2014 Challenge

I posted about this on facebook, but I also wanted to post it on here. So our Bishop challenged the youth and leaders starting January 1 to beat him at reading the Book of Mormon by October. I love this challenge however I felt that I wanted to go a bit further. I decided that I would get a copy like the missionaries give out and cover it nicely on the front, read it cover to cover, mark it up, leave notes, and last leave my testimony in it. I will then pass it on to someone who is a non member that I think can benefit from it (although I think everyone can benefit). This is my challenge for 2014. I have been trying to track down as many copies of the soft cover books I can find...and no such luck! Lds.org is sold out and backordered! I also posted on facebook and so far have only found someone with a couple. I need so many more that I can redo and give out to people to do this challenge. I want to make it big so that we can all be missionaries...the more we can pass on the better! So please help if you have any laying around please let me have them I will love you forever!! Thanks...and Happy New Year!

Think Before You Speak

Guilty as charged!! This topic is something that has been weighing on my mind because I am guilty at doing this: not thinking before I speak. I remember a conversation with a friend when I simply told a friend that atimes are not good right now as we owe our Home Owners Association fee which is a lot of money. I did not think much of what I was saying and although this comment would probably have some friends agree with me I was not thinking of the person I said it too. He replied that he could not wait until the day he had to pay a home owner's association fee because that would mean he would finally own his own home.  I instantly felt horrible. Here I was complaining about something that he could only dream about. I put this in the back of mind and tried to watch what I said to others.

  In Doctrine and Covenants 78:19 it states, " He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious." We must always remember to be thankful for our blessings and also remember to find the true meaning of our trials. Keep in mind that others are fighting battles too. I think everyone needs to vent at times and that is perfectly acceptable. What I am suggesting is that maybe we be more careful about how we vent or complain. I once read a book that suggested you pick one person you vent to and that is the only person you vent too. I have tried this is my own life and I have one friend that I tell everything too. For the most part I keep my struggles to myself aside from telling her. This helps to ensure that I will not offend anyone with my complaints about life's struggles.

  We must keep others in mind at all times. Think before you speak. Think could this person be offended by my complaints. Remember that although you might not be in love with your house layout that there are those who would just love a home to call their own; that you hardly have money to do anything fun there are those who can't even pay all their bills; that your kids are driving you crazy or you never have free time that there are those who would give up all their free time to be able to have children. These are just a few examples of simple things that you might say that could hurt other people.

 I strive every day to keep my life positive and I know that I am blessed because I do so. We must always be thankful for everything we are given in life and even those things we are not given. Heavenly Father knows what we need and He will provide for us. I urge everyone to just think next time before you speak negatively about something if the person you are saying it too could take offense to it. I urge everyone to pick a venting buddy! It is good to get out life's frustrations. Pray to Heavenly Father for guidance. He is there to help you.

I've Repented: Now What?

   Repentance is defined as one of the first principles of the gospel and is essential to our temporal and eternal happiness. It is much more than just acknowledging wrongdoings. It is a change of mind and heart that gives us a fresh view about God, about ourselves, and about the world. It includes turning away from sin and turning to God for forgiveness. It is motivated by love for God and the sincere desire to obey His commandments.

  In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints there are some situations when part of repenting is confessing our sins to the priesthood authority such as Bishop, Stake President etc. We must repent of all sins because we can not be in Heavenly Father's presence if we are unclean. We must repent, abandon sin, and get on the path of living a righteous life. What happens when we have done all of these things yet others have not forgotten?

   In Doctrine and Covenants 58:42 it states,  "Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more." Often when we sin our sins can have a negative effect on others so when we have repented and the Lord remembers our sin no more how do we move on when others still remember?  And more so how do we move on when we have asked those for forgiveness and not yet received it from them.

  We must stand strong and know that we have done what the Lord has asked of us. We have confessed and repented. We have changed our hearts and abandoned those sins. We have put ourselves on the righteous path. We will not be able to please everyone in this life and there will always be those that will judge us for our past transgressions. We must remember however that we have been forgiven by the only one who truly matters, our Heavenly Father.

