Brightness of Hope

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

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

I would like to encourage you to think about, ask yourself and answer the following question,
What is your understanding and definition of "hope"?

This post focuses on a October 1994 General Conference talk and it is called, "Brightness of Hope" by Neal A. Maxwell. I would like to share some highlights with you while I was reading the talk and I hope you will learn something new. 

Neal A. Maxwell mentions the following, "Hope helps us to walk by faith, not by sight. This can actually be safer. When unaided spiritually, natural sight often shrinks from the odds (see 2 Cor. 5:7). It is immobilized by improbabilities. Mauled by his moods and intimidated by his fears, the natural man overreacts to, while hope overrides, the disappointments of the day.

Hope is particularly needed in the hand-to-hand combat required to put off the natural man (see Mosiah 3:19). Giving up on God and on oneself constitutes simultaneous surrender to the natural man.

By pressing forward, we can stand on what was yesterday’s horizon, thereby drawing hope from our own experiences. Hence Paul described how “tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope” (Romans. 5:3–4).

Only the acceptance of the revelations of God can bring both direction and correction and, in turn, bring a “brightness of hope” (2 Nephi. 31:20). Real hope does not automatically “spring eternal” unless it is connected with eternal things!

“What is it that ye shall hope for?” Moroni wrote. “Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ” (Moro. 7:41; see also Alma 27:28). From this triumphal act, resulting in the eventual resurrection of all mankind, so many lesser hopes derive their significance!

You and I can be repeatedly reassured concerning this grand hope by the Comforter, who teaches us the truth about “things as they really are, and … really will be” (Jacob 4:13; see also Moroni. 8:26). Such hope constitutes the “anchor of the soul” (Hebrews. 6:19). Such hope is retained through faith in Christ (see Alma 25:16; Ether 12:9). In contrast, a resurrection-less view of life produces only proximate hope (see 1 Corthians. 15:19).

Having ultimate hope does not mean we will always be rescued from proximate problems, but we will be rescued from everlasting death! Meanwhile, ultimate hope makes it possible to say the same three words used centuries ago by three valiant men. They knew God could rescue them from the fiery furnace, if He chose. “But if not,” they said, nevertheless, they would still serve Him! (Daniel. 3:18.)

Faith and hope are constantly interactive, and may not always be precisely distinguished or sequenced. Though not perfect knowledge either, hope’s enlivened expectations are “with surety” true (Ether 12:4; see also Romans. 8:24; Hebrews. 11:1; Alma 32:21). In the geometry of restored theology, hope has a greater circumference than faith. If faith increases, the perimeter of hope stretches correspondingly.

Humble hope helps us to improve by being sufficiently free of ego to ask, “Lord, is it I?” (Matthew. 26:22.) Submissive hope also readies us to “give away all [our] sins” because we have come to know Jesus, who alone can take them! (Alma 22:18.)"

I encourage you to read the whole talk in your own time. Here's the link below,
www.lds.org/general-conference/1994/10/brightness-of-hope

Stay Tuned until next time.

Hope in Christ} Part Two

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

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

This post focuses on an October 1986 General Women's Conference talk from General Conference called "Hope in Christ" by Sister Barbara W. Winder. This post is part one. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk. Yesterday's post was cut short because I had to get ready to go out with my mother in-law. Here is part two.

Sister Winder mentioned, "And then the soothing answer came from a kind and loving Father: “Thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; “And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes” (D&C 121:7–8).

An then, later, tenderly, “Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good” (D&C 122:7). Most of us have witnessed how living the gospel can change the lives of people in a positive way.

Sister Barnes writes: “As we read the scriptures, we found that Jesus gave the instruction to ‘be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee’ (Matt. 9:2), indicating that as we truly repent and forsake our sins, we may be optimistic about the future. He said, ‘Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me’ (John 14:1). And we do believe in him, and this belief has changed our lives. We now feel that we can say, as Paul did, ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me’” (Philip. 4:13).

"PEACE comes through hope." - James E. Faust.

Another sister wrote: “On August 3, my twenty-one-year-old son broke his neck in a diving accident six hundred miles from home. He hovers near death, but we are at peace. We do not understand the reason this had to happen, but we do understand the gospel.”

Elder Richard L. Evans was sensitive to the need to prepare spiritually and emotionally for difficult times: “We have to prepare even for what we are unprepared for and do the best we can … to improve, to repent, to be grateful for all that is good and to have faith and hope even [in hard times]. …

“And whatever happens in the interim, there is solid assurance that life is everlasting, and that eternal progress is its purpose” Let us recognize and be grateful for the blessings we have. From the Savior comes hope! Understanding the gospel, doing his works of righteousness, and following the counsel of our prophet are our assurance of the realization of that hope."

I would like to encourage you to read the whole talk either now or in your own time. Here's the link,
www.lds.org/general-conference/1986/10/hope-in-christ

Stay Tuned until next time.

Hope in Christ} Part One

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

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

I encourage you to answer the following question in your own time. What does Hope in Christ means to you?

This post focuses on an October 1986 General Women's Conference talk from General Conference called "Hope in Christ" by Sister Barbara W. Winder. This post is part one. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk.

Sister Winder mentioned, "As our Father and the Savior planned for us to come to earth, they said, “We will prove them herewith, to see if they [you and I] will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them” (Abr. 3:25). This was to become a testing ground; we would come to an understanding of good and evil, of happiness and suffering, of joy and pain. We knew the plan. We desired it; we endorsed it. We defended it. We even fought for it!

With eagerness and excitement, we came to earth to learn each of us having our own particular set of circumstances with trials and temptations to overcome.

