My husband and I are expecting a baby. We went for an ultrasound appointment yesterday to find out if we are having a boy or girl.
We stared at the monitor as baby kicked, sucked his thumb, scratched his head, and did all sorts of other adorable things. It was a highlight of our day.
My heart is full. I'm thankful for life and it's miracles. We are so blessed. I am amazed at what the human body is capable of. It was amazing to see our son's personality already. I am so, so grateful to Heavenly Father has blessed me to be a mother. I love our baby already! The joy I feel helps me really know even more that Heavenly Father's plan for us is to be with Him and Jesus Christ and our families eternally. Is there any greater blessing than this?
I know that this time in my life is a privilege, even though the sickness and other things challenged us both. I also know that there is nothing more important I can do and nothing I'd rather do that be a mother to my babies. This isn't demeaning like the world teaches but has the power to shape generations. Anything antifamily is antiChrist. I believe a lot of the problems in the world would be solved if the focus of people returned again to God and His plan.
I am so thankful to my Heavenly Father for my sweet baby and the life inside of me. Marriage and families are the way to the greatest satisfaction in this life and the life to come.
Heavenly Father's family was so important to Him that He sent His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ to die for us that we might come home to Him (John 3:16).
We are each part of a family-every person is a child of God.
Recently, I’ve had my patience and faith tested some when I
wanted a blessing from Heavenly Father that is a good thing. My desired
blessing wasn’t coming in the timetable I thought it should. I wondered why.
This time of trial had me praying and thinking more. I learned a few things
about trusting that I needed to be reminded of….
1.God’s will is perfect. He is omniscient. He
knows me and what I need and when exactly I need it.
2.God won’t withhold anything from the faithful.
It might take time for the blessing to come, but it will.
3.God loves us! He wants to answer our prayers.
Our petitions and pleadings are always heard.
4.Even when things take time, we can’t lose hope.
We need to build our faith!
To me faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ mean that I
know they are with me! I don’t need to be afraid. They love me more than anyone
else in the world does. They know me better than anyone else also. When things don't happen in the timing or way I would hope for, I know someone else a lot greater will lead me along if I obey. The Savior
taught, “Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh
is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.” (Doctrine and Covenants
101:16) Or another promise in Isaiah, “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.”The famous Proverbs scripture reminds, us to
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own
understanding.”Oftentimes Jesus
admonished his New Testament followers to“Be of good cheer,” even in grim
circumstances.
Let your heart be
comforted
Fear Thou Not
Be of Good Cheer
Trust in the Lord
How can we "be of good cheer" in the face of discouragement? Take heart and remember Him! Remember your Savior Jesus Christ who suffered all
things for us. He will comfort you. Remember your Heavenly Father who gave His
Only Begotten Son. Remember you are His child. Remember He loves you. Remember
that the prayers of the faithful, the suffering of the righteous, never goes
unheard or unnoticed. Remember Abraham who didn’t really have to sacrifice his son Isaac,
but he learned something about himself: that he was absolutely devoted to the Lord. Remember Job who
lost everything, all his wealth, health, and family, but because He was
faithful these things were restored to him one hundred fold. Remember all the
prophets, all the faithful who were tested to their limits but remained true. And by so doing they proved themselves to God. Remember above all Jesus Christ, the creator of worlds who came to earth in the
humblest circumstances, always obeyed His Father, always resisted temptation,
and suffered all the pains, sins, and sicknesses of all “who belong to the
family of Adam.” And then He rose on the third day and immortal God to dwell
with Heavenly Father again. There are always challenges to pass through, but we can find strength through them.
Christmas is a beautiful, special, uplifting time of year. I know we can do so much to strengthen and bless those around us as the Savior would. In turn, we will also be blessed.
It's important to remember this time of year and always that Jesus Christ is a living, breathing, immortal and glorified man, the Son of God. His life is not just a story. The miracles truly happened, and Jesus will do miracles in the lives of all of us today as well. He lives. He is real. He loves us, is aware of our every need, knows our hearts, and wants to help us live with Him and God our loving Heavenly Father again. He suffered and died for us and rose from the dead forevermore. I know this is true. Many others alive today and in the scriptures have testified of the same:
"And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father-
That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God." (Doctrine and Covenants 76:22-24)
"And also my soul delighteth in the covenants of the Lord which he hath made unto our fathers; yea, my soul delighteth in his grace, and in his justice, and power, and mercy in the great and eternal plan of deliverance from death.
