"And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain." Isaiah 4:6

Being on the East coast this week has been a wonderful experience. The forecast before we had arrived had been rainy all week, but it has been beautiful weather. Sunny and cooler temperatures, until today, when we had rain and fog and even a little lightening and thunder. There was a little "storm" if you will. It has been so fascinating to me to see the change in weather. I have determined, the forecast is not accurate here at all.

Well, in life, we can't predict the storms that are ahead, and storms are going to come. I am so grateful for a loving Father in Heaven who wants to help us through those storms and therefore gives us guidance to direct us in our daily lives on how to get through the bad weather, hot, cold, rain, wind, whatever may come. This is very simple, because that is how He makes it (see D&C 133:57). This is what He says:

"And all they who receive the oracles of God (the oracles of God are the prophets), let them beware how they hold them lest they are accounted as a light thing, and are brought under condemnation thereby, and stumble and fall when the storms descend, and the winds blow, and the rains descend, and beat upon their house" (D&C 90:5). 

We have prophets who speak to us in our day. We have a living prophet! This is a powerful, incredible blessing to be led by a prophet. He is as Moses, or Abraham, or Jacob or Noah!!! He speaks with God and receives revelation for us in our day. He receives revelation not only for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but for the entire world. He is the Lord's prophet. His name is Thomas S. Monson (to view talks given by President Monson click here). He is also the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He will speak to us, and so will the 12 apostles, this Saturday and Sunday, October 1st and 2nd during General Conference (View General Conference here).

We can get through the storms of life. We have a prophet who is speaking and revealing to us the will of God. Don't account this as a "light thing". It will save your life, both physically and spiritually. If you are in need of protection from the "heat" or from the "storm and the rain" (see Isaiah 4:6), come listen to a prophets voice, and you will be led to safety and peace. This I testify.

"Put on the whole armour of God..." Ephesians 6:11

Today I went shopping. Now you have to know something about me~I am not a shopper. It isn't something that I usually spend my time doing for a couple of reasons. One reason, I am tall (6' is tall for a woman) and it is very difficult to find things that fit and so I get discouraged looking and I would rather not spend my time looking at myself in the mirror being reminded that things weren't necessarily made for tall women to buy off of the rack and it takes a lot of looking. And another reason is that I would rather do something else with my time, such as read, go to the temple, weave a basket, go to a museum, or be with a friend. But today was a special day, and I shopped with a dear friend who loves to shop and is good at it. Shopping with her is a very different experience for me. I have done it before and whenever I shop with her I always find things that fit and I feel so good and I end up buying things and she also buys things for me (she is a very dear friend~ it's my mother-in-law if you must know). I always cry when I am with her and her husband because they are so generous and good to me, and not just in buying me stuff. They treat me well with words and kindness. They love me and lift me. The only way to describe it is to say: They are soooo good to me (understatement!)

As I have pondered this today, shopping and clothing and what I wear, and how I am treated, it has brought me back to a topic I think about and ponder a great deal. It is the topic of what is in my closet? What am I wearing? I have discovered that there is a wardrobe described in the scriptures that is not only protective, but also beautiful, powerful, majestic, and celestial. I want to wear this every day. I will do my best to list this wardrobe, I have a list at home that I continue to add to but I am not at home right now, please forgive me if this is an incomplete list, but I ask you to make your own list and discover the power that the Lord promises us as we wear what He has to offer us. I could make a whole book about this topic. I love searching it and studying it. But for your sake of reading and your own learning, I will just list them for now.

-"Put on the whole armour of God"(note, it is the "whole" not hole- because there is not a 1/2 with God. He is bound when we do what He asks of Him! (see D&C 82:10).....(Ephesians 6:11; D&C 27:15)
-"Girt your loins with truth" (truth is eternal, don't try to cheat yourself on this one. It is an incredible power!)...(Ephesians 6:14; D&C 27:16 )
-The "breastplate of righteousness" (this is your heart, protect it with good things, feed it with good works, love, compassion, mercy, hope, good choices)...(Ephesians 6:14; D&C 27:16)
-"Your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel" and "the gospel of peace"(this is the direction you are facing, are you facing God?)...(Ephesians 6:15; D&C 27:16)
-"The shield of faith"(faith is a protection against all the fiery darts of the adversary because there is NO fear with faith. With faith you are hand in hand with God)...(Ephesians 6:16; D&C 27:17)
-"The helmet of salvation, (this is our thoughts-Look unto God in every thought, doubt not, fear not! D&C 6:36) and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (see, you have to read and study your scriptures daily, there is no way around it, which also helps your thoughts go in the right direction)...(Ephesians 6:17; D&C 27:18)
-"strength" and "beautiful garments" (strength comes from priesthood power and beautiful garments are symbolic of those covenants we make with this power)... (Isaiah 52:1; D&C 113:7-8; 2 Nephi 8:24)
-"put on the new man"(the new man is who we are after we are "born again in Christ" and then we are baptized to show our commitment to being this new person and are "reborn" through His grace each Sunday as we partake of the Sacrament and recommit ourselves to those covenants we have made to follow Him.)... (Colossians 3:10; Ephesians 4:24)
-"bowels of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering...forgive others" (wear these every day and you feel much better.  (see Colossians 3:12-13; Ephesians 4:32)
-And most important CHARITY=CHRIST ...(Colossians 3:14; Galatians 3:27; Moroni 7:47-48)

