Hold On ~ Part Two

Good Morning or Good Afternoon or Good Evening, 

this post may take longer than three minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on October 2009 General Conference talk, and it is called "Hold On" by Sister Ann M. Dibb. This post is part two and I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk. 

On the contrary, He knows your skill, He realizes your devotion, and He will convert your supposed inadequacies to recognized strengths. He has promised: ‘I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up’” (“Sugar Beets and the Worth of a Soul,” Liahona, July 2009, 3–4; Ensign, July 2009, 5–6).

"JUST HOLD ON, God knows what
he is doing." 

Heavenly Father has not left us alone during our mortal probation. He has already given us all the “safety equipment” we will need to successfully return to Him. He has given us personal prayer, the scriptures, living prophets, and the Holy Ghost to guide us. At times, using this equipment may seem cumbersome, awkward, and horribly unfashionable. 

Its proper use requires our diligence, obedience, and persistence. But I, for one, choose to use it. We must all choose to use it. In the scriptures we learn about another key piece of safety equipment a “rod of iron.” 

Disciples of our Savior, Jesus Christ, are invited to hold on to this rod in order to safely find their way to eternal life. ... Through divine personal revelation, the Book of Mormon prophet Lehi and his son Nephi were each shown a vision of our mortal probationary state and its accompanying dangers. 

... From Lehi’s vision we learn that we must take hold of this safety railing this iron rod, found alongside our individual straight and narrow path and hold tight until we reach our ultimate goal of eternal life with our Heavenly Father. Nephi promises that those who hold fast to the iron rod “would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction” (1 Nephi 15:24).

I invite you to read again the full accounts of this inspired vision. Study them, ponder them, and apply them to your daily life. In modern terms we might say we are invited to “get a grip.” We must hold on tight to the iron rod and never let go. ... Holding to the iron rod is not always easy. We may let go because of peer pressure or pride, thinking we can find our own way back later. When we do so, we are leaving our safety equipment behind. 

In Lehi’s vision he saw many who let go of the iron rod. Nephi says, “And many were lost from his view, wandering in strange roads” (1 Nephi 8:32). In difficult times in our own lives, we may find we are also “wandering in strange roads.” Let me reassure you that it is always possible for us to find our way back. 

Through repentance, made possible by the atoning sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we can regain and recommit to a strong grip on the iron rod and feel the loving guidance of our Heavenly Father once again. The Savior has extended an open invitation to us: repent, hold on, and don’t let go.

I, like Nephi, exhort you with all the energies of my soul that you will “give heed to the word of God and remember to keep his commandments always in all things” (1 Nephi 15:25). Use the safety equipment He has provided for you. Hold fast, and believe that Heavenly Father will bless you for your diligence. ..."

If you would like to read the whole talk either now or in your own time, here is the link below.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2009/10/hold-on

Stay Tuned until next time.

Hold On ~ 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 "Hold On"? What does "Hold On" means to an immediate relative? 

Have you ever hold on to something that meant so much to you? If so, what was it?

This post focuses on October 2009 General Conference talk, and it is called "Hold On" by Sister Ann M. Dibb. This post is part one and I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk. 

Sister Dibb has mentioned the following; "... While most of us will never face such a dramatic, life-or-death situation, many of us feel that we are going through a scary time in our personal lives. We may feel as though we are holding on to what may seem to be a one-inch lip of steel girder. 

Our mortal probation is not easy, and it is not brief. We are blessed to come to this earth and gain a mortal body. This life is our opportunity to prove ourselves and exercise our agency. We can choose to follow Heavenly Father’s eternal plan of salvation and redemption, or we can try to find our own way. We can be obedient and keep His commandments, or we can reject them and face the consequences that will surely follow. 

"HOLD ON things will get better."

Because of this, we too have a hazardous job description and duty. We must deal with challenges. We may experience loneliness, strained relationships, betrayal of trust, temptations, addictions, limitations of our physical body, or the loss of much-needed employment. 

We may be challenged with feelings of disappointment because our righteous hopes and dreams have not been met in our personal timetable. We may question our abilities and fear the possibility of failure, even in our Church and family callings. 

... These are just as precarious and real as the threat of falling 125 feet (38 m) to certain death from a high bridge. My life is not perfect. I deal with many of the same challenges. We all do.I know that the temptations of the adversary and the difficulties of mortality are ever present and beset each of us. 

... We learn and grow by overcoming challenges with faith, persistence, and personal righteousness. I’ve been strengthened by President Thomas S. Monson’s endless confidence in our Heavenly Father and in us. He

has said: “Remember that you are entitled to our [Heavenly] Father’s blessings in this work. He did not call 

you to your privileged post to walk alone, without guidance, trusting to luck."

Stay Tuned until next time.

Holding On and Letting Go ~ 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 a BYU (Brigham Young University) Hawaii Devotional from September 2019, and it is called "Holding On and Letting Go" by Elder L. Todd Budge. This post is part three, and I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the Devotional. Elder Budge has mentioned the following; Now, let’s shift gears and discuss four things prophets and apostles have admonished us to hold on to that will increase our joy and our power to let go.

First, hold on to the Holy Ghost. 

President Nelson pleads with us “…to do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly.” ... The Holy Ghost is our modern-day Liahona. As we exercise faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost will tell us all things we should do. 

In other words, he will tell us what to hold on to and what to let go of. President Nelson warns that “…in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” ... It is a matter of survival. 

We hold fast to the Holy Ghost by honoring our covenants, repenting regularly and often, sincerely seeking guidance through earnest prayer, and then acting on those promptings. If you haven’t been very diligent in these areas of your life, don’t give up! Pray to know what you need to stop doing, or start doing to welcome the Holy Ghost back into your life. ...

Second, hold on to your faith. 

When we have questions, we should not assume that means that we are abandoning our faith. Not at all! Questioning and doubting are not the same thing. It is perfectly acceptable to have questions about the Lord’s doctrine, church history, church policies, etc. However, the lens through which we see those questions is the determining factor of whether our faith is strengthened or weakened. 

Do our questions come from the perspective of doubt, or from a willingness to allow the benefit of the doubt? 

... Conviction comes from the witness of the Holy Ghost that the things we do know and understand are true. 

Nephi acknowledged that he did not know the meaning of all things, but that he knew that God loves his children. 

