Purpose…

“We are living for eternity,

and not merely for the moment”

-Joseph F. Smith

 

Although it is important to enjoy every moment of our lives, make those moments count by doing something that invests in eternity.  Forget about the dishes, the laundry, the dirty floor…play with your children and strengthen the bonds of family, read your scriptures and feast upon the words of Christ, plan a date with your eternal companion and feel the strength of the temple, together.  Keep enjoying the moments that take your breath away…and those moments that help you get closer to eternity.  You are worth it!

The Transforming Power of Faith and Character

“Faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith” (Ether 12:6). Thus, every time you try your faith—that is, act in worthiness on an impression—you will receive the confirming evidence of the Spirit. As you walk to the boundary of your understanding into the twilight of uncertainty, exercising faith, you will be led to find solutions you would not obtain otherwise. With even your strongest faith, God will not always reward you immediately according to your desires. Rather, God will respond with what in His eternal plan is best for you, when it will yield the greatest advantage. Be thankful that sometimes God lets you struggle for a long time before that answer comes. That causes your faith to increase and your character to grow.”

– Richard G. Scott  

Please know that God is aware of you and your circumstances.  I bear testimony of that.  He knows the deepest yearnings of our souls for righteousness.  I have witnessed the very power of God’s timing through a personal experience of my very own quite recently.  Although I have struggled in my heart to understand His timing and His will for me and my family, and the very purpose that He would withhold the blessings so eagerly sought after, I have never given up hope that He has the power to grant the righteous desires of our hearts. And within the past few days, I have witnessed small tender mercies that I realize are part of the greater plan – His eternal plan – that is best for me, for us, when it will yield the greatest advantage.  And I am thankful for my struggles…and for the added prayers and fasting on behalf of our family.  My faith has been strengthened.

Believe in yourself

“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.” 

– Hebrews 10:35

 

“Believe in yourself.  Believe in yourself as a child of God. Believe in your capacity to do good in the world, to spread light and truth and understanding; to reach out to those in distress and need to help and bless them.” 

– Gordon B. Hinckley

 

We have the gospel in our lives.  Such knowledge should prompt us to share the “good news” which we have with others!  Others will be perplexed at the unfailing optimism which we display, because of our knowledge of the gospel and the truth behind it.  If the gospel is as precious to us as we claim it is, we should desire others to share the same joyous secret that we enjoy!  Keep being who you are.  Your example is felt.  Your testimony radiates.  I have felt of your love and joy.  Continue to “let your light so shine”.  You are a daughter of God, of noble birth, with a loving eternal Father in heaven who knows you and your potential.  May we strive to keep Christ’s image in our countenance!

Invitation to Prayer

"Pray always, that ye may not faint, until I come."

- Doctrine & Covenants 88:126

"Come to know our Father in Heaven.  Say your prayers.  Get on your knees and pray to the God of Heaven, and He will hear and answer your prayers." - Gordon B. Hinckley

It is crucial that we are building a relationship with our Heavenly Father and Savior daily.  The adversary is only getting stronger and more clever in his approach... I have heard it said, but I do not quote exactly... The adversary only needs to distract us these days (with enough electronical gadgets that disconnect the genuine communication between families and relationships and with good things that keep us from spending quality time together as a family doing the things that are essential to our safety in this life).  Instead, he has upgraded from temptation to mere distraction. 

My loving sisters, don't allow yourselves to get distracted by the "worldly noise" that busies our lives.  Take the time to thank your loving Heavenly Father for the blessings he has bestowed upon you and pour out the desires of your heart to him... put your trust and faith in Him.  He will guide you, love you, and sustain you in even your darkest hours of discouragement.  Always remember...when life gets hard, don't just stand there - kneel!

sharing with each other

I have had a sincere desire for quite sometime now to spread some goodness with my loving friends and family, and have been unsure just what the best way to do this is. Obviously, I cannot call each and every one of you every single day...to share the events of my day, the joys of my heart, the fruits of my study, the witnesses of the truth, and the goodness that I am uplifted with daily as I strive to live a righteous, consecrated life.

I am not perfect by any means, but I desire to be perfected in my Savior, and strive for goodness everyday! With the tools I have been given - prayer, the scriptures, a prophet, my family and good friends, and the temple, I can fight off the "natural (wo)man" that I am! I know that we can find strength together, in this mortal journey we call "life".

Therefore, I am starting a friendly blog, where I can share uplifting thoughts, spiritual quotes, and inspiring short stories with each of you. I have included all of you, because I consider you very dear friends to me. We are all a sisterhood and can all glean from one another! So, please enjoy the sprinkles of goodness!

The Cellphone vs. the Scriptures…what’s your choice?

I wonder what would happen if we treated our scriptures like we treat our cell phones?

What if we carried them around in our purses or pockets?
What if we turned back to go get them if we forgot them?
What if we flipped through them several times a day?
What if we spent an hour or more using them every day?
What if we used them to receive messages?
What if we treated them like we couldn't live without them?
What if we gave them to other kids as gifts?
What if we used them as we traveled? What if we used them in case of an emergency?

Where are your scriptures?

Unlike our cell phones:
One Plan does fit all.
Unlimited usage. No roaming charges.
You always have reception.
You can use it in the mountains and in a tunnel.
It's free with no hidden costs,
AND… you don't ever have to worry about your scriptures being disconnected because…

… CHRIST has already paid the bill!

 

“Our humility and our faith that invite spiritual gifts are increased by our reading, studying, and pondering the scriptures. We have all heard those words. Yet we may read a few lines or pages of scripture every day and hope that will be enough.

But reading, studying, and pondering are not the same. We read words and we may get ideas. We study and we may discover patterns and connections in scripture. But when we ponder, we invite revelation by the Spirit. Pondering, to me, is the thinking and the praying I do after reading and studying in the scriptures carefully.” – President Henry B. Eyring

These are just a few things that I came across today in my studies and wanted to share with you.  May we all cherish and treasure the word of God in our lives and read and ponder it daily!  Have you had your daily dose of spiritual power, guidance, and blessings today?  If not…take the time to be uplifted and nourished right now!  We all need it!  I love you all!  Have a great day!