FAMILY HISTORY

BEING MORE DILIGENT

Jan 2018

I've been trying to be more diligent in my efforts - particularly within our own family. In the past, I've spent many hours Indexing names from past records (Census records, Obituaries, Birth Certificates, Probates, Draft Cards, etc...) I received an email this week from Family Search with some information that I thought was really neat! It stated that I had Indexed 1031 names from the 1940 US Federal Census. Of those 1031 names, 103 of them had been added to a Family Tree (how neat!! 103 family names were found and included to where they belonged!) And then of those 103 names, 59 of them have been reserved for Temple Ordinances! I thought it was pretty neat how Family Search reached out to the Indexers to let them know how their efforts have impacted real families!

CATHERINE HUMBLE

March 2018

have felt an increased responsibility over the past few months to be more diligent in Family History  (which has since turned into a desire vs a responsibility). Anyway, I had a really neat experience this past week with finding one of my ancestors. Last April I had downloaded an app called "Take a Name" which would search your family lineage to find names that needed their Temple work done and then all you had to do was print and go do the work -easy peasy! Well, one name that wasn't a direct ancestor (it was the wife of a 1st cousin 4 times removed) only had the last name (no one knew what her first name was) and I didn't really think anything of it at the time. So we did the baptism, confirmation and Initiatory work for her but every time I went to do an Endowment session at the Temple and looked at my pile of names to choose from, I never felt "right" taking her name... and so kept putting it off. Well, it started weighing on me and I was like "We need to find this ancestor and find out what her name is!" and so I started searching... with no luck. (note: In the 1880 US Census it had her husbands name and stated that he was a Widow, their 5 children listed - the youngest only being 8 months old - and had an Andrew Stephens as his brother in law, Andrews wife and their son also listed as living in the household. Apparently at some point it was deducted that if "Stephens" was the last name of the brother-in-law, that it was probably his wife's maiden name -- and that was the name listed in family search. So I was searching everything for the this Andrew Stephens family and was getting no where! oh also, they were married in 1871 so the 1870 Census was of no help either!)

 Friday morning, my alarm went off for me to take Ben to Seminary so I hopped up and went and woke him up and then realized that it was only 4:15am and the alarm hadn't really gone off (even though I totally thought it had!) so told Ben to go back to sleep. I crawled back into bed as well anticipating another hour and half of dreamy comfort only to find that I couldn't fall back to sleep but had thoughts of needing to find this persons name. So I got up and started searching for her again and came up empty handed.

Saturday (I love Saturdays as they are my day for sleeping in and I was so looking forward to it!) but I was again awoken very early (this time around 5:45am) and I had urgent thoughts of needing to find this person so I got up and started searching... and searching.. and I wasn't finding anything! I started to pray and ask for angels to help me find this person and then... I FOUND HER!!!! At first I didn't think it was her since the name was Catherine Humble (and I was anticipating a last name of Stephens). When I realized that it was indeed her (with the help of her Marriage certificate and Burial record) my body just filled with such joy, happiness and burning from the Spirit! I just sat at the computer and cried and kept thinking "We found her! We found her! She has a name!" I could feel her joy that she was no longer "lost" and I feel that she wanted to be found so badly that she kept waking me up in the early mornings to search for her!

The urgency didn't stop there and I knew I had to go the Temple right away and do her work that day! So I went upstairs to tell John all that had happened and to say that I was going to the Temple - he of course wanted to join me (as he's had a big problem at work and decided it would be wise to go and try to get some inspiration) and so we got ready and off we went to the Temple. As I was sitting in the Endowment Room, I had a big feeling of relief wash over me and the thoughts of "Finally, I am here! We made it!" come into my heart and mind.

11 PROMISES OF FAMILY HISTORY

April 2018

So many talks General Conference talks referenced Family History and I loved that! I especially loved what our Apostle, Dale G. Renlund said about it and then he shared 11 PROMISES that are given to us from Prophets and Apostles when we do our Family History. They are:

1.  Increased understanding of the Savior and His Atoning sacrifice
2.  Increased influence of the Holy Ghost to feel strength and direction for our own lives
3.  Increased Faith so that conversion to the Savior becomes deep and abiding
4.  Increased ability and motivation to learn and repent because of an understanding of who we are, where we come from and a clear vision of where we're going
5.  Increased refining, sanctifying and moderating influences in our hearts
6.  Increased joy  through an increased ability to feel the love  of the Lord
7.  Increased family blessings - no matter our  current, past or future family situation
8.  Increased love and appreciation for ancestors and living relatives
9.  Increased power to discern that which needs healing and thus with the Lords help serve others 
10. Increased protection from temptations and the intensifying influence of the adversary
11. Increased assistance to mend troubled, broken or anxious hearts and make the wounded whole
He finishes up with this thought: "If you have prayed for any of these blessings.. participate in Family History!" 

TESTIMONY

By Ben: Age 11

May 2013

I'd like to bear my testimony. I know the Church is true.
I know Thomas S Monson is our real prophet and Joseph Smith was a prophet too.
I know that Families can be together forever.
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christa, Amen.
 

By Lexi: Age 5

May 2013

I asked Lexi if she would share her feelings about Jesus and this is what she said...
I know Jesus loves me with all his heart. I want to make him happy. I can color hearts for him to make him happy and also obey the prophet.  He helps me pray and I love him very much.

MOM'S TESTIMONY OF CHRIST

Jan 2013

With the new Youth Curriculum that we have implemented at church, we are to give weekly challenges to the youth so that they apply what they learn on  Sundays throughout the week.  Today, after discussing Jesus Christ and all that he as done for us, we were challenged by Sister Hymas to write down our testimony of Christ this week. I thought it inserting it here for my family and posterity to read would be a good idea :)

My Testimony of Jesus Christ

by:

Shandy Vogt

I want to take this opportunity to write down a few of my thoughts on the Savior and what I feel in heart to be true. Throughout my life, I have had many experiences where the Holy Ghost testified of what I was learning or reading (concerning Christ) to be correct and true. It is because of the Holy Ghost that I have a testimony of Jesus. I know that he was born under Divine circumstances and is the son of God. I know that he spent his life on earth preaching the gospel, performing miracles and being a perfect example to all. He wanted us all to make it back to Heaven together and so went through the pain at Gethsemane and atoned for the sins of all mankind - a matchless gift to all the world! He was crucified and the rose from the grave, making it possible for us all to be resurrected and gain Eternal Life. I know that he knows me personally and is aware of ALL things that I am going through - both good and bad. I know he wants me to me draw closer to him in all aspects of my life. I know that he only has my best interests at heart and is there to help me whenever I come unto him. I know that many of the sacred hymns that we sing each Sunday bare testimony of him and help us feel of his love. I'm so grateful for all that he has given to me personally and want to be more dedicated in this life to learning about him and his life so that I can be more like him. Finally, I want to add my testimony to the familiar hymn - I Stand All Amazed and say that I, too, am so amazed at the love he shows me, the gifts he bestowed upon me and the promises made possible through him!  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

FAMILY TESTIMONIES

Dec 2014

We are still following along with the book - 21 Days Closer to Christ. On one of the days we talked about journal keeping and also about writing down our testimonies of Christ for our posterity to read in the future. So for part of our writing assignment, we wrote down our testimonies to be included in the blog (which I explained to the kids was our family history and our family journal)...

