Tuesday, April 16, 2013

The Greatest Lesson I Learned in 2012

My life has changed just knowing that I can move forward. When sin can make you feel like you are stuck and not worthy for anything, it is crucial to remember that you can move forward. My bishop taught me this. When you are stuck on sins you made in the past you aren't thinking about how to have a better future. Changing your perspective from the past to the future can change everything. Daily spiritual habits mean nothing when you are constantly sorrowing over sins of the past, but when you realize you are in the present these daily habits mean everything. The spirit returns and there is an all around good feeling when you are focused on being a  better person in the present.

Monday, April 15, 2013

The Importance of Conditionals

This evening, my roommates and I went to our bishop's house where we had a discussion. A question was asked about how to learn more from your patriarchal blessing. (A patriarchal blessing is a personal revelation of blessings and guidance given to members of the LDS church) Our bishop said to pay attention to the conditionals like, if. After reading my blessing I recognized the following points as things I need to watch and make sure I'm doing.

  • Draw near to God
  • Have a broken heart and contrite spirit
  • Listen to the prophet and apostles
  • Stay true to the Word of Wisdom
  • Seek wisdom
These are just a few of the things that I need to learn more about and input them into my life.

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Humility Epiphany: My Pinterest Revelation

A while ago, I saw a pin on pinterest that blew my mind:
I guess before I never really knew what humility meant. I have a lot of confidence, so I didn't understand why we should act like we aren't confident. I like this quote because it doesn't mean that you have have to be down on yourself. All you have to do is think more of others. I think this means thinking of others in service and thinking good things about others. I hate it when girls are always down on themselves and have such low self-esteems. Kudos to C.S. Lewis for coming up with this quote!

Sunday, April 7, 2013

LDS General Conference April 2013 Sunday Afternoon

What I learned from Conference:

Jeffrey R. Holland
"If thou canst believe all things are possible" Jesus professed. I believe this to be true. Through prayer many of my questions and pleadings for help have been answered. I love how Alma said, "If you can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you until you can believe," making a great statement to those still growing in their faith.

Holland continued to summarize the story in the New Testament where a Father begged the Lord to heal his son saying, "Lord I believe help me in my unbelief"
From this story we are to make three observations:

1.When facing the challenge of faith, the father asserts his faith first and later acknowledges his weakness.
If you wish for more faith remember this man. Hold the ground that you have already won, even if that ground is limited. When issues surface and aren't immediately solved, hold fast to what you already know and stand strong.The size of your faith is not the issue, it is the integrity you illustrate with the faith

2. When problems come don't start your quest for faith by leading with that which you do not have.
Do not pretend to faith you don't have. Be true to the faith you do have. Be as candid about your questions as you need to be. Don't let those questions stand in the way of faith and needing a miracle. What we know will always trump what we don't know.

3. When doubt or difficulty come do not be afraid to ask for help.
Pursue with full purpose of heart. God will send help from both sides of the veil to strengthen our belief. 

Dallin H. Oaks
"Come follow me the Savior said...For thus alone can we be one with God's own beloved begotten son." All conference messages help us to follow in the lord's footsteps. 
"If ye love me keep me commandments" Leave that which is highly esteemed of man and the traditions of man. 


We should not be of the world and bound to the traditions of man. Some love the praise of men more than the praise of God. Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice, but a continuous part of our lives. 

Jesus taught that men ought always to pray. Daily kneeling prayers as a family. 

Love one another...As part of this we are taught we should forgive even for the most serious wrongs. 

To seek perfection is part of the plan of salvation. Heirs of God. This means we are heirs of eternal life. If we come to the Father we are to inherit all things. This is only possible if we follow our Savior. 

Christoffel Golden Jr.

 "When we enter into Heaven, nothing is going to surprise us more than how well we know him and how well his face is familiar to us."

I love this quote. It is a reminder to look for God and his blessing in our lives each day.

I wasn't going to add this picture, but after Christofferson used Les Mis in his talk I figured why not.


