The Stick of Joseph

During the month of October, Jocelyn at {We Talk of Christ} has encouraged, set up, inspired other spiritual bloggers to write about the {Book of Mormon}. Her inspiration came from the {Ensign's} special issue all about the Book of Mormon. Today she is hosting a linky party for anyone who wants to testify of the Book of Mormon.

Honestly, I have many excuses as to why I haven't posted yet this month, but none of them matter... okay, my family matters. However, I absolutely had to take a moment today to add my testimony of the Book of Mormon.

I tried to think of a one moment where the Book of Mormon absolutely changed my life, the problem is... there isn't just ONE moment. The Book of Mormon changes EVERY moment of life. Each time I open its pages, I am strengthened, uplifted, taught, or humbled. Each time I find myself growing closer to my Savior, even Jesus Christ, of whom this very book testifies. And, it's not just the Book of Mormon, the Bible does the same. The Book of Mormon works hand-in-hand with the Holy Bible to testify of the divinity of Jesus Christ.

Growing up in the church, I never had a problem with excepting the Book of Mormon as truth, especially after I prayed, as Moroni {suggests}. However, many people outside of the church have difficulty believing the Book of Mormon to be true, especially with the scripture in {Revelation}. However, both the Bible & Book of Mormon testify to the Book of Mormon's authenticity. First in the Bible, {Ezekiel 37}:

16 Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one ^astick, and ^bwrite upon it, For ^cJudah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and ^dwrite upon it, For ^eJoseph, the ^fstick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions:
17 And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become ^aone in thine hand.
18 ¶And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us ^awhat thou meanest by these?
19 Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the stick of ^aJoseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.

The Stick of Judah is the Bible and the Stick of Joseph is the BOOK OF MORMON. They work together to help us understand deeper the gospel of Jesus Christ. The kicker comes in the Book of Mormon, {2 Nephi 29}--read the whole chapter, if you get a chance:

6 Thou fool, that shall say: A ^aBible, we have got a Bible, and we need no more Bible. Have ye obtained a Bible save it were by the Jews?

7 Know ye not that there are more ^anations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the ^bisles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the ^cearth beneath; and I bring forth my ^dword unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?

8 Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the ^atestimony of ^btwo nations is a ^cwitness unto you that I am God, that I remember one ^dnation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two ^enations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also.

9 And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the ^asame yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my ^bwords according to mine own pleasure. And because that I have spoken one ^cword ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my ^dwork is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man, neither from that time henceforth and forever. (emphasis added).

This is why the Book of Mormon is true. God is the same, yesterday, today & forever, so why would the heavens be closed to us now? Why would He stop talking to His children? The scripture in Revelation doesn't mean there is no other scripture, it just means the actual Book of Revelation is done. The Holy Bible, as we know it, wasn't written in chronological order, so does that mean all the letters Paul wrote before his death aren't scripture? NO because God is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. He loves ALL of children and wants to see us again.

It breaks my heart when this is the reason people don't believe in the Book of Mormon. We are LOVED & ADORED by our Father in Heaven. He doesn't want us to be alone, He wants us to follow his council so He, and His Son, Jesus Christ, can lift us when we can't stand. The Book of Mormon validates the principles taught in the Bible because it adds a further witness to the divine truth of God & Jesus Christ.

I will forever testify that the heavens are not closed. The Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Christ. It works with the Bible to lead us to the way of Eternal Life & Salvation. If we but open our hearts, the promises within are waiting.

Here's the rest of the linky party:

Savior of the World

Here I go again, with another resolve to write on this blog.

In January, I was asked to direct a local production of {Savior of the World}. I had 12 weeks to put together the show; anyone who has been part of a production knows that’s not a lot of time. Plus, I broke my toe in the middle of production. I had plenty of opportunities to be frazzled and break down, however, every time I felt about to hit that point, I would feel a calm reassurance that everything would work out. I knew that was from the Lord. There were times that the only thing keeping me going was this blessing; because I only saw the big picture with my mortal eyes, He saw what our potential was and kept me moving.

