Faith is the Answer

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

this post should take three to five minutes to read from start to finish.

This post is focuses on April 1994 General Women's Meeting talk called "Faith is the Answer" by Sister Virginia H. Pearce. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk.

Sister Pearce mentioned, “Why did it have to be me?” That’s a question we’ve all asked ourselves during hard times. Family difficulties, loneliness, awkwardness, problems with school “why did it have to be me?” What would help? What is the answer?

President Hinckley, said, “Of all our needs, I think the greatest is an increase in faith” Could faith be the answer? We all know that more faith won’t make our problems disappear. But I believe as our faith increases, we become more able to not only survive the hard times but become better because of them. I believe faith is the answer.

Faith is the first of the Young Women Values: “I am a daughter of a Heavenly Father who loves me, and I will have faith in his eternal plan, which centers in Jesus Christ, my Savior”

When we bring that definition into everyday language, faith means that I really believe that:

• Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live, and they are in charge of this world.
• They know me.
• They love me.
• They have a plan for my future.

I will obey the commandments, work hard, and trust in their plan. Sooner or later, everything will be okay.

"Faith It makes things possible, not easy."

When I was fifteen years old, my mother suggested that I get a patriarchal blessing. Although I hadn’t thought of doing so, her suggestion felt right, and preparations were made. I don’t remember the interview with my bishop or making the appointment, but I do remember an increasing sense of reluctance as the day approached.

My anxiety was all about my future. I had heard story after story of remarkable blessings with unusual promises. Some days I felt extraordinary as if there were special things ahead for me. But usually I felt ordinary even invisible some days. What if I didn’t have anything in my future? Better not to know. Maybe there wouldn’t be anything for the patriarch to say, and the blessing would only be one or two sentences long. I wondered if I would go on a mission, would I marry, would there be children, how many?

As you can see, I didn’t really understand the difference between a patriarchal blessing and a Chinese fortune cookie. But I did understand one important difference: I didn’t believe in messages in cookies, but I did believe in patriarchal blessings.

I was prepared to believe anything that was said, or not said.  The anticipated day arrived. I went with my parents to the patriarch’s cozy little study. As he placed his hands on my head, there was a steadiness that vaporized all uncertainty. I remember the surprise and wonder of that day, but also of every other time I have read that blessing the startling news: He knows me. Heavenly Father knows me! And he has a plan for my future. I don’t need to know all the details, but if I do my part, it will turn out wonderfully well.

Faith is the answer. I need more faith. You need more faith."

Feel free to read the whole talk either now or in your own time. Here's the link to the talk below.
www.lds.org/general-conference/1994/04/faith-is-the-answer

Stay Tuned until next time.

Obedience through Our Faithfulness

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

this post should take three to five minutes to read from start to finish. 

What is your definition and understanding of the following, "Obedience through our faithfulness" ?
How do you apply, "Obedience through our faithfulness" in your life?

This post focuses on a April 2014 General Conference talk and it is called, "Obedience through Our Faithfulness" by Elder L.Tom Perry. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk.

Elder Perry mentioned the following,  "To succeed in life, we must teach our spirit and body to work together in obedience to God’s commandments. If we heed the gentle promptings of the Holy Ghost, it can unite our spirits and bodies in a purpose that will guide us back to our eternal home to live with our eternal Father in Heaven.

Our third article of faith teaches us about the importance of obedience: “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.” I recognize that the challenges associated with having faith in Jesus Christ and obedience will be more difficult for some than others. I have had enough years of experience to know that the personalities of horses can be very different and, therefore, some horses can be easier or more difficult to train and that the variety of people is far greater. Each of us is a son or daughter of God.

"Obedience is a choice. It is a choice between our own limited
knowledge and power and God's unlimited wisdom and omnipotence."
- L. Tom Perry.

Too often we think of obedience as the passive and thoughtless following of the orders or dictates of a higher authority. Actually, at its best, obedience is an emblem of our faith in the wisdom and power of the highest authority, even God. When Abraham demonstrated his unwavering faithfulness and obedience to God, even when commanded to sacrifice his son, God rescued him.

Similarly, when we demonstrate our faithfulness through obedience, God will ultimately rescue us. and we have a unique premortal and mortal story. Accordingly, there are very few one-size-fits-all solutions. And so I fully recognize the trial-and-error nature of life and, most importantly, the constant need of the second principle of the gospel, even repentance.

