IF- By Rudyard Kipling

If

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn out tools;

 

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";

 

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!

Since i was young my Dad has had a favorite poem. If by Rudyard Kipling. I was reading through it a while ago and it came to my mind that these words of wisdom given to the son are much of what our heavenly father gives to us in our lives. And many of them are things i am sure the father gave to his beloved son, as he came down to fulfill his earthly ministry.

As in the scriptures and all the words of Christ, the Apostles and Prophets we receive guidance on how we can become men (and woman). That is our ultimate goal, to become the people who can be received back into the rest of our heavenly father!

Life will be hard, if we live right we will face persecution, and we will have to build ourselves up from the dust.

I think of some of the great men in my life and much like in the poem, they learned to discipline themselves and learned from the bad to make it good, to keep their head about them when all those around them are losing theirs, and to build their lives with worn out tools.

The Power Of Ones Testimony! (My Mom)

       A testimony is an open declaration or profession, as of faith. But not only is testimony an open declaration its personal and its a part of you. Your testimony is what shapes your life, as you live and search and pray you develop knowledge and experiences to build your testimony or to take away from your testimony. My testimony is one of the most precious things to me, its everything, its what i know to be true and i know that there is nothing more powerful that having a testimony in Jesus Christ! If a testimony is not taken care of and strengthened then it will wilt much like an un-nourished flower. 

...Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold, if ye nourish it with much care it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit.- Alma 32:37

       One way we can nourish our testimony's is by hearing those testimony's of others. I have asked a few wonderful people to bear their testimonies, to share what they know to be true. This first Person is Amazing, well of course she is because she is my Mom! I grew up feeling the power of her testimony and i am so thankful that you all can feel her strength too. And by hearing hers and others testimony's it will strengthen yours.

 As I think about my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "Mormon", my heart is full of gratitude for the blessing this has been in my life.  My testimony has been influenced by the love the gospel brings into my home.  It began as a young girl with family prayer, Sunday evening family time, working together on family projects and even Saturday and weekday chores, attending church meetings, doing service projects, like going to the church welfare farms or helping neighbors with my parents, for they were always serving others.  I learned values such as faith, charity, moral cleanliness  and to keep the commandments.  I learned the importance of  the family and the eternal aspect of Temple ordinances and was blessed with the Priesthood in my home.  As one of 8 children I learned to share, to forgive and to repent after episodes of sibling rivalry .  I have  the knowledge that I am a child of God and a daughter of a Heavenly Father who loves me and I love him.
                  My testimony of the gospel comes from working to living it every day and knowing it is blessing my life and the lives of my family and others.  I have a testimony of the Atonement, that Jesus died on the cross for us.  That act is a tremendous gift that allows us to return to our Heavenly Father through our repentance and faith in him.  My faith in Christ helps me to change my thoughts and behaviors so I can be in harmony with his teachings and  become a better individual.  I know that after my baptism, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, has given me a spiritual guide that enlightens my mind, warns me of danger, comforts me, helps me to recognize the truth  and helps me to feel God's love. Through that still small voice that you feel more than hear I am prompted of what to do or say as I take the time to listen to the whisperings of the Holy Ghost.   By my membership in the "Mormon" church I have been given this gift.

               My testimony is strengthened through daily prayer.  I know Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers as I do so with a sincere heart and real intent.  As I pray for specific needs and desires I know that he will comfort, inspire and guide me, answering my prayers on his terms and sometimes through others.  I feel peace and love as I live the gospel with commitment and obedience.  This is not always easy as there are so many influences that would have me live and make choices differently. Free Agency is a wonderful thing if we choose to live our lives in accordance to the Savior's will. I can make my choices but I cannot always pick the consequences from those choices.  I make mistakes but through repentance and the atonement I can change to become a better person.    
             I have a testimony of the scriptures,the Bible and of the Book of Mormon which teaches us the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  By Joseph Smith's obedience and commitments to the gospel after his vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ in a grove of trees at the age of 14 ,enduring trials and tribulations until his death with unwavering faith and knowledge of what he had seen and learned testifies to me of the truthfulness of the restored gospel.  The Book of Mormon exists if not through Joseph Smith then how did it come to be? 
               I have a testimony of the Plan of Salvation and the opportunity of Eternal life with my family being together forever.  I know the gospel gives us daily guidance and inspires us to do good . It brings us peace,happiness, eternal joy and unconditional love!

How Do I Love thee.. Do I love Thee?

