The Miracle of the Atonement

This post is based on April 2014 General Conference talk called "Your Four Minutes" by Bishop Gary E. Stevenson. I would love to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk. Bishop Stevenson mentioned,

"You are an eternal being. Before you were born, you existed as a spirit. In the presence of a loving Heavenly Father, you trained and prepared to come to earth for a brief moment and, well, perform. This life is your four minutes. While you are here, your actions will determine whether you win the prize of eternal life.

The prophet Amulek described, “This life is the time to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day to perform [your] labors.” In a sense, your four minutes have already begun. The clock is ticking. The words of the Apostle Paul seem so fitting: to run the race, that you may obtain the prize.

My young friends, wherever you are in your “four-minute performance,” I urge you to ponder, “What do I need to do next to ensure my medal?” Perhaps during this conference, the Spirit has whispered to you what that may be: to prepare more thoughtfully for an ordinance in your future or to receive an ordinance that you should have received a long time ago.

Whatever it may be, do it now. Don’t wait. Your four minutes will pass quickly, and you’ll have eternity to think about what you did in this life.

Self-discipline is needed. Daily prayer, scripture study, and church attendance must be the foundation of your training. A consistent pattern of obeying the commandments, keeping the covenants you have made, and following the Lord’s standard found in For the Strength of Youth is required.

It is not yet too late to repent. But it soon may be, because no one really knows when your four minutes will be over.

Now, you may be thinking to yourself, “I already blew it. My four minutes are already a disaster. I may as well give up.” If so, stop thinking that, and never think it again. The miracle of the Atonement can make up for imperfections in our performance. As Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has taught:

“To those of you who may still be hanging back, I testify of the renewing power of God’s love and the miracle of His grace. “It is never too late so long as the Master says there is time. Don’t delay.”

Remember, you are not alone. The Savior has promised that He will not leave you comfortless. You also have family, friends, and leaders who are cheering you on.

With that in mind, is there someone who needs your encouragement? a family member? a friend? a classmate or fellow quorum member? How can you help them with their four minutes?

Dear friends, you are in the midst of an exhilarating journey. In some ways, you are racing down the half-pipe or sled track, and it can be challenging to perform each element or navigate each turn along the way. But remember, you’ve prepared for this for millennial. This is your moment to perform. This is your four minutes! The time is now!

I express my utmost confidence in your abilities. You have the Savior of the world on your side. If you seek His help and follow His directions, how can you fail?"

I encourage you to read the whole talk in your own time. Here's the link to the talk.
www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/your-four-minutes

Stay Tuned until next time.

Our Perfect Example

First and foremost, I encourage you to think about someone who sets a perfect example to you and how that person has set a perfect example to you for a few minutes before you continue reading this post.

This post is based on a October 2009 General Conference talk called "Our Perfect Example" by Henry B. Eyring. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk. He mentioned,

"I feel blessed to have the opportunity to speak with you on this Sabbath day. Different as we are in circumstances and experiences, we share a desire to become better than we are. There may be a few who mistakenly feel they are good enough and a few who have given up trying to be better. But, for all, the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is that we can and must expect to become better as long as we live.

That ought to help you understand why any believing Latter-day Saint is an optimist about what lies ahead for him or her, however difficult the present may be. We believe that through living the gospel of Jesus Christ we can become like the Savior, who is perfect. Considering the attributes of Jesus Christ should quash the pride of the self-satisfied person who thinks he or she has no need to improve. And even the most humble person can take hope in the invitation to become like the Savior.

My hope today is to suggest some choices which may seem difficult but that would assure you that you have qualified for there to be no empty chairs in your family in the world to come.

First, I give counsel to husbands and wives. Pray for the love which allows you to see the good in your companion. Pray for the love that makes weaknesses and mistakes seem small. Pray for the love to make your companion’s joy your own. Pray for the love to want to lessen the load and soften the sorrows of your companion.

Now, here is my counsel to children. The Lord gave you a commandment with a promise: “Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” It is the only one of the Ten Commandments with a promise.

You may not have parents that are living. In some cases, you may not feel that your parents are worthy of the honor and respect of their children. You may not even have ever known them. But you owe them life. And in every case, even if your life is not lengthened, its quality will be improved simply by remembering your parents with honor.

For all of us it may be hard to see in our lives an increasing power to love and to see ourselves becoming more like the Savior, our perfect example. I wish to encourage you. You have had evidences that you are moving along the road to becoming more like Jesus.

It will help to remember how you have felt, at times, like a little child, even in the midst of cares and trials. Think of those children singing the song. Think of the times you felt, perhaps recently, as those little children did singing, “I’m trying to be like Jesus; I’m following in his ways.”

You will remember that Jesus asked His disciples to bring the children to Him and said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me for of such is the kingdom of God.” You have felt the peace of a pure little child at times when you have tried to be like Jesus."

I encourage you to read this whole talk in your own time. Here's the link,
www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/our-perfect-example

Stay Tuned until next time.

Happy 20th Birthday to Sister Marah Dixon!

This post is short and sweet.

Today was my Best Friend Sister Marah Dixon's Birthday. Yay! She is the same age as me. It was so hard to discipline myself to not text or call Marah to wish her a Happy Birthday today because I know she is serving her mission in Samoa.

If I would have texted her, I know she wouldn't be able to reply back. If I would have called her, she wouldn't be able to answer the phone call. I really hope that her companion and the members has spoiled her today.

I hope she receives her mail from me today. It would be a great Birthday present for her. Her mail contains as listed: 2 letters - 1 Birthday letter, and 1 letter about My Birthday.
2 Printed Photos - Marah's 2 favourite photos of me and her together.

Marah knows that she has been a wonderful Best Friend to me for 1 Year and 5 Months. Me and her has been friends for 2 Years and 3 Months. Me and Marah first met during our Year 12/Graduation trip week in November 2013 when we were both 17 years.

Time has been going too fast. I know that Marah wouldn't be able to see this post until she gets home. Marah if you are reading this post, I would like to tell you this, "Hey sis, Happy 20th Birthday! I hope you had amazing day. I want you to always remember this, I always have loved you and I always will love you. I always missed you and I always will miss you. Thank you for setting a wonderful righteous example to me in many ways.

Take care and stay safe."

Stay Tuned until next time.

Remembering in Whom We Have Trusted

This post is based on a recent General Conference talk that I like called "Remembering in Whom We Have Trusted" by Elder Allen D. Haynie. I would like to share with you some highlights while reading the talk. Elder Haynie mentioned,

"Before we came to this earth, we participated as spirit sons and daughters of God in a grand council. Each of us was paying attention, and none of us fell asleep. In that council our Father in Heaven presented a plan.

Because the plan preserved our agency and required that we learn from our own experience and not just from His, He knew we would commit sin. Because Heavenly Father loves His children,

He presented a plan that included a Savior, someone who could help all become clean no matter how dirty they have become. Jesus Christ suffered, both body and spirit, so all could return to their loving Father.
“What does He ask us to do in return?” he asked. “He simply pleads with us to confess our sins and repent so that we will not have to suffer as He did. He invites us to become clean so that we are not left outside of our Father in Heaven’s house.”

