Launching of Mormon.org

Today at church a member of the High Counsel(a priesthood holder who is assigned to visit a ward and bring a message from the Stake President who governs in behalf of the Prophet) talked to us about the new launch of Mormon.org There is a way to now share our lives about being Mormon. You set up a profile that can be matched up with people who have questions about the Church, and that have life similarities. Below I have shared what I posted on my profile. If you have questions I encourage you to search the site and find someone you can identify with...that might be able to answer your questions from a view point that you live.

About Me

I am a wife, a mother, a mima a.k.a grandmother and a teacher. My faith in God, Jesus Christ and the Latter-day Saint Church has carried me throughout my life. It has made me who I am and gotten me through some really tough times.

I enjoy painting in my spare time, something I don't have much of. I enjoy children and working with youth. I love to read and write. I also enjoy cooking.

I believe in the light in all people. I see great potential in all of Gods Children. We as humanity have an innate ability to create and become great. The key is to tap into Gods plan for our individual lives. We can accomplish all things through Him.

Why I am a Mormon

I was born and raised a member of the Mormon church.

However, like many others I had a period of my life that took me away from the church. During this time of my life I really questioned all I had been raised to believe. It was those questions and the journey God allowed me to travel that converted me to truly know that the Mormon message is God's message.

I felt it. I felt it deep in my heart. As I searched and learned what being Mormon really meant I found a peace and understanding that cannot be described. You must truly feel it for yourself. It won't just come to you. You have to be searching, praying and asking God to show to you the truth. He knows you, just as He knows me. He will answer your questions. He will show you the way.


How I live my faith

My faith is my life. It guides me, supports me, and gives me light in a dark world. My faith isn't something that I just attend to on Sunday. Although, Sunday is a special day for me to rejuvenate my soul. It is a day that I spend three hours each week listening, seeking and enjoying the spirit of God.

In my home I have personal scripture study time, we write in journals, pray at every meal. We also enjoy Family Home Evening on Monday nights. We come together as a family, sing, pray and have a lesson...sometimes my children teach that lesson. Then we enjoy treats and games. It's a special day that brings us altogether.

I teach the young women in my ward. It is a calling that I accept without pay. I plan and prepare lessons. I am greatly rewarded for my efforts. I learn so much and enjoy the youth of the world. They are truly amazing. They believe in the truth and live their lives in positive ways.

I try to live everyday in a way that would be pleasing to God. I represent the light of the Savior Jesus Christ. He is my friend and my brother and I am ever thankful for His sacrifice. I make an effort to live and walk in His footsteps.

I am not perfect. I struggle as does everyone who is human. But, my faith gives me focus. Without that focus I walk in darkness. Jesus Christ is my light and He can be yours.

Refocus on Spiritual needs

It's been a while since I really reflected on my spiritual life. I have begun a new job and it has taken up a lot of my spare moments for reflection. I hope to refocus in the next few weeks and begin posting here again. I recognize and have been reminded that this aspect of my life is my driving force. It is necessary to keep my mind surrounded by the light of my beliefs.

In an effort to begin I will start by sharing the visiting teaching message for this month. Visiting teaching is something the sisters do in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We visit each other as a means of checking in on one another and taking a message of hope and light. I hope to accomplish this task this month. For now I hope you enjoy the message.

“Understand and Live the Gospel of Christ,” Ensign, Sep 2009, 61

Teach these scriptures and quotations or, if needed, another principle that will bless the sisters you visit. Bear testimony of the doctrine. Invite those you visit to share what they have felt and learned.
How Can I Better Understand and Live the Gospel?

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917–2008) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “Faithful members of the Church should be like oak trees and should extend deep roots into the fertile soil of the fundamental principles of the gospel. We should understand and live by the simple, basic truths and not complicate them. Our foundations should be solid and deep-rooted so we can withstand the winds of temptation, false doctrine, adversity, and the onslaught of the adversary without being swayed or uprooted. …

“Spiritual nourishment is just as important as a balanced diet to keep us strong and healthy. We nourish ourselves spiritually by partaking of the sacrament weekly, reading the scriptures daily, praying daily in personal and family prayer, and performing temple work regularly. Our spiritual strengths are like batteries; they need to be charged and frequently recharged” (“Deep Roots,” Ensign, Nov. 1994, 75).