In the scriptures Jesus Christ was asked a question about the the commandments. The question was, "Master which is the greatest commandment in the law?" The Savior answered in a way that many did not expect. He said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind...This is the first and great commandment...And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." The savior declared that the most important thing to do over all is to love. It was not to pay tithing, or to fast everyday, But it was to love God and love others.

I know that too many times i don't remember that commandment, i think that a persons driving speed or appearance trumps my need to follow this crucial commandment. The commandment is not long or glorious but it is important and too often is forgotten. We put other commandments above and declare them to be more important than to love a person. We are working with Gods Children, no matter the clothing, the color or the attitude of the person neither what rule or commandment they have broken, we all are sons and daughters of God, and should be treated as one.

One of the hardest things for me to overcome on my mission was to love all those around me, especially with doors slammed in the face or cruel words thrown at your direction. I struggled a great deal with the fact that i was trying to share what is most valuable to me, and others didn't care. I found that it had become to easy to look past the good and only notive the bad. Then the time came when i realized that god didn't send me on a mission to find anger with others, But he sent me to learn to love them, no matter the circumstance, even if they were snott faces. I still face trials and sometimes its very, very hard to find love, but then i remember the words the savior said, "Love one another; as i have loved you, that ye have love one to another... By this shall men know ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." We truly are followers of Christ as we share the love Christ so freely gives to us. How can we so willingly take, but find no reason to give that love to others.

This lady arabelle, joined a group in new york where they got together to discuss civility and kindness, she found a great discovery from someone she never expected to.

We need to follow Gods most important law, we need to love more than we condemn and take those by the hand and show them gods love. Just as this woman arabelle learned from a sweet homeless man, we can learn from all those around us. As we learn more about the love of God we can spread that abroad to all those we see. Let us all love one another! Can't we all just get along? I think we can! so lets try it eh!

I Know It Is True.

I don't have too much to share today, but there has been something weighing heavy on my heart. As a missionary we meet a lot of people, we talk a great deal about their lives their choices and their influences.  I try so hard to share at least a bit of the gospel to them so they can feel the spirit, and every time i feel like i am giving them the most precious gift i could give them! Because it is, and i know it will change their lives and bring them so much happiness! It may not seem like much to some, and some people may not agree, But i know that the church is true, and no one can take that knowledge from me!

I wish so fully that i could in some portion say the fervor and love i have for this message! I know it is True! i know that Joseph Smith was the prophet who restored the church on the earth, i know that Jesus Christ is the son of god! The savior of all man kind, I know that god has a plan for each of us where we can be with our families forever, and i know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true church on the earth and it contains the fullness of the everlasting gospel.

This is not a message of another church, but it is Christ's church on the earth. I know that by being baptized into the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints you can reach eternal salvation and family happiness, because that is what this work is all about! All of us getting back to our father! Let us share what we know to be true! for it is true! I am not good with words, or writing but i do know that the opportunity is there to know if this church is true, and it is to pray and ask god.. i am confident that he will tell you, by his holy spirit, that this church is true! Ask, please, because if this is true it is worth knowing.

In the Name of Jesus Christ Amen

THEY DID NOT DOUBT...a Tribute to Mothers

Its that time of year again! MOTHERS DAY! its a day that we reflect on how amazing mothers really are. There is a story in the book of Mormon about this group of people called the Anti-Nephi-Lehis. Now the men of this group were said to be a wild and a hardened and a ferocious people, but because of some missionaries they  had chosen to change their lives.  Because the the amazing change in their lives they made the choice to put away their weapons of war and make a covenant or promise with God that they would not fight against their brethren.

A few year after they made this promise a furious war broke out in the land. Soldiers were running low and they needed a greater support so these men were going to break the promise they made with god. Now the sons of these men were very young but men of great faith. They had not taken the promise upon themselves and they made the choice to fight in the stead of there fathers.

When Helaman their Captain explained why they would do this he said,  " Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the ^aliberty of their ^bfathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their ^cmothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.

 And they rehearsed unto me the words of their ^amothers, saying: We ^bdo not doubt our mothers knew it."

They were facing insurmountable odds yet they knew they would be okay because their mothers had taught them to put their trust in god. Because their mothers did teach them in all the ways of the lord their young men had unshaken faith, and they were men of integrity and courage.

Now these young men fought, and they fought with fervor. Every one of them was hurt, but not one of them was killed. That is much like our life we will all get hurt but if we follow what our amazing mothers have taught us then we will come out victorious. We must remember and listen to the words of our mothers.

