Rod and Staff

I've been thinking a lot lately about the power that comes from daily scripture study and the blessing it is to have living prophets and apostles of God on the earth today. I am thankful to be led by those who have been given by succession direct authority to bless and perform ordinances in the name of Christ.

As I was reading this morning and as I thought of what a blessing the scriptures and words of the Prophet's are I recalled this Psalm:

4 Yea, though I ^awalk through the ^bvalley of the ^cshadow of^ddeath, I will fear no ^eevil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they ^fcomfort me. -Psalms 23:4

We learn that the rod is the word of God, the words of Jesus Christ. And if you look up "staff" in the dictionary it says "a symbol of office or authority." It's another way of describing power through the Priesthood (God's authority given to man to administer in His name on the earth).

When I insert these definitions in the Psalm above I find a greater perspective and dimension to where true comfort is found.

Fruit Meet for Repentance

"Repent".... all throughout the scriptures we hear this important word. It is a foundation principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After Jesus was baptized, Satan tried to thwart Christ's mission but to no avail.... triumphantly our perfect Savior escaped the snares of the adversary and the first thing Jesus began to teach was repentance.

"From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."- Matt 4:17

Why is repentance such an important thing? And what did Christ mean when He told the Pharisees and Sadducees to "Bring forth fruit meet for repentance."?

What do we think of when we hear the word "repent"? I believe how well we understand the doctrine of repentance will greatly determine our personal application and affections for it.

What feeling does it provoke... difficulty, uncomfortable, hesitation, condemnation of others, ridicule of self, or on the other hand, does it induce feelings of peace, gratitude, an assurance of God's love, Christ, the Atonement, hope and confidence?

Our 4th Article of Faith states:
"We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are:
First - Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
Second - Repentance
Third - Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins
Fourth - Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost."

I submit to you that repentance is not a one time thing in our life. I submit that is the reason why Christ used the word "fruit" with repentance. A tree doesn't grow to bring forth one fruit but many, a whole harvest and year after year it does. Even within one fruit is the potential for so much more.

Today I read an article given years ago by one of the 12 Apostles, Neal A. Maxwell:

This is just a portion of it but you can see all of it here.... in fact I encourage you to read ALL of it. :)

"For some months, I’ve tried to emphasize repentance, one of the most vital and merciful doctrines of the kingdom. It is too little understood, too little applied by us all, as if it were merely a word on a bumper sticker. Since we have been told clearly by Jesus what manner of men and women we ought to become—even as He is (see 3 Ne. 27:27)—how can we do so, except each of us employs repentance as the regular means of personal progression? Personal repentance is part of taking up the cross daily. (See Luke 9:23.) Without it, clearly there could be no “perfecting of the Saints.” ( Eph. 4:12.)

Besides, there is more individuality in those who are more holy.

Sin, on the other hand, brings sameness; it shrinks us to addictive appetites and insubordinate impulses. For a brief surging, selfish moment, sin may create the illusion of individuality, but only as in the grunting, galloping Gadarene swine! (See Matt. 8:28–32.)

Repentance is a rescuing, not a dour doctrine. It is available to the gross sinner as well as to the already-good individual striving for incremental improvement.

Repentance requires both turning away from evil and turning to God. (See Deut. 4:30; see also Bible Dictionary, s.v. “Repentance.”) When “a mighty change” is required, full repentance involves a 180-degree turn, and without looking back! ( Alma 5:12–13.) Initially, this turning reflects progress from telestial to terrestrial behavior, and later on to celestial behavior. As the sins of the telestial world are left behind, the focus falls ever more steadily upon the sins of omission, which often keep us from full consecration.

Real repentance involves not a mechanical checklist, but a checking of the natural self. Often overlapping and mutually reinforcing, each portion of the process of repentance is essential. This process rests on inner resolve but is much aided by external support." - Neal A. Maxwell

Read the whole article here!

Daughters of God

I think most mothers would agree that there are very humbling moments where you feel inadiquate as a mom. I know I do when I've displayed a lack of patience, an unkind word or a short temper. I have much need for improvement... but I am thankful that God is faithful and forgiving. And like Paul in speaking to the Corinthians I too have a thorn in my flesh... yet, Christ's grace is sufficient for me and my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Lately I've been deeply studying Alma 37. A couple of days ago three verses stood out to me very strong that made me think of my children, the way I speak to them, the time and attention I give them and what I truly value.