Lexi's Testimony (age 6): I'm thankful for the church and that we can always be a forever family. I'm thankful for food, our house, beds and rooms, brothers, sister, school, mom and dad and Jesus. I know Jesus is always looking out for us. I'm thankful for tithing and friends too. He always wants us to keep our bodies clean and clear. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Aubrie's Testimony (age 6): I believe in Jesus and I know that he loves us. Whenever we ned help, he just helps us. You can always say prayer to Him if you need help. We should teach others about the gospel. You can do anything your heart says. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Nathan's Testimony (age 8): I want you to know I got baptized because I wanted to be a member of the church and to follow Jesus. I feel loving inside. I have awesome friends and am a good video gamer. We need to always be nice to other people. Also, Heavenly Father and Jesus watch over us and help us have a perfect house. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Ben's Testimony (age 12): I know this church is true. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet. I know that the power of prayer is real and that praying works. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

August's Testimony (almost 18): I've been around almost 18 years, and in those many many years, I've seen the Lord's hand in my life Numerous times. I know he loves and cares about each and every one of us and that he knows us all and he knows our situations. He inspires his apostles and prophets to help guide the members of his church, and he wants us to be happy. We, as the Vogts, have been blessed to have such a wonderful home and a Dad with a job that can provide for us. The kids are truly blessed to have such wonderful parents, and I've come to know how lucky I am that they don't fight and that they love each other very much. I guess I'd like to end this saying that I know I am a son of Heavenly Father and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the one and only true church. I say these things in the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Seth's Testimony (age 16):  My testimony can be summed up into four simple words. The gospel is true. There is so much in our lives that point out the truthfulness of the gospel, and I have prayed and it has been confirmed to me through the Holy Ghost of it's validity. It plays such an important role in my life, and everything just supports and confirms the truthfulness of the gospel. Since I know that the gospel is true, it means I have a testimony of the Book of Mormon, modern day prophets, the priesthood, fasting, sacrament, and much more. I have individually prayed to gain this knowledge and have known for myself that it is true. With so much turmoil, evil, and deceit in the world, this is the one true thing that we can turn to. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ; amen.

A PURE TESTIMONY IS BORN

May 2015
(Ben was aged 13)

I was woken up extra early on Friday morning (even earlier than when I get up to make sure August and Seth are up for Seminary) to Ben standing beside my bed (which very much startled me!).  Anyway, he said that he had woken up in the middle of the night and had been up ever since because he couldn't fall back to sleep. He then said that he'd had a really neat spiritual experience that he'd been waiting all night to share with me (of course this had me up and alert in no time!).  He then went on to say that as he'd been lying in bed, he started questioning if the church was true or if the prophet was real and also felt like he should repent for some things he'd done (saying mean things, etc) and so he knelt down beside his bed and started praying. First he started off by repenting but then went on to tell Heavenly Father that he wanted to know if the church was true and he said then his heart started burning and his ears and face were burning and he felt a huge adrenaline rush. He said he felt like someone was beside him and he felt so much love and happiness. As he was sharing this experience with me, I was just so happy for him and so filled with love myself! I encouraged him to write down his experience so that he could reflect on it throughout his life - he asked if I'd write it down as he spoke (and then we both decided it'd be nice to put here in the blog for his family and posterity to read). Here is what we recorded of his (newly found) testimony that morning in his own words...


* I feel that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet
* I feel that  Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet for the world today
* I feel like the Book of Mormon is true and that I should read it with my family and also by myself
* Heavenly Father only wants the best for me
* I felt like I need to be more of a role model and to know when to be funny and when to be serious
* I should help others - even if they're mean to me
* I should love everyone - even the sinner - but that doesn't mean I have to love or support the sin
* I have a purpose and the Lord has things for me to do
* I need to help others by sharing my testimony
* I need to go on a Mission because it's what the Lord wants me to do. There's people that need to know the truth and that's why I need to be a Missionary and baptize people.
* I should encourage August to go on a Mission
* I need to repent daily. We all do stuff daily (even things we may not remember) that we need to repent of
* I need to be respectful of my parents
* This life is just a test to prove my worthiness
* I'm in the right path and I need to continue on it
* Heavenly Father wants me to be respectful
* I need to be more responsible and be nice to everyone no matter what
* I feel SO much happiness and like I just got a Thousand Dollars! No... like a Billion Dollars!
* I always want to feel such peace and happiness inside! I never want it to go away!

We talked about how that feeling was the Holy Ghost being his constant companion and as long as he didn't do anything to offend the Spirit then he would always feel that love, peace and joy. We finished up by talking about that even if he does mess up and the Spirit leaves, that he can always repent and the Holy Ghost will come back into his heart to help him throughout life. He was so excited after chatting with me about everything that we then went and woke up dad and told him everything that had happened! It was truly a priceless and precious moment that I was able to share with Ben!

JOSEPH SMITH

Dec 2016

Written by dad... I write this today on this sabbath day, from my sick bed. Benjamin and I are fighting a flu and stayed home. I decided to make the time as spiritual as possible and watched Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration. The spirit witnessed unto me the truthfulness of this restoration and gospel. I shed tears as Brother Joseph and Brother Hyrum were murdered by the mob. I am saddened and thankful that they sealed their testimonies in blood.

I just wanted to share my testimony that I know that this is our Father's true church and that Joseph Smith was a true prophet, called of God, and that he did restore the fullness of the gospel.

I am so thankful that Seth is out sharing this glad message with our brothers and sisters in Nicaragua. How blessed they are to have him laboring there. The Lord's work here upon the earth is so important.

In the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior - Amen. 








THE HOLY GHOST


I have a testimony of the Holy Ghost and the many functions he performs - the BIG and the small.  Today when Sacrament meeting started, Bishop Forsberg pointed out that he didn't have any assigned speakers for the day but wasn't worried about it and felt peaceful. He then called up a few of our youth to bare their testimonies and thoughts of participating in the Youth Cultural Event (he called up August as one of them). The Spirit whispered to me that I should start collecting my thoughts because I would be called up next to share my thoughts.... I'm grateful that I listened because shortly after, I was indeed called up to share my thoughts and testimony. It's just so awesome that the Holy Ghost can be our constant companion!

Lexi: Age 8

Jan 2017

Today was Fast and Testimony meeting at church. Lexi decided last night that she'd like to share her testimony today so she promptly went over to the computer and typed up her testimony (so that she could practice and be ready to share it during Sacrament meeting)... Here is a copy of what she wrote (I didn't change a thing - this is exactly how she wrote it). She was confident today during church and did a great job sharing her feelings with the congregation :)

                                                  
Lexi's Testimony    

I would like to bare my testimony. That i know the church is true. And i know the scriptures are true. And i know families can be together forever. I know we can have happiness and peace in our hearts when we read the scriptures. And i know that heavenly father answers all of our prayers.

I say these things in the name of jesus christ aman.

SETH'S TESTIMONY ON FAITH

May 2017

Seth sent his testimony on Faith while on his Mission. Here is what he shared:

There are just some things that we will never be able to know here in this life, and sometimes things just don´t really even make sense. But it´s not bad to have questions about the gospel. Even questions such as Does God even exist. Those are the questions that help build more faith. There is a difference between doubting and questioning. The scriptures say Doubt not Fear not. Doubts aren't of God. But Questions are. Some people put off everything, if they don´t understand something or a gospel principle - they won´t follow that commandment until they do understand it. But that takes away faith. If you have a question, the thing to do is: 1. Continue on in faith  2. Studying and immersing yourself in finding an answer. The thing is,  for lots of things you just have to trust on. Even here in the Mission, you just have to keep on trusting. I don´t have a knowledge of everything. I just am putting my trust in God, because in the end that is how we will all be happiest. So yeah. I've had lots of talks with other missionaries - and sometimes we pose really hard questions, just to see what the others would think or say. While for some, those questions might bring up doubts, but if you keep up in the faith, asking to know for real, it will do nothing but help you out. If you guys ever have questions, you can do the same as me - Even if I don´t know, I put my trust in the Lord, and hey it´ll all work out well in the end!

