General Conference October 2013 speakers and topic

 Here is the speakers in order and their topic including the Relief Society General Broadcast Session. You can access the text, audio, or video HERE from the www.lds.org Enjoy!

General Relief Society Broadcast
Linda K. Burton- The Power, Joy, and Love of Covenant Keeping
Carole M. Stephens -We have Great Reason to Rejoice
Linda S. Reeves- Claim the Blessings of Your Covenants
President Thomas S. Monson- We Never Walk Alone

Saturday Morning Session
President Thomas S. Monson-Welcome to Con-ference
Elder Robert D. Hales - General Conference: Strengthening Faith and Testimony

Elder Ulisses Soares- Be Meek and Lowly in Heart

Sister Carole M. Stephens- Do We Know What We Have?
Elder Edward Dube- Look Ahead and Believe
Elder David A. Bednar- The Windows of Heaven
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf- Come, Join With Us.

Saturday Afternoon Session
(sustaining of church officers by President Henry B. Eyring)
Elder Boyd K. Packer- The Key to Spiritual Protection
Elder D. Todd Christofferson- The Moral Force of Women
Elder S. Gifford Nielsen- Hastening the Lord's Game Plan!
Elder Arnulfo Valenzuela- Small and Simple Things
Elder Timothy J. Dyches- Wilt Thou Be Made Whole?
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland- Like a Broken Vessel
Elder M. Russell Ballard- Put Your Trust in the Lord

Priesthood Session
Elder L. Tom Perry- The Doctrine and Principles Contained in the Articles of Faith
Bishop Gerald Causse- Ye Are No More Strangers
Elder Randy D. Funk- Called of Him to Declare His Word
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf- You Can Do It Now!!!
President Henry B. Eyring- Bind up Their Wounds
President Thomas S. Monson- True Shepherds

Sunday Morning Session
President Henry B. Erying- To My Grandchildren
Elder Dallin H. Oaks- No Other Gods
Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson- Be Ye Converted
Elder Richard J. Maynes- The Strength to Endure
Elder Richard G. Scott- Personal Strength through the Atonement of Jesus Christ
President Thomas S. Monson- "I Will Not Fail Thee, nor Forsake Thee"

Sunday Afternoon Session
Elder Quentin L. Cook- Lamentations of Jeremiah: Beware of Bondage
Elder Neil L. Andersen- Power in the Priesthood
Elder David M. McConkie- Teaching with the Power and Authority of God
Elder Kevin S. Hamilton- Continually Holding Fast
Elder Andrian Ochoa- Look Up
Elder Terence M. Vinson- Drawing Closer to God
Elder Russell M. Nelson-  Decisions for Eternity
President Thomas S. Monson- Till We Meet Again

Its that time again!

So its time for General Conference again. here is a couple different ways to listen to conference.

Listen to it here http://www.lds.org/general-conference/live/languages?lang=eng
watch it here http://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch?lang=eng.

You can also watch it on BYU TV or KSL live.

Here is a link to find it broadcasted over all 50 states on:
cable/broadcast tv,http://www.bonneville.info/broadcast.cfm
dish/direcTV/SiriusXM/Satilite, http://www.bonneville.info/satellite.cfm
Radio http://www.bonneville.info/broadcast.cfm

No Weekend Visits

 I think we have all heard the term Sunday mormon. Should we be more then a one day a week church goer? The answer to that is simple, no. We are part of a great church. If all we do is go attend church meetings on sunday and then do nothing else, then what is the point of going to church? to improve our self? I believe that no matter what religion you belong to, you should not visit God just on the weekend. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want to have us visit them often. How do we do this? We pray every single day (personal, family, morning, noon, night, over every meal, etc.), studying the scriptures every single day by yourself and as a family. Going to the temple at least once or more a month if possible, serving those around you, actually thinking of our Savior in all that you do, thanking God for all He has given you. There is so many countless ways to visit God daily that there should be no excuse, in my mind, of why we cant visit God daily. Going to church helps us learn more about Heavenly Father and Jesus the things we have forgotten because of the veil that was put over our mind when we came here to earth to be tried and tested and found worthy to live with God in his presence FOREVER. We can only be found worthy if we visit with God each and every single day and not just on the weekends.

