"...their souls did expand..." (Alma 5:9)

Over the past two years, due to the challenge of not being able to exercise much, I have been open to learning a lot more about expanding, or enlarging. Now, this is not something that I have particularly sought after...in fact, it has sometimes been quite obnoxious due to the enormity of the consequences of the craving to eat more and the ability to exercise less. Regardless of the size of things (all puns intended), I have come to learn that there are several blessings which come with enlarging, or expanding, but they don't necessarily affect the waistline. Over the next couple of days I will post some of my thoughts about the topic of expanding and enlarging.

This first insight comes from Alma the younger as he teaches us about examining ourselves in order to be filled with the love and peace of God.

"And again I ask, were the bands of death broken, and the chains of hell which encircled them about, were they loosed? I say unto you, Yea, they were loosed, and their souls did expand, and they did sing redeeming love. And I say unto you that they were saved" (Alma 5:9 italics added).

I love the phrase, "and their souls did expand". Imagine having your soul, your spirit and body expand, enlarge and get bigger, as it is filled with the redeeming love of Jesus Christ. This literally changes your heart (see Alma 5:7,12-14,26).

The expansion of our souls comes after the chains of death are loosed. Christ loosens the chains of death through the power of His resurrection. And He loosens the chains of hell when we turn to Him through the means of repentance and grace (see Alma 5:7,9-10).

Ponder how you are able to expand and get larger spiritually when you turn your heart and thoughts to Christ. He says, "Learn of me, listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and ye shall have peace in me" (D&C 19:23). Nowadays, peace is a commodity that is priceless! It's definitely worth the time to learn of Him and listen to Him.

We expand when we are no longer controlled by fear, but are free to move and live because we are filled with faith (see 2 Tim. 1:7). I have experienced this expansion of faith in Christ in my own life. It is an incredible power that is soul expanding. This kind of enlargement is one that I actually seek for and desire on a daily basis. This is a great description of what I have felt: "...for ye know that the word hath swelled your souls, and ye also know that it hath sprouted up, that your understanding doth begin to be enlightened, and your mind doth begin to expand" (Alma 32:34). Just ponder that kind of expansion. (It's "weigh" better than a triple chin (pun and understatement intended).)

Go ahead, gain some "weight" (see D&C 63:66), it really is soul expanding.

My expanding triple chins...worth every soul expanding that occurs.

P.S. Please excuse my puniness as I am very tired and exhausted from the events that life has brought to me. I know that in the long run, it is all for my good.

"Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things..." Alma 32:21

Today, I am pondering faith a bit. "Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; ...if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true" (Alma 32:21). Some things are true that I cannot see with my physical eyes. I can't see the wind, but there is evidence of the wind. I see the evidence of the wind as it blows  leaves off of trees and at times, gently caresses my skin and ruffles my hair.

As I have pondered things that are true, but I can't see, I have also thought about learning. I have to ask myself, am I willing to learn all that God wants me to learn, even when I can't see the end from the beginning? What about from all sources? Am I willing to learn His ways through enduring all things? Am I willing to "...seek learning, even by study and also by faith" (D&C 88:118).

This leads me to ponder about being humble and teachable. I ask, how humble am I, really? "...for I verily believe that there are some among you who would humble themselves, let them be in whatsoever circumstances they might [be in]" (Alma 32:25). And there are some who, no matter what their circumstances, no matter their suffering, they want a sign, saying: "If thou wilt show unto us a sign from heaven, then we shall know of a surety; then we shall believe" (Alma 32:18). But, receiving a "sign" requires no faith. On the other hand, "ye shall receive no witness until after the trial of your faith" (Ether 12:6). In other words, faith proceeds the miracle. I continue to work on this.

Some days can be so difficult that thoughts of quitting tease and taunt me. But I don't quit. And I don't give up. I keep believing and having faith in a loving God (see 1 John 4:16; Ephesians 2:4), who is "merciful unto all who believe on His name" (Alma 32:22). I believe and have faith that there is something more to this life than enduring pain or seeing others suffer (see Luke 12:23). In those times of pain and suffering that don't make sense it is through faith that I can say as Nephi: "I know that He loveth His children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things" (1 Nephi 11:17). I know in the long run, things always work out...perhaps not as I thought they would, but they always work out.

Am I humble enough to trust God, to have faith in His plan? Especially when things aren't going according to my plan. God's plan is one of happiness (see Alma 42:8). It is one of great joy! His plan is one of choice, we get to choose and receive what our hearts truly desire (see 2 Nephi 2:27-30). Perhaps some do not desire to be like God, "pure even as He is pure". And that is what some people choose. "Remember that [we] are free to act for [ourselves] -to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life" (2 Nephi 2:23). We can choose to put our faith in Jesus Christ, our Creator and our Savior. We can choose to have faith that He knows exactly what we need to learn, and what we need to endure so that we be prepared for that "great and coming day" (3 Nephi 28:31).

"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). Having faith, for me, is to put my trust in the God that I see in His creations all around me. To trust Him enough to never quit, never give up, no matter how hard or how painful it may be. This I testify.

I see God in all the amazing creations I get to enjoy on a daily basis

His love is even shown in the details of every flower. Look at those peppers! What beauty and creativity!

I see Him in all He creates for my joy and comfort.

"Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." (Mark 4:39)

Day #22

I am grateful for the beauty of the scripture story of Christ calming the wind and the sea (see Mark 4:35-41). It has brought great comfort to me over the years. This is one verse from it:

"And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, 

Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." 

(Mark 4:39)

I feel like my life is too often like this, where the wind is blowing and the storms of life just cause so much stress. All the while, the Savior is on the "boat" with me. When things get really crazy, I can hear Him telling me, "Peace, be still", but I don't always listen.

I wish I could say I always listened and obeyed like the waves of the ocean and with winds of the sky. But I don't. I sometimes let the noise from the "great storm of wind, and the waves beat" (Mark 4:37) into my mind and heart. And then I get afraid.

Gratefully, Christ is very patient with me when I call out to Him. He always calms the winds and the seas of my life. He also lovingly invites me and encourages me to let go of fear and increase my faith. In my mind He tells me the same message as He did to those on the boat with Him, "Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?" (Mark 4:40)

He's there for each of us. We don't need to be afraid of storms or wind because the storms will always end, the winds will always cease (see Mark 4:39) as He stands by our side and commands, "Peace, be still".