There is your wardrobe...it will protect, guide, strengthen, lift, change, inspire, make you more beautiful than you ever thought possible. I know it is impossible to wear all of it every moment, but you can work on wearing it a piece at a time every day and it will make a difference a little bit by bit. I have learned that I don't get a fantastic wardrobe overnight. It takes some planning, especially if I don't want to hawk myself in debt. But "by small and simple things, great things are brought to pass" (Alma 37:6) and the Lord is there to help us get the best wardrobe ever! He will make up the difference every day! It is the Lord's way of dressing because it is making us into something more than we could ever dream or become on our own. It is the only way to dress all of the time, for it is a celestial way of dressing and we will feel great about ourselves because we will be wearing the most important item of all~ Jesus Christ, which is charity. This I testify.

"Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon thee: thou saidst, fear not." Lamentations 3:57

Some days are really great days, filled with love, happiness, and things that I want to keep as good memories. The world in which we live in is so beautiful. I am able to relax and focus on my relationship with my husband and just enjoy life. It feels so good to not have to worry about fixing dinner or getting my wonderful children to various places. As I was pondering these blessings that have been given to me I thought about my whole day and how had I drawn closer to the Lord throughout the day. Had I drawn closer to Him? Had I done anything that would help lift another? or random acts of kindness? or where have my thoughts been focused? Not that my thoughts have been focused on anything bad, but just on stuff, and fluff. This made me ponder one of my favorite hymns, Nearer, My God, To Thee #100. It starts out "Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me." I didn't have a cross today. Today was great. So, that led me back to my original question, how had I drawn closer to the Lord today?

This is when I also realized that to draw closer to the Lord I must not wait for a heavy burden, a hard time, or some sort of "cross" to make me turn to Him. I must always be turning to Him. He says: "Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock. and it shall be opened unto you" (D&C 88:63). If I wait until it is difficult or hard, I will have missed precious time to learn valuable listening skills. Skills of hearing the voice of the Lord and knowing what it is truly like to "fear not" in the midst of a storm (see Lamentations 3:57). Also, the Lord says to "Learn of me, listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me. I am Jesus Christ; I came by the will of the Father, and I do His will" (D&C 19:23-24). It is in the times of peace that I am able to learn to follow Him and learn to do His will. That is the challenge...to really do His will and not follow all the things that I want to do, but to serve others, "lift up the hands which hang down" (Hebrews 12:12), and become more like Him so that when the storms do come, I can "fear not" and "walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor 5:7).

I am so blessed. It feels so good to be surrounded by the beauty of the earth, loved ones, eat good food, enjoy life. It feels even better as I become nearer to my God. This is the best way to live, not just in the hard times or in the times of crisis, but every day. This I testify.

"Therefore, he that lacketh wisdom, let him ask of me, and I will give him liberally and upbraid him not." D&C 42:68

Today I was able to see Joseph Smith's birth place in the state of Vermont (Joseph Smith's birthplace). It was a place of quiet calm and beauty. I am so grateful I was able to go there today with my in-laws and my husband. Let me tell you why.

As we drove onto the grounds there was a very different feeling, my blood pressure dropped about 20 to 40 degrees (does it drop by degrees?) We got out and were able to walk around. There is a visitors center there and you can have a short tour given by a missionary who will explain a lot of history and facts about the Smith family and their lives. Joseph Smith came from a very spiritual family who had a lot of faith and believed in Jesus Christ. He was taught to believe in Jesus Christ all his life. His family had many hardships financially over the years and they were forced to move a great deal which led him to move to New York.

