Limit Expectations, Be More Understanding in Long Distance Relationships and Engagements

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

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

This post is aimed for current long distance couples to read. If you aren't currently in a long distance relationship or long distance engagement, that's fine. You can continue reading and find something new while you read throughout this post.

Limit Expectations

What is your definition and understanding of "limit expectations"?

I am sure that each long distance couple have spoken about some expectations for what they would have for each other to meet. During the earliest stages of dating with my husband while we were in long distance relationship, we had a conversation about what some expectations that we had for each other to meet.

What are some expectations that long distance couples can have and why do they have them?

~ Having conversations often, even if it's two to four days a week - it helps with bonding each other.
~ Celebrating each other's achievements, it helps with being proud of what have been accomplished.
~ Supporting each other's decisions, some decisions can be tough and need to be able support them.
~ Trusting one another, it helps build a stronger foundation when trust falls into place.

~ Constantly missing each other, it often helps understanding for each other that they are being missed. ~ Constantly loving each other, it often helps understanding for each other that they are being loved. ~ Remaining strong for each other, there are moments when long distance becomes difficult.

Before my husband and I met each other in person and during the earliest stage of boyfriend and girlfriend phrase; we were concerned if we flew to each other and finding out that we didn't like each other in person, we didn't know what we would do. If our relationship didn't last long, we would feel very upset. We knew that the cost of plane tickets, and other expenses that was involved has been wasted. The effort and time that we had for organizing plans would have been wasted. We were afraid that we might get emotionally hurt.

My husband and I were able to fast and pray at separate times within a week ish to make sure that we were making the right decision for dating each other. When we got the same impression with the answer that we received, we were feeling so happy because our mutual concerns went away and we were looking forward to meeting each other in person. It certainly took over a week after we started dating for my husband to tell me that he loved me for the first time.

I remembered about two years ago and about a few weeks prior to my fifth month into the long distance relationship with my husband, I shared a photo of me and my husband together on Facebook. The caption stated,

"In long distance relationship; you will learn to communicate with your partner often, you will learn how to build trust with your partner, you will learn how to build courage to stay strong while your partner is far away from you, you will learn how to be supportive for your partner's decisions, you will learn how committed you are towards your partner, you will learn how to not fully rely your happiness from your partner, and so much more."

"Love will travel as far as you let it. It has no
limits." - Dee King.

Be More Understanding

How can you "be more understanding" towards your loved one during long distance?

How can you "be more understanding" towards your relatives and extended relatives?

How can you "be more understanding" towards your friends?

I understood now of the some ways that can be misunderstood during long distance relationship and long distance engagement. Some long distance couples may find it difficult of ways to be more understanding to each other. 

What are some ways that long distance couples may experience to be more understanding and why?

~ Being a great listener to each other - it's often a great idea to engage conversations with some questions and answers, also sharing related experiences to each other is also a great idea. 

~ Have some understanding of culture backgrounds and transitions, most common long distance couples would find themselves dating someone either out of their state in their same country or out of their country, - it's often fun way of getting to know someone else's culture background and learning about the transitions that they do.

~ Each individual may experience different routines/schedules that changes day to day bases, - with depending on employment has different rosters for starting and ending shifts during the payment period. 

~ Have the understanding of the time zone differences - understanding of time zone differences makes it a lot easier with finding the right time for the couple to be able to communicate with each other. 

While my husband and I was in long distance relationship and engagement; we both learned more about each other's culture backgrounds' differences, we shared some words that we said differently for certain items that means the same thing, we were often a great listener to each other - we always asked each other questions and answers, I always admired my husband for sharing his mission experiences that he had and he always admired my experiences that I had while serving in Brisbane Temple, and so forth. 

We both knew that our routines/schedules were constantly filled up quickly. My husband was working from Mondays to Fridays and that took up most of his days with work. Due to the time zone differences, I would be mostly sleeping while he was working. Before he starts work each work day, I would be either be working, or spending some time with my family or doing other things. 

Stay Tuned until next time. 

5 Suggestions of keeping Long Distance Relationship and Engagement last and steady

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

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

This post marked on 100th post since I started this blog.

Anyway, this aimed for current long distance couples to read. If you aren't currently in a long distance relationship or long distance engagement, that's fine. You can continue reading and find something new while you read throughout this post.

I know past long distance couple has different ways and suggestions to share with their friends and relatives how they were able to get through the long distance. I also know current long distance couple also have different ways and suggestions to share with their friends and relatives how they are able to get this far into their current dating stage.

My husband and I were a past long distance couple. We dated mostly long distance when we were in my boyfriend and his girlfriend stage, and we dated mostly long distance when we were engaged - my fiancè and his fiancèè stage. I have been asked several times of what were some things that we did as a couple to make our long distance relationship and our long distance engagement would last and steady.