From the beginning, my focus was meant to be on Jesus Christ, after all, it was a play about His Resurrection. So, every time, any one of us got together we’d say a prayer and have devotional. I can testify of the power of the Spirit in this production. I can’t begin to number the times where myself or someone else in the production felt the guidance of the Spirit. We came together, as a group, and became a family; a family one with our Lord and Savior. I know this came from inviting the Spirit through prayer and focusing our minds to who we were representing, our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Another big decision was to take the performance area off the ‘stage’ and put it in the audience; it’s called ‘Intimate Theatre.’ I felt, and the Spirit confirmed, this was the best way for an audience to take the world away and focus completely on their feelings toward the Savior. And focusing on their feelings came from the characters in the play. Through the characters’ own personal journeys to the Savior, our audience was able to, hopefully, gain a deeper appreciation for these people who had a first-hand witness to the reality of the Savior’s resurrection and deepen their own. This was my goal… for all of us involved to REMEMBER HIM and I saw that in the audience reaction on performance nights.

Everyone involved worked tremendously hard on this performance and it was because of our individual connections to the Savior. I felt of His love and understanding for us; we wanted to invite others to come unto Him, so He was with us. He knew of our little production and what we were trying to accomplish. During production I kept repeating, ‘if one person involved (cast, crew, audience) draws closer to Christ because of the production, then we did our job.’ I know we did our job because I’ve drawn closer to Him (and I know others did too because they told me), and for that I’ll look back on this experience and be forever grateful.

No Need for Darkness

I got this in my inbox and wanted to share:

We know Joseph Smith is a prophet; that the Father and the Son appeared to him in the spring of 1820 to usher in this final gospel dispensation; that he translated the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God; that he received keys and authority from angels sent for this very purpose; and that the Lord revealed to him the doctrines of salvation. "We announce that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the kingdom of God on earth, the only place where men may come to learn the true doctrines of salvation and find the authority of the holy priesthood. "We believe the Holy Ghost is a revelator and that he will bear testimony to honest people everywhere that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that Joseph Smith is a prophet, and that this church is 'the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth.' (D&C 1:30.)"There is no need for anyone to remain in darkness; the light of the everlasting gospel is here; and every sincere investigator on earth can gain a personal witness from the Holy Spirit of the truth and divine nature of the Lord's work. "Peter said: '. . . God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted' by him (Acts 10:34–35), which means that the Lord will pour out his Spirit upon the faithful so they will know of themselves of the truths of this religion.

Joseph Fielding Smith, "Out of the Darkness," Ensign, June 1971, 4

What a great testimony. There is no need for darkness. The Church of Jesus Christ is on the earth today and we need to declare it to anyone who will hear. :)

Book of Mormon/ You Tube Challenge

Don't forget to go and watch Elder Holland's testimony of the Book of Mormon. Like and comment on the video so it's popularity increases. Here's the {LINK} and here's the video:

My Lifesaver

We had the missionaries over for dinner recently. The Elder giving the thought of the night likened missionary work to lifesavers (the floating tubes not the candy). As members of the church we are already in the lifeboats and it's up to us to throw lifesavers out to others, to share with them the saving message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He also remind our family that, members, not missionaries, can throw lifesavers a lot closer to those we know because---well---we know them.

One way we throw lifesavers is through sharing our testimony of the gospel, which is what I want to do now:

I know this is the true and living church of Jesus Christ. I know Jesus is the Savior of all mankind---even you and I. I know he lived, still lives, and will come again. I know the church was restored through Joseph Smith and that he was a prophet of God. 190 years ago, he really did see Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. They spoke to him beginning the greatest time the earth has ever seen. I know the power of God is on the earth today through the priesthood and I know through that power the Book of Mormon was translated. I know the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ; among other things it reminds us how much He really loves us. I know every prophet since Joseph were true men of God, inspired to lead the Lord's work to where it should go. I know Thomas S. Monson is the prophet on the earth today; he leads and guides the church as the Lord's mouthpiece. I know because I made sacred covenants with my Father in Heaven, if I stay worthy, I can live forever with Greg and our family---this has become the greatest motivator in my life. If I stay true to what I know, eternal happiness (which I've already felt a little bit of) awaits.