On the grounds is a memorial that has been erected in honor of Joseph Smith. It is 38 1/2 feet tall, each foot representing a year of Joseph Smith's life until he was martyred. Around the top of the base is the scripture which led Joseph to seek for God's help in asking which church to join. James 1:5 reads: "If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally; and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him". This scripture is so powerful! It is a part of God's pattern for all men to find truth. Here was a young man, at the age of 14 who had the faith to ask God, believing that he would receive an answer about what he should do. It made all the difference.

It is a pattern that we too can follow. It is simple. If we lack wisdom, ask God. Sometimes we may feel that we aren't receiving an answer and there is a lead ceiling there. Sometimes, we need to act in faith first and then the answer will come. The pattern is to ask in faith, believing that you will receive. (Note that you must lack wisdom. If you can find the wisdom and have the ability to get it, the Lord will more than likely want you to go out and find the answer, such as how to get an education, how to tie your shoes, how to cook, things that are available to us with a little bit of help, He will guide us, but He also wants us to use our brains.) Heavenly Father loves all of his children, no matter what religion, no matter what their background, no matter where they are. He wants all of them to come back to Him and He wants to hear from us. ASK and you will be guided.

Joseph Smith was a prophet. He saw God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. This I testify is true.  And this knowledge and wisdom has changed my life. It will change yours, too.

"But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved" (Matt 24:13)

I rode in a bike race yesterday. It was 55.6 miles long~ and it was long. There were other people who rode in the century ride, but I had only signed up for the 50 mile ride. There were times it was very difficult. There were times when I was really having a lot of fun and enjoyed the scenery and all the things around me. At other times, when there were major hills (3 miles long on a 6% grade and then immediately followed by another hill!) I really would have rather been back down on the nice rolling hills. When I finished I was so exhausted! At first I was just so glad that I was done. But as I time passed and it really sunk in that I had completed, finished, and endured a race I am so proud of myself! I did it!!! I did a really hard thing and I didn't give up. Enduring was worth every hard spent minute on that bike.

Life is a lot like a bike race. There are smooth, down hill parts and there are uphill parts that really test our stamina and strength, both our physical as well as spiritual strength. There are so many scriptures that testify of the blessings of enduring and the rewards that come from enduring, "however long and hard the road" (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland). "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved" (Matt 24:13). "But blessed are they who are faithful and endure, whether in life or in death, for they shall inherit eternal life" (D&C 50:5). "And if thou endure it well, God shalt exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph ever all thy foes" (D&C 121:8).

One of the things that will help is to not compare races. I only signed up for the 50 mile race and I can't compare myself to those people who had trained, committed, and prepared themselves for the 100 mile race. Remember what is required of us is to be faithful (see1 Cor. 4:2). We don't need to worry about judging others or ourselves. That is Christ's job. Our job is to keep the commandments and endure to the end.

Enduring is a blessing with untold rewards. Just as I finished that race that was quite difficult, there are tasks in our lives, or trials and challenges that will test us to our limits. But as we endure them, we will feel the power and love of the Savior increase in our hearts and minds. We become stronger and more powerful than we were before. I have endured challenges and I am so grateful for them, for the strength that I was blessed with to endure them and also for how much stronger I have become from them. They were once a challenge, but have since become great blessings. I am not saying I would want to go through them again just as I am not ready to go out and ride 55 miles again right now, but I finished! I did it! I did what was asked of me and what I committed to doing. I testify that as you endure it well and complete the "race" that is before you, you will feel a sense of accomplishment that can't be compared to anything earthly. It is all worth it.

"...by small and simple things are great thing brought to pass..." Alma 37:6

There is a very interesting story in, the Old Testament about the people of Israel. They had just destroyed the people of Canaan and now "called the name of their place Hormah" (Numbers 21:3). Hormah means destruction. After they had done this they had to journey from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to encircle the land of Edom: and the soul of the people were really discouraged because of the direction and challenge of the way they had to go (see Numbers 21:4). So what did they do? They started to complain against God and against Moses saying why did you bring us out of Egypt? So we could die in the wilderness? We don't have any bread, and there is no water, and "our soul loath this light bread" (Numbers 21:5).

The Lord didn't like this, so He sent "fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much of the people of Israel died" (Numbers 21:6). This did cause the people to come to Moses  and say, "We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee;" They ask Moses to pray unto the Lord, that the serpents would be taken away. Moses does pray unto the Lord for them. (Numbers 21:8)

Now, the rest of the story picks up in 1 Nephi 17:41. The people had obviously let their hearts go hard and had turned away from the Lord if the Lord had to send "fiery flying serpents".  But the thing I want to focus on is the fact that the Lord did "prepare a way that they might be healed; and the labor which they had to perform was to look" (1 Nephi 17:41). It was a very simple thing they had to do. Moses was commanded to make a "fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole; and it shall come to that that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it shall live" (Numbers 21:8 ). All they had to do was look at the fiery serpent that was upon the staff that Moses held and they would be healed from the serpents bite. But sadly, because it was so simple, some of the people did perish because they wouldn't look~ they wanted it to be more complicated.

