Unwearyingness

For various reasons, recently I've been thinking a bit about weariness, about joy, about service, about purpose, about authenticity, about motivations, about why we do things.  I think sometimes I turn life into a checklist and my calendar into a puzzle trying to fit in as much as I can.  I like to be productive, and accomplish good things, but sometimes the checklist leads to weariness and I lose the joy and the love and the reason I'm doing any of it in the first place.

We recently had a discussion in Sunday School about the scripture from Doctrine and Covenants 64:33-34, "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.  Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days."

I love this verse.  I think it's encouraging.  The Lord loves us.  He wants to bless us.  He knows our hearts.  That's what He requires from us - our hearts and minds willingly given to Him.  To do His will.  It doesn't have to be anything larger than that.  It's simple and small, really.  I think we (or at least I) sometimes get overwhelmed creating a much larger checklist of unreasonable expectations.  For the first time ever, I think I realized that here the Lord was teaching us how to not be overwhelmed.  He wants us to be engaged in His work, and in doing good, but most importantly He wants our hearts.  If our hearts are His, if we simply LOVE, He will lead us to what He needs us to do, and we don't need to worry about the rest.  If we truly love Him, if we love others, if that love is our focus and motivation behind anything on our checklist, we will not be weary.  He's not only inviting us to do good, but to find the joy in doing it because our hearts will be set on Him.  Whatever trials, responsibilities, opportunities to serve, and anything else that comes will not make us weary, because our hearts are His.  And He will help us do His will and His work.... however large or small that is.

Listening to President Nelson speak at President Monson's funeral yesterday, I made another connection about the importance of unwearingness.  The Lord tells Nephi in Helaman 10:4-5, "Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments.  And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will."

Nephi and President Monson were "not weary in well-doing."  They gave their hearts and their lives to the Lord, and spent their time blessing others.  We are blessed by their examples, by what they did, and how they did it.  We might serve in different ways, but like them, we can't give up.  We keep going.... with love and enthusiasm and joy.  We do what we can do and what the Lord asks.  We love the Lord; then we will be able to serve Him with unwearingness in whatever capacity He asks us to.  As one of President Monson's favorite songs teaches.... 

If the way be full of trial, weary not  :) 

If the way be full of trial, weary not; If it’s one of sore denial, weary not;

If it now be one of weeping, There will come a joyous greeting,
When the harvest we are reaping, weary not.
Do not weary by the way, Whatever be thy lot;
There awaits a brighter day, To all, to all who weary not.

If the way be one of sorrow, weary not; Happier will be the morrow, weary not.
Here we suffer tribulation; Here we must endure temptation;
But there’ll come a great salvation. Weary not.
Do not weary by the way, Whatever be thy lot;
There awaits a brighter day, To all, to all who weary not.

If misfortunes overtake us, weary not; Jesus never will forsake us, weary not.
He will leave us never, never; From his love there’s naught can sever;
Glory to the Lamb forever, weary not.
Do not weary by the way, Whatever be thy lot;
There awaits a brighter day, To all, to all who weary not.

Deliberate Pruning

I've been thinking a little bit lately about the importance of being deliberate, disciplined, focused.  I think there is value in being agreeable, flexible, go-with-the-flow, but we must also stand by our convictions, have convictions to begin with, be steady and steadfast.  We make choices every day.  Goals help us make choices that will help us reach our potential or at least push us to something greater than a go-with-the-flow mentality might.

Lately I've felt a bit distracted and scattered, with good things, but it's left me feeling like I'm running in circles and I don't know for sure what I'm accomplishing.   I want to be ready and available and flexible to serve where the Lord needs me, but I don't think that means we shouldn't make our own plans or be deliberate about how we spend our time and energy.  I think distractions are much less appealing and don’t really bug us when we're focused, set, disciplined, firm, and steadfast in our faith and direction and centered in our foundation. We won't be blown about by every little ‘good’ thing when we’re focused on Christ and doing the will of the Father (like He did). ;) We talk a lot about the firm foundation keeping us from falling, but I think it also keeps us from wasting our time, drifting, and not accomplishing all that we can and need to do.

One thing that got me thinking about this was my rose bushes.  I'm not a gardener, but I've learned a lot watching nature and plants the last few months.  My roses were beautiful for a couple of weeks and then became a little unwieldy and I remembered Jacob 5 and thought maybe I should prune them and dig about them and nourish them a bit.  ;)  Well, ever since nearly slicing my ankle open while trimming our bushes when I was in high school I've kind of steered clear of clippers, so I was using scissors for the recent pruning of my "thorn bushes."  This makes is slightly difficult to be very exact and now I feel like my bushes just got a bad hair cut.  ;)  A gardener would have had the right tools and known just where they needed to be trimmed so that they would grow in the direction they should and come back healthier.  I could have and should have learned a little more before taking the scissors to them.

President Uchtdorf reminds us that: "Strength comes not from frantic activity but from being settled on a firm foundation of truth and light. It comes from placing our attention and efforts on the basics of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.... Let us simplify our lives a little. Let us make the changes necessary to refocus our lives on the sublime beauty of the simple, humble path of Christian discipleship—the path that leads always toward a life of meaning, gladness, and peace.”

I also thought it was incredible that less than 24 hours off the vine all of my roses were DEAD!  There's another lesson (see John 15).  We must be connected to the vine.  That's the foundation, the focus, the life.  A recent discussion in Sunday School got me thinking about what we learn.  We shouldn't be distracted by the fluffy newsfeeds, but go deep, study, seek wisdom, be intentional and specific about what we desire to learn.  The Lord will teach us, but what is it we want to learn, what do we want to become? The responsibility to learn and grow is on us. We must ask, seek, knock. We must be proactive and then rely on the Lord. I think there are blessings and knowledge and answers the Lord is waiting to give us individually (like Elder Holland says), but we must ask. He won’t force us to do anything and He doesn’t just hand us the answers. We need to work and invest our time and heart into learning and becoming like Him on purpose.  I don't think it will happen otherwise.  ;)

Here were a few interesting articles that I liked that kind of highlight different ways we can be intentional, deliberate, live on purpose for good - set priorities, stay connected, be valiant, and, one of my favorites, be thoughtful, even surprise people with your thoughtfulness:

• The leaf without its trees, without its purpose 
• What one skill will ensure your children's marriage success? 
• 'Essentialism' from a gospel perspective 
• Nurturing love at home
• How to parent like a minimalist
• Be Valiant in the Fight of Faith

Rest

I walked into church today looking for REST!  Physically I was tired, probably emotionally and spiritually, too.  I was grateful to be there and knew there would be chances for uplift, but I was kind of hoping it could be one of those 'sit quietly in the back and just feel good' kind of days.  I was hoping I wouldn't have to participate much and wanted to hear, "You're doing great.  Thanks!"  Haha!  How's that for a Sunday attitude!?  ;)  I was prepared.  I had read some of the lessons and was very glad to be there, but wasn't feeling particularly enthusiastic.