"Peace, Be Still" by Arnold Friberg

"He did cause that his people should cry unto the Lord for strength against the time that the robbers should come down against them" (3 Nephi 3:12)

In my scripture study today, reading about the Gadianton robbers and the Nephites who were trying to protect themselves from the robbers (see 3 Nephi 3) led me to ponder "robbers" in our day. We have robbers of all kinds, they sneak into our homes and rob us of virtue, peace, family, joy, liberty, and many other God given gifts. But there are ways to protect ourselves from these robbers.  Here are some thoughts about how to protect our families from the robbers in our day:

The Nephite governor, Lachoneous, "was a just man, and could not be frightened by the demands and the threatening of the a robber" (3 Nephi 3:12). I love that the leader of the righteous people was not frightened by a robber. As a parent, and governors of our homes, we too, do not need to be frightened by the robbers who want to steal away our peace, safety, and freedom. Rather than succumb to fear, we can act as the governor did. "He did cause that his people should cry unto the Lord for strength against the time that the robbers should come down against them" (3 Nephi 3:12). I love this! We have been given great advice by our prophets to gather our families in prayer. "Never hesitate to gather your family around you for your prayers, especially in those times when more than morning and evening family prayer is needed. Extra needs require extra prayers" (Pres. Spencer W. Kimball). Crying unto the Lord for strength offers us protection against the robbers that are waiting to steal all that is precious from us.

United in learning offers protection 

Another point that jumped out at me was that the governor didn't just pray and then wait for God to do all the work. No, the governor then acted by "gathering together [his people], their flocks, and herds, and all their substance...unto one place" (3 Nephi 3:13). I see this as the same advice we have had from our leaders to protect our families by gathering together for Family Home Evening each week and teach correct principles that keep us safe from these "robbers". I like what Elder Scott had to say about gathering together for family home evening. "The structure of your evening is not as important as the time invested. The gospel should be taught both formally and informally. Make it a meaningful experience for each member of the family. Family home evening is a precious time to bear testimony in a safe environment; to learn teaching, planning, and organizational skills; to strengthen family bonds; to develop family traditions; to talk to each other; and more important, to have a marvelous time together!" (Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority). Gathering our families together offers great protection against those robbers who seek to destroy our homes. This gathering of our families can extend beyond our immediate family to the gathering of loved ones, friends, neighbors, and communities. Uniting together strengthens ties, bonds, and love for each other. When correct principles are taught, we gain the courage to govern ourselves when we are threatened by "robbers".

The next thing the governor of the land did was: "he caused that fortifications should be built round about them, and the strength thereof should be exceedingly great" and then "he caused that armies...should be placed as guards round about to watch them, and to guard them from the robbers day and night" (3 Nephi 3:14). We too must put "fortifications" around our homes and families and guard them against robbers. Putting filters in place helps with the robbers that come through the internet. But ultimately we must teach our children to be their own guards of their spirituality and purity by aiding them in gaining a powerful testimony of the saving power of Jesus Christ. Sister Linda S. Reeves taught this powerful truth. "Brothers and sisters, how do we protect our children and youth? Filters are useful tools, but the greatest filter in the world, the only one that will ultimately work, is the personal internal filter that comes from a deep and abiding testimony our our Heavenly Father's love and our Savior's atoning sacrifice for each one of us" (Protection from Pornography- A Christ-Focused Home).

We don't need to be afraid of the robbers that are waiting to "sally forth from the hills, and out of the mountains, and the wilderness, and their strongholds, and their secret places" (3 Nephi 4:1). No. We "cry unto the Lord for strength against the time that the robbers should come down against [us]" (3 Nephi 3:12)  and then we prepare. For "if ye are prepared ye shall not fear" (D&C 38:30). I know that we are made strong as we govern our families in faith and press forward as we act upon the council that has been given to us from the Lord. It is a great comfort to me as a mother to know that I need not fear the robbers that are there, but that we will be strengthened, protected, guided, and aided through the wars that are ahead as we live the testimonies we have of the power of Jesus Christ. This I testify.

Gathering with family and loved ones...definitely good protection with this bunch!

Love gathering together with grandma and grandpa!

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves" (James 1:22)

The other morning as I was coming back from taking one son to school I noticed a white SUV on the opposite side of the road. It was cold, had snowed the night before, and was icy out. I thought, "What a bummer to be broken down in this weather". I drove home and proceeded to take my youngest son to his school and dropped him off safely. On my return home from doing this, which was about 45 minutes later, I noticed the same car still sitting there on the side of the road. I wasn't headed in that direction, but I wondered if someone was still sitting in the car waiting for help. I drove through the light, but I decided to turn around and just check to make sure someone wasn't still in the car. I flipped a U-turn, headed back to the light, and pulled into traffic. I was able to easily pull in front of the car. There was a woman still sitting in the car. I parked, got out, and walked back to the car. She rolled down her window. I asked if she was okay or if she needed help. She said she was waiting for AAA and it would take them another hour, but she and her daughter were fine. I asked if there was anything I could do and she told me no. She told me she appreciated that I had stopped because no one else had stopped. I told them to take care and I thought to myself, I will pray for them, because sometimes that's all one can do to help.

As I drove down the road and back up again past her to head back home, I was praying for her. The thought came to me how much we are all loved. Christ "suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam" (2 Nephi 9:21). He has suffered for us. His Atonement is "an infinite atonement" (2 Nephi 9:7), it doesn't just help once, it is eternal, "infinite". My brain can't even begin to comprehend infinite. But Christ can, does, and aides us when we call upon His name. (see D&C 100:17; Helaman 3:27; Romans 10:13; Psalms 99:6; 1 Chronicles 16:8). It's interesting that in today's world it is so easy to call others, we have cell phones and other electronic devices and can call anyone pretty much anytime we want, or text them or email them. But to understand what it really means to "call upon His holy name" (Helaman 3:27) changes our behavior, changes us.

There is this Hymn, Have I Done Any Good? (#223) that asks if we have done anything to help "another on their way". When we decide to call upon Christ and follow Him, James teaches us an important lesson, that it is more than just saying a name. He says, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves" (James 1:22). We have to do more than just say we follow Christ. We actually have to let our actions speak for us. It's interesting as I write this, because I realize how difficult this is at times, to acknowledge that I have done something wrong and make it right isn't easy, but it is important. It is important because it is about our personal growth. Our growth is impeded when we don't make the wrong things right. This might mean that we need to forgive our neighbor who has deeply hurt us and used us, however near or far that neighbor may live (see 3 Nephi 12:44; Matt 5:44). Remember I said it was necessary for our growth, I didn't say it was easy.