And my soul delighteth in proving unto my people that save Christ should come all men must perish.
For if there be no Christ there be no God; and if there be no God we are not, for there could have been no creation. But there is a God, and he is Christ, and he cometh in the fulness of his own time." (2 Nephi 11:4-6)
"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12)
Christ Himself promised, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
Because He lives, because He was born in Bethlehem and fulfilled all that the Father asked of Him, there in nothing we can't overcome. He lived for us and died for us. Christmas and Easter are beautiful reminders of that triumph, that permanent helping hand and hope extended to every person on earth if we will but come unto Christ and repent of our sins. Elder Holland, a modern day apostle of Christ taught, "So today we celebrate the gift of victory over every fall we have ever experienced, every sorrow we have ever known, every discouragement we have ever had, every fear we have ever faced-to say nothing of resurrection from death and forgiveness for our sins.....that first Easter sequence of Atonement and Resurrection constitutes the most consequential moment, the most generous gift, the most excruciating pain, and the most majestic manifestation of pure love ever to be demonstrated in the history of this world." (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "Where Justice Love and Mercy Meet", April 2015)
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
Because Christ was born, died, and rose again, we can become free from death. This life will not be the end for anyone. "As in Adam all men die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (1Corinthians 15:22) We can repent: leave behind the shame and guilt of our wrong doings and become whole because of the Savior. He suffered those things already for us. We can be strengthened every day of our lives to do good and be better. We can be good, and then better, and even holy because of His power. We can return to the presence of God someday to be judged free of sin and confident that we are clean. We can be with those we love forever. Our every loss here on earth will be made up.
Why? Because God is merciful. He loves me and He loves you!! I know I have felt peace and forgiveness. I have felt help when I was tired, comfort when I was sad, and more strength when I needed a boost. You are a child of God and He will help you also. Ask for that help.
So today, and every day until Christmas and hopefully every day after, go and find someone to help. Find someone to bless and uplift. For specific daily ideas, visit mormon.org. Take the gratitude you feel for Jesus and Heavenly Father and share it with someone else. If you feel you don't know much about them, learn more. Read the scriptures. Pray, even if you feel guilty for your past or if it's been a while. They love you. Your prayers will be heard. After telling a story of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37), an example of selfless service to others even if they are different than you, Jesus admonished, "Go, and do thou likewise."
Hello again! I apologize for the long hiatus. I just got married and we just got back from our honeymoon....
"God gave us families to help us become what He wants us to be. This is how He shares His love. For the family is of God." ("The Family is of God")
I love hearing the children at church. They sing their lungs out during this song, so happy and excited. I love the peace and Spirit I feel when I think about God's plan, and how He wants us to love, serve, and grow. The best environment to help us build a more Christlike character is in our families. As Latter Day Saints, we also believe that God intends for our families to be eternal-meaning that till death do us part won't have to separate us. Because of His love and power, (the power He gave to apostles and prophets of old and today-the priesthood) we can make promises with Him in holy temples that enable us to be together forever. If we do our best to rely on our Savior Jesus Christ by repenting daily and striving continually to keep the commandments, we will return to God cleansed and sanctified. Then we can live with those we love most-our families-in heaven for eternity.
This is one of the most dear things to me personally and I believe to many people who share my faith.
On November 18th, I went to a temple with my sweetheart Kyle. We were married for time and eternity there. (the picture on the left is sealing room in a LDS temple, where couples are married and families are sealed) I will always remember the love of God I felt in those moments. Our family surrounded us with love also. We made promises with God and each other. Because of Jesus Christ, because of mercy and forgiveness and grace if we are faithful to our covenants Kyle and I will be together forever. Marriage is a wonderful blessing. I am amazed by the mercy and love of our Heavenly Father most evident in His plan for each of us. And the other astounding truth: our Heavenly Father wants all His children to have eternal families, sealed together and living with Him for eternity in joy. These blessings are available to everyone if we do what is required to attain them. https://www.mormon.org/beliefs/temples)
If they function in the way God intended, families help us in so many ways. My family isn't perfect, none are, but I was very blessed in that regard. I wanted to list some of the ways:
My family helps me be strong-if I have questions about faith they strengthen me. They help me find answers and trust in the Lord for the answers that take more time. If I am going through a challenging time, they give me the support and encouragement I need to soldier on.
