Visiting Teaching for December 2010

Sorry it has taken so long to get a new post up..things have been a little crazy lately. Hopefully this will do for now. Happy Holidays!!

Visiting Teaching for December 2010

"Of Things That Matter Most"

Here is a link to the talk that President Uchtdorf gave in Conference this past October. I just read it in the Ensign today and I really liked it and thought I would share it with all of you. I hope you enjoy it like I did.

"Of Things That Matter Most" by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The Relief Society Lesson Outline from 11-21-2010

The Gift of the Holy Ghost

What is the difference between the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost?

Quote 1:
The Prophet Joseph Smith explained: “There is a difference between the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Cornelius received the Holy Ghost before he was baptized, which was the convincing power of God unto him of the truth of the Gospel, but he could not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost until after he was baptized. Had he not taken this … ordinance upon him, the Holy Ghost which convinced him of the truth of God, would have left him.” 5

Bike Analogy:

-Draw picture. The stars above us represent the light of Christ – that helps us to be able to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and error, and one manifestation of it is our conscience. The light of Christ is given to EVERYONE. Then there are lamp-posts along our way that represent the power of the Holy Ghost and how anyone can feel that power at certain times in their lives, such as when they hear the truth being spoken or when praying to know if something is true.  However, there is still much darkness around us. Where my husband served his mission, all the bikes that they rode had lights on them, and the light represents the gift of the Holy Ghost. It is something we can have with us all the time, but we have to be peddling in order for this light to stay bright.

I like this analogy because the Gift of the Holy Ghost is exactly that, a gift that we’ve been given, but once we have it, it doesn’t just stay with us, we have to receive that gift into our lives, and that requires action, by working for it every single day.

Q: So what must we do to receive the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost?
-Faith
-Baptism
-Repentance
-Baptism by immersion
-Worthy (keep thoughts and actions pure)
-Obey the commandments
-Receive the gift - we all have been given gifts in our lives, but if we don’t use them, we lose those gifts or talents. The same thing happens with the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Quote 2:
The gift of the Holy Ghost, which is the right to receive the Holy Ghost as a constant companion, is obtained only upon condition of faith in Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion, and the laying on of hands by authorized servants endowed with the Melchizedek Priesthood. It is a most precious gift available only to worthy members of the Lord’s Church... As with all gifts, this gift must be received and accepted to be enjoyed. When priesthood hands were laid upon your head to confirm you a member of the Church, you heard the words, “Receive the Holy Ghost.” This did not mean that the Holy Ghost unconditionally became your constant companion. Scriptures warn us that the Spirit of the Lord will “not always strive with man.” When we are confirmed, we are given the right to the companionship of the Holy Ghost, but it is a right that we must continue to earn through obedience and worthiness. We cannot take this gift for granted.

What are some things that can make it so the Spirit cannot “strive with man”?
-sin, in any form
-indifference
-busyness (not making time for the Lord)
-ignoring promptings

Question: So what if you’re in a rut? (And I know everyone has felt this -- I sure have!) What if you think you haven’t felt the Spirit in awhile, how do you get out of it? Especially this time of year, in between the general conference highs, when it’s cold outside and you know, some of us may be suffering from the winter blues, how do we get out of that?



Q: How can we recognize the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives?

It is through the power of the Holy Ghost that visions, dreams, and prophecies usually come. But -it is in a quiet, almost unnoticeable way. That is why we often refer to him as the still small voice. (See 1 Kings 19:11–12.)
-we may have feelings of peace, right, and sureness. It is a warm, good feeling. (warm fuzzy, right)

I want each of you to imagine that someone you’re talking to has never experienced what salt tastes like. How would you describe it to them?

It’s hard! There are some things like the taste of salt, that we can really only recognize by and through our own experiences, by tasting it for ourselves. The same thing goes for the gift of the Holy Ghost. Some may have visions or dreams, whereas some of us it may only come as a fleeting thought. With practice, we can feel confident recognizing his presence.
   
President Thomas S. Monson counseled us: “We watch. We wait. We listen for that still, small voice. When it speaks, wise men and women obey. Promptings of the Spirit are not to be postponed.”

If we want to learn to recognize the spirit, we have to be ready to listen to it.

Quote 3:
The following story of how the Holy Ghost helped Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Council of the Twelve Apostles:
“One of my earliest childhood recollections is of riding a horse through an apple orchard. The horse was tame and well broken, and I felt at home in the saddle.
“But one day something frightened my [horse], and he bolted through the orchard. I was swept from the saddle by the overhanging limbs, and one leg slipped down through the stirrup. I desperately hung to an almost broken leather strap that a cowboy uses to tie a lariat to his saddle. My weight should have broken the strap, but somehow it held for the moment. Another lunge or two of the stampeding horse would have broken the strap or wrenched it from my hands and left me to be dragged to injury or death with my foot entangled in the stirrup.
“Suddenly the horse stopped, and I became aware that someone was holding the bridle tightly and attempting to calm the quivering animal. Almost immediately I was snatched up into the arms of my father.
“What had happened? What had brought my father to my rescue in the split second before I slipped beneath the hoofs of my panic-driven horse?
“My father had been sitting in the house reading the newspaper when the Spirit whispered to him, ‘Run out into the orchard!’
“Without a moment’s hesitation, not waiting to learn why or for what reason, my father ran. Finding himself in the orchard without knowing why he was there, he saw the galloping horse and thought, I must stop this horse.
“He did so and found me. And that is how I was saved from serious injury or possible death” (“Hearken to the Spirit,” Friend, Sept. 1972, p. 10).

Have any of you had experiences where the gift of the Holy Ghost has helped you or someone that you know? It doesn’t have to be something extremely personal, but if anyone has something that they’d like to share with us?


The last thing I want to point out is how precious this gift is!

