That Which Heals Me: My Testimony

One of my ultimate favorite scriptures is found in Psalms 31:24 "Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord."

I remember when I was in High School I saw a beautiful video about the life, love and sacrifice of my Savior, Jesus Christ. This scripture from Psalms flashed across the screen and I felt the truthfulness of this speak to my heart with such force. The spirit bore such a powerful witness to me then. I still feel the wonderful truth of this verse when I read it today.

I know that as I seek the Lord through diligent prayer, sincere and humble heartfelt prayer... He is faithful in answering. Sometimes it's not always the answer that I want but His ways are not my ways. He is aware of my needs, fears, insecurities, trials, my failings, my triumphs, my efforts, my desires and so on. He delights to bless each of us, He is anxious to answer our prayers, to direct our paths.... He wants us to call on Him, to knock, to ask, to pray, to hear, to receive....

One more scripture I love is found in the Book of Mormon...

2 Nephi 25:23&26
For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do

And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

I am forever thankful for the hope and strength that comes from my Father in Heaven through His precious Son, Jesus Christ. I am thankful for the peace and hope I find in His word and His Spirit. He gives me strength beyond my own and comforts my heart.

God Bless you!
Alicia

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Some Things I Do Know With Certainty

There are many things I don't know nor do I have the answers to. But there are some things I do know with complete certainty.

I know there is a God. Before we came to earth, we lived with God. He is the Father of our spirit. Everyone who has ever lived or will live on this earth is a spirit son or daughter of God.

I know God is loving, kind, compassionate, merciful, just and true.

I know His work and His glory is to have His children return home to Him. But there are two things that separate us from being able to return to His presence. The first is sin. The second is death. Since we cannot cleanse ourselves from sin anymore than we can raise ourselves from the dead, we needed a Savior. A Savior is someone who does for us what we cannot do for ourselves.

I know Jesus Christ was and is that Savior who makes it possible to return to our Father. Through His Atonment we can be cleansed from sin and live beyond the grave. Jesus is God's Son. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever beliveth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

I know Jesus came to redeem us and show us the true character of our Eternal Father. He said, "I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me."- John 5:30

I know that after our Savior's death; Jesus, the Risen Lord, appeared to many that He loved in life and also ministered to the "other sheep" (John 10:16) in ancient America. (We have this record.) God has spoken to prophets anciently and He speaks through living prophets today.

I know God lives, I know Christ is His Son and our Savior, I know we are God's children and that He loves us. I know God wants us to come back home to Him and He has provided a way. I know this with all of my heart and with every fiber of my being.

I have hope in Christ. It is through Him that I am able to return to my Father in Heaven. I am so thankful for the gift of God's Son. I am so thankful for the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ!

May God bless each and everyone of you!
Alicia

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

I'm So Excited!!

Like the 12 Apostles during the time of Christ, we have men who are ordained as Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ with the same priesthood keys and authority as during our Savior's ministry!

There are two times during the year that I look forward to more than that of any other. Those times are Conference in April and Conference in October. It is the time we get to hear from modern day Prophets and Apostles ordained by those who have the authority to hold the Priesthood keys directly from the hands of those who have been ordained by Jesus Christ. http://josephsmith.net/josephsmith/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=7a19b84d09042010VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRD&locale=0

I know that these are men called of God just as in ancient times, to guide, govern, and direct God's children on the earth to lead them in the way of life and salvation, to lead us to Christ who is our Savior and our Advocate with our Father.

Conference is broadcast in hundreds of languages to members of the church in countries all over the world. http://lds.org/conference/languages/0,6353,310-1,00.html

Like Peter, James and John... we have a First Presidency who guides us in these days too!

A living prophet—the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—is the authorized successor to Joseph Smith. He and the present Apostles? trace their authority to Jesus Christ in an unbroken chain of ordinations through Joseph Smith.

