tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14908123124181761372024-03-14T08:44:03.400-07:00TestimonyThoughts, Insights, and Reflections.Official LDS Websiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324786076358193213noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490812312418176137.post-78342718664714604032011-04-19T13:28:00.000-07:002011-04-19T13:28:49.454-07:00What is a Latter-day Saint?In President Boyd K. Packers recent General Conference address entitled, <a href="https://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/guided-by-the-holy-spirit?lang=eng">Guided by the Holy Spirit</a>, Elder Packer discusses the idea of what a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints should represent, what we believe, and what we stand for. I found this talk to be powerful and insightful to the life of a member belonging to the LDS faith. <br />
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Elder Packer explains:<br />
"A Latter-day Saint is quite an ordinary individual. We are now everywhere in the world, 14 millions of us. And this is only the beginning. We are taught to be in the world but not of the world (see <a href="https://lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/17.14-19?lang=eng#13" onclick="function anonymous()
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We are taught not to lie or cheat or steal (see <a href="https://lds.org/scriptures/ot/ex/20.3-17?lang=eng#2" onclick="function anonymous()
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We are “willing to mourn with those that mourn . . . and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places” (<a href="https://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/18.9?lang=eng#8" onclick="function anonymous()
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If someone is looking for a church that requires very little, this is not the one. It is not easy to be a Latter-day Saint, but in the long run it is the only course."<br />
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I'm proud to call myself a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and am so thankful for the time that I have to help others while serving as a full-time servant of the Lord on my mission. I know that the fullness of the Gospel has been restored to the earth. We can experience all of the blessings that our Father in Heaven has in store for us by following the example of Jesus Christ and becoming a member of His church. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true and I am so grateful for all of the many blessings that I have experienced in my life because of it.</div>
</div>Official LDS Websiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324786076358193213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490812312418176137.post-58575969709038554882011-04-13T13:07:00.000-07:002011-04-15T11:24:23.159-07:00An Attitude of Gratitude<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwjYE13PZb0jKpGIXuMQ9fErrHC_l0bHws1QvtiS2egwsuh0pDAv7NkovzdcPUdqGZJdXKn14qqi8LP0TiAzw1CD0LozBzftlhUaJCB5xqjkmoObqxgeu0iX_5e0FgMaY7Xkk5gUXWP36/s1600/Gratitude.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwjYE13PZb0jKpGIXuMQ9fErrHC_l0bHws1QvtiS2egwsuh0pDAv7NkovzdcPUdqGZJdXKn14qqi8LP0TiAzw1CD0LozBzftlhUaJCB5xqjkmoObqxgeu0iX_5e0FgMaY7Xkk5gUXWP36/s1600/Gratitude.bmp" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Mercies and blessings come in different forms--sometimes as hard things. Yet the Lord said, 'Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things' (D&C 59:7). All things means just that: good things, difficult things--not just some things. He has commanded us to be grateful because He knows being grateful will make us happy. This is another evidence of His love." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">-<span class="author">Bonnie D. Parkin</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Jesus Christ and the 10 lepers.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the book of </span><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/17?lang=eng"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Luke, chapter 17</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, we read:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.”<sup class="noteMarker"> </sup></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love the story of Jesus Christ and the ten lepers because it teaches us how important the principle of gratitude really is. In the book of Psalms 136:1 we read, "O give </span><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/ot/ps/136.1?lang=eng#" id="footnote0" jquery1302723388601="15" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=ot&bookUri=ps&chapterUri=136&noteID=1a&lang=eng"><span style="color: #486fae; font-family: inherit;">thanks</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> unto the <span class="deitySmallCaps">Lord</span>; for <span class="clarityWord">he is</span> good: for his mercy <span class="clarityWord">endureth</span> for ever." When we look for the things that we have to be grateful for in our lives we are so much happier and are able to more fully experience all of the blessings that life has to offer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">President Gordon B. Hinckley taught us, “When you walk with gratitude, you do not walk with arrogance and conceit and egotism, you walk with a spirit of thanksgiving that is becoming to you and will bless your lives.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I know that as we live our lives striving to be grateful for the many things that we have been given, we will find that we are very blessed and the Lord is very aware of us and our situations. As I have tried to be more aware of the many things that I have to be grateful for in my own life I have found peace and assurance. I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live, that they are very aware of us, and watch over us each and every single day of our lives. <u>We all have so much to be grateful for. </u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Official LDS Websiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324786076358193213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490812312418176137.post-56556034052606926272011-04-09T12:50:00.000-07:002011-04-09T12:50:43.373-07:00Lessons I Learned as a Boy<iframe height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/naqX9iYE0V0?fs=1" frameborder="0" width="480" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Official LDS Websiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324786076358193213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490812312418176137.post-73351581703299348362011-04-05T15:02:00.000-07:002011-04-05T15:11:55.064-07:00Life Is A Highway<br />
