Prayer and Gratitude

First of all its been quite awhile since I've last posted. Second, I know that I've posted about prayer before, but lets face it, the the amazing power of prayer will never change.

To update, I was not accepted into the RAD Tech program at Weber and even though I was quite devastated, I know it was for the best. I was able to learn a lot and my payers were answered through various ways. Some things and opportunities have happened since my experience with applying and I feel that they have all been very beneficial for me. I couldn't be any happier than I am right now.

I met the most amazing person a few months ago and am so happy and grateful to have him in my life. I was able to spend a week with my whole family and reunite with them which made me realize how much I am grateful for them, their love, and support. Going through difficult times doesn't seem as difficult when you are surrounded by friends and family who love you. I have some amazing roommates who continue to be patient with me and I know that it's not always easy.

I know the Lord hears my prayers. In my Doctrine and Covenants class we recently talked about the ways that the Lord answers prayers. Prayers are answered through: self, others, visions, and sometimes the Lord himself. I truly believe my patriarchal blessing when it says the the Lord is mindful of me. I do not doubt that the hears and answers my prayers. It has been amazing for me to see the different ways the Lord has answered my recent prayers. I feel confident in the love that He has for me and trust that what he tells me is for my benefit whether it be yes, no, or not now.

I know that I would not be the person I am today without my Heavenly Father and his patience, support, and love. I am so grateful for the knowledge I have that I can communicate with my Heavenly Father and know that he hears every single prayer offered up to him. What amazing peace it brings to my mind to know that.

I hope to do a little bit better at posting. But remember to always smile and keep a positive attitude :D

End of the Semester Reflection

Well I'm sorry to say that I haven't posted a lot this semester. It has been a very stressful one indeed. I just want to give you a glimpse of what has been going on.

I applied for a Radiography Technology program at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah and have been working hard on my grades. One of the classes required as a prerequisite is a communications class. I took interpersonal communications. My teacher wanted us to incorporate peace into our lives. When I first thought about this project and how I could use it in my daily life I wasn't quite sure what how I could go about doing it. I thought reading my scriptures or praying a lot would help me. Then I realized that that wasn't the answer. I decided that finding peace was through television and being a "lazy" person.

I really liked my communications class. I learned more about myself then I ever thought I would learn in such a short time.  I have and will definitely take what I've learned and use it in my daily life now and forever. I feel that I have become a better person through this class.

Other things that have kept me from blogging is just school work. Retaking anatomy has really taken my focus elsewhere. My studies are important to me and I want to strive to do well in them. My goal is to earn  college degree and I don't know when that will happen, but I know it will.

My personal prayer has definitely helped me grow this semester. I prayed to hard and so much to my Heavenly Father during this difficult time of waiting to find out about interviews for a job and for the RAD tech program. I know that He heard my prayers and answered them.

I know I've already posted this semester about prayer but I just want to share again my testimony of prayer. Prayer is a huge deal to me now and it is a huge part of my life. I will not go a day or night without saying a prayer. It means all the world to me when I have wonderful prayers and conversations with my Heavenly Father. I know he loves me and listens to me. I know he wants whats best for me. I know that whatever the answer he gives is for my benefit and I've learned to be okay with whatever answer I get... eventually :)

I have grown so much this last semester and will never forget it.

Psalms 34:14
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

Shy Away From the Masquerade

Tonight's thoughts come from a fabulous man by the name of Quentin L. Cook, a member of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We were graced with his presence here in Idaho at BYU in the I-Center. It was a fabulous fireside.

The main thing that I took away from his message was that we need to be sure to not wear a mask. We need to not hide who we really are and our true feelings on issues and situations. He really emphasized that we need to stay true to who we are and act in accordance with our true beliefs. We need to become who we ought to be. Those things hit me really hard tonight. I don't feel like I wear a mask, but sometimes I wonder when I might be on the verge of putting one on. Being at a "Mormon" school, you might think that that wouldn't be hard to keep a mask off. In fact, it's actually somewhat difficult. Just because I'm surrounded by people who supposedly have my same standards doesn't mean I do and act the same as everybody. I know that I've seen other people do things that I completely disagree with and wonder why those people are even here. They are the ones who put on the mask to cover up the fact that they are members of the church. Thats how they justify their actions. I don't know why people would do that. I want people to know I'm LDS. Thats part of the reason I even have this blog. I am able to keep my mask off to complete strangers or people who don't know me as well as they think they do.