TESTIMONY MEETING

June 2017

Today something super wonderful happened! It was Fast and Testimony meeting at church today and NATHAN GOT UP AND BORE HIS TESTIMONY!! Of course getting up in front of the whole congregation is scary for anyone - BUT I know that it is especially scary and nerve wracking for Nathan. He overcame his fear and shared his feelings that he knows the church is true and that families can be together forever. When he sat back down he nuzzled into me and told me how scared he was to do that but how he felt proud of himself. John also got up and bore a beautiful testimony on families  (apparently it has been several months of he and Nathan elbowing each other and encouraging each other to get up and today Nathan said "I'm ready, dad."). They both shared such sweet words and it made church extra special for me!

RIGHT WHERE I'M SUPPOSED TO BE

August 2017

Written by Dad... As Shandy and I attended the Temple on Saturday, I was overcome with a sense of peace and contentment. Not that I was doubting but I was just struck by a feeling from the Spirit that I was where I needed to be, doing what I was supposed to be doing. I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love being a disciple. I love being Mormon. I am thankful for a Heavenly Father who loves us and knows each of us personally. I am thankful for the restoration and am honored to be a part of this work. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

THE BOOK OF MORMON IS TRUE

September 2017

Hey, it's Ben! My mom has asked me to do the Spiritually Speaking for this week- so please bare with me.

So, this past Friday during Seminary, we were talking about Nephi being transfigured up to this mountain and seeing the future of the promise land. And for this, my teachers printed out this sheet that basically explained each vision he had- such as the Revolutionary war, Columbus discovering America, the Pilgrims, etc. . . And it was right while we were reading all of this where the spirit really touched me and there was no doubt in my mind that The Book Of Mormon is completely-totally true. It's so cool knowing that, and I'd like to bare my testimony that Seminary/Institute is truly asked for by Heavenly Father, and I can't urge the importance of it. I say- or write- these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen

- Ben Vogt (15)

THE YOUTH BATTALION

June 2018

Following is from Ben (age 16)

So I had the chance to go to the Face to Face Fireside with the Prophet and his wife tonight. During which the prophet talked about starting the Youth Battalion and in order for us to join the Youth Battallion we have to do 5 things:

     1. Give up social Media for 1 week
     2. Weekly sacrfice time to the Lord
     3. Keep on the Covenant path
     4. Pray daily for all to receive blessings of the gospel
     5. Stand out. Be different. Be a light

When I heard these things, the Spirit testified that what he was saying was true and I felt like he was talking directly to me! I felt like I was about to explode, and my whole body was filled with heat. I couldn't stop smiling because I knew what he was saying was true! In fact, right in the middle of his talk (after he talked about a social media fast) I pulled out my phone and deleted all social media apps immediately (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube!) I know by doing these things I'm following the prophet and am doing my part in the Youth Battalion to bring together the Tribes of Israel. 

AN UNEXPECTED MESSAGE

September 2018

This year Ben became the class president for his Seminary class. His teacher sent me an email recently that I'd like to share. He wrote: "Just wanted to send a quick message to let you know how awesome it was to hear Ben share his testimony in class today. He has been an amazing class leader and he has a light about him that everyone just loves. Thank you for raising a wonderful son. - Brother McKee"

What better compliment could be given!? My mom heart felt overjoyed and happy that another person recognized how amazing Ben is and took the time to share his thoughts with me.  Over this past year, Ben's testimony and conviction to the gospel has grown stronger and more firm. He stands for the truth and has a solid foundation build upon Christ. I have no doubt he will continue to be a leader and one who stands for truth and righteousness!

FAST AND TESTIMONY MEETING

Jan 2017

Today is Fast Sunday and with that came Testimonies during Sacrament meeting. There were 2 testimonies that really touched me that I wanted to remember:

1. Sister Storey (from our ward) passed away 3 weeks ago. Her husband got up to bear his testimony and one thing he said was that well meaning friends had been telling him "We're so sorry for your loss" and he said that he realized he hadn't "lost" her at all! They had been sealed in the Temple and would be husband and wife for the eternities (although the physical separation right now is difficult) he was grateful that she wasn't "lost" to him at all!

2. Another testimony was about submitting our will to God - for really that is ALL that we have to give to Him! She asked us to imagine ourselves hanging onto a rope and when we look down, all we can see is a white mist - we can't see through it and we have no clue how far down the ground is. Then imagine the Lord has asked you to have FAITH and let go of the rope! He has promised that he'll catch you - but trusting in the Lord enough to actually let go is hard! In our heart, we know that he is there and that he will catch us.. but to our minds it doesn't make sense to let go! She also compared it to driving on snowy/icy roads. When you are sliding through an intersection, your mind tells you to stomp on the brakes with all your might! However, we KNOW that we're supposed to take our foot OFF of the brake and then tap the brake. It doesn't make sense to take our foot off of the brake if we want to stop - but when we do it, we're kept safe. I just really liked how she related it to these 2 scenarios! This is probably something I need to be more mindful and aware of and really try to do all that God wants me to do!

DAD SHARES HIS TESTIMONY WITH LIAM THRAILKILL

March 2017

  Over the past two weeks, we've had an overnight guest on two occasions - Liam Thrailkill. Liam is the boyfriend of Brooklyn Van Bibber, who is the daughter of our good friends - Mike and Nicole Van Bibber. It was spring break and Liam headed out to spend the week with Brooklyn in Provo. We're the halfway point between Grand Forks, ND and Provo. He's a really good kid that has his head on straight and has been dating her for a couple of years.  He is also not a member of the Church.

   As Liam and I chatted last night, eventually the subject turned to the Church and the gospel. I shared my conversion story with Liam and he remarked how familiar everything was. Liam has been taking the missionary discussions and he and 18 year old me, had very similar backgrounds.We talked pretty late into the night and he was grateful to talk to someone who had gone through many of the same things. He said that he had prayed about joining the church and felt that he had received his answer several times. He shared that he felt that our talk that night was a reaffirmation of those answers. I shared with him how about a year and a half ago, I felt impressed that at some point, I would share my history with him.  I'm glad that Heavenly Father can place us in each other's paths.

PERSONAL REVELATION

Who Should My YW Counselor Be?

April 2013

I know I share a lot about experiences with the Holy Ghost but I had an awesome one today that I wanted to remember.  So, about 3 weeks ago the Mia Maid adviser got called into the Relief Society Presidency leaving a spot in the YW organization.  As I started praying about who should fill that spot, my 1st counselors name kept coming to mind - which I would immediately dismiss.  However after praying about it for 3 weeks, going to the Temple about it, fasting about it AND STILL getting the same answer that she should be the new MM Adviser, I submitted her name which was promptly accepted and (literally) 15 hours after submitting her name, she was sustained from the pulpit.  So as I sat in the pew today preparing to take the Sacrament, I said a prayer to Heavenly Father asking for help on who he would have be my new 1st counselor. The very distinct thought came into my mind that a Sister would bear her testimony today (it was Fast and Testimony meeting) and when she did, Heavenly Father would witness to me that is who I should ask for.  Wow!  I was so excited for the testimonies to get started but wasn't sure if I had just imaged all of that or not! Of course Lexi ended up needing to go to the bathroom and I told John that he would have to do it because I was waiting for a witness from Heavenly Father on who my new 1st counselor should be! LOL.... So as different sisters would get up and share, I was praying fervently with an open heart that I would receive a witness. And then it happened... a sister got up (whom I actually really like and enjoy her company but had never even thought of to pray about) and as she is talking, I start getting these impressions like "She would be really great!" and "She'd work well with the YW" etc and THEN she starts sharing that in her Patriarchal blessing it talks about how she will be called to work with the youth and that the youth of the church sorely need her, etc.  At this point, my whole insides are BURNING and there is no doubt in my mind that this is who Heavenly Father was telling me to submit... so immediately after Sacrament meeting, I submitted her name!  The other funny thing is that both of my counselors came up to me and said that they felt very moved by that Sister's testimony and they thought she'd be a great addition to YW.  Anyway, I just felt so very known that Heavenly Father would give such direct guidance and revelation to me in regards to finding a name to submit...