I'm so grateful to know for myself, the truthfulness of the gospel. It is my lifesaver, now all I need to do it toss it out and share it.

Alma & Korihor

How did your scripture challenge go? Honestly, I missed one day---but that's a big step for me---so keep chugging!

Yesterday I was reading in Alma 30 about the encounters with Korihor and two things really stuck out to me:

1. Even though Korihor's beliefs were contrary to the ways of God, there was no law in the land to forbid him to believe so---and Mormon points this out in verse 7-11. Why would Mormon make sure to point this out? Because, in a God-fearing land, there should and will not be laws against agency---making sure not to force beliefs on others. Now, this can get complicated in the world today, but if you use the Spirit to recognize when your beliefs, and others' beliefs, are in jeopardy, then all will be good.
2. Korihor would not let up about Alma needing to show him a sign of God's existence. Finally Alma says this to him (verse 44):

   Thou hast had signs enough; will ye tempt your God? Will ye say, Show unto me a sign, when ye have the testimony of ^aall these thy brethren, and also all the holy prophets? The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the ^bearth, and ^call things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its ^dmotion, yea, and also all the ^eplanets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator.

   In simple terms Alma was trying to tell him that ALL THINGS on this earth point to the existence of our Heavenly Father. We do not need to see Him to know he's there; we just need to look around. We just need to reach out and recognize the good within ourselves and the world around us.

Korihor ended up being struck dumb for his lack of faith and dying in an accident. Once he noticed his wicked ways, Satan abandoned him; he didn't care about the fate of Korihor. But, we should. Since we have his example in the scriptures we are able to be reminded of the blessing it is to have agency and EVERYTHING else around us to show us just how much our Heavenly Father loves us. Even though what happened to Korihor stinks for him, his example can make sure it won't stink for us---or anyone else around us.

Keep It Up

This past week I had A LOT of family in town. They came to celebrate my daughter's blessing with us. Family in town tends to do havoc to a toddler's routine. It's kind of ridiculous; but again worth it because it's family. So, I thought it was rather amusing that this came as the Family Gem this week:

Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results. ‘Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great’ (D&C 64:33).

David A. Bednar, “More Diligent and Concerned at Home,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 19-20

My little boy was so thrown off from his norm with so many visitors, but as long as he had myself or my husband there, he was okay. He needed to have some kind of consistency to feel safe and protected. The same goes when we are teaching our children (and reminding ourselves) about the importance of the gospel and its principles. We feel safe when we know the answers are not going to change; how we each get to them may be different, but the gospel is still true all around.

It's nice to know that even though FHE is more of a battle to keep my son still, we are still trying. No matter what we are still trying to live the gospel to the best we know how.

So--I say to you, dear sisters--keep it up because the gospel is always true and you never know what little thing will help another person realize it.

Keeping a Testimony

During FHE tonight we came across this quote from the 1st presidency message in the new Ensign:

"Testimony isn't something that you have today and you keep always. Testimony is either going to grow and grow to the brightness of certainty, or it is going to diminish to nothingness, depending upon what we do about it. I say, the testimony that we recapture day by day is the thing that saves us from the pitfalls of the adversary."

This quote stood out to me today because it reminded me that we have to do something everyday to keep our testimony strong. I think I knew of this before and that was why I wanted to start this blog. That way I could have an uplifting thing to read everyday that someone I know had written. And I would also have a chance to inspire other people.

Reading this blog has helped me to keep my testimony strong and vibrant and has allowed me to continue growing and striving towards my intended celestial destination. Everyday we make choices that can bring us closer or take us further away from it. What have you done recently to keep yours strong and vibrant?

The Church is True

In 1896, during Wilford Woodruff's presidency, the first Sunday of the month officially became Fast Sunday where members of the Church have the opportunity to bear their testimonies. Since today is the first Sunday of the month I wanted to just post my simple testimony.

