Welcome

Category: All Things LDS

  • Washington, D.C., I love you.

    Jad, Kamren and I went to Washington, D.C. this past Friday through Sunday. It was such a wonderful vacation for us. It was Jad’s first time ever being in D.C. and I hadn’t been there for many years.

    Throughout our time there, my mind flooded with memories of my childhood. When I looked at the Washington Memorial, I thought of how I had never gone up it because my dad is afraid of heights.

    When I looked up at Abraham Lincoln, he was just as big as I remembered. 

    When we went to the Smithsonians, I remembered how much I used to love looking at the gemstones at the Museum of Natural History, and how entrancing Dorothy’s ruby slippers were, and still are, to me. I remembered the airplanes hanging from the ceiling just like it was yesterday, and still feel giddy as a school girl when I see the First Ladies’ ball gowns. I also felt the same special feeling seeing the sunstone from the Nauvoo Temple.

    As I reminisced, Jad experienced D.C. for the first time in all its wonderment. He was in awe of the ornate architecture everywhere we went. He fell in love with the Capitol, and felt right at home on the green grass covering the mall.

    We both especially loved the architecture of the Library of Congress. We could have stayed there forever admiring every ceiling, every pillar, every wall engraving, every quote, every color palette.

    Because Jad and I had never been to D.C. together, everything felt new and fresh and adventurous.

    We learned how to read a Metro map and took the Metro.

    We only actually rode the metro once, and loved walking many miles around a city so big, loud and busy, and yet so peaceful.

    As we walked, we felt an inner reverence as we reflected on the many freedoms we are able to enjoy in this great land. Regardless of hardships that occur in our country, we are still so blessed and proud to be Americans.

    We really enjoyed visiting some of the monuments on our first night there. We took a walking tour and learned so much from our tour guide. I loved seeing monuments I had grown up loving, and also visiting some I had never seen before.

    We really enjoyed the good food D.C. had to offer too.On my birthday, we enjoyed the best breakfast we had ever had in our lives, at a restaurant called Founding Farmers.

     Beignets with raspberry, caramel and chocolate dipping sauces.
    Egg cream and sparkling passion fruit juice. Egg creams are to die for, by the way.

    Jad got chicken and waffles, with gravy, and the best scrambled eggs in the world.

    I got heaven on a plate. French toast sticks with strawberries and whipped cream, all from scratch.

    Did I mention the french toast was stuffed with vanilla cream??
    Our experiences in D.C. were made so much sweeter by sharing them with our beloved Kamren.

    Turning 30 in Washington, D.C. is something I will never forget.
    The day after my birthday we would fly home to Mebane, but not until after an unforgettable day.
    It started by attending church. The building was like none I had ever seen before. It was beautiful, and the people in the congregation were diverse and unique. I felt honored to participate in an instant choir number.

    Upon leaving church, we prepared to head just 15 minutes outside of D.C. Though our time had been fulfilling in every way, we longed to go to one more place – a special place in Kensington, Maryland.
    Can you see it in this picture? Look hard.

    I will give you a hint. Here is Kamren next to a model of it.
    That is a model of the LDS Washington D.C. Temple. We would soon walk on the grounds and view it in all its majesty. 
    First, though, we spent time in the Temple Visitors’ Center, a place for all to learn more about the LDS faith, about temples, and about Jesus Christ.
    We started out our visit in such a spiritual way. We entered a beautiful theater, relaxed in the lovely burgundy seats, and watched a movie about the life of Joseph Smith.
    Jad and I had both seen it before, but we drank in every minute of the prophet’s life with the utmost respect and love. Tears streamed down our faces as the movie ended. The Spirit was strong.
    We then walked around the center, and enjoyed all it had to offer. 
    Videos of fellow LDS members, talking about their lives and faith.
    Videos of missionaries telling their stories, videos about family, educational presentations teaching about the gospel through the words of the Book of Mormon, and so much more.
    I loved watching videos of the LDS humanitarian efforts around the world. 
    The wall of prophets was so beautiful. Prophets from the Bible and Book of Mormon were portrayed, ending with the first prophet of this dispensation, Joseph Smith.
    Thought-provoking quotes adorned the walls. This one is from our prophet, Thomas S. Monson. It was his birthday wish a few years ago.

    For me, the most wonderful part of the visitors’ center is the Christus. There are benches where you can sit down and listen to Christ speaking His word directly to you. You can feel His love surround you.
     
     This is a picture of us outside the Visitors’ center with the magnificent temple behind us. My favorite part of our D.C. trip would be walking around this sacred house of of God.

    We were truly so happy to be there.

    The grounds are so lovely.

    This is the Lord’s house. It is a sacred place to feel a bit of heaven on earth, to feel peace in a wicked world, to further the kingdom of God. 
    I love the gold doors adorning the temple.

    Kamren loved crawling in the soft grass.

    Being at the temple brought back so many memories of my youth. This is the temple I always went to growing up. It was a wonderful experience to be there with my son and my husband.

    This is one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen. I had forgotten just how glorious it really is.

    Because of temples, families can be together forever. I know this is true.

    We left the temple to go to the airport, but the feelings we had there lingered with us as we drove.  

    I really think this was one of the most wonderful vacations I have taken in a long time. Old memories, new memories, a renewed bond with my family, and an enhanced faith in my country and in my God.

  • Sabbath Day Light: I know that God is real. I will never deny it.

    Church this Sunday was once again amazing. I was so happy to have a couple of my friends attend with us to support me as I sang, and to share in our love of our new building. I was also able to hear a friend, who recently began coming back to church, sing in church, which I felt very honored and blessed to witness. I also loved the lessons I learned from speakers and teachers.

    Just like last week, the Spirit was so strong. It enveloped me like a warm hug. During one point in our Sacrament Meeting the Spirit burned a fire in my heart, testifying to me of ultimate truth.
    This moment occurred when a group of people I love – a good friend, and three youth who I admire for their strong testimonies – got up and sang to the congregation. Before they sang, they took turns narrating a story and scripture to preface the song’s tender subject. Here are the words to the song.

    “The Power of God“
    From Cumorah’s Hill
    Steven Kapp Perry

    Listen to the wind blow,
    Lonely as a sigh.
    Nothing overhead but empty sky.
    Look up at starlight
    On a dark night;
    Are we all alone,
    An island in space?
    Or is there a plan
    Where I have a place?
    Could it be that heaven
    Is man’s imagining,
    Reaching out for hope in childish dreams?
    Stories so old then,
    We’ve outgrown them?
    Has God gone away
    Or hidden His face?
    Have miracles ceased to be?

    CHORUS: But the power of God is plain to see,
    There are wonders on every hand
    To those who will see through eyes of faith,
    Beyond the mind of man.
    For how could we hope
    To see His face,
    Who never could see
    His hand?