All male members of the Church who are worthy and prepared may receive the priesthood to help lead the Church and serve Heavenly Father’s children. A man with the priesthood might serve by leading congregations of the Church, performing the ordinances of the Church (such as baptism), and blessing those who are sick. God expects those who hold this sacred priesthood authority to follow the example of Jesus Christ and serve with love, gentleness, and kindness.

Another thing that makes this Conference exciting is we get to witness a new apostle to take the place of Elder Wirthlin who passed away last year.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Joseph Smith a Modern Day Prophet!

This is the second year we are studying the teachings of Joseph Smith in our Relief Society & Priesthood classes on Sundays. My testimony has grown so much of that man and I want to tell the whole world that I know with all my heart that Joseph Smith was a TRUE Prophet of God!!

We have often be accused that we worship Joseph Smith. Not only is this terribly false but it is completely contrary to what Joseph, himself taught. He would never allow it, in fact he would strongly condemn it.

Everything that has been revealed through that man has centered on Jesus Christ. The book of Mormon is ancient scripture that spans the time period of about 2200 B.C. to 400 A.D. here on the American continent. It's purpose is "the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations."- (Title page of the Book of Mormon.)

Joseph Smith restored the principles and ordinances of the Gospel of our Savior, namely baptism, sacrament (the Lord's supper), the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood, Prophets, Apostles ordained by those who hold the Priesthood and so on. Every single one of these are performed in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. None of the sacred and holy ordinances make any mention of Joseph's name. So I don't understand why we are so falsely accused of worshiping him.

Maybe it's because he was born on the 23rd of December? Yes, we celebrate the day he was born....But do we not also celebrate the birthdays of other great men like Martin Luther King, President Washington and Abraham Lincoln?

I will not back down from my testimony of Joseph Smith for fear that people might think I'm not Christian. It is because of the teachings and revelations of this man that I have a testimony of my Savior in the first place. So I gladly sing "Praise to the man" because I know that he "communed with Jehovah, Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer." I do not worship him but I most certainly honor him!!

“Salvation could not come to the world without the mediation of Jesus Christ.”- Joseph Smith

“The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it."- Joseph Smith

“Who, among all the Saints in these last days, can consider himself as good as our Lord? Who is as perfect? Who is as pure? Who is as holy as He was? Are they to be found? He never transgressed or broke a commandment or law of heaven—no deceit was in His mouth, neither was guile found in His heart. … Where is one like Christ? He cannot be found on earth.”- Joseph Smith

“The commandments of our Lord, we hope are constantly revolving in your hearts, teaching you, not only His will in proclaiming His Gospel, but His meekness and perfect walk before all, even in those times of severe persecutions and abuse which were heaped upon Him by a wicked and adulterous generation. Remember, brethren, that He has called you unto holiness; and need we say, to be like Him in purity? How wise, how holy; how chaste, and how perfect, then, you ought to conduct yourselves in His sight; and remember, too, that His eyes are continually upon you.”- Joseph Smith

"we feel to exhort our brethren with boldness, to be humble and prayerful, to walk indeed as children of the light and of the day, that they may have grace to withstand every temptation, and to overcome every evil in the worthy name of our Lord Jesus Christ."- Joseph Smith

I love Joseph Smith's testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He loved the Lord with every fiber of his being. I have included this link and encourage all my readers to visit here. They will find detailed accounts of Joseph's first vision, of his mission, of other witnesses and of his own personal testimony: http://josephsmith.net/josephsmith/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=497679179acbff00VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRD&locale=0

God Bless You!

Alicia

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Happy New Year!

I found this widget from last night's youth celebration. I love the message Elder Jeffery R. Holland gives about standing your ground, being steadfast and immovable. I am so thankful for the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. What an amazing blessing it has been to me, my family, my life... I love it!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

My Testimony

My Sister-in-law requested that for Christmas this year everyone in the family write their testimony. I think it’s a wonderful idea. So here it goes:

I’m not quite sure where to start… I love this Gospel and I have a testimony of every part of it. It would take so many pages for me to express all of my feelings, so it’s hard for me to know where to begin.

