Not "Just" Testimonies

I just read the talk Elder Ballard gave at BYU-Hawaii last December, which is also in the July Ensign. As I was thinking about this blog as I read it, I realized that I'd like this blog to be more than "just" straight-forward testimonies. I'd like it to be filled with all things Gospel-related!

So to those who contribute to this blog, I invite you to use this blog as a journal of sorts for all the interesting and uplifting things you discover while studying and living the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Personally, I'm going to try to start studying specific topics from the Church website, and give small summaries on this blog. I would love for each of you to feel comfortable sharing the things you find that touch your lives for good!! I know that if it can touch your life, it will most likely touch many other lives, as well!

Of Joseph Smith

I know Joseph Smith was a prophet of God! I know he was chosen to bring the fulness of the gospel back to the world. I know he saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, that he spoke with them face to face! I know that he translated The Book of Mormon, through divine inspiration. I know The Book of Mormon is true. I know that Joseph Smith gave his life 164 years ago because of his devotion to God and because he knew and would never deny that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church of God.

How do you......

Get yourself out of a spiritual funk? I have been having the hardest times with being active and going to church since we moved out of AZ. I still have a testimony, live the right way and believe in the gospel. But I just can't make it to church on a regular basis. I want to be active again, receive a calling and be a part of a ward again. I am just having a hard time with the first steps. I know I should just stop whining, get over it and go already. But, sometimes I just don't know what to do...

Painful Faith

I am so excited about this blog... I have to tell all of you that have already posted, THANK YOU! You are all amazing and have such great faith and strong testimonies, and have have strengthened mine by reading. Michael and I have not been very good about reading our scriptures together. We get really good, and then fall out of the habit. Why is it so easy to fall out of it, but to hard to get back in?

Well, as a little background, Michael deals with chronic sacroiliac joint pain, which no doctors have been able to get rid of. He has been through so many painful procedures in the HOPE that something will lessen or get rid of his pain. Having constant pain and no relief really tries us, mostly him obviously. But I feel so incredibly helpless! On top of this back pain, he also was diagnosed with Ciliac disease about 2.5 years ago... so he cannot have any wheat, oats, rye or barley, which is in EVERYTHING it seems. (I hope I'm not sounding like I need sympothy...sorry).

Last night, with a new goal of reading our scriptures together, we decided to just open up the scriptures and start reading from whenever. Matt 9, what an awesome chapter. Now, I've heard growing up people saying how when they've had a problem they've just opened their scriptures and found an answer... I've tried this in the past, but not with any real luck. We weren't looking for any answers or anything out of the ordinary, just to start doing what we know we are supposed to be doing to strengthen our faith and grow closer to Heavenly Father, I mean, who doesn't want more blessings :) Boy did I get a heartful! The chapter is about Jesus healing people from their illnesses, casting out devils, and preaching the gospel of course. We read about the woman who had a disease with an issue of blood for 12 years came to see Jesus... and then we read "If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said 'Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made me whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.'" I really didn't hear the rest of the chapter because I was just so touched by the spirit that I was crying. I believe in miracles, and I know that Michael could be healed this second, but for whatever reason, He has not. I know that one day he will be whole. Our bodies will be perfect after the resurrection; we just have to keep an Eternal perspective! I am so thankful for faith, and for my Saviour who truly lifts our burdens and makes them easier to bare. All He asks for is simple faith!

Trials of Patience

Ok so I am supposed to be on the Reading the BOM in 90 days bandwagon. I started off great, I was even ahead of schedule. For some reason the last week or so I have been HORRIBLE! One thing I have noticed is that this last week or so has been HORRIBLE for me too! My patience is thin and my poor children feel the brunt of it. I love reading the BOM! One thing I have realized is that reading the BOM is such a time of inspiration for me. I have learned to have a pad of paper and pen right next to me while I read because thoughts just flow. The amazing part is that it doesn't effect my comprehension of what I am reading. I have received much inspiration for my kids and my family as I take the time to sit quietly and dive into the scriptures. My days go smoother, my patience stretches longer, my voice stays at or below a normal decibal, I have more time for important things in my life, rather I MAKE more time for the important things in my life. Having said this...I hope this next week goes much better for me and reading the BOM.

xoxo

My Testimony

So I have never posted on here but the last Sunday I had an experiance that really made me want to share mine.





So I have been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for my intire life. So sometimes I take it for grated what I have in my life and how I got it. And yesterday I went in for my temple recommend and was asked the question do you have a testimony? I said yes. He then asked how did you get it? That suprised me. I really had to think. How did I get my testimony? So I finished with the interview and went home and had to think.... He also asked if I relyed on others testimonies. I honestly don't but I do think that you that hearing and being around others that have strong testimonies do help yours grow.



I have a testimony of the church and that the leaders of the church are called by god. I know President Monson is the prophet. I know that through the pristhood many blessing can and have been performed on me and others. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet. I know that Jesus died for us so that I might be able to be forgiven for my sins and return to live with my Heavenly Father. I know the Book of Mormon is true.

Of Service

My experience is that whenever I try to serve someone else, it's my life that becomes easier! I helped a friend this morning, and the rest of the day has been so carefree! My girls have gotten along and played nicely; they went to bed without a fight; we remembered to read scriptures as a family... Today was such a calm day, and I know that it's because I put someone else's needs before my own!

A Promise

“I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness” (Quote by Pres. Benson, Ensign, Nov 1986).

Book of Mormon Challenge

I'm so excited to be reading The Book of Mormon with some of you! For those who haven't heard/noticed, we're reading The Book of Mormon in 90 days - starting today!! If you're interested and want a reading schedule, just leave a comment with your email address or email me!!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Of The Book of Mormon

I don't know how many times I've read The Book of Mormon... I'll be finishing it once again this week, and I've had an overwhelming feeling of how wonderful it is! I can't say I've ever had that WOW moment, where I've known without a doubt that it's true. I've just kind of always known. But I do know it's an incredible book. It lifts my day! I can't wait to start it over again! This time I'll be reading it in 3 months. I've done this 4 times before, and it's a wonderful experience. It has helped me understand the people and their relationships better. It also helps with the story - it's easier to follow, when you still remember who everyone is from previous chapters and books.

I know The Book of Mormon is true. I know it's a wonderful book. I know Joseph Smith translated it. I'm so grateful I have it, and our Church as a whole, in my life. It's wonderful to have direction. I don't know how people do it without a direction they're heading toward. I love this Gospel!