I will make weak things become strong unto you

How does your appearance make you feel?

Does it make you feel good when you look nice?

I think we all can feel a little better when we look nice. I do. But then a series of events caused a medical condition that over the course of several months left me with large ugly scars on both my shins.

They aren't pretty. But they do look better now than they did 3 years ago, that's for sure.

But even still, I choose not to let it stop me. I don't hide because something about me is different. I don't let the flaws on my legs stop me from living my life.

I shouldn't let any of my flaws stop me or create a negative view of myself. Scars don't mean someone is a bad person. It means we are living life and learning.

I have lots of other flaws too, ones that I recognize and am trying to work through, but might not be as easily seen. We all have things we struggle with. Part of learning compassion is learning that everyone has something that isn't quite strong yet.

"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." (Ether 12:27)

I don’t understand fully how a weakness could be made into a strength. But the Lord says it can be done, so I believe Him, and I'm working on understanding how that works.

I heard on a podcast recently weaknesses being described in a way I hadn't thought about before:

"Our weaknesses are only our strengths overused." (Jody Moore)

Isn't that eye opening? I also love the work of Carol Tuttle and I believe her when she talks about how our weaknesses are actually our strengths. I am a perfectionist. No, I am thorough! I am lazy. No, I have a relaxed nature! I always put my foot in my mouth. No, I am capable of speaking up.

When we view ourselves in a positive light, it is beautiful and freeing.

I believe growth comes from love. Love yourself and allow yourself to grow. God loves us and gently encourages us to be better, not the opposite.

I'm grateful for my hope in Christ and the reality of His resurrection, which opened the way for the rest of us to gain this same resurrection, the unifying and perfecting of our body and spirit for the rest of eternity, flawless and good.

Our flaws, imperfections, weaknesses don't have to define us. We can still dance with ugly scars on our legs. We can still do our work on the earth though we may stumble and sometimes fall. Life is learning how to get back up again and keep trying. With Christ we can, and heal in the process.

My Conversion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Both my parents were baptized and became members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in their adult years.  They were married and sealed in the Manti Utah temple.  My younger brother and sister and I were all baptized at age 8.  Despite this, our family didn’t attend church very regularly, nor did we spend time together in Gospel instruction that I remember with family scripture study, prayer, home evening, etc.  I attended girl’s camp and seminary, even EFY, and also stake dances, though I didn’t participate very much in the spiritual side of things.  As a result I was spiritually wayward, and felt like I was always grasping at straws trying to find real happiness.  I had blue coloring in my hair at the ends and a strip through my bangs at one time and hot pink highlights at another; I stayed out way too late and never had a curfew; didn't have the greatest influences as friends; I didn’t always dress modestly; I played in soccer tournament games on Sundays; I stayed up till morning and slept till the afternoon.  Searching for peace in all the wrong places, I didn’t know there was a better way of living.

The summer before my junior year of high school my 16th birthday fell on a Sunday.  For some unknown reason I decided I would spend my birthday going to church.  I have a few memories of Primary and Achievement Days, and one thing I do remember is getting a pencil for my birthday in Primary.  This small thought played a part in my going to church that day.  I didn’t know which class I was in or where they met, I hadn’t previously talked much to the other youth in my ward.  I don’t remember who I sat with or how I got there.  But I went and I was happy to be there!  I decided in the middle of Young Women’s that from that day forward I wouldn’t stop coming to church.

The same summer in the next month was girl’s camp, and my first year as a YCL (youth camp leader).  I almost didn’t go because I didn’t really feel like I knew anyone I would be there with.  But I ended up going and I’m really glad I did.  The Spirit pierced my heart that week.  During the Thursday night devotional and testimony meeting with my ward, I stood up to bear my testimony, something I never had previously done.  “I don’t know what I know; I just know that I know,” was the only way I could describe the feelings I had.  It gave me hope and a sense of purpose.  Girl’s camp and the events leading up to it sealed the deal for me, and I’ve never looked back!

