile they both had. I know. It had little to do with anything that I did. Yet it is always nice to see smiles on others because it is long-time acquaintances seeing one another again, and getting to play a little of "Ketchup." They had great smiles to hear of my brother's mission call. And to hear that is well with my family. They are such happy people, that I appreciated the smiles they gave me in turn.

Today's Something New: Not necessarily a new thing to learn so much as a new realization. Last year's study of Isaiah on my part has helped me understand it a bit on my own. Not all of it. But enough to get what is being referenced. At least so far what I've encountered in 2 Nephi. I'm looking forward to the upcoming Isaiah chapter splurge to see if I can apply my new knowledge/skills/etc to what I'm reading. It  is all in preparation to at some point in the near future delve into all of the book of Isaiah. It's such a great realization to know it is possible to have the Spirit with me and the guidance of prophets and leaders to help open my understanding.

Always Learning

Day 41

I still can't get over Institute. Not that I'm surprised by it. Just can't get over the joy I get to be learning and feeling what I do. See, much of what my teacher goes over are things I know. He is making sure to pull many of the students out of the stereotypical mind-frames concerning the Book of Mormon of Gospel principles. You know--the ideas and "traditions" we start to latch on to. It isn't harmful per se, but it (in my opinion) hinders deeper learning. For example, so many people think the prophet Abinadi was old. All because of the well-drawn painting of the amazing Arnold Frieberg. But some years ago I had a strong inclination to think that Abinadi very well could have been young--and oh what a change in the story it made for me! Little things like that, but still important to pull us out of that. (My teacher even brought that particular instance up.)

So much of what he does or says is not new to me. It's very reassuring to me to see how much I've come to learn in the last years of studying. To appreciate the study habits I've worked around, altered, and done whatever else to get the most out of. It will always be a work in progress. But I'm grateful to see the connections I've made, and the knowledge I've gained--all through the Spirit.

And yet my teacher still always brings out something new (if not a few more than that) that just hits home. Or something I've known but he words it so simply and clearly. The entire Gospel is being connected before me--and in such excitement yet reverence. And it lifts me so much. It has been a while since I've had a teacher who regularly does this. In the last couple of years, a lot of my learning was all on my own. Not that that is bad. But it is so wonderful to have a teacher--knowledgeable and full of the Spirit--to guide me along in paths of learning.

I love Institute and am so grateful not only for the inspiration from the Lord to have it (and for me to attend!), but also for all that it has to offer me in my life right now.

We gather together

Day 13

I was in sheer awe.

And nervousness.

And wonder.

And in overwhelming "wow."

Because there was an entire BUILDING for Institute classes. With a chapel and a gym and such. And classes offered all week long. And more people in my one class than would show up to Sunday meetings at my most recent branch back east.

I knew these things existed. And I went to BYU, so I've been around hundreds and thousands of Mormons before. And been in fabulous scripture study courses with scads of people. And been in college buildings swarmed with LDS people going to school or church (depending on the day). But I did now grow up out here. This is not common for me.

And I hope I never lose my awe and wonder and excitement over dozens or hundreds or thousands of my faith all congregating in one place where we share in our love for the Savior and thirst for Gospel knowledge and testimony building.

I am grateful the Savior blessed me to grow up in such a way that I would not take the Gospel as much for granted so that I could have so many wonderful experiences throughout my life, including being immensely buoyed up by a simple gathering of Latter-day Saints.

"My Daddy is My Favorite Pal..."

Day 310

Today, I got to hear from President Osguthorpe, President of the Church's Sunday School. An amazing fireside. I felt the Spirit strongly and learned a great deal. So many things I would like to implement to help me be a better teacher and help the students learn much. I loved how he pointed out that education came from a Latin word that meant to bring forth, not to put in.

But what I am most, most grateful for today has to be my father. It is his birthday. And you know how nostalgic and emotional and sentimental I can be. Yeah. Birthdays of my parents are very special for me. Without them, there would be no me. And my father's birth was vital, as it affected my physical birth in this life, as well as my spiritual birth. And that spiritual birth was two fold.