Knock and it will be open to you

I actually really love this scripture is Matthew 7:7 because it shows us that Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ will never leave us alone. Yes the door may be open when we get there but I personally believe that most of the time, we must knock, seek, and keep knocking. If we are going to visit a friend or family member are we just going to knock once and if they don't answer right away do we just leave?? Usually not. We might peak around the side of the house to see if we can hear or see them out in the back yard if we know the person well. We might send a text or call them. And if that doesn't work we might try knocking again. Why is it any different when we are trying to talk to God? He wants us to visit Him and to get to know Him as he knows us. How do we do this? By DAILY personal and family prayer and scripture study. With scripture study, I don't just mean the Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. I want to include your patriarchal blessing, the Ensign, New Era, and Friend magazines. Scripture study doesn't have to be reading a set number of chapters a day. Do you really learn what the Lord wants us to learn by reading 1 chapter a day? I don't. I learn the most when I take the time to actually study, not read the scriptures. I would also include any material for Sunday School, Priesthood, and Relief Society as scripture. If the First Presidency wants us to be taught in church about these things, then shouldn't we study it as if it is scripture because in my mind, it truly is scripture.One of my best friends told me that sometimes we need to plead on our knees before we get an answer because we need to show Heavenly Father that we really really want it. As I have thought about this, I have come to the conclusion that its not to show Heavenly Father we really really want it, but to show our self we want it. Heavenly Father knows everything that our heart desires and that is why I say it is for us. My challenge to you is to knock, seek, and keep knocking until you get an answer from Heavenly Father. Dont forget there are three different answers He can give, yes, no, and no reply at all. I had a different friend tell me that this last response from Heavenly Father is Him trusting us enough to make the choice. It could be all the options/choices in front of you are good ones for us and He already knows the choice we will make will be the best one for us, but do we always know that without struggling some?

Tithing

Tithing is a simple thing that can make the biggest difference. Tithing is giving 10% of your income back to the Lord. 10% of your gross or net is up to you, but i have heard someone say something to the effect of, do you want normal blessings, or great blessings? I have a testimony of tithing. Things just ALWAYS have a way of working out when tithing is one of the first things i take out of my check each payday. This year, i haven't been the best at paying my tithing each payday this year and it has been a bit stressful to say the least in trying to pay my bills. Each time i actually do pay my tithing, i am able to pay all my bills and have a little extra for me, but more importantly, i am happy. I know that as we each faithfully pay our tithing, things WILL work out. It may take a tiny bit of time for it to happen since Gods ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9), but it will work out. 

Diamond in the rough

Have you ever wondered where diamonds come from? I have. I remember asking my mom about 15 years ago and her telling me, that it is just a piece of ugly black charcoal that has been put under tremendous stress and pressure that has held it well and is transformed into a beautiful  diamond. As C.S. Lewis said hardships really do prepare us people for extraordinary things. We can look at the prophet Joseph Smith Jr. He has an infection that lasted for several months and ended up settling into his bone marrow that they ended up cutting out of his leg WITHOUT any kind of anesthesia what so ever, he was persecuted from age 14 on when he told people he saw God the Father and the Son in the Sacred Grove. Joseph and Emma lost 4-6 of the their children in infancy for different reasons. He was tarred and feathered several times. He was thrown into jail on false charges several times. He was chastised for asking to lend Martin Harris the 116 pages that ended up getting lost. He was murdered in his late 30's or early 40's (cant remember which) all to bring about the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in these the latter days. What Joseph went through has literally brought MILLIONS to a restored knowledge of Jesus Christ and his gospel, but even more importantly, it allowed Joseph to turn to God our Heavenly Father in his trials and struggles. It allowed Joseph to find who he was and what he was willing to give up to help spread the gospel even farther in the world. 