Nephi is a great example of one who was willing to move forward in faith despite having an incomplete understanding of the meaning of all things. Hold on to your faith by seeking answers with a believing heart, in the places of light where the truth can be found, and in qualifying to be taught by the Spirit. ...

This brings us to the third thing to hold on to the word of God.

In the secular world, the first source we tend to go to for answers is the internet. But we need to keep in mind that the information we find there is often, in fact, misinformation, and is subject to the interpretations and philosophies of men, or worse - based on an agenda designed to manipulate the truth.

Instead, in seeking greater light we should go to the source of light and truth - the word of God as contained in the holy scriptures, in the words of His living apostles and prophets, and in answers received through personal revelation. ... I testify that there is power in God’s word. 

The secular things you learn here at BYU Hawaii will bless your lives in many ways, but if not understood and applied in the context of eternal truth, they will not be sufficient to bring you the joy God desires for you. ...

Fourth, hold on to your covenants. 

President Nelson admonished us “to keep on the covenant path”. He said, “Your commitment to follow the Savior by making covenants with Him and then keeping those covenants will open the door to every spiritual privilege and blessing available to men, women and children everywhere."

“Our covenants bind us to Him and give us godly power...” As you partake of the sacrament each week, review the covenants you have made and recommit yourself to keeping those covenants. Making and keeping sacred covenants helps rivet our focus on Jesus Christ and His covenant promises. 

I testify that as we hold fast to our covenants, we will have the power to live joyfully. However, please remember, the covenant path is not a path of perfection but a path of repentance. God’s expectation of us in mortality was not that we would never sin; if so, there would have been no need for Christ to sacrifice Himself to pay the price for our sins. 

Heavenly Father’s expectation is that we continuously repent as we progress down the covenant path towards him. In conclusion, let’s summarize the four things to let go of and the four things to hold on to in order to increase our joy.

Regarding letting go: First, let go of our sins. Second, let go of our guilt once we have sincerely repented. Third, let go of any grudges and forgive everyone. And fourth, let go of our will, and submit it to God.

Regarding holding on: First, hold on to the Holy Ghost. Second, hold on to our faith. Third, hold on to the word of God. And fourth, hold on to our covenants.

Neal A. Maxwell said, “With our steady pursuit of joy and with each increasing measure of righteousness, we will experience one more drop of delight one drop after another until, in the words of a prophet, our hearts are ‘brim with joy’ (Alma 26:11). At last, the soul’s cup finally runs over!”

I testify that as you steadily progress along the covenant path, holding fast to that which is true and letting go of that which is not, that you will find joy along the way. No, life will not always be easy, and you will have your share of trials, sorrows and afflictions; you will also make your share of mistakes. 

But I testify that our covenants, together with the atoning power of Jesus Christ will enable and ennoble us to find joy one drop at a time. ... On the one hand, there has never been a time in the history of the world where we have been more greatly blessed. On the other hand, Satan has never worked so hard to make us miserable like himself. 

... Hold fast to that which is of God, and let go of those things that will interfere with your happiness. God and Jesus Christ love you. President Nelson loves you and I love you. I pray that you will look to God and discover the joy that He has prepared for you. ..."

If you would like to read the whole devotional either now or in your own time, here is the link below. 

https://speeches.byuh.edu/devotional/holding-on-and-letting-go

Stay Tuned until next time.

Holding On and Letting Go ~ 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 BYU (Brigham Young University) Hawaii Devotional from September 2019, and it is called "Holding On and Letting Go" by Elder L. Todd Budge. This post is part two, and I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the Devotional. Elder Budge has mentioned the following; ...

Third, let go of grudges. 

In other words, forgive everyone. The failure to forgive others will rob us of joy and canker our souls. ... We need to repent of not trusting God to mete out justice better than we can. God has not only commanded us to forgive everyone, but he has commanded us to love everyone. How can we love the neighbor we have not forgiven? 

... I find it so instructive to view forgiveness this way. Repenting of the failure to love removes our perceived need to be the judge and redirects our focus to keeping the second great commandment. Letting go and letting God be the judge allows us the freedom to love others.

If there is anyone you have not forgiven, I invite you to let go of your judgment of that person, leave that to God, and allow yourself to love them instead. I testify that you will be much happier when you do. ...

Fourth, let go of your will and submit it to God. 

It can be very difficult to trust God’s plan for us when life is not going as we expected or desired, especially when our expectations and desires are righteous and are founded on true principles or promised blessings. 

For example, we may desire to be married but haven’t found “the one”, we may desire to have children but cannot, we may desire to be free of sickness and disease but it persists, or ...

The list goes on. In difficult circumstances such as these, we sometimes turn away from God rather than turning toward Him. Instead of trusting Him we may blame him or think He does not care. ... President Nelson said, “To be sure, there may be times when you feel as though the heavens are closed. 

But I promise that as you continue to be obedient, expressing gratitude for every blessing the Lord gives you, and as you patiently honor the Lord’s timetable, you will be given the knowledge and understanding you seek. Every blessing the Lord has for you even miracles will follow.” ... His promises are sure. 

If we truly believe this we can rejoice in our yet-unrealized promised blessings. In the middle of the wilderness, long before reaching the promised land Lehi said, “I have obtained a land of promise, in the which things I do rejoice.” He trusted God so much that he was rejoicing in a blessing he had not yet received. That is a very happy way to live!

Do not let go of your righteous desires and God-given expectations. But do let go of your attachment to them as a condition of your happiness. Life is much more joyful when we choose to trust God and His plan for us. Remember you are free to choose. You can choose to trust in God and walk in His light or choose not to trust in God and walk in darkness. Trusting God is a lot more joyful way to live!"

Stay Tuned until next time.

Holding On and Letting Go ~ 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 a BYU (Brigham Young University) Hawaii Devotional from September 2019, and it is called "Holding On and Letting Go" by Elder L. Todd Budge. This post is part one, and I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the Devotional. Elder Budge has mentioned the following; "... I bring the greetings of our dear prophet, the other members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve. 

I am sure they would rather be here today, but I am very grateful that they assigned me to come and represent them. I hope you had the opportunity to hear or read President Russell M. Nelson’s remarks to the young adults
of the church given last week. He expressed his profound love for you. He also testified of the love that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have for you, and of their desire for you to be happy.”

