Week 37: Agency and Love in Marriage

Don't you just love it when someone sends you a message that contains exactly what YOU needed to hear? This past week a friend forwarded the following talk to me. It was wonderful to receive such a sweet message during a time when I needed answers. It was humbling however to recognize the things I need to do better to show Christ like love to my spouse and others. I hope you to will enjoy this message. If you are in need of further information on strengthening your marriage I recommend that you review the September 2011 Ensign magazine. It has many great articles on marriage and family.

Have a great week!

Agency and Love in Marriage

No Audio

Text link

Week 31: To Always Remember Him

Hello Friends,


As I read and pondered this devotional talk by Elder Christofferson, I once again felt great gratitude for the blessing of living Prophets and Apostles on the earth. Elder Christofferson teaches brought new insights and determination to me and increased my love for and understanding of the Savior's role. Truly, as we seek to know and remember our Savior more, we can always reach and stretch a little more.

Much Love,

 
 
 
To Always Remember Him- Text
 
Audio
 
Video
 

Week 18: Nourishing and Protecting the Family

Happy Mother's Day friends!  I hope this weekend will be a sweet time for each of you.  As I was pondering and searching for a talk to share about motherhood and the roles of nurturing, I came across this wonderful talk from Sister Beck given at the 2009 BYU Women's Conference.  Each time I hear Sister Beck speak, I think of the scripture "for such a time as this." She teaches us with such courage and clarity.  How grateful I am for her insights and wisdom. 

I am grateful for the specific teachings Sister Beck gives in this talk:

She reiterates that The Creation, The Fall and The Atonement are the three pillars of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Families are the key of our doctrine--families being established before the world was.
Male and Female spirits complete each other and are both needed to raise children.
Those who do not have the opportunity to bear children, will have every blessing in the next life.
At 17, the Prophet Joseph knew about the blessings of eternal families.
She calls on us to stand up and defend the family as the social restraints that once preserved and protected it have been              removed.
Fight-fight against the power of the adversary against our families.

She quotes Joseph F. Smith"Whenever...temptations became most alluring and most tempting to me, the first thought that arose in my soul was this: remember the love of your mother." What an insight to us as mothers to keep trying!  She teaches ."we will need the Spirit of the Lord with us in greater abundance in times to come than we have ever had. We need to be the ones seeking every day to qualify for the Spirit, to recognize the voice of the Spirit, and to follow the voice of the Spirit because other voices will lead us in the wrong ways."  Difficult challenges are coming, but through our challenges we grow and will have eternal joy.

I hope Sister Beck's talk brings you much joy and that your Mother's Day is delightful for you.

Much love,

Nourishing and Protecting the Family

Julie Beck

MP3 HERE

Go HERE for the Text of this talk

Watch a video HERE

Week 17: None Where With Him

This week I would just like to add my testimony to the beautiful, heartfelt testimony of Elder Holland, a true apostle of the Lord.
I KNOW that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I KNOW that He lives and that He loves us. I KNOW that despite all my shortcomings he loves me and he provided a way so that I could return to live with him once more.

I declare today that I will stand with the savior Jesus Christ at all times and in all things and in all places....even unto death. I'm so grateful for His atoning sacrifice. As the words in one of my favorite hymns says, "Oh it is wonderful that He should care for me enough to die for me! Oh it is wonderful! Wonderful to me!"

Love,

Week 16: Finding Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ **Repost**

Hey there! 

As I read and listened to this talk - these words pierced me ... "If I had lived in the days of these prophets of old, would I have believed on their words?  Would I have had faith in the coming of our Savior?"   
WOULD I?
Would you?
“To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.“To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.” 3

Enjoy this talk!  May we all come to deeply believe and then KNOW that HE is the Son of God and our personal Savior!

Your Sister in Christ  - 

MP3 Link

Finding Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

Robert D. Hales

Only faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement can bring us peace, hope, and understanding.