The beauty of the plan of God (see Moses 6:62; Alma 24:14; Alma 34:31), is that God knew we would make mistakes, that we would screw up, even after we had committed to following His Son, Jesus Christ. Therefore I must say as Jacob, "O the wisdom of God, His mercy and grace! (2 Nephi 9:8); "O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth a way for our escape" (2 Nephi 9:10); O how great the plan of our God" (2 Nephi 9:13)!

Just as the sun rises each day, even on cloudy days when we can't see it, we get a new opportunity to try again. This is the same when we "in the sincerity of [our] hearts, call upon His holy name" (Helaman 3:27), we are sincerely trying to change, to repent, to become a new creature in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). When we are "in Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:17) "we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in Him" (1 John 2:3-4). When we walk the walk and not just talk the talk, but are true Christians, we "love [our] enemies, bless them that curse [us], do good to them that hate [us], and pray for them who despitefully use [us] and persecute [us]" (3 Nephi 12:44; Matthew 5:44), even when it is the most difficult thing to do. And why do we do this? Because, ultimately, we love Jesus Christ more than we love staying the same in a "carnal and fallen state" and we want to be "born again; yea, born of God" (Mosiah 27:25).

I had to flip a U-turn to get to the woman in the white SUV and she didn't even need any help, but life is like that. We need to make U-turns all the time, correct our course. We need to see that we are "checked as to the pride of [our] hearts, and [begin] to humble [our]selves before God... watching and praying continually, that [we] might be delivered from Satan, and from death, and from destruction" (Alma 15:17). Check ourselves, make sure we are driving, walking, talking, living, in the right direction. When we do this "great check" (Alma 15:17) on a daily basis, for it only takes a couple of minutes, just as stopping to see if the woman needed help to only a couple of minutes, then there are great rewards (see Matthew 5:12). After the Lord taught the Sermon on the Mount He said, "Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad" (Matthew 5:12) because He had just taught them how to live, how to walk, how to become as He is, full of love, kind, patient, meek, humble. He taught a higher, a celestial law.

Life can be hard, but it is also full of joy. The prophet Jacob taught, "But, behold, the righteous (note that it is not self-righteous), the saints of the Holy One of Israel, they who have believed in the Holy One of Israel, they who have endured the crosses of the world, and despised the shame of it, they shall inherit the kingdom of God, which was prepared for them from the foundation of the world, and their joy shall be full forever" (2 Nephi 9:8). We can walk the walk, and talk the talk and sincerely change and be "born again" (John 3:3; Mosiah 27:25) because we have faith in Christ and we desire to truly follow Him. This I testify.

"...Nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life" (Alma 32:41).

As a mother of four children, who stays at home and is often asked what I do, I frequently ask myself that same question. What do I do? I am so grateful that the Lord has given me an answer. It is really plain, which most often His answers are "plain and pure, and most precious and easy to the understanding of all men" ( 1 Nephi 14:23). This answer comes from The Family: A Proclamation to the World. It states: "Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children". I nurture our children. To some people this means to feed and make food. That is some of what I do. But I have come to learn that there is so much more to nurturing than just making food.

The unabridged definition from my Webster's New World Dictionary for nurture reads: "1) anything that nourishes; food; nutriment 2) the act or process of raising or promoting the development of; training, educating, fostering, etc.: 3) all the environmental factors, collectively, to which one is subjected from conception onward, as distinguished from one's nature or heredity - vt. 1) to feed or nourish 2a) to promote the development of b) to raise by educating, training, etc.-"(Websters New World Dictionaries, 1988). When understanding the entire definition of nurturing then mothers and women can more fully understand what they are really doing and the power and influence they have upon their families and on society.

What we truly are is nourishers. We nourish our children, who are our seed, and then we get to nourish them with the words of Christ. When we patiently teach our children truth we will "nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by [our] faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life" (Alma 32:41). Nourishing takes patience, diligence, time, and vision. When we want to educate, train, and foster development or change we have to have a perspective, and that perspective must be eternal.

The day to day tasks of making food, washing clothes, vacuuming, changing diapers, doing dishes, whatever stage of life you are in, must be kept in proper perspective. "Our Heavenly Father is most pleased when we sacrifice something good for something far greater with an eternal perspective. Sometimes, that may even mean nurturing small but beautiful forget-me-not flowers instead of a large garden of exotic blooms" (Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf). It has taken me a long time to get to the point where I only say, "I am a mother" and don't add anything else to it, such as what my degree is or that I do art or any of my other interests. I am a nurturer of God's children, and that's enough, because I too am a child of God. We are enough with the time and talents which the Lord has blessed us to help build up and nurture His kingdom, which is His children, here on the earth. For we are all God's children, and we all need building, guiding, educating, nurturing. We can build each other by sharing our time and talents and serving and loving each other. Elder Maxwell said it perfectly when he stated: "We desire our women to be unarguably superb individuals, wives, and mothers, and they can contribute so much to this outcome by making the most of their educational opportunities, both now and by having a posture of lifetime learning...[You] give to our children what [you] are. The more a mother brings to a nest, the more nutritive the nest" (Taking up the Cross).

As women of God, who desire to strengthen homes and families, we are daily nurturing our families and our future. One of the most powerful ways to nurture our loved ones is to provide them ample opportunities to "feast upon the words of Christ" (2 Nephi 32:3), and thus help them be "encircled about eternally in the arms of His love" (2 Nephi 1:15). The Spirit will show and teach us how to make this work for our individual circumstances. Having daily scriptures study with our children increases faith and helps give them protection against all the "fiery darts" that will and are coming at them from every direction (see Ephesians 6:16-17).

Another way to nurture is to educate them and guide them with the protection of His Spirit (see Ephesians 6:16) and teach them how to judge and "discern between good and evil" (Guide to the Scriptures). Judging is really about how to make good choices. It is the gift to discern between good and evil, to know right from wrong and then act, not react, using good judgement. This is a life long virtue to be nourished, the virtue of good judgement and how to judge.

There is so much to do as women of God as we nourish our families, not only our own families, but God's family. We "are primarily responsible for the nurture of [our] children" (The Family: A Proclamation to the World) and we are not left alone in this incredible and amazing responsibility. We are "women who know and love the Lord and bear testimony of Him, women who are strong and immovable and who do not give up during difficult and discouraging times " (Sister Julie B. Beck). We are daughters of God and "the most important of the Lord's work [we] will ever do will be within the walls of [our] own homes" (Pres. Harold B. Lee). This I testify.