I don’t claim to understand any great mystery of heaven and I am certainly not a scripture scholar who can roll off passages and references at random. The things I have learned I attribute to many great teachers throughout my life; my parents, my friends, Sunday school, seminary, institute, bishops, ancient and modern prophets etc.…. But the things that I know have been from personal experience, very real and personal experiences. The things that I know are things I have learned from the Spirit, from application.

Most importantly, I have a testimony that Jesus is the Christ; He is my Savior, my Redeemer, and my TRUEST FRIEND. I know with all my heart that He lived, that He suffered and died to save me and that He lives again! Everything testifies of Him. I see witnesses of Him everywhere!! The power of His atoning sacrifice, of His mercy and grace give me the ability to forgive myself, the ability to forgive others and to keep going. I am humbled by how freely and readily His hand is stretched out before me, through thick and thin. He offers to help me every step of the way… if I just take it. I can’t do it on my own and it’s not meant for me to. I am so far from perfect... I need Him, oh I need Him. I am so thankful for His forgiveness. For years I have had this quote on my wall that reads, “I believe in Christ as I believe in the sun at noonday… not because I can see it, but BY it I can see everything else.” –C.S. Lewis. When I choose the Savior (and it’s a daily choice- I might add), when I follow Him, when I let Him guide me, I feel like shouting, “I can see, I can see! I was blind but now, now I can see!”

I know the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ because I have seen and felt the power of it’s teachings in my daily life, through choices I make and guidance I seek. It is a perfect companion to the Bible, clarifying and complimenting the sacred writings from the old world. If I could, I would tell you of the hundreds perhaps thousands of occasions that the words in The Book of Mormon have come as direct answers to my prayers. Whenever I study it’s pages and hearken to it’s counsels, I feel strengthened, motivated, hopeful, more understanding of others, more patient, more kind, more caring, and in short- closer to Christ. The Book of Mormon is more that just good words; it’s the word of God written by the ancient Americans. I know it is true just as I know the Bible is true.

I know Joseph Smith was a prophet of God…. I have prayed with my whole soul to know if he was. I know he was called to restore the Gospel in it’s fullness as it was anciently during the time of Christ. I have read Joseph’s testimony, studied his revelations and The Book of Mormon over and over again. As a result, I have undeniably received witness after witness that Joseph Smith was a prophet just like Moses, Abraham, and Peter before him. There is no shortage of opinions about Joseph. It was prophesied that his name would be known for good and evil everywhere….I think it’s that way for any prophet. One thing is certain, you can’t fabricate the spirit. The spirit testifies of truth wherever it is found. I have felt it witness to me over and over again that Joseph Smith was called of God and that this is the one true church on the earth today. He truly had a divine mission; he was called of God and was faithful to the very end. I thank my Father in Heaven for this AMAZING man. His teachings and example bring me closer to Christ. He was a true prophet.
I know that we have a living Prophet on the earth today! I have no doubt that President Thomas S. Monson is called by God. The First Presidency and Quorum of the 12 Apostles are true messengers from our Heavenly Father, set apart and ordained through the priesthood, the power of God on the earth. They are my life-line to personal peace, to happiness in my home and family. Their teachings bring true perspective of myself, of others and of the world around me. I listen to conference talks several times a week (I don’t say this to boast) I just listen so much because it keeps me going, I need their words, their guidance keep me from getting overwhelmed with the world around me, they give me hope, they give me peace… they bring me closer to Christ.

Another refuge from the world for me is the Temple. Oh, how I love that beautiful place! I remember the first time I went though it… there was so much for me to think about and it seemed so new to me. Over the years I have returned again and again on a regular basis… I realized that I wasn’t being taught anything new at all, In fact, I had known these teachings most of my life. The performances and ordinances therein just helped me to remember who I am and who God is. One word that I think would best describe the temple for me is, “REMEMBERANCE.” The work performed in the temple helps me retain in my mind and heart all the promises and blessings that come from consecrating my life to Christ and to our Father in Heaven. The promises are true, the blessings are absolutely beautiful… they strengthen me! The temple is the closest place I have to heaven on earth. I love it! I love it!

