Before I forget, let me introduce myself. My name is Ashley Sokia/Gordon (I'm still on the fence about changing my name since I was married last month). I was with Hna. Ferrell/Trish the Dish in the MTC before I went to the Pennsylvania Philadelphia mission. She had the opportunity to get to know me during, what I consider, one of the hardest and most beneficial experiences I have ever had and I think we've become soul sisters forever because of it.
Speaking of hard, and yet beneficial experiences, I wanted to share with you a short insight into Nephi's Psalm that I think can teach us alot about the principle of repentance.
Nephi's Psalm is found in 2 Nephi 4:16-35. During this time in Nephi's life, he has just lost his father who was his mentor and best friend. On top of that, he now has no way to control his two older brothers who have tried on many occasions to hurt and even kill him. And what does Nephi decide to do? He decides to repent. During the time when his world is falling apart, when it would be so easy to blame others and be angry, he goes to the Lord and asks him to redeem his soul from the temptation to linger longer in sorrow. He goes to the Lord knowing that in his repentance, he will find joy.
When you cross-reference this scripture with the hymn book, the hymn that it links up to is number 98 "I Need Thee Every Hour." It brings tears to my eyes to think of Nephi, in the depths of despair, kneeling in prayer saying, "I need thee, oh, I need thee. Every hour, I need thee! Oh, bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee."
Repentance is real. It is turning to our Savior and asking him to save us from ourselves. Without repentance, we carry our burdens unnecessarily. I testify that it is in daily repentance we can all find peace and rest in our lives.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Pay in Faith
This is just going to be a quick post. Nothing major or profound, just a little miracle to me.
I know that when the Lord says he will open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings upon us, he is being very literal. I know that when we pay tithing we are actually paying with faith, and not money. We show our faith by paying, even when it feels as if paying would be cutting off a limb because that money is so necessary to our survival here.
I have had times in my life where I had to decide to pay my tithing or have food. I paid in faith, knowing that Heavenly Father would bless and provide for me. Shortly thereafter I received two big bags of food. I once had to decide between paying tithing or paying for school. I had all the money to the penny in my account for school. Paying my tithing would leave me short. I chose to pay tithing after all. After a bit of go around with the school, it turned out I didn't have to pay any of the money they were demanding from me. Tithing requires faith. When we pay in faith miracles happen. We may be tested and tried, but we will never ever be left alone. When we pay our tithing we are showing the Lord we rely on Him and we trust Him. I know that sometimes it can be hard, but I also know that it is always always worth it and the return is much bigger then the "investment."
source
I know that when the Lord says he will open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings upon us, he is being very literal. I know that when we pay tithing we are actually paying with faith, and not money. We show our faith by paying, even when it feels as if paying would be cutting off a limb because that money is so necessary to our survival here.
I have had times in my life where I had to decide to pay my tithing or have food. I paid in faith, knowing that Heavenly Father would bless and provide for me. Shortly thereafter I received two big bags of food. I once had to decide between paying tithing or paying for school. I had all the money to the penny in my account for school. Paying my tithing would leave me short. I chose to pay tithing after all. After a bit of go around with the school, it turned out I didn't have to pay any of the money they were demanding from me. Tithing requires faith. When we pay in faith miracles happen. We may be tested and tried, but we will never ever be left alone. When we pay our tithing we are showing the Lord we rely on Him and we trust Him. I know that sometimes it can be hard, but I also know that it is always always worth it and the return is much bigger then the "investment."
source
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Ambo & the Law of Tithing
I'm really excited that we are all 'forced' to introduce ourselves now. Since it's Wednesday, I'm up:
Hello, my name is Amber and I'm a Gospel-Addict.
I am also a wife, mother, sister, friend, daughter, sports-freak, clutz, nap-time crafter, theatre-geek, and teacher. I constantly try to do my best and, most of the time, it gets me into trouble (especially in the clutz category).
I grew up in St. Louis (as alluded to in Ash's post) and, when the time came, I ventured to BYU, where I graduated in Elementary Education. Gweg and I have been married for almost five years (CRAZY--and, yes, it's true, he is Ash's cousin).