"I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise....If ye keep the commandments of God, and do with these things which are sacred [my children] according to that which the Lord doth command you, (for you must appeal unto the Lord for all things whatsoever ye must do with them) behold no power of earth or hell can take them from you, for God is powerful to the fulfilling of all His words. For He will fulfil all His promises which He shall make unto you..."- Alma 37:6,16-17

After reading these verses I went to LDS Scripture Citation Index and found a talk by Elder M.Russel Ballard given back in 2008. It fit perfectly with my thoughts on motherhood. I've posted a majority of the talk below.

DAUGHTERS OF GOD (After clicking on this link, scroll down to the bottom of the page it is the second to last talk given in the Sunday Afternoon Session. Here it can be viewed, or listened to as well.)

"After observing and empathizing with three generations of mothers and thinking of my own dear mother, I surely know that there is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood.

There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. Many are able to be “full-time moms,” at least during the most formative years of their children’s lives, and many others would like to be. Some may have to work part-or full-time; some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else.

I am impressed by countless mothers who have learned how important it is to focus on the things that can only be done in a particular season of life. If a child lives with parents for 18 or 19 years, that span is only one-fourth of a parent’s life. And the most formative time of all, the early years in a child’s life, represents less than one-tenth of a parent’s normal life. It is crucial to focus on our children for the short time we have them with us and to seek, with the help of the Lord, to teach them all we can before they leave our homes. This eternally important work falls to mothers and fathers as equal partners. I am grateful that today many fathers are more involved in the lives of their children. But I believe that the instincts and the intense nurturing involvement of mothers with their children will always be a major key to their well-being. In the words of the proclamation on the family, “Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).

We need to remember that the full commitment of motherhood and of putting children first can be difficult. Through my own four-generation experience in our family, and through discussions with mothers of young children throughout the Church, I know something of a mother’s emotions that accompany her commitment to be at home with young children. There are moments of great joy and incredible fulfillment, but there are also moments of a sense of inadequacy, monotony, and frustration. Mothers may feel they receive little or no appreciation for the choice they have made. Sometimes even husbands seem to have no idea of the demands upon their wives.

As a Church, we have enormous respect and gratitude to you mothers of young children. We want you to be happy and successful in your families and to have the validation and support you need and deserve. So today, let me ask and briefly answer four questions. While my answers may seem extremely simple, if the simple things are being tended to, a mother’s life can be most rewarding.

The first question: What can you do, as a young mother, to reduce the pressure and enjoy your family more?

First, recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction.

Author Anna Quindlen reminds us not to rush past the fleeting moments. She said: “The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make. … I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of [my three children] sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less” (Loud and Clear [2004], 10–11).

Second, don’t overschedule yourselves or your children. We live in a world that is filled with options. If we are not careful, we will find every minute jammed with social events, classes, exercise time, book clubs, scrapbooking, Church callings, music, sports, the Internet, and our favorite TV shows. One mother told me of a time that her children had 29 scheduled commitments every week: music lessons, Scouts, dance, Little League, day camps, soccer, art, and so forth. She felt like a taxi driver. Finally, she called a family meeting and announced, “Something has to go; we have no time to ourselves and no time for each other.” Families need unstructured time when relationships can deepen and real parenting can take place. Take time to listen, to laugh, and to play together.

Third, even as you try to cut out the extra commitments, sisters, find some time for yourself to cultivate your gifts and interests. Pick one or two things that you would like to learn or do that will enrich your life, and make time for them. Water cannot be drawn from an empty well, and if you are not setting aside a little time for what replenishes you, you will have less and less to give to others, even to your children. Avoid any kind of substance abuse, mistakenly thinking that it will help you accomplish more. And don’t allow yourself to be caught up in the time-wasting, mind-numbing things like television soap operas or surfing the Internet. Turn to the Lord in faith, and you will know what to do and how to do it.

Fourth, pray, study, and teach the gospel. Pray deeply about your children and about your role as a mother. Parents can offer a unique and wonderful kind of prayer because they are praying to the Eternal Parent of us all. There is great power in a prayer that essentially says, “We are steward-parents over Thy children, Father; please help us to raise them as Thou wouldst want them raised.”

The second question: What more can a husband do to support his wife, the mother of their children?