I speak from my heart. These are things I know!

I don’t understand all the detailed workings of how a fruit tree grows… I just know that when I bite into an apple, or an orange or a banana… I KNOW the tree it comes from.

To me the FRUIT is the restored gospel of Jesus Christ; it is full fellowship, activity, service and teachings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I know the tree it comes from because I have tasted it and there is no mistaking that this fruit comes from the Tree of Life itself, Jesus Christ, my Savior. I say this in His sacred and holy name, Amen.

Friday, March 28, 2008

What are you afraid of?

It seems like every time I turn on the news, all I ever hear about is war, murders, robbery, abuse, lewdness, violence, cheating, fraud, lies, and destruction.... to focus on this can weigh quite heavily on my heart and be quite depressing. Especially when I look at my children and think, "If things are this bad now, what kind of world are they going to be living in when they have children of their own?" It's a frightening thought.

This morning I was reading in Luke 21:26. Here it says that in the last days, men's hearts will fail them because of fear. "Fear" I took an interest in this because of the fear I have felt at times in my own heart. So, I began looking up all the different verses on "fear" that stood out to my mind and wrote them down. These are what I found- these comfort me:

"And the Lord appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee..."- Gen. 26:24

"Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them."- 2Kings 6:16

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"- Psalms 27:1

"The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe."- Prov. 29:25

"For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed."- Isaiah 50:7

"Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings."- Isaiah 51:7

"And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord."- Jeremiah 23:3

"And he (Jesus) arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?"- Mark 4:40

"Speak the word without fear."- Philip. 1:14

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."- 2Tim 1:7

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:"- 1John 4:18

"you should not have feared man more than God."- Doctrine and Covenants 3:7

"Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward. Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock (the gospel of Jesus Christ), they cannot prevail... Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not."- Doctrine and Covenants 6:33,34&36

"... if ye are prepared ye shall not fear. "- Doctrine and Covenants 38:30

"strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me [Jesus Christ]."- Doctrine and Covenants 67:10

Now the final scripture... this one I share last because I jotted down some additional thoughts that go along with explaining this one:

"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."- Matt 10:28

This is what came to my mind...
What are the things that can destroy the body but not the Spirit?:
Sickness, Illness, Disease
Natural Disasters, Plagues, Famine,
Accidents, Shootings, Terrorists, Death, Etc.

Now what are the things that destroy our body and our Spirit, and create a literal hell of a life?
Ungratefulness, Jealousy, Greed, Hatred
Selfishness, Lust, Arrogance,
Lies, Hypocrisy, Gossip, Bitterness
Laziness, Self-righteousness, Etc.

The difference between these two forms of destruction is that the first are ones we don't necessarily have any control over....
But the second, (those things we should really fear)- we have complete control over. Each day, every moment we choose whether or not we let these things reside in our hearts or cast them out.
And I wittiness to you that you are not alone in overcoming these things.

Through daily prayer and seeking for God's help to keep these things out of your life, I promise you the riches of Eternity... and peace in this life here and now, no matter what is going on in the news. Your family life will be better, your workplace will be better, relationships with neighbors will be better.

The scriptures bring me so much comfort. I am grateful for something solid to stand on in the midst of a raging sea. I feel anchored and safe... yes... safe, even in this world. Isn't that wonderful!

God Bless You!
Alicia

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

You are loved!!

Art work:Under His Wing, by Jay Bryant Ward

There are some wonderful articles published in this month's Ensign magazine. This is a poster included in the middle of the magazine that I thought was absolutely beautiful. Children have increadible faith... I see it in the eyes of my own children. My children are my greatest teachers on what it means to be humble, teachable, forgiving, and believing.