We have a happy-go-lucky 15-month-old boy named Jared and are expecting a little girl at the end of November (not planned, on our part, at least). I, too, am a SAHM with so much to do and not enough time to do it in. We live in South Texas where Gweg works as an engineer and we don't plan on going anywhere anytime soon (we're building our first house---that's how I met Trish---she's in my ward and told us about a great subdivision to build in).
Whenever I have free time I enjoy cooking, crafting, swimming, yoga, playing Wii, dancing with Jared, and---shocker---the St. Louis Cardinals! I'm currently trying to be better at going to the temple, saying consistent family prayers and having FHE. I love to learn and grow which is why I wanted to join the ranks of this blog!
As Trish mentioned in her testimony post, I bore my testimony on Sunday. Ash can verify that this is nothing new; I'm one of those people that probably bears their testimony too much. I couldn't resist it this time because I felt overwelming gratitude for Heavenly Father's blessings to my family. And, I believe it was because we pay our tithing.
Greg just recently finished grad school and this month we had to start paying his loans back, both undergrad and graduate, in addition to the rest of our monthly bills. We sat down and talked about giving ourselves very small weekly allowance for food and other expenses. Even though we were following our new rules, it didn't seem we were going to make it to the next payday. We were worried, then on Friday we got a $1000 check from a car accident we had in December. Greg and I looked at each other and immediately said a prayer because we knew where this money came from.
Elder Robert D. Hales taught:
"To those who faithfully and honestly live the law of tithing, the Lord promises an abundance of blessings. Some of these blessings are temporal, just as tithes are temporal. But like the outward physical ordinances of baptism and the sacrament, the commandment to pay tithing requires temporal sacrifice, which ultimately yields great spiritual blessings....
Would any of us intentionally reject an outpouring of blessings from the Lord? Sadly, this is what we do when we fail to pay our tithing. We say no to the very blessings we are seeking and praying to receive. If you are one who has doubted the blessings of tithing, I encourage you to accept the Lord’s invitation to “prove [Him] now herewith.” Pay your tithing. Unlock the windows of heaven. You will be abundantly blessed for your obedience and faithfulness to the Lord’s laws and commandments."
The Lord blesses us when we live the commandments righteously; sometimes in ways we can see, other times in ways we can't. I know I have a lot of things to work on, but I hope that I will always pay my tithing because the Lord has already blessed me because of it.
Hello, my name is Amber and I'm a Gospel-Addict.
I am also a wife, mother, sister, friend, daughter, sports-freak, clutz, nap-time crafter, theatre-geek, and teacher. I constantly try to do my best and, most of the time, it gets me into trouble (especially in the clutz category).
I grew up in St. Louis (as alluded to in Ash's post) and, when the time came, I ventured to BYU, where I graduated in Elementary Education. Gweg and I have been married for almost five years (CRAZY--and, yes, it's true, he is Ash's cousin).
We have a happy-go-lucky 15-month-old boy named Jared and are expecting a little girl at the end of November (not planned, on our part, at least). I, too, am a SAHM with so much to do and not enough time to do it in. We live in South Texas where Gweg works as an engineer and we don't plan on going anywhere anytime soon (we're building our first house---that's how I met Trish---she's in my ward and told us about a great subdivision to build in).
Whenever I have free time I enjoy cooking, crafting, swimming, yoga, playing Wii, dancing with Jared, and---shocker---the St. Louis Cardinals! I'm currently trying to be better at going to the temple, saying consistent family prayers and having FHE. I love to learn and grow which is why I wanted to join the ranks of this blog!
As Trish mentioned in her testimony post, I bore my testimony on Sunday. Ash can verify that this is nothing new; I'm one of those people that probably bears their testimony too much. I couldn't resist it this time because I felt overwelming gratitude for Heavenly Father's blessings to my family. And, I believe it was because we pay our tithing.
Greg just recently finished grad school and this month we had to start paying his loans back, both undergrad and graduate, in addition to the rest of our monthly bills. We sat down and talked about giving ourselves very small weekly allowance for food and other expenses. Even though we were following our new rules, it didn't seem we were going to make it to the next payday. We were worried, then on Friday we got a $1000 check from a car accident we had in December. Greg and I looked at each other and immediately said a prayer because we knew where this money came from.