Believing in the Savior and His mission is so essential that it is the first principle of the gospel: “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 What is faith? In his epistle to the Hebrews in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul taught that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” 2 And how do we gain faith? How do we gain evidence of our Savior, whom we have not seen? The scriptures teach us:
“To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.
“To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.” 3
From the beginning of time, prophets have known that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, of His mortal mission, and of His Atonement for all mankind. Sacred records give the prophecies of thousands of years, not only of the first coming of our Savior but also of the Second Coming—a glorious day that will most assuredly come.
If we had lived in the days of these prophets of old, would we have believed on their words? Would we have had faith in the coming of our Savior?

Read the rest of this talk HERE

Week 15: I Know HE Lives

Over the past few weeks I have pondered what I could and should say about my personal testimony of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I have thought of how I first came to know He loved me. I have thought about how over the years I have seen His tender mercies. I am reminded of the times that as I have sinned I have plead for forgiveness and have felt His peace. I recall how recently during the loss of my pregnancy I felt Him beside me, looking upon me with compassion and offering His holy comfort.  I have tried to narrow down a single talk that has helped me develop my knowledge of the Christ but the task still comes up short. There are too many to be shared in one email or blog post. So many moments that I can witness He lives. Instead I share with you my heart and though I am but one small, regular person in this universe, I know I am not alone in my personal tesitmony of Jesus Christ.

I know that my Redeemer, your Redeemer, our Savior lives.

I found a Mormon Message video from His appostles to share today so you don't have to just take my word for it. (before you play video please pause the music play on the right)

May you all feel and accept His love this week,

If you want to learn more about Jesus Christ please visit this site, Jesus Christ, The Son of God

Week 14: The Purifying Power of Gethsemane

Dear Friends,

I am excited for the opportunity to focus on testimony of the Savior this month. As I pondered what to share, I remembered the powerful experience I had listening to Elder Bruce R. McConkie bear his last testimony of the Redeemer. I found these tender insights from his wife as shared by ward member Jane P. Merrill, which I believe only deepen the significance of his testimony:

The "I Believe in Christ Legacy" by Jane P. Merrill (Read the account from Sister McConkie by going to THIS link and a reference of the account mentioned is also found HERE)

I hope Elder McConkie's testimony blesses you as it has me. I am grateful that we continue to benefit from his powerful witness as we worship by singing the Hymn "I Believe in Christ."


Love and Blessings,

The Purifying Power of Gethsemane

 Bruce R. McConkie

No Audio

Go HERE for the text

Here are YouTube Videos

Week 6: My Peace I Give Unto You

Since last month the topic of peace has been on my mind. I was planning on sharing something regarding peace this month and then I had an experience where I was granted the gift of peace during a trial that many women face and I wondered why I was so blessed. While listening to this talk I learned two specific things for me. First, how we arrive to peace doesn't matter and second, peace is rooted and comes from our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I want to add my personal testimony that through our faith and hope in the Lord, Jesus Christ we can have peace in our hearts for even the most troubling personal issues. Turn to Him in prayer, seek for Him in scripture, look for the good He is giving you now and in the darkness of pain you will find Him. He will give you light, He will replace the pain with joy and He will give you peace. I know by personal experience that this is true. I have felt the Savior's caring and healing touch. I KNOW He lives.

