Know this, that every soul is free!

Each of us has been given the gift of agency from our loving Heavenly Father. Agency is our ability to choose between right and wrong and is an essential part of God's plan. 

"All of our choices have consequences, some of which have 

little or nothing to do with our eternal salvation and others of 

which have everything to do with it." Thomas S. Monson

The way we use our agency determines our happiness in this life and in the life to come. There is only one way back to our Heavenly Father and that is through keeping His commandments and by following the example of His son Jesus Christ. 

"When we don’t keep the commandments or follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost, our opportunities are reduced; our abilities to act and progress are diminished. In my youth I learned an important lesson about how our actions may limit our freedom. One day my father assigned me to varnish a wooden floor. I made the choice to begin at the door and work my way into the room. When I was almost finished, I realized I had left myself no way to get out. There was no window or door on the other side. I had literally painted myself into a corner. I had no place to go. I was stuck.

Whenever we disobey, we spiritually paint ourselves into a corner and are captive to our choices. Though we are spiritually stuck, there is always a way back. Like repentance, turning around and walking across a newly varnished floor means more work—a lot of resanding and refinishing! Returning to the Lord isn't easy, but it is worth it." 

(Elder Robert D Hales)

I testify that as we use our God given agency to keep the commandments and follow the Savior we will find that we are truly free.

"Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves—to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life."

2 Nephi 10:23 

What is the Light of Christ?

"The Light of Christ is what many people would call a conscience. But it is more than a psychological effect that takes place within people... It is the influence of God that pulls us, that influences us to be good and to do good." Elder David Bednar

"That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God,

receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day."

Doctrine and Covenants 50:24

Faith of a child: Learning to walk

 Life is full of ups and downs. There are times, the "downs", when I feel alone. Like I am just scrambling here on earth, trying to do my best, but failing. I know that God is there... I just can't feel Him like I do other times. But on the other hand, there are times I just want to sing..."I Feel My Saviors Love in all the world around me, His spirit warms my soul, through everything I see." I truly feel like He is leading me, guiding me, walking beside me and helping me find the way. I was having one of the "up" moments the other night as I was praying. I found myself pleading with Heavenly Father to help me keep that peace with me and to never let it leave. I felt His loving arms around me and I didn't want to move. I thought about some of the rough times I had experienced in the last few weeks and couldn't bear the thought of having to do it all over again. It was then the the Holy Ghost reminded me of a poem I once heard called "The Lesson" by Carol Lynn Pearson. It presents the analogy that we are each like a child learning how to walk. God places us on the other side of the room and then calls to come to Him. Though learning to walk is difficult for toddlers, parents know that it is possible and necessary for them as they grow. Similarly, God knows that the trials we will face will be difficult for us but that in the end they are essential for our growth and learning.

The Lesson

"Yes, my fretting, frowning child, I could cross the room to you more easily.  But I've already learned to walk, so I make you come to me. Let go now—There! You see? Oh, remember this simple

lesson, child. And when in later years you cry out with tight fists and tears "Oh help me, God—please."— Just listen and you'll hear a silent voice: "I would, child, I would. But it's you, not I, who needs to learn Godhood."

Though trials are painful, difficult, and even devastating, they are made possible through the atonement of Jesus Christ. I testify that God is not only aware of us during the "ups" and "downs" but that He is guiding us the whole way! We just need to have the faith of a child and put one step in front of the other!

Forget Me Not: Fifth, forget not that the Lord loves you.

From the talk Forget Me Not by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"As a child, when I would look at the little forget-me-nots, I sometimes felt a little like that flower—small and insignificant. I wondered if I would be forgotten by my family or by my Heavenly Father.

Years later I can look back on that young boy with tenderness and compassion. And I do know now—I was never forgotten.

And I know something else: as an Apostle of our Master, Jesus Christ, I proclaim with all the certainty and conviction of my heart—neither are you!

You are not forgotten.

Sisters [and brothers], wherever you are, whatever your circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love.

Just think of it: You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious Being in the universe! You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time!

He who created and knows the stars knows you and your name—you are the daughters of His kingdom. The Psalmist wrote:

“When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? …

“For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

God loves you because you are His child. He loves you even though at times you may feel lonely or make mistakes.

The love of God and the power of the restored gospel are redemptive and saving. If you will only allow His divine love into your life, it can dress any wound, heal any hurt, and soften any sorrow.