It's not too far off to think that, though, right?  After all, we have this invitation from the Savior in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."  He invites us to come to Him and find rest.  I've felt that rest and joy and peace before and I do think it's a reason we go to church, but for whatever reason, and probably for very good reason, every song and lesson was more of a call to action today:

Let Us All Press On
Let us all press on in the work of the Lord,
That when life is o'er we may gain a reward;
In the fight for right let us wield a sword,
The mighty sword of truth.
Fear not, courage, though the enemy deride;
We must be victorious, for the Lord is on our side.
We'll not fear the wicked nor give heed to what they say,
But the Lord, our Heav'nly Father, him alone we will obey.
We will not retreat, though our numbers may be few
When compared with the opposite host in view;
But an unseen pow'r will aid me and you
In the glorious cause of truth.If we do what's right we have no need to fear,
For the Lord, our helper, will ever be near;
In the days of trial his Saints he will cheer,
And prosper the cause of truth.

Hope of Israel
Hope of Israel, Zion's army, Children of the promised day,
See, the Chieftain signals onward, And the battle's in array!
Hope of Israel, rise in might With the sword of truth and right;
Sound the war-cry, "Watch and pray!" Vanquish ev'ry foe today.
See the foe in countless numbers, Marshaled in the ranks of sin.
Hope of Israel, on to battle; Now the vict'ry we must win!
Strike for Zion, down with error; Flash the sword above the foe!
Ev'ry stroke disarms a foeman; Ev'ry step we conq'ring go.
Soon the battle will be over; Ev'ry foe of truth be down.
Onward, onward, youth of Zion; Thy reward the victor's crown.

As Zion's Youth in Latter-days
As Zion's youth in latter days, We stand with valiant heart,
With promise shining in our eyes, Resolved to do our part.
Upon a noble past we build; The future fills our view.
We face the challenge of our day And pledge we will be true.
The truths and values we embrace Are mocked on ev'ry hand.
Yet as we listen and obey We know we can withstand
The evils that would weaken us, The sin that would destroy.
With faith, we hold the iron rod And find in this our joy.
Thru test and trial we'll have our fears, But we will not despair.
We're here to serve a righteous cause; Truth gives us strength to dare.
We'll love, and learn, and overcome; We'll sing a joyful song,
As Zion's youth in latter days, Triumphant, pure, and strong

The Restoration of the Priesthood

A Witness of God by Elder Neil L. Andersen

I sang loudly, I made comments in each of my classes, I participated, I talked to people along the way, I was filled, I found some rest, but mostly I was motivated to not stop, to keep going.  We need to go on.  There is important, urgent work we need to do.  We have been blessed with great truths and blessings and responsibilities and we are asked to share.  Others need us and we need them and the chance to learn and grow by forgetting ourselves and serving.  We shouldn't run faster than we have strength, but we should keep going.

Two other scriptures come to mind:

• Doctrine and Covenants 128:22, "Shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing."

• Helaman 10:4-5, "Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments.  And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever."

A couple of other thoughts about rest:

• Repentance brings rest (see Alma 12:34).
• We should labor diligently that others may find rest in Christ (see Jacob 1:7).

I'm grateful for these reminders and the help that He gives us when we desire rest and when we desire to serve Him.  He will give us the strength we need. 

Being Enough

I caught a bit of Forrest Gump on T.V. recently and was struck by his statement, "I'm not a smart man, but I know what love is."  Truly, I think he did, more than most, know what love is!  Love is humble. innocent. caring. genuine. kind. and thoughtful.  I was grateful for that simple reminder.

Recently, I've felt lacking in many ways.  I feel like I've been running in circles, but not getting anything done.  I've been giving a lot of time and what I see as love that doesn't seem to be right or enough.  ;)  I guess at least I'm not standing still, but maybe I need to stand still to figure out better what love really is.  ;)  I wonder sometimes:  What's the point?  What should I be doing?  Will I ever measure up?  What am I trying to measure up to anyway?  Where's the joy?

About the same time I started asking myself these questions I was uplifted up by these words:

1. "You're supposed to be here.  You're trusted.  You're loved.  When you're doing your best don't worry about being inadequate."

2.  President Ezra Taft Benson taught in the October 1989 Ensign, "A Mighty Change of Heart":  "We must not lose hope. Hope is an anchor to the souls of men. Satan would have us cast away that anchor. In this way he can bring discouragement and surrender. But we must not lose hope. The Lord is pleased with every effort, even the tiny, daily ones in which we strive to be more like Him. Though we may see that we have far to go on the road to perfection, we must not give up hope."

3.  Worry less about expectations and what people think.  Concentrate on Him and what He wants you to do or say.  Forget yourself.  You might worry about what the Lord thinks of you and parts of your patriarchal blessing that are not fulfilled, but there is a great deal still to happen in your life.  Much more can happen than you expect!  Mortal life is not the beginning or the end.  The key for all of us is to do all we can now.

Remember the seed that Alma teaches us to plant.  It is that we “begin to believe in the Son of God, that he will come to redeem his people, and that he shall suffer and die to atone for their sins; and that he shall rise again from the dead, which shall bring to pass the resurrection” (Alma 33:22).  Everything flows from that truth!  The seed needs depth.  Don’t let the cares of the world choke it out, but be very fruitful!  "For I, the Lord, will cause them [those whose hearts are honest and broken and spirits are contrite, and who are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice] to bring forth as a very fruitful tree which is planted in a goodly land, by a pure stream, that yieldeth much precious fruit” (D&C 97:8-9).

The reward is exactly the same for the person who increased their five talents to ten and the person who increased their two talents to four, “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”  Be diligent with what you have!  Don’t compare!  Look to the Savior and others close by to improve and develop your own Christlike character, but remember that anything, if we’re diligent, is sufficient! Cultivate and apply your talents!  Nourish the seed and the spirit that’s in you!  Don’t be content with where you are.  Keep going.  Develop spiritual gifts.

Live with gratitude for all that you have – answers to prayers, talents, the Lord manifesting His hand in your life.  “He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more" (D&C 78:17-19).  Be aware and acknowledge His hand.  Express gratitude.  He wants to give us more!