I would be gladly to share with you some of the things that my husband and I did to keep our long distance relationship and our long distance engagement last and steady. Those things can be considered as suggestions of what you and your partner can do for your current relationship or engagement. I also would share of how that certain thing has helped me and my husband. I may also share why we did those certain things.

"You're worth every mile between us."

Couple Prayers

Each day and evening, my husband and I always took in turns who gets to say the couple prayer. Having couple prayer has helped us to build into a habit of having couple prayers after we got married. My husband and I still take in turns of who gets to say the couple prayer each morning and evening.

Couple Scripture Study

My husband and I did couple scripture study. It has helped us to build into a habit of having couple scripture study after we got married. We considered doing couple scripture study has helped our spiritual growth together. We even had couple scripture study for Family Home Evening.

Both of us was employed

My husband and I both were able to worked while we were in long distance. We both enjoyed working and saving as much as we can before I moved to Texas, USA. I'm currently not employed, and I'm still glad that my husband gets to continue working and being employed after I moved to Texas, USA. Who knows when I get to start working and being employed again. I certainly have some days when I missed working and being employed.

Constant Conversations

My husband and I were able to constantly having conversations to each other each day and each night via Facebook Messenger. We know that communicating to each other often has helped us to stay connected while we were long distance. It also has helped us to get through our days and evenings when we weren't together in person. Some of our conversations would be focused on checking up on each other, how our days was, how was work, how was our evenings, checking up on how our families were, and so forth.

Started with one Skype Call, that led into more Skype Calls and mostly Video Chats

My husband and I had skype calls for a several weeks and we also had video chats via Facebook since a week after I landed back to Brisbane, Australia from my vacation in Utah, late February 2018 to the last day I was during my layover in Sydney, Australia - July last year.. We always organized appropriate times for us to have a Skype call or a video chat via Facebook. 

We worked out that we would Skype each other or Video Chat via Facebook during daytime while I was in Australia and when it was either late afternoon or nighttime when my husband is over here - Texas, USA. 

Sometime either on early January, 2018 or on mid January, 2018 - we had our very first Skype call and I still remembered towards the end of that Skype call, my husband has requested for another skype call for the next following day for my daytime.

Guess what? We ended up skyping the next following day for my daytime. Again towards end of the second Skype call, my husband has requested for another skype call for the next following day for my daytime. We always enjoyed having Skype calls and Video chats via Facebook because it has helped us to again to stay connected and we always liked each other's accents. Sometimes there was some things that we would pronounce and sometimes find it funny when we hear it in our accents. Sometimes there would be words that we couldn't understood each other.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Covenant of Love

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 statement, "Covenant of Love" ?

How can you currently apply, "Covenant of Love" at present time?

How have you applied "Covenant of Love" in the past? 

This post focuses on April 1995 General Conference talk and it is called, "Covenant of Love" by Sister Aileen H. Clyde. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk. 

Sister Clyde mentioned the following, "For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord."

Such scriptural language overwhelms my reasoning and floods me again with the reality of God’s love and of our importance to him. ... before our mortal experience, that we began with our part of building the covenant relationship with the Savior which is vital to our eternal lives. I believe we chose to be guided then, as we need to be guided now, by his loving care for our divine and unique identities. ... Now, when we face crossroads and dilemmas, we can look again to that same source for courage to move forward on our journey.

... There is a constant struggle to balance our knowledge of light against the error and fear that are among the hallmarks of our world. Today we see temptations of old in new ways. They can be magnified and multicolored by technology which gives them avenues everywhere. ... we may be turned by fear to looking for protection from one another rather than keeping our promise to be a light and a protection for one another.

... We must depend upon the light of Christ to understand this teaching, but we cannot allow our fears to separate us from the possession of our souls. Hear what is recorded in the 101st section of Doctrine and Covenants:

“Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full. ... “And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life” (D&C 101:36, 38).

It is a response of the soul when we sense and accept the loving promises that Christ extends to us. Listen to Isaiah’s description of what our Lord has already done for us:

“Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein” (Isa. 42:5).

... The book of Alma teaches that the song he has asked us to sing is a song of redeeming love (see Alma 5:26).

"Making covenants with God calls forth the divine
within us. And keeping our covenants with God allows
Him to pour His divine power into us." - Wendy Watson Nelson.

Later, when the Savior was asked in Palestine to designate the first and great commandment, he unhesitatingly said: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. … “And the second [commandment] is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matt. 22:37, 39).

These statements are both clear and comprehensive. They suggest the beginning of how we can engage ourselves in his covenant. And surely, since he knows us, he would not have required anything we cannot do.

The love Christ commands requires a mighty change and great humility. It requires us to forsake pride and to be stripped of envy. It requires that we neither mock our sisters and brothers nor persecute anyone. Christ knew that for us to find any of those characteristics in ourselves would be onerous and would demand our great effort just to look. He said, “If thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee” (Matt. 18:8).