What does matter is that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, suffered “pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind” so “that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people.” What does matter is that He was willing to condescend, to come to this earth and descend “below all things”and suffer “more powerful contradictions than any man” ever could.

What does matter is that Christ is pleading our case before the Father, “saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life.” That is what really matters and what should give all of us renewed hope and a determination to try one more time, because He has not forgotten us.

I testify that the Savior will never turn away from us when we humbly seek Him in order to repent; will never consider us to be a lost cause; will never say, “Oh no, not you again”; will never reject us because of a failure to understand how hard it is to avoid sin. He understands it all perfectly, including the sense of sorrow, shame, and frustration that is the inevitable consequence of sin.

Repentance, of necessity, is not easy. Things of eternal significance rarely are. But the result is worth it. As President Boyd K. Packer testified in his last address to the Seventy of the Church: “The thought is this: the Atonement leaves no tracks, no traces. What it fixes is fixed. The Atonement leaves no traces, no tracks. It just heals, and what it heals stays healed.”

And so it is that our hope to live again with the Father depends on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, upon the willingness of the one sinless Being to take upon Himself, notwithstanding the fact that justice had no claim on Him, the collective weight of the transgressions of all mankind, including those sins that some sons and daughters of God unnecessarily choose to suffer for on their own.

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we attribute greater power to the Savior’s Atonement than most other people because we know that if we make covenants, continually repent, and endure to the end, He will make us joint heirs with Him and, like Him, we will receive all that the Father hath. That is an earth-shattering doctrine, and yet it is true.

He who suffered for our sins, who is our Advocate with the Father, who calls us His friends, who loves us unto the end, He ultimately will be our judge. One of the often overlooked blessings of the Atonement of Jesus Christ is that “the Father hath committed all judgment unto the Son.”

In your free time, you read this whole talk. Here's the link to the talk below.
www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/remembering-in-whom-we-have-trusted

Stay Tuned until next time.

​​How do you live the Gospel?​​​

As growing up and even now, I know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true and correct religion. I always strive to live the Gospel righteously each day and each night. I do acknowledge the promptings from the Holy Ghost and I do acknowledge the temptations from Satan.

I have been asked, "How do you live the Gospel?" on Tuesday morning. When I received the question, straight away I gave myself some time to think about the question and how to explain my answer. I knew it wasn't a frequent question for me to answer and I felt that question meant a lot to me.

I decided to share my answer to "How do you live the Gospel?" question on this post. Here's my answer.

"I strive to remain active in the Church by attending Church often, going to the Temple often to attend sessions, attending YSA events often such as YSA Activities, Dances, Firesides/Devotionals, Service Projects and Institute often.

I read my Patriarchal Blessing for direction, I am preparing to serve a full-time mission,
I share my Testimony to others, I read General Conference talks, I read my scriptures,
I go out with the Missionaries regularly, I strive to fulfill my Church Calling,
I listen to appropriate music, I watch appropriate media, I read New Era's,
I read Ensigns, I pray everyday, I pray every night, I wear modest clothes,
I keep my thoughts pure and clean and I strive to do what is RIGHT!"

I encourage you to think about the Image that I have shared on this post. I also encourage you to think about the question "How do you live the Gospel?" and your answer to the question in your free time.

Stay Tuned until next time.

A Time for Faith, Not Fear

This post is based on July 2013 Ensign Article called "A Time for Faith, Not Fear." by Elder Larry W. Gibbons. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the Article. Elder Gibbons mentioned,

“Be not afraid, only believe” is wonderful, reassuring counsel for all of us. But how can we have faith when the storms of life beat all about us? How can we strengthen our faith when anxiety and fear begin to dominate our thinking and erode our faith in God and our confidence in the future? I offer some reminders and suggestions I hope we will remember in difficult times.

Trials and difficulties are a necessary part of life and not a sign that the Lord has forgotten us or is displeased with us. Life is a test. Trials may come even if we are seeking to put the Lord first in our lives. One of the reasons we are here on earth is to strengthen our faith. Difficult, dark days are a necessary part of life and give us an opportunity to build our faith and learn to rely on a power far greater than our own.

“Lift up thine eyes” (Isaiah 60:4).
When your difficulties seem overwhelming, look up, not down. When sadness and despair start to get a foothold, remember this: the Atonement of Jesus Christ did more than overcome physical and spiritual death. Yes, we will all be resurrected, and all of us have the opportunity to be forgiven of our sins as we repent and exercise faith in Jesus Christ. But as wonderful as the gifts of resurrection and repentance are, the Atonement is much more. Through the Atonement we can receive strength to meet the most difficult trials of life.

When we look up to the Savior, we can be strengthened beyond our own abilities and beyond what we can envision with our mortal understanding.

God has armed you for your trials. 
You have the gift of the Holy Ghost, and you have the right to receive revelation every day. At times revelation may not come as quickly as you might like because the Lord gives us opportunities to grow and develop our abilities according to His knowledge of us and what we need, but He will guide us through the Holy Ghost. And if we are worthy, He will not let us go very far in the wrong direction without warning us.

Turn the matter over to the Lord and wait patiently.
Sometimes after we have fasted, prayed, and done all we can do to dispel clouds that have not parted; after we have gone into the dark and expected further light that has not appeared; after we have lived the commandments through difficulties that remain unrelenting we simply need to turn things over to our Heavenly Father.

Listen to Church leaders.
President Uchtdorf has said: “I have seen enough ups and downs throughout my life to know that winter will surely give way to the warmth and hope of a new spring. I am optimistic about the future.”

President Eyring has said: “Any believing Latter-day Saint is an optimist about what lies ahead for him or her, however difficult the present may be.”

And President Thomas S. Monson has said: “There will be nothing in this world that can defeat us. “My beloved brothers and sisters, fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith.”

I encourage you to the read the whole talk in your own time. Here's the link below.
www.lds.org/ensign/2013/07/a-time-for-faith-not-fear

Stay Tuned until next time.

Believe, Obey, and Endure

I encourage you to think about 1 question and that question is "What does Believe, Obey, and Endure means to you?" I also encourage you to think about your definition throughout this post.

This post is based on a April 2012 General Young Women's talk that I like called, "Believe, Obey, and Endure" by President Thomas S. Monson. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk. President Monson mentioned,

"A joyous welcome, however, awaited you here on earth. Those first years were precious, special years. Satan had no power to tempt you, for you had not yet become accountable. You were innocent before God.

Soon you entered that period some have labeled “the terrible teens.” I prefer “the terrific teens.” What a time of opportunity, a season of growth, a semester of development marked by the acquisition of knowledge and the quest for truth.

No one has described the teenage years as being easy. They are often years of insecurity, of feeling as though you just don’t measure up, of trying to find your place with your peers, of trying to fit in.

