Remember, Sacrifice isn't easy.. But its worth it!!

Today in church one of the lessons was about sacrifice. I like this video, of the sacrifice this young man made. He loved surfing more than anything, and he put that aside for something he new that would help him later on in life.. Seminary... Because of this decision he made to put the Lord first something better came along.
Sacrifice is a hard thing to do. Think of Abraham, he was told to sacrifice his son. Abraham was willing to do anything the Lord asked of him.  
The law of sacrifice was practiced since the time of Adam and Eve to the time of Jesus Christ.
A hand goes up (in class) and a question was asked, "how does this apply to our day? I don't find that its hard for me to make a sacrifice to the gospel." I thought this was a really good question and thought to myself of the sacrifices I have made for the gospel.
One thing that came to mind, was the recent converts that I have met and seen. They make many sacrifices, to do what they know is right. Some sacrifices are harder to make than others.
Missionaries sacrifice 18-24 months of their lives to serve the Lord. That can be hard there is school, jobs and family that we are leaving behind.
Yes, serving a mission is a sacrifice but its worth it. I know better things will come in time.
Its not just the missionaries that make a big sacrifice, there are many other sacrifices that people make to follow what the Lord asks of them. "One family sold their car to get the money they wanted to contribute to a temple building fund. Another family sold their home to get money to go to the temple. One brother sacrificed his job because he refused to work on Sundays."
Why do you think our willingness to sacrifice is related to our readiness to live in the presence of God? What sacrifices are you willing to make to do what the Lord asks.
Remember who you are and what you stand for!

Remember, I don't know everything...But I know enough

                         
A full day of walking and knocking doors. We knocked on this one door and he was a great man of faith, and diligence. However, he did have some questions and concerns.
Some of his questions left us in silence. I sat there and thought to myself, "I don't know enough. How can I be here and talk to people when I don't know everything."
I watched this video and felt some comfort. I am a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I stand as a witness of Him. My message, along with other missionaries in the world, is to talk about our Savior Jesus Christ. I don't know everything but I do know enough.
I know that Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ helps us and our families be together forever. I know that we all face questions and concerns, but with the help of this gospel and our Father in Heaven our questions can be answered.
I love my Heavenly Father, and I'm grateful that I don't know everything. If I did life would be lame because there would be nothing left to learn. I'm learning everyday and will continue to learn through out the rest of my days. I'm grateful for this life that I have to live, and to learn through the mistakes and challenges that come my way.
Remember who you are and what you stand for!

Remember your Father(S)

                          
To be honest I got on here and had no idea what I wanted to talk about. I started watching videos and reading talks to see if an idea would come. I watched this video of father and son, and it hit me real hard. Even though this is of a father and son it reminded me of me and my father. I love my dad, he knows I love him but I felt the same way Dylan did in this video. I rolled my eyes when he wanted to talk to me, and talking to him was just weird. During the video I started thinking of my dad and our relationship, I've thought about him alot, being here on a mission. I wouldn't say our relationship was terrible but I know it wasn't the best. To me there is nothing like a father and daughter relationship.
I think about my relationship with my Father in Heaven. To me that is very important and I know its important to Heavenly Father as well. If I want to have a close relationship with my Heavenly Father, I have to do these things that Elder Ballard counsels..
1- Trust Your Father- I know that Heavenly Father knows what is best for me and wants me to be happy.
2-Take an interest in your Father- I know that enjoying His creations we can take part of Him and who He is. I believe our talents are a huge part of this. I believe that when we share our talents with others we are taking an interest in our Heavenly Father.
3-Ask Him for advice- I know that we can talk to Him about anything. I have asked my Father in Heaven for advice, and I know that He has given me counsel.
My Heavenly Father has blessed me with a great earthly father. I want to take counsel to Elder Ballards counsel to my earthly father. I know that it is just as important to be close to him as it is with my Heavenly Father.
Thank you Heavenly Father for being there for me when I need the advice. I do trust you and am willing to do whatever you ask of me.
Thank you for my earthly father. I'm sorry for not showing my gratitude towards either of you. I am grateful for him, and I will do better to be an example to my father.
Remember who you are and what you stand for!

The Lord NEVER leaves us

I love the poem "Foot Prints in the Sand" by Carolyn Joyce Carty.

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed
he was walking along the beach with the LORD.

Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene he noticed two sets of
footprints in the sand: one belonging
to him, and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.

