New Year's: Look Not behind Thee

How to Make 2011 your BEST YEAR EVER

I have done a lot of thinking about the upcoming year and I want to make it the best one I have had so far. I feel like this past year has brought myself and many others a lot of growth , especially spiritually speaking. 2010 will be difficult to top, but I think I've figured out the way that it can be done for all of us. The way that 2011 can be the greatest year thus far in our lives is......

Are you ready to hear it? Alright, here's the secret! Drum roll please.........          

                                            GOAL SETTING!

Worthy goals that are made, recorded and followed through on make us stretch. They allow us to achieve new heights and new levels of happiness and contentment. They can make us better, stronger people. Spiritual goals make us feel closer to God and develop that eternal perspective that we should all be looking for.

"I am so thoroughly convinced that if we don’t set goals in our life and learn how to master the techniques of living to reach our goals, we can reach a ripe old age and look back on our life only to see that we reached but a small part of our potential. When one learns to master the principles of setting a goal, he will then be able to make a great difference in the results he attains in this life."
-M. Russell Ballard

Have you tried setting big goals, but fallen short? Or do you feel overwhelmed with all that can be done and all the improvement that can be made? Don't feel this way. Everyone has room for improvement and has their own problems. Don't get down on yourself.

"If your goals are righteous, of God-given perspective, eternal in their nature, then go for them. Pray for the inner strength to have the discipline to do those things that will guarantee through your activity and your life that you will reach your goals. Then, I think, perhaps as important as anything, we have to have faith. We have to have faith in God. We have to have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. And oh, how desperately we have to have faith in ourselves."       -M. Russell Ballard

Use the S.M.A.R.T. goal setting system.

Make your goals:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Realistic
• Timely

Let's keep our goals right on target by focusing on what is the most important. Our relationship with our Father in Heaven is essential. We can't forget to make spiritual goals among our other goals.Some ideas for spiritual goals that would benefit you include: praying daily, reading scriptures daily (if you don't have any let me know), attending church services weekly, holding a weekly family home evening, living the commandments and there are many others.

Don't forget to write down your goals somewhere that you will see them and record your progress!

If you'll do this 2011 will be your greatest year so far.

  
Thanks for reading.

Wise Men Still Seek Him

The story of the three wise men seeking the Christ child is one that we can all liken to our lives. The following is different selections of scripture from the New Testament in the  gospel of Matthew, chapter 2.

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judæa: for thus it is written by the prophet,

 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

The wise men followed the writings of the prophets and after diligently searching for Christ, they found him. They presented him with gifts and worshipped him. What would you do if you were presented with the opportunity to come to the Christ. What would you give Him? Would you give Him presents? Even today we can come unto the Christ as the wise men did. We can give him our faith, our thoughts, our actions, even our lives. If we will seek him and follow the words of the prophets we will find the Christ.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

Thanks for reading!

The Good Shephard

I had the privilege of being born and raised in a very small town called Manila. There are only a couple hundred people there and it is located at the foot of the Uintah mountains right by the Flaming Gorge. It is a ranching community. Some of my great friends there raise sheep. I don't think I'd have the time and patience required to do it, but they did very well and were very diligent in watching their sheep and taking care of their needs. I am pretty sure they even had names for all of their sheep even though there were so many. I remember being with my friends who had the sheep and them recieving a phonecall saying something had gone wrong at their ranch. They dropped what they were doing and went straight out to the ranch to help them even though it was about a 30 minute drive. I know they did this many times. They loved their sheep and took great care of them. If one of them ran away then they would find it. If one of their sheep was cold then then they would give it warmth even if that meant it coming inside of their own home.

John 10: 11,14, 15 
 I am the good shephard: the good shephard giveth his life for the sheep.
I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

Psalms 23:1,2,3

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

I love these scriptures. They bring me comfort and peace. Just as my good friends from Manila, Utah, cared for their sheep, Jesus Christ cares for us. He always has time for us. He will never leave us. Sometimes we make bad choices that may lead us away from him for a time, but he is always searching and inviting us back. No sheep is too lost. None are too far gone. He will heal us. He will bring us warmth and comfort when there are no others around. Jesus Christ is the good shepherd. He knows us by name. He's given us so much. He's given us guidance, hope for the future, life after death and happiness. He's given us his life. His birth about 2000 years ago is the greatest gift our Father in Heaven has ever given us. May we follow our shepherd. 