 I know from personal experience how difficult remembering that simple fact can be. I had to repent of my sins and although I was told I was forgiven. Others had not forgiven me as quickly. I have struggled over that fact for many years until I realized that I was letting the judgment of others define who I was. I wanted to be on the righteous path. Satan will pull you in his direction any way he can. He will convince you that because others are judging you and that because others haven't forgiven you that maybe Heavenly Father has not. Do not give in. Stand strong and know that if Heavenly Father has forgiven you and others have not then it is on them. We are commanded to forgive those as Heavenly Father has forgiven us.

  I have a testimony of the repentance process. I know that if we truly repent and abandon the sin that we can and will be forgiven. I know that Heavenly Father loves us and wants what is best for us. I know that we most only remember what He feels and not what others feel about our sin. We must move on and become the righteous being we came here to be.

Prayer: It is for You

  I had a talk with someone recently that has brought some thoughts to my mind. We discussed remaining calm when upset or frustrated. When I was alone later with my thoughts I wondered how do I stay calm when I am upset or frustrated. We are all human, but how is it that I stay positive and calm? I used to have a very bad temper and I would fly off the handle over little things, but today that is not who I am. You might wonder what has changed and that is my relationship with my Heavenly Father. I learned how to pray.

 This topic is for everyone. We can all pray to our Heavenly Father and the more we do it the easier it becomes. We should not only pray in time of need, but also to give thanks for all the blessings we do have. When I first joined the church I disliked praying. It felt uncomfortable and I felt like my prayers sounded silly. In fact the first time I prayed out loud in front of anyone I told the missionary, who requested that I say the prayer, that I hated him. I said it in the middle of my prayer. Not a proud moment, but a view at how much I disliked it. Over the past couple years I have learned to pray to my Heavenly Father.

  How does being frustrated and upset all the time have anything to do with prayer? Well every morning my husband and I say a prayer together. It is typically about the same things. We are thankful for our blessings, our good night rest, we hope to get to work and return safely, and that we will each have a great day. Simple and to the point, but I have a testimony that those prayers are what get me thru the day. There have been days when I am in a hurry and run out the door without saying a prayer. I can feel the change in my attitude and my outlook on the day.

 Our rule is that we pray daily at least three times. We make it a rule so that eventually it will become a habit. I challenge everyone to make prayer a priority in your life. Even those of you who are not members of the same church as me can still pray. We can all use the guidance and we must learn to talk to our Heavenly Father. How will He ever know what you are seeking if you do not ask? He will listen to everything you have to say and remember it always. My challenge to all this week is to get on your knees at least once and say a prayer to Heavenly Father, even if the prayer is silently in your own head while on your knees. You will feel a change start to happen and if you make prayer a priority then you will see a change in your life. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ.

 

Righteous Friends

  This topic has been on my mind often and I felt the urge to get out of bed at 6am on my day off to write about it. I have been thinking about friendships. I believe that it is so important to have friends of other faiths because if we did not then who would we teach the gospel too? However what happens when those friendships start to bring you down?

  There are some friendships that I no longer have because I chose the gospel over them. However that does not mean I do not miss those individuals. I realized that when you feel as if you have to live two different lives then you are not being true to the gospel. This is how I felt. I felt that I had to be fun and crazy. I felt like I had to take bad about others and make fun of people because that's what made us laugh. What I quickly realized was the was against what the gospel was teaching me. This was against what I truly believed. I was striving so hard to have a home centered around the gospel, but no matter how hard I tried I did not feel it. It saddened me and I could not pinpoint the reason why. When others pointed out that I might not have the best influences around me I started to look deeper in to my friendships.

  Elder Jeffrey R. Holland stated,"...that living the gospel and being true to gospel principles is the key to true, lasting, triumphant friendship." What I learned about my friendships was they were not making me a better person. They were pulling me away from the gospel and so I made the decision to walk away from them. I was worried that I would have no one. These friends knew everything I had been thru and loved me anyway. Would new friends that shared my same beliefs love me if they knew all that I had been thru?