We were not left without hope. Our Savior, through his atonement, has made it possible for us to obtain salvation. He will not leave us helpless as we struggle to overcome the adversities of this life.There are so many kinds of challenges: the frustrations and disappointments of disobedient children or a difficult marriage, the loneliness of an empty house when one is so eagerly seeking companionship, the long upward road to repentance, or the difficulty of keeping a positive attitude and counting our blessings even in times of hardship.

"Once you choose hope, anything is possible."

The example of the Savior’s life and the teachings that he left us are patterns for us to follow. He faced trials similar to those we experience; he handled each situation in a perfect manner. In the wilderness of Judea and the Garden of Gethsemane, we witness two of the most grievous temptations of Christ, but during no part of his days in the flesh was he free from temptation. Otherwise his life would have been no human life at all. We read in Mosiah, “And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer” (Mosiah 3:7).
Which of us has not known disappointment, discouragement, and despair? That is one of the tests for all of us. Consider the Prophet Joseph, as he languished in Liberty Jail in March of 1839, having been there for months, knowing that his people had been driven from their homes and were destitute. His cry is touching: “O God, where art thou? … How long shall thy hand be stayed?” (D&C 121:1–2).

Stay Tuned until next time.

He GIVES me PEACE

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

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

Sometimes whenever we get caught up and worry about what has been happening around us, we may or may not realized that we can forget about a simple truth of Jesus Christ can give individuals the feeling of peace on multiple occasions even at times when we aren't ready to feel peace straight away.

"He gives me peace." - John 14:27

I would like encourage you to allow yourself some time to think about, ask yourself and answer the following questions either now or in your own time. In what ways, have you acknowledged the feeling of peace that comes from Jesus Christ? What does peace means to you?

In the past, I know that I have been able to acknowledge the feeling of peace that comes from Jesus Christ by giving me multiple opportunities to feel peace such as whenever there is disagreements of not liking someone's opinions, whenever I am at Temple grounds, and so forth. I know whenever I feel peace, I tend to feel happy and to know it is okay to feel peace whenever I am not ready for it.

I know that Heavenly Father always does his best to help each of us to feel peace whenever we do deserve to feel peace and whenever we aren't ready for it. As days goes by; we can trust ourselves that we can feel peace by listening to our favourite songs, we can feel peace by the Holy Ghost, we can feel peace by talking to a relative, we can feel peace by talking to a friend, and so forth.

Whenever we are in tune and having the Holy Ghost by our side, we are able to feel peace by listening to the promptings and guide us to safety. We are able to also feel peace whenever we are making the right choices.

Whenever something doesn't go as plan, it's a good time to feel peace. I would like to encourage you to ask yourself and answer the following questions either now or in your own time.
In what ways of how can I improve for myself to feel peace more often?
In what ways of how can I improve for my relatives to feel peace more often?
In what ways of how can I improve for my friends to feel peace more often?

Stay Tuned until next time.

Peace, Hope and Direction

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening,

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

This post is focuses on a Liahona January 2000 article that I love and it is called, "Peace, Hope, and Direction" by Sister Patricia P. Pinegar. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the article.

Sister Pinegar mentioned,

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:5–6).

Brothers and sisters, I love the Lord and trust in Him with all of my heart. I know He lives and loves each of us. I know our Father in Heaven has a perfect plan for us. As we follow this plan and the example of our Savior, we can find peace in this troubled world, our hearts can be filled with hope, and we will receive the direction we need.

The difficult experience of my son’s death helped me identify and rejoice in the blessings of peace, hope, and direction blessings that all who truly accept and live the gospel of Jesus Christ may enjoy. I can bear witness to the words of Elder Richard G. Scott: “Please learn that as you wrestle with a challenge and feel sadness because of it, you can simultaneously have peace and rejoicing"

What are some specific things we can do to have these blessings of peace, hope, and direction in our lives? May I share with you three things that have helped me.

"Let us rejoice in the blessings of peace, hope and direction,
blessings that so many of our Father's children do not enjoy."

First, we must have complete trust in our Father’s plan of happiness and our Savior’s part in that plan.

The second thing that has helped me receive these blessings is the principle of courageous obedience. I am so grateful for God’s gift of laws and commandments. Peace, hope, and direction are outcomes of striving to live the teachings of Jesus and obeying His laws and commandments.

The scriptures teach, “Great peace have they which love thy law” They also teach that “he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come”

The third thing we can do to receive these blessings of peace, hope, and direction is to learn to respond to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and acknowledge to the Lord our gratitude for this great gift."

I encourage you to read the whole article in your own time. Here's the link below.
www.lds.org/liahona/2000/01/peace-hope-and-direction

I know that each of us as individuals always would like to feel peace in our lives.
I know that each of us as individuals always would like to feel hopeful in our lives.
I know that each of us as individuals always would like to have senses of right directions in our lives.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Therefore They Hushed Their Fears} Part Three

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

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

This post focuses on April 2015 General Conference talk and it is called "Therefore They Hushed Their Fears" by Elder David A. Bednar. This post is part three, I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk and I hope you will learn something new. 

The Fear of the Lord
Different from but related to the fears we often experience is what the scriptures describe as “godly fear” (Hebrews 12:28) or “the fear of the Lord” (Job 28:28; Proverbs 16:6; Isaiah 11:2–3). Unlike worldly fear that creates alarm and anxiety, godly fear is a source of peace, assurance, and confidence.

But how can anything associated with fear be edifying or spiritually helpful?

.... Please note that godly fear is linked inextricably to an understanding of the Final Judgment and our individual accountability for our desires, thoughts, words, and acts. ... I do not believe we will be afraid of Him at all. Rather, it is the prospect in His presence of facing things as they really are about ourselves and having “a perfect knowledge” .. of all our rationalizations, pretenses, and self-deceptions. Ultimately, we will be left without excuse.

