Encouragement From a Prophet of God

"Don’t limit yourself and don’t let others convince you that you are limited in what you can do. Believe in yourself and then live so as to reach your possibilities. You can achieve what you believe you can. Trust and believe and have faith."                           President Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, January 2012

Peace and Comfort To The Soul

The last few days I have been pondering about the hymn "Lord, I Would Follow Thee". It really is one of my favorites. This is one of many hymns that brings peace and comfort to my soul. I am discovering on the days that are chaotic and crazy that hymns and other songs bring rest and peace. I know when we need an added measure of peace, comfort, joy, help, love, support, understanding, we but need to turn to our Savior. He is there for it all- the exciting and happy, the sorrow and the heartaches. I know He died so that we may live. I know He lives- He lives for us! I know with His help it is all possible! 

1. Savior, may I learn to love thee,
Walk the path that thou hast shown,
Pause to help and lift another,
Finding strength beyond my own.
Savior, may I learn to love thee—

[Chorus]
Lord, I would follow thee.

2. Who am I to judge another
When I walk imperfectly?
In the quiet heart is hidden
Sorrow that the eye can’t see.
Who am I to judge another?

3. I would be my brother’s keeper;
I would learn the healer’s art.
To the wounded and the weary
I would show a gentle heart.
I would be my brother’s keeper—

4. Savior, may I love my brother
As I know thou lovest me,
Find in thee my strength, my beacon,
For thy servant I would be.
Savior, may I love my brother—

Baby Love

 In November, I became an aunt! What an awesome thing! The excitement I feel about this little sweet boy is much! I feel a great sense of love for him and feel Our Heavenly Father's love so profoundly. When holding and being near this nephew of mine I feel some much love. This is one of many experiences I have had that confirm to me the importance of motherhood. I know there is something divine within me. I desire with all my heart to become a mother.

Forever Family

Yesterday I had the awesome opportunity of attending a good friend's wedding. Nothing compares to being in the temple especially with people you love. At each of the opportunities have had to witness temple weddings of dear friends it causes me to reflect. The temple is a place of reflection and I find as I sit in a sealing room there is nothing I want more for myself and those that I love than to be married in the temple for time and all eternity. What an awesome thing to be bound to those we love throughout eternity! I am excited I get to spend eternity with the people in that photo and many many more family members!

Gratefully Endure to the End

I know I just posted an entry, but I have more I want to write about and want to do it in a different post. This morning as I left for work which was just before seven. I was feeling icky and not excited about being up with the sun and going to work, but as I drove down my street I looked up and saw the sun on its way over the tall wondrous mountains and than as I looked a little to the left there was a hot air balloon near the top of the mountain. It was what I so needed this morning. I'm grateful Heavenly Father places things in our path to show His love, concern, and awareness of us. I love hot air balloons and I love love love our mountains and the awesome sunrises and sunsets that occur each day. I'm thankful when He causes me to look up and see His masterful hand. I love Him and thankful to know He loves me.
Tonight I went to a viewing for a neighbor lady who died last weekend. One of her children said to us she "endured to the end". I've been thinking about that since. "Endured to the end" I want that said of me. And not only at my passing into the next life, but in each trial or challenge I face. Oh how awesome is Our Heavenly Father and His plan! I am thankful for His Son, Jesus Christ who makes it possible to face and overcome every challenge, trail, and heartache we will ever experience. Through Him we truly can do all things. Through Our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ we can know what real life is and that it leads to eternal life.  Masaya Ang Aking Puso :)

Faith. Patience. Diligence. Process.

A few weeks ago I received the below message from my mission president. (Each week he sends out a weekly thought of something he's been studying and learning more about.-I love it!) I have been thinking about faith and patience a lot a lot :)  

Faith, Patience, Diligence

Alma went to teach the Zoramites. From this experience we learn so many powerful principles and practices. From the conversion of Korihor through the teaching about Faith, to Amulek’s teaching about prayer, there is wonderful learning that benefits us very much.

The concluding verse in chapter 32 reads: “. . . Ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and yourdiligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit.” (Emphasis mine.)

I don’t know how many hundreds of times I have read this. As I read it yesterday it opened a whole new thought for me. In that verse we learn a “Process”.  Alma applied this process to the accumulation of Knowledge using Faith. As I read it I recognized that the process is the same in the accumulation of anything. The ingredients do not change, only the end goal changes.

When you decide you will have a great marriage it will take Faith, Diligence, Patience, and Long Suffering.

When you decide you want a healthy body, it will take Faith, Diligence, Patience, and Long Suffering.

When you decide you want happy and productive children, it will take Faith, Diligence, Patience, and Long Suffering.

When you decide you want good grades in school, it will take Faith, Diligence, Patience, and Long Suffering.

When you decide you want a successful career, it will take Faith, Diligence, Patience, and Long Suffering.

More than education, experience, or good breaks, these four powerful principles and activities shall lead us to success.