First, show extra appreciation and give more validation for what your wife does every day. Notice things and say thank you—often. Schedule some evenings together, just the two of you.

Second, have a regular time to talk with your wife about each child’s needs and what you can do to help.

Third, give your wife a “day away” now and then. Just take over the household and give your wife a break from her daily responsibilities. Taking over for a while will greatly enhance your appreciation of what your wife does. You may do a lot of lifting, twisting, and bending!

Fourth, come home from work and take an active role with your family. Don’t put work, friends, or sports ahead of listening to, playing with, and teaching your children.

The third question: What can children, even young children, do? Now, you children, please listen to me because there are some simple things you can do to help your mother.

You can pick up your toys when you are finished playing with them, and when you get a little older, you can make your bed, help with the dishes, and do other chores—without being asked.

You can say thank you more often when you finish a nice meal, when a story is read to you at bedtime, or when clean clothes are put in your drawers.

Most of all, you can put your arms around your mother often and tell her you love her.

The last question: What can the Church do?

There are many things the Church offers to mothers and families, but for my purpose today may I suggest that the bishopric and the ward council members be especially watchful and considerate of the time and resource demands on young mothers and their families. Know them and be wise in what you ask them to do at this time in their lives. Alma’s counsel to his son Helaman applies to us today: “Behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass” ( Alma 37:6).

I hope all of you dear sisters, married or single, never wonder if you have worth in the sight of the Lord and to the leaders of the Church. We love you. We respect you and appreciate your influence in preserving the family and assisting with the growth and the spiritual vitality of the Church. Let us remember that “the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World”). The scriptures and the teachings of the prophets and apostles help all family members to prepare together now to be together through all eternity. I pray that God will continually bless the women of the Church to find joy and happiness in their sacred roles as daughters of God."

God is He that goeth with you...

This morning I was reading Deuteronomy chapter 20 and I couldn't help but apply this to our day and the battles we are facing to keep our religious freedom and our rights as parents. These verses gave me hope and I wanted to share them:

"1 When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the Lord thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
2 And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people.
3 And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them;
4 For the Lord your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you." - Deuteronomy 20:1-5

It is also interesting to note that in the next 5 verses this counsel is repeated 4 times, "let him [the soldier] go and return unto his house." to do what? to dedicate it to God and to be with his loved ones and property so he can defend them from others coming in and stealing it all away from him. see Deuteronomy 20: 5-8

The greatest and most important battles, I believe will be fought within our own homes... not against our own flesh but "against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12

The Grandeur of God

I've been thinking about the greatness of our Father in Heaven, how amazing His creations are, our relationship to Him and the miracle of life itself.

As I reflect upon this I can't help but recal what Moses experienced when He talked face to face with God....Moses Chapter 1

"And God spake unto Moses, saying: Behold, I am the Lord God Almighty, and Endless is my name; for I am without beginning of days or end of years; and is not this endless?

"And, behold, thou art my son; wherefore look, and I will show thee the workmanship of mine hands; but not all, for my works are without end, and also my words, for they never cease."

"he beheld also the inhabitants thereof, and there was not a soul which he beheld not; and he discerned them by the Spirit of God; and their numbers were great, even numberless as the sand upon the sea shore."

"And it came to pass that Moses looked, and beheld the world upon which he was created; and Moses beheld the world and the ends thereof, and all the children of men which are, and which were created; of the same he greatly marveled and wondered."

"And he beheld many lands; and each land was called earth, and there were inhabitants on the face thereof." "And it came to pass that it was for the space of many hours before Moses did again receive his natural strength like unto man; and he said unto himself: Now, for this cause I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed."

Look at the size of the earth compared to the sun... isn't it amazing how small we are!!!!

"And the Lord God spake unto Moses, saying: The heavens, they are many, and they cannot be numbered unto man; but they are numbered unto me, for they are mine. And as one earth shall pass away, and the heavens thereof even so shall another come;"

Isn't this a beautiful picture?! The Milky Way Galaxy has 200 -> 400 billion stars Dwarf galaxies contain around 10 billion stars whereas giant galaxies can contain upwards of a trillion stars.
"...and there is no end to my works, neither to my words."

This image was from the hubble telescope a view in space the size of a fingernail. There are an estimated 100 billion galaxies in the observable universe.

