How Are We Doing on 'Sweeping the Earth as With a Flood?

I've read, pondered on and watched this message from Elder Bednar numerous times since he gave it last August.  My question to us all is "How are we doing on it?"

Our Saviors Love Shines like the Sun with Perfect Light....

He asked us to sweep the earth as with a flood - with messages of light and truth; that bless and uplift. In his words "Beginning at this place on this day, I exhort you to sweep the earth with messages filled with righteousness and truth—messages that are authentic, edifying, and praiseworthy—and literally to sweep the earth as with a flood."

Are we doing our part?  Is our heart dedicated to the Lord and His glorious work?  Are we striving, with a consecrated effort, to do all that has been asked of us for good?  I certainly hope that we are.  I know that I am grateful for those of you I read about who are.  Thank you for that.  It blesses and strengthens me, too.

Elder Bednar reminded us for what purpose these technologies were created:

"We are blessed to live, learn, and serve in this most remarkable dispensation. An important aspect of the fulness that is available to us in this special season is a miraculous progression of innovations and inventions that have enabled and accelerated the work of salvation: from trains to telegraphs to radios to automobiles to airplanes to telephones to transistors to televisions to computers to satellite transmissions to the Internet—and to an almost endless list of technologies and tools that bless our lives. All of these advancements are part of the Lord hastening His work in the latter days. 
In 1862 Brigham Young said: "Every discovery in science and art, that is really true and useful to mankind has been given by direct revelation from God, though but few acknowledge it. It has been given with a view to prepare the way for the ultimate triumph of truth, and the redemption of the earth from the power of sin and Satan. We should take advantage of all these great discoveries, the accumulated wisdom of ages, and give to our children the benefit of every branch of useful knowledge, to prepare them to step forward and efficiently do their part in the great work” (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [1954], 18–19)."

I share my own witness of these truths and of the importance of us striving to help in this glorious cause; of bringing others to a knowledge of Christ by the way we live our lives and the things we share online.

I encourage all to Read or Watch his full POWERFUL message again and again.   

Lyrics: Our Savior's Love

Why Don't Mormons Drink Coffee?

My son just started a new summer job working at Subway Sandwiches and was recently asked about some of his beliefs. It gave him an opportunity to share his own thoughts with his new friends and to realize that there are many people not of our faith who may have that same question.

So, I thought I'd address that same question here:

Why Don't Mormons Drink Coffee or Smoke?

That is a very good question and in the early days of the church they did.  But, one day, after having cleaned out the room where some of the church brothers had met in counsel, and having scraped off the spitting tobacco from the floors and aired out the room of smoke, the wife of the Prophet wondered about the mess. 

I won't put all the details on here but...her husband inquired of the Lord and received a revelation which we now call 'The Word of Wisdom'.  It was instruction to these early members of how the Lord would like to bless and help His children. 

Since we learn line-upon-line and precept-upon-precept the Lord teaches us step by step.  This was a new truth to help them and they were promised that if they would follow it's counsel and keep their bodies more clean, then they would be more receptive to the Spirit of the Lord and better able to receive His further light and guidance.  

This same blessing has been promised to the rest of us as well.  We've received further understanding with passing years of the wisdom of that early counsel.  Nowdays we know more about addicting substances and how they can contribute to ill health both physically and spiritually.

The Lord wants to bless His children.  He has provided wisdom in the scriptures to help us know how to receive those blessings.  Later on I'll talk more about revelation and it's on-going need but here I'll just share my gratitude that the Heavens have NOT been closed and that the Lord loves us now just as he did in ancient times when he gave counsel for the pressing issues of their day; i.e. Noah, Abraham, Moses, Children of Israel, Joseph in Egypt, Daniel, Elijah, Jeremiah, Ruth and Naomi, Esther, the early Apostles etc.  They each needed direction for their concerns and the Lord gave it.  He will help us as well.  I know that for myself. 

JOY

A condition of great happiness coming from righteous living.
The purpose of mortal life is for all people to have joy.
A full joy will come only through Jesus Christ.

• The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord: Isa. 29:19; ( 2 Ne. 27:30; )
• The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace: Gal. 5:22;
• Men are that they might have joy: 2 Ne. 2:25;
• I will give up all that I possess that I may receive this great joy: Alma 22:15;
• My Spirit shall fill your soul with joy: D&C 11:13;
• In this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full: D&C 101:36;   
• See: LDS.org "JOY"

Elder Scott teaches teaches us about the Path to Peace and Joy. 

No Greater Joy than to Hear that My Children Walk in Truth

In 3 John 1:4 we read:  "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."

Any righteous parent could testify of the truth of this statement.  They could also tell you of the pain and sorrow and suffering when their children stray from the path.

But, today, mine is a message of gratitude and joy for the times when our children do choose right.  We are to feel and express our deepest thanks to the Lord when this is the case.

This morning I received a personal email from my daughter who is serving a mission in the Virginia, Chesapeake mission and currently in North Carolina.  I won't share that personal message but it was one of gratitude for home and family and for the sanctuary that mothers in the home can provide for their children.  We sacrificed MUCH for me to be able to be home with my children.  As a student and follower of Prophetic counsel I felt strongly that that was what I was to do and…I did so in faith.

It wasn't easy to do so as a single-parent, and we had to live without many of the basic things that most around us had.  There were plenty of tears and heartache for us all - and….maybe mostly for me as their mother who wasn't able to 'provide' all the things, opportunities, experiences, and even basics that I wished to.  But, our choice was to put God first, no matter what,  and then trust in Him to help us along the way. And, He did.