   Months have past since I made this decision and I can honestly say my life is on the right track and in the right place. I have friends who know the truth about my life and they love me still. I have friends that help build me up and not break me down. But what I really learned was that there is one true friend who will never leave me alone no matter what I do and that is Jesus Christ. He has felt the pain I have felt and has loved me still.

   Friendships are so important and I challenge everyone to make a new friend. Don't be shy about getting to know new people. Find people that will raise you up and that can help you become a better you. I have a testimony that have righteous friends will help bring you closer to the gospel and help you get thru trials. A true and righteous friend will love you no matter what. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

"Even the Best Fall Down Sometimes"

The lines from Howie Day's song Collide has been in my head for weeks now and every time I get in my car it happens to play. At first I thought it was a coincidence, but I have realized that nothing is coincidence. The line I am referring to is, "Even the best fall down sometimes." This got me thinking that no matter who you are that you are not exempt from trials. No matter how much you serve, no matter how much money you donate, no matter how well you do your calling, no matter how many times you go to the temple, and  no matter how much you center your life around the gospel you will face trials.

I work hard every day to ensure my home and life are surrounded by the gospel. We implemented rules to ensure that this happens, however my trials have not ceased to exist. What I have realized is that I have the tools to get me thru these hard times. Growing up I always felt that those who served others and did all they were supposed to would not face trials. Now that I am on the other side of that I see it differently. What I do know is that Heavenly Father loves me and he trusts that I can get thru these trials.

 In the October 2012 talk given by Elder Neil L. Andersen it states,"

How do you remain “steadfast and immovable” during a trial of faith? You immerse yourself in the very things that helped build your core of faith: you exercise faith in Christ, you pray, you ponder the scriptures, you repent, you keep the commandments, and you serve others.

When faced with a trial of faith—whatever you do, you don’t step away from the Church! Distancing yourself from the kingdom of God during a trial of faith is like leaving the safety of a secure storm cellar just as the tornado comes into view." 

We must remember these things when are in the midst of our trials. We must stay strong. The Gospel is there for us. We must continue what we are doing and not let these trials lead us astray. We must stay strong no matter what so that we may live with our Heavenly Father again. I have a testimony of trials. I have a testimony that Heavenly Father allows these to happen because He loves us and because He knows we can overcome them. As hard as it might be we can do it and when we do we will come out stronger. We will have more faith and be prepared to make it thru our next trial. No one is exempt. We were sent here for a reason. We were sent to prove ourselves to Heavenly Father. It is my goal to make sure I prove worthy. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ.

30 Days of Thankfulness

I always intend to do the full 30 days of being thankful in November and I have tons to be thankful for. However I forget to post on some days and so I wanted to sit and think of 30 things I am thankful for and compile my list.

Day 1: I am thankful for my Heavenly Father for everything I have is because of Him. He has provided me with the things that make me happy.

Day 2: I am thankful for my incredible husband. I am so thankful to have him as my eternal companion. I don't know how I went so long without him. He is my world.

Day 3: I am thankful for my mom and dad. They have provided me with a great life and possibly spoiled me lots.

Day 4: I am thankful for two little brothers. I love them both so much and cherish every moment I have with them.

Day 5: I am thankful for my step dad Chuck. I am thankful that he attends church with my mom and without him there would be no Isaac. 

Day 6: I am thankful for my mom's family. They live far away so I don't see them much, but I am still thankful to call them family. I am also thankful for those who played a part in raising my dad. Those who showed him hard work and dedication.

Day 7:  I am thankful for the Haynes family. From day one they have always treated me like family as if I had always been there. I love them all so much for that.

Day 8: : I am thankful for the Lybbert family. They accepted me with open arms even though I might not have been the ideal match for their son. I was a convert and not a very strong one at the time, but they loved me anyway and helped me become strong.

Day 9: I am thankful for Jesus Christ. Without Him it would not be possible to live with my Heavenly Father again some day. I am thankful that suffered for my sins and that thru the Atonement and repentance I can be forgiven. 

Day 10: I am thankful for the Gospel. I could go on and on about the reasons why. I know that my outlook on life is positive because I know the truth and I know it because the Gospel has taught me.