These are not individual stars, these are GALAXIES!! And it's only a sliver of the sky!!

The most amazing thing about all of this is after God showed Moses His glory, the expanse of the universe, His greatness and power..... God said....

"For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."

God is our Father, we are His children, His spiritual offspring created in His image. He wants us to be happy, to be one with Him as Christ is, to become like Him.

How completely humbling and wonderful it is to know that I am a daughter of God and to know God sent His Son to atone for me! I will praise Him all my days!

God Bless You, Alicia

Read what a modern-day apostle has to say about the Grandeur of God here.

Psalms 31:24

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

Just Thankful

I'm just thinking how thankful I am to have a living Prophet of God on the earth today and to have the Quorum of the 12 Apostles as well. I've been listening to the most recent conference address by these men.
http://lds.org/conference/languages/0,6353,310-1,00.html

I love to hear them speak! Every time I do, I feel a undeniable wittiness in my heart that they are called of God, I feel peace, I feel direction, I feel love, certainty and hope. When I hear these men speak I feel a greater desire to serve my neighbor, to love my family better, to pray harder, to listen to more of God's words, etc. In short I feel better and I live better when I follow their counsel. I am so thankful for Divine revelation, where God speaks to us through those in authority, through holy writ and through the Holy Spirit. I feel like shouting hallelujah! I have the greatest treasure on earth, a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and I love to share it!

Trust in God

"Let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for His arm to be revealed." -Doctrine and Covenants 123:17

I really like this scripture....I am learning to trust God more. It reminds me of a poem that I read years ago...

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.

-by, Reinhold Niebuhr

Strength and Hope in the Midst of Trial

We sang this song in Church today and I cried all through it... the words are what I needed at this time. I have been struggling with an illness that the Dr.'s are still trying to figure out. I have anxiety over the "unknown" sometimes and it's baggage that I really don't need to carry. A wise person once said, "I don't know what the future holds, but I know Who holds the future." I just need to remember "peace be still" and know that it's all in God's hands.

I am so thankful for the power of prayer, for God's tender mercies, for the power of His word, the power of music and the comforting influence of the Spirit of the Lord.

"Master, the tempest is raging!The billows are tossing high!The sky is o'ershadow with blackness,No shelter or help is nigh;Carest Thou not that we perish?How canst Thou lie asleep,When each moment so madly is threateningA grave in the angry deep?

The winds and the waves shall obey Thy will,Peace, be still!Whether the wrath of the storm tossed sea,Or demons or men, or whatever it beNo waters can swallow the ship where liesThe Master of ocean, and earth, and skies;They all shall sweetly obey Thy will,Peace, be still! Peace, be still!They all shall sweetly obey Thy will,Peace, peace, be still!

Master, with anguish of spiritI bow in my grief today;The depths of my sad heart are troubledOh, waken and save, I pray!Torrents of sin and of anguishSweep o’er my sinking soul;And I perish! I perish! dear MasterOh, hasten, and take control.

Master, the terror is over,The elements sweetly rest;Earth’s sun in the calm lake is mirrored,And heaven’s within my breast;Linger, O blessèd Redeemer!Leave me alone no more;And with joy I shall make the blest harbor,And rest on the blissful shore."

- Words by Mary A. Baker

A Return to Virtue

I was studying in Alma 47 this morning and was reminded of some conference talks given in the fall of 2008. "Christian Courage" by, Robert D. Hales (Quorum of the 12 Apostles) and "Return to Virtue" by, Elaine S. Dalton (General Young Womens President)Photo: Elaine S. Dalton, General Young Women's President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

"Could it be that we have been slowly desensitized into thinking that high moral standards are old-fashioned and not relevant or important in today’s society? As Elder Hales has just reminded us, Lehonti in the Book of Mormon was well positioned on the top of a mountain. He and those he led were “fixed in their minds with a determined resolution” that they would not come down from the mount. It only took the deceitful Amalickiah four tries, each one more bold than the previous, to get Lehonti to “come down off from the mount.”8 And then having embraced Amalickiah’s false promises, Lehonti was “poison[ed] by degrees”9 until he died. Not just poisoned, but “by degrees.” Could it be that this may be happening today? Could it be that first we tolerate, then accept, and eventually embrace the vice that surrounds us?10 Could it be that we have been deceived by false role models and persuasive media messages that cause us to forget our divine identity?