I think that keeping a mask off is sharing your testimony, going to church, praying, reading the scriptures, and going to the temple. To me, it's all about being a good example to other people and let them know that this is who I am. Elder Cook said "be true to the faith for which martyrs have perished." Which is also part of a hymn. I feel I am being true to my faith and I am dang proud of it. You can criticize me and say that I'm a load of crap, but I don't care what you think or say. I care what my Heavenly Father says and thinks.

I know that this church is true. I know my Savior lives and loves me. I know my Heavenly Father loves me and I know that I can communicate to Him through prayer. I LOVE that I can talk to Him. I know that  Joseph Smith was a true prophet and restored this gospel. I know that the Book of Mormon is a true and sacred book and that Joseph Smith couldn't have made it up. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet on the earth today who leads and guides his members. I know that my family will be together forever. Literally forever. I know what Elder Cook said came from God and I will heed his words. I love this gospel with all my heart. I am so happy! It gives me the greatest joy I could imagine. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Shy away from the masquerade. Keep the mask off. Be true to who you really are.

Sweet Hour of Prayer

I felt impressed to write this post since today's theme (for me) has been focused on Prayer. I have not always been the best communicator with Heavenly Father. In fact, yes I'll admit it in this blog, I used to never have daily personal prayers. I do feel bad and guilty, however that has been changing.


My first semester at BYUI, I had a fabulous Book of Mormon teacher. I learned so much from him. The main thing that stuck out to me a lot (because he would bring it up in every class) was, "How's your prayer life?" and show a picture of two links, linked together. He explained that our connection with our Heavenly Father is like those to links, linked together. It's hard to break that connection. At first I didn't completely understand. I thought that if you didn't pray, you didn't have a connection. Later I learned that having a constant prayer in your heart and saying small prayers throughout the day are all part of that connection. I asked for two links for christmas to put on my key chain to remind me of my prayer life. 


Since that experience, I have had battles with Satan and praying. There were times that I only prayed for help on a test and never for anything else. There were times that I laid in bed thinking I needed to get up onto my knees and pray but didn't because I felt sleep was more important. The Devil really worked on me. I, since then, have gained a greater, stronger connection with my Heavenly Father. I feel closer to my Heavenly Father and have way more trust in Him then I ever have had before. I know He loves me and hears my pleas and questions. I know His hand is in my life and that He wants me to succeed and be happy. I have no idea where I would be without Him and I am eternally grateful for His love and support in my life.


I really wish it didn't take me this long to build a stronger relationship with my Heavenly Father. However, I know He has forgiven me and is just happy that I'm building it now. I strongly encourage you to pray and to pray often. Also, listen. Listen to what He has to say to you. Be patient. Answers to prayers are NOT in your time, but His. He knows when you need specific things and it will all make sense to you in the end. I promise it's worth waiting for. Sometimes your answer is no. You have to accept that and grow and learn from that experience. Just because Heavenly Father tells you no doesn't mean He doesn't love you. Sometimes no is a good thing for your well being and growth. 


I love this gospel and the wonderful aspects of it. I have no idea where I would be or who I would be without it. I know that Heavenly Father loves me and is watching out for me and caring for me. He supports me and knows what I'm going through in this life here on earth. I am grateful for His love and guidance in my life. I am grateful that I can pray to Him and never feel alone. I know He is always listening to me and sincerely cares about me.


So....how's YOUR prayer life?