Day 11: I am thankful for temples. I am thankful that I can go do my family work and feel at peace with my Heavenly Father. 

Day 12: I am thankful for the scriptures. I love that I can access them so easily and read them daily.

Day 13: I am Thankful for the power of prayer. I love that I can talk to my Heavenly Father.

Day 14: I am thankful for the priesthood. I am thankful that my husband is a worthy priesthood holder and has helped me with it.

Day 15: I am thankful for patriarchal blessings. I am especially thankful for mine. It is comforting to read Heavenly Father's words to me. 

Day 16: I am thankful for Amber Winter. She showed me what it meant to love anyone even if they didn't believe the things you did. She changed my life the day she sent the missionaries to speak to me and without her my life would not be what it is today.

Day 17: I am thankful for the missionaries who taught me. I am thankful to the ones I wasn't very friendly too and I am thankful to those who changed my mind Elder Akina, Elder Redpath, Elder Choate, and Elder Bowers.

Day 18: I am thankful for my friends. I am thankful that I have so many great people in my life who help me stay strong.

Day 19: I am thankful for my puppies Rylee and Remy. Also our cats Roper and Reese (even though she makes me crazy). Since we are struggling with starting a family it is fun to spoil them and treat them like our kids.

Day 20: I am thankful for my job. I love working with children even though some days they might make me a little crazy.

Day 21: I am thankful for our home. I am thankful my husband bought it for us so that we would have a place of our own the day we were married.

Day 22: I am thankful for my car. I am even more thankful that it's the car I had been wanting forever and my husband gave up him nice truck to be able to get it for me.

Day 23: I am thankful for the Prophet and that I can hear his words and know he is a man of God.

Day 24: I am thankful for technology. I am thankful I can use it to watch my brother grow and keep in touch with all my family and friends.

Day 25: I am thankful for the military. I am thankful that my dad, brother, father in law,  grandfathers etc have so willingly served. I am thankful to those who fight for our freedom and given up their lives to do so.

Day 26: I am thankful for the Plan of Salvation. It helps me to know that I will be with all my family again one day.

Day 27: I am thankful for my health. Although I am struggling with some things right now and I catch every sickness. I am still able to walk and talk.

Day 28: I am thankful for my calling. I love serving in Young Womens. It has brought me great joy and some of the greatest friends.

Day 29: I am thankful for my ancestors and genealogy. I am thankful that I can do their work and meet them one day.

Day 30: Although I have much more to be thankful for I am going to repeat one because none of this is possible without. I am thankful to know that I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father. I know the he loves me unconditionally. I know that when I remain worthy I will see him again.

I actually struggled keeping my list under 30. I have done this before and have struggled to keep going to 30. The only thing that changed is that I found the Gospel and found faith in my Heavenly Father. He has provided me with all the things I am thankful for. I encouraged everyone to look and search deep in your hearts and not only post on Facebook what you are thankful for, but pray that you are thankful for it.

Dare to Change

I have been horrible about my weekly blog so I decided to take some time and just do it!  I have made it my life goal to always better myself. I believe we should always strive to be better so I find faults I have and ways to fix them. I know I will never be perfect, but I can try. =) I can't take credit for our most recent changes, but I got the idea from Al Carraway( Fox). Her blog is http://waysofthecarraways.blogspot.com/2013/10/intro-to-us.html
  They have some really great ideas and when I read this post it really got me thinking. I try to make changes in my life, but there are some things I feel I really struggle with. Even more so some of the things they touched on were things that I didn't focus on before. Many of the reasons I think my first marriage did not work out. I am a technology addict. I just like reading news and whatever I can find to do. I found myself on the computer more than I focused on my marriage. I was always texting and facebooking that I never focused on the important things. So I wanted to get this thing right in my marriage now. So when I read this blog I thought that Clint and I could use a list of rules. So here is what we came up with together for a Family Home Evening activity. Some of these things have been very difficult to keep, but we have this list hanging in our home. We find ourselves talking more and discussing all sort of things. We have been more active and it has been amazing to discuss the gospel together on a daily basis. I never thought I would marry a return missionary, but it has been amazing for me because I am new to the gospel. My husband amazes me when I give him a topic I want to discuss and he can throw out scriptures that will fit that. Studying scriptures together has made me love him even more than I already did. This plan might not work for all, but you can't make your life better if you don't make changes. So dare to make a change even if it is just one!

