From Elder Holland:
"None of these frankly pathetic answers for this book has ever withstood examination, because their is no other answer than the one Joseph gave as its young, unlearned translator.
In this I stand with my own great grandfather who said, simply enough, "No wicked man could write such a book as this, and no good man would write it, unless it were true and he were commanded of God to do so."
I testify that one cannot come to full faith in this latter-day work, and thereby find the fullest measure of peace and comfort in these, our times, until he or she embraces the divinity of the Book of Mormon and the Lord Jesus Christ of whom it testifies. If anyone is foolish enough or misled enough to reject 531 pages of a heretofore unknown text teeming with literary and Semitic complexity, without honestly attempting to account for the origin of those pages somehow, especially without accounting for their powerful witness of Jesus Christ and the profound spiritual impact that witness has had on what is now tens of millions of readers, if that's the case, then such persons, elect or otherwise, have been deceived. And if they leave this church, they must do so by crawling over or under or around the Book of Mormon to make their exit. In that sense, the book is what Christ himself was said to be: a stone of stumbling and rock of offense--a barrier in the path of one who wishes not to believe in this work. "
-------------------------
I've known the Book of Mormon is true for a long time. I trust my heart and feelings. I feel if I have been given any gift, its the ability to discern right from wrong. Some call it a keen conscience, I of course know its the Holy Ghost. I've heard things that seem weird about Joseph Smith, I know there is stuff out there about church history that seems odd or shady. I may not understand everything there is to know about the church but I have always felt peace when I have read the Book of Mormon. I could never deny its truthfulness and from that testimony has grown a knowledge that I am on the right course in this life. That our Church is the restored Church of Christ that well-learned Bible scholars are still searching for. This past conference weekend, I just feel so blessed to know. Elder Holland's talk is what my heart tells me but in eloquent language spoken by a wonderful leader of the only Church that has a fullness of the Gospel.
I've had family members leave the Gospel purposely or fall away inactively. Its one thing if the lifestyle seems too much and their testimony isn't strong enough to pull them through. But it kills me when I see someone I love turn away from the truth because they don't believe it. All I have to say to them is read it again! All the way through. Get down on your knees. Give yourself that much.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
I have a sliver in my foot and I like it.
You know whats cool? Its cool when a situation happens when you should be depressed but you're just not! This really cool girl I know is going through a hard divorce. I felt so bad for her for a while but then I started noticing something. She has a new bounce in her step, she is more outgoing, she has some sort of light going on that she didn't have before. When I talked to her about it, she confirmed that she feels so much better about herself. So much happier. I feel ten times happier than last year when Jarom was in that wicked career with that wicked witch as a boss... I couldn't stand it. But last year we had security, we had a good job, etc... this year we are wingin' it and much happier. So I guess the moral of the story is, we never know what the Lord has in store and so we shouldn't be frightened by situations that may seem scary. We should just step forward and take what life gives us!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
What I learned this Sunday
First, I learned that I am the worst time manager- no never mind, I already knew that. So we were late to church and missed the sacrament. Bummer. But the talk today was on sharing your talents and it was really good, followed by a good musical number. Dang I can't remember why I liked it so much but I did. I should really take notes.
Then we entered the jungle. Yes we are now in nursery. Cute and fun little stinkers. I learned that I overestimated the kids attention spans for sure. (we have the youngest group) Jack got to go in with us and I learned that he is just as big as all the kids that are way older and he can hold his own! More on that on my other blog.
Here is the spiritual growth of the day. I had to show a house that I am renting out. This woman asked many good questions about the house and had a great family. Before she took an application, she asked me if I was LDS. I didn't know what she was wanting to hear but of course I said yes without hesitation. She then just lit up. She just joined the church very recently and was worried about switching wards. She then told me how happy she is and how much peace she feels. Just as I was noticing the pricklies on my arm she told me she had goosebumps. She said that she feels like she is the opposite of Adam and Eve. That she was in the lone and dreary world for so long and now she has the light of the Gospel. I could just feel it radiate from her. What a great reminder of what I have and have always had. So even if I never see this woman again, she bore testimony to me and strengthened my testimony. I hope I can do that for others more often.
Then we entered the jungle. Yes we are now in nursery. Cute and fun little stinkers. I learned that I overestimated the kids attention spans for sure. (we have the youngest group) Jack got to go in with us and I learned that he is just as big as all the kids that are way older and he can hold his own! More on that on my other blog.