"Are these perilous times? They are. But there is no need
to fear. We can have peace in our hearts and peace in our
homes. We can be an influence for good in this world every
one of us." - Gordon B. Hinckley.

Every person who has lived or will yet live upon the earth “shall be brought to stand before the bar of God, to be judged of him according to his or her works whether they be good or whether they be evil” (Mosiah 16:10). If our desires have been for righteousness and our works good, then the judgment bar will be pleasing. And at the last day we will “be rewarded unto righteousness."

Conversely, if our desires have been for evil and our works wicked, then the judgment bar will be a cause of dread. ... And at the last day we will “have [our] reward of evil” (Alma 41:5).

As summarized in Ecclesiastes:
“Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
“For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14).

My beloved brothers and sisters, godly fear dispels mortal fears. It even subdues the haunting concern that we never can be good enough spiritually and never will measure up to the Lord’s requirements and expectations. In truth, we cannot be good enough or measure up relying solely upon our own capacity and performance. Our works and desires alone do not and cannot save us. “After all we can do” (2 Nephi 25:23), we are made whole only through the mercy and grace available through the Savior’s infinite and eternal atoning sacrifice (see Alma 34:10, 14). Certainly, “we believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel” (Articles of Faith 1:3).
Godly fear is loving and trusting in Him. As we fear God more completely, we love Him more perfectly. And “perfect love casteth out all fear” (Moroni 8:16).  ..."

You may or may not like to read the whole talk either now or in your own time. I think it was a great talk. Here is the link below.
www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2015/04/therefore-they-hushed-their-fears

Stay Tuned until next time.

Therefore They Hushed Their Fears} Part Two

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

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

This post focuses on April 2015 General Conference talk and it is called "Therefore They Hushed Their Fears" by Elder David A. Bednar. This post is part two, I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk and I hope you will learn something new. 

Elder Bednar mentioned the following, "Look to Christ
The counsel Alma gave to his son Helaman applies precisely to each of us today: “Yea, see that ye look to God and live” (Alma 37:47). We should look to and have our focus firmly fixed upon the Savior at all times and in all places.

Recall how the Lord’s Apostles were in a ship, tossed in the midst of the sea. Jesus went to them, walking on the water; but not recognizing Him, they cried out in fear. - Matthew 14:27-31. ...

We can be blessed to conquer our fears and strengthen our faith as we follow the Lord’s instruction: “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not” (D&C 6:36).

"Therefore they hushed their fears." - Elder David A. Bednar.

Build upon the Foundation of Christ
Helaman admonished his sons, Nephi and Lehi: “Remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall” (Helaman 5:12).

Ordinances and covenants are the building blocks we use to construct our lives upon the foundation of Christ and His Atonement. We are connected securely to and with the Savior as we worthily receive ordinances and enter into covenants, faithfully remember and honor those sacred commitments, and do our best to live in accordance with the obligations we have accepted. And that bond is the source of spiritual strength and stability in all of the seasons of our lives.

We can be blessed to hush our fears as we firmly establish our desires and deeds upon the sure foundation of the Savior through our ordinances and covenants.

Press Forward with Faith in Christ
Nephi declared: “Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life” (2 Nephi 31:20).

The disciplined endurance described in this verse is the result of spiritual understanding and vision, persistence, patience, and God’s grace. Exercising faith in and on the holy name of Jesus Christ, meekly submitting to His will and timing in our lives, and humbly acknowledging His hand in all things yield the peaceable things of the kingdom of God that bring joy and eternal life (see D&C 42:61). Even as we encounter difficulties and face the uncertainties of the future, we can cheerfully persevere and live a “peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Timothy 2:2).

We can be blessed to hush our fears as we receive the fortitude that comes from learning and living gospel principles and resolutely pressing forward on the covenant pathway.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Therefore They Hushed Their Fears} Part One

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

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

This post focuses on April 2015 General Conference talk and it is called "Therefore They Hushed Their Fears" by Elder David A. Bednar. This post is part one, I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk and I hope you will learn something new. 

Elder Bednar mentioned the following, "... You undoubtedly have experienced much greater feelings of dread after learning about a personal health challenge, discovering a family member in difficulty or danger, or observing disturbing world events. In such instances, the distressing emotion of fear arises because of impending danger, uncertainty, or pain and through experiences that are unexpected, sometimes sudden, and likely to produce a negative outcome.

In our daily lives, endless reports of criminal violence, famine, wars, corruption, terrorism, declining values, disease, and the destructive forces of nature can engender fear and apprehension. Surely we live in the season foretold by the Lord: “And in that day … the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them” (D&C 45:26). ....

"Faith and hope invite into our lives the sweet peace of conscience
for we all yearn." - David A. Bednar.

Mortal Fear
... Notably, one of the first effects of the Fall was for Adam and Eve to experience fear. ... This potent emotion is an important element of our mortal existence. An example from the Book of Mormon highlights the power of the knowledge of the Lord (see 2 Peter 1:2–8; Alma 23:5–6) to dispel fear and provide peace even as we confront great adversity.

In the land of Helam, Alma’s people were frightened by an advancing Lamanite army.
“But Alma went forth and stood among them, and exhorted them that they should not be frightened, but … should remember the Lord their God and he would deliver them. “Therefore they hushed their fears” (Mosiah 23:27–28).

Notice Alma did not hush the people’s fears. Rather, Alma counseled the believers to remember the Lord and the deliverance only He could bestow (see 2 Nephi 2:8). And knowledge of the Savior’s protecting watchcare enabled the people to hush their own fears.

