What We Know Will Always Trump What We Do Not Know

When I was a youth I remember I loved to ask questions that no one knew the answers to, such as what is it like on the other worlds God has created. They were fun to ask at the time but as I grew older and did not have answers I got bogged down and focused on them alone. There are many basic principles that we have been taught and that will always be true. We are children of our Heavenly Father who loves us and who sent His son to die for us so that we could return again to Him. I have learned that my previous questions are not ones I need to worry about and others should not worry about them as well. What is important is what we do know and what God has told us through prophets that we still need to learn. God will never leave us hanging and will always provide the knowledge we need and are ready for. In the end I agree with Elder Holland, “what we know will always trump what we do not know.”

               Jeffrey R Holland, “Lord, I Believe,” Ensign, May 2013, 94. 

Teach Your Families

Often I feel guilty when apostles talk about the family and I feel like I am not doing enough. There are many times when I feel like I receive no appreciation for the work I do. I am sure that there are many who feel the same as me. During this talk though, I felt as though it was a great reminder that the hard work that goes into raising children is important. There really is no greater work we can do because if we are not the ones to teach our children then no one will. There are so many challenges for the youth of today and after seeing how important the knowledge of the Holy Ghost and the Atonement is in my life I can only imagine the aid it will be for the youth. I want my children to be armed with the best weapons against the adversary and I need to teach myself fully those principles so that I am prepared to teach my children when they are ready.

Boyd K Packer, “These Things I Know,” Ensign, May 2013, 7. 

Search the Scriptures

There is so much that we do not understand and so much that we never can understand in this life but it is nice to know that we can dive into at least a part of the mysteries through the scriptures. There are many things we can learn but one way that I feel as though the scriptures bring wisdom is an ability to better understand and sympathize with other people. It is really hard to understand a person’s motives and the choices they make when we do not know what all is happening in their lives. God knows though and He can help us understand as well. When we apply the scriptures we become more like Christ and more able to sympathize with other people. We also learn from people throughout the scriptures and learn not to judge those in the stories who have weak points. I love reading the scriptures and there is so much that can be learned from them no matter how many times you read them, especially in the Book of Mormon. I try to read the Book of Mormon at least once a year which I think is a good goal for all who want more understanding. 

Dean M Davies, “A Sure Foundation,” Ensign, May 2013, 10. 

Serve a Mission

It has been amazing to see how the new missionary age requirements have affected so many people around me. I have seen the youth in my ward rush to get started in the work, I have seen cousins go, and people I did not think would go. When I see these people’s enthusiasm and fire I see the difference from who they were. The gospel touches so many lives and teaching it provides so many blessings. I have listened to my husband talk about how his mission has affected him in different ways and I feel so blessed to have him as an example to me and to my children. His decision to serve a mission has had its impact on me in that I have tried to become a better person to be like him. I truly believe it is a calling each young man should accept and someday I hope to have the chance to serve with my husband.

Russell M Nelson, “Ask the Missionaries! They Can Help You!” Engisn, Nov 2012, 18. 

Heed a Silent Prompting

I think that acting upon silent promptings without delay is the key part to take away from this message. It takes time and experience to learn what is a prompting. In the beginning God will let you know what is a prompting and if you act on it right away you will be blessed with more opportunities. I have found that when I let myself get scared and neglect to act on I miss the opportunity to learn to recognize promptings. Now I feel like I am back at the beginning, trying to learn what is a prompting and doing my best to apply the principle of acting without delay. God will not neglect His children and I know that if I am not the answer someone will be but I do not want to miss out on those blessings. I know that there really is not another feeling more precious than answering another person’s payer. That is why I am working so hard at this and I feel that everyone should too. 

Thomas S. Monson, “Peace, Be Still,” Ensign, Nov. 2002, 55.

Unfinished Composition

I think it is a wonderful blessing to hear the testimony of the apostles and the prophets. Especially from one who has had years of experience. President Packer describes through his poem the simple truths such as how “we have no greater friend” and shows that we do not need to know all the symbols of every scripture story. In the end it will come down to how well we know God and have followed His commandments. Another thing I love about this poem is that coming to know God does not come all at once and does not come early. It comes with time as shown by President Packer describing it at the end of his poem. I think the apostles are great to lean on when someone’s testimony is weak or just starting. Their testimonies are so pure and simple and the spirit testifies of the truthfulness of the words. I hope that in the end we can all say “my Lord, my God, I know.”