Quote 4:
In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord calls the gift of the Holy Ghost “the unspeakable gift.” 6 It is the source of testimony and spiritual gifts. It enlightens minds, fills our souls with joy, 7 teaches us all things, and brings forgotten knowledge to our remembrance. 8 The Holy Ghost also “will show unto [us] all things what [we] should do.” 9 President James E. Faust added that the gift of the Holy Ghost “is the greatest guarantor of inward peace in our unstable world.” 10

We literally have a member of the Godhead that ministers to us.

Question: How will you help your children gain a testimony of that gift?

Testimony
The next time you renew your baptismal covenant by taking the
sacrament, listen to the promise: when you always remember your Savior and keep His
commandments, you will always have His Spirit to be with you (see D&C 20:77, 79).

Relief Society Lesson 11-14-2010

Baptism

Lesson 20

The Commandment to be baptized

·         Why must we be baptized?

(1)  Baptism is one of the first ordinances of the gospel.  We must be baptized for the remission of our sins.  When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, repent, and are baptized, our sins are forgiven through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  We must be baptized to become Members of the Church of Jesus Christ.

1.       For the Remission of our sins

2.       To become Members of the Church of Jesus Christ

3.       We can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost

4.       To show Obedience

5.       To enter into the Celestial Kingdom

The Correct Mode of Baptism

·         How should we be baptized?

(2)  The proper priesthood authority has to be obtained.  The Prophet Joseph Smith said that a person having the proper priesthood authority to baptize “shall go down into the water with the person who has presented himself for baptism…Then shall he immerse him in the water and com forth again our of the water” (D&C20-73-74)

(3)  Immersion is necessary.  The Apostle Paul taught that being immersed in water and coming out again is symbolic of death, burial, and resurrection.  After baptism we start a new life.  Baptism by immersion by a person having the proper authority is the only acceptable way of being baptized.

·         Why is authority to perform a baptism important?

·         In what ways is baptism by immersion like the burial and Resurrection of the Savior?

Baptism at the Age of Accountability

·         Who should be baptized?

(4)  Every person who has reached eight years of age and is accountable (responsible) for his or her actions should be baptized.  Some churches teach that little children should be baptized.  This is not in keeping with the teachings of the Savior.  The prophet Mormon said that it is mockery before God to baptize little children, because they are not capable of sinning.  Likewise, it is not required of people who are mentally incapable of knowing right and wrong.  All other people are to be baptized.  We must receive the ordinance of baptism and remain true to the covenants we make at that time. 

·         What might you say to a friend who believes that infants need to be baptized?

We make covenants when we are baptized

(5)  Alma explained that we must want to be called the people of God.  We must be willing to help and comfort each other.  We must stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things and in all places.  As we do these things and are baptized, God will forgive our sins.  Alma told the people who believed his teachings about the gospel.

(6)  “Behold, here are the waters of Mormon…And now, as ye are desirous to become into the fold of God, and to be called his people…what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?” The people clapped their hands for joy and said it was their desire to be baptized.  Alma baptized them in the Waters of Mormon. (See Mosiah 18:7-17)

(7)  “At baptism we make a covenant with our Heavenly Father that we are willing to come into His kingdom and keep His commandments from that time forward, even though we still live in the world. When we understand our baptismal covenant and the gift of the Holy Ghost, it will change our lives and will establish our total allegiance to the kingdom of God. When temptations come our way, if we will listen, the Holy Ghost will remind us that we have promised to remember our Savior and obey the commandments of God.” (Elder Hales, 2001)

Alma taught that when we are baptized we make covenants with the Lord to:

1.       Come into the fold of God

2.       Bear one another’s burdens

3.       Stand as witnesses of God

4.       Serve God and keep His commandments

When we are baptized and keep the covenants of baptism, the Lord promises to:

1.       Forgive our sins

2.       Pour out His spirit more abundantly upon us

3.       Give us daily guidance and the help of the Holy Ghost

4.       Let us come forth in the First Resurrection

5.       Give us eternal life

·         What do you think it means to bear one another’s burdens? To stand as a witness of God?

Devotional February 10, 2009

• John 14:26 "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
• He provided the sacrifice, for He will stand at the gates; "keeper of the gate"
• He is untouched of sins
• We tend to compare our weak points with others strengths-don't do this, it's Satan's way of bringing us down.
• We must be honest with ourselves
• D&C 8:10 "Remember that without faith you can do nothing; therefore ask in faith, Trifle not with these things; do not ask for that which you ought not"
• "Where Can I Turn for Peace" (Hymn #129)

How an Attitude of Gratitude Can Help Strengthen our Marriages

Remember the talks that my husband and I gave on Sunday?
Here is his notes for his talk..Enjoy!

• "Attitude" of Gratitude
• It's more than just saying "Thank you"
• Gratitude must be sincere
• We show sincerity through our actions, as well as words, and that sincerity must be present at all times and not just after someone has done something for you.

• Gratitude to the Lord
• Why are we told to "remember" so often in the scriptures?
• Remembering a lot of times represents gratitude

• What are we "remembering?"
• To keep the commandments
• To build our lives on Christ
• To remember what the Lord has done for us

• King Benjamin emphasized the importance of gratitude in conjunction with service
• Mosiah 2:18-21

• Why/What else do we remember?
• It is part of our Baptismal Covenant to always remember the Sacrifice of the Atonement made by Christ
• Christ describes this in 3 Nephi 18:11

• When we forget, that's when problems start
• Laman and Lemuel
• 1 Nephi 7:11
• 1 Nephi 17:45
• "Ye are swift to do iniquity but slow to remember the Lord your God"

• Children of Israel
• Another example of a lack in "sincere" gratitude
• Read Headings to Exodus 14-17
• Moses goes into Sinai, they quickly forget and worship a golden calf
• One of the main reasons for the lower law of Moses was so that the people would remember God!
• Deuteronomy 6:7-9

• Good examples of those who remembered to be grateful
• Story of Leper who returned
• Luke 17:12-19
• All 10 were obedient
• Was truly grateful and blessed for it.

