It's Simple!!! :)

As I have been reading in the Book of Mormon, I came across a scripture that for one was an answer to a prayer, and one that gave me great comfort and confidence. It was in 1 Nephi. I love him, if I am not even close to being as obedient as he was on this Earth, but I look up to him. It was chapter 15:24. It reads: "And I said unto them that it was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction." In order to keep the adversary's influence from our lives we need to "hold fast unto it." The Word of God is the Iron Rod, which is along the strait and narrow path. So, what must we do to stay on the strait and narrow path? Simply the primary answers of praying sincerely to our Heavenly Father, studying our scriptures, serving others, attending our church meetings, etc. It is easier said than done. The key is making it a habit. I once heard somewhere that it takes a couple weeks to start a habit. (Probably wrong) But that's beside the point. When we make it a habit, Satan can't get at us. And when we continue to "cut the distance in half" everyday, our testimony grows stronger and stronger. What better combination than being out of Satan's reach and growing our testimonies? Not a lot. I've known this ever since primary, but now it has really hit me, just how simple and protective it is for us. I hope that we all have and will come to this realization. I know that my Redeemer lives. I know that if we hold fast to the iron rod, we will be protected and blessed for our efforts. I love this Gospel so much and I hope that we will all strive in our daily lives to get closer to our Heavenly Father. I know that He has a plan for us. I know that our Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson was ordained of God and he holds the keys of the True Church upon the Earth today, and I say that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

The Book that Never Gets Old. Ever.

You know what book I'm talking about? You got that right! The Book of Mormon! This year our Bishop has challenged us to read the whole thing straight through this year of 2013. And I accepted that challenge. I'm not only reading it, but I'm trying to understand and ponder how each passage can help me in my daily life. Each time I read, I get closer and closer to Our Savior Jesus Christ. This book changes my life. And I know that it will change you too. I have always known that the Book of Mormon is true. I know it with all of my heart. But after I really read this amazing book, I am going to follow Moroni's plea. That we all "ask with a sincere heart and real intent, having faith in Christ" because I know that the "truth of it will be made known" unto me. (Moroni 10:5) I am also tacking onto this challenge, the challenge of giving out 3 Books of Mormon out to 3 separate people this year. Because I know that they will enjoy it also. I want people to be as happy as us. Who are we to not allow others to feel the love of Our Savior and Our Father in Heaven? Not very good people I would say. I would hope that we all read (or read again) the Book of Mormon. It is full of plain and precious things. Without it, I would be nothing. I'm thankful for all of the writers and those who protected this great book, so I could have it. I love this Gospel and I cannot wait to out that nametag on and be a disciple of Christ day in and day out. And I say that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

P.S. GREAT VIDEO BELOW

Choose the Right....Friends.

Hello everyone! It has been way too long. I always find myself not keeping this blog up and when I don't have time to do it, I always remember that I need to do it! Well I thought that I would do a segment on friends. 

From the LDS booklet, For the Strength of Youth, it reads: "[Friends] will be a great strength and blessing to you. They will influence how you think and act, and even help determine the person you will become. . . To have good friends, be a good friend. Show genuine interest in others; smile and let them know you care about them. Treat everyone with kindness and respect, and refrain from judging and criticizing those around you." A good question that the booklet asks is as follows: What kind of a friend am I? 

Throughout my life I have had many amazing friends who have been very kind and supportive of me with everything. I would like to focus on one my greatest friend, and that is none other than our Savior Jesus Christ. He has and will be there for us through thick and thin. He took upon our own sins, and because of that we need to be the best friend we can be to Him. And that means to keep His commandments. The first one is key. Loving God with all of our might, mind, and strength. And the second is like unto it, loving one another as thyself. We show our love to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ through not only obedience to His commandments, but also by serving others. In Matthew

25:40 it reads: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." So if we show our love to others through service, we are doing likewise to our Savior. 

In an excerpt from one of then Elder Henry B. Eyring's talks, he discusses true friendship. Take a look at it. I know his words are inspired. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eD_XzUHlYwY)

I know that if we are true friends to everybody around us, we will recieve blessings from our loving Heavenly Father. I know that He loves us and wants the best for us. I know that my Redeemer lives. I love Him to the end. I cannot wait to serve Him in two years, for two years. And I say all of this in the name of my merciful and loving Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.