"The Life You Save May Be Your Own"

When Sister McCall invited me to write a post about what I have learned in my 18 months of full-time missionary service one scripture came to mind...

"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it:

but whosoever will lose his life for my sake,

the same shall save it." Luke 9:24

This scripture has become somewhat cliché in relation to missions and missionary work. I have always believed it to be true because the Savior said it and I know His words are true, but I could never say that I knew it for myself until now. I have done my best to "lose [my] life for [His] sake" over the past 18 months and I have felt that my life has been saved.

I have had so many experiences that have proved the truth of that for me. I remember one Sunday morning, early in my mission, I felt really low. I didn't want to do anything or talk to anyone. But rather than curl up in bed and not do anything, I went to church and did everything I could to help others around me have an uplifting time. Amazingly, by the end of church that day I felt great. The debilitating feeling I'd had that morning was just a distant memory. That is just one example but I have had dozens exactly like it where I stopped focusing on myself and felt happiness.

This principle is not just applicable to missionary work. I know it can be applied universally. Whenever we are focused on our self, our own desires, or our own needs we often become depressed that everything isn't working out perfectly, but when we lose ourselves in the service of others (or in the service of the Savior,) we can find great joy despite our own challenges.

My goal for the next 18 months of my life is to learn how to apply this scripture to "regular-non missionary" life. While I will have to do some focusing on myself as I go to school and work and take care of other necessary life things I hope to make much of my life focused on serving others. I know that as I do this I will be able to find great joy as I have the past 18 months. I invite all of you to do the same, put your life in His hands, lose it in His work and I know that you will find your life saved.

I am a Mormon Woman.

I love this video! it is ture. I know that God loves me and I can do anything He expects of me!

Check out this, and other great videos on my new Featured Videos page!

Some things I've learned so far...

I just finished watching the first session of the 182nd Semi-annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I heard several talks by some wonderful disciples of Christ, including some Special Witnesses of Christ, (the Prophet and some Apostles).

My General Conference notebook.
I love the cover because it reminds me of what I need to
do in order to learn the Lord's will for me.

Here are a few quick highlights of what I've learned...

A great way gain confidence in my identity as a daughter of God and follower of Christ is to immerse myself in the scriptures and strive to live the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ more fully.

Apathy can be fought with repentance and increased righteous living.

I need to follow the promptings of the Spirit that I receive because I may be the means that the Lord uses to answer someones prayer.

A desire to serve is a natural consequence of my own conversion.

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and thieves break through and steal;
"But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." 3 Nephi 13:19-21

How I spend my time is a reflection of my priorities. The way I can show the Lord that He is my priority is by doing the things that will strengthen my relationships with my loved ones, finding happiness in the blessings the Lord has given me now, and striving to develop Christlike attributes to become more like Him.

After typing that all up it is amazing to me to see all that I learned in that short 2 hours, (and what I put on here were only the highlights!) I know that as you approach conference looking for what the Lord wants you to learn you will be able to compile your own list of personal revelation. I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store for me next!

Fear Not

By Elder Tad R. Callister

Of the Seventy

---

From Mary and Joseph we learn that we need not fear; for every problem, there is a solution.

http://www.lds.org/liahona/2010/12/fear-not?lang=eng

I've noticed several quotes from this article popping up on facebook today. I think it is definitely worth reading.

Elder Callister is an inspired man, several inspired men and women like him will be speaking in the General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this weekend. You can stream it live online at gc.lds.org or go to your local Latter-day Saint meetinghouse at 11pm and 3pm (CDT) Saturday and Sunday (October 6th and 7th, 2012).

The Prophet and Apostles will be speaking as well. Come and see what they have to say, (John 1:46).

Don't hold back...

I saw a movie once that tells a story of two brothers. They would go to a lake near their home and swim a sort of race. The object of the race was not to finish first, but it was to not be the first to turn back.

Part of the story was that the younger brother was stronger because of a genetic advantage that he had. The older brother had asthma and several other things that held him back so he always lost when they raced.

Looking back on his experience the older brother explained that the crux of the game was saving enough energy to be able to make the swim back to shore, only going as far as you knew you could swim back.

Finally, there was one instance when the older brother won. Years later the younger brother asked the older brother how he was able to win in spite of all his challenges. In answer to his question the younger brother responded that he didn't save any energy for the swim back. He was so focused on his goal that he used all of his energy to achieve it.