It was tough though, to start over.  I was halfway through high school, established like everyone else, I had finally made friends I felt accepted with, and here I was, abandoning everything I previously “knew” for some glimmer of hope of the unknown future.  I tried to run with a different crowd where people were on the same page spiritually as me, though I never really completely felt like I belonged through the rest of high school.  It wasn’t an easy transition, but I was solid in my determination to stay true to what I knew.  Seminary was my rock through the rest of high school and a daily source of spiritual strength and rejuvenation.

Since then it’s gotten much easier and has become a joy to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ!  I’ve had a great time learning and growing through college, married life, and motherhood.  The Gospel is everything to me, and though part of me wishes I would have had a more spiritual childhood, I’m grateful for the experiences in my life because they have helped make me strong in my faith of Jesus Christ and brought me to where I am today.

My life is not free of challenges, nor is it free of mistakes.  I constantly have to be on guard and make sure I try my hardest to choose the higher ground and the better part.  I'm continually gaining testimony of the Gospel as I show my commitment to Him by living the eternal principles taught by prophets of old in the scriptures and modern prophets in our day.  My conversion is a process as I am converted to choosing daily to follow Christ.

We all face trials, and we all experience heartache.  I know what it’s like to be lost, and I also know what it’s like to be found.  Nothing else in this life can bring greater and truer and more lasting happiness and peace than following Jesus Christ and living His Gospel.  I am eternally grateful and feel hugely blessed to have the Gospel in my life!

Elder Bednar -- Converted unto the Lord

P.S. -- I feel like I need to mention that there have been countless good people throughout every part of my life so far who have had positive influences on me no matter how long or short our association has been.  It would be impossible for me to list the people or the instances but know that if you have come across my path, you have put a drop or two or many in my testimony & conversion lamp.  Even still today!  Keep being good people in the lives of others, I know you are blessing many with your goodness by simply being you!  THANK YOU from me and everyone else's life you have touched!

Primary Music Leader

 I was just called to be the new Primary Music Leader.  (Primary is the children's Sunday School, ages 3-11)  I've had a crazy mix of emotions about this new adventure, but after having a week to process it and let go of my previous calling as a youth Sunday School teacher I'm feeling excited!  Children are so forgiving, way more than adults (but not that adults aren't).  The last music leader moved out of the ward, but thankfully stuck around to finish out the Primary Program.  I'm glad I get to start with a clean slate!

I rarely attended Primary growing up, but our first calling after Adam and I got married was to teach a Primary class.  We did that for a year, and I had an awesome music leader model!  She was called into that calling right after we moved in, and she did a GREAT job, so I can too, right?  Even with my lack of Primary attendance I still know a bunch of the Primary songs, but I'll definitely be learning more!

I'm taking solace in the fact that I have an extra week to prepare because General Conference is this next weekend, and I also got to sit in during Primary last Sunday and observed.  We have an awesome Primary Presidency, I'm looking forward to learning from them!  And out stake is having their annual auxiliary training this month.  I couldn't have been called to this new position at a better time!

I'm looking forward to all the fun things I'm going to get to do with the children in our ward.  I hope I can learn all their names quickly!  We've only been in the ward for a year and we're still trying to learn who everyone is.  But I hope they will be able to learn through the music about how Heavenly Father loves them, that Jesus Christ is their Savior, that we need to be good so we can be worthy to have the Holy Ghost with us, and that we can be happy by living the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I hope I will be able to inspire them and invite the Spirit so they can feel the love our Father in Heaven has for them and learn by the Spirit, so they can feel real happiness!

I'm humbled by this call to serve, and I'm grateful for this opportunity.  I know I will grow right along with these amazing children.

Adam pointed out how fun it will be for Eli when he gets to Primary for his mom to be the music leader.  That's only in about 2 years, so it's possible!  In my married life I have yet to have a calling for over a year.  But we're not going anywhere for a while so maybe this will be the one to set the new record!