The Book of Mormon prophet Jacob taught: “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.” Do you believe it? Do you really believe that our purpose is to have joy? Now I will add one word to this verse, and see if you still believe it. “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy now.”

Do you believe that God and Jesus Christ want us to be happy now, in this life? ... In other words, we will not be restored from a state of unhappiness to a state of happiness. This implies that the gospel is designed to make us happy now, and to prepare us for even greater joy in the eternities.

... President Nelson has taught that it really is possible to have joy in a fallen world. He boldly proclaimed that, “When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation…and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening or not happening in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him.

"IT HURTS TO LET GO, but sometimes it
hurts more to hold on."

He is the source of all joy.” President Nelson makes it clear that joy has less to do with the circumstances of our lives and more to do with what we choose to be the focus of our lives. ... Apostle Elder Gerrit W. Gong declared, “Together, our covenants and our Savior’s Atonement enable and ennoble.

Together, they help us hold on and let go. Together they sweeten, bless, sanctify, and redeem.” As I listened to his words, the phrase “hold on and let go” caught my attention. I began to ponder in my mind what we need to hold on to and what we need to let go of to experience the joy God desires for us in this life. 

So, let’s consider together some of the things I learned as I studied what prophets and apostles have admonished us to hold on to and let go of in order to have joy. First let’s consider four things we have been admonished to let go. ...

First, let go of sin. 

This sounds quite obvious but how many of us are still holding tightly to our favorite sins? ... To give away all of our sins we must give up the idea that following our way is better than following God’s commandments. Wickedness never was happiness. Which sins are you holding on to, or which sins have ahold of you? 

.. Resolve today to turn to Christ. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you and want you to be happy. Last week President Nelson said, “They will do anything within Their power that does not violate your agency or Their laws to help you…” Through faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement we can become free of the chains of sin both large and small. Let go of the sins which rob you of the joy He and our Heavenly Father desire for you!

Second, once repentance has taken place, let go of any remaining guilt. 

The purpose of physical pain is to alert us to injury or disease. Likewise, the purpose of guilt is to cause spiritual pain or disease which alerts us to the need for repentance. Without guilt we would all be spiritual lepers oblivious to the sting of sin. However, once we have repented of our sins, we need to trust that the Lord has forgiven us and then forgive ourselves. 

Lingering guilt can turn to shame and rob us of joy. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, “Sometimes, of all the people in the world, the one who is the hardest to forgive as well as perhaps the one who is most in need of our forgiveness is the person looking back at us in the mirror.”

... My dear friends, let us repent of failing to trust in God’s power and willingness to forgive us of our sins. ... If you have repented with full purpose of heart and real intent and continue to struggle with guilt, let go so that your guilt will not interfere with your joy."

Stay Tuned next time.

Hold On Thy Way

Good Morning or Good Afternoon or Good Evening, 

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

I would like to encourage you to ask yourself, think about and answer the following question either now or own time. The question is, "What is your definition of Hold on Thy Way?"

This post is on a October 2015 General Conference talk and it is called, "Hold on Thy Way by Elder Koichi Aoyagi." I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk and I hope you will learn something new. 

Elder Aoyagi mentioned, 

"We are warned that disasters, wars, and countless difficulties in the world will occur. When trials such as these suddenly come upon us, we may question, “Why do these things happen to me?” or “Why do I have to suffer?” 

I was able to clearly comprehend our Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation and understand anew this important principle. In Abraham, the Lord God declared, “And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.”

The principle is that the God who created the heavens and the earth knows the grand design of this earth, that He has dominion over all things in the heavens and the earth, and that in order to bring to pass the plan of salvation, He provides us with many different experiences including some trials while we are on this earth.

"Put God first, regardless of the trials you face. Love
God. Have faith in Christ, and entrust yourself to Him
in all things." - Koichi Aoyagi. 

And the Lord said the following to Joseph Smith: “Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. “Therefore, hold on thy way for God shall be with you forever and ever.”

The trials of this earth including illness and death are a part of the plan of salvation and are inevitable experiences. It is necessary for us to “hold on [our] way” and accept our trials with faith.

However, the purpose of our lives is not merely to endure trials. Heavenly Father sent His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, as our Savior and Redeemer so we could overcome the trials we face on this earth; in other words, He makes our weak things become strong, He atones for our sins and our imperfections, and He makes it possible for us to obtain immortality and eternal life.

President Henry B. Eyring stated: “The test a loving God has set before us is not to see if we can endure difficulty. It is to see if we can endure it well. We pass the test by showing that we remembered Him and the commandments He gave us.” “Hold on thy way” is a key choice during times of trial. 

Turn your heart to God, especially when you face trials. Humbly obey the commandments of God. Show faith to reconcile your wishes with the will of God. Put God first, regardless of the trials you face. Love God. Have faith in Christ, and entrust yourself to Him in all things. 

Moroni makes the following promise to such people: “And if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ.”

I would like to encourage you to read the talk in your own time, here is the link.
www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/hold-on-thy-way

Stay Tuned until next time.

Grateful in Any Circumstances

 Good Morning or Good Afternoon or Good Evening, 

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

First and foremost; "Are you grateful for any circumstances that you are currently facing?" This post is based on a April 2014 General Conference talk, and it is called "Grateful in Any Circumstances" by President F. Uchtdorf.

I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the talk. President Uchtdorf. He has mentioned the following; "Have we not reason to be filled with gratitude, regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves?

We Can Be Grateful

Everyone’s situation is different, and the details of each life are unique. Nevertheless, I have learned that there is something that would take away the bitterness that may come into our lives. There is one thing we can do to make life sweeter, more joyful, even glorious. We can be grateful!

Being Grateful for Things
But some might say, “What do I have to be grateful for when my world is falling apart?” Perhaps focusing on what we are grateful for is the wrong approach. It is difficult to develop a spirit of gratitude if our thankfulness is only proportional to the number of blessings we can count.

True, it is important to frequently “count our blessings” and anyone who has tried this knows there are many but I don’t believe the Lord expects us to be less thankful in times of trial than in times of abundance and ease. In fact, most of the scriptural references do not speak of gratitude for things but rather suggest an overall spirit or attitude of gratitude.