    Some may see a rainbow
    As nothing more than light.
    Others see a promise and a sign.
    Everyday wonders
    Without number
    Are here all around
    And wait to be found
    By those who have eyes to see.

    CHORUS (repeat)

    Listen to the wind blow,
    Then listen once again.

    Tears streamed down my face as I listened to this choir of beautiful voices. Their voices mesmerized, their countenances shone, their faith encompassed the entire chapel.

    I felt without a shadow of a doubt, not only that they believed what they were singing, not only that I also believed what they were singing, but that the words to the song were absolutely true.

    The scripture story that the youth read from before singing was in the Book of Mormon in Alma Chapter 30.

    The portion the group read was:

    “And then Alma said unto [Korihor], Believest thou that there is a God? And he answered, Nay (37, 38).

    And now, what evidence have ye that there is no God, or that Christ cometh not? I say unto you that ye have none, save it be your word only (40)…

    I say until you, I know there is a God, and also that Christ shall come…yea and all things denote there is a God” (39, 44).

    There are so many people who do not believe in God, and it shocks and saddens me.  Some do not believe because of scientific studies that say the earth is millions of years old, rather than only a few thousand. Some do not believe because they have never seen God, and nobody can prove to them 100% that there is a God. Some maybe used to believe, but no longer do because of hardships they have endured, and cannot see how God would allow such suffering to occur. Finally, there are some who do not believe in God and Jesus Christ because they have never heard about them.

    Some things I have learned through study and prayer are:

    1. Faith precedes the miracle. We will not receive a witness of truth until after the trial of our faith.
    2. God has not revealed all knowledge yet, and we will know someday if we remain faithful. When Christ comes again, he will reveal all things.
    3. We each have been given our freedom to choose God. If it were incredibly obvious that God existed and that we should follow Him, then there would be no need for faith, and no ability to grow and learn.
    4. Pain and suffering are gifts to us, as they give us the opportunity to humble ourselves, turn to the Lord for help, learn patience, realize our will is not always God’s will, open our perspective to the eternities,  help us appreciate our prosperous times more, and strengthen our faith.
    5. All people who have lived and who ever will live will have the opportunity to know of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Nobody will be lost just because they didn’t know God. There is work being done now in temples, and will continue when Christ comes again, to ensure that all people have the chance to choose God if they desire Him.

    The beautiful song that my friends sang helps us see God’s hand in all things. He is the divine creator. The things we have on this earth, the small things, the beautiful things, all things, come from Him. We cannot look, smell, touch, or hear without witnessing God’s love for us.

  • Sabbath Day Light: I love God and His children. That includes you.

    There are so many things I could write about today. The Spirit at church was so strong and thick, you could swim in it. From thinking about my purpose to fasting today, to the beautiful testimonies borne by other faithful Saints, to discussing moral courage in Sunday School, to talking about the importance of education, both temporally and spiritually, my heart is full.

    I truly left church happy today. I am filled with God’s love for me. I am also filled with love for God’s children, my brothers and sisters.

    I am filled with God’s love for me and His children because…

    1. He has provided the people of the Hillsborough/Mebane area with a sunny, beautiful new building to worship in. I have seen a new brightness in our congregation that I hope will never dim.

    2. The Holy Ghost was visibly present in our meetings to testify of truth and to edify our souls.

    3. The Sacrament was administered to us, as it is every week, to allow us to renew our baptismal covenants.
    3. God has revealed, through the words of prophets, scriptures to lead us and guide us on the straight and narrow path back to Him. Studying them each week in Sunday School helps me stay on that path.
    4. The people in my congregation are all different. They lead different lives, have different struggles and different joys. They have some things in common, though. They have hope and they have faith, because they know they are children of God and that Jesus Christ is their Savior. I felt, and always feel, that knowledge radiate through the countenances of their faces, and light up the whole building.

    I am filled with my own love for my brothers and sisters because…

    1. I observed how hard they work to fulfill their church responsibilities, simply because they love the Lord.

    2. I loved hearing them bear their individual testimonies and share their personal experiences that have brought them closer to Christ. I was truly touched by all who shared.
    3. I received help with my children today as different members played with them.
    4. I felt appreciation for my testimony as people approached me, thanking me for sharing it.
    5. I felt loved as people said hello to me and smiled at me and asked me how I was doing.
    6. I had the blessing of meeting some new individuals, who I am excited to get to know.
    7. I smiled at my baby being cute, and smiled at the people who smiled at him being cute.
    9. I asked how I could help some of my fellow sisters, with a heart willing to serve.
    10. I listened to a sister play a song on the piano, and even though she was nervous and made some mistakes, I felt love and appreciation for her for having the courage and desire to share her talents.
    11. I happily accepted an assignment to substitute a class.
    12. I, without a second thought, offered the use of some of my belongings to a friend.

    What I think is so amazing, is that we can feel love for God and for others because of things that touch us, things we see, things we experience, things we study, things others do for us, and also things we do for others.

    I am so grateful for this love I feel in my heart right now. I have realized (or re-realized) today, that being judgmental, gossiping, and holding a grudge never bring happiness and light. They never improve or help or uplift. Only by loving, even when it is hard or inconvenient, will change our hearts. It will change the world.

  • Are Mormons Christians: A question that can only be answered by a Mormon

    I remember like it was yesterday sitting in my 9th grade history class. We were studying different Christian religions and my teacher brought up Mormons. A boy in class, one I happened to have a crush on at the time, shook his head and said, “Mormons aren’t Christians. They wrote their own book.” I, a 14-year-old Mormon girl, was too afraid to raise my hand and correct him. I will never forget that day.

    To make up for it now, I would like to write about how Mormons are truly Christian people.

    What is a Christian? Well, a Christian is a person who believes in the divinity of Jesus Christ as the son of God and Savior of the world, and who strives throughout his/her life to follow Christ’s teachings and example.

    Since I was a little girl, I have grown up believing in Jesus Christ as my Savior. My whole life I have been taught how to follow Christ, and each day I try to do that more and more. For those of you who don’t know much about Mormons, I would love to expound upon how we are Christians:

    • Jesus Christ is the head of our church and the center of it.

    The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “The fundamental principles of our religion are … concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.”