We each go through trials and struggle with different things for many reasons to help us turn to God. It allows us to prepare for eternal life in the presence of God. Yes, life is hard. Yes we ALL struggle. Yes some give up. Yes we need to TRY again and again and again. Jesus Christ gave his life up for us, even if we do not partake of this amazing blessing. How many of us would be willing to die for every single person who has come, is currently on earth, and has yet to come to earth, no matter if they are male or female, no matter if you are white, black, chinese, japanese, indian, mexican, spanish, no matter what sins or crimes you commit in life??  The point of life is to turn to God in all our troubles and trials and to allow them to shape us into a person worthy to life with God for eternity. Dont give up. Dont give in. Turn to God always and he truly will direct your paths back to Him (Proverbs 3:6).

Divine Nature

I am trying to update more often, but time gets away from me so quickly. I want to take a moment and share my testimony today about a few things. It is pretty awesome to know we are not spiritual orphans! I know each of us comes from Father and Mother in Heaven and that we lived before we came to earth and had relationships there as we do here. It is a amazing feeling to have found at least one of my friends from our pre-mortal/pre-earth life. She is one of my best friends in the whole world. If you haven't found one of your friends from before, that is ok. You will know very quickly after meeting them. She has helped me and I have helped her as well. We may live almost a 1000 miles apart but we are close as friends because we both know we have a divine nature and relationships before this mortal life.



There has been days while working when i have listened to some coworkers complain and gossip and after a while of this i was starting to do the same and i noticed it was affecting me so i decided to get away from them and try my hardest to look for the good in people and not allow gossip to affect me like i was. By changing this small thing, i have been able to attract positive things again into my life and it is a wonderful feeling to know and feel happy again.
I know that what President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said is true. You really dont have to cross the finish line to receive his blessings. He is just waiting to bless us. We are also meant to shine out and NOT blend in. We carry a light others can see in us and it helps them out much more then we know. Life is just about readjusting the sails because we cant direct the wind.
Fatherhood is just as important as motherhood. I know i wouldn't be who i am without my dad. He has been a great example to me. He is very hard working and so willing to help out where he can. He has given me countless blessings when i need them.


We need to teach and educate children to be happy rather then be rich. When we die we will only take our knowledge with us and nothing else and this is why it is important to serve those around us. We should be using our talents to glorify God and none else. When it does rain, it does pour but i have never heard of a storm NOT ending. The rain will stop, the clouds will go away, the sun will shine again. dont give up and better days are on the way. We do need to surround our self with those who we are willing to comfort in the dark, guide them through it, and celebrate with them when they reach the rainbow on the other side.

Just a reminder, I take no credit for these photos. I have found them on facebook and believe they are worth sharing again. I am trying to only use photos that has the authors's name on it to try and give credit to who it belongs to. If you find one without credit, I dont know who the author and if you know please let me know so i can give credit where it is due. Thank you.

Never Give Up!!!!!!

I just want to take a quick moment and update again. I am going to really really try to update more often. I kinda slack off at times because i am so tired after work i dont want to do much other then relax. Anyways I just want to say never ever ever give up! There has been so many times that i have wanted to just give up because it seems too hard but i just suck it up and stick with what i am doing (work or personal) and things always have a way of working out for the better when you just stick with it. I found all these pictures on facebook and i take no credit for them. I absolutely love this first one! We should not compare ourselves to the person next to us. the only person we should compare ourselves to is our self. As long as we are even ever so slightly doing better then the day before, then you have improved. That is all we can ask of ourselves.   I have yet to find that i have expected too much of myself. I put my best foot forward (sometimes with a little grumbling sadly even as an adult) and try to do better then the day before. Setting goals is a great way to improve your day to day life. Do it to help you be a better father or mother or spouse. Just get out and do something. :)