And here's the rest of the story... This Sister was indeed called and sustained. When we got together for the first time, I asked if she wanted to hear the story about how her name came to me. She did, and listened very intently. Afterward, she was very emotional and told me how all that week the Spirit had been whispering to her that she needed to bare her testimony that Sunday and that she needed to share that specific part of her Patriarchal Blessing. She said that she knew someone was trying to make a decision about her regarding a calling. That Sunday, she said that the Spirit was soooo strong prompting her to get up. She said that she was willing to get up, but she felt foolish sharing about her Patriarchal Blessing but listened to the Spirit and the words flowed! We were both so touched that Heavenly Father played such an integral part of this process for the both of us.

FORGOTTEN KEYS

Jan 2014

I love that I know Heavenly Father is aware of each of us! Even down to the smallest thing... We had the keys to the Franks' apartment and John and the older boys were heading there to let them in and Heavenly Father impressed upon my mind that they had left without the keys. A quick call to them, confirmed that they didn't have the keys and immediately turned around :)  I'm also so incredibly thankful that even though it is sooooo cold here, we are enjoying our time and like being in North Dakota! I'm also grateful that he opened up ways for us to take over the Veazey home! We are all just soooo excited about it!!! And I'm also super grateful that Heavenly Father has kept us safe on the icy roads and the icy paths as we are loading and unloading the trucks :)  He is so mindful of us! 

 

REVELATION FROM MOM'S FAST

August 2014

had a wonderful Fast Sunday today! I was mainly fasting about homeschooling and the direction to take (and what to teach, etc...) and I've just had an amazing day and could feel Heavenly Father's love for me and for my desire to teach the kids! I also read back through older journal entries (of my scripture journal) and there were so many truths that spoke to my heart that I had written down! Some of my thoughts and perceptions during this fasting and studying are:

* Do not be weary because I am laying the foundation of a great work!
* More important that academics, it is Heavenly Fathers will that we homeschool to build our Eternal Family! Academics are certainly important and will not be neglected! But I need to remember that Heavenly Father is the overseer and wants me (and each of the kids) to be successful. He also has faith in my abilities :)
* I can provide a good home and education for the kids by small, consistent things (and when added all together, they become GREAT things!) ie: daily Enrichments, encouraging, providing educational items and avenues that pursue their interests, reading each day (together and independently), playing games (and learning through them!), singing, etc... Heavenly Father will guide me, all that he requires of me is my heart and willingness!
* Read D&C 6:14 and remember that as often as I have inquires of the Lord, I have received instruction!
* From Pres. Uchtdorf's last General Conference talk on Gratitude - I need to remember to CHOOSE (that's been my "word" since last GC) and remember to CHOOSE daily to be  happy, to be grateful, to follow Christ, to Homeschool, to be purposeful, to be a missionary, to be present in my children's life.
* I love Sister Reeves GC talk from April 2014 and this quote from her: " It is OK if the house is a mess and the children are still in the pajamas and some responsibilities are left undone. The only things that really need to be accomplished in the home are: Daily Scripture Study, Daily Prayer and Weekly FHE. Concentrate on these important things  and everything else WILL fall into place. It doesn't mean that all will be easy, but peace and happiness will come as we do the most essential things first."   After I read this portion of her talk, I decided that I should pray and find out what the "essential things" for my family are - however, the thought came IMMEDIATELY that Sister Reeves was inspired to tell the world what those essential things were and that they were the same for everyone!
* I also had some learning games come to my mind that would be beneficial to the younger kids with their math :)
* After spending much time in reading, pondering and praying, I came to the realization that the Academics will come! He will inspire and lead me to programs and curriculum that will be the most beneficial to the kids! We will all succeed! But more important that the academics - this truly is our time to build and become an Eternal Family!

MOVING TO BILLINGS, MT

Jan 2016

We are so grateful for the guidance that the Lord gives us and that we can go to him in prayer with BIG decisions in life! After visiting the city of Billings and getting a feel for the job there and the housing market, we felt we were in a position to make an informed decision on whether or not to take the job. We both had feelings of "home" while driving around the city and it just seemed like a great fit for our family!! After lengthy discussions, we felt that the Lord wanted us there and that our family would find lots of happiness. So... off we went to the Temple to pray about our decision. We both felt peaceful and joyous and that it was the right decision to move. I can't imagine making these big, life-changing decisions without the help of the Lord! We know that if we follow the Lord in all things that we will be blessed. We have made some life-long friends here in Minot - and we will be sad to leave them! However, we know the Lord is watching over us and I'm certain that we will make new (life-long) friends and love our time in Billings! Let the packing begin!!

A NEW CALLING

August 2017

Well, it was an exciting day at church! I (mom) got released from my calling as the Cub Scout Wolf Leader and from being a Primary teacher. I was then sustained as the new Primary President. The last time I held that calling - John was deployed to Iraq (so it's been a while!) There are only 56 children in the Primary (compared to the 200 I was over in Nampa!) and I've got some wonderful women to help as my Counselors (Ava Crookston, Deva McNiven and Diane Carter). I've spent a lot of time in the scriptures this week and on my knees seeking revelation on who I should recommend to the Bishopric to be my new Presidency Counselors. It's such a fascinating process to me - the process of selecting Counselors! It really solidifies how much Callings are from Heavenly Father! A sister that I have probably only said 5 words to, came straight away into my mind and after praying, I KNEW she was the one that was to be my 1st Counselor. It has been a spiritual week for me going through that process and having them all be called and sustained today in church beside me was wonderful ❤ Personal Revelation is just the neatest thing in the world!!! We don't ever have to wonder if what we're doing is "right" or not... we can have confirmation that the path we are on or decisions that we've made are the ones that will bring us the most happiness in this life!! Anyway, I am pretty excited to serve in this new calling and think things are going to go well! Unfortunately all of the new Presidency (besides myself) are gone next week - but thankfully the previous Presidency will continue to help me next week :) It is so important to teach the children the gospel and how to recognize the feelings of the Holy Ghost. Several of the kids from my class were sad that I wasn't going to be their teacher anymore (and I'll miss them, too - especially Aubrie and Lexi!) but I know that this is where the Lords wants me for the time being and I am happy and willing to serve all of the children in the ward (and not just the 8-9 year olds that I was teaching). 

MAKING PEACE

Oct 2017

Written by Ben... So there's been this girl at church who's in my Sunday School class and Seminary class. To say that we haven't gotten along would be an understatement. I have had lots of ill feelings towards her and maybe not been the nicest to her at times (in my defense, she has been 10x's worse to me! but there's no excuse for being mean to someone). Anyway, my family has been urging me to pray for her - kind of like the home teaching lesson I gave about loving our enemies - but I didn't want to. They even tried praying for her in our family prayers, but I didn't like that either. Then on Thursday in Seminary I received a very powerful and strong witness from the Spirit that I was to make peace with her. I was really scared because I thought she wouldn't accept my apology and act all snotty. But after class I asked if I could talk to her and she said "sure" and so we went out into the hall. I told her that I was sorry how I'd been acting lately and I didn't want to be like that anymore. She thanked me for my apology and then went back into the class. My Seminary teacher said that when she came back in, she was smiling from ear to ear! My Seminary teacher was also so very happy and proud of me and it brought tears to her eyes. I also know that my parents are really happy and proud of me, and most of all, I know that Heavenly Father is proud of me. I'm grateful for the Holy Ghost and the guidance he gives me in my life. I always want to live worthy of his companionship!  