“In His plan there are no true endings, only everlasting
beginnings.” - President Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

It is easy to be grateful for things when life seems to be going our way. But what then of those times when what we wish for seems to be far out of reach?

Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation? In other words, I’m suggesting that instead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances whatever they may be.

Gratitude as an Act of Faith

Being grateful in our circumstances is an act of faith in God. 

It requires that we trust God and hope for things we may not see but which are true. By being grateful, we follow the example of our beloved Savior, who said, “Not my will, but thine, be done.” True gratitude is an expression of hope and testimony. It comes from acknowledging that we do not always understand the trials of life but trusting that one day we will."

If you want to read the talk in your own time, here's the link below:
www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/grateful-in-any-circumstances

Stay Tuned until next time.

#GIVETHANKS ~ Day Four to Day Six

  Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

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

Day 4 - I am GRATEFUL for my Religion; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 

I am grateful for what my religion has taught me and helped me to learn so much throughout my life so far, I am grateful for the standards (such as no swearing), and I am grateful for the covenants that I have made in the past. 

I am grateful for Seminary, I am grateful for Institute, I am grateful for the knowledge of doing Family History, I am grateful for the standard works a.k.a the scriptures (The Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, The Pearl of Great Price, and King James Version - Holy Bible, and the Word of Wisdom.

I am grateful for the past General Conference talks, I am grateful for the Temples, I am grateful for current prophet, I am grateful for past prophets, I am grateful for current apostles, I am grateful for past apostles, I am grateful for the Relief Society organization, I am grateful for the youth organization, I am grateful for my current church callings, and I am grateful for my past church callings. 

Day 5 and Day 6: I am GRATEFUL for the Opportunities to Travel and Methods of Transportation. 

I love traveling in methods of transportation. I was able to drive whilst I was living in Australia, I was able to drive for about ten days in a car rental whilst I was visiting Utah in February 2018, I was able to driven a little bit whilst I was visiting Texas in November 2018, I have been able to go on walks (even though it is for short distances), and I have been able to go bike riding.

Prior to when I've met my husband for the first time in person; I had the opportunities to travel. I remembered when I was nine years old; I attended a school camp with students of the same grade as me, we went to Sunshine Coast, and I remembered while I was at that school camp, we went to Underwater World.  

I remembered when I was twelve years old, I went to another school camp with my class and another class - the students were aged eleven years old and twelve years old, and we went to Canberra. I remembered my experience for the first time flying in the plane because I was so excited and I kept counting down the days.

I really enjoyed the activities that was set up and places to go and visit during that school camp, I was able to go to Australian War Memorial, Australian Old Parliament House, Australian New Parliament House (the one that is current one), Royal Australian Mint, Questacon - National Science and Technology Centre, Australian Institute of Sport, and other places. 

I remembered when I was eighteen years old; I had the opportunity to fly again but this time was from Brisbane to Perth, and I was able to attend End of Year Young Single Adults (YSA) Convention. 

I had so much fun, I have made many friends throughout the convention (I seemed to lose some of the friends that I have made sometime in the past years after convention), and I really enjoyed participating in Devotionals, Activities, Dances, and so forth. 

I had the opportunity to go to Rottnest Island, I really enjoyed spending some time with the friends that I have made, and I took many photos throughout convention. 

About four months after I returned back to Brisbane from convention, I flew back to Perth for a longer stay and at that time I was nineteen years old. I even made more friends, I was able to have fun experiences such as going to Perth Temple more than twice, I was able to go bowling, I was able to go to institute often, I was able to travel to various locations, and so forth. 

I remembered when I was twenty-one years old; I had the opportunity to travel to Utah on my own. On the way to Utah, I flew from Brisbane to Nadi Fiji for the first layover, followed by I flew from Nadi Fiji to Los Angeles for the second layover, followed by I flew from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City, Utah. 

I had opportunities to meeting my husband for the very first time, I finally got to meet several friends that I have been friends on social media for about four years ish (long story short, we have similar past histories and got us to meet on the same facebook groups), I made new friends, and I had opportunities to drive on the RIGHT side (on the opposite side than what I was used to in Australia) whilst I was in Utah.

I attended sessions whilst I was visiting many different Temples during my stay in Utah. My husband and I went to Provo City Temple, Oquirrh Mountain Temple, Salt Lake City Temple together before it marked one month when my husband and I was in boyfriend and girlfriend stage. 

Kharissa and I went to Manti Temple, Payson Temple, and Salt Lake City Temple together - Kharissa drove us to those Temples. 

JaLisa and I went to Provo City Temple and Draper Temple together, - I drove us to those Temples. 

I drove myself to the following Temples; Brigham City Temple, Vernal Temple, Mount Timpanogos Temple, and Ogden Temple. 

Stay Tuned until next time.

#GIVETHANKS ~ Day Seven to Day Eight

   Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

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

Day 7: I am GRATEFUL for technology. Technology certainly has change a lot over the past twenty years and more. I have multiple reasons why I am GRATEFUL for technology. I love owning two cameras and two phones to take photos, take videos, and making memories. Technology is a great resource to use while studying online, to communicate short distance and long distance friends and short distance and long distance relatives, and so forth. 

My husband and I felt privileged to be able to see and talk to each other via skype, talk and see each other on video calls via Facebook Messenger, and messaging each other often whilst we were in our long distance relationship and our long distance engagement. 

Whenever I get to see my family members and friends on video calls via Facebook Messenger; it certainly DOES makes me feel so much joy because it has helped me to remember the memories, and the fun times that my husband and I had whenever we were able to video call to each other during long distance.

DAY 8: I am GRATEFUL for Animals especially Pets. My favourite animal is Dolphins and my husband's favourite animal is Eagles. While my husband and I was in our long distance relationship; my husband found a abandoned puppy (German Shepherd mixed Labrador) at my in-laws' house which was where my husband was living at the time.

My husband and I tried to work out a name for the puppy until one day, my husband decided to name the puppy, "Tarzan." My in-laws allowed my husband to look after Tarzan if he cares about providing food and drinks for Tarzan, which was great. I was able to see Tarzan via a video call on Facebook Messenger several times. He was definitely a playful and handful puppy. 

I felt joy and I was so happy when I was able to finally gotten to meet Tarzan in person during my visit in Texas United States in late October to towards end of November 2018. I was able to play with him at times whilst my husband was at work. When the weather has dropped to starting to get colder temperatures in preparation for winter season, my husband made sure that Tarzan was warm enough overnight. 