1. His choices in life brought him to accepting the Gospel, which many years later would lead to an eternal marriage with my mother and the two of them working together to raise us children in the Gospel. So I acquired the beginnings of my knowledge and testimony from my father and mother until I was able to move on with those in my own progression. Of course, they are still there to help me with the Gospel.

2. My father is also the one who performed the actual ordinance of my baptism. This was very special for me, and a day I will never forget. It became even more special to me a few years ago when I realized I was his last child to baptize for their own ordinance (since the brother just older than me baptized the brother younger than me). That doesn't make me any more special, it just makes my baptism more special to me. Hard to explain, but when can a sentimental person explain themselves?

I love my dad in so many ways. I don't really know how to tell or show him without it feeling overly mushy or silly. But I hope he knows all the same.

I love you, Dad.

"Great are the Words of Isaiah"

Day 290

For years--since BYU days--I have wanted to study Isaiah better. But it seemed intimidating, of course. And I have always been trying to fit in other scripture and Gospel studies. There's so much! I wasn't sure what time I could devote, or just exactly how I would go about it. I considered putting it on my Whatever Wednesdays, but right now I feel to focus that one on more study of Preach My Gospel and reading recent Conference talks.

My chance has come with the last two weeks (and the next 2 or 3) of studying Isaiah in Sunday School. Granted, the reading assignments don't require us to read every single chapter. I looked at this as one way to get my feet wet. To start out a little and not be overly intimidated. And now I had a wonderful tool to help me out! Thus, I began. Last week's study was enjoyable as I went through chapters 1-6, per lesson reading assignment.

But this week's? I started yesterday, continued for 2 hours this morning, and still only managed to read 4 of the 7 assigned chapters (22, 24-26, 28-30). (I did skim the others to be prepared.) I got so much out of what I studied. It was amazing and fantastic! I was having fun, and feeling the Spirit, and even understanding what was being said and making connections. It was such an incredible experience. I love experiences like these!

And what, you ask, am I doing? I am trying to apply Elder McConkie's Ten Keys to Understanding Isaiah (which my mother taught to me in Seminary and later in Institute, and which I in turn had to teach when I substituted in Sunday School two years ago). I think I have worked on Keys 1-3 since my Seminary days, so I knew a bit of what to expect as I began. And Key #8 was something my father has taught us children many times when we were growing up. I think my days as an English major also helped with that. Last week, I used key #4 (using the Book of Mormon).

Both weeks, especially today, I used Key #5 (use Latter-day revelation). I went to GospelDoctrine.com--introduced to me by my previous Institute teacher. It is one fabulous resource, and just what I needed for this venture into Isaiah. When finances afford, I want to buy the Isaiah student manual and go deeper, because this is awesome! (And I want to be able to apply Key #10.)

I may have only covered 13(ish) chapters of the 66 total, but I think I can begin to truly say--as I've always wanted to--I love Isaiah!

10-10-10

Day 283

So, what am I to be grateful and joyful about on this fun day?

Plenty.

But I have one that really stands out to me right now:

As I prepared for our Sunday School lesson in reading, marking, comparing, and studying the first 6 chapters of Isaiah, I noticed that I was truly loving and enjoying it!

Back to (Scripture) School

Day 215

A full return to Institute. It is such a happy thing for me. Even if the lesson was on marriage. :-)

"I Read Words Upon the Paper"

Day 201

Having to work Tuesday evenings this month, I've had to plan on missing Institute. That's not a happy thing for me. Institute is my favorite part about being in the branch. Often, it feels like the only thing that I get any spiritual gain or lift from. I know a big part of that is our teacher and his wife. And we now know that once we are done studying the Doctrine and Covenants, he will be released. It will be a very sad change for me. So it has been even harder knowing I'm missing these last few classes that he's teaching. So it was a very happy thing when tonight's performer ended and and took down in plenty of time for me to make it to half of tonight's class!

I was very, very grateful that I could study the scriptures in a happy, worthwhile, uplifting scripture class.

Never Ceasing: Spiritual Uplifts and Answers to Prayers

Day 171

All the stress (minus moving) from before vacation came rushing back today.