Boyd K Packer, “Unfinished Composition,” 2012. 

Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost is a powerful teacher and can touch our hearts in the softest ways. I love the line “simply when we need to know that God is near.” Sometimes I feel alone and just need to know someone cares. The Holy Ghost is the comforter and I can feel a physical embrace when I receive that comfort. Other times when making big decisions I want to know that I am making the right choice. I also really like knowing that the Holy Ghost can teach us. When raising children there is a lot about kids that no one can teach you about. Each child is so unique and it takes a different way of parenting for each one. No one knows our children better than God himself and He can teach us what we need to know. There is no reason to despair when we keep the Spirit close.

 Craig C Christensen, “An Unspeakable Gift from God,” Ensign, Nov 2012

Be an Example

I find it interesting that even though this talk was given many years ago the words still ring true today. Lately the LDS church has been in the spotlight for various reasons such as debates on gay marriage, Romney running for president, and other events that have peaked people’s interests in our beliefs. It is just as important now as it was then to be an example to those around us. People are watching whether or not we know it and though it should not be this way there are those who base their opinions on the actions of a few. Hopefully the few that they judge are being a good example. Overall this quote provides proof that the apostles and prophets are called of God and that their words are important for all generations. We should look to what they have to say to us now and look to the past for what they have said and we will be blessed to know the way to go. 

Gordon B Hinckley, “Drawing Nearer to the Lord,” Ensign, October 1997. 

Perfect Family

I was raised in a family that everyone thought was perfect. People looking in from the outside thought my parents had parenting down and that we were all perfect little kids. Though I was raised well there were still many problems and trials that brought us to where we are today. Even now there are struggles my family is going through that no one would ask for. As I have gone through my study of family life classes I have learned how many ways things can go wrong in the home. It does not mean that it is over and that there is no more hope, it does not mean that we are bad people if we do it wrong. It means that no one is perfect and we should not compare ourselves to others. It is really hard to imagine how others view you, they may think you are the one who is perfect. The best thing to do is to keep trying, and help each other. 

Elder Robert D. Hales, “Strengthening Families: Our Sacred Duty,” Ensign, May 1999, 32.

Intelligence

It is important to always stay in line with the spirit so that we are open to receive knowledge. When we are prepared then we can anything God asks us to do. Even if we have no idea how to lead a Relief Society or be a Bishop the Lord can guide us. Just as Nephi and Noah were asked to build boats, we can do the impossible through the knowledge God gives us. At the same time I truly believe in seeking out knowledge for ourselves. Nothing you learn will be a waste, and you can always be learning. Just a month ago my husband and I started learning Spanish together. We think it will be a great skill to us and our children. Choose a new skill to learn, read books, and take advantage of what the world has to offer. Knowledge is such a blessing to us and to others when used while living in tune with the spirit.

 Boyd K Packer, “These Things I Know,” Ensign, May 2013, 8.

I'm a Mormon

I completely agree with Sister Dibb. I love this gospel; I love the hope and peace it brings. I think the world should hear it. Then why do I have such a hard time bringing it up with those around me. I see a lot of people each day on the bus to and from work but never have I brought up religion. Maybe it is because I am afraid of being shut down. This reminds me of the scripture in Romans, 

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.” I do not feel ashamed of the gospel, I just feel ashamed at my ability to share it. Looking in the scriptures there are many apostles who felt the same way and were rejected by entire cities but they still did it. If God could help them overcome their weaknesses in sharing the gospel then why can’t He help me? I want to find the strength and courage they did and be able to bring souls unto Christ. “For the worth of souls is great in the sight of God...how great will be your joy if you bring many souls unto me.”  

Ann M Dibb, Engsign, Nov 2012

Romans 1:16

D&C 18:10, 16

Life Is Like A Piano

When you play just one black key in all the white keys it sounds wrong, this is the same if you look at just one trial or heartache compared to how life is. It does not seem right or fair but sometimes we just have to wait for a little while, just like we have to wait for the next notes to come in a song. Only then can we look back and see how important that experience was to building who we are. Sometimes I try to erase or forget events that hurt me, but when I do I lose the learning experience that comes from those experiences. I do not grow the way I could if I took a trial as a part of the song and let it make beautiful music.