You are closer to heaven than you suppose. You are destined for more than you can possibly imagine. Continue to increase in faith and personal righteousness."

I testify that the Lord loves each of us! I know that I recognize His love as I contemplate the many blessings He gives me. When you feel insignificant, remember, "the worth of souls is great in the sight of God" (Doctrine and Covenants 18:10)

Forget Me Not: Fourth, forget not the “why” of the gospel.

From the talk Forget Me Not by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Sometimes, in the routine of our lives, we unintentionally overlook a vital aspect of the gospel of Jesus Christ, much as one might overlook a beautiful, delicate forget-me-not. In our diligent efforts to fulfill all of the duties and obligations we take on as members of the Church, we sometimes see the gospel as a long list of tasks that we must add to our already impossibly long to-do list, as a block of time that we must somehow fit into our busy schedules. We focus on what the Lord wants us to do and how we might do it, but we sometimes forget why.

My dear [brothers and] sisters, the gospel of Jesus Christ is not an obligation; it is a pathway, marked by our loving Father in Heaven, leading to happiness and peace in this life and glory and inexpressible fulfillment in the life to come. The gospel is a light that penetrates mortality and illuminates the way before us.

While understanding the “what” and the “how” of the gospel is necessary, the eternal fire and majesty of the gospel springs from the “why.” When we understand why our Heavenly Father has given us this pattern for living, when we remember why we committed to making it a foundational part of our lives, the gospel ceases to become a burden and, instead, becomes a joy and a delight. It becomes precious and sweet.

Let us not walk the path of discipleship with our eyes on the ground, thinking only of the tasks and obligations before us. Let us not walk unaware of the beauty of the glorious earthly and spiritual landscapes that surround us.

My dear [brothers and] sisters, seek out the majesty, the beauty, and the exhilarating joy of the “why” of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The “what” and “how” of obedience mark the way and keep us on the right path. The “why” of obedience sanctifies our actions, transforming the mundane into the majestic. It magnifies our small acts of obedience into holy acts of consecration."

I testify that remebering the "why" of the gospel helps us see with the eternal perspective. With that perspective, we aren't burdened but thrive off of commandments like prayer, daily scripture study, and serving others. I know that our Heavenly Father has a Plan of Happiness. I testify that by living the gospel of Jesus Christ we will be able to live with our Heavenly Father again. I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and that He leads and guides The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!

Forget Me Not: Third, forget not to be happy now.

From the talk Forget Me Not by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"In the beloved children’s story Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the mysterious candy maker Willy Wonka hides a golden ticket in five of his candy bars and announces that whoever finds one of the tickets wins a tour of his factory and a lifetime supply of chocolate.

Written on each golden ticket is this message: “Greetings to you, the lucky finder of this Golden Ticket … ! Tremendous things are in store for you! Many wonderful surprises await you! … Mystic and marvelous surprises … will … delight, … astonish, and perplex you.”

In this classic children’s story, people all over the world desperately yearn to find a golden ticket. Some feel that their entire future happiness depends on whether or not a golden ticket falls into their hands. In their anxiousness, people begin to forget the simple joy they used to find in a candy bar. The candy bar itself becomes an utter disappointment if it does not contain a golden ticket.

So many people today are waiting for their own golden ticket—the ticket that they believe holds the key to the happiness they have always dreamed about. For some, the golden ticket may be a perfect marriage; for others, a magazine-cover home or perhaps freedom from stress or worry.

There is nothing wrong with righteous yearnings—we hope and seek after things that are “virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy.” The problem comes when we put our happiness on hold as we wait for some future event—our golden ticket—to appear.

This is not to say that we should abandon hope or temper our goals. Never stop striving for the best that is within you. Never stop hoping for all of the righteous desires of your heart. But don’t close your eyes and hearts to the simple and elegant beauties of each day’s ordinary moments that make up a rich, well-lived life.

The happiest people I know are not those who find their golden ticket; they are those who, while in pursuit of worthy goals, discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of the everyday moments. They are the ones who, thread by daily thread, weave a tapestry of gratitude and wonder throughout their lives. These are they who are truly happy."

I know that Heavenly Father wants us to be happy and I know that being grateful is a great start! I know that as we take the time to see the beauty that surrounds us and to thank Heavenly Father for our many blessings, that a sense of peace will enter our lives. There is no need to wait, you can develop an attitude of gratitude today! As Harold Hill says in the "Music Man" "You pile up enough tomorrows, and you'll find you are left with nothing but a lot of empty yesterdays."