Are we too being poisoned by degrees? What could be more deceptive than to entice the youth of this noble generation to do nothing or to be busy ever-texting but never coming to a knowledge of the truths contained in a book that was written for you and your day by prophets of God—the Book of Mormon? What could be more deceptive than to entice women, young and old, you and me, to be so involved in ourselves, our looks, our clothes, our body shape and size that we lose sight of our divine identity and our ability to change the world through our virtuous influence? What could be more deceptive than to entice men—young and old, holding the holy priesthood of God—to view seductive pornography and thus focus on flesh instead of faith, to be consumers of vice rather than guardians of virtue? The Book of Mormon relates the story of 2,000 young heroes whose virtue and purity gave them the strength to defend their parents’ covenants and their family’s faith. Their virtue and commitment to be “true at all times” changed the world!11

...What can each of us do to begin our return to virtue? The course and the training program will be unique to each of us. I have derived my personal training program from instructions found in the scriptures: “Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly.”14 “Cleave unto [your] covenants.”15 “Stand … in holy places.”16 “Lay aside the things of [the] world.”17 “Believe that ye must repent.”18 “Always remember him and keep his commandments.”19 And “if there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, … seek after these things.”20 Now more than ever before, it is time to respond to Moroni’s call to “awake, and arise” and to “lay hold upon every good gift, and touch not the evil gift, nor the unclean thing.”21

...I testify that a return to virtue is possible because of the Savior’s example and the “infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice.”22 I testify that we will be enabled and strengthened not only to do hard things but to do all things. Now is the time for each of us to arise and unfurl a banner to the world calling for a return to virtue. "

Elaine S. Dalton, “A Return to Virtue,” Liahona, Nov 2008, 78–80

"Thou Shalt Have No Other God's Before Me"

I've been studying Preach My Gospel and reading about the 10 commandments. I've been thinking alot about the 1st commandment, "Thou shalt have no other God's before me"...Usually when I hear this I think of the sin of worshiping or praying to images made of gold, silver, wood, stone, clay, fabric, metal, and so on.

But of course there are many more aspects to the sin of Idolatry.

President Spencer W. Kimball said:

"...Some [idols] are in no physical form at all, but are intangible. Many seem to 'worship' on an elemental basis- they live to eat and drink. They are like the children of Israel ... who could not lift their minds above the 'flesh pots of Egypt.' They cannot seem to rise above satisfying their bodily appetites. As Paul put it, their 'God is their belly.' (Phil. 3:19.)"

"Modern idols or false gods can take such forms as clothes, homes businesses, machines, cars, pleasure boats, and numerous other material deflectors..."

"...Many people build and furnish a home and buy the car first- and then they 'cannot afford' to pay tithing. Whom do they worship? Certainly not the Lord of heaven and earth, for we serve whom we love and give first consideration to the object of our affection and desires."

Thinking about this I cannot help but feel that one idol that we often worship is our own selves. We live in a selfish society... how often do we hear, "every man for himself", "obey your thirst", "you 'deserve' it", "look out for number one", "me, myself and I"....

If "we love and give first consideration to the object of our affection and desires"... how often does this come in the form of ourselves. How concerned are we about others "noticing" us or how many "friends" we have on face book, how many "followers" we have on our blogs, and how many comments people leave? Why should it even matter? Is this what marks our value? Do we trust in our Divine worth as children of God or do we need a constant steady diet of the belching praise from man and semblance stamps of approval .... who is man? His breath is in his nostrils, it's nothing more than "hot air"- Isaiah 2:22

When God comes first and foremost in our lives, we will lose ourselves.... and when we lose ourselves to God we will be able to truly love ourselves and love others too. That's the miracle of having no other God's before Him.

Good Friday

I was just thinking about Good Friday and why we remember it.... I had my scriptures open and found this very applicable for today.

"Yea, they did remember how great things the Lord had done for them, that he had delivered them from death, and from bonds, and from prisons, and from all manner of afflictions, and he had delivered them out of the hands of their enemies."- Alma 62:50

Scripture Study

A few years ago I checked out the NIV version of the Bible to read with my KJV and it really helped my scripture study. Lately I've been using a website http://www.ibsstl.org/bible/verse/index.php that gives me whatever bible version of a scripture I choose and lays them out side by side. It's really cool. I showed it to my friend and she told me about another place I can go called http://www.biblegateway.com/ So I've been using biblegateway these past few weeks and I like the layout just a little better on this one.

