From Rivals to Brothers

In life's great battle field it is easy to get caught up in all the commotion going on around us. By getting caught up in the small battles we often tend to focus on ourselves, and ignore the big picture of what is really going on around us. Check out how these two boys stayed focused on what was most important.

 These two young men could have easily used their rivalry to form animosity and hard feelings against each other. Instead of getting offended, or allowing pride and arrogance to get in the way, they realized that in the big picture they were on the same team. Our adversary, Satan, knows that if we are united as Brothers and Sisters in the Gospel of Jesus Christ that he will have no power over us. His goal then is to break us up, to tear us apart so that we will be too busy fighting against each other, instead of understanding that we are all fighting against him. In the Book of Mormon a prophet named Lehi said this to his sons. "...arise from the dust, my sons, and be men, and be determined in one mind and in one heart, united in all things, that ye may not come down into captivity."(2 Nephi 1:21) By remaining united we can fight off the temptations of the world and remain free from the restrictions, or captivity, that can come upon us because of poor choices. May we all follow the counsel of Lehi and be united together as we strive to remain faithful and return to our loving Father in Heaven; for that truly is the battle we are all fighting together.

A Book With a Promise

The Book of Mormon testifies that Jesus is the Christ. It teaches us a greater way of life that will bless our lives and the lives of those around us as it draws us nearer to God. Watch this video to find out more about the promise this divine book contains.

 

I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon because of the peace that it has brought into my life. In a world full of turmoil and chaos it can be difficult to find a steady object to hold on to. When I first started my mission I felt very much alone and unsure of myself. In trying to overcome these overwhelming feelings I dove into the Book of Mormon and began to pour my whole soul into it. This Book healed my pains and sorrows and I testify that it can do the same for you as well. No matter what stage of life we are at, this book can bless our lives and take us to a higher level of living than we have ever been at before. The Book of Mormon prophet Nephi said "For the fulness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and the saved." (1Nephi 6:4) It was written to guide us home, and to help us have joy in our lives here on earth. To access that joy and happiness all we have to do is open it and read...

Treasure In Heaven

Before I saw this video I had never heard of John Tanner before. He lived a life full of faith and didn't matter what it cost as long as he was part of the truth. Watch this video and I know that you too will feel the warmth of the Holy Ghost that I felt when I first saw it. I couldn't find the video anywhere besides BYUtv, so this link will send you there. 

BYUtv - Treasure In Heaven

John Tanner will forever be an example to me of a life truly lived in the service of our God. No sacrifice was too great, no trial too sore, for his faith never wavered in understanding his purpose. He went from extreme wealth to begging for food all in the cause of truth. In the world today it can be difficult to know which is the right path to take. Not only did John Tanner listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost that whispered truth to his heart and his mind, but he did the part that often seems harder; he lived it. I'm not sure why this video touched me so deeply, perhaps it is because I know that it is true. But I believe that it is God's way of revealing to us a more faithful way to live. A call to develop the faith that will allow us to stand tall and press forward no matter the circumstance. As our great prophet Moroni said "for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith" (Ether 12:6) Only after having the faith to be healed was John healed. Only after living the faithful life he lived will John enjoy the blessings that await him in heaven. I pray that we can all follow this principle and develop the unshakable faith that we see in John Tanner. For then we will truly live a life worth living.

April Fools: Don't Let Satan Fool You

This April Fool's day, and every other day of the year, stay on guard for Satan's lures that will pull you down. This video is full of hope and caution for those that might have encountered these traps.

Satan is a master deceiver who will do whatever it takes to fool you and trick you into doing what you know to be wrong.  He doesn't want us to have our free agency and he will do whatever he can to limit that agency. His main form of doing this is through addiction. I think just about everyone in the world has experienced an addiction in one way or another. Whether it's through something serious or something as little as those delicious dried mangos; seeing the light at the end of the tunnel can be overwhelming. That's why knowing that we can have a personal relationship with our Father in Heaven is so glorious!! We can go to Him with our pains, our troubles, our addictions and He will help us see that light at the end of the tunnel. He will buoy us up and give us the strength we need to overcome those difficulties. "And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions. And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease." (Mosiah 24: 14-15)  I testify that this is true, that our loving Father in Heaven will strengthen us as long as we go to Him. I have felt of this power and I know that everyone who seeks His divine help can feel of it too.

Live To Bless, Not To Impress

 We all have some of our most influential experiences during our childhood years.  However, we do not always recognize the impact that these have on us at the time.  I can only imagine how this experience must have changed the way this boy reacted in every situation for the rest of his life...

This video reminds me of countless lessons that I have learned while growing up as well. I'm eternally grateful to my Father in Heaven for providing me with those lessons because they have shaped me into who I am today. Just like this young boy had someone there to lead and guide him, we can have a member of the Godhead with us to help direct us as well; the Holy Ghost. It has been one of the greatest blessings of my life to have His spirit and guidance with me. It's my hope and prayer that we can all be an example of charity and service in our lives as we heed the promptings given to us by our loving Father in Heaven.  Someone once told me to "Live to bless, not to impress." That has forever changed my outlook and I hope that it will be a reminder to you as well that "...when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." (Mosiah 2:17)

He Lives!!

I add my testimony that Jesus Christ our Savior lives. What a comfort it is to know that our Best Friend, who suffered and overcame all things for us, is alive and ever aware of our personal needs and challenges. "And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people." (Alma 7:11) No matter what we are going through, no matter how alone we feel, we can take courage in knowing that He will be there for us if we will reach out to Him for help. Sometimes we go through very difficult, very trying experiences. It can be difficult to trust that He knows what is best for us during these hard times. I testify that He does and that He will be with us through every step of the way if we will but ask.  I know that the only person that can relate to us in every way lives and loves us unconditionally and will always be there for us if we are willing to exercise patience and seek Him out.