P.S. (10:45pm)

I got set apart tonight.  Bishop Alexander talked to us for a few minutes before.  It's his opinion that the music in Primary is one of the most important things.  He started to get choked up when he told me they (the bishopric) are grateful that I am in the ward (we just moved in last year).  And he said they felt strongly that I should be the one to take this place.  I don't know how deep this planning has been on Heavenly Father's part, if this is one reason why we were drawn to buy a house in this location (the past music leader just bought a house out of the ward), or maybe every good choice we've made has just led to more blessings...

The main points in Bishop's blessing tonight were:

• put family first
• be organized
• you've been blessed with talents to bless others

I definitely received some simple yet profound answers to recent prayers and some needed guidance.  I'm grateful for the priesthood and for those who serve under it's direction, and under the direction of Jesus Christ, who is the head of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He lives!

Utah Trip

At the beginning of August we took a little trip.  First stop: Utah.

 Eli enjoying his first sucker

Adam's sister is getting ready to serve a mission at Temple Square (how awesome is that?!) and she went through the temple for the first time while we were visiting.

Eli and Auntie Holly

Siblings!

Baczuk Family

Ferguson Family

Classic Ferguson Family Rank-Face Pose

Eli got to meet lots of family.  A few include:

Eli & Great Uncle Gregg

Eli and Great- Grandma & Grandpa Baczuk

Eli & Cousin (once removed) Jake

4 generations!

The other reason why we went up was because Adam's brother got married.  So happy for him and our new sis!

Second stop: Colorado

Third stop: South Dakota

Forth stop: Back to Colorado

Update on Eli: It's Almost Time

Well, the waiting is just about over.  Eli goes in for his surgery Monday morning.  All this time we've just been putting it off in our minds, feeling like June 10 was always so far away.  But now it's right around the corner.  We're still trying not to think about it, but it's becoming even more inevitable.  The nerves are starting to sink in.  And if I'm being honest, it makes me sad and want to cry.  His cute little perfect peach-fuzz head won't ever be the same.  Or at least not for a little while.  He'll have a nice long scar from ear to ear, and probably a shaved head.  He's worked so hard at growing the little hair he has now!  We're still not exactly sure what recovery and care will be like after we come home after our hospital stay.  I just know we're going to have to be extra careful with our cuddles and probably cut back on them for a while.

Our situation really isn't bad.  Eli's condition isn't life-threatening, and neither is the surgery.  It's just reconstructive, really.  And the plastic surgeon and neurosurgeon are highly trained and skilled.  I'm definitely grateful for that.  I know everything will be "OK."  You just never want to see your child go through any kind of surgery.  Especially not your baby, your infant.

Thank you to those who have given us your love and support, through words and thoughts and prayers.

I'm grateful to know that our bodies will be perfected after this life when we're resurrected, made possible by Jesus Christ, because He broke the bands of death and rose again.  I'm also grateful to know that because He conquered death, we will too, and in addition to that, the laws and ordinances in His gospel allow our family relationships to extend beyond the grave.

Eli will always be ours.

I love this little guy to pieces!

Losing Someone (Come unto Him)

There’s lots of room for regret in life, isn’t there. It seems that no matter what we do it will never be enough. And the truth is that it isn’t. But that is why the Atonement of Jesus Christ is so beautiful. But I feel guilty that I need it. I feel like I should be better. I know I can be better, there are plenty of things I can improve -- but I know although I may be my best self I will still fall short. And that is when Christ buoys us up, if we let Him.