He was not suggesting our mutilation, but rather showing his awareness of how painful clearing ourselves of such offenses could be. When we have made the changes that only we can make, then, by the atoning blood of Christ, we may receive the forgiveness that only he can bring. The reciprocal nature of those actions suggests the high trust and respect the Lord has for our abilities. Anyone who has had experience with the Lord’s love knows of the sure courage that comes when we keep our part of that trust and honor him by seeking his Spirit and by living the best we can. 

... In the midst of a troubling world, the foundations I rely on come by my covenants with the Lord. They are indeed like sapphires and are treasures beyond price. Through them I have eternal link to my loved ones and to God. They are the restored principles and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ which are available to righteous women and men alike through the power of the holy priesthood of God. They include baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, the sacrament, and temple covenants. These are the ways given to us and freely chosen by us to vouchsafe our eternal lives.

“And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters” (Mosiah 5:7).

We are, then, because of his great love and because of our desire to be guided by his light, part of the family of Christ. Because of our covenants, we have protection from loneliness and alienation. Because of our relationship with him, we can reflect light and tenderness to one another and we can possess our own souls eternally." 

Feel free to read the whole talk either now or in your own time. Here is the link below. 

www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1995/04/covenant-of-love

Stay Tuned until next time.

The Power, Joy and Love of Covenant Keeping ~ Part Two

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 2013 General Conference talk and it is called, "The Power, Joy, and Love of Covenant Keeping" by Sister Linda K. Burton. This post is part two. I would like to share with you some highlights that I liked while I was reading the talk and I hope you would be able to learn something new while you are reading this post.

Sister Burton continues, ... "2. Keeping covenants is essential for true happiness.

President Thomas S. Monson taught, “Sacred covenants are to be revered by us, and faithfulness to them is a requirement for happiness.” ... Covenant keepers are commandment keepers!

I love the scripture that reads: “And now when the people had heard these words [meaning the words describing the baptismal covenant], they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts.” ... They cheerfully desired to make and keep their covenants!

One Sunday a young sister joyfully exclaimed, “I get to take the sacrament today!” When was the last time we rejoiced in that privilege? And how do we demonstrate it? We do this by always remembering the Savior and always keeping His commandments, which include keeping His Sabbath day holy. We do it by always remembering Him as we always have our personal and family prayers, daily scripture study, and weekly family home evenings. And when we get distracted or casual with these important things, we repent and begin again.

Making and cheerfully keeping our covenants gives validity and life to the vital sacred and saving ordinances we need to receive in order to obtain “all that [the] Father hath.” Ordinances and covenants are the “spiritual milestones” President Henry B. Eyring referred to when he taught: “The Latter-day Saints are a covenant people. From the day of baptism through the spiritual milestones of our lives, we make promises with God and He makes promises with us. He always keeps His promises offered through His authorized servants, but it is the crucial test of our lives to see if we will make and keep our covenants with Him.”

"The best way to STRENGTHEN a home, current or
future, is to KEEP COVENANTS!" - Linda K. Burton.

3. Keeping our covenants demonstrates our love for the Savior and our Father in Heaven.

Of all the reasons we ought to be more diligent in our covenant keeping, this reason is more compelling than all love. ... Why was the Savior willing to keep His covenant with the Father and fulfill His divine mission to atone for the sins of the world? It was His love for His Father and His love for us. ...

“If we fully appreciated the many blessings which are ours through the redemption made for us, there is nothing that the Lord could ask of us that we would not anxiously and willingly do.” According to this statement by President Joseph Fielding Smith, covenant keeping is one way to express our love for the incomprehensible, infinite Atonement of our Savior and Redeemer and the perfect love of our Father in Heaven.

Elder Holland movingly suggested, “I am not certain just what our experience will be on Judgment Day, but I will be very surprised if at some point in that conversation, God does not ask us exactly what Christ asked Peter: ‘Did you love me?’”

... The Savior said, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." How we all need a regular manifestation of the Savior in our daily lives!

Let us remember that even those who have been wayward in the past or who are currently struggling can feel the touch of the Good Shepherd’s hand upon their heads and hear His voice saying: “Come on. You aren’t tied down anymore. You are free.”

... He can say that because He kept His covenants with love. The question then is, will we? May we go forth with faith, cheerful hearts, and a great desire to be covenant keepers. ..."

If you would like to read the whole talk either now or in your own time, here is the link below.
www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2013/10/the-power-joy-and-love-of-covenant-keeping

Stay Tuned until next time.

The Power, Joy, and Love of Covenant Keeping ~ Part One

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

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

What is your definition and understanding of the following statement, "The Power, Joy and Love of Covenant Keeping"?