Correct knowledge of and faith in the Lord empower us to hush our fears because Jesus Christ is the only source of enduring peace. He declared, “Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me” (D&C 19:23).

... Trust and confidence in Christ and a ready reliance on His merits, mercy, and grace lead to hope, through His Atonement, in the Resurrection and eternal life (see Moroni 7:41). Such faith and hope invite into our lives the sweet peace of conscience for which we all yearn. The power of the Atonement makes repentance possible and quells the despair caused by sin; it also strengthens us to see, do, and become good in ways that we could never recognize or accomplish with our limited mortal capacity.

... The peace Christ gives allows us to view mortality through the precious perspective of eternity and supplies a spiritual settledness (see Colossians 1:23) that helps us maintain a consistent focus on our heavenly destination. Thus, we can be blessed to hush our fears because His doctrine provides purpose and direction in all aspects of our lives. His ordinances and covenants fortify and comfort in times both good and bad. And His priesthood authority gives assurance that the things that matter most can endure both in time and in eternity.

But can we hush the fears that so easily and frequently beset us in our contemporary world? The answer to this question is an unequivocal yes. Three basic principles are central to receiving this blessing in our lives:
(1) look to Christ, (2) build upon the foundation of Christ, and (3) press forward with faith in Christ."

Stay Tuned until next time.

How do you overcome your fears?

Good morning, or Good afternoon, or Good afternoon;

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

I would like to ask you the following questions and you may or may not ask yourself and answer the following questions either now or in your own time. What's your definition and understanding of the word "fear"?

What is your worst fear or fears that you have ever experienced in your life so far? Are you having fears
about the future?

Do you have a fear of someone's choices may have limited your choices about employment?
Do you have a fear of someone's choices may have limited your choices about education?

What are your current fears? What are you doing to overcome present fears?
Do you have a fear of losing someone such as a loved one or a friend?

What was some of your past fears and were you able to overcome any of those past fears?
How did you overcome those fears?

"Fear not, little flock." - President Uchtdorf. 

When I was childhood years, and even now at times; I had and I still have fear about noises from thunderstorms. 
If thunderstorms are happening overnight; I wouldn't be able to go to sleep straight away, I would get so scared that I would try to wake up my husband and cuddle up with me. I have been doing a strategy of praying to have comfort whenever there is thunderstorms and sometimes, I would even pray to ask for the thunderstorms to go away.

During my teens years, and even now at times; I had and I still have fear about death. I don't ever imagine myself to ever die at a young age. I have been able to share the topic of The Plan of Salvation to non-members and I have been able to remind myself about The Plan of Salvation.

During my teens years, and even now at times; I had and I still have fear about losing loved ones and friends who passed away before I do. I have learned it is okay to mourn with those who have passed away before I do, it certainly does take some time for me to overcome and move forward after they have passed away before I do, it certainly does take some time for me to build confidence to share the topic of The Plan of Salvation to other non-member friends and remind myself about The Plan of Salvation. It brings joy to me to know that I would be able to have multiple opportunities to see them again in Heaven when I return one day.

During my childhood years, my teens and even now at times; I had and I still have fear about losing friendships. There is always a season for everything and everything has its own purpose. I know that I often make a lot of friends and it's always great to talk to true friends. When the spark of friendships starts to disappear and goes away, it comes to reality for me to not be friends with them anymore.

At times, it does hurt especially after being a friend for a several years or so and did my very best to continue being friends with them. When it's time to let go, it's a good way to have refresh start and find other friends to talk to and spend some time with.

Sometimes former friends blocks me on social media accounts and could possibly block my phone number. I know that it is either something that I did or they have done to get me overthinking that I was friends or more than friends with them in the first place. When they don't block me on social media accounts, I used to check their social media accounts and found out that they have moved on with their lives especially with getting married and later on, having children. It is obvious that they just aren't interested of being friends anymore and doesn't want to repair a friendship.

I learned to tell myself that I need to constantly reassure myself to know who my real and true friends are. I know that I barely on social media accounts these days, I don't really talk to huge amount of friends anymore like I used to while I was living in Australia. I learned to be careful of what to say to friends and how to choose friends wisely.

Stay Tuned until next time.

God Hath Not Given Us the Spirit of Fear} Part Two

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening,

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




This post is based on an article from Ensign; October 1984 and it is called, “God Hath Not Given Us the Spirit of Fear" by President Gordon B. Hinckley. This post is part two. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the article and I hope you will learn something new.




President Hinckley mentioned, “... We loved the Lord and we loved good and honorable friends. From such love we drew great strength. How great and magnificent is the power of love to overcome fear and doubt, worry and discouragement. God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” What did Paul mean by the words, a sound mind? I think he meant the basic logic of the gospel. ... I do not fret over the mysteries. I do not worry whether the heavenly gates swing or slide. ... I am more concerned with the fact that God has revealed in this dispensation a great and marvelous and beautiful plan that motivates men and women to love their Creator and their Redeemer, to appreciate and serve one another, to walk in faith on the road that leads to immortality and eternal life.



"Perfect love casteth out fear." - Moroni 8:16

I am grateful for the marvelous declaration that “the glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.” (D&C 93:36.) ... “That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.” (D&C 50:23–24) ... What have any of us to fear regarding our challenges and difficulties in life? “Only fear itself,” as U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said in a different context.




Let us refer again to the tremendously important truths taught by Paul: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim. 1:7.) Then gave Paul his great mandate to Timothy: “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord.” (2 Tim. 1:8.)




