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.