This post focuses on a October 2013 General Conference talk and it is called, "The Power, Joy, and Love of Covenant Keeping" by Sister Linda K. Burton. This post is part one. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk and I hope you would be able to learn something new while you are reading this post.

Sister Burton mentioned the following, "Making and keeping covenants means choosing to bind ourselves to our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ. It is committing to follow the Savior. It is trusting Him and desiring to show our gratitude for the price He paid to set us free through the infinite gift of the Atonement.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland explained that “a covenant is a binding spiritual contract, a solemn promise to God our Father that we will live and think and act in a certain way - the way of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In return, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost promise us the full splendor of eternal life.” In that binding contract, the Lord sets the terms and we agree to keep them. Making and keeping our covenants is an expression of our commitment to become like the Savior. ..

"The greatest COMPLIMENT that can be earned
here IN THIS LIE is to be known as a COVENANT
KEEPER." - Elder Russell M. Nelson.

Why Make and Keep Covenants?

1. Covenant keeping strengthens, empowers, and protects.

... As we keep our covenants, we also receive courage and strength to help us bear one another’s burdens. ... Oh, sisters we all have burdens to bear and burdens to share. ...

The Book of Mormon reminds us that even the prophet Alma had to bear the burden of having a rebellious son. But Alma was blessed with covenant-keeping brothers and sisters in the gospel who were deeply converted unto the Lord and had learned what it meant to bear each other’s burdens. We are familiar with the verse in Mosiah that speaks of the great faith of Alma’s prayers in behalf of his son. But the record states that “the Lord … heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma.”

We know that the Lord always rejoices “in the soul that repenteth,” but we desire above all to have our children follow the counsel of President Henry B. Eyring to “start early and be steady” in making and keeping covenants.

... As we counseled together, it was suggested that one way to prepare children to make and keep sacred baptismal covenants is to help them learn to make and keep a simple promise.

Faithful parents are entitled to know how to best teach to meet the needs of their children. As parents seek and act on personal revelation, counsel together, minister and teach the simple principles of the gospel, they will have power to strengthen and protect their families. Other family members can also help. ...

Elder Richard G. Scott observed, “One of the greatest blessings we can offer to the world is the power of a Christ-centered home where the gospel is taught, covenants are kept, and love abounds."

What are some ways we can create such a home to prepare our children to make and keep temple covenants?

We can discover together what it means to be worthy of a temple recommend.

We can discover together how to listen to the Holy Ghost. Because the temple endowment is received by revelation, we need to learn that vital skill.

... We can discover together why the body is sacred, why it is sometimes referred to as a temple, and how modest dress and grooming relates to the sacred nature of temple clothing.

... We can discover together the meaning of terms such as endowment, ordinance, sealing, priesthood, keys, and other words related to temple worship.

We can teach that we go to the temple to make covenants with Heavenly Father - we return home to keep them!

Let us remember the concept of “good, better, and best” as we teach. It is good to teach our children about the temple. It is better to prepare and expect them to make and keep covenants. It is best to show them by example that we cheerfully cleave to our own baptismal and temple covenants! Sisters, do we realize our vital role in the work of salvation as we nurture, teach, and prepare children to progress along the covenant path? The power to do so will come as we honor and keep our covenants."

Stay Tuned until next time.

Celebrating Covenants ~ Part Two

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

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

This post focuses on a April 1995 General Conference talk and it is called, "Celebrating Covenants" by Sister Bonnie D. Parkin. This post is part two. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk and I hope you would be able to learn something new while you are reading this post.

Sister Parkin continues and mentioned, "At a Relief Society meeting, a group of women were discussing how to teach youth to make and keep covenants. One woman who was struggling with a teenage daughter, listened as the women talked about faith, prayer, good example, and scriptures. Finally she blurted out, “I’ve tried all those things! And they’re not working!” Quietly she added, “Love is all that is working for us right now.” This good sister trusted that somehow her covenant to be charitable (even to her daughter) would make a difference. And it is.

... Mark, a high school student in my ward, recently stood in fast meeting and talked about how he was finding strength to live his covenants. He summed it up with this formula succinctly and memorably. He said, “A scripture a day keeps Satan away.”

What are the rewards of covenant keeping? Gentle-hearted King Benjamin said: “Because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ. … And under this head ye are made free” (Mosiah 5:7–8). And we will “be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that [we] may have eternal life” (Mosiah 18:9).

"making and keeping covenants means
choosing to bind ourselves to our father in
Heaven and Jesus Christ." - Linda K. Burton.

... If you have slipped in your covenants, take heart! The Savior so wants us to fulfill our promises that He has provided an everlasting atonement. ... Celebrate them. ... Then remember, millions of Church members all around the globe are daily keeping covenants against all odds. You can too.