It had been rearing it's head throughout the week, but I was too busy to glance at it. Then I made myself have a fabulous day off.

But today, so much flooded in.

And I couldn't let the tears flood out until all meetings and stake choir were over.

Tears as I was attacked by sorrow from:

*missing my family (trips to see family do that)

*knowing my closest relatives will be gone be even further from me in 2 weeks

*realizing that being away from my family--the people who have always meant the most to me--is truly draining me in many ways

*feeling alone

*wondering how in the world I am going to handle this summer (all chaos breaking loose tomorrow)

*doubting (as occasionally happens until I mentally slap myself for being silly and worrying over silly things) my attractiveness and desirability

Of course, that's not to say that I didn't have some great things to the day that kept trying to buoy me up:

*good scripture study

*great talks about the Priesthood from recent General Conference to read in preparation for Relief Society

*feeling really pretty with my In-Honor-of-My-Awesome-Father outfit (Chinese dress, Jade Necklace from Dad, and the Daddy Sandals), good make-up job, and the straight hair (only one comment, so I guess it's no big thing to most church members, but 2 hours and being able to run my fingers through my hair over and over is huge to me!)

*succeeding in only half slaughtering the insane song I'm playing for branch choir

*very good talks in Church with lessons the Lord specifically wanted me to hear

*singing beautiful music in stake choir where I always feel the Spirit

*beans, corn on the cob, and mini chocolate frosted donuts awaiting me at home

But the best thing came after that. After the crying. During the music listening and the food eating (because the lack of protein was making me even more upset than usual). After another plea to heaven. I heard from a friend whom I thought I had greatly hurt and offended, and just didn't know what to do any more concerning our friendship after attempts with no response. And for a worry that had been plaguing me all week, it sure left quickly. Thank you.

I'm so grateful for the Savior's understanding and calming, for Heavenly Father answering our prayers, and for people who follow the Spirit to help answer those prayers.

Mother Memory #4

My mother (with occasional help from my sister) read the entire Little House on the Prairie series to me when I was very young. The first one that I really remember being read to me each night was These Happy Golden Years. To this day, it is still my favorite secular book. It's not just the book itself. It's that my mother read it to me.

By the way--my mother placed a great deal of importance and value on reading to and with your children--both secular works as well as the scriptures. Today I stand as testimony, standard, and product of her diligence, determination, dedication, and wisdom--a librarian, a lover of reading, and a budding young scriptorian in progress.

Still Going Strong

Day 40

I have been using SparkPeople for 60 days now. And I feel absolutely great! I'm still keeping up with tracking what I eat (and carbs, fat, calories, protein, sodium, and various vitamins and minerals to go along with that). I've added exercise into it all in the last 3 weeks. My clothes are all starting to look a little less flattering us they don't quite fit as they used to here, or they hang a little differently there. Though my stress has been medium, it hasn't bothered me much. My energy level is quite high, even with my bouts of the current EB "episode." And the goal tracker (for other things like scripture study, journal keeping, family history, etc.) has been a great and fun reminder to get "the little things" done when my busy day can often have me forgetting.

I don't have my next weigh-in until the end of the week. My guess is that the exercise is replacing some fat with muscle, so I'm not expecting too much (if any) weight loss since my last weigh-in 3 weeks ago. But if there isn't any weight gain, then I'm on the right track! And considering it's been so cold with lots of snow, getting in the exercise I have has been quite the accomplishment. Factor in my insane sweet cravings over the last 2 weeks, and going out to a restaurant to eat, and still keeping in with my goal ranges--things are wonderful!

I feel incredible and fantastic. And it just keeps getting better.

"Finding Joy in Life"

This talk was brought to my attention. As typical, it came at a perfect time. And it is just so good, I had to post the text for the entire talk by Elder Scott and not just a link to it. (I apologize for not taking the time to link all of the scriptures and quotes. But I left in the footnotes in case you choose to look them up yourself.) I highly recommend it. We all can relate to it no matter how we are feeling at any particular moment. I love happiness. I love smiling. And yet I've found both difficult of late. I've improved a lot in the last couple of days. I feel I'm finally pulling out on top of this horrible trial I have been experiencing. And this talk was such an uplifting, reassuring thing. It helped me see that I'm on the right track. And I can stay on that track. I will do whatever it takes to stay or get back on that track. Happiness and Joy or worth it.