It may seem at times that trials wont end but remember that trials make our faith stronger. Remember were you come from and never forget it. We are each a beloved child of God. I know this. I know I wouldn't be who i am without that knowledge. Set a place for those who are suppose to be in your life. It is a great support system. I am pretty blessed because i have so many friends and family i can go to when i need help or an answer. You and Heavenly Father write your life. Dont let other peoples opinions/views destroy your life. You can choose to be offended or to forgive them. Sometimes it takes a LOT of time, but never give up.  Something I am still working on (and probably will for my whole life) is waiting patiently for my life to align with Heavenly Fathers timing. I get so inpatient at times and it really does take all my energy to tell my self to just hold on and dont jump the gun. It is frustrating at times but it is helping me to become more patient for future events (whatever they may be). 

Missionary work is something else I have a testimony of. I have watched my friends go out and come back a totally different and spiritually mature person. I have also had to the opportunity to watch my younger sibling's friends go out and write a few of them and its been really neat to watch them grow. Now i get to watch my cousins go out over the next decade.  Last year i got to watch the first cousin prepare and put his papers in and i was able to be there and watch him open his call and I have no doubt in my mind that this is what he is suppose to be doing right now. The waves of missionaries going out is staggering to me! You dont have to have a missionary name tag to share the gospel. This blog is my way of sharing the gospel the best i can. Another way is to just smile and acknowledge every single person you see. Even it is that person you dont get along with or like. 

We are so technology absorbed that i believe we often for the Lord. Cell phones, Ipads, Itouchs, computers, internet are all just a means of distracting each of us from finding the gospel of Jesus Christ. Satan is extremely cunning. He is trying harder and harder and harder to pull each of us, member and non-member alike away from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. If satan uses technology, which he does, to his advantage, then why not us? We have countless free and cheap gospel books and apps that allows us access to the gospel books, manuals, music, and countless other material to help us learn the gospel better and share it as well. I have started to re-memorize The Living Christ. I memorized it almost 6 years ago and havent really done anything with it and I am using a free app that helps you memorize scripture mastery and a few other short articles (the living christ, the family: a proclamation to the world, declaration of independence, etc) and i am using it when i am on break or lunch at work instead of watching TV.  

Start each day new. Wake up with a smile and share it. Trials will come before the blessings. Miracles come after the trial of your faith so dont give up. Its getting late and i need to get to sleep so, have a awesome day and remember you are a precious son or daughter of God. dont forget.

Who's side are you on?

Here are some pictures i have found on facebook and would like to share them. i know we aren't suppose to be too busy for God. i know that i belong to the true church of God. We must always be trying to move forward and to do that we have to give up some things. We become who we want and choose to be. I know i wouldn't be who i am without Heavenly Father in my life. i am eternally grateful for Them and all they do to help me in my mortal life. There are times in each of our lives where it feels as if there is no end to the tunnel of  darkness we are in. Don't give up no matter what! After the trial comes the blessings.Great things really are in store for each of us if we are willing to submit our will our eternal Father in Heaven. We have the scriptures to help us as we are passing through the dark and wearisome tunnel. The more we partake, the more light we will have. There are also times when all we need to do is take the jump. Combining prayer to  scripture study will also help us in our journey. God is my refuge. If i stay close to Him, then i cannot go wrong. i know this to be true.  I also have just a couple of quick little things from Disney. they pretty much are just food for thought because they are things we can live by if we choose. 

 

Mothers and Fathers Day

Time just seems to get away from me so quickly. I can hardly believe its been two months since we had conference! only another 4 months until the next 5 sessions!
I just want to say something really quick about Mothers and Fathers Day.
Here is the video of President Gordon B. Hinckley reading The Family: A Proclamation to The World. I support this because i know it is true. It tells a lot about how a family should be. its just over 5 minutes long. I will also put the text to it under neither the video. Please take the time to listen, watch, or read the text and take a moment to thank your mother and/or father. I know i would not be where i am in life without my parents, mortal or eternal. I can never thank them enough for allowing me to learn and grow on my own and receive their council/guidance when i asked and especially when i didnt ask. Thank you.