"...The tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom He hath chosen, because of their faith..." ( 1 Nephi 1:20)

Sometimes as a parent, or even as a human being, I feel like I am walking around in the wilderness. I know I am suppose to be a parent to the children I have, but there are times that it is so challenging and so frustrating and I really feel I have no idea what I am doing. There are also times when all I seem to do is murmur, murmur, murmur, or maybe I am just hitting my head against a brick wall, so to speak. That's not so good. So how can I handle it better? Don't know if I really handle it better, but at least I can feel like I am not wandering. Here are my thoughts.

Nephi talks about being in the wilderness (see 1 Nephi 17:1-2). Laman and Lemuel also talk about being in the wilderness (1 Nephi 17:20) and boy are their attitudes extremely different about the exact same experiences. I know that sometimes I murmur as I feel like I have "wandered in the wilderness these many years" (1 Nephi 17:20) of parenting and living...but in reality, I haven't been wandering. "I was [and continue to be] led by the Spirit, not knowing before hand the things which I should do" (1 Nephi 4:6). There is an element of faith in parenting and in living, even becoming a parent takes faith, especially in these days of not knowing before hand what to expect with all that is going to happen. Faith is in incredible power and we get to teach faith to our children and as we do so, we are lifted and strengthened. Elder Russel M. Nelson said, "Let [your children] feel your faith, even when sore trials come upon you. Let your faith be focused on our loving Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Teach that faith with deep conviction. Teach each precious boy or girl that he or she is a child of God, created in His image, with a sacred purpose and potential. Each is born with challenges to overcome and faith to be developed" (Face the Future with Faith).

Trials or afflictions come in all shapes and sizes. Nephi, a prophet, said this about afflictions, "...[I have] seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless,  [I have] been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea,  [I have] had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God" (1 Nephi 1:1 italics added). Note the "nevertheless". He didn't focus on the afflictions. He had them, but, he saw them as blessings, not just as trials. He also said, "I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom He hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance" (1 Nephi 1:20). The tender mercies are over all of us when we seek the Lord. He is standing by to guide us and lead us through our "wilderness". We don't need to just wander about aimlessly wondering if we are doing any good or stay in pain or continue to do the same things and expect different results. When  there is a "mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually" (Mosiah 5:2) we will have a remarkable change take place. This change comes as we let our faith grow, and deepen in our Savior who is "mighty to save" (Isaiah 63:1, 2 Nephi 31:19, Alma 34:18).

Nephi's trials weren't trials of pain to him, but they became blessings. He recognized "the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom He hath chosen, because of their faith" ( 1 Nephi 1:20). The Lord's tender mercies are over all, not just parents. But all His children who choose to exercise faith in Him. Christ wants, in fact, He is waiting to bless us. He says, "Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto you" (Moroni 7:26). And about our trials and afflictions He says, "...All things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good" (D&C 98:3). He's not going to let our challenges go to waste, but we might...we might if we turn away from God and murmur and complain and whine and become bitter.

But we don't need to become bitter. The joy is real. The joy is that there really is a Savior. We don't have to wander in the "wilderness" for nothing. "Have faith, have hope, live like His Son, help others on their way" (He Sent His Son, #34). The wilderness is but a testing ground for us to learn to listen to His voice, to recognize when He is calling to us (see D&C 88:66). He is calling us, "Come, follow me" (Luke 18:22) because He is the Light in the wilderness. He will lead us along. We need not fear or stay stuck where we are, or even keep murmuring, because those trials really are blessings in disguise. This I testify.

"And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things" (1 Nephi 16:29)

My husband gave me a very generous gift for Christmas. It is called a bike trainer. With it I am able to bring my bike inside the house, hook it up to the trainer and ride it. It is a great way to keep in shape. It acts like a stationary bike, but I am on my own bike and can therefore, prepare for longer rides. As I was riding today, I realized that I get bored riding inside the house and it is hard to stay on the bike for over an hour. It is doing the same thing over and over without going anywhere. It would be easy to talk myself right out of not getting on the bike at all. Then it hit me that this attitude was just like life and living the gospel. I could easily get bored with doing the basics, over and over. But doing the basics is important. The basics are the things that keep one from dropping out of the race when the race gets tough. And life and living the gospel does get challenging, guaranteed (see 3 Nephi 26:11). What's interesting is that I actually am going places while riding a stationary bike, but the results aren't seen until later, on a long ride, when I am back outside.

The Lord wants us to be prepared for this long ride called life, and eventually eternal life. We have to exercise and keep going forward, day by day. He said of us, "That they themselves may be prepared, and that my people may be taught more perfectly and have experience, and know more perfectly concerning their duty, and the things which I require at their hands" (D&C 105:10). He gives us instruction and guidance on how to be prepared. He doesn't want us to go blindly, riding around in circles, or even stay stationary. He wants us to move forward and keep making progress (see Mosiah 1:17). Sometimes it may feel like we are staying stationary when we are only taking small steps, but we are moving forward or even just staying in shape and preparing for "come what may" (Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin).

One of the greatest principles of the gospel was taught to Nephi and his family through the use of  "a round ball of curious workmanship" (1 Nephi 16:10), a "director- or [they]called it the Liahona, which is, being interpreted, a compass; and the Lord prepared it" (Alma 37:38). The Liahona had "two spindles" (1 Nephi 16:10) or "pointers which were in the ball, that they did work according to the faith and diligence and heed which [Nephi and his family] did give unto them" (1 Nephi 16:28). Through the Liahona the Lord would communicate with them: "And there was also written upon them...which was plain to be read, which did give [them] understanding concerning the ways of the Lord; and it was written and changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which [they] gave unto it"(1 Nephi 16:29). Notice, that is was "according to the faith and diligence and heed" that the Lord would give them direction. This is the same with us. When we receive instruction from our leaders or from the Holy Ghost, or even from our own personal scripture study and act in faith, and diligence, and give heed to promptings or instruction we receive, we are being directed by the Lord. Things will happen in our lives, a step at a time, or a pedal at a time. "And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things" (1 Nephi 16:29).

There are times when I think that riding my bike in the house and going no where isn't really helping. But, it brings me right back to being prepared. I have to ask myself, what am I preparing for? Just like asking, why do I go to church when it could be boring, or someone has offended me? Because it is more than just a meeting. We are preparing ourselves spiritually each week..."For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors" (Alma 34:32). If we are serious about the long ride, we must prepare for it now. We must get in shape daily by doing the basics. Some of the basics that have helped me are: "daily prayer and scripture study" (Elder L. Tom Perry), regular church attendance (D&C 59:9-10; Elder Dallin H. Oaks), paying a full tithe (Malachi 3:10; Elder Neal A. Maxwell), and temple attendance (President Thomas S. Monson; D&C 95:8-9). These are small means that have made a great difference in my life. These are some of the basics that will help keep you in shape spiritually, preparing for the long ride we are doing now, and will be doing in the future.

