Miracles of Tithing

Many of us can attest to the miracles that follow heeding of God's commandments.

Here's a new short film from an LDS filmaker based in Toronto, Canada, about a miracle one family experienced as they, on a very limited income and not knowing how they'd make it through the month, paid their tithing.  It's entitled "Prove Me Now" and is a precious story of faith.

We don't often know how our prayers will be answered or what we'll learn from the trials we experience but, as one who also knows, I share my witness that the Lord does answer our prayers and that tithing is one of the greatest blessings that we have.  It takes faith (not money) to live the law fully, but the blessings that come from it, often spiritually strengthening, far outweigh any sacrifice we are called to make. 

Editor's Note: I receive many requests to share LDS products and have really had to learn to say 'no' to most, as I just couldn't keep up with the demand and I'm very particular as to what I'll share with my audience.  But, this filming group has a desire to "create faith-based films to help strengthen families and communities" and are trying to increase their outreach and funding, so...I decided to help. 

Son's Missionary Clothes Stolen

I debated about posting this but...thought it could be a good lesson for us all.

My son has been in the mission field less than two months and...on Monday, had all his new white mission clothes stolen from the laundromat in their building.  I don't know details but think this hasn't happened to anyone there before - or they'd have been more aware of it.  He got permission to call Tuesday so that I could hurry and send him some more.  He'll be in the same underclothing for 5 days.  :)

I know it was a bit of a shock to him - especially since he's in Idaho, not some distant country.  He hadn't expected it - but, then, who of us does?

Tuesday afternoon I ran to gather him new shirts and underclothing, and the people at both places I went to were kind, and helped me get what we thought we needed without him being here to give exact sizes.

At Mr. Mac, in Orem, they were especially helpful.  They gave us a discount - due to our circumstances and the fact that his items were only two months old.  I really appreciated them and left the store feeling they really were there to help people.

Miracles have come from this event.  I won't list them here but I will say that the Lord is mindful of his precious missionaries and...their families.  He was good to us and helped me to know that though things don't always seem to be 'right' - the Lord can turn them around and help us to learn from them. And, those lessons, can be life-changing.

I've wondered what I could learn from this and have sought to know more.  He's taught me some precious truths which are too personal to share on here but...I also thought of the following:

The Lord will come 'as a Thief in the Night' when He returns.  What this means to me is that many people won't be ready or prepared for Him.  They'll be busy caught-up in other things that they may not see or be watching for the signs of His return.

Also, The Lord taught us to seek for treasures in Heaven - not on earth.  Early church missionaries often went without 'purse or script' - depending wholly on the Lord working through faithful others' to help them on their path.

In a big way, we're still that; dependent upon God and one another. We're here to learn how to serve and help each other.  I think that the best help I can give to anyone else is my testimony of the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ, His role in our lives, how having faith in Him is our best guide and protection and...how His truths change us and heal us.

With much love!
Heidi

HOPE no matter what comes our way......

He is the True Light and will lead us safely home...

Elder Ballard shares these thoughts in regards to maintaining HOPE in Christ no matter what comes our way in these latter-days of time.  Many of us are aware of the global events affecting the world and those issues that we are personally dealing with.  As always, the only answer is in and through our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.  All other roads will not lead to the true peace and wholeness we seek.

"My message to you today, my brothers and sisters, is simply this: the Lord is in control. He knows the end from the beginning. He has given us adequate instruction that, if followed, will see us safely through any crisis. His purposes will be fulfilled, and someday we will understand the eternal reasons for all of these events. Therefore, today we must be careful to not overreact, nor should we be caught up in extreme preparations; but what we must do is keep the commandments of God and never lose hope!

"But where do we find hope in the midst of such turmoil and catastrophe? Quite simply, our one hope for spiritual safety during these turbulent times is to turn our minds and our hearts to Jesus Christ. The prophet Mormon taught: “Ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise.

“Wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope.” (Moro. 7:41–42.)

"Faith in God and in His Son, Jesus Christ, is absolutely essential for us to maintain a balanced perspective through times of trial and difficulty. Remember, nothing will occur in our lives that He does not understand. Alma taught, “And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.” (Alma 7:11.)

Use our GIFTS to BLESS others!

Truth enlightens us!