Erich W. Kopischke

Being accepted by good people motivates us. Those who can't find acceptance from good people look else where. Seeking acceptance from the wrong sources puts us on the wrong path. We will eventually feel abandoned and inferior. The ultimate source of lasting acceptance is our Heavenly Father. He will look into our hearts and accept us for what we are and what we are to become. Seeking acceptance from them will always lift and encourage us. 

This teaches me how to deal with friends who have different beliefs and may be going down a rough path. I know that I can be there first source of acceptance and lead them to God's. I am also taught to seek the right acceptance and move to align my life with the Lord, rather than the world's.

1. Know that our hearts are honest and broken.
By engaging in sincere self-reflection. We know our motives and desires. A broken heart is a soft, open, and receptive heart. Open the door of your heart to the Lord we will be taught by the Holy Ghost.

2. Know that our spirits are contrite.
Contrite:feeling or expressing remorse at the recognition that one has done wrong. Willing to repent and listen to the enticing of the Spirit. Willing to humble ourselves, learn, and change.

3. Make a conscious decision to observe covenants through sacrifice.
Sacrifice doesn't only refer to big, hard things, but is mainly about day to day living. Partake of the sacrament. Renew and confirm our promises and feel his acceptance. The Lord promises as we take his name, we will always have his Spirit to be with us. The ultimate indicator of being accepted by God  is the gift of the Holy Ghost. Faithfully fulfilling calling. Silent service. Temple work for ancestors. Be open to the prompting of the Spirit in your daily life.

Stand firmly while the storms of life and raging all around us.
Seek the Lord's acceptance. 

Bruce D. Porter
I feel like this talk is a answer to my prayer. I have been a little worried about the second coming and I asked that my worries be confronted in conference. I am very satisfied with the response that I got.

If we seek guidance through prayer we are given power over adverse things.

We need not fear the future because God is with us. 

"Fear not," Repeated many times. "Be of good cheer and do not fear for I the Lord am with you and will stand by you." 

The church is safety for the saints. God acts as our defense as his wrath is poured out.
Nephi said people will be armed with righteousness  We are armed with power of God as we remain true to the Church and the Spirit. Trials may come, but if we humbly trust in the Lord he will give us strength. 

Porter told a story about an ever cheerful roommate. Who sang on a miserable day, "Oh what a beautiful morning," Even in a darkening world, we may sing with Joy knowing that a beautiful morning lies ahead. 

"As we rise each morning, may we look to heaven in faith and say, 'Oh what a beautiful morning.'"


LDS General Conference April 2013 Sunday Morning

What I learned from Conference:

Dieter F. Uctdorf
Do not dwell in darkness, there is light. Resist the temptation to give into the darkness. Instead hold on to the  hope of the Gospel.God's light has the power to heal our wounds. It can be a balm for the deepest loneliness and sorrows.
It takes an act of faith to open our eyes to the light of Christ.

How? 1. Start where you are. 
You don't have to be perfect. Doesn't matter how far behind others you may feel you are. The darkness may not dissipate at one, but the light will come.
2. Turn your heart towards the Lord's.
 Pray, plead with him for strength and support. Ask that you may hear Him and see His light.
 3. Walk  in the light. 
He desires that you rise up and become the person that you are designed to be. As we seek to love our God and our neighbor the light will surround us. As we draw near to God he will draw near to us.

To those walking in darkness remember the Savior's promise:


Jesus is the true and powerful entrance to divine enlightenment. Darkness cannot stand before the brilliant light of the son of God.

I think this talk will be helpful to me in future when I may experience sorrow.

L. Whitney Clayton
(Note to self: Re-read this talk when getting married)
"Humility answers softly and listens kindly for understanding. With faith, effort, and the help of God we can undergo a mighty change of heart."

L. Tom Perry
Obedience to law is liberty. Next to life itself, free agency is God's greatest gift. Satan tempts to prove we are unworthy of agency. Don't underestimate Satan. Each choice we make is a test of our agency. It's a choice between liberty and eternal life and captivity and death. Satan seeks that all men may be miserable unto himself.

