Prayer & Study

I am realizing that the quality of my prayers is directly linked to how I study the scriptures. Studying the scriptures helps me feel good about myself. It brightens my mind so I can make better decisions. Just studying a small amount every day has helped me to feel the spirit during prayer.

Study

I have been regularly studying and I can see the difference that it brings to my spirit and mind. I am so much more capable to handle every day life. Although making life-changing decisions is still a daunting task it is much easier with a good mind set that comes from studying daily.

7/15/11

Study

Okay, I know that study is extremely important and I want to create better study habits. On my mission I felt like I couldn't get enough studying and now that I am home I have to work on making it a priority. I know that I cannot be happy in ignorance and power comes from knowledge. As I have focused on bettering study habits I realized that planning is important for me. I need to know that I am studying something useful. The funny thing is that the church gives you a study guide every year. I decided to focus on studying the lessons in depth and in order.

Pride

I feel like pride is such a prominent problem and it is so hard to beat! Sometimes it sneaks into my life and I don't realize it until it bites. I really like the talk "Beware of Pride" because I feel like it really explains what pride is to the point that I can pin point it in my life. I read it several times every year. For me the best way to beat pride is to try and lift others up. Pride can come from the thirst for admiration, love and acceptance. However when I try to provide those things for other people I feel like they are taken care of for myself. Pride is so gross and painful. I hate it.

Prayer

When I was younger it seemed that prayer came naturally and God was always present for my prayers. Remembering the feelings I had during those time is a strength for my testimony. Now I feel that prayer takes more thought and focus for some reason. I am thankful for the words of the prophets and apostles that will help me to improve my personal prayers. I know that prayers are answered. I just need to focus on seeing the answers and giving thanks when they come.

Money Management

Uugh money. I wish I could ignore it altogether. However, it is necessary to live and so I am glad that the prophets and apostles have given us wise counsel about debt, focus on the important and using money righteously. I hope that I will be able to manage my money in a way that I will be able to sustain myself and someday help others.

Love

My favorite quote about love is from "The Love of God" by Dieter F. Uchtdorf. I love that talk because it helps me to realize that God loves me no matter my circumstances and even when I am wicked. He understands me and nothing will change his feelings toward me. "Blessed be the God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of mercies, and the God of all comfort." (2 Cor 1:3) I think Paul understood the love of God. When I push everything including my own actions away, I can feel an immense sense of love from God. I know he feels that for everyone. I hope to love like him one day.

Joy

While on a walk with my Dad, he told me something that I will never forget. He said, "One of my biggest regrets is that I feel I didn't show my family the joy in the gospel." I have two wonderful sisters who have chosen not to be a part of the church. If they had experienced more joy and less guilt and obligation would they still take part in the gospel? All I know is that I love them so much and have learned so much from them. They are remarkable and smart. They just don't feel the truth, joy and blessings of the gospel or else I am sure they would want it. God wants us to be happy. I believe he wants us to be sincere and hard-working and he never wants us to feel guilty or inadequate. Guilt is unnecessary. I know that I need to realize where I can improve and accept that life is a journey of learning step by step. God will help me improve and will never judge me for where I am at in my progression. 

Hope

There is always hope. As I looked for quotes on hope I realized a common theme. The prophets and apostles want us to know that there is always hope. It is never too late to change. No trial is too difficult and no circumstance too painful. Hope is necessary for exaltation. As I think about that I am reminded of all of the scripture stories I know and I wonder what would it have been like if they had a lack of hope. Would Joseph have survived Liberty Jail? Would Alma the younger's father have continued fasting? Would Christ have followed through with the atonement without hope? It does seem to be "an anchor to the soul."

Family

I have always loved my family. As I look back at the life that my parents have given me I am overwhelmed with gratitude for their sacrifice and love. They have cared for me the best that they could and because of their big and small regular acts of kindness I have become a better person. I know that family is very important. The gospel is the best medicine for an unhappy family. I have several goals in mind to help my future family be the happiest possible.

Faith

Faith is an abstract concept that, to be honest, can baffle me at times. I understand that it is a real power and a force that leads to action. Faith is a Godly power, all of God's miracles are done with faith. My faith increases by practicing it. It isn't until I choose to have faith that it is strengthened . For me faith is strengthened by "experimenting on the word."

Atonement

I have been educated in the gospel all of my life. It has only been through experience, study and faith that I have learned to better understand the atonement. I have studied what it is and what it is not. I have learned that it is simple yet intricate. God is merciful and loving. He has prepared a way for even the simplest of beings to "come unto him and be healed."    I know that change is possible.

Mosiah 3:13

And the Lord God hath sent his holy prophets among all the children of men, to declare these things to every kindred, nation, and tongue, that thereby whosoever should believe that Christ should come, the same might receive remission of their sins, and rejoice with exceedingly great joy, even as though he had already come among them.