“We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

“All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

“In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

“The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

“We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.

“Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. ‘Children are an heritage of the Lord’ (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

“The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

“We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

“We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society” (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).

Text available for talks

here is the link to the April 2013 text, audio, an video http://www.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2013/04?cid=HP000032&lang=eng 

General Conference April 2013 speaker summary

 Wow! I can hardly believe that Conference is over for 6 more months. So just to quickly summarize these 5 sessions of conference, 6 with the young women broadcast. CLICK HERE to go to lds.org general conference page where you can download and watch, listen (and in a week or so, read) the talks.

Young Women session
Ann M. Dibb-Your Holy Places
Mary N. Cook-When You Save a Girl, You Save Generations
Elaine S. Dalton- Be Not Moved!
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf-Your Wonderful Journey Home

Saturday Morning Session
President Thomas S. Monson
President Boyd K. Packer
Bishop Dean M. Davies
Elaine S. Dalton
Elder Craig A. Cardon
Elder M. Russell Ballard
President Henry B. Eyring

Saturday Afternoon Session
Sustaining of Church officers (Pres. Uchtdorf)
Church Auditing Department Report, 2012 (Robert W. Cantwell)
Statistical Report, 2012 (Brook P. Hales)
Elder Richard G. Scott
Elder Quentin L. Cook
Elder Stanley G. Ellis
Elder John B. Dickson
Elder David A. Bednar
Elder Russell M. Nelson

Priesthood Session
Elder Robert D. Hales
Elder Tad R. Callister
David L. Beck
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
President Henry B. Eyring
President Thomas S. Monson

Sunday Morning Session
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Elder Neil L. Andersen
Rosemary M. Wixom
Elder L. Whitney Clayton
Elder L. Tom Perry
President Thomas S. Monson

Sunday Afternoon Session
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Elder Christoffel Golden Jr.
Elder Enrique R. Falabella
Elder Erich  W. Kopischke
Elder Bruce D. Porter
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
President Thomas S. Monson
.....

General Conference video and audio are online

The church website has the video and audio ready to download and if you would like to download the sessions that are online CLICK HERE. 

2 new temples

President Thomas S. Monson announced two new temples this morning! One will be built in Cedar City Utah and Rio de Janeiro Brazil! I know i am extremely blessed to see two temples on my commute to work each day and it will be exciting to see another temple in Utah whenever i go down to southern utah (whenever that will be again)

General Conference

I know its been a while since I last posted. Life just gets busy and some things just get forgotten.
General Conference is here again! Yeah!! CLICK HERE to watch or listen or just get information on why we as members of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints feel it is so important to receive the word of God from a living prophet and apostles. PLEASE PLEASE comment and ask questions if you have ANY questions. I will do my best to help you understand or clarify something that is talked about. I certainly do not know everything and I will always be learning and trying to stay close to our Father in Heaven who is God and his son Jesus Christ who is our Savior who died on the cross to save each and every person, NO matter how "bad" they are.

Trust

The Lord really knows what he is doing. He sees the ENTIRE picture while we each see the small picture. Its hard at times to remember to see past that, but the reward is so worth the wait.

 I know that when you continually put God first, things will fall into their proper place. That may also mean that some things fall out of your life and other things fall into your life that you were not expecting. Letting the Lord lead my life has removed a burden that I didn't know I even had. It is a wonderful feeling.

We don't know how long we will live, but I do know without a doubt that the Lord will not forget me in my daily struggles. He leads me through the dark times as well as the good times. Sometimes we need to hit rock bottom for us to realize that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are always with us.

 I know this to be true. The more I actually live the gospel principles, the happier I am. The little things really do count.

Remember who you are. We are beloved sons and daughters of a LIVING God. He knows each of us personally.

With God in our life, all things are possible. We truly can be all things when God is with us.

