A Living Testimony

"Testimony requires the nurturing by the prayer of faith, the hungering for the word of God in the scriptures, and the obedience to the truth we have received. There is danger in neglecting prayer. There is danger to our testimony in only casual study and reading of the scriptures. They are necessary nutrients for our testimony."

--President Henry B. Eyring, "A Living Testimony", April 2011 Young Womens Conference

At Parting

"We face many challenges in the world today, but I assure you that our Heavenly Father is mindful of us. He loves each of us and will bless us as we seek Him through prayer and strive to keep His commandments."

--Thomas S. Monson, "At Parting", April 2011 General Conference

Meridian Magazine - Taking Care of Souls-The Mission of Motherhood

Meridian Magazine - Taking Care of Souls-The Mission of Motherhood

Just for today...

The past 2 weeks have been a trialing time on my side of the family. I won't get into details of this trial, because that isn't particularly necessary. But it has been a time of heart wrenching heartache, of emotions that go deep within the very part of our soul that question where we might be standing within our own lives spiritually and emotionally and where our relationships are with others.  It has also been a time for healing, for a time of connecting with family, a time of fervent prayer. I have always had a testimony of the power of prayer, but through this experience I can feel and see the miracles that are brought about when people come together in prayer for behalf of someone they love dearly, to someone that they don't know or have seen at all, but pray because they care about you as a friend who is going through a trialing time.

My 2 boys and I made some "forever flowers" for our loved one that is going through recovery. And with those "forever flowers" I threw in some quotes and lyrics to a song that a friend sent to me for this very purpose. I think whatever the trial is, these are some great quotes to keep pushing you forward:

 "God doesn't give us what we can handle. God helps us handle what we are given."

-----

The Climb lyrics
Songwriters: Alexander, J; Mabe, J;

I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on

'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody's gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa

-----

ENDURING TO THE END

Just for today I will try to live through this day only, and not tackle my whole life problem at once. I can do something for twelve hours that would appall me if I felt I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

Just for today I will be happy. This assumes to be true what Abraham Lincoln said, "that most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be."

Just for today I will try to strengthen my mind. I will study. I will learn something useful. I will not be a mental loafer. I will read something that requires effort, though, and concentration.

Just for today I will adjust myself to what is, and not try to adjust everything to my own desires. I will take my 'luck' as it comes, and fit myself to it.

Just for today I will exercise my soul in three ways: I will do somebody a good turn, and not get found out; I will do at least two things that I don't want to ... just for exercise; I will nto show anyone that my feelings are hurt, they may be hurt, but today I will not show it.

Just for today I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress becomingly, talk low, act courteously, criticize not one bit, not find fault with anything and not try to improve or regulate anybody except myself.

Just for today I will have a quiet half hour all by myself and relax. During this half hour, some time, I will try to get a better perspective on my life.

Just for today I will be unafraid. Especially I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful, and to believe that as I give to the 'world, so the world will give to me.'

--Sign at Tops Restaurant
Grand Junction Colorado

The Atonement and Faith

"Faith in the Lord is trust in the Lord. We cannot have true faith in the Lord without also having complete trust in the Lord’s will and in the Lord’s timing. As a result, no matter how strong our faith is, it cannot produce a result contrary to the will of Him in whom we have faith. Remember that when your prayers do not seem to be answered in the way or at the time you desire. The exercise of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is always subject to the order of heaven, to the goodness and will and wisdom and timing of the Lord. When we have that kind of faith and trust in the Lord, we have true security and serenity in our lives."

--Dallin H. Oaks, "The Atonement and Faith", Ensign, Apr. 2010, 30–34

Deodorant

My cousin sent this to me via email and it made me laugh. Sometimes we all need a good laugh in life right? I know I needed one and this just kind of was a pick-me-upper. This is your laugh for today.     I got a new stick deodorant today. The instructions said: Remove cap and push up bottom. I can barely walk, but whenever I fart the room smells lovely.

Have I done any good?

Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need? Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad? If not, I have failed indeed. Has anyone's burden been lighter today, because I was willing to share? Have the sick and weary been helped on their way? When they needed my help was I there? Then wake up and do something more than dream of your mansions above. Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure, a blessing of duty and love. -- Will L. Thompson

Proverbs

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct they paths. -- Proverbs 3:5-6

Service

"I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish—and in effect save their lives."
--Thomas S. Monson, "What Have I Done for Someone Today?", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 84–87

Faith - the Choice Is Yours

"Because of the conflicts and challenges we face in today’s world, I wish to suggest a single choice—a choice of peace and protection and a choice that is appropriate for all. That choice is faith. Be aware that faith is not a free gift given without thought, desire, or effort. It does not come as the dew falls from heaven. The Savior said, “Come unto me” (Matthew 11:28) and “Knock, and it shall be [given] you” (Matthew 7:7). These are action verbs—come, knock. They are choices. So I say, choose faith."
--Richard C. Edgley, "Faith—the Choice Is Yours", Ensign, Nov. 2010, 31–33

God's Angels

Have you ever seen God's angel?
Have you ever felt her touch?
Have you listened when she whispered,
"You are loved so very much."