He noticed that many times along the path of
his life there was only one set of footprints.

He also noticed that it happened at the very
lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he
questioned the LORD about it:

"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow
you, you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when
I needed you most you would leave me."

The LORD replied:

"My son [daughter], my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."

This poem touches my heart every time I read it, because its so true. The Lord never leaves us. He is always there to help carry us in our time of need. I know this to be true. I can testify that Our Savior does love each and every ONE of us. He does help lead and guide us. I'm grateful for the scriptures, for the living prophet Thomas S. Monson, and His commandments to help lift us up when we need to be lifted up.

Remember who you are and what you stand for!

 Foot Prints in The Sand

Remember.. With a bit of light, we can see many things.

I have often thought about why do we put up lights at Christmas time? Yes they are beautiful but what is the reason? To be honest.. I do not know. But I'm grateful that we do have the lights up and here's why.
In the scriptures (Bible and Book of Mormon) we learn that Jesus Christ is the light of the world. Through Him we can find our way out of darkness.

We were teaching a girl, today, who really wants to know about God and have faith that He is there. She said its hard for her sometimes because of some things that happen in life. My companion said something to her that really touched my heart and opened my eyes. She said, "no matter what we see and how crazy things are in life it brings hope to me, to know that the light will always win, the light will always conquer darkness. Even with the tiniest bit of light we can see many things." I thought about this for awhile and its so true.. It reminds me of a scripture in Alma chapter 32:35-36.. it says, "Oh then is not this real? I say unto you Yea, because it is light; and whatsoever is light, is good, because it is discernible, therefore ye must know that it is good; and now behold, after ye have tasted this light is your knowledge perfect? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither must ye lay aside your faith, for ye have only exercised your faith to plant the seed that ye might try the experiment to know if the seed is good."

I love this scripture, "whatsoever is light is good." Even though we have tasted the light it doesn't mean that our knowledge is perfect. We all learn new things everyday. Its by our faith and us exercising that faith that our seed will grow stronger and stronger and our light will shine brighter and brighter.

Look around at all the Christmas decorations. The lights, candy canes, oranges, presents, Santa Clause and the Christmas trees. They all represent Christ in some way to help remind us the true meaning of Christmas.
I know that my Savior Jesus Christ is the light of this world, it is through Him that we can have everlasting life. I love my Savior and My Father in Heaven, I'm grateful for this time of year that we have to be reminded of Him. Remember with that little bit of light, we can see many things.
I want that light in my life... Do you?
I know that this gospel is true. I know that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God and with His help, Joseph Smith restored the church. I know that Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ.
Remember who you are and what you stand for!

Remember to keep CHRIST in CHRISTmas

"How can we celebrate Christmas so it is meaningful to each member of the family? How can we keep the Savior at the center of Christmas? What traditions can help us remember Him and His birth?"

I love these questions and have often thought about it alot lately..

This time of year is very exciting for me. Christmas time brings back some good memories. Alot have to do with me and my brother.

Christmas Eve we would go to my grandmothers house and have dinner. My aunts, uncles and cousins would all come. It's so nice to talk and catch up on good times and just spend time together. 

Christmas day we would wake up and we kids were always up hecka early, even when we got to be teenagers. My parents would always make us wait so that they could sleep in. So during this time of anxiously waiting, I would go into my brothers room and watch cartoons with him. We would watch cartoons all morning!!! 

I'm grateful for that time that I had to spend in the morning with my brother and sister. That is some good memories for me and I enjoy it. 

I always knew that Christmas was the time that we celebrated the Lords birth, but I don't think that I fully understood it. 

Christmas means so much to me now. Yes, it is a time to be with family and enjoy them and there company, a time of laughter. But it is a time to remember Our Savior and His birth. Its a great Christmas gift that Our Heavenly Father has given to all of us.

I have many ideas of some family traditions of my own that I would like to do with my future family. I want my future family to remember and understand the reasons why we celebrate Christmas and how they can remember Him this time of year.

I would like to invite all of you to think of ideas that you want to have with your families. If you have a family now think of something you can do to help your family focus on Jesus Christ. I know that if we do this that we will have a closer relationship with Him and our families.

I love you all and Remember who you are and what you stand for!