Christmas Spirit

This is a very touching video clip that I know you would enjoy. It's about a young girl who knows the true meaning of Christmas. She quietly teaches her busy family it's true meaning. May we all remember the reason for the season! The birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. May we honor him by going out of our way to help someone this Christmas season.

Which Path to Follow?

There are so many places to go. So many things to see and do.
Who do we want to become? Where do we want to end up? What path will be of the most value to us? These are questions that we all should be asking ourselves.

We are constantly being pushed in different directions. When we think about what paths we want to follow, we first need to think about where we want to end up. I think almost everyone wants happiness.

Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it.

                        -Joseph Smith

We need to understand that the paths that we follow now will dictate where we end up, who we become, and how we will feel for eternities to come. We are supposed to be happy. That is why we are here. If we pursue the path that leads to it then that is what we will get.

This is a great poem about about being confronted with different paths to follow.

THE ROAD NOT TAKEN

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.

                                             Then took the other, as just as fair,
                                             And having perhaps the better claim,
                                             Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
                                             Though as for that the passing there
                                             Had worn them really about the same.

                                              And both that morning equally lay
                                              In leaves no step had trodden black.
                                              Oh, I kept the first for another day!
                                             Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
                                              I doubted if I should ever come back.

                                                I shall be telling this with a sigh
                                             Somewhere ages and ages hence:
                                              Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
                                             I took the one less traveled by,
                                             And that has made all the difference.

                                                                -Robert Frost

The one path that leads to true happiness and peace is the path that has already been walked by Jesus Christ. He's prepared the way for us. He's been right where we are. His teachings and his life makes it so we can be happy even when things aren't perfect all around us. He's overcome the world. He's always telling us to be of good cheer. In him we can have peace. During this season and for many to come it is my prayer that we can all choose to follow him in all that we do. May we serve others as he did. It is my prayer that we will all let his restored gospel touch our lives.

Kids and Christmas

The Christmas season is HERE! It is my favorite time of the year. This is a great video with some cute kids and their thoughts about Christmas. We can learn a lot from Children! During this Christmas season I hope we can all direct our thoughts and actions towards Jesus Christ. For He is after all, the reason for the season.

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

What are you thankful for???

Thanksgiving Daily

What are you thankful for???

Jesus Christ's Invitation

Well first of all I am planning on doing a better job with my blog and updating it more often so please continue to read it.

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about our Savior Jesus Christ and about how He is always inviting us to come unto Him. As I have read through the Bible and the Book of Mormon I have noticed that his invitation to us can be found all throughout.

Let me show you a few examples of his loving invitations.

Let's start with the Bible.
Matthew 11:28–30
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my toke is easy, and my burden is light.

Rev. 3: 20
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Now let's look at a few examples in the Book of Mormon, another testament of Christ.

3 Ne. 17: 7
Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with
mercy.

It seems as though he doesn't care who we are right now, or where we are at in life. He knows the divine potential that is located within each and every one of us as sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. He is always inviting us to come unto him. When we come unto him our burdens are made light. He will heal us. I have felt his healing power in my own life. None are too far gone. All the wrongs in our lives can be made right. He atoned for each and every one of us and knows us by name. He is our savior, He loves us, He is Jesus Christ. He is knocking on your door. Will YOU let Him in?

The Blessing of Scripture

 When I was younger I understood I really didn't understand how important the scriptures were. I dreaded reading them because I usually didn't understand what was going on or what was being said. I do remember the spirit that the scriptures brought into my home though. When it was time to read the scriptures as a family it seemed to always bring peace and love.

Since then the scriptures have made a huge impact on my life. I can think of many occasions when the scriptures have brought comfort to my heart and changed my day. They truly are the word of God. I believe that there is more scripture than just the bible. God loves all of his children and has spoken to them all throughout time and will continue to speak to them. The Book of Mormon is another volume of scripture that testifies of Christ. It is the writings of people on the America's and their dealings with each other and God.

Some Reasons Why I Believe the Scriptures are Important

• The scriptures enlarge our memory by helping us always to remember the Lord and our relationship to Him and the Father.
• The Scriptures Are the Standard for Distinguishing Truth and Error
• The Scriptures Bring Us to Christ, Our Redeemer
• The central purpose of all scripture is to fill our souls with faith in God the Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ.