I saw this movie several years ago and I've often pondered the wisdom of his decision. After all, it is kind of dangerous to use up all of your energy to swim to the middle of a lake with no way of getting back other than using your own -now depleted-energy. When he decided to not hold anything back he had enough trust that everything would work out to outweigh the risk of drowning in the lake.

The movie doesn't really specify what he was putting his trust in, but when I apply the story to myself I put my trust in the Lord. There are some things that the Lord asks me to do that seem too hard for me because of my weaknesses. I am often afraid to use up all of my energy in attempting to do the Lord's will for fear of "drowning" (failing). BUT, deep down I know that I won't ever really fail if I put my trust in the Lord.

There are some great scriptures that help me to remember that having trust in the Lord always works out.

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

"I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." 1 Nephi 3:7

I know that the above is true. We can do anything the Lord expects of us if we just put our trust in Him and exert all of our energy in accomplishing it. I invite all of you to test the Lord, put your trust in Him and see if everything won't just work out for your good. I know it will.

"Shut da door..."

I have this song that randomly pops up in my head sometimes. It is an African-American Spiritual that some of my friends sang in choir in 7th grade, it goes...

Shut da door, keep out de devil.
Shut da door, keep de devil in de night.
Shut da door, keep out de devil.
Light the candle everything's alright.
Light the candle everything's alright.

They would sing it all the time so I picked it up and I still sing it almost ten years later. I think a big reason why this song has stuck with me so long is the uplifting message it contains. I love that it teaches that we have power to keep the devil out of our lives, all we need to do is "Shut da door" to his influences.

It goes on to suggest that we need to do something in addition to "Shut[ting] da door" before "everything's alright," we need to light the candle. When speaking to His disciples and others in Jerusalem the Savior said,

He taught something similar to the people in ancient America when He visited them,

"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." 3 Nephi 15:9 (emphasis added).

I know that as we "light the candle" and invite the light of the Savior into our lives, we will have the power to "keep out de devil," and ultimately, we will be blessed with eternal life where "everything [will be] alright."

Patterns of Light

I just watched this three part series about Light and the Savior. I loved how an Apostle of the Lord, Elder David A. Bednar, so beautifully explains how the Lord communicates with and influences us. I invite all to watch these videos and share your insights and feelings.

"Roads? Where we're going, we won't need roads."

So I just noticed that my last post was the eighty-eighth published on my blog. Immediately the quote, "Doc, I don't think we'll have enough roads to get up to eighty-eight," popped into my head.

It's funny how we have so many ideas/memories in our heads and the simplest little thing will trigger them. The number 88 triggered a flood of memories of a movie from my childhood. We all encounter these types of situations every day. You may drive past a bakery and remember your grandmother's house or see someone that looks like your best friend from kindergarten. Sometimes we are reminded of good things, and sometimes we are reminded of not-so-good things.

A very wise King and disciple of Jesus Christ once said,

"But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not," Mosiah 4:30 (emphasis added).

So that's the challenge, we need to watch our thoughts. But how do we do that? How am I supposed to concentrate on what I am doing when something as simple as a number causes my brain to bring a bunch of memories to the forefront? Even more important, how am I supposed to keep those not-so-good memories and ideas out? We know that controlling our thoughts is important because as the above scripture teaches,  thoughts lead to words and words lead to actions. So how do we stop it at the source?

There is a simple remedy that I know works, it just takes persistence. Preach My Gospel gives this advice on how to control our thoughts,

 "Your mind is like a stage in a theater; in the theater of your mind, however, only one actor can be on stage at a time. If the stage is left bare, thoughts of darkness and sin often enter the stage to tempt. But these thoughts have no power if the stage of your mind is occupied by wholesome thoughts, such as a memorized hymn or verse of scripture that you can call upon in a moment of temptation. By controlling the stage of your mind, you can successfully resist persistent urges to yield to temptation and indulge in sin."

It is simple, whenever a thought enters your mind that you don't want there, just invite something else into your mind, sing a hymn or recite a memorized scripture. Any good thought can help us avoid any negative and/or distracting thought.