Here is the spiritual growth of the day. I had to show a house that I am renting out. This woman asked many good questions about the house and had a great family. Before she took an application, she asked me if I was LDS. I didn't know what she was wanting to hear but of course I said yes without hesitation. She then just lit up. She just joined the church very recently and was worried about switching wards. She then told me how happy she is and how much peace she feels. Just as I was noticing the pricklies on my arm she told me she had goosebumps. She said that she feels like she is the opposite of Adam and Eve. That she was in the lone and dreary world for so long and now she has the light of the Gospel. I could just feel it radiate from her. What a great reminder of what I have and have always had. So even if I never see this woman again, she bore testimony to me and strengthened my testimony. I hope I can do that for others more often.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Workin' It!
No this is not a video of me workin' it, though I should post one of me doing the new hip hop dance Rachel taught me because for some reason I look like the biggest dork doing it! Whats up with that? I'm supposed to be all ghetto and stuff!!
Anyway, thats not with this post is about. I feel like me and Jarom are moving along like a well-oiled machine right now! We are just making this school thing work and I know that it is from a lot of prayer that we are able to accomplish the things we are accomplishing. I feel like I am slowly finding a balance and that is very energizing to me. Sure I have bad days but overall I am able to make a plan, stick to it, squeeze in most things I need to do and have a little RNR. Jarom is awesome. He is doing his school, starting a new job, taking care of the kids while I teach, and still finding time to help me with chores and stuff. I feel like this next year of school is going to be a fond memory someday of hardwork, humility, and blessings. And the best part, we are so much happier than last year. Sometimes you have to go with what the Spirit is telling you even though it seems crazy! (even when it says lets give up a good job with benefits to go back to school and start over in a new career and get 35,000 more in debt) Thats what we did and its the right thing. I know now just like I knew then. What do people do without prayer? I didn't know how it would work out but I'm starting to see that it will. Just 14 months and counting!
Anyway, thats not with this post is about. I feel like me and Jarom are moving along like a well-oiled machine right now! We are just making this school thing work and I know that it is from a lot of prayer that we are able to accomplish the things we are accomplishing. I feel like I am slowly finding a balance and that is very energizing to me. Sure I have bad days but overall I am able to make a plan, stick to it, squeeze in most things I need to do and have a little RNR. Jarom is awesome. He is doing his school, starting a new job, taking care of the kids while I teach, and still finding time to help me with chores and stuff. I feel like this next year of school is going to be a fond memory someday of hardwork, humility, and blessings. And the best part, we are so much happier than last year. Sometimes you have to go with what the Spirit is telling you even though it seems crazy! (even when it says lets give up a good job with benefits to go back to school and start over in a new career and get 35,000 more in debt) Thats what we did and its the right thing. I know now just like I knew then. What do people do without prayer? I didn't know how it would work out but I'm starting to see that it will. Just 14 months and counting!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
RISE AND SHOUT THE COUGARS ARE OUT!
Oh my gosh! The Cougs are freakin Legit!!! (Ok so maybe OK would've had a chance if their quarterback wouldn't have gotten hurt) But a W is a W. I am so happy! And now we have to figure out a way to watch all the Cougar games. #9 #9 oh my gosh, why couldn't they have been this good when I was there and had season tickets every year and sat my butt out in the cold to watch them lose time and time again? Its ok at least I can say I am a true fan and now I can revel in their glory! The best part- BYU football is one of the only sports team me and Jarom agree on.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Enrichment Anxiety
Places like enrichment bring out this strange quality in me, especially being fairly new in a ward. I walk into enrichment with a small knot in my stomach. I imagine that instant when you walk in and everyone is already in their conversations (because I'm usually late) and sitting at their tables. The embarrassment of standing there looking for someone to sit with and feeling like everyone is staring at you almost makes me not want to go. BUT- that's only whats happening on the inside. On the outside I immediately sit down and start taking over the conversation. I start searching my brain for little things I remember about people and asking them all kinds of questions about their life. If there is a silent moment I jump on it quickly and try to make everyone feel comfortable. Its funny because I think, hmmm these people probably think I'm pretty social and outgoing, little do they know, I am just pretty good at suppressing the in-born shyness. My mom is so the same way. At my wedding reception in Animas, she was pinching me and telling me she was going to die of embarrassment and in the same breath she was in an all-out laughing, wonderful conversation with some random person she didn't know! I just divulged my secret, so just know if you see me at enrichment, I'm really dying inside.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
My talk on Be of Good Cheer that I gave last Sunday.
Preparing this topic was such a good experience for me so I thought I would share what I compiled:
We are all very aware of the state the world is in right now, and even more close to home, the state of our country, our state, and the tough spots many of us are in due to finances, sin or other misfortunes.