May you be able to see your blessings,

My Peace I Give Unto You

Elder David A. Bednar

Mp3 Link

Transcript

Week 4: The Best is Yet To Be

We're four weeks into a brand new year. 27 days down....648 hours...38,880 minutes. As you read this, seconds are ticking into the past. The New Year for me always signifies a fresh start, a new day, an exciting look towards the future. I recently read something that said, "Do you know why a car's windshield is so large and the rearview mirror is so small? It's because what's behind us isn't as important as what's ahead of us...so look ahead, move on and enjoy the journey" We are going through some major transitions in our home right now. We're adjusting to a new baby, 6 kids, a new city, a new home (8 people in a small 3 bdrm duplex), my husband returning to school for his Master's and living as "students" but with a huge family. With all these changes bring uncertainty, I don't know what lies ahead for us. I'd rather not admit it but I've spent the better part of the month wishing for yesterday. Wishing I could turn back the hands of time and change the last 4 months of craziness. Somedays I go farther back and dwell in the glory of days past and wallow in self pity of where I stand now. As I searched for comfort and prayed for guidance I found these words by Jeffrey R. Holland, "...faith is always pointed toward the future. Faith always has to do with blessings and truths and events that will yet be efficacious in our lives." I realize I need to exude more faith in the Lord. More faith in his plan for me and my family. More faith in the fact that he guided us here and we are in his hands. I need to stop doubting the Lord's ability to give me something more, something better than I've already had. In his time. I'm starting to feel like my future is bright...the best is yet to be.

My contribution this week is two part. First, please watch this Mormon Message entitled "New Year's: Look Not Behind Thee". Then listen to or read Jeffrey R. Holland's talk entitled, "The Best is Yet to Be"

**Before you play the video be sure to pause the music player on the right side of the blog**





MP3 and PDF text here



Text of talk here

Week 3: Come unto Me with Full Purpose of Heart and I Shall Heal You

This week's talk is from the Priesthood Session October 2010. Yes, I love Elder Kearon's accent, but I also love the impact his talk has had on my life as well as that of my oldest son. Elder Kearon reminds all of us that when we come unto the Savior with FULL purpose of heart we can be healed. We have to listen and obey the council of those who are leading us (that means not wearing flip flops in the desert among other things). We must not respond with laziness and rebelliousness when it comes to living the gospel.



Have you been stung by a scorpion? If so, return to HIM for healing and peace.

 
 
MP3 Link
 
 

Come unto Me with Full Purpose of Heart, and I Shall  Heal You

Elder Patrick Kearon

 

Tonight I would like to share a message of comfort and healing with any of you who feels alone or forsaken, has lost peace of mind or heart, or feels that you have thrown away your last chance. Complete healing and peace can be found at the feet of the Savior.....

Read the rest HERE



Week 50: Holiday Greetings

With the holiday season well in full swing I thought it would be fun to share some of my current favorite Mormon Messages. I just love these little videos. They are great for a pick me up and they aren't too long either. These three were some I watched recently that were full of christmas spirit. I hope you enjoy them too!

Love and blessings,

**Before you play them be sure to pause the music player on the right side of the blog**

Week 48: That Our Children Might See the Face of the Savior

Hello Friends,

Happy December!  I hope this Christmas Season will be one of joy and peace for you.  As I have looked forward to sharing this month, I reviewed Sister Cheryl C. Lant's April 2010 Conference Talk "That Our Children Might See the Face of the Savior."  Is there anything we want more for ourselves  or our children than to see the face of the Savior? Christmastime gives us a unique opportunity to remember and seek Him more as we are given extra daily reminders of our Savior and His love for us.  I have two friends who have recently shared ideas about remembering Him during this season-- one adorns her tree with pictures of the Savior, another's daughter found their ornament of the baby Jesus and asked where they should place in on their tree--then responded, "Right in Front!" Isn't that where we want the Savior to be now and always?

I appreciate Sister Lant's insights on what we can do to see the face of the Savior.  She teaches that coming to Christ and eventually seeing His face, comes only as we draw close to Him through our faith and our actions.  It comes from a lifetime of effort.  As we seek to bring our children to the Savior, we also bring ourselves. First, we must Love the Lord with all our hearts and we must love our Children. Second, we must be a worthy example by continually seeking the Lord and striving to live the Gospel. Third, we must teach our children the Gospel and how to live its teachings.

She asks, "What do my children see when they look at my face?  Do they see the image of the Savior in my countenance because of how I live my life?...we are the ones given a sacred, noble stewardship ...to encircle today's children with love and the fire of faith and and understanding of who they are...we are the angels that Heavenly Father has sent today to bless the children...we can help them see the face of the Savior as we teach principles of the gospel and fill our homes with the joy of living them. "

May this be a wonderful season of seeking the Savior for each of us.