If you remember only one thing I say today, remember to hold on to your covenants and celebrate them. My covenants are an expression of my faith; they are why I stand before you today. Covenants help me focus on the big picture and not just the immediate. ... Covenants help me make a difference in the lives of others. My covenants are not negotiable. They make the choice of righteousness easier. ..."

If you would like to read the whole talk either now or in your own time, here is the link below.
www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1995/04/celebrating-covenants

Stay Tuned until next time.

Celebrating Covenants ~ Part One

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 of "covenants" ? Do you remember the covenants that you have made throughout your life so far? How have you celebrated your covenants that you have made in your life so far?

This post focuses on a April 1995 General Conference talk and it is called, "Celebrating Covenants" by Sister Bonnie D. Parkin. This post is part one. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk and I hope you would be able to learn something new while you are reading this post.

Sister Parkin mentioned the following, "... Have covenants renewed your life? Do you celebrate them? ...

So often we talk of making and keeping covenants, but exactly what are they?

At baptism, we demonstrate that we “are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; … mourn with those that mourn; … comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and … stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places” (Mosiah 18:8–9). And that’s just the beginning! In the temple, we further covenant to be obedient, to sacrifice, to keep ourselves worthily pure, to contribute to the spreading of truth, to be chaste, to pray, to live the gospel, and to be forever faithful.

Father in Heaven knows us as individuals. The covenants we make with Him are performed one on one. President Howard W. Hunter noted: “... We bless babies one at a time, even if they are twins or triplets. We baptize and confirm children one at a time. We take the sacrament, are ordained to the priesthood, or move through the ordinances of the temple as individuals - as one person developing a [personal] relationship with our Father in Heaven. … Heaven’s emphasis is on each individual, on every single person” These individual commitments made directly with our Heavenly Father are things to celebrate. ... I wonder why our covenants so often feel more like obligations than privileges.

"Ordinances and Covenants help us remember WHO
WE ARE." - James E. Faust.

How did you feel the last time you partook of the sacrament? Did you ponder those covenants made in fonts and within temples? The sacrament enables us to renew our covenants. Thus, if we keep those covenants with honor and exactness, we can feel as fresh and as pure as we did when we were first baptized. We can feel as committed to a temple sealing as we did as a new bride or groom. ... Covenants keep us new.

Do those covenants change the actions of our daily lives? They should. Even though it may be a struggle to keep them. We hear of Saints who hold on to their covenants even against great odds and in so doing find renewal and peace not just in the life to come, but in this life. Because, just like covenant breaking, covenant keeping becomes habit forming.

We have all been victims of evil and unrighteousness, pain and suffering. ... There are both stormy seas and calm waters in life. But as Ether tells us, “Hope cometh of faith, [and] maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God” (Ether 12:4)."

Covenants anchor us to solid ground, which, amidst the storms, makes our promises not only meaningful for eternity but vital for today. Have your covenants moved you to sing the song of redeeming love?"

Stay Tuned until next time.

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.

Love Yourself, and Empower Yourself

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

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

This post is short and sweet. In what ways, have you shown to others that you can love yourself around your immediate relatives, your friends, your close friends, your best friends, your loved one - whom you are dating with or who you are married to, your extended relatives, your work colleagues - if you're employed, other students - if you're studying classes in person? In what ways, have you proven to yourself that you can love yourself? 

Sometimes in our lives, we might get caught up and be too busy to act upon what we think of ways to how we can love ourselves around others and how we can proven ourselves that we can love ourselves. I know that I haven't proven myself too much about self-love. Sometimes, I do surprise myself especially into knowing that I can save more whenever I wasn't tempted to spend unnecessary things - including spending fast foods. I enjoyed giving myself opportunities to travel before I got married, including flying and driving to location to location. 

Sometimes, I still wonder how I was successfully to get out of my comfort zone to be able to travel on my own - I flew to Perth on my own - once, I flew to Utah on my own - once, I flew to Brisbane on my own - multiple times, and I flew to Texas, United States on my own - twice. Those times has helped me to build better confidence and self esteem for myself. 

"love yourself"

In what ways, have you shown to others that you can empower yourself around your immediate relatives, your friends, your close friends, your best friends, your loved one - whom you are dating with or who you are married to, your extended relatives, your work colleagues - if you're employed, other students - if you're studying classes in person? In what ways, have you proven to yourself that you can empower yourself? 

Sometimes in our lives, we might get caught up and be too busy to act upon what we think of ways to how we can empower ourselves around others and how we can proven ourselves that we can find times for us to be able to empower ourselves. 

Sometimes, sometime after I wake up in the morning, I would always write a to do list - it's reasonable and helps me of what I would like to achieve throughout the day. I know the days when I don't have a to do list, I seemed to forget of what things that needs to be achieved on a certain day. I like to be productive on the days when my husband works and while I am mostly at home. 