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Thomas S. Monson once said:<br />
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"The past is behind--we must learn from it. The future is ahead--we must prepare for it. The present is now—we must live in it."</div>
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Have you ever heard the expression 'life is like a highway' before? I know I have, but up until recently I have never really thought about the significance of this statement. Life really is like a highway - there are unexpected, turns, twists, and obsticles that lie in our path. In order to sucessfully navigate the roads that lie ahead in our lives we must rely on someone who can see the entire road, from start to finish. <br />
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<span class="author">Neil L. Andersen once said: </span>"A stronger personal faith in Jesus Christ will prepare [you] for the challenges you will most surely face." Placing our faith in the Savior will allow us to overcome any obsticle that lies ahead. In John 14:16 the Savior explains: <span class="messageBody">“I am the way, the truth and the life.”</span><br />
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David S. Baxter speaking at a General Conference once said: "First is the motivating, transforming power of faith in Jesus Christ. Such faith is like spiritual oxygen. As we allow faith to freely flow within us, it awakens and enlivens our spiritual senses. It breathes life into our very souls.<br />
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As faith flows, we become sensitively attuned to the whisperings of the Spirit. Our minds are enlightened, our spiritual pulse quickens, our hearts are touched.</div>
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Faith fuels hope. Our perspective changes; our vision becomes clearer. We begin to look for the best, not the worst, in life and in others. We gain a deeper sense of life’s purpose and meaning."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIQuGqdoZsl59Jpc-PY5LFNInxwY7xRAY7IPpJZ8Zt710lvoAC-tDrVW0SxC-e0sZvmLvYIYG9lc8VAa5Tz-VYwPQ0i9mMPxyNuNfG5ad18EB-e_eeLe7HsURrO2WwEmvMEmV_9FKgMsY/s1600/lalala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIQuGqdoZsl59Jpc-PY5LFNInxwY7xRAY7IPpJZ8Zt710lvoAC-tDrVW0SxC-e0sZvmLvYIYG9lc8VAa5Tz-VYwPQ0i9mMPxyNuNfG5ad18EB-e_eeLe7HsURrO2WwEmvMEmV_9FKgMsY/s1600/lalala.jpg" /></a>As we continually place our faith in the Savior we will draw closer to Him and find meaning, direction, and purpose to our lives. We will be able to see the positive side to all that we face and come to understand that we can overcome all things with His help. We will find true happiness and joy as we seek to follow Jesus Christ and strive to follow His perfect example.<br />
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Joseph Smith once counseled: “Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God” (<span class="emphasis">Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith,</span> pages 255–56). I know that as we strive to follow Jesus Christ we will find peace and direction in our lives. We will come to understand the true meaning of life and what is really important. The Savior already has the perfect road map to our lives, as we trust in Him he will help us along the road of our lives.</div>
</div>Official LDS Websiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324786076358193213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490812312418176137.post-9211820301626476702011-04-01T13:44:00.000-07:002011-04-08T12:42:00.028-07:00181st General Conference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In 2nd Nephi 32:3 we read: “Feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.” <br />
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It's hard to believe that six months have already passed since the last General Conference. Every time that General Conference gets close I get excited because we have the opportunity to hear and 'feast' upon the words of Christ through His servants. Those who will be speaking to us are the Lords representatives and have been chosen to share messages with us that will allow us to improve and enhance the quality of our lives.<br />
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An article about General Conference published by Church News and Events says: "For two days, Church members around the globe will gather in various locations to hear counsel from Church leaders, including President Thomas S. Monson and each member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, as well as other General Authorities and auxiliary leaders of the Church (<a href="http://lds.org/church/events/181st-general-conference-of-the-church?lang=eng">Check Out The Article Here</a>)." The words of theses leaders give us the council, guidance, and direction that we need in our lives. I know that through General Conference many of my own personal concerns have been answered through the words that were shared and I have been able to see things more clearly in my life through the council that was offered.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomas S. Monson<br />
President of the Church of<br />
Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints</td></tr>
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One of my favorite parts of General Conference is that we get to hear from the Lords Prophet today - Thomas S. Monson. The Gospel Principles book teaches us, "A prophet is a man called by God to be His representative on earth. When a prophet speaks for God, it is as if God were speaking (see <a class="scriptureRef" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/1.38?lang=eng#37" onclick="newWindow(this.href); return false;"><span style="color: #486fae;">D&C 1:38</span></a>). A prophet is also a special witness for Christ, testifying of His divinity and teaching His gospel. (<a href="http://lds.org/manual/gospel-principles/chapter-9-prophets-of-god?lang=eng&query=prophet">Gospel Principles Link</a>)." Through the Lords prophet we are able to learn and understand much. We learn that the stresses and concerns of our every day life can all be resolved through the gospel of Jesus Christ and His teachings. </div>