Much love,

Noni

Video

Text

Week 38: When My Prayers Seem Unanswered

I have shared this talk before but recently I have been hearing about this topic again. I wanted to share this talk once more because of its wonderful counsel and help in understanding the way the Lord answers our prayers.

I recently experienced an answer to a prayer that I have been asking for more than 18 years! While traveling alone from an appointment. In the solitude of my van the Lord answered my hearts prayer peacefully and quietly. I felt overwhelmed by the simplicity of the answer. Then as if to prove further the answer was true, my mind was filled with memories of experiences I have had over the past years that have prepared me to receive and accept the words sent to my heart and mind at this time. Little did I know that over the years, my prayers were indeed being answered by the Lord. He was preparing a "holding place in my heart to put the answer". I will never be able to look at my past again without deep gratitude and humility.

I know the Lord Jesus Christ lives! I know He loves us. I know that more than anything He wants to rescue us from our mortal strife and He has through his atoning sacrifice. Never ever give up. When things get to where they seem to hard to bear remember that somewhere somehow He is answering your prayer and that you are deeply and personally known and loved.

All my love,

MP3 Link

When My Prayers Seem Unanswered

S. Michael Wilcox

No Text



Week 34: Christlike Attributes-The Wind Beneath Our Wings **Repost**

**Reposted from THIS week**

As I thought about what I should share with you this week I was completely at a loss until my October Ensign arrived on Monday afternoon. As if an answer to my prayer I began to read it hoping to receive some direction. I was so happy when I found President Dieter Uchtdorf’s talk entitled “Christ-like Attributes-the Wind Beneath our Wings,” which was originally given in the October 2005 session of general conference. THIS WAS IT!


In July, I was asked to give a talk in Sacrament meeting in front of my brand new ward (in a brand new state) on the topic of DEVELOPING CHRIST-LIKE ATTRIBUTES. I was excited, I was scared, and I was an emotional wreck! I am a fairly good writer but when speaking in front of large groups I sometimes find it hard to put two sentences together without stumbling over my words. Along with the Preach My Gospel manual I used the above-mentioned talk to help guide me through what I needed to say. Through much prayer and preparation the thoughts came easily and I was able to deliver my talk.

After reading it again, listening to the mp3 and re-watching it on my computer through lds.org (don’t you just love the internet?!) I felt doubly impressed to share it with all of you as you too strive to live according to the basic gospel principles and develop Christ-like attributes.

CHALLENGE: This week I suggest choosing a specific attribute you would like to work on. Write it down and include a definition and a description of the attribute. Search your scriptures for passages that teach about the attribute you are working on. Apply that in your life and pray for the Lord to help you more fully draw closer to Christ as you develop the attribute. As you do so, it will become easier to emulate Christ in all your doings. Remember, that learning to be Christ-like is a lifelong pursuit!!!! : )


MP3 Link

Christlike Attributes—the Wind beneath Our Wings

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

 My dear brothers and sisters, my dear friends:

During my professional life as an airline pilot, I sometimes had passengers visit the cockpit of my Boeing 747. They asked about the many switches, instruments, systems, and procedures and how all this technical equipment would help such a huge and beautiful airplane fly.

As with all pilots, I enjoyed the fact that they were impressed by the apparent complexity of this plane and that they wondered what kind of magnificent and brilliant person it takes to operate it! At this point of my story, my wife and children would kindly interrupt and say with a twinkling in their eyes, "Pilots are born with a great measure of natural humility!"

To the visitors in my cockpit, I would explain that it takes a great aerodynamic design, many auxiliary systems and programs, and powerful engines to make this flying machine equal to the task of bringing comfort and safety to those joining the flight.