• There are many good examples of gratitude in the scriptures
• Christ, Himself, is another good example
• Disciples are baptized and receive the Holy Ghost; he commands them to pray, and then he prays
• 3 Nephi 19:20
• the Disciples continued to pray unceasingly; Jesus prays again
• 3 Nephi 19:28
• Christ was the perfect example of gratitude

• Gratitude to our spouses
• Story of a family from mission
• Lack of gratitude
• She was baptized and he was not (her 2 kids were, too)
• He began to avoid her because of her decision to be baptized
• Resented her for the change she made in her life
• He was not grateful for anything that she did
• They divorced

• Story of last Christmas with the decorations and Brittany
• Gratitude is a form of service
• It feels good to be appreciated
• Strength in a marriage comes from happiness, love, and peace. These blessings come as a result of the presence of the Spirit in the home. When we show sincere gratitude to the Lord and to our spouses, we invite the Spirit into our homes.

• With Thanksgiving coming up, I wanted to share some of the things I am grateful to my wife for:
• Sher left school, friends, and family to be with me
• She works hard to provide for us while I'm in school
• She helps keep our home a clean place where the Spirit can dwell
• She makes me feel good about myself when I am down
• Saturday's test

• She puts up with my imperfections
• She led a clean and worthy life so that we could be married in the temple
• She has a testimony of Christ and of the Gospel

• I am also grateful to my Heavenly Father:
• Eternal Families
• Holy Ghost
• The Gospel (It's saving ordinances and covenants)
• Prophets and Scriptures
• Personal Revelation
• The Sacrifice of His Son

It is my testimony that we will grow closer to the Lord and to our spouses as we exercise an attitude of sincere gratitude.

Sunday Talk

So today my husband and I spoke in sacrament meeting and it went well! I was extremely nervous, I am not one to feel comfortable about talking in front of a large group. Plus, the spotlight on me is never fun for me. Sooo yeah. But the talks went really well and I just wanted to share our talks with you! I will post mine on this one and will post Kyle's notes on another (he doesn't write his talk out, but just goes off the notes...which I envy him for ;)).

(I hope this doesn't become too boring for you to read..but if you do read the whole thing, kudos. and Thanks!)
 

My topic today is on an attitude of gratitude and how it affects our marriage.

 Gratitude is a key to help strengthen our marriages. As President Monson said, in our marriages, we need to “Accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative.” Celestial marriage is essential to returning home to our Heavenly Father to receive the greatest blessings of Exaltation.

Sister Michelle Van Tassell told a story for an ensign article back in February of 2009. It reads, “For several years I struggled to understand why I had felt so confident that the Lord had confirmed my decision to marry when obviously it had been a mistake. I felt abandoned by the Lord. I prayed for help in understanding and improving the quality of my marriage, but I felt no improvement. I thought about divorce but could not find any comfort as I considered the option. After our first child was born, I felt that I would be forever trapped.

“One morning I was doing laundry when I caught a glance of myself in a mirror. The reflection surprised me. I had not showered or groomed for the day, and as I looked at myself, I thought I was lucky that anyone would want to wake up next to me every day. For the first time, I found myself feeling grateful to my husband for loving me. I examined myself with new eyes and thought about our marriage from his perspective. The revelation that followed had little to do with bad hair and no makeup but much to do with my behavior. I considered all the contention I had introduced into our home. For the first time, I felt real gratitude for my husband—he had continued to love me even though I had been critical and ungrateful.

“That simple moment changed my perspective as well as my relationship with my husband.”

Each day we become closer to our Heavenly Father as we strive to live righteously so that we may return home to him again. In order to strengthen our relationship with God, we must show effort on our part to do the things that will bring us closer to Him. One way that we may do this is through fervent prayer to Him, expressing our gratitude to Him and the things that He has done for us. Our marriage is very similar to this concept. When we go to our spouse to show gratitude and thanks, we are strengthening our relationship and showing them that we appreciate them for what they do.

Gratitude is like service, it’s contagious. When you show gratitude to someone for something that they did for you, they feel appreciated. And when someone feels appreciated, they give back and it becomes a cycle. For anyone, feeling appreciated feels good and it lightens your mood and causes you to be happy. When this cycle of gratitude and giving begins in a family, the Spirit dwells more in the home. When the Spirit is present, it allows good feelings to occur and you grow closer to the Lord. The Lord will then pour out blessings upon you which will strengthen your marriage and cause you to live a happier life.

President J. Reuben Clark once said, “Hold fast to the blessings which God has provided for you. Yours is not the task to gain them, they are here; yours is the part of cherishing them.” Blessings from the Lord may be coming continually, but you need to appreciate them and thank Him in return. The same goes for when your spouse does something for you; you need to show gratitude to them for what they have done for you. When you express to them that you appreciate the helpful hand, it builds a stronger bond within the relationship.

Work can be exhausting for me, and when I get done with work I just want to go home and crash on the bed. Kyle is always the one to blame for his loving and caring attributes. On so many occasions I have come home to a clean home where everything looks so nice and neat. I know he may not think he is doing a lot, but to me he is. Several times I have even come home to surprise gifts that he got for me and it amazes me how much Kyle just keeps giving. Recently, while Kyle was at school, I found some time at home to clean up the house a little bit. When Kyle got home he showed appreciation towards me for what I did and it really made me feel good. It made me want to do more for him each day because I knew it made Kyle happy, which made me happy. It is always those days that we do things for each other that I can feel closer to the Spirit and I feel closer to Kyle.

President Thomas S. Monson once said, “Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family. One day each of us will run out of tomorrows.” Enjoy life now as we are living it. Be positive in the things that we do and we may be blessed. Show gratitude towards your spouse and you may feel the Spirit of the Lord touch your home and your life, which will then make you and your spouse happy together.

Remember to “accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative” and your home will be filled with the Spirit and will cause you and your husband or wife to be happy.

I know these things to be true, for I have experienced these things myself. Life is hard, but we need to keep moving forward and have an “attitude of gratitude”, for it will cause our marriages to be strong and to be joyful.