Quote Journal: FAMILY

1) "The family is ordained of God. Families are central to our Heavenly Father’s plan here on earth and through the eternities. After Adam and Eve were joined in marriage, the scripture reads, ‘And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.’ In our day prophets and apostles have declared, ‘The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force.’” (Neil L. Andersen, Children, October 2011 General Conference, http://www.lds.org)

2) "In a world of turmoil and uncertainty, it is more important than ever to make our families the center of our lives and the top of our priorities. Families lie at the center of our Heavenly Father’s plan.” (L. Tom Perry, The Importance of the Family, May 2003 Ensign, http://ww.lds.org)

3) "With the Lord, families are essential. He created the earth that we could gain physical bodies and form families. He established His Church to exalt families. He provides temples so that families can be together forever.” (Russell M. Nelson, Set in Order Thy House, January 2002 Ensign, http://www.lds.org)

4) "The family unit is fundamental not only to society and to the Church but also to our hope for eternal life.” (Henry B. Eyring, The Family, October 1998 Ensign, http://www.lds.org)

5) "So fundamental is the family unit to the plan of salvation that God has declared a warning that those ‘individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God [their maker]. … The disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets’ (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).” (Robert D. Hales, The Eternal Family, November 1996 Ensign, http://www.lds.org)

6) "Strengthening families is our sacred duty as parents, children, extended family members, leaders, teachers, and individual members of the Church.” (Robert D. Hales, Strengthening Families: Our Sacred Duty, April 1999 Ensign, http://www.lds.org)

7) "World leaders and court judges agree that the family must endure if we are to survive. At the same time, they use the words freedom and choice as tools to pry apart the safeguards of the past and loosen up the laws on marriage, abortion, and gender. In so doing, they promote the very things which threaten the family.” (Boyd K. Packer, The Father and the Family, April 1994 Ensign, http://www.lds.org)

8) "Strong family relationships don’t just happen. It takes time. It takes commitment, it takes prayer, and it takes work.” (W. Eugene Hansen, Children and the Family, April 1998 Ensign, http://www.lds.org)

9) "Family love is wonderful. Nothing is as specific as the love of a baby for its mother. Nothing is as predictable as the love of children for their parents or the love of parents for their children.” (Russell M. Nelson, A New Harvest Time, April 1998 Ensign, http://www.lds.org)

10) "Today we are reaping a harvest of family love from seeds sown years ago. Preparations to strengthen family ties came in 1823, when the angel Moroni first appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith. Moroni announced the coming of Elijah, who would cause the hearts of children to be turned to their fathers.” (Russell M. Nelson, A New Harvest Time, April 1998 Ensign, http://www.lds.org)

Quote Journal: Modesty

1) "The For the Strength of Youth pamphlet is very clear in its call for young women to avoid clothing that is too tight, too short, or improperly revealing in any manner, including bare midriffs. Parents, please review this booklet with your children. Second only to your love, they need your limits. Young women, choose your clothing the way you would choose your friends—in both cases choose that which improves you and would give you confidence standing in the presence of God.  Good friends would never embarrass you, demean you, or exploit you. Neither should your clothing.” (Jeffrey R. Holland, To Young Women, October 2005 Ensign, http://www.lds.org)


2) "President N. Eldon Tanner once cautioned us with these words: ‘Modesty in dress is a quality of mind and heart, born of respect for oneself, one’s fellowmen, and the Creator of us all. Modesty reflects an attitude of humility, decency, and propriety. Consistent with these principles and guided by the Holy Spirit, let parents, teachers, and youth discuss the particulars of dress, grooming, and personal appearance, and with free agency accept responsibility and choose the right’ (“Friend to Friend,” Friend, June 1971, 3).” (L. Tom Perry, Let Him Do It with Simplicity, October 2008 Ensign, http://www.lds.org)


3) "For example, they need to understand that when they wear clothing that is too tight, too short, or too low cut, they not only can send the wrong message to young men with whom they associate, but they also perpetuate in their own minds the fallacy that a woman’s value is dependent solely upon her sensual appeal. This never has been nor will it ever be within the righteous definition of a faithful daughter of God. They need to hear this—clearly and repeatedly—from your lips, and they need to see it modeled correctly and consistently in your own personal standards of dress, grooming, and modest living.” (M. Russell Ballard, Mothers and Daughters, April 2010 Ensign, http://www.lds.org)


4) "Modesty is not a matter of being “hip.” It is a matter of the heart and being holy. It is not about being fashionable. It is about being faithful. It is not about being cool. It is about being chaste and keeping covenants. It is not about being popular, but about being pure. Modesty has everything to do with keeping our footing securely on the path of chastity and virtue.” (Elaine S. Dalton, Stay on the Path, April 2007 Ensign, http://www.lds.org)