Those who rely solely on themselves and follow only their own desires and self-inclinations are so limited when compared to those who follow God and tap into His insight, power, and gifts. It has been said that someone who is all wrapped up in himself or herself makes a very small package. Strong, proactive obedience is anything but weak or passive. It is the means by which we declare"

I encourage you to read the whole talk in your own time and here is the link below.
www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/obedience-through-our-faithfulness

Stay Tuned until next time.

Faith Is Not by Chance, but by Choice

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately four to six minutes to read from start to finish. 

This post focuses on a October 2015 General Conference talk and it is called, "Faith Is Not by Chance, but by Choice" by Elder Neil L. Anderson. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk and I hope you will learn something new. 

Elder Anderson mentioned the following; "The Savior perceived the strength or weakness in the faith of those around Him. ... He questioned others, “Where is your faith?” ... I ask myself, “How does the Savior see my faith?” And tonight I ask you, “How does the Savior see your faith?”

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is not something ethereal, floating loosely in the air. Faith does not fall upon us by chance or stay with us by birthright. It is, as the scriptures say, “substance …, the evidence of things not seen.”... Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from heaven that comes as we choose to believe and as we seek it and hold on to it. Your faith is either growing stronger or becoming weaker. ... The future of your faith is not by chance, but by choice.

... There are many Christian men and women with deep faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and we honor and respect them.

No Longer on Neutral Ground

But brethren, we have been given something more: the priesthood of God, the power of God restored to earth by holy angels. This makes you different. You no longer stand on neutral ground. Your faith will grow not by chance, but by choice.

How we live our lives increases or diminishes our faith. Prayer, obedience, honesty, purity of thought and deed, and unselfishness increase faith. Without these, faith diminishes. ... Because there is an adversary who delights in destroying our faith! Be relentless in protecting your faith.

Honest Questions

Addressing honest questions is an important part of building faith, and we use both our intellect and our feelings. The Lord said, “I will tell you in your mind and in your heart.” Not all answers will come immediately, but most questions can be resolved through sincere study and seeking answers from God. Using our mind without our heart will not bring spiritual answers. ...

Faith never demands an answer to every question but seeks the assurance and courage to move forward, sometimes acknowledging, “I don’t know everything, but I do know enough to continue on the path of discipleship.”

Immersing oneself in persistent doubt, fueled by answers from the faithless and the unfaithful, weakens one’s faith in Jesus Christ and the Restoration. ...

For example, questions concerning the Prophet Joseph Smith are not new. They have been hurled by his critics since this work began. ... Consider the totality of Joseph’s life - born in poverty and given little formal education, he translated the Book of Mormon in less than 90 days. Tens of thousands of honest, devoted men and women embraced the cause of the Restoration. At age 38, Joseph sealed his witness with his blood. I testify that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. Settle this in your mind, and move forward!

"Faith is the antidote for fear." - Russell M. Nelson.

Gifts That Enlarge Our Faith

Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon give us the beautiful assurance that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. ... Some or all of the Book of Mormon is now in 110 languages across the world. It provides a spiritual and tangible witness of the truthfulness of the Restoration. When was the last time that you read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover? Read it again. It will increase your faith.

Another gift from God that enlarges our faith is the guidance of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve. ... The guidance of the First Presidency and the Twelve help protect our faith.

Fires

Although your beginning fire of faith may be small, righteous choices bring greater confidence in God, and your faith grows. ... But as you continue to make good choices, trust in God, and follow His Son, the Lord sends increased light and knowledge, and your faith becomes settled and unwavering. President Thomas S. Monson said: “Fear not. … The future is as bright as your faith.”

My dear friends, your faith did not begin at birth, and it will not end at death. Faith is a choice. Strengthen your faith, and live to be deserving of the Savior’s approving words: “Great is thy faith.” ...

I would like to encourage you to read the whole talk in your own time. Here's the link below.
www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2015/10/faith-is-not-by-chance-but-by-choice

Stay Tuned until next time.

Move Forward with Faith Quotes

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately three minutes to read from start to finish.

What is your understanding the statement that says "move forward with faith?" 

How can you apply "move forward with faith" understanding into your life?

This post is focuses on a Article from Ensign in Year 2013. It's called "Move Forward in Faith." I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the article and I learned so much from it. At the beginning of the article, it starts with a question that is relatable to some of us because we may have asked ourselves with that question.

"What should you do when you have to make a decision and you've prayed about your choices, but you're still unsure of what to do?"

"Move forward with faith."

"One thing you can’t forget is to involve the Lord in your self-improvement. Pray and remember that the Lord promised that if you come unto Him, He will help you and turn your weakness into strength (see Ether 12:27).