My husband had a blanket, and a small heater fan by the side of the kernel. There was days when Tarzan did not come back to my in-laws' in late afternoons while I was visiting. Sometime after I flew back to Brisbane, Tarzan started of not coming back to my in-laws' house persistently.

My husband and I think that Tarzan either gotten shot or ran away or died. It was sad news when I found out that Tarzan was not coming back, and I do not know if Tarzan gotten enough attention with love or not. My husband and I both decided that we would not get another puppy. A photo of Tarzan is on this blog's header. 

In early December 2018, I have been thinking about whether I should get a pet or not. I had a four bedroom place to myself, and I did not have any roommates who has moved in yet. I had a high expectation that I would hope that I would not get too emotionally attached to a pet prior to whenever I gotten my k-1 visa in my procession and moved to United States. 

I would like to have an ownership of a pet, and it took me a short while to make up a decision of getting a pet or not. I have decided to get a parakeet. I remembered during my teen years; a older young woman from church in the ward that I was in at the time was giving away parakeets. I remembered that I had two parakeets and I did not do a great job of looking after them.

Somehow the parakeets flew away from my family's home and then they flew back, but this time under the house. One day, the parakeets did not ever come back again. I thought it was a good idea for me to get one parakeet and hopefully I would do a better job of looking after one. 

On December 18th, 2018 - it is a week before Christmas and I was ready to pick up a parakeet after my shift from the Temple in the evening. I felt so excited and I really looking forward to it. When I arrived to the breeder of the parakeets; I was able to see other parakeets and those parakeets are siblings in one big cage. 

As I was approached to the cage; I asked "which one of you would you like to come home with me?" I saw a parakeet from the back of the cage and seemed interested of the question. I selected a parakeet, I was able to put the parakeet into the new cage, and drove home. I was able to tell the new parakeet that his name was "Bluey" repeatedly on the way home. 

Bluey was able to settle well into a new location and environment. I hand tamed Bluey a lot, I would put him on my shoulder whenever I gotten him out of the cage before he started getting training to go on my finger and then put him on my shoulder. 

I made sure that he has gotten a lot of love attentions, and I made sure that he was constantly loved. Bluey and I had great memories and fun memories together.

I remembered during a hot summer day, he would play with his food. One day, I decided to purchase several bird toys and I was thinking that he would not play with them at all. He proved me wrong, he played those toys and always having great times. I would wake him up during his sleep when I gotten home from work to tell him that I am home. 

Overtime, I taught Bluey how to talk. My husband and I decided it was best to tell Bluey that "we are Mummy, and Daddy" I constantly told Bluey this "Mummy and Daddy loves you, and misses you." I taught him how to say of these words of the following, I would just share some words, "Mummy, Daddy, Dad, Dadda, Goodnight, Millie, Meow, I love you and Mum." 

Bluey has its funny moments to make me laugh a lot. One time, I would tell Bluey "Goodnight, you go to sleep." Bluey says "You go to sleep." He knows that I would repeat on some words so that he can be a quick learner. 

Stay Tuned until next time.

#GIVETHANKS ~ Day One to Day Three

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

Day 1 - I am GRATEFUL for my husband. I have always appreciate everything that he has done for me. I love having his support, I love hearing his mission stories whenever he feels like talking about his mission, he has helped me to gain a deeper understanding of scripture passages that I didn't fully understood in the past, I love at times when he ensures me that everything will be okay when things aren't going the way that I would like it to. 

I love the ways of how he always me feel happy often, I love the ways of how he always make me laugh often, I have always appreciated that he reminds me often that he cares about me, he's such a great listener whenever he chooses to listen, he listens to my concerns carefully, so close to everytime he knows when it is the best time to give me a priesthood blessing, and so forth. 

He always shared compliments with me so often (each morning after we wake up, and each night before we go to sleep), he has been a wonderful example towards me, he always quick to forgive, he always says "I love you" and he always means it, I always have admired him for having a reliable full-time job (despite how early we wake up from Monday mornings to Friday mornings every week for my husband to go to work), and so forth.

Day 2 - I am GRATEFUL for my Immediate Family members, Extended Relatives, and In-laws. 

To my immediate family members and my extended relatives: 

I have always appreciated your useful advices or suggestions, I have always appreciated your righteous examples to me, your constant love for me, I have always appreciated your constant care for me, I have always appreciated your constant support for me, I have always appreciated your kindness towards me, I have always appreciated for you to be using your time to spend some time with me, I have always appreciated your sacrifices that you have shown, I have always appreciated our conversations (whether it is via phone calls or via handwritten letters or in person or emails or messages via social media account or text messages - I have always enjoyed talking to you, and so forth. 

Thank you to my parents for raising my siblings and myself up with having a religious background and the religion is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I always enjoyed family home evenings (even during times when I don't show that I have enjoyed family home evenings), but I do remember learning so much during family home evenings. 

To my in-laws: 

I would like to apologize of me for not getting to know y'all very well but I am sure that I would have plenty of opportunities to get to know y'all.

I have always appreciated the kindness that y'all have shown to me, I have always appreciated their care for me, I have always appreciated our conversations (whether it is via in person or phone call or Facebook messenger or text messages or in person - I have always enjoyed talking to y'all, and so forth. 

I know that I definitely do appreciate of my mother-in-law and my father-in-law for raising my husband and siblings up in the same religion as me - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 

Day 3: I am GRATEFUL for all of my friends including my close friends and my best friends.

To all of my friends:

To Best Friends: I have two current best friends, and they are my husband and Marah. I have been best friends with Marah for seven years, and I have been best friends with my husband for three years. I love y'all so much. I have always appreciated your constant love that y'all have shown to me, I have always appreciated your constant care towards me, I have always appreciated your kindness that y'all have shown to me, I have always appreciated our conversations (whether it is via emails or in person or phone calls or text messages or social media) - I have always enjoyed our conversations and being grateful that we can communicate to each other about anything, and so forth.

To Close Friends: I seemed to have more than five current close friends. I would just share several of who they are. There is Bethany K, Christine A, Emily S, JaLisa L, Sia L, and Sofronaiia W. I have always appreciated your kindness that y'all have shown to me, I have always appreciated your support for me, I have always appreciated your care towards me, I have always appreciated our conversations (whether it is via emails or phone calls or in person or text messages or social media) - I have always enjoyed our conversations, and so forth. 