Last night I came across a passage of scripture that I've pondered on recently.  Apparently, I was to be
reminded of it again as it's come to my attention several times in the past few weeks.

Mosiah 8:18 "Thus God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles; therefore he becometh a great benefit to his fellow beings."

Who of us would not like to be 'a great benefit' to our fellow beings?

We can't underestimate the power of faith and what it really is.  It must be centered in Christ and based on truth.  It may take a lifetime of study and works to come to understand faith at it's deeper levels - yet, it the most important thing that we can do as all things center in faith.

Recently I've been studying and pondering 'Lectures on Faith' again.  I've underlined nearly every passage.  :)  (For some reason underlining helps me learn and retain better.)  It's filled with truths that are opened to our understanding a bit at a time.  Our faith can avail much if we are humble, submissive and willing to do all that He asks us to do; including the sacrifice of all earthly things.

Let us develop greater faith so that we can then be blessed to work mighty miracles and thereby, be of 'great benefit' to our fellow beings.  And, if they are doing the same thing, think of the Zion-like society that it would be.  

Teaching in the Home is Most Sacred Responsibility

"...a parent’s teaching must never be devalued. Many activities link the values of one generation to the next, but perhaps the most central of these activities is parents teaching children in the home. This is especially true when we consider the teaching of values, moral and ethical standards, and faith.

"Teaching in the home is becoming increasingly important in today’s world, where the influence of the adversary is so widespread and he is attacking, attempting to erode and destroy the very foundation of our society, even the family. Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and important responsibility. While other institutions, such as church and school, can assist parents to “train up a child in the way he [or she] should go” (Proverbs 22:6), ultimately this responsibility rests with parents."  - L. Tom Perry

Favorite Conference One-Liners

Beautiful 'Temple Square' in downtown SLC, Utah

How do you encapsulate 10 hours of General Conference - including speakers, music and prayers into readable segments?  I'll do my best to share some of my favorite one-liners that touched my soul.  I hope that these will be enough to inspire a further reading of the full-texts of these talks for those who were unable to attend and a more in-depth-study for those who did.


Saturday Morning Session:
- This is His Conference.  (Jesus Christ)
- Study it out in your mind then ask if it be right.
- What I hear and feel is most important to me.
- The only safety we have is to give heed to His Prophets!

"Just Build Up the Kingdom of God" - Glenn Beck

I was only in the car for 6 minutes this morning as I drove my 15 yr. old daughter to a class.  After I dropped her off I turned on the radio to hear Glenn Beck for my 3 minute ride home - which I often do - to get my fix for the day. (I love and appreciate that good man.)  It wasn't by chance that this occurred.  I'm grateful for miracles that the Lord provides each day!

He was sharing a brief message and then leaving for the day.  His thoughts centered around recent prayers at church as he diligently sought guidance and direction from the Lord (one of the reasons I love him so; and for the integrity of his heart.)

He talked of how he sincerely desired to know the Lord's will and that, as he prayed he received the witness to "Just Build Up the Kingdom of God, and everything else will fall into place."  Instead of continuing to vent the frustrations that so many feel - of our current domestic and global events,  he now will focus more on the things that matter most; and the peace and safety we can each feel as we turn to the Lord and away from pride and selfishness and anger.  He will still keep us informed, yet focus more on what we can proactively do to get our own lives in order.

Gratitude Bring Hope

Gratitude is a Hope Booster

My dear friend, Vickey, blogs at Goodness Matters.  She always posts things of Gratitude, Hope, Joy, Love, Peace, Faith, Fortitude, and Goodness.  Each time I read her messages I am moved by her faith and good cheer.  She's suffered many set-backs in life and is enduring some current huge issues of health (amongst other things.)

Her heart sings despite all her trials - and....maybe because of them.  She has overcome the world.

She helps me want to be better.  She teaches me that all these things are a test of our faith as well as a blessing to help us become more pure and refined.  They bring us closer to Christ - if we'll let them.

When Vickey posts - her message resonates with my soul for she teaches truth.  Even if she's writing about difficulties - she helps me see the power of Goodness that shines through them.  And...her message is one of Trusting in God, Learning of Him, Becoming like Him through the purifying process, and sharing His goodness with others'.

Thank you, Vickey, for your light, love and example.  Thank you for sharing Goodness with the rest of us!  Goodness Matters