Pray.  Sit and spend quiet time with the Lord.  You’re no stranger to your Heavenly Father.  He knows us.  His love is perfect and complete.  “Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God...he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month….And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten” (Joel 2:23, 25).  Don’t worry about lost time and opportunities, your time wandering in the wilderness.  What the locusts have eaten God can make whole!  Progress, have joy in life!  Increase your talents, be a blessing to those around you.  Desire to reach and serve Him!  Rejoice in all that’s to come and what already has.

4.  The Lord loves and blesses us one by one.  "And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them saying:  Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.  And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.  And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying:  Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him" (3 Nephi 11:13-16).  He blesses us with many tender mercies  and He uses us as resources to bless others.

Our Sphere

In one of his first talks in General Conference as the prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley said:  "This church does not belong to its President. Its head is the Lord Jesus Christ, whose name each of us has taken upon ourselves. We are all in this great endeavor together. We are here to assist our Father in His work and His glory, “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). Your obligation is as serious in your sphere of responsibility as is my obligation in my sphere. No calling in this church is small or of little consequence. All of us in the pursuit of our duty touch the lives of others. To each of us in our respective responsibilities the Lord has said: “Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees” (D&C 81:5).

I am grateful for his words and the reminder that we each have an important role to play.  Each one is very different, but so needed.  The prophet can't be the one to sit next to the lonely sister in sacrament meeting or invite the person we work with to come to church with us.  I believe that the Lord uses us and our unique personalities and talents and opportunities to build His kingdom in large and small ways.  The small ways are "no less serviceable" as President Howard W. Hunter taught.  For some reason I've wondered about my place and purpose and "sphere" lately and have felt a little bit like I'm spinning my wheels, but this quote has helped me remember that we need to "act well our part."

No one else can make the same difference that we can.  As we diligently do our best with the opportunities we've been given and seek to do the Lord's will I know we'll be happy and blessed and be a blessing to others.  It's not a competition or a comparison but remembering who we are and being ourselves.  Obviously we should be trying to improve ourselves along the way and work to find out and fulfill our missions, but I really think that if we are simply being real, genuine, and have a sincere desire to do His will we will be able to assist in His work.  "If [we] have desires to serve God [we] are called to the work" (see D&C 4:3).  He knows us and loves us and we are enough when we're doing our best.

Let Your Light Shine!

I’m grateful for LIGHT! A few things I think of when I think of light…

• Gratefully, the days are getting longer again….and someday there will be light after work with time to go hiking! ;) 
• Some of the greatest blessings in life are sunrises and sunsets. It’s fun to find a good place to enjoy them. In fact, I know of a few places and cultures where climbing to the top of the highest mountain to see the first sunrise of the new year is more important than staying up until midnight to celebrate. I’ve enjoyed that a couple of times, but was more traditional this year. ;) 
• This morning I was listening to Music and the Spoken Word and heard Lloyd Newell talking about sunflowers and how they are constantly tracking and following the sun, the light! What a great reminder for us. 
• Light reminds me of some happy and bright children in Ghana that I got to visit for a few days during a study abroad project with my graduate program. We were working with them and a nonprofit that builds playgrounds that generate electricity that is stored in batteries and lights the children can take home to read by. They truly appreciated light. 
• I remember a lot of light on my mission in South Korea. On the day I flew through Seoul I wondered what I had gotten myself into. Coming from a tiny town in Hawaii I was now living in the second largest city in Korea - with lights and people everywhere. A few months into my mission our mission president came to visit our tiny apartment in a large apartment building complex that was just one of many in Pusan. He reminded us how the light shined brightly from our little home out to the loud, busy, crowded world around. I felt small with a limited vocabulary at that time, but was grateful for the reminder that the light of the gospel was consistent, pure, and true. The world around us has become more confused, loud, busy, and dark since then, but the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ, His love and Atonement is truly the only thing that will heal and save and bless all of our Heavenly Father’s children. 
• I remember a beautiful morning several years ago in the Mt Timpanogos Temple. I was sitting in the celestial room just as the sun came up and it FILLED the whole room and my heart with hope and peace and joy. 
• Light is truth, joy, happiness, direction, peace, goodness. 
• Joseph Smith saw a pillar of light exactly over his head. That light has changed the world forever. 
• There was a new star and a day and a night and a day that were light for the Nephites announcing the Savior’s birth. 
• After three days of darkness/destruction the Nephites saw a wonderful light coming down from heaven - the Savior! 
• The brother of Jared asked for light and received much more than he imagined. 
• Alma the Younger and King Lamoni and his father described the joy and the “marvelous light” they found when they were converted, when they remembered and turned to Christ and their hearts were changed. 
• Jesus Christ truly is the light of the world! His light is what gives life and purpose and meaning to all the rest!! 
• The scriptures, the words of the prophets are full of LIGHT! Just the examples I found take up many pages. ;) 
• We can share the light of Christ with others. I loved participating in the Church’s #LIGHTtheWORLD campaign. So many of the things we were asked to do pointed us directly to the Savior and his selfless example of goodness. They were small, but meaningful and intentional acts that helped us be more like Him. A few of my favorites (and some I still need to do): visit a caregiver, carry someone’s backpack, call your mom, learn about mental illness or giving sight or mobility to someone, text someone a scripture, invite a neighbor to dinner, sit by someone new, stop and listen when a child talks, ask for advice, sing, buy hand warmers to distribute, leave encouraging notes, cheer someone on, offer a prayer of pure gratitude, say nice things about someone behind their back, don’t complain, make note of people’s birthdays, be aware of someone you haven’t noticed before - get to know them. 
• I was uplifted by the examples of family, friends, and strangers around me: 
• I loved hearing my nieces and nephews tell me about the things they did - bringing dinner to a man who couldn’t hear or get up to make his own food, taking flowers to their primary teacher, making and distributing hygiene kits to homeless people, collecting food and toys to take to the families without much; 
• I was inspired by someone in the car in front of me who had a ready-made lunch to hand to the man at the side of the freeway exit asking for money; 
• I was grateful for the sweet Muslim woman who recently came from Iraq and is in an English class I teach for refugees who (on the day we were supposed to express gratitude) lifted me up with her kind expression of thanks and a hearty “MERRY CHRISTMAS!” 

I lived a couple of blocks from Temple Square for a few years and enjoyed spending time there. I’m sure many of you have been there at some point right as they turn on the Christmas lights and heard the combined audible expression of gratitude, wonder, and joy. Maybe some of you have also been there when they turn the lights off around 10:30 pm. This time the combined audible expression is a gasp of disappointment. The lights are gone for another day. Maybe you feel this sometimes. Although the physical lights might be gone for a season, we can keep His light shining brightly in our lives and share it with others every day of the year.