I know this works because I have done it. When I have negative thoughts or ideas, I just start singing some of my favorite hymns and the Spirit of the Lord comes to help me banish that thought.

Now for invitation time! Will you try this out in your life? Will you pick a favorite hymn or scripture and use it whenever those unwanted thoughts arrive in your mind? I know that as you do you will enjoy the peace of mind that comes from following the Savior's example.

The Challenge to Become Part 3: Prayer

As I was studying in the missionary guidebook the other day I came across these quotes...

"Sincere prayer implies that when we ask for any virtue or blessing we should work for the blessing and cultivate the virtue." -David O. McKay, Secrets of a Happy Life, pages. 114–115.

"Our deeds, in large measure, are children of our prayers. Having prayed, we act; our proper petitions have the effect of charting a righteous course of conduct for us." -Bruce R. McConkie, "Why the Lord Ordained Prayer."

Ever since I read them I've been pondering the connection between prayer and becoming. I've come to a couple of conclusions on the subject and I'd love to have your input.

First,  I'd like to submit the idea that the statement, "you are what you eat" could be modified to say, "you become what you pray." I know that Heavenly Father always answers our prayers, so as we pray with the intent to do His will, we will become who He wants us to become.

Second, as we pray, our relationship with our Heavenly Father will grow stronger and we will have a greater desire to become like Him. As that desire grows we will be so much more motivated to pray for His attributes like humility or patience.

So, I just shared with you a small fraction of my thoughts on the subject. What do you think?

• How are prayer and becoming related? 
• Are they related at all? 
• What instances do you know of prayer changing a person?

I look forward to seeing what everyone has to say! 

The Challenge to Become Part 2: Present(s)!

I get migraines and one of the things I have learned to combat them is something called "LIVING IN THE PRESENT." Basically when I get a migraine, rather than worrying about what caused my migraine (the past) or worrying about when my migraine will go away (the future) I focus on my migraine. I think about it and think about it and work on making it smaller and smaller until it goes away.

I think this is true in life in general and not just for headaches. As we face challenges in our life it may be easier to think about the "good old days" or to hope for the future when our challenge will be gone. But I know that the best way to overcome a challenge is to face it, to focus on it and to focus on "making it smaller."

The Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson said this,
“Sometimes we let our thoughts of tomorrow take up too much of today. Daydreaming of the past and longing for the future may provide comfort but will not take the place of living in the present. This is the day of our opportunity, and we must grasp it.”*

I have found that a huge part of becoming is doing things now. As we focus on doing what we can do now to achieve our goals we will be able to accomplish them, and ultimately, we will become what Our Father in Heaven wants us to become.

Invitation time! Go back to the list of goals that you made and pick one thing you can do right now to work toward achieving that goal, then share your experiences of living in the present in the comments.



*In Search of Treasure, Ensign May 2003

The Challenge to Become Part 1: Goals

I have been pondering goals and goal setting lately. I have even set up a little chart to measure my progress on a bunch of little things that I try to do every day. I have found myself being more motivated by the thought that I will get to put a little check mark in the box next to "write in my journal" or "make my bed." It has amazed me how something as simple as a visual reinforcement has gotten me doing things that I don't usually do.

There is a quote that I really love that says,

“When performance is measured, performance improves. When performance is measured and reported, the rate of improvement accelerates.” – President Thomas S. Monson

I have found this to be true as I have used my chart to measure my progress. I want to improve and I am able to recognize specifically where I need improvement. I plan on reporting my progress to my teaching companion weekly and I know that as I do my improvement will "accelerate."

I am being very cautious with all of this though. It is part of my nature to impose very high standards on myself which I can never seem to measure up to. I found this quote today from a prophet of God that really helped me in this department.

I know that is true. Our Heavenly Father loves us because we are His children and He doesn't want us to be hard on ourselves, all He expects is our best effort.

So, my challenge to you today is to set a measurable goal of something you would like to improve on. Write it down and tell someone you trust about it. After a week of working on that goal, report to your friend how it went. I know that as you do this you will be able to become the person your Heavenly Father wants you to become.

Joseph Smith...

