Super Hero

1 Nephi 15:24

 

And I said unto them that it was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away unto destruction.

 

Super Heroes are known for saving lives. The Book of Mormon is one of my heroes.

Because of the Book of Mormon, I know who I am. That knowledge continually gives me strength. As I went to high school I struggled with low self confidence and low self-esteem. Yet in those years I never questioned my self worth. When the villians of the world shot thier arrows of lies at me- I believed it. Yet, and this is the great conundrum, I still KNEW that I was of infinite worth to someone. I had forged a shield of faith by a consistent study of God's word. I knew somebody loved me. Somebody cared for me. I did have a purpose. I only had to care about what one person thought of me - Christ. That knowledge has enabled me to push through and reach up at times when all I wanted to do was melt into the ground and be forgotten.

The Book of Mormon teaches us that each of us has unimaginable potential and we can overcome any weakness because God is our Father. He loves us. Our divine heritage is something that nothing or no one can take away. We are His. Forever.

The Wilderness

1 Nephi 2:4

And it came to pass that he departed into the wilderness. And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness.

There are times in our lives when God asks us to leave everything we know and love behind. It is scary. It is hard. And it is absolutely worth it. I know that as we go into the wilderness of the unknown as directed by the spirit of God, physically or spiritually, we will be given opportunities to add to our knowledge and experience to add to our wisdom. These blessings are eternal. What is unknown right now to us is not a mystery to God. He sees the grand picture and His purpose is to bring us to where He is.

Thou Art Thy Mother's Daughter

2 Kings 4:30

 

The mother of the child said, as the Lord liveth, and as they soul liveth, I will not leave thee. 

 

 

This photo was taken over a year ago on the day I said, "See you later" to my mom for 18 months. She is the example I look to for faith and fortitude. She did everything she knew how to instill in me a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. You know what? It worked. Even though we are miles apart, I know her heart and prayers are always with me. I am grateful for our forever family.

 

 #itwasmom



It's Real

In honor of Cinco de Mayo this week, another hot sauce picture a scripture original from Sister Houtz! 

Joseph Smith - History 1:16-17

I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.

It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!

"I know that Joseph Smith saw Jesus Christ and Our Heavenly Father. I know that they are TWO separate beings. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God." - Sister Houtz

Like Sister Houtz, I also know that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ in answer to his simple prayer as he was seeking direction. Christ lives. He is our Redeemer. Joseph Smith is a prophet. We can know these things for ourselves when we pray with an intent to act upon our answers. 

 

Visit Sister Houtz's blog here, and Cinco de Mayo was yesterday, but don't let that deter you from eating tacos all week (or year ;) ) long!

The First Step

2 Nephi 31:18

When we choose to be baptized we take upon ourselves the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Baptism is not the end, but a beginning! It prepares us for more promises and blessings from our Heavenly Father available in his holy temples.  

"...The process of taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ that is commenced in the waters of baptism‍ is continued and enlarged in the house of the Lord. As we stand in the waters of baptism, we look to the temple." - Elder David A. Bednar, Quorum of the 12 Apostles.

Pray On

Psalms 55:17

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

I know that God hears and answers our prayers. He knows us and listens to us. No matter where we are or when we pray, our Father in Heaven is waiting to bless us as we give Him thanks for all we have and ask him for the righteous desires of our heart.

When has God answered one of your prayers? 

New Life

Today's Picture a Scipture is from the woman who has put up with me for 27 years, no easy job I can assure you! Thank you Mama!!

Alma 32:30

But behold, as the seed swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, then you must needs say that the seed is good; for behold it swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow. And now, behold, will not this strengthen your faith? Yea, it will strengthen your faith: for ye will say I know that this is a good seed; for behold it sprouteth and beginneth to grow.

This plant is sprouting and beginning to grow.  Our faith can be compared to a plant that grows.   Plants remind me that God loves me, and He is there to help me grow. I just need to let his light and example be my guide.  I can grow and flourish when I strive to live His commandments and do what is right. We all have struggles, but just as the plant, we can push through to live and brighten the lives of others. New life and hope is ours if we are willing to do our part and trust in Him.  I am so grateful for my Savior, for His love and His example to me.

(This is just a preview- To see Mom's entire post, go here!)

Small and Simple

Another guest post by an amazing missionary serving in the Florida Jacksonville Mission, Sister Cline!

Alma 37:6

Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.

God has always worked with the meek and lowly of heart. The small and the downtrodden. And just as this massive monster truck can do nothing without a driver, God uses us as his instruments to bring about His great work.