    Lord Jesus Christ, Our Savior
    • The name of our church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
    • Mormon meetinghouses, homes and temples are adorned with pictures of Christ.
    • Each Sunday, in our church congregations, Mormons administer and partake of the Sacrament (Communion) to remember Christ’s body and blood. We promise to always remember Him.
    • We pray to Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ. We pray before every meal, before every church activity, every morning and every night. We also strive to always have a prayer in our hearts.
    • Mormons are baptized by immersion in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. The immersion symbolizes Christ’s death and resurrection, and represents the end of one’s past life and the beginning of one’s new spiritual life. When we are baptized, we promise to take upon us the name of Christ, bear one another’s burdens, and stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things and in all places.
    • Mormons believe in loving all people as children of God, which includes finding good in all people, forgiving others, being kind to others, and not judging others. We also spend much of our lives in service to our neighbors, friends and families.
    • Our church has a very large humanitarian aid program. Since it started keeping track in 1985, it has donated more than $1 billion in cash and material assistance to 167 different countries in need of humanitarian aid.
    • Many members of our church choose to serve missions around the world where they spread the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Though not all members serve official missions, all members strive to share the gospel of Jesus Christ from day to day, through example and in natural conversation.
    • Mormons study and read the Bible throughout their lives, and copies of the Bible can be found in our churches, homes and temples.
    • Mormons strive throughout their lives to keep God’s commandments – not just the ten commandments, but the higher law Christ taught.  We know that to truly love God and to live with Him again, we must follow all of His commandments.
    • We seek forgiveness throughout our lives for our sins through the atonement of Jesus Christ and strive throughout our lives to be more like Him. We know that He is the only way to have eternal life with our Father in Heaven.

     Now, what about this book that my high school friend said Mormons wrote? Well, he was referring to the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. It is true that Mormons read, study and ponder this book along with the Bible our entire lives. It is true that Mormons believe this is the truest book on earth. We don’t believe it is the truest book on earth because an expert in Christianity wrote it. Joseph Smith actually only had a third grade education. No, we believe that it is actual scripture written by prophets living in ancient America, starting 600 years before Christ. In one of the books in the Book of Mormon, the resurrected Jesus Christ appears to the people there and preaches what He had taught in his mortal ministry. You can read more about the Book of Mormon here, request a free copy here, or read the book electronically here. In its more than six thousand verses, the Book of Mormon refers to Jesus Christ almost four thousand times and by over one hundred different names. Please refer to my blog post about the Book of Mormon, and 100 things it has taught me here.

    I mentioned a man named Joseph Smith. Some believe Mormons worship Joseph Smith. This is not the case, though we highly revere him. He was the first prophet of our church. The story of how our church came to exist, as well as how the Book of Mormon came into existence, is a long one. I cannot tell it as well as Joseph Smith himself.

     

    Joseph Smith, we believe, was a prophet of God. A prophet of God leads our church today. His name is Thomas S. Monson, and we believe that he receives revelation from God to lead His church on the earth. We believe that our church is the same church that existed when Christ was on the earth. Just as in Christ’s time, we have prophets, apostles, temples, and the priesthood.

     

    Based on the definition of what a Christian is, Mormons are definitely Christians. However, we have additional doctrines and practices not familiar to other Christian churches. This is why many Christians say we are not Christians. I will not personally address these issues, but if you would like to read about them, you may find these articles of interest:

    There is also an official statement written by Mormon apostles and prophets regarding our beliefs about Christ.

     

    As for me, I love Jesus Christ with all of my heart. I am grateful for Him. I know that He was born of a virgin in the most humble beginnings. I know He led a perfect life of love, kindness, forgiveness, and service. He truly taught us the way to live to return to our Father in Heaven. I know He suffered for our pains and sins in the Garden of Gethsemane. There He paid the price for all of us. Because He suffered, we wouldn’t have to, but instead, through Him, could repent of our sins and become clean.  His atonement is infinite and we can use it all our lives, not only for repentance, but also for healing when we go through difficult times, and for spiritual strength to press forward in an increasingly wicked world. I know that Jesus died on the cross and rose on the third day. Because he died and was resurrected, we can all be resurrected to our perfect form. I know Jesus knows my name, and your name. I know He loves us all equally and wants all of us to succeed. He, along with Heavenly Father and the Holy Ghost, are united in helping us attain eternal life. I know if I remain faithful in my heart, in my words and in my deeds, this can be so.

    Yes, Mormons are Christians. Out of all hats we wear, out of all things we define ourselves by, most importantly, we are children of God.

    Much love,
    Mandy Al-Bjaly

    http://mormon.org/me/5RNJ

  • Sabbath Day Light: There is music in me

    I am a person who loves music. As I think about it, it has always been such a huge part of my life, and the memories I have make me smile.

    My love of music came from my Nana and Granddad.


    My Granddad was an amazingly talented pianist and organist. He had a gift not many people have, and used it for so much good. He was the organist in our church congregation for as long as I can remember. He also taught me, my siblings, and many others piano lessons. I remember him always making sure I lifted my wrists, and he wouldn’t check off a song unless I played it perfectly. I treasure seeing his handwriting in music books I still have. It is a way to always have a part of him with me.

    My Nana has one of the most beautiful, operatic voices, a voice that you would imagine a chorus of birds accompanying. I grew up just loving her voice, and wanting to sing just like her. I think if Nana could sing instead of talk, she probably would. My whole life, she and I have had a special song (from Guys and Dolls), which goes, “I love you, a bushel and a peck, a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck, hug around the neck, and a barrel in a heap, barrel in a heap, and I’m talkin’ in my sleep about you.” I can hear her singing it right now. Even at my age, she will either sing it to me, or we will take turns saying each phrase to each other.

    Disney songs made childhood so much more fun.


    When I was a kid, my siblings and I were obsessed with Disney movies. I recall watching at least one a day during the summers. We loved singing the songs. One of my favorite activities was singing Disney songs, especially from Sleeping Beauty, into a running fan. It would make my voice project and sound crackly. We all thought it was hilarious.

    Car trips were way more fun with these singers.

    I remember growing up that my mom had certain cassette tapes she played over and over. The artists I remember the most were Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Michael Bolton, Barry Manilow, and Rick Astley.

    I think my favorite songs were “I Will Always Love You,” “Copacabana,” and “Never Gonna Give You Up.” It’s hard to pick, though, because I just loved listening to these artists on the way to the pool, Kmart, or the library.

    The Backstreet Boys brought teenage girls together.


    Anyone remember the age of boy bands? I remember for several of my preteen and teenage years being totally obsessed with the Backstreet Boys. My friends loved them; my mom even loved them.

    Their songs were so catchy and fun to sing and dance to.

    “Backstreet’s back, all right!” “Tell me why!” “And that makes you larger than life!”

    They were also really cute, had awesome music videos, and sold awesome merchandise. I remember getting a Brian patch for my backpack, and a Brian poster for my wall, and probably other Brian stuff. Can you tell I liked Brian?

    Singing, listening to and playing musicals was my life.