168 years ago today (June 27, 1844) the Prophet Joseph Smith was martyred for standing up for what he knew to be true. I know that he saw what he said he saw. I know he was called by Jesus Christ to be a prophet. I know he translated the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God and I know that anyone who reads it can come to know their Savior Jesus Christ for themselves. I have read the Book of Mormon and have prayed to know if it is true. I have received that answer that it is true. In the process I have come to know and love my Savior. I am so grateful for this man who gave everything as a testimony of his belief in the Son of God.

A Recommendation

This is just a really short post inviting you to go read Sister Heidi Jensen's Blog. She just posted about repentance and how the Savior can truly heal us. The post is called Made New, I know what she shares in that post is true. To learn more about repentance, click here.

Gospel Caption Contest Round 6: Winner!

Thanks for everyone who participated! The winner of this round was Elder Michael Bennett. 

Want to learn more about having a happy family? Click here- Strengthening Families. 

Watermelon: Quenching Hunger and Thirst?

This is the watermelon I had for a mid-morning snack today. It was delicious.

Heavenly Father has blessed us here with so many wonderful foods we can eat to keep our bodies going, but he sent us something more important to bless our spirits.

This morning I read something that Jesus Christ taught on the subject. He said,

"...I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." John 6:35

That watermelon did a great job of satisfying my hunger and my thirst at the moment, but by lunch time I was hungry and thirsty again. I am so grateful that that is not how it works with the bread of life. As I do the things the Savior taught, my Spirit will always be filled and I will have joy. I know that this is possible for all of us who believe in Jesus Christ and strive to follow His teachings.
Now here is my challenge for all of you.

Will you come up with one thing you can do today to eat of the bread of life? (ie. pray, study the scriptures, watch a Mormon Message or Bible Video, etc.)

 I know that as you do so you will have a taste of the joy that our Savior wants all of us to have.

Gospel Caption Contest Round 6!

 

Here is a special Father's Day edition of the Gospel Caption Contest! Submit you ideas in the comments for a scripture/quote caption by Monday 6/11/2012 at 11:59 PM CDT.

Gospel Caption Contest Round 5 Winner!

The winner of the Gospel Caption Contest Round 5 is Elder Rian Barnes! Thanks for playing!

Gospel Caption Contest Round 5!

Time for the Gospel Caption Contest Round 5! Submit your ideas by Saturday June 2nd!

Gospel Caption Contest: Round 4 Winner!

Gospel Caption Contest Round 4! Winning Quote submitted by Elder Rian Barnes.

Mormonism 101

I really like this article (Mormonism 101: FAQ) that explains common questions about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I invite all of you to read it. 

Gospel Caption Contest Round 3!

The winning quote from this round was submitted by my friend, Palivela Madhubabu!

Gospel Caption Contest Round 2!

The winning quote was submitted by Elder Donohue! Thanks for everyone who participated!

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Gospel Caption Contest Round 3! Submit your ideas(in the comments or in a private message to me) for a quote or scripture that you would like edited into this photo by Friday May 11th at 2:00 PM Central Daylight Time.

Check out this article (Mormon Lay Leadership) about how the lay leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is organized.

Caption Contest-Winner! April 25th, 2012!

The winning quote was submitted by Sister Ratuvukivuki! Congratulations! Thanks for everybody who participated! It was fun!
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Gospel Caption Contest Round 2! Submit your ideas in the comments or in a private message to me by Wednesday May 2nd.

Gospel Caption Contest!

Okay everyone- I have an idea that I want to try out. I'm going to post an image on my facebook wall and on my blog and all of you get to submit a scripture or quote you like to go with the image.
Then we will vote on all of the suggestions. The winner will get their scripture or quote edited into the image and posted on my wall & blog with credit going to them!

Here is the first image...

You can put your ideas in the comments or can send them in a facebook(https://www.facebook.com/sisterkanderson) message to me. Voting will start this Friday (April 20th), so send your ideas soon! :)

Faith & Obedience

Somebody once asked me, "How is your faith?" I was reminded of that question today when I read this...

"Faith is kindled by hearing the testimony of those who have faith (Rom. 10:14–17). Miracles do not produce faith, but strong faith is developed by obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ; in other words, faith comes by righteousness, although miracles often confirm one’s faith...All true faith must be based upon correct knowledge or it cannot produce the desired results. Faith in Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel and is more than belief, since true faith always moves its possessor to some kind of physical and mental action; it carries an assurance of the fulfillment of the things hoped for" Bible Dictionary, Faith.

