Monday, January 12, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Scripture Power!!
This church does have, running through it's veins, the spirit of revelation which inspires anyone who feels of its influence. As I began to read the Book of Mormon again yesterday, I had so many promptings and I think it was because I was reading with the intent to share with each of you, my children and grandchildren, some of the impressions that I received while reading and pondering - what a blessing! We have been given the most precious and priceless gift of the Holy Ghost at our baptisms and if we desire to feel of the Holy Ghost's presence always we need only to pray and immerse ourselves in the scriptures. The feeling comes with peace, assurance, love, acceptance and whatever feeling you need to help you feel as the Savior felt/feels and do as he did/does.
As I read 1 Nephi 1:5-8, I was reminded of my conversion some 30+ years ago where I, too, received an answer to prayer which was undeniable . Just as Lehi prayed to the Lord with all his heart in behalf of his people I prayed to know if the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was true because I wanted the fruits of the gospel, not only for myself, but for my family. Several similar principles involved here: (1). The power of prayer when we pray with real intent, (2) The power of remembering others in our prayers, (3) The power of Heavenly Father to answer those prayers through the Holy Ghost in a vision or through an impression of enlightenment where our heart and mind become settled.
The Holy Ghost does desire to be our constant companion and is beckoning to us to come unto Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. You and I need to be still so we can know that they are there for us always and our lives are better for realizing they can be more of a constant influence in our lives if we will but seek them daily and more frequently.
I love each of you and have a testimony of the power of prayer, pondering and reading the scriptures. As our hearts are turned to the Savior and Heavenly Father as we read about them, the Holy Ghost helps us to feel of their presence daily and will enrich and fill our lives with that joy that does not fade with the lights.
As I read 1 Nephi 1:5-8, I was reminded of my conversion some 30+ years ago where I, too, received an answer to prayer which was undeniable . Just as Lehi prayed to the Lord with all his heart in behalf of his people I prayed to know if the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was true because I wanted the fruits of the gospel, not only for myself, but for my family. Several similar principles involved here: (1). The power of prayer when we pray with real intent, (2) The power of remembering others in our prayers, (3) The power of Heavenly Father to answer those prayers through the Holy Ghost in a vision or through an impression of enlightenment where our heart and mind become settled.
The Holy Ghost does desire to be our constant companion and is beckoning to us to come unto Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. You and I need to be still so we can know that they are there for us always and our lives are better for realizing they can be more of a constant influence in our lives if we will but seek them daily and more frequently.
I love each of you and have a testimony of the power of prayer, pondering and reading the scriptures. As our hearts are turned to the Savior and Heavenly Father as we read about them, the Holy Ghost helps us to feel of their presence daily and will enrich and fill our lives with that joy that does not fade with the lights.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Out With The Old & In With The New
Two thousand and eight had its challenges with the financial scene from almost all aspects (housing, markets, etc.) which makes me evermore thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. I am always reminded of the thought that it does not matter what happens to us but how we choose to deal with what happens to us. We can find good in everything. If we have to become more conscious of being frugal, it might cause us to dwell on the more important things that cost nothing. I often think that all of the extras cause us to loose sight of the things that bring happiness here and into the eternities. Personally, much more creativity and self worth is produced from being able to provide without being able to buy everything. The days when I sewed for Ashley and Erin made me feel very happy and content with myself. To watch Brant, Ryan, Erin and Ashley play outside in the leaves, etc. in Fredericksburg produced true joy. It seems that the little things like enjoying nature or coloring or pretending painted a beautiful, lasting, picture. A little bit of heaven, if you will!! Our generation has lived in times of plenty and I pray that we have not forgotten how to control ourselves and save for a rainy day.
We were blessed, as a family, to bring in the New Year together. Everyone sacrificed in one way or another to be together and Dad and I enjoyed watching and being a part of the gathering. Sunday was especially spiritual and provides lasting memories that do not fade with the lights. Sela's baptism - what a special event in her life. Poppy conducted. Ashley said the opening prayer. Ryan talked on baptism. The ordinance of baptism was performed by Dad/Zig and provides Sela with entrance into the kingdom of God. Granny talked on the Holy Ghost. Erin directed the music and Aunt Amber played the piano. The most beautiful little song was sang by Nina. Angels were in attendance and I know that because of the tears that are welling up in my eyes as I hear her little voice so clear, humble and pure. All of the cousins sang I Am A Child Of God. Then Aunt Erin closed with prayer. The ending to a very special day which began in sacrament with Larry, Linda and Travis' homecoming talks. Brant and his family were missed as they were battling the flu.
While together, we were able to visit the light festival at Schlitterbahn, see Andra's farm, play tennis and kick ball, feed the squirrels and ducks at the park, and simply enjoy one another's company.
My only regret, which is a big one laying heavy on my heart right now, was the fact that Dad and I had planned nights of gathering at the end of the day in some spiritual environment. I can think of a lot of reasons why it didn't happen but they pale in comparison to the fact that we should have put forth more effort in making it happen.
So here we are in two thousand and nine! How I pray that we will all put Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ first in our lives. We must tithe of our time to the Lord and the other ninety percent of our days will take care of themselves as they should. He asks so little and gives so much. Wo to the slothful servant. Why we choose to dictate days without first turning to Him in adoration and appreciation for all that we are and have remains with the natural man.
May you take time to ponder at the beginning of a new year those things that will bring lasting joy and happiness. Self mastery must be a quality to develop in all of our achievements.
Happy New Year to All!!
Love,
MOM
We were blessed, as a family, to bring in the New Year together. Everyone sacrificed in one way or another to be together and Dad and I enjoyed watching and being a part of the gathering. Sunday was especially spiritual and provides lasting memories that do not fade with the lights. Sela's baptism - what a special event in her life. Poppy conducted. Ashley said the opening prayer. Ryan talked on baptism. The ordinance of baptism was performed by Dad/Zig and provides Sela with entrance into the kingdom of God. Granny talked on the Holy Ghost. Erin directed the music and Aunt Amber played the piano. The most beautiful little song was sang by Nina. Angels were in attendance and I know that because of the tears that are welling up in my eyes as I hear her little voice so clear, humble and pure. All of the cousins sang I Am A Child Of God. Then Aunt Erin closed with prayer. The ending to a very special day which began in sacrament with Larry, Linda and Travis' homecoming talks. Brant and his family were missed as they were battling the flu.
While together, we were able to visit the light festival at Schlitterbahn, see Andra's farm, play tennis and kick ball, feed the squirrels and ducks at the park, and simply enjoy one another's company.
My only regret, which is a big one laying heavy on my heart right now, was the fact that Dad and I had planned nights of gathering at the end of the day in some spiritual environment. I can think of a lot of reasons why it didn't happen but they pale in comparison to the fact that we should have put forth more effort in making it happen.
So here we are in two thousand and nine! How I pray that we will all put Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ first in our lives. We must tithe of our time to the Lord and the other ninety percent of our days will take care of themselves as they should. He asks so little and gives so much. Wo to the slothful servant. Why we choose to dictate days without first turning to Him in adoration and appreciation for all that we are and have remains with the natural man.
May you take time to ponder at the beginning of a new year those things that will bring lasting joy and happiness. Self mastery must be a quality to develop in all of our achievements.
Happy New Year to All!!
Love,
MOM
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