Now, as a beloved missionary daughter, and after many miracles that helped her to be able to serve, I can see that all the sacrifices were worth it and all that we had to do without - will or is being made up to us.

My testimony is that if we will always put the Lord first, He will provide the way.  He will give us guidance as to what we are to do personally and specifically in our unique situations.  If that requires sacrifices on our part to do so - we will be blessed.  After all, haven't we been told 'sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven."

What we may see as a sacrifice could indeed be our greatest blessing; to strengthen us and to help us to trust in Him and not in anything or anyone else.

Anyway, I'll share my daughter's sweet blog post of today for any who may want to read.  We can all do so much online to help one another.  These inspired technologies can be used for great good and….I encourage all to do so.  --  Sister Amber in Virginia

Heidi
Our little family blog

Spiritual Gifts and How We Can Increase Them to Bless Others'

One of the greatest blessings in my life has been 'spiritual gifts' from the Lord.  We are all born with at least one and…are then able to increase that number as well as strengthen whatever we've been given.

Our gifts can bring us personal joy and happiness as we use them in selfless service to others'.  It's a win-win either way.

Recently, as as I've worked hard on them, I've been able to use my gifts more poignantly is service to my own and extended family and to my fellow beings.  As I've done so the Lord has given me new insights and ways to help.  It's brought me great joy to be an instrument in the hands of God.

A friend reminded me awhile back that "The BEST thing we can do is to keep ourselves in Harmony with the Lord so that we can be a conduit."

As I've pondered this statement (that now is on a post it in my planner with several other favorite messages) I've come to understand even more deeply how each of us can bless one another for good by our own personal righteousness.  As we seek to be more pure and holy, obedient and submissive to God, we are blessed, strengthened and in-tune to His will.  The affects of that are that we are then able to say and do things that help others - because we're in tune with truth.

The opposite is also true and those who say that their lives are their own and they can do whatever they want - are wrong.  We affect one another.  And, we were all placed on this planet at this time for a reason.  Nothing is ever by chance.  We are here to see if we'll help one another and use all our gifts for His purposes - and not our own.

Thank you to all of you who are striving to do good.  It blesses my life to read and hear about humble people who are sincerely trying to raise their families in truth and righteousness as they serve the Lord and strive to keep all of His commandments.

What a great blessing to know these things.  I am eternally grateful for truths.  They bless my life daily and …..I've often had to work hard to attain to them but it's been worth every struggle and every 'overcoming'.

Read more about Spiritual Gifts

New Year's Resolutions and Goals

Here are a few of my thoughts about New Year Resolutions, Goals etc.  The main question to ask is:  Am I putting the Lord first in all that I do?  Then, if we can answer in the affirmative, we're on the right track back.  Best wishes to you all for a new year of Fresh Starts, New Beginnings, and Hopeful things in life.

Fresh Starts and Resolutions:  Lessons from Enos

Goals for 2014:  Will We Put the Lord First?

Goals of Light:  Sharing the Gospel Online

"...men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace. Whoever will lose his life in the service of God will find eternal life." - Pres. Benson

Dealing with Mental-Illness

Don at age 16 - during happier times

I have a brother with schizophrenia.  He 'got it' on his mission to Chile when we was 20.  He's now in his late 40's.

We've dealt with this as a family for all these years and it's been very difficult.  If we don't laugh at some of the trials, we'll cry.  And..heaven knows we've all shed tears, mostly my mother.

Sometimes as parents - we have things that are not in our control.  They can challenge us to the depths of our souls.  We search for answers.  We seek the Lord in earnest prayer.  But, the trials are

Free from Worldly Traits and Attributes

I am not sure where this message came from as I found it in my files and it's just a copy of a section of a page, but I am thinking it's probably from a lesson manual of some kind, given me to read during a church meeting in the past.  No matter the source - it's filled with light and truth and I've been pondering upon it all week.  This morning I felt to share it.  Enjoy!

"It is manifestly impossible to walk in holiness before the Lord without the edifying presence of the Holy Spirit.  Only by the power and influence of spiritual gifts conferred upon covenant people of the Lord can anyone be holy and free from worldly traits and attributes.  No one can speak, listen, view or participate in the ways of the world and still maintain a spiritual attitude of holiness and worthiness.

Forsaking the world is not accomplished at some instant in time when making a covenant.  That is but the beginning of a lifetime objective of keeping covenants by faithfully striving and enduring to the end in order to ultimately overcome the world and receive the Lord's promised blessings.

Though all of us face unrelenting challenges and temptations, possess wearying weaknesses, and live with an abundance of imperfections, still the Lord provides the encouraging and uplifting strength and power the Lord provides for those who sincerely seek to keep His commandments."

Thoughts of Christ; from Wendy Jessen

We thank Wendy Jessen for sharing these beautiful and tender thoughts about Christ - with us this Easter.  Blessings to you, Wendy, for your personal witness!

"It is almost Easter--the time of year when Christians all over the world celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. It is a holiday that is truly worth celebrating, pondering, thinking about and changing our lives because of what it means. This is a touching video/summary of what I and many others reflect on when we think of Christ:....."

Read more from Wendy's blog at:  Musings, Miracles, & Mayhem

Share your Feelings about the Savior - for our Easter 'Project'

Christus Statue by Thorvaldsen

Mormon Women Testify of Christ.  

Easter 'Project' to the world. 

We're doing an Easter feature about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ -- for the next few weeks.  We invite all to share your feelings about Christ.

Please send us a post of your feelings or 'testimony' about Jesus Christ and how He has affected/influenced/changed your life.

Send here to:  Mormon Moms 
Subject: Testimony
Include your name, photo and blog name or link to your entry.

We'll post these as they come in!  Thank you!