This makes so much sense to me. It also makes me want to be better and prove Satan wrong.

Eternal happiness comes from obedience to his law. All blessings are predicated on obedience. The restored gospel of Christ never wavers. We must not pick and choose which commandments are important. We must stand firm and steadfast. May we be a light on a hill. An example of keeping commandments that will never change. May we be a beacon to the whole Earth.


Thomas S. Monson
Where is truth to be found? Truth is knowledge of things as they are, as they were, and as they are to come. No man receive the fullness of truth unless he fulfills the commandments. He will be glorified in truth and knoweth all things.

Our guide is obedience. Truth comes to us as we are obedient to the commandments. "To obey is better than sacrifice."-the prophet Samuel. All prophets knew that obedience is essential to salvation. Never once did Nephi fail at that which the Lord asked him.


Obedience is a hallmark of prophets. It is essential to us to realize that we are entitled to this power and knowledge.

No greater example exists than that of our Savior. The Savior demonstrated genuine love of God by his obedience. Ever was he humble, sincere, and obedient. By refusing to deviate from what he knew was right when tempted by the Devil, Jesus gave us the perfect example. "Follow Thou Me"

Saturday, April 6, 2013

LDS General Conference April 2013 Saturday Afternoon

What I learned from conference:

Richard G. Scott
"Deep inside each of us is a need for a place of refuge...to reset, regroup, re-energize, for future pressures. This place is inside our own homes." Before I began watching conference, I prayed that I would receive revelation and learn what I needed to. One thing I prayed for was a solution to stress. I think this talk might have been an answer to my prayer. This talk is also a way to bring the Spirit into my home. I am grateful for these messages as I am about to return home.

"You can center your home and your life on the Lord, Jesus Christ." There is peace and serenity in this. Fundamental principles to center your life on Christ are daily, personal and family scripture study and family home evening. Beams of a Christ-centered home. 


"Seemingly insignificant transgressions or neglect can lead to a big problem,..daily habits can lead to bountiful blessings,"  This is a reminder to not let little things go. I am reminded of the book, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff. Maybe this book only applies to worldly worries. We should pay attention to little things that take the spirit away. 

"Used with discipline, technology can be a tool of protection. Conference messages are now in your pocket. Study, ponder, and listen to them during quiet moments each day will enhance the spirit," This means a lot to me as I have begun to develop this habit in my life. Scott continued to say, "Memorized passages can be a powerful source of inspiration from the Holy Ghost during times of need," I can see how remembering a helpful scripture in trials could be beneficial. 

"When we obey the commandments and serve others the natural consequence is power from God. His power is a fundamental part of making your home a place of peace. Friends will be drawn to the serenity of your home. One of the greatest blessings we can offer to the world is a Christ-centered home. Be a true friend. It fills the pot-holes of life. Welcome into your home others who need to be strengthened by such an experience."



"We need to trust in the Lord and his timing that our prayers will be answered. Some things must be left to the lord. Recognize the good in others, not their stains. Don't worry if we can't do all the things the Lord has counseled us to do simultaneously. He will direct us in what should be emphasized at each phase in our lives. We can learn, grow, and become like him one step at a time."

Stanley G. Ellis

Tearfully, Ellis quoted the first article of faith and exclaimed, "We are not spiritual orphans." . God shows us not a way, but the way...to love, to help, to lead, to learn, to know the truth, and to share the Gospel. 

In these days every man walks in his own ways. Do things the Lord's way. The Lord said, "It must needs be done in my way."The Lord has the way. The way is based on eternal truth and leads us to peace on this Earth and eternal life in the life to come.


John B. Dickson

"Africans have very little of that what matters least and a lot of that what matters most." 

This simple statement says so much. I am reminded to shift my goals for gaining worldly possessions to becoming a better person.