In Matthew 5:14-16 (from the Sermon on the Mount), Jesus teaches:
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
I love these verses, and the related verse in 3 Nephi 18:24 where the Savior teaches the Nephites:
Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do.

A few things I take from these verses:

1. He is the Light. 
2. We must share His light with the world (not hide it or forget to share it). It is needed more than ever! 
3. We should remember that our purpose in sharing the light is to glorify God. 

So…how do we do it?  How do we practically and actually be a light and let it shine?

In 2014 Sister Neill F. Marriott quoted President Monson who said, “If you want to give a light to others, you have to glow yourself.”  So, the first step….we have to glow!  How do we glow, shine, fill our own lives with light?


1. We must KNOW HIM! REMEMBER HIM ALWAYS, keep our covenants.  
- President James E. Faust said, “A sacred light comes to our eyes and countenances when we have a personal bond with our loving Heavenly Father and His Son.”

Some ways we can know Him and find that bond….
- study, know truth (read the scriptures and words of the prophets)
- live, love truth (live the doctrine and keep the commandments)
- have faith, repent, follow the Spirit…
- spend time praying, fasting, serving in the temple, appreciating nature and good music, serving others, doing what He would do….
- learn, obey, be humble, follow Jesus (like the sunflowers!)
- be pure, virtuous (have clean hands, pure hearts)
- truly love, serve (pray for and practice charity)
- be true to who you are as a child of God!
- be happy, grateful, anxiously engaged in good!
- SMILE
- Elder Robert D. Hales tells the story of riding his bike home from basketball practice at night when he was a boy. He said, "I would connect a small pear-shaped generator to my bicycle tire. Then as I pedaled, the tire would turn a tiny rotor, which produced electricity and emitted a single, welcome beam of light. It was a simple but effective mechanism. But I had to pedal to make it work! I learned quickly that if I stopped pedaling my bicycle, the light would go out. I also learned that when I was 'anxiously engaged' in pedaling, the light would become brighter and the darkness in front of me would be dispelled. The generation of spiritual light comes from daily spiritual pedaling. It comes from praying, studying the scriptures, fasting, and serving—from living the gospel and obeying the commandments. 'He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light,” said the Lord, “and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.'"
- Sister Elaine Dalton (YW General President at the time) taught in April 2012, “Your beauty—your “shine”—does not lie in makeup, gooey cream, or the latest clothing or hairstyles. It lies in your personal purity. When you live the standards and qualify for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, you can have a powerful impact in the world. Your example, even the light in your eyes, will influence others who see your “shine,” and they will want to be like you…. If you desire to make a difference in the world, you must be different from the world.”
- President Henry B. Eyring said: “Each time you choose to try to live more like the Savior, you will have your testimony strengthened. You will come in time to know for yourself that He is the Light of the World. … You will reflect to others the Light of Christ in your life.”

A few things that have brought light to my life this year:

• Reading the Book of Mormon. This year I studied JOY! There is much! The greatest joy seems to come from gratitude, faithfulness, obedience, righteousness, food, family, work, worship, covenants, service, the temple, freedom, truth, scriptures, prophets, repentance, Christ, conversion, missionary work, the Spirit 
• Visiting the Priesthood Restoration Site in Harmony, Pennsylvania and thinking about the truth and light that came to earth and that we enjoy in even greater measure now. 
• Attending the temple regularly. 
• Time spent in the mountains! :D 
• Chances to serve. 

2. Once we are glowing we need to share His light, not hide it or keep it to ourselves….
When we are filled with the light and joy of the gospel, like Lehi our first desire should be to call for our family and friends to partake of the fruit!

Peter taught in 1 Peter 3:15, “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”

Alma taught in Mosiah 18:8-10, “stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all 

places that ye may be in.” 

President Monson has given two talks on this exact subject that you might enjoy for further study:

In the October 2015 General Conference he gave a talk called “Be an Example and a Light.” He highlights two scriptures - Matthew 5:14-16 and then he reads 1 Timothy 4:12 where Paul teaches:
“Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
President Monson says, “I believe the second scripture explains, in great part, how we can accomplish the first. We become examples of the believers by living the gospel of Jesus Christ in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. As we do so, our lights will shine for others to see. 

The other talk was a Nov. 2011 BYU Devotional called “Be A Light to the World.” President Monson says: "Each of you is one of a kind. Each has had experiences unique to you and you alone. You come from varied backgrounds. And yet there is much that we have in common one with another. We know where we came from, why we are here, and where we will go when we leave this life. We know that we are children of our Heavenly Father and that He loves us. We know we want to return to Him after we leave this earthly existence. We know that what we do—and don’t do—here in mortality is of utmost importance. We also know that, should we fall short, our Savior has provided us with the precious gift of the Atonement and that, if we change our lives and our hearts and take advantage of the power of the Atonement, our sins and shortcomings will be forgiven and forgotten.
"We have in common the gospel of Jesus Christ. And we know it is our responsibility to share the truths of the gospel with others. One of the chief ways in which we can share the gospel is to be a righteous example. The Apostle Paul admonished, “Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” He also wrote that the followers of Christ should be “as lights in the world.”
"Just as turning on a light switch in a dark room will bathe the room in light, so providing an example of righteousness—and therefore being a light—can help to illuminate an increasingly dark world. Our opportunities to shine are limitless. They surround us each day, in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. As we follow the example of the Savior, ours will be the opportunity to be a light, as it were, in the lives of those around us—whether they be our own family members, our coworkers, mere acquaintances, or total strangers."

Essentially he tells us that we must be an example of the believers. In small, but meaningful ways we can share our testimonies and the hope that is in us….
- be aware, observe and serve!
- be a friend
- forget yourself and go to work!
- Maybe some of you have read the book, The Orphan Keeper by Camron Wright. A quote that has been discussed in our family since some of us read it was by a character who lost a family member and suffered a lot. She says, “‘My only journey of concern was to be like the sun, to make it through the day offering as much light and warmth and consistency for others as I could--one single day. Each day. That was all... So from that day on, I have continued to get up in the morning and offer that light, as much as I am able, in my own small way.'"
- I LOVE President Monson mentioning our uniqueness. We have different backgrounds, experiences, talents, personalities, opportunities. I think that’s on purpose. The Lord needs our uniqueness to help reflect the Savior’s light to touch different people in different places and in different ways. If we are willing and ready He will use us to bless others and bring them home to Him! He loves us. He loves each of His children! (This gives me hope. Sometimes, to those of us that may tend to be more introverted, it can be overwhelming to be seen, to shine, to not hide… but our unique talents and testimonies are needed. We truly can share and give of ourselves...in small ways that make a big difference.)
- President Faust tells the story of a 13-year-old girl waiting for the bus. A man driving by noticed that she was always smiling every day, rain or shine. Sometime later this same girl invited his daughter to a church activity...and eventually the missionaries taught the family and they were baptized. The father didn’t realize the connection at first, but is ever grateful for the girl at the bus stop who shared her smile….and more. :D

