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.

Prayer. It's a Gift!

Prayer. An often unused gift from a loving Heavenly Father who answers prayers. He tells us in James 1:5 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." He is telling us to ask Him, through prayer, and he will in his own way and his own time answer our prayers. This video is a perfect example of how God really does answer prayers of those who ask him sincerely. I love the faith that she showed as she prayed to know if The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true and if that is the path she should follow. I know that we each have a purpose here on earth and that if we ask God he will let us know what our purpose is. So pray to him! Do it today! Use this amazing gift and feel his love for you!

Knowing who you really are can make all the difference

Have you noticed the universal interest that human beings show in finding out who they are? They will spend hundreds or thousands of dollars in their search and may even travel the world. What is it that we expect to find and why do we think this knowledge will be of any value? Could it be that something inside of us knows there is more to us than meets the eye? We feel there is something about us that this mortal world has never seen nor will they ever see again. Could it be that there is a purpose to this life and part of our purpose is to find out who exactly we are and act on that knowledge? I grew up hearing the story of the ugly duckling and I feel that it has timeless significance and portrays that deeper meaning to our search. To realize that we are swans or in other words... A child of God! I love this video and it's message. my favorite quote is "This knowledge changes everything. It changes your present. It can change your future and it can change the world!" I know this is true! As I have "looked into the water" and seen "my true reflection" it has made all the difference in my life. I have done this by studying and applying the word of God in my life both the Bible and the Book of Mormon  . I know that it is only through our loving Savior Jesus Christ that we will be able to return to live with God again. He longs for us to turn to him and let him show us his love! He is reaching out to each and everyone of us with arms wide open to show us who we really are!

Great wealth in flecks of Gold!

There once was a young merchant from Boston, who in 1849, was caught up in the fervor of the California gold rush. He sold all of his possessions to seek his fortune in the California rivers, which he was told were filled with gold nuggets so big that one could hardly carry them. 
After days of dipping his pan into the river and coming up empty, his only reward being a pile of rocks, as he was about to quit when an old, experience prospector said to him, "That is quite a pile of rocks you are getting there, my boy." The young man replied, "There's no gold here. I am going back home." Walking over to the pile of rocks, the old prospector said, "Oh there is gold all right. You just have to know where to find it." He picked two rocks up in his hands and crashed them together. One of the rocks split open, revealing several flecks of gold sparkling in the sunlight. Noticing a bulging leather pouch fastened to the prospector's waist, the young man said, "I'm looking for nuggets like the ones in your pouch, not just tiny flecks." The old prospector extended his pouch toward the young man, who looked inside, expecting to see several large nuggets. 
He was stunned to see that the pouch was filled with thousands of flecks of gold. the old prospector said, "Son, it seems to me you are so busy looking for large nuggets that you're missing filling your pouch with these precious flecks of gold. The patient accumulation of these little flecks has brought me great wealth."

I think this story illustrates more than just gold mining techniques. There is spiritual gold all around us! Wealth of a more eternal and lasting value is at our finger tips. But most people don't know where to find it. They search and search for what is not to be found. They long for the joy that will accompany such fortune and become discouraged at their lack of results. But like the young, inexperienced gold miner we need the help of one who knows where to find the gold! I want to testify and witness to all who read this post that The Book of Mormon and the Gospel of Jesus Christ are the "gold" that the world is searching for! It might not be in the form they think it should be (aka Nuggets) but is true and will bring great wealth in the lives of all those who read and live it! Read it here for yourself!

A call for the world to return to Virtue!

"I truly believe that one virtuous young woman or young man, led by the Spirit, can change the world. But in order to do so we must return to virtue. Virtue is based on high moral standards. It encompasses chastity and moral purity. It is the accumulation of thousands of small decisions and actions. NOW is the time to prepare. We must engage in strict training by exercising more self discipline. A return to virtue must begin individually, in our hearts and in our homes. Lay aside the things of the world. Believe that ye must repent! Always remember (Jesus Christ) and keep his commandments. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, of good report or praiseworthy we seek after these things! LET VIRTUE GARNISH THY THOUGHTS UNCEASINGLY!" (Excerpts from Guardians of Virtue by Elaine S Dalton) 

What the world needs most right now is individuals, families, and communities who are willing to stand for virtue! To make a real difference in the world around you stand up for what you believe! In the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ, in 2 Nephi 33:10 it says "And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good."

Prayer is a Passport to PEACE!

Prayer is a gift given to us as a way to communicate our inner most feelings and desires to our creator and the creator of all the universe! Though at times we feel inadequate and not worthy of this gift I want to promise you that those times are when we need prayer the most! I want to declare that God, our loving Heavenly Father, loves each of us so perfectly and wants to hear from us and to help and guide us every day! I love this quote! 
"To those within the sound of my voice who are struggling with challenges and difficulties large and small, prayer is the provider of spiritual strength; it is the passport to peace. Prayer is the means by which we approach our Father in Heaven, who loves us. Speak to Him in prayer and then listen for the answer. Miracles are wrought through prayer." Pres. Thomas S. Monson
I know this is true and bear this witness in the name of Jesus Christ Amen!

All is well! :)

 

I hope you were touched as I was by this story. The courage and the strength that she radiates makes me want to be a better person. Throughout all of her trials both physical and spiritual she never lost hope! Her faith was only strengthened and her determination humbles me! I know that this life is the time for us to prepare to meet God and being the loving Heavenly Father that he is, he gives us every opportunity to grow closer to him. I know that he sent his son Jesus Christ to suffer and die for each of us individually so that he would know how to succor us or to bring us relief. I have felt the power of his love in my life and I know he is reaching out to you with his arms wide open to show you his love!

Trust God and believe in Good things to come!!! :)

As a part of life we all have those times of trial. When it seems like nothing will ever go right. We are strictly focused on the present and our patience becomes very thin. It is at those times that we have an important choice to make. We can choose to turn to the quick but fleeting aid of the world and it's fair weather friends. Or we can turn to God. I can promise that it is only through turning to God that we truly be happy! I can promise that his love and his peace can consume your doubts, and fears and that he is waiting for you to turn to him with his arms wide open. I can promise that if you turn to him it will all be worth it. But don't just take my word for it! When troubles come get on your knees and ask him with a sincere heart and with the intent to do his will! Then like me you will know of his love and peace! Trust God and believe in good things to come!

I am a child of God... and so are YOU!!!!

We are all children of a loving Heavenly Father. Because he loves us, he has a beautiful plan for each of our lives and is eager to guide us and help us everyday! I love the song in this video because it is so simple and reminds us of who we really are! I hope as you watch it you will pay attention to how it makes you feel. I know that when I watch and listen, I feel of the love that my Heavenly Father has for me and that there is always hope when I turn to him!