Lately I've been noticing the need for my faith to grow. I have a wonderful friend that I work with that has such incredible child-like faith and I've been pondering and praying about what to do to be more like her. I was in a meeting today when someone shared the above quote and it hit me...

FAITH+RIGHTEOUSNESS=MORE FAITH

If I want more faith, I need to be more righteous. As I find ways to be more exactly obedient to the gospel of Jesus Christ and then do them, my faith will increase to the point where my actions will be motivated by my faith rather than just my desire to have faith.

Invitation Time!

So I am going to test my theory, I am going to make a list of 4-5 things that I can do to be more righteous every day and in 2 weeks I will share with all of you how it went, in the mean time I would like to hear about YOUR experiences with faith. What have you done to grow your faith? What works? What doesn't work? What miracles have you seen because of your faith or the faith of others? I'm excited to learn from this experience and especially from all of you and your experiences.

 

 

Easter

"I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. It is because of Him that I have hope to overcome all of the hard things I go through in life. I am so grateful for the sacrifice He made for me and for all of us, I know I am loved because He spent time suffering just for me, for my pains, my mistakes, my weaknesses, and my sorrows. I know He did this so I would not have to walk alone through life. I know that He is always there for me as I strive to do what is right and follow Him. Alma 7:11-12"

This is what I shared on mormon.org/easter. I could go on and on about how much He has blessed my life, but I would prefer to hear what YOU have to say. Please share your feelings about Jesus Christ on the comments to this post, or go to mormon.org/easter and join the larger conversation. Let's all celebrate Easter by celebrating Our Savior.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Last Fall I had the great opportunity to meet Elder Christofferson and to shake his hand. It is one of my favorite memories from my mission. The reason why I love it so much is because I learned that Elder Christofferson, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, is human. He laughs and jokes around and even makes mistakes. I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have gained that even though I am imperfect, I can claim to be a follower of Christ and share with others my witness that I know that He lives. The video that follows is part of Elder Christofferson's witness of our Savior Jesus Christ.



Recommended Talks:
The Divine Gift of Repentance: October 2011
“As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten” April 2011
The Blessing of Scripture: April 2010

Elder Quentin L. Cook

I found this story about young Elder Cook on lds.org and I loved it so much I have to share it with all of you.

It was fire drill day at an elementary school in Logan, Utah. Fire drill captain Joe Cook, a stalwart sixth-grade student leader, was determined to post a good time. He was pleased when, at the ringing of the alarm, students rapidly evacuated the building. Then, just as a record-breaking time seemed likely, Joe heard the announcement: “Someone is still in the building. The building is not clear.”
As the clock ticked on, Joe finally saw his first-grade brother, Quentin, walk out of the building.
Fuming, Joe barked, “What on earth were you doing?”
Quentin held up a pair of large, worn boots and said, “Joe, you know that [and he mentioned a friend’s name] sometimes has to wear hand-me-down shoes that are too big for him. When the fire drill rang, he took off running and ran right out of these. He didn’t want to ruin the drill, so he left them and ran outside barefoot. I went back to get his boots for him because I didn’t want his feet to be cold in the snow.” What Are Prophets and Apostles? Elder Quentin L. Cook

Elder Cook has a great way of showing compassion for those who are going through difficulties in life. I love this video below, where he teaches that while we will all suffer, we can all turn to our Savior Jesus Christ for comfort and peace.

Recommended Talks:

The Songs They Could Not Sing: October 2011
LDS Women Are Incredible! April 2011
“Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time”: October 2008

Elder David A. Bednar

I remember when Elder Bednar was called as an apostle. I was 15 and I was immediately impressed by the way he explains doctrine. He has a very clear way of expressing himself which I really appreciate.
This video is his explanation and testimony of the restoration of the priesthood of Jesus Christ. I know that what he shares is true.



Recommended Talks:

Ye Must Be Born Again: April 2007
The Tender Mercies of the Lord: April 2005
In the Strength of the Lord: October 2004

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Elder Jeffery R. Holland has an incredible power whenever he speaks, so rather than share typed out quotes I invite all to listen to his words about our Savior Jesus Christ and the evidence that His church has been restored to the earth again. I know that Elder Holland is an apostle called of God to teach and direct all the world to Jesus Christ.




