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.