I am His Daughter

I just came across this video a friend had posted on facebook and was touched by it. There are so many people in the world, especially women who have lost their identity, they don't know of their worth or their purpose. The media tells you how you must look and act to get noticed, but that kind of attention wont bring you happiness. There are so many who are confused and don't know that in truth they belong to a King, a Heavenly Father who they mean the world to. If we truly realized, and remembered that fact, how could we not rejoice? I say this now, because I at times forget who I am and how so very significant I am to my Father in Heaven. We are all significant. We all have a purpose. We all are loved and remembered. We are constantly being watched over by a loving Father that will let us choose our path so we may learn but so desires us to return to him. He would never want us to forget that we belong, and we matter.

There is something refreshing about attending the Temple. I don't do it often enough and I think that's my problem. There is inspiration and peace felt there that can't be found anywhere else, and how easily I forget that. I have just graduated from college after being in school pretty much my whole life. I have a lot of time on my hands right now as I wait for my license. When I don't have something to focus on or keep me busy it makes me worry, but perhaps it is a good thing for me to take a break from the fast paced world around me and think about where I go now in this new chapter of my life. I have always looked ahead, into my future and what I expect to happen, but I hardly enjoy the moment and where I am right now. I need take each day for all of its worth and be happy about where I am because after all its not only about the destination but the journey that takes us there. You can't just say "When this [event] happens, then I will be happy" because chances are when you get there you will only be looking towards the next thing. Wherever I go and wherever I end up, there will always be one constant, the Gospel, but only if I make it my top priority. All that I have been blessed with and everything I have overcome is in credit to my Heavenly Father, who wouldn't let me give up but gave me the strength to get through it. People say you find yourself nearer to God when in distress, because that is when you need him, but I want to be near to him in my happiest moment too. 

 

There is something refreshing about attending the temple, you come out with a clearer view of who you are and what is most important.

"Just Stop It"

Last weekend I had the opportunity to watch General Conference. There are always good messages and advice given from the Lords messengers. I love all of the apostles but may have a favorite. President Uchtdorf always has good stories that go with his messages, he says things so simply and matter of fact that there isn't room to question, just do. Instead of typing my notes on his message I'd like to share the whole thing. 

Because we all depend on the mercy of God how can we deny to others any measure of the grace we so desperately desire for ourselves?

Tests of Faith

I am nearing the end of my final semester in Dental Hygiene and there have been plenty of hills to climb. We have all been preparing for boards the passed few months and today was my last clinical. So much weighs on our clinical boards and things have to be just right in order to pass. I had my local anesthesia board on Thursday and the night before I was freaking out, worrying, and feeling nervous and unsure. I thought about all that I have done to prepare for these exams. I thought about how much I have prayed to get through them and how many people were praying for me too. I was still anxious that it wouldn't work out. I remember that night praying and finally realizing that I had done all I could do and the rest was in the Lords hands. I have talked about believing in the Lord and trusting that he can help us. And once I realized that I needed to have complete trust in Him to help me, I was calm. The next day was long as I awaited my turn, but I wasn't anxious. I went through the process and was very nervous when I got into clinic but it worked out, I passed the test. I was very relieved and grateful but knew the stress wasn't over. I had my last clinical today and had prepared everything well and got all the details ready and perfect. I opened up my scriptures last night and read a highlighted verse: "...the Lord in his great and infinite goodness doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him." Again there was the trust. So I went to sleep reassured and woke up this morning. My patient called me one hour prior to test time and said she she was sick and didn't think she should come in. That is the worst phone call to get on board day. I got off the phone and was in tears, I was mad and bitter, I couldn't believe it was happening. I texted my classmates to see what backup patients were available. I didn't get a definite response so I said a prayer, packed up my stuff and went to the school. I regained my composure and got the feeling that somehow it was going to work out. I walked into the classroom where the girls and their patients were waiting. There was one patient who had been seen on Friday that had been a back up for yesterday that no one used. I called him at 7:30 on a Sunday morning to ask him if he could come in. He agreed and was there by my check in time. His x-rays were already complete and he was accepted on my first submission. It was amazing. I still don't know if I passed the test but I know that a prayer had been answered. I think of this trial and what I am supposed to learn from it. After all you can do you must have the faith for the rest. I may always struggle with that principle but one day I hope to have perfect faith.