It’s important to realize the important things in life, the way to spend our time -- with people and not with things. It wouldn’t be possible to spend all our time visiting the people we love, although we would jump at the opportunity to do so. But we have other responsibilities in life too. We can spend as many short amounts of time with the people we love and we will still look back and wish we could have done more. And still we look back and think, “Was it enough? Could I have done more? Should I have done more? Did they wish I would have done more?” We learn our lessons the hard way in life, and it’s tough, some times are tougher than others. But even though this is the case, I find there is a ray of sunshine through all the gloom. We cannot forget Christ, even in our darkest moments. It is because of Him that we truly can and will live again, and will be able to live with those we love forever. This life is only a test, a time for us to learn lessons the hard way, the way we wanted and needed it to be, so we could truly learn so we could become like God and receive everything He has. I guess part of this lesson learning is learning about hope, which comes because of Christ, that we can prevail through anything together with Him, and also learning that we really need Him. We can’t progress without Him, in this life or the next. His Atonement allows us to repent, to break the chains of sin and guilt and any affliction, and also the chains and sting of death. Because death does sting, it hurts when someone you love passes away from this life, but because of Christ’s Atonement, which includes His death and Resurrection, this life that we know on earth is not the end. It is a beautiful thing to think about the next life. We don’t know much about it, but we do know some things -- especially we know that it exists, that we will continue to exist, but in a different way. And eventually we will all be resurrected and we will live in the way we were meant to live. On Earth, our mortal bodies, our earthly homes for our spirits, become frail. But our spirits remain active and alive, wishing to do all that we want to do, but can’t because our mortal bodies limit us. Death seems to be a free-ing of self -- no more restrictions, no more pain, no more sorrow. It is a good thing, it is a happy thing. Yet we mourn because we are stuck in this life, on earth, without those we love who have passed on. But I believe they don’t mourn, but are awaiting us to join them once again.

How do you deal with death? I think that’s a question everyone asks themselves. I’m sure everyone has their own way. I guess this is part of mine.

How do I let the Atonement work in my life in dealing with this regret and guilt? I don’t know how it works, but I do know that it does work. The trick I guess is figuring out how to use it, how to give it all to Him. Christ has suffered all things for us already, so we won’t be tied down in all our pain and suffering and shortcomings, but that we can be free. Not so everything negative is taken away from us, but so we can know that everything will be okay, that this isn’t the end and we should and can keep trying to do better. Christ’s Atonement allows us to move forward, even though things in life sometimes get us down, and sometimes hold us back. It doesn’t take all the pain away, and it doesn’t remove our memories, but it is the door we can pass through to the next chapter or phase in our lives -- We can look back and remember and learn from our past without having to be held captive by it, and also we are able to look forward with a ‘brightness of hope.’ It is because of this we are able to feel real joy in our lives. I think this is at least part of the reason why people often comment about how people who belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or the nickname for our religion - Mormons) are “always happy,” or something to that effect. It’s because of the knowledge of the Atonement. Anyone can have the same hope and joy. It’s in one’s belief and use of Christ’s Atonement that it is made possible.

It's OK to cry. It's OK to feel sad. We just shouldn't let it hold us back.

The Atonement of Christ and faith in Christ are directly and inseparably related. When we have faith in Him, we are having faith and believing in everything He did for us -- in His Atonement. Let Christ work in your life. Let Him in. He stands at the door and knocks, His arms are stretched out, He is waiting for you. Come unto Him.

Brothers & Missionaries

So I realized I never said anything about our brothers coming home from their missions this year.  Whoops!

Both my and Adam's younger brothers came home from their respective missions this year!  It's been a fun year!

My brother came home in March from the Philippines.

Family together again. "Mabuhay" means "Welcome" in Tagalog.
I totally PhotoShopped a guy (partly) out of the picture. Just don't look too closely.

Any excuse to have cookie cake from Mrs. Fields!!!!!!!!
He hadn't had it for 2 years so it was a pretty good excuse.
I love cookie cake (from Mrs. Fields).

Adam's brother came home in July from the Oregon Portland mission.

Together again!

Man, the lighting in the airport is awful!!

But anyway...

We're super proud of both of them for their dedication and service to the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the two years they spent every day helping others come closer to Him by serving them and sharing His Gospel with them.  Love them both!!!