Prayer

One idea recommended to me was to say a prayer for 20 minutes and only say things I was thankful for, without asking for anything. I thought this would be easy and so I started out strong with all the things I was thankful for. That lasted for about 5 minutes. Then I had to really start thinking about things I was grateful for, things that I took for granted every day. This opened my eyes as I realized everything that I had and how much the Lord helps me throughout the small things in the day to day activities. It seemed that any problems I had or anything that I felt I had needed were a small pebble compared to how many blessings I had. There is a lot of power in gratitude and just as the one leper who came back was blessed more than just physically, so too are we blessed beyond our immediate needs when we express gratitude often. 

David A Bednar, "Pray Always" Ensign, Nov 2008

Tempest

What is past is prologue.

Shakespeare, Tempest

These are great words of wisdom. Looking in any book with a prologue you will notice that the prologue is not more than a chapter of the rest of the book. It is so tiny compared to what is to come. That is how all our lives are, whether young or old. There are so many things worth looking towards and working for. When you are young you have an entire life to live and experience. When you are old you have qualities to refine and relationships you are ready to pick up again in the next life. We are immortal and though it is hard to look at how small this chapter of our life is in the big scheme of things, always remember that there is still the rest of the book to be written. 

Word of Wisdom

Our bodies are a gift and need to be taken care of. The Word of Wisdom provides a guideline of how to best take care of our bodies. There is so much to do in life and so many adventures to go on. There is an entire world to explore and our bodies need to be in the best shape to take full advantage of life. Also, because our bodies are gifts, they can be used to help other people. It takes a lot of energy and strength to fulfill callings and to aid people in need. To be alert to spiritual promptings is important to know how best to help those around us. This provides a fulfilling life that you could not have if you are unable to keep your body in the best condition. 

President Boyd K. Packer Ensign, May 1996, Page 18

The Family A Proclamation To The World

Three things about the [Proclamation] title are worth our careful reflection. First the subject: the family. Second, the audience, which is the whole world. And third, those proclaiming it are those we sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators. All this means that the family must be of tremendous importance to us, that whatever the proclamation says could help anyone in the world, and that the proclamation fits the Lord’s promise when he said, “Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (D&C 1:38).

Elder Henry B. Eyring, Ensign, February 1998.

If you have not read the The Family A Proclamation to the World recently I highly suggest you do. I suggest even taking the time to memorize the Proclamation. If you do the words can come to your mind in times that you need them and you can see how much the Proclamation applies throughout your life. The words are uplifting and the promises are wonderful. The Proclamation reminds us of the importance of the family to God as well as to society. There is hope in its words for everyone and it is important to read over those words every so often to remember the promises. This Proclamation is not for a select few, it is for the world and it is important that everyone has the chance to hear it. It was given to us by servants of God and therefore we know that those words are the Lord’s words to us. 

Voice We Can Trust

I completely agree with Elder Perry, it is such a comfort to know that we have a prophet that we can trust. We have so much information thrown at us and so many people talking about one research or another that says we should do something a certain way. Even though the Lord talks to each of us individually, sometimes I have a hard time listening. It is then that I need a sure voice that can help me know the path I should be on. The prophet provides this for me. The prophet is always someone we can count on to tell us what is right; the prophet is always someone we can count on to show us the way. It truly is a comfort and a blessing to have.  

L. Tom Perry, "Heed the Prophet's Voice", Ensign and Liahona, November 1994

Never Feel Worthless

No one should ever feel worthless. God has a plan for everyone and so long as we are working to do as He would have us become we will be able to see the purpose in our lives. I think it is wonderful when someone realizes that they are not worthless and that someone Heavenly Father and his Son knows them. I have not figured out how to help some people understand that divine truth. It brings so much peace but there are some who simply do not realize it. I want to be better at helping people see this so that they can feel the hope as well. That way everyone can share the same confirmation as stated in this quote. 

Merrill J Bateman, “The Eternal Family,” BYU Magazine

Lord's Hands

Most often I have noticed that answers to my prayers come through someone else. This is how the Lord works. He uses us as His hands and in turn we are able to be blessed through helping someone else. This is a wonderful system that allows for all of us to benefit but only if we do our part. If we are not ready to serve the Lord and do not listen when He calls then we miss out on special opportunities to be His hands. He is dependent on each of us and it is important to always be ready.  

Thomas S. Monson, “What Have I Done for Someone Today?” Ensign Nov. 2009, 86

Greatness

It is interesting to look at different people throughout history who have been considered “great.” In reality those people never became great through one moment or action. Looking at leaders like George Washington or Napoleon, they became great because they developed the skills necessary to lead their people into battles. It took a lifetime for them to become great. Even looking at researchers who have made discoveries that changed history, they did not become great in an instant. They had the determination and put in the time to do the work to make those discoveries. In the end, everyone can be great through the correct everyday choices made.