This is a time when you are becoming more independent and perhaps desire more freedom than your parents are willing to give you right now. They are also prime years when Satan will tempt you and will do his utmost to entice you from the path which will lead you back to that heavenly home from which you came and back to your loved ones there and back to your Heavenly Father.

The world around you is not equipped to provide the help you need to make it through this often treacherous journey. So many in our society today seem to have slipped from the moorings of safety and drifted from the harbor of peace.

I wish to talk with you tonight about three essential signals from the Lord’s lighthouse which will help you to return to that Father who eagerly awaits your triumphant homecoming. Those three signals are believe, obey, and endure.

First, I mention a signal which is basic and essential: believe. Believe that you are a daughter of Heavenly Father, that He loves you, and that you are here for a glorious purpose to gain your eternal salvation. Believe that remaining strong and faithful to the truths of the gospel is of utmost importance. I testify that it is!

My young friends, believe in the words you say each week as you recite the Young Women theme. Think about the meaning of those words. There is truth there. Strive always to live the values which are set forth. Believe, as your theme states, that if you accept and act upon those values, you will be prepared to strengthen your home and your family, to make and keep sacred covenants, to receive the ordinances of the temple, and to eventually enjoy the blessings of exaltation. These are beautiful gospel truths, and by following them, you will be happier throughout your life here and hereafter than you will be if you disregard them.

Besides attending your Sunday meetings and your weeknight activities, when you have the chance to be involved in seminary, whether in the early morning or in released-time classes, take advantage of that opportunity. Seminary can change lives.

There will be times when you will face challenges which might jeopardize your testimony, or you may neglect it as you pursue other interests. I plead with you to keep it strong. It is your responsibility, and yours alone, to keep its flame burning brightly. Effort is required, but it is effort you will never, ever regret.

Next, young women, may you obey. Obey your parents. Obey the laws of God. They are given to us by a loving Heavenly Father. When they are obeyed, our lives will be more fulfilling, less complicated. Our challenges and problems will be easier to bear. We will receive the Lord’s promised blessings. He has said, “The Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days.”

You have but one life to live. Keep it as free from trouble as you can. You will be tempted, sometimes by individuals you had thought friends.

Precious young women, make every decision you contemplate pass this test: “What does it do to me? What does it do for me?” And let your code of conduct emphasize not “What will others think?” but rather “What will I think of myself?” Be influenced by that still, small voice. Remember that one with authority placed his hands on your head at the time of your confirmation and said, “Receive the Holy Ghost.” Open your hearts, even your very souls, to the sound of that special voice which testifies of truth. As the prophet Isaiah promised, “Thine ears shall hear a word saying, This is the way, walk ye in it.”

My beloved young sisters, you have the precious gift of agency. I plead with you to choose to obey.

Finally, may you endure. What does it mean to endure? I love this definition: to withstand with courage. Courage may be necessary for you to believe; it will at times be necessary as you obey. It will most certainly be required as you endure until that day when you will leave this mortal existence.

I have spoken over the years with many individuals who have told me, “I have so many problems, such real concerns. I’m overwhelmed with the challenges of life. What can I do?” I have offered to them, and I now offer to you, this specific suggestion: seek heavenly guidance one day at a time. Life by the yard is hard; by the inch it’s a cinch.

Each of us can be true for just one day and then one more and then one more after that until we’ve lived a lifetime guided by the Spirit, a lifetime close to the Lord, a lifetime of good deeds and righteousness. The Savior promised, “Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life.”

For this purpose have you come into mortality, my young friends. There is nothing more important than the goal you strive to attain even eternal life in the kingdom of your Father."

I encourage you to read the whole talk in your own time. Here's the link below.
www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/believe-obey-and-endure

Stay Tuned until next time.

Let’s Not Take the Wrong Way

I encourage you to think about one question and that question is "what does let's not take the wrong way means to you?" This post is based on a April 2014 General Conference talk called "Let’s Not Take the Wrong Way" by Elder Claudio D. Zivic.

I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk. Elder Zivic mentioned, "There are some mistakes that may be serious, and if we do not correct them in time, they can permanently lead us off the right path. If we repent and accept correction, these experiences will allow us to humble ourselves, change our actions, and once again draw closer to our Heavenly Father.

I want to give an example of this concept by making reference to one of the most dramatic moments that the Prophet Joseph Smith experienced. Through this experience, the Savior has given us invaluable teachings regarding principles that we ought to keep in mind throughout our lives. It happened when Martin Harris lost the 116 translated pages of the first part of the Book of Mormon.

After repenting for not following God’s counsel, the Prophet received the revelation that is found in section 3 of the Doctrine and Covenants. From what is written in verses 1 to 10, I wish to highlight three principles that we should always remember:

1. The works and the purposes of God cannot be frustrated.
2. We must not fear man more than God.
3. There is a need of constant repentance.

In verse 13, the Lord teaches us four actions that we should never do:

1. Set at naught the counsels of God.
2. Break the most sacred promises made before God.
3. Depend upon our own judgment.
4. Boast in our own wisdom.

If any one of you reaches the point of abandoning the Lord’s way at any point along that way with great remorse you will feel the bitterness of having set at naught the counsels of God, of having broken the most sacred promises made before God, of having trusted in your own judgment, or of having boasted in your own wisdom.

If this is the case, I exhort you to repent and come back to the right way.

During childhood and youth, people think they will never become old; the idea of death never takes root—that is for very, very old people—and reaching that point is still an eternity away. As time goes on, months and seasons go by until the wrinkles begin to appear, energy is reduced, the need for doctor visits becomes more frequent, and so on.

The day will come in which we shall again meet up with our Redeemer and Savior, Jesus Christ. I plead that on that sacred and sublime occasion we can recognize Him because of the knowledge we have of Him and because of having followed His teachings. He will show us the marks in His hands and feet, and we will join together in a lasting embrace, weeping for joy at having followed His way.

I encourage you to read the whole talk in your own time and here's the link to the talk below.
www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/lets-not-take-the-wrong-way

Stay Tuned until next time.

A Roller Coaster Week

The past week was described as a Roller Coaster Week because I experienced a lot of ups, downs, twists, and unexpected turns. I would like to share with you a few major things that has happened during the week and 1 to 3 things that I have learnt from those things.

On late Sunday afternoon to early Friday afternoon: I was working as a Live In Nanny for a very short period of time. I completed 4 completed days and I wasn't able to complete the 5th day/the final day. I received a text long text message about what went wrong during my time as a Live In Nanny.

Lessons I learnt: I was able to experience what it was like for me to be a Live In Nanny that had high demand instructions and expectations. To become self reliant. If I was in a situation where I don't feel the spirit, then I determine myself that I will be in a wrong place at the wrong time and wouldn't feel the guidance from the Holy Ghost.