What I Believe Part 1

It has recently come to my attention that I have a lot of friends who are non members reading my blog. I have also learned that some are worried about offending me by questioning my beliefs. For today's post I have decided to share some of the things I believe as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints aka Mormons.

I believe that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. I believe it to be the word of God. With that being said I also believe the Holy Bible to be the word of God. When we use the term scriptures we are referring to our Book of Mormon as well as the Holy Bible. Many of us have them all combined into one book.

I believe that Joseph Smith received a vision in the Sacred Grove. I believe Joseph Smith translated the Gold Plates he received and those Gold Plates. Those Gold Plates are now the Book of Mormon.

I believe in the Priesthood in our church. That all worthy men can hold the priesthood.

I believe Jesus Christ died for us. He died and felt all the pain we have felt. He did this so that we may return to live with our Heavenly Father.

I believe that we lived in the pre-mortal existence. We were asked to take this test and come to Earth to again return with Heavenly Father.

 I believe that when we are married here on Earth it is "til death do us part." It literally is until we die. However I believe that if you are sealed in the Holy Temple that you can be together for eternity.

I believe that we can return to live with Heavenly Father. We will be judged on our works and that will determine where we will live in the after life.

I believe in the Word of Wisdom. This means no coffee, no black tea, no smoking, no alcohol, no drugs.

I believe in treating our bodies as a Holy Temple. Dress modestly and cover up.

I believe in the Law of Chastity. This law states that we should not have any sexual relations before marriage and once married we will be completely faithful to our spouse.

There are so many other things that I believe, but for today I want to keep it simple and not overwhelm those who are non members. I hope that if any of my friends have questions about my beliefs that they will ask me. I am not afraid to explain why I believe certain things. I know the fact that I believe many of these things is hard for some to grasp because it is a complete 180 from where I was prior to joining the church.

I believe this is the true church and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ.

Missionary Work

  With missionary work expanding so quickly it got me thinking about these young men and women that are spending two years expanding this gospel. One of the missionaries who had a huge part in converting me has been staying with us and it has really had me thinking if these young men and women realize the impact they are making.

   I was not willing to accept the gospel and I sat down with many sets of missionaries. I didn't enjoy their lessons and the fact that I felt like I was being preached to. It wasn't until I met a couple of missionaries that changed my view on the church. They didn't try to just teach me, they tried to be my friend. Once we had more of a friendship I was more open to listening to their lessons and I was much more open to being baptized.

  I hope all the missionaries and return missionaries understand that they are changing lives and giving people  a chance. Without those young men that taught me I would not be where I am today. I would not be sealed to my best friend and I would simply be married until death. However because they chose to go on a mission I can now spend eternity with my family. I know that Heavenly Father sent certain missionaries in my life. I know that I often worry that maybe I was baptized too soon or I wasn't fully converted yet, but I know they changed my life. I am eternally grateful to them for what they did.

  To all those who are thinking of serving a mission please do! People like me need you and without your work it might not be possible! And to those missionaries who changed my life: Elder Redpath, Elder Choate, Elder Bowers, and Elder Akina I am eternally grateful for all of you because my life would be no life at all without this gospel! I am so thankful that you believed in it enough to leave your families for two years so that I can be with mine forever!

  I have a testimony of missionary work and even if you don't serve a full time mission you can still be a missionary! My life has been touched by many that have been missionaries every day! I know that if you serve a mission Heavenly Father will bless you for the work you do and the lives you change!

Stepping Stones to Christ

I was asked to give a talk today at church about Stepping Stones to Christ...heres a copy of what I said =)

I want to start off by reading a poem by DeLynn Decker called Stepping Stones.

---

There I was,

Hopscotching on the rocks

In the turbulent stream

Until suddenly

There weren’t any more,

And I stood forlorn,

Feeling stranded.