3. My last take away from the scripture in Matthew has to do with motives and why we share His light - to glorify Him!
- The world is kind of a showy place these days. Everyone is looking for the spotlight and to be their own light. In 2 Nephi 26, Nephi teaches that “priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.”
- I think it’s important that we remember that the Lord is asking us to reflect His light. Do what He would do in order to accomplish His work and His glory - “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”’
- In D&C 4, we’re reminded that “faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, quality [us] for the work.”
- In D&C 82, the Lord tells us to “seek...the interest of [our] neighbor, and do..all things with an eye single to the glory of God.”
- Matthew 6:22 teaches, “if...thine eye be single to the glory of God, thy whole body shall be full of light.”
- I love the metaphor in John 15 where the Lord says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing…. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.”
- We need to share goodness. As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.” But remember why we do. A pure heart will help us to accomplish God’s work and His will.
- There’s a lot more I need to learn and study about light and God’s glory in D&C 88 and 93, if you’re interested.


In closing….just a few thoughts as a reminder that there are people around us that need light.  We learn in the Doctrine and Covenants 123 that “there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations… who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it—Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing [it] to light.”  There are some who once had light, but are searching again.

Elder Bednar said to a group of BYU-Idaho students in 2002: “In a world increasingly filled with darkness, the image of Christ in [your] countenances...will radiate a light that will literally…‘chase darkness from among you.’”

Mosiah 16:9: “He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened.”

D&C 50:24: “That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.”

A couple of years ago an observant friend saw that I needed a new light bulb and brought one by a few days later.  This might sound like a light bulb joke, but it got me thinking - How many light bulbs does it take to light the world? ;) ALL of them/each one of us!

Seriously, I hope that as we think about who we want to become in 2017 we will think about someone that might need some light and put the Savior’s light on a candlestick, on a hill, for them and others to see. We can smile, open our mouths, point others to Christ. Let’s not bury our talents, our testimonies, our light, our hope, our joy. The restored gospel of Jesus Christ, His Atonement, His love are the answers that will heal the world. I hope we will choose light, be light, follow Him, glow, shine, seek to glorify God! He will lead and guide us as we seek Him and desire to share.

The words in Matthew 5:14-16 are an invitation, a call to action. As we proactively look for ways to increase the light in our lives and share it with others I know that we will be blessed. We will find greater happiness and joy, we will help our Heavenly Father do His work, and we will bring joy to those around us.

Sister Camilla Kimball taught that we should "never suppress a generous thought."

Mother Teresa said, “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”

President Hinckley said, “Wear on your countenance the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ — the good news that He came into the world.”

I’m grateful for so many people - my parents, my family, my friends, many of you - who have shared your light with me, uplifted and helped lead me to Him.  I'm grateful for an opportunity to share my testimony of these things. I love the Lord and His gospel. It’s truth, it’s light, it’s joy! I know this is His true church and that He is the Light and Life of the world. There’s a plan and purpose to our lives here and eternally!

Prayer

I have been thinking a lot lately about prayer and fasting.  I'm grateful for its power and the reminder today by our bishop to learn to pray effectively and fervently.  He told us to:

• Live righteously and don't block the connection to the Spirit in our lives with distractions.
• Pray morning, noon, and night.  Plan, make it a priority, have it be a continuous conversation.
• Pray simply and with gratitude and testimony.
• Ponder carefully what to pray for, prepare ahead of time, organize your thoughts, seek His will.  President Eyring taught: "I have had prayers answered. Those answers were most clear when what I wanted was silenced by an overpowering need to know what God wanted. It is then that the answer from a loving Heavenly Father can be spoken to the mind by the still, small voice and can be written on the heart."
• Pray boldly, out loud, fervently, wrestle, cry unto Him, ASK!  If we want specific answers we need to prepare and ask specific questions.
• Answers come in different ways - sometimes immediately as we ask, sometimes as we fast and pray for a long time, and sometimes the answer is no.  Sometimes the Lord expects us to make our own decision.  We should use the scriptures and our agency.
• Prayer brings us to our Heavenly Father.  What a wonderful blessing to be able to speak to Him!

Here are a few other talks I've enjoyed about prayer:

• Priesthood and Personal Prayer - Henry B. Eyring, April 2015
• Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority - Richard G. Scott, October 2014
• Where Is Thy Pavilion? - Henry B. Eyring, October 2012
• The Spirit of Revelation - David A. Bednar, April 2011
• Prayer and Promptings - Boyd K. Packer, October 2009 
• To Acquire Spiritual Guidance - Richard G. Scott, October 2009
• Lessons from the Lord’s Prayers - Russell M. Nelson, April 2009
• Pray Always - David A. Bednar, October 2008
• Ask in Faith - David A. Bednar, April 2008
• Personal Revelation:The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets - Robert D. Hales, October 2007
• Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer - Richard G. Scott, April 2007
• Sweet Power of Prayer - Russell M. Nelson, April 2003
• The Lifeline of Prayer - James E. Faust, April 2002
• Prayer - Henry B. Eyring, October 2001
• “Write Upon My Heart” - Henry B. Eyring, October 2000
• “Look to God and Live” - Jeffrey R. Holland, October 1993
• The Language of Prayer - Dallin H. Oaks, April 1993
• The Power of Prayer - Thomas S. Monson, April 1991
• Learning to Recognize Answers to Prayers - Richard G. Scott, October 1989
• Patterns of Prayer - Bruce R. McConkie, April 1984
• "Our Father Which Art in Heaven" - L. Tom Perry, October 1983
• The Power of Family Prayer - John H. Groberg, April 1982
• Prayers and Answers - Boyd K. Packer, October 1979
• “We Need a Listening Ear” - Spencer W. Kimball, October 1979
• The Prayer of Faith - Thomas S. Monson, April 1978
• “Hallowed Be Thy Name” - Howard W. Hunter, October 1977
• Prayer - Ezra Taft Benson, April 1977
• The Importance of Prayer - N. Eldon Tanner, April 1974
• The Importance of Prayer - Franklin D. Richards, April 1972

We Are All Enlisted

Today was a "we are all enlisted" kind of day.  I'm not a soldier or anything close to it, but felt an urgent, hopeful, purposeful call to action today.  It was quiet, but direct....and I'm grateful.