May this counsel be as a personal charge to each of us. Let us walk with confidence never with arrogance and with quiet dignity in our conviction concerning Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Let us find strength in the strength that comes from him. Let us find peace in the peace that was of the very essence of his being. Let us be willing to sacrifice in the spirit of him who gave himself a sacrifice for all men. Let us walk in virtue after his mandate, “Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.” (Isa. 52:11.) Let us repent of any wrongdoing, in fulfillment of his commandment that we do so, and then let us seek forgiveness under the mercy he has promised. Let us demonstrate our love for him through service to one another."




You may or may not would like to read the whole article in your own time. Here is the link below.

www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1984/10/god-hath-not-given-us-the-spirit-of-fear




Stay Tuned until next time.

God Hath Not Given Us the Spirit of Fear} Part One

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening,
this post would take approximately three to five minutes to read from start to finish.

This post is based on an article from Ensign; October 1984 and it is called, “God Hath Not Given Us the Spirit of Fear" by President Gordon B. Hinckley. This post is part one. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the article and I hope you will learn something new.

President Hinckley mentioned, .. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim. 1:6–7.) Who among us can say that he or she has not felt fear? I know of no one who has been entirely spared. Some, of course, experience fear to a greater degree than do others. 

Some are able to rise above it quickly, but others are trapped and pulled down by it and even driven to defeat. We suffer from the fear of ridicule, the fear of failure, the fear of loneliness, the fear of ignorance. Some fear the present, some the future. Some carry the burden of sin and would give almost anything to unshackle themselves from those burdens but fear to change their lives. Let us recognize that fear comes not of God, but rather that this gnawing, destructive element comes from the adversary of truth and righteousness. Fear is the antithesis of faith. It is corrosive in its effects, even deadly.

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” .. They give us power. What power? The power of the gospel, the power of truth, the power of faith, the power of the priesthood.

There is a mighty strength that comes of the knowledge that you and I are sons and daughters of God. Within us is something of divinity. .. Let us encourage the divinity within us to come to the surface. For example, we need not fear ridicule because of our faith. We all occasionally have felt a little of such ridicule. But there is a power within us that can rise above ridicule, that can, in fact, even turn it to good.

FEAR

... God has given us the power of the gospel to lift us above our fears. God has given us the power of truth. President Joseph F. Smith once declared: “We believe in all truth, no matter to what subject it may refer. No sect or religious denomination [or, I may say, no searcher of truth] in the world possesses a single principle of truth that we do not accept or that we will reject. We are willing to receive all truth, from whatever source it may come; for truth will stand, truth will endure.” (Gospel Doctrine, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1939, p. 1.)

We have nothing to fear when we walk by the light of eternal truth. But we had better be discerning. ... We need not fear as long as we have in our lives the power that comes from righteously living by the truth which is from God our Eternal Father.

Nor need we fear as long as we have the power of faith. ... We are pained by the desecration of that which to us is holy. But we need not fear. This cause is greater than any man. It will outlast all its enemies. We need only go forward by the power of faith without fear. ... 

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love. …”

Love of what? Love for the Lord, love for his work, his cause, and his kingdom; love for people, love for one another.

I have seen time and again that love of God can bridge the chasm of fear. Love for the Church can also lift one above doubt. ... It was easy to wonder about many things, to question things in life, in the world, in the Church, in aspects of the gospel. But it was also a season of gladness and a season of love. Behind such thoughts, there was for me an underlying foundation of love that came from great parents and a good family, a wonderful bishop, devoted and faithful teachers, and the scriptures to read and ponder."

You may or may not would like to read the whole article in your own time. Here is the link below.
www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1984/10/god-hath-not-given-us-the-spirit-of-fear

Stay Tuned until next time.

How Are Prayers Answered?

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, or Good Evening,
this post should take approximately three minutes to read from start to finish.

This post is based on April 2007 General Conference talk, and it is called "Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer" by Richard G. Scott. This post is part two. I would love to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk and I hope you will learn something new.

How Are Prayers Answered?
Some truths regarding how prayers are answered may help you.

Often when we pray for help with a significant matter, Heavenly Father will give us gentle promptings that require us to think, exercise faith, work, at times struggle, then act. It is a step-by-step process that enables us to discern inspired answers.

President David O. McKay testified, “It is true that the answers to our prayers may not always come as direct and at the time, nor in the manner, we anticipate; but they do come, and at a time and in a manner best for the interests of him who offers the supplication.”

"Our Heavenly Father does answer prayers in his own time and in his own way/"
- President Thomas S. Monson.

Be thankful that sometimes God lets you struggle for a long time before that answer comes. Your character will grow; your faith will increase. There is a relationship between those two: the greater your faith, the stronger your character; and increased character enhances your ability to exercise even greater faith.

On occasion, the Lord will give you an answer before you ask. This can occur when you are unaware of a danger or may be doing the wrong thing, mistakenly trusting that it is correct.

It is so hard when sincere prayer about something you desire very much is not answered the way you want. It is difficult to understand why your exercise of deep and sincere faith from an obedient life does not grant the desired result. The Savior taught, “Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you.” At times it is difficult to recognize what is best or expedient for you over time. Your life will be easier when you accept that what God does in your life is for your eternal good.

In your own time, you may would like to read the whole talk. If you do choose to read in your own time, I hope you will enjoy reading the talk. Here is the link below.
www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/04/using-the-supernal-gift-of-prayer

Stay Tuned until next time.

Do you pray for courage?

Good morning, or Good afternoon, or Good afternoon;
this post would take approximately three minutes to read from start to finish. 

What is your definition and understanding for the word "courage"? 

I know at times throughout our lives, we would pray for courage. I am sure that there are many situations of our lives and other people's lives to experience opportunities when it is the right timing for us and them to pray for courage.