And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple (continued)

Worthy to Enter

• "Once you have some feeling for the value of the temple blessings and for the sacredness of the ordinances performed in the temple, you would be hesitant to question the high standards set by the Lord for entrance into the holy temple."
• "You must possess a current recommend to be admitted to the temple" (recommend must be signed by the ward bishop and stake president).
• "The bishop has the responsibility of making inquiries into your personal worthiness. This interview is of great importance to you."
• "If anything is amiss in your life, the bishop will be able to help you resolve it."

First and Every Time

• "If you are going to the temple for the first time it is quite normal for you to be a little unsettled. We are naturally anxious about the unknown. We often become nervous over new experiences."
• "Be at peace." (Specifically the first time you enter into the temple)
• "When we enter the temple we should be reverent."
• Before entering..the members wait (in a chapel inside the temple) until the full company is assembled. Generally in life we would become impatient with waiting. To be first in a room and then be compelled to wait for the last to enter before proceeding would in other circumstances cause irritation. In the temple it is just the opposite. That waiting is regarded as a choice opportunity. What a privilege it is to sit quietly without conversation and direct the mind to reverent and spiritual thoughts! It is a refreshment to the soul."
• "When you come to the temple, remember that you are a quest in the house of the Lord."

To be continued...

Without A Doubt

You can know for yourself.

Seek the witness of the Spirit.

John 20: 24-29

"But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."

Welcome to Conference

"Welcome to Conference"

by President Thomas S. Monson

"Thank you, my brothers and sisters, for your faith and devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ."

"Once again we call upon the members of the Church to reach out to the new converts or to those making their way back into the Church, to surround them with love and to help them feel at home."

"May the Lord bless you as you strive to follow Him and to obey His commandments."

"It is my prayer that we may be filled with His Spirit as we listen and learn."

Each month I receive an Ensign of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In April, the church had a General Conference which is what they put in the Ensign the following month that included each and every talk that was spoken there. For each talk I highlighted my favorite parts. I will have more General Conference highlights...

General Conference: for those that don't know what this is, it is where the leaders of the church speak to the members of the church about different topics. For some of us, General Conference is a way of guidance, others it may be for comfort. It is also a time of learning

The Power of the Priesthood

"The Power of the Priesthood"

by President Boyd K. Packer

President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

"'..We are encamped against the greatest array of sin, vice, and evil ever assembled before our eyes...The battle plan whereby we fight to save the souls of men is not our own...'" --Thomas S. Monson

"'..the whole earth [is] in commotion' (D&C 45: 26, see also 88: 91) and 'Satan is abroad in the land.' (D&C 52: 14) He seeks to destroy all that is good and righteous."

"Through the keys of the priesthood, they had access to all of the powers of heaven. They were commanded to carry the gospel unto all nations." --Doctrine and Covenants 42: 58

"We are to go forth and preach the gospel."

"The Book of Mormon makes it clear that we never will dominate by numbers. But we have the power of the priesthood."

"'...we are but a handful in comparison with...the world, yet we may be compared with the leaven of which the Savior spoke, which will eventually leaven [or lift] the whole world.'" --Joseph Fielding Smith

"We can and in due time certainly will influence all of humanity. It will be known who we are and why we are...we will win the battle against Satan."

"Priesthood is the authority and the power which God has granted to men on earth to act for Him."

"'It seems clear to me that the Church has no choice--and never has had--but to do more to assist the family in carrying out its divine mission, not only because that is the order of heaven, but also because that is the most practical contribution we can make to our youth--to help improve the quality of life in the Latter-day Saint homes...'" --President Harold B. Lee

"about the priesthood in the home: '...The father is there. It is his right and it is his duty to preside. He should select the one who is to administer the oil, and the one who is to be mouth in prayer, and he should not feel that because there are present presiding authorities in the Church that he is therefore divested of his rights to direct the administration of that blessing of the gospel in his home...'" --President Joseph F. Smith

"'...the saints of the church of the Lamb...were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.'" --1Nephi 14: 14

"We must go forward, confident of the supernal power of the priesthood. It is a source of strength and encouragement to know who we are and what we have and what we must do in the work of the Almighty."

"'I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise." --Doctrine and Covenants 82: 10

"..the work of the Lord will prevail..we must marshall all of our efforts and unify ourselves.."

"The authority of the priesthood is with us...it is now our responsibility to activate the power of the priesthood in the Church. Authority in the priesthood comes by way of ordination; power in the priesthood comes through faithful and obedient living in honoring covenants. It is increased by exercising and using the priesthood in righteousness."

"...protect your home. There will be times when all that stands as a shield between your family and the adversary's mischief will be that power. You will receive direction from the Lord by way of the gift of the Holy Ghost."

"'This is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.'" --Moses 1: 39

"the power of the priesthood given to the Church to protect us and guide us. And because we have that, we have no fear of the future. Fear is the opposite of faith."

"The Lord will watch over us, particularly in the family."

Sunday Relief Society Lesson (for Nov.7, 2010)

We are of a divine nature and children of God. Don't ever forget it! May lesson was from a talk by Sister Barbara Day Lockhart called Our Divinely Based Worth. "The measure of our lives is not in what we buy or how good we look, but in our divine heritage, our possibilities as children of God, and our application of the gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives."
Don't base our self worth from things of the world i.e: how "pretty" we are how much money we have how successful we are at our jobs.
Always remember we are the children of God and we are blessed with the knowledge, opportunity, and potential to eventually become like him.

Let Christ help us with our burdens, allow him in our lives and never think we are not worthy of the atonement. That is why it is there, so we may repent and come unto him. That is he wants. He wants us back home with him. To say you are not worthy of the atonement is like saying you are not worthy of medicine when you are sick and only when you are well are you worthy to take that medicine.

She also says "Of all people on the earth, it makes the least sense for a Latter-Day Saint to suffer from a poor self-image. We have been blessed to know the truth, and we have been given the opportunity to take that truth to all the world. How can we be a light to others if we are trapped in mists of insecurity and self-doubt?"

