Gifts for the Savior

As a leave my house each day, I drive by a little church with a marquee in front. Since last week, the sigh has said "Come to a Baby Shower for Jesus" and gives the date and time. When I first drove by I giggled and thought "I wonder what size I should bring?!" But then, the more I drove past the sign, the more I thought about the idea of what gift I would bring to the Savior.

During the Christmas Season, as we celebrate the Savior's birth, what is the gift we will bring him? What is a gift the He would wish to receive? How can I give him this gift?

I really don't have an answer yet. On Sunday, I am going to start making a list here on my blog for you to see. I would love to know your thoughts and ideas, too.

But, if nothing else, I hope this post helps you to remember the Savior and the gifts that he has given us during this Sacred Time of Year.

Merry Christmas!

"Every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the birds don’t sing and bells don’t ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result."

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
General Conference, October 2008

Why is there Despair?

"The scriptures say that there must be “an opposition in all things.” So it is with faith, hope, and charity. Doubt, despair, and failure to care for our fellowmen lead us into temptation, which can cause us to forfeit choice and precious blessings.

The adversary uses despair to bind hearts and minds in suffocating darkness. Despair drains from us all that is vibrant and joyful and leaves behind the empty remnants of what life was meant to be. Despair kills ambition, advances sickness, pollutes the soul, and deadens the heart. Despair can seem like a staircase that leads only and forever downward.

Hope, on the other hand, is like the beam of sunlight rising up and above the horizon of our present circumstances. It pierces the darkness with a brilliant dawn. It encourages and inspires us to place our trust in the loving care of an eternal Heavenly Father, who has prepared a way for those who seek for eternal truth in a world of relativism, confusion, and of fear."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf
October 2008 General Conference

Simplify!

“In our search to obtain relief from the stresses of life, may we earnestly seek ways to simplify our lives. May we comply with the inspired counsel and direction the Lord has given us in the great plan of happiness. May we be worthy to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost and follow the guidance of the Spirit as we navigate this mortal journey. May we prepare ourselves to accomplish the ultimate purpose of this mortal test—to return and live with our Heavenly Father—is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”

Elder L. Tom Perry

April 2008 General Conference

Even a Child Can Understand

"Sometimes we may be tempted to think, “It’s too easy." ...

Little children have a marvelous disposition to learn. They have total trust in their teacher, a pure spirit, and great humility—in other words, the same qualities which open the door to the Holy Spirit. He is the channel through whom we gain knowledge of the things of the Spirit.

our knowledge of God does not depend on the amount of information we accumulate. After all, all the knowledge of the gospel which is meaningful for our salvation can be summarized in a few points of doctrine, principles, and essential commandments, which are already there in the missionary lessons we receive before baptism. Knowing God is a matter of opening our hearts to gain a spiritual understanding and a fervent testimony of the truth of these few fundamental points of doctrine. Knowing God is having a testimony of His existence and feeling in one’s heart that He loves us. It is accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior and having a fervent desire to follow His example. In serving God and our neighbor, we witness of Christ and allow those around us to get to know Him better."

You know Enough

"Our spiritual journey is the process of a lifetime. We do not know everything in the beginning or even along the way. Our conversion comes step-by-step, line upon line. We first build a foundation of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We treasure the principles and ordinances of repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. We include a continuing commitment to prayer, a willingness to be obedient, and an ongoing witness of the Book of Mormon.

Brothers and sisters, we each have moments of spiritual power, moments of inspiration and revelation. We must sink them deep into the chambers of our souls. As we do, we prepare our spiritual home storage for moments of personal difficulty.

Faith is not only a feeling; it is a decision. Challenges, difficulties, questions, doubts—these are part of our mortality. But we are not alone. As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have enormous spiritual reservoirs of light and truth available to us. Fear and faith cannot coexist in our hearts at the same time. In our days of difficulty, we
choose the road of faith. Jesus said, “Be not afraid, only believe.”"

-Elder Neil L. Andersen
General Conference, October 2008


1 Nephi 11:17 - And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.

Mark 5: 36 - .....Be not afraid, Only believe.


This was one of my favorite talks from conference. We do not need to know everything in order to be true disciples of our Heavenly Father. We know enough by knowing that he loves us and wants us to be happy and successful. I also love the idea that sometimes we have to get beyond our feelings (whether they are feelings of hurt, betrayal, grief, or anger) and chose to be faithful. The spiritual store house we build when thing are easy will give us the strength to chose faith when times are difficult and the Adversary is working against us with all his might.

Happy Day to all!
-Jeri

Joy in the Journey

Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family.

-Thomas S. Monson
October 2008 Genera; Conference

Service

Our service should be selfless, quiet, and be done willingly, with our hearts full of the love of God and His children.

-Gloria H. Allred,
General Relief Society Counselor
October 2008 Ensign, p.68

General Conference

I just wanted to share a few of my favorite things from General Conference. Since most of the talks have not been published yet, I am going to just give you the note I jotted down. I know this is a really long post, but I just always feel do uplifted after conference.

President Thomas S. Monson:

• This is our one and only chance at mortal life. Chances are brief and then they are gone. Find joy in the journey!
• Rather than dwell on the past, focus on the here and now.
• Don’t let stress get in the way of what is most important – the people around us. Let them know you love them. Don’t assume they know – tell them.
• Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved.
• If you only had 25 words, what would you say to your family?

President Henry B Eyring:

• Be humble. Pride is the enemy of unity. When in a disagreement, look for anything on which you agree.
• Ask for help from God – then ACT!
• God will help us see differences not as conflicts but as contributions.
• We see each other with imperfect sight. So, speak well of each other.
• You will have a feeling of peace and joy when you see others in a generous light.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf:

• Women undervalue their abilities. We foci=us on the lacking instead of the accomplished.
• Our personal is to seek and experience eternal happiness.
• Those who bring sunshine to others cannot keep themselves from it.
• Small acts of service are required to lift and bless others.
• Words only require a loving heart but can be of eternal significance to others.
• The number of prayers we answer may be more important than the number we say.

Elder Robert D. Hales:

• Some are kept from the church only because they know not where to find it.
• When challenged, seek guidance from the Spirit to find a correct response that invites the spirit.
• Meekness is not weakness; it is the badge of Christian courage.
• Do not confuse boldness with the Devil’s counterfeit – overbearance.
• A heartfelt testimony is the most powerful answer.
• Look for our own fault’s first. Ask, “Lord, is it I?”
• Sometimes it is better to keep our distance and walk away. Stay on the high ground where there is light. Where there is safety.
• Opposition will be a blessing to the Kingdom of God on Earth.
• We are not better than others, but desire to show them a better way.

M. Russell Ballard:

• God does not walk in crooked paths.
• Missionary work is God’s work and will not be frustrated.
• We are not asked to die a martyr’s death but live a disciple’s life.
• Now is not the time for the spiritual faint of heart.

Russell M. Nelson:

• In the Lord’s own way and time, no blessing will be withheld from faithful saints.
• Happiness comes through earnest effort.
• Minimize demands and maximize acts of selfless love.
• Beware of option presented by the Adversary, which always lead to misery.

Sister Julie Beck:

• Our home should be a refuge from the world. Nothing should interfere with family and church activities.
• We need to seek, receive and heed personal revelation. With personal revelation we cannot fail.

From Sister Barbara Thompson:

• We should help the needy close to home. There is no need to search for service opportunities.
• Not only those that receive, but those that preach are edified.

Keith B McMullin:

• Heavenly Father answers all sincere prayers.
• Heavenly Father will comfort you and lead you through whatever storms you face.
• If records were kept of prayers answered, the world could not contain all the pages.

William D. Oswald:

• Pondering involves not only the head, but also the heart.
• Teaching the gospel is a sacred and holy calling.

I am totally bummed that I have misplaced some of my notes from Saturday, so when I find them there will definitely be a “PART 2” to this post.

I hope you all found General Conference to be as rewarding and enlightening as I did. As I was listening I thought of all the people who were missing these divine words from a the Prophet and Apostles of the Lord. I wonder if when the Savior comes, we will be too busy/tired/uninterested to listen?

I love you all! Thanks for reading.

Protecting Our Families

"We hoped that our children, during a moment of temptation or difficulty later in the day, would remember that we had prayed, even though they might not remember the words of our family prayer. We hoped that they would remember that we had read the scriptures, even though they might not remember the words of the scriptures. We hoped that they would remember the spirit they had felt during family home evening, even though they might not remember the lesson during that sacred family time. We firmly believed that when temptation presented itself to our children, they would be protected by the gospel traditions of our home."

"Remember that gospel basics—those seemingly “small and simple things” we strive to practice in following the Lord—will ultimately confound Satan and protect our families."

Alma 37:6 - Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold 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.

From the article "Protecting Our Families in the Last Days",
by Elder Richard J. Maynes of The Seventy
October 2008 Ensign

Trials & Experience

"There is not a single condition of life or one hour's experience but what is beneficial to all those who make it their study, and aim to improve upon the experience they gain."
-President Brigham Young (TPC, p.179)

The revelations, for which we are grateful, show that we should even give thanks for our afflictions because they turn our hearts to God and give us opportunities to prepare for what God would have us become.
-Elder Dalin H. Oaks

Ether 12:27 - And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

In Every Thing, Give Thanks

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Alma 37: 37 - Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good^; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

Doctrine & Covenants 78:19 - And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.

The Kingdom of God will Triumph

Jesus knows His kingdom will triumph, and He wants us to triumph with it. He knows in advance every strategy the enemy will use against us and the kingdom. He knows our weaknesses and He knows our strengths. By personal revelation, we may discover some of our strengths through careful and prayerful study of our patriarchal blessing. In prayer we can ask Him to reveal to us our weaknesses so that we can amend our lives. - President Ezra Taft Benson (Ensign, Sept 1988)

Ether 12:27 - And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

Happy is the Man

Someone has said, “Happy is the man who has found his worship, his wife, and his work—and loves all three.” In deciding on the role of worship in our lives, each of us can know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true church. All we need to do to gain this knowledge is to carefully read the Book of Mormon and then do what Moroni suggests.

President Ezra Taft Benson
September 1988 Ensign

“Satan cannot seduce us by his enticements unless we in our hearts consent and yield."
-Joseph Smith

Protection Against Pride

"There is protection against pride, that source of disunity. It is to see the bounties which God pours upon us not only as a mark of His favor but an opportunity to join with those around us in greater service." -President Henry B Eyring (09/2008 Ensign, p.9)

Nothing Useless

"The Lord has given us nothing that is useless or unnecessary. He has filled the scriptures with the things which we should do in order that we may gain salvation."
-President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. (1871-1961), (09/08 Ensign, p. 7)

Continuing Revelation

Yesterday, I taught Relief Society in the Pioneer Ward. So, I thought I would share a quote I used in my lesson.

“Since that momentous day in 1820, additional scripture has continued to come, including the numerous and vital revelations flowing in a never-ending stream from God to his prophets on the earth. ...We testify also that there is, since 1830 when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized, and will continue to be, so long as time shall last, a prophet, recognized of God and his people, who will continue to interpret the mind and will of the Lord” - Spencer W. Kimball

The main point of the lesson is that we need to heed the words of the living Prophet just as closly, if not more so, than ancient prophets. Thomas S. Monson is receiving divine revelation for our specific circumstances in this day and age. We should study and act on his words just as we do the prophets of old.

What am I Learning?

Doctrine & Covenants 122:7: "And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good."

When ever times are difficult, I always try to think of this scripture. There are two reasons: First, it makes me realize things could always be worse, but second, and more importantly, what can I learn from this situation? What is the lesson that I need so that I can grow in faith and strengthen my testimony. All of our trials are given to us to perfect us. It says many times in the scriptures that blessings come after the trial of our faith. I truly believe that. We are always better and stronger after having experienced "the refiners fire".

Happy Day!
-Jeri

“Now for persons to do things, merely because they are advised to do them, and yet murmur all the time they are doing them, is of no use at all; they might as well not do them. There are those who profess to be Saints who are too apt to murmur, and find fault, when any advice is given, which comes in opposition to their feelings, even when they, themselves, ask for counsel; much more so when counsel is given unasked for, which does not agree with their notion of things; but brethren, we hope for better things from the most of you; we trust that you desire counsel, from time to time, and that you will cheerfully conform to it, whenever you receive it from a proper source.”
-Joseph Smith, Kirtland Temple Dedication, 03/27/1836

Forgiveness

"Of all the challenges we face, perhaps the greatest is a misguided sense that mortality goes on forever and that we can postpone until tomorrow the seeking and offering of forgiveness, which as the Gospel of Jesus Christ teaches, are among mortality's central purpose...And in the end, repenting and forgiving are among God's chief requirements of us."
-Elder Lance B. Wickman
Of the Seventy
April 2008 General Conference

At times, I find it harder to forgive than to ask forgiveness. That is a fault I struggle with. But as Elder Wickman says, that is one of our chief responsibilities on Earth.