Proceed with Trust - Elder Richard G. Scott

“What do you do when you have prepared carefully, have prayed fervently, waited a reasonable time for a response, and still do not feel an answer? You may want to express thanks when that occurs, for it is an evidence of [Heavenly Father’s] trust.

When you are living worthily and your choice is consistent with the Savior’s teachings and you need to act, proceed with trust. As you are sensitive to the promptings of the Spirit, one of two things will certainly occur at the appropriate time: either the stupor of thought will come, indicating an improper choice, or the peace or the burning in the bosom will be felt, confirming that your choice was correct. When you are living righteously and are acting with trust, God will not let you proceed too far without a warning impression if you have made the wrong decision.”

Reference: Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer,” Ensign, May 2007, 10.

Don’t Take Counsel from Your Fears - President James E. Faust

“Let us not take counsel from our fears. May we remember always to be of good cheer, put our faith in God, and live worthy for Him to direct us. We are each entitled to receive personal inspiration to guide us through our mortal probation. May we so live that our hearts are open at all times to the whisperings and comfort of the Spirit.”

Reference: President James E. Faust (1920–2007), Second Counselor in the First Presidency, “Be Not Afraid,” Ensign, Oct. 2002, 6.

Wait Patiently for Revelation - Elder David A. Bednar

“The gradual increase of light radiating from the rising sun is like receiving a message from God ‘line upon line, precept upon precept’ (2 Nephi 28:30). Most frequently, revelation comes in small increments over time and is granted according to our desire, worthiness, and preparation. Such communications from Heavenly Father gradually and gently ‘distil upon [our souls] as the dews from heaven’ (D&C 121:45).”

Reference: Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “The Spirit of Revelation,” Ensign, May 2011, 88.

Know That God Will Provide - President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

“During [a] busy season of my life, Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin extended a call to me to serve as stake president. “During my interview with him, many thoughts raced through my mind, not the least of which was the unsettling worry that I might not have the time this calling would require. Although I felt humbled and honored by the call, I briefly wondered if I could accept it. But it was only a fleeting thought because I knew that Elder Wirthlin was called of God and that he was doing the Lord’s work. What could I do but accept?

“There are times when we have to step into the darkness in faith, confident that God will place solid ground beneath our feet once we do. And so I accepted gladly, knowing that God would provide.”

Reference: President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, “The Why of Priesthood Service,” Ensign, May 2012, 59.

In your own time, you can read the whole Article, Here's the link below, and I hope you will enjoy reading it. www.lds.org/ensign/2013/08/move-forward-in-faith

Stay Tuned until next time.

Faith, Faithful, and Faithfulness

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately three minutes to read from start to finish.

What is your definition and understanding on faith? What is your definition and understanding on faithful? 

What is your definition and understanding on faithfulness?

Faith:

Can you think of any recent experiences or past experiences that you had by using faith?

Has any of those experiences helped you to gain a better definition and understanding of what faith is?

 Has any of those experiences helped you to gain a better reason why to continue believing in faith?

In the past, sometimes whenever I go through trials, challenges, difficulties, feeling disappointed, feeling discouraged, and so forth; I have forgotten the definition of faith. Having FAITH has helped me to gain a better definition, understanding and a better reason why I would like to continue to believe in faith even at unexpected times. I often try to say to myself that everything would work out in their own way and timing.

Faithful:

Can you think of any recent experiences or past experiences when you were able to be faithful to yourself?

Can you think of any recent experiences or past experiences when you were able to be faithful around others? 

Has any of those experiences helped you to gain a better definition and understanding of what faithful is?

In the past - most times, I always strived my best to always be FAITHFUL to myself and around others. I always wanted to share my religion with some of my non-member friends and invited them to come along with me to either a YSA activity or a ward activity or to Church fireside. I know at times throughout our lives, we can forget about the definition and understanding of faithful. Also, I know at times throughout our lives, we can forget how we can be faithful to ourselves and around others. 

"Everyone would like to have stronger faith. By themselves, the scriptures may not
strengthen your faith, but being faithful to what they teach, does. In other words,
faith cannot be separated from faithfulness." - John Bytheway. 

Faithfulness:

Can you think of any recent experiences or past experiences when you were able to have faithfulness in something? Has any of those recent experiences or past experiences helped you to have a better 

definition and understanding of faithfulness?

We can be faithfulness in our current relationships either it's married, engaged, or in dating stages. 

We can be faithfulness in our current relationships with our family members, and extended relatives.

We can be faithfulness in our current friendships that we have met either from studying or from church.

Stay tuned until next time.