What's your Motto?

Our Home Teachers came over yesterday afternoon, and they shared Sister Neill F. Marriott's talk from October's General Conference called Yielding Our Hearts to God. Before they shared their message they asked us if we had a family motto. Neither of answered because as a family we don't really have one.

In Sister Marriott's talk she has a motto, "It will all work out." In her talk she talks about her daughter that had passed away when she was young. Even though they prayed, they knew it will all work out the way the Lord needs it.

Scripture Study

I've been trying to find different ways to help me study the scriptures more effectively. I was invited by my cousin to follow on Instagram bofm365 to study the Book of Mormon for the year. Although I haven't been as regular in keeping up, I love how they break down the chapters and give you a question to ponder as you read.

I also had been pinning scripture study journaling ideas on Pinterest, and I finally settled on a way that will help me track my thoughts as I study. I settled on The Red Headed Hostess' scripture journal templates. I like her format.

I mean I've always had a journal for my spiritual thoughts, I just wanted a better way to do it. I'm just about done writing in one journal, so with my new one I already cut and pasted some of the template into it. I can't wait to start on this new way of studying.

What's your method to studying the scriptures?

Stand as a Witness at ALL Times

A couple weeks ago, it seemed like the theme in Sacrament meeting (worship service) was about standing as a Witness. Stand as a Witness to God; Stand as a Witness to the Gospel. It has stuck in my mind since then and got me thinking, Am I standing as a witness to what I believe? Am I teaching my children to stand as a witness? As a baptized member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I made a covenant to stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things, and in all places. (Mosiah 18:9)

What does it mean to stand as a witness? To stand as a witness you first need to have a testimony of the Gospel and what it teaches. You also need a testimony of the scriptures and the knowledge that comes from reading them. If you don't, you need to pray for these testimonies and when you do the

Prayer

In my personal study I thought that I would concentrate on Prayer. This is a subject that I need improvement on. I will admit that I'm not the best at getting down on my knees every day to thank my Heavenly Father for the things that I need or have. It is something that I've committed to being better at. But I wanted to share my thoughts as I studied this topic, b/c there may be someone that needs to read this.

What is Prayer? - Prayer is our communicational life line with our Father in Heaven. It has a special language that we should use to show respect to our Heavenly Father. Elder Dallin H. Oaks (one of my favorite apostles) said, "We should address prayers to our Heavenky Father in words which speak of that language associated with love and respect and reverence and closeness." (1993 April Conference, The Language of Prayer) This was a fantastic talk by the way. I love how he mentions in this quote that the language should be in closeness. To me this means pray as if he was standing right next to you. For some that is hard to do and for others it's really easy. I'm stuck in between, but will get to that closeness.

When we are praying we should make it a special conversation and should do it in a private place, if we are doing it alone. Find a special spot where you won't be disturbed while pouring out your heart. In Matthew 6:6-7 this is what is says about praying in secret.

"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into a thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to they Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think they shall be heard for their much speaking."

 Don't pray to gain an audience of others, but to have the audience of your Heavenly Father. We need to be sincere in our prayers or else they don't mean anything. Sometimes I feel like I'm repeating myself when I pray, but I try to be conscience of what I'm praying for, and how I'm praying. When we are praying from the heart then our prayers will be sincere and will be answered.

My other thought was when should we pray? Should I pray only in the morning or just at night? The answer is simple: ALWAYS.

In D&C (Doctrine and Covenants) 10:5 it says, "Pray always, that you may come of conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work."

I had never really noticed how the word 'conqueror' was spelled. I always would say conquer. I looked it up and it means self-mastery. So I read it again using self-mastery in its place and it made more sense. We need to pray to humble ourselves so that we can fight off Satan with Heavenly Father's help. By praying all the time it makes us stronger with the Lord, which leads me into the next scripture in Alma 13:28.

"But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering."

Not only should we be praying on our own, but with our families. When we pray as a family we become stronger. Just like the scripture in Alma is talking about. We need to take the time to pray as a family, because the world is not a place to out into without feeling the Lord's love and protection.