I've been studying Preach My Gospel and I like to search the scriptures references it gives online because I can find the passages faster and go back and forth through them easier. Here is an example of a really cool verse Preach My Gospel gives for study Matt 6:1-4, 16-18. Now click on this link to Bible Gateway and you can see how I searched this scripture in the different Bible versions, it's really cool. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mathew%206:1-4,16-18;&version=9;65;31; I also use this link for additional scripture http://scriptures.lds.org/en/contents

Happy studying! :D

We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. - Article of Faith #8

MUST WATCH VIDEO!!

Chris Rice is the original songwriter to "Cry to Jesus." This version is performed by Kenneth Cope. It is so, so very good. I just wanted to share it with all my friends and everyone else in the world! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dq7IwPj2-kY

Many lessons I have had lately in Sunday school, sacrament meeting and through my own personal scripture study keep pointing to the principle of repentance. I believe it is a principle that often causes us to fear because we focus on what happens if we don't. Repentance is something I must do everyday because I sin everyday or make mistakes every day... and if there is a day I can't think of something I should repent of... then I should probably repent of that.

Repentance doesn't have to be feared. It leads us to rest in the Lord, to His peace. I want to focus on what happens when we DO repent-
God bless you my friends!

"And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth" D&C 18:13

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord" -Acts 3:19

"turn yourselves, and live" - Ezekiel 18:32

"whosoever repenteth, and hardeneth not his heart, he shall have claim on mercy through mine Only Begotten Son, unto a remission of his sins; and these shall enter into my rest." Alma 12:34

Repentance = a change of mind, i.e., a fresh view about God, about oneself, and about the world….turning of the heart and will to God, and a renunciation of sin to which we are naturally inclined….Without this there can be no progress in the things of the soul’s salvation… Repentance is not optional for salvation; it is a commandment of God.

Salvation = preserving from harm or unpleasantness, deliverance from evil or danger, deliverance from the guilt and the pollution of sin through Jesus Christ.

Christian Courage

"To respond in a Christlike way cannot be scripted or based on a formula. The Savior responded differently in every situation….

"Some people mistakenly think responses such as silence, meekness, forgiveness, and bearing humble testimony are passive or weak. But, to “love [our] enemies, bless them that curse [us], do good to them that hate [us], and pray for them which despitefully use [us], and persecute [us]” (Matthew 5:44) takes faith, strength, and, most of all, Christian courage….
When we do not retaliate—when we turn the other cheek and resist feelings of anger—we too stand with the Savior. We show forth His love, which is the only power that can subdue the adversary and answer our accusers without accusing them in return. That is not weakness. That is Christian courage.

I assure you that to answer our accusers in [kindness] is never weakness. It is Christian courage in action.

“As we respond to others, each circumstance will be different. Fortunately, the Lord knows the hearts of our accusers and how we can most effectively respond to them. As true disciples seek guidance from the Spirit, they receive inspiration tailored to each encounter. And in every encounter, true disciples respond in ways that invite the Spirit of the Lord. Paul reminded the Corinthians that his preaching was “not with the enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Corinthians 2:4). Because that power resides in the Spirit of the Lord, we must never become contentious when we are discussing our faith.”

“…More regrettable than the Church being accused of not being Christian is when Church members react to such accusations in an un-Christlike way! May our conversations with others always be marked by the fruits of the Spirit—”love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, [and] temperance” (Galatians 5:22–23). To be meek, as defined in Webster’s Dictionary, is “manifesting patience and longsuffering: enduring injury without resentment.”2 Meekness is not weakness. It is a badge of Christian courage.”

“This is especially important in our interactions with members of other Christian denominations. Surely our Heavenly Father is saddened—and the devil laughs—when we contentiously debate doctrinal differences with our Christian neighbors.”

“This is not to suggest that we compromise our principles or dilute our beliefs. We cannot change the doctrines of the restored gospel, even if teaching and obeying them makes us unpopular in the eyes of the world. Yet even as we feel to speak the word of God with boldness, we must pray to be filled with the Holy Ghost (see Acts 4:29, 31). We should never confuse boldness with Satan’s counterfeit: overbearance (see Alma 38:12). True disciples speak with quiet confidence, not boastful pride.”