Recently I stood on the north shore of a beautiful Pacific island gazing out to sea at daybreak. I was fascinated by the regularity with which the gigantic waves consistently moved forward to break on the shoreline. It reminded me of the constancy of the plan of the Lord, with its fixed, eternal law, and the security of enduring justice and the tenderness of mercy when earned by obedience. I noticed that each wave would crest at a different point on the horizon to find its unique path to shore. Some cascaded over rocks, leaving rivulets of foaming, white water. Others burst on the shore in individual patterns. They slid up the moistened sand with playful frothy edges, then bubbled and swirled as they receded.

I thought of the unending variety of possibilities the Lord has provided for us. We have so much freedom, so many opportunities to develop our unique personalities and talents, our individual memories, our personalized contributions. Since there would be no further opportunity to observe the majestic sea, I tried to imagine the glorious panorama the brilliant sun would later create. As I watched this magnificent scene in reverence, a window formed in the clouds; the glistening rays of the rising sun broke through the overcast sky, transforming everything with its luminescence, its color, its life. It was as if the Lord wanted to share an additional blessing, a symbol of the light of His teachings that gives brilliance and hope to everyone it touches. Tears of gratitude formed for this wondrous world in which we live, for the extraordinary beauty our Heavenly Father so freely shares with all who are willing to see. Truly, life is beautiful.

Do you take time to discover each day how beautiful your life can be? How long has it been since you watched the sun set? The departing rays kissing the clouds, trees, hills, and lowlands good night, sometimes tranquilly, sometimes with exuberant bursts of color and form. What of the wonder of a cloudless night when the Lord unveils the marvels of His heavens—the twinkling stars, the moonlight rays—to ignite our imagination with His greatness and glory? How captivating to watch a seed planted in fertile soil germinate, gather strength, and send forth a tiny, seemingly insignificant sprout. Patiently it begins to grow and develop its own character led by the genetic code the Lord has provided to guide its development. With care it surely will become what it is destined to be: a lily, crowned with grace and beauty; a fragrant spearmint plant; a peach; an avocado; or a beautiful blossom with unique delicacy, hue, and fragrance. When last did you observe a tiny rosebud form? Each day it develops new and impressive character, more promise of beauty until it becomes a majestic rose. You are one of the noblest of God’s creations. His intent is that your life be gloriously beautiful regardless of your circumstances. As you are grateful and obedient, you can become all that God intends you to be.

Sadness, disappointment, and severe challenge are events in life, not life itself. I do not minimize how hard some of these events are. They can extend over a long period of time, but they should not be allowed to become the confining center of everything you do. The Lord inspired Lehi to declare the fundamental truth, “Men are, that they might have joy.” 1 That is a conditional statement: “they might have joy.” It is not conditional for the Lord. His intent is that each of us finds joy. It will not be conditional for you as you obey the commandments, have faith in the Master, and do the things that are necessary to have joy here on earth.

Your joy in life depends upon your trust in Heavenly Father and His holy Son, your conviction that their plan of happiness truly can bring you joy. Pondering their doctrine will let you enjoy the beauties of this earth and enrich your relationships with others. It will lead you to the comforting, strengthening experiences that flow from prayer to Father in Heaven and the answers He gives in return.

A pebble held close to the eye appears to be a gigantic obstacle. Cast on the ground, it is seen in perspective. Likewise, problems or trials in our lives need to be viewed in the perspective of scriptural doctrine. Otherwise they can easily overtake our vision, absorb our energy, and deprive us of the joy and beauty the Lord intends us to receive here on earth. Some people are like rocks thrown into a sea of problems. They are drowned by them. Be a cork. When submerged in a problem, fight to be free to bob up to serve again with happiness.