Remember the symbol of the CANDY CANE

THE STORY OF THE CANDY CANE MAKER
The Legend of the Candy Cane, written by Lori Walburg

There once was a candy maker who wanted to make a candy that would be very special for Christmas. He decided to make a candy cane because he knew he could include a lot of signs and symbols to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

He began with a stick of pure white hard candy. He used white as a symbol that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary who was always so pure and holy. He made it hard and crunchy to symbolize the solid rock on which the church is founded.

He bent over the top of the candy cane to make a hook like a shepherd’s staff. He remembered that Jesus called himself “The Good Shepherd” The candy maker remembered too that the first people who come to worship Jesus at the manger after he was born were shepherds.

Then the candy maker looked at his candy cane and thought it looked a little plain. “It needs some color,” he said. Something red,” he thought. “That will give it Christmas look!” So, he began to stain the white candy cane with red stripes. First, he put on three thin red stripes. You see, he remembered that Jesus went through terrible torture before he died and was whipped across his back. The candy maker decided that the red stripes on the candy cane would remind everybody that Jesus shed his blood for us when he died on the cross on Good Friday.

The candy maker was doing well with his candy cane. He had a lot signs of Jesus in there but he wasn’t satisfied. Then he began to pray, “Dear Jesus, help me to make my candy cane show the true meaning of Christmas.” Then suddenly the candy cane slipped from his hands. It fell upside down on the floor. When he looked, he noticed that the candy cane was no longer a candy cane, but it was the letter “J”. It stands for “Jesus.” Jesus is really what Christmas is all about.

Every time I see a candy cane I think of this story and it helps me remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Remember that Jesus Christ loves us all, and He wants us to return to live with Him again. He made it possiable for us.

I love my Savior and am very grateful for His atoning sacrifice for us. Please remember Him and all that He has done.

Remember who you are and what you stand for. Keep the Faith.

Remember to serve Him

Yes I know I keep posting videos but I love this video!
What a great gift they gave our dear Savior Jesus Christ for His day. They were serving others, & when we serve others we are serving the Lord.
Remember our Savior and Remember, when we help and serve other people we are serving our Father in Heaven.
I know that my Redeemer lives, I know that we will be able to see Him again. I love my Savior and am very grateful for everything that He has done for me.
Remember who you are and what you stand for. Keep the Faith

Remember... The 3 trees that did something great

The Three Trees

Once upon a mountain top, three little trees stood and dreamed of what they wanted to become when they grew up.

The first little tree looked up at the stars and said: " I want to hold treasure. I want to be covered with gold and filled with precious stones. I'll be the most beautiful treasure chest in the world!"
The second little tree looked out at the small stream trickling by on it's way to the ocean. " I want to be traveling mighty waters and carrying powerful kings. I'll be the strongest ship in the world!
The third little tree looked down into the valley below where busy men and women worked in a busy town. I don't want to leave the mountain top at all. I want to grow so tall that when people stop to look at me they'll raise their eyes to heaven and think of God. I will be the tallest tree in the world.

Years, passed. The rain came, the sun shone and the little trees grew tall. One day three wood cutters climbed the mountain.
The first wood cutter looked at the first tree and said, "This tree is beautiful. It is perfect for me." With a swoop of his shining ax, the first tree fell. "Now I shall make a beautiful chest, I shall hold wonderful treasure!" the first tree said.

The second wood cutter looked at the second tree and said, "This tree is strong. It's perfect for me." With a swoop of his shining ax, the second tree fell. "Now I shall sail mighty waters!" thought the second tree. " I shall be a strong ship for mighty kings!"
The third tree felt her heart sink when the last wood cutter looked her way. She stood straight and tall and pointed bravely to heaven. But the wood cutter never even looked up. "Any kind of tree will do for me." He muttered. With a swoop of his shining ax, the third tree fell.
 
The first tree rejoiced when the wood cutter brought her to a carpenter's shop. But the carpenter fashioned the tree into a feed box for animals. The once beautiful tree was not covered with gold, or treasure. She was coated with saw dust and filled with hay for hungry farm animals.
The second tree smiled when the wood cutter took her to a shipyard, but no mighty sailing ship was made that day. Instead the once strong tree was hammered and awed into a simple fishing boat. She was too small and too weak to sail to an ocean, or even a river, instead she was taken to a little lake.
The third tree was confused when the wood cutter cut her into strong beams and left her in a lumberyard. "What happened?" The once tall tree wondered. " All I ever wanted was to stay on the mountain top and point to God..."
 

