Remember, The Spirit is a Still Small Voice.

We were asked a question the other day by a recent convert of ours. "How do you recognize the spirit?" How do I explain this? Well, I read something in Preach My Gospel about the spirit. "That the spirit is quiet, a still small voice, a whisper and it can pierce the very soul (3 Nephi 11:3)."
Yes, scriptures help but I thought of a personal experience of mine.

Before coming on my mission I thought of somethings that I needed to do before I came out here. One particular thing I was very concerned about and to be honest was afraid of the answer. But, I needed to know what the Lord wanted me to do. No matter what the answer, I kneeled down, and I remember just pleading to the Lord of what I should do. I told Him I would do anything He wanted of me so that I could be prepared and ready to serve Him. After asking Him and just sitting there beside my bed pondering on this question, I had this feeling of this thing I needed to do. The next day, at work, I started having my doubts. I started asking myself, "is this something the Lord wants me to do? Did I really feel the spirit?" I believe we always have our doubts after we feel the spirit. Satan puts those doubts into our minds to make us think differently. He knows that we did indeed feel the spirit but he wants us to thing otherwise.

I took a minute to myself and asked Heavenly Father again if this was something that He wanted me to do. I can't really explain the feeling that I got, but it was just a calm peaceful feeling. The scriptures teach us that the Spirit gives feelings of peace and comfort. I thought about that moment I was beside my bed. I knew that the Lord told me what I needed to do. I did not know why but I told myself this is what I need to do. Later that night, I did what the Lord asked me to do. It was hard for me, because I didn't know why and later wondered if I made a mistake. I expressed to the Lord how I felt, that I was unsure about the decision I made. I felt that comfort feeling come over me and I knew everything would be OK. Now about a year later after this decision I realized that the Lord had something else in store for my life. I'm very grateful that I listened to that still small voice, I didn't know why at the time. Now, I do. (Doctrine and Covenants 9:8-9)
I invite you all to remember the feelings you have when you pray or read the scriptures. Pay attention to what the Lord is trying to tell you. I know that He speaks to us through the Spirit. "...Put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good."
Remember who you are and what you stand for!

Remember... Mary, Mother of Jesus

This song brings tears to my eyes, especially the first time I heard it. It's a beautiful song.

I've been thinking alot about Mary lately after reading that question I read, "What qualities did Mary have to be Jesus' mother?" I think about if Mary really knew what her son was here to do. I cant even imagine the way she felt for the wonderful things that He did. "The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again, the lame will leap, the dumb will speak."

If she knew that He was here to save OUR sons and daughters. The part that really brings tears to my eyes is when it says, "This child that you delivered will soon deliver you."  Ah, so amazing. I cant even imagine knowing that my son was going to do the things that He did for me.

I look up to Mary in many different ways. Her faith, obedience and Love that she shows. Just looking at this picture of Mary and Jesus I know she was a good mother. I'm very grateful for her obedience.

 "Mary Did You Know"
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God?

Mary did you know.. Ooo Ooo Ooo

The blind will see.
The deaf will hear.
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap.
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am.

Remember.. Mary

So I read a something the other day and I've been thinking alot about it. It was a question, "What qualities did Mary have to be Jesus' mother? Do I have some of these qualities?"

Mary Mother of Jesus

I cant even imagine how scared she would feel. In Luke 1:30 it says that an angel came to her and said,"....Thou hast found favour with God." "Although little of Mary’s life is actually recorded, what is recorded reveals a pattern of righteousness. She was faithful & obedience to the word of God, expressive joy for God’s blessings, readiness to receive God’s witness and counsel from His servants, and rearing a posterity who glorified God."

The Lord trusted Mary to be the mother of His son Jesus Christ, who was to come and redeem the world. When I see a picture of her or read of her, I can feel the love, obedience and faith that she had. I hope that I can one day be like that. Be as obedient to Gods commandments, and have so much faith in Him and trusting Him that He does know best and He wants nothing but the best for us.

I love this song. I can't stop listening to it.

"Teenage girl, much too young
Unprepared for what's to come
A baby changes everything

everything, everything, every day
Hallelujah

My whole life is turned around
I was lost and now I'm found
A baby changes everything"

I love you all,

Remember who you are and what you stand for!