Preparing a Talk: Where to Start?

I was asked to speak this Sunday in sacrament meeting. I knew it was probably coming soon because my husband recently had to speak without me. But, there is always a little bit of that, “Why did I answer the phone?” kind of feeling when you get asked to speak. I really don’t mind speaking that much, because in recent years, I’ve written down my talk practically word for word, and I find that helps me to ease the nerves. However, the worst part for me is just figuring out what I want to say, and organizing my thoughts. So, … Continue reading →

Scriptures that Strengthen Me as a Mother

Being a mother is one of the biggest responsibilities in this life. It is not an easy one. It is stressful, and complicated, and tests your patience like nothing I’ve ever experienced. It is wonderful too, but sometimes, I think we as moms need to be reassured, strengthened, and shown love. Unfortunately, we don’t always get that from the little people we take care of. But, there is one person that is there for us, and that is our Heavenly Father. Today I was thinking about some of the scriptures that bring me strength as a mother. And, I immediately … Continue reading →

Have You Ever Kept A Scripture Journal?

These days it seems like we are living in a digital world. I have the scriptures on my IPod that I can easily pull out and read. In church, I frequently see people using their smart devices to read their scriptures in class. My primary chorister even uses her IPad to lead the music each week. While technology is a beautiful tool, I wonder about its effects on my own scripture study. No longer do we use red pencils to read our scriptures. And, are the days gone where your children might catch you reading your scriptures and be inspired … Continue reading →

Make December Meaningful

Last year at this time I was frantically planning our ward Christmas party. This year, I hope to be relaxing a bit more and taking care of a newborn babe. I have worked hard in previous months to get things “done” in an easy way like shopping online, leaving the decorating to someone else, and not planning too many activities. I look forward to sleepless nights with my little baby because I hope to be nursing by a Christmas tree and thinking about what is truly important this special time of year. I hope the slower pace will help me … Continue reading →

Back to the Scriptures

I’ve been thinking lately about making a confession. Well, it’s not really a confession, seeing as technically, we don’t confess to others in our church, but I have been feeling lately that I need to start reading my scriptures more. Do you do this? Do you go through cycles where you do really good, and then for one reason or another, you trail off, and stop reading altogether? I do. And, I’m ashamed to admit, that I’m skipping reading my scriptures a lot more than I should these days. The theme this year in primary is “I know the scriptures … Continue reading →

How Well do YOU Know the Bible?

A recent survey found that mormons know more about the Bible than catholics, or other protestant religions. Interesting huh? This survey also found that atheists and agnostics know more about major world religions than those of other faiths. Is this surprising? I’m not sure if it is, but I do find it very interesting. Many times, our church is accused of not even believing in the Bible at all. But, we are encouraged as members of the church to read, and know all works of scripture. Books that we believe are scripture include both the Bible and the Book of … Continue reading →

The New LDS.Org

Beginning November 30th, the church website will be switching over to the new LDS.org. Have you checked that out yet? One of the features I have started playing around with is the scripture study tools online. In the days of the Blackberry, IPhone, and countless other devices that we have to pull up our scriptures online, this is a pretty cool new feature. You have to create a log in ID to access these features. This is quick and easy, but you may need your membership number to do it. I did mine a long time ago, but if you … Continue reading →

Making the Choice to Believe

There may come a time in your life when you are faced with the choice of whether or not you will continue to have faith. In fact daily you make choices that either build upon your faith or tear it down. These choices can sometimes lead to the big moments that can affect you for the rest of your life. If you think back on your life you may have a moment or two that stand out as the times that you chose to continue to have faith or you chose to begin to have faith. These moments may not … Continue reading →

Scripture Study – 1 Nephi 17:31-38

Nephi has been commanded to build a boat to cross the great waters, but Laman and Lemuel are giving him a hard time about it. They refuse to believe that he’s been commanded of the Lord and instead, call him crazy, just like their father. Nephi is now recounting the Lord’s dealings with His children in the past and reminding his brothers that God is in control over all. Speaking of the children of Israel, he says: 31. And it came to pass that according to his word he did destroy them; and according to his word he did lead … Continue reading →

Scripture Study – 1 Nephi 17:21-30

Nephi is trying to convince his brothers to help him construct a ship after the manner which the Lord has shown him. But Laman and Lemuel are feeling sorry for themselves and are rehashing all the grievances they feel they’ve endured since heading out into the wilderness, rather than thanking the Lord for sparing their lives and making it possible for them to have food and shelter all this time. 21. Behold, these many years we have suffered in the wilderness, which time we might have enjoyed our possessions and the land of our inheritance; yea, and we might have … Continue reading →