I know that my mother is a mother just like these mothers in this story, she has taught us about our savior about life and how we can have faith and courage! Mothers are everything! So thanks to my mom (who just happens to be the greatest mother out there) and every mom that is working really hard to raise a crazy fun family, for it truly is the most important calling we could have as woman in this world.

A Wonderful Discovery!

So i have recently discovered that i am a complete and total nerd! When i woke up this morning i was just itching to pick up my scriptures and delve into the stories it contains! Stories of war, treachery and of our savior. This morning i was reading in Acts all about how Peter and John are teaching right after Christ passed and it was so amazing! then when it was time for companionship study i was trying to read as fast as i could.. i wanted to know what happened next!

The scriptures have such an amazing power behind them and if i am a nerd by being eager any opportunity to come so that i can begin my little scripture journey then so be it! It is through the scriptures we find answers, we find peace and we find the truth! I will be nerd every day of my life so that i can read the words of god! For the words of god will tell you all things what ye should do. -2 Nephi 32:3

And what is even neater is that we not only have the bible! but god loves us so much that he has given us more! More of his word, more of his fullness and that is through the book of Mormon. I know that God does love us and that he wants us to find the path back home! What i think is even cooler is that we can be nerds and learn the way, through reading the scriptures! It's the greatest.

Zion..The Park

I love camping, it is one of my greatest joys, and luckily i have some wonderful friends who have the same love for rolling around in the dirt all the time. One year for spring break my sister Jan and 2 of our friends Emily and sherylee decided to go on an adventure down to an awesome national park called Zion. So we packed up the car to the brim so that none of us could really move...

But we finally made it there and we set up camp, we decided to go on a hike and one of the most popular hikes is angels landing! we wanted to see what all the hype is about. After two and a half miles, and climbing in a few holes

We made it to the "top".. but little did we know, there was more. We look to the side and we see this cliff and we hear Jan say, "What if we had to go the the end of that.." and we all laughed.. well, we did have to go to the end of the cliff.

But determined to finish the hike, we persevered. We began walking and the trail got more and more narrow. And to make things more treacherous the path was covered with snow. But to aid all us weary travellers they had fastened a chain that we can grab hold of to safely make it to the true destination. . At first i thought i could walk the path without the chain.. but then as my feet slipped and me footing faltered i realized how important that chain was and how much i really needed it. So i clung to that chain as tight as i could.

After much fear and lots of slipping and sliding on our behinds and clinging to that chain we finally made it to the top. And we were able to see why this hike was a favorite.

Our lives our much like this hike. There are some who will make it to the "top" and feel accomplished without realizing what more there is and what lies ahead so they will turn back. There are some who will begin the path and then stop because it is too hard.. then there are some who see the path and know the challenge and take it head on to make it to the top. But the only way to make it is to cling to that chain.. to the gospel and the word of god.. the Book of Mormon. We often become like i was, trying to be fearless and not use the chain. But the chain is there for our safe guidance to something that is worth the hike. Where do you want to end your hike?

Take the hard route don't give up. When you feel you have made it to the top keep on going, it may be hard but it truly is worth it. And P.S the view is much better if you continue on. It is Worth it.

Do a good turn daily

When i was younger i worked at a magical place! A place called Camp Loll! Thisc amp was nestled deep into the targhee forest. One one side it sits two miles away from Yellowstone and just a short jump to the Tetons! Every day i was surrounded by images like


and this

and surrounded by amazing people like these people

 One of the scout motto's is to do a good turn daily! to make sure we always strive to help someone out everyday! and with amazing people like the ones above this good turn daily is very easily exceeded. I know that my day has been made better by a smile and a wave, or even someone helping me unexpectedly. I can only think how if i return the favor to all those around me how good it would make others feel!

Christ was the perfect example of doing a good turn daily! He epitomized it! He healed the blind and the sick, He spent time with the children. he made everyone feel like he loved them, he took time to let them know it. Let us all take time to follow his example and do a good turn daily.

What are some good turn daily's that you have done recently

My Friend

"Thy Friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands."-D&C 121:9

When Joseph Smith was in Liberty Jail he suffered more than most of us can comprehend but, he did have friends. Those who would stand bye home and lift him up! as we all go through our own Liberty Jails let us always remember our friends. But most importantly remember our savior and he will not only lift us up but he will carry us.

Who's your favorite Super Hero?

Many people have a favorite Super Here... My favorite super hero is Green Lantern...

Why Green Lantern, Do you ask?... Well let me tell you.