My family serves me-they are sensitive to my needs and try to fill them. My parents worked hard to provide for my siblings and I growing up and give us opportunities
My family makes me laugh-I am blessed to have funny people in my life who can look at the grim with shining optimism. Kyle especially is good at this.
My family loves me unconditionally-I know this because I've felt it, even when they were disappointed.
My family members are my truest friends-I know they will always be there to lend a hand when I'm in need.
I know that not everyone comes from a good family background. Some are dysfunctional, abusive, and damaging. But if that's you, you have the power to move forward, to change a generations long destructive cycle into a healthy functioning one. About twenty years ago, God inspired the prophets and apostles today to speak out about how this is possible in a document titled "The Family: A Proclamation to the World." Every one, regardless of marital status or family background will be blessed as they apply the principles there in. I've included it in this post and recommend its reading.
In April of 2015, Elder L Tom Perry, an apostle, gave a powerful talk called "Why Marriage and Family Matter Everywhere in the World"
He taught, "What the restored gospel brings to the discussion on marriage and family is so large and so relevant that it cannot be overstated: we make the subject eternal! We take the commitment and the sanctity of marriage to a greater level because of our belief and understanding that families go back to before this earth was and that they can go forward into eternity. The entire theology of our restored gospel centers on families and on the new and everlasting covenant of marriage. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe in a premortal life where we all lived as literal spirit children of God our Heavenly Father. We believe that we were, and still are, members of His family.
We believe that marriage and family ties can continue beyond the grave--that marriages performed by those who have the proper authority in His temples will continue to be valid in the world to come. Our marriage ceremonies eliminate the words “till death do us part” and instead say, “for time and for all eternity.”
We also believe that strong traditional families are not only the basic units of a stable society, a stable economy, and a stable culture of values--but that they are also the basic units of eternity and of the kingdom and government of God.
We believe that the organization and government of heaven will be built around families and extended families......
Let me close by bearing witness (and my nine decades on this earth fully qualify me to say this) that the older I get, the more I realize that family is the center of life and is the key to eternal happiness.
I give thanks for my wife, for my children, for my grandchildren and my great-grandchildren, and for all of the cousins and in-laws and extended family who make my own life so rich and, yes, even eternal. Of this eternal truth I bear my strongest and most sacred witness in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
This was Elder Perry's last talk before he passed away. But what a blessing it is to have such a powerful testimony of families and our Heavenly Father's plan.
I know God lives. And I know that He loves us. We lived with Him before we came to earth. He sacrificed His Son so that we can repent. Salvation and then exaltation with our families is His work and glory.
"Men are that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 2:25) These words are simple, but their meaning is profound. When I look at the world around me, with all the chaos and negativity, I believe people forgot or were never taught this. Why does God want us to have joy? Because He loves us and we are His children. And what more would the perfect Father want than for His children to find total fulfillment, happiness, and become like Him? The scriptures teach us that this is His work and glory. (Moses 1:39)
I love knowing this eternal truth: we were created by our Heavenly Father, with the purpose of having joy! He loves us and wants us to be happy. There are reasons we are here on this planet at this time! This is not by arbitrary chance. The prophet Joseph Smith taught, "Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God." But how with the evil in the world and sorrow and pain in our own lives is this possible? What can we do to still have joy?
Every six months in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a General Conference is held. In that conference the prophets, apostles (like the form of Christ's primitive church, see Ephesians 2:20), and other church leaders prayerfully prepare and seek what the Savior wants them to say. They share those things with us. President Russell M Nelson, an apostle, shared this about joy, "My dear brothers and sisters, the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.
When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation... and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy. We feel it at Christmastime when we sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come.”9 And we can feel it all year round. For Latter-day Saints, Jesus Christ is joy!...
Just as the Savior offers peace that “passeth all understanding,”12 He also offers an intensity, depth, and breadth of joy that defy human logic or mortal comprehension. For example, it doesn’t seem possible to feel joy when your child suffers with an incurable illness or when you lose your job or when your spouse betrays you. Yet that is precisely the joy the Savior offers. His joy is constant, assuring us that our “afflictions shall be but a small moment”13 and be consecrated to our gain.14
How, then, can we claim that joy? We can start by “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith”15 “in every thought.”16 We can give thanks for Him in our prayers and by keeping covenants we’ve made with Him and our Heavenly Father. As our Savior becomes more and more real to us and as we plead for His joy to be given to us, our joy will increase.