As I ponder this story and how it applies to me I think that sometimes I too, perhaps, want things to be more complicated, or even complicate things myself. Heavenly Father has given us a very simple tool to communicate with Him, yes, prayer is a way to communicate with Him, more for what I want and my needs. But sometimes it is so difficult to understand His answers and how to get answers. So, I complicate things by talking with friends or going to other sources rather than the Direct Source. One of the easiest ways I have come to hear His voice is very simple. It is through reading the scriptures daily. It is that simple. The scriptures are His voice. In D&C 18:33-36 it reads:

 "And I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have spoken it. These words are not of men nor of man, but of me; wherefore, you shall testify they are of me and not of man; 

For it is my voice which speaketh them unto you; for they are given by my Spirit unto you, and by my power you can read them one to another; and save it were by my power you could not have them; 

Wherefore you can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words."

How simple is that to hear His voice, read the scriptures? I know it sounds way too easy. But it really is that simple. He is trying to communicate with us and wants us to learn His language. I think this is the language of the Spirit. I have found that the only way to learn a new language is to study it, to read it, to hear it. How else are you going to learn the language of the Spirit, the word of the Lord, if you aren't reading it daily? It has to become a part of your vocabulary in order to understand what He is trying to tell you. 

I think we all have different ways of "feeling" the Spirit, just as we all have different ways of expressing love or wanting to feel loved. Part of learning for ourselves how the Lord is communicating with us is knowing how He communicates with us. Is it through your thoughts, your feelings, a voice, some may have dreams or visions. The one things that is clearly stated in the scriptures is that we can read them "by [His] power." Some people don't believe they have any power or try to read them on their own power, and you know what? They will feel nothing and know nothing as well. It comes back to "intent". What do you intend to do once you have your answer? What if you don't like your answer? What if you are asked to change your life style? Do you intend to do it? I promise you, if you "ask with a sincere heart, with real intent (meaning you intend to do as you are commanded when you get your answer), having faith in Christ," (Moroni 10:4) you will know and come to know for yourself, in a way that you will recognize, the voice of the Lord through the study of the scriptures and by the power of the Holy Ghost. 

The way is simple~ it will change your life a little at a time as you read the scriptures every day. And "...by small and simple things are great things brought to pass" (Alma 37:6). This I testify will make small changes in great ways and you will come to know His voice.   

"Feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." 2 Nephi 32:3

In my inbox I get a ton of "deals". Deals for some special on something that they are sure I just have to have today, or definitely within the next 3 days, or it will go away. I also get a lot of "specials" in my inbox and sometimes even in my real mailbox telling me that I just "need" to get it because it won't last. The other place that is always telling me that I have to go get or spend my money on something that I "must have" is those television commercials and those large billboards that seem to shout at me as I drive down the roads and freeway. I actually try to look away and find the mountains or other things to look at. It is getting more and more difficult on the freeway with the high walls and the blocked views. The radio is another voice that drives me nuts with telling me what I need, so I just don't listen to it. I shut it off most of the time.

But there is one place that I have found that will actually tell me what the "real deal" is and what I actually "need" and will never ever cost me anything other than my sacrifice of time, which is less than the message in the inbox, the mailbox, the TV, the radio, or even the billboard are willing to take from me, let alone give me. (They all suck away my time, and want my hard earned money and my thinking time!) This place to find the "real deal" is the scriptures. The scriptures are so powerful! They "talk of Christ...preach of Christ...prophesy of Christ... and write...that [we] may know to what source [we] may look for a remission of [our]sins" (2 Nephi 25:27). Now that is powerful stuff!

I can tell you that the scriptures are not trying to sell you anything, but are inviting you to partake of a feast.. Actually, you can feast without paying for it! You are invited to "come, buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy...come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness." (2 Nephi 9:50-51) Now that is a great diet! "Delight in fatness"...do you delight in the fatness of the flesh or the fatness of the soul? Again, it is a question of what do you really desire?