Another point I want to make is that some of the greatest things a person can do is within the home. It is hard to be a mother or father and the choices and skills required everyday is a lot of work. Whether or not the work you do as a parent is acknowledged, it is important, and there is a lot of greatness in the work. Never diminish how essential a parent is to the family and the word.

Howard W. Hunter, CR, April 1982, 28; or “True Greatness,”Ensign, May 1982, 20. 

Comfort Zone

I have my own little comfort zone that I like to stay in and it is hard for me to branch out and make an effort to build strong friendships. I want to be better at getting to know people enough that I can make a difference in their lives but it is scary for me. This quote gives me hope and strength that I truly will be able to do things that I never thought was possible. I know that the gifts and talents I have are blessing from God and that when I follow Him those blessing multiply and I have opportunities to use those talents for good.

Robert D Hales, “Being a More Christian Christian” Ensign, Nov. 2012, 90. 

Climbing

Often I get so overwhelmed with everything I have to do that I can’t do anything. I love the idea taking it step by step and just figuring out where to start. One place that is always a good start is prayer. I often pray just for the strength to do what I need to do and somehow the hand and foot holes are just where I need them to be for me to keep climbing. 

Cousin on Mission

His Time

I find myself getting impatient sometimes even though I know this principle to be true. Sometimes I feel rushed because of how crazy life gets but I just need to remember that the blessings from God are always worth the wait. 

Henry B Eyring, “Where Is the Pavilion?” Ensign, Nov. 2012, 72.

Bigger Than You

This quote reminds us that we cannot just focus on ourselves. We are part of a big picture and it is up to each of us individually to find out what God’s role is for us. There are people who look up to us and are watching us even when we do not know it. There is not time to be selfish. At the same time it is hopeful because it portrays the idea that there is always something we can be doing. It is never too late to start looking at how our life is influencing the world around us. 

Observe Then Serve

The opportunity to serve is not going to just fall into our laps. It would be too easy and we would not be able to learn and grow from it. I have a really hard time keeping myself aware of what is going on around me, especially when I am busy. I am sure that I have missed a lot of opportunities to serve because I have not been observing. Take the time to pay attention to the people around you. God always has people you can help. Even though it may seem inconvenient when the chance does come I know it is important to make time to serve because it provides so many wonderful blessings.

Linda K Burton, “First Observe, Then Serve” Ensign, Nov 2012, 80. 

Mother's Day

Here is a video I found today that was really touching. Mother's Day is a wonderful time to thank our mother's for all that they have done, but it should not be the only day. Thank yous should be given everyday to mothers because it is a lot of work to be a mother. I know that they have an important role in the lives of children and that to be a mother is a noble role worth being praised for. Even those who are not able to have children and have the desire should be praised because even a desire is more than a lot of people have today.

Decisions

It is so easy to be quick to judge yet we hope for understanding of our own situation from those around us. I think it is important to remember not to jump to conclusions or assume we understand a person’s situation. There are many decisions each person has to make and it is not our job to determine what the right decision for another person was. We should focus on our own options because sometimes it is hard to choose between the options we have. Our best efforts should be on ourselves and not worrying about what others are doing. Following this maybe I will not be part of that world that judges someone by their decisions, and in turn no one will judge me by my decisions. 

One Individual

I am also amazed at how much the Lord cares for me individually. So many times He has answered my prayers no matter how small a problem it seems. Sometimes I feel silly asking for something trivial like help finding something I lost but He has always been there. It is also amazing to travel around the world yet the church is the same and there are people everywhere who can testify of their own individual miracles. The Lord has so many people that He takes care of and yet He always has time for the individual. What an incredible thought.

 Thomas S Monson, “Consider the Blessings” Ensign, Nov 2012, 89.

Temples

I have been able to go to a couple of temples lately and I am blown away by the beauty and feelings that come when I go. I truly think that going through the temple is worthy of everyone’s greatest efforts. The blessings are wonderful and a goal worth working towards. I love this song because the words are so true, especially the lines “It’s the place I reach for heaven, and it reaches in return.” The temple is a wonderful place to go to find answers to questions or even just to feel peace and become separated from the world.

Small Moment

When trials come I find myself losing strength and feel like it never ends. It always ends though, and when it does I either dwell on the past struggle or dread the next. The trials truly are just a small moment but there are ways to make them seem longer. Seek after the peace God promises and it will all work out. 