We can pray for courage at times when we feel we need to have courage to help us to become better individuals than we were yesterday. We can pray for courage at times when we feel we need to have courage for us to share exciting news with a relative or a close friend, we can pray for courage at times what we can do to get out of our comfort zones - that even includes making new friendships, we can pray for courage when we feel we need to have courage for us to overcome our fears, we can pray for courage at times when we feel we need to speak up and ask for some help, and so forth.

"A Prayer for COURAGE"

I know at times, it can be difficult to overcome of the feeling discouraged, not feeling motivated to complete the list of tasks that we hoped to fulfill and accomplish at the end of the day, and feeling low self-esteem. Remember, it is okay to have those kind of moments throughout our lives. It can take quite some time to overcome the feeling discouraged. I know it can be no fun at times.

You can always do your very best to fulfill and accomplish as much as you are to do. Don't force yourself into doing something that you don't feel up to doing it. I am sure you were able to found opportunities when it was best timing to pray for courage.

Do you remember the last time when you have prayed for courage? Was it today or yesterday? Was it a month or a year ago? Was it a few years ago or was it too long ago that you can't remember when?

Do you keep track of how often do you pray for courage? Is it often, regularly or rarely?

It is completely okay if you don't keep track of how often you pray for courage. I know that I'm not very good at keeping track of how often do I pray for courage. I encourage you to pray courage whenever you can. It can bring blessings into your life when you do. For praying courage for your morning prayer, might be able help you to have a better day. Keep being positive whenever you can.

Stay Tuned until next time.

The Gift of Prayer

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, or Good Evening,
this post should take approximately five minutes to read from start to finish.

This post is based on April 2007 General Conference talk, and it is called "Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer" by Richard G. Scott. This post is part one. I would love to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk and I hope you will learn something new.

He mentioned,

"The Gift of Prayer
Prayer is a supernal gift of our Father in Heaven to every soul. Think of it: the absolute Supreme Being, the most all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful personage, encourages you and me, as insignificant as we are, to converse with Him as our Father. Actually, because He knows how desperately we need His guidance, He commands, “Thou shalt pray vocally as well as in thy heart; yea, before the world as well as in secret, in public as well as in private.”

It matters not our circumstance, be we humble or arrogant, poor or rich, free or enslaved, learned or ignorant, loved or forsaken, we can address Him. We need no appointment. Our supplication can be brief or can occupy all the time needed. It can be an extended expression of love and gratitude or an urgent plea for help. He has created numberless cosmos and populated them with worlds, yet you and I can talk with Him personally, and He will ever answer.

How Should You Pray?
We pray to our Heavenly Father in the sacred name of His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Prayer is most effective when we strive to be clean and obedient, with worthy motives, and are willing to do what He asks. Humble, trusting prayer brings direction and peace.

Don’t worry about your clumsily expressed feelings. Just talk to your compassionate, understanding Father. You are His precious child whom He loves perfectly and wants to help. As you pray, recognize that Father in Heaven is near and He is listening.

"A key to improved prayer is to learn to ask
the right questions." - Richard G. Scott.

A key to improved prayer is to learn to ask the right questions. Consider changing from asking for the things you want to honestly seeking what He wants for you. Then as you learn His will, pray that you will be led to have the strength to fulfill it.

Should you ever feel distanced from our Father, it could be for many reasons. Whatever the cause, as you continue to plead for help, He will guide you to do that which will restore your confidence that He is near. Pray even when you have no desire to pray. Sometimes, like a child, you may misbehave and feel you cannot approach your Father with a problem. That is when you most need to pray. Never feel you are too unworthy to pray.

In your own time, you may would like to read the whole talk. If you do choose to read in your own time, I hope you will enjoy reading the talk. Here is the link below.
www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/04/using-the-supernal-gift-of-prayer

Stay Tuned until next time.

The Privilege of Prayer

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

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

This post is based on a October 2011 General Conference and it is called, "The Privilege of Prayer" by J Devan. Cornish. I would like to share with you some highlights that I loved when I was reading the talk. I hope you will learn something new.

"In His mercy, the God of heaven, the Creator and Ruler of all things everywhere, had heard a prayer about a very minor thing. One might well ask why He would concern Himself with something so small. I am led to believe that our Heavenly Father loves us so much that the things that are important to us become important to Him, just because He loves us. 

We must not imagine that any kind of prayer, no matter how sincere, will be very effective if all we do is to say the prayer. We must not only say our prayers; we must also live them. The Lord is much more pleased with the person who prays and then goes to work than with the person who only prays. Much like medicine, prayer works only when we use it as directed.

When I say that prayer is a sweet privilege, it is not just because I am grateful to be able to talk to Heavenly Father and to feel His Spirit when I pray. It is also because He actually answers and speaks to us. Of course, the way He speaks to us is usually not with a voice we hear. President Boyd K. Packer explained: “That sweet, quiet voice of inspiration comes more as a feeling than it does as a sound. Pure intelligence can be spoken into the mind. This guidance comes as thoughts, as feelings through promptings and impressions”
(“Prayer and Promptings,” Ensign, Nov. 2009).

Prayer is one of the most precious gifts of God to man.

Sometimes we seem to get no answer to our sincere and striving prayers. It takes faith to remember that the Lord answers in His time and in His way so as to best bless us. Or, on further reflection, we will often realize that we already know full well what we should do. Please do not be discouraged if this does not work for you all at once. Like learning a foreign language, it takes practice and effort. Please know, though, that you can learn the language of the Spirit, and when you do, it will give you great faith and power in righteousness.