" As we love Christ, have faith in him, desire to be like him, and follow him, he will change us, perfect us, and ultimately bring us home."

"To Draw Closer to God"

by Henry B. Eyring

"To me, the best directions about how to get help of the Holy Ghost, directions that I have tested and know to be true, were given by President Marion G. Romney. I will give you his instructions in his own words. Then together let us see if we can figure out how we can work to prepare for that Sunday School teacher or quorum leader or sacrament meeting speaker to whom we will listen next Sunday.
"Here are President Romney's instructions: 'If you want to obtain and keep the guidance of the Spirit, you can do so by following this simple four-point program. One, pray. Pray diligently. Pray with each other. Pray in public in the proper places...Learn to talk to the Lord; call upon his name in great faith and confidence. Second, study and learn the gospel. Third, live righteously; repent of your sins by confessing them and forsaking the,. Then conform to the teachings of the gospel. Fourth, give service in the Church.'
"And then President Romney concludes this way: 'If you will do these things, you will get the guidance of the Holy Spirit and you will go through this world successfully, regardless of what the people of the world say or do.'
"That four-point program makes no distinction between the moments we seek the Spirit when we are alone in our scripture reading and those moments when we are listening to a human being. I bear testimony that it works in both settings. It takes some extra effort sometimes when the words come from people instead of from the gilt-edged pages of scripture with which you have had long and sacred experience, but it can be done. Let us see how we might make that effort."
(Pages 14-15)

The Holy Temple

This is from the Ensign October 2010 issue

By President Boyd K. Packer

In temples we can participate in the most exalted of the redeeming ordinances

"When you enter any dedicated temple, you are in the house of the Lord...In the temples, members of the Church who make themselves eligible can participate in the most exalted of the redeeming ordinances that have been revealed to mankind...in a sacred ceremony, an individual may be washed and anointed and instructed and endowed and sealed...when we have received these blessings ourselves, we may officiate for those who have died without having had the same opportunity. In the temples sacred ordinances are performed for the living and for the dead alike."

The ordinances and ceremonies of the temple are simple, beautiful, and sacred 

"A careful reading of the scriptures reveals that the Lord did not tell all things to all people. There were some qualifications set that were prerequisite to receiving sacred information. Temple ceremonies fall within this category...Someday every living soul and every soul who has ever lived shall have the opportunity to hear the gospel and to accept or reject what the temple offers. If this opportunity is rejected, the rejection must be on the part of the individual...Preparation for the ordinances includes preliminary steps: faith, repentance, baptism, confirmation, worthiness, a maturity and dignity worthy of one who comes invited as a guest into the house of the Lord."
Those who are worthy may enter the temple
"All who are worthy and qualify in every way may enter the temple, there to be introduces to the sacred rites and ordinances...If anything is amiss in your life, the bishop will be able to help you resolve it. Through this procedure, you can declare or can be helped to establish your worthiness to enter the temple with the Lord's approval...The bishop is instructed that confidentiality in handling these matters with each interviewee is of the utmost importance."
Teaching in the temple is symbolic
"the teaching in the temples is done in symbolic fashion...The temple is a great school. It is a house of learning. In the temples the atmosphere is maintained so that it is ideal for instruction on matters taht are deeply spiritual...[Elder John A. Widtsoe]...'The temple ordinances encompass the whole plan of salvation, as taught from time to time by the leaders of the Church, and elucidate matters difficult of understanding. There is no warping or twisting in fitting the temple teachings into the great scheme of salvation. The philosophical completeness of the endowment is one of the great arguments for the veracity of the temple ordinances. Moreover, this completeness of survey and expounding of the Gospel plan, makes temple worship one of the most effective methods of refreshing the memory concerning the whole structure of the Gospel'...The teaching plan is superb. It is inspired. The Lord Himself, the Master Teacher, taught His disciples constantly in parables--a verbal way to represent symbolically things that might otherwise be difficult to understand...The house of the Lord, bathed in light, standing out in the darkness, becomes symbolic of the power and the inspiration of the gospel of Jesus Christ standing as a beacon in a world that sinks ever further into spiritual darkness."
Temple marriage is the ultimate ordinance of the temple
(Before the couple comes to the alter[for a temple marriage] for the sealing ordinance, it is the privilege of the officiator to extend, and of the young couple to receive, some counsel. These are among the thoughts that a young couple might hear on this occasion.)
"'Baptism, a sacred ordinance, is symbolic of a cleansing, symbolic of death and resurrection, symbolic of coming forward in a newness of life...The sacrament of the Lord;s Supper is a renewal of the covenant of baptism, and we can, if we live for it, retain a remission of our sins...In that endowment you received an investment of eternal potential...You now become a family, free to act in the creation of life to have the opportunity through devotion and sacrifice to bring children into the world and to raise them and foster them safely through their mortal existence; to see them come one day, as you have come, to participate in these sacred temple ordinances...To accept one another in the marriage covenant is a great responsibility, one that carries with it blessings without measure.'"
The sealing power binds on earth and in heaven
"The Prophet Joseph Smith said he was frequently asked the question ''Can we not be saved without going through with all those ordinances, etc?' I would answer, No, not the fullness of salvation. Jesus said, 'There are many mansions in my Father's house, and I will go and prepare a palce for you.' [John 14:2]"
Temple work is a source of spiritual power
"Temples are the very center of the spiritual strength of the Church. We should expect that the adversary will try to interfere with us as a Church and with us individually as we seek to participate in this sacred and inspired work. Temple work brings so much resistance because it is the source of so much spiritual power to the Latter-day Saints and to the entire Church. [Logan Utah Temple cornerstone, President George Q. Cannon]...'Every foundation stone that is laid for a Temple, and every Temple completed according to the order the Lord has revealed for his holy priesthood, lessens the power of Satan on the earth, and increases the pwoer of God and Godliness, moves the heavens in mighty power in our behalf, invokes and calls down upon us the blessings of the Eternal Gods, and those who reside in their presence'...It is a good place to take our cares. In the temple we can receive spiritual perspective. There, during the time of the temple service, we are 'out of the world'...At the temple the dust of disctraction seems to settle out, the fog and the haze seem to lift, and we can 'see' things that we were not able to see before and find a way through our troubles that we had not previously known...The Lord will bless us as we attend to the sacred ordinance work of the temples. Blessings there will not be limited to our temple service. We will be blessed in all of our affairs.
Our labors in the temple cover us with a shield and a protection
"No work is more of a protection to this Church than temple work...No work is more spiritually refining. No work we do gives us more power. No work requires a higher standard of righteousness. Our labors in the temple cover us with a shield and a protection, both individually and as a people. So come to the temple--come and claim your blessings. It is a sacred work."