There are times in life when it feels like we are not getting answers from God. I had a good friend tell me that is could be because "God trusts you enough to make the right decision" We would not be a righteous people if the Lord had to tell us what to do in every single aspect of our life. Sometimes it feels like it would be easier to have the Lord say this is what you need to do exactly, but how would we learn? How would we grow closer to God if He told us EVERYTHING we needed to do on a daily basis? How would we trust God more by being told what to do? A couple years ago I was trying to decide if I was going to stay at one college or transfer back to the one I had left. I got a priesthood blessing, and in that blessing the Lord told me that I would make the right decision. I wasn't told which of the college's I was suppose to be at, which would have been nice, but I learned to trust my Heavenly Father because He trusted me enough to make the right decision. I made my decision to stay at the college I was at. It was the right decision to make. Then about 9 months later, my parents told me I needed to quit college and just work. I owned them a tiny bit of money and having a part time job wasn't really paying my bills and I couldn't save any money for the future. I really struggled even more with this decision because I absolutely LOVE to learn. My grades may not be the best, but I love to learn. I met with my bishop for a totally unrelated topic and he asked me how I was doing and I told him my problem and there is no doubt in my mind that he was inspired of God. To paraphase what my bishop told me he said, that getting all the education you can, doesn't necessarily mean graduating and getting a diploma, which is how I looked at President Hinckley's council because I love to learn. I dont know exactly what my bishop said, but the way he said it let me know that it was the Lord who was telling my parents to tell me to quit school. Its been almost two years since that time and in that time, I have tried to go back a couple of different times, and once I signed up for classes something ALWAYS came up that interfered with me going back to school. I decided to stop trying to go back and have decided to wait for the  Lord to tell me if I am suppose to go back. I trust the Lord to give me sufficient time to get all the paperwork done for school if I am suppose to go back.
Ever since I was baptized at age 10, my goals in life were to, graduate high school, go to college right after high school, attend college until i was 21 then go on a mission, come back and finish college if i didnt before a mission. If i got married before 21 I could forego the mission and finish college as soon as i could after getting married. This is how it actually went, I graduated high school, took me a year after that until I went to college, flunked out of that college, went to another college, was going to go back to the first college, but ended up staying at the second one instead, two semesters later I quit college. During this time I also started to take mission preparation a couple of different times and something ALWAYS came up to prevent me from going and so I know right now isn't the time for me to go on a mission. I've watched my friends leave on their mission and come back. All my cousins are younger then me on my dad's side (my mom's side isn't members) and  my very first cousin just entered the MTC (missionary training center) a couple days ago for his mission. I dont know if or when I will have the opportunity to go on a mission but I will continue to write my cousins as they go out and support them, because I know how important missionary work is because of the joy that is in my life because of the missionaries that taught me. I haven't had the opportunity of marriage, but I know it will come in the Lord's time. Some days are worse then others because I want things right now and the Lord knows what will be better for me to wait longer for. I never thought I'd be living at home at my age either. My goals in life are vastly different than what the Lord knows is best for me. Its like the says "good, better, best, never let it rest, until your good is better, and your better is best". While I wait until my time aligns with my Heavenly Fathers time I will do my best to make my struggles to become strengths. Because money has been a bit tight the past few years, I have learned to budget my money and to use it wisely. I know money is one of the many causes of problems in marriage. If I learn now to be budget, life will be a bit easier once I get married.
I am not sure why I shared all of this. I hope it helps someone out there who come across my blog. I am not really  this open about my life and many of my friends dont know this about me because i haven't felt the need to share it until now. If you want or need to talk about something just leave a comment or email me. thanks :)

God or Heavenly Father

I like how the student in this story explains that God is real and there. I dont know if the student in the story really is who is says at the bottom of the story but I know that God or Heavenly Father is real. He is well aware of each and everyone of His children. Doctrine and Covenants 98: 1-3 says "Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everyhing give thanks; Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with is seal and testament-the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted. Therefore he giveth this promis unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name's glory, saith the Lord" (italics added) I know this to be true. Just keep in mind this scripture as you read it.