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Robert D. Hales once said: "A characteristic of prophets throughout the ages is that, regardless of the consequences, they have had the strength to speak the words of God with plainness and boldness." We can always trust in the Lords prophet to help us understand the things that we need to. They will always be here to guide us and direct us to those things that will bring us closer to the Lord.<br />
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</div>Official LDS Websiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324786076358193213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490812312418176137.post-16882877512700397132011-03-26T11:55:00.000-07:002011-04-08T13:20:50.107-07:00The Power Of Prayer<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUJHD6_u1fNkLIqVYuWQsCjdW-rxmliJfh25gRTq7JPSPyQewEimUiPkN4y9q6yiHMDpEl6Zh8sOe82tEP97GlKf5EHg2Vw_JApg-xVFpDwU-ACK5_CIAgZVK1ilaQwW4NE6ELYs06xoW/s1600/prayer.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUJHD6_u1fNkLIqVYuWQsCjdW-rxmliJfh25gRTq7JPSPyQewEimUiPkN4y9q6yiHMDpEl6Zh8sOe82tEP97GlKf5EHg2Vw_JApg-xVFpDwU-ACK5_CIAgZVK1ilaQwW4NE6ELYs06xoW/s1600/prayer.bmp" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">I have always loved what Jesus Christ taught us in the book of Luke Chapter 11 Verses 9-10. </span></div>
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Jesus proclaimed: "And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.</div>
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For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">What the Savior teaches us in these few short verses of scripture is very powerful. We must do as Jesus Christ directs. We must ask, seek, and knock. As we sincerely and humbly seek out Heavenly Father we are promised guidance and direction in our life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Mathew 21:22 says: "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." In my own life I have been able to experience this promise many times. However, the answer to our prayers doesn't always come in the way that we would expect. Sometimes the answer comes as we are relieved of our concerns and worries and are filled with peace. </span><br />
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I love that the Savior uses action words like ask, seek, and knock. When we pray we must act and show our faith that we believe our prayers can and will be answered by doing all that is in our power to accomplish the things we pray for. When we do all that is in our power that is when the Lord steps in to help. </div>
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Elder Richard G. Scott said: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglg9i27NSe2fUIij0-pMbTCB7ffO_iH5q10aHjn8I9Sq4ORTAv6oKwMyQ7Q4_mcNb-GuaW8VgrTNiaFH79UiRUG_39cUyKDhmuMeTEeWGb9GG1ZcP1vVBJLHhKh_i8qavFnEESjATU-7bO/s1600/prayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; height: 212px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 284px;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglg9i27NSe2fUIij0-pMbTCB7ffO_iH5q10aHjn8I9Sq4ORTAv6oKwMyQ7Q4_mcNb-GuaW8VgrTNiaFH79UiRUG_39cUyKDhmuMeTEeWGb9GG1ZcP1vVBJLHhKh_i8qavFnEESjATU-7bO/s1600/prayer.jpg" /></a>"He [the Lord] will always hear your prayers and will invariably answer them. However, His answers will seldom come while you are on your knees praying, even when you may plead for an immediate response. Rather, He will prompt you in quiet moments when the Spirit can most effectively touch your mind and heart. Hence, you should find periods of quiet time to recognize when you are being instructed and strengthened."</div>
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I know that prayer is a powerful tool that we have to communicate with our Father in Heaven. When we take the time to listen and talk to the Lord he will bless us and strengthen us. We will find that we can overcome any obstacle with His help and that we can find peace in our lives as we turn to him.</div>
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<br /></div>Official LDS Websiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324786076358193213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490812312418176137.post-35463490501376711912011-03-22T11:46:00.000-07:002011-04-08T13:21:52.851-07:00LDS Online Missionaries<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
How many times do you use the computer a day? Once, twice, maybe three, or four? It seems like theses days it is almost impossible to stop yourself from using the computer in some way. The internet has always been a powerful way to share information. In the modern world it seems like it is almost impossible to do anything without turning to the internet for support. So why shouldn't the computer and the internet be used for the most important message there is to share? Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ!</div>
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Today marks the start of a powerful event called the</div>
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<span class="profileName fsxl fwb"><strong>Blog-a-thon.'</strong></span></div>
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<span class="profileName fsxl fwb"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=133314106741097#!/event.php?eid=133314106741097">Check Out The Event Here!</a></span></div>
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The event is "spiritual warm-up for General Conference talks..." and invites us to:</div>
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"Fire it up right by finding blogs by full-time missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."</div>
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The event challenges us to:</div>