5) "Modesty is more than a matter of avoiding revealing attire. It describes not only the altitude of hemlines and necklines but the attitude of our hearts. The word modesty means “measured.” It is related to moderate. It implies ‘decency, and propriety … in thought, language, dress, and behavior’ (in Daniel H. Ludlow, ed., Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 5 vols. [1992], 2:932).” (Susan W. Tanner, The Sanctity of the Body, October 2005 Ensign, http://www.lds.org)


6) "I know some young women who had questions about modest clothing. To find answers to their questions, they followed this exact pattern: they prayed to Heavenly Father, they studied the scriptures and the words of our latter-day prophets, and they were obedient in living the standard of modesty. As they received answers to their questions, their faith increased and their testimonies were strengthened. I would invite each of you to follow this pattern.” (Mary N. Cook, Anchors of Testimony, April 2008 Ensign, http://www.lds.org)


7) "You are your daughter’s guardian in more than the legal sense. Be present in your daughter’s life. Let her know your standards, your expectations, your hopes and dreams for her success and happiness. Interview her, get to know her friends and, when the time comes, her boyfriends. Help her understand the importance of education. Help her understand that the principle of modesty is a protection.” (Elaine S. Dalton, Love Her Mother, October 2011 Ensign, http://www.lds.org)


8) "We are daughters of our Heavenly Father. He loves us, and we love Him. I am humbled and grateful to be in your presence. The Lord has blessed me with a very clear understanding of who you are and why you are here on the earth at this time. The Lord loves you, and I know you love Him. It shows in your countenance, in your modesty, in your desire to choose the right, and in your commitment to remain virtuous and pure.” (Elaine S. Dalton, Remember Who You Are! April 2010 Ensign, http://www.lds.org)


9) "Jacob taught that the Lord delights ‘in the chastity of women’ (Jacob 2:28). I delight in the chastity and purity of all women and men. How it must grieve the Lord to see virtue violated and modesty mocked on every side in this wicked world.” (Susan W. Tanner, My Soul Delighteth in the Things of the World, April 2008 Ensign, http://www.lds.org)


10) "The kind of young woman who can be a terrific torchbearer has high standards all the time, not just in her prom dress, but every, ordinary day. There are so many of you who are like that, and I salute you tonight. You have made modesty your way of life. It is more than how you dress. It includes at least six things that I can think of: (1) your behavior is decent and modest, and yet you are very fun to be with; (2) your language is never crude but happy and interesting; (3) you are well groomed, and that is appealing; (4) you are focused on developing your talents and achieving your goals, not piercing and tattooing and flaunting your body; (5) you play sports with gusto but never lose control; (6) you don’t seem to care about what the latest pop star wears or does because you have a certain style of your own. In summary, you do not imitate the world’s standards because you know a higher standard. You know who you are, and that puts you at a real advantage. You know that you really are a daughter of Heavenly Father. You know that He knows you and that He loves you; you want to please Him and honor His love for you. You know that even if you make foolish mistakes, He will help you if you turn to Him.” (Margaret D. Nadauld, Hold High the Torch, April 2002 Ensign, http://lds.org)

Quote Journal: Word of Wisdom

1)"Some have even used as an alibi the fact that drugs are not mentioned in the Word of Wisdom. What a miserable excuse. There is likewise no mention of the hazards of diving into an empty swimming pool or of jumping from an overpass onto the freeway. But who doubts the deadly consequences of such? Common sense would dictate against such behavior. Regardless of the Word of Wisdom, there is a divinely given reason for avoiding these illegal substances.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, A Plague on the World, 1990 July Ensign, http://www.lds.org)


2)"The Word of Wisdom put restrictions on members of the Church. To this day those regulations apply to every member and to everyone who seeks to join the Church. They are so compelling that no one is to be baptized into the Church without first agreeing to live by them. No one will be called to teach or to lead unless they accept them. When you want to go to the temple, you will be asked if you keep the Word of Wisdom. If you do not, you cannot go to the house of the Lord until you are fully worthy.” (Boyd K. Packer, The Word of Wisdom: The Principle and the Promises, 1996 May Ensign, http://www.lds.org)


