Daily Gems

I have been learning so much lately and feel the need to share-again this may be TMI for some but I am overwhelmed with the excitement I feel about life and I can only contribute it to the changes I have been making in my own personal life. These changes have not been physical (although I could use some of that-but I did workout this morning) but these changes have been Spiritual. This is something I have been lacking in for quite some time. And I could write a page of disappointments and explanations of my falling short but I really don't think that will do you or I any good. And I don't think it is good to air dirty laundry, especially when I'm trying to clean it up.

Now, don't go on to speculation to think I have fallen so far off the beaten path that I am in dire need of salvation. But I will say, I believe that each of us has a potential in all of us to be better. And the "better" is what I am in search for. I will list a few things that have been helping me in my aid to living a more healthy life.

1. I started reading the Book of Mormon again. Actually, I am listening to it in my car. I think Steve Jobs was truly inspired and gifted to invent the IPOD. Even if he did copy it or whatever, it is truly inspiration. In Relief Society yesterday the ladies were listing all of their faults on the chalk board. And then the teacher put up a word "EMBLAZONED". She read from one of the talks in the Ensign (I don't know which one). She began to say how we needed to have the Scriptures Emblazoned upon our hearts just as the TEN COMMANDMENTS were Emblazoned on the stone.  I admit I was a little disturbed by all the FAULTS written on the board so I spoke up-you can only imagine what happened. I told the sisters that a major Fault I have is that women look and point out all their faults. "Do you not know whose daughter you are?" I began with reminding them that our faults are for a short time but the trials and tribulations are their for our benefit. They are to make us better.  So I say to my readers. Do you remember that you are Hevenly Father's child first? He loves you, he cares for you, he sent his son, Jesus Christ, so that you may not suffer long through your trials but has given you Faith, Strength, Courage.  It is Satan that wishes to destroy you. He wants you to feel sorry for yourself, he wants you to NOT read the written word of GOD.  I testify that by reading the scriptures or listening to them everyday (even for 5 minutes) you will begin to feel the coat of armor. You will begin to feel the strength you need when you want to beat your child :). Case in point..Our family has been reading our scriptures at the breakfast table everyday (during the week) for the past WEEK!  haha. But I noticed a change in my husband. He excercised patience when I could see he was ready to lose it. He hasn't been cursing as much as home when I tend to tick him off (No, I am perfect). And because of his example I have been using restraint. The scriptures clearly say, "Bridle your passions, control your thoughts,". This has been an enlightening experience for me. And so many of you are such an example to me. So many of you already do all this. And because you do, I want to do better.

2. I have been reading the Autobiography of President Thomas S. Monson. He is the Prophet for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This book has opened my eyes, unclogged my ears and made my heart more sensitive to the whisperings of the Spirit. What a great example of Missionary work. I am going to blog in a later time of the quotes throughout the chapter of the book that I just absolutely loved. I know in my heart and the Spirit has testified to me that He is a Prophet of God. He leads us and is inspired in his teachings. All of this will help us return to our Heavenly Father-This book is actually what turned me around. There was a chapter in their about "Coming Back." He put a plea out to those less-active, those who felt their sins were to much to be forgiven, and to those who have been offended. And at some point in the last 3 years I have felt a little bit of each of those things. And I have made a resolution to come back.

3. The last thing I have done is subscribe to what's called LDS Daily Gems. Everyday I receive a daily gem, a scripture, quote of some sort that I often ponder throughout the day. And with General Conference coming up (which is the LDS Bi-Annual conference that we get to hear from our Prophet and Apostles) I thought this one to be a good one to share:

Why do We Need Prophets?

"Today is not different from ages past. The Lord does not love the people of our day any less than in past times. One of the glorious messages of the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ is that God continues to speak to His children! He is not hidden in the heavens but speaks today as He did in ancient days."--President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (Liahona, Mar. 2012)

I love this because right now my daughter Attie lee is preparing to be baptised in May. I have invited the missionaries to come and teach her the gospel. You might ask Why would I have the missionaries come when our family is already members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints? Well, I felt like it was a perfect time to accept the invitation to "come back". The missionaries bring a Spirit with them and I wanted it in my home. Also, I want my children to use this as an opportunity to invite their non-member friends to feel welcome to our home and come and listen. Our greatest calling on earth as Latter-Day Saints is to share the gospel with others. If we do not magnify this calling we will be held accountable for that "one soul" we could have saved.

We are Sons and Daughters of a Heavenly Father who loves us. He gave us this life to test us, to grow us, to push us, to encourage us, and to some he gave more and to some he gave less. And through it all there are experiences to be learned, to be shared, and to be Thankful for.  So I pray that we will have the courage to be those children we promised we would be.

Love,
Sadie Lee