Jesus Speaks Today -- Through His Authorized Servants

What an incredible morning so far.  Messages have been shared from some of the Lord's appointed and authorized servants, the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  What a wonderful opportunity.

Some announcements were made this morning, one of which was that a Temple will be built in Tucson, Arizona!  I have been wishing for some time to be able to just live in the same city as a temple.  I can't wait for it's construction and to be able to attend the temple and feel of the amazing Spirit there much more often.

So far from the messages shared this morning I am feeling a renewed dedication to Jesus Christ and to more fully living His Gospel.  What a wonderful feeling.

Christ's Gospel brings me the most real happiness and peace in my life I have ever felt, no matter the circumstances and situations that surround me.  Nothing compares to the happiness and peace Christ offers if we receive it.

All are invited to come and feel of it's goodness.

You can watch General Conference live or afterward online:
http://www.lds.org/general-conference

Some of the topics talked about in this morning's session:

• "And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?" -- Book of Mormon, Alma 5:26
  
• How to feel the Spirit, or Holy Ghost, more fully
  
• Being an example of Christ by the way we live
  
• Gain more knowledge -- of secular and spiritual things
  
• Obedience and submission to God
  
• The Temple should be the focal point in our lives
  
• Holy Ghost and acting on his promptings
  
• Little children do not need baptism
  
• Life after death
  
• Missionary service and efforts
  
• Christ's original organization of His church, the Great Apostasy, and the Restoration of Christ's original church
  
• Purpose of life
  
• "You have seen our missionaries, you may have ignored them, you should listen to them, they will help you"
  
• Spend time doing what matters most -- spending time with those we love, dedicating ourselves to God and His Gospel
  
• Find joy in the journey
  
• "Good intentions are not enough, we must do"
  
• Be more happy now -- We determine our happiness
  
• "Look less with your eyes and more with your heart"
  
• "I pray we will not wait until we are ready to die before we truly learn to live."

Watch and learn -- Your life will be blessed -- You will feel uplifted --
Christ speaks today, through His authorized servants.  This is who they are:
Jesus leads us through His Prophet

God is the Same - We Can Still Know

We are all trying to do the best we can in this life.  We are ever trying to understand God and how we can best follow Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world whom He has sent.

With so many opinions out there, it can be difficult to figure out what we should believe.  Some believe the notion that we as mere humans can't and won't ever know in this life exactly how God wants us to follow Him.

I believe with all my heart, might, mind, and strength that God DOES speak to His children on the earth (all of us) and that we CAN know what He wants us to do.

The Holy Ghost, or Spirit, is how we can know.  He is the third member of the Godhead.  It is His role to be a witness of truth.

"And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him." - Acts 5:32 

"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth" - John 16:13 

"But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God." - 1 Corinthians 2:10-12 

"...the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls." - Jacob 4:13

An ancient prophet named Moroni in approx. A.D. 421 declared that if we pray to God to know of truth, He will reveal that it is true by the power of the Holy Ghost:

"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. 

"And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. 

"And whatsoever thing is good is just and true; wherefore, nothing that is good denieth the Christ, but acknowledgeth that he is.

"And ye may know that he is, by the power of the Holy Ghost" 

(Book of Mormon, Moroni 10:4-7)

Another ancient prophet, Nephi, around 600 B.C. also testified of this:

"For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round." 

(Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 10:19)

"For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do." 

(Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 32:5)

Interesting that he says that this principle, which was true in ancient times, will continue to apply and be true in times to come.  Today is included in that "times to come."  How fortunate are we that God is unchanging and continues to reveal truth to us, through His prophets and through the Holy Ghost, so we don't have to wander this life in confusion!

In a revelation given through a modern day prophet, Joseph Smith, in 1831 the Lord also affirmed:

"And again, verily I say unto you, O inhabitants of the earth: I the Lord am willing to make these things known unto all flesh... 

"...For behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever." 

(Doctrine & Covenants 1:34, 39)

I also believe that God is the same today, yesterday, and forever, which is to say that He does not change.