To All of my Other Friends: I have always appreciated your kindness that y'all have shown to me, I have always appreciated your care towards me, I have always appreciated your support for me, I have always appreciated our conversations (whether it is via emails or in person or phone calls or text messages or social media) - I have always enjoyed our conversations, and so forth. 

Stay Tuned until next time.

The Choice to Be Grateful

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

This post is focuses on an article from Liahona, December 2011 and it is called, "The Choice to Be Grateful" by President Henry B. Eyring. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the article. 

President Eyring mentioned,
"Our Father in Heaven commands us to be thankful in all things, and He requires that we give thanks for the blessings we receive. We know that all of His commandments are intended to make us happy, and we also know that to break commandments leads to misery. So to be happy and to avoid misery, we must have a grateful heart.

We have seen in our lives the connection between gratitude and happiness. All of us would like to feel gratitude, yet it is not easy to be consistently grateful in all things in the trials of life. Sickness, disappointment, and the loss of people we love come at times in our lives. Our sorrows can make it hard to see our blessings and to appreciate the blessings God has in store for us in the future.

"Gratitude is the gateway to JOY"
- Elaine S. Marshall.

        It is a challenge to count our blessings because we have a tendency to take good things for granted. When we lose a roof over our heads, food to eat, or the warmth of friends and family, we realize how grateful we should have been when we had them.

Most of all, sometimes it is hard for us to be sufficiently grateful for the greatest gifts we receive: .. the promise of resurrection, the opportunity to enjoy eternal life with our families, the Restoration of the gospel with the priesthood and its keys. 

Only with the help of the Holy Ghost can we begin to feel what those blessings mean for us and for those we love. And only then can we hope to be thankful in all things and avoid the offense to God of ingratitude.

With our Father’s help, all of us can choose to feel more gratitude. We can ask Him to help us see our blessings more clearly, whatever our circumstances. ... I had seen hope and the pure love of Christ shining in their faces, even in their terrible trial.

And I felt the evidence you can feel if you ask God to reveal to you that the Atonement can allow you to feel hope and love. Giving thanks in prayer can allow us to see the magnitude of these blessings and all of our other blessings and so receive the gift of a more grateful heart."

Towards to the end, it shares teaching from this message and I also would like to share with you one thing that was mentioned. "Writing down our experiences and blessings can help us remember them and give us something to refer back to.

Consider asking those you teach to write down what they are grateful for to help them remember the blessings they have received, recognize the blessings of the present, and look forward to the blessings of the future."

That is all from me for now. If you would like to read the whole article in your own time, here is the link. www.lds.org/liahona/2011/12/the-choice-to-be-grateful

Stay Tuned until next time.

Seasons of Choice ~ 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 a BYU Devotional from February 2003, and it is called "Seasons of Choice" by Brother Randall W. Boothe. This post is part three. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the Devotional. 

Brother Boothe has mentioned; "... At times in our weariness we may catch ourselves saying, “I just don’t care anymore. I don’t want to choose. I’ll go along with whatever you want to do. I’ll embrace whichever marketing approach is more convincing. I am simply too tired to think this through and choose.” 

... We might have to expand Joshua’s invitation to say, “Choose you this minute whom ye will serve. Choose you this day, this week, whom ye will serve. Choose hundreds of times every hour to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. We must, of course, enlist the good counsel and influence of the Spirit that we may be directed to those choices that will help us become the woman or man God has planned for us to become. 

It is possible to make every important decision in our lives correctly if we can learn to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit. What we choose today will influence eternity. Every choice brings us either a step closer to or further from our eternal destiny. We are not victims of circumstance. We have total control. We are the ones who decide how we will react to the environment we find ourselves in.

President Spencer W. Kimball taught: Some people feel that decisions are really out of our hands, that we merely respond to circumstances without choice, ... And I agree that there can come a time when we no longer have control over our destinies, but I believe that this is only after the cumulation of our own past decisions has left us helpless.

In the beginning, each of us is a bundle of potential that can be developed and shaped by what we choose to do. In youth there is still great malleability. We can choose what we will become. As the years go by, we find our past choices have narrowed the alternatives still open to us and we have less and less control over our future. [TSWK, 165]

We cannot do everything at once, but every act every choice opens the gate and leads us down a specific pathway. With every choice thereafter we progress further down that path. Sometimes we must turn around, take some time out, get back in touch with our eternal map, and hang on as the Savior of mankind draws us back closer to our heavenly home. 

... At those times when we feel very strong and independent, we might close our hearts to those closest to us who could help the most in our journey over life’s treacherous paths. Don’t close up. Open your heart to the wisdom of life’s precious companions.

Can you imagine how excited we all were in the premortal existence as we anticipated the blessing of exercising our free agency while experiencing life together? ... We may feel somewhat overwhelmed with so many good choices. 

I am convinced that there is really only one choice that we must make, and that choice is Jesus Christ. When we choose Him, everything else will naturally follow. The Lord himself outlined His four recommended choices for every season, for every day of our lives: Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am. [D&C 93:1]

These are four simple, righteous choices to make every day. ... Are we ready to choose to commit to the Lord’s plan? Are we ready to choose to forsake our sins and come unto Christ? Will we choose to call on His name? Will our choice be to obey His voice? 

Are we prepared to choose to keep His commandments? ... In verse 28 we are promised that “he that keepeth [the Lord’s] commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.” We can know all things! 

That has got to be helpful when we are trying to choose wisely. Every season of life is a season of choice. This is not a time for sitting on the sidelines. We must choose to play ball every day, every hour, every season, relying on the merits of our Savior to assist us in this journey of choice.  ..."

If you would like to read the whole talk either now or in your own time, here is the link below.

https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/randall-w-boothe/seasons-choice/

Stay Tuned until next time.

Seasons of Choice ~ 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 a BYU Devotional from February 2003, and it is called "Seasons of Choice" by Brother Randall W. Boothe. This post is part two. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the Devotional. 