Professor : You are a Christian, aren’t you, son ?
Student : Yes, sir.
Professor: So, you believe in GOD ?
Student : Absolutely, sir.
Professor : Is GOD good ?
Student : Sure.
Professor: Is GOD all powerful ?
Student : Yes.
Professor: My brother died of cancer even though he prayed to GOD to heal him. Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But GOD didn’t. How is this GOD good then? Hmm?
(Student was silent.)
Professor: You can’t answer, can you ? Let’s start again, young fella. Is GOD good?
Student : Yes.
Professor: Is satan good ?
Student : No.
Professor: Where does satan come from ?
Student : From … GOD …
Professor: That’s right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world?
Student : Yes.
Professor: Evil is everywhere, isn’t it ? And GOD did make everything. Correct?
Student : Yes.
Professor: So who created evil ?
(Student did not answer.)
Professor: Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the world, don’t they?
Student : Yes, sir.
Professor: So, who created them ?
(Student had no answer.)
Professor: Science says you have 5 Senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Tell me, son, have you ever seen GOD?
Student : No, sir.
Professor: Tell us if you have ever heard your GOD?
Student : No , sir.
Professor: Have you ever felt your GOD, tasted your GOD, smelt your GOD? Have you ever had any sensory perception of GOD for that matter?
Student : No, sir. I’m afraid I haven’t.
Professor: Yet you still believe in Him?
Student : Yes.
Professor : According to Empirical, Testable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says your GOD doesn’t exist. What do you say to that, son?
Student : Nothing. I only have my faith.
Professor: Yes, faith. And that is the problem Science has.
Student : Professor, is there such a thing as heat?
Professor: Yes.
Student : And is there such a thing as cold?
Professor: Yes.
Student : No, sir. There isn’t.
(The lecture theater became very quiet with this turn of events.)
Student : Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, superheat, mega heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don’t have anything called cold. We can hit 458 degrees below zero which is no heat, but we can’t go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold. Cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.
(There was pin-drop silence in the lecture theater.)
Student : What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?
Professor: Yes. What is night if there isn’t darkness?
Student : You’re wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light. But if you have no light constantly, you have nothing and its called darkness, isn’t it? In reality, darkness isn’t. If it is, well you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn’t you?
Professor: So what is the point you are making, young man ?
Student : Sir, my point is your philosophical premise is flawed.
Professor: Flawed ? Can you explain how?
Student : Sir, you are working on the premise of duality. You argue there is life and then there is death, a good GOD and a bad GOD. You are viewing the concept of GOD as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, Science can’t even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing.
Death is not the opposite of life: just the absence of it. Now tell me, Professor, do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?
Professor: If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, yes, of course, I do.
Student : Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?
(The Professor shook his head with a smile, beginning to realize where the argument was going.)
Student : Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor. Are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a scientist but a preacher?
(The class was in uproar.)
Student : Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the Professor’s brain?
(The class broke out into laughter. )
Student : Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor’s brain, felt it, touched or smelt it? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established Rules of Empirical, Stable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says that you have no brain, sir. With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures, sir?
(The room was silent. The Professor stared at the student, his face unfathomable.)
Professor: I guess you’ll have to take them on faith, son.
Student : That is it sir … Exactly ! The link between man & GOD is FAITH. That is all that keeps things alive and moving.
P.S.
I believe you have enjoyed the conversation. And if so, you’ll probably want your friends / colleagues to enjoy the same, won’t you?
Forward this to increase their knowledge … or FAITH.
By the way, that student was EINSTEIN.

life-families-babies

Take a moment to stop and watch this video. It is for pro-life. I support this video. I love how the person who made it, took the time to look up scriptures from the bible which most people believe.
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2013 Handbook

HANDBOOK for 2013
Health: 
1. Drink more water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is made in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's--- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2012.
8. Sit in silence for at least 15 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 8 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
Personality:11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in
the positive present moments.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner of His/Her mistakes of the past.
That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum
that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Society:
25. Call your family more often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
Life:
32. Do the right thing.
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is , it will change...
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come....
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your inner most is always happy. So be happy.