• "But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end." - Psalms 102:27
  
• "For I am the Lord, I change not" - Malachi 3:6
  
• "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." - Hebrews 13:8
  
• "For he is the same yesterday, today, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him." - 1 Nephi 10:18
  
• "For do we not read that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing?" - Mormon 9:9
  
• "...for he worketh by power, according to the faith of the children of men, the same today and tomorrow, and forever." - Moroni 10:7
  
• "And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that he is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that all these gifts of which I have spoken, which are spiritual, never will be done away, even as long as the world shall stand, only according to the unbelief of the children of men." - Moroni 10:19
  
• "Proving to the world that the holy scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old;
  "Thereby showing that he is the same God yesterday, today, and forever." - Doctrine & Covenants 20:11-12
  
• "Listen to the voice of the Lord your God, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, whose course is one eternal round, the same today as yesterday, and forever." - Doctrine & Covenants 35:1
  
• "From eternity to eternity he is the same, and his years never fail." - Doctrine & Covenants 76:4
  
• "And God spake unto Moses, saying: Behold, I am the Lord God Almighty, and Endless is my name; for I am without beginning of days or end of years; and is not this endless?
  "And, behold, thou art my son; wherefore look, and I will show thee the workmanship of mine hands, but not all, for my works are without end, and also my words, for they never cease." - Moses 1:3-4

In a world where everything seems to be constantly changing, I am grateful that God has a hold on things.  I know that He will guide us to truth and will reveal His way to us through the Spirit if we truly want to know, will act on the answer He gives, and ask Him.  I'm grateful to know that He will always give us guidance if we seek it, be solid and stable and unchanging, and can provide safety and security and stability in our lives if we put our trust in Him.

Young Women Blocks

Our ward's Young Women presidency decided we would each give gifts to the girls in our ward during girls camp, one gift for each night.  This is what mine ended up being:

Arise & Shine Forth and Good Works blocks
(each block has both sides)

Here's a close up.

Arise and Shine Forth is the youth theme this year, and Good Works was our ward's assigned Young Women value for camp.  My dad cut the wood for me and my mom (in-law) helped me paint the blocks and Mod Podge the designs on them.  I put together the Arise and Shine and Good Works parts of it in Photoshop (not from scratch... I'm not that good!).  I think they turned out pretty cute!

Mormons Believe in Jesus Christ

Yes, it's true!  I believe the same Jesus Christ as you, the very Jesus Christ of the New Testament.  I believe He atoned for our sins and afflictions and died on the cross and rose the third day as a resurrected and glorified being.  He is the center of my testimony, my belief, my marriage, my actions, my life, my very being and existence.

"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." -- 2 Nephi 25:26

He has not left us alone.  He has not left us to confusion or to fend for ourselves.  He has re-established the fullness of His gospel in these latter-days.  He speaks today through His chosen prophet.  President Thomas S. Monson is His mouthpiece for the world at this time today.

The whole purpose of His life was to save ours.  I am so full of gratitude for all He has done for all of us, and for me.  I could not be who I am without Him.  I would not know happiness without Him, or without the knowledge of the purpose of life.  He makes everything possible.  "Oh sweet, the joy this sentence gives: I know that my Redeemer lives!"

The Heavens are Not Closed

Henry B Eyring, President Thomas S Monson, Dieter  F Uchtdorf

"Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." - Amos 3:7

The Heavens are not closed, but are open!  God is available to each of us and directs His people through prophets in these latter days just as He always has in the past.  We are considered God's people when we choose to obey Him and follow His way.  Just as God has called prophets to lead His people in the days of Adam, Moses, John the Baptist, Nephi, Joseph Smith and others, He does so now.  He directs and speaks to His people on earth through His prophets.