President Monson said,
“It would be easy to become discouraged and cynical about the future—or even fearful of what might come—if we allowed ourselves to dwell only on that which is wrong in the world and in our lives.”
And later he says, “We know that there are times when we will suffer, when we will grieve, and when we will be saddened. However, we are told, “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.”2
I’ve never really thought about that statement as much as I have in preparation for this talk, we ARE so we might HAVE JOY. How cool? We exist so we can be happy. I think about my perspective as a mother and I would do anything for my babies to be happy. Sometimes I wish I could shield and protect them from anything that might cause them pain or sadness, I know I can’t. I can’t guard them day in and day out to avoid them falling down and getting hurt, I can’t make it so they make all the decisions that lead to happiness. I know they have to learn for themselves and all I can do is guide them. Heavenly Father has given us a guide and wants our happiness just the same. Realizing our Heavenly Father’s great desire is for us to be happy is the first important principle.
So how do we make this life a happy one despite our trials?
1. Do things that make us happy
2. Have faith and trust in God
3. Serve others
4. Decide to be happy.
1. Do things that make us happy.
I read a talk from Elder Kikuchi from the seventy that had an impression on me. When he was mission president in Hawaii, he instructed his elders and sisters to:
a. • Rise from his bed early—in his case, a few minutes before 6:30 a.m.
b. • Exercise for a few minutes.
c. • Wash his body and shave—make himself clean.
d. • Dress for the day.
e. • Go to a quiet place inside his apartment.
f. • Kneel, subdue his spirit before Heavenly Father, and call upon Him. Talk with Him in reverent prayer.
g. • Wait for His holy inspiration, pondering the scriptures or a recent general conference talk and think about the specific problems he faced.
I pondered this and realized that the days that I take the time to do the things that make me feel good, I am usually in a better mood. To his list I would add a few chores to keep the house in order, some special time for each member of the family and maybe a hobby of my own that makes me excited. That’s a lot to accomplish so if it doesn’t all happen everyday, its fine! Just keeping goals and trying to nourish our minds, bodies, and spirits will help us have a brighter outlook when times our tough.
2. Have Faith and Trust in God.
The sub-title says:
“Be of Good Cheer, the future is as bright as your faith.”
The future is as bright as our faith…
Elder Snow of the Seventy said,
“At times we may feel that our personal lives are unraveling from the natural consequences of living in a fallen world. The agency of man allows the introduction of chaos into lives that long for order, and nothing can seem more hopeless than the tattered lives of those we love. Can they, or we, ever be rescued? Is there any hope for them, or us? In moments of such despair, the priceless promise of God’s deliverance brings hope to troubled hearts.
No prophet has framed it more simply than did President Gordon B. Hinckley in the program for Sister Marjorie Hinckley’s funeral: (and I can just picture President Hinckley saying this) “It isn’t as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don’t worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers.”2 President Hinckley’s optimism for the future is rooted in his firm knowledge that the Lord’s promises of deliverance are sure.”
What a wonderful blessing talks can be. Our lives are a little risky right now. With my husband in school, we are putting a lot of faith in businesses and things we do not have much control over. But president Hinckley repeats twice, “He will not forsake us” So each day we CAN wake up happy. We aren’t sentenced to a life of worry and fear. We CAN just have faith, be happy, and keep doing our best. He will not forsake us.
I was in Seattle last weekend visiting a friend and I heard a little story that illustrated faith so beautifully and I’m going to tell it the best I can from memory:
A father was journeying on a train with his little daughter, who was blind, on his lap. After many hours had passed, his friend joined him and asked if he could take his daughter for a few minutes and give him a rest. The father agreed. Once his daughter was safely on his friends lap the father asked her, “do you know who has you?” And she said “No but I know that you know”
We may not know how things are possibly going to work out in our favor but if we trust in Heavenly Father, we can have peace that he knows.
I repeat President Monson’s words, “The future is as bright as our faith.”
3. Serve others:
Ether 12:4 Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.
So the scripture says that those who believe in God are sure, steadfast, and always abounding in good works which leads them to glorify Him. So that would mean the opposite of a disciple of Christ is unsure, fearful, and self-centered which leads us nowhere. Looking outside ourselves to see others pain and trying to remedy that, to act as the Lords hands and mouthpiece can cause nothing but what I like to call the warm fuzzies. Perfect happiness.
President Monson’s stories in his talk, “Be of Good Cheer” and all the real life sufferings we hear daily help us see our problems as obsolete – not unimportant- but just normal problems and instead of dwelling on those, we can pick ourselves up, get out the door and try to help someone else.