In stillness He assured,

Be patient.

When it is time

For the next step,

There will be a stone.

Hasn’t it always

Been so?

Isn’t it true that there will always be another stone? Heavenly Father would never let us fall. As this poem describes stepping stones that is what I was asked to speak on today, stepping stones that will lead us to Jesus Christ. I believe that we are given all the stepping stones, but it is ultimately up to us whether we cross the stream on these stones provided for us or if we attempt to cross the turbulent stream without.

When I was asked to talk on this subject I sat down many times to ponder what I might talk about. Of course I feel as if I have had many stepping stones that brought me to Jesus Christ, but how much should I share and how much have I already talked about previously? What is considered a stepping stone? I feel as if everything in my life has brought me to closer to Jesus Christ. When I first starting thinking about this topic I thought maybe the turbulent stream were my mistakes, my sins. But as I think about it more those things is what has brought me closest to Jesus Christ.

I think that everyone has different stepping stones that leads them to Jesus Christ and many of us share a lot of the common ones, but I can best explain these steps by explaining the steps I took to get me to Jesus Christ. I had good solid stones growing up. I had two wonderful parents that I know I was put with for a reason. They helped me become who I am today. They were a solid foundation for me, but as we all must do I grew up and had to face life on my own and I was lost in life. I was raised Catholic and went to church every Sunday, but as soon as I had a chance to decide for myself I stopped attending. I went years not believing in anything. I spent almost all of my time with people who were Atheist and it was easy to get wrapped up in that. I went years where I felt like there were no stones and that I was almost drowning in the turbulent waters. I know now that there were stones there all along, but I chose to go thru the water without them.  I started to think that maybe there was more. I went to many churches and never felt quite right. Then Heavenly Father put out a big stone for me to see. He gave me a dear friend who was an amazing example of love and showed true charity. She loved me even when I made fun of her for drinking water as I sipped on my coffee from Starbucks. She loved me when I made fun of her beliefs. She loved me enough to feel that I was worthy enough to be like her and sent the missionaries to talk to me. I am very straight forward about how I treated the missionaries. I was not a nice person and I would hide from them. I would make up excuses to avoid having to talk to them. Their life was not the life I wanted to live.

 Then Heavenly Father gave me another stone. He put some missionaries who took the time to get to know me instead of just try to teach me. I finally opened up and took the lessons. It took me a year and half to finally take the biggest step of my life to the next stone. It was a solid, large rock. I felt there was no way I could fall off. The day I stepped on this stone was the day I was baptized as well as the day I received the Holy Ghost. I thought I was safe on this stone. I stayed on there, but I again was missing so many other stepping stones to get across that I stayed in that one place. I stayed in the middle of the turbulent waters on this large stone. When the adversary came in with the worst waters I had ever seen I fell off that stone head first into the waters. I made the worst decisions of my life and pulled away from the church. I could not find anything to grab on to in the waters. I thought for sure I would drown. There were days it felt like it might be better if I did because I didn’t know how to get out.

  But Heavenly Father had a way. He always knew the plan. He had given me my Savior. He had given me the Atonement. I had heard this lesson so many times before. I could be forgiven because Jesus Christ died for me. He died and felt all the things I was going thru. He had always provided me ways to get out of the waters. He had provided ways for me to quickly get across, but I didn’t see them. It was then I realized if I stayed on the stones that they were so closely together that they almost made a bridge. In Doctrine and Covenants 88:63 it says, Draw ^bnear unto me and I will draw near unto you; ^cseek me diligently and ye shall ^dfind me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. “There was no reason that I needed to go near the waters. As long as I draw nearer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ They would draw nearer to me. However it took me falling in to see that.