We are all enlisted till the conflict is o'er; Happy are we! Happy are we!
Soldiers in the army, there's a bright crown in store; We shall win and wear it by and by.
Haste to the battle, quick to the field; Truth is our helmet, buckler, and shield.
Stand by our colors; proudly they wave! We're joyfully, joyfully marching to our home.
We are all enlisted till the conflict is o'er; Happy are we! Happy are we!
Soldiers in the army, there's a bright crown in store; We shall win and wear it by and by.

Hark! the sound of battle sounding loudly and clear; Come join the ranks! Come join the ranks!
We are waiting now for soldiers; who'll volunteer? Rally round the standard of the cross.
Hark! 'tis our Captain calls you today; Lose not a moment, make no delay!
Fight for our Savior; come, come away! We're joyfully, joyfully marching to our home.

Fighting for a kingdom, and the world is our foe; Happy are we! Happy are we!
Glad to join the army, we will sing as we go; We shall gain the vict'ry by and by.
Dangers may gather--why should we fear? Jesus, our Leader, ever is near.
He will protect us, comfort, and cheer. We're joyfully, joyfully marching to our home.

In a world that is more and more confused each day it is so good to know Who we follow and why we do, and why we're even here to begin with.  ;)  This call to battle is not a physical thing, but spiritual and even more important.  It can be easy to be distracted, even by good things, but I'm grateful for the clarity and peace and purpose I found in these words today.

Mosiah 2:41, "Consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it."

Alma 42:15, "And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also."

3 Nephi 11:15, "And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come."

We are or can be the "Hope of Israel":

Hope of Israel, Zion's army, Children of the promised day,
See, the Chieftain signals onward, And the battle's in array!
Hope of Israel, rise in might With the sword of truth and right;
Sound the war-cry, "Watch and pray!" Vanquish ev'ry foe today.

See the foe in countless numbers, Marshaled in the ranks of sin.
Hope of Israel, on to battle; Now the vict'ry we must win!

Hope of Israel, rise in might With the sword of truth and right;
Sound the war-cry, "Watch and pray!" Vanquish ev'ry foe today.

Strike for Zion, down with error; Flash the sword above the foe!
Ev'ry stroke disarms a foeman; Ev'ry step we conq'ring go.
Hope of Israel, rise in might With the sword of truth and right;
Sound the war-cry, "Watch and pray!" Vanquish ev'ry foe today.

Soon the battle will be over; Ev'ry foe of truth be down.
Onward, onward, youth of Zion; Thy reward the victor's crown.

Hope of Israel, rise in might With the sword of truth and right;
Sound the war-cry, "Watch and pray!" Vanquish ev'ry foe today.

I left church today wanting to spend all my time studying and learning the gospel better, but also wanting to spend all my time doing all the missionary work I could and finding all those that are searching for hope, as well as really wanting to learn how to do my family history research and....it can be overwhelming to think about all that there is to do, but it's also so exciting and helpful to know and have a purpose.  I need to work on my specific focus so that I actually do something, but I'm grateful for the inspiration and the HOPE!!!  We can't do everything, but we can do something...and we must do something.  Today.  :)  ....because God lives, we have a Savior, there is a Plan!  He wants us to be happy, to succeed, to come back to Him....and there is work to do.

Elder Richard G. Scott

Elder Richard G. Scott was a gentle leader who taught tenderly of the power of Jesus Christ to heal us and help us find joy.  I loved his book, "Finding Peace, Happiness, and Joy."  I will also always remember his teachings about revelation and treasuring inspiration from the Lord.  Here is a list of all of his General Conference talks that I know I will continue to learn from.

While I didn't know Elder Scott well I have been greatly blessed by example and leadership and testimony.  Here are a few sweet articles and remembrances of his life:

• Elder Richard G. Scott dies
• Elder Richard G. Scott dies at 86
• Elder Richard G. Scott, a gifted man who loved family, faith above all, dies at 86
• Elder Scott welcomed one last visit from President Monson, apostles, and his family
• 23 encouraging quotes from Elder Richard G. Scott
• Senator Lee pays tribute to Elder Scott on Senate floor
• Remembering Elder Richard G. Scott
• Elder Richard G. Scott's Funeral Service

The Work

I'm grateful for the strength and ability and opportunity to work....to try to make a meaningful contribution in the world....for good!  After a couple of full weeks and days I've been feeling a bit tired, but also invigorated.

Two thoughts about work came into my mind today...

The Prophet Joseph Smith said, "The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done” (History of the Church, 4:540).

Obviously there's more work to do because He hasn't said that it's done yet.  :)  That's exciting and motivating to me!  I can feel His hastening of His work.

Tonight I walked into the temple feeling a bit weighed down by responsibilities and felt immediate peace.  Then I recognized the music being played on the organ as this beautiful sacrament hymn connecting in my mind the importance of doing the work He gives us!

Behold the Great Redeemer Die
Behold the great Redeemer die, A broken law to satisfy.
He dies a sacrifice for sin, That man may live and glory win.

While guilty men his pains deride, They pierce his hands and feet and side;
And with insulting scoffs and scorns, They crown his head with plaited thorns.

Although in agony he hung, No murm'ring word escaped his tongue.
His high commission to fulfill, He magnified his Father's will.
"Father, from me remove this cup. Yet, if thou wilt, I'll drink it up.

I've done the work thou gavest me; Receive my spirit unto thee."

He died, and at the awful sight The sun in shame withdrew its light!
Earth trembled, and all nature sighed, In dread response, "A God has died!"
He lives--he lives. We humbly now Around these sacred symbols bow

And seek, as Saints of latter days, To do his will and live his praise.

I'm grateful for the temple.  I'm grateful for His work, for His love.  I know that He sustains us as we desire and WORK to do His will!  <3

Focus, Priorities, Character

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught in General Conference in April 2001 about the importance of having an eternal perspective. He said, "Our priorities are most visible in how we use our time. Someone has said, 'Three things never come back — the spent arrow, the spoken word, and the lost opportunity.' We cannot recycle or save the time allotted to us each day. With time, we have only one opportunity for choice, and then it is gone forever."

I have been thinking a lot about priorities and focus and character over the past few months and have learned more from....

• This video - The Science of Character
• This book - Essentialism:  The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

This quote captures a lot of my thoughts:  "Our highest priority is to protect our ability to prioritize."

Waiting or not making a choice or being distracted by too many (even good) things can keep us from doing that which is most important!  I'm reminded of how important it is to keep the main thing the main thing.  ;)  To not be distracted, to not be paralyzed by choices, but to be deliberate in making decisions helps us focus, prioritize, and build character.

Must Go THROUGH!