Pride

“I discovered that pride actually means that you have little self-confidence and that the only real way we can completely trust in anything is through faith on the only Being who is completely trustworthy.” 
Cousin on Mission

I think this is an interesting way to look at pride. There is truth to putting complete trust in the only one completely trustworthy. Sometimes I still get scared and then rely on my own instinct because I feel like it is easier to trust myself. This is basically pride built on little confidence in what the Lord has for me.

Falling Into Place

Just the other day I started thinking about my life and how everything has played out. I found it interesting that I had wanted to do a career my whole life but when I changed what I was studying everything worked out better than it should have. All the jobs that I had gotten led to my career, all the schooling that I had done, all the certifications. I did not know this at the time but everything was falling into place. It seemed so scattered at the time and just lucky but now I see that God has his hand in everything and though I did not get to do what I originally thought I would it all worked out.

Freedom to Choose One's Attitude

We always have a choice and it is important to remember how great a blessing it is. Lately I have had a hard time not getting frustrated. This quote was a reminder to me that only I can change it. Nobody forces an attitude on us. I do not have to get angry over nothing, my energy is better spent elsewhere. 

Viktor E Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning (1984)

Support

This scripture is an important reminder that we should involve the Lord in every part of our life. A friend said that she was having a hard time and prayed asking “Can I borrow your happiness for the day?” Often I get on my knees in the morning and say “Today is going to be ruff. Help me have the strength to make it to my knees again tonight.” The Lord is always willing to give support if you are willing to ask.

Alma 36:37 

Prophets

I love reading the scriptures as well as listening to General Conference and learning from the prophets. When I hear others talk about General Conference I have noticed that everyone has their favorite person they like to listen to, as do I. As Elder Perry said, each has their own unique experiences and I think that is a blessing for us. It gives us something to relate to and provides many different insights on the principles we each hold true. 

L. Tom Perry, "By the Hands of His Prophets", Ensign, Liahona, August 1998

I Was Here

This video was very touching. I think there is so much we can do to leave our mark; it doesn’t have to be grand, even just the little things can make a big difference in someone’s life. I think the lyrics emphasize this message better than I ever could. 

Happiness

This is so easy to forget. My first reaction was when I imagine being done with school or other big events but so often I find myself thinking “I just have to make it to the end of the week or the end of the day and I can relax and be happy again.” This quote can be applied every day because there is always something to stress about. We just have to find the joy in the journey. 

Stars

I think stars are beautiful, and this quote makes me think about how important we are that we have the ability to be immortal thanks to our Savior. There is so much to enjoy and time really is not something that should take control. We have eternity to worry about trivial things and should focus on becoming the person we want to be. 

 Neil A Maxwell “Our Creator’s Cosmos” By Study and by Faith, 2009.

Planning

 “Our faith in doing the planning as best we could provided the way to revelation in finding out how to use our time more effectively. Nightly planning should happen throughout the day and weekly planning starts before you get to Thursday.”

Cousin on Mission

I never thought about receiving revelation to find out how to use time more effectively. I do know from experience that there have been times when God has blessed me with extra time and somehow I can get things done on time. It would be nice to know that I can always use my time productively. 

God is Never Hidden

There have been many times when I have felt like the Lord was far from me and that I was trying to do things on my own. These words ring true, sometimes I am hiding myself with my school work or what I think I should be accomplishing. I find myself letting moments slip past where I could have helped someone but because I am caught up in getting done what I need to I remain hidden under my pavilion. God knows what is best and I should do better not to be hidden. 

Henry B Eyring, “Where Is the Pavilion?” Ensign, Nov. 2012, 72.

God is not a novice

Sometimes I wonder why I forget to ask for help from the one person who can help me the best in hard times. I often cannot see ahead of me. God knows everything and He knows which step I should take and which path I should follow that will give me the most happiness. 

J. Reuben Clark Jr., Behold the Lamb of God (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1962), 17.

See Others as They May Become

When I worked at a daycare I saw children who threw tantrums, who enjoyed making messes, and who liked to find ways to annoy me. It was so easy to forget the importance of each child and the importance that they can make later. Even in high school I knew a boy who I felt like would not change. He went on to serve a mission and when he came back I felt like I had no idea who he was. Seeing people as they can become keeps us from judging them and allows them to feel the encouragement to grow. 

Thomas S Monson, “See Others as They May Become,” Ensign, Nov. 2012, 70.