Recommended Talks:

An Ensign to the Nations: April 2011
Place No More for the Enemy of My Soul: April 2010
None Were with Him: April 2009

Elder Robert D. Hales

"To respond in a Christlike way cannot be scripted or based on a formula. The Savior responded differently in every situation. When He was confronted by wicked King Herod, He remained silent. When He stood before Pilate, He bore a simple and powerful testimony of His divinity and purpose. Facing the moneychangers who were defiling the temple, He exercised His divine responsibility to preserve and protect that which was sacred. Lifted up upon a cross, He uttered the incomparable Christian response: 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do' (Luke 23:34). 

"Some people mistakenly think responses such as silence, meekness, forgiveness, and bearing humble testimony are passive or weak. But to 'love [our] enemies, bless them that curse [us], do good to them that hate [us], and pray for them which despitefully use [us], and persecute [us]' (Matthew 5:44) takes faith, strength, and, most of all, Christian courage." Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship: October 2008 

One of the things that I am most grateful for about the Apostles is how they teach us to follow Jesus Christ. I love the way Elder Hales explained how to be Christlike in our treatment of others, especially when they are not being Christlike in the way they treat us.

Below is a video of Elder Hales testimony of Jesus Christ, in it he continues to talk about how the Savior was a perfect example for us.

Recommended Talks:

Waiting upon the Lord: Thy Will Be Done: October 2011

Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually: April 2009

Elder Richard G. Scott

"A pebble held close to the eye appears to be a gigantic obstacle. Cast on the ground, it is seen in perspective. Likewise, problems or trials in our lives need to be viewed in the perspective of scriptural doctrine. Otherwise they can easily overtake our vision, absorb our energy, and deprive us of the joy and beauty the Lord intends us to receive here on earth." Finding Joy in Life: May 1996

“Please learn that as you wrestle with a challenge and feel sadness because of it, you can simultaneously have peace and rejoicing”  Trust in the Lord: October 1995.

The quotes above (and many others like them) have helped me really trust in the Lord more and to find "joy in the journey." I am so excited to hear what he has to share with all of us in a few weeks for General Conference.

I really enjoy listening to Elder Scott because of how much I can feel the love he has for all of us and especially the love he has for the Savior. There is powerful conviction in his voice as he declares what he knows to be true. An example of this is below is his April 2010 General Conference address, He Lives! All Glory to His Name!

Other Recommended Talks
The Power of Scripture: October 2011

The Eternal Blessings of Marriage: April 2011 

Elder M. Russell Ballard

Elder Ballard wrote a book that we study as missionaries, it is called Our Search for Happiness. It is all about what we believe as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love that book because it is written for people who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints so they can understand what we believe.

Here is an excerpt from his book.

“[O]ne of the most cherished tenets of our faith has to do with honoring religious diversity. As our Church’s first president, Joseph Smith, taught: ‘We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.’ (Articles of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 11.)
“We really do believe that. Just as we claim the right to worship as we choose, we believe [others] have the right to worship—or to not worship—as [they] see fit. All of our interpersonal relationships should be built on a foundation of mutual respect, trust, and appreciation. But that shouldn’t prevent us from sharing deeply held religious feelings with each other. Indeed, we may find that our [religious and] philosophical differences add flavor and perspective to our relationships, especially if those relationships are built on true values, openness, respect, trust, and understanding. Especially understanding.” M. Russell Ballard

I am grateful for the efforts of Elder Ballard in building understanding with those of other faiths. I appreciate the example that he is of showing respect for all people because I know that that was what the Savior taught.

Below is a video excerpt from one of his General Conference addresses, in it he talks about his love for the Bible and for the Savior, I know that as I listen to his words my testimony of the Savior is strengthened.

Recommended Talks

Finding Joy through Loving Service: April 2011

The Truth of God Shall Go Forth: October 2008

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

“There is no greater evidence of the infinite power and perfection of God’s love than is declared by the Apostle John: ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son’ (John 3:16). Another Apostle wrote that God ‘spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all’ (Romans 8:32). Think how it must have grieved our Heavenly Father to send His Son to endure incomprehensible suffering for our sins. That is the greatest evidence of His love for each of us!”