I always remind myself of the short-term goals and long-term goals that I have set at the beginning of this year, and I definitely think that I have been doing well of achieving several of those goals so far. I already have been tracking of how much time that I have been spending on social media, time that I use for spiritual growth daily and so forth. 

Stay tuned until next time.

Express Yourself, and Trust Yourself

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

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

This post is short and sweet. In what ways, have you shown to others that you can express yourself around your immediate relatives, your friends, your close friends, your best friends, your loved one - whom you are dating with or who you are married to, your extended relatives, your work colleagues - if you're employed, other students - if you're studying classes in person? In what ways, have you proven to yourself that you can express yourself? 

Sometimes in our lives, we might get caught up and be too busy to act upon what we think of ways to how we can express ourselves to others of how we have been feeling or our current mood, and ways of how to proven ourselves that we can express ourselves of how we have been feeling or our current mood.

We can express ourselves to others by allowing ourselves to be able to communicate to others clearly - for others to be able to understand of what we are saying, try to be a great listener to someone who express to you of their concerns and worries - someone would always would like to have at least one friend or relative who knows that he or she cares about them and so forth. Sometimes, I do share my expressions via blogging and I know that not a whole lot of friends who actually reads my blog. 

"Forgive yourself. You always did the best you knew how to do."

In what ways, have you shown to others that you can trust yourself around your immediate relatives, your friends, your close friends, your best friends, your loved one - whom you are dating with, your extended relatives, your work colleagues - if you're employed, other students - if you're studying classes in person? In what ways, have you proven to yourself that you can trust yourself? 

Sometimes in our lives, we might get caught up and be too busy to act upon what we think of ways to how we can trust ourselves around others, and ways of how to proven ourselves that we can trust ourselves. I know that sometimes we do go through stages in our lives when we overthink the little things, and may forget that sometimes the little things do matter in our lives. We can trust ourselves by being kind to ourselves, we can trust ourselves by telling ourselves that we will be okay when things are going wrong around us, we can trust ourselves that we can do better and become better individuals, taking care of our needs more than our wants, and so forth.

I know that I often do my best to trusting myself that I am making the right friends who I would like to have in life and support in most decisions in life.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Forgive Yourself, and Bless Yourself

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

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

This post is short and sweet. In what ways, have you shown to others that you can forgive yourself around your immediate relatives, your friends, your close friends, your best friends, your loved one - whom you are dating with or whom you are married to, your extended relatives, your work colleagues - if you're employed, other students - if you're studying classes in person? In what ways, have you proven to yourself that you can forgive yourself? 

Sometimes in our lives, we might get caught up and be too busy to act upon what we think of ways how to forgive ourselves around others and how to proven ourselves that we can be forgiven. Forgive ourselves even when no one would forgive what we have done wrong. We can forgive ourselves from the mistakes that we have done, we can forgive ourselves by focusing on our emotions - have our emotions under control, and so forth. 

"You need to forgive yourself. Your mistakes don't define you."

In what ways, have you shown to others that you can bless yourself around your immediate relatives, your friends, your close friends, your best friends, your loved one - whom you are dating with, your extended relatives, your work colleagues - if you're employed, other students - if you're studying classes in person? In what ways, have you proven to yourself that you can bless yourself? 

Sometimes in our lives, we might get caught up and be too busy to act upon what we think of ways how to bless ourselves around others and how to proven ourselves that we can bless ourselves. Whenever we're struggling, we can always seek out to others if they would keep us in their prayers. We can spend more time with dedicating to the Lord than spending some unnecessary time on social media. 

Stay Tuned until next time.

Be Yourself, Accept Yourself, and Value Yourself

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

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

This post is short and sweet. In what ways, have you shown to others that you can be yourself around your immediate relatives, your friends, your close friends, your best friends, your loved one - whom you are dating with, your extended relatives, your work colleagues - if you're employed, other students - if you're studying classes in person? In what ways, have you proven to yourself that you can be yourself? 

Sometimes in our lives, we might get caught up and be too busy to act upon what we think of ways to be ourselves around others and how to proven ourselves that we can be ourselves. We can learn about our interests, our talents, our hobbies, and so forth. We can appreciate of who we were in the past because some moments in the past has helped us who we have become this present time. We can be confident of the way we look, the ways that we do certain things, the ways of our speech, and so forth.

We can forgive ourselves - each of us aren't perfect, and we do make mistakes. We can do our best to not fully rely on someone to forgive our mistakes for us. 

In what ways, have you shown to others that you can accept yourself around your immediate relatives, your friends, your close friends, your best friends, your loved one - whom you are dating with, your extended relatives, your work colleagues - if you're employed, other students - if you're studying classes in person? In what ways, have you proven to yourself that you can accept yourself?