Elder Robert D. Hales taught:
"To those who faithfully and honestly live the law of tithing, the Lord promises an abundance of blessings. Some of these blessings are temporal, just as tithes are temporal. But like the outward physical ordinances of baptism and the sacrament, the commandment to pay tithing requires temporal sacrifice, which ultimately yields great spiritual blessings....
Would any of us intentionally reject an outpouring of blessings from the Lord? Sadly, this is what we do when we fail to pay our tithing. We say no to the very blessings we are seeking and praying to receive. If you are one who has doubted the blessings of tithing, I encourage you to accept the Lord’s invitation to “prove [Him] now herewith.” Pay your tithing. Unlock the windows of heaven. You will be abundantly blessed for your obedience and faithfulness to the Lord’s laws and commandments."
The Lord blesses us when we live the commandments righteously; sometimes in ways we can see, other times in ways we can't. I know I have a lot of things to work on, but I hope that I will always pay my tithing because the Lord has already blessed me because of it.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
The name is Ashley, but you can call me Tuesday
Happy Tuesday, everyone!
I feel honored to have been invited to contribute here and hope I can share some thoughts that will uplift-- or at least, get you thinking.
Trish (may I call you Trish?) suggested that I use today's post to introduce myself, so... here it goes.
I got here (to this blog, not the world) through Amber (Wednesday), my best friend/cousin-in-law. We met when we were 13, and were nearly inseparable all through high school and college, until she married my cousin after our sophomore year at BYU. Now we're linked for eternity!
Right now, I'm a SAHM to a beautiful, blue-eyed, little girl who will be 1 later this month. While my husband is in chiropractic school, we are living in St. Louis, Missouri, about 20 minutes from where I grew up.
My passions include being a wife & mother, reading, baking and crafting (though I don't pretend to be an expert in any of those things). Other things I love include fireworks, french fries, lemonade, new socks and the St. Louis Cardinals. I'm working on improving (as in, saying) my morning prayers, not complaining, and letting things go (I can be a bit of a perfectionist).
That all being said, I'd like to share with you one of my favorite quotes.
I trust in Heavenly Father and follow Him to the best of my ability, but I'm sometimes nervous! There is a caveat in the phrase, "I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it." The path He has set for us is strait (not straight), narrow (see 3 Nephi 14:14), and, I would imagine, winding. Strait, in this case, actually means difficult or stressful. That does not sound like a trail I would choose for myself, yet I did, in the premortal life!
To summarize, God's plan for us as individuals is going to be difficult, stressful, and occasionally painful, but our loving Heavenly Father is in control. How comforting that is. He knows all, including our abilities and what's best for us. He knows that a difficult path will test us and mold us into the people He needs us to be. The people that we want to be!
I put one foot in front of the other every day with Him guiding me, step by step. There are no promises of ease or comfort, but there are promises of eternal life and a place in His sight. Ultimately, the rewards outweigh the price. And as long as I put my trust and faith in Him who leads me, I know I'll gain mine.
I feel honored to have been invited to contribute here and hope I can share some thoughts that will uplift-- or at least, get you thinking.
Trish (may I call you Trish?) suggested that I use today's post to introduce myself, so... here it goes.
I got here (to this blog, not the world) through Amber (Wednesday), my best friend/cousin-in-law. We met when we were 13, and were nearly inseparable all through high school and college, until she married my cousin after our sophomore year at BYU. Now we're linked for eternity!
Right now, I'm a SAHM to a beautiful, blue-eyed, little girl who will be 1 later this month. While my husband is in chiropractic school, we are living in St. Louis, Missouri, about 20 minutes from where I grew up.
My passions include being a wife & mother, reading, baking and crafting (though I don't pretend to be an expert in any of those things). Other things I love include fireworks, french fries, lemonade, new socks and the St. Louis Cardinals. I'm working on improving (as in, saying) my morning prayers, not complaining, and letting things go (I can be a bit of a perfectionist).