The Lord wants us to "draw near" unto Him, and He will "draw near" unto us (D&C 88:63). As we prepare daily for the long ride by doing the basics, we can endure the the challenges ahead, because the challenges won't be challenges, but blessings. They will be what lead us and draw us closer to Him. We won't just be stationary, but the Lord is bringing about "great things". This I testify.

"In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established" (2 Corinthians 13:1)

The desire to draw closer to God is a strong one. It can and will change your life. But how does one go about doing it? Some people want to do it their way, and only their way. Okay. But what if there was a better way? What about God's way? There is a book that has a promise with it, a promise from a prophet that "a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book" (President Joseph Smith). This book is The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. This book testifies of Jesus Christ and is another witness of His life and His teachings. It confirms what Christ taught in The Holy Bible.

It is hard to swallow pride and do some of the simplest things to change, especially when we have been doing habits or held beliefs for a very long time. But God is a loving God. Jesus Christ came "into the world that He may save all men if they will hearken unto His voice; for behold, He suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam" (2 Nephi 9:21). If we will "hearken", which implies more than just hearing, but is a call to action. The action He wants from us is to repent, be baptized and have perfect faith in Him, and endure to the end (see 2 Nephi 9:23-24). He will help us do this, because He loves us and wants us to not only have immortality, but also eternal life (see Moses 1:39).

The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ is a powerful witness of Jesus Christ and His love for all people. He says, "Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all nations of the earth? Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also" (2 Nephi 9:7-8).

Paul said to the Corinthians, "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established" (2 Corinthians 13:1). This is the law of witnesses and this is how Christ works. He gives more than one witness for His work. He loves us just as much as He loved the people in ancient times. He is "a God of miracles; and [He] will show unto the world that [He is] the same yesterday, today, and forever; and [He] works not among the children of men save it be according to their faith" (2 Nephi 27:23). Let our faith be strengthened and grow as we read The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. It will add to your faith in Christ, He lives, that He created all things, He knows all things and has all wisdom; He has all power (see Mosiah 4:9).

Even if you have read The Book of Mormon before, read it again. Let its influence and power come into your life as you seek the confirmation of its truthfulness (see Moroni 10:3-5). I have read and reread it and read it daily, along with The Holy Bible. I add my witness to others (you can read their testimony here) that it is true. It has changed and continues to change my life. It testifies of Jesus Christ and His life. This I testify.

You can receive your own free copy of The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ- Here

"Doubt not, but be believing" (Mormon 9:27)

This being the New Year and looking forward with great hope to the future I was somewhat startled at what I need to learn personally, but I am so grateful I can learn. I think there are many of us who are trying to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ who belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but we, for whatever reason, don't think we are going to make it to the celestial kingdom (see D&C 76:70; 1 Corinthians 15:40-42). This is not the Lord's problem, but ours. I realized this is a problem of faith. This is directed to all of those faithful followers of Jesus Christ who always think they aren't doing enough; even their very best isn't enough. This is filled with love, and understanding. I am right there with you. We all ask the Savior, "Increase our faith" (Luke 17:5).

Let me see if I can explain what I was taught through a story in the New Testament. It is the story of the Ten Lepers. It is found in Luke 17:11-19. Ten lepers met Jesus and "stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us" (Luke 17:13). They all believed that Jesus had power to cleanse them of their leprosy, a physical aliment. And Jesus did have mercy on them and told them to go and show themselves to the priests and "as they went, they were cleansed" (Luke 17:14). What is interesting to me is that only one of them "saw that he was healed" (Luke 17:15). He had spiritual eyes to see what had really had taken place. Then he turned back and "with a loud voice glorified God. And fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks: and he was a Samaritan" (Luke 17:15-16). He showed his belief in the Savior's power by his actions. The single leper worshiped Him. He had spiritual eyes to see the real healing that was taking place. Christ responds to the Samaritan by asking, "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine" (Luke 17:17)? He had healed ten. Notice, it was healed. Then Christ tells the Samaritan the key for all of us, "Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made the whole" (Luke 17:19). The key is faith to be made whole. The Samaritan leper was made whole because of his faith in the Savior, not just healed physically.

We can be healed, but we have to have faith in Jesus Christ that He can and will make us whole, whole meaning perfect and complete. That is the purpose of the atonement, to make us whole, perfect, complete not just healed. To be made whole includes making all our short comings whole; all our hurts repaired, whether we inflicted them or they were inflicted upon us. This becoming whole is a two step process. First, we must recognize that Jesus is the Christ and has all power to do all things (Mosiah 4:9). He has the power to heal us and make us whole. The Samaritan recognized that Jesus was the Savior when he returned and gave thanks and glorified God. We too, praise and worship the Savior when we are "willing to take upon [us] the name of Christ, by baptism" (2 Nephi 31:13) and "press forward with a steadfastness in Christ...and endure to the end" (2 Nephi 31:20). We show our thanks by keeping His commandments and serving others. 

The second step is to "doubt not, but be believing" (Mormon 9:27) to the extent that faith replaces fear. When we say that we will never be enough and won't make it to the highest kingdom when we are doing all we can (see 2 Nephi 25:23), then the problem is ours, because really, we don't believe what He is telling us. Or simply put, it is called, lack of faith in Jesus Christ. That is a harsh one to hear. We don't really believe the Savior can make us whole, therefore, we lack faith. I think sometimes we mix up the concept of worth and worthiness. Our worth is infinite. Sometimes in our weakness we forget who we are, we forget our worth. We need to remember our worth through our worthiness so that we can be strong. Elder Russel M. Nelson said, "How you deal with life's trials is part of the development of your faith. Strength comes when you remember that you have a divine nature, and inheritance of infinite worth. The Lord has reminded you, your children, and your grandchildren that you are lawful heirs, that you have been reserved in heaven for your specific time and place to be born, to grow and become His standard bearers and covenant people. As you walk in the Lord's path of righteousness, you will be blessed to continue in his goodness and be a light and a savior unto His people" (Face the Future with Faith).