Barbara Thompson, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency: “Sisters, now more than ever, we need women to step up and be strong. We need women who declare the truth with strength, faith, and boldness. We need women to set an example of righteousness. We need women to be ‘anxiously engaged in a good cause.’ We need to live so that our lives bear witness that we love our Heavenly Father and the Savior Jesus Christ and that we will do what They have asked us to do” (“Now Let Us Rejoice,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2008, 116).

2 Nephi 31:12: “Follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.”
How Does Understanding and Living the Gospel Bless Lives?

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency: “As we strive to understand, internalize, and live correct gospel principles, we will become more spiritually self-reliant. … I testify as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ that He lives, that the gospel is true, and that it offers the answers to all personal and collective challenges the children of God have on this earth today” (“Christlike Attributes—the Wind beneath Our Wings,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2005, 100, 101).

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “The plan of happiness is available to all of his children. If the world would embrace and live it, peace, joy, and plenty would abound on the earth. Much of the suffering we know today would be eliminated if people throughout the world would understand and live the gospel” (“Answers to Life’s Questions,” Ensign, May 1995, 23).

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “We must live the gospel in such a way that we will have the Spirit to ever be with us. If we live worthily, the Spirit will always be with us. We can then teach by the Spirit. … The reason we pray, study the scriptures, have good friends, and live the gospel through obedience to the commandments is so that when—not if, but when—the trials come, we are ready” (“Teaching by Faith,” Liahona, Sept. 2003, 10, 14–15; Ensign, Sept. 2003, 20, 24–25).

Looking for Confidence

It's been quite a while since I posted. I have felt the need to do so for sometime but had nothing I could really talk about that would be significant. Until today.

I have been struggling personally with my self-confidence as an individual. An individual in the gospel of Jesus Christ and in the world. I am in my final semester of an Elementary Education program. As I embark on my student teaching I was feeling insecure and wondering if I can really do it all. Be the best teacher that my students need me to be and help them by making a difference in their lives. I wondered if I would have enough left over for my Lord,family, friends, and personal goals or will I be consumed by my work? It's been a little scary. I am also preparing to move back to a town that really doesn't think to highly of me. What if they are right to think negatively about me.

So, today I wasn't feeling well. Scratchy throat and sore body parts from working hard on Saturday. I decided to rest and not attend church. I however still had the desire to focus on my spirit for a time. If I don't do this my week is much more negative and seems long and gruesome. I sat decided to watch BYU t.v. for a bit and then read an article. This is what I experienced.

I was watching a devotional on BYU t.v. It was a Mormon Black NBA player talking to some youth. He was talking about believing in yourself. He started to talk about how there will ALWAYS be people in your life who don't believe in you, and who will tell you that you can't do something. I know I will at times have parents and students who do not like me. But, If at the end of the day I know I gave it all I had and I put my heart into it...then there has to be some peace in that. Further that peace comes from using my God given gifts. I have to show faith in Him and His power to shape me into who He needs me to be. All my experiences shall be for my good. Even the tough ones. They will form me into a fine work of Art that God has set forth as a plan for me and my life.

After watching that I read an article in the Ensign for this month(January) It was about self-confidence. In the article it states from the Doctrine and Covenants, "Then shall confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distill upon thy soul as the dews from heaven....And without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever." 121:45-46. It was so refreshing to read this. It made me remember that I can't look to the world for a means of self-confidence. I need to look within and from the loving source of my Heavenly Father. He is the light and He makes us who we are. He is and ever will be the one who is most interested in our increase. As we live faithful to Him and seek to serve Him in our lives we will find the confidence we need to be and do the things we are asked to do each and ever day.

I know these things to be true. I have felt an increase of light and happiness in reviewing and being reminded of these things. I know that God is aware of us each and every day. He knows what we need and when we need it. We must only take the time to listen and let the Holy Spirit lead us to the answers we seek.

May you find the answers you seek is my prayer.