Once these principles and activities have been applied we will experience the “fruit” from the “tree”.

So, here is the process:

Identify the desired “fruit” (Goal).

Apply Faith, Diligence, Patience, and Long Suffering for as long as it takes.

Enjoy the “Fruit” forever.

Look and Live

Over the past year I have been studying, pondering, and understanding what it means to look and live more than ever before. I find great strength as I look to God and live as He would have me. I have discovered that I am more patient and dedicated to God's will and timing than my own. I know He loves me and is The Reason I am becoming the woman that I am. I am thankful to know that He is never early or late in His timing and that the trials, sufferings, sorrows, excitement, and goodness in our lives is a way for us to become closer to Him and become more like Him if we choose to look to Him and live.  

Alma 37:47 "...yea, see that ye look to God and live."

3 Nephi 15:9 "Behold, I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life."

I Stand All Amazed

I Stand All Amazed, Hymn #193

1. I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,
Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me.
I tremble to know that for me he was crucified,
That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died.

[Chorus]
Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me
Enough to die for me!
Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

2. I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine
To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine,
That he should extend his great love unto such as I,
Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.

3. I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt!
Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?
No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,
Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet.

Text and music: Charles H. Gabriel, 1856–1932
Mosiah 3:5–8
John 15:13

Looking Outward Together

"Love does not consist of gazing into each others eyes, but looking outward in the same direction." Today as I was driving I this quote came to my mind. I can't remember who said it, but it's one that I have loved for awhile now, but only now I am really beginning to understand what it truly means.

Is Beautiful

The following quote from Elder Richard G. Scott's talk "Finding Joy in Life", I know is rather long, but I couldn't bring myself to cut out some. I hope it conveys some of what I am feeling and pondering about. I linked the full talk at the bottom of the quote. 

"Tears of gratitude formed for this wondrous world in which we live, for the extraordinary beauty our Heavenly Father so freely shares with all who are willing to see. Truly, life is beautiful.

Do you take time to discover each day how beautiful your life can be? How long has it been since you watched the sun set? The departing rays kissing the clouds, trees, hills, and lowlands good night, sometimes tranquilly, sometimes with exuberant bursts of color and form. What of the wonder of a cloudless night when the Lord unveils the marvels of His heavens—the twinkling stars, the moonlight rays—to ignite our imagination with His greatness and glory? How captivating to watch a seed planted in fertile soil germinate, gather strength, and send forth a tiny, seemingly insignificant sprout. Patiently it begins to grow and develop its own character led by the genetic code the Lord has provided to guide its development. With care it surely will become what it is destined to be: a lily, crowned with grace and beauty; a fragrant spearmint plant; a peach; an avocado; or a beautiful blossom with unique delicacy, hue, and fragrance. When last did you observe a tiny rosebud form? Each day it develops new and impressive character, more promise of beauty until it becomes a majestic rose. You are one of the noblest of God’s creations. His intent is that your life be gloriously beautiful regardless of your circumstances. As you are grateful and obedient, you can become all that God intends you to be.

Sadness, disappointment, and severe challenge are events in life, not life itself. I do not minimize how hard some of these events are. They can extend over a long period of time, but they should not be allowed to become the confining center of everything you do. The Lord inspired Lehi to declare the fundamental truth, “Men are, that they might have joy.” ¹That is a conditional statement: “they might have joy.” It is not conditional for the Lord. His intent is that each of us finds joy. It will not be conditional for you as you obey the commandments, have faith in the Master, and do the things that are necessary to have joy here on earth.

Your joy in life depends upon your trust in Heavenly Father and His holy Son, your conviction that their plan of happiness truly can bring you joy. Pondering their doctrine will let you enjoy the beauties of this earth and enrich your relationships with others. It will lead you to the comforting, strengthening experiences that flow from prayer to Father in Heaven and the answers He gives in return." -Elder Richard G. Scott, April 1996 

The creations of this Earth are beautiful and amazing! The Lord truly loves us and blesses us constantly and continually as we discover more of Him and the beauty that is this mortal life. I know real life is eternal life. It is living the gospel of Jesus Christ and partaking of it's fullness each day. 

Anxiously Goodly Happy

My heart is anxiously, goodly happy!

Patience and Faith

"Truth, covenants, and ordinances enable us to overcome fear and face the future with faith!"-Elder Russell M. Nelson



"Patience is the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition, or suffering without becoming angry, frustrated, or anxious. It is the ability to do God’s will and accept His timing. When you are patient, you hold up under pressure and are able to face adversity calmly and hopefully. Patience is related to hope and faith—you must wait for the Lord’s promised blessings to be fulfilled." -Preach My Gospel, P.120


I'm grateful to know that Heavenly Father is fully aware and into every detail of my life and that I am doing and becoming what He desires. His love is real. I'm grateful for the direction and peace that only He can give. Masaya Ang Aking Puso :) 