That all being said, I'd like to share with you one of my favorite quotes.
"We are not necessarily doubting that God will do what's best for us; we are wondering how painful that will turn out to be."Having faith is knowing that God is in control. But there is a part of me (since I'm human and averse to pain), that thinks, "I know God has a plan for me, but what exactly does that plan entail? How many fires am I going to have to walk through?"
--C.S. Lewis
I trust in Heavenly Father and follow Him to the best of my ability, but I'm sometimes nervous! There is a caveat in the phrase, "I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it." The path He has set for us is strait (not straight), narrow (see 3 Nephi 14:14), and, I would imagine, winding. Strait, in this case, actually means difficult or stressful. That does not sound like a trail I would choose for myself, yet I did, in the premortal life!
To summarize, God's plan for us as individuals is going to be difficult, stressful, and occasionally painful, but our loving Heavenly Father is in control. How comforting that is. He knows all, including our abilities and what's best for us. He knows that a difficult path will test us and mold us into the people He needs us to be. The people that we want to be!
I put one foot in front of the other every day with Him guiding me, step by step. There are no promises of ease or comfort, but there are promises of eternal life and a place in His sight. Ultimately, the rewards outweigh the price. And as long as I put my trust and faith in Him who leads me, I know I'll gain mine.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Testimony
Yesterday I bore my testimony. It was the first time in a long time that I even considered it. I guess before I just didn't think I had anything to say. Also, Amber (Wednesday) bore her testimony. I should give her the credit because I didn't get up until after she did. At that point I couldn't resist anymore, I guess.
I usually think through everything I'm going to say before I say it when I bear my testimony. This time I tried to just go up there in the right spirit and let my mouth say what my heart was feeling. I'm not sure if that was the best idea or not. I knew I wanted to testify of the Atonement, not because of some serious sin I have just repented of, but because people rarely talk about it. (Or maybe it just seems that way to me.)
And then, later in my testimony and without thinking, I blurted out "Thank you". I wasn't sure why that phrase came out, so I finished it with "...for being an awesome ward." Then I thought, what I am even saying? I mean I shouldn't need to thank the ward as part of my testimony, should I?
What I guess I'm trying to convey in this post is that my testimony and spirituality have been strengthened lately because of this blog. So, really THANK YOU for your posts. Maybe it has been a while since I've borne testimony and so I was a bit nervous and disjointed. I wanted to get up and share the wonderful spirit I was feeling with others, and I guess this time it didn't matter to me what I said. I just wanted to convey my feelings and some of my thoughts.
I found this great article by Pres. Faust about bearing testimony. Here is a quote from it:
I usually think through everything I'm going to say before I say it when I bear my testimony. This time I tried to just go up there in the right spirit and let my mouth say what my heart was feeling. I'm not sure if that was the best idea or not. I knew I wanted to testify of the Atonement, not because of some serious sin I have just repented of, but because people rarely talk about it. (Or maybe it just seems that way to me.)
And then, later in my testimony and without thinking, I blurted out "Thank you". I wasn't sure why that phrase came out, so I finished it with "...for being an awesome ward." Then I thought, what I am even saying? I mean I shouldn't need to thank the ward as part of my testimony, should I?
What I guess I'm trying to convey in this post is that my testimony and spirituality have been strengthened lately because of this blog. So, really THANK YOU for your posts. Maybe it has been a while since I've borne testimony and so I was a bit nervous and disjointed. I wanted to get up and share the wonderful spirit I was feeling with others, and I guess this time it didn't matter to me what I said. I just wanted to convey my feelings and some of my thoughts.
I found this great article by Pres. Faust about bearing testimony. Here is a quote from it:
Some of us are naturally reserved and timid about bearing our testimony with words. Perhaps we should not be so timid. The Doctrine and Covenants tells us, “But with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths, but they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man” (D&C 60:2). When we do bear testimony, we should testify with a spirit of humility. Section 38 of the Doctrine and Covenants reminds us, “And let your preaching be the warning voice, every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness” (D&C 38:41).