On Friday late afternoon: On my way to Teagan's house, I made a turn because I felt that I should. When I decided to stop and park the car on the side of the road, I turned Maps on my phone on because I felt lost.  Within 5 minutes, I decided to give up because my phone wasn't loading the directions and felt that I should keep going because I was going the right route.

Lessons I learnt: There was no need to self doubt myself when I thought I was going the wrong and quick route to Teagan's house. Praying for directions and guidance with having faith that I will able to drive to Teagan's house without using my phone made a great difference.

On Saturday early morning: On my way home from the YSA Dance, I really wanted to play some songs from my phone. Sadly, I realised that I have no songs on my phone. I really wanted to play the car radio to listen to some songs but I decided not to. I decided to say a long prayer out loud because it was a best decision than listening to some songs.

The sky was dark and rarely no one was driving around the time when I was driving home. The moon shone time to time on the way home. The moon was like a extra light on the way home.

Lessons I learnt: I learnt that I should remind myself over and over again that I am not alone.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Overview of Be Mine YSA Dance

Last night, I went to a Multistake Young Single Adult Dance themed "Be Mine" and I would like to share with you overview of the YSA Dance in my opinion.

Overall I had a good, happy and fun time. Total of 95 photos was taken. It was great for me to talk with some friends who I haven't seen for awhile. I was happy to go to the Dance without a date because I had no intention of having a date during the evening.

I would love to thank so much again to a ward member Teagan Green who helped me getting ready for the Dance and I must admit she has done a fantastic job. She is a wonderful hairdresser.

During the YSA Dance, I received compliments such as I looked very pretty, beautiful, lovely, etc from various some friends, my sister Emma, and new friends. Those compliments made me really happy. I noticed some people acknowledged my hair was looking fantasy and told me that they liked my hair.

I hope you can see the 3 photos above because it is photos of my hair looks like front view, left side and right side. I hope you like the photos and I don't know why. I definitely liked the photos.
Left: Photo view of my hair looks like on right side.
Middle: Front view that looks like I have short hair.
Right: Photo view of my hair looks like on left side.

I took my camera to the dance with me because I wanted to take some photos for memories and gives the opportunity for friends and other people to take photos of me with friends and others. I talked to a fair amount of time with a few close friends, some friends and new friends.

There was 2 Advantages that I acknowledged while having a camera with me during the dance was, some YSAs who wanted photos with their friend or friends and 2 engaged couples who wanted a few photos (including a serious photo and a funny photo).

Each slow dance song comes on during the evening, no guys asked me to slow dance with them. I didn't ask any guy if they would like to slow dance because I wasn't interested. It has been ages since I last slow danced with a guy. It has been almost 1 year and 3 months ago since I last slow danced with a guy.

Stay Tuned until next time.

You're Worth it

This post is short and sweet. Hopefully this post will be a great constant reminder to you. I hope that you do acknowledge yourself that you are worth it, as each day and evening goes by. I know that I don't acknowledge myself that I am worth it, as each day and evening goes by. It has been a bit over 3 weeks ago since I was strolling my feed on Instagram.

I saw and liked a image from my friend Vanessa.She shared a image that says "You're worth it." I instantly thought about it for a moment and I decided to do a blog post based on it.

Readers, I want you all to know that "If you didn't know before or you would like to be reminded that you are worth it, you are worth to your extended relatives, you are worth to around who you around to your children, you are worth to anyone who inspires you, you are worth to your suppose (if you are married), you are worth to your siblings (if you have any), you are worth to your friends, you are worth to your parents, but most importantly you are worth to Jesus Christ and you are worth to Heavenly Father."

I encourage you to think about you are worth it everyday and every night.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Truth and Tolerance

This post is short and sweet. I felt somewhat inspired to share with you some of my notes from watching a wonderful Devotional that I liked, called "Truth and Tolerance" by Elder Dallin H. Oaks and his wife Sister Kristen M. Oaks. I was watching the Devotional sometime last year.

Sister Oaks mentioned,

"We need more goodness. We need more purity. Eternal truths to protect you.

1. The Lord loves you.
- Always remember Jesus Christ, be the best you can be, light attracts light
- The more attending Church, the more attending the Temple, and serve fulfilling your calling, you will be more happier

2. We are not saved from isolation. 
- World brings truth
- Mosiah, chapter 4: verse 10.

3. Our responsibility is to become the best person you can be. 
- Look in the best in every situation
- Life is a challenge

4. Learn to recognise the promptings from the Holy Ghost.

Women: 
- Prepare for the future
- Look into long term consequences

Men: 
- Be most valiant you can be

5. Everyone counts. Don't stand alone.
- Heavenly Father is aware of us. He knows us individually."

Elder Oaks mentioned,

"Twin towers of Truth and Tolerance

1st Truth - Heavenly Father's Plan, Plan of Salvation. 
- We believe in all truth, we are willing for all truth.
- What is truth?
- We know evil exists
- All man made choices
- Rising generations
- Lovers of pleasures
- Stand up and speak up

2nd - Tolerance 
- What is tolerance?
- When does it apply?
- When does it not apply?

60 years ago - the exposes was in magazines, books. Now - the exposes has expanded. The exposes are on the Internet, TV, etc"

If you would like to read the Devotional, here's the link below.
www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/ces-devotionals/2011/01/truth-and-tolerance

I don't have a reasonable appropriate answer why I liked the Devotional. Everything that Elder Oaks and his wife Sister Oaks mentioned, was all true and common sense.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Be Patient, Have Faith and Trust God

This post is short and sweet. 

In some circumstances, it is hard to be patient. What does it mean to be patient?

In some circumstances, it is hard to have faith. What does it mean to have faith?

In some circumstances, it is hard to trust God. What does it mean to Trust God?

I know whenever I don't have patience with Heavenly Father, it will show him that I am impatient.
I know whenever I don't have faith in Heavenly Father, it will show him that I don't believe in faith.
I know whenever I don't have trust in Heavenly Father, it will show him that I don't believe in trust.

I know each day and each night that I need to have patience with Heavenly Father especially with seeking appropriate guidance and help from him throughout the day and evening.

I know each day and each night that I need to have faith in Heavenly Father and allow him to be in control of things that I can't handle myself. I know each day and each night that I need to have trust in Heavenly Father that things will work out for the greater good for our benefits either for learning life lessons or a learning experience to grow a stronger testimony, faith and trust in him.

I hope this post makes sense. I do apologise if it doesn't.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Overcome a Big Struggle

Yesterday afternoon, I learnt to overcome a big struggle.

Yesterday afternoon, I was driving to the primary school to pick up 1 child and heading back from dropping by to my family's house. I noticed the car was getting very low from fuel. When I arrived at the primary school; I noticed some odd things that comes a big struggle to me.

I noticed I only had $15 cash in my wallet, my phone had difficulties of data connection, my phone had 35% Battery power left and I had $15 in my everyday spending account. I prayed to Heavenly Father to help me to extra fuel for picking up another child from Kindy, I had enough fuel to fill up at the nearest fuel station, my phone to have more batter power and my phone to stop having difficulties of data connection.