Last but not least:
40. Please forward this to everyone you care about, I just did. 
(my mom shared this on facebook and i did too and that is why #40 sounds kinda weird)

Standard Works

The link below is for anyone who wants to read the ENTIRE standard works of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Old Testament (OT), New Testament (NT), Book of Mormon (BoM), Doctrine and Covenants (D&C), and Pearl of Great Price (PoGP)) at least once this year. Once a year standard works reading schedule. This schedule that my mom found, tells you the month, day and what page you should read to in the Bible (Old and New Testament) and the modern revelation we know as the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. With this schedule you read approx. 4 pages in the bible and approx. 2 or 3 in the modern revelation a day. 6 pages a day for 365 days is not a bad schedule in order to read the standard works (approx. 2,500 pages).Here is a link to set your own reading schedule. Set your own reading schedule for the standard works. Here is another link to a website I used to use/still use to set reading schedules for church magazines, Sunday School (middle hour of our three hour Sunday meeting), Priesthood,/Relief Society (third hour of our Sunday meeting. Priesthood for men and Relief Society for women), Seminary, and other reading material the Church has put out, such as Preach My Gospel. You can also create a scripture reading schedule by reading the scripture stories. Create your own scripture reading schedule

 I challenge you to try and stay with a reading schedule for the scriptures, whether you use one of these sites or not, it is a very important thing to do. I am going to try my hardest to read the Old Testament, New Testament, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. I have read the Book of Mormon about 3-5 times in the past 5 years and I know how important the Book of Mormon is as scripture and I want to learn for myself how important the rest of the scriptures are. I have had a few moments as I am just turning pages and something pops out to me and I know that it is inspired of God, but I want to know without a doubt that ALL the revealed scriptures we have is true and the best way for me (personally) to learn that, is to just search, ponder, and pray to know if it is true. I know the Lord will guide me as I do this. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

New Year 2013

Here are a few quotes I have saw on facebook over the past couple weeks that I REALLY love. These first few (well first 14) are things I want to try and do better at this year.

These next pictures I love because it is a reminder to me that Heavenly Father is not going to forget me. I know he has a plan for me. It is extremely hard some days for me to remember this and other days it's easy. I looked up substance on www.dictionary.com and this is one of the definitions of substance "the subject matter of thought, discourse, study, etc". So if we replace substance with that definition it reads "faith is the subject matter of thought, discourse, study, etc of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." This makes it a little easier for me to remember what it means to have faith. I know that if we ALWAYS remember the Lord and have faith in Him, then we will grow so close to Him and feel his amazing love for each of us. We also come to discover that God is really all we need. If we have the faith in Him that he will guide us in life, then amazing things start to happen. I know without a doubt that we met every person for a reason. Every little and big trial placed in each of our lives, is there for a reason. Some trials last for a few minutes, hours, or days. Some last for years. I do not know why that is other then it WILL make that person stronger IN THE END! One of my favorite churchy/christian songs is by Katherine Nelson and it is called Sometimes He Lets It Rain. I'll post the lyrics in a different post, but this song puts it into perspective for me. I know that ALL things happen in God's timing. We are very impatient as mortals, but we HAVE to learn to be patient over and over again. It is a virtue that takes a lifetime to learn. I know that what I have said here is true. I know that Heavenly Father is aware of me and my needs. He truly does know me better then I know myself. He has proven that to me over and over again. I need Him in my life. There is no way I could get through life without Him in it. As a convert I have lived without God in my life and now that I have the gospel, I do not know how my family (parents and siblings) lived without the gospel. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are always there, waiting for us to turn to them. They will never, ever, ever reject us if we are doing what we have been taught to do. I know They love each of us. They are watching over us and helping us even though it doesn't feel like it at times. I say this in our glorious Savior Jesus Christ name. Amen.