Perhaps we do not always remember that it is the power of the Spirit that carries our testimony into the hearts of others. Our testimony is our own. It cannot be challenged by someone else. It is personal and real to us. But it is the Holy Spirit that gives a similar witness to another.
Sorry this post comes the day after fast and testimony meeting. Now you have to wait another month before you can bear your testimony. Just come back and read this article again if you find your determination wavering. And definitely check out the linked article above if time allows. It is inspiring for sure!Sunday, August 2, 2009
"A Peculiar People"
My apologies for not posting last week. I left for New York last Sunday and had too many things to finish before leaving. Anyway I would like to reflect upon some experiences that I had while in New York.
In the August Ensign there is an article by President David O. McKay called "Unspotted from the World." In it he talks about how we are a peculiar people. He says, "as the Church of God we must 'dwell apart'." This was reminding me a great deal of what it was like to be with a group of young women (ages 17-26) this past week in New York City. I went there for a dance convention and was the only one in the group that was LDS. Many of the girls, both underaged and legal, spoke a lot about their favorite alcholic beverages and their fake IDs. It was a very awkward situation for me because they sat up late discussing whether rum or vodka was better, and here I was in the corner of the hotel room reading the Book of Mormon. Then on the last night I was there we went to a fancy theatre to see a dance show and everyone was dressed really fancy. I was the only one wearing a dress that had sleeves and went below my knees. Many people were staring at me throughout the evening. I am sure to them they must have thought that I looked so very "peculiar" but to me they were the ones that looked a little "peculiar." I am so grateful for the standards that we have as members of the LDS faith and I encourage you all to be proud of those standards which we have. Although I certainly felt like an outcast, and I knew that people were staring at me, I felt clean and pure inside and I knew that I was setting a good example for others to see what our church teaches.
It may not always be easy to do the right thing, especially when the people closest to you are following the ways of the world, but I can promise you that it is worth it. Remember this:
What is popular is not always right, and what is right is not always popular.
Our goal as members of the LDS religion is to set an example for the world. Never let your standards take a backseat because you are nervous about what others may think of you. You don't have to drink with your co-workers to be recognized by your boss. You don't have to wear revealing attire to develop your talents of dancing. You don't have to swear because everyone around you is doing it. Stand up and be "a peculiar people." You will be blessed both now and in the eternities for following the standards and commandments that God has given us!
In the August Ensign there is an article by President David O. McKay called "Unspotted from the World." In it he talks about how we are a peculiar people. He says, "as the Church of God we must 'dwell apart'." This was reminding me a great deal of what it was like to be with a group of young women (ages 17-26) this past week in New York City. I went there for a dance convention and was the only one in the group that was LDS. Many of the girls, both underaged and legal, spoke a lot about their favorite alcholic beverages and their fake IDs. It was a very awkward situation for me because they sat up late discussing whether rum or vodka was better, and here I was in the corner of the hotel room reading the Book of Mormon. Then on the last night I was there we went to a fancy theatre to see a dance show and everyone was dressed really fancy. I was the only one wearing a dress that had sleeves and went below my knees. Many people were staring at me throughout the evening. I am sure to them they must have thought that I looked so very "peculiar" but to me they were the ones that looked a little "peculiar." I am so grateful for the standards that we have as members of the LDS faith and I encourage you all to be proud of those standards which we have. Although I certainly felt like an outcast, and I knew that people were staring at me, I felt clean and pure inside and I knew that I was setting a good example for others to see what our church teaches.
It may not always be easy to do the right thing, especially when the people closest to you are following the ways of the world, but I can promise you that it is worth it. Remember this:
What is popular is not always right, and what is right is not always popular.
Our goal as members of the LDS religion is to set an example for the world. Never let your standards take a backseat because you are nervous about what others may think of you. You don't have to drink with your co-workers to be recognized by your boss. You don't have to wear revealing attire to develop your talents of dancing. You don't have to swear because everyone around you is doing it. Stand up and be "a peculiar people." You will be blessed both now and in the eternities for following the standards and commandments that God has given us!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
It Was More Temple Than Prison
"Tonight’s message is that when you have to, you can have sacred, revelatory, profoundly instructive experience with the Lord in any situation you are in. Indeed, let me say that even a little stronger: You can have sacred, revelatory, profoundly instructive experience with the Lord in the most miserable experiences of your life—in the worst settings, while enduring the most painful injustices, when facing the most insurmountable odds and opposition you have ever faced."