To simplify my explanation by focusing on the basics, I would add that all you really need is a strong forward thrust, a powerful upward lift, and the right aircraft attitude, and the laws of nature will carry the 747 and its passengers safely across continents and oceans, over high mountains and dangerous thunderstorms to its destination.

In recent years, I have often contemplated that being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites us to ask similar questions. What are the basics, the fundamental principles of our membership in the kingdom of God on earth? After all is said and done, what will really carry us at times of greatest need to our desired eternal destination?
Read the rest HERE.

Week 32: To Know and be Known of God **Repost**

**Reposted from this week**

Dear Friends,


I am so excited about this weeks talk and the subject matter. While I was researching for the talk I had an experience that prompted a thought that I should study and get to know the Savior better. I decided that by the law of attraction if I where to study the Savior and His characteristics that maybe just maybe I would attract some of those into my life and I would be a better wife and mother. It is amazing how these thoughts started and how the ways were given to begin my study. I want invite you all on my journey, "To Know and to Be Known of God". Over the next few weeks I will study some of the characteristics of Christ. I thought I would base my studies on these scriptures found in Alma 9:26-27 "...the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace, equity, and truth, full of patience, mercy, and long suffering, quick to hear the cries of His people and to answer their prayers. And behold, He cometh to redeem those who will be baptized unto repentance, through faith on His name." If you have a great talk or insight on any of these characteristics please feel free to share!


Here is one of my favorite quotes from this weeks talk. I think it sums up why it is so important for us all to come unto the Savior and to know Him and and be known of Him. "The more we know of Jesus, the more we will love Him. The more we know of Jesus the more we will trust Him. The more we know of Jesus, the more we will want to be like Him and to be with Him by becoming the manner of men and women that He wishes us to be." [Neal A. Maxwell, "Plow in Hope", Ensign, May 2001, 60]


Enjoy the journey,

Shauntell

MP3 link:

To Know and to Be Known of God

MARY WILLIAMS

In a revelation given through the Prophet Joseph Smith to David Whitmer, we are told that eternal life "is the greatest of all the gifts of God" (D&C 14:7). When we understand that the entire work and glory of the Savior is "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39), a most significant question for us is "How do we obtain eternal life?" The Savior provided the key in His great intercessory prayer recorded by John, the beloved apostle: "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3). The key, then, to eternal life is to know God the Father and Jesus Christ.
Read the rest HERE.

Week 26: Honorably Hold a Name and Standing

Hello Friends,

This week's Talk of the Week is Elder Bednar's April 2009 Conference Talk "Honorably Hold a Name and Standing." ThisConference talk is one I frequently reflect on. What does it mean to honorably hold a name and standing? What does it mean to worship as we attend the temple? As I have pondered and sought teaching on these ideas, it has been interesting the insights that have come and the increase in love and appreciation for temples and for our Heavenly Father and our Savior. I love the words of Hymn 70 and the insights that have come as I have pondered and sung this wonderful hymn.

I am grateful for Elder Bednar's teaching about the significance of temples and the opportunities and blessings that come as we allow the "fire of the covenant" to burn within us. I am grateful for the protection and the power that come to us as we attend the temple and ponder on the covenants and blessings we receive there. I think there is much for us to understand about the protections and blessings that come that we do not yet grasp. At the BYU Women's Conference, Sister Beck counseled us to attend the temple more frequently and to PAY ATTENTION to who blessings are given by and what powers are given each of us. I have found it helpful to consider 3 Nephi 17:3 in light of temple attendance:

1/ Go unto your homes
2/ ponder
3/ ask—pray
4/ prepare minds for the morrow
5/ come again

I testify that great blessings come from committing to attend and attending the temple as frequently as we are able. I know that our abilities to complete necessary tasks and be more efficient with our time is a blessing that comes as we commit to attend the temple more often. I have increased patience and greater insights into the responsibilities and challenges I face as I increase my temple attendance. The temple is the place we can come to know the Savior better and understand more fully our relationship to Him. It truly is the House of the Lord. How grateful I am to be a witness of this marvelous season of accelerated temple building! It is magnificent to see the work of the Lord rolling forward in significant ways.