    When I was a teenager, I was obsessed with musicals. I think this obsession started in 8th grade, when my drama class read and listened to The Phantom of the Opera (which I still think is the best musical ever). I remember I had to read Christine’s lyrics to “The Point of No Return.” Yeah, my cheeks were pretty red as I realized what the song was about.

    After getting the Phantom CD for my birthday that year, I listened to it and listened to it, and sang it, and listened to it. I grew to really love it, which opened my appetite for more musicals.

    I started to ask for music books of musicals so I could play them on the piano, and sing along, of course. Some of my favorites were Cats, Jekyll & Hyde, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and Les Miserables.

    I have many memories of singing this music and others, while I played my CDs in my room. I would sing while putting on my make up and doing my hair. I always thought if my door was closed, nobody could hear me – or maybe I just didn’t care.

    I had the time of my life in high school when I got to play Hodel from Fiddler on the Roof my Sophomore year, and Catherine from Pippin my Senior year.

    My love of musicals followed me to college and beyond. Last year I was able to act in a musical with my son, Casey, and many other members of my church in the Durham/Chapel Hill areas. I had the time of my life, and I remembered how much I love acting in musicals.

    My love of music helped me meet my husband.


    In the spring of 2009, I was dating a Marine who was deployed in Iraq. Despite my relationship status, I still went to the young single adult dances put on each month by my church. I didn’t go to meet men, but simply to satisfy my craving to dance to loud, upbeat music. Had I not gone to the dances that April and May, I never would have met or dated my husband since he lived two hours away. Thank you, love of music and dancing.

    Primary songs are better when you are an adult.


    As a child in the LDS church, I grew up learning and singing many songs about prayer, Jesus Christ, gratitude, prophets, and love. Some of the songs were just for fun, and were about apricot trees or snowmen.

    My favorite Primary songs as a child were A Child’s Prayer and My Heavenly Father Loves Me.

    I always loved going to church so I could sing these songs. As an adult, I have had the opportunity to teach these same songs to new generations of children. From teaching the songs, and also having been a teacher seeing the kids learn, sing, and love them, I have learned to love the Primary songs even more.

    They have a new significance to my life, and I feel the presence of the Holy Ghost more strongly when singing them than ever before. I often sing Primary songs to my children, my favorites being I am a Child of God, I Feel My Savior’s Love, Families Can Be Together Forever, and I Love to See the Temple.


    Singing is one of the best ways to feel the Spirit.

    I am one of those people that loves singing in church choir, singing solos in church, and singing the hymns loudly and joyfully. People often tell me they were glad they sat near me because I make it easier to sing the songs.

    More than once in my adult life I have been the chorister of our church congregation, and also have thoughtfully and prayerfully chosen the hymns to be sung each Sunday.

    Something I have realized is that singing is a wonderful way to praise and show love to our Savior and our Heavenly Father. Hymns help us really internalize gospel principles as well, such as the atonement of Jesus Christ and loving one another.

    The best thing about hymns is, if they are sung with real intent, they can help you feel the Spirit, and testify to you of the truthfulness of many things.

    The reason I thought to blog about music in my life was because of the strong spirit I felt at church this Sunday, the first Sunday in our beautiful new building in Mebane. There were many gorgeous musical numbers, and all brought tears to my eyes, including the choir number I participated in, entitled Be Still.


    I am so grateful that music exists. It can be fun, soothing, inspiring, powerful, uplifting. It is such a magnificent form of expression. It touches the mind, the heart, and the spirit.

  • Sabbath Day Light: A talking donkey spoke to me

    This week in Sunday School, we discussed the story of Balaam, a prophet whom King Balak enticed many times to curse the Israelites.

    You can read a full description of the story here. I found it very interesting and enlightening.

    There are so many lessons to be learned from it, such as the need to obey God’s commandments with exactness , to not be tempted by worldly treasures, and to accept and follow answers to prayer, instead of trying to get God to change His will.

    The point that moved me the most, though, came  from the encounter with Balaam and his donkey, who he thought was mocking him by not proceeding forth on their journey, but rather stopping, or turning, or falling down. Balaam beat his donkey, and after the donkey was allowed by God to speak, realized that the donkey in fact was saving him from death.

    Balaam and his donkey

    I thought about how as people we often are quick to get angry and quick to be offended. Often when we choose to feel this way, we lash out irrationally, usually without knowing all the facts.

    Most of the time, when someone seemingly hurts us, it isn’t intentional. Most people aren’t out to hurt us or bring us down. Sometimes people just have bad days, fumble something they say, forget a promise they have made, or are just speaking or doing what they usually do, not realizing it may not be the best way to communicate.

    Sometimes we just don’t have all the facts. We only see one piece of the puzzle, and rather than seek out the rest of pieces, we make assumptions – assumptions which lead to bitterness, lashing out, awkwardness, or gossip.

    Then there are times when people really are out to hurt us. It could be a stranger, a peer, or even someone we love.
    In those cases, we really have no choice but to be angry and offended, right? We aren’t in the wrong if we lash out, either physically, verbally, or nonverbally because that person deserves it, correct? Isn’t that just justice?

    That is the common response, but in reality, anger is a CHOICE.

    A leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS church), Elder Lynn G. Robbins, said: 

    “A cunning part
    of his [Satan’s] strategy is to dissociate anger from agency, making us believe
    that we are victims of an emotion that we cannot control. We hear, ‘I lost my
    temper.’ Losing one’s temper is an interesting choice of words that has become
    a widely used idiom. To ‘lose something’ implies ‘not meaning to,’
    ‘accidental,’ ‘involuntary,’ ‘not responsible’—careless perhaps but ‘not
    responsible.’

    “‘He made me
    mad.’ This is another phrase we hear, also implying lack of control or agency.
    This is a myth that must be debunked. No one makes us mad. Others don’t make us
    angry. There is no force involved. Becoming angry is a conscious choice, a
    decision; therefore, we can make the choice not to become angry. We choose! To those who say,
    ‘But I can’t help myself,’ author William Wilbanks responds, ‘Nonsense.’

    “‘Aggression, …
    suppressing the anger, talking about it, screaming and yelling,’ are all
    learned strategies in dealing with anger. ‘We choose the one that has proved
    effective for us in the past. Ever notice how seldom we lose control when
    frustrated by our boss, but how often we do when annoyed by friends or family?’ (‘The New
    Obscenity,’ Reader’s Digest, Dec. 1988, 24; italics added)” (in Conference
    Report, Apr. 1998, 105; or Ensign, May 1998, 80).

    If anger is a choice, why do we choose it? Does it solve anything?

    The living prophet of the LDS church, Thomas S.
    Monson said, “Anger does not solve anything; it
    builds nothing. To be angry is to yield to the influence of Satan. No one can
    make us angry. It is our choice. If we desire to have a proper spirit with us
    at all times, we must choose to refrain from becoming angry. I testify that
    such is possible.”