We aren't going to be perfect in this life. No matter how hard we try, no matter what we do, we aren't going to be perfect and therefore we need a Savior. The real question is, do we believe Him? Do we believe Him when He says, "Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole" (Luke 17:19)? Or are we as the other lepers who were healed and go on our merry way and don't even recognize His power in our lives, the fact that His grace is ever effective in us, changing us, making us perfect as we worship Him daily by keeping our covenants and do our best to "come unto the Lord with all [our] heart, and work out [our] own salvation with fear and trembling before Him" (Mormon 9:27). The kind of fear that is "equivalent to reverence, awe, worship, and is therefore an essential part of the attitude of mind in which we ought to stand toward the All-holy God" (Bible Dictionary). Not the kind of fear "spoken of as something unworthy of a child of God, something that 'perfect love casteth out'" (1 Jn. 4:18) (Bible Dictionary). That kind of fear keeps us from exercising full faith in Jesus Christ and really believing Him as He calls to us, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

This is a New Year. We can "doubt not, but be believing" (Mormon 9:27), "looking forward with an eye of faith" (Alma 32:40) to the future with the assurance that Christ will heal us and does make us whole. We can and are, through His infinite grace and mercy, because we "believe in Christ" and we are "reconciled to God" (2 Nephi 25:23), able to make it to the celestial kingdom. This I testify.

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me". (Philippians 4:13)

I got a new electronic device for Christmas that is amazing. It is called a "Kindle". It is this device that can hold books that are down loaded electronically and can hold many books at once. It can also surf the internet and I can shop for more books online. It also contains a dictionary (I love looking up definitions!). I was, and still am amazed at these electronic devices that give me instant information with a click of a button partly because I grew up in a home with no TV, and no computer; yes, we had a radio- I am not that old; I am only 42. Things have significantly changed since I was a kid. Information at the touch of a button is...good and must be used for good. 

I believe most things are invented with the intent to do good. I like to believe that people are and have the desire to do good and be good because we are all sons and daughters of God (see Acts 17:28-29). But we are sent here to be tempted and tried and allowed to choose for ourselves whether we will "know good from evil"; and God has given to us that we "might choose life or death" (Helaman 14:31). We get to choose whether or not we want a spiritual life or live spiritually dead lives and have no relationship with our Father in Heaven. We choose whether or not we connect to the "internet" of heaven. This takes an effort on our part. We must open the door and let Him in (see Revelations 3:20). We must also have a "good connection". And in order to have a good connection, we must make good choices.

When I got my Kindle I had to hook up to the internet. It wasn't done for me. I had to choose to do it. I also get to choose what kind of books I want on this device; they weren't put on there for me. It is the same with our relationship with God. He will never force us to come to Him. He will only invite us and then lets us choose whether or not we want to attend. What is so wonderful is that He will always invite us to "Come unto [Him]" (Matthew 11:28). Being invited to come to a wedding (see Matthew 22:1-10) or a "great supper" (see Luke 14:16-24) is much more delightful than being forced to go. It leaves the choice to us. And that is exactly what it is, our choice.

"Choose ye this day, whom ye will serve" (Alma 30:8; Joshua 24:15). There are so many choices to make every day; choices about what to wear, how to spend our time, what to say, how to behave, how to treat other people. We can be as Joshua of old and reply, "but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15). It is a challenge every day to make good choices. We make mistakes. "The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41). We waste our time, we say the wrong things, we behave badly at times, and sometimes, we treat others poorly. But we need not give up or feel all is wasted because it is not. We can make things right and look forward with hope and faith, because faith is about the future. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said, "...Remember that faith is always pointed toward the future. Faith always has to do with blessings and truths and events that will yet be efficacious in our lives" (Remember Lot's Wife). The Savior helps us with our desires to "come unto Him and partake of His goodness; and He denieth none that come unto Him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and He remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile" (2 Nephi 26:33).

We can choose to use all that is given to us for good, and connect with God every day. We can learn from our mistakes. As hard as it is for some of us to not repeat those mistakes, we can learn from them because we "have stopped rhapsodizing about 'the good old days' and now eagerly look toward the future 'that [we] may apprehend that for which Christ apprehended [us]'" (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland). We go forward with our faith in Christ, because He can do all things, and "[we] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [us]" (Philippians 4:13). 

Using that which is given to us, our time, talents, our money, and our education, everything...we get to choose how we will use it, for good or not. If it helps us draw closer to God it is good. "And whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good is of me; for good cometh of none save it be of me. I am the same that leadeth men to all good" (Ether 4:12). We can look to the future, with all its electronic devices, the internet, and ‘touch of a button’ information with great hope and faith because we get to do the choosing. When we choose to follow Christ in faith, He will always lead us safely along life's path (see Alma 37:45) as we decide what information we want in our lives. This I testify.

I have had great joy in thee already, because of thy faithfulness and thy diligence, and thy patience and thy long-suffering..." (Alma 38:3)

I have been blessed to have one daughter. She is an amazing young woman. It is such a blessing as a parent when we finally meet parents of her friends and they tell us that they know if their child is with our daughter they trust, implicitly, that they have nothing to worry about when our children are together. I want to say..."unto you, my [daughter], that I have had great joy in thee already, because of thy faithfulness and thy diligence, and thy patience and thy long-suffering..." (Alma 38:3).

I believe all parents want to have "great joy" in their children. Each child is different and blesses us as parents to help us learn and develop, "that by these [we] might be partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4). The "divine nature" is the Savior's character. "That is our charge" to become like our Savior (Pres. Ezra Taft Benson), and our children help us to become as He is as we parent these "precious little ones" (Pres. Thomas S. Monson), this includes teenagers. It is wonderful being a parent of teenagers!

As we parent our children, and if we don't have children, we can practice these virtues and develop the character of Christ every day as we associate with others. The first virtue, and the one I want to focus on, is "faith" (2 Peter 1:5) "[Faith] is a prerequisite for all other virtues" (Pres. Ezra Taft Benson). Faith is a virtue that leads us in times of darkness, when we have no idea how to help our children or our family, but we know that God knows, and therefore, we go forth with faith. When we have faith in Christ, our efforts and our lives show it because faith produces good works (see James 2:14, 17-26). The good works of attending church even when the Sunday School teacher is boring but we go anyway. Or the good works of paying our tithing when we know we need to pay bills but we choose to put God first in our lives and have the faith the the Lord will "open you the windows of heaven" (Malachi 3:10). Christ had the faith to finish His work, the atonement for us. We, too, must develop the godly characteristic of faith, even as we parent our children.

Faith isn't developed by fear or controlling our children. "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). The power from God and the power of love and the power of faith enable us to lead our children and inspire our children to know for themselves how to "choose good or evil" (Alma 13:3). We don't need to manipulate them into choosing good. It is vital that they learn to judge for themselves "to discern good from evil" (The Guide to the Scriptures). It takes faith to teach our children and then even more faith to let them make choices on their own, that they will make good choices that will lead them back to our Father in Heaven when we aren't around.This is when we have "great joy" (Alma 38:3).