"As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:" - Luke 1:70

A prophet:

-is a man called by God to be His representative on earth
-speaks for God, is His mouthpiece, and when he does it is as if God is speaking
-is a special witness of Christ and testifies of His divinity
-teaches the gospel of Jesus Christ
-teaches truth
-interprets the word of God
-calls the unrighteous to repentance
-receives revelations and directions from the Lord for our benefit
-may see into the future and foretell coming events so the world may be warned
-is always chosen by God
-is called through proper priesthood authority

"We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof." - Articles of Faith 1:15

"Behold, mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion." - Doctrine and Covenants 132:8

There is a prophet living on the earth today.  He is the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  This chosen prophet has the right to receive revelation for the entire Church, and is the only person on earth who can.  The Lord said, "There is never but one on the earth at a time on whom this power and the keys of this priesthood are conferred" (Doctrine and Covenants 132:7).  The prophet also holds the "keys of the kingdom" which means he has the authority to direct the entire Church and kingdom of God on earth, including the administration of priesthood ordinances.

"And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." - Matthew 16:19

Twice a year the Church has a General Conference where the prophet of God and the counselors of the First Presidency and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve, who are also prophets, seers, and revelators, and other general authorities of the Church speak to the entire membership of the Church worldwide to give counsel relevant to our lives today.  In addition to all Church members, all people of all ages all around the world are invited to watch and listen.

"What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." - Doctrine and Covenants 1:38

The Lord speaks through His prophets to His people.  It was this way in Bible times, it was this way in Book of Mormon times, and it is this way now.  I invite all who are willing to listen to the voice of the Lord through His prophet, Thomas S. Monson, His mouthpiece for the world at this time, to watch and listen to the General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this coming weekend.  The messages given and music shared are inspiring and uplifting and help us feel the Holy Spirit and be directed by Him in our lives.  I know that President Thomas S. Monson is the Lord's mouthpiece for the earth today, and that he speaks for Him.  I know that as we listen to and follow the counsel he gives us we will be immensely blessed in our lives and we will know the way to true and lasting happiness.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints General Conference website

An invitation to "Come listen" this weekend - Mormon Messages

References:
mentioned scriptures
Gospel Principles manual Chapter 9

Young Women's & Personal Progress

Remember last post when I said I got a new calling?

Well, I'm the new Young Women's Secretary in our ward!

The Young Women program in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is for girls ages 12-18.  They have a program called Personal Progress where they complete value experiences and value projects, kind of like earning merit badges in scouts.  There are 8 values now (there used to be 7 when I was in YW's when I was a youth) -- they are: Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice and Accountability, Good Works, Integrity, and Virtue.  This Personal Progress program is to help young women increase their faith in Jesus Christ and personal righteousness.  I earned my Young Woman Recognition (for completing Personal Progress) just a few weeks before I turned 18, and I was proud of it!  I had only started when I was 16 since that was when I really started going to church and being involved.  And now since I am again in the Young Women's program, I want to work on my Personal Progress again and be a good example for the girls.

I'll be working on it, and you'll be hearing about it!  :)

-- Young Women Motto -- 

"Stand for Truth and Righteousness"

-- Young Women Theme --

"We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him.  We will 'stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places' (Mosiah 18:9) as we strive to live the Young Women values, which are:

Faith

Divine Nature

Individual Worth

Knowledge

Choice and Accountability

Good Works

Integrity, and

Virtue.

We believe as we come to accept and act upon these values, we will be prepared to strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, receive the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation."

The Last Month

I guess it's time for me to play some famous blog catch-up.

Two days before Christmas I got to talk to my brother who is serving a mission in the Philippines for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  It was great to talk to him!  He sounds like he has an accent.  :)  Missionaries only get to call home on Mother's Day and Christmas.  He comes home in March -- So crazy!  It will be good to see him!  He has grown up a lot from what I can tell by his letters he writes each week.  It's nice to have someone else in my family who is as dedicated to the Gospel of Jesus Christ as I am.  I think we're going to end up getting close!  :)

We also got to talk with Adam's brother who is serving a mission in Portland, Oregon.  He comes home in July!  This is a crazy year for missionaries coming home.  It's going to be fun!