I always look forward to hearing Elder Oaks' talks because of the way they are composed. He has worked as a lawyer and as a high court judge so the way he expresses himself is very unique. I always enjoy his logical arguments--which are always backed up by his faith. One example of this comes from his talk Good, Better, Best.

"We should begin by recognizing the reality that just because something is good is not a sufficient reason for doing it. The number of good things we can do far exceeds the time available to accomplish them. Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives...We have to fore go some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families."

This video is another great example of Elder Oak's general conference talks. I am so grateful that he (along with the other apostles) stands up for truth, whether or not it may be popular.

Desire: April 2011
Love and Law: November 2009
Good, Better, Best: October 2007

Elder Russell M. Nelson

"Jesus suffered deeply because He loves us deeply! He wants us to repent and be converted so that He can fully heal us.
"When sore trials come upon us, it's time to deepen our faith in God, to work hard, and to serve others. Then He will heal our broken hearts. He will bestow upon us personal peace and comfort. Those great gifts will not be destroyed, even by death."
Elder Russell M. Nelson

I always thought Elder Nelson was cool when I was a kid because he is a heart surgeon. Now I love the way that his profession influences the way he talks about the gospel of Jesus Christ. I really love the video below where he talks about how our hearts can be strengthened through faith in the Savior.

Be Thou an Example of the Believers: October 2010
Generations Linked in Love: April 2010
Jesus Christ—the Master Healer: October 2005

Elder L. Tom Perry

"The gospel is so very simple when we understand it properly. It is always right, it is always good, it is always uplifting. Obedience to gospel principles brings forth joy and happiness. Disobedience has a day of reckoning and will only bring forth heartache, misery, strife, and unhappiness."
Elder L. Tom Perry

As a child I always loved Elder Perry because he was such a big man, but he wasn't intimidating. I imagined him as a sort of "gentle giant." I know that I've felt that way because he has spent his life trying to become more like our Savior and that light has shown whenever I've seen him.

Elder Perry always does a wonderful job of helping others see the simplicity of the gospel. Some of my favorite General Conference talks by him are found below. I have also included a link to a video of Elder Perry bearing a portion of his testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ. 

The Gospel of Jesus Christ: April 2008

Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear: October 2011

Joy—for Us and Others—Comes by Following the Savior: Special Witnesses of Christ

To learn more about Elder L. Tom Perry click here.

President Boyd K. Packer

“I went before [God] and said, ‘I’m not neutral, and you can do with me what you want. If you need my vote, it’s there. I don’t care what you do with me and you don’t have to take anything from me because I give it to you—everything, all I own, all I am.’ ”

I love President* Packer because of his boldness. He will always stand up and say what he knows is right. I am grateful for his attitude and his clear love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ as illustrated by the quote above.



This video shows parts of a talk entitled Spiritual Crocodiles given by President Packer in the October 1976 General Conference. I remember seeing this video as a teenager in Seminary (religious education for 14-18 year old Latter-day Saints) and it has remained one of my favorites ever since. President Packer has always given special attention to helping youth come closer to Christ. I am so grateful for his guidance and direction in my life.

Here are a couple of more recent talks that President Packer has given that I love as well.

The Test: October 2008

Cleansing the Inner Vessel: October 2010

*(Boyd K. Packer is the senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and so he is the President of that quorum.) 

Countdown to Conference

For as long as I can remember the weekends of the first Sundays in April and October have been a special occasion in my home. My family would gather around the television and watch Apostles and Prophets of the Lord speak to the world.

When I was particularly young my Mom would give me crayons and paper and I would draw pictures of these leaders as they spoke. As I got older I would pay close attention so I would be able to talk with my family about what we learned. Now I take notes that I can refer back to along with the scriptures whenever I feel I need guidance or direction.

As I was looking at lds.org today I noticed that they have listed under Upcoming Events the dates for the April 2012 General Conference and I felt a leap in my chest. I love having the opportunity to hear from the living Prophet and Apostles of our Savior Jesus Christ, and I am so excited because my next chance is only 7 weeks away!

To help the time pass more quickly over the next 7 weeks I'm going to do a post about each of the Twelve Apostles and the First Presidency. I hope that as you join me you too will feel the excitement and anticipation as we prepare to hear what they have to teach us as special witnesses of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Hot & Cold

Did you ever play the game as a kid where you hid something and then somebody would have to look for it and you could only give them clues as to how close they were to finding it by saying "you're getting hotter" if they were moving close to it or "you're getting colder" if they were moving away from it?