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1.) "Spend an hour peacefully finding spiritual insights that will prepare you to take in greater light by listening to General Conference the weekend of April 3." </div>
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2.) "<span class="text_exposed_show">Prayerfully think of a friend that might be benefited by your favorite blog post. Share the post with them over Facebook or email along with an invitation to watch General Conference. Even better, you might invite them over to watch General Conference with you, and share the blog post with them on your computer in person." </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show">3.) "After General Conference, ask them how Conference was and how the blog post helped them. See if they'd like to learn more about the gospel from the missionary who wrote the post. <br />You can contact the missionary through his or her Facebook badge."</span></div>
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<u><strong>Share The Gospel of Jesus Christ </strong></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I know that there is no better preparation for General Conference than listening to the words of Jesus Christ himself. One great way we can do this is by reading the messages of the full-time missionaries through thier blogs! While reading other missionaries blogs I have found peace and inspiring messages that bring me closer to christ. </span></td></tr>
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Below is a list of some of my favorite blogs:</div>
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<a href="http://mysemispiritualblog.com/" target="_blank" title="Elder Ryan P. Moore"><span style="color: #557799;">http://mysemispiritualblog.com/</span></a><br />
<a href="http://elderholbrook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Elder Gideon holbrook"><span style="color: #557799;">http://elderholbrook.blogspot.com/</span></a><br />
<a href="http://phoenixtomontana.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Elder Max Elmer"><span style="color: #557799;">http://phoenixtomontana.blogspot.com/</span></a><br />
<a href="http://whitadams.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Elder Whit Adams"><span style="color: #557799;">http://whitadams.blogspot.com/</span></a><br />
<a href="http://rhwixom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Elder Wixom"><span style="color: #557799;">http://rhwixom.blogspot.com/</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://elderjacobhamblin.wordpress.com/">http://elderjacobhamblin.wordpress.com/</a></div>
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You may also see other online missionary blogs by visiting:</div>
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<a href="http://elderdearborn.blogspot.com/p/other-online-missionaries.html">Other Online Missionaries</a></div>
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</div>Official LDS Websiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324786076358193213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490812312418176137.post-7338567958458414972011-03-16T09:39:00.000-07:002011-04-08T13:22:41.248-07:00Identity<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In a recent General Conference address President Uchtdorf explained how the story of 'The Ugly Duckling' relates to all of us. We all have struggles and hard times that come with life. Remembering that we are all children of a loving father in heaven helps us through theses struggles and also helps us to keep things in perspective.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love the words to a familiar song:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I am a child of God,<br />And he has sent me here,<br />Has given me an earthly home<br />With parents kind and dear.<br />Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,<br />Help me find the way.<br />Teach me all that I must do<br />To live with him someday."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It is so important to remember our true identity. When others try to tear us down we can rise above it by remembering who we are - very important sons and daughters of our Father in heaven! Trust in the Lord to help you through the hard times in life. Know that as long as you are doing everything in your power to follow Him, and are doing what you know to be right, he will bless you and help you through any hardship that you might face.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dieter F. Uchtdorf once said, “He is your beloved Heavenly Father, who seeks your good, your happiness. He desires with all the love of a perfect and pure Father that you reach your supernal destination. . . . All you have to do is trust your Heavenly Father. Trust Him enough to follow His plan.” </span></div>
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In Proverbs 3:5 we 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.”<br />
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I know that as we trust in the Lord he will direct our paths and help us through all the challenges that our lives bring. As we follow Jesus Christ we will find a renewed sense of hope and light in our lives. We will find true happiness and peace. Our Heavenly Father knows each of us individually. He knows our struggles, our pains, our trials, and our hardships. He also knows that we can make it through all of them and overcome them. He has a perfect love for each of us and is carefully watching over us and helping us along the way.</div>Official LDS Websiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324786076358193213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490812312418176137.post-79371377715314030472011-03-11T13:27:00.000-08:002011-04-08T13:24:06.835-07:00Helping Others<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In Mosiah 2:17 we read, "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."</div>
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Jesus Christ taught us that serving others is a way that we can show our love for Him and our Heavenly Father. When we take the time to serve those around us we find that we are doing the Lords work. When we serve others willingly, we are serving Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. We can show Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that we love them by serving one another.<br />