“Sometimes others want us to come down off the high ground and join them in a theological scrum in the mud. These few contentious individuals are set on picking religious fights, online or in person. We are always better staying on the higher ground of mutual respect and love.”

“…all who seek to know how we should respond to our accusers, I reply, we love them. Whatever their race, creed, religion, or political persuasion, if we follow Christ and show forth His courage, we must love them. We do not feel we are better than they are. Rather, we desire with our love to show them a better way—the way of Jesus Christ….To help them, to be an example for them, is not for the weak. It is for the strong. It is for you and me, Latter-day Saints who pay the price of discipleship by answering our accusers with Christian courage.”

- Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

view entire talk given Oct. 2008 http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-22,00.html

or listen to it on MP3 http://www.lds.org/conference/sessions/display/0,5239,23-1-947,00.html

(may be viewed in many different languages.) http://www.lds.org/conference/languages/0,6353,310-1,00.html

Check Out The New Mormon.org

Visit the new mormon.org, where you can learn how the restored gospel of Jesus Christ provides answers to life's great questions. Visitors can chat online with missionaries, watch Church members' video testimonies, and request free media items.

For the Record

I know this will surprise some of you and it might be hard to believe... but here it goes..... I'm NOT perfect!... I know, I know... it's a shocker :)

Seriously though, sometimes I worry that my blog might paint the wrong picture of me. What I mean is... because of the nature of my posts, one might be led to think that I am always so positive, so spiritual or that I live the gospel so naturally.

Just for the record, I'm not a perfect mom, I'm not a perfect wife, I don't have the perfect marriage, and I don't have perfect children. I know it's hard to believe... heh heh. But if you were to live in my house for one week you would come to this conclusion on your own very, very quickly.

The reason I try to keep my posts positive and uplifting is because I have set up my blog with the intent to share the gospel, to share my testimony and not so much as a diary of my life.

This last week was really rough. To make a long story short: my husband and I had some heated arguments, I lost my temper with my kids on several occasions and the whole week I felt depressed and pessimistic.

... All I can say is, I couldn't make it through any of these rough times if it weren't for prayer and calling upon God for strength. I am so thankful for the Atonement, that God has mercifully provided a way for me to be cleansed from sin. I am thankful for His power to heal wounded relationships and bind up the broken hearted. I am thankful my husband and I have a habit of kneeling together in prayer every morning and every night. It helps us resolve conflicts much quicker this way.

I draw strength from prayer, hope from the scriptures, guidance from living Prophets and Apostles, comfort from Priesthood blessings, peace from the promises of the temple and joy from my Savior. My list could go on and on and on. But I feel so richly blessed to have the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ .... I can't imagine my life without it!

I relate to the words of the Prophet, Nephi when he was weighed down with discouragement:

"Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.
Do not anger again because of mine enemies. Do not slacken my strength because of mine afflictions.
Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation.

Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ask not amiss; therefore I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea, I will cry unto thee, my God, the rock of my righteousness. Behold, my voice shall forever ascend up unto thee, my rock and mine everlasting God. Amen. " - 2 Nephi 4: 28-30 & 35

God bless you my friends,

Alicia

Scripture for the Day

I just wanted to share a scripture that has helped me make so many important decisions in my life.
12 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.

13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.

14 Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil.

15 For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night.

16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.

17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.

18 And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged.

19 Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ.

20 And now, my brethren, how is it possible that ye can lay hold upon every good thing?

21 And now I come to that faith, of which I said I would speak; and I will tell you the way whereby ye may lay hold on every good thing.

22 For behold, God knowing all things, being from everlasting to everlasting, behold, he sent angels to minister unto the children of men, to make manifest concerning the coming of Christ; and in Christ there should come every good thing." - Moroni 7:12-21

Hope Through the Atonement

"There was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak [it humbles me and I rely upon Christ's Atonement], then am I strong." 2Corinthians 12: 7-10

This scripture is on my mind today because I haven't been too patient with my husband or children lately... basicly, I've been a little snot to live with. I've also found myself focusing on the "mote" in my neighbor's eye rather than looking for the good. Like Paul, I too have a thorn in my side, a really big thorn, a constant reminder that I am a sinner and that I need the Savior.