  Heavenly Father had many stones to remind me of the Atonement and many things that brought me closer to my Savior. He had given me the scriptures to read daily so I would always remember, He gave me the sacrament so that every week I could renew my baptismal covenants, He gave me my callings so that I could serve, He gave me prayer so that I could speak to him, He gave me a Prophet and all the presidency in the church to hear from, my patriarchal blessing. With these things I slowly walked across. I started to do all these things to ensure I would never come close to drowning again. We must always remember that Heavenly Father has promised to help us. In Alma 36:3  He gives us this promise, “And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their ^atrust in God shall be supported in their ^btrials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be ^clifted up at the last day.” We have the support. We have the Atonement always. It is for us to use when needed and we must never be afraid to use it.

  Heavenly Father has more plans for us than we could even imagine and that’s when he threw another stone my way that I wasn’t expecting. I wasn’t convinced that the Single’s Ward was where I belonged, but I thought I’d give it a try. It wasn’t too many weeks later that Heavenly Father blessed me with one of the largest stones in my life. He sent me someone to be my eternal companion. Someone who has become my best friend. When asked to give this talk on stepping stones the first thing that came to my mind was Clint. Clint has made it easy to follow Jesus Christ. From day one I have wanted to be the wife he deserves and he is the main reason I stay on the straight and narrow. I am afraid that if I budge that I would not be worthy of him. He is my life and if it weren’t for him I would not be up here today. Heavenly Father saved me by sending me my husband. We strive daily to ensure we walk across the waters together. We pray together, we read scriptures together, we do family home evening together. We ensure that our home is centered around the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is comforting to walk hand in hand with someone across the waters. I am clumsy and sometimes stumble, but Clint is always there to hold on tight so I don’t fall in.

  As we walk we have had so many amazing stepping stones. We stepped on to the next stone as quickly as we could. We went to the temple to be sealed for all of eternity. This stone is place all across the waters as many of the others are so it is there to help us all the way across. We step on it often as it is the best way to be close to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. We have had our callings that keep us busy and have made us lots of good friends. Both have kept us going across. Our trip on Trek was a huge stone and it was one we tried to jump over. As much as we wanted to go we knew the hardships we might face once returning home, but Heavenly Father kept putting the huge stone in our way. We realized it was so large that we could not jump over it and so we went. It was life changing. That is the best way I can describe it. Aside from the no showering and porter potties I wanted to stay there forever. The Spirit I felt there was like nothing I have felt.

Going forward we don’t know what other storms and turbulent waters we may face, but what we do know is that Heavenly Father will put stones for us. We are only part way across, but we have faith once we get to the other side of the water that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will reach out their hands to help us out.

 I have always been very open about my progression in the church with all who know me because it is so important for all to know that even if you fall there is always a way back. I know that we can be forgiven for our sins and remember them no more, but it is remembering how I felt during all of these times that keeps me on the straight and narrow. Recently I was talking to a close friend about some things I have gone thru and I explained to her that those mistakes and how I felt have made me scared to budge on anything. I am afraid that if I give the adversary even a little bit that he will somehow take a whole lot. Sin doesn’t start out in a huge way, it starts out little by little and then Satan slowly chips away at you. I let him do this to me once before and I never want to feel that way again so I follow to straight and narrow path. When I need reassurance I find it in Isaiah Chapter 41 verse 10, “ Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” We must always remember He is there to help us, but we must be willing to take his help. It is with this assurance that I step from stone to stone and try to not even get my toes wet. As I have progressed in the church the stones have gotten closer and closer. I don’t feel as if I am jumping from one stone to the next with fear of falling in. I don’t have this fear because I do the things that are asked of me. I try to be faithful to my Heavenly Father. I try to show my appreciation to Jesus Christ for all He has done to save me.

I have a testimony that if we use the stones that are provided for us that the adversary will not pull us in. We must stay on the stones and trust that Heavenly Father has put them there for a reason. He has put them there to bring us closer to Him and to Jesus Christ. I have a testimony of the Atonement. I know that Jesus died for us and that He felt all that we do in the Garden of Gethsemane. He died so that we may live with our Father in Heaven. I have a testimony of the Book of Mormon and know that if we read our scriptures daily that we will draw closer to thee. I know that President Thomas S.  Monson is a true Prophet of God and that if we hear his words and live by them that we will be blessed. If we stay strong and do all that has been asked of us we will get across the turbulent waters safely and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ.