The Constitution

I testify of Jesus Christ, our Savior, who is the author and finisher of our faith and whose revelations to a prophet of God in these modern times have affirmed the foundation of the United States Constitution, which as we have said, was given by God to His children for the rights and protection of all flesh. May God bless us to understand it, to sustain it, and to spread its influence throughout the world, I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

~ Dalin H. Oaks

Quorum of the 12 Apostles

Address Given @ BYU-Idaho

October 13, 2009

Day Always Follows Night

"Weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning." ~ Psalms 30:5

I love this verse because we all know that day always follows night. No matter what our sorrow, we know that dawn will come and with it there will be joy. I am so thankful for the peace that this promise gives me.

The Lord's Time

Last week in Relief Society, we were talking about how all things happen on the Lord's Time, not necessarily when we want things to happen. There were many comments about being impatient and not understanding why the Lord makes us wait, even when we have a righteous desire.

Then, a sister used this analogy:
We have all had moments when our own children want us to do something for and/or with them. They beg and plead and nag until you want to pull your hair out. You keep saying, "Just a minute." or "I'll be done in a second then I can help you." All the while, you are wondering why they can't just wait a second.

Well, Heavenly Father probably sees us in the same way. We are the impatient children and He is the parent wondering why we can't just wait a minute. We know that He will help us, but we want it know.

This conversation really brought into perspective for me that learning patients is a virtue that is necessary for our eternal progression.

Love to you all,
Jeri

Be Patient in Affliction

As I have been reading the Doctrine & Covenants as a part of my scripture study this year, I have come to truly appreciate the plain and simple topics covered in theses revelations. I enjoy the way that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, through Joseph Smith, speak in plain language where there is little room for interpretation. This is definetly not Isaiah!

Last night, as I read, I found a few scriptures to share with you.

D&C 24:8 - Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days.

• This should be on a note card tucked in my purse, taped to the dash of my care, and most assuredly, on my computer at work.

D&C 25:4 - Murmur not because of the things which thou hast not seen, for they are withheld from thee and from the world, which is wisdom in me in a time to come.

• This is hard sometimes, but until I can fully understand and grasp today's doctrine and teachings, I am gratefully that my Heavenly Father knows the perfect season for all things.

D&C 25:10 - And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better.

• Our Bishop recently read from a talk given by Gordon B Hinckley that asked, "What are we doing with our spare time? Do we have time for video games and working out, but not for Home/Visiting Teaching or Ward Activities? What are we seeking with our spare moments?" I know there are some things that I need to cut out of my life and fill with better things.
  

D&C 25:13 - Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made.

• The Definition of the word cleave is "to adhere firmly and closely or loyally and unwaveringly". When you think about the covenants you make during baptism, temple service or the Sacrament, are we cleaving to the covenets?
  

Happy Thursday!

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