Brother Boothe has mentioned; "Choose to Follow the Light
In 1991 Larisa Deeva served as a hostess for two Young Ambassadors on their tour to Riga, Latvia. She recognized the Spirit in the lives of these young men and wanted that spirit to be a part of her life. As she received a copy of the Book of Mormon in Russian from her guests, she proudly displayed it right next to the Bible in her home.

In a letter to Young Ambassador Richard Higbee, Larisa wrote in halting English: I don’t know how to thank you for all that you have done for me. I am so very glad met you. I am happy found fine friends. It was unforgettably for me! I was visit the paradise with you. I have believed in God! ... You have given back me sense in life. I wasn’t know why and what for I lived. And you present me wings! [Letter to Richard Higbee from Larisa Deeva, 1990]

Sister Deeva was baptized on August 22, 1992. In a subsequent letter to Richard Higbee, Larisa wrote: In August of last year I was baptized. I was the first member in the Church here in Riga. Now there are approximately 30 members in this branch. 

I play the piano in our ward. Now I have God in my life, and He helps me deal with all of my struggles. I know that this church is true and know that our Heavenly Father loves us. [Letter to Richard Higbee from Larisa Deeva, 1993]

As the Young Ambassadors returned to Latvia to present a fireside for the new Riga Branch on May 30, 1993, we were pleased to learn that Sister Deeva had been sustained as president of the Relief Society. Larisa Deeva found the truth, was nourished by its power, and with great eagerness made the choice to follow the light.

Choose to Learn from the Word of God

Nearly every morning at 6:30 you will find me walking the streets of Spanish Fork with another of my heroes: my dad, Wayne Boothe. As we exercise, Dad speaks of his experience studying the scriptures that morning before our walk. For 34 years Dad taught seminary and institute classes for the Church Educational System. Through those years he chose to study the scriptures most mornings at 4:00. 

... He enjoys the topical guide and will often approach his study by topic. He loves to encourage us to visualize the scriptural accounts in our minds or to place ourselves in the time and place of the scriptures to explore what it might have felt like to be there. Dad chooses to ponder and pray about those passages he reads. 

... I want to be prepared. The scriptures are helping me to prepare.” At 4:00 a.m. many of us could think of other ways to spend our time, but through all of the years of raising a family of seven children, 40 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren with my beautiful mother, Dad has chosen to consistently learn from the word of God.

"Everything you are comes from your choices." 
- Jeff Bezos.

Choose to Serve

... While serving 14 years as a Relief Society president, Sister Huff learned that folks need to be recognized. In a recent telephone conversation she said, “There are a lot of lonely people in the world. 

I continue to call young and old alike on the phone to congratulate them, and I try to send notes every day to express appreciation for all the good things they are doing for our growing community of Spanish Fork.” Every day Marie Huff chooses to serve.

Choose to Be Firm in the Faith of Christ

... We are told that Moroni “was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ” and that “if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men” (Alma 48:13, 17).

... Will we, like our heroes, be anxiously engaged in choosing to help accomplish the great mission of bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of man? Will we choose to follow the Spirit in our own lives? And then will 

we choose to extend our love to our families, our associates, and our neighbors, illuminating their paths in our 

own little corner of the world? What an influence we can collectively have on this world as we choose the right.

... The world is being prepared to receive the Savior, and we are all up to bat. So many of our Father’s children are counting on us to bring them into home plate. This is our time to play the game of life. As you step up to the plate in this game of choice, you must choose to serve, to love, to learn, to follow the light, to share. The choice is not complex. We simply choose the Lord or we choose the opposition and we all know who leads that opposing team.”

Stay Tuned until next time.

Seasons of Choice ~ Part One

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

This post focuses on a BYU Devotional from February 2003, and it is called "Seasons of Choice" by Brother Randall W. Boothe. This post is part one. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the Devotional. 

Brother Boothe has mentioned; "... Have you noticed how the seasons of our lives move forward in a never-ending stream? ... Our personal choices are different as we pass through each new season. Do you remember how many of your choices as a small child focused on play, on discovering the world and people around you, and on simple decisions that made you smile? 

As you grew to the age of accountability and beyond, choices became more critical. The adversary knew this, of course, and worked harder than ever to influence your choices as you matured. Progressing through the seasons of childhood into the teenage years and young adulthood, did you notice that the Spirit has a tremendous capacity to guide you, to lead you to productive, righteous choices? 

And as we qualify ourselves to be led by the Spirit in every season of life, the choices we must make become more clear. Through the spring, summer, fall, and winter of our life, one thing remains constant: we are free to choose. We fought for this right. It is ours. 

No matter how sheltered we may have been in our season of childhood, or how much we may have leaned on loved ones and friends to keep us safe, there come countless times in life when we have to choose for ourselves, when we, alone, face the winds of adversity, when we struggle and stand up to temptation, when we must choose which road to travel and then accept the consequences of that choice. 

Trusted friends cannot always go with us. Parents and teachers will not always be watching. Others are not in a position to make our choices or live our lives. In every season of life we have the opportunity to choose for ourselves. 

... Our Heavenly Father was not about to leave His precious sons and daughters on this earth without a means by which they could grow and learn and search and reach to find their way back to Him. The means by which God planned for our return is our free agency—our personal freedom to choose. ... In today’s world we are literally bombarded with choices. 

"All of life is about choices."

In fact, in recent decades the number of choices in our lives have multiplied many times over. ... Today we may choose to shop in hundreds of stores in convenient shopping malls that are filled to overflowing with merchandise from all over the world.

 With so many choices being required of us every day, we may become weary of choosing. This weariness can place us in a rather dangerous position. ... With marketing teams working around the clock to capture our attention, we may occasionally allow someone else to make choices for us. 

Sometimes, however, our inability to make the right choice threatens the very core of our eternal lives. If we allow ourselves to sit back and “go with the flow” of society, we may be surprised to find ourselves somewhere we do not wish to be.

We frequently encounter heroes in our lives. Their examples of righteousness, faith, service, and love wield a tremendous influence on our choices to become more like them. You know them; they are all around us. ... Today I’d like you to become acquainted with six men and women whose lives have influenced their part of the world in an incredible way because they have consistently exercised their power to choose the right.

Choose to Love

... In 1981 two young men in white shirts and dark, conservative ties volunteered to help her with her work. When the missionaries subsequently taught her about the plan of salvation and spoke of life after death, Julia was deeply moved by the message that she could see her husband, John, again. It made sense. She joined the Church, and the gospel became a great strength to her as she faced more tragedy in her family. 