"Think of the power for good as you gather and thank God for all of his blessings. Think of the eternal significance of daily thanking him for each member of your family and asking him to guide and bless and protect each one. Think of the strength that will come to your family as, daily, one member or another pours out his or her soul in love to God for other family members." Elder John H. Gorberg (1982 April Conference, The Power of Family Prayer)

I've mentioned when we should pray, how we should pray, what about the why? Why should we pray? This was partially answered in D&C 10:5, to ask the Lord's help to overcome Satan. Why else are we praying for? For me it's to include Him in major life decisions. Like; should I marry this person? Is this the right school to go to? Should I take this job offer? Is this where my family should move to? We need to involve the Lord in our life to make it a richer, fuller life. I know that when we include Him in big decisions we feel at peace. It should also be to ask for his forgiveness, because we are not perfect and we need it.

In Mark 11:24-26 this is what it says about why we should pray.

"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

And when ye stand praying, forgive, if you have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." 

Prayer is essential to our eternal progression. We need our Heavenly Father's help in this life. I know that I need to be more committed in communicating with him because I've seen the blessings that come from praying daily.

Missionary Moment

I wanted to get this down before I forgot.

For the last several weeks, I've been talking to a co-worker. We knew each other but just recently became friends since we bothe moved into the same suite and sat across from each other. she is such a sweet and generous person, that I have found a kindred spirit in her. She and I like many of the same hobbies and have enjoyed each other's company. 

Well in our many discussions we have talked openly about religion. She herself is a Christian and goes to church regularly and is teaching her little boy to love reading the Bible. She found out that I'm a Mormon and started asking me questions. I of course would answer and explain as best as I could so that she would understand what we are all about. Most of the time our conversations came up naturally, and so it has been easy to talk to her about what we all about. I told her that we believe that families are forever and she loved that concept. She said that most churches don't really talk about family. She also loves that I live what I'm taught and that I'm not contradicting my beliefs when I talk about it. I'm glad that I'm living in a way that is being noticed for good.

I have been able to share my testimony of a lot of the gospel principles with her and she has been very open it. I hope that I have planted a small seed, so that one day she will be ready to fully accept the gospel.

General Women's Conference

Tonight was the LDS General Women's Conference. All I really need to say is this.

 

I just want to share my testimony that I know the family is of God. I'm grateful that I have been married in the temple and have been sealed to my husband and beautiful children. I know that families are forever.

Tree of Life: Mist of Darkness

I've finally reached the last section of this chapter.

1 Nephi 8

vs. 23 - Mist of Darkness

At first this section was hard for me to study, I didn't know exactly where to start but after much contemplation the thoughts started to flow.

The mist of darkness is a representation of temptation. The devil is sneaky and will try to lead you away with temptations. We need to resist and not get side-tracked.

- 3 Nephi 18:18

Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley gave some good advice, " You must keep control of your desires. For you there is no future in any course . . . Nonetheless, yielding to temptation can become like a wound that seems never to heal and always to leave an ugly scar." (2004 April conference, Stay on the High Road)

Keeping control of our desires is key. By keeping yourself in check you are warding off the temptation to sin. No one wants to sin.

"One of the great myths of life is when men think they are invincible. Too many think that they are men of steel, strong enough to withstand any temptation." - Pres. James E. Faust (2002 April conference, It Can't Happen to Me)

- Luke 8:13
- James 1:12

Elder W. Craig Zwick said this, "It requires courage to make good choices, even when other around us choose differently. As we make righteous choices day by day in little things, the Lord will strengthen us and help us choose the right during more difficult times." (2008 April conference, We Will Not Yield, We Cannot Yield)

It can be hard to be conscience of the choice you make, but it can also be rewarding. If your true desire is to not sin, then you will be blessed. The Lord wants us to come to him when the choices are hard. Find your knees and plead for his help. He wants us to.

- D&C 10:5

"We get side tracked by submitting to temptations that divert us past the bounds of safety. Satan knows our weaknesses. He puts attractive snares on our path at just those moments when we are most vulnerable." - Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1990 Oct conference, The Straight and Narrow Way)

I know that I have been tempted at times to sway in the other direction, but when I do I go to the Lord and ask him to help me. I don't want to be walking through the mist of darkness alone because I can't always see what is out there. Stay conscience of your surroundings and steer clear of the things that will trip you up and bring you down to Satan's level. As Pres. Hinckley said we to say on the high road.

Tree of Life: Straight and Narrow Path

Today I will be sharing my thoughts on the Straight and Narrow Path.

1 Nephi 8

Vs. 20 - Straight and Narrow Path

As I was reading, these were my thoughts about the straight and narrow path.