Forget Me Not: Second, forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice.

From the talk Forget Me Not by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"An acceptable sacrifice is when we give up something good for something of far greater worth.

Giving up a little sleep to help a child who is having a nightmare is a good sacrifice. We all know this. Staying up all night, jeopardizing our own health, to make the perfect accessory for a daughter’s Sunday outfit may not be such a good sacrifice.

Dedicating some of our time to studying the scriptures or preparing to teach a lesson is a good sacrifice. Spending many hours stitching the title of the lesson into homemade pot holders for each member of your class perhaps may not be.

Every person and situation is different, and a good sacrifice in one instance might be a foolish sacrifice in another.

How can we tell the difference for our own situation? We can ask ourselves, “Am I committing my time and energies to the things that matter most?” There are so many good things to do, but we can’t do all of them. 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."

We may have immersed ourselves in the thick of thin things, overlooking worthy and meaningful sacrifices. I would encourage us all to take an inventory of our lives and to contemplate removing sacrifices that are of little worth.  I know that Heavenly Father's choicest blessings will come into our lives as we make meaningful sacrifices and follow the council of His prophets and apostles in our daily lives. 

Forget Me Not: First, forget not to be patient with yourself.

From the talk Forget Me Not by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"God is fully aware that you and I are not perfect. Let me add: God is also fully aware that the people you think are perfect are not. And yet we spend so much time and energy comparing ourselves to others—usually comparing our weaknesses to their strengths. This drives us to create expectations for ourselves that are impossible to meet. As a result, we never celebrate our good efforts because they seem to be less than what someone else does.

 Everyone has strengths and weaknesses.

It’s wonderful that you have strengths.

And it is part of your mortal experience that you do have weaknesses.

God wants to help us to eventually turn all of our weaknesses into strengths, but He knows that this is a long-term goal. He wants us to become perfect, and if we stay on the path of discipleship, one day we will. It’s OK that you’re not quite there yet. Keep working on it, but stop punishing yourself."

I testify along with President Uchtdorf that our loving Heavenly Father is much more patient with us that we can even imagine.  Ether 12:27 says "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." I know for myself that if we put our faith and trust in the Lord that He WILL help us change our weaknesses into strengths!

Simon says... Follow the Prophet!

“When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power.”  Ezra Taft Benson

Like the principle taught in the game of Simon Says, the discipline of following directions given with exactness will lead to great victories in life! I had a chance to play Simon Says with some children the other day and I realized how closely the rules correlated with real life. When we follow the directions of one having authority to direct us we are blessed (in Simon Says we get to stay in the game) but when we lose focus and follow the guidance of those who don't have the authority then we miss out on those blessings (we are out of the game). As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints I know that the person given authority to direct us the way that God would if He were here is the prophet. The prophet today is President Thomas S Monson. I know that as we follow his guidance, knowing that it is God's word through him (Amos 3:7), that we will find the greatest blessings in this life and in the life to come! I also know that when we choose not to follow the prophet's guidance we are keeping ourselves from the blessings that God so lovingly wants to give us. So follow the Prophet! He knows the way!

Oh chute!

I have been thinking lately about how pride can have such a negative effect on our daily life. It can literally keep us from moving forward in life and progressing in a positive direction. It made me think about when I took a swimming class back in middle school. Like with other sports, swimmers do resistance training in order to build up their strength and endurance. As part of this training swimmers might tie or strap a bucket or, like in this picture, a parachute to them and pull it as they swim. This minor addition makes a big difference to the amount of energy it takes to swim. Like this parachute, pride can weigh us down and drain us of our energy and make life harder than it needs to be! And who needs that? It often starts, for me at least, with my thoughts. Little thoughts of  self-righteousness and pride can spread to an attitude of  superiority. Like with the Pharisees of the Bible and the apostate Zoramites of the Book of Mormon, pride can keep us from understanding things of the spirit not to mention the mysteries of God! So let's stop the cycle, the pride cycle that is, and focus our energy on positive, productive attributes! Like Christlike attributes of faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence. (Doctrine and Covenants 4)  