(LDS.ORG)

Relief Society 10-25-2010

   -God gave agency to act for himself.

    -JSH 1:16-17 (and part of verse 15)
    -Christ: 1)Is there when asked, 2)Brings light, & 3)Deliver from Satan
    -Satan: 1)Interferes, 2)Darkness, & 3)Marvelous power
    -Satan brings darkness. If you feel darkness, Satan is there.
    -2 Nephi 32:4
    -3 Nephi-The Savior is visiting the Nephites and is talking to them about the temple.
    -The Holy Ghost can show you (she tells the story about the Holy Ghost showing her a boy riding out into the street as she is driving. It was a warning to her to stop the car.)
    -If you ask, like the Prophet Joseph Smith did, the Lord will answer.
    -Remember that the Lord will always be there for us.
    -It is so much easier to live and be a member of the church...and live gratefully.
    -If the darkness gathers, "knock" and ask for help and He will answer.
    -There is hope, there is joy, there is grattitude.
    -Learn of Him, listen to His words and walk in the meekness of Him and you shall have joy in this life.
    -President Boyd K. Packer- The Family Proclamation http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1298-23,00.html
    -President Dieter F. Uchtdorf - "You may not need the best of the best. Just use things that you can get by with." http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1298-7,00.html
    -Bishop Richard C. Edgle- "I know that God Loves me" http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1298-11,00.html
    -Take something spiritual and bring it from your mind to your heart.
    -Elder Jeffrey R. Holland- "We all need to make sacrifices for our families" http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1298-2,00.html
    -Julie B. Beck- "You're doing better than you think you are...but you can do better" http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1298-36,00.html
    -Don't let General Conference just come and go, keep it alive.
    -The Holy Ghost bears witness in your life...let it be a part of your life.
    -Let you and your husband be as one.
    -Speak the truth.
    -Make the changes in your life so that you may be happy.

Blessings of the Temple

 The First Presidency Message for October 2010

By President Thomas S. Monson

In the temple we cam feel close to the Lord

I think there is no place in the world where I feel closer to the Lord than in one of His holy temples. To paraphrase a poem:

How far is heaven?

It's not very far.

In temples of God,

It's right where we are.

The Lord said:

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

"But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal;

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

To members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the temple is the most sacred place on earth. It is the house of the Lord, and just as the inscription on the exterior of the temple states, the temple is "holiness to the Lord"

The temple lifts and exalts us

In the temple, the precious plan of God is taught. It is in the temple that eternal covenants are made. The temple lifts us, exalts us, stands as a beacon for all to see, and points us toward celestial glory. It is the house of God. All that occurs within the walls of the temple is uplifting and ennobling.

The temple is for families, one of the greatest treasures we have in mortality. The Lord has been very explicit in talking to us fathers, indication that we have a responsibility to love our wives with all of our hearts and to provide for them and for our children. He has indicated that the greatest work we parents can do is performed in our homes, and our homes can be heaven, particularly when our marriages are sealed in the house of God.

The late Elder Matthew Cowley, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, once recounted the Saturday afternoon experience of a grandfather as hand in hand he took his small granddaughter on a birthday visit...With permission of the groundskeeper, the two walked to the large doors of the temple. He suggested that she place her hand on the sturdy wall and then on the massive door. Tenderly he then said to her, "Remember that this day you touched the temple. One day you will go inside." His gift to the little one was not candy or ice cream but an experience far more significant and everlasting--an appreciation of the house of the Lord. She had touched the temple, and the temple had touched her.

The temple brings peace to our souls

As we touch the temple and love the temple, our lives will reflect our faith. As we go to the holy house, as we remember the covenants we make therein, we will be able to bear every trial and overcome each temptation. The temple provides purpose for our lives. It brings peace to our souls—not the peace provided by men but the peace promised by the Son of God when He said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

There is great faith among the Latter-day Saints. The Lord gives us opportunities to see if we will follow His commandments, if we will follow the pathway that Jesus of Nazareth followed, if we will love the Lord with all our heart, might, mind, and strength, and love our neighbors as ourselves.

I believe in the proverb “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

So it has always been; so it shall always be. If we do our duty and trust fully in the Lord, we will fill His temples, not only doing our own ordinance work, but also having the privilege of doing work for others. We will kneel at sacred altars to be proxies in sealings that unite husbands and wives and children for all eternity. Worthy young men and young women as young as 12 years of age can be proxy for those who have died without the blessings of baptism. This would be our Heavenly Father’s desire for you and for me.

A miracle occurred

Many years ago, a humble and faithful patriarch, Brother Percy K. Fetzer, was called to give patriarchal blessings to Church members living behind the Iron Curtain.

Brother Fetzer went into the land of Poland in those dark days. The borders were sealed, and no citizens were permitted to leave. Brother Fetzer met with German Saints who had been trapped there when the borders were redefined following World War II and the land where they were living became part of Poland.

Our leader among all of those German Saints was Brother Eric P. Konietz, who lived there with his wife and children. Brother Fetzer gave Brother and Sister Konietz and the older children patriarchal blessings.