Many days and nights passed. The three trees nearly forgot their dreams. But one night, golden starlight poured over the first tree as a young woman placed her newborn baby in the feed box. "I wish I could make a cradle for him." Her husband whispered. The mother squeezed his hand and smiled as the starlight shone on the smooth and sturdy wood. " This manger is beautiful." She said. And suddenly the first tree knew he was holding the greatest treasure in the world.





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  One evening a tired traveler and his friends crowded into the old fishing boat. The traveler fell asleep as the second tree quietly sailed out into the lake. Soon a thundering and a thrashing storm arose. The little tree shuddered. She new she did not have the strength to carry so many passengers safely through the wind and the rain. The tired man awoke. He stood up, stretched out his hand, and said, "Peace." The storm stopped as quickly as it had begun. And suddenly the second tree knew he was carrying the king of heaven and earth.

 

One Friday morning, the third tree was startled when her beams were yanked from the forgotten wood pile. She flinched as she was carried through an angry jeering crowd. She shuddered when soldiers nailed a man's hand to her. She felt ugly and harsh and cruel. But on Sunday morning, when the sun rose and the earth trembled with joy beneath her, the third tree knew that God's love had changed everything. It had made the third tree strong. And every time people thought of the third tree, they would think of God. That was better than being the tallest tree in the world.



The next time you feel down because you didn't get what you wanted, sit tight and be happy because God is thinking of something better to give you.



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I woke up thinking of this story for some reason. I read over it before posting it on here and I couldn't help but to cry. These 3 trees had great dreams. Even though they didnt get the dreams they wanted they got something better. They were all part of Our Saviors life. Remember that this Christmas. If we don't get the things we want, just remember something better is coming. Something that we don't expect.

I love you all. Remember who you are and what you stand for!

Remember....CHRISTmas

                     
On sunday we had a pretty awsome sacrament meeting. There were some good talks. The speakers that were chosen to speak, spoke on "What to give Jesus for Christmas." I thought this was a very interesting topic and it caught my attention. They all did an amazing job and shared some of the things they would give Jesus for Christmas. Some examples are like serving someone, or reading the scriptures everyday. It can be anything. One of the speakers invited us to wrap a present of something that we want to give Jesus for Christmas and put it under the Christmas tree. Then on Christmas day open it, and give that gift to Jesus.
I personally don't know what I'm going to give Jesus for Christmas, but I'm thinking alot about it. When I think of something I'm going to do it, I'm going to wrap a present then give it to Christ on Christmas.


Just imagine how Christ will feel if we all do this. I can just imagine His face on Christmas day! His smile and His eyes filled with tears, because we all love and care about Him so much that we are willing to give Him a Christmas present and live that present every single day for the rest of our lives. I know that by doing this we will feel closer to Our Savior and Our Heavenly Father as well. What a proud Father, Heavenly Father, would be! 
I love you all and I know that Heavenly Father loves each and everyone of you! 
Remember whoy you are and what you stand for!

Remember... To have Patience!

Yesterday morning I was studying something that I really need to work on... Patience!!
I was reading in Preach my Gospel, a Manuel that talks about the gospel of Christ, and I was reading about patience. Something that stood out to me was when I was reading about what patience is. "Patience is the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition, or suffering without becoming angry, frustrated, or anxious... It's the ability to do God's will and accept His timing." Patience means staying with something to the END!
Ah, that can be so frustrating sometimes and hard, but I know that Heavenly Father is VERY timely, and its hard to wait for some of those answers to prayers or even blessings that He might not be ready to bless us with yet. We have to be patient for those answers and those blessings.
I was reading in Romans 8:24-25, which is my new favorite scripture.:)
It says, " For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."
We have to have hope that the Lord will fulfil His promises to us, but we have to be patient to receive it. They are not always fulfilled as quickly or in the way we might hope.
I personally, need to be patient in receiving blessings and answers but I also need to be patient in the trials and hard times that I go through. In Romans 5:3-5 it says that "...tribulation worketh patience..." Remember to be patient in the hard times and the trials we go through! Yes, it is hard, but it is possible.
And be patient with yourself! Whether in school, work, or a hobby that you may have. Continue in going forward and working hard. I know that by being patient with ourselves we can progress in many things.
I'm not the most patient person in the world. I'm that person that wants things at that time and moment, so when I don't it is hard for me and I give up or quit.
When I started playing the guitar I wanted to be good at that moment. I bought it for myself for Christmas and didn't play it for a year cause I wasn't good. But one day I picked it up and just practiced and practiced. It hurt my fingers but I was patient with myself and kept going. Now, I still am not the best but I can play chords and songs. I'm happy for myself that I was able to keep going and keep working at it. Its that way with anything! Even the gospel. We have to read the scriptures (Bible and Book of Mormon), go to church, & keep the Lords commandments. I know that by doing these things we will be blessed and we can be patient.
With the Lords help, I know that we all can have that patience that we need. I know being patient will help us in everyday life.
So practice being patient. I love you all!!