We are told what to "hunger and thirst after", it is "righteousness" (see 3 Nephi 12:6). Not self-righteousness, but "righteousness". What are you hungering and thirsting for? What do you spend your time doing? What do you spend your time thinking about? Does it lead you closer to Christ? Some may answer that they are not doing anything bad, but they aren't doing anything good either, just doing. Well, think on this: "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth" (Rev. 3:15-16). It is better to take a stand and know what we want than to be a couch potato and let the TV or the internet or the inbox tell us what we should spend our hard earned money on and be "lukewarm". Make up your mind about where you stand and then stand! Stand and feast! I promise you will get the "deal of our life" ~ eternal life!!! and you will receive the "fatness of the earth" (D&C 56:18) and you will continue to learn every time you open them up. The scriptures "will tell you all things what ye should do (2 Nephi 32:3).  This I testify is truth that can and will change your life for no actual money, just your a small bit of your time and a bit of your thought process.

Let the Light begin!

"In every thing give thanks." 1 Thess. 5:18

It has been a great day. I have many blessings to count, and count them I did. At the end of the great day, it was almost ruined by an attitude, but was save by gratitude. It was a great blessing to feel the change take place as I prayed with my husband and just said thanks to Heavenly Father for all the blessings I had been given, all the "birthday gifts" if you will. (Sept. 21st is my birthday:) The list is long and wonderful and very humbling really. I have to much to be thankful and grateful for. As I started the prayer I was rather frustrated because of something that had taken place with one of our children just a few minutes earlier and I was suddenly in a bad mood. I didn't want to go to bed like this, so as I prayed, I only said thanks for all the "gifts" that I have been given, such as: My incredible husband who loves me supports me and is a wonderful father to our children. Our four amazing children who are learning for themselves the value of truth, hard work, faith, and so much more. The gift of having good friends and extended family close by to love and support me and our family. The gift of our home where we are safe and free from the world. The gift of good health. The gift of the gospel. The gift of Jesus Christ, my Savior and Redeemer. The gift of having scriptures to read so easily and having them so readily available. The gift of having a prophet to lead and guide us in these days of constant change and turmoil. The blessing and gift of Jeff's employment and that he likes what he does and where he works. The gift of knowledge and ability to make choices as to whether or not I want to apply that knowledge. Wow! I have received so many gifts!!! It has been an amazing birthday.

You know, it comes back to receiving again. There are just two quick scriptures that I will share about this an then I will let you ponder them and apply them as you will. As a receiver of gifts today, I realize that a gift is only as good as it is received. Better said:

"They who remain shall...enjoy that which they are willing to receive, because they are not willing to enjoy that which they might have received.

For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift." 

(D&C 88:32-33)

We are going to receive that which we are only willing to enjoy. As a kid, we wouldn't have liked it if our parents got us a really complicated game that we couldn't play~ unless we were willing to take the time to learn the rules, that means we had to be will to receive it and all the responsibility with it of learning how to play the game. But if we don't want to take the time to learn all of those rules then the game just becomes a burden and is left alone and more of a pain rather than a true gift. And the giver of the gift isn't appreciated either. 

Gratefully, in this life we have ample opportunity to learn to be good receivers. And one of the greatest gifts we can receive each day is the gift of gratitude. Start by "[counting] all your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done." (Count Your Blessings). I promise that you will notice a difference in your day as you do this simple task of counting your blessings, seeing the good around you. As you do this your perspective will change and you will be filled with the Spirit. You will develop "an attitude of gratitude". "Let us follow Him. Let us emulate His example. Let us obey His word. By doing so, we give to Him the divine gift of gratitude." (Thomas S. Monson) This I testify will make a difference in all the gifts you receive.

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication let your requests be made known unto God." Philippians 4:6

Last night after writing about "receiving" I kept thinking about it. I would wake up and think about it and in the morning I was thinking about it. In the Topical Guide under "receive" it says: "see also Accept". So, perhaps what I need to be asking myself about receiving is, "what am I willing to accept" and "what do I want to accept?" There are a lot of things I think I want, but then I get them and they are a lot of responsibility and I wish I hadn't received or accepted them. Or there have been things that I have not wanted and then received and thought, "why did I wait so long?"

I know that Heavenly Father lets us totally choose what we want to receive. He will never give us more than we can bear (see 1 Cor. 10:13, Alma 13:28) and He will also give us what we want. The question really is, do we really want the responsibility that comes with what we ask for? We are told 33 times in the scriptures "ask and ye shall receive". I am sure there are other forms of asking and receiving as well, such as " ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (Matt. 7:7). I think sometimes we ask, but not with real intent, meaning we really don't intend to do anything about the stuff we are asking about, we are just saying words, and then we go about our day.