When Brother Fetzer returned to the United States, he called and asked if he could come visit with me. As he sat in my office, he began to weep. He said, “Brother Monson, as I laid my hands upon the heads of the members of the Konietz family, I made promises which cannot be fulfilled. I promised Brother and Sister Konietz that they would be able to return to their native Germany, that they would not be held captive by the arbitrary decisions of conquering countries and that they would be sealed together as a family in the house of the Lord. I promised their son that he would fill a mission, and I promised their daughter that she would be married in the holy temple of God. You and I know that because of the closed borders, they will not be able to receive the fulfillment of those blessings. What have I done?”

I said, “Brother Fetzer, I know you well enough to know that you have done just what our Heavenly Father wanted you to do.” The two of us knelt down beside my desk and poured out our hearts to our Heavenly Father, indicating that promises had been given to a devoted family pertaining to the temple of God and other blessings now denied to them. Only He could bring forth the miracle we needed.

The miracle occurred. A pact was signed between the leaders of the Polish government and the leaders of the Federal Republic of Germany, permitting German nationals who had been trapped in that area to move to West Germany. Brother and Sister Konietz and their children moved to West Germany, and Brother Konietz became the bishop of the ward in which they resided.

The entire Konietz family went to the holy temple in Switzerland. And who was the temple president who greeted them in a white suit with open arms? None other than Percy Fetzer—the patriarch who gave them the promise. Now, in his capacity as president of the Bern Switzerland Temple, he welcomed them to the house of the Lord, to the fulfillment of that promise, and sealed the husband and wife together and the children to their parents.

The young daughter eventually married in the house of the Lord. The young son received his call and fulfilled a full-time mission.

"We'll see you in the temple!"

For some of us, our journey to the temple is but a few blocks. For others, there are oceans to cross and miles to go before they enter the holy temple of God.

Some few years ago, before the completion of a temple in South Africa, while attending a district conference in what was then Salisbury, Rhodesia, I met the district president, Reginald J. Nield. He and his wife and lovely daughters met me as I entered the chapel. They explained to me that they had been saving their means and had been preparing for the day when they could journey to the temple of the Lord. But, oh, the temple was so far away.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the four lovely daughters asked me questions about the temple: “What is the temple like? All we have seen is a picture.” “How will we feel when we enter the temple?” “What will we remember most?” For about an hour I had the opportunity to talk to four girls about the house of the Lord. As I departed for the airport, they waved to me, and the youngest girl said, “We’ll see you in the temple!”

One year later I had the opportunity to greet the Nield family in the Salt Lake Temple. In a peaceful sealing room I had the privilege to unite for eternity, as well as for time, Brother and Sister Nield. The doors were then opened, and those beautiful daughters, each of them dressed in spotless white, entered the room. They embraced mother, then father. Tears were in their eyes, and gratitude was in their hearts. We were next to heaven. Well could each one say, “Now we are a family for eternity.”

This is the marvelous blessing that awaits those who come to the temple. May each of us live worthy lives, with clean hands and pure hearts, so that the temple may touch our lives and our families.

How far is heaven? I testify that in the holy temples it is not far at all—for it is in these sacred places that heaven and earth meet and our Heavenly Father gives His children His greatest blessings.

(You can find this on LDS.org, or in the Ensign issue for October 2010)

D&C 9..and more..

"...you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.

"...you must study it out in your mind..ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that is is right.

"But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought...

"Do this thing which I have commanded you, and you shall prosper. Be faithful, and yield to no temptation.

"Stand fast in the work wherewith I have called you...and you shall be lifted up at the last day."

(v. 7-9, 13-14)

And I just want to share with you some of my favorite scriptures..I might have already done this previously, but that is alright..

Alma 37:35-37

"O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God.

"Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yes, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.

"Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day."

So, obviously, the everyday thing wasn't working out. I'm sorry about that. But, for now (and possibly permanently) I will just post when I can. I will try for at least once a week, but could be more..possibly could be less.

Thanks to all that read my posts. :) And don't be shy to leave a comment here and there! I would love to hear what you have to say!

Thanks again, Brittany

Temples

The October 2010 issue of the Ensign

SPECIAL ISSUE:

Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Jesus Christ said, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

John 8:12

In the house of the Lord, we feel the influence of the Holy Ghost and draw  nearer to God, our Eternal Father, and to His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

The temple is literally the house of the Lord. It is a place where God instructs His children and prepare them to return to His presence. It is a place where we are united as families and taught the ways of the Lord.

"The temple was a place of learning for the Savior when He was on the earth; it was very much a part of His life. Temple blessings are available once again in our day."

James E. Faust

"By identifying our ancestors and performing for them the saving ordinances they could not themselves perform, we are testifying of the infinite reach of the Atonement of Jesus Christ"

D. Todd Christofferson

"The process of taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ that is commenced in the waters of baptism is continued and enlarged in the house of the Lord....In the ordinances of the holy temple we more completely and fully take upon us the name of Jesus Christ."

David A. Bednar

"In its gleaming flory, the temple seems to beckon to each who views its splendor, 'Come! Come to the house of the Lord. Here is found rest for the weary and peace for the soul.'...The [temple] prepares all who enter to return homeward--homeward to heaven, homeward to family, homeward to God"

Thomas S. Monson

Note: All of these things are quoted in the October 2010 issue of the Ensign.

LDS.org-->Gospel Library-->Magazines-->October 2010 Ensign

Family Night With John Bytheway Clip Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy

Church on Feb., 15, 2009

• When we fast and pray, we tend to receive more answers.
• Ask yourself: "Have I had a meaningful fast?"
• You need to be in the right mind frame when you fast.
• D&C 59:13-14
• Fasting is a sacrifice
• Matthew 6:1-4
• Alma 5:45-46
• Alma 11:37
• 2 Nephi 2:7, 10
• Alma 42:20-27
• Our Heavenly Father has mercy on us and loves us.
• Alma 36:10-12, 13-15, 16-21

__________________________________________________

          (Sunday School)

• D&C 19:23
• How can we strengthen our faith in Christ?
• Study it out,  and learn of Him.
• Hear Him and follow.