I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the only true church on the Earth today. I know that Jesus Christ is our savior and that he died for ALL mankind. He suffered on the cross, all alone, so that we would never have to suffer alone. I know that He lives! I know that He was resurrected, and that if we will repent of our sins we will be resurrected and gain eternal life. I know that God is our eternal Father in Heaven. He loves us and has given us a way to return to Him once more! I know that Joseph Smith is a true prophet of God. He restored the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Earth and he translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God. I love this gospel and I know that every principle in it is true. If we will live the principles that are taught by the prophets, both past and present, then we will be blessed during mortality as well as throughout eternity. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Making History

I am so excited to share this with EVERYONE!! I'll admit that I'm not at all a great genealogist or that I've even started any family histories, but I've always had the excuse that I didn't know how to get started or there's other family members that are doing it, right?

Well, recently my mother started trying to get my grandparents on video telling their personal histories, but it's really hard to get the stories organized or even to get them telling new stories that we haven't heard. The other day a co-worker and I started talking about this and she told me about an article in the August 2003 Ensign titled "That Happened to You?" It's a great list of questions that are easy to answer and are organized according to phases of a person's life. This co-worker told me that she just e-mails her mother about 5 questions at a time and lets her take her time responding. When the gets the e-mail with the responses, she cuts and pastes it into a document saved on her computer for her mother's personal history. She's even getting stories that her mother never told her before like the time she was 12 and decided to take the family station wagon for a spin around the block and nobody in her family ever knew.

How awesome is that??!! It all sounds so simple. I can't wait to get these questions up to my grandparents' house and start hearing all the family gossip. Even just little things like I've never learned the names of all my grandpa's siblings. I might even start answering the questions for myself while I still remember what my childhood was like. So, I challenge you all to print out the article and start with yourself. In fact, I'd like you all to answer one of the questions right now as a comment to this post.

When did you begin to have a testimony of Jesus Christ? What memories do you have of Church meetings or activities?

Spiritual Nourishment

I did my visiting teaching today and one quote really stuck out to me and I felt prompted to share it with you wonderful ladies.

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.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

Living the gospel is not something we turn on and off. We need to remember the importance of taking care of our spiritual side; if we don't we will slowly become 'out of shape' spiritually. We need to take the time to take care of our spirit and Heavenly Father, through the Holy Ghost, will take care of us.

Tender Mercies

I just want to talk a little about the tender mercies we receive every day. I know this is a topic that is much discussed, but it has been on my mind nearly all week. I have tried to make it a habit to notice when the Lord's hand plays a part in my life. I noticed it quite a bit yesterday and would like to share the seemingly small incidences which strengthened my testimony.

I had a baby appointment and had scheduled it to be right during my son's nap time so he could get his nap, not stress out a sitter (he is a momma's boy) and everyone would be happy. To make things go even smoother I enlisted my mother to be the sitter, which she happily agreed to. Late Wednesday night she called me to inform me that she couldn't make it. I was a little worried but not too much since there is an abundance of Young Women in my ward who all adore my son, and it would have been right during his nap time. No sweat, right? Wrong. The Young Women were all busy, and calling them an hour and a half before the appointment started wasn't the best way to get results. I then called all the sisters in the ward that I could think of who I knew would be around. No one was around.

After I was about to asphyxiate due to my stress level, my mother called and we figured out a way she could come... if I could get my appointment changed for later that day. I said a silent prayer as I dialed the office, and what luck! There was only one opening- at the exact time I needed! Tender Mercy!

As I drove to the appointment I was hot and tired. That is nothing new, but it didn't put me in the best mood. Remembering a time earlier when I had gone to my appointment and gotten the ideal parking spot, I again said a prayer that I could get a good spot to park so as I wouldn't have to walk very far in the hot sun. Guess what. I was only 5 stalls away from the front door. Tender Mercy!

These experiences along with many many others have fortified my testimony that Heavenly Father is always with us. He wants us to be happy. He cares about even our smallest desires. I know that the more we look for His hand in our lives, the more we will see it. The more we thank Him for blessing us so richly, the more we will see the many ways he has and continues to bless us. He is a loving father who wants us to be happy, and wants the best for us.

I would like to invite you all to take time today and find the tender mercies in your lives. Find the ways that He has guided or influenced your life in any way. I know that as we all do this our testimonies and love for our Father in Heaven will be strengthened and we will find the strength we need in the areas in our lives where we are struggling.

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:

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!