ABC's

I do not get an Ensign in the mail where I live and even though I can read it online I seldom do. That is a very sad thing! I have decided that I will post about the First Presidency Message each month so that I make sure and read them, and then hopefully remember what I learned by writing it down. This month the article was by our prophet Thomas S. Monson called Living the Abundant Life. He taught about the ABC's of gaining the abundant life.

A stands for Attitude 

and having a positive one. He quoted William James by saying, “The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.” He then said "So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment... We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. For maximum happiness, peace, and contentment, may we choose a positive attitude."

B stands for Believe

believe in yourself. "Be honest with yourself, with others, and with your Heavenly Father... Don’t limit yourself and don’t let others convince you that you are limited in what you can do. Believe in yourself and then live so as to reach your possibilities. You can achieve what you believe you can. Trust and believe and have faith."

C is for Courage

Face challenges with courage. "Courage becomes a worthwhile and meaningful virtue when it is regarded not so much as a willingness to die manfully but as a determination to live decently...There will be times when you will be frightened and discouraged. You may feel that you are defeated. The odds of obtaining victory may appear overwhelming. At times you may feel like David trying to fight Goliath. But remember—David did win! Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says, “I’ll try again tomorrow.” 

Read the full article here: http://www.lds.org/liahona/2012/01/living-the-abundant-life?lang=eng 

Pure and Simple Faith

This year for relief society our theme and focus is coming closer to Christ by learning to be like Him. We were given a list of Christ-like attributes and told to focus on a new one each month until the end of the year. For January I chose Patience and Faith. I would like to talk about Faith. I have realized that I have always had a testimony of paying my tithing and that by doing so because it is what God has asked, I have been taken care of. I have found that my financial needs have truly been met because I was willing to give a part of what I have back to God. My faith has always been strong in that area. But what about all areas, do I have faith in God about everything in my life? I am in my last semester of Dental Hygiene school and I have been struggling, I often doubt my abilities and second guess whether I am where I am supposed to be. There is a lot of stress and pressure and responsibility that comes with this training and graduating from this school and it is difficult. I always pray to my Heavenly Father and tell him that I trust in Him and His will and that I want to do what He see's best for me. But looking at it now, do I really have faith that I can get through this time in my life? I say I trust Him but is my faith complete? And then I answer myself. If I am constantly doubting, then no, I don't have faith, I don't completely believe He can help me succeed. Which is why this attribute was a good place to start. I came across this video about having pure and simple faith. We don't have to make things complicated, all we need is to ask, believing that he can help, and then do something about it.

"Whatever problems we encounter, there is always a way that it will be solved as long as we put our trust in God and trust in His power. If we exercise faith in ALL that we do he will provide a way to accomplish it."

The Importance of Family and the Home

So I looked back in my journal of general conference notes to a year ago in 2010. There was a very repeated theme throughout both the spring and part of the fall session, it was the importance of parenting and family. It was a good review to go over all that had been said because I believe the family is so vital in this life and I know I will use these messages in my future. Here are the main things covered pertaining to this topic. 

Julie B. Beck

There has never been a greater need for increased faith, stronger homes and need of help.The greatest good we can do is refine ourselves in everything that is good.Trust in the spirit to lead you in righteousness. Seek appreciation and affirmation from proper sources.We know we are successful when we live to qualify for the spirit and know God is pleased with us when we can feel it working through us.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Every person we meet is a VIP of our Heavenly Father and everyone is walking his or her own difficult path. True love requires action, Christ didn’t speak about love he showed it, without love we are only the form of his church not the substance.

Cheryl C. Lant

The invitation of Christ is seeking who he is and doing what he’s told us to do. If we want our children to follow Christ we must be the example and do it too. Striving to be worthy is an example of itself. It is up to us to keep the connection of heaven to our children.

Thomas S. Monson

If there is a design in the world of which we live then there is a designer. We shouted for the opportunity to come to this difficult life. Every change of success was provided the Savior, he passed beneath all things that he may save all things.

Robert D. Hales

It begins by leading by example in the home. To understand youths hearts we must plan and take opportunity for teaching moments. Parents take time to talk to them let them hear you and feel of your love. During most important life transitions, warm friendly interactions with parents are most effective. Ask questions be willing to talk and listen. Connecting isn’t only conversation but spending time with them. It is our imperative duty to teach youth of knowing the gospel in a personal way. It is not enough in these perilous times for our youth to just know but to do. Bear your testimony, let your children know where your heart is. The greatest missionary service ever given, greatest activation, and greatest family history will be in our homes.