No one really knows who he is or what his real power is. He often gets overshadowed by the all famous superhero's like...Batman, Superman and even Iron man. Can you imagine how hard it would be to be doing all this good and trying your very hardest only to be put on the back burner time and time again.

All anyone really knows is that he has a really cool ring that does really cool things, but what are those cool things? And did you know that there are more than one Green Lantern! It is actually a force of Intergalactic Police! Who Knew!

But Still Poor Poor Green Lantern Gets passed by all because no one knows of the true power he holds in that small ring!

He did not let this deter him from defending the right and fulfilling his purpose

One of my favorite Scripture Hero's has a similar story!

Moroni was a prophet of old. One with Great power and ability, and he held something and cared for something with great power. So great of power that it can change the hearts of men.

 Much Like Green Lantern Moroni is often looked over, but also similar to Green Lantern he did not let that stop him from doing what he knew was right.

As the last Prophet to write in the Book of Mormon he carried a great burden, and a great responsibility. He was intrusted with the care of the word or God. For twenty years he shouldered this burden, running for his life for the threat he faced was great! Because of this silent sufferer, The Book of Mormon was protected and made ready for Joseph Smith to find them many years later.

I give thanks for these silent superhero's doing what they need to do even though no one is watching and the fame passes them by.

Back In My Day

In My first week of being in Franklin, TN my companion Sister Blackham and I decided to go walking...well we walked and walked and walked and were completely covered in sweat. It was not the most enjoyably experience, but nevertheless we persevered in the hopes of finding people interested in learning about the Gospel!

We walked for hours and hours.. well probably like a half an hour but with that awful heat is seemed like multiple hours... But after our struggle through the heat and the humidity we felt prompted to knock on a door, of this super cute house that looked like a little cottage. So we went up the little cobblestone drive way and knocked on the door.

After a few second this cute little old lady came to the door! She immediately invited us in and told us to have a seat! She then proceeded to tell us all about her life and all her many experiences.. most of them starting with.. "Back In My Day" We sat there for a while and just listened to this wonderful woman's stories! Her Name was Evelyn, and was very spry for her 90 years of age.

We went back many many times, she was not interested at first to hear about the Gospel. She said we could visit but she didn't want that religion stuff talked about. She was associated with another church and was and is very faithful! So we talked about life and our families and her husband who had passed and Ronny her son who she was so very proud of. I grew to love that woman just as if she were my own cute little grandma! She even tried to teach us how to Yodel :D She shared about her hard times and good times and all her times and about popping old billy a good one! You could tell these stories were what shaped the wonderful woman she is today!

I know that as we grow and learn that we have many experiences that shape who we are! and as we learn these lessons like Evelyn we become better people. God gives us choices and options and as we take those choices and make then good then we can one day say, "Back in my Day" and know that you are who you are because of the life you lived and the choices you made.

President Gordon B. Hinckley tells a story about his father and the lessons He learned as a boy. And the lessons he learned back in the day!

Just as the spirit directed us to Knock on Evelyn's Door the spirit directs all of us to follow Christ if we will but listen.

Once Upon a Time

Once upon a time in a land far far away,
there was a Prophet to guide and lead the way.
and every six months on a very special day,
They gathered all across the world to hear what he had to say!

This time is soon to come and listen to his voice
a Prophet of God, a man of Gods choice!
Much will be said and much will be heard
the best is what is felt in your heart which flutters like a bird.

We learn of Christ, his life and his teachings
but most important of all is how far his love is reaching.
To all lands and all people the words will be declared
so that Men, Woman and their families can be prepared.

So come and listen everyone
to the prophets voice, Gods speaking is not done.
There is More

General Conference there is a prophet on the earth today, God still speaks, the heavens are not closed.

White Jumpsuit

A while back Sister Winder and I were sick.. We had what i like to call the Black Death. So decided to be productive and get on facebook and look up some good articles to share. We The Devil is real good and knows just how to get us... Just as I was looking at these pictures there I see it.. Climbing. I know of all the things. I started thinking about how much I missed Climbing, and then I started thinking about how much i missed Backpacking and rafting and boating and all that stuff we can't do as missionaries. I started wishing that I was there, with Chalky hands ready to go.. But just then I clicked on a fellow Missionaries Facebook, and the first thing I saw was a small little family all dressed in white.

All those things I had previously felt I was missing out on seemed not that important. Yes I do Love climbing, and yes I do miss it but there is something so powerful in seeing God's children in those white jumpsuits with smiles on their faces. Nothing can compare.

