"Let me begin now, this very night, to emulate Christ. Cast off forever will be the old self and with it defeat, despair, doubt, and disbelief. To a newness of life I come--a life of faith, hope courage, and joy. No task looms too large; no responsibility too heavy; no duty is a burden. All things become possible." — Thomas S. Monson

Daughter of a King

I read this today and was taught so I thought I'd share. It gave me a clearer understanding that I have so much to work on.

I can do hard things

So I've been mulling this post around in my head for about a month. And since my mind keeps pulling it to the forefront I thought I'd post about it. I hope it doesn't turn into a big jumbly mess.
From a young age I've had a testimony of the scripture 1 Nephi 3:7 I've always believed that the Lord will provide a way for us to accomplish his commandments. If we're trying to do what's right the Lord will help us to reach that far destination. I still believe this but recently I've learned that more times than not, the way the Lord has provided is no walk in the park. The way is hard--sometimes really hard.
As we studied the birth of the Savior as a family last month I noticed something I'd never really thought about before. Joseph and Mary were on their way to Bethlehem. They were part of an event that had been prophesied of for hundreds of years. The Savior of the world was going to be born. Such an event is certainly deserving of a little "spoiling" right? Yet as we know there was no room for them in the Inn and our Father's only begotten Son was born in a humble stable and layed in a manger. Mary and Joseph didn't have it easy even though it would seem "fair" for them to.
The more I ponder this point the more I see it in other examples around me--Joseph Smith and the early Saints for one. And I've seen it in today's world as well, especially in events that occurred this last year in our ward family and community. The Lord does require us to do hard things--and when my brain first thinks that thought it scares me to death. Instantly the question rises, "what hard things will the Lord require of me?" But I know the Lord doesn't want us to be filled fear, but with faith and steadfastness to his commandments. The refiners fire has a purpose. And I also realize that this is easier said than done. I pray that the Lord will write these truths upon my heart that I might have the strength to lean on them in times of need---and remember that I CAN do hard things.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding, in all thy ways acknowledge him and he will direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! I can't believe Christmas is almost here! I thought I would share one of my favorite talks on Christmas! You can find it here.

God be thanked for the gift of His Son, the Redeemer of the world, the Savior of mankind, the Prince of Life and Peace, the Holy One.

Giving Thanks

Small And Simple Things

I scored a cute little book at the thrift store a few weeks ago. It's called "Small and simple things" and it's by Marjorie Hinckley. I was so excited to see it cause I love her other book--(I blogged about it here!) and it was 50 cents! SCORE!!
Anyway, it's a tiny book filled with little thoughts on each page. I wanted to share the thought she wrote concerning the title of this book--small and simple things. It comes from the scripture found in Alma 37:6

"By small and simple things are great things brought to pass."

"I couldn't possibly have understood this when I was young like I do now. When we look back on decades of life we see that the seemingly insignificant thngs we do over and over actually weave the pattern of our lives. And if those small and simple things are good, we will end up having lived a fulfilling life--and that is a great thing!"

The longer I'm a mother the more true this statement is. Liston is getting baptized next year--I can't believe it!! So I've been talking to him about his decision to be baptized and what he thinks about it. I want him to be ready for that big day. And I've come to realize that his preparation will come mostly from the "little things" we do everyday: from having FHE, having family scripture study and family prayer, etc--little things that don't seem like much but mean so much in the end. I'm so grateful for the council of our prophet and general authorities who admonish us to include these things in our lives. To invite the Lord into our homes each day. I pray that I can do more to invite the spirit and to be taught and refined. And to create an environment where my children can recognise the Spirit and be taught as well.

I've been neglecting this blog. I really want to do some posting this weekend. In the meantime, I'm posting this talk by Elder Eyring. I have really been wanting to write in my journal more--to record the hand of the Lord in my life each day. I going to start today :)