I cherish the counsel of our beloved prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, who said: “To those within the sound of my voice who are struggling with challenges and difficulties large and small, prayer is the provider of spiritual strength; it is the passport to peace. Prayer is the means by which we approach our Father in Heaven, who loves us. Speak to Him in prayer and then listen for the answer. Miracles are wrought through prayer” (“Be Your Best Self,” Ensign, May 2009).

In your own time, you may would like to read the whole talk. If you do choose to read in your own time, I hope you will enjoy reading the talk. Here is the link. www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/the-privilege-of-prayer

Stay Tuned until next time.

Be Joyful, Pray Always and Give Thanks

Good morning, or Good afternoon, or Good afternoon;

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

This post is mostly questions. You may would like to prepare to ask yourself to ask yourself those questions either now or in your own time. If you do ask yourself with those questions, feel free to answer those questions. If you don't feel like asking yourself that many questions, feel free to read towards the end of this post.

Whenever you are overthinking things, do you remember to pray for comfort and seek guidance?

Whenever you are feeling disappointed, do you remember to pray to help you to cheer up?

Whenever you are feeling worried, do you remember to pray about your worries?

Whenever you are going through difficulties, do you remember to pray and seek guidance of how to overcome those difficulties? Whenever you are going through unexpected challenges, do you remember to pray and seek guidance of how to overcome those unexpected challenges? Whenever you are going through a tough bad day, do you remember to pray and seek effective ways of how to turn those tough bad days into happy and cheerful days?

Whenever you are feeling grateful, do you remember to pray and express what you're grateful for?

Whenever you are feeling happy, do you remember to pray with your gratitude heart?

Whenever you are feeling hopeful, do you remember to pray about hopes? 

Be joyful, pray always, give thanks.

Whenever you are feeling peace, do you remember to pray and express you are feeling peace?

Whenever you are feeling comfort, do you remember to pray and still experiencing comfort?

Whenever you are feeling joy, do you remember to pray and express you are feeling joy?

Are you being joyful, praying always and giving thanks?

I know at times in my life that I have been able to experience to feel joy, it is such a wonderful feeling to be joyful. I know that I always do my very best to pray always despite on whatever I am feeling, it mostly helps me to get through the day and night. Giving thanks is such a wonderful privilege, because I love having a gratitude heart and being appreciative of my past. My past has always taught me multiple lessons, helps me to prepare to what to look forward in future years to come and so forth. I know that I always constantly doing my best to look forward to whatever the next day has in store for me. 

Remember you can do you best to feel joy to be joyful in life, you can always do your best to remember to pray always despite whatever you are feeling, and it's such a wonderful feeling to have a gratitude heart for giving thanks whenever you have the opportunity to do so. 

Stay Tuned until next time.

Does Employment Comes with Expectations?

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, or Good Evening,

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

I don't know how I managed to miss posting on Monday, oops my bad. If you're currently hired, I think this post would be great to read. No matter where you are currently hired for an employment or multiple employment whether it is casual, or part-time, or full-time employment, there are always going to be expectations to follow.

Management team either post an advertisement for job openings with listed skills for expected potential employees to fulfill online or a flyer on the opening door that states now hiring, they always make it known to potential employees to know that the business is seeking for new employees.

All places, management team would consider to hire potential employees who has previous experience in the industry and potential employees who's seeking for a job and new into the industry. Once hired, it takes some time to learn new and better skills as time goes by. Sometimes depending on the length of period that the management team whether they are satisfied with your work ethic or not, they can make the decision to either keep you employed and no promotion for an higher position or keep you employed and promoted you for an higher position.

"Employees tend to live up to their managers expectations of them.
If a managers expectations are high, productivity is likely to be excellent."

Do you remember how you felt when you have started a new employment to work into a new industry?

During my past employment at Domino's industry in Australia, I remembered being hired total of many stores, as a delivery driver and not all at once. I always wanted to do my best to be successful, I always have a strong work ethic, trustworthy, being honest with customers, being honest with work colleagues, being honest with the managers, being reliable, being constantly available throughout the weeks from Mondays to Saturdays, etc.

I remembered while I was working within a few months of being hired at the first domino's store that I ever worked at, I got promoted and got asked how I felt to feel to be a manager. I thought about it for a moment and mentioned that I think I can do it and feel good about it. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get the position because shortly after, the management team got changed. I was disappointed.

Fast forward to another domino's store that I worked at, I was working there for a short time as a delivery driver and I remembered getting messages from the manager for me to come into store the next day for a surprise. I didn't know what to expected and he gave me a higher position. I was able to be still hired as a delivery driver and the new position. I was able to be a marketing manager.

Depending on what type of industry that you're currently hired at; always remember to be watchful and careful with your decisions while working because sometimes you never know that the management team is watching you by your actions of how well you work with other employees and you're sharing the right information to other employees and customers of your best ability. You can always keep trying your best to be successful and hope to be promoted to a higher position.

Stay Tuned until next time. 

Does Being Self-Employed Comes with Expectations?

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, or Good Evening,

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

There are many variety of businesses around the world that you can choose from to be self-employed.

Have you ever considered to be self-employed of a business or multiple businesses?

What are some expectations that you may have to face while being self-employed?
What are some risks that you may have to take while being self-employed?

All businesses for being self-employed starts from somewhere even from scratch. I hope self-employed individuals are being able to be self-reliant with their business/businesses as best as they can. It is okay to get a loan to help cover costs of helping the business or multiples businesses to get started and some supplies for early stages of running the business or multiple businesses.

Running a business or multiple businesses does comes with some expectations, some risks, some difficulties, some unexpected costs, long hours to make the business to be successful, some major paperwork to fill out including declaring federal taxes form for tax season, etc.

Self-employed.