Remember who you are and what you stand for!

Remember.. to be GrAtEfUl

 

"Lord I'm grateful for my life,
For my daughter for my wife,
For my heart aches, & my tears,
For the joy through all the years,
& I... I wanna thank you! For everything!
& Lord, I wanna thank you!
For everything and so I'll sing I'm grateful.. Lord, I'm grateful
Lord I'm grateful for thy life,
For thy sacred sacrifice,
For my knowledge for my friends,
For the love through all the years.
& I... I wanna thank you! For everything!
& Lord, I wanna thank you!
For everything and so I'll sing I'm grateful.. Lord, I'm grateful
Sing praise... to the Lord...
Sing praise... to the Lord...
Lord I'm grateful for my life,
For my daughter for my wife,
For my heart aches and my tears,
For the joy through all the years,

& I... I wanna thank you! For everything!

& I... I wanna thank you! For everything!

& Lord I wanna thank you! For everything!
& so I'll sing I'm grateful.. Lord, I'm grateful!
Sing praise... to the Lord...
Sing praise... to the Lord..."
I love this song! especially at the beginning when he says.."For my heart aches and my tears." This goes with my post that I posted yesturday. "As we regularly express our gratitude to our Heavenly Father, we cultivate an uplifting attitude. The Savior has promised, "He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious (Doctrine and Covenants 78:19)."
Thanksgiving is over, but we should never stop thanking Heavenly Father for the many things that he has blessed us with..
Remember the things that matter most. "..and what is most important always evolves the people around us." -Pres. Thomas S. Monson.. I love this!!! I can't help but to think about my family!
 I wish that I didn't just "assume" that they knew I love them, I wish I could've showed them more. Because to me, they are what matters most. Them, and my Heavenly Father. I am very blessed to have them as my family, and that Heavenly Father let me have them as my family. So Lord, I wanna thank you! For my life, my family, for you, for my Savior Jesus Christ, for my trials, for EVERYTHING!
Remember, who you are and what you stand for! I love you all..

Rememeber.. to thank the Lord thy God..

What are you thankful for?
I love watching this video.. It makes me smile everytime. I love some of the responces to this question. One of the things I love that Elder Oaks says is "to thank God for our adversities". "God offers us oppertunities for blessings....He blesses us through our own adversities." I never thought of that before.. We should be thankful for our hard times and our struggles. They make us grow, stretch and become stronger. I know that with the help from our Father in Heaven we can get through ANYTHING!!!
I love you all.. Remember to thank the Lord for EVERYTHING!!

Remember... To Thank the Lord thy God.

I love this time of the year! I love the fall colors, the weather is great and the HOLIDAYS! Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times, and not just cause of the amazing food. Thanksgiving really reminds me of family, and spending time with them. I remember from way back, when I was little, always going to my grandmas or my aunts house for thanksgiving.

I love getting together with the family and seeing everybody. I love seeing how they are doing, and just laughing and joking around with them. This is the first time being away from my family for thanksgiving, I miss them dearly. One thing I really miss is my moms razelberry pie. Ah, its so good. However, I'm so grateful to be here in California with my new family. My mission family, and to be with the friends I have made out here.
Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful and to express our gratitude.
Thank you my family and friends back home for your love and support. Thank you President Bunker and Sister Bunker for the love you show, your examples and for being here to help lead and guide us missionaries! Thank you to all the missionaries serving the Lord, and for your faith. Thank you for all of you! For all of your love and support. Thank you Heavenly Father for this chance I have to be here.
I am so grateful the Lord called me to be here in California at this time. I love serving Him, and inviting others to come closer to Him. I'm very grateful for the people He has put into my life. I have Him to thank for everything. He has helped me so much in my life, and I know He has helped many of you as well. In 2 Nephi 9:52 it says," Behold, my beloved brethren, REMEMBER the words of your God; pray unto him continually by day, and give thanks unto his holy name by night. Let your hearts rejoice."
Remember Our Father in Heaven and show your gratitude to Him, and our Savior for His atoning sacrifice for us.
I'm so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father to send His son to die for us. I'm grateful for the family He has blessed me with. I'm grateful for this beautiful earth that He created for us to come and live on for a time. I love my Heavenly Father so much, and my Savior Jesus Christ. Remember Him! Express your love and gratitude to Him, not just tomorrow, but everyday! I love you all very much!
Remember who you are and what you stand for!