LDS General Conference April 2013 Saturday Morning

What I learned at conference:

Boyd K. Packer
"We will not always be safe from the adversary even in our own homes," As sad as it is it may be true. I could tell a huge difference from being at home and living at BYU. I feel as though worldly values may have penetrated my home. I love my family incredibly much, don't get me wrong, but I think there is more we can do to make our home a safe and spiritual place. Boyd K. Packer explained the solution, "Live in such a way that the adversary cannot enter into our homes." At BYU I've learned from the example of my room mates and others that I can create my own good environment. I hope that when I move back home I will be able to make it a spiritual and safe environment. President Packer said, " The work of the righteous shall be peace...and quietness," I am reminded to bring peace into my family, rather than instigate fights with my brother.

 "Faith is a real power, not just an expression of belief," When asked what faith is, how often do we reply it is a power? Never. It is incredible to think that not only is faith a witness and testimony, but it is also a power. Now that I think about it, I believe this to be true. I hope that I can grow this power more in my own life.

 "We must separate the sin from the sinner" The story of Jesus and the adulterous woman was used as an example. Jesus condemned the sin, but not the woman who committed the sin. This reminds me to continue to embrace friendships even if the friends I have do things that are contrary to my values. However, Boyd K. Packer exclaimed that even though the world tolerate and legalizes immoral acts the consequences are the same. Everyday I realize more and more how true this is. The world is so clearly flipping good and bad. Just remembering my high school days is evidence of this to me. President Packer invites me to remember, "Everything that inviteth to do good...is of God" many times I get promptings to do things and  I don't pay much attention to them. I am invited to remember that all good ideas and thoughts are of God.



In closing, President Packer said that the greatest thing he can offer is his testimony of Christ. What a powerful idea this is!

Dean M. Davies
Davies began with a story of when he experienced an earthquake and an admontion to build ourselves upon a strong foundation. The foundation of Jesus Christ. I was surprised to learn that when temples are built, numerous geologic studies are conducted to determine that the land is a good foudnation and temples will be able to withstand any natural disasters that may happen. How cool is that! 

Davies warned listeners that we are at risk of being weakened in our spiritual structure. He gave three ways to avoid this. 
1.Prayer
2.Scripture Study
3. Sacrament

He included the quote in the picture below to emphasize how important scriptures are. Not only reading them, but studying them.

Craig Coldon
The Savior forgives sins on Earth not just at the judgement seat. The lord wants us to understand His willingness to forgive... He mentioned more than 20 times in the Doctrine and Covenants that The Lord repeatedly told Joseph Smith his sins were forgiven. 

The world knows the consequences of the world on men. We may overcome the world. The Savior wants to forgive. He forgives with repentance. "Christ says, 'I will be merciful unto your weakness,'". We are commanded to repent and forgive. He promises, "I will not utterly cast you off and in the day of wrath I will remember mercy,"

 

Henry B. Eyring
President Eyring began with my favorite scripture:


President Eyring quoted Mosiah 18  9 Yea, and are awilling to mourn with those that bmourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand ascwitnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the dfirst resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—
 10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being abaptized in the bname of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a ccovenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?
Eyring's main message was that through service the Lord will draw nearer unto us.

"I promise to you as you pray and serve the Lord, that the Savior will come and bless you and your  family with what is best. You will feel his comfort as you reach out to those in need. His arms are outstretched with yours." By his words and example, Christ has shown us how to draw nearer unto him. 

Welcome!

    Hello and welcome to the complicated, somewhat neurotic mind of Rachel. I created this blog in order to help me remember spiritual things that I've learned. I find myself realizing spiritual truths and promptly forgetting them! I figured that creating a blog would be an easy way to help myself remember what I've learned and help anyone else who has questions or want to find faith too. 
     The idea for this blog came when I was disappointed I didn't have a pretty notebook to write my spiritual thoughts in. The idea to make a blog popped into my head and I couldn't refuse. Having easy access my spiritual thoughts and revelations will be so helpful!
     As you read this, keep in mind that I think about how things (talks/scriptures/etc) will apply to me. You might get something else out of what you read or hear. I can only hope that you might learn something from me.