• John 17:3
• D&C 88:118
• Alma 32:27
• D&C 19:23
• Optimism is a sign of faith
• D&C 8:10
• D&C 10:46-52
• What is repentance?
• It's a change of heart
• "Change" is to turn away from evil and look to God.

• Based on faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

• Look forward, not backwards.
• What are consequences for not repenting?
• The Spirit will no longer dwell with you.
• There will be no blessings.
• Most likely the sins that you are making will increase, unless you go to the Lord.
• Sorrow and sadness :(
• Guilt.

• Why is it difficult for people to forgive themselves?
• People forget the plan of mercy.

• What happens if you don't fully forgive yourself?
• Then you didn't fully repent.

• 2 Nephi 4:19
• Why is it essential to be baptized?
• It is essential for Salvation. Without it, you cannot dwell in the highest Degree of Glory with God.

• Qualifications for baptism:
• You need to believe and have a testimony of the Gospel.

• We should always be repenting.
• He leads us to do good.

(I know some of this is pretty vague and simple, but some times it's good to hear those simple things.)

The Way of the Master by President Thomas S. Monson

"Learn of Him...Believe in Him...Follow Him"

LDS.org - Ensign Article - The Way of the Master

The Missing Piece

Words of Comfort

September 23, 2010

So, I like to go back into my "church journals" and look up scriptures that were written from past writings. I can always find scriptures that bring comfort and, sometimes, bring an answer to me or even just something that is enlightening to me. Well, this past Thursday I did that, and what do ya know...I found a bunch of them that definitely brought comfort to me. It just helped me to realize the truthfulness of the gospel, and of Christ. Here are the scriptures that I found:

St. John 14:26-31

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

"Ye have heard how I said unto you, I do away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

"And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

"Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.

"But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence."

Teaching the Gospel in the Home

Teaching children with kindness and love

The Lord has commanded parents to teach the gospel to their children. He said:

“Inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents.

“For this shall be a law unto the inhabitants of Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized.

“And their children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when eight years old, and receive the laying on of the hands.

“And they shall also teach their children to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord” (D&C 68:25-28).

Parents should teach with kindness and love, remembering the Apostle Paul’s counsel to “bring [their children] up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

(LDS.org)

"I believe it is by divine design that the role of motherhood emphasizes the nurturing and teaching of the next generation." (L.Tom Perry)

I do believe that these things are very important to know and understand right now. I have been hearing a lot about the importance of teaching within the home from articles in the Ensign (like the quote from L. Tom Perry), and from Stake Conference just a couple weeks ago, and I believe that Satan is really focusing on the family at this time. We need to hear what the Prophet and Apostles are saying and live by what they are teaching us as best as we can. The things that they say are the words of God, and I know this to be true. Listen and follow the things that they have to say and have been saying for years and years and years and you will be blessed. I know that the things they are saying are important, and they (i.e. the things of the world--like pornography, drugs, the unimportance of teaching in your own home-especially the gospel, etc..) will only get worse if we don't listen.

Please, please, please, remember that you can always go to the Lord for guidance in this life...he is there.

I apologize...

This past week has been a little crazy and I haven't been able to get on the computer to do my daily posts. I am currently away from my home and any computer (I am now on an iPod touch), so I won't be able to post anything until I have access to my computer. I will post as soon as I can. Thank you for your patience and once again I apologize.

Church Notes Sept 19th, 2010

• To have a successful marriage, you [both] need to be determined, unselfish and righteous.
• Our families need to be our 1st priority in life.
• Isaiah 62 (His vision of the future)
• "We are a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord" (v.3)

• Our Patriarcal Blessing (the scriptures also) is like our "Liahona" in this life to guide and direct us.
• Remember that you weren't called to this earth to ____(be a doctor, the CEO of whatever co., firefighter, etc...)
• Just be sure to focus on work when you are at work, family when you are with your family or even just at home, focus on the Savior and other church things while you are at church...don't let yourself go and focus too much on work and other non essential things in this life.

• D&C 45:32, 87:8, and 101:22 }"Stand In Holy Places"
• 3 Nephi 23:1
• Isaiah 1-5
• 1:3-5, 11-15

• Isaiah 2:7-8, 11-12
• Isaiah 3:5
• Are we making our home a place where the Spirit is invited?
• Isaiah 5:26-29
• How are we 'gathering Israel'?
• Isaiah 6:1-8

The Proof of Desire is in the Pursuit

Alma 41:5-6 "The one raised to happiness according to his desires of happiness, or good according to his desires of good; and the other to evil according to his desires of evil; for as he has desired to do evil all the day long, even so shall he have his reward of evil when the night cometh. And so it is on the other hand. If he hath repented of his sins, and desired righteousness until the end of his days, even so he shall be rewarded unto righteousness."

Matthew 6:21 "Where your treasure is, there is your heart also."

D&C 6:8 "...Even as you desire of me so shall it be done unto you."

D&C 7:8 "...Ye shall have according to your desires..."

Alma 29:4 "...I know that God granteth unto men according to their desire..."

Alma 29:5 "...To him it is given according to his desires, whether he desireth good or evil, life or death..."

Jacob 2:18-19 "But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good-to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and to administer relief to the sick and the afflicted."

"If you want something enough...

To go out and fight for it, 

Work day and night for it, 

Give up your time and your 

peace and your sleep for it; 

If you'd gladly sweat for, fret for it, 

plan for it, 

Lose all your terror of devils and man for it; 

If you'll simply go after the thing 

that you want; with all your capacity, 

strength and sagacity; 

If dogged and grim you beseech it 

and beset it, 

You'll get, you'll get it!"

(Unkown)

"...with God all things are possible" Matt 19:26

The Weekly Spiritual Thought

 Faith.

Doctrine and Covenants 90:24 "Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another."

James 1:5-6 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and abraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."

The Apostle Paul taught that "faith is the substance [assurance] of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). Alma made a similar statement: "If ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true" (Alma 32:21). Faith is a principle of action and power. Whenever we work toward a worthy goal, we exercise faith. We show our hope for something that we cannot yet see.

(LDS.org )