You are here on earth for a divine purpose. It is not to be endlessly entertained or to be constantly in full pursuit of pleasure. You are here to be tried, to prove yourself so that you can receive the additional blessings God has for you. 2 The tempering effect of patience is required. 3 Some blessings will be delivered here in this life; others will come beyond the veil. The Lord is intent on your personal growth and development. That progress is accelerated when you willingly allow Him to lead you through every growth experience you encounter, whether initially it be to your individual liking or not. When you trust in the Lord, when you are willing to let your heart and your mind be centered in His will, when you ask to be led by the Spirit to do His will, you are assured of the greatest happiness along the way and the most fulfilling attainment from this mortal experience. If you question everything you are asked to do, or dig in your heels at every unpleasant challenge, you make it harder for the Lord to bless you. 4

Your agency, the right to make choices, is not given so that you can get what you want. This divine gift is provided so that you will choose what your Father in Heaven wants for you. That way He can lead you to become all that He intends you to be. 5 That path leads to glorious joy and happiness.

Learn from inspiring individuals who have made peace with their challenges and live with joy amid adversity. A lovely woman with an aggressive terminal disease consistently found joy in life. She understood the plan of happiness, had received the temple ordinances, and was doing her best to qualify for the promised blessings. Her personal journal records: “It is a beautiful fall day. I picked up the mail and sat down on the swing. I was so happy and content in the warm sun, the sweet smell of nature and the trees around me. I just sat and gloried in the fact that I am still alive on this beautiful earth. … The Lord is so good to me. How I thank him that I am still here and feeling so good. I am soooooo happy I just want to shout and dance through this beautiful house as the sun streams into the big windows. I love being alive.”

A valiant mother courageously fighting a debilitating illness spent untold hours laboriously completing a large, challenging needlepoint work of art. It was a gift to a couple experiencing trials. For the couple it is a priceless treasure, a constant reminder of the precious fruits of resolute effort in the face of adversity, an enduring message of hope bound in the bonds of pure love and willing sacrifice.

Children teach us how to find joy even under the most challenging circumstances. Children haven’t yet learned to be depressed by concentrating on the things they don’t have. They find joy in what is available to them. I remember a small boy playing along a riverbank. He had tied a piece of fishing line to the ends of two discarded soft-drink cans. He threw one can over a limb, then filled it with water. He would pull on the other can, then let it go. The weight of the first can would draw the second one up as it fell. He laughed and danced with glee.

Simple, rejuvenating experiences surround us. They can be safety valves to keep the tension down and the spirit up. Don’t concentrate on what you don’t have or have lost. The Lord promised the obedient to share all that He possesses with them. You may temporarily lack here, but in the next life, if you prove yourself worthy by living valiantly, a fulness will be your blessing.

Find the compensatory blessings in your life when, in the wisdom of the Lord, He deprives you of something you very much want. To the sightless or hearing impaired, He sharpens the other senses. To the ill, He gives patience, understanding, and increased appreciation for others’ kindness. With the loss of a dear one, He deepens the bonds of love, enriches memories, and kindles hope in a future reunion. You will discover compensatory blessings when you willingly accept the will of the Lord and exercise faith in Him. 6

To the afflicted people of Alma, the Lord said: “I will also ease the burdens … that even you cannot feel them upon your backs … ; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

“And … the burdens … were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord” (Mosiah 24:13–15).

Attempt to be creative for the joy it brings. After their noble husbands were called home, Sisters Camilla Kimball, Amelia McConkie, and Helen Richards learned to paint. They not only leave legacies of art, but they will never see a sunset, a face, or a tree the same again. They now perceive subtle nuances of color and form and rejoice in the abounding beauty around them.

Select something like music, dance, sculpture, or poetry. Being creative will help you enjoy life. It engenders a spirit of gratitude. It develops latent talent, sharpens your capacity to reason, to act, and to find purpose in life. It dispels loneliness and heartache. It gives a renewal, a spark of enthusiasm, and zest for life.

Willing service to others is a key to enduring happiness. President Kimball said: “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another mortal that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other.” 7

I know of a woman who was joyously happy. Each morning she would ask her Father in Heaven to lead her to someone she could help. That sincere prayer was answered time and again. The burdens of many were eased and their lives brightened. She was blessed continually for being an instrument directed by the Lord.