Happy ThanksGiving Family! I love you!

Remember.... 9 November 2010

During my morning studies, I was studying scriptures about how we need to diligently seek the word of the Lord.
I came to Doctrine and Covenants 138 and its the Prophet Joseph f. Smith

and he was reading the scriptures. He was thinking about the Savior and His atonement. His suffering for our sins, dying on the cross, and then being resurrected. Because of this event, we can return to live with him again.
He was reading in 1 Peter 3:18-20; 4:6, Which talks about Christ suffering for our sins, and talked about the spirit world and that the gospel was preached to the dead. He said, after reading this, "As I pondered over these things which are written, the eyes of my understanding were opened, and the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me, and I saw the hosts of the dead, both small and great."
I have had a couple very good friends of mine pass away, but after the death of Rex I've been thinking alot about the spirit world. I've just wanted a better understanding for myself of what happens after we die. This section of the Doctrine and Covenants has really helped my understanding. 
Reading this verse seriously just brought so much peace to my soul. Rex wasn't able to serve a mission because of his illness. I know that he is serving the Lord now, to those souls who didn't have a chance in this life. I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who continues to give us the opportunity to receive this gospel, that missionary work continues after this life. I am so grateful that life doesn't end after this one, that we continue living, learning and teaching. I know that we will see are loved ones again.! I will see my dear friends again! 
Remember who you are and what you stand for. 

Remembering Our True Identity

Our-True-Identity
It was fast and testimony meeting at church on sunday. I serve in the singles ward and it was amazing to me to see all these young single adults get up and express their feelings about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and of God.
In one of the meetings that we had, called relief society, where the women of the church get together and talk about the gospel from a womens point of view. It was on self worth. There are many of people in the world who struggle with this, especially women. I am one of these young women who struggle with this. I have for as long as I can remember.
I love this video, about the ugly duckling. "Think of where you come from, we are sons of daughters of God. He wants the best for us.....If we only understood who we are and what is in store for us."
I love that comment! "If we only understood who we are and what is in store for us." Obviously, because the title of my blog is Rememeber who you are and what you stand for!
I love the talk by Elder Jeffery R. Holland "To Young Women." This talk is amazing and it talks alot about how special women are to the Lord.. I mean we are all special, we are all sons and daughters.
In this talk he says something that i just love and read it often for myself..
"I plead with you young women to please be more accepting of yourselves, including your body shape and style, with a little less longing to look like someone else. We are all different. Some are tall, and some are short. Some are round, and some are thin. And almost everyone at some time or other wants to be something they are not! But as one adviser to teenage girls said: 'You can’t live your life worrying that the world is staring at you. When you let people’s opinions make you self-conscious you give away your power. … The key to feeling [confident] is to always listen to your inner self—[the real you.]' And in the kingdom of God, the real you is 'more precious than rubies.' Every young woman is a child of destiny and every adult woman a powerful force for good. I mention adult women because, sisters, you are our greatest examples and resource for these young women. And if you are obsessing over being a size 2, you won’t be very surprised when your daughter or the Mia Maid in your class does the same and makes herself physically ill trying to accomplish it. We should all be as fit as we can be—that’s good Word of Wisdom doctrine. That means eating right and exercising and helping our bodies function at their optimum strength. We could probably all do better in that regard. But I speak here of optimum health; there is no universal optimum size."
Please go to this talk and read it! The whole thing is amazing but I love this paragraph! I can really relate to this paragraph, cause this is something that I would do, we all do.
But why do we? I don't really know this answer. All i have to say is that I love this talk and I truly believe and agree with it..
We are precious daughters of God and He loves and we love Him. We are all different and thats ok. We have our own personalities, and talents. We are all special in our own way.
Remember, God created each and everyone of us individually. We are all special to Him. I know that! I'm still working on it. I know that Heavenly Father does love us no matter how we look! We are His children.
Remember,
Who you are and what you stand for!