Bradley D. Foster

There is no greater good in all the world than motherhood. A distraction doesn’t have to be evil to be affective. Follow your mother, she knows where she’s going she’s been there before. In a world of agency some may stray but we should never give up or stop trying. We need to rescue those that are lost. We never know when a soul may be weary. The love of a true mother is nearer to the love of God than any other.

James B. Martino

All things work four our good for those that love God.

We may never know why we got through what we do but feel confident that we can grown from that experience.  Seek not my will but thy will. Our heavenly father knows end from beginning we must trust in him. Through trials don’t complain, do ask why me, say what can I learn from this and how can I change. We will each face times of difficulty, and the question is not when we will face them but how we face them. We must remember that often the answers from our Heavenly Father do not remove the trial from us, but instead He helps strengthen us as we pass through the experience.

Rosemary M. Wixom

The world will teach our children if we do not, and children are capable of learning all the world will teach them at a very young age. What we want them to know five years from now needs to be part of our conversation with them today. Teach them in every circumstance; let every dilemma, every consequence, every trial that they may face provide an opportunity to teach them how to hold on to gospel truths.

Parents, grandparents, neighbors, friends, Primary leaders—each of us can reach out to hold on to the children. We can stop, kneel down, and look into their eyes and feel of their innate desire to follow the Savior. Take hold of their hands. Walk with them. It is our chance to anchor them on the path of faith.

Larry R. Lawrence

Challenges and temptations are coming at our teenagers with the speed and power of a freight train. As we are reminded in the family proclamation, parents are responsible for the protection of their children. That means spiritually as well as physically. Young people understand more than we realize because they too have the gift of the Holy Ghost. They are trying to recognize the Spirit when He speaks, and they are watching our example. From us they learn to pay attention to their promptings—that if they “don’t feel good about something,” it’s best not to pursue it. It’s so important for husbands and wives to be united when making parenting decisions. If either parent doesn’t feel good about something, then permission should not be granted. If either feels uncomfortable about a movie, a television show, a video game, a party, a dress, a swimsuit, or an Internet activity, have the courage to support each other and say no.

Neil L. Andersen

We cant be casual in teaching our youth each person needs his or her own conversion to the truth. Can you think of a greater gift for children than to teach them the gospel? In their loneliness do they know the loneliness Jesus felt? There are times when children wont listen with a believing heart but the testimony will remain in their hearts, time and truth are on your side in the right moments it will return to your children.

M. Russell Ballard

Mothers and daughters play a critical role in helping each other. There is nothing in this world as personal, as nurturing or as life changing as the influence of a righteous woman. Mothers your example is extremely important to your daughters even if they don’t acknowledge it. As Ralph Waldo Emerson is believed to have said, “What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say” Mothers are a daughters first line of defense in against the wiles of the world. Nurturing children is where your love and talents can have the greatest significance. The most important work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own home: harold be lee. Modesty and morality needs to be heard clearly and repeatedly from your lips and seen in your example. Keeping covenants is the safest road to happiness. The home is the most important place to prepare the youth.

Henry B. Eyring

The lord wants children to gain early the spiritual strength and to stay on the path and rescue them quickly when they stray. We help Gods children best by providing ways to build faith in Jesus Christ when they are young. We have a continuous opportunity to help lead others home. Our most important and powerful assignments are in the family, they are important because the family has the opportunity at the start of a child’s life to place feet firmly on the path home. If the children are strengthened in faith and testimony they will less likely need rescuing as teenagers. If we are wise we would exemplify everything which invites the companionship of the holy ghost.

L. Tom Perry

I believe it is by divine design that the role of motherhood emphasizes the nurturing and teaching of the next generation. Parents must ensure that there children are taught what heavenly father would have them learn. While times change a parents teaching should never be devalued. God has entrusted in our care to teach his eternal children.

Mary Cook

We shouldn’t permit ourselves to do anything that we wouldn’t want our children to do. We can show our youth how to strengthen our faith by strengthening our own. Our message must be clear, clarity can only result with both hands on the iron rod. Start each day by committing to be an example.  

 

Another article I enjoyed was found here:

http://lds.org/ensign/2010/03/what-mothers-can-learn-from-the-savior?lang=eng