Speaking of this year...  2012 has some great things happening!  I got a new calling in church which I am totally excited about (but I can't say what just yet because I need to be sustained on Sunday first!).  We're thinking more about buying a house, which we may or may not do, but we would love to!  I'm being more involved with dancing -- My mom and I are taking a tap dance class this semester which I'm super excited about!  I'm also taking a ballet class this semester with the same teacher I've been taking other dance classes with, who I love!, and hope to keep working en pointe!  I'm also progressing at work in the mortgage biz.  I'm learning more and more every day and it's awesome, and fun!  And I'm sure there are tons of other things this year has in store, some things of which are probably not yet known!  But I'm way excited, and happy about life!

I took a ballet class at a studio this past semester and danced in a recital production of the Nutcracker!  En pointe!  It was challenging but super awesome and fun!!!  I miss it.  It's so crazy, I never would have thought I would be dancing en pointe for a performance.  I'm hoping to continue working on it and getting better!  I love dancing!  I can't believe it has taken me this long to figure out how much I like it.  Oh well, better late than never.  I figure I have more time for it now anyway and am more able to appreciate it.  :)

Adam and I took a trip to California when school got out for him in December.  It was our Christmas present to each other.  We got to see my aunt and uncle, and went to the Ghirardelli factory outlet.  Yum!  And we went to the Steelers game!  It was our first NFL game (for both of us).  Sadly though, the Steelers lost.  :(  But we had fun anyway!  We went to the LDS Oakland Temple (beautiful of course!) and also to the Golden Gate Bridge.  Surprisingly there was not even a hint of fog at the bridge!

Christmas was wonderful!  Adam and I opened stockings in the morning (since our present to each other was the Cali trip, including the Steelers game).  We went to church with Adam's family and my parents joined us too.  We had a nice Sacrament Meeting and then got to talk with Adam's brother, which I mentioned, and then opened a ton of presents with Adam's family.  Coming from a family that struggles to find one thing to get for each other (which we don't even bother with anymore) it's strange having 10 presents for each person to open, and we're all adults!  But it's super fun and I am not complaining at all!  Then we had dinner with my parents and my dad's parents who live in town and some of my dad's sisters who were there too.  It was a busy and nice Christmas, spending time with family and cherishing those relationships because those are the ones that last forever if we choose to live righteously and fulfill the ordinances required.  What a great way to remember Christ and all He has made possible for us.  :)

We went to Alabama with Adam's family to visit his dad's family.  It was a new experience for me!  I got to meet mostly everyone.  We spent time with Adam's grandmother, which was really good.  We even did some video recording of interviews with Adam's grandmother and her sisters and also Adam's dad's dad.  And we went to a bunch of grave sites where a lot of the family is buried.  We also went to the Blue Bell factory!  It was awesome and so yummy!  Unfortunately the tours were closed, probably for the holiday.  :(  But there was a window to see into the factory and we saw them putting together chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream!  We also went to the Talladega Super Speedway racetrack and took a tour on the track!  And got to take pictures in Victory Lane!  It was cool!  And we went to the Chick-fil-A bowl in Atlanta.  And celebrated 2012 twice!  (Once in Georgia and once in Alabama!)  You don't get to do that many times in a lifetime!

I'm learning how to use Photoshop!  We bought a Photoshop Elements and Premier (video editing) package on Black Friday for half off (yesss!).  It's been fun trying to learn how to use them.  I even created our own Christmas cards from scratch!!  I'm so proud of it!  But we didn't get to send them out at Christmas since it was so busy with our trips and everything.  I still want to send them out though because I can't let it go to waste!  And no, of course I don't want to wait a whole year to divulge my awesomeness with Photoshop!  I think I will still send them  :D

And of course, we squeezed in time for some shooting practice before school started back up again for Adam.  I did really well!  Better than him this time!  Hehe.

2012 has been good for us so far!  It's going to be a great year!  It always is.  :)