I had a Bishop at BYU help me through a rough time. Each time I saw him he encouraged and inspired me to try different things and to really learn to pray etc… Finally I was happy to report to him that I felt a true change of heart and I was very happy and at peace. His words to me I’ll never forget. He said (in his British accent), “Ok love now go and run the Lord’s errand”.
4. Finally we can decide to be happy.
Outside of those people who may be suffering from clinical depression or similar disorders that may need help of a professional, we can decide our attitude about everything.
I once attended a devotional of Sheri Dew. She spoke of “verbal litter”, what trail do you leave behind when you say things because you are in a bad mood? What Spirit does that bring to your home? What kind of a trail do you want to leave behind you?”
For some reason I think of road rage and telemarketers. We always think we can just be rude on the road, but what if when we get cut-off instead of honking and yelling, just assume this person had to get somewhere fast and forgive? What if we recognize that these people are just trying to be good at their job and just decide to be kind. Wouldn’t that be nice for a change for them and bring a better Spirit into our hearts?
The perfect example of making the decision to be happy despite trials is very close to my heart. My little cousin Ashley was diagnosed with Leukemia when she was just a few months old. The side effects from the heavy medicines and chemo left her very weak and tiny. Her lungs were hit the hardest. She carted around an O2 tank as big as her for years and years. There were countless problems besides that. I used to feel sorry for her. All of us grew up dancing and playing but she always took joy in our accomplishments and loved to watch and cheer us on. She died a couple of years ago at the age of 19 and her mother found her diary shortly after. Every single entry started with the words - “I had a good day today”. Little Ashley always had the answer. She told herself she was happy and she had a good day, couldn’t we with our healthy bodies and busy lives just be strong enough to decide to have a good day just like Ashley?
Anyone’s situation can change in a second. A sickness can be cured, a well person may become sick, a poor person can gain wealth and vice versa. We have little control over life’s circumstances. We do have control over how we will react to life’s trials.
In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
We have been given the BEST formula for happiness. We will have grief and sorrows. It’s ok to break down and have a bad day, everyone does. But let’s remember that we ARE that we might have JOY. Christ has overcome the world and can help us overcome any problem we might face if we cast our burden upon Him.
We are all very aware of the state the world is in right now, and even more close to home, the state of our country, our state, and the tough spots many of us are in due to finances, sin or other misfortunes.
President Monson said,
“It would be easy to become discouraged and cynical about the future—or even fearful of what might come—if we allowed ourselves to dwell only on that which is wrong in the world and in our lives.”
And later he says, “We know that there are times when we will suffer, when we will grieve, and when we will be saddened. However, we are told, “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.”2
I’ve never really thought about that statement as much as I have in preparation for this talk, we ARE so we might HAVE JOY. How cool? We exist so we can be happy. I think about my perspective as a mother and I would do anything for my babies to be happy. Sometimes I wish I could shield and protect them from anything that might cause them pain or sadness, I know I can’t. I can’t guard them day in and day out to avoid them falling down and getting hurt, I can’t make it so they make all the decisions that lead to happiness. I know they have to learn for themselves and all I can do is guide them. Heavenly Father has given us a guide and wants our happiness just the same. Realizing our Heavenly Father’s great desire is for us to be happy is the first important principle.
So how do we make this life a happy one despite our trials?
1. Do things that make us happy
2. Have faith and trust in God
3. Serve others
4. Decide to be happy.
1. Do things that make us happy.
I read a talk from Elder Kikuchi from the seventy that had an impression on me. When he was mission president in Hawaii, he instructed his elders and sisters to:
a. • Rise from his bed early—in his case, a few minutes before 6:30 a.m.
b. • Exercise for a few minutes.
c. • Wash his body and shave—make himself clean.
d. • Dress for the day.
e. • Go to a quiet place inside his apartment.
f. • Kneel, subdue his spirit before Heavenly Father, and call upon Him. Talk with Him in reverent prayer.
g. • Wait for His holy inspiration, pondering the scriptures or a recent general conference talk and think about the specific problems he faced.
I pondered this and realized that the days that I take the time to do the things that make me feel good, I am usually in a better mood. To his list I would add a few chores to keep the house in order, some special time for each member of the family and maybe a hobby of my own that makes me excited. That’s a lot to accomplish so if it doesn’t all happen everyday, its fine! Just keeping goals and trying to nourish our minds, bodies, and spirits will help us have a brighter outlook when times our tough.
2. Have Faith and Trust in God.
The sub-title says:
“Be of Good Cheer, the future is as bright as your faith.”