    Looking at the scriptures, Jesus Christ taught,
    “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
    “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. …
    “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
    “And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
    “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:43–44, 46–48).
    It is interesting that just before commanding us to be perfect, the Lord counsels us to love our neighbors and our enemies. This is not easy, but as President Monson said, it is possible.
    Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the LDS church, declared, “One of the greatest indicators of our own spiritual maturity is revealed in how we respond to the weaknesses, the inexperience, and the potentially offensive actions of others. A thing, an event, or an expression may be offensive, but you and I can choose not to be offended…”
    Are we mature people, especially in things of the Spirit? I personally know I need to take my own advice, as well as the counsel of these great men, especially my Savior.
    Let’s try to take more breaths, think more rationally, give more benefits of the doubt, seek more clarification, and love more dearly. Let us also try harder not to be the one causing the hurt, whether intentionally or unintentionally. All we have to do is try to see perspectives outside our own.
    Join with me! Let’s be more spiritually mature together. Let’s choose the better part.
    Thank you, talking donkey, for speaking to me.

  • Sabbath Day Light: Women of faith united

    This Sunday, as everyone knows, was Mother’s Day. The whole day was wonderful, and during every minute of church, the Spirit was there so strongly.  In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe in the divine nature of men and women. During church, it really hit me that women really do have special characteristics and qualities that help them be good mothers, loyal servants of Christ, and devoted friends, to name just a few.

    I love women, and I love being a woman. Womanhood should be celebrated and embraced. We are all so special and unique, and have been given special God-given gifts individually, and collectively, as women.

    In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there is an organization called the Relief Society, of which I, and all women in my church, ages 18 and up, belong. It is actually the oldest and largest women’s organization in the world, being organized in 1842.

    If you would to read the beautiful Relief Society declaration, please click here.

    Each Sunday, during the third hour of church, the women of the Relief Society meet together and are spiritually fed. We are taught and participate in lessons that help us strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ, and find ways to strengthen our homes and families. We also meet about once a month to have an activity where we learn new skills and bond with each other as sisters.

    Not only do the Relief Society sisters meet together often, but we also strive to continuously help each other. In our church, we are very service-oriented. In each congregation, there are a couple sisters who communicate with women who currently have specific needs, and then coordinate with the rest of us to help them. It could be anything from a visit, to babysitting, to a meal.

    Most of we women in the Relief Society are also assigned specific other women to keep in contact with, teach spiritual lessons to, serve, and befriend. By doing this, what we call visiting teaching, we are making sure that all women in our congregation, and whole church, feel loved, cared for, and spiritually nourished outside of church.

    This Sunday during our Relief Society meeting, we actually discussed how to be better visiting teachers. It’s not about checking off that you made contact with someone each month. It’s so much more than that. It is about friendship, service, and Christ-like love. Many women in our congregation spoke of specific experiences where they felt so loved by their visiting teachers. It has invigorated my desire to show more love and help to all the women I currently visit teach, and to those I will in the future.

    I feel so blessed to be a part of such a large and long-lasting organization, whose purpose is to help ourselves and others be the best women, sisters, mothers, wives, and daughters of God we can be.

    We of the Relief Society hold our hands out to each woman in the world to be a part of us. All you have to do is come, and there will be women there to call you their sister. The Lord smiles down on those who love Him – and those who love Him, love their fellow man… and woman.

    If you are interested in learning more about my church and the Relief Society program, you can input your address here to find a congregation location and time. I promise you will be welcomed with open arms.

  • 100 Things the Book of Mormon Has Taught Me

    Last week I completed my fourth and final semester studying the Book of Mormon, along with other sisters who I have come to love dearly. The first two semesters, I was blessed to be taught by a wonderful sister. Then the last two semesters, I had the blessed responsibility of teaching the class. In both roles, I grew as a person and as a daughter of God. I also learned to love the Book of Mormon more than I ever had before in my life.

    I want to share with you 100 beautiful truths from the Book of Mormon that have helped, and continue to help me, in my journey to be more like my Savior.