BLESSED TENFOLD

March 2018

So I know I've shared that my heart has recently turned more towards Family History lately, but I don't think I've shared WHY or WHAT brought upon that change... so here's the story. Back in November (2017) when we really made the commitment to get out of debt I kept thinking of what I could do to get us to our financial goals quicker and decided that I needed to get a job! I figured I had a few hours a week that I could devote to an online job so my quest to find the perfect one began! After researching my options, I decided that being a transcriptionist would fit with my talents, would be flexible and I would enjoy the work. So I applied at a company and soon was hired to transcribe interviews and podcasts - so they could have subtitles and such. However, I kept having a really "off" feeling about doing this and decided that I needed to pray about this decision (it was going to be very part time and only bringing in about $250/month - but I figured that would almost make an extra van payment each month and would be beneficial)... Anyway, so I go to pray about working at this job and I immediately get the answer to NOT take it! I then get very direct further inspiration that says if I take those few hours that I was planning on working at that job and apply those same hours to Family History work that we will be greatly blessed and John will be blessed at work and be able to bring in larger bonuses that would be "tenfold" of what I could potentially make. So this started me off on my journey of being better and more diligent about my Genealogy and Family History! I'd been waiting for the last quarter bonuses to be paid out (which was in March). I want to say that I had complete Faith that our Bonus would be the biggest yet but sadly, I still had doubts (wondering if I'd done "enough" or if I had really gotten that answer, etc) but when the Bonus came in, it knocked our socks off and was 3x's what we were *hoping* for (the largest we'd ever seen in the 5 years of working for Rain for Rent!) and definitely well beyond the "tenfold" of what I could have made working at transcribing podcasts! Not only did have we been blessed financially, but we have also been blessed in other ways - most specifically in Spiritual experiences that I've had as I've searched for our ancestors, found them, included them in our family tree and then done their Temple work! That is what really makes it all worth it! That is God's purpose - to bring to pass the Immortality and Eternal Life of Man and by doing Family History I am aligning my purposes with His! And it's another Faith building experience for me! He always delivers on his promises and I need to remember that and not doubt! 

PERSONAL REVELATION

May 2018

Personal Revelation. I've been thinking on this for quite some time and also studying about it. In the scriptures, it tells us that as we search for the "mysteries of God" they will be unfolded unto us as (basically in the form of personal revelation) and as we continue to build upon that and keep moving forward with open hearts and open minds then more and more is revealed. However, the opposite is true as well - if we close off our hearts and minds and don't act upon things that have been revealed to us, then we aren't given any further "mysteries of God". I kind of had an "aha" moment in regards to this in relation with personal revelation - if we are given revelation (in the form of a thought, feeling, prompting, etc) and we ACT upon it (even if we don't know the end result but only are given enough insight for the first step), then the next step will be revealed as we move forward in faith - and if we continue acting (in faith) upon each subsequent revelation, we will eventually end up exactly where Heavenly Father wants us!

For example, when this whole job opportunity in Boise came up - we were prompted (as we prayed) that we should meet with Xylem and learn more about the opportunity. We didn't get the answer that "YES! You're moving to Boise!" at this point, but as we acted on that personal revelation and met with them, we felt that we should move on to the next step on interviewing with them (again, still hadn't gotten the answer that we were definitely supposed to move to Boise) and as we completed that step, we prayed for more mysteries to be unfolded to us and eventually we did get the answer that moving to Boise was exactly where the Lord wants us! I think back to that first impression that we were to meet and learn more - what if we didn't act on that revelation? No further revelation or mysteries would have been given because we didn't ACT upon what God had already given us. I know that it is very important to always act upon our promptings and as we do so, the Lord will keep revealing his will to us and know that he can count on us to fulfill his purposes here on earth.

Backstory - here is a write up that I did on the job in Boise...

Mom and dad had a (paid for) work dinner with all of dads employees (and their spouses) to celebrate 3 years without any safety recordables. It was at a nice Mexican Restaurant where dad had the steak and mom had a taco salad. It was on the way home from this work dinner that we received a call that would set us on a  roller coaster ride and shake up plans that we thought we had in place! We were asked if we'd be interested in taking a job in Boise and if so, there was a company who was very interested in pursuing dad. It didn't take long to say that we'd be interested in finding out more and seeing where that interest led. This was on a Thursday night and by Friday we had an interview set up for the following Wednesday (where they would travel here to Billings to interview dad). That interview went extremely well and 2 follow up ones were scheduled for the following week. Things were moving FAST and we felt joy and happiness about the prospect of being back in the Boise valley near family and friends.We were told that we'd hear something "within days not weeks" but here is where the story slows down a bit! haha...The HR gal that writes up the offers went on vacation for a week (aaack!) then she got back and got to work on it but then got sick and was out of the office (no!!!) and the last we heard was that yesterday (Friday, March 27th) she was back at work and finished the offer and has submitted it for approval and that we *should* receive it on Monday. While all of this waiting game was going on, the company did call John and tell him that he was being offered the job and told what pay and benefits were being written up in the offer - so at least we know what's coming! Part of the offer was more than we were expecting while another part of it was a little lower than what we were expecting/hoping for. Once the official offer arrives, we will counter and see what happens from there. However this has made for several weeks of an emotional roller coaster!

BULLET JOURNALS FOR HOMESCHOOLING

August 2017

This time of year - moreso than at other times - I am all consumed with homeschooling! Looking up the latest resources, connecting with others and trying to decide what will be the best fit for each of the kids! The biggest thing that comes into play with this is PERSONAL REVELATION!! I'm so very grateful that I can pray and simply ask if something would be best for us or not! I know that as I continue to do this and really follow the promptings of the Spirit we will have a great year! One of the things that I've been feeling strongly about (and am super excited to implement!) are Bullet Journals for each of the kids! I really have been feeling like they should be the ones to record what they do each day and take more charge of their education! I love the bullet journals because we can make Trackers for all sorts of things (Books read, goals completed, documentaries watched, etc) and also keep track of our daily/weekly and monthly tasks all in one place! I've let the kids each pick out their own journals and we'll be decorating them and getting them ready to use on the first day (shortly after Labor Day)... Also through prayer, I've been lead to an incredible new curriculum that I am excited to implement and have also been inspired on exactly what to do for Ben's Math! I love how Heavenly Father is in the very details of our lives and can be such an integral part of our schooling experience!

BEN RECEIVES HIS PATRIARCHAL BLESSING

September 2018

Ben received his Patriarchal Blessing this month!  Talk about a Spiritual High! He invited Seth to attend and so the 4 of us (he, Seth, dad and I) were all able to be in attendance for this beautiful occasion! We had encouraged Ben to go to the blessing while Fasting and told him that we would Fast along with him - which I thought was neat thing and bring about the Spirit even more so. The Patriarch had both dad and I bear our testimonies to Ben and then had Ben share his feelings with us. He also had dad, Seth and I share one word that described Ben and those words were: Faithful (dad), Leader (mom) and Cheerful (Seth). He encouraged Ben to write those 3 words at the top of his blessing and see how they would impact him and his interpretation of things throughout his life. The blessing was spiritual and beautiful and showed us exactly who and How Heavenly Father sees Ben! We are all super anxious for the hard copy to arrive sometime in the next week so we can re-read it and really ponder the words and blessing promised to him throughout his life.