After turning my phone and turned it back on, my phone still had difficulties of data connection and it had 41% battery power left and a teacher gave me $20 cash for filling up the car. I had enough fuel to pick up another child from Kindy, the children is very smart to tell me the directions of quicker route that is less kms to the nearest fuel station. I was very happy.

I learnt that I need to learn how to become more Self-Reliant and I learnt that there will be some days that I will need to take some cash out so that I can have spare cash with me at all times. I was very grateful for a teaching helping me out by giving me $20 cash, the children was being great to me for telling me the directions and of course putting faith and trust in Heavenly Father that things will work out.

I encourage you to become Self-Reliant if you aren't all ready. It will be a great help to you.

Stay Tuned until next time.

I Know

I know my life has been through a lot. A lot of up's times and a lot of down's times. I know there has been some happy times when I was feeling really happy and I couldn't stop being so happy.

I know there has been times when I stayed strong. I know there has been times when I learnt from my mistakes and I know there has been some difficult times when it has been hard to overcome those times.

I know there been times when I was very proud of my achievements. I know there has been times when I learnt from my mistakes and I know there has been many times when I have been given another chances.

I know there has been times when I want change the past but I can't. I know there has been times when I forgave my past and I know there has been times when I lose some friendships that used to mean a lot to me.

I know there has been times when I showed great influences to some of my non-member friends.
I know there has been times when I helped some of my church friends who was struggling and I know there has been times when I inspired some of my friends.

I know there has been some sad times when it was time to say the final goodbyes. I know there has been times when I fell short and I know there has been challenging times when it tests my faith and trust in Heavenly Father.

I know there has been down times when people judged me. I know there has been times when I had to get out of my comfort zones and I know there has been times when people has teased me because of the way that I walked.

I know there has been some hard times when it has been hard to move forward with faith and confidence.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Happy Valentine's Day + My 12th Baptism Anniversary

First and foremost, "Happy Valentine's Day Readers!" Today is also my 12th Baptism Anniversary. "Where did the last 12 years go?" Time has been going fast. I still remember when I got baptised, where I got baptised and who baptised me.

You may ask me the following questions as listed; "What religion did you got baptised in?"
"When did you got baptised?" and "Who baptised you?"

I got baptised to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints/Mormon on Saturday February 14th, 2004 and my Dad baptised me. I got confirmed and received a greatest gift which was receiving the Holy Ghost. Everyday, I always make choices and I know there is always good and bad consequences after every choice that I make.

I am very grateful for being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints because there has been many things that I have learnt in Church that has helped me to become a better and great example to my non-member friends and even sometimes my example inspires my church member friends to do better.

I always strive to do my best to make the right choices and decisions in this life. I always strive to do my best to keep in tune with the Holy Ghost and the promptings that I receive. I always strive to do my best to not let Satan tempt me to do the wrong things and make poor choices. I am not saying that I am striving to be perfect. I am trying to say that I am striving to do what is right and won't regret anything that I done wrong.

Do you remember your Baptism Anniversary when you got baptised to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints if you are a member?

Stay Tuned until next time.

A Sun Warmth Miracle

I believe everyone is entitled to have many Miracles in their lives, especially to individuals who has faith, can believe in Miracles. I always love believing and witnessing Miracles, trust me because it always makes me feel overjoyed, very cheerful and so much happiness. I am not even kidding because I don't have any way to deny it.

I would love to share with you, a miracle that I witnessed yesterday afternoon around 2pm and this Miracle is called, "A Sun Warmth Miracle." 

When I arrived at the Cemetery/Grave Site where Bill Daly got buried last May, I must admit that I was feeling all happy and very cheerful until within 1 minute after walking out of the car because my feelings instantly changed. I cried and cried. I didn't fully understood why and I cried last time when I went. 

I still cried as I was walking to where he got buried. It was like non-stop. I couldn't control myself to stop crying. When I got to where he got buried, I mentioned "Bill, it is me. It is Megan. I am here to talk to you .." out loud and I cried even more.

I decided to start with a prayer with 2 important purposes and those 2 important purposes was to invite the spirit to be with me and allow Bill to talk to me. Immediately after I ended the prayer, I knew I felt something and it was something warm but I didn't know what it was.

I don't know how to explain how I felt because I was still crying. The best way to described how I looked was confused. I looked confused for a little awhile as I looked around me to find out why was I feeling warmth.

I didn't see nothing that was reasoning why I was feeling warm until I looked up at the sky. The sun was shinning on my back and that was where I felt warmth. I still cried. That was the very moment when I knew, my loving Father in Heaven/Heavenly Father allowed Bill to talk to me and be in presence with me.

I was able to feel the spirit so strong that I can't fully explain it. What I am saying to you right now, is true. I still cried, I talked and I smiled. When I knew it was time for Bill to leave, I mentioned "I don't want you to leave. I don't want you to leave me and I don't want to go" out loud.

I must have forgotten that he was leaving me because after I mentioned "You can still talk to me as I walked to the car if you can," I felt odd. The sun was no longer shinning on my back and the clouds was covering up the sun, That proves me that Bill was leaving. After his presence left, I felt overjoyed and so much happiness again. I stopped crying.

Do you faith to believe in Miracles?

Stay Tuned until next time.

Hold on Thy Way

What does "Hold on Thy Way" means to you?

This post is on a recent General Conference talk that I really like, called "Hold on Thy Way by Elder Koichi Aoyagi." I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk.

"We are warned that disasters, wars, and countless difficulties in the world will occur. When trials such as these suddenly come upon us, we may question, “Why do these things happen to me?” or “Why do I have to suffer?”

I was able to clearly comprehend our Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation and understand anew this important principle. In Abraham, the Lord God declared, “And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.”

The principle is that the God who created the heavens and the earth knows the grand design of this earth, that He has dominion over all things in the heavens and the earth, and that in order to bring to pass the plan of salvation, He provides us with many different experiences including some trials while we are on this earth.

And the Lord said the following to Joseph Smith: “Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. “Therefore, hold on thy way for God shall be with you forever and ever.”

The trials of this earth including illness and death are a part of the plan of salvation and are inevitable experiences. It is necessary for us to “hold on [our] way” and accept our trials with faith.

However, the purpose of our lives is not merely to endure trials. Heavenly Father sent His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, as our Savior and Redeemer so we could overcome the trials we face on this earth; in other words, He makes our weak things become strong, He atones for our sins and our imperfections, and He makes it possible for us to obtain immortality and eternal life.

President Henry B. Eyring stated: “The test a loving God has set before us is not to see if we can endure difficulty. It is to see if we can endure it well. We pass the test by showing that we remembered Him and the commandments He gave us.”

“Hold on thy way” is a key choice during times of trial. Turn your heart to God, especially when you face trials. Humbly obey the commandments of God. Show faith to reconcile your wishes with the will of God.