Happy Day! -Jeri

The Desires of our Heart

"One of the most comforting passages in all of the scriptures for me is in the 137th section of the Doctrine and Covenants, verse 9, where we are told that the Lord will judge us according to our works and according to the desires of our hearts."
- Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Worldwide Leadership Training, 02/09/08

It is comforting to know that we will be blessed for our desire to do good. Now, that is not a pass for laziness, but an acknowledgment that no matter how hard we try, we might not be completely successful. The Lord is on our side. He knows us and loves us and the desires of our heart are known to him.

Happy day!
-Jeri

Fear Not

The theme of our Sunday Sacrament meeting was overcoming fear. All three talks were excellent, but one scripture in Scott Reynolds' talk really stood out for me.

Isaiah 41:10
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

I really believe that the Lord is always with us. He is always holding our hand and he always wants us to know of his love and comfort.

I also loved Sister Whitten's comment. She talked about that as a parent, she would be sad if her children didn't turn to her if they needed comfort or had sinned and needed help with repentance. How must the Lord feel in the same situation.

"My Words Never Cease"

This is a great talk by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland from April General Conference. As I prepare to teach Relief Society on 8/17, I came across this talk and really love some quotes I found.

"We believe in a God who is engaged in our lives, who is not silent, who is not absent."

"This church answers the challenge Ralph Waldo Emerson put to the students of the Havard Divinity School 170 years ago. [He] pled that they teach "that God is, not was; that he speaketh, not spake."."

How blessed I feel everyday to know that our Father in Heaven is concerned with me and my life every day. That my every concern and need are known by him and that he blesses me and my family.

{HUGS} - Jeri

Preparation and Food Storage

So, today I don't actually have a quote to add but just a thought I have been having...

So much of the media keeps talking about the price of food and gas. They talk about all the people who can't afford to eat healthy food or must forgo buying meat and extras in order to make ends meet. Every time I hear this, the thought pops into my mind, if we all had our food storage, this would never be an issue. I know this is a simplistic way of looking at things, but the truth of the matter is that sometimes unexpected things happen. If we are not prepared than we will have to make hard choices: medicine or food? Mortgage payment or car payment?

I guess I just want to encourage everyone to work on their preparedness plans. Get you food supply in and have some savings. Be prepared for a rainy day.After all, we all know that it is going to rain at some point, so lets be prepared.

{HUGS} - Jeri

Finding Happiness

"Don't wait for happiness to be thrust upon you. Seek it out in service and learning. Trust in the Lord. Follow King Benjamin's advice to call "on the name of the Lord daily, and [stand] steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come".'

-Elder Dallin H. Oaks
June 2006 Ensign

I love that this quote shows that happiness is available for everyone. We just have to go out and find it. It also shows that happiness is not necessarily having fun. Happiness is found in good works and self-improvement.

Security for Children

"We come to know the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ not simply by the exercise of intellect or the process of logic but by acting on what we learn. Through faith and obedience, the validity of gospel doctrine can be etched upon our hearts.

If our faith is rooted in the sandy soil of reason and logic, it will be swept away by a rising tide driven by the escalating winds of opposition. A faith founded in Jesus Christ and on the rock of revelation will endure through the fiercest storms of life. "

-Elder Kenneth Johnson
Of the Seventy
July 2008 Ensign

I really love this article in the July Ensign. It is titled "Coming to Know for Ourselves. I really suggest everyone read it. There is so much in this article that really helps us understand how to make our Faith stronger.

I hope you all have a happy day.

Standing Firm in Our Faith

"Never forget that you are a son of God. He loves you. Live by your standards. Stand up for what you believe in. Sometimes it is not easy, and you may be standing alone for awhile. Look for friends with integrity and character, then go to them and express appreciation for their examples. You might even find someone who has been feeling as lonely as you."

