Strengthening A Testimony

In the April conference Elder Gerald N. Lund said in his talk "Opening our Hearts", While in Liberty Jail, the Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation that describes a condition of some hearts: “Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? “Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men.” 15 Many in the world now live in prosperous and peaceful circumstances. In the Book of Mormon, prosperity often led the people away from the Lord. Mormon warned, “We may see at the very time when he doth prosper his people, yea, in the increase of their fields, their flocks and their herds, and in gold, and in silver, and in all manner of precious things of every kind and art . . . , then is the time that they do harden their hearts, and do forget the Lord their God.” 16 The Lord noted three natural consequences of having one’s heart set on the things of the world: First, we seek to hide our s...

I read this story today in a talk that Elder Jeffrey R. Holland spoke at BYU. I really liked the whole talk but this story was really great. You should read the whole talk .  Elisha, with a power known only to the prophets, had counseled the king of Israel on how and where and when to defend against the warring Syrians. The king of Syria, of course, wished to rid his armies of this prophetic problem. So, and I quote: “Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about. “… (They) compassed the city both with horses and chariots.” (2 Kgs. 6:14–15.) If Elisha is looking for a good time to be depressed, this is it. His only ally is a boy who in modern times might be the president of the local teachers quorum. It is one prophet and one lad against the world. And the boy is petrified. He sees the enemy everywhere—difficulty and despair and problems and burdens everywhere. He cannot leave, and all he can see is an evil and me...

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

I have read and reread the talk "Daughters of God" by an apostle of the Lord, Elder M. Russell Ballard and there were many great aspects that I would love to share but instead I will share this one in particular. In the Book of Mormon Alma counsels his son Helaman and his counsel applies to us today, "Behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass" (Alma 37:6).

I said that comments are welcome but I have a hard time leaving a comment on this blog when it is insulting. I know that there are many people who believe in all different things and there are many who do not like members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are entitled to your opinion, but I don't appreciate you insulting my beliefs. I believe that people who feel hatred for this church do not understand it. I believe with all my heart that Jesus Christ died for everyone so that we could repent of our sins and return to Him and God. I know that God has a plan for all His children. He loves us all so much and wants nothing more than for all of us to return to Him and feel joy. He even designed a plan for us to be together with our families forever. Why would anyone reject that? I was married for time and all eternity, not until this life is over. God and Jesus have so much love for us all that we cannot comprehend it. I have faith that what I believe is true. 

"For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it."

I was thinking that I should be going to bed but I just read this talk and I wanted to write down my favorite parts. It was spoken back in 1974 by President Spencer W. Kimball at a General Conference. It is called, Ocean Currents and Family Influences .   "It is important for us also to cultivate in our own family a sense that we belong together eternally, that whatever changes outside our home, there are fundamental aspects of our relationship which will never change." "How long has it been since you took your children, whatever their size, in your arms and told them that you love them and are glad that they can be yours forever? How long has it been since you husbands or wives purchased an inexpensive gift as a surprise for your spouse for no other reason than just to please? How long has it been since you brought home a rose or baked a pie with a heart carved in the crust or did some other thing to make life more aglow with warmth and affection? If there is to be a co...