Put God first, regardless of the trials you face. Love God. Have faith in Christ, and entrust yourself to Him in all things. Moroni makes the following promise to such people: “And if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ.”

I encourage you to read the talk in your own time, here's the link.
www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/hold-on-thy-way

Stay Tuned until next time.

Patience in Affliction

What does "Patience in Affliction" means to you?

This post is based on a April 1992 General Conference talk called, "Patience in Affliction by Angel Abrea." I really loved and enjoyed reading the talk. I hope you will love and enjoy reading the talk as much as I did if you do choose to read the talk in your own time.

I would like to share with you some highlights while reading the talk.

"At a time when persecution intensified toward the newly organized Church, the Lord said to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, “Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days.” (D&C 24:8.)

Tribulation, afflictions, and trials will constantly be with us in our sojourn here in this segment of eternity, just as the Savior said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation.” (John 16:33.) Therefore, the great challenge in this earthly life is not to determine how to escape the afflictions and problems, but rather to carefully prepare ourselves to meet them.

We must have patience in order to withstand pain and grief without complaint or discouragement, which detract from the Spirit. It’s necessary to have patience in the face of tribulation and persecution for the cause of truth, which sets an example because the manner in which we bear our cross will be an influence to others to help lighten their load.

It must be in the same manner and in the same spirit as was that of the sons of Mosiah when they were entrusted with the task to “go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls.” (Alma 17:11.)

Patience must be our constant companion during the journey which carries us toward that great goal, “Continue in patience until ye are perfected,” the counsel the Lord gave to the elders of the Church. (D&C 67:13.)

It should be made clear that we are not talking here about a passive patience which waits only for the passing of time to heal or resolve things which happen to us, but rather a patience that is active, which makes things happen. Such was the patience Paul described in his epistle to the Romans when he used the words “by patient continuance in well doing.” (Romans. 2:7.)

Perhaps one of the best examples of patience which gives us an eternal perspective of its application in our lives is found in the words of Peter: “For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.” (1 Peter. 2:20.)

Patience in affliction and adversity means to persist firmly and never forsake that which we know to be true, standing firm with the hope that in the Lord’s due time we will gain an understanding of that which we do not understand now and which causes us suffering.

Under circumstances when the symbolic cup might represent sickness, pain, anxiety, unemployment, or the suffering of a loved one, are we able to continue our prayer with, “Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt”? This very word, this key word nevertheless, conveys the firm conviction that we are placing everything in the hands of the Lord.

How can we do otherwise than patiently endure the trials of life if we know God and understand that He is omnipotent? With Nephi we can say that “he is mightier than all the earth.” (1 Nephi 4:1.) We know and can testify of His omniscience, and with Lehi we can say, “All things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.” (2 Nephi. 2:24.)

Based on that knowledge, cemented in a strong testimony of the attributes of our Heavenly Father, the faithful Latter-day Saint instead of despairing because a goal on his or her agenda was not realized, because his or her timetable does not bring a solution to the problems, or comfort does not come to calm the troubles of today waits patiently for fulfillment of promises, according to the Lord’s timetable, the Lord who “knoweth all the times which are appointed unto man.” (Alma 40:10.)

The faithful Latter-day Saint waits patiently because, certainly, faith, “the assurance of things hoped for” (JST, Heb. 11:1), is exercised with the conviction that the promises will be fulfilled “in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will.” (D&C 88:68.)"

If you would like to read this talk in your own time, here's the link below.
www.lds.org/general-conference/1992/04/patience-in-affliction

Stay Tuned until next time.

Happy 20th Birthday to Me

Final goodbyes of being a teenager and hello 20's. I didn't feel anything different for awhile. It took some time to admit that I am 20 years. My Dad was the first to wish me a Happy Birthday.

I would like to share with you a few highlights that happened on my Birthday.

This morning, I attended a Baptistery Session at Brisbane Temple with my Mum and a friend Julie.
This evening, I received a phone call from my Grandma during Institute. It was great talking to her because it has been almost 10 months ago since I last spoke to her. I miss her heaps and I want to see her again but I don't know when I get to see her again, hopefully sometime before I leave for my mission.

Also this evening after Institute, Sister Cameron asked the class students what we were going to do after Institute, she suggested McDonald's or Hungry Jacks. Some students wasn't interested of going anywhere but just to go home. I decided to speak up and said something like "Come on guys, it is my Birthday today." Immediately, they all sang the Happy Birthday song to me and some students was interested to celebrate with me for my Birthday.

I decided that for those students who was interested to celebrate with me for my Birthday to go to Cioccolato in Toowoomba and that is what we did. It was so awesome because it was a great number of students. There was about 12 students who was there.

Before I told the waiter what I would like, I mentioned "It is my Birthday today and the others are here to celebrate my Birthday with me. He wished me a Happy Birthday and asked me a few questions. It was a great missionary opportunity to share!!

When the waiter gave me what I ordered, it was very smart what he did. I ordered 3 churros, white chocolate sauce to go with it and I also had caramel frappe. He put a candle on top on a churro and of course the candle lit. The students sang a Happy Birthday song to me again, I made a wish and blew the candle out.

Overall, I had a alright and good day. Overall, I had a great evening. This year's Birthday, I must admit that I definitely missed my Best Friend Sister M Dixon and my Close Friends Sister L Tuaputa and Dorothea for this year's Birthday because I celebrated my previous Birthday with them.

Thank you to friends, family and a few extended family to wish me a Happy Birthday today. 

Stay Tuned until next time.

Finally a Babysitting Job + Halfway to SLC

Just over a little week ago, I was looking for work because I really wanted a job before I turn 20 and before I leave for my mission. I was looking for any Babysitting, any Hospitality, any Retail and any Receptionist type of jobs that was located close to home or within 15 minutes to 25 mins drive from home. The first website that I looked for jobs was Gumtree.

While I had Gumtree website opened, the first and only thing that I looked up was babysitting. While I was browsing on Gumtree, I reconsider and I decided to not be picky about how much distance for the job from home because I know it would be way better to keep my options open. 

I looked at a few babysitting job ads. Out of the few that I looked at, I really liked one babysitting job because it is located within 50 minutes drive from home and how Kristy described what is required for the job. I messaged her to tell her that I was interested. 

Within a day which makes 1 week ago from today, I received a reply from Kristy with a question. 

I must admit I was very happy because I was able to chat back and forth with her for awhile. During the conversation, I made the decision to meet her that evening after seeing my Stake President because I know I will be near her house so I didn't see why not and I was in no rush.

I felt confused and upset because when my Stake President told me that my mission papers was halfway. I didn't fully understood what he meant. I thought he meant the mission papers wasn't submitted. After seeing the Stake President, I may seemed disappointed however, it was nice to meet Kristy and her partner for the first time. It was nice to meet the children too but they were sleeping when I arrived.

Kristy and her partner gave me some time to think about it if I should go ahead and get the job or not. I decided that I wanted to go ahead and get the babysitting job. On Sunday evening after the Stake YSA Fast Breaker, I was dropped off to where Kristy and her family lives.