For example, do I really want to have a relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? And if I do, what am I willing to do about it? Am I willing to actually read the scriptures everyday? How about trying to live as they live? What am I willing to give up so that I can feel the Spirit more frequently in my life so I can have the Spirit with me and therefore have better communication with my Father in Heaven? It requires sacrifice. So, if I pray to have a better relationship with Heavenly Father, am I just saying words or do I really want to have a better relationship with Him? What do I intend to do about it?

Another example. I want to learn a new skill, such as playing the piano. I hear people all the time say, "I wish I could play like that." Do they really? Because it takes hours of practice and sacrifice of time and money to become a good piano player. It is never too late to begin to play...my dad, who is 71 years old, started to take piano lessons at the age of 70. He is doing pretty darn well. He had a desire to learn and asked for guidance, has put in the effort and practiced, and taken lessons and the doors have been opened for him to learn to play the piano at age 71! I know that receiving isn't just about getting what we want when we want it and doing nothing for it. Most often what we really want requires sacrifice...and I promise that sacrifice is so worth it in the long run!

One of my favorite scriptures is D&C 82:10 which reads, "I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise." He is totally bound to us when we keep His commandments. He is committed to us and has to do as we ask of Him when we are obedient to His commandments. That is very powerful! He will give us the desires of our hearts! The question to ask isn't, "what will He give me', because He is going to give it to you, but "What do I really want to accept?"

My last thought about receiving for the night/day is this: "Be careful for nothing (because He is always giving us something, remember the question is, what did I receive or perhaps chose not to receive from the challenge? Was it the blessing of kindness? Honesty? Service? Perhaps patients?) but in every thing  by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Philip. 4:6) You will receive what you ask for, make sure it is what you really want. This I testify is how to get what you really want out of life. Because life is literally filled with blessings just waiting for us to "accept" them. 

"Verily, I say unto you, my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks." D&C 98:1

Today was interesting to say the least...made gluten free zucchini mini-muffins for breakfast for the kids had a really hard time getting them out of the pan, but tasted awesome. Had one of my children get very angry with me because I got him up for school, refused to eat and almost missed the bus. Another child refused to get out of the car to go to school until a teacher told us that we couldn't park in the drop-off zone. Had a migraine all day. Had a gallon of gasoline spill in my car (don't ask) -my car is 3 months old...now instead of smelling new, it gets to smell of gas (ha ha, Ohhh funny!) I burned my finger while cooking dinner. And a bunch of other things that seemed quite small but overwhelming.


You know, there were moments that I just couldn't keep my emotions in check to be honest, which bugs me because then I have a harder time discerning the Spirit. Out of sheer desperation I started to clean out from under my bed and came across this scripture that I had printed out. It changed my whole perspective.

"And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more." (D&C 78:19) 

Things just changed after that. Gasoline happens. Kids have grumpy mornings. And then they come home and tell me they are sorry and they love me. Things have a way of working out. The trick is to "receive all things" with thankfulness not just the happy things or the expensive things or the things that make life easy. But all things.  And to receive them, because they are all gifts. I get to learn from the challenges of having spilled gasoline in my car. I get to learn from having a migraine every day, yup, I do, not that I want to, but I get to, and in reality, it is a blessing rather than a curse.


Why you may ask. Let me tell you why. It brings me to my knees more often and I get to talk with my Father in Heaven more frequently. I have a more understanding heart of those who suffer pain and I appreciate my pain that it isn't greater, for there are those who have much greater and worse pain than I do (so what is a little burn from cooking dinner?) Spilled gasoline in my car...yup, it smells. But in reality, it is just a car. Expensive, but my child is way more important than a car and it was an accident. "I'm sorry" immediately came forth from the offenders mouth. Gasoline will dissapate, but unkind words or anger takes longer to heal. I am so grateful I was able to just keep my mouth shut and clean up the mess. Through all of this, I am able to draw closer to my Savior who suffered things I can't even begin to comprehend. And my appreciation and love for Him grows and deepens even more for "the Son of Man hath descended below all things" (D&C 122:8).


"[Receiving] all things with thankfulness" is a great way to live. My mom said something today that has stuck with me as well. She said so wisely, it is one thing "to say" and another thing "to do". Sometimes I know something, but I don't always do it. I know this is what James was talking about in James 1:22 "Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." I know that as we "receive" the gifts we are given throughout our day, no matter what shape they come in, we will feel better. I know I did. And we then not only get to talk or say something, but actually do it~ the doing is to receive Christ into our lives.  And it feels so good! This I testify really works. Try it. I promise it will change your world!