The following poem is one of my very most favorites. As I ponder the words, "Jesus loves me."... my mind recalls this poem.

“The Touch of the Master’s Hand,” -by: Myra Brooks Welch
“ ’Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer

Thought it scarcely worth his while

To waste much time on the old violin,

But held it up with a smile:

‘What am I bidden, good folks,’ he cried,

‘Who’ll start the bidding for me?’

‘A dollar, a dollar’; then, ‘Two!’ ‘Only two?

Two dollars, and who’ll make it three?

Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice;

Going for three—’ But no,

From the room, far back, a gray-haired man

Came forward and picked up the bow;

Then, wiping the dust from the old violin,

And tightening the loose strings,

He played a melody pure and sweet

As sweet as a caroling angel sings.

“The music ceased, and the auctioneer,

With a voice that was quiet and low,

Said, ‘What am I bid for the old violin?’

And he held it up with the bow.

‘A thousand dollars, and who’ll make it two?

Two thousand! And who’ll make it three?

Three thousand, once, three thousand, twice,

And going, and gone!’ said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried,

‘We do not quite understand

What changed its worth.’ Swift came the reply:

‘The touch of a master’s hand.’

“And many a man with life out of tune,

And battered and scarred with sin,

Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd,

Much like the old violin.

A ‘mess of pottage,’ a glass of wine;

A game—and he travels on.

He’s ‘going’ once, and ‘going’ twice,

He’s ‘going’ and almost ‘gone.’

But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd

Never can quite understand

The worth of a soul and the change that’s wrought

By the touch of the Master’s hand.”

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Peace in Troubled Times

Sometimes living in today's world can be frightening. These are some words of encouragement and hope I would like to share that I pray will bring peace and comfort in troubled times this wonderful Easter Season. The following is clipped from a talk by Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles- April 2003

" After teaching the multitude, Jesus and His disciples set sail for the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It was night and the Savior rested comfortably near the stern, asleep on a pillow. In time “there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship.” Terrified, the disciples awakened Him: “Master, carest thou not that we perish?” 1 His answer was characteristically calm: “Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?” 2 “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” 3
He who had created the earth was again commanding the elements. 4 In wonderment, His disciples asked, “What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” 5
We are living through turbulent times. A great storm of evil has come upon the earth. The winds of wickedness howl about us; the waves of war beat against our ship. As Paul wrote to Timothy: “In the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, … Having a form of godliness; but denying the power thereof.” 6

"Stilling the Storm" Painting by- Ted Henninger

It is true that ominous clouds gather around us, but just as the Savior’s words brought peace to the Apostles in the boat, they bring peace to us today: “And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.” 7 “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” 8....
As we look into the eyes of our children and grandchildren, we see the doubt and fear of our times. Wherever these precious ones go in the world, they hear about unemployment, poverty, war, immorality, and crime. They wonder, “How can we cope with these problems?”
To find answers, they look back into our eyes and listen to our words. Do they hear us speaking faithfully and hopefully, despite the tribulations of our times?....

I am moved by the extent of the tribulation in the Savior’s experience. Even though He was the Only Begotten of the Father, cunning men sought to take His life from the very beginning. Throughout His ministry, a storm of rumors, lies, and persecutions followed Him wherever He went.
I am especially impressed as I consider the week leading to His death: the chief priests challenged His authority, tried to trap Him, and twice conspired to kill Him. In Gethsemane, while His disciples slept, He suffered the sins of all mankind and bled from every pore. He was betrayed, arrested, questioned, struck, spat upon, and beaten. After interrogation by the ruling council, He was mocked by Herod and finally taken to Pilate, where He was made to stand before an angry mob. Whipped and crowned with thorns, He was forced to carry His cross to Golgotha. Nails were driven into His hands and feet. His body was raised up between common thieves. Soldiers cast lots for His earthly possessions, and vinegar was given to quench His thirst. After six hours, 20 He commended His spirit into the hands of His Father, gave up the ghost, and died.

