July Issue: Fasting Journal

On pg. 73, in the section called Small and Simple Things, there is a short side bar written by Renee Harding about keeping a "fasting journal." She says, "Fasting used to be difficult for me - until I began keeping a fasting journal. Now before I begin each fast, I write down a specific purpose for my fast. Throughout my fast, I jot down relevant things that transpire; thoughts, feelings, and impressions that come into my mind and heart; and scriptural references that especially pertain to the purpose of my fast."
I really love this idea! It reminded me of my "temple journal." A couple of years ago a good friend of mine gave me a very nice leather journal - you know, the kind you're afraid to write in! After tucking it away for several months the thought came to my mind to use it as a "temple journal" to record my feelings each time I attend the temple. I try to keep the journal in my temple bag, so that right after I come out of the temple, I take a few minutes (before I go home because I know I'll never get it done once I'm home) to write any thoughts, feelings and impressions that came to me while I was in the temple. I'm not always consistent, so I'm thankful for this short article that has reminded me the importance of recording spiritual impressions.
"By small and simple things are great things brought to pass" (Alma 37:6).

July Issue: Faith to Answer

"Faith to Answer the Call" by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland is a beautiful article with some incredible stories of faith filled pioneers. Today is one of my favorite days of the year - Pioneer Day. The pioneers have a special place in my heart. I truly honor, respect, and admire their faith, courage, and determination. I never tire of hearing their stories filled with trial, tribulation, and triumph.

Elder Holland teaches, "Little wonder that faith always has been and always will be the first and abiding principle of the gospel and of our work. I don't know how else mothers and fathers could leave those babies in those makeshift graves on the plains and then, with one last look, weep their way forward toward Zion. I don't know how else a woman like Belle Smith could set her children at the edge of a cliff and muscle her wagon down the perilous incline. I don't know how else Samuel Claridge could sell all he owned and head off to build Zion in the desolate Muddy Mission. The fundamental driving force in these stories is faith - rock-ribbed, furnace refined, event-filled, spiritually girded faith that is the very Church and kingdom of God and that when you are called, you go." He concludes with this, "We must have faith in this work - faith in what all believers are called to do, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and in our Father in Heaven. We need to conform our will to Theirs and then make that will rock-ribbed and pioneer strong indeed."

To learn more about the stories referenced above, and to honor the pioneers today, read Elder Holland's article and several others in the July issue of the Ensign.

July Issue: Islands of Faith

There are so many powerful articles in the July issue, I'm not sure where to start. (Should have started a lot earlier in the month - blogging is not so easy in the summer)!
I chose this article because it is beyond my imagination that there are people in the world who live like this. It is so humbling and inspiring.
It begins like this, "Nelson and Dora Coila live on an island - not a typical island made of solid rock jutting up from an ocean or lake - but a tiny island they made themselves of nothing more than floating reeds on Lake Titicaca in Peru." - An island they made themselves!!
This article teaches valuable lessons about consistency and diligence. Click here to see a photo gallery of these people and their hand made island. The images are beautiful. Then click here to read the article. It is worth ten minutes of your day!
Elder Rasband of the Presidency of the Seventy had the opportunity to visit the islands and shared his experience in a General Conference message in April 2008. Click here to learn what he teaches about "special experiences that are building blocks for our testimonies."

May Issue: Conferencisms

Last night for FHE we hiked Ensign Peak. It is a leg burner for sure! This quote comes from a talk by Paul V. Johnson of the seventy about overcoming trials and challenges. I love when he said, "Sometimes we want to have growth without challenges and to develop without any struggle. But growth cannot come by taking the easy way."

June Issue: Commitment to Modesty

This article in the June issue is the story of how one mom taught the importance of modesty to her daughter. After being sealed in the temple to her husband and children she "went through her wardrobe and gave away most of her clothing. But she considered it a small sacrifice. She knew the blessings of the temple were better than any of those clothes."
After reading this article I realized that it is so important to teach my children about the blessings that come from obedience, and that dressing modestly is a way to prepare to go to the Temple.
I love this video about one young woman who is making a difference!

{I have more plans for May Issue Conferencisms. Luckily according to the challenge we have until the next General Conference to read the May issue!}

May Issue: Conferencisms

Elder Holland's talks are always so powerful, and motivational. He is always so genuine with his emotions and full of so much love. If you haven't had a chance to read it yet, it is worth 15 minutes of your time. Better yet, go watch it here!