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<u><strong>The Ripple Effect</strong></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">"Giving service is like dropping stones in a pond of water. From one small act, the ripples start to spread. One act of service creates ripples of hope and encouragement that spread through neighborhoods, communities, and towns."</span></div>
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<u>It all starts with you!</u></div>
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</div>Official LDS Websiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324786076358193213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490812312418176137.post-68141237362740881312011-03-08T14:00:00.000-08:002011-03-31T11:57:05.821-07:00My New Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stephanie Nielson's inspiring story impacted me deeply. It reminded me that we all have struggles and trials in this life and that when things get tough Jesus Christ will be there for us and carry us through the tough times. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It reminded me of another story...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Footprints</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One night a man had a dream. He dreamed <br />he was walking along the beach with the Lord.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.<br />For each scene he noticed two sets of<br />footprints in the sand: one belonging<br />to him, and the other to the Lord.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the last scene of his life flashed before him,<br />he looked back at the footprints in the sand.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He noticed that many times along the path of<br />his life there was only one<b> </b>set of footprints.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br />He also noticed that it happened at the very<br />lowest and saddest times in his life.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This really bothered him and he<br />questioned the Lord about it:</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow<br />you, you'd walk with me all the way.<br />But I have noticed that during the most<br />troublesome times in my life,<br />there is only one set of footprints.<br />I don't understand why when<br />I needed you most you would leave me."</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br />The Lord replied:</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"My son, my precious child,<br />I love you and I would never leave you.<br />During your times of trial and suffering,<br />when you see only one set of footprints,<br />it was then that I carried you."</span></div>
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-Unknown Author<br />
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<br /></div>Official LDS Websiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324786076358193213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490812312418176137.post-76481983074123832612011-02-11T12:32:00.000-08:002011-03-03T10:18:20.641-08:00Building A House<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjlHQZPpNsYtmYdRCIT_Y4SF-ehCobG2sKkU0YEfQZQrsclAqM2CnbC0pGCDKL66uDzmXOJcSHO42dYsHSnPEM_KnP9EJVebIndxW-YYxyakt-H5oKAYXfJY32u4dU51BE63GNDS3qv2i/s1600/temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; height: 337px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 208px;"><img border="0" height="200" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjlHQZPpNsYtmYdRCIT_Y4SF-ehCobG2sKkU0YEfQZQrsclAqM2CnbC0pGCDKL66uDzmXOJcSHO42dYsHSnPEM_KnP9EJVebIndxW-YYxyakt-H5oKAYXfJY32u4dU51BE63GNDS3qv2i/s200/temple.jpg" width="200" /></a>"Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what he is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on: you knew theses jobs needed doing and so you are not suprised. But presently, he starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make sense. What on earth is he up to? The explanation is that he is building quite a different house from the one you thought of - throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were going to be made into a decent little cottage: but he is building a palace."</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> -CS Lewis</div>Official LDS Websiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324786076358193213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1490812312418176137.post-82742939467655576862011-02-10T13:16:00.000-08:002011-02-15T12:49:59.807-08:00The Good Shepard<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ginavivinetto.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/jesus-christ_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="http://ginavivinetto.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/jesus-christ_1.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><strong>The Good Shepherd</strong></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Luke 15:4-6</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost until he find it?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="highlight" style="text-align: center;" uri="/scriptures/nt/luke/15.5"><a class="bookmark dontHighlight" href="http://www.blogger.com/" name="5"><span style="color: #486fae;"> </span></a>And when he hath found <span class="clarityWord">it,</span> he layeth <span class="clarityWord">it</span> on his shoulders, rejoicing.</div><div class="highlight" style="text-align: center;" uri="/scriptures/nt/luke/15.5"><br />
</div><div class="highlight" style="text-align: center;" uri="/scriptures/nt/luke/15.6"><a class="bookmark dontHighlight" href="http://www.blogger.com/" name="6"><span style="color: #486fae;"> </span></a>And when he cometh home, he calleth together <span class="clarityWord">his</span> friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost."</div><div class="highlight" style="text-align: center;" uri="/scriptures/nt/luke/15.6"></div>Official LDS Websiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12324786076358193213noreply@blogger.com0