 

The Blessing of Family

My family means more to me than anything else in the world. The memories that I have with them are priceless. I have three older brothers, an older sister and a younger sister. Being with them makes me feel the love that God must have for us.



MY FAMILY

 

The Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ has brought my family so much joy and happiness. It has tied us together and given us strength and a solid foundation. 


Families are central to God's great plan for us and the teachings of the Restored Gospel can make homes a place where love can be felt and where the Spirit of the Lord Dwells.

In a world where family values are diminishing there is always hope for help. Below is a document that was released in 1995 by the past President of the Church, Gordon B. Hinckley. It is called, The Family A Praclomation to the World. If you can't read the document below then click on the link below.
http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,161-1-11-1,FF.html

If you have any questions about how you can make your family happier the Restored Gospel of our Savior is the answer. Please feel free to ask any questions!

THE FORTY WRESTLERS

The Forty Wrestlers

Long ago in the days when the ruling passion of the Roman emperor, Nero, was the extermination of Christians, he had a band of soldiers known as "The Emperor's Wrestlers." They were picked from the best and the bravest of the land and recruited from the great athletes of the Roman amphitheater. When going into battle they would chant: "We, the wrestlers, wrestling for thee, O emperor, to win for thee the victory and from thee the victor's crown."

When the Roman army was sent to fight in far away Gaul, no soldiers were braver or more loyal than this band of wrestlers led by their centurion, Vespasian. But news reached Nero that the Christian faith had come among the wrestlers and many had accepted it.

To be a Christian meant death, even to those who served Nero best. So a decree was dispatched to Vespasian, "If there be any among the soldiers who cling to the faith of the Christians, they must die!"

The decree was received in the dead of winter, while the soldiers were camped on the shore of a frozen lake. The winter had been hard, but the hardships the men had endured together had only served to unite them more closely. So it was with a sinking heart that Vespasian read the emperor's message. He called the soldiers together and asked, "Are there any among you who cling to the faith of the Christians? If so let him step forward!" Forty wrestlers instantly stepped forward two paces, respectfully saluted, and stood at attention. Vespasian paused.

He had not expected so many. "the decree has come from your emperor," he said, "that any who cling to the faith of the Christians must die! For the sake of your country, your comrades, your loved ones, renounce this false faith!" Not one of the forty moved. "Until sundown I shall await your answer," said Vespasian. Sundown came. Again the question was asked, "Are there any among you who cling to the faith of the Christians? If so let them step forward!"

Again the forty wrestlers stepped forward and stood at attention. Vespasian pleaded with them long and earnestly without prevailing upon a single man to deny his Lord. Finally he said, "The decree of the Emperor must be obeyed, but I am not willing that your blood be on your comrades.
I am going to order you to march out on the lake of ice and I shall leave you there to the mercy of the elements. Fires, however, will be burning on the shore, and at the largest I will be waiting to welcome any willing to renounce this false faith."

The forty wrestlers were stripped and then without a word they wheeled, and falling into columns of four, marched out toward the lake of ice. As they marched, they broke into a chorus with the old chant of battle, "Forty wrestlers, wrestling for thee, O Christ, to win for thee the victory and from thee, the victor's crown!"

All through the long hours of the night Vespasian stood by his campfire and waited, and all through the long night came back to him fainter and fainter the wrestlers' song. As it neared morning one figure, overcome by exposure, crept quietly toward the fire. In the extremity of his suffering he renounced his Lord. Faintly, but clearly, from out of the darkness came the song.

"Thirty-nine wrestlers, wrestling for thee, O Christ, to win for thee the victory and from thee, the victor's crown!"

Vespasian looked at the figure drawing close to the fire and then out into the darkness whence came the song of faith. Once again he looked. Perhaps he saw the greater light shining there in the Darkness! Off came his helmet, down went his shield and he sprang upon the ice crying, "Forty wrestlers, wrestling for thee, O Christ, to win for thee the victory and from thee, the victor's crown!"
-AUTHOR UNKNOWN

John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

It is my testimony that Jesus is the Christ. That he is the Son of God and that his gospel has brought millions happiness and truth. If we have faith, repent, are baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and endure to the end then we can return to our Father in Heaven.