WRITING DOWN REVELATION

October 2018

I have made a goal to attend 2 Endowment sessions each week - I'm happy to report that so far, I have succeeded in that goal AND I have taken action upon that inspiration that I needed to keep a journal of thoughts, feelings and revelation that I receive while in the Temple. I have been given an assignment (for November 18th) to speak in the 35th Ward on Family Councils and this has been very much on the forefront of my mind. I think of it while reading my scriptures, listening to talks and as I went to the Temple, I prayed about what direction Heavenly Father wanted me to go with on this topic. Early on, I did receive a few thoughts - but I wanted MORE! I wanted to think of specific examples from my life to be able to share and implement into the talk. As I kept reading, pondering, praying and attending the Temple with this subject on my mind, it seemed like the Heavens were closed and I wasn't able to receive anymore light. It was then that I realized that I hadn't written down any of my former thoughts and feelings and so decided to do so... the super amazing thing is that ONCE I started writing down all that had been given to me (up to that point) then my mind opened up and I was able to recall  personal experiences and additional things to study that might be of help to me! This brought me back and reminded me that when I showed Heavenly Father that what he had already given to me was of importance (and I wrote them down!) then, further revelation was able to happen. It's like that little bit of light was given and as I proceeded forth in faith - the next steps were able to be shown to me :)

PERSONAL PASSION LEARNING

November 2018

I've been super concerned about some of Ben's homeschooling program and realizing that there is still SO MUCH for him to learn before he graduates next year! He does great with his one-on-one classes with me AND he does great when learning about things that he's interested in but not so much when he doesn't think something is useful or beneficial to him... so this was a question I was going to take to the Temple (What can I do to make sure Ben is getting everything that he needs in regards to his education). In my morning prayer one morning I mentioned how that was the question I'd be taking to the Temple and hoping to receive revelation on. Then an AMAZING thing happened... The words "You don't have to wait until you're in the Temple - I'll tell you what you need to know right now!"came into my mind! (AMAZING, RIGHT?!)   Then I got the revelation that I need to institute a minimum of 1 hour a day of "Personal Passion Learning" for Ben. This is where he will dedicate at least an hour a day researching, learning or delving into ANYTHING he wants to learn about - it could be anything from watching a documentary on Netflix to watching a Ted Talk on YouTube or listening to the (many!) wonderful podcasts to researching on wikipedia or signing up and doing an online course. I spent quite a bit of time compiling many resources and links to help him in this endeavor and to give him safe places and a spring board of ideas. As part of this, he will be keeping a journal and writing down summaries of what he learns each day. When I approached Ben with this and shared with him my experience he said he truly felt this was inspired of the Lord and he is super excited to implement this! We are kicking this off this coming week and so in addition to his Seminary, Enrichment, Math, Chemistry, History, Shakespeare and writing, he will be doing an hour of his "Personal Passion" Learning. We'll report back on how this plays out. This is also another reason why I love homeschooling! I can turn to the Lord (who loves my Benny more than anyone - and wants him to be successful!) and can receive revelation on what exactly he needs! I'm thankful for the opportunity to teach him and to guide him with attaining knowledge.


 

SCRIPTURES

BEN'S PRIMARY TALK ON THE SCRIPTURES
February 2011

Ben was assigned the talk in Primary today.
He wrote it all by himself.
He typed it all by himself.

He is 8 years old.
I'm very proud of him...

the  scriptures teach heavenly fathers  plan because there  so powerful  that it change our lives forever

with joy'' the scriptures are heavenly fathers words written down to us. and there also his teachings

to us. and the word of god  his teaching are in scriptures so that people can read them 

in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

RECOMMITTING

Nov 2013

I've realized that I'd been getting too relaxed on my personal scripture study and so I decided that this was the week to remedy that! I was able to get up earlier than all of the kids each day this week and I started off the morning with watching a talk from conference.  I would then pray and ponder about what I should study in the scriptures. With my journal in hand, I had some really need personal revelation moments this week - like in 2Ne:1 (particularly vs 21) I felt it was speaking directly toward me and "[our family] Must arise and be determined in one mind and in one heart, UNITED in all things."

Also in Alma 56:29 where the Nephites are getting daily reinforcements for their army and the Lamanites are fearful and sally forth to put an end to it. I know that our homeschooling and daily enrichments, FHE, Family scripture study, Family prayer, etc are the DAILY REINFORCEMENTS for our family and the adversary doesn't like it. He is fearful and will try to stop it any way he can!

And finally, a verse that I have read many times took on a new meaning for me this week!
D&C 88:83 "He that seeketh me early shall find me, and shall not be forsaken." 
All of my life, I have taken this as seeking to know the truth of the gospel early (as pertaining to our earthly mortal years) HOWEVER, this week I felt that if I continue to rise early before the kids and seek out Heavenly Father's will through the scriptures, then He will be with me all throughout the day and guide me in all that I do :)

 

 
 
PEACE GOING TO KOREA

August 2014

I'm giving the Relief Society lesson next Sunday (but since Stephanie will be here, I've been preparing it this week)... it is on the power of the Book of Mormon and how we can find answers to our prayers/questions within it's pages. So I've been able to reflect and ponder on times when I have received answers through reading the Book of Mormon. Truthfully, there are numerous times for me, but one that stands out in particular was when Dad received his first military orders to Korea. Seth was only 2 weeks old when we found out and I was so sad that that our little family would be apart for entire year! However, through my daily studying of the Book of Mormon, Heavenly Father's will was made known to me that we should pay for our own way and follow dad to Korea. This was super scary and many people tried to discourage us from going (except Grandma and Grandpa Carlson - they were VERY supportive and encouraging since they had lived in Korea and gave us advice on how we could make it work, etc)... I remember one night being very discouraged and scared about the unknown and so I got up at about 3am and cried as I poured my heart out to Heavenly Father in prayer. I had such a sweet feeling of peace come over me and I just KNEW everything would work out for our good. However, it wasn't too many days later that the discouragement returned and I went to the scriptures for solace. As I was opening my scripture study with prayer, I was impressed to read D&C section 6. In these verses my testimony of the scriptures grew - as did my testimony that Heavenly Father is aware of us and truly knows us! That morning as I studied Section 6, I read these words in verses 22 & 23:

22  Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things.

23 Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?

Those verses hit me like a ton of bricks and I could not deny the truth of my witness that I had that night as I literally cried unto the Lord.  Ever since then I have known that the scriptures were written for US.. in these DAYS! Heavenly Father IS aware of us and of what we are going through. I'm so grateful that I have these sacred words and that my life can have more power as I partake of their truths!

PROMISED BLESSINGS FROM READING THE SCRIPTURES

April 2015

Today during Sacrament Meeting, the Bishop issued a challenge for all families/Individuals to take time to read 2 pages of the Book of Mormon and to really study it (not just casually read). We have decided to take his challenge and counsel to heart and to do this as a family. We try to have family scripture study most nights (but it's usually only like 10 verses or so followed by a short discussion of what we read) but I'm looking forward to making our study time more purposeful and meaningful. I know that as we do this the promised blessings (from our Prophets) will be fulfilled. Some of those blessings are:

* A strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments
* Our spirit of Reverance will increase
* Mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow
* A stronger testimony of the son of God
* An added measure of the spirit of the Lord in our lives and homes
* We will enjoy the things of the Lord
* Power to stay on the straight and narrow path
* Power to avoid deception 
* A greater power to resist temptation
* We will have peace, joy and happiness
* Faith, hope and charity will abound in our homes
* Righteousness will increase
* Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents
* Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom
* The spirit of contention will depart

I am grateful for the teachings of the gospel and for the writings of the Book of Mormon to help us along our journey of mortality. I'm excited to dive deeper into its teachings with the kids and to see these promised blessings pour into our lives.