Much love,

MP3 Link

Honorably Hold a Name and Standing

Elder David A. Bednar

Shortly after I was called to serve as a stake president in 1987, I talked with a good friend who recently had been released as a stake president. During our conversation I asked him what he would teach me about becoming an effective stake president. His answer to my question had a profound impact upon my subsequent service and ministry.

My friend indicated he had been called to serve as a temple worker soon after his release. He then said: “I wish I had been a temple worker before I was a stake president. If I had served in the temple before my call to serve as a stake president, I would have been a very different stake president.”

I was intrigued by his answer and asked him to explain further. He responded: “I believe I was a good stake president. The programs in our stake ran well, and our statistics were above average. But serving in the temple has expanded my vision. If I were called today to serve as a stake president, my primary focus would be on worthiness to receive and honor temple covenants. I would strive to make temple preparation the center of all that we did. I would do a better job of shepherding the Saints to the house of the Lord.”

That brief conversation with my friend helped me as a stake president to teach relentlessly about and testify of the eternal importance of temple ordinances, temple covenants, and temple worship. The deepest desire of our presidency was for every member of the stake to receive the blessings of the temple, to be worthy of and to use frequently a temple recommend.

My message today focuses upon the blessings of the temple, and I pray the Holy Ghost will illuminate our minds, penetrate our hearts, and bear witness of truth to each of us.

Read the rest HERE

Week 21: The Love of God

During the last days of Christ's life he taught us so many important truths. For instance, he introduced the sacrament, he taught us about the Holy Spirit being our comforter, and he gave us one of the most important commandments, "Love the Lord thy God will all thy heart" and "As I have loved you, love one another...." Why was LOVE so important? The rest of the commandment says "...by this shall men know ye are my disciples." By our works THEY shall know US. Are we true disciples of Christ? Do we love God all with all our heart and with all our soul? Do our actions speak to this? Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "Love is the guiding light that illuminates the disciple’s path and fills our daily walk with life, meaning, and wonder." I really enjoyed this beautiful talk given by President Uchtdorf entitled, "The Love of God," and I hope that you will too.

 
 
 
MP3 Link
 
 

The Love of God

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

 
...The Savior Himself provided the answer with this profound declaration: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”1 This is the essence of what it means to be a true disciple: those who receive Christ Jesus walk with Him.2


But this may present a problem for some because there are so many “shoulds” and “should nots” that merely keeping track of them can be a challenge. Sometimes, well-meaning amplifications of divine principles—many coming from uninspired sources—complicate matters further, diluting the purity of divine truth with man-made addenda. One person’s good idea—something that may work for him or her—takes root and becomes an expectation. And gradually, eternal principles can get lost within the labyrinth of “good ideas.”

This was one of the Savior’s criticisms of the religious “experts” of His day, whom He chastised for attending to the hundreds of minor details of the law while neglecting the weightier matters.3

So how do we stay aligned with these weightier matters? Is there a constant compass that can help us prioritize our lives, thoughts, and actions?

Read the talk HERE

Week 18: My New Life

Hello Friends, A very Happy Mother's Day to each of you. I hope the day is great for you and that as you ponder on your motherhood, you can focus on the great things you are doing right! Motherhood gives us the greatest opportunities to lift and bless others. Truly a process which helps us become like Our Heavenly Father. Our motherhood experiences mold and purify us as nothing else can. I would like to share something a little different this week--a wonderful Mormon Message.

As I have read Stephanie's blog over the past year and a half, I have been completely changed by her passion for mother and wifehood. Her clear vision of who she is and the significance of her role is blessing thousands of lives--even helping some to find the Gospel. As you watch this video, I hope you will feel renewed and empowered to continue on in the missions you are sent to complete.

Much love and a very sweet Mother's Day to you,

*Before playing video Be sure to pause the embeded radio on the right side of the blog.