Rejuvenated and Energized

I really am enjoying teaching seminary right now! After only a few days with the kids in my class I love them and get excited to share with them and hear what they understand and love about the scriptures. I am learning many things about this experience and so glad that I have this opportunity. It was enjoyable talking with them about General Conference today they were very excited to share and kids who don't talk much in class did today! I enjoy General Conference weekend! Last night I realized how rejuvenated, energized and a added measure of peace I feel from the messages from conference and what the Holy Ghost personalized for me. The Lord loves us and is in the very detail of our lives. Our concerns are His concerns. Our joys are His joys. O how wonderful it is to learn and know the gospel of Jesus Christ and partake and live in it's goodness! And to know that the heavens are open!             Masaya Ang Aking Puso:)

Preparing to Learn and Teach

Tuesday begins my 10-day seminary teaching experience. (it's actually 5 days because of how long the class period is) I am super excited to be back in the classroom with those kids! I have been working on lesson plans- asking the Lord and thinking about them and what they need. I learned many things from the first time I taught- from the students and from the experience of teaching. I am looking forward to this experience and what more it will teach me. This is the right thing to be doing right now. I am grateful to Heavenly Father for His guidance, care, and the experiences I am having. He has more than "my back"- He's got me fully covered! I love Him and will do what He asks of me. I am thankful for prayer- knowing I get to talk to Him anytime, anywhere, about anything gives me peace, happiness and direction. Masaya Ang Aking Puso :)

I Know Heavenly Father Loves Me

 

Words of Mormon 1:7 

And I do this for a ^awise ^bpurpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord ^cknoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he ^dworketh in me to do according to his ^ewill.  

Faith. Pananampalataya. Hope. Pagasa. Love. Pagibig. The Atonement. Ang Pagbabayad-sala.

"Faith and character are intimately related. Faith in the power of obedience to the commandments of God will forge strength of character available to you in times of urgent need. Such character is not developed in moments of great challenge or temptation. That is when it is intended to be used. Your exercise of faith in true principles builds character; fortified character expands your capacity to exercise more faith. As a result, your capacity and confidence to conquer the trials of life is enhanced. The more your character is fortified, the more enabled you are to benefit from exercising the power of faith. You will discover how faith and character interact to strengthen one another.
Character is woven patiently from threads of applied principle, doctrine, and obedience."

Elder Richard G. Scott, Ensign, November 2010

Abundance Is All Around

"Abundance is all around." This was one of many quotes written in sidewalk chalk near the institute building today. This morning as I was getting ready for the day I was thinking about abundance and have been throughout the day. This morning I talked to Heavenly Father about it and I have seen abundance of goodness- hope, faith, love, and beauty. Heavenly Father loves me and I know He loves you. Today I saw and felt His love for me in oh so many ways! He is into the details of my life! I received answers and comfort today. How awesome is our Father in Heaven? Today I was blessed with seeing many friends on campus- two of them I haven't seen in ages. It was so good to visit with Heather and Corryn and then run in to Ashton and Aaron. I have been thinking about of my favorite passages of scripture in The Book of Mormon today- Alma 7:23-24. Heavenly Father blesses-with love, listens, beauty, hope, faith, goodness, and opportunities to become more like Him each day. I love Him and desire to continue to see, do, and become what He desires of me. Oh how He loves us! Masaya Ang Aking Puso :)

Pondering

Ang Pinakamaganda Ay Darating Pa

"Look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed toward the future." Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

I am excited and looking forward to this new year! A new year brings new adventures, challenges, and blessings. I know the best is yet to come- ang pinakamaganda ay darating pa! I have hope. I have a handful of things I am thinking about. And a handful of things that I will be doing to make this year one of the best. This year I am hoping and working on many things- an increase in understanding and testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, good intestinal health, finishing up my bachelor's degree, an internship, and, expanding my floral skills. These are just a handful. Here is to a year of adventures, challenges, blessings, and becoming more of the woman God wants me to be.

Savoring The Sweetness

Today I was reading more of Elder Neal A. Maxwell's talk titled "Patience". I recommend studying it along with President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk titled "Continue in Patience. " I have been studying, reading, and learning more about patience over the last several months in a new way. Elder Maxwell said, "I remember as a child going eagerly to the corner store for what we then called the "all-day sucker". It would not have lasted all day under the best of usage, but it could last quite awhile. The trick was to resist the temptation to bite into it, to learn to savor rather than to crunch and chew." He goes on to say, "in life, however, even patiently stretching out sweetness is sometimes not enough; in certain situations, enjoyment must actually be deferred. A patient willingness to defer dividends is a hallmark of individual maturity." Throughout his talk he discusses the "process of time", in the timetable of the Lord. I like this analogy of the "all-day sucker" and savoring the sweetness of the experience I am having and what I am waiting for- this is a season I need to savor. I am choosing to continue to trust the Lord and His timing for I know He has my best interest at heart. He is never early or late- His timing is perfect. Masaya Ang Aking Puso :)