Just Over This Mountain

We are taught through our Book of Mormon in the story of Alma that God will shape our backs to bear the burdens that are placed upon us. The people of Alma are in bondage and have to carry heavy burdens for their captors. As they pray to God to lighten their load He does. Notice they don't pray for God to take the burden away. They pray that the load will feel lighter and they can bear it. He shaped their backs and allowed them to possess the strength to continue on. They bore this trial well and were eventually freed from this terrible situation. They went on to live happy full lives with the light of God all around them as their lived His Gospel.

That is what amazes me most about working with the Lord to overcome. When it feels as if there is no possible way to overcome the storms if we can just hold on and work hard to row against the tossing waves. Even though it feels as if we are making no progress at all God is there strengthening us speaking to our minds to just keep going. Christs light pulls us from the shore and begs us to continue that we are close. His light warms us, leads us, guides us, and pulls us home. Finally we stand on the shore our legs and arms burn and ache from the burden. But, our hearts and minds are light with love,hope and happiness. Just over the mountain step by step we reach a new level of living. A level that holds so much joy its unexplainable. It's a place that reminds us that heaven is there. God is watching over us and wants us to return to him. If we can just hold on and fight through the trials we too will someday truly enjoy the great Utopia that Heaven holds.

I know this all to be true because I have reached the shore, the top of the mountain and have been looking over the trail I just worked through and I know I didn't do it alone. I know he wants you to fight through your storms, and climb your mountains one step at a time. The price, the cost, the pain is worth every step, every aching row against the waves. You can do it. I know you can. And when you reach the top, when you reach the shore and feel the love of God and see how much He and the Savior helped you get through you will stand in awe at His mercies and His love for one so small as you.

Don't give up. God loves you and wants you to grow and become all you can.

Just Pray and Read your Scriptures

It's a very simple concept. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we are taught the great importance of Praying and reading your scriptures daily. It's so ingrained in us that it is easy to take it for granted. I have been reading the Book of Mormon regularly since January 08. I am enjoying every moment.

I have been recently reminded that we can also invite the spirit of the Holy Ghost and invite the Savior into our life in a huge way by doing these two simple activities. When life seems difficult and the answers are hard to find, take a moment and read the scriptures. Often if you read long enough and prayerfully God will speak to you and your life through the things you are reading. I plan to be a little more serious about my study and listen a little closer. With all the tough things facing us in the world today it is imperative that we remain in Gods grasp.

I can testify that reading the scriptures and praying often has brought me closer to God through-out my life at various times. I have felt peace and a tender love from God and I have had clarity of mind in finding answers to tough life questions. I urge you to test it. You will not be disappointed.

A little light to add to your day. Enjoy.

Lessons from the Dentists Chair

I had to have some dental work done recently. It was and is always an excruciating experience to get dental work done. This day I was scheduled to have a root canal, and two cavities filled. I was not expecting to enjoy it at all.

However, as I sat there I was taught some pretty awesome truths about the Book of Mormon.

There are people who were once Lamanites in the book of Mormon who convert to the way of Christ. As part of the changes they make to their lives they also change their names because they didn't want to be known or associated with the bad, bloodthirsty Lamanites of those times. They call themselves ANTI-NEPHI LEHI. Well, its a bit confusing because Nephi and Lehi are the "good guys" in the book of Mormon. So if these people converted to the ways of Christ which essentially were taught by Lehi and Nephi then why would they call themselves ANTI?

This is how it was explained to my Dentist who was telling it to his hygienist.

In the days of Joseph Smith Anti meant something different than it does today. When looking at a reflection of themselves in the mirror they would say that it was an ANTI image. Meaning it was a reflection or same but different version of ones self. Well, Joseph when he was translating would only have use of the language of his day to translate it. So, to him Anti meant they were a reflection of Nephi and Lehi because they lived the same teachings as given by Nephi and Lehi of Christ.

I would like to take this opportunity to bare my testimony of the Book of Mormon. The foundation of the Mormon religion is the Book of Mormon. It is an amazing book. Standing alone it is a marvelous book. It's history and how it came to be are a unique and wonderful story. But, when its added together with the bible it is another testament to our Savior Jesus Christ. Whom we follow and believe in.