I know that I no longer teach Sunday School, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to prepare my own versions of the lessons before I go to church and see what they have in store. If you are reading this before (or even after) you have the lesson titled, "O God, Where Art Thou?" I would suggest reading the talk that Jeffrey R. Holland gave in a CES fireside in September of 2008 titled, "Lessons from Liberty Jail." This is where I found the opening quote that is written above.
I'm not going to go into great detail about the happenings at Liberty Jail or the time surrounding it, but I will say that I believe this period of time to be one of the hardest in Church History as well as the hardest time in the Prophet Joseph Smith's life. But it also led to my favorite sections in the Doctrine and Covenants (121-123). At the opening of Section 121, Joseph is having what I call a "God is picking on me" moment. It's gotten to the moment where he feels that he and the Saints have suffered enough and they should be seeing some miracles in response to their faithfulness. I'm not trying to trivialize what is being said, I'm personally identifying with it. While moments like this can be interpreted to be prideful or indignant, I like to see them as the end of the humility fuse. God understands our frustrations, He understands everything. So within the walls of Liberty Jail, we see a beautiful transformation in Joseph's understanding of God. He finds spiritual liberty in a physical jail. And isn't that true of life's purpose itself? Instead of chastising Joseph, He speaks to him as any loving Father would. "I am here. This will pass. All will be made right."
It is in times like these, in trials like these in which all of us can truly come to know our Father in Heaven. Where we can feel the constant presence of the Holy Ghost. In our hardest trials we are given the opportunity to come to know our Savior on a deeper level than any other.
"...these revelations “made Liberty jail, for a time, a center of instruction. The eyes of the saints were turned to it as the place whence would come encouragement, counsel—the word of the Lord. It was more temple than prison, so long as the Prophet was there. It was a place of meditation and prayer. … Joseph Smith sought God in this rude prison, and found him” (B. H. Roberts, A Comprehensive History of the Church, 1:526).
I know that I no longer teach Sunday School, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to prepare my own versions of the lessons before I go to church and see what they have in store. If you are reading this before (or even after) you have the lesson titled, "O God, Where Art Thou?" I would suggest reading the talk that Jeffrey R. Holland gave in a CES fireside in September of 2008 titled, "Lessons from Liberty Jail." This is where I found the opening quote that is written above.
I'm not going to go into great detail about the happenings at Liberty Jail or the time surrounding it, but I will say that I believe this period of time to be one of the hardest in Church History as well as the hardest time in the Prophet Joseph Smith's life. But it also led to my favorite sections in the Doctrine and Covenants (121-123). At the opening of Section 121, Joseph is having what I call a "God is picking on me" moment. It's gotten to the moment where he feels that he and the Saints have suffered enough and they should be seeing some miracles in response to their faithfulness. I'm not trying to trivialize what is being said, I'm personally identifying with it. While moments like this can be interpreted to be prideful or indignant, I like to see them as the end of the humility fuse. God understands our frustrations, He understands everything. So within the walls of Liberty Jail, we see a beautiful transformation in Joseph's understanding of God. He finds spiritual liberty in a physical jail. And isn't that true of life's purpose itself? Instead of chastising Joseph, He speaks to him as any loving Father would. "I am here. This will pass. All will be made right."
It is in times like these, in trials like these in which all of us can truly come to know our Father in Heaven. Where we can feel the constant presence of the Holy Ghost. In our hardest trials we are given the opportunity to come to know our Savior on a deeper level than any other.
"...these revelations “made Liberty jail, for a time, a center of instruction. The eyes of the saints were turned to it as the place whence would come encouragement, counsel—the word of the Lord. It was more temple than prison, so long as the Prophet was there. It was a place of meditation and prayer. … Joseph Smith sought God in this rude prison, and found him” (B. H. Roberts, A Comprehensive History of the Church, 1:526).
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