"It requires courage to make good choices, even when others around us choose differently. As we make righteous choices day by day in little things, the Lord will strengthen us and help us choose the right during more difficult times. The teachings and values we cherish the most are not embraced by a secular world. To maintain a firm stance for ourselves and our children, the message of the restored gospel must be firmly planted in our hearts and taught in our homes."

-Elder Craig Zwick
Of the Seventy
April 2008 General Conference

Sometimes it is hard to feel alone in the world, I think it really helps to remember others feel like they are fighting alone, too. We all need to look for those that are like-minded and cling to their friendship and love. It will make our lives better and happier, as well as blessing others.

Happy Day!
-Jeri

Tithing

"When we keep the law of the tithe, the Lord’s promise is sure: blessings will come to us both temporally and spiritually, according to the wisdom and timing of the Lord."

"Regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves, if we first pay our obligation to the Lord and then use wisdom and good judgment, the Lord will help us manage the resources He has given us."

"If you always pay an honest tithing, the Lord will bless you. It will be the best investment you will ever make."

Elder Sheldon F. Child
Of the Seventy

Created in God's Image

“There are many who think their bodies are their own and that they can do with them what they will, but Paul makes it plain that they are not their own, for they are bought with a price, and that ‘If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are’ [1 Corinthians 3:17]”.
-Elder LeGrand Richards, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Ensign, 7/2008

My Visiting Teachers came by today (Thanks Brooke & Suzi!) and we talked about this quote. The thought that came to mind is that we should see our bodies as a library book. We have only borrowed this body for a time but it really belongs to the Lord. When we return to our Heavenly Father, we are going to return our bodies to him. Just as with a library book, we will have to make reparations for the damage that we have done to our "Book". I think that we should try to return our "Book" in the same condition that we received it.

Happy Day!
-Jeri

Celestial Living

I have been using a Sunday School Manual called Teach Them Correct Principles during my recent scripture study. The second lesson is called "Living by the Spirit". Part of the lesson discusses what level we are on spiritually in our daily lives and gives a chart.

Celestial Level of Thought and Behavior

• Totally avoid anger
• Avoid lust, and think pure thoughts continually
• Love all, no matter what they do to you

Terrestrial Level of Thought and Behavior

• Thou shalt not kill
• Thou shalt not commit adultery
  
• Thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy

Telestial Level of Thought and Behavior

• Kill or accept killing
• Commit or accept adultery
• Hate anybody for any reason

I know that I have work to do to get to a Celestial Level of thought and Behavior. This chart helped me to understand that Celestial living is one step above following the commandments. It is embracing the commandments with our spirit and our will. It is doing more than is required.

Have a happy day!
-Jeri

Testimony or Conversion?

"Testimony is to know and to feel, conversion is to do and become."
-Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

"My Conversion did not fully come until I wove gospel principles into the fabric of my life."
-Elder Kenneth Johnson of the Seventy

"If our faith is rooted in the Sandy soil of reason and logic, it will be swept away by a rising tide driven by the escalating winds of opposition. A faith founded in Jesus Christ and on the rock of revelation will endure through the fiercest storms of life." -Elder Kenneth Johnson of the Seventy

"And now, my sons, 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 strom 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." -Helaman 5:12

A Promise and a Warning

In Alma, Chapter 38, Alma is talking to his son Shiblon.

Verse 5:
And now my son, Shiblon, I would that ye should remember, that as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

Verses 11-12:
See that ye are not lifted up unto pride; yea, see that ye do not boast in your own wisdom, nor of your much strength. Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness.

I love the words of Alma in this whole chapter. It shows his love for his son and gives us a great example of how to be a good parent. In the 1st part of the chapter, he compliments his son on everything he is doing right and then gives him warnings and advice for the future.

Have a happy day!
-Jeri

A New Beginning

In the past few months, I have been trying to read the Ensign and the scriptures daily. There are so many blessing we receive by daily studying the Words of our Heavenly Father, His Prophets and Apostles.

So, to keep myself motivated to continually read and study, I thought I would start a blog and each day post a comment or quote. I hope that you enjoy reading what I post and I look forward to your comments.

Today's quote:
"Whatever our challenges in life may be, our burdens may become light if we not only believe in Christ but also in his ability and His power to cleanse and console our lives. Our lives are healed as we accept his peace" -President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, July 2008 Ensign

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord." -Timothy 1:7-8