May Issue: Conferencisms

Sister Dalton gave an excellent address to the young women called "Guardians of Virtue." She counseled the young women to "write a list of things you will always do, and things you will never do. Then live your list." What great council! An excellent talk for Family Home Evening!

May Issue: Conferencisms

I read this talk last night: Become as a Little Child. It reminded me of my all time favorite picture of my kids and the countless lessons I have learned from each of them.

May Issue: Conferencisms

Elder Scott's talk was one of my favorites.

May Issue: Conferencisms

"A Living Testimony" - Henry B. Eyring

May Issue: Conferencisms

Well, I have to admit, I haven't been as diligent on my Ensign reading as of late! The April issue was a challenge for me to read. But I did get through it on a recent flight to California. I had read most of the short articles, so for the hour and twenty minutes on the plane I buckled down and finished it up. I am grateful to have read it and found many insightful things. I guess I'd better re-dedicate myself to the challenge so I can share what I learn as I go.
For the month of May, I have a new idea. This issue is the Conference Issue from the April Sessions of General Conference. I absolutely loved listening to all of the talks, and have re-listened to several of them already. My idea is to come up with photographs to go with quotes from the talks. I love the little "sayings and phrases" found in the messages and thought this would be a good way to share some of my favorites. I'll call them "Conferencisms" - not really a word, but I guess it'll work. Here's my first attempt...(click on the image to see it larger scale)

April Issue: He is not here, but is Risen

The First Presidency message this month teaches the beautiful message of the Resurrection of Christ. President Monson said, "No words in Christendom mean more to me than those spoken by the angel to the weeping Mary Magdalene and the other Mary as they approached the tomb to care for the body of their Lord: 'Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen.'"

I love this quote from President Monson as well - he said, "I testify He is a teacher of truth - but He is more than a teacher. He is the exemplar of the perfect life - but He is more than an exemplar. He is the great physician - but He is more than a physician. He is the literal Savior of the world, the Son of God, the Prince of Peace, the Holy One of Israel, even the risen Lord who declared, 'I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father.'"
Knowing that Jesus Christ lives gives me so much hope. Knowing that He has fulfilled His mission, that all people will be resurrected, gives me so much peace. Knowing that He set the perfect example gives me guidance and direction. Knowing that He descended below all things gives me strength to overcome all things.

March Issue: Relief Society

You may think I have slacked in my duties of reading the Ensign because of the lack of blog posts! Fortunately I have been reading. Unfortunately I have had a few other projects that have been a bit consuming, so my blogging time has been pretty limited!
In this issue there is a great article written by Elder Holland and his wife called "Charity Never Faileth: A Discussion on Relief Society." They share many great insights on the importance of Relief Society in the lives of the women of the church. Elder Holland said, "[Relief Society] is not a program per se. It is the gospel - the gospel in action in the lives of our remarkable women." I love that - The Gospel in Action!
I also love this quote from Sister Holland: "No other organization in the world is going to be more helpful in the future than Relief Society. We need to rally the women of the Church to their calling as leaders and as "captains" of the welfare of children, especially now as we see families crumbling."
I am currently serving in Relief Society as the Activities Committee Chairperson. Other than being a visiting teacher, this is my first calling in Relief Society, and I'm beginning to truly understand the importance of this organization in the lives of women.
This video is something I created for our Birthday Social. It teaches a little about the history of Relief Society, as well as our responsibilities as sisters in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

March Issue: Looking for the Good

The First Presidency Message by President Uchtdorf this month reminds us that we have a choice to look for the good or bad in people. He teaches that "there is no end to the creativity, ingenuity, and tenacity of those who look for reasons to criticize. They cannot seem to release their grip on grudges. They gossip and find fault with others. They nurse wounds for decades, taking every opportunity to tear down and demean others. This is not pleasing to the Lord, 'for where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work' (James 3:16)."









"Some look at this glass and see it as half full. Others see it has half empty. How you see it is up to you."












I think it's not only important to look for the good in other people, but to look for the good in every condition or experience in life. The more we look for the good, the happier our lives will be.