I remember playing that game a lot in school, with my friends, and even at home with my family. What I never realized is the connection this game has to real life.

I actually never thought about it until my Dad mentioned it to me in an e-mail on Monday. He applied the game to real life when he was my age and has been doing it ever since.

He told me that when things would get really hard for him he knew it was because he was close to doing something good. He referenced the scriptures that talk about the fiery darts of the adversary (Ephesians 6:16 & 1 Nephi 15:24.) He said that it's like the Hot and Cold game because whenever he gets close to doing something really good that's when the devil starts shooting fiery darts at him and so it gets "hot".

I know that this can apply to all of us, for every good thing we try to do there is going to be opposition that gets in our way, but with the help of the Savior we will be able to overcome that opposition, and then enjoy the blessings that come from keeping the commandments of God.

Cinnamon Rolls

In my personal study this morning I read this...

"...God our Eternal Father lives and loves us. He is indeed our Father, and He is personal and real. May we realize and understand how close to us He is willing to come, how far He is willing to go to help us, how much He loves us, and how much He does and is willing to do for us." -President Thomas S. Monson

Most of the time I know that Heavenly Father is there for me-but I imagine it's only in the major things. I always know that He will help me as I am trying to help others. I know that He will help me when I'm trying to overcome sin and be more Christlike. But all too often I forget that He is there for me in the "little things" as well. I had a really powerful reminder of that this weekend.

The last weekend was a little rough for me. I've been sick and I have this cough that won't go away, and that combined with the usual stresses of living and working got me bogged down. So I was feeling kind of low and we were visiting someone on Saturday night. One of the people we were talking to made the comment that we smelled like cinnamon rolls. That hit a chord with me and I suddenly really wanted to have the lightly glazed-fresh baked comfort-food goodness of a cinnamon roll.

I was resigned to the fact that I wouldn't get what I wanted, however I couldn't stop thinking about it.

Sunday morning we were invited to have breakfast at some one's house and low and behold, there were delicious, hot, fresh cinnamon rolls! The thought that immediately came to my head was, God loves me. He knew I was feeling down and even though he wasn't going to lighten my work load or take away my cough, He did something for me to remind me that He is there and HE CARES. It may seem like something tiny and insignificant in the Eternal scheme of things, but I know that God cares about the little things that matter to us because He loves us and what matters to us matters to Him. I am so grateful for that knowledge that I have a loving Father in Heaven who cares when it may feel like no one else does.

Up-Hill Battles

Last night, Sister deBoer and I were trying to visit a friend of ours, the problem was that she has a steep gravel driveway and our wheels kept getting stuck. Needless to say we were frustrated, but we would back up and try again. We did this over and over again until we got a phone call, our friend heard our wheels spinning each time we got stuck and wanted to offer us some advise. She explained the trick of getting up her driveway and once we followed her instructions we made it up without a problem.

I know that we all have these annoying moments in our lives, when-despite our best efforts-we just can't accomplish what we want without guidance. We were blessed last night to have that help offered to us by our friend. Sometimes it isn't that easy, usually we have to seek help before we can receive it.

Jesus Christ taught this principle in the sermon on the mount, he said,

"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. 

"Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 

"Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 

"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" Matthew 7:7-11

I know that as we run into the steep-gravel driveways in our lives, we don't have to rely on our own abilities to get us through. All we need to do is ask our Father in Heaven through prayer, seek answers through scripture study, and knock at the doors of His servants (by listening to and following the Prophet and Apostles) and we will be blessed with the help we need to make our way safely home.

For Such a Time as This

Esther: For Such a Time as This

By Elspeth Young

"Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews...and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me...I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king...and if I perish, I perish..." Esther 4:13-16

I love this painting and the story of Esther, it is so inspiring to me to see her incredible faith as she asks for them to fast for her. The question that Mordecai asks also really strikes me, he helps her to see that the Lord has placed her in that circumstance for a reason and she has an important work to do. I try to remember Esther whenever I wonder why I am where I am or why I'm doing what I'm doing, I strive to see the Lord's plan for me. I know as I look for that I am albe to accomplish the Lord's will for me and am able to help others in the process.