Sometimes in our lives, we might get caught up and be too busy to act upon what we think of ways to accept ourselves around others and how to proven ourselves that we can accept ourselves. We can teach ourselves with positive talk - not to overthink the little things, we can do our best to avoid worrying - sometimes worrying can make things worse, we can celebrate the strengths that we have - some people may inspire what you have already accomplished, and so forth. 

In what ways, have you shown to others that you can value yourself around your immediate relatives, your friends, your close friends, your best friends, your loved one - whom you are dating with, your extended relatives, your work colleagues - if you're employed, other students - if you're studying classes in person? In what ways, have you proven to yourself that you can value yourself? 

Sometimes in our lives, we might get caught up and be too busy to act upon what we think of ways to value ourselves around others and how to proven ourselves that we can value ourselves. We may get reminded over and over again at times about our true worth. We are priceless and we need to truly value for who we have become this present time. 

"Speak up, speak out, be you."

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I remembered when I was in Australia and while I was employed; I was able to take multiple opportunities of days off to take myself to places of where it matters to me and during the drives has helped me to reflected on past memories that has helped me to become who I am at present time. I learned about my hobbies, my interests, my talents and so forth. I learned that I don't need to wear tons of makeup to impress someone. 

I often do my best to accept who I am. Before I met my husband, I constantly had to remind myself what I look like and since I have known my husband, I seemed to forget to accept of what I look like. Therefore my husband has been doing a great job to remind me to accept I look like. 

Majority of my life, I have been able to live in Australia and I learned so many words. When I moved to United States, I learned some more words. Sometimes I have been trying to explain certain words in Australian English, and I get frustrated because some people just doesn't understand me. I had to quickly forgive my mistake, and explain in American English. I learned to accept there is language barrier between Australian English and American English. 

I often do my best to value myself. I know it has been times to be hard to value who I am. I know that I am worth priceless.  

Stay Tuned until next time.

Mothers Who Know

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

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

This post focuses on a October 2007 General Conference talk and it is called "Mothers Who Know" by Sister Julie B. Beck." I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk.

Sister Beck mentioned, 

"Mothers Who Know Bear Children

Faithful daughters of God desire children. In the scriptures we read of Eve, Sarah, Rebekah and Mary, who were foreordained to be mothers before children were born to them. Some women are not given the responsibility of bearing children in mortality, but just as Hannah of the Old Testament prayed fervently for her child, the value women place on motherhood in this life and the attributes of motherhood they attain here will rise with them in the Resurrection. Women who desire and work toward that blessing in this life are promised they will receive it for all eternity, and eternity is much, much longer than mortality. There is eternal influence and power in motherhood.

Mothers Who Know Honor Sacred Ordinances and Covenants

Mothers who know honor sacred ordinances and covenants. I have visited sacrament meetings in some of the poorest places on the earth where mothers have dressed with great care in their Sunday best despite walking for miles on dusty streets and using worn-out public transportation. They bring daughters in clean and ironed dresses with hair brushed to perfection; their sons wear white shirts and ties and have missionary haircuts. These mothers know they are going to sacrament meeting, where covenants are renewed. These mothers have made and honor temple covenants. They know that if they are not pointing their children to the temple, they are not pointing them toward desired eternal goals. These mothers have influence and power.

Mothers Who Know Are Nurturers

Mothers who know are nurturers. This is their special assignment and role under the plan of happiness. To nurture means to cultivate, care for, and make grow. Therefore, mothers who know create a climate for spiritual and temporal growth in their homes. Another word for nurturing is homemaking.

Homemaking includes cooking, washing clothes and dishes, and keeping an orderly home. Working beside children in homemaking tasks creates opportunities to teach and model qualities children should emulate. Nurturing mothers are knowledgeable, but all the education women attain will avail them nothing if they do not have the skill to make a home that creates a climate for spiritual growth.

Mothers Who Know Are Leaders

Mothers who know are leaders. In equal partnership with their husbands, they lead a great and eternal organization. These mothers plan for the future of their organization. They plan for missions, temple marriages, and education. They plan for prayer, scripture study, and family home evening. Mothers who know build children into future leaders and are the primary examples of what leaders look like. They do not abandon their plan by succumbing to social pressure and worldly models of parenting. These wise mothers who know are selective about their own activities and involvement to conserve their limited strength in order to maximize their influence where it matters most.

"MOTHERS WHO KNOW ...

Bear Children Faithful daughters of God desire children.

Make Covenants Mothers who know honor sacred ordinances and covenants.

Are Nurturers Mothers who know are nurturers.

Are Teachers Mothers who know are always teachers.

Do Less Mothers who know do less.

Stand Strong & Immovable Who will prepare this righteous generation of sons and daughters?"

Mothers Who Know Are Teachers

Mothers who know are always teachers. Since they are not babysitters, they are never off duty. Think of the power of our future missionary force if mothers considered their homes as a pre–missionary training center. Then the doctrines of the gospel taught in the MTC would be a review and not a revelation. ..