I also recall the words of Ammon in the Book of Mormon, "Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things." Alma 26:12

I pray for the Lord to help me overcome the tendency to judge or assume another's intentions or efforts. Instead, I pray that my first reaction will be one that seeks understanding, compassion and forgiveness. I have alot of pride....and don't respond well to criticism. I pray for the strength to let my pride go. It's pride that comes before the fall....so I pray for humility, to be teachable, to be willing to hear another's point of view, and to patiently listen.

I want the gift of Charity, to not be so "easily provoked," to be "slow to wrath." I am so miserable when I focus on the "mote" in my brother's eye because I am blinded by this huge "beam" in my own eye.

And when other's intentionally offend me... I pray for the spirit of forgiveness to rest in my heart.

How grateful I am for my Savior who has paid the price of my sin. I find comfort in knowing that He forgives me. As I apply the Atonement, I can also forgive myself. I don't have to be depressed because of the dumb things I do... in fact despair is not of God... it's of the enemy. But, humility is of God. Even though I am weak, I can have hope and confidently walk with my head high.

Like Nephi, I say, "O then, if I have seen so great things, if the Lord in his condescension unto the children of men hath visited men in so much mercy, why should my heart weep and my soul linger in the valley of sorrow, and my flesh waste away, and my strength slacken, because of mine afflictions?
And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy?
Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.
Do not anger again because of mine enemies. Do not slacken my strength because of mine afflictions.
Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation." 2 Nephi 4:26-30

God Bless You!
Alicia

Miracles

Increased prices at the pump... Grocery bills are doubling.... Value of the dollar is dropping....Our economy is facing some real tough times. And we, just like so many others, are feeling "the pinch."

Thinking of my husband going to school again full time and cutting back on his 40hr work week to accommodate his school schedule, having our forth child, moving to a new place.... all this has been, in my mind, somewhat frightening.... wondering how everything is going to add up. We are completely debt free and are trying to get scholarships to pay for school... but even with the scholarships we still have the cost of living, of taking care of our 3 little children and the 4th one on the way. I'm a stay-at-home mom (by my own choosing) and so my husband is the only source of income. This is all a leap of faith for us.

A couple of days ago I was reading in John chapter 6 where Jesus fed 5,000 people with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes. Now, I've read this account and heard this story hundreds of times, it's one of my favorites. But reading it the other day, it came to me in a whole different light. After all the people were fed... Jesus sent out his disciples to gather up the fragments left over from the 5 loaves and 2 fishes..... wait a minute... what?.....The fragments? There was left-over??? Yes! 12 full baskets of crumbs.

You do the math... does that add up for you?
5,000 hungry people + 5 loaves + 2 fishes = the remainder of 12 baskets full of crumbs.
This brought to my mind the promise found in Malachi 3:10

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

For those of you who might not know what a "tithe" is :
It's 10% of all our income that we give to the Church for the purpose of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and building up the kingdom of God on the earth.

My husband and I have a firm testimony that this practice in our lives has brought forth amazing blessings... nothing short of miracles, in our lives. We have had many situations where we have looked through our own eyes, wondering how on earth everything would add up or come together.... only to turn it over to the Lord and watch miracle after miracle occur.

I came home from grocery shopping the other day and opened my fridge only to find I didn't have much room for what I just bought "there shall not be room enough to receive it, Alicia" came into my mind. I just smiled. I almost felt like crying. My heart was full of gratitude. "I don't have room for all these blessings," I thought. It was a fulfilment of the promise in Malachi and just like the 12 baskets left over when Jesus fed the 5,000.

I can't explain it. I don't know how He does it! All I know is that God loves us and is aware of each and every one of us. He delights to bless us! He is anxious to bless us! He wants to "prove it." He only asks us to follow Him, to apply His counsels and His teachings.... He wants to be #1 priority in our lives. I know that when we put God first.... amazing things happen. Miracles happen. He has helped us to be wise with our resources. He has helped us to discern between those things we need and those things we don't. He has blessed us with creative ideas of how to make things last longer.... and so on.

How thankful I am for such a Faithful Friend,
I know God lives, I know His Son, Jesus Christ, is my Savior and Redeemer.
I know He guides us through His Spirit and through Scripture.... and so many other ways.
He loves us and is anxious to bless us.
I trust Him and I will praise Him and thank Him every day!
"I am believing God, I am believing Christ."
I feel at peace.

God Bless You!
Alicia