The children was finally able to meet me for the first time. The first impression that they showed me was incredibly crazy. They were so full of energy, very happy and excited. The first impression that I showed them was full of happiness and being myself. After some playing time, it was time for bed for the children. I was able to talk to Kristy and her partner but mostly to Kristy.

We were going through exceptions and other things too. I will be moving in because it would be so convenient for me and for the babysitting job position. Yesterday was Day 1. I survived and it was good. However I will be packing my suitcase this week and moving in next Sunday afternoon or Sunday evening.

During the weekends, the only days that I get days off. I could see my family again. I could see them during the evening time but it is a long drive to see them and I do start work at 6:30am.

2 Great News!!! Long story short, I got a babysitting job live in position! My Mission Papers is Halfway to Salt Lake City from the last time that I heard about it. I think my Mission Papers is more than halfway to Salt Lake City now.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Just How I Am

This post is short and sweet, This post is based on a EFY 2015 song that I loved, called "Just How I Am by Laken Quigley." If you haven't heard the song before, I strongly suggest you to listen to the song in your own time. Below is a audio clip to the song,

If you can't see the video above, here's the link. www.youtube.com/watch?v=kudfi25VuMQ
If you listened to the song, what was your favourite part of the song if you have one and why?
You may ask me the same questions and I would love to share with you, my answers to those.

My favourite part is actually the first part of the image below, where it says "When I'm in need, When I'm falling apart, He will always be right by my side. Patiently waiting for me to reach out. He just wants to be part of my life Even when I think I know better, Even when I do something wrong. He'll always help me through it. Yeah, He's been there all along."

It is my favourite part for some reasons. A few of those reasons why is; I know Heavenly Father has always been right by my side and I know he will always be right by my side no matter what. I know he wants to be part of my life because I want him to be apart of my life each day and each night.

If Heavenly Father wasn't part of my life, I don't know how and when I will allow him to be apart of my life. It is hard to think of it because Heavenly Father has done so much for me in this life so far.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Becoming True Millennials

One week ago, I went to a Multistake Young Single Adult CES Devotional/Fireside by Russell M. Nelson and it was on "Becoming True Millennials." Whenever he mentioned something powerful and meaningful to me, I wrote it down in my Church notebook and I am glad that I did.
I would like to share with you of some things that he has mentioned that stood out to me.

"This new year will surely be an eventful one.

My First Recommendation: Learn Who You Really Are 
1. You are an elect son or daughter of God.
2. You are created in His image.
3. You were taught in the spirit world to prepare you for anything and everything you would encounter during this latter part of these latter days. That teaching endures within you!

My Second Recommendation: Expect and Prepare to Accomplish the Impossible 
God has always asked His covenant children to do difficult things.

You will be asked to accept challenging assignments and become an instrument in the Lord’s hands. He will enable you to accomplish the impossible. How will you accomplish the impossible? By doing whatever it takes to strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ by increasing your understanding of the doctrine taught in His restored Church and by relentlessly seeking truth.

You will have days when you will be thoroughly discouraged. So, pray for courage not to give up! You will need that strength because it will become less and less popular to be a Latter-day Saint. Sadly, some whom you thought were your friends will betray you. And some things will simply seem unfair.

My Third Recommendation: Learn How to Access the Power of Heaven
Every one of us has questions. Seeking to learn, understand, and recognize truth is a vital part of our mortal experience. Much of my life has been spent in research. You too will learn best by asking inspired questions.

Spend more time much more time in places where the Spirit is present. That means more time with friends who are seeking to have the Spirit with them. Spend more time on your knees in prayer, more time in the scriptures, more time in family history work, more time in the temple. I promise you that as you consistently give the Lord a generous portion of your time, He will multiply the remainder.

You have as much access to the mind and will of the Lord for your own life as we Apostles do for His Church. Just as the Lord requires us to seek and ponder, fast and pray, and study and wrestle with difficult questions, He requires you to do the same as you seek answers to your own questions.

You can learn to hear the voice of the Lord through the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. As helpful as Google, Twitter, and Facebook may seem, they simply do not provide answers to your most important questions!

You can know the mind and will of the Lord for your own life. You do not have to wonder if you are where the Lord needs you to be or if you are doing what He needs you to do. You can know! The Holy Ghost will tell you “all things what ye should do.”

My Fourth Recommendation: Follow the Prophets
Prophets see ahead. They see the harrowing dangers the adversary has placed or will yet place in our path. Prophets also foresee the grand possibilities and privileges awaiting those who listen with the intent to obey.

You may not always understand every declaration of a living prophet. But when you know a prophet is a prophet, you can approach the Lord in humility and faith and ask for your own witness about whatever His prophet has proclaimed."

I encourage you to read the whole devotional/fireside in your own time. Here's the link below.
www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/worldwide-devotionals/2016/01/becoming-true-millennials

Stay Tuned until next time.

Finding a Safe Harbor

This post is based on a April 2000 General Conference talk that I loved, called "Finding a Safe Harbor by Elder Wirthlin." I would like to say that I really love watching/listening/reading many General Conference talks and there is nothing wrong about that. I am sure that you are the same.
This talk, Elder Wirthlin teaches of the peace that comes by turning to Jesus Christ during times of trial. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk.

“Many today feel troubled and distressed; many feel that, at any moment, the ships of their lives could capsize or sink. Be assured that there is a safe harbor. You can find peace amidst the storms that threaten you. Your Heavenly Father who knows when even a sparrow falls knows of your heartache and suffering. He loves you and wants the best for you. Never doubt this.

While He allows all of us to make choices that may not always be for our own or even others’ well-being, and while He does not always intervene in the course of events, He has promised the faithful peace even in their trials and tribulations. Draw close to the Lord Jesus Christ. Be of good cheer. Keep the faith. Doubt not. The storms will one day be stilled.”

The prophet Alma tells us, “And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.”

Jesus comforts us when He said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

If only we would look beyond our present suffering and see our struggles as a temporary chrysalis. If only we would have the faith and trust in our Heavenly Father to see how, after a little season, then we can emerge from our trials more refined and glorious.

Of course, your brothers and sisters in the Church are not to solve your problems for you. It has been my experience that when we do for others what they can and ought to do for themselves, we often weaken rather than strengthen them. But your brothers and sisters will be at your side to strengthen you, encourage you, and help you.

As you overcome adversity in your life, you will become stronger. Then you will be better able to help others those who are working, in their turn, to find a safe harbor from the storms that rage about them."

I encourage you to read the whole talk in your own time, here's the link below.
www.lds.org/general-conference/2000/04/finding-a-safe-harbor

Stay Tuned until next time.

Even When You're Feeling Broken

This post is based on a EFY 2013 song that I loved and it is my favourite, The EFY song is called, "Even When You're Feeling Broken by Julie Yardley." I know there was times in the past when we felt broken and it wasn't pleasant. I think I know there will be more times in the near future and in the future when we will feel broken again and it wouldn't be pleasant.