 

Do It To Know It

Today's Picture a Scripture comes from Sister Houtz, a missionary serving in the Florida Jacksonville Mission. I must admit, she is a sister after my own heart, bringing Taco Bell and scripture reading together. :)

James 1:5

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

I know that the Book of Mormon is true! I know that you can find out for yourself if it's true! Take heed of Moroni's promise!

Visit Sister Houtz's blog here!

Feast!

2 Nephi 9:51

Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness.

2 Nephi 32:3

Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

 

The word of God is eternal! It is spiritual knowledge that gives us a real power. We don't have to wonder about our purpose in this life, we can KNOW. This is knowledge that not only frees us from unnecessary burdens, it is God's word that lights our path and shows us the way. And it can never be changed and never be destroyed. As we feast upon these things, our souls will be full of joy that the world can never take away. 

Fully Dressed

Today's picture a scripture is from guest blogger, Daniel, who hails from Idaho.

Ephesians 6: 13-18

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

In this life, Satan will throw all that he has at us, and if we are not prepared he will get us every time. That is why we need to take time every day and put on His armor. I was asked to put on my armor and give a brief presentation for a cub scout event, and while I was putting on my armor, I noticed that I was getting tired; That was a lot of armor! And I quickly realized that when you don't use it everyday, it can be tiring and feel like it is restricting your movements. But if we use it every day, then it becomes easy for us, and we don't notice the weight, and we learn to move with the armor so that it will protect us when we need it, and we will still be able to move around. The spiritual armor is the same way. When we are starting out, it may feel uncomfortable, and restrictive, but as we develop our armor and fit it to ourselves, then it becomes less of a chore and more of a blessing. We begin to feel comfortable with spiritual things, and realize that it is not there to restrict us, but to protect us.

Thank you for your insights, Daniel!!

What do you do every day to defend yourself and to fight against the fiery darts of the world? Share your thoughts and comments below!! 

Besties

I LOVE this artistic rendering of the feelings the Book of Mormon and the Bible have for each other!

2 Nephi 3:12

Wherefore, the fruit of thy loins shall write; and the fruit of the loins of Judah shall write; and that which shall be written by the fruit of thy loins, and also that which shall be written by the fruit of the loins of Judah, shall grow together, unto the confounding of false doctrines and laying down of contentions, and establishing peace among the fruit of thy loins, and bringing them to the knowledge of their fathers in the latter days, and also to the knowledge of my covenants, saith the Lord.

Mormon 7:9

 For behold, this is written for the intent that ye may believe that; and if ye believe that ye will believe this also; and if ye believe this ye will know concerning your fathers, and also the marvelous works which were wrought by the power of God among them.

"The Book of Mormon and Bible testify of Christ. The Bible was really lonely, and that's why Heavenly Father brought forth the Book of Mormon. Read them together and you will have a stronger testimony of Christ than ever before, and you'll join the joy these two amazing books have together." - Sister Willson, Florida Jacksonville Mission. 

Questions or comments? Please comment or post below! :)

The Words of a Prophet

1 Nephi 19:24 

"Hear ye the words of the prophet"

We have a living prophet. He witnesses and testifies that Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer lives, and that Christ is the only way back to our Heavenly Father. I know that President Thomas S. Monson is a living prophet to help guide us in the perilous times we live in today.

Watch General Conference here and listen to a living prophet now!

Hold On

1 Nephi 8:30 & 1 Nephi 11:25 

"And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron, which my father had seen, was the word of God, which led to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life; which waters are a representation of the love of God; and I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God.

...behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.

The scriptures are God's gift to us. They guide us to our Savior's peace amid hard and confusing times. They testify God's matchless love He has for each one of us. I know that if if we 'hold on' to them by daily reading and study we will avoid the pitfalls and stumbles of every day life.

Go and Do

1 Nephi 3:7

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.

When I first came on my mission I went through some hard times. On day at the church building, one of the members gave me a little reminder of this scripture. 1 Nephi 3:7. It reminded me that if god has asked you to do something, he will prepare a way for it to be done. I have found that to be very true. - Elder Robinson

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock

Revelation 3:20

As a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I am a representative of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. I share His message. It is free to all who will receive us. I testify that He lives and he loves you. For each one of us individually he suffered and died that we may become clean and return to live with our Heavenly Father again.

A Sure Foundation

"And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."

Helaman 5:12 is one of my favorite scriptures due to the fact that it promises if we rely on Christ, Satan shall never have power over us. It reminds me and comforts me when I think about the love that Christ offers all of us. 

To see more from Elder Barcala visit barcala.blogspot.com