Have you noticed how she overs,
When others walk away.
How she stops to lift your burden,
And turns your heart to pray.

Yes, I have seen God's angel,
And I have felt her touch.
I have hard her kindly whisper,
"You are loved so very much."

I have noticed her beside me,
When others walked away.
I felt her lift my burden,
As she turned my heart to pray.

Have you ever been God's angel?
Who with a loving touch
Kindly whispered to another
"You are loved so very much."

Did you stay beside a friend
When others walked away?
Did you help to lift her burden,
And turn her heart to pray?

In truth we're all God's angels,
With heavenly work to do.
For God's errands of love and mercy,
He trusts to me and you.

And as one of God's angels,
Each day I fervently pray.
May my hands be His hands,
Helping others along their way.

--Lonni Thorpe

Never Leave Him

"Perfection does not come in this life, but we exercise faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and keep our covenants. President Monson has promised, “Your testimony, when constantly nourished, will keep you safe.” We push our spiritual roots deep, feasting daily on the words of Christ in the scriptures. We trust in the words of living prophets, placed before us to show us the way. We pray and pray and listen to the quiet voice of the Holy Ghost that leads us along and speaks peace to our soul. Whatever challenges arise, we never, never leave Him." --Neil L. Andersen, "Never Leave Him", General Conference October 2010

Meridian Magazine - A Remarkable Journey to Mormonism

A member of a church that considers Mormonism a cult, all she wanted to do was save a Mormon friend from going to hell.

Meridian Magazine - A Remarkable Journey to Mormonism

Of Things That Matter Most

"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."
--President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Of Things That Matter Most", Media Name

Repent That I May Heal You

"The invitation to repent is rarely a voice of chastisement but rather a loving appeal to turn around and to “re-turn” toward God. It is the beckoning of a loving Father and His Only Begotten Son to be more than we are, to reach up to a higher way of life, to change, and to feel the happiness of keeping the commandments. Being disciples of Christ, we rejoice in the blessing of repenting and the joy of being forgiven. They become part of us, shaping the way we think and feel."
--Neil L. Andersen, "Repent That I May Heal You’", Ensign, Nov 2009, 40–43

Meridian Magazine - To Change the World Forever: The Power of Prayer

Meridian Magazine - To Change the World Forever: The Power of Prayer

Meridian Magazine - Learning to Let it Go

This is a great article by Michael McLean. This made me laugh, but also was very heart warming. I must read!

Meridian Magazine - Learning to Let it Go

Meridian Magazine - A Case of Mistaken Identity

Meridian Magazine - A Case of Mistaken Identity

Seeking to Know God, Our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ

"Without God, life would end at the grave and our mortal experiences would have no purpose. Growth and progress would be temporary, accomplishment without value, challenges without meaning. There would be no ultimate right and wrong and no moral responsibility to care for one another as fellow children of God. Indeed, without God, there would be no mortal or eternal life."
--Robert D. Hales, "“Seeking to Know God, Our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ", Ensign, Nov 2009, 29–32

Quote by Rev. David King on Children

"How can a child do better if their environment stays the same?"
Rev. David King, pastor of Community Baptist Church

Reflections on a Consecrated Life

"Every day, every hour, every minute of your span of mortal years must sometime be accounted for. And it is in this life that you walk by faith and prove yourself able to choose good over evil, right over wrong, enduring happiness over mere amusement. And your eternal reward will be according to your choosing."
--D. Todd Christofferson, "Reflections on a Consecrated Life", Media Name

Meridian Magazine - The Parenting Problem Called Entitlement

Meridian Magazine - The Parenting Problem Called Entitlement

Opportunity for Change in Marriage

Being married creates the opportunity for change. When you're married, you find out how much you need to improve yourself. It is prideful & selfish for anyone to get married & think they don't need to change in any way. Each of us needs to change in many ways, some more than others, but God will start with the one who is willing. And the good news is, this is where His blessings will be directed first. -S Omartian

Meridian Magazine - Talking to Connect with Others

Meridian Magazine - Talking to Connect with Others

Meridian Magazine - The Common Longing for Spiritual Solutions to Worldly Parenting Challenges

Meridian Magazine - The Common Longing for Spiritual Solutions to Worldly Parenting Challenges

Meridian Magazine - “The Healing Power of Jesus Christ”Sculpture Exhibit at the D.C. Temple Visitors’ Center

Meridian Magazine - “The Healing Power of Jesus Christ”Sculpture Exhibit at the D.C. Temple Visitors’ Center

Meridian Magazine - Waiting for Rescue

Meridian Magazine - Waiting for Rescue

This is a great article and I would highly recommend it to anyone that may be struggling with a trial that they may feel that God has left them hanging.

Meridian Magazine - Latter-day Saint Concept of Messiah

Meridian Magazine - Latter-day Saint Concept of Messiah

Voice of the Spirit

In a world full of noise and many voices, President James E. Faust invites us to listen to and follow the voice of the Spirit, which is calm and quiet and leads to eternal life.

Meridian Magazine - A Little Known Principle in Scripture

Meridian Magazine - A Little Known Principle in Scripture