These wonderful people are making a promise with god to follow Christ. They have Prayed and worked with god and are now starting to make their families last not only through this life but forever!

 I Feel like alma when he says:

9I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.

 10And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me.

I love those white jumpsuits, and i pray for more pictures with wonderful sons and daughters coming to God and wearing those Jumpsuits!

I love these people so much and I know that Heavenly Father loves them! and they can feel that love and you can see the joy in their faces!

I would Give up all things, (including climbing) to help many come to know their savior more and to change their lives to follow him!

Holiness to the Lord, Kyiv Temple

One of the greatest blessing that we have in this world is that of Temples. Sacred buildings where the spirit of the lord resides. Their are One hundred and fifty seven temples in the world right now. In just under two hundred years the church has grown so much and the ability to be sealed to our families forever is becoming more and more accessible.

In Kyiv, Ukraine a temple has been built and dedicated. People come from all the world to see this marvelous event, where many from all over share their culture and excitement for the New Temple coming to their land.

For many years if people in Ukraine or any of the surrounding  countries wanted to go and partake in the blessing of the temple, they had to travel to far distant temples in Switzerland or England. Now they get the blessings of the temple in their home.

In this Video young people from many different countries gather together to share their culture and also to see the prophet come and dedicate the temple. Their Testimonies of the True Church are amazing. Truly they are pioneers in their countries, and they stand firm in what they believe.

Here is an awesome video of the inside

I know that this is where our families can be pieced together for eternity! These blessings are being made more available to all those around the world.

When lifes perils thick confound you

The end of the life of a beloved one is hard to handle. It is for me I know, I have not lost many people in my life but i do know that even the idea is hard to handle. As i heard this mans family talk so lovingly about their father i started to wonder how i would react to the loss of my Father or my Mother. I came to the conclusions that it would probably be one of the hardest things i would Face! But i know that i could face it, because i know that this life is not it. I know that because of my savior we can be re-united again in the life to come. I know that because my parents were sealed together through the power of the priesthood that we my brothers and sisters will be with each other again!

I know this is true and not just a crazy notion, but that it is true! Life is hard especially when it is filled with death but Heavenly Father knows the love you have for your family and part of his plan is for us to carry on those relationships!

In the Hymn God be with you til we meet again it says:

2. God be with you till we meet again;
When life’s perils thick confound you,
Put his arms unfailing round you.
God be with you till we meet again.

God is with us to smooth the aches of death and to let us all know that there is more that God has a plan for each of us that he knew us, he knows us, and he has more planned for us, and part of that is to have an eternal family!

Families can be together Forever- Click here to learn about Gods plan for our families

Let the Holy Spirit Be Your Guide

In a talk by President James E. Faust, he compares the spirit to an old fashioned radio! The ones we have to tune in and out to get the right station. I Think of how different even our stations are now. We want a station then its there, no wait no worry, no effort. With these old radios it took effort, it took time and it took recognizing the right noises. We all have different stations in our lives and its up to us to choose the ones that will bring us closer to our savior and closer to happiness and tune out the static in our lives! We do that through the gift of the Holy Ghost! Because our Father Loves us he sent us a guide. We have to tune into him and recognize the promptings that he gives us. We have to choose the right channels and clear out the static so we can know what God wants for us! So today lets take some time to just sit there pray and listen to the spirit. Let us use the Wonderful Gift of God!

Who am I

Hey everyone! I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! I'm Serving my mission right now in the Tennessee Nashville Mission! I get to share the things that i know to be true and meet a lot of great people along the way! I was Born and raised in Layton Utah, in a super spectacular family! I Love them uber much! Get me in the outdoors and I'm happy, even if its biking down the crazy streets of Kentucky :D

I'm on a Mission because i know that the The Church is true, that I have a loving heavenly father who pushed me so lovingly to be out here! I didn't want to come on a mission but, after mush persuasion I made it! God truly knows whats best for us, even when we think we have better plans!

I love my mission! i am so thankful for the nudges by my Heavenly Father! I have learned so much, that i never would if i stayed home and did who knows what! I mean I even learned how to Like Veggies (big thing) Its that grose green coloring that threw me off!

I didn't want to start a blog because, well. Me and this Computer stuff aren't the best of friends! But i finally relented and decided I'll try! I'm Excited to share all the Crazy adventures I go on as a missionary! Its the Greatest!

Lets start it off on the right foot! Scripture anyone... how about Helaman 5:47 Peace, Peace be unto you, because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world.