In the 1990s her grandson happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time when gunfire rang through the township, and he was murdered. When Sister Mavimbela’s soul cried out for the healing influence of the Spirit, she left behind the rocky paths of grief and bitterness. Julia Mavimbela chose to love.

Choose to Share

Raj Kumar studied at the University of Punjab in Chandigarh, India. Attending a performance of the Young Ambassadors at his university in 1982, he saw in the faces of our students something different. As he recognized the light of truth and felt the Spirit, he wasted no time in approaching Tom Nelson, our Young Ambassador lighting technician, after the show, asking to know more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

... Dear brother, before I was baptized in this true church of the Savior, I was very reluctant to tell others that I was a Christian. ... I visit hospitals every Friday and spend about three hours there. I pray for sick people admitted over there and visit from one bed to another, introducing them to the Church and the Lord and distributing tracts. 

As you know, we do not have tracts and pamphlets in Hindi or Punjabi languages. I’ve translated the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith into the Punjabi language. I have applied for the mission. I expect to get the call within a couple of months. You will be glad to know that I have started going to Delhi every weekend to take part in church services. ... [Letter to Tom Nelson from Raj Kumar, 1980]

Brother Raj Kumar received his call and served a mission in Fresno, California. Since his mission he and his wife, Sarala, have been blessed with a beautiful family. Brother Kumar has served as bishop, on the stake high council, and currently is ward mission leader in Toronto, Canada. When blessed to embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, Raj Kumar chose to share."

Stay Tuned until next time.

What Are Some of Your Current Focuses Now?

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

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

Throughout our lives; we make new friends and sometimes we can get carried away to turn on our focuses onto something else. I am positive that each of us as individuals has faced on letting go and moving on from some of the past friends that we have met during our childhood years, our teenage years, and our early adult years. 

We have focused on our time with our studies if we are currently enrolled with education, we have focused on our time with our employment if we are currently employed, our time spent on building relationships, and so forth.

Some of your current focuses can be any or more than one of the following; - You can focus on aiming to start and finish reading The Book of Mormon before end of this year. - You can focus on having more purposeful prayers to Heavenly Father daily often. - You can focus on eating healthier often.

- You can focus on thinking about what you would like to have as short-term goals for 2021. - You can focus on thinking about what you would like to have as long-term goals for 2021. - You can focus on doing more family history more than you have done in the past. - You can focus on staying positive more often. 

- You can focus on finding effective ways of how to have better daily habits. - You can focus on finding effective ways of how to use your time wisely. - You can focus on how to the best person you can be. - You can focus on making new friendships. - You can focus on exercising often. - You can focus on how to be a better friend to your current friends. 

"Always remember your focus determines your
reality." - George Lucas.

I know that my husband and I have been focusing on listening as many past General Conference talks as we can before end of this year, we have been doing very well of making sure that we both are feeling loved, we have been doing our best to focus on agreeing with each other more often, we have been doing very well of making sure that we both have support for each other, we have been doing very well of making sure that we know that we can rely on each other, we have done our best to eat healthier more often which means more homemade meals, to consume less fast foods, and takeaways, I know that my husband and I have done our best to exercise regularly as much as we can but we stopped (because my husband continued working after it gets dark at night times) so I have started exercising on my own at my own pace, and so forth. 

Stay Tuned until next time.

Focus and Priorities ~ 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 a April 2001 General Conference talk called, "Focus and Priorities" by Elder Dallin H. Oaks. This post is part two. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk.

Elder Oaks has mentioned; "Nephi taught, “Feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." That is focus. Nephi also said that as he taught from the scriptures, “I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning”

.. Overarching all of this is the importance of what the Spirit whispered to us last night or this morning about our own specific needs. Each of us should be careful that the current flood of information does not occupy our time so completely that we cannot focus on and hear and heed the still, small voice that is available to guide each of us with our own challenges today.

.. Brigham Young, who declared: “Every discovery in science and art, that is really true and useful to mankind, has been given by direct revelation from God. ... We should take advantage of all these great discoveries … and give to our children the benefit of every branch of useful knowledge, to prepare them to step forward and efficiently do their part in the great work” We also need priorities. 

Our priorities determine what we seek in life. .. I hope we will heed these teachings. Jesus taught about priorities when He said, “Seek not the things of this world but seek ye first to build up the kingdom of God, and to establish his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” “Seek … first to build up the kingdom of God” means to assign first priority to God and to His work. 

"Focus on the solution, not on the problem."
- Jim Rohn.

The work of God is to bring to pass the eternal life of His children, and all that this entails in the birth, nurturing, teaching, and sealing of our Heavenly Father’s children. Everything else is lower in priority. 

Think about that reality as we consider some teachings and some examples on priorities. .. Our priorities are most visible in how we use our time. Someone has said, “Three things never come back the spent arrow, the spoken word, and the lost opportunity.”

We cannot recycle or save the time allotted to us each day. With time, we have only one opportunity for choice, and then it is gone forever. Good choices are especially important in our family life. 

For example, how do family members spend their free time together? Time together is necessary but not sufficient. Priorities should govern us in the precious time we give to our family relationships. 

Compare the impact of time spent merely in the same room as spectators for television viewing with the significance of time spent communicating with one another individually and as a family. In terms of priorities for each major decision (such as education, occupation, place of residence, marriage, or childbearing), we should ask ourselves, what will be the eternal impact of this decision? 

Some decisions that seem desirable for mortality have unacceptable risks for eternity. In all such choices we need to have inspired priorities and apply them in ways that will bring eternal blessings to us and to our family members.

The ultimate Latter-day Saint priorities are twofold: 

First, we seek to understand our relationship to God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and to secure that relationship by obtaining their saving ordinances and by keeping our personal covenants. 

Second, we seek to understand our relationship to our family members and to secure those relationships by the ordinances of the temple and by keeping the covenants we make in that holy place. 

These relationships, secured in the way I have explained, provide eternal blessings available in no other way. No combination of science, success, property, pride, prominence, or power can provide these eternal blessings!"

If you would like to read the whole talk in your own time, here is the link below.
www.lds.org/general-conference/2001/04/focus-and-priorities

Stay Tuned until next time.