ISAIAH 8: 20 

Nov 2015

I recently was re-reading my Scripture Journal and thought I'd share something I wrote last week as I was reading in Isaiah ch. 8.  A question for the reading that was presented was "In verse 20, what is one test we can use to avoid spiritual deception?" The answer that Isaiah gives is if "they speak not according to the law or to the testimony." So basically if their words are not in harmony with the preaching of Christ's gospel. I then came across a quote by Ezra Taft Benson that went a bit further and he gives three tests that we can use to avoid being deceived. They are:

1) What do the standard works say about it?
2) What do the latter day Presidents of the church have to say on the subject - particularly the living Prophet
3) The Holy Ghost - the test of the Spirit. Moroni 10:5 tells us that by the Spirit we may know the truth of ALL things. Of course this test can only be freely effective if one's channels and communication with God are clean, virtuous and uncluttered with sin.

We then had the opportunity to put this to the test during our morning Enrichment time! Ben didn't see any problem with some of the words that he was using (they weren't swear words, but "ugly" words that were used to put down others) and so we looked up with the standards were for language in For the Strength of Youth and discussed how it specifically stated that "Speak kindly and positively about others. Choose not to insult others or put them down, even in joking. Avoid gossip of any kind and avoid speaking in anger." We then turned to what the prophets have said about language over the years and how they counsel us to use our language to uplift and edify ourselves and those around us. We talked about how the ancient prophets in the Bible used their words to beget mighty miracles - So if it is by words that miracles are commanded and things are created – should we not consider the power of our words in our everyday lives?  We looked up verses on how Jesus spoke to others and saw how he made others feel good and lifted them up. So if we want to truly be Christlike, we should be seeking to build and to lift.  It is impossible to imagine Christ going up to his friends calling them names or insulting them just in joking.  His tongue was tamed and only filled with hope and love.
I also found this super cute poem and we committed that in our family, we wanted to be "builders" and not "wreckers":

BUILDERS OR WRECKERS

I watched them tearing a building down,

A gang of men in a busy town.

With a ho-heave-ho and lusty yell,

They swing a beam and a sidewall fell.

I asked the foreman, "Are these men skilled,

As the men you'd hire if you had to build?"

He gave me a laugh and said "No indeed!"

Just common labor is all I need.

I can easily wreck in a day or two

What builders have taken a year to do."

And I tho't to myself as I went my way,

Which of these two roles have I tried to play?

Am I a builder who works with care,

Measuring life by the rule and square?

Am I shaping my deeds by a well-made plan,

Patiently doing the best I can?

Or am I a wrecker who walks the town,

Content with the labor or tearing down?

-Unknown

A BISHOP'S CHALLENGE
June 2016

Written by Ben... So, earlier this month, our bishop gave all the Teachers and Priests a challenge: to read the Book of Mormon before Trek (don't quote me on the exact date).
Now, at first I wasn't going to do it (because, quite frankly, I've never had a hunger to read the scriptures), but then our bishop mentioned, and I quote "I'll be taking everyone who finishes on time to go get burgers and ice cream."
So, right then is where I got my motivation.
The first few days went by and I totally 'Forgot' about it, but just three days ago, I was outside on the porch with my mom whining to her on how I haven't had the motivation to write on my novel lately, and how it really really sucks.
So she then starts to go on, saying "Maybe you should start reading the Scriptures every morning. Maybe that will help."
Being a teenager, I totally blew that idea out of the way.
How was reading the scriptures supposed to help me write a novel?
But a few moments later I look over at her, saying "So, you're saying that if I read the Book of Mormon, Heavenly Father will give me motivation?"
She nods, "Uh-huh, I promise."
I was feeling desperate, so I promised myself to start reading the next morning.

I woke up pretty early the following morning: 8:45-ish.
I grabbed my phone, headed upstairs, and sat down next to my mom (who was already doing her study).
I then, without saying a single word, pulled up the Book of Mormon on my phone and began to read.
At first I was only going to do ONE chapter.
Well. . . that first chapter turned into a second chapter.
Then a third.
A fourth.
And a fifth.
I didn't know why, but I actually craved to learn more about the word of God.
It didn't feel like a chore.
Or a burden.
So, after five chapters, I put my phone out and decided to pray.
I prayed for motivation to write on my novel, and stuff like that.
And what do ya know? I instantly had the urge to write.
I felt happy and peaceful.
And throughout the course of the whole day, I was able to map out the rest of my novel.
Not to mention how awesome I felt.

The next day I woke up almost around the same time.
I rushed downstairs, grabbed my phone, and began reading.
This time I only really aimed for two chapters (I felt an urge to write still).
But, those one or two chapters, turned into another five.
Again, for the rest of the entire day, I felt motivated to write.
I also felt happy and peaceful. . .

I definitely have a testimony about reading the scriptures now.
I know reading them will seriously help you out and will automatically shape your day out to be great.
I also know, without a doubt, that reading the scriptures everyday will help you overcome trials and blockings ~ Ben

AN APOSTLE'S CHALLENGE

April 2017

President Russell M.Nelson gave a challenge to:
1. Study everything Jesus SAID and DID in the Old Testament
2. Study His LAWS as recorded in the New Testament
3. Study His DOCTRINE as recorded in the Book of Mormon
4. Study His WORDS in the Doctrine and Covenants

He promised that as we took the time to study these verses, that our Love for Christ and for God's Laws would grow beyond what we could currently imagine.

I have been taking on this challenge and can already feel my testimony increase of the Savior.  This week most of my studying was about how Christ is our Advocate unto the Father. It has been strengthening my testimony of how much Heavenly Father loves us! He WANTS ALL of his children to return to His presence and he knew that wouldn't be possible without a Savior. Christ has the power to make intercession for each one of us - to be OUR Advocate and plead before the Father on our behalf that He has already paid the price for our sins. All because He LOVES us so much!

A PROPHETS COUNSEL

May 2017

So last Sunday (Fast Sunday), as I was praying and pondering and studying I read a quote by Ezra Taft Benson that said: "We should make daily study of the scriptures a lifetime pursuit...The MOST IMPORTANT thing you can do is to immerse yourselves in the scriptures." This really touched me! A Prophet of God has told us what the MOST IMPORTANT thing we can do with our time - WOW!!! My 20-40 minutes of scripture study in the morning is good, BUT that's not immersing myself in them or giving them them my highest priority or importance! I was not following the counsel of a Prophet of God!   Then I got to thinking that if the scriptures were truly so important to me, I would run to them any chance I could (vs. running to the computer or my phone or the TV, etc... because when I do that, my actions are showing God that these things are more important to me) Soooo... I issued myself a challenge that for one week, whenever I had "free time" (where I would normally hop on the computer or my phone or TV) I would choose to study the scriptures/Conference Talk/Teachings of the Prophets instead and see how the week goes... As you can imagine, I felt uplifted, encouraged, happy, peaceful, ready to take on anything that life threw at me (I was equipped with the exact words to share with Ben as we had hour long talks each day about his doubts and questions - and I also used this precious study time to research more questions Ben was asking). I learned so much about acquiring Spiritual Knowledge, about Personal Revelation, about finding answers to our questions, about Humbling ourselves, and looking for precious Principles hidden within the stories of the scriptures! (Now if I'm being honest, there were a few times at the end of a long day that I would think "Man! I'd love to just sit and relax in front of the TV!! hahah...but I turned to more study instead and you know what - once I started reading those first words, I was hooked again and the TV had no allure over me!)