I remember hearing a song when I was growing up about something being too high that you can't go over it, too low that you can't go under it, too wide that you can't go around it, so you have to go right through!  I don't think I understood the song at the time, but I have been thinking about this concept A LOT lately.

It seems like every other article, blog, scripture, and talk I've read lately says something about the importance and necessity of going THROUGH something.  Each of these experiences is for our learning and progress and ultimate happiness, but they are often the very things that we pray away and just want to be over!

Someone pointed out this blog post.  I love this child's question and the discussion that follows and what it got me thinking about - Why didn't the angel just take him out?

While preparing a Sunday School lesson about agency I was searching through some of Elder Bednar's talks about acting and not being acted upon.  I came upon a few great thoughts:

Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease (April 2014)

The Atonement and the Journey of Mortality (April 2012)
"Nephi is an example of one who knew, understood, and relied upon the enabling power of the Savior. Recall that the sons of Lehi had returned to Jerusalem to enlist Ishmael and his household in their cause. Laman and others in the party traveling with Nephi from Jerusalem back to the wilderness rebelled, and Nephi exhorted his brethren to have faith in the Lord. It was at this point in their journey that Nephi’s brothers bound him with cords and planned his destruction. Please note Nephi’s prayer: “O Lord, according to my faith which is in thee, wilt thou deliver me from the hands of my brethren; yea, even give me strength that I may burst these bandswith which I am bound” (1 Nephi 7:17; emphasis added).

Do you know what I likely would have prayed for if I had been tied up by my brothers? “Please get me out of this mess NOW!” It is especially interesting to me that Nephi did not pray to have his circumstances changed. Rather, he prayed for the strength to change his circumstances. And I believe he prayed in this manner precisely because he knew, understood, and had experienced the enabling power of the Atonement.

I do not think the bands with which Nephi was bound just magically fell from his hands and wrists. Rather, I suspect he was blessed with both persistence and personal strength beyond his natural capacity, that he then “in the strength of the Lord” (Mosiah 9:17) worked and twisted and tugged on the cords, and ultimately and literally was enabled to break the bands.

The implication of this episode for each of us is straightforward. As you and I come to understand and employ the enabling power of the Atonement in our personal lives, we will pray and seek for strength to change our circumstances rather than praying for our circumstances to be changed. We will become agents who act rather than objects that are acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:14)."

Then Elder Bednar discusses Mosiah 24:14-15 and Alma's experience when his people are being persecuted by Amulon.

"What was changed in this episode? It was not the burden that changed; the challenges and difficulties of persecution were not immediately removed from the people. But Alma and his followers were strengthened, and their increased capacity and strength made the burdens they bore lighter. These good people were empowered through the Atonement to act as agents and impact their circumstances. And “in the strength of the Lord” Alma and his people were then directed to safety in the land of Zarahemla."

In the Strength of the Lord (October 2001)

These thoughts remind me that life is all about what we're becoming.  If life were easy and happy all the time we wouldn't grow.  This ties right into the another Sunday School lesson (The Fall of Adam and Eve and the need for opposition).  I also love this quote President Faust shared in October 2004:  "Dr. Arthur Wentworth Hewitt suggested some reasons why the good suffer as well as the wicked: “First: I don’t know. Second: We may not be as innocent as we think. Third: … I believe it is because He loves us so much more than He loves our happiness. How so? Well, if on a basis of strict personal return here and now, all the good were always happy and all the bad suffered disaster (instead of often quite the reverse), this would be the most subtle damnation of character imaginable.”"

Relatedly, Brigham Young taught, "Instead of searching after what the Lord is going to do for us, let us inquire what we can do for ourselves." 

And Elder L. Tom Perry said, "I have sometimes wondered what would have happened if Nephi has asked the Lord for tools instead of a place to find ore to make the tools. I doubt the Lord would have honored Nephi's request. You see, the Lord knew that Nephi could make tools, and it is seldom that the Lord will do something for us that we can do for ourselves."

So, life is kind of all about "going through."  That's where we'll grow and learn what we can and need to become and that is why we're here - to become something more.  Neat!

Truths Worth Knowing

I am grateful for the life and example of President Boyd K. Packer.  He truly was a Watchman on the Tower.  There are many things I learned from him, his example, and his teachings.  He was clear, bold, true, and steady.  I'm grateful for his words and witness of Jesus Christ.  A few of his talks that I love include:

• Truths Most Worth Knowing - November 2011
• The Twelve - April 2008
• The Touch of the Master's Hand - April 2001
• Reverence Invites Revelation - April 1991
• The Library of the Lord - April 1990
• The Mediator - April 1977
• Spiritual Crocodiles - April 1976

As President Monson said, President Packer was a diligent, devoted disciple of Christ.  I will miss the steadiness and goodness he brought to the world, but I will always remember his love for the Lord, his family, and for doing what's right.  I loved this article about his sacred grove and will always remember his family walking in and out of his funeral.  What a beautiful legacy and reminder of what's most important!  They truly are a testament to him and his life!  What an inspiration!

Satan is bound by faithful disciples of Christ

Have I mentioned that I love teaching Gospel Principles?  I don't think there is a better calling in the Church!  :)  This week I loved learning and studying and thinking about the Millennium.  While preparing I was inspired to think again about a song that I love - Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise.  I have always thought of it as a missionary song (and I still think of a Polish friend from years ago that loved to highlight the line about spreading the news from Pole to Pole) :) but this week it taught me much about the Millennium and that's actually exactly what it's about!!



This song was written by Edward Partridge and included in the original hymnbook with a few extra verses.  I love the scripture referenced in this song in Moses where Enoch is given a vision of this glorious time of gathering and peace and righteousness - Moses 7:62-65.

But, my biggest take away from this lesson was found in 1 Nephi 22:26 where Nephi teaches us, "And because of the righteousness of his people, Satan has no power; wherefore, he cannot be loosed for the space of many years; for he hath no power over the hearts of the people, for they dwell in righteousness, and the Holy One of Israel reigneth."

I LOVE THIS and I believe it is a call to action TODAY and NOW!  :)  <3

“How, then, will Satan be bound during the Millennium?” asked Elder Bruce R. McConkie. “It will be by the righteousness of the people. … It is not that men cannot sin, for the power is in them to do so—they have their agency—but it is that they do not sin because Satan is subject to them, and they are not enticed by his evil whisperings.”

What are we doing today to prepare for the Millennium?  Are we working to bind Satan in our own lives?  Are we being faithful disciples of Christ who have "no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually" (see Mosiah 5:2)?  That is peace and that's the plan!