    1. The Lord provides a way for us to follow His commands (1 Nephi 3:7).
    2. The Lord can do all things for us, that are His will,  if we have faith in Him (1 Nephi 7:12).
    3. Sometimes the Lord commands us to do things for a purpose we don’t understand (1 Nephi 9:5).
    4. If we listen to the word of God, and follow it, the devil can’t overpower us (1 Nephi 15:24).
    5. We receive strength as we obey God’s commandments (1 Nephi 17:3).
    6. Regardless of our afflictions, we should praise God and not murmur (1 Nephi 18:16).
    7. Jesus Christ offered himself as a sacrifice for sin. Only through His mercy and grace, can those who believe return to God’s presence (2 Nephi 2:6-8).
    8. Everything must have its opposite. You cannot have one without the other (2 Nephi 2:11-13).
    9. We all have our free agency to choose to follow Christ or the devil (2 Nephi 2:27, 2 Nephi 10:23).
    10. Those who trust man instead of God are cursed (2 Nephi 4:34).
    11. The Lord admonishes us to listen to Him and not be afraid of men, for they die. The Lord and His righteousness are forever (2 Nephi 8:7-8, 12).
    12. The Lord will bless you and give you knowledge if you are humble. He despises those who  value riches and knowledge of men more than His counsel (2 Nephi 9:28-30, 42).
    13.  We are saved by grace after all we can do (2 Nephi 25:23).
    14. People will say they have a bible and don’t need another bible. The Lord answers by saying He loves His people all over the world and He will visit all nations after His resurrection. A written testimony of two nations is a witness of Him, and that He remembers all nations (2 Nephi 29:-78).
    15. The Lamb of God was holy, yet He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. We who are unholy, must be baptized to show obedience to God and His commandments (2 Nephi 31:5-7).
    16. After we are baptized, we still have work to do to receive eternal life. We must stay faithful, love God and our neighbors, follow the word of Christ, etc. (2 Nephi 19-20).
    17. After we are baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, we can speak by the power of the Holy Ghost. As we study our scriptures, we will know what we should do (2 Nephi 32:2-3, 5).
    18. Pray always. Don’t do anything unto the Lord without praying first for help (2 Nephi 32:9).
    19. Seek for the kingdom of God before you seek for riches. If you do obtain riches, use them to do good to others, for we are all precious to God (Jacob 2:18-21).
    20. When we serve others, we are serving God. If we praise, thank and serve God all our lives with our whole souls, we will still be unprofitable servants. All we have to do is keep His commandments, and we are blessed. We will always be indebted to Christ, and have no reason to ever boast of ourselves (Mosiah 2:17, 20-24).
    21. We must be like little children and put off the natural man, else we are an enemy to God (Mosiah 3:18-19).
    22. God created all things, has all wisdom, and all power. We can’t comprehend what He can (Mosiah 4:9).
    23. We should teach our children to keep God’s commandments and to love and serve others. We should not withhold our help from those who need it, saying they deserve what they get. We are all beggars and rely on God for all (Mosiah 4:14-19).
    24. We must watch our thoughts, words and deeds, and keep God’s commandments, else we will perish (Mosiah 4:30).
    25. When we are baptized, we make a covenant to be obedient to all of God’s commands, all our lives. When we make this covenant, we are called the children of Christ. We must remember Him always. How can we know Him if we do not serve Him and keep Him in our hearts? (Mosiah 4:5-13).
    26. When we are baptized, we promise to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things and in all places (Mosiah 18:9).
    27. The Lord will forgive those who repent. We should forgive each other as well. If we don’t, then we will not be forgiven of our sins (Mosiah 26:30-31).
    28. The judgments of God are always just, but the judgments of man are not (Mosiah 29:12).
    29. Alma asks many questions to see if his people are prepared for salvation. These are great questions to ponder and see how you are doing in your path of righteousness (Alma 5:14-32).
    30. The word of God must be fulfilled, regardless if people reject it (Alma 5:58).
    31. To walk blameless before God, we must be humble, gentle, patient, grateful, etc (Alma 7:23-24).
    32. Christ has loosed the bands of temporal death. All will be resurrected (Alma 11:43-44).
    33. Those with soft hearts receive more of God’s word than those who harden their hearts (Alma 12:10).
    34. This life is a time to prepare to meet God (Alma 12:24).
    35. Do not procrastinate the day of your repentance, but instead watch and pray continually and have faith, and a hope of eternal life. (Alma 13:27-30)
    36. Who can glory too much in the Lord? (Alma 26:16).
    37. God is mindful of all people and is merciful unto them (Alma 26:37).
    38. What profit is it to labor in a church if you don’t get paid? It is to rejoice in the joy of others (Alma 30:34-35).
    39. All things denote there is a God (Alma 30:44).
    40. The Lord provides strength, comfort and patience to those who suffer afflictions, as long as they pray in faith (Alma 31:30-38).
    41. It is better to humble yourself because of God’s word than to be compelled to be humble (Alma 32:12-16).
    42. Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge, but a hope for things which are not seen, which are true (Alma 32:21).
    43. Faith begins with a desire to believe. Alma the younger, a prophet, compares the word of God unto a seed and explains how it can grow and bring forth fruit to you (Alma 32:27-43).
    44. By small and simple things God brings about great things, including the salvation of souls (Alma 37:6-7).
    45.  The Lord keeps His promises, and always has (Alma 37:17).
    46. If you counsel with the Lord, He will direct you. Those who pray daily and have hearts filled with gratitude daily will be lifted up at the last day (Alma 37:37).
    47. You cannot hide your crimes from God. You must repent of your sins (Alma 39:8).
    48. Do not seek after riches, for you can’t take them with you (Alma 39:14).
    49. Wickedness never was happiness. Those who do not follow God cannot be happy (Alma 41:10-11).
    50. Christ’s atonement has brought about the plan of mercy and appeases the demands of justice by allowing us to repent of our sins (Alma 42:13-15).
    51. War is justified to protect families, lands, rights and religion (Alma 43:46-47).
    52. God will preserve the faithful. The Lord will not allow a people to be destroyed unless they fall into transgression and deny their faith (Alma 44:4).
    53. Captain Moroni’s character is explained, and then it issaid that if all people were like him, the devil could have no power over anyone (Alma 48:11-13, 17).
    54. If you do not doubt, God will deliver you from your enemies (Alma 56:47-48).
    55. Joy  and pureness of heart comes from humility and giving your heart to God (Helaman 3:35).
    56. If you build your foundation on the rock of Christ, the devil cannot drag you  down into misery and despair. Those who build a sure foundation cannot fall (Helaman 5:12).
    57. Samuel, a Lamanite prophet, prophesies that the night before Christ is born, there will be no darkness, but a day and a night and a day of only light. A new star will arise and signs and wonders will come from Heaven (Helaman 14:3-6).
    58. Jesus must die so that the dead can be resurrected. His death redeems mankind and, through repentance, allows all to enter back into the presence of God (Helaman 14: 15-18).
    59. Samuel prophesies that upon Christ’s death, there will be darkness until He is resurrected. During this period of darkness, there will be terrible natural disasters, changing the face of the whole earth, above and beneath (Helaman 14:20-27).
    60. The words of the prophets are fulfilled every whit (3 Nephi 1:20).
    61. Christ extends His mercy to all who come to Him (3 Nephi 9:14).
    62. Heavenly Father speaks to the Nephites in the land Bountiful, and testifies of His beloved son. Jesus descends out of heaven and stands in their midst. He speaks of his atoning sacrifice and invites the multitude to thrust their hands into His side, and feel the prints in His hands and feet (3 Nephi 11:7-15).
    63. Jesus instructs the prophet Nephi on how baptism should be done – in His name, having proper authority, and by immersion (3 Nephi 11:21-26).
    64. Contention and anger are of the devil (3 Nephi 11:29-30).
    65. Jesus speaks the Beatitudes to the Nephites, just as He did at the Sermon on the Mount (3 Nephi
    12:3-12).
    66. The Father knows what you need before you ask Him (3 Nephi 13:8).
    67. If you first seek the kingdom of Heaven, you will be blessed with your temporal needs (3 Nephi 13:33).
    68. Do not judge others. First look at yourself and what you need to change before you point out others’ faults (3 Nephi 14:1-5).
    69. Only those who do the will of the Father will enter the kingdom of Heaven (3 Nephi 14:21).
    70. When Christ told the Jews that He had other sheep which were not of this fold, they thought He meant the Gentiles. However, Jesus tells the Nephites that this is not so; that the other sheep are them and other people around the world that He would visit after His resurrection  (3 Nephi 15:16-24).
    71. Just as in His mortal ministry, Jesus, full of compassion, heals the sick. He then blesses the children one by one and prays for them. Angels descend out of heaven and minister to the little ones (3 Nephi 17:6-25).
    72. Jesus ordains a disciple with power to bless and administer the bread and wine to all those who are baptized in His name. Partaking of the bread and wine shows Heavenly Father that we remember Jesus and keep His commandments. He promises that if the people remember Him, they will always have His Spirit to be with them. Those who partake worthily of these emblems are built upon His rock (3 Nephi 18:5-12).
    73. Jesus commands us to watch and pray always to avoid temptation. Satan want to overtake us. Anything we ask the Father in Christ’s name will be given to us as long as we ask in faith and it is God’s will. Jesus commands us to pray in our families (3 Nephi 18:15-21).
    74. Jesus says to meet together often and to accept all people into the congregation of the church. Pray for them. Set an example for them, as He has set for us (3 Nephi 18:22-24).
    75. The words of Isaiah are great, and all things that he prophesied have been and shall be (3 Nephi 23:1-3).
    76. Jesus Christ’s church should bear His name, and should be built upon His gospel, or else it be another man’s church (3 Nephi 27:3-8).
    77. All will be judged by Jesus Christ according to their works. All who repent, are baptized, and endure to the end will be held guiltless before the Father on judgment day (3 Nephi 27:13-17).
    78. We should do what Jesus would and did do. We should be like Him (3 Nephi 27:21, 27).
    79. The way to eternal life is strait and narrow. Few will find it (3 Nephi 27:33).
    80. The judgments of God will overtake the wicked. (Mormon 4:5).
    81. The Book of Mormon shall be hidden until the Lord sees fit for it to be brought forth. Its purpose will be to persuade the House of Israel that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God (Mormon 5:12-14).
    82. God has all power, and at His command anything can come to pass (Mormon 5:23).
    83. Mormon invites the Lamanites of the latter days to repent, to be baptized and to take hold of the gospel of Christ, set forth in the Bible and the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is written to help people believe in the Bible. If you will believe the Bible, you will believe the Book of Mormon too (Mormon 7:8-9).
    84. Moroni prophesies about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. It will only be able to come forth by the power of God by one whose eye is single to His glory. It shall come forth in a time where people no longer believe in miracles, when churches and teachers are lifted up in pride, when there are wars and rumors of wars, great pollutions and sin upon the earth, etc. (Mormon 8:14-33).
    85. Miracles have not ceased. Because God is the same yesterday, today and forever, miracles still happen for the faithful. They only cease for the wicked (Mormon 9:15-21).
    86. The promised land (the Americas) will be free from bondage from all other nations as long as its people serve Jesus Christ (Ether 2:9-10, 12).
    87. Anything that persuades to do good is from God (Ether 4:12).
    88. Do not say something doesn’t exist because you can’t see it or have proof. You will not receive a witness until after your faith is tried  (Ether 12: 6).
    89. Miracles only occur when one first has faith in the son of God (Ether 12:12-18).
    90. God gives us weakness so we will be humble. If we are humble and have faith, God will make our weaknesses strengths (Ether 12:27).
    91. In the church of Christ, members will fellowship each other and help each other keep the faith. They will meet often to fast, pray, help each other, and to partake of the Sacrament in remembrance of the Lord, Jesus Christ (Moroni 6:4-6).
    92. A good person will do good things. When offering a gift or praying, we must do so with real intent to do good (Moroni 7: 5-10).
    93. All things of God invite one to do good. We all have been given the light of Christ, which helps us discern between good and evil. The devil never persuades anyone to do good (Moroni 7:12-17).
    94. We must have charity. It is the pure love of Christ, and never fails. We must pray to the Father to be filled with His love, and be like Christ (Moroni 7:45-48).
    95. Little children are not capable of committing sin. They are not accountable and need no repentance. Thus, they do not need to be baptized. They are alive in Christ (Moroni 8).
    96. Perfect love removes all fear (Moroni 8:16).
    97. As we are forgiven of our sins, we become more gentle and not easily offended. With these traits, we are filled with the Holy Ghost, which brings hope and perfect love. This love can endure through diligent prayer (Moroni 8:26).
    98. Moroni promises that those who ask Heavenly Father in sincere, faithful prayer if the Book of Mormon is true, will receive an answer through the Holy Ghost, who testifies of all truth (Moroni 10:4-5).
    99. God has given us many different spiritual gifts. They are manifested to us by the Holy Spirit to help us and others draw closer to Christ (Moroni 10:8-18).
    100. If we come unto Christ and deny ourselves of all ungodliness, loving the Lord with all our hearts, we can be perfected and made holy through His grace (Moroni 10:32-33).