ReMeMbeR otheRs

"My brothers and sisters, we are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness—be they family members, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us." -Pres. Thomas S. Monson
So lately I've had the oppertunity to do many acts of service. To be honest I don't think I've done so much service in my life!

I have many times asked myself, why is service so important? Pres. Spencer W. Kimball said,"God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs."
When we help other people we are helping the work of God. We are showing our love for them, and God's love for them. I notice that after I serve someone I feel so GOOD!! I just feel like I am the happiest person in the world.! I know that the people we serve can and will be able to feel Gods love for them through us. I know Pres. Kimball's statement to be true! That our needs are met through other people.

Think of ways people have served you and your family......
There have been alot of people who have been very good to my family and have served us in many different ways, but the only thing that really comes to my mind is my family.
My mom is a huge example to me when it comes to service. She never puts herself first, she always makes sure everyone else is taken care of.
I remember, ever since I was little my mom would write me little notes. When I was in school she would put them in my lunch, when I got older she would put them in my purse or on my mirror! Just fun notes to make me smile to let me know she was thinking of me.
My brother has always made me laugh! I remember him always being there to comfort me when I needed it.
My dad would always help me with my guitar and always made sure that I had the best strings, and he would put the strings on for me (cause I don't know how to do that yet).
My sister....hahaha.... she always was making sure I did the right thing. For example, she made sure I told my mom when I got a parking, or speeding ticket.
To some people, these things might seem small. But to me, it is my family showing me that they care and love me. I was never the best at serving my family. I thought, "they're family, they know I love them. I don't need to do anything for them."
It is important for us to show our love for them by serving them. Just like the Savior! He served everyone here on this earth! He taught His gospel, fed crowds of hungry people, healed the sick and raised the dead.
Christ washed the feet of His disciples. John 13:4-10
Back then, washing feet was a sign of honor, and was usually done by a servant.

Find oppertunities to serve! We are all blessed with special gifts and talents. We can use these to serve others.
I think of the movie "Patch Adams" with Robin Williams. He brings so much happiness to all the people in the hospital. He uses his talents to help make their dreams come true! You can just feel his love for the people he is serving when you watch it. For me, even though it is a movie, can just see the light of Christ shine through this character.

I know that we will be blessed for serving others, and that we can feel of God's love for us and His children. I now know the importance of service. "....When ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God."  -Mosiah 2:17
I am very grateful for my family back home, who showed their love and support by serving me! I'm sorry I didn't see or appreciate them before! I know that the Lord has opened my eyes to service, and is now my favorite thing to do.! Seeing others smile, is *pRiCelEsS* and look forward to seeing it on their face everytime! Thats what makes service worth it to me.. Is seeing how happy it makes others.
I thank my Heavenly Father for showing me this, and I want to express my love for Him. I do love Him and my Savior! I know that we are all His children and we need to help everyone in this world!
My dear brothers and sisters...
Remember,
who you are and what you stand for!

ReMeMbeR........

It took me awhile to understand this. Who am I? Do I stand for something? Remember?

Remember is a very powerful word to me. In the dictionary it says that remember means to bring to mind or think of again.
The scriptures are a reminder of who we are and what we stand for! "Remember to keep the commandments, 'Remember the Lord our God, 'Remember His words, 'Remember He cometh to redeem the world, 'Remember the sabbath day, 'Yea they did Remember.'"
Its so important to remember all of these things, and the love that Heavenly Father has for us. Remember, we are His children. We lived with him before we came here to earth. We were taught the principles and commandements that would lead to happiness. Click here
I know that I am a daughter of God. I will stand for Him, for all truth and righteousness.
I really love a song by Jericho Road. Not sure of the title but it talks about this;

"I will stand as a witness, for all that believe
I will fight for the truth, be all that you want me to be.
And no matter how hard it may seem
I will do what you ask, I will do anything
'Cause this life is just a moment in time so I'll put my faith on the line.
Thats what it takes and thats what i will do
'Cause nothing means more than returning to you.
I'll give you my life, my time, my mistakes
Deny the world if thats what it takes."

I Know that we are all sons and daughters of God, who does love us! I'm so grateful that He sent His son as it says in John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.." I love my Savior with all my heart! We can be Reminded everyday who we are and what we stand for, by reading the words of God. I'm so grateful that we have the Bible and The Book of Mormon to read and have that reminder that we are His children.  Thats why I'm serving a mission, to help others Remember who they are!