Incomplete but not Broken

Have you ever felt broken? Have you ever gotten to the point in your life where you aren't sure if you can do anything right? Or that there must be something terribly wrong in your genetic make up that makes your imperfections not only numerous but painfully noticeable? I know I have felt all of these things at one time or another. But my Dad showed me an analogy once that has really stuck with me. He showed me a picture of a line of cars being assembled. Much similar to the cars in this picture. His message was along the lines of: "Look at these cars.  They are missing doors, seats, wheels and a bunch of other things..... but would anyone in their right mind say these cars were broken? No, that would be a ridiculous statement. In fact when finished these cars will be sold for thousands of dollars. Once finished they will have all the parts necessary to perform and function for the purpose they were designed. Though they are incomplete right now they are not broken by any definition of the word." He related this to how we are all on the "assembly line" of life. All of us focusing on what we are missing and mistakenly thinking we are broken or damaged when in fact we are just incomplete. I know this is so true! Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can be successfully assembled. So the next time you feel broken remember who can make you feel complete. He knows everything we have ever or will ever go through. He can give us peace and comfort and guide us literally day by day! I know that this happens as we daily and diligently seek Him through word (Bible, Book of Mormon ), prayer and action. The next time you feel discouraged remember that He is waiting with arms wide open for you to allow Him to help you put together the pieces.
                                                    

                                                      And believe me.... we need His help!

Talk about a leap of faith!

Have you ever stopped to think about the faith of a child? The complete trust they have in those around them? Think about the simple example of when you place them on a counter or a table and then step back and say "okay, now jump!" That table is most likely twice if not three times their height, and the impact of their fall would be very painful; but almost every time, they jump. They throw caution to the wind, relying on the fact that you have caught them before, and they jump.
 We learn in Matthew 18:3-4 about being childlike:

 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

 I know that in one way, becoming childlike requires us to trust Him like a child! No matter where you are in life at one time or another God lovingly places you on the table of trial or the counter of uncertainty and says "Okay, now jump". I testify that it is those times we can choose to grow closer to our Heavenly Father! He is waiting with open arms to show us the way. I know that it is only by following in his way that we can be truly happy in this life and in the life to come!

“When you get to the end of all the light you know and it's time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: either you will be given something solid to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly.” ― Edward Teller

Life is But a Weaving

 Life is But a Weaving

My life is but a weaving

Between my God and me.

I cannot choose the colors

He weaveth steadily.

Oft’ times He weaveth sorrow;

And I in foolish pride

Forget He sees the upper

And I the underside.

Not ‘til the loom is silent

And the shuttles cease to fly

Will God unroll the canvas

And reveal the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful

In the weaver’s skillful hand

As the threads of gold and silver

In the pattern He has planned

He knows, He loves, He cares;

Nothing this truth can dim.

He gives the very best to those

Who leave the choice to Him.

I love this poem! It is so true! I love the imagery that it gives and how well that applies to our lives! We all have times where all we see are the dark threads of trial and adversity and we all hope for the times when the gold threads show up again. But the end result needs both to make it a masterpiece. And like the poem says it is up to us to turn it over to Him.

Did you know God never answers NO?

We have been given a gift from our Heavenly Father. The creator of the universe has made it possible for us to communicate to him through prayer. He has told us through His word in the scriptures (2 Nephi 32:8-9,2 Chronicles 7:14) that He desires to hear from us in prayer. But we often are hesitant to pray and to truly solicit the Lord's help because we are worried his answer might be. We avoid asking our Heavenly Father for blessings because if we don't ask he can't say No. I would like to propose that God NEVER answers No.  He never answers No but He does answer our prayers!

I have heard it said that He will answer in one of three ways

1. He will say "Yes!"
2."Not right now"
3. or "I have something much better in mind"
Because He is all knowing and because He loves us, He is truly the only one who can give us the answers and the blessings we need. The answers to our prayers will always be greater than we could have ever asked for if we allow God to show us His love!

Let the Holy Spirit guide

We have been promised many times in the scriptures (Doctrine and Coventants 11:13, John 14:26-27) that we can have the Spirit to be with us. The Spirit or the Holy Ghost can help us in our everyday life. He can give us comfort, love, and peace. He can teach us, guide us, and testify of truth to our hearts. But what does the Spirit feel like? How do we know when we are receiving direction and guidance? This video explains a little better how the spirit works with different people and how if we are living righteously we can have the Holy Ghost to be with us at ALL TIMES!

                                   

    

This can be our New Years resolution. 

To live so that we can have the Spirit to be with us at all times!