Imagine for a moment if you were self-employed and running a photography business. 

Two difficulties examples that you may face is angry customers who aren't satisfied with the quality of the photos that you have taken, and you didn't reach the customer's expectations.

Two risks examples that you may face is traveling via flying to other states of your own country and don't have travel insurance - it would suck to not being covered with your checked in luggage and the moment when you landed into a new state and the checked in luggage gets lost through baggage claim. Another example; getting impatient and decided not wait for a approved permit to take photos at a certain location and you went ahead to take photos there - the risk is getting in trouble.

Two unexpected costs examples that you may face is laptop is slowing down therefore the workload of editing photos hasn't been as fast as you would like it to - it's time to upgrade for a new laptop. Another example; the camera has ended its life and it's time to upgrade for a new camera.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Does Friendships Comes with Expectations?

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, or Good Evening,

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

I would like to let you know that whenever I do mentioned YSA throughout this post, I do refer to Young Single Adults. I have two quick easy questions and you may or may not ask yourself and answer the following questions either now or in your own time.

Do you have any expectations whenever you are making new friends with someone who just have met?
What are some expectations that people face whenever they are making new friends?

Throughout the past years while I was in youth and in YSA, I always seemed to be adding new friends a lot on Facebook. I often somehow always thought that I wouldn't have any expectations when it comes to whenever I meet new friends. I always seem to be meeting new friends at multiple events, multiple places, multiple sites, and multiple times.

In the past, I often meeting new friends by attending the same session in the Temple, attending a different ward on Sunday time to time, attending some past Church events such as attending EFY in 2012, attending multi-stake annual Priest and Laurels Ball in 2013, attending multi-stake YSA dances, attending multi-stake YSA devotional firesides, attending institute, and so forth.

Whenever I make new friends; I always expected to be their friends for a long time, spending some time with them, keeping in contact with each other, and check up on each other time to time. I don't think any of my expectations are high whenever it comes to making new friends.

"Sometimes we expect more from others because
we would be willing to do that much for them."

I know it can be difficult for me to live over here in Texas US and not being able to spend any time with any of my friends who lives in Australia. It has been almost seven months of me living over here and I already have reached out to a few friends who lives over in Australia that we can always do a video call whether it is via FaceTime or Skype or Facebook Messenger. I remembered that was one of the convenient and best ways of how my husband and I was able to see each other face to face often while we were in long distance relationship and long distance engagement.

I also already mentioned to them that the video calls can happen whenever it is convenient for both of us. It all comes to effective planning, and organizing the right timing. It can be difficult at times to forget about time zone difference. Trust me, it happens and I know how it feels to misjudge the timing.

I know that it can be fun at times when it comes to making new friends. Sometimes, I go through my friends list on Facebook and I often time to time to remove friends who I barely talk to these days. I know that we should determine ourselves who would be great friends to us. We should be able to adjustify for ourselves of what we can do to be able to be a great friend to our friends. Being a great friend can come with a lot of trusting, some challenges and trials. We may always meet new friends who we know that can make good influences and choices that you can look up to them as inspiration.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Does Families Comes with Expectations?

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, or Good Evening,

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

First and foremost, I would like to ask you the following questions and you may or may not ask yourself and answer the following questions either now or in your own time. 

Why is it so important for some families to have effective communication with each family member?

Why is it so important for some families to have regular family outings whenever they can?

Why is it so important for some families that have expectations to follow? 

What makes a family's home a safe place from the outside world?

Most families consist of having a couple and children even if the couple has one child. Each individual of the couple comes from having a different culture background, different upbringing, different house rules, different meal time schedules, different sleeping routines, and so forth. You may or may not get the idea, it's just simply that an individual may or may not have experienced expectations as growing up throughout his or her childhood and teen years.

A woman may have come from a family who has parents that encourages her and her siblings to do house chores, facing the consequences whenever she was and whenever her siblings was misbehaving, her parents may have done their best to enforce to maintain a regular routine of having family home evening, having a routine of doing family prayers when the family is all together, and so forth.

A man may have come from a family who has parents that encourage him to be successful in schooling, encourage him to be spiritually prepared and temple worthy to receive his endowments, encourage him to have a job to to save up a portion for his mission funds, encourage him to spiritually prepared to serve a mission, he may have an opportunity to learn a new language, and so forth.

"The secret of a happy home is that members of the family learn
ti give and receive love." - Billy Graham.

Moat times, children needs to reminded about that there is consequences after each choice that they make. Parents can be determine what the consequences would be like for the children when they misbehave. I know that it can be challenging for some parents, and that is okay. They are aiming to do what is best for their children to hopefully learn from what they were doing wrong and make better choices.

Sometimes children may not want to do everything what is expected for them to do straight away, that even includes doing chores. Who doesn't like doing chores when they have been told to do it? I know I didn't like doing chores as growing up, but eventually I knew it was something that needs to be done.

Families may have expectations that may go overboard at times and that's okay. Families have expectations because sometimes it does requires a lot to keep the parents and children happy.

Parents should be reminded about that they have some responsibilities while their children is still living with them. They should be able to provide clean clothing for their children to wear each day, having appropriate meal time schedules, having a regular bedtime routine, making sure that they would be able to be feed, having a shelter that they have a roof over their heads, and so forth.

Parents should also be reminded that the cost of raising and having children can be expensive, don't let that turn away from having children. Parents should also be reminded that one day, all children are going to grow up to move and live away from home. The children will be able to come and visit parents time to time.

Children should be reminded that they should be able to help their parents out whenever they can, even if it just simply looking after their younger siblings, doing washing up the dishes without being told and cooking dinner for their parents and siblings at least once a week.

Stay Tuned until next time.