Some children may not choose to follow what we have taught them as parents. It takes faith to trust that our Father in Heaven will help us know how to love them and continue to teach them and guide them. President Hinckley said, "You parents, love your children. Cherish them. They are so precious. They are so very, very important. They are the future. You need more than your own wisdom in rearing them. You need the help of the Lord. Pray for that help and follow the inspiration which you receive" (The Fabric of Faith and Testimony). As parents, we will receive divine guidance and help to know what to do and how to help our children, not in fear, but in love. The blessings come when we act in faith on those promptings and inspiration that does come.

We show and strengthen our faith in Christ as we gather our children around us this Christmas and all year long as "we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ...that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins" (2 Nephi 25:26). We do this in love and faith. We are developing the "divine nature" that is a part of who we are and want to and should teach our children. We will say, "I have had great joy in thee already because of thy faithfulness and thy diligence" (Alma 38:3) when our children think of Christmas as the celebration of the birth of Christ and they "look to God and live" (Alma 37:47) every day of their lives because of the "unfeigned faith that is in [them]" (2 Timothy 1:5) no matter what their age. This I testify.

"Pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good" D&C 90:24

Asking for help can be one of the hardest things we have to do. And sometimes, the fact that we need help is staring us in the face, but we won't ask...for whatever reason, is pretty humbling. Other times we just want to be able to do it all by ourselves, or we think we have to do it all by our selves and shouldn't have to ask for any help. It was never the plan for us to do it on our own.

Heavenly Father has given us a tool that helps us with this problem of asking for help. This is simply called prayer. "The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that we must ask for in order to obtain" (The Guide to the Scriptures). Praying isn't just reciting words that are the same, said over and over again. This would be called "vain repetition" (see Matt 6:7; 3 Nephi 13:7). It is a real conversation that takes place between us and our Father in Heaven, in the name of Jesus Christ " (see John 14:13-14). Sometimes the challenge isn't so much talking and telling our Father in Heaven what we want as it is to listen and then act upon the answer received. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, that assuredly as the Lord liveth, who is your God and your Redeemer, even so surely shall you receive a knowledge of whatsoever things you shall ask in faith, with an honest heart, believing that you shall receive" (D&C 8:1).

As I ponder these words, that we surely shall receive a knowledge of whatsoever we ask in faith, what then? I believe the biggest challenge isn't receiving answers to prayers but accepting the answer given and then doing our part which is to "follow [Christ], and do the things which ye have seen [Him] do" (2 Nephi 31:12). When we receive the answer to "endure to the end" (see 3 Nephi 15:9; 2 Nephi 31:16; D&C 14:7) in the most difficult circumstances, it does mean to follow the example of Christ and keep pressing forward. Christ didn't give up, but endured to the end as He finished every last drop of the "bitter cup" (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland) "without becoming bitter" (Elder Neal A. Maxwell). Sometimes, I admit, I want to be done with something. I don't like how hard it is or how difficult it is and most definitely how long it is taking or how long it is going to take (an entire life time). But, on days like that, honestly, the only thing that keeps me going, is the thought and knowledge that there is more than I can see.

Elder Russel M. Nelson said it beautifully when he said, "Eternal perspective provides peace 'which passeth all understanding.' (Philip. 4:7). In speaking at a funeral of a loved one, the Prophet Joseph Smith offered this admonition: "When we lose a near and dear friend, upon whom we have set our hearts, it should be a caution unto us. ...Our affections should be placed upon God and His work, more intensely than upon our fellow beings. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 216)" (Doors of Death). The affections of our heart will lead us, as we place them in their proper place, upon God, and we will receive answers to our prayers and get the help that we need. When our hearts are in the proper place our wills are aligned with the will of God and we won't "ask amiss" (James 4:3) but will be able to "ask in faith" and "do not ask for that which [we] ought not" (D&C 8:10).

Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ love us. They are waiting and wanting to help us do those things that will lead us back to them. They hear and answer our prayers. What a beautiful way for us to communicate with Them who love us beyond compare (see Romans 5:8). "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" (D&C 90:24). This I testify is how to get through life, simply by communication with God through prayer and then acting in faith as He surely will and does answer.

"Therefore, brethren (and sisters), stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle." (2 Thessalonians 2:15)

At Christmas time there are a lot of traditions that are done and created. It is fun to have traditions. They help unite us as families and friends. They help us create memories and even help us draw closer to Christ."Uplifting traditions play a significant role in leading us toward the things of the Spirit" (Elder Donald L. Hallstrom). In our home we have a simple tradition we do each Christmas that involves six simple ornaments. These ornaments are all words. With each word we have a scripture that we look up and then share with each other. As the years have gone by, the insights have grown deeper as to the meaning of each word and the application in the lives of our children. I would like to share these six ornaments and their traditions with you.

Ornament #1: Believe "Believe in God; believe that He is, and that He created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that He has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend. And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that He would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them" (Mosiah 4:9-10). In a time when it is taught to believe in Santa, it is vital to teach our children the true source of all power, Christ. Every time our children see or even hear the word believe we want them to think of Christ. If they are ever asked by Christ as the blind man that was healed and cast out by his fellow man, they may answer as he did. "Dost thou believe on the Son of God? [The man] answered and said, Who is He, Lord, that I might believe on Him? And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen Him, and it is He that talketh with thee. And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped Him" (John 9:35-38).

Ornament #2 Faith "And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me" (Moroni 7:33). God's purpose is to "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39). And expedient means that He will, through our faith, give us the power to do what is appropriate to help us bring about His purpose. His whole purpose is us. He wants us back with Him and Heavenly Father. Our faith must be based upon the fact that all we do that is right, Christ will aid us and help us. He wants us to succeed.

Ornament #3 Hope "Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God" (Ether 12:4). Hope is a wonderful blessing. We hope to return to live with Heavenly Father again through the atonement of Christ. All is not lost. We are "wanderers in a strange land", but most definitely not lost to God. He is ever mindful of where and who we are  (Alma 26:36). We have hope that we are on a path to a better world, however difficult this path may seem at the time we are traveling on it; and because our hope is anchored in Christ we are steadfast and able to move forward.

Ornament #4 Love "And again, I remember that thou hast said that thou hast loved the world, even unto the laying down of thy life for the world, that thou mightest take it again to prepare a place for the children of men. And now I know that this love which thou hast had for the children of men is charity; wherefore, except men shall have charity they cannot inherit that place which thou hast prepared in the mansions of thy Father" (Ether 12:33-34). Christ is the perfect example of love, or charity. We have been commanded to "love God" and "love our neighbor"  because "on these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets" (Matthew 22:37-40). It is true "when we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities" (Pres. Ezra Taft Benson). When we love God, we love our fellow man.