The future is as bright as our faith…
Elder Snow of the Seventy said,
“At times we may feel that our personal lives are unraveling from the natural consequences of living in a fallen world. The agency of man allows the introduction of chaos into lives that long for order, and nothing can seem more hopeless than the tattered lives of those we love. Can they, or we, ever be rescued? Is there any hope for them, or us? In moments of such despair, the priceless promise of God’s deliverance brings hope to troubled hearts.
No prophet has framed it more simply than did President Gordon B. Hinckley in the program for Sister Marjorie Hinckley’s funeral: (and I can just picture President Hinckley saying this) “It isn’t as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don’t worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers.”2 President Hinckley’s optimism for the future is rooted in his firm knowledge that the Lord’s promises of deliverance are sure.”
What a wonderful blessing talks can be. Our lives are a little risky right now. With my husband in school, we are putting a lot of faith in businesses and things we do not have much control over. But president Hinckley repeats twice, “He will not forsake us” So each day we CAN wake up happy. We aren’t sentenced to a life of worry and fear. We CAN just have faith, be happy, and keep doing our best. He will not forsake us.
I was in Seattle last weekend visiting a friend and I heard a little story that illustrated faith so beautifully and I’m going to tell it the best I can from memory:
A father was journeying on a train with his little daughter, who was blind, on his lap. After many hours had passed, his friend joined him and asked if he could take his daughter for a few minutes and give him a rest. The father agreed. Once his daughter was safely on his friends lap the father asked her, “do you know who has you?” And she said “No but I know that you know”
We may not know how things are possibly going to work out in our favor but if we trust in Heavenly Father, we can have peace that he knows.
I repeat President Monson’s words, “The future is as bright as our faith.”
3. Serve others:
Ether 12:4 Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.
So the scripture says that those who believe in God are sure, steadfast, and always abounding in good works which leads them to glorify Him. So that would mean the opposite of a disciple of Christ is unsure, fearful, and self-centered which leads us nowhere. Looking outside ourselves to see others pain and trying to remedy that, to act as the Lords hands and mouthpiece can cause nothing but what I like to call the warm fuzzies. Perfect happiness.
President Monson’s stories in his talk, “Be of Good Cheer” and all the real life sufferings we hear daily help us see our problems as obsolete – not unimportant- but just normal problems and instead of dwelling on those, we can pick ourselves up, get out the door and try to help someone else.
I had a Bishop at BYU help me through a rough time. Each time I saw him he encouraged and inspired me to try different things and to really learn to pray etc… Finally I was happy to report to him that I felt a true change of heart and I was very happy and at peace. His words to me I’ll never forget. He said (in his British accent), “Ok love now go and run the Lord’s errand”.
4. Finally we can decide to be happy.
Outside of those people who may be suffering from clinical depression or similar disorders that may need help of a professional, we can decide our attitude about everything.
I once attended a devotional of Sheri Dew. She spoke of “verbal litter”, what trail do you leave behind when you say things because you are in a bad mood? What Spirit does that bring to your home? What kind of a trail do you want to leave behind you?”
For some reason I think of road rage and telemarketers. We always think we can just be rude on the road, but what if when we get cut-off instead of honking and yelling, just assume this person had to get somewhere fast and forgive? What if we recognize that these people are just trying to be good at their job and just decide to be kind. Wouldn’t that be nice for a change for them and bring a better Spirit into our hearts?
The perfect example of making the decision to be happy despite trials is very close to my heart. My little cousin Ashley was diagnosed with Leukemia when she was just a few months old. The side effects from the heavy medicines and chemo left her very weak and tiny. Her lungs were hit the hardest. She carted around an O2 tank as big as her for years and years. There were countless problems besides that. I used to feel sorry for her. All of us grew up dancing and playing but she always took joy in our accomplishments and loved to watch and cheer us on. She died a couple of years ago at the age of 19 and her mother found her diary shortly after. Every single entry started with the words - “I had a good day today”. Little Ashley always had the answer. She told herself she was happy and she had a good day, couldn’t we with our healthy bodies and busy lives just be strong enough to decide to have a good day just like Ashley?
Anyone’s situation can change in a second. A sickness can be cured, a well person may become sick, a poor person can gain wealth and vice versa. We have little control over life’s circumstances. We do have control over how we will react to life’s trials.
In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
We have been given the BEST formula for happiness. We will have grief and sorrows. It’s ok to break down and have a bad day, everyone does. But let’s remember that we ARE that we might have JOY. Christ has overcome the world and can help us overcome any problem we might face if we cast our burden upon Him.
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