February Issue: Pause & Take Inventory

This article was used as the reference for one of our Sacrament Meeting talks yesterday. I was reminded what a powerful message it has.
"Some parents become so expert at filling every physical desire for their children that they begin to suppose that all is well in this life and that their eternal stewardship is progressing right on schedule...I believe that we must pause and take a careful inventory to determine how well our families are doing spiritually. We could ask how well are we feeding, nurturing, training, and exercising the spirits of our children...Remember, eternity is now, not a vague, distant future. We prepare each day, right now, for eternal life. If we are not preparing for eternal life, we are preparing for something else, perhaps something far less." - M. Russell Ballard

That is my favorite quote from the article. I think it is so powerful. When I pause and take inventory, I realize that I could and should be doing more to spiritually strengthen my family - especially my children. One key for me is to make sure I fix dinner each night. I have found that if we sit down and have dinner together, it is natural to go straight from dinner to scriptures and family prayer.

I think for the month of March, I am going to be more consistent with these responsibilities and duties.

February Issue: Repentance, Atonement, Grace

These two articles, "The Atonement Makes Repentance Possible" and "His Grace is Sufficient" are wonderful articles.
The repentance process is outlined for us:

• Have Faith
• Recognize sin and feel sorrow
• Confess
  
• Abandon the sin
• Make Restitution
• Forgive others who have sinned against you

I learned two great lessons in these articles. The first came from this quote, "Sometimes we sin by doing something we know is wrong, but sometimes we sin by failing to do what we know is right."
The second came from the story about a mom who realized that she was letting Satan influence her life through her lack of patience for her children. I struggle with patience. But I have realized that if I try to put my needs and desires aside, I do have more patience for my kids and their needs and desires.
I know that when I am frustrated or angry with them the Spirit will not be with me or in our home. It is a weakness I am working on daily.
"Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross. He said of His suffering, "[It] caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit" (D&C 19:18)

March Issue: Jump Start

The March issue is published! Click here for the online table of contents. The magazine should be in your mail box soon. Mine came today - it looks like another great issue! Get a jump start!

February Issue: Joy

The First Presidency message this month has the same charge it had last month. Missionary Work!





"And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!" - D&C 18:16






I think a powerful statement is made when, on page 8 of the February issue you will find the exact same message from President Monson printed in the January issue. It is no wonder what the Prophet is trying to tell us! Click here to see what latter-day Prophets have taught about preparing to serve a full time mission.






This cute young lady is leaving to serve a full time mission tomorrow! I am so excited for her. I have known her for many years, in fact she used to baby sit my kids when they were little! I know she will be a great missionary.






President Eyring reminds us that missionary work is not just for full time missionaries. He said, "Members are to have the power to find those the Lord has prepared for the missionaries to teach. We need to exercise our faith that the Lord has prepared people around us to be taught. He knows who they are and when they are ready, and He can guide us to them by the power of the Holy Ghost and give us words to invite them to be taught."

February Issue: Helping Children Feel Safe

This is my grandpa... He is very close to the veil today, and will soon be on the other side. We love him dearly, and my kids have been blessed to know him and build a loving relationship with him. I took them to see him last night - maybe for the last time. It was difficult to watch them hug and kiss him with tears streaming down their faces.






This article teaches parents how to help their children feel safe in difficult times such as this.

"How do we bring that peace into the lives of children who are growing up in trying, troubling times?...The best and most meaningful resources are found within the home where faithful, devoted parents and supportive brothers and sisters love one another and teach one another of their divine nature." - M. Russell Ballard

I am so blessed to know that life is eternal. It is such a comfort to me that I can reassure my children that we will see our grandpa again. I can teach them about the plan of salvation and eternal families.





"Children will receive an added measure of comfort and stability as you and they live by the words of the prophets and continue the practices that bring peace into the home, such as family and personal prayer, scripture study, and temple worship." (Feb. issue pg. 17)

February Issue: Voice of the Spirit

The February issue is packed full with great articles. Four of them go hand in hand and would be great to use for a family home evening lesson. "Learning to Hear and Understand the Spirit," "Check the Tire," "Revelation Pouring Down from Heaven," and "Finding Answers."

Elder Bruce R. McConkie said, "Men ought - above all things in this world - to seek for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. There is nothing as important as having the companionship of the Holy Ghost. There is no price too high, no labor too onerous, no struggle too severe, no sacrifice too great, if out of it all we receive and enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost."



I love to go to the temple to more clearly hear the voice of the Spirit...