3)"The Word of Wisdom contains some very positive aspects. It encourages us to use grains, particularly wheat, and to use fruits and vegetables and the sparing use of meat. It is also noted for its prohibition—absolute prohibition—against the use of alcohol, tobacco, tea, and coffee. Added to this has been the counsel of the Church leaders to abstain from the use of such drugs as marijuana, cocaine, etc., and the abusive use of prescription drugs.” (L. Tom Perry, Run and Not Be Weary, 1996 October Ensign, http://www.lds.org)


4)"Today the curse of drink and drugs is becoming a national nightmare. It is the cause of most of our crime, accidents, loss of employment, and the breakup of our homes. You great young men of the Aaronic Priesthood will be required to pay the social costs for this dreaded disease as you move forward into your adult lives. Surely something must be done to stop this destructive force. I challenge you to stand up to your peers as an example of righteous living. I know the Lord will fulfill his promise to you by blessing you with health, with knowledge, with wisdom that will set you apart from the rest of the world. Your righteous example will also bless the lives of many, many others.” (L. Tom Perry, Run and Not Be Weary, 1996 October Ensign, http://www.lds.org)


5)"From an initial experiment thought to be trivial, a vicious cycle may follow. From trial comes a habit. From habit comes dependence. From dependence comes addiction. Its grasp is so gradual. Enslaving shackles of habit are too small to be sensed until they are too strong to be broken. Indeed, drugs are the modern “mess of pottage” for which souls are sold. No families are free from risk.” (Russell M. Nelson, Addiction or Freedom, 1988 October Ensign, http://www.lds.org)


6)"Obeying the Word of Wisdom gave our members, especially our youth, a preventive inoculation against drug use and the resulting health problems and moral hazards. Unfortunately, there appears to be a resurgence of drug use in our own day. Living the Word of Wisdom today will free you from some of the most serious dangers you can face in this life.” (Quentin L. Cook, Give Heed unto the Prophets’ Words, 2008 April Conference, http://www.lds.org)


7)"Your body is the instrument of your mind. In your emotions, the spirit and the body come closest to being one. What you learn spiritually depends, to a degree, on how you treat your body. That is why the Word of Wisdom is so important. The habit-forming substances prohibited by that revelation—tea, coffee, liquor, tobacco—interfere with the delicate feelings of spiritual communication, just as other addictive drugs will do. Do not ignore the Word of Wisdom, for that may cost you the “great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures” promised to those who keep it. And good health is an added blessing.”(Boyd K. Packer, Personal Revelation: The Gift, the Test, and the Promise, 1994 November Ensign, http://www.lds.org)


8)"Honor the principle of the Word of Wisdom and you will receive the promised blessings. ‘All saints,’ the revelation promises, ‘who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments,’ are promised that they ‘shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones’ and “shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint” (D&C 89:18, 20). The Word of Wisdom does not promise you perfect health, but it teaches how to keep the body you were born with in the best condition and your mind alert to delicate spiritual promptings.” (Boyd K. Packer, The Word of Wisdom: The Principle and the Promises, 1996 April Ensign, http://www.lds.org)


9)"We will be careful about which counsel we heed. Many so-called experts give advice for the body—without thought for the spirit. Anyone who accepts direction contrary to the Word of Wisdom, for example, forsakes a law revealed to bring both physical and spiritual blessings.  Some recommendations regarding use of our reproductive organs are based solely—and inadequately—upon physical considerations. Beware of such one-sided views! Paul taught that ‘if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.’” (Russell M. Nelson, We Are Children of God, 1998 October Ensign, http://www.lds.org)


10)"Is observance of the Word of Wisdom necessary? The Brethren have long felt that it certainly must be. Observance of the Word of Wisdom is concerned with the care of one’s body, which, the Lord has assured, is of itself a temple, a tabernacle of the spirit. He has said, ‘Yea, man is the tabernacle of God, even temples; and whatsoever temple is defiled, God shall destroy that temple’ (D&C 93:35).” (Gordon B. Hinckley, The Body Is Sacred, 2006 November Ensign, http://www.lds.org)