• the iron rod runs along side the path

• without either we cannot find our way home

• they lead us to eternal life

• we need to teach our children the importance of staying on the path

Sister Rosemary M. Wixom said this about the path, "No child needs to walk the path alone so long as we speak freely to our children of the plan of salvation." (2010 Oct conference, Stay on the Path)

I love how she says that we need to teach our children of the plan of salvation. By doing so I know that we are reinforcing them to understand that eternal life is the goal.

- D&C 68:25, 28

A hymn came to my mind as I read Sister Wixom's quote and that is Teach Me to Walk in the Light (177).

Teach me to walk in the light of his love;

Teach me to pray to my Father above;

Teach me to know of the things that are right;

Teach me, teach me to walk in the light

Come, little child, and together we'll learn

Of his commandments, that we may return

Home to his presence, to live in his sight

Always, always to walk in the light.

Father in Heaven, we thank thee this day

For loving guidance to show us the way.

Grateful, we praise thee with songs of delight!

Gladly, gladly we'll walk in the light.

How simple are these words!?

We should also help others come to the path and help those who have lost their way. Our love for others will help us in this effort, because everyone deserves a chance at happiness for eternal life. 

- D&C 132:22

In order to teach and help others to stay on the path we need to do the same.

"How can we keep ourselves on the straight and narrow way? The Lord have the answer over and over again. We must learn the word of God by studying the scriptures and apply his word by praying daily to the Lord and serving our fellowmen." - Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1990 Oct conference, The Straight and Narrow Way)

We should also be encouraging our youth to be virtuous which will keep them on the path. Help them to put on the whole ARMOR of GOD. 

Sister Mary N. Cook said, "Center your life on the Savior and develop daily habits of righteous living." (2009 April conference, A Virtuous Life - Step by Step)

Let us all strive to create and keep daily habits of righteous living so that we can help others and our families gain eternal life.

Tree of Life: Iron Rod

I know that it's been awhile since I last posted. I just haven't had a chance to sit down to post the rest of my thoughts from the Tree of Life chapter. The next part that I wanted to share is on the Iron Rod.

1 Nephi 8

Vs. 19 - Iron Rod

The Iron Rod is a representation of the Word of God, in other words the gospel.

- 1 Nephi 11:25

"Continually holding fast to the rod means that we strive to keep all of God's commandments, to have daily personalanf family prayer, and to study the scriptures daily." - Elder Kevin S. Hamilton (2013 Oct conference, Continually Holding Fast)

I love the hymn The Iron Rod, it's simple and states the purpose the iron rod has in our life. I will share with you the words of this beautiful hymn.

The Iron Rod - 274

To Nephi, seer of olden time,

A vision come from God.

Wherein the holy word sublime

Was shown an iron rod.

While on our journey here below

Beneath temptations pow'r

Through mists of darkness we must go

In peril ev'ry hour.

And when temptation's pow'r is nigh,

Our pathway clouded o'er,

Upon the rod we can rely,

And heaven's aid implore.

And, hand o'er hand, the rod along,

Through each succeeding day,

With earnest prayer and hopeful song,

We'll still pursue our way.

Afar we see the golden rest

To which the rod will guide,

Where, with the angels bright and blest

Forever we'll abide.

Chorus:

Hold to the rod, the iron rod;

'Tis strong, and bright, and true.

The iron rod is the word of God;

'Twill safely guide us through.

"Holding to the iron rod is not always easy. We may let go because of peer pressure or pride, thinking we can find our way back - later. When we do so, we are leaving our safety equipment behind." - Sister Ann M. Dibb (2009 Oct conference, Hold On)

I know that I've been tempted to let go. In fact I had "let go" for a short time. I wasn't going to church, I wasn't paying my tithing. At the time I also wasn't teaching my little boy the scriptures. My home didn't have the spirit. It was a rough patch for our family spiritually.

- Luke 8:11-12

"If there is any one thing most needed in this time of tumult and frustration, when men and women and youth and young adults are desperately seeking for sneers to the problems which afflict mankind, it is an "iron rod" as a safe guide along the straight path on the way to eternal life." - Pres. Harold B. Lee (1973 April conference, Stand Ye in Holy Places)

I love this quote that I found from Elder Robert D. Hales, "Standing obedient and strong on the doctrine of our God, we stand in holy places, for His doctrine is sacred and will not change." (2013 April conference, Stand Strong in Holy Places)

- D&C 87:8

- D&C 101:22

When we stand firm in holy places, such as the temple, church or a spiritually uplifting home we are grasping and holding strong to the iron rod.