    This is by no means an all-inclusive list. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of precious truths we can pull from this perfect book. Throughout it, we read of  prophets of God who were courageous, bold, true, always obedient, filled with love for their brethren, all having a pure love of God and a desire to share His light and gospel with others.

    The most perfect example from the Book of Mormon is Jesus Christ Himself. The words he spoke to the Nephite people, whom He visited in the Americas following His resurrection, are of supreme value.

    As I went through the Book of Mormon’s 531 pages, making this list, I was overwhelmed with how often Jesus Christ is mentioned, praised, prophesied of, and reverenced. The Book of Mormon truly is a companion to the Bible – another testament of Jesus Christ.


    I know it is true. I invite you to read it and to pray about it to see if it is true for yourself. Let the Spirit of the Lord work within you, and testify to you of its truthfulness.

    You can read it online here or you can request a free hard copy here.

    Of all the self-help books you could ever choose to read, choose The Book of Mormon.

    ***This post is featured in my new book, Likening the Book of Mormon War Chapters to Your Life: A Study Journal. Like this post, my book was inspired in part by the class that I was blessed to facilitate so many years ago. If you would like to learn more about my book, you can do so here. You can purchase it here.

  • Sabbath Day Light: I am related to Gladys Knight

    Last night, as well as tonight, I have had the wonderful privilege to attend “One Voice,” a presentation of music and testimony, sung by Saints Unified Voices gospel choir, directed by Gladys Knight. (To learn more about the choir, click here.)

    One Voice

    The music was absolutely amazing. Every member of the choir, every member of the live band, as well as Sister Knight herself, has glorious God-given talent. Many cultures were embraced in the music, and every song bore testimony of the divinity of Jesus Christ and our necessity to follow Him.

    My favorite song from the event spoke of this very topic. It is so easy to tell Jesus we will follow Him tomorrow, but tomorrow could be too late. We should choose to follow Christ today.

    As I heard the music, I felt alive. I felt invigorated. I felt the Spirit of the Lord in a new way. I found myself smiling, clapping, standing, and rejoicing in my Savior as I, and a thousand others, saw and heard the testimonies of people who love Christ with all their souls. The Spirit radiated out of their voices, faces, and whole bodies.

    Now, as beautiful and magnificent as the music was, I must say that the most uplifting part of both evenings for me was listening to several individuals share their stories and testimonies of Jesus Christ and His gospel.

    The first man who spoke said that he was related to Gladys Knight. He was a white man, making the idea of blood relation humorous. Then he profoundly stated that Gladys is a child of God. He too is a child of God. That means Gladys is his sister. That means Gladys is my sister too.

    The theme of being children of God was reiterated throughout the presentation. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that each and every person on the earth from Adam and Eve until now is a literal spirit son or daughter of Heavenly Father. We believe that we lived with God before we came to earth, and that we chose to come here and follow His great Plan of Happiness. You can read more about this plan here.

    Gladys’ husband, and Gladys herself, also stood and told their stories, from how they were raised, how they met each other, and how they each individually came to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – the church they, and millions around the world, believe is the restored church of Jesus Christ. You can read more about the restoration of the gospel here.

    They pled with the audience to open their hearts to the possibility of Joseph Smith really being a prophet, of the Book of Mormon really being true, of the priesthood really being restored. Gladys’ husband, William McDowell, asked us to follow the promise at the end of the Book of Mormon, which states:

     3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
     4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
     5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. (Moroni 10:3-5)
    Gladys gave an important point, that she isn’t trying to sell anything, or force anyone to do anything. It is a person’s choice to open their hearts to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She did, however, give a strong testimony of her belief in the truthfulness of the faith she holds so dear.
    I loved hearing Gladys’ majestic voice. Towards the end of the presentation, she and the choir sang one of the children’s hymns from our church, entitled I am a Child of God. It is one of my favorite hymns too, and I often sing it to my children.
    If you would like to hear the song, here is a beautiful rendition in many different languages sung by women of our church.

    Gladys Knight believes that God gave her the gift of song to do His will, to feed His sheep, to tell the world that Jesus Christ lives. I believe that she is right, as I believe that all of us is given talents, where if we use them appropriately, we can bring peace to the world through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

    I am grateful for Gladys and her choir’s courage as they stand for what they believe, embrace cultural differences, and bring light and hope to all wishing to find it.

    He lives!

  • Sabbath Day Light: Every Day like Easter Sunday

    This past Sunday was so wonderful. It was Easter Sunday, so my husband and I made a special effort with our kids to focus on the Savior. We also got to hear beautiful music and messages in church about Christ’s atonement and resurrection. Then, we were able to spend time that evening with the people we love most – our family. It was one of those days you wish you could have every day.

    As I think about it, though, can’t every day be like Easter Sunday? If I am to call myself a true disciple of Jesus Christ, mustn’t I remember Him every day? Shouldn’t I bear witness of Him at all times? Can’t I feel the Spirit testify to me of the divinity of Christ at any given moment?

    I think that we feel more comfortable talking about Jesus around Christmas-time or Easter-time because people expect Christians to talk about Him during those times. However, as the Apostle Paul says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (Romans 1:16).”

    In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Nephi speaks of his people, the Nephites, and how they live. He says, “And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins (2Nephi 25:26).”

    How can we better show our devotion to Christ – to talk of Him and to rejoice in Him? I have a few suggestions:

    1. Listen to and sing spiritual songs of praise and love to the Lord.

    I know for me, when I sing or hear hymns at church, at home, or in the car, I always feel warm and joyful. I feel the Holy Ghost touching my heart. I especially love to hear my children sing hymns. I always have to wipe tears from my eyes when I hear their sweet voices.

    Colossians 3:16 – Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.


    Doctrine and Covenants 25:12 – For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.

    2. Read the scriptures daily and ponder their meaning in your life.

    My husband and I read from the Book of Mormon each night with our children. Then before we go to bed, he and I will listen to recent General Conference talks or watch Bible videos about Christ’s teachings. Individually, my husband and I also strive to study the word of God.

    1 Nephi 19:23 – …I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.


    2 Nephi 32:3 – …Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.


    Psalms 119:105 – Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.





    **If you would like to learn more about The Book of Mormon, click here.

    3. Pray to Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ daily, always having a prayer in your heart.

    When you pray, you are showing that you love God, that you wish to communicate with Him, that you believe that He hears and answers your prayers, that you have faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. We can pray for many things, such as for safety for our family, comfort, help, answers, and blessings. This shows that we trust that God loves us and wishes to bless us. We should also focus on thanking God for all the blessings we have and will receive. In all these forms of praying, we can come closer to our Father in Heaven, as well as our Savior.

    I love praying, and pray many times a day. I strive to say sincere prayers, and to really remember who I am talking to.

    1 Thessalonians 5: 17-18 –  Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.


    Psalms 55:17 – Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

    4. Observe the world around you and see God’s hand in all things.

    When I smell a flower, look into my children’s eyes, drive through the mountains, gaze at a rainbow, accomplish something I didn’t think I could, I feel God’s presence near.

    One of my favorite children’s hymns is called My Heavenly Father Loves Me. Here are the words:.

    Whenever I hear the song of a bird
    Or look at the blue, blue sky,
    Whenever I feel the rain on my face
    Or the wind as it rushes by,
    Whenever I touch a velvet rose
    Or walk by our lilac tree,
    I’m glad that I live in this beautiful world
    Heav’nly Father created for me.


     He gave me my eyes that I might see
    The color of butterfly wings.
    He gave me my ears that I might hear
    The magical sound of things.
    He gave me my life, my mind, my heart:
    I thank him rev’rently
    For all his creations, of which I’m a part.
    Yes, I know Heav’nly Father loves me.

    I know that if we can see God’s hand in all things, we will talk of God more, and we will feel His love more abundantly.

    Alma 30:44  …The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator.


    5.  Love and serve others.

    When we help other people, whether it be in our homes, in our churches, or in our communities, we learn to be a little more selfless, a little more kind, a little more compassionate, a little more like Christ.

    As we love our neighbors, we can help them feel God’s love for them. I am always happier and feel more fulfilled when I am helping someone else.

    President Dieter F. Uchtdorf,  Second Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, “As we extend our hands and hearts toward others in Christlike love, something wonderful happens to us. Our own spirits become healed, more refined, and stronger. We become happier, more peaceful, and more receptive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit.” You can read his whole talk on how we can be the Lord’s hands here.

    Mosiah 2:17 –  And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.


    St. Matthew 25:40 –  And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.


    St. John 13:34 – A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 

    6. Testify of Jesus Christ and His gospel.

    In my life, my testimony of Jesus Christ, and my relationship with Him, has grown the most through sharing His gospel with others.

    Never have I felt the Spirit more, felt the love of God for me individually more, realized my purpose and worth more, than when I am anxiously engaged in the work of bringing souls unto Christ.

    Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want all people to receive exaltation. Those of us who have the truth are called to share it with the world, so all can partake of the gift of the atonement of our Savior.

    Doctrine and Covenants 18:15 – And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!


    Isaiah 52:7 – How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!


    I know that if we do these things, as well as any other things that draw us nearer to God, that each and every day can be as special to us as Easter Sunday. Let us live our religion every day, and love the Lord with all our heart, might, mind and strength.