Ornament #5 Peace "Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world" (Helaman 5:47). Christ is the source of true peace. 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" (John 14:27). Christ's peace isn't like any other. It is the calm when the storm is raging. It is the calm when the darkness is unending because He is the source of all Light. He is the "Prince of Peace" (2 Nephi 19:6).

Ornament #6 Joy "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy" (2 Nephi 2:25). Joy in the resurrection of Christ! Joy that we "have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for [our]selves and not be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given". What joy to be "free according to the flesh", we are not dead forever! What joy that we are "free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil" (2 Nephi 2:26-27). Joy doesn't come from trinkets and toys and items purchased in a store. True joy comes from choosing to follow Christ no matter our circumstances, knowing we are "free to choose" for ourselves to follow Him.

Traditions can be simple and bring in the Spirit of Christ. These ornaments hang on our tree during the Christmas season, but the tradition of unity and love doesn't need to stop at Christmas time. We need to follow the tradition of Christ all year long. "Therefore, brethren (and sisters), stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work" (2 Thessalonians 2:15-17). To follow Christ daily, all year long, is a saving tradition. This I testify.

"(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)" (2 Corinthians 5:7)

I am what I would call a boot girl. I like boots. I have more than one pair, I have several (several being more than 7 or 8...that's a lot of boots)! I get most, if not all of them on sale. I like the way they feel and the way they look, for whatever reason. But there is one pair in particular, the pair I have had the longest, that are very special to me. They all have a story, but this pair in particular is different. I'll tell you about these boots.

The short story is, when I started really liking my husband, Jeff, and realizing that I had feelings for him, and he was shorter than I was, I was concerned. I didn't want to be like a guy who had told me that I was "too tall." Here I was, dating the most awesome man, brilliant, funny, kind, spiritual, honest, and shorter than I was. After some serious soul searching I came to the conclusion that I knew I really liked Jeff. And if the only reason I had to not like him was because he was shorter than I was, and if I had to stand before the Lord and say, "I didn't marry Jeff because he was shorter than I am", then the problem was mine, not Jeff's. Once I realized this, I was okay with how tall Jeff was. He was perfect, and no matter what happened with the relationship, I was going to have fun and enjoy liking him. So, I went out and bought me a pair of boots that made me two inches taller. I was free to walk and see what the Lord was offering me with this incredible man. These boots are a symbol of faith to me. They represent that I trusted in the Lord's perspective more than mine.

Sometimes we are so trapped by what we see and know, that we think that's all there is and we forget the Lord is omniscient and we stop walking. He wants us to "walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). If I had only seen Jeff's height, I would have missed all his other incredible qualities. Christ offers us so much through the gospel and sometimes, because we hear of something that doesn't "fit" or it doesn't go with all we have learned all our life, we panic and think "this can't be true" and walk away from it. When we "walk by faith" we put on our "boots of faith" and say, "Lord, I will follow thee withersoever thou goest" (Luke 9:57). By putting on the "boots of faith" we are saying in essence, we trust the Lord and we aren't going to "lean" on our own understanding (see Proverbs 3:5). There is one thing I have learned for myself, beyond doubt, and that is, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened" (Matthew 7:7-8).

"Boots of faith" make us taller, they help us grow a little at a time. "For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend and ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have" (2 Nephi 28:30 italics added). There are times when we want to know truth and ask for it and receive it, but then, because it doesn't "measure up" we turn away from it and say it isn't truth at all, but "hard to be understood" (2 Peter 3:16) or we "set (it at) naught and trample under [our] feet" or in other words, "hearken not to the voice of His counsels" (1 Nephi 19:7). It isn't easy to "walk by faith" (2 Corinthians 5:7) because we want to "see", not walk. But first, we must "walk" and then we get to "see". And see we will, because faith proceeds the miracle (see Matthew 13:58).

When we want miracles in our lives, or even small changes, we have to be willing to "put on the boots" and walk forward. Peter is a great example of actually putting the "walking" into action. The disciples are on the ship and see Christ walking on the water and at first think that Christ is a "spirit"and are fearful. Christ responds to their fear by saying: "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.  And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And He said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt" (Matthew 14:26-31, italics added). Peter walked on water and was just fine while his gaze was fixed on Jesus Christ. It wasn't until he looked around and saw that the wind was boisterous and he looked away from Christ that he sank. When we put on the "boots of faith" we must be focused on Christ. It is through our faith in Him that miracles will happen. Little by little, or even inch by inch, our faith grows stronger and stronger if we do not cast truth out by doubt (see Alma 32:28-30). The truth with Peter, he really was walking on water. But he began to doubt as he looked away from the source and power of that truth, Christ.

There is a lot to be learned from this story about Peter. He not only had to have faith that Christ had the power to help him walk on the water, but he first had to get out of the boat, the safety of his own knowledge. We must do the same. The Savior does say to us, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." (Matthew 14:27) He is really saying, "Be happy; I will give you truth and lead you to it and you don't need to be afraid". When Peter wants to come to the Savior, as we all do, we sometimes want to do it our way. But there really is no other way than getting out of the boat, coming when He bids us to "Come"; and keep our eye single to His glory (see Matthew 6:22; 3 Nephi 13:22; D&C 88:67), completely fixed upon Him. Simply put, when we step out of the boat and leave the safety of our own knowledge and what we understand and "come unto Christ" (Moroni 10:32) we trust that the Lord knows how to make us "walk on water" whether that's walking on the water of discovering for ourselves the truthfulness of The Book of Mormon and then acting on that knowledge, walking on the water of paying tithing when it seems there isn't enough, walking on the water of  forgiving ourselves and others, walking on the water of healing our marriage and our hearts when it seems the only way is divorce, walking on the water of insurmountable pain and enduring to the end, walking on the water of starting our family when we get married. He will help us walk on water in whatever form it is in our life. He "shall lift [us] up" (James 4:10) and gives us the strength (see Philippians 4:13) to do whatever He asks us to do. He won't drop us in the "boisterous wind" and sea if we keep our eye single to Him (see D&C 4:5). We are the ones that look away and lose the strength and power from Him. "For it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain" (Moroni 7:37).

These miracles can and will take place as we put on our "boots of faith" because "we believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things" (Article of Faith 1:13).We can get out of the safety of the boat, keep our eyes fixed on Christ, and walk on water even though we can't see the bottom or perhaps even in front of us. Christ does see and He is there to catch us when we look away, just as He caught Peter. This I testify, is how to "walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).