Joy is powerful, and focusing on joy brings God’s power into our lives. As in all things, Jesus Christ is our ultimate exemplar, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.”17 Think of that! In order for Him to endure the most excruciating experience ever endured on earth, our Savior focused on joy!
And what was the joy that was set before Him? Surely it included the joy of cleansing, healing, and strengthening us; the joy of paying for the sins of all who would repent; the joy of making it possible for you and me to return home—clean and worthy—to live with our Heavenly Parents and families.
If we focus on the joy that will come to us, or to those we love, what can we endure that presently seems overwhelming, painful, scary, unfair, or simply impossible?What will you and I be able to endure as we focus on the joy that is “set before” us?20What repenting will then be possible? What weakness will become a strength?21What chastening will become a blessing?22 What disappointments, even tragedies, will turn to our good?23 And what challenging service to the Lord will we be able to give?24 If we look to the world and follow its formulas for happiness,27 we will never know joy. The unrighteous may experience any number of emotions and sensations, but they will never experience joy!28 Joy is a gift for the faithful.29 It is the gift that comes from intentionally trying to live a righteous life, as taught by Jesus Christ.30
He taught us how to have joy. When we choose Heavenly Father to be our God31 and when we can feel the Savior’s Atonement working in our lives, we will be filled with joy.32 Every time we nurture our spouse and guide our children, every time we forgive someone or ask for forgiveness, we can feel joy.
Every day that you and I choose to live celestial laws, every day that we keep our covenants and help others to do the same, joy will be ours." (President Nelson, "Joy and Spiritual Survival" October 2016)
When I heard him speak, I was touched. I don't often view my trials as sources of joy. In reality, I do have struggles and fears just as anyone but I know I am blessed. Right now is an especially happy time in my life because I'm getting married soon. I know that more challenges will come in the future, but I also know that everything will be alright. I testify that in good or bad, sorrow or happiness, Jesus Christ is always there. I know that when we focus on Him in our circumstances we will find more joy, more strength to deal with our circumstances, and peace that can only come to the faithful. (John 14:27) During the time I was a missionary, I taught lots of different people from numerous circumstances. When I saw them focus on the Savior, they received more joy in their lives. The gospel-His teachings-really do work to change hearts and lives. He is the light and life of the world. He is our hope and our salvation. I know that Heavenly Father is His perfect Father. He also blesses us with peace and joy because of His Son.
These things are true. And what joy that brings our souls the more we understand it is so.
Last night in one of my religious classes called Institute, we were talking about why trials happen to such good people. It is difficult to watch people you love in the midst of such difficult things, or even go through them yourself. A few people in the class shared some thoughts and feelings. One of them talked about their sister who is going through a really difficult divorce. To be honest, I don't know really know why certain things happen, but a thought struck me as I sat in that wooden desk. Her Savior loves her, and He will help her through it. And whenever sorrow or tragedy comes in my life: I know my Savior loves me and He will help me through it. Whatever you might be enduring now, whatever you'll be called upon to endure, know the same: your Savior Jesus Christ loves you, and He will help you through it. I am so grateful that Christ endured the agony and sorrow of my own life to bless, strengthen, and comfort me through those experiences. I testify He will do that for you; in fact, He already has. So if you are seeking help, if you feel weak or weighed down, Pray! Pray like you've never prayed before with all the fervor and energy of your heart. Tell Him how you feel. Ask for the help you need in complete honesty. Heavenly Father will hear you. He will answer you. That answer might come as He removes that burden, or it might come as He and His Son strengthen you through it. "Sometimes he calms the storm, and sometimes He calms the Savior." Either way it will be what you need. Then keep the commandments. Do your best to live your life in harmony with the standards of God. This will help you to avoid some of the trials of life that come because of poor choices. As you do these things, you will feel the love of the Savior and you will find peace, even if the life surrounding you is in chaos. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, a apostle, taught, "Be assured that there is a safe harbor. You can find peace amidst the storms that threaten you. Your Heavenly Father-who knows when even a sparrow falls-knows of your heartache and suffering. He loves you and wants whats best for you. Never doubt this." (Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Finding a Safe Harbor") Another thought that struck me last night during that discussion was one of the times in my life that I felt so discouraged I wasn't sure what to do. It was near the beginning of my mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (the missionaries you see with black name tags). We were doing our absolute best to teach people about Christ and His gospel, but it seemed like no one was listening. I had a really powerful personal experience, where God taught me something important I needed to know, and then I found this scripture, now one of my favorites: "Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God." (Doctrine and Covenants 101:16)I cried as I read because I knew then as I know now that Heavenly Father is in charge. And, if it's not all right yet, it's not the end. But He will make it so if we are faithful. Another verse I love reads, "But behold, they are in the hands of the Lord of the harvest, and they are his; and he will raise them up at the last day." (Alma 26:7) Please know, whether things are going well in your life, or whether it's falling apart, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you. They know your name. They know your heart, your good desires. They know of your suffering. And as Christ promised, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." (John 14:18) Keep holding on and you will see purpose and beauty come from the sorrow, because that's what He does for us. In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen. {CTR Always, ETTE}
Since I was little, in church I would sing a song about how families can be together forever. I am so grateful for the peace and joy it brings me to truly know that this is Heavenly Father's plan. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we love this doctrine. And when tragedy strikes, we live for it too. All the sorrow and injustice in life will be made right through Jesus Christ. It is because of His sacrifice for us that we can be cleansed, sanctified, and return spotless before Him, worthy to live in our Heavenly Father's presence with those we love most. The Lord has said, "Behold, this is my work and my glory; to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39). Heavenly Father loves us, and He wants us to be happy. That's why His plan is for us to return to live with Him again, glorified and exalted. And the miracle of the gospel is no matter how lost and alone you feel, "it is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ's Atonement." (Elder Holland) There are no lost causes. It is not too late. He can change any heart, heal any wound, and even perfect us to holiness if we believe Him. Not just believe IN Him but what His infinite power will do in our lives and hearts and in the lives and hearts of those we love. It really does work, not just on a general level, but in a deeply personal one. These things are so dear to my heart, and this is part of why temples are so sacred to me.
(Salt Lake Temple)
In True to the Faith we read this explanation, "Temples are literally houses of the Lord. They are holy places of worship where the Lord may visit. Only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness. Throughout history, the Lord has commanded his people to build temples. Today the church is heeding the Lord's call to build temples all over the world, making temple blessings more available for a great number of our Heavenly Father's children." In the temple, ordinances are performed. Ordinances are sacred ceremonies where we make promises or covenants with God, to follow Him and be obedient to the commandments. He promises to bless us and promises eternal life in return. (One example of a covenant is baptism: see Mosiah 18:8-10) Ordinances must be performed by those who hold the priesthood-the power and authority to act in God's name for the salvation of mankind. One of the sweetest and most precious parts of the gospel to me is that EVERYONE will have opportunity to accept and follow the Savior in this life or the next. We go to the House of the Lord to receive those ordinances ourselves and then act as proxy for our ancestors who did not have that opportunity in this life. That is what is meant of by that prophecy about the hearts of the children turning to their fathers. (See Malachi 4:5-6) They can choose whether or not to accept that ordinance, and progress accordingly. The Savior Jesus Christ brings salvation to both the living and the dead. (See 1 Peter 4:6) Those who didn't hear these truths can! It is not too late for those who have died without the gospel. One of the crowning ordinances of the temple is eternal marriage. Husbands and wives can be married for time-this life-and eternity, so that even death will not separate them if they are faithful to the covenants, or promises, that they make. Children borne to them will also reap the blessings of an eternal family. Even when death separates them, they have the Lord's promise they will be together again, forever. This doctrine was especially comforting to me when my little brother, who is special needs, has been near death. I love him so much, and the prospect of losing him broke my heart, but I also knew that our family would be alright. We would see him again. Another time this blessed me was around the time of my great grandma's funeral and since. I love and miss her, but I know we will still have that relationship in the next life also.
All of these things witness over and over to me of Heavenly Father's deep and abiding love for each of His children, which include all of us. I am a child of God and so are you. He made this perfect plan, sacrificed His Son, Jesus Christ, and gives us all guidance and blessings we need to return to Him again. That is beautiful. I am so grateful to know I can be with my family forever. I am so grateful for a Savior that helps me, those I love, and all who have lived and will yet live receive these blessings and great joy. I testify these things are true, and I do so in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
My heart is full. I'm thankful for life and it's miracles. We are so blessed. I am amazed at what the human body is capable of. It was amazing to see our son's personality already. I am so, so grateful to Heavenly Father has blessed me to be a mother. I love our baby already! The joy I feel helps me really know even more that Heavenly Father's plan for us is to be with Him and Jesus Christ and our families eternally. Is there any greater blessing than this?