"The Cruscifixion" Painting by- Harry Anderson

When we observe the last week of the Savior’s life from our earthly perspective, our first impression may be one of suffering and destruction. We may see only the Savior’s mother and others weeping at the cross, soldiers afraid, the earth in great commotion, rocks broken up, the veil of the temple rent in twain, and three hours of darkness covering the land. A similar scene of storms and destruction unfolded in the New World. In short, we see the terrible tempest raging.

But look again—this time through the eye of faith.
In the last, most agonizing weeks of His life, consider that Jesus taught, testified, lifted, blessed, and strengthened those around Him. He raised Lazarus from the dead, taught about His Father, set the temple in order, gave several parables, witnessed the widow offering her mite, instructed His disciples about the signs of His Second Coming, visited the house of Simon the leper, instituted the sacrament, washed the feet of the Apostles, and taught His disciples to love one another. He testified of His divinity as the Son of God and taught of the Comforter—the Holy Ghost. In His great Intercessory Prayer, He prayed to His Father for His Apostles and all who believe on their words, “that they might have [His] joy fulfilled in themselves.” 21

"The Last Supper" Painting by- Ford Madox Brown

In His darkest hour, the light of peace and joy did not fade. It grew brighter! After His death, He appeared to Mary Magdalene. What joy must have been felt that morning as the news spread: “He is risen”! 22 In time He came to the women on the road, to Cleopas and a disciple who were traveling to Emmaus, to the Apostles and disciples in the upper room, to Thomas, who doubted, and to others. Again, there was joy and rejoicing in the Atonement and the Resurrection. 23...

"Mary and the Resurrected Lord"- Painting by- Harry Anderson

My brothers and sisters, however dark conditions may seem in this world today, whatever the storms we are facing personally, in our homes and our families, this joy can be ours now. Sometimes we don’t understand death, illness, mental and physical disabilities, personal tragedies, war, and other conflict. Some of these are a necessary part of our mortal probation. Others, as Enoch foresaw, are part of the preparation for the Savior’s Second Coming, when “the heavens shall be darkened, and a veil of darkness shall cover the earth; and the heavens shall shake, and also the earth; and great tribulations shall be among the children of men, but,” said the Lord, “my people will I preserve.” And when Enoch saw all these things, he “received a fulness of joy.” 25

"The Resurrected Lord"- Painting by- Harry Anderson

On this morning, during this season of the Savior’s birth and Resurrection, I bear special witness with joy and rejoicing that He did come into this world, suffered for our sins, and will return again. Our faith in Him and obedience to His commandments will bring “a perfect brightness of hope” 26 and dispel the darkness and gloom of despair in these troubled times. The One who had power to calm the elements of earth has power to calm our souls, to give us refuge from the storm: “Peace, be still.” 27
I so testify, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

Elder Robert D. HalesOf the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

For the love...

I don't have alot of time to spend on the computer today. So I'll just share with you a couple of my favorite scriptures. Hope you all have a wonderful day.
God bless you!
Alicia

"There is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness." - Alma 39:9

"Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise." - 2Nephi 2:8

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.
And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God..." 2Nephi 31:20 & 21

"Remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." - Heleman 5: 12

Painting by: Harry Anderson

Saturday, March 1, 2008

A Most Amazing Treasure!

If I could have a face to face conversation with you... If I could look into your eyes and share with you my heart, it would be my desire to tell you about this wonderful, most amazing treasure I have found:

This treasure has blessed me with hope, peace, comfort, happiness, knowledge, wisdom, direction, guidance, truth, goodness, purity, love and much, much more.

This treasure is priceless to me and the more I am able to share it, the greater my joy is in this wonderful gift.... because I see it expand and grow like a fruitful field, blessing the lives of countless others. I want to share it with the world.