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Cor. 5:7

On those days, when things seem impossible, but you know they have to work out but you can't see a how, I testify that there is always a way. Christ said, "I am the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:6). His way is the way to live. He knows everything- and He will help you find a way. His way is not our way, and His thoughts are not our thoughts. (see Isaiah 55:8-9) They are higher than our thoughts and our ways! Look to God and live (Alma 37:47). I promise you, you will be happier....It is that simple. (Notice, I didn't say easier, I said happier.) You know, it might seem like it is easier to stress about things, but it really isn't. Stress isn't any fun anyway, and it doesn't make one happy, it just makes you, well at least me, more grumpy and, well, stressed. That is not Christ's way. His way is to relax and to trust. I have to laugh at myself at how often I have stressed about something because it might not turn out and guess what, it always does, perhaps a little differently or I get through something and the time passes, and here I am, I survived! Christ's way is always better. His way is called "charity". Charity is about becoming something more than I am able to all by myself because there is no way I can become all these things on my own. Here is the definition:

"And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, bearth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." 

(Moroni 7:45, see also 1 Cor. 13:4-7) 

Simply put, some days are just going to be more challenging and the only way I know how to get through them is to keep "[pressing] forward, with a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God, and of all men" (2 Nephi 31:20). As you "keep pressing forward", things work out. They always do. Why? Because ~ "we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor. 5:7). This I testify is how to do it, a day at a time.

"...Come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I shall heal them." 3 Nephi 18:32

All my children have now had the same kind of broken bone called a buckle fracture. It isn't too serious, but it's painful and needs to be protected so there isn't further damage to the bone. I have only seen the x-rays of the broken bone and not the healing one, that is until today. I got to see the x-ray of the healing bone and it was incredibly beautiful. It actually had a hue around the healing bone. I could see the new growth and it was all white, and bright. It looked as though it was actually giving off light.

As I have pondered this incredible phenomenon I have to say it made me think of the healing power that comes from Christ when we turn our hearts and minds to Him and repent~ when we allow Him to heal us. There comes a power from within us to make us change that we can't do on our own. Christ says, "For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of they wounds, saith the Lord..." (Jeremiah 30:17). Not only physical wounds, but emotional, mental, spiritual, every kind of wound we could ever get. He can heal us. "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." (Psalms 147:3). Let him in, to be healed from all your wounds, and let His Light shine. And as you are healed, you become filled with light, more and more light, until there is no darkness in you.

Really, being healed is about what we want to see and where we are looking. Do I want to see God and His ways? Do I want to see the good in all that is around me? Yes, there is horror and evil and yucky stuff, but I don't have  to be filled with it. I can be filled with Light. How can I do this? I must see differently. My "eye must be single to [His] glory" D&C 88:67 and His glory is "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" Moses 1:39. So, if your "eye" or your purpose is single to this purpose then, "your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things" D&C 88:67. To have no darkness in you~ that is an incredible and beautiful promise.

Just as my son's broken bone was healing and was giving off "light" we too give off light as we turn to Christ because we are changing and getting rid of darkness and producing more Light. It is an incredible power~ it is there for all of us, free of charge! His healing power is real and so is His Light. This I testify with all my love and from my heart.

"Wherefore, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do" (2 Nephi 32:3)

As a mother I want my children to know where to turn for the best advice. I hope and pray they they will come to know and understand from themselves that the best advice comes from the living prophet and from the scriptures (I'd like to think it is me, but reality is what it is). The Lord said, "Wherefore, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do" (2 Nephi 32:3). I know this is true.

At the end of any day, these words are perfect: "Cease to be idle, cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another (that is perfect for everyone to follow! We have no idea what is going on within the private lives of people, and all we really need is love and caring!!!); cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early ( I am so needing sleep and I am ready for bed! great advice!!!), that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated" (D&C 88:124). I do find that when I go to bed early I can get up earlier and I get so much more done and accomplished. My mind is more alert and my body is in better condition. I also find that I don't make dumb mistakes when I go to be early. It is just wise advise. 

So, my heartfelt love to you today is: feast upon the words of Christ and live them. I promise life is so good when you do...not that I am perfect at it. (I have said I am a practicing Christian, not a perfect one.) That's why I can say I testify of the grace of Christ~ it is powerful and real and it will help you change! Love you!!!  

"Charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with them." Moroni 7:47

"I feel my Savior's love in all the world around me," and it feels so good! I see the beautiful mountains and feel the warmth of the sun. I look upon my children's faces and see their smiles and their innocence (even as teenagers) and their goodness and desires to do what is right and feel the love of my Savior even more. I see the green, almost red tomatoes out on the vine in my ever so small garden and know that there is so much love in those tomatoes all the way from the tiny seeds, to the planting and watering, to the weeding, and from the sun kissing them and helping them turn red and soon will come the harvesting, and then the eating. I see all the pine needles that have blown from my neighbors yard onto my lawn waiting for me to pick them up so I can attempt to make a pine needle basket and there is SO much love that has been spread across my yard. From the wind that blew the needles, to the rain and sprinklers that fed the roots so those needles could grow and the sun and the wonderful neighbors who have fertilized and pruned, all the way back to the original planting and the tiny seed. Love is every where! And it feels SO good!

So I ask myself, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come. Nor heights, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35-39) We are "killed", the natural man  must be "killed" (see Mosiah 3:19) all the day long, or we will miss all the incredible love of Christ that is present all around us and there for us to partake, even when we are faced with tribulation, or nakedness, or peril, or even the sword.  We must practice living in His grace. For we are not only saved by His grace, but we are changed by His grace. It really is that simple. "Charity is the pure love of Christ and it endureth forever." (Moroni 7:47) Don't separate yourself from the love of Christ, let it fill you up. Open your eyes and your heart. It is all around you and it feels great! Christ says, "Peace I leave with  you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27).

These aren't just pages on a book that I read. They are scripture, words from prophets who testify of Jesus Christ and His power, life and love. I, too, testify that Jesus is the Christ and loves every one of us~ for "God is no respecter of persons." (Acts 10:34) His love is all around us, in everything we see. Feel it. Live it and pass it on. It is awesome!!!

"I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint..." 2 Nephi 32:9

(This scripture is for my children: Whom I love more than words can express, more than ideas can form, colors change, or I can even begin to explain. They are incredible beyond anything to me. Please know, Lara, Stockton, Ethan and Slade, that Heavenly Father is always available!) 

Scripture of the day is pretty straight forward: "Pray without ceasing." 1 Thess.5:17 But how does one do that without stopping everything and kneeling down and closing your eyes and praying? Well, it's really simple. You can talk with Heavenly Father in your mind, just like you talk with me. God is the only one that can know your thoughts and intents of your heart. D&C 6:16 That is right. No one else can know what you are thinking in your heart or mind. Only you and God have this special bond. This is a great blessing and a protection. 

So, you can be walking around in class, or in a store, or driving around in a car and praying for someone or praying for yourself even and having a conversation with God. You don't even have to close your eyes. He wants us to talk with Him and to communicate with Him about everything. He loves us and cares about us. I testify from my own experiences that He hears and answers even the shortest and sincerest of prayers. He hears us and is listening. I also know that He would prefer to actually have us talk with Him rather than have us rattle of some list of rote items we need and then end the conversation. 

One of our prophets, President Hinckley once said, "The trouble with most of our prayers is that we give them as if we were picking up the telephone and ordering groceries--we place our order and hang up. We need to meditate, contemplate, think of what we are praying about and for and then speak to the Lord as one man speaketh to another." Improving our Prayers, Joseph B. Wirthlin 

I promise you, if you take the time to actually talk with Him, don't just say something that is memorized, or things out of habit, but talk with Him from your heart and you will come to know, for yourself that He is there and that your prayers are being answered all of the time. He will help you with school, with your family, with anger, with pain, with loneliness, with your friends, with everything. He loves you. For you are His child. We are His children. This I testify.

"Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you;" (D&C 68:6)

Some days are just harder than others. Things just don't go as smoothly. Kids don't cooperate or do things that just don't make sense (perhaps I was like that as a teenager more often than I would like to think I was), meetings go longer than expected, headaches happen. Some days are just harder. And some days, I know that there is no way I can do these things alone. I can't be my children's mother alone. And I am not alone. 

Just as Christ was about to be taken by the Pharisee's to "trial" he told his apostles, "Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me." (John 16:32) Even as Christ was preparing to be taken to his death, he knew he would be abandoned by his mortal friends, but not his Eternal Father in Heaven. We too are never alone. I know this is one of the very reasons why the word REMEMBER is in the scriptures so often. Remember, you are never alone.  

Christ told his apostles, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) In Christ we can and will have peace. It is that simple. Be of good cheer! Christ again says to us: "Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you" (D&C 68:6). Things work out and there are always blessings at the end of hard days...even when I can't see them or don't receive them immediately, they are there. I know there are many hard days ahead, that's just the nature of things to be. Tribulations, trials, challenges, life happens. But what I get to choose, thank heavens, is to "Be of good cheer"~ no matter what! Because you and I are never alone. This I testify.