Seek The Lord Often

If we DO NOT understand something, if we are not taught, we CAN NOT progress. And if we CAN NOT, then at a certain time, we may decide that we WILL NOT believe or progress. It's important to seek truth and teach it to our children and families. We are all nobodies. Even the apostles. They are humble and understand this fact and ask of God what they should do. This is the Church of Jesus Christ, not the church of President Nelson. Pray to have your heart changed. It can happen in a moment, but it also happens over time.

I've been thinking a lot about how satan is so very good at making us feel productive when we really aren't doing anything to improve or make the world a better place. He's so good at creating the feeling, the illusion. Here are a few examples I've been thinking about: Finishing a TV series It's eye-opening to me how we so often feel accomplished for finishing a TV series. It's like with every episode we've accomplished something more. We are working toward the goal of finishing the series. We feel good. Because we finished something. But really all we did was sit and do nothing. Animal Crossing, Pokemon Go, and video games We complete daily tasks, goals. We grow things. We pick weeds. We make our little town beautiful while our real lives are sitting stagnant and still. We are remaining in the same spot which means we're moving backward as time marches on. Why are we so busy all the time when we have so little to do? We don't have to hunt fo...

I've been thinking about how I hear the voice of God and I've realized that it is as I seek him. It's as I pray. It's as I work on the things I feel gently prompted to work on. I've felt that I need to take more time to step away from the distractions of the world and give him some space to speak to me. And it's not just something where I can take thirty minutes here and there. Rather, it's a new way of life that I need to find. I need to seek God first and not let the world drown out his voice. The Spirit wants to speak to me, but I have to give him room to do so. I've felt that he is there so quickly as I step away, repent, and recommit. I plead for help and I'm given it, but it comes in greater abundance as I do my part. For instance, if I want to exercise more and I pour out my heart to God about my struggles in that area, he gives me an initial boost, some ideas, and some clarity of mind. After that, I need to act. And then I often struggl...

As I was doing some personal study, I came across some interesting scriptures in Mosiah 13. Mosiah 13:28 And moreover, I say unto you, that salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish, notwithstanding the law of Moses. Ultimately, it's not the programs of the church that will save us, but Christ, because of his atonement. I want to never forget Christ. It's about him. His church (though full of imperfect people and run by mortal men called of him) is the vehicle by which we fully unlock his saving power through ordinances and covenants. I think about a lot of the changes that the church has made recently (the change from home/visiting teaching to ministering, the shift to two hours of church and one hour of home study, and the age change for priesthood quorums and young women's classes), and a few thoughts come to mind. First, a...

I thought it was very interesting how President Nelson spoke of how the Lord is restoring his church. We've seen a lot of changes lately, but the Prophet says that it is only the beginning, and he even says it with a bit of humor. “We're witnesses to a process of restoration,” said the prophet. “If you think the Church has been fully restored, you're just seeing the beginning. There is much more to come. … Wait till next year. And then the next year. Eat your vitamin pills. Get your rest. It's going to be exciting.” 

I came across this scripture in my personal study and I felt it was important to share as we prepare for General Conference. Jacob 4: 8 8 Behold, great and marvelous are the works of the Lord. How unsearchable are the depths of the mysteries of him; and it is impossible that man should find out all his ways. And no man knoweth of his ways save it be revealed unto him; wherefore, brethren, despise not the revelations of God. I invite us all to pray to our Father in Heaven that we may understand his ways. I also invite us to remember that it is impossible that we should find out all his ways. Let's all move on in faith and doubt our doubts before we doubt our faith.

The gospel of Jesus Christ means good news. The good news that Jesus Christ brings is that we can live with our families forever after this life if we live his doctrine. Christ tells us we must be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost in order to be sanctified and live with God, our father, and our family eternally in God's kingdom. "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" ( John 3:3) We have been asked by Christ to share these truths. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" ( Matthew 28:19 ). "Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor" ( Doctrine & Covenants 88:81 ). I've come to realize that one of the great responsibilities I have as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ is to spread the good news of Christ...