We are Christian in every sense of the word and I love my Savior as much as any Christian on Earth. He lived and died for me. He taught lessons of truth and light that I try daily to live my life by. When I read the Book of Mormon I feel His messages radiate from the pages. He is in the lessons of the Book of Mormon as much as He is in the Bible.

It is a great blessing to have this book in these days to know that the men who wrote the Book of Mormon are peoples who lived on this same continent. They believed in Christ some of them without ever seeing Him. The messages inspire and transform me and my heart. I am so thankful for this book. It has made a difference in my life and I know it will make a difference in yours as well.

If you would like to get a free copy of this book you can visit this website http://www.mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/ and they will be able to help you learn more. The Book of Mormon will bring a richness and light to your life that will increase your happiness and joy! I know because it has mine.

The Power of Satan

Over the past few weeks I have been taken back by the evil that is running wild in the world. The number of divorces in my realm alone have increased by two. Friends and family are giving up on their families and walking away. Another dear close friend made choices that led him to be taken to county jail for a period of 9 months.

It is so easy to be distracted by the world and let it consume you. Selfishly throwing off what you once valued as your prize possession for something newer and cooler. I see this in my oldest son as well. He is always throwing out his latest electronic gadget because a new updated groovier version has just come out and he HAS to have it right now.

We are caught up in a world that moves fast. Moves fast to update and bring out a NEW thing to waste our money and time to consume it. It seems marriages are treated in the same fashion. It isn't working, its too hard, or we fall out of love. Even I am tempted at times to leave it all behind for a seemingly easier path. I am not exempt.

I also get caught up in the need for the NEW thing and don't take care of my financial situation and budget. I have never been good with money. If I have money I spend it and then its gone. I don't delay gratification.

In my own life lately I have let a different darkness and distraction consume me. Unhappiness and depression. I let the seeds of self-doubt and unworthiness rule my thoughts. I know this to be another of "The Dark ones" devices to distract me from doing and being all I can in God's kingdom. It seems once he finds his way in he infect all aspect of your life and tries to destroy you on many levels.

There is hope. There is light. Because, I know we are all given divine gifts and talents and its is up to us to fulfill all we can be. This is where Satan playground begins. He doesn't want us to reach our potential. He doesn't want us to use our gifts for good. He wants to distract us with his tools and devices of this world.

As I sat recently in a Holy Place and contemplated all these things I felt the weight of the darkness in the world. The pressure pushed me to tears and I could not stop. I cried out, "its too hard Lord. How can we come out in the positive? How can we win this war? There seems to be no way." Despair took hold of my heart.

Then the whispers from God came. The tender touch of His voice to my mind. "I am with you. It is hard but I am near and I will carry this load for a while. You only need to come unto me and I will make your burden light."

As I let the peace flow through me I was grateful indeed to be able to attend to my spirit and to quiet my mind in a way that allowed God to speak to my heart and mind. I know He is real. I know He loves us. I know He will aid us in our darkest hour. I also know the this statement to be true...

"As powerful as the darkness of Satan is, the POWER of God is even stronger!"

I urge you to let Him in. Pray for Him to attend you and your loved ones in these dark days. I fear they will only get darker and the only way our burdens can be lightened is to STAY CLOSE to GOD.

With Love, J.B.

We can have HOPE in darkness

"The Lord gives us a spirit of hope and a feeling of comfort and confidence that we can overcome the obstacles we face. He has shown the way to gain strength during our struggles. With His assistance, we have the ability to succeed. Listen to His words of counsel and comfort: “Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world and none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost."

--L. Lionel Kendrick, "Strength During Struggles", Ensign, Oct 2001, 24

Isaiah 41:10

How Firm a Foundation, Hymn #85 Listen | Text | Interactive | About

It's okay to make mistakes

"Remember: the heavens will not be filled with those who never made mistakes but with those who recognized that they were off course and who corrected their ways to get back in the light of gospel truth." --Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "A Matter of a Few Degrees", Ensign, May 2008, 57–60 1 Nephi 15:23–25 The Iron Rod, Hymn #274 Listen | Text | Interactive | About