If you haven't heard the song before, I encourage you to listen to the song in your own time. Here's the video that has lyrics below,

If you can't see the video above, here's the link. www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmPNUvQmexo

If you listened to the song, I encourage you to think about a question to ask yourself and that question is "what was your favourite part of the song?" You may ask me, the same question.
My favourite part of the song is shown as a image below.

I really loved the part a lot and I also loved another part of the song that mentions "You can tell him anything whatever you've done because even when you're broken, you are loved."

I encourage you to always remember whenever you are feeling broken, you can always pray to Heavenly Father for peace, comfort, guidance and seek for his help. You shouldn't be feeling afraid when you are praying to Heavenly Father because I know he wouldn't hurt you and he never will hurt you.

I also encourage you to keep this in mind and try to always remind yourself the following, You are either a son or a daughter of Heavenly Father. I know that he knows you perfectly. I know that he does know your weaknesses. I know that he knows your strengths. I know that he always loves you.
I know that he is always mindful of you. Whenever you are feeling happy, he is happy with you. Whenever you are feeling sad, he is sad with you.

Stay Tuned until next time.

A Very Thick Fog Miracle

Last night was another night at Institute in Toowoomba and overall the evening was alright. The evening could have been so much better in some ways. One of those ways would be, to go home early. I decided to be the driver to drive home after the socialising. I felt a little overwhelmed after making the decision and I didn't have a clear understanding why.

As I started to drive, the weather was cold and fine. Within 10 minutes of the drive, it was good until the weather changed to very thick fog unexpectedly and I could barely see anything for 30 minutes. I immediately to express to Heavenly Father how I felt through a silent prayer with real intent. He cleared up the fog and I was able to see clearly again.

I know why Heavenly Father doesn't always answer to our prayers, other than he answers in his own timing or we aren't asking in a right way or not having much faith and trust. Sometimes the things that we ask for through prayers DO tests our faith and trust in him.

I felt calm after I said my silent prayer but I still felt somewhat scared because I was driving 20km to 30km below the speed limit when I was driving through the fog. While I was driving through the fog, I was remembering my last experience when I was driving through a very thick fog.

I must admit my last experience wasn't pleasant. I drove around 7am to pick up my friend and her children from a relatives house that they stayed over night at. I had no problems driving there but on the way back home, having my friend and her children in the car, the weather was very thick fog. I was scared and I forgot to say a prayer. Due to not saying a prayer, it remained to a very thick fog until after 30 minutes or so being home.

I learnt from that last experience, to say a prayer for seeking personal revelations, say a prayer when times in need such as for peace, comfort, say a prayer when it's necessary such as for guidance, safety and other reasons but most importantly to pray always.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Happy 20th Birthday Dorothea

It is one of my close church friends's Birthday today and she turns 20 years. I know that I have to believe it because one week from today, I will be turning 20 years. Time has been going too fast which can be good in some ways or/and it can be bad in other ways. I would like to say "Happy 20th Birthday Dorothea and I hope you will have a fantastic day!"

You may ask me the following few questions, "How did you and Dorothea first met each other?
Do you remember meeting Dorothea for the first time?
What are your top three favourite memories with Dorothea?"

Dorothea and I first met each other at Church sometime in our childhood years. Sadly, I don't remember meeting Dorothea for the first time, but her family and my family was attending the same ward, Park Ridge Ward for a long time.

Above is a photo of Dorothea. My top 3 favourite memories with Dorothea was,

TOP #1: On the same evening as my 19th Birthday, my car was full because I was the driver and I had 4 passengers that I would like to spend my Birthday with. I spent my Birthday with Dorothea, my Best Friend, my sister Emma and my other close friend.

To celebrate my 19th Birthday with them, we went to the Temple and we went to Max Brenners. We got photos together while we were at the Temple and at Max Brenners.

TOP #2: I always love seeing Dorothea at Multistake Young Single Adult Dances. I must admit I do love getting photos with Dorothea. The Dances gives me and her the opportunities to catch up after not seeing each other for a period of time.

TOP #3: One time when me and her went to Brisbane Airport together to say our final goodbyes to our mutual friend Sister Ete when she left for her mission. I enjoyed my time with Dorothea. It was good to have a close friend to talk to on the way to the Airport and on the way back to Dorothea's house from the Airport.

I know that I will miss Dorothea during my mission but I think I will be okay after a few months on the mission field. Again, Happy 20th Birthday Dorothea and I hope you will have a fantastic day!

Stay Tuned until next time.

Happy 11th Birthday Samuel

Where did 11 years go? It is hard to believe that my brother turns 11 years today. You may be surprised but I still remember some days and some evenings when I was holding him as a baby.

Happy 11th Birthday Samuel "Sam" and I hope you will have a great day!

It is crazy to know that Samuel will be moving up from Primary School to High School next year.
It is crazy to know that Samuel will be moving up from Primary to Young Men's next year.
It is crazy to know that Samuel most likely be taller than me within a few months to a year.

I feel a bad sister to him because I didn't get him any presents this year for his Birthday. I didn't know what to get him because I didn't ask him what he would like as a Birthday Present this year. However I do know that he loves playing some internet games such as Tanks during the daytime and during the evening.

Perhaps for his Birthday next year, I could try my best to make the effort to send him something such as a tie or something that will come in handy during his first year in Young Men's. I hope that I will be able to figure something out or I could ask my companion for any ideas because I will still be on my mission for his next Birthday.

Today isn't over yet, I still can get him something for his Birthday. I could make something homemade and not having to spend any money for his Birthday to get him a Birthday Present.
I know that he will appreciate with anything that he gets for Birthday and he will be happy for it.

Again, Happy 11th Birthday Samuel "Sam" and I hope you will have a great day!

Stay Tuned until next time.

I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go

Each time I opened the hymn book randomly during sacrament meeting yesterday, it kept opening to the hymn "270 - I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go" and it always made me happy. I think the Holy Ghost was trying to tell me something. If the Holy Ghost was trying to tell me something, I wasn't able to act upon it straight away.

I remembered some days and some evenings I have been asked by random people, my Bishop, my Stake President, my former Bishop and some of my church friends where do I want to go for my mission. I remembered explaining my answer each time I was asked. My answer to them was, "I am not picky where I want to go because I am not picky, and I will go where Heavenly Father sends me."

This post is based on "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go" hymn. If you haven't heard the hymn before, I encourage you to listen to it in your own time. Here's the video clip of the song below.

If you can't see the video clip above, here's the link www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jbRUXWVMlw
The hymn is one of my favourite church hymns to sing to and listen to. You may ask me, "What is your favourite part of the hymn?" My favourite part of the hymn is shown as a Image below.

I would like to share with you what the image says and it says, "I'll go where you want me to go. I'll say what you want me to say, I'll be what you want me to be." I hope you can apply that favourite part each day and each night for the remaining of your life.

Stay Tuned until next time.