This is my Treasure:

I know that God lives. I know that He is the Father of my Spirit, that I lived with him before I was born on this earth.(See: King James Version- Jeremiah 1:5, Acts 17:28, Romans 8:16). I know that we all have a purpose in this life. As any loving Father would, Godhas not sent us into this world to grope around in the dark, not knowing which way to go... He, our Father in Heaven, has provided a way to return to Him. He has provided a Redeemer, a Savior, His Only Begotten Son in the flesh, to Atone for our sins and also conquer physical death. (St. John 3:16-17)

He has provided prophets, like Adam, Noah, Moses, Abraham, Isaiah, Peter, James, John and Paul.... All of which held the Melchizedek Priesthood and were ordained by those in authority to bestow it. He has also provided Prophets, just as He did in ancient times, again on the earth, to be a clear voice to give correct guidance and instruction in a world of uncertainty. We have today a living Prophet of God, President Thomas S. Monson. We have 12 Apostles as Christ did anciently, as special witnesses of Him and His divine mission. We have the Priesthood on the earth today. I know this to be true.

I also know with all of my heart and every bit of my soul that the Book of Mormon is truly another Testament of Jesus Christ. I have read it completely many, many times as I have also the New Testament in the Bible. It compliments, clarifies, sustains and witnesses to the Bible and is a perfect companion to it. It testifies of Jesus Christ, that He is our Savior and that only in and through Him can we be saved. (See: atonement)

Christ taught, "in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established." - Matt 18:16

From The Book of Mormon introduction page it reads:

"The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fulness of the everlasting gospel."

"The book was written by many ancient prophets by the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Their words, written on gold plates, were quoted and abridged by a prophet-historian named Mormon. The record gives an account of two great civilizations. One came from Jerusalem in 600 B.C., and afterward separated into two nations, known as the Nephites and the Lamanites. The other came much earlier when the Lord confounded the tongues at the Tower of Babel. This group is known as the Jaredites. After thousands of years, all were destroyed except the Lamanites, and they are the principal ancestors of the American Indians."

"The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after his resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come."

I know that the Book of Mormon is true, I have no doubt and because I know this... I also know that Joseph Smith must have translated it by the gift and power of God, that He indeed was a true prophet called to restore the fullness of the Everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I believe in the power of prayer. I know that if we are searching for answers, searching to know if God is real, to know what is true and what is not, to know right from wrong, and what our purpose is or which directions to take in life- the first thing to do is...ask God. (See James 1:5)Go to where you can be alone and address Him as, "Father" tell Him what is on your mind, and talk to Him like a good friend. (It doesn't have to be eloquent or fancy in words.... just be yourself and open up to Him.) Then close your prayer, "In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

There is so much in my heart, It would take me forever to tell you everything. But these are the basics. To sum it all up, this is what I find to be the greatest, most amazing treasure I have or could ever share with anyone. No matter what your beliefs are, where you are from, your background or history, I hope you are able to glean something from this treasure of mine.

To request a Free Copy of the Book of Mormon and/ or Holy Bible - go to the bottom of the page on this link: http://mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/basic-beliefs/the-restoration-of-truth/god-is-your-loving-heavenly-father

God bless you.
Alicia

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

So Blessed

Do you ever have those moments when you wake up with your heart so full of gratitude you feel like you're about to burst? I feel so increadibly blessed to have the hope, the mercy, the grace, the comfort and the perspective that comes from the Gospel of Jesus Christ that I can't keep it to myself, I just can't! I wish I could tell it to the whole world. I know it's not possible for me to reach every single person but I am thankful I can use this little tool I have, called a 'blog', to help me share this good news in my own small way. I feel so blessed!!!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Temples Around the World

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Psalms 31:24

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Some Things I Do Know With Certainty

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

I'm So Excited!!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Joseph Smith a Modern Day Prophet!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Happy New Year!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

My Testimony

Friday, March 28, 2008

What are you afraid of?

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

You are loved!!

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Peace in Troubled Times

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

For the love...

Saturday, March 1, 2008

A Most Amazing Treasure!

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

So Blessed

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