WORDS OF AN APOSTLE

May 2017

Finding the Principles! A few weeks ago I was reading a conference talk by Elder Richard G. Scott and it was all about Revelation - and I loved it! One thing that stuck out to me was that of finding PRINCIPLES during our Scripture Study (a Principle is truth that works in any situation). As I dug further into this concept, I came across an analogy about a gold miner. It went on to explain that the rocks (that the gold veins are encompassed in) are necessary and nice but what the Miner is really there for is the GOLD - and that he has to dig deeper and chip away the rock to get to it. Same with our Scriptures - the stories that we read are nice, but what we're really after are the PRINCIPLES that they hold! This made so much sense to me and got me looking at the stories that I'm so familiar with in such a different light! I have even gone so far as to get a separate "Principles Journal" that I am writing these discovered truths in. The very first time I attempted looking for the principles, I decided to just continue reading where I was currently at - Moroni ch. 1 - which happens to be only 4 verses long. I was a bit worried that I wouldn't be able to find the principles but as I really pondered the story that was being told, I was able to chip it away and find the underlying truths that it held. Those truths that I gained from these 4 short verses were:

1. Journals are written for our posterity's benefit
2. Stand up for Christ, no matter the consequence

As I've continued incorporating this deliberate act of seeking out the Principles, my little journal is quickly filling up with beautiful truths that will help guide my life.

ASK IN FAITH

Oct 2017

Ben here... So I was seeking an answer for my normal, everyday life and I didn't know what to do to receive it. So my mom suggested that I pray, read the scriptures and ponder my question. I agreed and the next morning I started off my scripture study with a prayer, asking specifically the question that had been on my heart. After reading 5 chapters in the Book of Mormon, I got my answer clear as day!! I was so astonished! It was so cool to know that God is aware of me and that he really answered my question! I promise that if you ask with Faith, you can receive and answer by reading scriptures, praying and pondering.

3rd NEPHI 1

Nov 2017

While studying 3rd Nephi 1, I read how the people begin to forget about the signs and wonders that they have (already) seen and heard and they are "less astonished" at further signs and wonders that they are shown/given.  I found this very relatable to me! If we don't write down the signs and wonders given to us from God - it is very easy to forget them over time (if even at the time we think it is so significant and influential that we'll NEVER forget!) So what do we need to do? WRITE DOWN SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES! Not only for ourselves to reflect back on BUT also for others to read about and grow from our personal faith and experiences.

FLECKS OF GOLD

June 2018

During my Scripture study one morning I was reading in Alma 37 about how the Lord uses Small Things to accomplish Great Works and I read an accompanying quote from our Prophet - Russell M. Nelson that really spoke to me. It said: "What are the precious , simple things of the gospel that bring clarity and purpose into our lives? What are the gospel flecks of gold whose patient accumulation over time will reward us with the ultimate treasure - the precious gift of eternal life?.... The gospel is SIMPLE and we should strive to make our lives similarly simple."

I pondered on what those small flecks of gold in my life are/could be in my life and came up with:
- Daily reading, pondering and studying of the scriptures
- Weekly FHE
- Weekly church attendance and partaking of the Sacrament
- Fulfilling my calling
- Daily personal, couple and family prayer
- Regular Enrichments with the kids
- Diligently teaching the kids (and remembering that daily chunks of reading with Nathan WILL BRING great results!)
- Spending time with the family
- Making Family Memories
- Working on Family History

This list of things are fairly simple and small on their own, but if accumulated (over my lifetime) can assist me in accomplishing a great work and rewarding me with the "Ultimate Treasure" as President Nelson calls it!

PROVERBS 3:5-6

September 2018

I (mom) was asked to give the Spiritual Thought at one of the (many) meetings I've attended in the last 2 weeks and thought I'd share it here as it's one that is great to be reminded from time to time. I took it Proverbs 3:5-6 which read:

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

In those verses we are given 2 Admonitions (To Trust in the Lord and to Acknowledge him), 1 Warning (Not to lean unto our own understanding) and 1 Promise (If we do these things, he shall direct our Paths <-- all of them, not just one). 

I then went on to share the visual that Sister Bonnie Cardon gave in General Conference a couple of years ago from her Talk titled "Trust in the Lord" - based on these same scripture verses. She says that when we physically lean (one way or the other) we become off centered and out of balance and that the same is true when we spiritually lean (unto our own understanding), we become not centered on Christ. She finishes up her talk by stating HOW we can stay centered on Christ, and those are: (1) Feast upon the words of Christ (2) Pray (3) Serve others. As we do these things and really come to know our Savior, we will be better able to Trust in Him.

HEAVEN JOURNALING

September 2018

I recently joined a 30 day challenge of "Heaven Journaling" - which is when you take a specific question to the Lord each day in prayer and then flip open your scriptures randomly and read until you receive an answer OR if you felt inspired to read in a particular book/section to go there and read  until you get an answer. Then you write down all of the thoughts and impressions and then close your session with another prayer. I have done this off and on over the past couple of years but I hadn't done it in a while and so when this 30 day challenge popped up, I decided I'd like to do it! I have LOVED getting such direct personal revelation daily! My questions have ranged from broad (like: What do you want me to learn today?) to more specific (like: Should we join the Saints and Scholars Homeschool Co-op? or How can I be the kind of mother August needs? and "What can I do to always be prepared for my new calling as the 2nd Counselor in the Stake YW Presidency?"). One morning I asked "What should I teach in Enrichment today?" and before I even finished my prayer, THE PRIESTHOOD came very directly into my mind. With Nathan receiving the Priesthood in a couple of weeks, I felt that we should be focusing on that even moreso until then. So I spent that morning studying all about the Priesthood and shared  my thoughts with the kids during Enrichment. I LOVE that the Heavens are still opened to us today! I have a very strong testimony of personal revelation and that Heavenly Father is there to guide us and direct us in our paths and he wants us to inquire of him with our questions - large or small, broad or specific and HE WILL answer us! The saying goes "If you want to talk to God, then Pray. If you want God to talk to you, then read the scriptures!" 

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WE CAN DO

May 2017

So last Sunday (Fast Sunday), as I was praying and pondering and studying I read a quote by Ezra Taft Benson that said: "We should make daily study of the scriptures a lifetime pursuit...The MOST IMPORTANT thing you can do is to immerse yourselves in the scriptures." This really touched me! A Prophet of God has told us what the MOST IMPORTANT thing we can do with our time - WOW!!! My 20-40 minutes of scripture study in the morning is good, BUT that's not immersing myself in them or giving them them my highest priority or importance! I was not following the counsel of a Prophet of God!   Then I got to thinking that if the scriptures were truly so important to me, I would run to them any chance I could (vs. running to the computer or my phone or the TV, etc... because when I do that, my actions are showing God that these things are more important to me) Soooo... I issued myself a challenge that for one week, whenever I had "free time" (where I would normally hop on the computer or my phone or TV) I would choose to study the scriptures/Conference Talk/Teachings of the Prophets instead and see how the week goes... As you can imagine, I felt uplifted, encouraged, happy, peaceful, ready to take on anything that life threw at me (I was equipped with the exact words to share with Ben as we had hour long talks each day about his doubts and questions - and I also used this precious study time to research more questions Ben was asking). I learned so much about acquiring Spiritual Knowledge, about Personal Revelation, about finding answers to our questions, about Humbling ourselves, and looking for precious Principles hidden within the stories of the scriptures! (Now if I'm being honest, there were a few times at the end of a long day that I would think "Man! I'd love to just sit and relax in front of the TV!! hahah...but I turned to more study instead and you know what - once I started reading those first words, I was hooked again and the TV had no allure over me!)