Tree of Life: River of Water

Today I'm going to expand on the river of water.

1 Nephi 8

Vs. 13 - River of Water

- water is filthy and the depths of hell
- it ran near the tree but not to it, I saw the significance of this because no unclean thing can be in Heavenly Father's presence

"Be clean - in language, in thought, in body, in dress." - Pres Gordon B. Hinckley (2007 Apr Conference, I Am Clean)

"Our behavior in public must be above reproach. Our behavior in private is even more important. It must clear the standard set by the Lord." - Pres Gordon B. Hinckley (2002 Apr Conference, Personal Worthiness to Exercise the Priesthood)

"We cannot indulge in sin, let alone try to cover our sins. We cannot partake of the vanity of unrighteous ambition. . . If we do any of these things, the powers of heaven are withdrawn. The Spirit of the Lord is grieved. The very virtue of our priesthood is nullified. Its authority lost." - Pres Gordon B. Hinckley (2002 Apr Conference, Personal Worthiness to Exercise the Priesthood)

- I may not hold the priesthood, but access to it may be denied if I am not worthy

•  Col 1:10

- I need to always strive to be clean and worthy, teach my children the importance of living a worthy life

"Imagine, the consoling, liberating, exalting feeling that will come to you when you see the reality of the Atonement and the practical, everyday value of it to you individually." - Elder Boyd K. Packer (1997 Apr Conference, Washed Clean)

- The atonement is there for us to be made clean and pure

- 3rd Article of Faith: We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.

Tree of Life: Fruit

I love that I can find related topics through lds.org to help me learn and understand what I'm studying in the scriptures. Today I'm going to share about the Fruit from the Tree of Life.

1 Nephi 8

vs. 10-12 - Fruit

- this represents Eternal Life; the Plan of Salvation
- eternal life will be sweet with the ones we love
- in order to have eternal life we must partake of the fruit which is faith in Christ
- we need to keep the commandments

"However, conversion and baptism alone are not sufficient to one's assurance of eternal life. To receive exaltation in the kingdom of God, a person must abide the fullness of celestial law." - Elder Delbert L. Stapley (1973, Oct Conference, The Path to Eternal Life)

"Your eternal destiny will not be the result of chance but of choice. It is never to late to begin to choose eternal life." - Elder Randall K. Bennett (2011 Oct Conference, Choose Eternal Life)

• John 3:36 
• 1 John 5:11-12

"God's way provides man a divine way of life. The Lord promised his children salvation in the kingdom of God if they would live and follow his ways. It is important to know that man can become Godlike through the thoughts and ways of the Lord." - Elder Bernard P. Brockbank (1973 Oct Conference, God's Way to Eternal Life)

Tree of Life: Large and Spacious Building

It's been awhile since I last posted, but does not mean I haven't forgotten about what I'm studying. Life was pretty hectic during the holidays. Well anyway, time to catch up on what I have learned.

1 Nephi 8

Vs. 9 - Large and Spacious Building

• In the verse it is referred to as a field, but in the footnotes you go to 1 Nephi 12:16-18 and it is now a building, I think that they can be interchangeable
• It represents the pride of the world

"Trying to please others before pleasing God is inverting the first and second great commandments. And yet, we have all made that mistake because of the fear of men. . . This peer pressure tries to change a person's attitudes, if not behavior, by making one feel guilty for giving offense." - Elder Lynn G Robbins (201 Oct Conference, Which Way Do You Face?)

• Which way do you face?
• Do you have your heart set on things of the world or of God?

"In reality these stories are not of the crowds but individuals among those crowds. . . I think each one of us understands what it means to partake of the fulfilling fruit of the tree of life within sight and sound of those who mock and what it means to exert every courageous effort to pay them no heed." - Elder Dennis Neuenschwander (2008 Apr Conference, One Among the Crowd)

• Jeremiah 7:24

"Pride is a very misunderstood sin, and many are sinning in ignorance. . .Most of us think of pride as self-centeredness, conceit, boastfulness, arrogance, or haughtiness. All of these are elements of the sin, but the heart, or core, is still missing. The central feature of pride is enmity - enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen." - Pres Ezra Taft Benson (1989 Apr Conference, Beware of Pride)

- I was never aware that pride was such a complex sin. It really does make you think, "Am I sinning? Do I recognize the signs of this sin?"

• Romans 12:16