Sunday Inspiration

It was an inspirational Sabbath!  I'm grateful for the Lord, His teachings, His Church, His plan, His love!  Here are a few insights from the day from speakers, scriptures, lessons, music, discussions, nature.

Build Zion
We might live in a wicked world, but we can be as Enoch.  We don't need to move to a desert island, but we can have faith and build Zion, be one, dwell in righteousness (see Moses 7:13-21).  I love how it points out in these verses that the Lord came to dwell with them and Zion was taken up to heaven in the process of time.  I don't know exactly what that looked like, but I know that we will also be blessed as we are steadfast in our devotion to the Lord.

Study the Atonement

A really important part of that is understanding His Atonement.  We need to figure it out!!  It might be somewhat hard to comprehend, but that doesn't mean that we don't study and seek and try to understand and learn all that we can.  That should be our quest!  To know Him, to know His love, to know His sacrifice.  President James E. Faust gave a beautiful talk in October 2001, The Atonement:  Our Greatest Hope.  He explained that "Our salvation depends on believing in and accepting the Atonement.  Such acceptance requires a continual effort to understand it more fully. The Atonement advances our mortal course of learning by making it possible for our natures to become perfect."  There is much that I don't know or understand, but have a new desire and urgency to try!

Find Rest
I love Matthew 11:28-30, but it has taken on new meaning and importance today.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

There is much to learn from these verses.  Today I learned about how we take His yoke upon us and how that has much to do with finding rest.  I love these cross references:

• 1 John 2:6, "He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked."
• Alma 37:34, "Teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart; for such shall find rest to their souls."
• D&C 84:19-22, "And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God.  Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.  And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh;  For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live."

It's all about understanding the Atonement, knowing Him, and then receiving priesthood ordinances and keeping covenants.  That is how we take His yoke upon us, bind ourselves to Him, and find rest....and much of that is found in the temple!  I love the temple!  I loved singing this song today:

We Love Thy House, O God

We love thy house, O God,

Wherein thine honor dwells.

The joy of thine abode

All earthly joy excels.

It is the house of prayer,

Wherein thy servants meet,

And thou, O Lord, art there,

Thy chosen flock to greet.

We love the word of life,

The word that tells of peace,

Of comfort in the strife,

Of joys that never cease.

Be Obedient

There is so much to learn and study and understand and do when talking about and practicing obedience, and it was a blessing to learn and discuss a little bit today.  Obedience is the first law of heaven.  We are here on earth to be tested and proved to see if we will do all things the Lord commands (see Abraham 3:25).  We are blessed when we obey, particularly when we obey willingly and because we love the Lord (see Matthew 22:36-40 and John 14:21).  Obedience has much to do with faith and trust.  :)

The scriptures are full of faithful and obedient examples:  Adam (see Moses 5:5-6), Abraham (see Genesis 22:1-13), Nephi (see 1 Nephi 3:7, 1 Nephi 4:6-7, 1 Nephi 9:5-6, 2 Nephi 33:15), and many other examples (see Alma 57:20).  Joseph Smith said, "I made this my rule:When the Lord commands, do it."  The greatest example of obedience is our Savior, Jesus Christ who always did the Father's will (see John 6:38, 2 Nephi 31:7, Matthew 26:39, Luke 22:41-46).

President Monson quoted Doctrine and Covenants 93 when he taught, "In a revelation given through the Prophet Joseph Smith at Kirtland, Ohio, in May of 1833, the Lord declared:  “Truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come. …The Spirit of truth is of God. …And no man receiveth a fulness unless he keepeth his commandments.  He that keepeth [God’s] commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.”  What a glorious promise! “He that keepeth [God’s] commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.”  There is no need for you or for me, in this enlightened age when the fulness of the gospel has been restored, to sail uncharted seas or to travel unmarked roads in search of truth.  A loving Heavenly Father has plotted our course and provided an unfailing guide—even obedience.  A knowledge of truth and the answers to our greatest questions come to us as we are obedient to the commandments of God."

...this sacrament song seemed particularly applicable today.  :)

How Great the Wisdom and the Love
By strict obedience Jesus won
The prize with glory rife:
"Thy will, O God, not mine be done,"
Adorned his mortal life.

Go for a Walk :)

And the best way to end a Sabbath day is with a peaceful, inspirational, and uplifting sunset walk around Temple Square.  :)

Did you do what you were supposed to?

I've been reminded a bit lately that meaningful questions are key.  We won't learn what we need to if we don't ask.  "Therefore, ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for he that asketh, receiveth; and unto him that knocketh, it shall be opened" (3 Nephi 27:29).

We must ask!!  And going even further...good questions can teach and inspire.  I thought of this post and insight from last October this morning when someone asked me, "How was your weekend?  Did you do what you were supposed to?"  I like this question, but first, my response: "Good.  Yes, I tried."  Immediately I thought of Yoda, "Do or do not.  There is no try."  :)  I better try harder.  :)

Now, back to the question.  Did you do what you were supposed to?  I love that and I've been thinking about it all day.  First of all, did I do what's right?  Did I not get into trouble or make a bad decision?  Second, what was I supposed to do this weekend or today or whenever?  Was I just going along with whatever happened or did I have a plan and live it?  :)  Maybe most importantly, did I ask the Lord what He needed me to do and did I do it?  :)

I'm grateful for the question and the reminder to ask questions and to live purposefully and proactively - asking for the Lord's guidance and doing what I was "supposed to do," what He wants me do with my time, talents, resources, life.

Here are a few good talks and articles for further study:
* Ask, Seek, Knock by Elder Russell M. Nelson (October 2009)
* Personal Revelation by Elder Robert D. Hales (October 2007)
* What is Your Mission? by Elder John H. Groberg (May 1979)
* What a Patriarchal Blessing Can Do for You
* Ten Ways to Know You Are Converted

Prayer Journal

I have been inspired lately by the importance and power of prayer.  This is something I need to work on.  I need to be better and particularly more focused in my prayers.

A couple of months ago a sister mentioned in a comment at church that she used to keep a prayer journal.  I thought this was a really neat idea.  I've kept a gratitude journal at different points in my life and tried to be mindful of the Lord's care and blessings, but I really loved this idea of a prayer journal and how it could help me be more focused in my prayers and in learning better how to hear the Lord respond.  :)  ...and then having a record of His love and answers and care and His tender mercies in my life.

It's almost like our own personal prayer roll - remembering and staying focused on that which we most desire, showing the Lord our faith and then recognizing His answers.  I want to try!  :)

These two beautiful songs have also encouraged me to listen for His voice:

• If I Listen With My Heart by Sally DeFord
• The Master's Voice by Sally DeFord