Mothers Who Know Do Less

Mothers who know do less. They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world’s goods in order to spend more time with their children more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all.

Mothers Who Know Stand Strong and Immovable

Who will prepare this righteous generation of sons and daughters? Latter-day Saint women will do this women who know and love the Lord and bear testimony of Him, women who are strong and immovable and who do not give up during difficult and discouraging times. We are led by an inspired prophet of God who has called upon the women of the Church to “stand strong and immovable for that which is correct and proper under the plan of the Lord.” He has asked us to “begin in [our] own homes” to teach children the ways of truth. Latter-day Saint women should be the very best in the world at upholding, nurturing, and protecting families."

I encourage you to read the whole talk in your own time. Here's the link.
www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/mothers-who-know

Stay Tuned until next time.

Because She Is a Mother} Part Two

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

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

This post is part two. This post focuses on an April 1997 General Conference talk called "Because She Is a Mother" by Jeffrey R. Holland and I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk.

But one thing, she said, keeps her going: “Through the thick and the thin of this, and through the occasional tears of it all, I know deep down inside I am doing God’s work. I know that in my motherhood I am in an eternal partnership with Him. I am deeply moved that God finds His ultimate purpose and meaning in being a parent, even if some of His children make Him weep.

“It is this realization,” she says, “that I try to recall on those inevitably difficult days when all of this can be a bit overwhelming. Maybe it is precisely our inability and anxiousness that urge us to reach out to Him and enhance His ability to reach back to us.

Sometimes the decision of a child or a grandchild will break your heart. Sometimes expectations won’t immediately be met. Every mother and father worries about that. Even that beloved and wonderfully successful parent President Joseph F. Smith pled, “Oh! God, let me not lose my own.” That is every parent’s cry, and in it is something of every parent’s fear. But no one has failed who keeps trying and keeps praying. You have every right to receive encouragement and to know in the end your children will call your name blessed, just like those generations of foremothers before you who hoped your same hopes and felt your same fears.

Remember, remember all the days of your motherhood: “Ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.”

Rely on Him. Rely on Him heavily. Rely on Him forever. And “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope.” You are doing God’s work. You are doing it wonderfully well. He is blessing you and He will bless you, even no, especially when your days and your nights may be the most challenging."

I encourage you to read the whole talk in your own time. Here's the link below.
www.lds.org/general-conference/1997/04/because-she-is-a-mother

Stay Tuned until next time.

Because She Is a Mother} Part One

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

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

This post is part one. This post focuses on an April 1997 General Conference talk called "Because She Is a Mother" by Jeffrey R. Holland and I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk.

Brother Holland mentioned,
"To the women within the sound of my voice who dearly want to be mothers and are not, I say through your tears and ours on that subject, God will yet, in days that lie somewhere ahead, bring “hope to [the] desolate heart.” Today I wish to praise those motherly hands that have rocked the infant’s cradle and, through the righteousness taught to their children there, are at the very center of the Lord’s purposes for us in mortality.

In speaking of mothers generally, I especially wish to praise and encourage young mothers. The work of a mother is hard, too often unheralded work.

Do the best you can through these years, but whatever else you do, cherish that role that is so uniquely yours and for which heaven itself sends angels to watch over you and your little ones. Husbands especially husbands as well as Church leaders and friends in every direction, be helpful and sensitive and wise. Remember, “To everything, there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

"Few of us will reach our potential without the nurturing of both
 the MOTHER who bore us and the MOTHERS who bear with us."
- Sheri L. Drew.

Mothers, we acknowledge and esteem your faith in every footstep. Please know that it is worth it then, now, and forever. And if, for whatever reason, you are making this courageous effort alone, without your husband at your side, then our prayers will be all the greater for you, and our determination to lend a helping hand even more resolute.

One young mother wrote to me recently that her anxiety tended to come on three fronts. One was that whenever she heard talks on LDS motherhood, she worried because she felt she didn’t measure up or somehow wasn’t going to be equal to the task. Secondly, she felt like the world expected her to teach her children reading, writing, interior design, Latin, calculus, and the Internet all before the baby said something terribly ordinary, like “goo goo.”

Thirdly, she often felt people were sometimes patronizing, almost always without meaning to be, because the advice she got or even the compliments she received seemed to reflect nothing of the mental investment, the spiritual and emotional exertion, the long-night, long-day, stretched-to-the-limit demands that sometimes are required in trying to be and wanting to be the mother God hopes she will be.

But one thing, she said, keeps her going: “Through the thick and the thin of this, and through the occasional tears of it all, I know deep down inside I am doing God’s work. I know that in my motherhood I am in an eternal partnership with Him. I am deeply moved that God finds His ultimate purpose and meaning in being a parent, even if some of His children make Him weep."

Stay Tuned until next time.