I know that every difficulty we face in life, even those that come from our own negligence or even transgression, can be turned by the Lord into growth experiences, a virtual ladder upward. 8 I certainly do not recommend transgression as a path to growth. It is painful, difficult, and so totally unnecessary. It is far wiser and so much easier to move forward in righteousness. But through proper repentance, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and obedience to His commandments, even the disappointment that comes from transgression can be converted into a return to happiness.

Make a list of things you can do for happiness, such as:
• Ponder the scriptures to understand the plan of happiness.
• Pray with faith in Jesus Christ.
• Love and serve others.
• Receive the temple ordinances. Return to bless others.
• Listen to the prophet and obey his counsel.
• Be grateful for what you have.
• Smile more.

Your list will provide keys to contentment and joy.

A famous Brazilian song repeats a falsehood many believe: Sadness never ends, but happiness does. I witness that with faith in the Savior and obedience to His teachings, happiness never ends, but sadness does.

No matter how difficult something you or a loved one faces, it should not take over your life and be the center of all your interest. Challenges are growth experiences, temporary scenes to be played out on the background of a pleasant life. Don’t become so absorbed in a single event that you can’t think of anything else or care for yourself or for those who depend upon you. Remember, much like the mending of the body, the healing of some spiritual and emotional challenges takes time.

The Lord has said, “Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days.” 9 As you are patient, you will come to understand what the statement “I am with thee” means. God’s love brings peace and joy.

Your faith in Jesus Christ gives life enduring meaning. Remember you are on a journey to exaltation. Sometimes you have experiences that yield more happiness than others, but it all has purpose with the Lord. 10

As a witness of the Savior, I exhort you to forgive any you feel may have offended you. If there is transgression, repent of it, that the Master may heal you.

Thank your Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son for the plan of happiness and the gospel principles upon which it is based. Be grateful for the ordinances and the covenants they have provided. I solemnly testify they have power to crown your life with peace and joy, to give it purpose and meaning. You will learn that sadness and disappointment are temporary. Happiness is everlastingly eternal because of Jesus Christ. I solemnly witness that He lives, that He loves you, and that He will help you. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Notes

1. 2 Ne. 2:25.

2. See Abr. 3:25.

3. See Mosiah 3:19.

4. See 1 Ne. 3:7.

5. See D&C 58:26–32.

6. See Orson F. Whitney quotation in Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle [1972], 98.

7. The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 252.

8. See Isa. 40:31.

9. D&C 24:8.

10. See Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 177.

New Insights

"Many of you study foreign languages. You might like to start reading the Book of Mormon in another language. When you read the scriptures in another language, you learn what the words mean in a new way."

Julie B. Beck, "My Soul Delighteth in the Scriptures," Ensign, May 2004, 108

My senior year in high school I began reading the Book of Mormon in French, going off something my brother A. had said to me when he returned from his mission. It went in slow intervals as I attended college. And then I finally knuckled down to it and got through. It was around then that I had begun a scripture journal. I love going back and reading some of those entries, because I did learn--just as Sister Beck said--"what the words mean in a new way." The scriptures came alive to me in so many new and exhilarating ways. I have the book in Chinese, too, but I think it will take much longer than the 6 years in French. Still, it is a great way to get new insights, and I'm so glad I was supported in this by a church leader whom I greatly admire!

Someday...

“‘Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it’ (Eph. 5:25). With that kind of love, brethren, we will be better husbands and fathers, more loving and spiritual leaders. Happiness at home is most likely to be achieved when practices there are founded upon the teachings of Jesus Christ (see Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102). Ours is the responsibility to ensure that we have family prayer, scripture study, and family home evening. Ours is the responsibility to prepare our children to receive the ordinances of salvation and exaltation and the blessings promised to tithe payers. Ours is the privilege to bestow priesthood blessings of healing, comfort, and direction.”



Russell M. Nelson, “Our Sacred Duty to Honor Women,” Ensign, May 1999, 39-40